Uncommon Acceptance

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley and I'm Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek Church. You should know that Clear Creek Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located is made up of multiple campuses located is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined while we're so glad that you've joined while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch this sermon today, I us here to watch this sermon today, I us here to watch this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to want to invite you to make plans to want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person at the campus check us out in person at the campus check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what worshiping and nearest you to see what worshiping and nearest you to see what worshiping and living in community as a people of hope living in community as a people of hope living in community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit is really all about. And you can visit is really all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find us at clearcreteak.org or to find us at clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, service information about our locations, service information about our locations, service times, and much more. We hope to see you times, and much more. We hope to see you times, and much more. We hope to see you soon. soon. soon. You know, if you think about it, the You know, if you think about it, the You know, if you think about it, the differences uh that people have between differences uh that people have between differences uh that people have between each other can uh be kind of a difficult each other can uh be kind of a difficult each other can uh be kind of a difficult thing. Let me give you an example. Just thing. Let me give you an example. Just thing. Let me give you an example. Just take take marriage. Imagine that one take take marriage. Imagine that one take take marriage. Imagine that one spouse is an introvert, the other spouse spouse is an introvert, the other spouse spouse is an introvert, the other spouse is an extrovert, and someone invites is an extrovert, and someone invites is an extrovert, and someone invites them to a party. them to a party. them to a party. Now, one person, the extrovert's like, Now, one person, the extrovert's like, Now, one person, the extrovert's like, "I can't wait. Here's what I'm going to "I can't wait. Here's what I'm going to "I can't wait. Here's what I'm going to wear. here's the food we can bring. And wear. here's the food we can bring. And wear. here's the food we can bring. And the introverts going like, "What excuse the introverts going like, "What excuse the introverts going like, "What excuse can I think of to get out of this deal?" can I think of to get out of this deal?" can I think of to get out of this deal?" Right? That's just one example.

Right? That's just one example. Right? That's just one example. Differences can bring difficulties. Um Differences can bring difficulties. Um Differences can bring difficulties. Um what if a spouse is How many of you are what if a spouse is How many of you are what if a spouse is How many of you are early risers? You're the early bird. All early risers? You're the early bird. All early risers? You're the early bird. All right. How many of you are night owls? right. How many of you are night owls? right. How many of you are night owls? Okay. So, if an early bird is married to Okay. So, if an early bird is married to Okay. So, if an early bird is married to a night owl, that causes difficulties. a night owl, that causes difficulties. a night owl, that causes difficulties. Uh because uh what's going to happen is Uh because uh what's going to happen is Uh because uh what's going to happen is because I'm I'm a night owl. My my wife because I'm I'm a night owl. My my wife because I'm I'm a night owl. My my wife Jennifer is an early bird. And it's Jennifer is an early bird. And it's Jennifer is an early bird. And it's like, you know, 7:00. I'm like, "Hey like, you know, 7:00. I'm like, "Hey like, you know, 7:00. I'm like, "Hey babe, you want to go watch a movie?" babe, you want to go watch a movie?" babe, you want to go watch a movie?" She's like, "No, I'm already in my She's like, "No, I'm already in my She's like, "No, I'm already in my pajamas. pajamas. pajamas. Like, I'm ready. I'm I'm I'm kind of Like, I'm ready. I'm I'm I'm kind of Like, I'm ready. I'm I'm I'm kind of just settling down for the evening." I'm just settling down for the evening." I'm just settling down for the evening." I'm like, "The evening, it's the sun's like, "The evening, it's the sun's like, "The evening, it's the sun's barely gone." This is the difference. barely gone." This is the difference. barely gone." This is the difference. This is the tough thing. I'll give you This is the tough thing. I'll give you This is the tough thing. I'll give you another example. Um, some of you uh are another example. Um, some of you uh are another example. Um, some of you uh are the spouse that likes it like 65 degrees the spouse that likes it like 65 degrees the spouse that likes it like 65 degrees in the house. Others of you like, "Man, in the house. Others of you like, "Man, in the house. Others of you like, "Man, I can hang with about 778." I can hang with about 778." I can hang with about 778." You know, it's subtropical. And let me just tell you this, if that's And let me just tell you this, if that's true, true, true, there's no hope for your marriage. I'm there's no hope for your marriage. I'm there's no hope for your marriage. I'm just telling you right now, there's just just telling you right now, there's just just telling you right now, there's just there's no hope. You're you're it's you there's no hope. You're you're it's you there's no hope. You're you're it's you married the wrong person. Um, married the wrong person. Um, married the wrong person. Um, and I kind of joke about it. And there and I kind of joke about it. And there and I kind of joke about it. And there are kind of differences that husbands are kind of differences that husbands are kind of differences that husbands and wives can have between each other and wives can have between each other and wives can have between each other that create a lot of difficulties, but that create a lot of difficulties, but that create a lot of difficulties, but that doesn't just stay for marriage. You that doesn't just stay for marriage. You that doesn't just stay for marriage. You can be single uh and just have friends can be single uh and just have friends can be single uh and just have friends and the differences between you and your and the differences between you and your and the differences between you and your friends or your neighbors or your friends or your neighbors or your friends or your neighbors or your workers. I mean, maybe you got the workers. I mean, maybe you got the workers. I mean, maybe you got the neighbor that mows his yard once a neighbor that mows his yard once a neighbor that mows his yard once a month. It just drives you nuts. Like, month. It just drives you nuts. Like, month. It just drives you nuts. Like, that's not how we do it in this that's not how we do it in this that's not how we do it in this neighborhood, right? Or you have the neighborhood, right? Or you have the neighborhood, right? Or you have the co-orker who is super politically co-orker who is super politically co-orker who is super politically motivated, but they're the different motivated, but they're the different motivated, but they're the different color than you are. And not only are

color than you are. And not only are color than you are. And not only are they a different color in the sense like they a different color in the sense like they a different color in the sense like they they vote a different party, they they vote a different party, they they vote a different party, they're just so vocal about it. Just they're just so vocal about it. Just they're just so vocal about it. Just drives you nuts. Um, maybe maybe you drives you nuts. Um, maybe maybe you drives you nuts. Um, maybe maybe you have a bunch of friends or y'all are have a bunch of friends or y'all are have a bunch of friends or y'all are kind of like the soccer moms and dads or kind of like the soccer moms and dads or kind of like the soccer moms and dads or the baseball moms and dads. And then the baseball moms and dads. And then the baseball moms and dads. And then when you go to like the the the when you go to like the the the when you go to like the the the aftergame parties and pizza place, you aftergame parties and pizza place, you aftergame parties and pizza place, you just realize that they have their little just realize that they have their little just realize that they have their little kids running around and they have just a kids running around and they have just a kids running around and they have just a different philosophy than you do of different philosophy than you do of different philosophy than you do of parenting. Like they're they're they're parenting. Like they're they're they're parenting. Like they're they're they're like freerange parents. Their kids are like freerange parents. Their kids are like freerange parents. Their kids are like lighting matches and stuff and like lighting matches and stuff and like lighting matches and stuff and you're like, "Hey, we just we obey these you're like, "Hey, we just we obey these you're like, "Hey, we just we obey these things called rules in our house." And things called rules in our house." And things called rules in our house." And it's just it can it can get to a place it's just it can it can get to a place it's just it can it can get to a place where you get into your head where you where you get into your head where you where you get into your head where you have this kind of a scorecard of all the have this kind of a scorecard of all the have this kind of a scorecard of all the things that you do the way you do them. things that you do the way you do them. things that you do the way you do them. And they're not just differences. It's And they're not just differences. It's And they're not just differences. It's almost like they're virtues for us. And almost like they're virtues for us. And almost like they're virtues for us. And I'm speaking for me, too. It's like I'm speaking for me, too. It's like I'm speaking for me, too. It's like these are the things that you value or these are the things that you value or these are the things that you value or the things that you come from or I I'll the things that you come from or I I'll the things that you come from or I I'll give you an example. So, we live in a give you an example. So, we live in a give you an example. So, we live in a world today that's completely polarized. world today that's completely polarized. world today that's completely polarized. Uh and and not in in no small part Uh and and not in in no small part Uh and and not in in no small part because of the social media kind of because of the social media kind of because of the social media kind of algorithm. So, there's an algorithm that algorithm. So, there's an algorithm that algorithm. So, there's an algorithm that it's based on antagonism.

it's based on antagonism. it's based on antagonism. And the more conflict that there is, the And the more conflict that there is, the And the more conflict that there is, the more clicks they get, the more money more clicks they get, the more money more clicks they get, the more money they make. So they're the they are um they make. So they're the they are um they make. So they're the they are um incentivized to make you kind of want to incentivized to make you kind of want to incentivized to make you kind of want to war with each other. And so one of the war with each other. And so one of the war with each other. And so one of the ways that that social media does this ways that that social media does this ways that that social media does this and this is baked into the system. You and this is baked into the system. You and this is baked into the system. You can go research it yourself is what can go research it yourself is what can go research it yourself is what they'll do is they'll try to find what they'll do is they'll try to find what they'll do is they'll try to find what your scorecard is. By a scorecard the your scorecard is. By a scorecard the your scorecard is. By a scorecard the things that you value about yourself. things that you value about yourself. things that you value about yourself. What's kind of your identity? Uh, it What's kind of your identity? Uh, it What's kind of your identity? Uh, it could be race, religion, politics, could be race, religion, politics, could be race, religion, politics, money, education, and what whatever money, education, and what whatever money, education, and what whatever you've ever said any like you don't even you've ever said any like you don't even you've ever said any like you don't even have to tweet it. As long as your iPhone have to tweet it. As long as your iPhone have to tweet it. As long as your iPhone has heard it, it's already in the has heard it, it's already in the has heard it, it's already in the system. You guys know how this works. system. You guys know how this works. system. You guys know how this works. And what it'll do is it'll it'll create And what it'll do is it'll it'll create And what it'll do is it'll it'll create an ecosystem for you to live in. That's an ecosystem for you to live in. That's an ecosystem for you to live in. That's completely unreal because it puts you in completely unreal because it puts you in completely unreal because it puts you in the culde-sac of sameness. Everyone has the culde-sac of sameness. Everyone has the culde-sac of sameness. Everyone has the same scorecard you do. And you're the same scorecard you do. And you're the same scorecard you do. And you're like, "Oh my gosh, everyone's just like like, "Oh my gosh, everyone's just like like, "Oh my gosh, everyone's just like me. They vote like me. They think like me. They vote like me. They think like me. They vote like me. They think like me. They do everything like me. This is me. They do everything like me. This is me. They do everything like me. This is what the world's like." And then what'll what the world's like." And then what'll what the world's like." And then what'll happen because they need money is happen because they need money is happen because they need money is they'll put people on your feed that are they'll put people on your feed that are they'll put people on your feed that are different than you. Just trickle them by different than you. Just trickle them by different than you. Just trickle them by at first. And what happens is you'll be at first. And what happens is you'll be at first. And what happens is you'll be like, "Those are the those people aren't like, "Those are the those people aren't like, "Those are the those people aren't just weird because they don't look like just weird because they don't look like just weird because they don't look like me, think like me, vote like me, dress me, think like me, vote like me, dress me, think like me, vote like me, dress like me, have the same bank account that like me, have the same bank account that like me, have the same bank account that I do, come from the same neighborhoods I do, come from the same neighborhoods I do, come from the same neighborhoods that I do, whatever it is, those people that I do, whatever it is, those people that I do, whatever it is, those people aren't just weird. They're wrong."

aren't just weird. They're wrong." aren't just weird. They're wrong." Probably both. Probably both. Probably both. And all of a sudden now you you have And all of a sudden now you you have And all of a sudden now you you have this idea I say you. Our culture has this idea I say you. Our culture has this idea I say you. Our culture has this idea that here are the good people this idea that here are the good people this idea that here are the good people and here are the bad people. Not just and here are the bad people. Not just and here are the bad people. Not just different people, good people, bad different people, good people, bad different people, good people, bad people. These are the angels, these are people. These are the angels, these are people. These are the angels, these are the demons. This is the victorious the demons. This is the victorious the demons. This is the victorious group. This is the demonic plague and group. This is the demonic plague and group. This is the demonic plague and all that kind of stuff. And everyone's all that kind of stuff. And everyone's all that kind of stuff. And everyone's out their throats. And maybe you've out their throats. And maybe you've out their throats. And maybe you've experienced that kind of community experienced that kind of community experienced that kind of community online, but it's actually seeped itself online, but it's actually seeped itself online, but it's actually seeped itself into just culture where it's really into just culture where it's really into just culture where it's really easy. And I'm I'll be the first one to easy. And I'm I'll be the first one to easy. And I'm I'll be the first one to say there is a sense where uh you do say there is a sense where uh you do say there is a sense where uh you do want to start off with people that are want to start off with people that are want to start off with people that are like you. I mean, birds of a feather like you. I mean, birds of a feather like you. I mean, birds of a feather flock together. You've ever heard that? flock together. You've ever heard that? flock together. You've ever heard that? Yeah. But what happens is we can easily Yeah. But what happens is we can easily Yeah. But what happens is we can easily just get into what did I call it? A just get into what did I call it? A just get into what did I call it? A culde-sac of sameness where it's it's culde-sac of sameness where it's it's culde-sac of sameness where it's it's everyone's doing the same thing and everyone's doing the same thing and everyone's doing the same thing and everyone dresses like, looks like, everyone dresses like, looks like, everyone dresses like, looks like, thinks like. And this the level of kind thinks like. And this the level of kind thinks like. And this the level of kind of conversation, the level of kind of uh of conversation, the level of kind of uh of conversation, the level of kind of uh depth and sincerity seems to not go very depth and sincerity seems to not go very depth and sincerity seems to not go very far because you can only talk about the far because you can only talk about the far because you can only talk about the same stuff for so long. And then what same stuff for so long. And then what same stuff for so long. And then what happens is this. There'll be some happens is this. There'll be some happens is this. There'll be some people, excuse me, there'll be some people, excuse me, there'll be some people, excuse me, there'll be some people they can't even get into that people they can't even get into that people they can't even get into that community because they're just community because they're just community because they're just different. Uh they either don't again, different. Uh they either don't again, different. Uh they either don't again, whatever the metrics are on your whatever the metrics are on your whatever the metrics are on your scorecard, if it's money, they don't scorecard, if it's money, they don't scorecard, if it's money, they don't have enough money or they have too much.

have enough money or they have too much. have enough money or they have too much. If it's education, they either went to If it's education, they either went to If it's education, they either went to college or they didn't. Uh if it if it's college or they didn't. Uh if it if it's college or they didn't. Uh if it if it's kind of like what subdivision that you kind of like what subdivision that you kind of like what subdivision that you live in, they're either in the wrong live in, they're either in the wrong live in, they're either in the wrong subdivision or not even the right city. subdivision or not even the right city. subdivision or not even the right city. And all of a sudden now uh what bubbles And all of a sudden now uh what bubbles And all of a sudden now uh what bubbles up into us is this kind of uh group of up into us is this kind of uh group of up into us is this kind of uh group of people where community kind of feels not people where community kind of feels not people where community kind of feels not only shallow and somewhat superficial, only shallow and somewhat superficial, only shallow and somewhat superficial, it's also kind of stagnated because it's it's also kind of stagnated because it's it's also kind of stagnated because it's the same people. No one can get into it. the same people. No one can get into it. the same people. No one can get into it. Not would you want to get into it even Not would you want to get into it even Not would you want to get into it even if you it's just a mess. And I would if you it's just a mess. And I would if you it's just a mess. And I would argue for a lot of people, not argue for a lot of people, not argue for a lot of people, not everybody, but for a lot of people everybody, but for a lot of people everybody, but for a lot of people that's the kind of community they see. that's the kind of community they see. that's the kind of community they see. That's the common community. And so here That's the common community. And so here That's the common community. And so here we are in a series talking about all we are in a series talking about all we are in a series talking about all right, what does the Bible teach us right, what does the Bible teach us right, what does the Bible teach us about uncommon community? uh a a about uncommon community? uh a a about uncommon community? uh a a community that has some depth hopefully community that has some depth hopefully community that has some depth hopefully and sincerity. Uh it's it's got this and sincerity. Uh it's it's got this and sincerity. Uh it's it's got this kind of I don't know um sincere kind of I don't know um sincere kind of I don't know um sincere substance to it that revolves around who substance to it that revolves around who substance to it that revolves around who God is and how he's wired us and created God is and how he's wired us and created God is and how he's wired us and created us and redeemed us in Jesus. And last us and redeemed us in Jesus. And last us and redeemed us in Jesus. And last week we saw that a key element to week we saw that a key element to week we saw that a key element to uncommon community is uncommon honesty uncommon community is uncommon honesty uncommon community is uncommon honesty of confession of confession of confession where God was having to just kind of where God was having to just kind of where God was having to just kind of continue to work in our souls about how continue to work in our souls about how continue to work in our souls about how we can be honest with each other.

we can be honest with each other. we can be honest with each other. There's a second element. It's only a There's a second element. It's only a There's a second element. It's only a three-week series. I'm going to give you three-week series. I'm going to give you three-week series. I'm going to give you the second of the three elements that the second of the three elements that the second of the three elements that that I think the Bible teaches as being that I think the Bible teaches as being that I think the Bible teaches as being critical for what makes Christian critical for what makes Christian critical for what makes Christian community unique. Now, if you're new community unique. Now, if you're new community unique. Now, if you're new here, it's like, listen, man, Yansancy, here, it's like, listen, man, Yansancy, here, it's like, listen, man, Yansancy, what do you want me to get out of this? what do you want me to get out of this? what do you want me to get out of this? I I would hope that if you're like an an I I would hope that if you're like an an I I would hope that if you're like an an unbeliever, you're kind of thinking unbeliever, you're kind of thinking unbeliever, you're kind of thinking about what this Christian stuff is for about what this Christian stuff is for about what this Christian stuff is for you, that what you hear is at least what you, that what you hear is at least what you, that what you hear is at least what is aspirational for the Christians in is aspirational for the Christians in is aspirational for the Christians in this room. Like, we're not perfect at this room. Like, we're not perfect at this room. Like, we're not perfect at this. this. this. We got a long way to go, but this is We got a long way to go, but this is We got a long way to go, but this is where this is the goal of what we're where this is the goal of what we're where this is the goal of what we're trying to reach is to try to display the trying to reach is to try to display the trying to reach is to try to display the kind of element that I'm about to talk kind of element that I'm about to talk kind of element that I'm about to talk to you about, but I want to show it to to you about, but I want to show it to to you about, but I want to show it to you first, at least set up the scenario you first, at least set up the scenario you first, at least set up the scenario by taking you to a book of the Bible by taking you to a book of the Bible by taking you to a book of the Bible called Ephesians. So, if you have a called Ephesians. So, if you have a called Ephesians. So, if you have a Bible or put it on your phone, whatever. Bible or put it on your phone, whatever. Bible or put it on your phone, whatever. Ephesians chapter 2. We're going to look Ephesians chapter 2. We're going to look Ephesians chapter 2. We're going to look at verses 11 through 22. at verses 11 through 22. at verses 11 through 22. The good news for Clear Creek is we're The good news for Clear Creek is we're The good news for Clear Creek is we're not the first church trying to figure not the first church trying to figure not the first church trying to figure out um how how to live in a community out um how how to live in a community out um how how to live in a community that has a bunch of different people in that has a bunch of different people in that has a bunch of different people in it. uh we're not going to be the first it. uh we're not going to be the first it. uh we're not going to be the first community. We sure not. We're not going community. We sure not. We're not going community. We sure not. We're not going to be the last one. Uh the Apostle Paul to be the last one. Uh the Apostle Paul to be the last one. Uh the Apostle Paul writes to uh the church in Ephesus that writes to uh the church in Ephesus that writes to uh the church in Ephesus that was composed of a bunch of different was composed of a bunch of different was composed of a bunch of different people. And what he does in this text is people. And what he does in this text is people. And what he does in this text is he singles out one of the one of the he singles out one of the one of the he singles out one of the one of the people's scorecards. And maybe this is people's scorecards. And maybe this is people's scorecards. And maybe this is the chief uh identity marker for them.

the chief uh identity marker for them. the chief uh identity marker for them. He's going to highlight the differences He's going to highlight the differences He's going to highlight the differences between Jews and Gentiles. If you're between Jews and Gentiles. If you're between Jews and Gentiles. If you're like, "What's a Gentile?" You are one. like, "What's a Gentile?" You are one. like, "What's a Gentile?" You are one. Um a Gentile is anyone who's not a Jew. Um a Gentile is anyone who's not a Jew. Um a Gentile is anyone who's not a Jew. uh is known in in the Greek in which the uh is known in in the Greek in which the uh is known in in the Greek in which the New Testament was written, the word New Testament was written, the word New Testament was written, the word would be something like genoti, would be something like genoti, would be something like genoti, ginatoya, the nations, basically anyone ginatoya, the nations, basically anyone ginatoya, the nations, basically anyone outside of Israel. And so the what you outside of Israel. And so the what you outside of Israel. And so the what you had is uh just Jesus reckon shop in the had is uh just Jesus reckon shop in the had is uh just Jesus reckon shop in the ancient world where people were coming ancient world where people were coming ancient world where people were coming to him left and right and they were all to him left and right and they were all to him left and right and they were all over the place. I mean they were from over the place. I mean they were from over the place. I mean they were from different nationalities. They weren't different nationalities. They weren't different nationalities. They weren't just from Israel. They were coming from just from Israel. They were coming from just from Israel. They were coming from outside of Israel and they all stayed at outside of Israel and they all stayed at outside of Israel and they all stayed at if you will in this scenario at at uh if you will in this scenario at at uh if you will in this scenario at at uh Ephesus Community Church. Ephesus Community Church. Ephesus Community Church. So Paul's thinking about when they're So Paul's thinking about when they're So Paul's thinking about when they're gathering here and they're from all gathering here and they're from all gathering here and they're from all different kinds of places, slave and different kinds of places, slave and different kinds of places, slave and free and uh Phoenician, uh, Ephesian, free and uh Phoenician, uh, Ephesian, free and uh Phoenician, uh, Ephesian, Roman, but he he picks one of those Roman, but he he picks one of those Roman, but he he picks one of those stratums or stratuses, I should say, stratums or stratuses, I should say, stratums or stratuses, I should say, stratums. He takes that strata of stratums. He takes that strata of stratums. He takes that strata of Gentile and Jew because these people did Gentile and Jew because these people did Gentile and Jew because these people did not like each other at all. And now they not like each other at all. And now they not like each other at all. And now they found themselves in the same church. And found themselves in the same church. And found themselves in the same church. And Paul obviously senses the tension at Paul obviously senses the tension at Paul obviously senses the tension at least for the Gentiles. And here's what least for the Gentiles. And here's what least for the Gentiles. And here's what he says to him. Watch this. In verses 11 he says to him. Watch this. In verses 11 he says to him. Watch this. In verses 11 and 12, we'll read the first two parts and 12, we'll read the first two parts and 12, we'll read the first two parts of this verse.

of this verse. of this verse. Here's what verse 11 says. Here's what verse 11 says. Here's what verse 11 says. Therefore, remember that at one time you Therefore, remember that at one time you Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, and again, he's Gentiles in the flesh, and again, he's Gentiles in the flesh, and again, he's he's addressing the Gentile Christians he's addressing the Gentile Christians he's addressing the Gentile Christians in the room. You guys called the in the room. You guys called the in the room. You guys called the uncircumcision by what is called the uncircumcision by what is called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision, which is made in flesh by circumcision, which is made in flesh by circumcision, which is made in flesh by the hands. Verse 12, remember that you the hands. Verse 12, remember that you the hands. Verse 12, remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, were at that time separated from Christ, were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of alienated from the commonwealth of alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants Israel, and strangers to the covenants Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without of promise, having no hope, and without of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Now, here's how he God in the world. Now, here's how he God in the world. Now, here's how he starts it off. He sets up the tension. starts it off. He sets up the tension. starts it off. He sets up the tension. He's like, "All right, Gentiles in the He's like, "All right, Gentiles in the He's like, "All right, Gentiles in the worship service. You guys uh know that worship service. You guys uh know that worship service. You guys uh know that you grew up outside of Israel." So, this you grew up outside of Israel." So, this you grew up outside of Israel." So, this is like if we're talking about the Bible is like if we're talking about the Bible is like if we're talking about the Bible here, this is the early part of the here, this is the early part of the here, this is the early part of the Bible, what's known as the Old Bible, what's known as the Old Bible, what's known as the Old Testament, the Old Covenant, the books Testament, the Old Covenant, the books Testament, the Old Covenant, the books about God's original covenant people, about God's original covenant people, about God's original covenant people, ancient Israel. If you get later on to ancient Israel. If you get later on to ancient Israel. If you get later on to the New Testament, what we're looking at the New Testament, what we're looking at the New Testament, what we're looking at right now is out of the New Testament, right now is out of the New Testament, right now is out of the New Testament, these are the books of the Bible about these are the books of the Bible about these are the books of the Bible about Jesus and his new community called the Jesus and his new community called the Jesus and his new community called the church. church. church. He said, "All right, you you Gentiles, He said, "All right, you you Gentiles, He said, "All right, you you Gentiles, you didn't go to Jewish uh Sunday school you didn't go to Jewish uh Sunday school you didn't go to Jewish uh Sunday school or I guess they would be Saturday or I guess they would be Saturday or I guess they would be Saturday school, Sabbath school. You didn't go school, Sabbath school. You didn't go school, Sabbath school. You didn't go there." And so you you weren't raised up there." And so you you weren't raised up there." And so you you weren't raised up to know like Abraham, Isaac, and uh you to know like Abraham, Isaac, and uh you to know like Abraham, Isaac, and uh you know, Jacob, the the patriarchs. Uh you know, Jacob, the the patriarchs. Uh you know, Jacob, the the patriarchs. Uh you you never heard about God made this you never heard about God made this you never heard about God made this promise to Israel, he'd be their God.

promise to Israel, he'd be their God. promise to Israel, he'd be their God. There'd be their people. They were going There'd be their people. They were going There'd be their people. They were going to call him Yahweh. That was his to call him Yahweh. That was his to call him Yahweh. That was his covenant name. Like all this stuff, like covenant name. Like all this stuff, like covenant name. Like all this stuff, like you guys don't know any about that you guys don't know any about that you guys don't know any about that stuff. In fact, uh the Jews call you the stuff. In fact, uh the Jews call you the stuff. In fact, uh the Jews call you the uncircumcised. And you think, dude, uncircumcised. And you think, dude, uncircumcised. And you think, dude, that's kind of a goofy way to talk about that's kind of a goofy way to talk about that's kind of a goofy way to talk about people. But that's just in our culture. people. But that's just in our culture. people. But that's just in our culture. See, the the sign of the old covenant See, the the sign of the old covenant See, the the sign of the old covenant that God had with Israel was that God had with Israel was that God had with Israel was circumcision because uh the promise was circumcision because uh the promise was circumcision because uh the promise was that through Abraham's line would come that through Abraham's line would come that through Abraham's line would come the redemption of the world. I mean, the redemption of the world. I mean, the redemption of the world. I mean, literally, as they produce kids, there's literally, as they produce kids, there's literally, as they produce kids, there's going to come someone down the road. His going to come someone down the road. His going to come someone down the road. His name is Jesus. That would change name is Jesus. That would change name is Jesus. That would change everything. And so, circumcision had everything. And so, circumcision had everything. And so, circumcision had this deep spiritual meaning. And it this deep spiritual meaning. And it this deep spiritual meaning. And it came, at least in this text, it's kind came, at least in this text, it's kind came, at least in this text, it's kind of like a summary of like, well, the of like a summary of like, well, the of like a summary of like, well, the circumcised, they they they were in the circumcised, they they they were in the circumcised, they they they were in the no. You guys, notice what it says here. no. You guys, notice what it says here. no. You guys, notice what it says here. You're called the uncircumcision. Here's You're called the uncircumcision. Here's You're called the uncircumcision. Here's all we would say uh today. We'd say all we would say uh today. We'd say all we would say uh today. We'd say like, hey, you're gentile Christians up like, hey, you're gentile Christians up like, hey, you're gentile Christians up to this point before you came to know to this point before you came to know to this point before you came to know Jesus, you were the we wouldn't say Jesus, you were the we wouldn't say Jesus, you were the we wouldn't say probably the uncircumcised. It's not probably the uncircumcised. It's not probably the uncircumcised. It's not language we would use. We'd just say language we would use. We'd just say language we would use. We'd just say you're the outsiders. you're the outsiders. you're the outsiders. You are the you're the unaccepted. You are the you're the unaccepted. You are the you're the unaccepted. You guys are on the outside looking in.

You guys are on the outside looking in. You guys are on the outside looking in. And this is this is how they live their And this is this is how they live their And this is this is how they live their life. So now fast forward to out of the life. So now fast forward to out of the life. So now fast forward to out of the Old Testament. Now I don't know why I'm Old Testament. Now I don't know why I'm Old Testament. Now I don't know why I'm using the stage here, but we're going to using the stage here, but we're going to using the stage here, but we're going to too. So now we're in the New Testament, too. So now we're in the New Testament, too. So now we're in the New Testament, right? We're in the day in life of right? We're in the day in life of right? We're in the day in life of Jesus. And now Jesus has come and he's Jesus. And now Jesus has come and he's Jesus. And now Jesus has come and he's died and he's risen from the dead. And died and he's risen from the dead. And died and he's risen from the dead. And now people are coming to follow him from now people are coming to follow him from now people are coming to follow him from all shades and stripes around the area. all shades and stripes around the area. all shades and stripes around the area. Not just Jewish people, but Gentiles as Not just Jewish people, but Gentiles as Not just Jewish people, but Gentiles as well. And they come into the church. well. And they come into the church. well. And they come into the church. And then here's what we see here as we And then here's what we see here as we And then here's what we see here as we look at this text. He's like, imagine, look at this text. He's like, imagine, look at this text. He's like, imagine, imagine uh they have always been imagine uh they have always been imagine uh they have always been outsiders of these Gentiles. Even if outsiders of these Gentiles. Even if outsiders of these Gentiles. Even if they wanted to worship the God of they wanted to worship the God of they wanted to worship the God of Israel, Yahweh, guess what they would do Israel, Yahweh, guess what they would do Israel, Yahweh, guess what they would do up before Jesus came, they would still up before Jesus came, they would still up before Jesus came, they would still have to go to the temple in Jerusalem. have to go to the temple in Jerusalem. have to go to the temple in Jerusalem. And in the temple, there's an outer And in the temple, there's an outer And in the temple, there's an outer court and an inner court. And guess court and an inner court. And guess court and an inner court. And guess what? This is what they did. If you were what? This is what they did. If you were what? This is what they did. If you were a Jew, uh you got to go into worship a Jew, uh you got to go into worship a Jew, uh you got to go into worship God, and you got to go into the inner God, and you got to go into the inner God, and you got to go into the inner courts because you were part of the courts because you were part of the courts because you were part of the circumcised. But if you were part of the circumcised. But if you were part of the circumcised. But if you were part of the goim, if you were the the outsider, if goim, if you were the the outsider, if goim, if you were the the outsider, if you were the gentile of the nations, you you were the gentile of the nations, you you were the gentile of the nations, you actually went into stay just into the actually went into stay just into the actually went into stay just into the outer court. that that's as far as you outer court. that that's as far as you outer court. that that's as far as you could go. And there was literally a wall could go. And there was literally a wall could go. And there was literally a wall that divided the Gentiles from the Jews.

that divided the Gentiles from the Jews. that divided the Gentiles from the Jews. Imagine going to worship services right Imagine going to worship services right Imagine going to worship services right here. And we just had a wall right down here. And we just had a wall right down here. And we just had a wall right down the middle of this thing. And that the middle of this thing. And that the middle of this thing. And that Jewish Christians could be here and Jewish Christians could be here and Jewish Christians could be here and Gentile Christians could be there. Gentile Christians could be there. Gentile Christians could be there. That's somewhat similar to what they That's somewhat similar to what they That's somewhat similar to what they experienced in uh the temple except it experienced in uh the temple except it experienced in uh the temple except it was just closer to the throne room. If was just closer to the throne room. If was just closer to the throne room. If you were a Jew and if you're a Gentile, you were a Jew and if you're a Gentile, you were a Jew and if you're a Gentile, still feared Yahweh, still wanted to still feared Yahweh, still wanted to still feared Yahweh, still wanted to worship it. You could show up. You just worship it. You could show up. You just worship it. You could show up. You just had to stand on the outer courts had to stand on the outer courts had to stand on the outer courts with a literal wall between you. So with a literal wall between you. So with a literal wall between you. So imagine Imagine imagine Imagine imagine Imagine a a Jewish guy going to worship service. a a Jewish guy going to worship service. a a Jewish guy going to worship service. He gets to walk through the outer court He gets to walk through the outer court He gets to walk through the outer court with all the other Gentiles. Hey, Larry. with all the other Gentiles. Hey, Larry. with all the other Gentiles. Hey, Larry. Yeah. Hey, what's going on, Joe? Uh, Yeah. Hey, what's going on, Joe? Uh, Yeah. Hey, what's going on, Joe? Uh, yeah. I'm just I'm We got to go through yeah. I'm just I'm We got to go through yeah. I'm just I'm We got to go through this. Yeah. Excuse me. And he goes this. Yeah. Excuse me. And he goes this. Yeah. Excuse me. And he goes through the dividing wall. At any point through the dividing wall. At any point through the dividing wall. At any point he wanted to when people started to he wanted to when people started to he wanted to when people started to argue like, "Man, why can you go into argue like, "Man, why can you go into argue like, "Man, why can you go into the inner courts?" And we have to stay the inner courts?" And we have to stay the inner courts?" And we have to stay in the outer courts. He could just pull in the outer courts. He could just pull in the outer courts. He could just pull out a scorecard and go, "Well, let me out a scorecard and go, "Well, let me out a scorecard and go, "Well, let me tell you why. Glad you asked. Um, tell you why. Glad you asked. Um, tell you why. Glad you asked. Um, uh, do do you keep kosher?" Oh, no you uh, do do you keep kosher?" Oh, no you uh, do do you keep kosher?" Oh, no you don't. Uh, do you keep our customs? don't. Uh, do you keep our customs? don't. Uh, do you keep our customs? That's right. You don't. Do you know That's right. You don't. Do you know That's right. You don't. Do you know much about the old covenant? Oh, you much about the old covenant? Oh, you much about the old covenant? Oh, you sure don't. Is Abraham your father? Ah, sure don't. Is Abraham your father? Ah, sure don't. Is Abraham your father? Ah, no, he's not. Uh, essentially, uh, no, he's not. Uh, essentially, uh, no, he's not. Uh, essentially, uh, you're a Gentile. I'm a Jew. That's why you're a Gentile. I'm a Jew. That's why you're a Gentile. I'm a Jew. That's why I get the VIP access.

I get the VIP access. I get the VIP access. That's what they could have done. And That's what they could have done. And That's what they could have done. And so, here now as we look through this so, here now as we look through this so, here now as we look through this text, uh, Paul takes us here in text, uh, Paul takes us here in text, uh, Paul takes us here in Ephesians like, okay, um, you guys have Ephesians like, okay, um, you guys have Ephesians like, okay, um, you guys have to you got to know like that's your to you got to know like that's your to you got to know like that's your history. By the way, that's that's our history. By the way, that's that's our history. By the way, that's that's our history, too. Now, I don't think anyone history, too. Now, I don't think anyone history, too. Now, I don't think anyone has a literal scorecard and we don't has a literal scorecard and we don't has a literal scorecard and we don't have a literal dividing wall that have a literal dividing wall that have a literal dividing wall that separates the outer courts from the separates the outer courts from the separates the outer courts from the inner courts. But I can tell you this, inner courts. But I can tell you this, inner courts. But I can tell you this, people still to this day and very much people still to this day and very much people still to this day and very much so think about themselves in certain so think about themselves in certain so think about themselves in certain ways as to feel superior to other ways as to feel superior to other ways as to feel superior to other people. They won't say that out loud, people. They won't say that out loud, people. They won't say that out loud, but everyone's building their identity but everyone's building their identity but everyone's building their identity around something that makes them feel around something that makes them feel around something that makes them feel like they're better than other people. like they're better than other people. like they're better than other people. The idea of superiority, The idea of superiority, The idea of superiority, it may include education or sports or it may include education or sports or it may include education or sports or politics or or where you grew up. I politics or or where you grew up. I politics or or where you grew up. I mean, even for us, like we have a lot of mean, even for us, like we have a lot of mean, even for us, like we have a lot of things that we use as identity markers. things that we use as identity markers. things that we use as identity markers. I mean, for example, how many of you are I mean, for example, how many of you are I mean, for example, how many of you are native Texans? Like native Texans. Okay, native Texans? Like native Texans. Okay, native Texans? Like native Texans. Okay, I don't know why you're embarrassed I don't know why you're embarrassed I don't know why you're embarrassed because that's a bad thing for you. Uh, because that's a bad thing for you. Uh, because that's a bad thing for you. Uh, but I'll just tell you this as identity but I'll just tell you this as identity but I'll just tell you this as identity markers. I don't go to other like states markers. I don't go to other like states markers. I don't go to other like states and see people with bumper stickers that and see people with bumper stickers that and see people with bumper stickers that have their flag and says on the front of have their flag and says on the front of have their flag and says on the front of it native. But we do have them here.

it native. But we do have them here. it native. But we do have them here. I mean, have you ever recognized that? I mean, have you ever recognized that? I mean, have you ever recognized that? Ever? No one has that in front of New Ever? No one has that in front of New Ever? No one has that in front of New Mexico or Arkansas, New York. And I'm Mexico or Arkansas, New York. And I'm Mexico or Arkansas, New York. And I'm not even dogging those states. I'm not even dogging those states. I'm not even dogging those states. I'm saying our state alone, like people saying our state alone, like people saying our state alone, like people drive around, they got their F-150 and drive around, they got their F-150 and drive around, they got their F-150 and there's this big old flag says native. there's this big old flag says native. there's this big old flag says native. Like I'm native. Like, and I get it, Like I'm native. Like, and I get it, Like I'm native. Like, and I get it, dude. My family's been here for eight dude. My family's been here for eight dude. My family's been here for eight generations. My family came here when it generations. My family came here when it generations. My family came here when it was Mexico. So, like, I'm a native, man. was Mexico. So, like, I'm a native, man. was Mexico. So, like, I'm a native, man. And I'm I'm I'm excited about that. But And I'm I'm I'm excited about that. But And I'm I'm I'm excited about that. But what'll happen is this. Like, we'll look what'll happen is this. Like, we'll look what'll happen is this. Like, we'll look at other people like, "Oh my gosh, did at other people like, "Oh my gosh, did at other people like, "Oh my gosh, did you see that guy?" New Mexico, you see that guy?" New Mexico, you see that guy?" New Mexico, Arkansas, Arkansas, Arkansas, Louisiana. I mean, no one even wants to Louisiana. I mean, no one even wants to Louisiana. I mean, no one even wants to pronounce New York. I mean, we get it. pronounce New York. I mean, we get it. pronounce New York. I mean, we get it. That's just illustrative of that That's just illustrative of that That's just illustrative of that everyone's trying to build their everyone's trying to build their everyone's trying to build their identity around something or some identity around something or some identity around something or some things. And here's what happens. Um it's things. And here's what happens. Um it's things. And here's what happens. Um it's not that those identity markers are bad not that those identity markers are bad not that those identity markers are bad in and of themselves. The problem is we in and of themselves. The problem is we in and of themselves. The problem is we we try to make them ultimate things. we try to make them ultimate things. we try to make them ultimate things. Then all of a sudden we pull out that Then all of a sudden we pull out that Then all of a sudden we pull out that card and go, you know what? Um you're card and go, you know what? Um you're card and go, you know what? Um you're not like me. And the difference isn't not like me. And the difference isn't not like me. And the difference isn't just a difference. It's a value. It's a just a difference. It's a value. It's a just a difference. It's a value. It's a virtue. Like I'm I actually think I'm virtue. Like I'm I actually think I'm virtue. Like I'm I actually think I'm I'm better than you. That was what was I'm better than you. That was what was I'm better than you. That was what was going on 21 centuries ago. and still going on 21 centuries ago. and still going on 21 centuries ago. and still happens in the 21st century. And so happens in the 21st century. And so happens in the 21st century. And so here's what Paul is trying to do. He here's what Paul is trying to do. He here's what Paul is trying to do. He understands people still struggle with understands people still struggle with understands people still struggle with each other and he knows the Jews and the each other and he knows the Jews and the each other and he knows the Jews and the Gentiles don't like each other, but now Gentiles don't like each other, but now Gentiles don't like each other, but now they find themselves sitting next to they find themselves sitting next to they find themselves sitting next to each other in the pews, so to speak, as each other in the pews, so to speak, as each other in the pews, so to speak, as brothers and sisters in Jesus. And he's brothers and sisters in Jesus. And he's brothers and sisters in Jesus. And he's trying to reset their paradigm with the trying to reset their paradigm with the trying to reset their paradigm with the gospel in the middle. And I want you to gospel in the middle. And I want you to gospel in the middle. And I want you to see what he does here, verses 13- 18.

see what he does here, verses 13- 18. see what he does here, verses 13- 18. Notice the shift that he has towards Notice the shift that he has towards Notice the shift that he has towards these Gentiles now that they've come these Gentiles now that they've come these Gentiles now that they've come become Christians. But now, so now this become Christians. But now, so now this become Christians. But now, so now this is how it was in the past, but now in is how it was in the past, but now in is how it was in the past, but now in the present in Christ Jesus, you who are the present in Christ Jesus, you who are the present in Christ Jesus, you who are once far off, were far off, have been once far off, were far off, have been once far off, were far off, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. In brought near by the blood of Christ. In brought near by the blood of Christ. In other words, the death and resurrection, other words, the death and resurrection, other words, the death and resurrection, the gospel of Jesus. For Jesus himself the gospel of Jesus. For Jesus himself the gospel of Jesus. For Jesus himself is our peace, who has made us both one is our peace, who has made us both one is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the and has broken down in his flesh the and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing dividing wall of hostility by abolishing dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in the law of commandments expressed in the law of commandments expressed in ordinances that he might create in ordinances that he might create in ordinances that he might create in himself what? One new man in the place himself what? One new man in the place himself what? One new man in the place of two. So making peace. Again, he's of two. So making peace. Again, he's of two. So making peace. Again, he's thinking the Jew and the Gentile and thinking the Jew and the Gentile and thinking the Jew and the Gentile and might reconcile us both to God in one might reconcile us both to God in one might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing body through the cross, thereby killing body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And the idea is the the hostility. And the idea is the the hostility. And the idea is the hostility between the two. And he came hostility between the two. And he came hostility between the two. And he came and preached peace to you who are far and preached peace to you who are far and preached peace to you who are far off, the Gentile, and peace to those who off, the Gentile, and peace to those who off, the Gentile, and peace to those who are near, the Jew. So he preached the are near, the Jew. So he preached the are near, the Jew. So he preached the same gospel to both groups. For through same gospel to both groups. For through same gospel to both groups. For through Jesus, we both have access, both Jews Jesus, we both have access, both Jews Jesus, we both have access, both Jews and Gentiles, in one spirit to the and Gentiles, in one spirit to the and Gentiles, in one spirit to the Father. So, so what I love about this Father. So, so what I love about this Father. So, so what I love about this text is Paul says in the gospel that text is Paul says in the gospel that text is Paul says in the gospel that that that God has brought people that that that God has brought people that that that God has brought people that aren't just Jewish people, Gentiles as aren't just Jewish people, Gentiles as aren't just Jewish people, Gentiles as well into his family of the kingdom, well into his family of the kingdom, well into his family of the kingdom, right? In fact, just notice right here.

right? In fact, just notice right here. right? In fact, just notice right here. He says that the first how did we get He says that the first how did we get He says that the first how did we get in? It's not because we were smarter or in? It's not because we were smarter or in? It's not because we were smarter or better or even because we were worse. It better or even because we were worse. It better or even because we were worse. It says here in the second line, you have says here in the second line, you have says here in the second line, you have been brought near by the blood of been brought near by the blood of been brought near by the blood of Christ. We sing a lot about blood. If Christ. We sing a lot about blood. If Christ. We sing a lot about blood. If you're new here, it's like, my gosh, are you're new here, it's like, my gosh, are you're new here, it's like, my gosh, are these people vampires? What's wrong with these people vampires? What's wrong with these people vampires? What's wrong with them? them? them? Blood just becomes another word that Blood just becomes another word that Blood just becomes another word that summarizes the death and life of Jesus, summarizes the death and life of Jesus, summarizes the death and life of Jesus, his death on the cross and his his death on the cross and his his death on the cross and his victorious resurrection. And so what it victorious resurrection. And so what it victorious resurrection. And so what it says here is like because of Jesus's says here is like because of Jesus's says here is like because of Jesus's death and resurrection because you death and resurrection because you death and resurrection because you placed your faith in him. You've placed your faith in him. You've placed your faith in him. You've repented of your sins, placed your faith repented of your sins, placed your faith repented of your sins, placed your faith solely in Jesus as King and Lord and solely in Jesus as King and Lord and solely in Jesus as King and Lord and demonstrated that through the waters of demonstrated that through the waters of demonstrated that through the waters of baptism, you're now a different person. baptism, you're now a different person. baptism, you're now a different person. You're in a different community. You You're in a different community. You You're in a different community. You have an you have a different, if you have an you have a different, if you have an you have a different, if you will, identity marker. And so the so the will, identity marker. And so the so the will, identity marker. And so the so the reason that's so important now is reason that's so important now is reason that's so important now is because the thing which most defines you because the thing which most defines you because the thing which most defines you isn't your politics. It's not your color isn't your politics. It's not your color isn't your politics. It's not your color of your race. It's not your background of your race. It's not your background of your race. It's not your background or what state you came from. It it's or what state you came from. It it's or what state you came from. It it's it's it's not any of those things. The it's it's not any of those things. The it's it's not any of those things. The thing that defines you the most is what thing that defines you the most is what thing that defines you the most is what Jesus has done for you. This grace he's Jesus has done for you. This grace he's Jesus has done for you. This grace he's poured out on you because he's the good poured out on you because he's the good poured out on you because he's the good God that he is. So Jesus is your highest God that he is. So Jesus is your highest God that he is. So Jesus is your highest identity marker. And as such, what about identity marker. And as such, what about identity marker. And as such, what about all the differences we have with people all the differences we have with people all the differences we have with people that that that make it difficult to be that that that make it difficult to be that that that make it difficult to be with them? Notice what it says here, uh, with them? Notice what it says here, uh, with them? Notice what it says here, uh, four lines down here on the screen. Uh, four lines down here on the screen. Uh, four lines down here on the screen. Uh, what Jesus has done is he's broken down what Jesus has done is he's broken down what Jesus has done is he's broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of in his flesh the dividing wall of in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. Notice what what what Paul's hostility. Notice what what what Paul's hostility. Notice what what what Paul's doing here. He's literally reverencing doing here. He's literally reverencing doing here. He's literally reverencing the temple. He's like, that dividing the temple. He's like, that dividing the temple. He's like, that dividing wall that kept Jew out from Gentile that

wall that kept Jew out from Gentile that wall that kept Jew out from Gentile that in Jesus that that doesn't exist in Jesus that that doesn't exist in Jesus that that doesn't exist anymore. anymore. anymore. And here's why. Because in what Jesus And here's why. Because in what Jesus And here's why. Because in what Jesus has done, you have been given this has done, you have been given this has done, you have been given this uncommon grace to come into this uncommon grace to come into this uncommon grace to come into this uncommon community because you've now uncommon community because you've now uncommon community because you've now received this uncommon acceptance by received this uncommon acceptance by received this uncommon acceptance by God. And if you have this uncommon God. And if you have this uncommon God. And if you have this uncommon acceptance, by that I mean like God's acceptance, by that I mean like God's acceptance, by that I mean like God's accepted you not based on how good or accepted you not based on how good or accepted you not based on how good or bad that you are, more bad than good. bad that you are, more bad than good. bad that you are, more bad than good. He's accept you because of what Jesus He's accept you because of what Jesus He's accept you because of what Jesus has done. So, so I'm coming into this has done. So, so I'm coming into this has done. So, so I'm coming into this community. The reason you're in Clear community. The reason you're in Clear community. The reason you're in Clear Creek Community Church and in the church Creek Community Church and in the church Creek Community Church and in the church of Jesus Christ as a whole globally and of Jesus Christ as a whole globally and of Jesus Christ as a whole globally and and temporally is not because of what and temporally is not because of what and temporally is not because of what you've done. It's because of what Jesus you've done. It's because of what Jesus you've done. It's because of what Jesus has done. And so now you've come in by has done. And so now you've come in by has done. And so now you've come in by grace solely by God's good favor, not by grace solely by God's good favor, not by grace solely by God's good favor, not by our own merits. And because of that, our own merits. And because of that, our own merits. And because of that, it's just going to be hard to pull out a it's just going to be hard to pull out a it's just going to be hard to pull out a scorecard and go, "Well, here are the scorecard and go, "Well, here are the scorecard and go, "Well, here are the ways I'm better than you." When no one's ways I'm better than you." When no one's ways I'm better than you." When no one's good enough for God. And so what what good enough for God. And so what what good enough for God. And so what what Jesus does, he's kind of the equalizer. Jesus does, he's kind of the equalizer. Jesus does, he's kind of the equalizer. What Paul's saying here to the Jew and What Paul's saying here to the Jew and What Paul's saying here to the Jew and the Gentile Christians, like that the Gentile Christians, like that the Gentile Christians, like that dividing wall is gone, man. Like tear up dividing wall is gone, man. Like tear up dividing wall is gone, man. Like tear up your scorecards. your scorecards. your scorecards. Like learn to grow to like be brothers Like learn to grow to like be brothers Like learn to grow to like be brothers and sisters in Christ. It's going to be and sisters in Christ. It's going to be and sisters in Christ. It's going to be hard. It's going to take some time.

hard. It's going to take some time. hard. It's going to take some time. Sure, but that's what you've got to do. Sure, but that's what you've got to do. Sure, but that's what you've got to do. In fact, let's continue to read verses In fact, let's continue to read verses In fact, let's continue to read verses 19 through 22. Watch what he says. 19 through 22. Watch what he says. 19 through 22. Watch what he says. Here's the application. Here's the application. Here's the application. So then, speaking to the gentile So then, speaking to the gentile So then, speaking to the gentile Christians, you are no longer strangers Christians, you are no longer strangers Christians, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but your fellow citizens and aliens, but your fellow citizens and aliens, but your fellow citizens with the saints and members of the with the saints and members of the with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the household of God, built on the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, foundation of the apostles and prophets, foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the Christ Jesus himself being the Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole structure cornerstone in whom the whole structure cornerstone in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy being joined together grows into a holy being joined together grows into a holy what? That's a big word. grows into a what? That's a big word. grows into a what? That's a big word. grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, Jesus, holy temple in the Lord. In him, Jesus, holy temple in the Lord. In him, Jesus, you are being built together into a you are being built together into a you are being built together into a dwelling place by God, for God, by the dwelling place by God, for God, by the dwelling place by God, for God, by the spirit. I love it. And the reason I spirit. I love it. And the reason I spirit. I love it. And the reason I wanted to focus on the word temple, wanted to focus on the word temple, wanted to focus on the word temple, notice Paul's referring back to their notice Paul's referring back to their notice Paul's referring back to their experience. You guys grew up, even if experience. You guys grew up, even if experience. You guys grew up, even if you wanted like you're a gentile and you you wanted like you're a gentile and you you wanted like you're a gentile and you wanted to like follow Yahweh, you still wanted to like follow Yahweh, you still wanted to like follow Yahweh, you still had to be in the outer court, man. VIP. had to be in the outer court, man. VIP. had to be in the outer court, man. VIP. You guys get to go in there and you get You guys get to go in there and you get You guys get to go in there and you get to be separated by a literal wall. to be separated by a literal wall. to be separated by a literal wall. That's your experience of what God That's your experience of what God That's your experience of what God wants. Listen, God has come in the flesh wants. Listen, God has come in the flesh wants. Listen, God has come in the flesh in Jesus. And he's starting this new in Jesus. And he's starting this new in Jesus. And he's starting this new thing called the church. And anyone that thing called the church. And anyone that thing called the church. And anyone that comes in only comes in by grace. So if comes in only comes in by grace. So if comes in only comes in by grace. So if you want to give up your life and follow you want to give up your life and follow you want to give up your life and follow him, if you if you want to turn from him, if you if you want to turn from him, if you if you want to turn from your sins, repent and follow Jesus, he's your sins, repent and follow Jesus, he's your sins, repent and follow Jesus, he's going to bring you in. I don't care if going to bring you in. I don't care if going to bring you in. I don't care if you're circumcised or uncircumcised. I you're circumcised or uncircumcised. I you're circumcised or uncircumcised. I don't care if you're black or you're don't care if you're black or you're don't care if you're black or you're white, rich or you're poor, doesn't white, rich or you're poor, doesn't white, rich or you're poor, doesn't matter. Everyone's coming in this door matter. Everyone's coming in this door matter. Everyone's coming in this door by grace. And then once you're in, by grace. And then once you're in, by grace. And then once you're in, here's what you need to know. You're in here's what you need to know. You're in here's what you need to know. You're in that you're in that you're in. So he that you're in that you're in. So he that you're in that you're in. So he takes these Jewish excuse me these takes these Jewish excuse me these takes these Jewish excuse me these gentile Christians and say, "Hey, look, gentile Christians and say, "Hey, look, gentile Christians and say, "Hey, look, first line, you're no longer strangers first line, you're no longer strangers first line, you're no longer strangers and aliens. You're you're no longer and aliens. You're you're no longer and aliens. You're you're no longer outsiders.

outsiders. outsiders. You're you're no longer in the You're you're no longer in the You're you're no longer in the unaccepted group. On the contrary, unaccepted group. On the contrary, unaccepted group. On the contrary, you're fellow citizens with the saints, you're fellow citizens with the saints, you're fellow citizens with the saints, members of the household of God." And members of the household of God." And members of the household of God." And then he says this, notice this uh third then he says this, notice this uh third then he says this, notice this uh third line from the bottom. Uh you're being line from the bottom. Uh you're being line from the bottom. Uh you're being joined together in Jesus, growing into a joined together in Jesus, growing into a joined together in Jesus, growing into a holy temple in the Lord. I like this. holy temple in the Lord. I like this. holy temple in the Lord. I like this. Like forget this stone temple stuff. Like forget this stone temple stuff. Like forget this stone temple stuff. like Jesus is the new and better temple like Jesus is the new and better temple like Jesus is the new and better temple and he's creating a new people. That's and he's creating a new people. That's and he's creating a new people. That's the temple of God. That's the people of the temple of God. That's the people of the temple of God. That's the people of God. So if you want to be like with the God. So if you want to be like with the God. So if you want to be like with the right group, don't go to a stone right group, don't go to a stone right group, don't go to a stone structure like come into Jesus here. And structure like come into Jesus here. And structure like come into Jesus here. And all of it happens when you repent and all of it happens when you repent and all of it happens when you repent and believe and demonstrate that in baptism. believe and demonstrate that in baptism. believe and demonstrate that in baptism. You move from being a stranger and You move from being a stranger and You move from being a stranger and alien. In other words, you move from alien. In other words, you move from alien. In other words, you move from being an outsider that's unaccepted to, being an outsider that's unaccepted to, being an outsider that's unaccepted to, if you will, being an insider that is if you will, being an insider that is if you will, being an insider that is accepted. That you have community in the accepted. That you have community in the accepted. That you have community in the household of God. Now I you I want you household of God. Now I you I want you household of God. Now I you I want you to see this. to see this. to see this. as the apostles, you know, so Jesus has as the apostles, you know, so Jesus has as the apostles, you know, so Jesus has ascended to heaven. The apostles still ascended to heaven. The apostles still ascended to heaven. The apostles still stick around. They're they're basically stick around. They're they're basically stick around. They're they're basically Jesus's frontline executive leaders. Jesus's frontline executive leaders. Jesus's frontline executive leaders. They're planting churches and they're They're planting churches and they're They're planting churches and they're trying to just pour into these trying to just pour into these trying to just pour into these Christians this gospel truth that they Christians this gospel truth that they Christians this gospel truth that they had not grown up with. They'd grown up had not grown up with. They'd grown up had not grown up with. They'd grown up with walls and scorecards.

with walls and scorecards. with walls and scorecards. And so now what Paul and the apostles And so now what Paul and the apostles And so now what Paul and the apostles are trying to do is like, listen, y'all, are trying to do is like, listen, y'all, are trying to do is like, listen, y'all, we got to be a group of people that just we got to be a group of people that just we got to be a group of people that just we got to learn how to start tearing up we got to learn how to start tearing up we got to learn how to start tearing up our scorecards. It's going to be hard our scorecards. It's going to be hard our scorecards. It's going to be hard because you're going to try to define because you're going to try to define because you're going to try to define yourself by all these other kinds of yourself by all these other kinds of yourself by all these other kinds of things. And Jesus has to be the thing things. And Jesus has to be the thing things. And Jesus has to be the thing that defines you most because we've got that defines you most because we've got that defines you most because we've got to learn. We've been given this huge to learn. We've been given this huge to learn. We've been given this huge acceptance by God based on nothing that acceptance by God based on nothing that acceptance by God based on nothing that we've done. And because of that, it we've done. And because of that, it we've done. And because of that, it should motivate us to accept other should motivate us to accept other should motivate us to accept other brothers and sisters in Christ that are brothers and sisters in Christ that are brothers and sisters in Christ that are different than us. Like if God can different than us. Like if God can different than us. Like if God can accept them, why can't you? You should. accept them, why can't you? You should. accept them, why can't you? You should. So, let's grow into that. So, let's grow into that. So, let's grow into that. You know, here I was struck by this um You know, here I was struck by this um You know, here I was struck by this um because I I feel like I need to say this because I I feel like I need to say this because I I feel like I need to say this to be understood. This is somewhat a to be understood. This is somewhat a to be understood. This is somewhat a corrective. I think when people hear corrective. I think when people hear corrective. I think when people hear this, there are gonna be some people out this, there are gonna be some people out this, there are gonna be some people out here like, "See, man. Told you, man. here like, "See, man. Told you, man. here like, "See, man. Told you, man. Church should be accepting and and you Church should be accepting and and you Church should be accepting and and you guys just don't do it. You guys screw it guys just don't do it. You guys screw it guys just don't do it. You guys screw it up all the time. You guys are bad at up all the time. You guys are bad at up all the time. You guys are bad at it." And here's what they mean. What it." And here's what they mean. What it." And here's what they mean. What they mean is that they've got this sin they mean is that they've got this sin they mean is that they've got this sin that they really like because the that they really like because the that they really like because the culture makes it good and says it's culture makes it good and says it's culture makes it good and says it's okay. And they kind of want to keep okay. And they kind of want to keep okay. And they kind of want to keep their sin and keep Jesus, too. And so, their sin and keep Jesus, too. And so, their sin and keep Jesus, too. And so, what they'll do is they'll come to you what they'll do is they'll come to you what they'll do is they'll come to you as a follower of Jesus who has kind of as a follower of Jesus who has kind of as a follower of Jesus who has kind of an orthodox theology. In other words, an orthodox theology. In other words, an orthodox theology. In other words, like you just believe what the Bible like you just believe what the Bible like you just believe what the Bible teaches in the New Testament, our teaches in the New Testament, our teaches in the New Testament, our virtues and values. or what God says virtues and values. or what God says virtues and values. or what God says about marriage or what God says about about marriage or what God says about about marriage or what God says about sexuality or what God says about life or sexuality or what God says about life or sexuality or what God says about life or whatever it is and Jesus is really clear whatever it is and Jesus is really clear whatever it is and Jesus is really clear on that. But then you'll have somebody on that. But then you'll have somebody on that. But then you'll have somebody maybe someone that you love that says maybe someone that you love that says maybe someone that you love that says like hey mom or dad or hey friend or hey like hey mom or dad or hey friend or hey like hey mom or dad or hey friend or hey brother or sister I've kind of embraced brother or sister I've kind of embraced brother or sister I've kind of embraced this lifestyle that I know the Bible this lifestyle that I know the Bible this lifestyle that I know the Bible says it's sin but if you were to says it's sin but if you were to says it's sin but if you were to literally accept me you'd believe all literally accept me you'd believe all literally accept me you'd believe all this is true for me. And so what happens this is true for me. And so what happens this is true for me. And so what happens is we get held emotionally hostage like,

is we get held emotionally hostage like, is we get held emotionally hostage like, "Oh, okay. So if I don't if I've got to "Oh, okay. So if I don't if I've got to "Oh, okay. So if I don't if I've got to say what you think's good is good, and say what you think's good is good, and say what you think's good is good, and if I if I say what's you think is good if I if I say what's you think is good if I if I say what's you think is good is actually bad, is sinful, is wrong, is actually bad, is sinful, is wrong, is actually bad, is sinful, is wrong, like I'm not accepting you." That's like I'm not accepting you." That's like I'm not accepting you." That's absolutely right. And so people like, absolutely right. And so people like, absolutely right. And so people like, "What do I do?" Well, here's what I "What do I do?" Well, here's what I "What do I do?" Well, here's what I would say. It's like, here's what you would say. It's like, here's what you would say. It's like, here's what you ought to do is have children. ought to do is have children. ought to do is have children. Just have kids and let them be kids and Just have kids and let them be kids and Just have kids and let them be kids and let them do really dumb kid things. And let them do really dumb kid things. And let them do really dumb kid things. And then when your kid comes up to you and then when your kid comes up to you and then when your kid comes up to you and says, "Hey, I really wanted to burn the says, "Hey, I really wanted to burn the says, "Hey, I really wanted to burn the house down today or I I wanted to throw house down today or I I wanted to throw house down today or I I wanted to throw my dog off the roof or I wanted to fill my dog off the roof or I wanted to fill my dog off the roof or I wanted to fill up the gas tank with water or I want you up the gas tank with water or I want you up the gas tank with water or I want you know y'all have boys." Um like I wanted know y'all have boys." Um like I wanted know y'all have boys." Um like I wanted to do these things and you're like, to do these things and you're like, to do these things and you're like, "Dude, you can't do that. That's that's "Dude, you can't do that. That's that's "Dude, you can't do that. That's that's not that that's against the rules in our not that that's against the rules in our not that that's against the rules in our house. Oh my gosh, do you not accept house. Oh my gosh, do you not accept house. Oh my gosh, do you not accept me?" me?" me?" And what they're saying is you have to And what they're saying is you have to And what they're saying is you have to believe everything that they've done is believe everything that they've done is believe everything that they've done is good. Any parent that would go, "Yeah, good. Any parent that would go, "Yeah, good. Any parent that would go, "Yeah, man. Uh, you're right. I just I mean, I man. Uh, you're right. I just I mean, I man. Uh, you're right. I just I mean, I can't. Everything you've done is good. can't. Everything you've done is good. can't. Everything you've done is good. That would be abuse. That would be abuse. That would be abuse. No good parent would ever do that. And No good parent would ever do that. And No good parent would ever do that. And so I I want to be very clear when I talk so I I want to be very clear when I talk so I I want to be very clear when I talk about like what the church should do in about like what the church should do in about like what the church should do in its radical acceptance does not mean its radical acceptance does not mean its radical acceptance does not mean that we blur the lines to all kinds of that we blur the lines to all kinds of that we blur the lines to all kinds of sins that the Bible teaches clearly sins that the Bible teaches clearly sins that the Bible teaches clearly against. That's not what I'm talking against. That's not what I'm talking against. That's not what I'm talking about. What I'm talking about, what I about. What I'm talking about, what I about. What I'm talking about, what I think Paul's talking about here is that think Paul's talking about here is that think Paul's talking about here is that uncommon acceptance is not blurring the uncommon acceptance is not blurring the uncommon acceptance is not blurring the lines of sin. It's erasing identity lines of sin. It's erasing identity lines of sin. It's erasing identity markers that aren't rooted into the markers that aren't rooted into the markers that aren't rooted into the gospel that keep us with scorecards gospel that keep us with scorecards gospel that keep us with scorecards saying we're better and other people are saying we're better and other people are saying we're better and other people are worse. Now listen, uh I'm not saying

worse. Now listen, uh I'm not saying worse. Now listen, uh I'm not saying I'll repeat myself from the very I'll repeat myself from the very I'll repeat myself from the very beginning of this message. I'm not beginning of this message. I'm not beginning of this message. I'm not saying the church has been great at that saying the church has been great at that saying the church has been great at that or they don't we don't have a lot to or they don't we don't have a lot to or they don't we don't have a lot to grow in that. We do. But that's the aim grow in that. We do. But that's the aim grow in that. We do. But that's the aim that we're trying for. That's the that we're trying for. That's the that we're trying for. That's the aspirational goal is for us to be so aspirational goal is for us to be so aspirational goal is for us to be so radically accepting of people that are radically accepting of people that are radically accepting of people that are just different than us on the different just different than us on the different just different than us on the different identity markers that we all put up identity markers that we all put up identity markers that we all put up saying, "No, no, no. What makes us saying, "No, no, no. What makes us saying, "No, no, no. What makes us chiefly one and accepting is what we've chiefly one and accepting is what we've chiefly one and accepting is what we've done in Jesus. I think that'll turn a done in Jesus. I think that'll turn a done in Jesus. I think that'll turn a lot of heads. In fact, I think when you lot of heads. In fact, I think when you lot of heads. In fact, I think when you receive God's acceptance in the gospel receive God's acceptance in the gospel receive God's acceptance in the gospel and you allow that to bubble up in you, and you allow that to bubble up in you, and you allow that to bubble up in you, you'll not only just try to lovingly you'll not only just try to lovingly you'll not only just try to lovingly accept just different Christians, it'll accept just different Christians, it'll accept just different Christians, it'll spill out to just people in general. spill out to just people in general. spill out to just people in general. Listen, that's how the early church did Listen, that's how the early church did Listen, that's how the early church did it. And let me tell you why I was it. And let me tell you why I was it. And let me tell you why I was reminded of that. How many of you reminded of that. How many of you reminded of that. How many of you remember Rain Wilson, uh, who played remember Rain Wilson, uh, who played remember Rain Wilson, uh, who played Shroo, Dwight Shroo, I should say, in Shroo, Dwight Shroo, I should say, in Shroo, Dwight Shroo, I should say, in the office? Anyone watch The Office or the office? Anyone watch The Office or the office? Anyone watch The Office or did watch The Office? It's okay. We You did watch The Office? It's okay. We You did watch The Office? It's okay. We You can repent later. Um, it's okay. I loved can repent later. Um, it's okay. I loved can repent later. Um, it's okay. I loved it. The Office is great. Um, it. The Office is great. Um, it. The Office is great. Um, well, uh, since his time on The Office, well, uh, since his time on The Office, well, uh, since his time on The Office, uh, Rain Wilson, the actor that played uh, Rain Wilson, the actor that played uh, Rain Wilson, the actor that played Dwight Shroo, uh, he's he's really into Dwight Shroo, uh, he's he's really into Dwight Shroo, uh, he's he's really into spirituality. He talks a lot about spirituality. He talks a lot about spirituality. He talks a lot about different world religions. I think he different world religions. I think he different world religions. I think he would say he's not a Christian, but would say he's not a Christian, but would say he's not a Christian, but he's, uh, favorable to Christianity and he's, uh, favorable to Christianity and he's, uh, favorable to Christianity and other different religions. He's written other different religions. He's written other different religions. He's written books on it. He's done podcasts on it.

books on it. He's done podcasts on it. books on it. He's done podcasts on it. the start of this month he did a podcast the start of this month he did a podcast the start of this month he did a podcast with Russell Moore who's a Christian with Russell Moore who's a Christian with Russell Moore who's a Christian speaker author and writer professor and speaker author and writer professor and speaker author and writer professor and Rain talked about uh an episode in the Rain talked about uh an episode in the Rain talked about uh an episode in the early church within the first 50 to 100 early church within the first 50 to 100 early church within the first 50 to 100 years that the church started after the years that the church started after the years that the church started after the book that we just read maybe even during book that we just read maybe even during book that we just read maybe even during this time that he said was unique in this time that he said was unique in this time that he said was unique in history and uh I I want to I want to history and uh I I want to I want to history and uh I I want to I want to read it to you it's it's it's three read it to you it's it's it's three read it to you it's it's it's three slides long but it's worth it here's slides long but it's worth it here's slides long but it's worth it here's what he said he said one of the greatest what he said he said one of the greatest what he said he said one of the greatest moments in the history of the world was moments in the history of the world was moments in the history of the world was the early centuries of the Christian the early centuries of the Christian the early centuries of the Christian church. Never before in the history of church. Never before in the history of church. Never before in the history of humanity had a more diverse group of humanity had a more diverse group of humanity had a more diverse group of people gathered, been welcomed and people gathered, been welcomed and people gathered, been welcomed and accepted than the early centuries of the accepted than the early centuries of the accepted than the early centuries of the Christian church where a church service Christian church where a church service Christian church where a church service would include a Phoenician sailor, a would include a Phoenician sailor, a would include a Phoenician sailor, a Roman gladiator, a Jewish theologian, a Roman gladiator, a Jewish theologian, a Roman gladiator, a Jewish theologian, a former slave, a former prostitute, and former slave, a former prostitute, and former slave, a former prostitute, and they'd all and they would all be they'd all and they would all be they'd all and they would all be gathered acknowledging Jesus as the son gathered acknowledging Jesus as the son gathered acknowledging Jesus as the son of God and Lord, seeking grace, reading of God and Lord, seeking grace, reading of God and Lord, seeking grace, reading the letters of Paul, the Bible, praying, the letters of Paul, the Bible, praying, the letters of Paul, the Bible, praying, singing, worshiping together, all being singing, worshiping together, all being singing, worshiping together, all being accepted. That had never, listen to accepted. That had never, listen to accepted. That had never, listen to this, that had never happened before in this, that had never happened before in this, that had never happened before in human history. Everything was tribal.

human history. Everything was tribal. human history. Everything was tribal. And not only that, these early And not only that, these early And not only that, these early Christians sacrificed their time, Christians sacrificed their time, Christians sacrificed their time, energy, comfort, material wealth in the energy, comfort, material wealth in the energy, comfort, material wealth in the service of others who weren't even in or service of others who weren't even in or service of others who weren't even in or weren't in their tribe. That that is an weren't in their tribe. That that is an weren't in their tribe. That that is an incredible admission. And this from the incredible admission. And this from the incredible admission. And this from the assistant to the regional manager at assistant to the regional manager at assistant to the regional manager at Dunder Mifflin. Some of you get it. Dunder Mifflin. Some of you get it. Dunder Mifflin. Some of you get it. But listen y'all, it's true. You know, I But listen y'all, it's true. You know, I But listen y'all, it's true. You know, I I've studied a little bit of church I've studied a little bit of church I've studied a little bit of church history. It's true what he's talking history. It's true what he's talking history. It's true what he's talking about. And here he is as a non-Christian about. And here he is as a non-Christian about. And here he is as a non-Christian saying the greatest one of the greatest saying the greatest one of the greatest saying the greatest one of the greatest moments in history is the birth of this moments in history is the birth of this moments in history is the birth of this thing called the church of Jesus. You thing called the church of Jesus. You thing called the church of Jesus. You have all these random people in it. Just have all these random people in it. Just have all these random people in it. Just randos all over the place. You got randos all over the place. You got randos all over the place. You got Phoenician sailors. You got Roman Phoenician sailors. You got Roman Phoenician sailors. You got Roman gladiators that have nothing to do with gladiators that have nothing to do with gladiators that have nothing to do with each other. You got rich, poor, slave, each other. You got rich, poor, slave, each other. You got rich, poor, slave, free, like just rag tag. It you couldn't free, like just rag tag. It you couldn't free, like just rag tag. It you couldn't have you couldn't have mixed it up even have you couldn't have mixed it up even have you couldn't have mixed it up even if you wanted to intentionally do it. if you wanted to intentionally do it. if you wanted to intentionally do it. And yet all these people accepted each And yet all these people accepted each And yet all these people accepted each other. They called each other brothers other. They called each other brothers other. They called each other brothers and sisters and they changed the world. and sisters and they changed the world. and sisters and they changed the world. And I want to tell you this, we can And I want to tell you this, we can And I want to tell you this, we can change the world as well. We can do the change the world as well. We can do the change the world as well. We can do the same thing if we're committed to living same thing if we're committed to living same thing if we're committed to living as an uncommon community which has this as an uncommon community which has this as an uncommon community which has this uncommon acceptance about us. Again, let uncommon acceptance about us. Again, let uncommon acceptance about us. Again, let me just say repeat myself. It's not me just say repeat myself. It's not me just say repeat myself. It's not saying we endorse every sin. Far from saying we endorse every sin. Far from saying we endorse every sin. Far from it, man. Um, but if you're a follower of it, man. Um, but if you're a follower of it, man. Um, but if you're a follower of Jesus and and you grew up this place or Jesus and and you grew up this place or Jesus and and you grew up this place or you had this education or you did this you had this education or you did this you had this education or you did this in your life or I don't know, man, like in your life or I don't know, man, like in your life or I don't know, man, like like I'm trying to overcome all of those like I'm trying to overcome all of those like I'm trying to overcome all of those barriers so that we can find the common barriers so that we can find the common barriers so that we can find the common ground in the gospel so that we can show ground in the gospel so that we can show ground in the gospel so that we can show the world that it's what Jesus is what the world that it's what Jesus is what the world that it's what Jesus is what unites us or who unites us. And so, let unites us or who unites us. And so, let unites us or who unites us. And so, let me do this. Let me just briefly give you me do this. Let me just briefly give you me do this. Let me just briefly give you three ways to think through about how three ways to think through about how three ways to think through about how you and I can build up this idea of

you and I can build up this idea of you and I can build up this idea of uncommon acceptance and maybe loosen uncommon acceptance and maybe loosen uncommon acceptance and maybe loosen grips on scorecards, me included. Okay, grips on scorecards, me included. Okay, grips on scorecards, me included. Okay, here's the first one. uh try to think here's the first one. uh try to think here's the first one. uh try to think first vertically, not horizontally. first vertically, not horizontally. first vertically, not horizontally. Think vertical over horizontal. Here's Think vertical over horizontal. Here's Think vertical over horizontal. Here's what I mean by that. Uh I told you about what I mean by that. Uh I told you about what I mean by that. Uh I told you about we all have identities that matter. And we all have identities that matter. And we all have identities that matter. And by the way, when I say like, hey, uh I by the way, when I say like, hey, uh I by the way, when I say like, hey, uh I have the identity as a father and a have the identity as a father and a have the identity as a father and a husband, uh as a brother, I'm a son, I'm husband, uh as a brother, I'm a son, I'm husband, uh as a brother, I'm a son, I'm a pastor, uh I'm a Texan, I'm you know a pastor, uh I'm a Texan, I'm you know a pastor, uh I'm a Texan, I'm you know what all those things are. I'm not what all those things are. I'm not what all those things are. I'm not saying those are bad things at all. I saying those are bad things at all. I saying those are bad things at all. I want you to hear that. I think those can want you to hear that. I think those can want you to hear that. I think those can be those are good things. Here's the be those are good things. Here's the be those are good things. Here's the deal. When those good things become the deal. When those good things become the deal. When those good things become the thing, they become bad things. I'll say thing, they become bad things. I'll say thing, they become bad things. I'll say it again. When a good thing becomes the it again. When a good thing becomes the it again. When a good thing becomes the thing. When when one of those identity thing. When when one of those identity thing. When when one of those identity markers is your chief ultimate identity, markers is your chief ultimate identity, markers is your chief ultimate identity, that's when it's a bad thing. Because if that's when it's a bad thing. Because if that's when it's a bad thing. Because if it's not in Jesus, well, then it's going it's not in Jesus, well, then it's going it's not in Jesus, well, then it's going to be a lot of problems. The challenge to be a lot of problems. The challenge to be a lot of problems. The challenge is is that all the other identities I is is that all the other identities I is is that all the other identities I talk about, they're always on the talk about, they're always on the talk about, they're always on the horizontal. Father, brother, Texan, horizontal. Father, brother, Texan, horizontal. Father, brother, Texan, Republican, Democrat, doesn't matter. Republican, Democrat, doesn't matter. Republican, Democrat, doesn't matter. They're all horizontal. They're all They're all horizontal. They're all They're all horizontal. They're all horizontal. And what happens is if you horizontal. And what happens is if you horizontal. And what happens is if you let that horizontal take first place, it let that horizontal take first place, it let that horizontal take first place, it just ruins everything else. First place, just ruins everything else. First place, just ruins everything else. First place, by the way, I'm not saying you can't by the way, I'm not saying you can't by the way, I'm not saying you can't have them. It's just when it's first have them. It's just when it's first have them. It's just when it's first place. So that's why I want to challenge place. So that's why I want to challenge place. So that's why I want to challenge us to say, "All right, Nancy, how do I?"

us to say, "All right, Nancy, how do I?" us to say, "All right, Nancy, how do I?" Because if not, you're going to you're Because if not, you're going to you're Because if not, you're going to you're going to tighten that scorecard all the going to tighten that scorecard all the going to tighten that scorecard all the more. Whatever those identities are more. Whatever those identities are more. Whatever those identities are horizontally, like that's your grade horizontally, like that's your grade horizontally, like that's your grade book. That's how you judge other people. book. That's how you judge other people. book. That's how you judge other people. You wouldn't say it publicly hopefully, You wouldn't say it publicly hopefully, You wouldn't say it publicly hopefully, but but privately, well, I'm just going but but privately, well, I'm just going but but privately, well, I'm just going to run with these people. I'm going to to run with these people. I'm going to to run with these people. I'm going to think these thoughts about those people. think these thoughts about those people. think these thoughts about those people. But if you start vertically, okay, hey But if you start vertically, okay, hey But if you start vertically, okay, hey man, first of all, I I am a servant to man, first of all, I I am a servant to man, first of all, I I am a servant to Jesus. I am I'm a part of God's people. Jesus. I am I'm a part of God's people. Jesus. I am I'm a part of God's people. I'm a part of the temple, the household I'm a part of the temple, the household I'm a part of the temple, the household of God, saved by grace. And these people of God, saved by grace. And these people of God, saved by grace. And these people here with me may be very different. They here with me may be very different. They here with me may be very different. They may vote different. They may have may vote different. They may have may vote different. They may have different money uh structures, different money uh structures, different money uh structures, socioeconomics, educa. I don't know, socioeconomics, educa. I don't know, socioeconomics, educa. I don't know, man. They may I don't we may not even man. They may I don't we may not even man. They may I don't we may not even they may like it at 68 and I like it at they may like it at 68 and I like it at they may like it at 68 and I like it at 78 degrees. uh the night owls and the 78 degrees. uh the night owls and the 78 degrees. uh the night owls and the early I don't know what those early I don't know what those early I don't know what those differences are but I'm not going to differences are but I'm not going to differences are but I'm not going to make those differences the difference make those differences the difference make those differences the difference because the difference that we have is because the difference that we have is because the difference that we have is not the difference it's what we share in not the difference it's what we share in not the difference it's what we share in common it's Jesus so try to think common it's Jesus so try to think common it's Jesus so try to think through like my my identity is first through like my my identity is first through like my my identity is first formed vertically and actually that formed vertically and actually that formed vertically and actually that vertical identity in the gospel informs vertical identity in the gospel informs vertical identity in the gospel informs all the horizontal identities I have all the horizontal identities I have all the horizontal identities I have informs how I'm a dad how I'm a husband informs how I'm a dad how I'm a husband informs how I'm a dad how I'm a husband all these other things so start with the all these other things so start with the all these other things so start with the vertical that can help shortcircuit our vertical that can help shortcircuit our vertical that can help shortcircuit our grip on our scorecards here's the second grip on our scorecards here's the second grip on our scorecards here's the second one take a snapshot a Sunday snapshot one take a snapshot a Sunday snapshot one take a snapshot a Sunday snapshot take a Sunday snapshot. What do I mean take a Sunday snapshot. What do I mean take a Sunday snapshot. What do I mean by that? Uh many of you know if you've by that? Uh many of you know if you've by that? Uh many of you know if you've heard me teach for any amount of time, heard me teach for any amount of time, heard me teach for any amount of time, especially if you follow me on social especially if you follow me on social especially if you follow me on social media, which is basically uh maybe two media, which is basically uh maybe two media, which is basically uh maybe two seconds worth of Facebook, but a whole seconds worth of Facebook, but a whole seconds worth of Facebook, but a whole lot of Instagram. Um I like taking lot of Instagram. Um I like taking lot of Instagram. Um I like taking photos of the places I've been. And photos of the places I've been. And photos of the places I've been. And there's a place that I go to almost there's a place that I go to almost there's a place that I go to almost every year. Uh my family has had a ranch every year. Uh my family has had a ranch every year. Uh my family has had a ranch in the Texas Hill Country right outside

in the Texas Hill Country right outside in the Texas Hill Country right outside of Hunt, Texas, uh for the last 100 of Hunt, Texas, uh for the last 100 of Hunt, Texas, uh for the last 100 years. my great great-grandfather uh years. my great great-grandfather uh years. my great great-grandfather uh helped do that. We came out of Houston helped do that. We came out of Houston helped do that. We came out of Houston and and and bought a bunch of land up and and and bought a bunch of land up and and and bought a bunch of land up there. And so for literally a century, there. And so for literally a century, there. And so for literally a century, my family has been out there uh still my family has been out there uh still my family has been out there uh still have aunts and uncles out there today have aunts and uncles out there today have aunts and uncles out there today and we have our ranches still out there and we have our ranches still out there and we have our ranches still out there today and it's my favorite place in the today and it's my favorite place in the today and it's my favorite place in the world. I love the Texas Hill Country. Uh world. I love the Texas Hill Country. Uh world. I love the Texas Hill Country. Uh I absolutely adore it. It's a place I absolutely adore it. It's a place I absolutely adore it. It's a place where I can get quiet. There's you can't where I can get quiet. There's you can't where I can get quiet. There's you can't get a hold of me. Um we we didn't even get a hold of me. Um we we didn't even get a hold of me. Um we we didn't even have cell phone coverage till about 6 have cell phone coverage till about 6 have cell phone coverage till about 6 months ago, maybe a year ago. And so months ago, maybe a year ago. And so months ago, maybe a year ago. And so I've just grown up in a place where I I've just grown up in a place where I I've just grown up in a place where I rode horses. It's where I shot guns. rode horses. It's where I shot guns. rode horses. It's where I shot guns. It's where I fish. It's where I swim in It's where I fish. It's where I swim in It's where I fish. It's where I swim in the Guadalupia that runs right through the Guadalupia that runs right through the Guadalupia that runs right through the property. So, it's like it's been a the property. So, it's like it's been a the property. So, it's like it's been a paradise for me, but it's really a place paradise for me, but it's really a place paradise for me, but it's really a place for me to, especially in the job that I for me to, especially in the job that I for me to, especially in the job that I have as a role as a pastor, it's a place have as a role as a pastor, it's a place have as a role as a pastor, it's a place where I can slow down and be still and where I can slow down and be still and where I can slow down and be still and be quiet. I have a lot of good food uh be quiet. I have a lot of good food uh be quiet. I have a lot of good food uh to eat and good things to drink and good to eat and good things to drink and good to eat and good things to drink and good books to read and good conversations to books to read and good conversations to books to read and good conversations to have. It's just when I get skewed and have. It's just when I get skewed and have. It's just when I get skewed and sideways in Houston sometimes, just, you sideways in Houston sometimes, just, you sideways in Houston sometimes, just, you know, the world gets a little crazy. I know, the world gets a little crazy. I know, the world gets a little crazy. I what I do is this. I'll I'll be at the what I do is this. I'll I'll be at the what I do is this. I'll I'll be at the ranch and I'll take a picture and if you ranch and I'll take a picture and if you ranch and I'll take a picture and if you guys don't have access to my photos, but guys don't have access to my photos, but guys don't have access to my photos, but if you were you to see like the times if you were you to see like the times if you were you to see like the times I'm at the ranch, I almost always take I'm at the ranch, I almost always take I'm at the ranch, I almost always take at least one of these pictures is almost at least one of these pictures is almost at least one of these pictures is almost always the same. It's from out looking always the same. It's from out looking always the same. It's from out looking outside of my porch off my porch. See a outside of my porch off my porch. See a outside of my porch off my porch. See a little bar there where the porch is. I little bar there where the porch is. I little bar there where the porch is. I set my book here, my reading glasses set my book here, my reading glasses set my book here, my reading glasses there, uh a drink here, and then I'll there, uh a drink here, and then I'll there, uh a drink here, and then I'll just take a picture of just like what just take a picture of just like what just take a picture of just like what this looks like, which is just this for this looks like, which is just this for this looks like, which is just this for me it's like the scrub brush and the oak me it's like the scrub brush and the oak me it's like the scrub brush and the oak and this. Usually, if it's during the and this. Usually, if it's during the and this. Usually, if it's during the day, it's a high blue Texas sky. the day, it's a high blue Texas sky. the day, it's a high blue Texas sky. the most gorgeous white clouds just slowly, most gorgeous white clouds just slowly, most gorgeous white clouds just slowly, lazily floating along and it just helps

lazily floating along and it just helps lazily floating along and it just helps me to go like I look at that p. Oh, here me to go like I look at that p. Oh, here me to go like I look at that p. Oh, here I have one. Here's a picture I took in I have one. Here's a picture I took in I have one. Here's a picture I took in the evening uh about three weeks ago the evening uh about three weeks ago the evening uh about three weeks ago when I was there. So, it's like I look when I was there. So, it's like I look when I was there. So, it's like I look at this photo, this is my snapshot and I at this photo, this is my snapshot and I at this photo, this is my snapshot and I I I literally will pull this guy out. I I literally will pull this guy out. I I literally will pull this guy out. I'll pull it up on my Instagram and I'm I'll pull it up on my Instagram and I'm I'll pull it up on my Instagram and I'm like, "Okay, that that is a reality that like, "Okay, that that is a reality that like, "Okay, that that is a reality that I have been given that I can live into I have been given that I can live into I have been given that I can live into that reminds me of the good things that that reminds me of the good things that that reminds me of the good things that God has done." And it it and it does God has done." And it it and it does God has done." And it it and it does give me a little bit of like when's the give me a little bit of like when's the give me a little bit of like when's the next time I need to get up there, right? next time I need to get up there, right? next time I need to get up there, right? And all I'm telling you to do is this. And all I'm telling you to do is this. And all I'm telling you to do is this. You can take that down now. No one's You can take that down now. No one's You can take that down now. No one's going to listen to me as long as that's going to listen to me as long as that's going to listen to me as long as that's up there. Um, up there. Um, up there. Um, I think it would be helpful for you to I think it would be helpful for you to I think it would be helpful for you to come in on Sunday mornings just like come in on Sunday mornings just like come in on Sunday mornings just like this and before the worship service this and before the worship service this and before the worship service starts just to stand up. You don't you starts just to stand up. You don't you starts just to stand up. You don't you don't have to stand, but maybe stand up don't have to stand, but maybe stand up don't have to stand, but maybe stand up and just look around this room. I don't and just look around this room. I don't and just look around this room. I don't want you to look for similarity. I want want you to look for similarity. I want want you to look for similarity. I want you to look for differences. And you may you to look for differences. And you may you to look for differences. And you may know people in your community like, "Oh know people in your community like, "Oh know people in your community like, "Oh my gosh, this guy votes different than my gosh, this guy votes different than my gosh, this guy votes different than me. That guy Moses lawn once a month. me. That guy Moses lawn once a month. me. That guy Moses lawn once a month. This person is definitely a night owl This person is definitely a night owl This person is definitely a night owl and I'm not." I mean, look for the and I'm not." I mean, look for the and I'm not." I mean, look for the differences and then look for what room differences and then look for what room differences and then look for what room they're in. The same room you're in. and they're in. The same room you're in. and they're in. The same room you're in. and take a picture of this. I mean, I I have take a picture of this. I mean, I I have take a picture of this. I mean, I I have the advantage because I can see all of the advantage because I can see all of the advantage because I can see all of you guys. I can see who didn't shower you guys. I can see who didn't shower you guys. I can see who didn't shower today. I can see I'm just kidding. Um I today. I can see I'm just kidding. Um I today. I can see I'm just kidding. Um I I think there's all kinds of differences I think there's all kinds of differences I think there's all kinds of differences here. But what this reminds me of is here. But what this reminds me of is here. But what this reminds me of is this is the family picture. And so when this is the family picture. And so when this is the family picture. And so when you get a little skewed and sideways you get a little skewed and sideways you get a little skewed and sideways because you're holding on tightly to because you're holding on tightly to because you're holding on tightly to your report, your scorecard about who's your report, your scorecard about who's your report, your scorecard about who's better and who's not, just just take a better and who's not, just just take a better and who's not, just just take a mental snapshot of this and remind mental snapshot of this and remind mental snapshot of this and remind yourself this is your first people. this

yourself this is your first people. this yourself this is your first people. this is the people that God died on the cross is the people that God died on the cross is the people that God died on the cross to the person of his son so that you to the person of his son so that you to the person of his son so that you could be a part of it all by grace and could be a part of it all by grace and could be a part of it all by grace and that this is what it's like to just go that this is what it's like to just go that this is what it's like to just go this is a reality to live into. So maybe this is a reality to live into. So maybe this is a reality to live into. So maybe just as a practical thing take a Sunday just as a practical thing take a Sunday just as a practical thing take a Sunday snapshot of what you see here or maybe snapshot of what you see here or maybe snapshot of what you see here or maybe as you leave just remind yourself this as you leave just remind yourself this as you leave just remind yourself this is what it's like to be a part of the is what it's like to be a part of the is what it's like to be a part of the people of God. All right, here's the people of God. All right, here's the people of God. All right, here's the last one. This is the most practical one last one. This is the most practical one last one. This is the most practical one and Chris has already talked about it. and Chris has already talked about it. and Chris has already talked about it. Join a small group. Join a small group. Join a small group. Join a small group. Join a small group. Join a small group. Uh September 13th we're doing group link Uh September 13th we're doing group link Uh September 13th we're doing group link where you can go and meet 15 or so brand where you can go and meet 15 or so brand where you can go and meet 15 or so brand new groups. The reason I want you to do new groups. The reason I want you to do new groups. The reason I want you to do uh join a small group is so good about uh join a small group is so good about uh join a small group is so good about having uncommon community is because having uncommon community is because having uncommon community is because it's like how many how many of you have it's like how many how many of you have it's like how many how many of you have ever gone to first grade? How many you ever gone to first grade? How many you ever gone to first grade? How many you went to first grade? God, I hope that's went to first grade? God, I hope that's went to first grade? God, I hope that's everyone. I don't know why it's even everyone. I don't know why it's even everyone. I don't know why it's even hard to raise your hand. You probably hard to raise your hand. You probably hard to raise your hand. You probably didn't pass first grade on that one. Um didn't pass first grade on that one. Um didn't pass first grade on that one. Um so listen, when you went to first grade, so listen, when you went to first grade, so listen, when you went to first grade, did you get to choose your teacher? did you get to choose your teacher? did you get to choose your teacher? Probably not. Did you get to choose your Probably not. Did you get to choose your Probably not. Did you get to choose your classmates? Certainly not. But you you classmates? Certainly not. But you you classmates? Certainly not. But you you had to do school. Like I remember going had to do school. Like I remember going had to do school. Like I remember going into first grade. Um and here's what's into first grade. Um and here's what's into first grade. Um and here's what's crazy. Um when I went into first grade, crazy. Um when I went into first grade, crazy. Um when I went into first grade, I didn't go I just can't do this. I I didn't go I just can't do this. I I didn't go I just can't do this. I mean, I got to pick my people. mean, I got to pick my people. mean, I got to pick my people. No, it's like this is the grade that No, it's like this is the grade that No, it's like this is the grade that you're in. That's the class that you're you're in. That's the class that you're you're in. That's the class that you're in. So, what I had to do is like I had in. So, what I had to do is like I had in. So, what I had to do is like I had to make friends. I had to work together to make friends. I had to work together to make friends. I had to work together and study together and dialogue with and study together and dialogue with and study together and dialogue with them. All of a sudden, like these them. All of a sudden, like these them. All of a sudden, like these weren't just my, you know, people that weren't just my, you know, people that weren't just my, you know, people that are in my class. These were my are in my class. These were my are in my class. These were my classmates. And some of them became classmates. And some of them became classmates. And some of them became friends to this day. I'm just curious by friends to this day. I'm just curious by friends to this day. I'm just curious by show hands. How many of you still have show hands. How many of you still have show hands. How many of you still have friends from first grade that you still friends from first grade that you still friends from first grade that you still come on now?

come on now? come on now? It just happened because sometimes we're It just happened because sometimes we're It just happened because sometimes we're in community. You just got to do in community. You just got to do in community. You just got to do community. So that's why I think small community. So that's why I think small community. So that's why I think small group is just a very practical thing. It group is just a very practical thing. It group is just a very practical thing. It it it forces you to do biblical it it forces you to do biblical it it forces you to do biblical community community community because you don't get to choose who's because you don't get to choose who's because you don't get to choose who's who's in your group. And I'm not saying who's in your group. And I'm not saying who's in your group. And I'm not saying we don't have affinity groups. It's kind we don't have affinity groups. It's kind we don't have affinity groups. It's kind of a young adults group and there's an of a young adults group and there's an of a young adults group and there's an older group. Some are like men's and older group. Some are like men's and older group. Some are like men's and women's. Yeah, that's great. women's. Yeah, that's great. women's. Yeah, that's great. You're going to be in that group and one You're going to be in that group and one You're going to be in that group and one of the ways they're going to kick off of the ways they're going to kick off of the ways they're going to kick off that group is they're going to say, that group is they're going to say, that group is they're going to say, "Tell us your story." Maybe they might "Tell us your story." Maybe they might "Tell us your story." Maybe they might do it like that and you're going to be do it like that and you're going to be do it like that and you're going to be like, "Well, here's here's here's what like, "Well, here's here's here's what like, "Well, here's here's here's what happened to me. Here's where I've come happened to me. Here's where I've come happened to me. Here's where I've come from." And then they're going to go from." And then they're going to go from." And then they're going to go around and you're going to find out around and you're going to find out around and you're going to find out like, man, these people are different. like, man, these people are different. like, man, these people are different. And yet they're not. And over time, as And yet they're not. And over time, as And yet they're not. And over time, as you do school together, as you study you do school together, as you study you do school together, as you study together and pray together, and serve together and pray together, and serve together and pray together, and serve together, minister each other, something together, minister each other, something together, minister each other, something bad happens in your group, and you're bad happens in your group, and you're bad happens in your group, and you're you're there 2 a.m. to help somebody you're there 2 a.m. to help somebody you're there 2 a.m. to help somebody out, out, out, you come away with different things than you come away with different things than you come away with different things than classmates. You you start to say, "These classmates. You you start to say, "These classmates. You you start to say, "These are my brothers and sisters." You just are my brothers and sisters." You just are my brothers and sisters." You just you practice uncommon community. So, you practice uncommon community. So, you practice uncommon community. So, like listen, if you're here at Clear like listen, if you're here at Clear like listen, if you're here at Clear Creek, and I'm I'm not I'm not I'm not Creek, and I'm I'm not I'm not I'm not Creek, and I'm I'm not I'm not I'm not an arm twister or a guilt tripper. I'm an arm twister or a guilt tripper. I'm an arm twister or a guilt tripper. I'm just telling you this. If you've not yet just telling you this. If you've not yet just telling you this. If you've not yet to be in a small group, you're missing to be in a small group, you're missing to be in a small group, you're missing out. It's it's like you you're out. It's it's like you you're out. It's it's like you you're experiencing 20% of what the faith's experiencing 20% of what the faith's experiencing 20% of what the faith's supposed to be about supposed to be about supposed to be about because we live in community. Jesus died because we live in community. Jesus died because we live in community. Jesus died for that community. So, I just can I for that community. So, I just can I for that community. So, I just can I just just challenge you like, man, just just challenge you like, man, just just challenge you like, man, Yansancy, I don't know. Good. I don't Yansancy, I don't know. Good. I don't Yansancy, I don't know. Good. I don't either, man. Just jump in. See what either, man. Just jump in. See what either, man. Just jump in. See what happens. And see if God doesn't push you happens. And see if God doesn't push you happens. And see if God doesn't push you to say, "Hey, man." The more you start to say, "Hey, man." The more you start to say, "Hey, man." The more you start to fall in love with Jesus, the more you to fall in love with Jesus, the more you to fall in love with Jesus, the more you start to fall in love with his people, start to fall in love with his people, start to fall in love with his people, the less you want to hold on to that

the less you want to hold on to that the less you want to hold on to that scorecard. So listen, I can't fix early scorecard. So listen, I can't fix early scorecard. So listen, I can't fix early birds and night owls. I can't do it. I birds and night owls. I can't do it. I birds and night owls. I can't do it. I can't fix the person that says it's 68 can't fix the person that says it's 68 can't fix the person that says it's 68 degrees and one says 78, that marriage degrees and one says 78, that marriage degrees and one says 78, that marriage is doomed. I'm just telling you this, is doomed. I'm just telling you this, is doomed. I'm just telling you this, not really. You can work it out. It's in not really. You can work it out. It's in not really. You can work it out. It's in between. Um, here's what I will say. If between. Um, here's what I will say. If between. Um, here's what I will say. If you struggle with scorecards, and you struggle with scorecards, and you struggle with scorecards, and sometimes I do. Just remind yourself, sometimes I do. Just remind yourself, sometimes I do. Just remind yourself, think vertical first for your identity, think vertical first for your identity, think vertical first for your identity, not horizontally. take a snapshot of not horizontally. take a snapshot of not horizontally. take a snapshot of what you see and hear and remind what you see and hear and remind what you see and hear and remind yourself this is what makes up the yourself this is what makes up the yourself this is what makes up the people of God, our commitment to Jesus, people of God, our commitment to Jesus, people of God, our commitment to Jesus, wanting to follow him and then if you're wanting to follow him and then if you're wanting to follow him and then if you're not in a group, just jump in it. That's not in a group, just jump in it. That's not in a group, just jump in it. That's the way we can get to uncommon community the way we can get to uncommon community the way we can get to uncommon community where we can see an uncommon acceptance. where we can see an uncommon acceptance. where we can see an uncommon acceptance. So, let's do this. I'm going to have So, let's do this. I'm going to have So, let's do this. I'm going to have Eric and the band lead us through Eric and the band lead us through Eric and the band lead us through worship and song. But before we do, uh worship and song. But before we do, uh worship and song. But before we do, uh would you just take a moment just to bow would you just take a moment just to bow would you just take a moment just to bow your head and get yourself uh just in a your head and get yourself uh just in a your head and get yourself uh just in a a posture of prayerfulness and let's a posture of prayerfulness and let's a posture of prayerfulness and let's just ask God to work in us and through just ask God to work in us and through just ask God to work in us and through us in this time. Yeah. So, just between you and the Lord, maybe So, just between you and the Lord, maybe you would ask yourself this. Um, you you would ask yourself this. Um, you you would ask yourself this. Um, you might say, "Father, by the power of your might say, "Father, by the power of your might say, "Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to the glory of Jesus, Holy Spirit, to the glory of Jesus, Holy Spirit, to the glory of Jesus, are are there um do I really have a are are there um do I really have a are are there um do I really have a scorecard?

scorecard? scorecard? I mean, in my heart of hearts, I mean, in my heart of hearts, I mean, in my heart of hearts, what are good things that I've kind of what are good things that I've kind of what are good things that I've kind of made the thing, made the thing, made the thing, and it's become a bad thing for me? Where have I had a dividing wall? And it Where have I had a dividing wall? And it may not even be to a group of people. It may not even be to a group of people. It may not even be to a group of people. It might even be to a person who also might even be to a person who also might even be to a person who also claims to be a follower of Jesus. And claims to be a follower of Jesus. And claims to be a follower of Jesus. And Lord, I just Lord, I pray that you would Lord, I just Lord, I pray that you would Lord, I just Lord, I pray that you would help me to reconcile with them. Maybe, help me to reconcile with them. Maybe, help me to reconcile with them. Maybe, Lord, that I I could have the courage Lord, that I I could have the courage Lord, that I I could have the courage to straighten that out. Lord, for a lot to straighten that out. Lord, for a lot to straighten that out. Lord, for a lot of other people in this room, maybe it's of other people in this room, maybe it's of other people in this room, maybe it's the idea to take the next step of of the idea to take the next step of of the idea to take the next step of of getting plugged into a group of of getting plugged into a group of of getting plugged into a group of of experiencing the kind of community that experiencing the kind of community that experiencing the kind of community that you want us to experience. you want us to experience. you want us to experience. Uh Lord, maybe it's for some of us who Uh Lord, maybe it's for some of us who Uh Lord, maybe it's for some of us who are already in groups and and we just are already in groups and and we just are already in groups and and we just and we're still struggling, holding on and we're still struggling, holding on and we're still struggling, holding on to that scorecard of difference. And um to that scorecard of difference. And um to that scorecard of difference. And um maybe we need just need to be more maybe we need just need to be more maybe we need just need to be more vulnerable and more tied into the vulnerable and more tied into the vulnerable and more tied into the gospel. And maybe we just need to repent gospel. And maybe we just need to repent gospel. And maybe we just need to repent saying, "Lord, I'm I've uh I've lost saying, "Lord, I'm I've uh I've lost saying, "Lord, I'm I've uh I've lost sight of what it is to be saved by sight of what it is to be saved by sight of what it is to be saved by grace." Lord, whatever it is, I pray grace." Lord, whatever it is, I pray grace." Lord, whatever it is, I pray that you would bless uh your people, that you would bless uh your people, that you would bless uh your people, this uncommon community, that we would this uncommon community, that we would this uncommon community, that we would have an uncommon acceptance, not just of have an uncommon acceptance, not just of have an uncommon acceptance, not just of each other, but that we would do that each other, but that we would do that each other, but that we would do that with the world around us. So like Rain with the world around us. So like Rain with the world around us. So like Rain Wilson, like we we could also be another Wilson, like we we could also be another Wilson, like we we could also be another time in history here in the United time in history here in the United time in history here in the United States, in Texas, in Houston, in the Bay States, in Texas, in Houston, in the Bay States, in Texas, in Houston, in the Bay Area here where at least Clear Creek Area here where at least Clear Creek Area here where at least Clear Creek Community Church, as much as the grace Community Church, as much as the grace Community Church, as much as the grace that you're going to give us, that we that you're going to give us, that we that you're going to give us, that we would stand out for being a people that would stand out for being a people that would stand out for being a people that accept others in the way that you've accept others in the way that you've accept others in the way that you've accepted us. We pray this in the name of accepted us. We pray this in the name of accepted us. We pray this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.