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

Well, what a great day to be in church. Well, what a great day to be in church. And one more time, I want to welcome all And one more time, I want to welcome all And one more time, I want to welcome all of our locations, Alabama and Georgia. of our locations, Alabama and Georgia. of our locations, Alabama and Georgia. We love you guys. anyone joining us We love you guys. anyone joining us We love you guys. anyone joining us online or at some point on demand and online or at some point on demand and online or at some point on demand and that and the men and women of the that and the men and women of the that and the men and women of the Alabama and Georgia correctional Alabama and Georgia correctional Alabama and Georgia correctional facilities. What an honor it is to be facilities. What an honor it is to be facilities. What an honor it is to be all together in this moment. Church, one all together in this moment. Church, one all together in this moment. Church, one more time, can you put your hands more time, can you put your hands more time, can you put your hands together to welcome everybody who's together to welcome everybody who's together to welcome everybody who's joining us. [applause] And uh this is a joining us. [applause] And uh this is a joining us. [applause] And uh this is a a really great day in church that begins a really great day in church that begins a really great day in church that begins a beautiful week in church for us. And a beautiful week in church for us. And a beautiful week in church for us. And I'm so excited about Tuesday, Wednesday, I'm so excited about Tuesday, Wednesday, I'm so excited about Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, our Grow Leader and Thursday, our Grow Leader and Thursday, our Grow Leader Conference. And Pastor Chris, I just Conference. And Pastor Chris, I just Conference. And Pastor Chris, I just want to honor you really the legacy of want to honor you really the legacy of want to honor you really the legacy of your life. churches being impacted your life. churches being impacted your life. churches being impacted around the globe. Over 3,000 pastors around the globe. Over 3,000 pastors around the globe. Over 3,000 pastors will be here in Birmingham learning and will be here in Birmingham learning and will be here in Birmingham learning and being sent back to make a difference. being sent back to make a difference. being sent back to make a difference. And then we're just kind of a cra y'all, And then we're just kind of a cra y'all, And then we're just kind of a cra y'all, we are a crazy church because Thursday we are a crazy church because Thursday we are a crazy church because Thursday night we start a youth conference. night we start a youth conference. night we start a youth conference. 17,000 students packing out the BJCC 17,000 students packing out the BJCC 17,000 students packing out the BJCC Arena, Legacy Arena. Uh to God be the Arena, Legacy Arena. Uh to God be the Arena, Legacy Arena. Uh to God be the glory. A generation change will change glory. A generation change will change glory. A generation change will change not just the future, but the now not just the future, but the now not just the future, but the now generation. Like they impact the world generation. Like they impact the world generation. Like they impact the world now and into the future. And that's now and into the future. And that's now and into the future. And that's going to be really powerful. And then going to be really powerful. And then going to be really powerful. And then next Sunday, we have a great day in next Sunday, we have a great day in next Sunday, we have a great day in church. Do not miss it. We'll be church. Do not miss it. We'll be church. Do not miss it. We'll be finishing this series, but we're also finishing this series, but we're also finishing this series, but we're also going to celebrate life change. Really, going to celebrate life change. Really, going to celebrate life change. Really, all that God's done this summer through all that God's done this summer through all that God's done this summer through water baptism. And so, you saw a video water baptism. And so, you saw a video water baptism. And so, you saw a video earlier of a student's life being earlier of a student's life being earlier of a student's life being changed. This year to date, we've seen changed. This year to date, we've seen changed. This year to date, we've seen over 13,000 salvations at our church.

over 13,000 salvations at our church. over 13,000 salvations at our church. Yeah, we need a clap right there. Yeah, we need a clap right there. Yeah, we need a clap right there. 13,000. 13,000. 13,000. [applause] [applause] [applause] So, if you're one of those or if God So, if you're one of those or if God So, if you're one of those or if God does something in your life today or does something in your life today or does something in your life today or even in the past, but you've never gone even in the past, but you've never gone even in the past, but you've never gone public with our water baptism, after public with our water baptism, after public with our water baptism, after every service next week, we're prepared every service next week, we're prepared every service next week, we're prepared for you. We have a change of clothes, for you. We have a change of clothes, for you. We have a change of clothes, everything you could possibly need. Just everything you could possibly need. Just everything you could possibly need. Just come to church, bring your family and come to church, bring your family and come to church, bring your family and friends. And of course, also I'm friends. And of course, also I'm friends. And of course, also I'm believing for hundreds of students who believing for hundreds of students who believing for hundreds of students who get impacted at motion to then get get impacted at motion to then get get impacted at motion to then get baptized on that Sunday morning. Amen, baptized on that Sunday morning. Amen, baptized on that Sunday morning. Amen, everybody. everybody. everybody. >> So, it's a big week. So, be praying with >> So, it's a big week. So, be praying with >> So, it's a big week. So, be praying with us and just excited to be again here us and just excited to be again here us and just excited to be again here today uh because I love the word of God. today uh because I love the word of God. today uh because I love the word of God. This is a church that loves the Bible. This is a church that loves the Bible. This is a church that loves the Bible. Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? >> And so, this series has been all about >> And so, this series has been all about >> And so, this series has been all about uh we're calling it difference make a uh we're calling it difference make a uh we're calling it difference make a difference. all about how really our difference. all about how really our difference. all about how really our faith is different and that God has faith is different and that God has faith is different and that God has changed our lives and living that changed our lives and living that changed our lives and living that difference out in the world is how we difference out in the world is how we difference out in the world is how we then make a difference. This is what our then make a difference. This is what our then make a difference. This is what our theme verse says. First Peter 2:9, you theme verse says. First Peter 2:9, you theme verse says. First Peter 2:9, you and this is talking about you. You're a and this is talking about you. You're a and this is talking about you. You're a chosen people. God has chosen you. chosen people. God has chosen you. chosen people. God has chosen you. You're a royal priesthood, a holy You're a royal priesthood, a holy You're a royal priesthood, a holy nation. You are God's special nation. You are God's special nation. You are God's special possession. And you got a job possession. And you got a job possession. And you got a job description. We all have one. As a description. We all have one. As a description. We all have one. As a follower of Jesus, here it is. to follower of Jesus, here it is. to follower of Jesus, here it is. to declare the praises of him who called declare the praises of him who called declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful you out of darkness into his wonderful you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Can I ask a question at Church of light. Can I ask a question at Church of light. Can I ask a question at Church of the Highlands today? Is anyone grateful the Highlands today? Is anyone grateful the Highlands today? Is anyone grateful for what God did in your life? Come on, for what God did in your life? Come on, for what God did in your life? Come on, make some noise. Anybody? [applause] make some noise. Anybody? [applause] make some noise. Anybody? [applause] I'm grateful. So, our job is it's is to I'm grateful. So, our job is it's is to I'm grateful. So, our job is it's is to then actually just tell that story to then actually just tell that story to then actually just tell that story to testify about the God who brought us out testify about the God who brought us out testify about the God who brought us out of out of that darkness into his of out of that darkness into his of out of that darkness into his wonderful light. And as we do that, we

wonderful light. And as we do that, we wonderful light. And as we do that, we make a difference in the world. And so make a difference in the world. And so make a difference in the world. And so this whole series, we're jumping into this whole series, we're jumping into this whole series, we're jumping into some pretty pretty uh uh not not edgy, some pretty pretty uh uh not not edgy, some pretty pretty uh uh not not edgy, but they're they're serious topics but they're they're serious topics but they're they're serious topics because they're very different than the because they're very different than the because they're very different than the way the world lives. And I'm just way the world lives. And I'm just way the world lives. And I'm just telling you in this series, we're being telling you in this series, we're being telling you in this series, we're being bold because we're not hiding from being bold because we're not hiding from being bold because we're not hiding from being different. Can I tell you why we're not different. Can I tell you why we're not different. Can I tell you why we're not hiding from being different? Have y'all hiding from being different? Have y'all hiding from being different? Have y'all noticed normal is not working. noticed normal is not working. noticed normal is not working. >> Can I get a better amen? >> Can I get a better amen? >> Can I get a better amen? >> The world's looking for different. And >> The world's looking for different. And >> The world's looking for different. And as we live that out in front of them, we as we live that out in front of them, we as we live that out in front of them, we become the salt and light that Jesus become the salt and light that Jesus become the salt and light that Jesus talks about. And the world notices. talks about. And the world notices. talks about. And the world notices. That's how the early church grew. From That's how the early church grew. From That's how the early church grew. From day one, there was about 3,000 followers day one, there was about 3,000 followers day one, there was about 3,000 followers of Jesus when the church was born in the of Jesus when the church was born in the of Jesus when the church was born in the book of Acts to a couple hundred years book of Acts to a couple hundred years book of Acts to a couple hundred years later, 3 million over or yeah, over 3 later, 3 million over or yeah, over 3 later, 3 million over or yeah, over 3 million. And it wasn't because that we million. And it wasn't because that we million. And it wasn't because that we got put in positions of power and it got put in positions of power and it got put in positions of power and it wasn't because, you know, we we were wasn't because, you know, we we were wasn't because, you know, we we were blending into culture for sure. It's we blending into culture for sure. It's we blending into culture for sure. It's we just live differently. And so, I'm just live differently. And so, I'm just live differently. And so, I'm praying that this series impacts our praying that this series impacts our praying that this series impacts our life. And here it is, church, that as we life. And here it is, church, that as we life. And here it is, church, that as we go into the fall, we're going to see a go into the fall, we're going to see a go into the fall, we're going to see a fall harvest in Jesus name. that this fall harvest in Jesus name. that this fall harvest in Jesus name. that this series will kind of equip us uh to reach series will kind of equip us uh to reach series will kind of equip us uh to reach the world around us. So, if you have the world around us. So, if you have the world around us. So, if you have your app, get it out. You're definitely your app, get it out. You're definitely your app, get it out. You're definitely going to want to take notes today. This going to want to take notes today. This going to want to take notes today. This is a this is a big topic that we're is a this is a big topic that we're is a this is a big topic that we're going to hit at hit on today. Um the going to hit at hit on today. Um the going to hit at hit on today. Um the whole series, as a reminder, has been whole series, as a reminder, has been whole series, as a reminder, has been around uh these these four areas. Week around uh these these four areas. Week around uh these these four areas. Week one, Pastor Chris taught on generosity.

one, Pastor Chris taught on generosity. one, Pastor Chris taught on generosity. Last week, I tal taught on purity. If Last week, I tal taught on purity. If Last week, I tal taught on purity. If you missed those, go back and check them you missed those, go back and check them you missed those, go back and check them out. Next week, we're going to talk out. Next week, we're going to talk out. Next week, we're going to talk about community, which is going to help about community, which is going to help about community, which is going to help prepare us for the small group semester prepare us for the small group semester prepare us for the small group semester coming this fall. But today everybody, coming this fall. But today everybody, coming this fall. But today everybody, we're going to talk about forgiveness. we're going to talk about forgiveness. we're going to talk about forgiveness. >> Look at your neighbor and say >> Look at your neighbor and say >> Look at your neighbor and say forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. >> There probably isn't a bigger topic in >> There probably isn't a bigger topic in >> There probably isn't a bigger topic in Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. >> There probably isn't a single place that >> There probably isn't a single place that >> There probably isn't a single place that we are more different than the world we are more different than the world we are more different than the world >> than when it comes to forgiveness. >> than when it comes to forgiveness. >> than when it comes to forgiveness. Forgiveness is the core. Like if you Forgiveness is the core. Like if you Forgiveness is the core. Like if you strip it all the way down to the core, strip it all the way down to the core, strip it all the way down to the core, forgiveness, it is really the core of forgiveness, it is really the core of forgiveness, it is really the core of our Christian faith. And the Bible, of our Christian faith. And the Bible, of our Christian faith. And the Bible, of course, then has a lot to say about course, then has a lot to say about course, then has a lot to say about forgiveness, but I I'm I'm going to and forgiveness, but I I'm I'm going to and forgiveness, but I I'm I'm going to and the Bible's strong here. And so, I'm the Bible's strong here. And so, I'm the Bible's strong here. And so, I'm kind of need your permission today. Can kind of need your permission today. Can kind of need your permission today. Can your pastor go hard in the paint today? your pastor go hard in the paint today? your pastor go hard in the paint today? >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> I'm just I'm not going to hold back >> I'm just I'm not going to hold back >> I'm just I'm not going to hold back today because I'm I know this is a huge today because I'm I know this is a huge today because I'm I know this is a huge topic and I'm believing for God to do topic and I'm believing for God to do topic and I'm believing for God to do something. So, Jason gave me an amen. something. So, Jason gave me an amen. something. So, Jason gave me an amen. I'm just going to take that and I'm I'm just going to take that and I'm I'm just going to take that and I'm going to preach today. going to preach today. going to preach today. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Luke 17, this is Jesus. He says to his >> Luke 17, this is Jesus. He says to his >> Luke 17, this is Jesus. He says to his disciples, "It is impossible that no disciples, "It is impossible that no disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come." We all understand offenses should come." We all understand offenses should come." We all understand this this this >> in this world. We are all going to be >> in this world. We are all going to be >> in this world. We are all going to be faced constantly with plenty of faced constantly with plenty of faced constantly with plenty of opportunities to to walk through opportunities to to walk through opportunities to to walk through unforgiveness. The pain, hurt. Has unforgiveness. The pain, hurt. Has unforgiveness. The pain, hurt. Has anybody noticed offenses come?

anybody noticed offenses come? anybody noticed offenses come? >> Okay, they're out there. They're they're >> Okay, they're out there. They're they're >> Okay, they're out there. They're they're going to come. But he says, "But woe to going to come. But he says, "But woe to going to come. But he says, "But woe to him through whom they come. Take heed to him through whom they come. Take heed to him through whom they come. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against yourselves. If your brother sins against yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents, you, rebuke him. And if he repents, you, rebuke him. And if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you forgive him. And if he sins against you forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, telling you this seven times in a day, telling you this seven times in a day, telling you this is different. Seven times a day returns is different. Seven times a day returns is different. Seven times a day returns to you and says, "I repent, you shall to you and says, "I repent, you shall to you and says, "I repent, you shall forgive him." And the apostles were forgive him." And the apostles were forgive him." And the apostles were like,"Lord Jesus," like,"Lord Jesus," like,"Lord Jesus," that last line is appropriate. "Lord that last line is appropriate. "Lord that last line is appropriate. "Lord Jesus, can you please increase our Jesus, can you please increase our Jesus, can you please increase our faith? faith? faith? >> Y'all do know that's the only time the >> Y'all do know that's the only time the >> Y'all do know that's the only time the disciples ever asked for this." Jesus is disciples ever asked for this." Jesus is disciples ever asked for this." Jesus is like, "Hey, we're going to heal the like, "Hey, we're going to heal the like, "Hey, we're going to heal the sick." They're like, "Great. sick." They're like, "Great. sick." They're like, "Great. >> You know what we're going to do today? >> You know what we're going to do today? >> You know what we're going to do today? We're going to we're going to raise the We're going to we're going to raise the We're going to we're going to raise the dead." They're like, "Awesome. You know, dead." They're like, "Awesome. You know, dead." They're like, "Awesome. You know, we're going to walk on water." But when we're going to walk on water." But when we're going to walk on water." But when Jesus says, "We're going to talk about Jesus says, "We're going to talk about Jesus says, "We're going to talk about forgiveness up to seven times a day," forgiveness up to seven times a day," forgiveness up to seven times a day," >> they were like, "Can you pray for us?" >> they were like, "Can you pray for us?" >> they were like, "Can you pray for us?" They just it was a prayer. It just They just it was a prayer. It just They just it was a prayer. It just turned into a prayer service. We get turned into a prayer service. We get turned into a prayer service. We get that. Don't you get that? We all get that. Don't you get that? We all get that. Don't you get that? We all get that because again, these offenses never that because again, these offenses never that because again, these offenses never stop. So, here's what I know today as a stop. So, here's what I know today as a stop. So, here's what I know today as a pastor. I've been praying this week, pastor. I've been praying this week, pastor. I've been praying this week, actually fasting this week. I know in actually fasting this week. I know in actually fasting this week. I know in the sound of my voice, I mean, through the sound of my voice, I mean, through the sound of my voice, I mean, through that camera, every honestly every single that camera, every honestly every single that camera, every honestly every single one of us, this topic hits all of us.

one of us, this topic hits all of us. one of us, this topic hits all of us. And for some of us, there's small And for some of us, there's small And for some of us, there's small offenses we're carrying, small pain. offenses we're carrying, small pain. offenses we're carrying, small pain. It's everyday stuff happened at work It's everyday stuff happened at work It's everyday stuff happened at work this week. You got cut off in traffic. this week. You got cut off in traffic. this week. You got cut off in traffic. We all have been there. And those are We all have been there. And those are We all have been there. And those are still real. But I know there's a still real. But I know there's a still real. But I know there's a spectrum here. It goes all the way from spectrum here. It goes all the way from spectrum here. It goes all the way from that today to some really really really that today to some really really really that today to some really really really big stuff. big stuff. big stuff. Like you're in church today and you you Like you're in church today and you you Like you're in church today and you you got the smile on, but you're hurting got the smile on, but you're hurting got the smile on, but you're hurting today. And man, I've just been praying today. And man, I've just been praying today. And man, I've just been praying for God to do exactly what the the for God to do exactly what the the for God to do exactly what the the disciples uh said in that scripture to disciples uh said in that scripture to disciples uh said in that scripture to increase our faith today. increase our faith today. increase our faith today. >> So here's how I'm going to teach this. >> So here's how I'm going to teach this. >> So here's how I'm going to teach this. And actually, this is kind of the And actually, this is kind of the And actually, this is kind of the formula, honestly, that's behind almost formula, honestly, that's behind almost formula, honestly, that's behind almost all of my messages. This is kind of how all of my messages. This is kind of how all of my messages. This is kind of how I learned to how I learned to preach. I learned to how I learned to preach. I learned to how I learned to preach. And this is what we're going to do today And this is what we're going to do today And this is what we're going to do today for starting out with kind of that what for starting out with kind of that what for starting out with kind of that what like we got to know what we believe. We like we got to know what we believe. We like we got to know what we believe. We are very different in this area and that are very different in this area and that are very different in this area and that we want to have good orthodoxy. We want we want to have good orthodoxy. We want we want to have good orthodoxy. We want to have good practice here. We want to to have good practice here. We want to to have good practice here. We want to understand our theology. And then of understand our theology. And then of understand our theology. And then of course this is what pastor Chris has course this is what pastor Chris has course this is what pastor Chris has always taught us is we got to know how always taught us is we got to know how always taught us is we got to know how to live it out on Monday. Can I get an to live it out on Monday. Can I get an to live it out on Monday. Can I get an amen? amen? amen? >> So today we're going to talk about what >> So today we're going to talk about what >> So today we're going to talk about what we believe about forgiveness and then we believe about forgiveness and then we believe about forgiveness and then how to actually do it. And at the end how to actually do it. And at the end how to actually do it. And at the end I'm just telling you to get ready. We're I'm just telling you to get ready. We're I'm just telling you to get ready. We're going to allow some ministry because all going to allow some ministry because all going to allow some ministry because all of that's only possible because of the of that's only possible because of the of that's only possible because of the who and that is Jesus. We got to have who and that is Jesus. We got to have who and that is Jesus. We got to have his power uh to live this out. So he his power uh to live this out. So he his power uh to live this out. So he we're going to start with what we we're going to start with what we we're going to start with what we believe kind of Sunday school style believe kind of Sunday school style believe kind of Sunday school style today. I want to have some fun with this today. I want to have some fun with this today. I want to have some fun with this because on a topic like forgiveness as a because on a topic like forgiveness as a because on a topic like forgiveness as a pastor, you got to find ways to have pastor, you got to find ways to have pastor, you got to find ways to have fun. All right. So here's four questions fun. All right. So here's four questions fun. All right. So here's four questions we're going to hit today to learn what we're going to hit today to learn what we're going to hit today to learn what we believe and they're going to be true we believe and they're going to be true we believe and they're going to be true or false questions. Don't answer them or false questions. Don't answer them or false questions. Don't answer them out loud and kind of just reflect on out loud and kind of just reflect on out loud and kind of just reflect on them for a moment. We'll go through them them for a moment. We'll go through them them for a moment. We'll go through them one by one. Forgiveness is a good idea one by one. Forgiveness is a good idea one by one. Forgiveness is a good idea if someone deserves it. Forgiving if someone deserves it. Forgiving if someone deserves it. Forgiving includes minimizing the offense and the includes minimizing the offense and the includes minimizing the offense and the pain caused. Number three, if we choose

pain caused. Number three, if we choose pain caused. Number three, if we choose not to forgive, eventually the issue the not to forgive, eventually the issue the not to forgive, eventually the issue the issue will go away. And then number issue will go away. And then number issue will go away. And then number four, if we do not forgive each other, four, if we do not forgive each other, four, if we do not forgive each other, we will not be forgiven. Y'all ready? we will not be forgiven. Y'all ready? we will not be forgiven. Y'all ready? Say ready. Say ready. Say ready. >> Number one, forgiveness is a good idea >> Number one, forgiveness is a good idea >> Number one, forgiveness is a good idea if someone deserves it. And that is if someone deserves it. And that is if someone deserves it. And that is false. false. false. Forgiveness, this is what we believe. Forgiveness, this is what we believe. Forgiveness, this is what we believe. It's different, but it's what we It's different, but it's what we It's different, but it's what we believe. Forgiveness is never based on believe. Forgiveness is never based on believe. Forgiveness is never based on the other person. Forgiveness has the other person. Forgiveness has the other person. Forgiveness has nothing to do with what they deserve. nothing to do with what they deserve. nothing to do with what they deserve. Colossians 3:13 says, "Bar with one Colossians 3:13 says, "Bar with one Colossians 3:13 says, "Bar with one another. Forgive one another if you have another. Forgive one another if you have another. Forgive one another if you have any grievance." Because what are we any grievance." Because what are we any grievance." Because what are we called to do? Forgive as the Lord called to do? Forgive as the Lord called to do? Forgive as the Lord forgave us. Write it down today. forgave us. Write it down today. forgave us. Write it down today. Forgiveness is based on what Jesus did Forgiveness is based on what Jesus did Forgiveness is based on what Jesus did for me on the cross. for me on the cross. for me on the cross. >> What he did for us. I think all of us >> What he did for us. I think all of us >> What he did for us. I think all of us would agree. We like being forgiven would agree. We like being forgiven would agree. We like being forgiven ourselves, right? ourselves, right? ourselves, right? >> It's nice to be forgiven. But here's >> It's nice to be forgiven. But here's >> It's nice to be forgiven. But here's what comes along with our faith. If we what comes along with our faith. If we what comes along with our faith. If we let it in. Oh, come on, somebody. We got let it in. Oh, come on, somebody. We got let it in. Oh, come on, somebody. We got to let it out. to let it out. to let it out. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> we got to let it out. If we receive it, >> we got to let it out. If we receive it, >> we got to let it out. If we receive it, I love probably like every single one of I love probably like every single one of I love probably like every single one of you because we're from the south. I love you because we're from the south. I love you because we're from the south. I love to eat. Anybody feel like your spiritual to eat. Anybody feel like your spiritual to eat. Anybody feel like your spiritual gift is eating?

gift is eating? gift is eating? >> Okay, a bunch of us in the south, I love >> Okay, a bunch of us in the south, I love >> Okay, a bunch of us in the south, I love to eat. I love a great meal. I love to eat. I love a great meal. I love to eat. I love a great meal. I love sitting down with friends. You know, sitting down with friends. You know, sitting down with friends. You know, it's it's it, you know, typical meal, it's it's it, you know, typical meal, it's it's it, you know, typical meal, you all order your own deal. And you all order your own deal. And you all order your own deal. And everybody gets real selfish with that. everybody gets real selfish with that. everybody gets real selfish with that. You know, my family with four boys, no You know, my family with four boys, no You know, my family with four boys, no one is sharing any food. But but what I one is sharing any food. But but what I one is sharing any food. But but what I really love is a group of friends with a really love is a group of friends with a really love is a group of friends with a long dinner that's like family style. So long dinner that's like family style. So long dinner that's like family style. So we kind of all order together. You all we kind of all order together. You all we kind of all order together. You all know what I'm talking about. And know what I'm talking about. And know what I'm talking about. And everybody just And isn't it fun when you everybody just And isn't it fun when you everybody just And isn't it fun when you eat something good? I mean, you just you eat something good? I mean, you just you eat something good? I mean, you just you you eat that food. And what's so you eat that food. And what's so you eat that food. And what's so exciting in that in that setting is you exciting in that in that setting is you exciting in that in that setting is you get to then say, "Hey, to your friend, get to then say, "Hey, to your friend, get to then say, "Hey, to your friend, hey, hey, can you try this?" I mean, hey, hey, can you try this?" I mean, hey, hey, can you try this?" I mean, this this is an amazing my friend Austin this this is an amazing my friend Austin this this is an amazing my friend Austin here in the front row. Austin, you got here in the front row. Austin, you got here in the front row. Austin, you got to try what I just say. Don't y'all love to try what I just say. Don't y'all love to try what I just say. Don't y'all love that? that? that? >> That's forgiveness. We are we receive >> That's forgiveness. We are we receive >> That's forgiveness. We are we receive something and it is so good in our life. something and it is so good in our life. something and it is so good in our life. We have to then share it with others. We have to then share it with others. We have to then share it with others. >> And honestly, pain gets so confusing. It >> And honestly, pain gets so confusing. It >> And honestly, pain gets so confusing. It gets so complicated. There's so many gets so complicated. There's so many gets so complicated. There's so many levels of it. We just got to keep it levels of it. We just got to keep it levels of it. We just got to keep it simple. And that point right there is simple. And that point right there is simple. And that point right there is the best way to keep it simple. I am the best way to keep it simple. I am the best way to keep it simple. I am forgiven to forgive others. God forgave forgiven to forgive others. God forgave forgiven to forgive others. God forgave me. I am going to forgive others. Y'all me. I am going to forgive others. Y'all me. I am going to forgive others. Y'all ready for number two? ready for number two? ready for number two? >> Number two. Forgiving includes >> Number two. Forgiving includes >> Number two. Forgiving includes minimizing the offense and the pain minimizing the offense and the pain minimizing the offense and the pain caused. And that is also false. That may caused. And that is also false. That may caused. And that is also false. That may surprise you. In fact, real forgiveness, surprise you. In fact, real forgiveness, surprise you. In fact, real forgiveness, what we believe in Christianity is real what we believe in Christianity is real what we believe in Christianity is real forgi forgiveness actually requires forgi forgiveness actually requires forgi forgiveness actually requires me to acknowledge the fullness of the me to acknowledge the fullness of the me to acknowledge the fullness of the offense, offense, offense, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> To actually hold nothing back. This may >> To actually hold nothing back. This may >> To actually hold nothing back. This may surprise you. Maybe if you grew up in a surprise you. Maybe if you grew up in a surprise you. Maybe if you grew up in a religious setting that was kind of like religious setting that was kind of like religious setting that was kind of like you felt the pressure to hide it. Oh, you felt the pressure to hide it. Oh, you felt the pressure to hide it. Oh, no, no, no. What Jesus is looking for is no, no, no. What Jesus is looking for is no, no, no. What Jesus is looking for is us to hold nothing back. But at the same us to hold nothing back. But at the same us to hold nothing back. But at the same time, write it down. To reject our right time, write it down. To reject our right time, write it down. To reject our right for repayment. for repayment. for repayment. to reject our right. And this is where to reject our right. And this is where to reject our right. And this is where forgiveness really gets very different forgiveness really gets very different forgiveness really gets very different than the world. So I want to do just do than the world. So I want to do just do than the world. So I want to do just do a quick illustration right now because I a quick illustration right now because I a quick illustration right now because I have on the stage actually something have on the stage actually something have on the stage actually something that's precious to me. Uh this everybody that's precious to me. Uh this everybody that's precious to me. Uh this everybody is my favorite bowl in the entire world. is my favorite bowl in the entire world. is my favorite bowl in the entire world. Isn't this a beautiful bowl? Isn't this a beautiful bowl? Isn't this a beautiful bowl? >> I love this bowl. Can you imagine how >> I love this bowl. Can you imagine how >> I love this bowl. Can you imagine how much Cinnamon Toast Crunch? >> And don't you love when you finish when >> And don't you love when you finish when you finish Cinnamon Toast Crunch, you you finish Cinnamon Toast Crunch, you you finish Cinnamon Toast Crunch, you get to drink the milk. Maybe if you're get to drink the milk. Maybe if you're get to drink the milk. Maybe if you're healthy, it would be a salad bowl. Oh, healthy, it would be a salad bowl. Oh, healthy, it would be a salad bowl. Oh, no, no, no salad for me in this bowl. no, no, no salad for me in this bowl. no, no, no salad for me in this bowl. This is cinnamon. So, and so I love it This is cinnamon. So, and so I love it This is cinnamon. So, and so I love it so much. I love sharing this bowl with so much. I love sharing this bowl with so much. I love sharing this bowl with people and showing them. Harrison, come people and showing them. Harrison, come people and showing them. Harrison, come on out here. Y'all welcome Harrison to on out here. Y'all welcome Harrison to on out here. Y'all welcome Harrison to the stage, everybody. It's a good man. the stage, everybody. It's a good man. the stage, everybody. It's a good man. Harrison, [applause] Harrison, [applause] Harrison, [applause] I love I love you, buddy. Look, man.

I love I love you, buddy. Look, man. I love I love you, buddy. Look, man. This is my favorite bowl. We got it from This is my favorite bowl. We got it from This is my favorite bowl. We got it from World Market. It's an amazing bowl. And World Market. It's an amazing bowl. And World Market. It's an amazing bowl. And I just want you to look Look, I just I just want you to look Look, I just I just want you to look Look, I just want you to see how amazing. Can you want you to see how amazing. Can you want you to see how amazing. Can you check out my amazing bowl? check out my amazing bowl? check out my amazing bowl? >> This is your favorite. >> This is your favorite. >> This is your favorite. >> That's my favorite bowl, man. >> That's my favorite bowl, man. >> That's my favorite bowl, man. >> Harrison, what? Harrison, why? >> Harrison, what? Harrison, why? >> Harrison, what? Harrison, why? Harrison, don't. What? That That's my Harrison, don't. What? That That's my Harrison, don't. What? That That's my fake favorite. Harrison, this was my favorite bowl. Harrison, this was my favorite bowl. Y'all blew Harrison off the stage right Y'all blew Harrison off the stage right Y'all blew Harrison off the stage right now. Harrison just broke my bowl. And I don't Harrison just broke my bowl. And I don't know what this represents for you, but know what this represents for you, but know what this represents for you, but but whatever's broken in your life now, but whatever's broken in your life now, but whatever's broken in your life now, I'm offended. I'm offended. I'm offended. >> I'm hurt. I just invited him out to see >> I'm hurt. I just invited him out to see >> I'm hurt. I just invited him out to see my world market bowl and in front of my world market bowl and in front of my world market bowl and in front of thousands of people, he just broke it. thousands of people, he just broke it. thousands of people, he just broke it. And again, I don't know what this And again, I don't know what this And again, I don't know what this represents. Maybe this is hurt towards a represents. Maybe this is hurt towards a represents. Maybe this is hurt towards a person or maybe for you it's hurt person or maybe for you it's hurt person or maybe for you it's hurt towards God right now. That's where towards God right now. That's where towards God right now. That's where you're you're hurt is towards God. Maybe you're you're hurt is towards God. Maybe you're you're hurt is towards God. Maybe for you it's circumstances and that's a for you it's circumstances and that's a for you it's circumstances and that's a frustrating one, right? Because they're frustrating one, right? Because they're frustrating one, right? Because they're out of our control. Like it's just out of our control. Like it's just out of our control. Like it's just whatever's happening in the world ends whatever's happening in the world ends whatever's happening in the world ends up impacting us. We all experienced that up impacting us. We all experienced that up impacting us. We all experienced that back in 2020. I mean, so much hurt and back in 2020. I mean, so much hurt and back in 2020. I mean, so much hurt and pain. Or maybe honestly today something pain. Or maybe honestly today something pain. Or maybe honestly today something we're going to pray through. Maybe your we're going to pray through. Maybe your we're going to pray through. Maybe your hurt is towards yourself. I want us to hurt is towards yourself. I want us to hurt is towards yourself. I want us to think about hurt. My broken bowl here think about hurt. My broken bowl here think about hurt. My broken bowl here today. I want us to think about it like today. I want us to think about it like today. I want us to think about it like a debt. A debt has been incurred. And a debt. A debt has been incurred. And a debt. A debt has been incurred. And whenever there's a debt, there has to be whenever there's a debt, there has to be whenever there's a debt, there has to be what? Repayment. This is true in what? Repayment. This is true in what? Repayment. This is true in offense. In fact, Hebrews 9:22 gives us offense. In fact, Hebrews 9:22 gives us offense. In fact, Hebrews 9:22 gives us our theology. Says, in fact, the law our theology. Says, in fact, the law our theology. Says, in fact, the law requires that nearly everything be requires that nearly everything be requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood. And without the cleansed with blood. And without the cleansed with blood. And without the shedding of blood, there can be no shedding of blood, there can be no shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness. There is a debt and someone

forgiveness. There is a debt and someone forgiveness. There is a debt and someone or something has to pay for it. So now or something has to pay for it. So now or something has to pay for it. So now my temptation is to make who pay? I want my temptation is to make who pay? I want my temptation is to make who pay? I want to make Harrison pay. I want to yell and to make Harrison pay. I want to yell and to make Harrison pay. I want to yell and scream that Harrison Chadam is a bull scream that Harrison Chadam is a bull scream that Harrison Chadam is a bull breaker. I'm going to go on Reddit. I'm breaker. I'm going to go on Reddit. I'm breaker. I'm going to go on Reddit. I'm going to go on Facebook. I'm going to go going to go on Facebook. I'm going to go going to go on Facebook. I'm going to go on every single website I can and make on every single website I can and make on every single website I can and make sure the world KNOWS THAT MAN BREAKS sure the world KNOWS THAT MAN BREAKS sure the world KNOWS THAT MAN BREAKS BOWLS. BOWLS. BOWLS. >> I'm going to ruin his reputation. That >> I'm going to ruin his reputation. That >> I'm going to ruin his reputation. That bowl breaker. You know what actually I'm bowl breaker. You know what actually I'm bowl breaker. You know what actually I'm going to do? I'm going to break in his going to do? I'm going to break in his going to do? I'm going to break in his house tonight. house tonight. house tonight. >> Your boy's going to break all his bowls. >> Your boy's going to break all his bowls. >> Your boy's going to break all his bowls. >> Won't that be fun? on the on the front >> Won't that be fun? on the on the front >> Won't that be fun? on the on the front page of al.com. Pastor Mark breaks all page of al.com. Pastor Mark breaks all page of al.com. Pastor Mark breaks all Harrison's bowls. Harrison's bowls. Harrison's bowls. >> You know what I may do? There's a few >> You know what I may do? There's a few >> You know what I may do? There's a few lawyers, I'm sure, in the house today. I lawyers, I'm sure, in the house today. I lawyers, I'm sure, in the house today. I may get one of those and sue him. may get one of those and sue him. may get one of those and sue him. >> I'm going to withdraw relationally from >> I'm going to withdraw relationally from >> I'm going to withdraw relationally from him. I'll never be his friend again. How him. I'll never be his friend again. How him. I'll never be his friend again. How can I be friends with a breaker? And for can I be friends with a breaker? And for can I be friends with a breaker? And for the rest of my life, I'm going to cheer the rest of my life, I'm going to cheer the rest of my life, I'm going to cheer for his pain. I'm going to buy a voodoo for his pain. I'm going to buy a voodoo for his pain. I'm going to buy a voodoo doll and I'm going to stab Harrison doll and I'm going to stab Harrison doll and I'm going to stab Harrison every single day until I feel like he every single day until I feel like he every single day until I feel like he has paid the price.

has paid the price. has paid the price. >> Real talk. Real talk. Or >> Real talk. Real talk. Or >> Real talk. Real talk. Or >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> I can forgive his debt. >> I can forgive his debt. >> I can forgive his debt. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that's good. >> that's good. >> that's good. >> I can let him off the hook. >> I can let him off the hook. >> I can let him off the hook. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> But there's only one problem, church. >> But there's only one problem, church. >> But there's only one problem, church. Remember, somebody still has to pay. >> Now, I'm the one who is paying because >> Now, I'm the one who is paying because I'm the one that's left with a broken I'm the one that's left with a broken I'm the one that's left with a broken bowl. bowl. bowl. I'm I'm now suffering for what Harrison I'm I'm now suffering for what Harrison I'm I'm now suffering for what Harrison did to me. I told you I'm going hard in did to me. I told you I'm going hard in did to me. I told you I'm going hard in the paint today. Yeah. Yeah. the paint today. Yeah. Yeah. the paint today. Yeah. Yeah. >> We just have to recognize this truth. I >> We just have to recognize this truth. I >> We just have to recognize this truth. I promise we're going to work through it promise we're going to work through it promise we're going to work through it at the end, but I'm going to let it hang at the end, but I'm going to let it hang at the end, but I'm going to let it hang for a minute. That forgiveness is for a minute. That forgiveness is for a minute. That forgiveness is actually a form of voluntary suffering. actually a form of voluntary suffering. actually a form of voluntary suffering. >> That's what Tim Keller said. >> That's what Tim Keller said. >> That's what Tim Keller said. >> Do y'all know now why the disciples >> Do y'all know now why the disciples >> Do y'all know now why the disciples said, "Uh, pastor Jesus, can you please said, "Uh, pastor Jesus, can you please said, "Uh, pastor Jesus, can you please give us more faith?" This is a huge give us more faith?" This is a huge give us more faith?" This is a huge topic. This Christianity thing is so topic. This Christianity thing is so topic. This Christianity thing is so different than the world. Y'all okay out different than the world. Y'all okay out different than the world. Y'all okay out there? there? there? >> I told you we'll come back to it. Number >> I told you we'll come back to it. Number >> I told you we'll come back to it. Number three, third question. If we choose not three, third question. If we choose not three, third question. If we choose not to forgive, the issue will eventually go to forgive, the issue will eventually go to forgive, the issue will eventually go away. And that is also false. We all away. And that is also false. We all away. And that is also false. We all know this one. I won't hang out here know this one. I won't hang out here know this one. I won't hang out here long. We've all tried this. Time does long. We've all tried this. Time does long. We've all tried this. Time does not heal. Can I get an amen?

not heal. Can I get an amen? not heal. Can I get an amen? >> Forgiveness actually is our only pathway >> Forgiveness actually is our only pathway >> Forgiveness actually is our only pathway to healing. That forgiveness doesn't to healing. That forgiveness doesn't to healing. That forgiveness doesn't just heal us of the thing that happened. just heal us of the thing that happened. just heal us of the thing that happened. So, forgiveness is not just going to So, forgiveness is not just going to So, forgiveness is not just going to heal you of your whatever it is today, heal you of your whatever it is today, heal you of your whatever it is today, broken bowl. It forgiveness does get us broken bowl. It forgiveness does get us broken bowl. It forgiveness does get us past that situation. But isn't it true past that situation. But isn't it true past that situation. But isn't it true today, church, that actually the thing today, church, that actually the thing today, church, that actually the thing that actually happened becomes kind of that actually happened becomes kind of that actually happened becomes kind of in the background? Because usually the in the background? Because usually the in the background? Because usually the easy part is to forgive someone of what easy part is to forgive someone of what easy part is to forgive someone of what they did. The hardest part is to get they did. The hardest part is to get they did. The hardest part is to get past our own unforgiveness. past our own unforgiveness. past our own unforgiveness. What we really need healing from is that What we really need healing from is that What we really need healing from is that unforgiveness in our hearts. And it is unforgiveness in our hearts. And it is unforgiveness in our hearts. And it is honestly so dangerous because the Bible honestly so dangerous because the Bible honestly so dangerous because the Bible teaches us that unforgiveness can lead teaches us that unforgiveness can lead teaches us that unforgiveness can lead to this bitter root in our lives. And to this bitter root in our lives. And to this bitter root in our lives. And all of us in some situation have all of us in some situation have all of us in some situation have experienced that that that becomes a experienced that that that becomes a experienced that that that becomes a filter that we see the world through. filter that we see the world through. filter that we see the world through. Come on church, let's be honest today. Come on church, let's be honest today. Come on church, let's be honest today. And that bitter root of unforgiveness is And that bitter root of unforgiveness is And that bitter root of unforgiveness is a vampire. It will steal your time, your a vampire. It will steal your time, your a vampire. It will steal your time, your energy, your joy. It's like it defines energy, your joy. It's like it defines energy, your joy. It's like it defines the rest of your life because you're the rest of your life because you're the rest of your life because you're seeing through that pain and that hurt seeing through that pain and that hurt seeing through that pain and that hurt and God comes along and says, "I want to and God comes along and says, "I want to and God comes along and says, "I want to heal you from that." heal you from that." heal you from that." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> One of my favorite stories of this. It's >> One of my favorite stories of this. It's >> One of my favorite stories of this. It's so it's so big and such a huge um so it's so big and such a huge um so it's so big and such a huge um offense that happened to this man. It's offense that happened to this man. It's offense that happened to this man. It's so inspiring for me. A guy named Louis so inspiring for me. A guy named Louis so inspiring for me. A guy named Louis Zampirini. If you may have read his book Zampirini. If you may have read his book Zampirini. If you may have read his book called Unbroken or seen the movie called Unbroken or seen the movie called Unbroken or seen the movie Unbroken, he was a young man grew up in Unbroken, he was a young man grew up in Unbroken, he was a young man grew up in California. Ended up u volunteering for California. Ended up u volunteering for California. Ended up u volunteering for the military. He had actually had a the military. He had actually had a the military. He had actually had a athletic career. He'd been in the athletic career. He'd been in the athletic career. He'd been in the Olympics. Incredibly gifted athlete. The Olympics. Incredibly gifted athlete. The Olympics. Incredibly gifted athlete. The World War II starts. He volunteers. He's World War II starts. He volunteers. He's World War II starts. He volunteers. He's uh put into training to be on a a part uh put into training to be on a a part uh put into training to be on a a part of a bomber crew. He's a bomber deer on of a bomber crew. He's a bomber deer on of a bomber crew. He's a bomber deer on B24s. Ends up flying a lot of missions.

B24s. Ends up flying a lot of missions. B24s. Ends up flying a lot of missions. On one of those missions, his plane u On one of those missions, his plane u On one of those missions, his plane u crashes into the ocean. If you've seen crashes into the ocean. If you've seen crashes into the ocean. If you've seen the story, it's so dramatic. Only three the story, it's so dramatic. Only three the story, it's so dramatic. Only three of them live. They then are on a raft of them live. They then are on a raft of them live. They then are on a raft for 47 days drinking like rainwater, for 47 days drinking like rainwater, for 47 days drinking like rainwater, fighting off sharks, getting strafeed by fighting off sharks, getting strafeed by fighting off sharks, getting strafeed by other planes. Eventually, they're other planes. Eventually, they're other planes. Eventually, they're rescued, but it's rescued by the rescued, but it's rescued by the rescued, but it's rescued by the Japanese army. for 2 years they are put Japanese army. for 2 years they are put Japanese army. for 2 years they are put into a camp where they go through the into a camp where they go through the into a camp where they go through the worst imaginable kind of just I mean worst imaginable kind of just I mean worst imaginable kind of just I mean torture literally torture pain and one torture literally torture pain and one torture literally torture pain and one guy in particular had [music] it out for guy in particular had [music] it out for guy in particular had [music] it out for Louis Zapini because he knew he was an Louis Zapini because he knew he was an Louis Zapini because he knew he was an Olympian Louie comes home and that Olympian Louie comes home and that Olympian Louie comes home and that bitter root grows destroys his family bitter root grows destroys his family bitter root grows destroys his family he's he's on the brink of divorce he he's he's on the brink of divorce he he's he's on the brink of divorce he becomes an alcoholic but he ends up by becomes an alcoholic but he ends up by becomes an alcoholic but he ends up by invitation come on somebody at a Billy invitation come on somebody at a Billy invitation come on somebody at a Billy Graham revival and he meets Jesus and it Graham revival and he meets Jesus and it Graham revival and he meets Jesus and it changes everything and the grace of God changes everything and the grace of God changes everything and the grace of God comes into his life and heals him. And comes into his life and heals him. And comes into his life and heals him. And this is his quote. This is to build this is his quote. This is to build this is his quote. This is to build faith in somebody's life today. I think faith in somebody's life today. I think faith in somebody's life today. I think the hardest thing in life is to forgive. the hardest thing in life is to forgive. the hardest thing in life is to forgive. I think we agree with that. Hate is I think we agree with that. Hate is I think we agree with that. Hate is self-destructive. If you hate somebody, self-destructive. If you hate somebody, self-destructive. If you hate somebody, you're not hurting the person you hate.

you're not hurting the person you hate. you're not hurting the person you hate. You're actually hurting yourself. But You're actually hurting yourself. But You're actually hurting yourself. But forgiveness is a healing. It's actually forgiveness is a healing. It's actually forgiveness is a healing. It's actually a real healing. He ends up spending the a real healing. He ends up spending the a real healing. He ends up spending the rest of his life sharing the news of rest of his life sharing the news of rest of his life sharing the news of Jesus out of the healing that God did in Jesus out of the healing that God did in Jesus out of the healing that God did in his life. No offense is too far. I said his life. No offense is too far. I said his life. No offense is too far. I said no offense is too far gone. Acts 3:19 no offense is too far gone. Acts 3:19 no offense is too far gone. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent then and turn to God so says, "Repent then and turn to God so says, "Repent then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out." And that your sins may be wiped out." And that your sins may be wiped out." And here's the promise of God for today at here's the promise of God for today at here's the promise of God for today at church. Times of refreshing can come church. Times of refreshing can come church. Times of refreshing can come from the Lord. That's what God has for from the Lord. That's what God has for from the Lord. That's what God has for somebody out there today. We got one somebody out there today. We got one somebody out there today. We got one more question. This is a big one, too. more question. This is a big one, too. more question. This is a big one, too. Number four. If we do not forgive each Number four. If we do not forgive each Number four. If we do not forgive each other, we will not be forgiven. And that other, we will not be forgiven. And that other, we will not be forgiven. And that one is actually true. one is actually true. one is actually true. >> Matthew 6:14 and 15. Told you we're >> Matthew 6:14 and 15. Told you we're >> Matthew 6:14 and 15. Told you we're going for it today. If you if you going for it today. If you if you going for it today. If you if you forgive each other their trespasses, forgive each other their trespasses, forgive each other their trespasses, this is Jesus, each other their this is Jesus, each other their this is Jesus, each other their trespasses, your heavenly father will trespasses, your heavenly father will trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not also forgive you. But if you do not also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your father forgive others, neither will your father forgive others, neither will your father forgive your trespasses. Everybody look forgive your trespasses. Everybody look forgive your trespasses. Everybody look at me today. We're going to breathe in, at me today. We're going to breathe in, at me today. We're going to breathe in, breathe out, but write this down. breathe out, but write this down. breathe out, but write this down. Forgiveness is a requirement for Forgiveness is a requirement for Forgiveness is a requirement for Christians, Christians, Christians, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> It's not an elective. It's not extra >> It's not an elective. It's not extra >> It's not an elective. It's not extra credit. It's not core. It's core credit. It's not core. It's core credit. It's not core. It's core curriculum. It's not a got to. It is a curriculum. It's not a got to. It is a curriculum. It's not a got to. It is a get to. But here's the good news today get to. But here's the good news today get to. But here's the good news today is Jesus never asked us to do something is Jesus never asked us to do something is Jesus never asked us to do something he didn't do first. Jesus went first he didn't do first. Jesus went first he didn't do first. Jesus went first >> and he's going to give us his power >> and he's going to give us his power >> and he's going to give us his power today to do it in our own lives. Another today to do it in our own lives. Another today to do it in our own lives. Another example of the power of God at work. And example of the power of God at work. And example of the power of God at work. And this is again just to build faith today. this is again just to build faith today. this is again just to build faith today. When I was finishing up my masters, When I was finishing up my masters, When I was finishing up my masters, I was in a class, one of my last I was in a class, one of my last I was in a class, one of my last classes, this was back actually in 2020, classes, this was back actually in 2020, classes, this was back actually in 2020, so it was on Zoom. We were only going to so it was on Zoom. We were only going to so it was on Zoom. We were only going to do the final meeting in person. One of do the final meeting in person. One of do the final meeting in person. One of my last classes was called Spirit my last classes was called Spirit my last classes was called Spirit Empowered Disciplehip. So I'm I'm just Empowered Disciplehip. So I'm I'm just Empowered Disciplehip. So I'm I'm just trying to finish school. I mean, we're trying to finish school. I mean, we're trying to finish school. I mean, we're we're busy here building the college, we're busy here building the college, we're busy here building the college, all the things. I'm just, you give me my all the things. I'm just, you give me my all the things. I'm just, you give me my honestly my minimum requirement here. I honestly my minimum requirement here. I honestly my minimum requirement here. I just got to get past this class. I'm just got to get past this class. I'm just got to get past this class. I'm assuming this class is about, you know, assuming this class is about, you know, assuming this class is about, you know, discipling other people. On the first discipling other people. On the first discipling other people. On the first day of class, I discovered that this day of class, I discovered that this day of class, I discovered that this class is actually about our own personal class is actually about our own personal class is actually about our own personal journey with God. And I was kind of journey with God. And I was kind of journey with God. And I was kind of bummed already cuz I'm just trying to bummed already cuz I'm just trying to bummed already cuz I'm just trying to get done with this. Now, I'm about to get done with this. Now, I'm about to get done with this. Now, I'm about to get introspective. And she says, get introspective. And she says, get introspective. And she says, "Basically, if you want to know what "Basically, if you want to know what "Basically, if you want to know what this class is, for the next nine weeks, this class is, for the next nine weeks, this class is, for the next nine weeks, we're just going to talk about all of we're just going to talk about all of we're just going to talk about all of our feelings."

our feelings." our feelings." Any men out there today? I'm like Any men out there today? I'm like Any men out there today? I'm like crushed in that moment. I do not want to crushed in that moment. I do not want to crushed in that moment. I do not want to spend nine weeks on Zoom talking about spend nine weeks on Zoom talking about spend nine weeks on Zoom talking about my feelings. She said, "So, here's what my feelings. She said, "So, here's what my feelings. She said, "So, here's what I want you to do." And she was real. You I want you to do." And she was real. You I want you to do." And she was real. You know, you know those people that are so know, you know those people that are so know, you know those people that are so godly, you just believe it's fake. godly, you just believe it's fake. godly, you just believe it's fake. >> Come on, don't judge me right now. Then >> Come on, don't judge me right now. Then >> Come on, don't judge me right now. Then she's just so sweet. She would tell us she's just so sweet. She would tell us she's just so sweet. She would tell us how she spent time with Jesus every day. how she spent time with Jesus every day. how she spent time with Jesus every day. She would say, "I always have coffee She would say, "I always have coffee She would say, "I always have coffee with Jesus." I like, "Doctor, what does with Jesus." I like, "Doctor, what does with Jesus." I like, "Doctor, what does that mean?" She said, "Well, I drink I that mean?" She said, "Well, I drink I that mean?" She said, "Well, I drink I drink my coffee and I always make a cup drink my coffee and I always make a cup drink my coffee and I always make a cup of coffee for Jesus and I put it on the of coffee for Jesus and I put it on the of coffee for Jesus and I put it on the other side of the table." I was like, other side of the table." I was like, other side of the table." I was like, "Really?" Right? "Really?" Right? "Really?" Right? >> Then you have to pour it out. That's >> Then you have to pour it out. That's >> Then you have to pour it out. That's kind of weird. Anyway, kind of weird. Anyway, kind of weird. Anyway, so she's just so sweet. She's like, "Oh, so she's just so sweet. She's like, "Oh, so she's just so sweet. She's like, "Oh, here's what I want you to do. Go get you here's what I want you to do. Go get you here's what I want you to do. Go get you a a poster board and go back in your a a poster board and go back in your a a poster board and go back in your entire life and any pain, put it in red, entire life and any pain, put it in red, entire life and any pain, put it in red, and any healing, put it in green, and and any healing, put it in green, and and any healing, put it in green, and where you're still working through it, where you're still working through it, where you're still working through it, put it in orange. And then we're going put it in orange. And then we're going put it in orange. And then we're going to all talk about it." So, I had to go to all talk about it." So, I had to go to all talk about it." So, I had to go to Walgreens. It was so embarrassing. to Walgreens. It was so embarrassing. to Walgreens. It was so embarrassing. This guy's like, "Is this poster board This guy's like, "Is this poster board This guy's like, "Is this poster board for your kids?" No, sir. It's my school for your kids?" No, sir. It's my school for your kids?" No, sir. It's my school project. [laughter] project. [laughter] project. [laughter] That's right. I'm talking about my That's right. I'm talking about my That's right. I'm talking about my feelings today. You This poster board, I feelings today. You This poster board, I feelings today. You This poster board, I make the poster board. She was like, make the poster board. She was like, make the poster board. She was like, "Take good care of it when you fly out "Take good care of it when you fly out "Take good care of it when you fly out here." I did not take good care of it. I here." I did not take good care of it. I here." I did not take good care of it. I folded it into like 10 pieces, stuffed folded it into like 10 pieces, stuffed folded it into like 10 pieces, stuffed it in my suitc. I'm so truly bitter it in my suitc. I'm so truly bitter it in my suitc. I'm so truly bitter about this. We get there, she's like, about this. We get there, she's like, about this. We get there, she's like, "All right, we're going to spend the "All right, we're going to spend the "All right, we're going to spend the next 10 hours today talking about our next 10 hours today talking about our next 10 hours today talking about our feelings just but I'm going to go feelings just but I'm going to go feelings just but I'm going to go first." I'm like, "Thank you, doctor.

first." I'm like, "Thank you, doctor. first." I'm like, "Thank you, doctor. You can go first." This sweet lady who You can go first." This sweet lady who You can go first." This sweet lady who would have thought nothing had ever would have thought nothing had ever would have thought nothing had ever happened to begins to tell us a story happened to begins to tell us a story happened to begins to tell us a story that I can't even repeat here on stage that I can't even repeat here on stage that I can't even repeat here on stage of what happened to her. that as a of what happened to her. that as a of what happened to her. that as a college student, she was kidnapped, college student, she was kidnapped, college student, she was kidnapped, I mean, violently abused, was almost at I mean, violently abused, was almost at I mean, violently abused, was almost at the point of death several times that the point of death several times that the point of death several times that night and was miraculously saved the night and was miraculously saved the night and was miraculously saved the next morning by just a good Samaritan next morning by just a good Samaritan next morning by just a good Samaritan bystander. She should not be alive. She bystander. She should not be alive. She bystander. She should not be alive. She begins to tell us this story and then begins to tell us this story and then begins to tell us this story and then she finishes the story. She goes, "Does she finishes the story. She goes, "Does she finishes the story. She goes, "Does anybody have any questions?" anybody have any questions?" anybody have any questions?" >> I got questions. >> I got questions. >> I got questions. >> How are you? Yeah. >> How are you? Yeah. >> How are you? Yeah. >> So sweet, so pure. >> So sweet, so pure. >> So sweet, so pure. >> How are you so in love with Jesus? How >> How are you so in love with Jesus? How >> How are you so in love with Jesus? How did you let all of that go? That's my did you let all of that go? That's my did you let all of that go? That's my question. question. question. >> And I wrote it down in my journal that >> And I wrote it down in my journal that >> And I wrote it down in my journal that day in class. This is what she said. It day in class. This is what she said. It day in class. This is what she said. It was never about what I let go of. Direct was never about what I let go of. Direct was never about what I let go of. Direct quote. It was about who I grabbed a hold quote. It was about who I grabbed a hold quote. It was about who I grabbed a hold of. Oh, church. Receive this today. I of. Oh, church. Receive this today. I of. Oh, church. Receive this today. I just decided every day I'm a grabbing a just decided every day I'm a grabbing a just decided every day I'm a grabbing a hold of Jesus and I'm going to let him hold of Jesus and I'm going to let him hold of Jesus and I'm going to let him get me through it. put your hands get me through it. put your hands get me through it. put your hands together and thank God. That's what it together and thank God. That's what it together and thank God. That's what it means [applause] means [applause] means [applause] to rely on God to bring us through this.

to rely on God to bring us through this. to rely on God to bring us through this. So, how are we going to that's what we So, how are we going to that's what we So, how are we going to that's what we believe. How are we going to do this? believe. How are we going to do this? believe. How are we going to do this? Four things I want you to write down as Four things I want you to write down as Four things I want you to write down as well today. And we're going to pray. It well today. And we're going to pray. It well today. And we're going to pray. It all starts we kind of talked about this. all starts we kind of talked about this. all starts we kind of talked about this. We got to talk about it again. It all We got to talk about it again. It all We got to talk about it again. It all starts by remembering Christ forgave us. starts by remembering Christ forgave us. starts by remembering Christ forgave us. This is the Well, church. I feel the This is the Well, church. I feel the This is the Well, church. I feel the weight of this moment. Even as your weight of this moment. Even as your weight of this moment. Even as your pastor, I know how heavy this topic is. pastor, I know how heavy this topic is. pastor, I know how heavy this topic is. You cannot do this on your own. the You cannot do this on your own. the You cannot do this on your own. the wellspring of life, the living water. wellspring of life, the living water. wellspring of life, the living water. Man, I'm just pulling from what God has Man, I'm just pulling from what God has Man, I'm just pulling from what God has done for me from the smallest to the done for me from the smallest to the done for me from the smallest to the biggest offense. We can here's here's a biggest offense. We can here's here's a biggest offense. We can here's here's a great truth to hold on to. I can just great truth to hold on to. I can just great truth to hold on to. I can just never forgive more than God has already never forgive more than God has already never forgive more than God has already forgiven me. forgiven me. forgiven me. >> That's where it all has to start. Psalm >> That's where it all has to start. Psalm >> That's where it all has to start. Psalm 103 says, "He has he has not dealt with 103 says, "He has he has not dealt with 103 says, "He has he has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities." Let's us according to our iniquities." Let's us according to our iniquities." Let's never forget we we got a we got a long never forget we we got a we got a long never forget we we got a we got a long resume of sin. For as the heavens are resume of sin. For as the heavens are resume of sin. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his high above the earth, so great is his high above the earth, so great is his mercy towards those who fear him. As far mercy towards those who fear him. As far mercy towards those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has as the east is from the west, so far has as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions he removed our transgressions he removed our transgressions from us. Are we grateful that God has from us. Are we grateful that God has from us. Are we grateful that God has forgiven us? forgiven us? forgiven us? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Are we Are we grateful that God has >> Are we Are we grateful that God has >> Are we Are we grateful that God has forgiven us? Okay. [applause] forgiven us? Okay. [applause] forgiven us? Okay. [applause] I can just never out forgive God. I just I can just never out forgive God. I just I can just never out forgive God. I just I can never what he's done for me.

I can never what he's done for me. I can never what he's done for me. That's where I'm going to pull from. That's where I'm going to pull from. That's where I'm going to pull from. Now, I want to be really clear at this Now, I want to be really clear at this Now, I want to be really clear at this point in the message. This is a message point in the message. This is a message point in the message. This is a message on forgiveness, not a message on on forgiveness, not a message on on forgiveness, not a message on reconciliation. reconciliation. reconciliation. >> It takes one person to forgive. >> It takes one person to forgive. >> It takes one person to forgive. >> It takes two to reconcile. Now, it is >> It takes two to reconcile. Now, it is >> It takes two to reconcile. Now, it is always a different message in our always a different message in our always a different message in our relationship series. It's always God's relationship series. It's always God's relationship series. It's always God's heart for reconciliation. But that heart for reconciliation. But that heart for reconciliation. But that actually isn't always possible because actually isn't always possible because actually isn't always possible because we can't control. Have y'all noticed we we can't control. Have y'all noticed we we can't control. Have y'all noticed we can't control other other people? can't control other other people? can't control other other people? Anybody noticed that in the world? Anybody noticed that in the world? Anybody noticed that in the world? >> But you know what? We can control >> But you know what? We can control >> But you know what? We can control >> ourselves. >> ourselves. >> ourselves. >> Forgiveness is in our hands. And we're >> Forgiveness is in our hands. And we're >> Forgiveness is in our hands. And we're actually going to pray through this actually going to pray through this actually going to pray through this later. But here's my ask today. This is later. But here's my ask today. This is later. But here's my ask today. This is I feel like from the Holy Spirit. This I feel like from the Holy Spirit. This I feel like from the Holy Spirit. This is the practical application of this is the practical application of this is the practical application of this point. And this may be massive for you point. And this may be massive for you point. And this may be massive for you today. And this may be literally the today. And this may be literally the today. And this may be literally the reason you're in church today is just to reason you're in church today is just to reason you're in church today is just to start a journey where you just just start a journey where you just just start a journey where you just just decide today, I'm going to be a person decide today, I'm going to be a person decide today, I'm going to be a person that forgives. that forgives. that forgives. God, I'm going to need your help. It's God, I'm going to need your help. It's God, I'm going to need your help. It's going to be a journey, but I'm just going to be a journey, but I'm just going to be a journey, but I'm just deciding today. I'm not going to let deciding today. I'm not going to let deciding today. I'm not going to let that bitter root grow in my life. Oh that bitter root grow in my life. Oh that bitter root grow in my life. Oh God, I need you, but I just I'm deciding God, I need you, but I just I'm deciding God, I need you, but I just I'm deciding today in faith that I'm going to be a today in faith that I'm going to be a today in faith that I'm going to be a person that forgives. And maybe the most person that forgives. And maybe the most person that forgives. And maybe the most important person to forgive today is important person to forgive today is important person to forgive today is yourself. All right, here's number two.

yourself. All right, here's number two. yourself. All right, here's number two. Y'all with me today? Yeah, Y'all with me today? Yeah, Y'all with me today? Yeah, >> this one's big. And that is to release >> this one's big. And that is to release >> this one's big. And that is to release our hurt into God's hands. And I got to our hurt into God's hands. And I got to our hurt into God's hands. And I got to be really clear here. Then repeat be really clear here. Then repeat be really clear here. Then repeat >> to release that hurt. And the good news >> to release that hurt. And the good news >> to release that hurt. And the good news here is no matter what you have gone here is no matter what you have gone here is no matter what you have gone through, no matter what you have gone through, no matter what you have gone through, no matter what you have gone through, Jesus understands. From the through, Jesus understands. From the through, Jesus understands. From the smallest things to the biggest things, smallest things to the biggest things, smallest things to the biggest things, we have a God who understands our pain. we have a God who understands our pain. we have a God who understands our pain. I got to be really strong with this I got to be really strong with this I got to be really strong with this today. We have a God who has been today. We have a God who has been today. We have a God who has been through anything you have been through. through anything you have been through. through anything you have been through. Hebrews 2 is is where we learn this. It Hebrews 2 is is where we learn this. It Hebrews 2 is is where we learn this. It says for this reason he had to be make says for this reason he had to be make says for this reason he had to be make made like them fully human not in part made like them fully human not in part made like them fully human not in part partially fully human in every way. He partially fully human in every way. He partially fully human in every way. He was fully God fully man in order that he was fully God fully man in order that he was fully God fully man in order that he might become a merciful and faithful might become a merciful and faithful might become a merciful and faithful high priest. God is merciful church. high priest. God is merciful church. high priest. God is merciful church. >> He is faithful. He's in in service to >> He is faithful. He's in in service to >> He is faithful. He's in in service to God that he might make atonement for the God that he might make atonement for the God that he might make atonement for the sins of people because he himself sins of people because he himself sins of people because he himself suffered when he was tempted and he's suffered when he was tempted and he's suffered when he was tempted and he's able to help those who are being able to help those who are being able to help those who are being tempted. Jesus faced Look at me today. tempted. Jesus faced Look at me today. tempted. Jesus faced Look at me today. Jesus faced it all. He faced betrayal. Jesus faced it all. He faced betrayal. Jesus faced it all. He faced betrayal. He faced false accusation. He faced He faced false accusation. He faced He faced false accusation. He faced rejection. He faced abuse. My goodness, rejection. He faced abuse. My goodness, rejection. He faced abuse. My goodness, he faced humiliation. He was stripped he faced humiliation. He was stripped he faced humiliation. He was stripped naked on a cross for the whole world to naked on a cross for the whole world to naked on a cross for the whole world to see. So today, you do not have to hide see. So today, you do not have to hide see. So today, you do not have to hide your hurt.

your hurt. your hurt. You got to know today, he wants all of You got to know today, he wants all of You got to know today, he wants all of it. Don't dress it up. it. Don't dress it up. it. Don't dress it up. Don't deny it. And here's the the Don't deny it. And here's the the Don't deny it. And here's the the practical application today. practical application today. practical application today. Name it, Name it, Name it, God. This is what I'm walking through. God. This is what I'm walking through. God. This is what I'm walking through. This is where I am hurt. This is what This is where I am hurt. This is what This is where I am hurt. This is what has been done to me. You name it, oh has been done to me. You name it, oh has been done to me. You name it, oh church. And then you just open your church. And then you just open your church. And then you just open your hands and just like I read from Dr. hands and just like I read from Dr. hands and just like I read from Dr. Corbett, you say, I'm just not going to Corbett, you say, I'm just not going to Corbett, you say, I'm just not going to hold on to this. I'm going to hand this hold on to this. I'm going to hand this hold on to this. I'm going to hand this back over to you. I'm putting this in back over to you. I'm putting this in back over to you. I'm putting this in your hands. And maybe for you that'll be your hands. And maybe for you that'll be your hands. And maybe for you that'll be a one-time thing. Praise God for that. a one-time thing. Praise God for that. a one-time thing. Praise God for that. But for most of us, you're going to have But for most of us, you're going to have But for most of us, you're going to have to repeat. And here's what I want to to repeat. And here's what I want to to repeat. And here's what I want to break off in this moment. any spirit of break off in this moment. any spirit of break off in this moment. any spirit of religion that would tell you that like religion that would tell you that like religion that would tell you that like repeating that is like a lack of faith. repeating that is like a lack of faith. repeating that is like a lack of faith. Oh, no, no, no, church. Doing that over Oh, no, no, no, church. Doing that over Oh, no, no, no, church. Doing that over and over is a sign of faith. and over is a sign of faith. and over is a sign of faith. >> God, you're my source. I'm not doing >> God, you're my source. I'm not doing >> God, you're my source. I'm not doing this on my own. I'm not finding some this on my own. I'm not finding some this on my own. I'm not finding some answer in the world. I trust you with answer in the world. I trust you with answer in the world. I trust you with this pain and I just let go of it. this pain and I just let go of it. this pain and I just let go of it. >> And Jill and I right now are walking >> And Jill and I right now are walking >> And Jill and I right now are walking with so many friends and so many with so many friends and so many with so many friends and so many situations from smaller things to some situations from smaller things to some situations from smaller things to some really massive things. And that's my really massive things. And that's my really massive things. And that's my encouragement every day via text and encouragement every day via text and encouragement every day via text and conversation. Hey, just give it to God conversation. Hey, just give it to God conversation. Hey, just give it to God again. Give it to God again. Give it to again. Give it to God again. Give it to again. Give it to God again. Give it to him again. He is a good God. Right.

him again. He is a good God. Right. him again. He is a good God. Right. Here's number three. This is this is Here's number three. This is this is Here's number three. This is this is wildly different. I mean, all this is wildly different. I mean, all this is wildly different. I mean, all this is different, but this is where Christian different, but this is where Christian different, but this is where Christian like we already had a high standard. And like we already had a high standard. And like we already had a high standard. And then Jesus says, "Oh, it's going to keep then Jesus says, "Oh, it's going to keep then Jesus says, "Oh, it's going to keep going higher. Here's a higher standard, going higher. Here's a higher standard, going higher. Here's a higher standard, and that is to return good instead of and that is to return good instead of and that is to return good instead of evil." Y'all, Christianity is wild. evil." Y'all, Christianity is wild. evil." Y'all, Christianity is wild. >> It's different. But wouldn't you agree >> It's different. But wouldn't you agree >> It's different. But wouldn't you agree if we live this out, we will not have if we live this out, we will not have if we live this out, we will not have enough seats in this church, enough seats in this church, enough seats in this church, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Cuz that is so different than the world. >> Cuz that is so different than the world. >> Cuz that is so different than the world. I mean, the world, just look on any I mean, the world, just look on any I mean, the world, just look on any comment section of any website or on any comment section of any website or on any comment section of any website or on any social media, the world is like, "Oh, social media, the world is like, "Oh, social media, the world is like, "Oh, no, no, you do this." You know, if you no, no, you do this." You know, if you no, no, you do this." You know, if you if if the level bad you do to me is a if if the level bad you do to me is a if if the level bad you do to me is a one, I'm coming back to you with a 10. one, I'm coming back to you with a 10. one, I'm coming back to you with a 10. It's like me at Harrison. I'm not just It's like me at Harrison. I'm not just It's like me at Harrison. I'm not just going to break his bowls. I'M GOING TO going to break his bowls. I'M GOING TO going to break his bowls. I'M GOING TO BURN DOWN HIS HOUSE. BURN DOWN HIS HOUSE. BURN DOWN HIS HOUSE. >> I'm going to steal his car. I'M COMING >> I'm going to steal his car. I'M COMING >> I'm going to steal his car. I'M COMING AFTER YOU WITH EVERYTHING. AFTER YOU WITH EVERYTHING. AFTER YOU WITH EVERYTHING. >> But Jesus says, "Actually, no. But to >> But Jesus says, "Actually, no. But to >> But Jesus says, "Actually, no. But to you I say," he's speaking to us today. you I say," he's speaking to us today. you I say," he's speaking to us today. This is Luke chapter 6. To you, I say, This is Luke chapter 6. To you, I say, This is Luke chapter 6. To you, I say, love your enemies. love your enemies. love your enemies. Love them.

Love them. Love them. Do good to them. Actually, you know what Do good to them. Actually, you know what Do good to them. Actually, you know what I want you to do? Bless those who curse I want you to do? Bless those who curse I want you to do? Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. you. Pray for those who mistreat you. you. Pray for those who mistreat you. Don't just not do evil back. God says, Don't just not do evil back. God says, Don't just not do evil back. God says, "Do good." And it may be a journey to "Do good." And it may be a journey to "Do good." And it may be a journey to the doing good. There's so many the doing good. There's so many the doing good. There's so many different situations. But you know what different situations. But you know what different situations. But you know what we can all do today in faith today? I we can all do today in faith today? I we can all do today in faith today? I can I can pray for them. can I can pray for them. can I can pray for them. >> I can bless them. >> I can bless them. >> I can bless them. This is a huge thought, but it's a This is a huge thought, but it's a This is a huge thought, but it's a weapon against that bitter root that weapon against that bitter root that weapon against that bitter root that wants to grow inside of us. The best way wants to grow inside of us. The best way wants to grow inside of us. The best way the best roundup poison to spray on that the best roundup poison to spray on that the best roundup poison to spray on that bitter root is to tell the enemy, "You bitter root is to tell the enemy, "You bitter root is to tell the enemy, "You want me to do evil to them? Do you know want me to do evil to them? Do you know want me to do evil to them? Do you know actually what I'm going to do? I'm going actually what I'm going to do? I'm going actually what I'm going to do? I'm going to do good. to do good. to do good. >> And I don't know your situation today. >> And I don't know your situation today. >> And I don't know your situation today. Hey, I don't know your circumstance, Hey, I don't know your circumstance, Hey, I don't know your circumstance, but I want to give you a question here. but I want to give you a question here. but I want to give you a question here. I actually gave it to you last week was I actually gave it to you last week was I actually gave it to you last week was we talked about purity that we talked about purity that we talked about purity that it would be so improper for me to tell it would be so improper for me to tell it would be so improper for me to tell you what to do in your situation. But you what to do in your situation. But you what to do in your situation. But you know what? God can. Here's the you know what? God can. Here's the you know what? God can. Here's the question. Holy Spirit, what are you question. Holy Spirit, what are you question. Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me in this situation?

saying to me in this situation? saying to me in this situation? Holy Spirit, and that person's that that Holy Spirit, and that person's that that Holy Spirit, and that person's that that offense with that person and that offense with that person and that offense with that person and that circumstance, even maybe towards God circumstance, even maybe towards God circumstance, even maybe towards God today, Holy Spirit, what are you saying today, Holy Spirit, what are you saying today, Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me? What are you calling me to do? to me? What are you calling me to do? to me? What are you calling me to do? Hey, church. and then trust him to take Hey, church. and then trust him to take Hey, church. and then trust him to take you on that journey. Cuz ultimately, you on that journey. Cuz ultimately, you on that journey. Cuz ultimately, number four, we got to rely on God number four, we got to rely on God number four, we got to rely on God to redeem. One of the best verses I to redeem. One of the best verses I to redeem. One of the best verses I think you would agree in the entire think you would agree in the entire think you would agree in the entire Bible, Romans 8:28 says this. And we Bible, Romans 8:28 says this. And we Bible, Romans 8:28 says this. And we know that in some things, in most know that in some things, in most know that in some things, in most things, and likely more times than not, things, and likely more times than not, things, and likely more times than not, no, no, no. In what? no, no, no. In what? no, no, no. In what? >> Come on, with faith today. in >> Come on, with faith today. in >> Come on, with faith today. in >> all things. >> all things. >> all things. >> In all things, God works for the good of >> In all things, God works for the good of >> In all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who've been called those who love him, who've been called those who love him, who've been called according to his purpose, God works in according to his purpose, God works in according to his purpose, God works in all things. God works in all things. all things. God works in all things. all things. God works in all things. Your abandonment, Your abandonment, Your abandonment, >> God's going to work in it. >> God's going to work in it. >> God's going to work in it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Your betrayal, >> Your betrayal, >> Your betrayal, >> right, >> right, >> right, >> speaking to somebody today, >> speaking to somebody today, >> speaking to somebody today, >> God can work in it. >> God can work in it. >> God can work in it. >> Your abuse, that situation, >> Your abuse, that situation, >> Your abuse, that situation, God can work in it.

God can work in it. God can work in it. That infidelity, That infidelity, That infidelity, God can work in it. Those childhood God can work in it. Those childhood God can work in it. Those childhood wounds, wounds, wounds, God's saying, "Give those to me today. I God's saying, "Give those to me today. I God's saying, "Give those to me today. I can work in those." [music] Your church can work in those." [music] Your church can work in those." [music] Your church hurt, hurt, hurt, God can work in it. The lies, whatever God can work in it. The lies, whatever God can work in it. The lies, whatever that situation is. From the smallest to that situation is. From the smallest to that situation is. From the smallest to the biggest, from the small cuts to all the biggest, from the small cuts to all the biggest, from the small cuts to all things, God works for good because our things, God works for good because our things, God works for good because our God is a redeemer. [music] God is a redeemer. [music] God is a redeemer. [music] I want to minister to you for a few I want to minister to you for a few I want to minister to you for a few moments. I feel the weight of this moments. I feel the weight of this moments. I feel the weight of this moment. I've been praying. I told you moment. I've been praying. I told you moment. I've been praying. I told you I've been fasting this week for some I've been fasting this week for some I've been fasting this week for some ministry to happen in this moment. You ministry to happen in this moment. You ministry to happen in this moment. You can actually put your phone away, put can actually put your phone away, put can actually put your phone away, put your app away. We're done with notes. your app away. We're done with notes. your app away. We're done with notes. And I've just been praying for the Holy And I've just been praying for the Holy And I've just been praying for the Holy Spirit to to meet us right where we are Spirit to to meet us right where we are Spirit to to meet us right where we are today. today. today. So, a few years back, I came across this So, a few years back, I came across this So, a few years back, I came across this form of Japanese art called kinugi. form of Japanese art called kinugi. form of Japanese art called kinugi. And kinugi is actually the art of And kinugi is actually the art of And kinugi is actually the art of mending broken pottery. And this is mending broken pottery. And this is mending broken pottery. And this is pottery that's been shattered by trauma.

pottery that's been shattered by trauma. pottery that's been shattered by trauma. So maybe it's an earthquake, it's in So maybe it's an earthquake, it's in So maybe it's an earthquake, it's in Japan or a tsunami, or maybe it's just Japan or a tsunami, or maybe it's just Japan or a tsunami, or maybe it's just because it was dropped or broken. And it because it was dropped or broken. And it because it was dropped or broken. And it would be logical to throw away this would be logical to throw away this would be logical to throw away this pottery. But to the artist, the Kugi pottery. But to the artist, the Kugi pottery. But to the artist, the Kugi artist, the trauma is actually the artist, the trauma is actually the artist, the trauma is actually the opportunity for redemption. The very opportunity for redemption. The very opportunity for redemption. The very thing that happened to it is the thing that happened to it is the thing that happened to it is the opportunity for redemption and even opportunity for redemption and even opportunity for redemption and even transformation. So, what the artist transformation. So, what the artist transformation. So, what the artist doesn't do is the artist doesn't grab doesn't do is the artist doesn't grab doesn't do is the artist doesn't grab glue and try to put this pot back glue and try to put this pot back glue and try to put this pot back together perfectly like it was. In fact, together perfectly like it was. In fact, together perfectly like it was. In fact, the artist doesn't hide the cracks. The the artist doesn't hide the cracks. The the artist doesn't hide the cracks. The artist doesn't pretend like this bowl artist doesn't pretend like this bowl artist doesn't pretend like this bowl that Harrison broke is as good as new. that Harrison broke is as good as new. that Harrison broke is as good as new. Instead, here it is, church. The artist Instead, here it is, church. The artist Instead, here it is, church. The artist mends the cracks with something profound mends the cracks with something profound mends the cracks with something profound and bold, with gold. and bold, with gold. and bold, with gold. and what's created. and what's created. and what's created. It's way more than pottery now. It's a It's way more than pottery now. It's a It's way more than pottery now. It's a oneofa-kind piece of art. More beautiful oneofa-kind piece of art. More beautiful oneofa-kind piece of art. More beautiful and powerful than before, more valuable and powerful than before, more valuable and powerful than before, more valuable than before.

than before. than before. Earlier, we learned that in offense, Earlier, we learned that in offense, Earlier, we learned that in offense, somebody has to pay. [music] somebody has to pay. [music] somebody has to pay. [music] That I can either make that person pay That I can either make that person pay That I can either make that person pay because that debt's incurred, or if I because that debt's incurred, or if I because that debt's incurred, or if I forgive that person, that I'm the one to forgive that person, that I'm the one to forgive that person, that I'm the one to pay that. I'm left with a bill of pay that. I'm left with a bill of pay that. I'm left with a bill of brokenness. I'm the one that is brokenness. I'm the one that is brokenness. I'm the one that is suffering. And again, I know that is suffering. And again, I know that is suffering. And again, I know that is where so many of us are today. You were where so many of us are today. You were where so many of us are today. You were right in the middle of that pain and right in the middle of that pain and right in the middle of that pain and that suffering. That's how you walked in that suffering. That's how you walked in that suffering. That's how you walked in church today. But I got good news today church today. But I got good news today church today. But I got good news today that Jesus, the great artist, did not that Jesus, the great artist, did not that Jesus, the great artist, did not leave us with the bill that on THE CROSS leave us with the bill that on THE CROSS leave us with the bill that on THE CROSS OF CALVARY, he paid the debt of my sin OF CALVARY, he paid the debt of my sin OF CALVARY, he paid the debt of my sin and he paid the debt of my suffering. and he paid the debt of my suffering. and he paid the debt of my suffering. And by his stripes, you were healed. And by his stripes, you were healed. And by his stripes, you were healed. [applause] [applause] [applause] And Jesus, And Jesus, And Jesus, he picks up the pieces of trauma and he picks up the pieces of trauma and he picks up the pieces of trauma and brokenness and offense and he doesn't brokenness and offense and he doesn't brokenness and offense and he doesn't leave them like they were. Doesn't put leave them like they were. Doesn't put leave them like they were. Doesn't put them back exactly like it was. And I them back exactly like it was. And I them back exactly like it was. And I know sometimes that's what we wish he know sometimes that's what we wish he know sometimes that's what we wish he would do.

would do. would do. He doesn't do that. He makes something He doesn't do that. He makes something He doesn't do that. He makes something new with the golden paint of his grace. new with the golden paint of his grace. new with the golden paint of his grace. He puts it back together and it's more He puts it back together and it's more He puts it back together and it's more valuable than it was before. valuable than it was before. valuable than it was before. So, I know today So, I know today So, I know today I know that some of you are hurting. I know that some of you are hurting. I know that some of you are hurting. Look at me, church, through the cameras. Look at me, church, through the cameras. Look at me, church, through the cameras. Look at me. I know you're hurting today. Look at me. I know you're hurting today. Look at me. I know you're hurting today. And I am so sorry And I am so sorry And I am so sorry for what has happened to you. It breaks my heart that you have walked It breaks my heart that you have walked through that situation through that situation through that situation more than me. It breaks the heart of more than me. It breaks the heart of more than me. It breaks the heart of God. I need to say something strong God. I need to say something strong God. I need to say something strong right now. What happened to you cannot right now. What happened to you cannot right now. What happened to you cannot be undone. be undone. be undone. It can't. It can't. It can't. But it can be redeemed. But it can be redeemed. But it can be redeemed. Through the miracle of his forgiveness, Through the miracle of his forgiveness, Through the miracle of his forgiveness, through his grace and his mercy, you can through his grace and his mercy, you can through his grace and his mercy, you can forgive. [music] forgive. [music] forgive. [music] You can heal be healed. And God can make You can heal be healed. And God can make You can heal be healed. And God can make something [music] something [music] something [music] new in your pain. Can we thank God for new in your pain. Can we thank God for new in your pain. Can we thank God for his grace today? it's available.

his grace today? it's available. his grace today? it's available. [applause] So, I want to pray for us today. In So, I want to pray for us today. In fact, after the service, there's going fact, after the service, there's going fact, after the service, there's going to be even a prayer team. Today's one of to be even a prayer team. Today's one of to be even a prayer team. Today's one of those days that you may need to just those days that you may need to just those days that you may need to just come forward and agree with somebody. come forward and agree with somebody. come forward and agree with somebody. But I want to actually want to pray for But I want to actually want to pray for But I want to actually want to pray for us now. Let the Holy Spirit minister to us now. Let the Holy Spirit minister to us now. Let the Holy Spirit minister to us. Every head bowed, every eye closed. us. Every head bowed, every eye closed. us. Every head bowed, every eye closed. Just allow God to work in this moment. Just allow God to work in this moment. Just allow God to work in this moment. And the question I gave you earlier is And the question I gave you earlier is And the question I gave you earlier is actually where I want to start because actually where I want to start because actually where I want to start because we're all in a different place right now we're all in a different place right now we're all in a different place right now with this topic. We've all walked with this topic. We've all walked with this topic. We've all walked through different things. So, here's the through different things. So, here's the through different things. So, here's the question that I'm actually boldly asking question that I'm actually boldly asking question that I'm actually boldly asking you in faith today to ask God, Holy you in faith today to ask God, Holy you in faith today to ask God, Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me? Spirit, what are you saying to me? Spirit, what are you saying to me? Let's take these next five or 10 seconds Let's take these next five or 10 seconds Let's take these next five or 10 seconds and just let God speak to you and you're and just let God speak to you and you're and just let God speak to you and you're like, I don't what is that? The peace of like, I don't what is that? The peace of like, I don't what is that? The peace of God comes with his voice. God comes with his voice. God comes with his voice. Maybe for you today, what you're hearing Maybe for you today, what you're hearing Maybe for you today, what you're hearing in this moment is I here's all I got. in this moment is I here's all I got. in this moment is I here's all I got. The faith I have today, it's a mustard The faith I have today, it's a mustard The faith I have today, it's a mustard seed. Want you to know that's enough. seed. Want you to know that's enough. seed. Want you to know that's enough. Just decide today, I'm just going to be Just decide today, I'm just going to be Just decide today, I'm just going to be a person that forgives. and your journey a person that forgives. and your journey a person that forgives. and your journey will begin right there. Maybe that's will begin right there. Maybe that's will begin right there. Maybe that's what God is calling you to do in this what God is calling you to do in this what God is calling you to do in this moment. For others of you, we're going moment. For others of you, we're going moment. For others of you, we're going to pray this in just a moment. Maybe to pray this in just a moment. Maybe to pray this in just a moment. Maybe today's a day and this would be today's a day and this would be today's a day and this would be available for any of us just to begin to available for any of us just to begin to available for any of us just to begin to release some of that hurt to God or to release some of that hurt to God or to release some of that hurt to God or to do it again.

do it again. do it again. And even today, maybe boldly God is And even today, maybe boldly God is And even today, maybe boldly God is saying, "It's time to ask me to redeem saying, "It's time to ask me to redeem saying, "It's time to ask me to redeem this, to let me do in this situation this, to let me do in this situation this, to let me do in this situation what I'm trying to do to to bring my what I'm trying to do to to bring my what I'm trying to do to to bring my healing and my redemption." God, right healing and my redemption." God, right healing and my redemption." God, right now, I pray for your church. I pray for now, I pray for your church. I pray for now, I pray for your church. I pray for your people. God, we thank you for the your people. God, we thank you for the your people. God, we thank you for the miracle [music] miracle [music] miracle [music] of forgiveness that you have forgiven of forgiveness that you have forgiven of forgiveness that you have forgiven us. God, thank you. We remind ourselves us. God, thank you. We remind ourselves us. God, thank you. We remind ourselves today that that's you went first. That's today that that's you went first. That's today that that's you went first. That's the basis of all of this is that you the basis of all of this is that you the basis of all of this is that you have forgiven us. We thank you for that have forgiven us. We thank you for that have forgiven us. We thank you for that today. today. today. And Holy Spirit, I'm praying for And Holy Spirit, I'm praying for And Holy Spirit, I'm praying for everyone in the sound of my voice. For everyone in the sound of my voice. For everyone in the sound of my voice. For some, it's I'll be a person that some, it's I'll be a person that some, it's I'll be a person that forgives. For others, right now, if this forgives. For others, right now, if this forgives. For others, right now, if this is you, begin to do this. We're just is you, begin to do this. We're just is you, begin to do this. We're just releasing that hurt to you, that that releasing that hurt to you, that that releasing that hurt to you, that that betrayal, that pain, that that abuse. betrayal, that pain, that that abuse. betrayal, that pain, that that abuse. We're putting it into your hands today. We're putting it into your hands today. We're putting it into your hands today. Holy Spirit, do what only you can in Holy Spirit, do what only you can in Holy Spirit, do what only you can in that situation. And God, I'm praying that situation. And God, I'm praying that situation. And God, I'm praying right now that we begin to invite you to right now that we begin to invite you to right now that we begin to invite you to redeem it all. We don't understand that, redeem it all. We don't understand that, redeem it all. We don't understand that, God. That's so far beyond us, but we God. That's so far beyond us, but we God. That's so far beyond us, but we trust you today that you actually want trust you today that you actually want trust you today that you actually want to bring good in this situation. Oh, to bring good in this situation. Oh, to bring good in this situation. Oh, God, work as only [music] you can.

God, work as only [music] you can. God, work as only [music] you can. For some of you in this room, you didn't For some of you in this room, you didn't For some of you in this room, you didn't feel like you had the faith to pray that feel like you had the faith to pray that feel like you had the faith to pray that because you actually don't have a because you actually don't have a because you actually don't have a personal relationship with Jesus yet. personal relationship with Jesus yet. personal relationship with Jesus yet. This is the perfect moment for that. for This is the perfect moment for that. for This is the perfect moment for that. for you to receive that forgiveness that you to receive that forgiveness that you to receive that forgiveness that becomes the basis, the well for all of becomes the basis, the well for all of becomes the basis, the well for all of the other forgiveness to come out of the other forgiveness to come out of the other forgiveness to come out of you. Not going to embarrass you, call you. Not going to embarrass you, call you. Not going to embarrass you, call you at the front. Every location we're you at the front. Every location we're you at the front. Every location we're together, every head is bowed. If that together, every head is bowed. If that together, every head is bowed. If that is you today, you can begin that is you today, you can begin that is you today, you can begin that relationship through a simple prayer. relationship through a simple prayer. relationship through a simple prayer. [music] Just pray this. I'll help you [music] Just pray this. I'll help you [music] Just pray this. I'll help you with the words. Pray this in faith with the words. Pray this in faith with the words. Pray this in faith 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. Today, I receive your forgiveness. life. Today, I receive your forgiveness. life. Today, I receive your forgiveness. I declare you Lord and Savior and ask I declare you Lord and Savior and ask I declare you Lord and Savior and ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so I can live for you. God, thank you for I can live for you. God, thank you for I can live for you. God, thank you for those who just gave their heart to you. those who just gave their heart to you. those who just gave their heart to you. God, thank you for the moment that we God, thank you for the moment that we God, thank you for the moment that we have in your presence today as a church have in your presence today as a church have in your presence today as a church family to receive your forgiveness. And family to receive your forgiveness. And family to receive your forgiveness. And God, we're just so filled right now with God, we're just so filled right now with God, we're just so filled right now with gratitude. You're an amazing God. You gratitude. You're an amazing God. You gratitude. You're an amazing God. You are a good God. And we thank you for are a good God. And we thank you for are a good God. And we thank you for what you've done in our lives today and what you've done in our lives today and what you've done in our lives today and for what you've done in others today in for what you've done in others today in for what you've done in others today in Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen."

Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." and put your hands together. Let's thank and put your hands together. Let's thank and put your hands together. Let's thank God for what he's just done.