Dare to be ORDINARY | Hixon Frank

Welcome to Green Acres uh balcony. Of Welcome to Green Acres uh balcony. Of course, I don't have favorites, but if I course, I don't have favorites, but if I course, I don't have favorites, but if I did, you would be it. I'm glad you're did, you would be it. I'm glad you're did, you would be it. I'm glad you're here. That's right. We're gonna We'll here. That's right. We're gonna We'll here. That's right. We're gonna We'll have a good time today. This is uh the have a good time today. This is uh the have a good time today. This is uh the last of six weeks uh where our pastor uh last of six weeks uh where our pastor uh last of six weeks uh where our pastor uh has been out of the pulpit, but Dr. has been out of the pulpit, but Dr. has been out of the pulpit, but Dr. Michael Gossit is back. He'll be here Michael Gossit is back. He'll be here Michael Gossit is back. He'll be here next week in the pulpit. Uh he some of next week in the pulpit. Uh he some of next week in the pulpit. Uh he some of you are going to be a part of multiply you are going to be a part of multiply you are going to be a part of multiply this afternoon and that's where he he'll this afternoon and that's where he he'll this afternoon and that's where he he'll be there as well challenging and be there as well challenging and be there as well challenging and encouraging us. Turn your in your encouraging us. Turn your in your encouraging us. Turn your in your Bibles. Open your Bibles or turn them on Bibles. Open your Bibles or turn them on Bibles. Open your Bibles or turn them on or however you do your Bible uh to 2 or however you do your Bible uh to 2 or however you do your Bible uh to 2 Corinthians chapter 4. We're going to do Corinthians chapter 4. We're going to do Corinthians chapter 4. We're going to do our work in verses 5-8. But before we do our work in verses 5-8. But before we do our work in verses 5-8. But before we do that, um I would like for you, we do that, um I would like for you, we do that, um I would like for you, we do this sometimes on Wednesday nights, but this sometimes on Wednesday nights, but this sometimes on Wednesday nights, but uh we're going to get the awkward out of uh we're going to get the awkward out of uh we're going to get the awkward out of the way right off the bat. I want you to the way right off the bat. I want you to the way right off the bat. I want you to look around. I want you to find a couple look around. I want you to find a couple look around. I want you to find a couple people. I want you to actually make eye people. I want you to actually make eye people. I want you to actually make eye contact with a few people. I mean, don't contact with a few people. I mean, don't contact with a few people. I mean, don't not a long eye contact. That would be not a long eye contact. That would be not a long eye contact. That would be really weird, but a little bit of really weird, but a little bit of really weird, but a little bit of contact. Little eye contact. You're in a contact. Little eye contact. You're in a contact. Little eye contact. You're in a room. Everybody that you looked at, they room. Everybody that you looked at, they room. Everybody that you looked at, they got up and they presumably showered, got up and they presumably showered, got up and they presumably showered, right? And they got ready and they most right? And they got ready and they most right? And they got ready and they most of them, right? And they they may have of them, right? And they they may have of them, right? And they they may have eaten, but they got up. They came here eaten, but they got up. They came here eaten, but they got up. They came here and they're here for a lot of different and they're here for a lot of different and they're here for a lot of different reasons, right? Some people are here uh reasons, right? Some people are here uh reasons, right? Some people are here uh because they had to come, you know. Uh because they had to come, you know. Uh because they had to come, you know. Uh some people are here because they were some people are here because they were some people are here because they were invited.

invited. invited. Some people are here because they had Some people are here because they had Some people are here because they had responsibilities. responsibilities. responsibilities. Uh some of us are here because it's just Uh some of us are here because it's just Uh some of us are here because it's just expected. We got to check the list. And expected. We got to check the list. And expected. We got to check the list. And some of us are here uh because we got some of us are here uh because we got some of us are here uh because we got deep, deep pain and we're come, God, I deep, deep pain and we're come, God, I deep, deep pain and we're come, God, I need another day. Some of us have need another day. Some of us have need another day. Some of us have marriages that are on the brink and marriages that are on the brink and marriages that are on the brink and we're going to give it one more shot. we're going to give it one more shot. we're going to give it one more shot. Whatever the case is, everybody that you Whatever the case is, everybody that you Whatever the case is, everybody that you looked at, you can quit staring, quit looked at, you can quit staring, quit looked at, you can quit staring, quit looking now. You quit looking. Um, looking now. You quit looking. Um, looking now. You quit looking. Um, everybody has a story. Everybody's got everybody has a story. Everybody's got everybody has a story. Everybody's got something. Uh, and those of you that something. Uh, and those of you that something. Uh, and those of you that know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, part know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, part know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, part of your story is you came to faith in of your story is you came to faith in of your story is you came to faith in Christ at some point. Uh, it could have Christ at some point. Uh, it could have Christ at some point. Uh, it could have been fifth grade. It could have been, been fifth grade. It could have been, been fifth grade. It could have been, you know, as a young adult or maybe you know, as a young adult or maybe you know, as a young adult or maybe senior adult, whatever the case is, but senior adult, whatever the case is, but senior adult, whatever the case is, but you came to faith in Christ. That's the you came to faith in Christ. That's the you came to faith in Christ. That's the beginning of your faith story. That's beginning of your faith story. That's beginning of your faith story. That's the beginning. That's the start. But the beginning. That's the start. But the beginning. That's the start. But since then, you have also faced a lot. since then, you have also faced a lot. since then, you have also faced a lot. You have faced a lot that some of our You have faced a lot that some of our You have faced a lot that some of our theology really doesn't make room for theology really doesn't make room for theology really doesn't make room for because you faced tough times. You faced because you faced tough times. You faced because you faced tough times. You faced some difficulty. You may have that some difficulty. You may have that some difficulty. You may have that marriage that's on the brink. You may marriage that's on the brink. You may marriage that's on the brink. You may have that prodigal. Uh you may have that have that prodigal. Uh you may have that have that prodigal. Uh you may have that relationship with a family member.

relationship with a family member. relationship with a family member. That's not how it's supposed to go. This That's not how it's supposed to go. This That's not how it's supposed to go. This is how it is. But I'm a Christian, so I is how it is. But I'm a Christian, so I is how it is. But I'm a Christian, so I don't want anybody to know about it. don't want anybody to know about it. don't want anybody to know about it. Whatever the case is, you have the Whatever the case is, you have the Whatever the case is, you have the beginning of your faith journey, beginning of your faith journey, beginning of your faith journey, salvation, salvation, salvation, but then you got a whole lot of other but then you got a whole lot of other but then you got a whole lot of other things that went on. And a whole lot of things that went on. And a whole lot of things that went on. And a whole lot of other things sometimes includes a lot of other things sometimes includes a lot of other things sometimes includes a lot of pain. It includes things that you maybe pain. It includes things that you maybe pain. It includes things that you maybe you're not proud of. It includes some you're not proud of. It includes some you're not proud of. It includes some things you desperately hope nobody ever things you desperately hope nobody ever things you desperately hope nobody ever finds out. finds out. finds out. And all of that is part of your story. And all of that is part of your story. And all of that is part of your story. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And your story is important to God. >> And your story is important to God. >> And your story is important to God. Not just the good stuff, Not just the good stuff, Not just the good stuff, but again, the stuff that we're not all but again, the stuff that we're not all but again, the stuff that we're not all that thrilled to share. But I want to pose to you this morning, But I want to pose to you this morning, maybe maybe maybe that that stuff that we don't want to that that stuff that we don't want to that that stuff that we don't want to share, that stuff we don't want to talk share, that stuff we don't want to talk share, that stuff we don't want to talk about, about, about, other people knowing that is actually other people knowing that is actually other people knowing that is actually part of the reason that you went through part of the reason that you went through part of the reason that you went through it. it. it. Maybe our pretend perfection does more Maybe our pretend perfection does more Maybe our pretend perfection does more to harm our own faith than it does to to harm our own faith than it does to to harm our own faith than it does to help it. Maybe our pretend perfection help it. Maybe our pretend perfection help it. Maybe our pretend perfection does more to harm other people's faith does more to harm other people's faith does more to harm other people's faith than it does to help it. And maybe that than it does to help it. And maybe that than it does to help it. And maybe that pretend perfection does more harm to the pretend perfection does more harm to the pretend perfection does more harm to the cause of Christ than we could possibly cause of Christ than we could possibly cause of Christ than we could possibly imagine. Because the gospel is not for imagine. Because the gospel is not for imagine. Because the gospel is not for perfect people. It is for people who perfect people. It is for people who perfect people. It is for people who have been broken, who have messed up, have been broken, who have messed up, have been broken, who have messed up, who have found redemption. And every one

who have found redemption. And every one who have found redemption. And every one of you that names Jesus as Lord and of you that names Jesus as Lord and of you that names Jesus as Lord and Savior. At some point, you had to begin Savior. At some point, you had to begin Savior. At some point, you had to begin that relationship. And then that gospel that relationship. And then that gospel that relationship. And then that gospel had to cover you since that time. So for had to cover you since that time. So for had to cover you since that time. So for some of you, it's been a while since some of you, it's been a while since some of you, it's been a while since fifth grade. You've lived a lot of life. fifth grade. You've lived a lot of life. fifth grade. You've lived a lot of life. You've had a lot of things go on. You've had a lot of things go on. You've had a lot of things go on. The same gospel is there for you during The same gospel is there for you during The same gospel is there for you during that time. that time. that time. So, I want you to ask yourself this So, I want you to ask yourself this So, I want you to ask yourself this morning, what part of your story do morning, what part of your story do morning, what part of your story do others need to know to be encouraged in others need to know to be encouraged in others need to know to be encouraged in their faith their faith their faith that you could share with them? And it that you could share with them? And it that you could share with them? And it can't be just the good stuff. I said can't be just the good stuff. I said can't be just the good stuff. I said this before, our our fake perfection this before, our our fake perfection this before, our our fake perfection only mutes the gospel. only mutes the gospel. only mutes the gospel. If you got it all together, you know If you got it all together, you know If you got it all together, you know what? The world is not interested in what? The world is not interested in what? The world is not interested in that. They want to know that somebody that. They want to know that somebody that. They want to know that somebody broken can be redeemed, forgiven, and broken can be redeemed, forgiven, and broken can be redeemed, forgiven, and find hope because they're broken. find hope because they're broken. find hope because they're broken. And so I want to pray for us and then And so I want to pray for us and then And so I want to pray for us and then we're going to read our passage. 2 we're going to read our passage. 2 we're going to read our passage. 2 Corinthians 4 5-8. Let me pray for us.

Corinthians 4 5-8. Let me pray for us. Corinthians 4 5-8. Let me pray for us. God, you're good to us. Thank you for God, you're good to us. Thank you for God, you're good to us. Thank you for your love, your blessing. Father, thank your love, your blessing. Father, thank your love, your blessing. Father, thank you for the stories, those stories that you for the stories, those stories that you for the stories, those stories that we hide, those things that we may not we hide, those things that we may not we hide, those things that we may not want other people to know, but thank you want other people to know, but thank you want other people to know, but thank you so much that you've built those things so much that you've built those things so much that you've built those things into us. We didn't like going through into us. We didn't like going through into us. We didn't like going through them. them. them. But father, you've given us a ministry But father, you've given us a ministry But father, you've given us a ministry on the other side of them that we cannot on the other side of them that we cannot on the other side of them that we cannot keep quiet about. God forbid that we keep quiet about. God forbid that we keep quiet about. God forbid that we would. And we pray those things in Jesus would. And we pray those things in Jesus would. And we pray those things in Jesus name. And everybody said, "Amen." Well, name. And everybody said, "Amen." Well, name. And everybody said, "Amen." Well, if you have 2 Corinthians chapter 4, if you have 2 Corinthians chapter 4, if you have 2 Corinthians chapter 4, verses 5 through8, by the way, if you're verses 5 through8, by the way, if you're verses 5 through8, by the way, if you're using a Pew Bible, it's on page 1024. using a Pew Bible, it's on page 1024. using a Pew Bible, it's on page 1024. Uh, and if you don't have a Bible, I Uh, and if you don't have a Bible, I Uh, and if you don't have a Bible, I don't mean you didn't bring one. I mean don't mean you didn't bring one. I mean don't mean you didn't bring one. I mean you don't have one. It's you don't have you don't have one. It's you don't have you don't have one. It's you don't have three collecting dust at home. You don't three collecting dust at home. You don't three collecting dust at home. You don't have a Bible. We want you to take that have a Bible. We want you to take that have a Bible. We want you to take that Bible as our gift to you. But let me set Bible as our gift to you. But let me set Bible as our gift to you. But let me set it up and then we'll stand and uh read it up and then we'll stand and uh read it up and then we'll stand and uh read it together. But if you get it, say, it together. But if you get it, say, it together. But if you get it, say, "Got it." "Got it." "Got it." >> Okay. Uh this is uh Paul writing a >> Okay. Uh this is uh Paul writing a >> Okay. Uh this is uh Paul writing a letter to the Corinthian church. Now letter to the Corinthian church. Now letter to the Corinthian church. Now Corinth was a growing uh church that uh Corinth was a growing uh church that uh Corinth was a growing uh church that uh had a lot of issues, had a lot of had a lot of issues, had a lot of had a lot of issues, had a lot of problems, but he's writing to the people problems, but he's writing to the people problems, but he's writing to the people in Corinth. And and here's why he's in Corinth. And and here's why he's in Corinth. And and here's why he's writing it. It was full of strong writing it. It was full of strong writing it. It was full of strong personalities.

personalities. personalities. Yes, it was is full of polished Yes, it was is full of polished Yes, it was is full of polished speakers. They were gaining some outward speakers. They were gaining some outward speakers. They were gaining some outward success. They were gaining some wealth success. They were gaining some wealth success. They were gaining some wealth and some influence. and some influence. and some influence. Uh some well, here's the deal. They Uh some well, here's the deal. They Uh some well, here's the deal. They didn't they were frustrated with Paul didn't they were frustrated with Paul didn't they were frustrated with Paul because he didn't look the part because because he didn't look the part because because he didn't look the part because Paul, if you've read any of the New Paul, if you've read any of the New Paul, if you've read any of the New Testament, you know that Paul uh was Testament, you know that Paul uh was Testament, you know that Paul uh was accused anyway of not being a very good accused anyway of not being a very good accused anyway of not being a very good public speaker. He wasn't a commander of public speaker. He wasn't a commander of public speaker. He wasn't a commander of men. men. men. He wasn't the guy that they wanted to He wasn't the guy that they wanted to He wasn't the guy that they wanted to put up front. He had in his body. See, put up front. He had in his body. See, put up front. He had in his body. See, he bore the scars of a very difficult he bore the scars of a very difficult he bore the scars of a very difficult life. life. life. They didn't like that. They didn't like They didn't like that. They didn't like They didn't like that. They didn't like his the appearance that he gave. his the appearance that he gave. his the appearance that he gave. His story is one of struggle, His story is one of struggle, His story is one of struggle, of scars. of scars. of scars. He just didn't look the part. He just didn't look the part. He just didn't look the part. His packaging wasn't right. And so the His packaging wasn't right. And so the His packaging wasn't right. And so the church was frustrated with him. church was frustrated with him. church was frustrated with him. And they let him know it. Let him know And they let him know it. Let him know And they let him know it. Let him know it in several five and several chapters, it in several five and several chapters, it in several five and several chapters, chapter 5, 10, 11, 12, and other places.

chapter 5, 10, 11, 12, and other places. chapter 5, 10, 11, 12, and other places. They allude to the fact that they They allude to the fact that they They allude to the fact that they weren't crazy about our boy Paul. And so weren't crazy about our boy Paul. And so weren't crazy about our boy Paul. And so he's writing to them and he's saying, he's writing to them and he's saying, he's writing to them and he's saying, "Well, wait a minute. "Well, wait a minute. "Well, wait a minute. He's saying that the messenger was never He's saying that the messenger was never He's saying that the messenger was never supposed to eclipse the message." supposed to eclipse the message." supposed to eclipse the message." He's saying that God uses ordinary, He's saying that God uses ordinary, He's saying that God uses ordinary, fragile jars of clay fragile jars of clay fragile jars of clay as a means to get the priceless treasure as a means to get the priceless treasure as a means to get the priceless treasure of his son out to a lost and dying of his son out to a lost and dying of his son out to a lost and dying world. And so he says that and he does world. And so he says that and he does world. And so he says that and he does not want any confusion about not want any confusion about not want any confusion about [clears throat] where the power of God [clears throat] where the power of God [clears throat] where the power of God comes from. comes from. comes from. So if you're willing and able, stand So if you're willing and able, stand So if you're willing and able, stand with me and let's read 2 Corinthians with me and let's read 2 Corinthians with me and let's read 2 Corinthians 4:es 4:es 4:es 5-8. 5-8. 5-8. I'll read it. You follow along. So, we I'll read it. You follow along. So, we I'll read it. You follow along. So, we pick up there and he's explained this to pick up there and he's explained this to pick up there and he's explained this to them and he says, "For we are not them and he says, "For we are not them and he says, "For we are not proclaiming ourselves, proclaiming ourselves, proclaiming ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your servants for Christ's sake. For as your servants for Christ's sake. For as your servants for Christ's sake. For God who said, let light shine out of God who said, let light shine out of God who said, let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to darkness," has shone in our hearts to darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's give the light of the knowledge of God's give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Verse glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Verse glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Verse seven, now we have this treasure in clay seven, now we have this treasure in clay seven, now we have this treasure in clay jars so that this extraordinary power jars so that this extraordinary power jars so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. Then may be from God and not from us. Then may be from God and not from us. Then verse eight goes on to say, we're verse eight goes on to say, we're verse eight goes on to say, we're afflicted in every way but not crushed.

afflicted in every way but not crushed. afflicted in every way but not crushed. We're perplexed but not in despair. We're perplexed but not in despair. We're perplexed but not in despair. Let's pray again. Father, use the Let's pray again. Father, use the Let's pray again. Father, use the reading of your word to quicken your reading of your word to quicken your reading of your word to quicken your people, to challenge your people. And we people, to challenge your people. And we people, to challenge your people. And we pray that in Jesus name. Amen. You may pray that in Jesus name. Amen. You may pray that in Jesus name. Amen. You may be seated. be seated. be seated. our culture, we value packaging, don't our culture, we value packaging, don't our culture, we value packaging, don't we? I mean, packaging, y'all know this. we? I mean, packaging, y'all know this. we? I mean, packaging, y'all know this. If you've ever been out of the country If you've ever been out of the country If you've ever been out of the country and then you've come back, you realize and then you've come back, you realize and then you've come back, you realize even going to the grocery store, our even going to the grocery store, our even going to the grocery store, our food, our food just looks better. I food, our food just looks better. I food, our food just looks better. I mean, the packaging is brighter, the mean, the packaging is brighter, the mean, the packaging is brighter, the colors are more vibrant, it just looks colors are more vibrant, it just looks colors are more vibrant, it just looks better. Okay, we know this. We know better. Okay, we know this. We know better. Okay, we know this. We know clever titles sell books. Doesn't matter clever titles sell books. Doesn't matter clever titles sell books. Doesn't matter what the content is. Um, a beautiful what the content is. Um, a beautiful what the content is. Um, a beautiful front porch sells homes. Nothing wrong front porch sells homes. Nothing wrong front porch sells homes. Nothing wrong with any of this. I'm a diehard with any of this. I'm a diehard with any of this. I'm a diehard capitalist. But marketing has trained us capitalist. But marketing has trained us capitalist. But marketing has trained us to look at the outside and almost to look at the outside and almost to look at the outside and almost disregard the inside. disregard the inside. disregard the inside. And what's true for groceries and houses And what's true for groceries and houses And what's true for groceries and houses can be true if we're not careful with can be true if we're not careful with can be true if we're not careful with people. We start valuing people. We we people. We start valuing people. We we people. We start valuing people. We we mistake charisma. We love, hey, that mistake charisma. We love, hey, that mistake charisma. We love, hey, that guy's got charisma, but does he have guy's got charisma, but does he have guy's got charisma, but does he have character?

character? character? But that person has influence. But that person has influence. But that person has influence. Do they have significance? Do they have significance? Do they have significance? That person has a great appearance, but That person has a great appearance, but That person has a great appearance, but do they have substance? do they have substance? do they have substance? And before long, church family, we spend And before long, church family, we spend And before long, church family, we spend all of our time making sure the all of our time making sure the all of our time making sure the appearance is proper and we disregard appearance is proper and we disregard appearance is proper and we disregard what's inside. what's inside. what's inside. Well, we know that that is not how God Well, we know that that is not how God Well, we know that that is not how God works. and any casual reading of Tik Tok works. and any casual reading of Tik Tok works. and any casual reading of Tik Tok or social media. If you get on a a or social media. If you get on a a or social media. If you get on a a Christian site, they they'll start Christian site, they they'll start Christian site, they they'll start naming some of these things and they'll naming some of these things and they'll naming some of these things and they'll remind us as I will remind you that God remind us as I will remind you that God remind us as I will remind you that God chooses and chose flawed, weak people to chooses and chose flawed, weak people to chooses and chose flawed, weak people to highlight the priceless nature of God. highlight the priceless nature of God. highlight the priceless nature of God. Okay? Okay? Okay? And we are all that way. He's chosen us, And we are all that way. He's chosen us, And we are all that way. He's chosen us, those of you that know Jesus. those of you that know Jesus. those of you that know Jesus. When the prophet Samuel went to look for When the prophet Samuel went to look for When the prophet Samuel went to look for Israel's next king, remember that he got Israel's next king, remember that he got Israel's next king, remember that he got the sons of Jesse. And you know what? the sons of Jesse. And you know what? the sons of Jesse. And you know what? God said, "Give me the runt. Give me the God said, "Give me the runt. Give me the God said, "Give me the runt. Give me the runt, David." Because no one's impressed runt, David." Because no one's impressed runt, David." Because no one's impressed with David.

with David. with David. Even when Jesus assembled the disciples, Even when Jesus assembled the disciples, Even when Jesus assembled the disciples, you know who he got? He didn't get the you know who he got? He didn't get the you know who he got? He didn't get the religious elite. He got the fishermen. religious elite. He got the fishermen. religious elite. He got the fishermen. He got the people that were looked down He got the people that were looked down He got the people that were looked down on. He got ordinary men who just were on. He got ordinary men who just were on. He got ordinary men who just were available. They were uneducated. They available. They were uneducated. They available. They were uneducated. They were untrained. were untrained. were untrained. and God chose him anyway. and God chose him anyway. and God chose him anyway. The illustrations are pretty countless. The illustrations are pretty countless. The illustrations are pretty countless. I'll give you a few more. Moses, in I'll give you a few more. Moses, in I'll give you a few more. Moses, in spite of how he's portrayed in the spite of how he's portrayed in the spite of how he's portrayed in the movie, couldn't speak very well. Gideon movie, couldn't speak very well. Gideon movie, couldn't speak very well. Gideon believed he was a weakest man from the believed he was a weakest man from the believed he was a weakest man from the weakest clan. Well, let's choose him. weakest clan. Well, let's choose him. weakest clan. Well, let's choose him. Ruth was a foreign widow. Ruth was a foreign widow. Ruth was a foreign widow. Mary was an unknown teenage girl from an Mary was an unknown teenage girl from an Mary was an unknown teenage girl from an insignificant village. I hope this is insignificant village. I hope this is insignificant village. I hope this is encouraging to you because it's encouraging to you because it's encouraging to you because it's encouraging to me. encouraging to me. encouraging to me. Again and again, God God bypasses Again and again, God God bypasses Again and again, God God bypasses packaging, packaging, packaging, all the things that the world celebrates all the things that the world celebrates all the things that the world celebrates and says kind of wades through all of and says kind of wades through all of and says kind of wades through all of our all of our prettiness and he picks our all of our prettiness and he picks our all of our prettiness and he picks the substance. He picks the one willing. the substance. He picks the one willing. the substance. He picks the one willing. He picks the one who says, "Choose me.

He picks the one who says, "Choose me. He picks the one who says, "Choose me. I got nothing to offer, but I'm I got nothing to offer, but I'm I got nothing to offer, but I'm willing." willing." willing." Again and again, we see that. Again and again, we see that. Again and again, we see that. And when God sent his greatest treasure, And when God sent his greatest treasure, And when God sent his greatest treasure, we know this. I would remind you he sent we know this. I would remind you he sent we know this. I would remind you he sent Jesus no palace, no royal procession, no Jesus no palace, no royal procession, no Jesus no palace, no royal procession, no army, army, army, no throne. He entered the world and no throne. He entered the world and no throne. He entered the world and first first bit of existence was in a first first bit of existence was in a first first bit of existence was in a feeding trough. feeding trough. feeding trough. The world could have cho would have The world could have cho would have The world could have cho would have chosen a palace. God chose a manger. chosen a palace. God chose a manger. chosen a palace. God chose a manger. Here's the point. God intentionally Here's the point. God intentionally Here's the point. God intentionally placed his greatest treasure placed his greatest treasure placed his greatest treasure in ordinary, fragile, imperfect people. in ordinary, fragile, imperfect people. in ordinary, fragile, imperfect people. did it gladly. But we struggle with that did it gladly. But we struggle with that did it gladly. But we struggle with that sometimes, don't we? We struggle with sometimes, don't we? We struggle with sometimes, don't we? We struggle with that. I know I do. Maybe you do, too. that. I know I do. Maybe you do, too. that. I know I do. Maybe you do, too. I'm a pretty simple guy. So, I broke I'm a pretty simple guy. So, I broke I'm a pretty simple guy. So, I broke today's message up into something is today's message up into something is today's message up into something is start, stop, continue. If you've been a start, stop, continue. If you've been a start, stop, continue. If you've been a part of a company that you got your part of a company that you got your part of a company that you got your yearly evaluation, those are fun, aren't yearly evaluation, those are fun, aren't yearly evaluation, those are fun, aren't they? And it's like, hey, you need to they? And it's like, hey, you need to they? And it's like, hey, you need to stop doing this. You need to start doing stop doing this. You need to start doing stop doing this. You need to start doing this. And this stuff over here, you can this. And this stuff over here, you can this. And this stuff over here, you can you can keep doing it if you want to you can keep doing it if you want to you can keep doing it if you want to stop, start, continue. We're going to do stop, start, continue. We're going to do stop, start, continue. We're going to do that this morning. And this is for those that this morning. And this is for those that this morning. And this is for those of us who want to be ordinary people of us who want to be ordinary people of us who want to be ordinary people that are mightily used of God.

that are mightily used of God. that are mightily used of God. The first one is this. Stop demanding The first one is this. Stop demanding The first one is this. Stop demanding attention. attention. attention. There, I said it. Stop demanding There, I said it. Stop demanding There, I said it. Stop demanding attention, Christian. Stop demanding attention, Christian. Stop demanding attention, Christian. Stop demanding attention. Stop begging God for attention. Stop begging God for attention. Stop begging God for attention. Stop begging the world to attention. Stop begging the world to attention. Stop begging the world to give you attention. Stop having the fish give you attention. Stop having the fish give you attention. Stop having the fish on your car to get attention. on your car to get attention. on your car to get attention. Now, not that you think I'm you think Now, not that you think I'm you think Now, not that you think I'm you think I'm all worked up about it and upset. I'm all worked up about it and upset. I'm all worked up about it and upset. You will always be disappointed in the You will always be disappointed in the You will always be disappointed in the level of attention you receive when that level of attention you receive when that level of attention you receive when that is your goal. is your goal. is your goal. You will always be disappointed. You will always be disappointed. You will always be disappointed. Take it from someone who knows, man, I'm Take it from someone who knows, man, I'm Take it from someone who knows, man, I'm going to do these things and I'm going going to do these things and I'm going going to do these things and I'm going to I'm going to lead a Bible study and to I'm going to lead a Bible study and to I'm going to lead a Bible study and man, I sure hope somebody whatever. man, I sure hope somebody whatever. man, I sure hope somebody whatever. Okay. had a great lesson in this. Some Okay. had a great lesson in this. Some Okay. had a great lesson in this. Some of you know that my uh brother Bruce was of you know that my uh brother Bruce was of you know that my uh brother Bruce was here. Okay. Yeah. Big deal, right? Don't here. Okay. Yeah. Big deal, right? Don't here. Okay. Yeah. Big deal, right? Don't get me started because even this morning get me started because even this morning get me started because even this morning as I'm getting ready to preach up here, as I'm getting ready to preach up here, as I'm getting ready to preach up here, someone said, "Hey, I just want you to someone said, "Hey, I just want you to someone said, "Hey, I just want you to know your brother's remarkable know your brother's remarkable know your brother's remarkable preacher." I'm like, "Okay, that's preacher." I'm like, "Okay, that's preacher." I'm like, "Okay, that's fine." I'm like, "I'm my brother's I'm fine." I'm like, "I'm my brother's I'm fine." I'm like, "I'm my brother's I'm like Bruce's brother in my own church.

like Bruce's brother in my own church. like Bruce's brother in my own church. Like, give me a give me a break. Like, give me a give me a break. Like, give me a give me a break. I'm fine. Everything's fine. I'm fine. Everything's fine. I'm fine. Everything's fine. It's okay. Stop demanding attention It's okay. Stop demanding attention It's okay. Stop demanding attention and demand faithfulness of yourself. and demand faithfulness of yourself. and demand faithfulness of yourself. Just be faithful. Just be faithful. Just be faithful. Just be faithful. Just be faithful. Just be faithful. Do you notice in verse uh five he says, Do you notice in verse uh five he says, Do you notice in verse uh five he says, "For we are not proclaiming ourselves, "For we are not proclaiming ourselves, "For we are not proclaiming ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your servants as your servants as your servants for Jesus' sake." Your servants for for Jesus' sake." Your servants for for Jesus' sake." Your servants for Jesus' sake. Understand when he writes Jesus' sake. Understand when he writes Jesus' sake. Understand when he writes this, this isn't like we say it in this, this isn't like we say it in this, this isn't like we say it in church now. This isn't like, hey, I'm a church now. This isn't like, hey, I'm a church now. This isn't like, hey, I'm a servant. Hey, I'm just here to serve. servant. Hey, I'm just here to serve. servant. Hey, I'm just here to serve. No, this was like we are the lowest of No, this was like we are the lowest of No, this was like we are the lowest of the low. the low. the low. We're the lowest of the low. Which We're the lowest of the low. Which We're the lowest of the low. Which matches beautifully when he says later, matches beautifully when he says later, matches beautifully when he says later, he says, jars of clay, the lowest of the he says, jars of clay, the lowest of the he says, jars of clay, the lowest of the low. We're the lowest of the low. low. We're the lowest of the low. low. We're the lowest of the low. He said, listen, he goes, we're not He said, listen, he goes, we're not He said, listen, he goes, we're not proclaiming ourselves. We're proclaiming proclaiming ourselves. We're proclaiming proclaiming ourselves. We're proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord, Jesus Christ as Lord, Jesus Christ as Lord, and we're your servants.

and we're your servants. and we're your servants. Jesus is Lord. We're your servants. Jesus is Lord. We're your servants. Jesus is Lord. We're your servants. Jesus is preeminent. We're nothing. Jesus is preeminent. We're nothing. Jesus is preeminent. We're nothing. That's what he's saying. You think, That's what he's saying. You think, That's what he's saying. You think, okay, it sounds very churchy so far. okay, it sounds very churchy so far. okay, it sounds very churchy so far. It's not churchy. It is your call in It's not churchy. It is your call in It's not churchy. It is your call in life. life. life. You will always be frustrated by You will always be frustrated by You will always be frustrated by demanding attention in your faith. demanding attention in your faith. demanding attention in your faith. Always. Always. Always. There's no getting around it. Our There's no getting around it. Our There's no getting around it. Our tendency is to make much of ourselves. tendency is to make much of ourselves. tendency is to make much of ourselves. My tendency is to make much of myself. My tendency is to make much of myself. My tendency is to make much of myself. I don't think I'm alone in that. My I don't think I'm alone in that. My I don't think I'm alone in that. My tendency is protect my reputation tendency is protect my reputation tendency is protect my reputation instead of follow his lead. My tendency instead of follow his lead. My tendency instead of follow his lead. My tendency is to build a platform. Hey, look at me. is to build a platform. Hey, look at me. is to build a platform. Hey, look at me. My tendency is to measure success by My tendency is to measure success by My tendency is to measure success by visibility visibility visibility instead of faithfulness. I know that our current age of social I know that our current age of social media and celebrity preachers and media and celebrity preachers and media and celebrity preachers and product placement and and all of the product placement and and all of the product placement and and all of the things things things influencers, all of that stuff. Paul influencers, all of that stuff. Paul influencers, all of that stuff. Paul says this, "We preach Christ, not says this, "We preach Christ, not says this, "We preach Christ, not ourselves." We preach Christ, not ourselves." We preach Christ, not ourselves." We preach Christ, not ourselves.

ourselves. ourselves. Balcony, you know this in Galatians Balcony, you know this in Galatians Balcony, you know this in Galatians 2:20, it says, "I've been crucified with 2:20, it says, "I've been crucified with 2:20, it says, "I've been crucified with Christ. Christ. Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ It is no longer I who live, but Christ It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Really? who lives in me." Really? who lives in me." Really? Is it really Is it really Is it really no longer you? Is it really no longer no longer you? Is it really no longer no longer you? Is it really no longer me? The life I now live in the body I live The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the son of God who loved me by faith in the son of God who loved me by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me. Really and gave himself up for me. Really and gave himself up for me. Really church family. Really? church family. Really? church family. Really? I live my life in the body but I live it I live my life in the body but I live it I live my life in the body but I live it by faith in the son of God who loved me by faith in the son of God who loved me by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me. Our struggle and gave himself up for me. Our struggle and gave himself up for me. Our struggle is we live it because we've attached is we live it because we've attached is we live it because we've attached Jesus somehow to a bunch of things that Jesus somehow to a bunch of things that Jesus somehow to a bunch of things that we do and yet we're still living for we do and yet we're still living for we do and yet we're still living for recognition. We're still living so that recognition. We're still living so that recognition. We're still living so that we might be seen. we might be seen. we might be seen. And what we've done is we've created in And what we've done is we've created in And what we've done is we've created in Jesus not a savior but a life coach. Jesus not a savior but a life coach. Jesus not a savior but a life coach. We've created in Jesus a great big We've created in Jesus a great big We've created in Jesus a great big brother. And I'll call you when I need brother. And I'll call you when I need brother. And I'll call you when I need you. But you. But you. But but if the life I now live in the body I but if the life I now live in the body I but if the life I now live in the body I live by faith in the son of God who live by faith in the son of God who live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me.

loved me and gave himself up for me. loved me and gave himself up for me. That changes everything. Christian That changes everything. Christian That changes everything. Christian parents, parents, parents, Christian parents, if Christian parents, if Christian parents, if if you want to raise children if you want to raise children if you want to raise children and your goal is the life that I now and your goal is the life that I now and your goal is the life that I now live in the body I live by faith in the live in the body I live by faith in the live in the body I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself son of God who loved me and gave himself son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me, then your greatest calling up for me, then your greatest calling up for me, then your greatest calling isn't to raise good citizens. I mean, I isn't to raise good citizens. I mean, I isn't to raise good citizens. I mean, I hope they're great citizens, right? hope they're great citizens, right? hope they're great citizens, right? Please be a good citizen. It's not to raise responsible adults, It's not to raise responsible adults, though. Sure, there's a correlation though. Sure, there's a correlation though. Sure, there's a correlation there. It's not to raise kids who admire there. It's not to raise kids who admire there. It's not to raise kids who admire you. you. you. Those are fine, but it's not the Those are fine, but it's not the Those are fine, but it's not the ultimate goal. Your ultimate goal is to ultimate goal. Your ultimate goal is to ultimate goal. Your ultimate goal is to raise kids who see Jesus in you raise kids who see Jesus in you raise kids who see Jesus in you and are so drawn to your character and are so drawn to your character and are so drawn to your character because of that faith in Jesus and because of that faith in Jesus and because of that faith in Jesus and because of that peace that seems to pass because of that peace that seems to pass because of that peace that seems to pass all understanding and because in the all understanding and because in the all understanding and because in the midst of chaos when everybody's losing midst of chaos when everybody's losing midst of chaos when everybody's losing their heads, you're calm because your their heads, you're calm because your their heads, you're calm because your faith is in Christ and they see that and faith is in Christ and they see that and faith is in Christ and they see that and they're drawn to it. That's your goal.

they're drawn to it. That's your goal. they're drawn to it. That's your goal. That's your goal. Is it hard? Sure, it's That's your goal. Is it hard? Sure, it's That's your goal. Is it hard? Sure, it's hard. hard. hard. But that's the goal, to have an But that's the goal, to have an But that's the goal, to have an authentic faith. authentic faith. authentic faith. Our commitment is to have a family Our commitment is to have a family Our commitment is to have a family devotion. That's awesome. But if that devotion. That's awesome. But if that devotion. That's awesome. But if that family devotion isn't followed up by family devotion isn't followed up by family devotion isn't followed up by being devoted, being devoted, being devoted, then you are stirring hypocrisy into then you are stirring hypocrisy into then you are stirring hypocrisy into your home. your home. your home. And it will do more to harm the cause of And it will do more to harm the cause of And it will do more to harm the cause of Christ than that devotion was intended Christ than that devotion was intended Christ than that devotion was intended to. to. to. Being devoted must outshine must outshine devotionals. Your home needs to be where grace and Your home needs to be where grace and love permeate, where honesty is a part love permeate, where honesty is a part love permeate, where honesty is a part of everything. of everything. of everything. How about Christian teachers? Your How about Christian teachers? Your How about Christian teachers? Your greatest calling isn't to be remembered greatest calling isn't to be remembered greatest calling isn't to be remembered as someone's favorite teacher, but to as someone's favorite teacher, but to as someone's favorite teacher, but to treat students and parents like Jesus treat students and parents like Jesus treat students and parents like Jesus would treat them, would treat them, would treat them, which requires incredible patience. I which requires incredible patience. I which requires incredible patience. I think it's one of the hardest jobs on think it's one of the hardest jobs on think it's one of the hardest jobs on the planet. be a teacher. You kidding the planet. be a teacher. You kidding the planet. be a teacher. You kidding me?

me? me? But that call of the Christian teacher But that call of the Christian teacher But that call of the Christian teacher is to do just that. Is to go into a is to do just that. Is to go into a is to do just that. Is to go into a staff meeting where everyone else is staff meeting where everyone else is staff meeting where everyone else is complaining complaining complaining and you simply trust Jesus. and you simply trust Jesus. and you simply trust Jesus. Christian business owner, your business Christian business owner, your business Christian business owner, your business isn't so that you can have extra. Could isn't so that you can have extra. Could isn't so that you can have extra. Could be for that extra income, but at some be for that extra income, but at some be for that extra income, but at some point it's enough. Those things are point it's enough. Those things are point it's enough. Those things are great. It's wonderful. But you use your great. It's wonderful. But you use your great. It's wonderful. But you use your business for God's glory. business for God's glory. business for God's glory. Use your business for God's glory. I'm Use your business for God's glory. I'm Use your business for God's glory. I'm married to a businesswoman and more married to a businesswoman and more married to a businesswoman and more times than I can shake a stick at, times than I can shake a stick at, times than I can shake a stick at, someone has, don't get me started, but someone has, don't get me started, but someone has, don't get me started, but someone hasn't always done what they someone hasn't always done what they someone hasn't always done what they they said. And so I'm like, let's go. they said. And so I'm like, let's go. they said. And so I'm like, let's go. I'm about to go over. You know, it's I'm about to go over. You know, it's I'm about to go over. You know, it's always good to get your husband involved always good to get your husband involved always good to get your husband involved in the business. It's a joke. It's not. in the business. It's a joke. It's not. in the business. It's a joke. It's not. Please don't do that. Please don't do that. Please don't do that. And you know what? But what what my wife And you know what? But what what my wife And you know what? But what what my wife knows is, you know what her job is? Her knows is, you know what her job is? Her knows is, you know what her job is? Her job is to do a good job, to be honest, job is to do a good job, to be honest, job is to do a good job, to be honest, have integrity, and to reflect Christ. have integrity, and to reflect Christ. have integrity, and to reflect Christ. It isn't to go, "Oh, you mess me around. It isn't to go, "Oh, you mess me around. It isn't to go, "Oh, you mess me around. Well, it's time. Let's go." You know, Well, it's time. Let's go." You know, Well, it's time. Let's go." You know, that's not It is to treat like Christ.

that's not It is to treat like Christ. that's not It is to treat like Christ. Now, does she have the conversation? Of Now, does she have the conversation? Of Now, does she have the conversation? Of course she does. Of course she does. course she does. Of course she does. course she does. Of course she does. That's when we're tested, isn't it? That's when we're tested, isn't it? That's when we're tested, isn't it? Christian students, Christian students, Christian students, your job is not to be an influencer. your job is not to be an influencer. your job is not to be an influencer. popular is to live in such a way that popular is to live in such a way that popular is to live in such a way that your classmates are not confused by what your classmates are not confused by what your classmates are not confused by what your mouth professes and what your life your mouth professes and what your life your mouth professes and what your life shows. shows. shows. That's the call. That's the same for all That's the call. That's the same for all That's the call. That's the same for all of us. We cannot confuse a lost and of us. We cannot confuse a lost and of us. We cannot confuse a lost and dying world because our mouth says one dying world because our mouth says one dying world because our mouth says one thing and our lives say another. We thing and our lives say another. We thing and our lives say another. We can't. can't. can't. We can't. And by demanding attention, We can't. And by demanding attention, We can't. And by demanding attention, it's already started because we will it's already started because we will it's already started because we will never get the attention we crave never get the attention we crave never get the attention we crave from a world that is antithetical to the from a world that is antithetical to the from a world that is antithetical to the things of Christ. We just won't. We just things of Christ. We just won't. We just things of Christ. We just won't. We just won't. Our assignment is to make Jesus won't. Our assignment is to make Jesus won't. Our assignment is to make Jesus impossible to miss. impossible to miss. impossible to miss. That's for every Christian in here. But That's for every Christian in here. But That's for every Christian in here. But you may be saying, "Well, I'm not that you may be saying, "Well, I'm not that you may be saying, "Well, I'm not that kind of Christian." There's only one kind of Christian." There's only one kind of Christian." There's only one kind of Christian. kind of Christian. kind of Christian. Our assignment is to make Jesus Our assignment is to make Jesus Our assignment is to make Jesus impossible to miss. There's a great impossible to miss. There's a great impossible to miss. There's a great illustration in the book of John. Let's illustration in the book of John. Let's illustration in the book of John. Let's jump over there real quick if you got jump over there real quick if you got jump over there real quick if you got it. John chapter 3. I'll read through it. John chapter 3. I'll read through it. John chapter 3. I'll read through this and and we'll we'll keep moving. My this and and we'll we'll keep moving. My this and and we'll we'll keep moving. My word.

word. word. John chapter 3. It's a great passage. John chapter 3. It's a great passage. John chapter 3. It's a great passage. It's actually pretty stunning to me, but It's actually pretty stunning to me, but It's actually pretty stunning to me, but it tells the story of John uh the it tells the story of John uh the it tells the story of John uh the Baptist. Uh verse 22, it may be on the Baptist. Uh verse 22, it may be on the Baptist. Uh verse 22, it may be on the screen. There it is. says, "After this, screen. There it is. says, "After this, screen. There it is. says, "After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Jesus and his disciples went to the Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside where they spent time Judean countryside where they spent time Judean countryside where they spent time with them and where he spent time with with them and where he spent time with with them and where he spent time with them and baptized." So Jesus is out them and baptized." So Jesus is out them and baptized." So Jesus is out baptizing, right? How cool would that baptizing, right? How cool would that baptizing, right? How cool would that have been? You're baptized by Jesus. have been? You're baptized by Jesus. have been? You're baptized by Jesus. John was also baptizing in Anon near John was also baptizing in Anon near John was also baptizing in Anon near Salem because there was plenty of water Salem because there was plenty of water Salem because there was plenty of water there. Makes perfect sense. People were there. Makes perfect sense. People were there. Makes perfect sense. People were coming and being baptized since John had coming and being baptized since John had coming and being baptized since John had not been thrown in prison. Then verse not been thrown in prison. Then verse not been thrown in prison. Then verse 25, it starts to get a little spicy. Uh 25, it starts to get a little spicy. Uh 25, it starts to get a little spicy. Uh then a dispute arose between John's then a dispute arose between John's then a dispute arose between John's disciples and the Jews about disciples and the Jews about disciples and the Jews about purification. purification. purification. So they came to John and told him, So they came to John and told him, So they came to John and told him, "Rabbi, the one you testified about, "Rabbi, the one you testified about, "Rabbi, the one you testified about, they don't even use Jesus name. The one they don't even use Jesus name. The one they don't even use Jesus name. The one you testified about, let's make him you testified about, let's make him you testified about, let's make him anonymous. The one you testified about anonymous. The one you testified about anonymous. The one you testified about and who was with you across the Jordan and who was with you across the Jordan and who was with you across the Jordan is baptizing." And listen to the is baptizing." And listen to the is baptizing." And listen to the complaint. It's already started and complaint. It's already started and complaint. It's already started and everybody's going to him. everybody's going to him. everybody's going to him. So these disciples of John are So these disciples of John are So these disciples of John are complaining that everybody's going to complaining that everybody's going to complaining that everybody's going to Jesus. Okay, that's not a very firm Jesus. Okay, that's not a very firm Jesus. Okay, that's not a very firm argument. Vers 27, John responds, "No argument. Vers 27, John responds, "No argument. Vers 27, John responds, "No one can receive anything unless it has one can receive anything unless it has one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven."

been given to him from heaven." been given to him from heaven." No one can receive anything unless it's No one can receive anything unless it's No one can receive anything unless it's been given to him. been given to him. been given to him. You yourselves can testify that I said, You yourselves can testify that I said, You yourselves can testify that I said, "I'm not the Messiah, but I have been "I'm not the Messiah, but I have been "I'm not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him." He who has the bride sent ahead of him." He who has the bride sent ahead of him." He who has the bride is He who has the bride is the groom. is He who has the bride is the groom. is He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, he's calling But the groom's friend, he's calling But the groom's friend, he's calling himself the groom's friend. Who stands himself the groom's friend. Who stands himself the groom's friend. Who stands by and listens for him rejoices greatly by and listens for him rejoices greatly by and listens for him rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So listen. So at the groom's voice. So listen. So at the groom's voice. So listen. So here's his response, his bottom line here's his response, his bottom line here's his response, his bottom line response. So this joy of mine is response. So this joy of mine is response. So this joy of mine is complete. And then he says, I think one complete. And then he says, I think one complete. And then he says, I think one of the most important prayers in of the most important prayers in of the most important prayers in scripture. He's just saying it. I think scripture. He's just saying it. I think scripture. He's just saying it. I think we need to pray it. we need to pray it. we need to pray it. He must increase and I must decrease. He must increase and I must decrease. He must increase and I must decrease. He must increase and I must decrease. He must increase and I must decrease. He must increase and I must decrease. That's really what we boil disciplehip That's really what we boil disciplehip That's really what we boil disciplehip down to. Him increasing us decreasing. down to. Him increasing us decreasing. down to. Him increasing us decreasing. Him increasing us decreasing. They were Him increasing us decreasing. They were Him increasing us decreasing. They were not happy with that response. They were not happy with that response. They were not happy with that response. They were defensive for John. defensive for John. defensive for John. But he says he must increase and I must But he says he must increase and I must But he says he must increase and I must decrease. That seems to be at times the decrease. That seems to be at times the decrease. That seems to be at times the forgotten prayer forgotten prayer forgotten prayer of believers.

I would say that if you remember I would say that if you remember anything on the off chance that you anything on the off chance that you anything on the off chance that you remember anything about today's message, remember anything about today's message, remember anything about today's message, you remember John 3:30, you remember John 3:30, you remember John 3:30, he must increase, I must decrease. The he must increase, I must decrease. The he must increase, I must decrease. The more Jesus is increasing in our lives, more Jesus is increasing in our lives, more Jesus is increasing in our lives, the you know the payoff is first of all, the you know the payoff is first of all, the you know the payoff is first of all, you honor Christ more, but your you honor Christ more, but your you honor Christ more, but your satisfaction with your faith will satisfaction with your faith will satisfaction with your faith will dramatically increase. dramatically increase. dramatically increase. Some of us are here Hey, we are this Some of us are here Hey, we are this Some of us are here Hey, we are this close to walking away. close to walking away. close to walking away. We're this close to walking away. We're this close to walking away. We're this close to walking away. And the problem isn't that Jesus has And the problem isn't that Jesus has And the problem isn't that Jesus has gone anywhere. The problem is that we gone anywhere. The problem is that we gone anywhere. The problem is that we have never yet allowed him to increase have never yet allowed him to increase have never yet allowed him to increase and us to decrease. We hate the us and us to decrease. We hate the us and us to decrease. We hate the us decreasing part. decreasing part. decreasing part. He increases, we decrease. Loving to He increases, we decrease. Loving to He increases, we decrease. Loving to sing about Jesus sing about Jesus sing about Jesus and loving Jesus, the Jesus we sing and loving Jesus, the Jesus we sing and loving Jesus, the Jesus we sing about, are two different things. about, are two different things. about, are two different things. This, by the way, this is the key to This, by the way, this is the key to This, by the way, this is the key to every church dispute that has ever been, every church dispute that has ever been, every church dispute that has ever been, every frustration that you've ever had.

every frustration that you've ever had. every frustration that you've ever had. Maybe not every frustration, but a lot Maybe not every frustration, but a lot Maybe not every frustration, but a lot of them. We got to know the difference of them. We got to know the difference of them. We got to know the difference between loving to sing about Jesus and between loving to sing about Jesus and between loving to sing about Jesus and loving the Jesus we sing about. Loving loving the Jesus we sing about. Loving loving the Jesus we sing about. Loving to sing about Jesus could be full of to sing about Jesus could be full of to sing about Jesus could be full of nostalgia and full of good uh music and nostalgia and full of good uh music and nostalgia and full of good uh music and an emotional response. And all of that an emotional response. And all of that an emotional response. And all of that is good, great, and grand. But if we don't love the Jesus we're But if we don't love the Jesus we're singing about, singing about, singing about, then what we're doing is we're grading then what we're doing is we're grading then what we're doing is we're grading the worship. If we don't love that Jesus is being If we don't love that Jesus is being preached about, all we're doing is preached about, all we're doing is preached about, all we're doing is grading the preaching. is satisfied when people applaud the is satisfied when people applaud the sermon or the music has perfect sermon or the music has perfect sermon or the music has perfect transitions and everybody hit their transitions and everybody hit their transitions and everybody hit their spots. spots. spots. The other is satisfied when people leave The other is satisfied when people leave The other is satisfied when people leave talking about the savior or singing talking about the savior or singing talking about the savior or singing about him, singing to him. We have to about him, singing to him. We have to about him, singing to him. We have to know the difference. Do we love Jesus or know the difference. Do we love Jesus or know the difference. Do we love Jesus or do we just love being about the things do we just love being about the things do we just love being about the things of Jesus? Do we love ministry or do we of Jesus? Do we love ministry or do we of Jesus? Do we love ministry or do we love the master?

love the master? love the master? That's actually just the first point, That's actually just the first point, That's actually just the first point, but I'll button up the next two. Okay, but I'll button up the next two. Okay, but I'll button up the next two. Okay, you'll get to lunch at some point today. you'll get to lunch at some point today. you'll get to lunch at some point today. Some point today. Some point today. Some point today. Well, the messenger was never meant to Well, the messenger was never meant to Well, the messenger was never meant to to eclipse the message. So, we stop to eclipse the message. So, we stop to eclipse the message. So, we stop demanding to be the center of our own demanding to be the center of our own demanding to be the center of our own faith. It just causes trouble and it faith. It just causes trouble and it faith. It just causes trouble and it causes us to have anxiety and it causes causes us to have anxiety and it causes causes us to have anxiety and it causes us to be up and down in our faith. So, us to be up and down in our faith. So, us to be up and down in our faith. So, what do we we stop doing that? What do what do we we stop doing that? What do what do we we stop doing that? What do we start doing? We start I did this we start doing? We start I did this we start doing? We start I did this myself. Treasuring the treasure. myself. Treasuring the treasure. myself. Treasuring the treasure. We start treasuring the treasure. Let me We start treasuring the treasure. Let me We start treasuring the treasure. Let me read in verse six. For God, the God who read in verse six. For God, the God who read in verse six. For God, the God who said, listen, let the light shine out of said, listen, let the light shine out of said, listen, let the light shine out of darkness. Remember, creation darkness. Remember, creation darkness. Remember, creation has shone in our hearts to give the has shone in our hearts to give the has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory light of the knowledge of God's glory light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus. What he's saying in the face of Jesus. What he's saying in the face of Jesus. What he's saying is, hey, the creation of the world is is, hey, the creation of the world is is, hey, the creation of the world is one thing, but moving from death to life one thing, but moving from death to life one thing, but moving from death to life is another. is another. is another. So, we created the world and then he So, we created the world and then he So, we created the world and then he moved people spiritually from death into moved people spiritually from death into moved people spiritually from death into life. By the way, we all know this. It's life. By the way, we all know this. It's life. By the way, we all know this. It's almost uh a truism, but God did not come almost uh a truism, but God did not come almost uh a truism, but God did not come to make bad people good.

to make bad people good. to make bad people good. He took us from death into life. And and He took us from death into life. And and He took us from death into life. And and we we can if we're not careful. We can we we can if we're not careful. We can we we can if we're not careful. We can forget that. He says this to give the forget that. He says this to give the forget that. He says this to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in light of the knowledge of God's glory in light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face in the face of Jesus Christ. the face in the face of Jesus Christ. the face in the face of Jesus Christ. There it is. That's the treasure. There it is. That's the treasure. There it is. That's the treasure. That's the treasure. It's not our gifts, That's the treasure. It's not our gifts, That's the treasure. It's not our gifts, not our abilities, not our ministry, not our abilities, not our ministry, not our abilities, not our ministry, success. The treasure is Christ Jesus success. The treasure is Christ Jesus success. The treasure is Christ Jesus himself. We cannot forget that. We himself. We cannot forget that. We himself. We cannot forget that. We cannot forget that. Paul never forgot cannot forget that. Paul never forgot cannot forget that. Paul never forgot it. Listen to what he says in it. Listen to what he says in it. Listen to what he says in Philippians 3. I think Will read it Philippians 3. I think Will read it Philippians 3. I think Will read it earlier, but I want to read it again. earlier, but I want to read it again. earlier, but I want to read it again. Christian, is this true? Christian, is this true? Christian, is this true? It is true. Is it true for you? It is true. Is it true for you? It is true. Is it true for you? Everything that was gained to me, I've Everything that was gained to me, I've Everything that was gained to me, I've considered to be lost. considered to be lost. considered to be lost. really really really because of Christ Jesus. More than that, because of Christ Jesus. More than that, because of Christ Jesus. More than that, I consider everything to be lost. Really I consider everything to be lost. Really I consider everything to be lost. Really a view of the surpassing value of a view of the surpassing value of a view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Do we? Do knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Do we? Do knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Do we? Do we? If we don't, we get it. But if we we? If we don't, we get it. But if we we? If we don't, we get it. But if we don't, your faith will always be a don't, your faith will always be a don't, your faith will always be a struggle.

struggle. struggle. It will always be a struggle until we It will always be a struggle until we It will always be a struggle until we give into the idea that I consider give into the idea that I consider give into the idea that I consider everything lost in view of the everything lost in view of the everything lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Church family, I'm just trying my Lord. Church family, I'm just trying my Lord. Church family, I'm just trying to get us ready for the fall because to get us ready for the fall because to get us ready for the fall because here at Greenacres, there's going to be here at Greenacres, there's going to be here at Greenacres, there's going to be a lot going on this fall. And if we are a lot going on this fall. And if we are a lot going on this fall. And if we are ready to view everything as loss ready to view everything as loss ready to view everything as loss compared to the surpassing value of compared to the surpassing value of compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord, then we knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord, then we knowing Christ Jesus, our Lord, then we will have an army of people that are will have an army of people that are will have an army of people that are ready to change the very fabric of ready to change the very fabric of ready to change the very fabric of Tyler, Texas. I believe that with all my Tyler, Texas. I believe that with all my Tyler, Texas. I believe that with all my heart. I believe that heart. I believe that heart. I believe that um um um move forward with this. I'll try to try move forward with this. I'll try to try move forward with this. I'll try to try to be succinct. Three semesters ago, my to be succinct. Three semesters ago, my to be succinct. Three semesters ago, my wife and I do something called wife and I do something called wife and I do something called re-engage. re-engage. re-engage. Three semesters ago, we uh and by the Three semesters ago, we uh and by the Three semesters ago, we uh and by the way, we start on uh August 19th. It's way, we start on uh August 19th. It's way, we start on uh August 19th. It's not too late to sign up. WW.org, not too late to sign up. WW.org, not too late to sign up. WW.org, whatever, you know, go sign up. Okay. whatever, you know, go sign up. Okay. whatever, you know, go sign up. Okay. Just re-engage. And after class, it Just re-engage. And after class, it Just re-engage. And after class, it wasn't even after Margie and I had just wasn't even after Margie and I had just wasn't even after Margie and I had just gotten done talking on the law of gotten done talking on the law of gotten done talking on the law of pursuit. It's a marriage principle.

pursuit. It's a marriage principle. pursuit. It's a marriage principle. Whatever. We just did it. It was good. Whatever. We just did it. It was good. Whatever. We just did it. It was good. And it was like, "Okay, we're done." And it was like, "Okay, we're done." And it was like, "Okay, we're done." It's just the very first part. And a guy It's just the very first part. And a guy It's just the very first part. And a guy came up to me, a man, a guy at a came up to me, a man, a guy at a came up to me, a man, a guy at a marriage class. Go figure. In fact, we marriage class. Go figure. In fact, we marriage class. Go figure. In fact, we call re-engage marriage enrichment for call re-engage marriage enrichment for call re-engage marriage enrichment for people that don't like marriage people that don't like marriage people that don't like marriage enrichment. Okay? So, for guys in enrichment. Okay? So, for guys in enrichment. Okay? So, for guys in particular. So, he came up after class particular. So, he came up after class particular. So, he came up after class and and uh after our teaching time and and and uh after our teaching time and and and uh after our teaching time and he said, "Hey, um can I talk to you?" I he said, "Hey, um can I talk to you?" I he said, "Hey, um can I talk to you?" I said, "Sure." He goes, "Well, it's going said, "Sure." He goes, "Well, it's going said, "Sure." He goes, "Well, it's going to take a little bit of time." I said, to take a little bit of time." I said, to take a little bit of time." I said, "Well, how about we It's Wednesday "Well, how about we It's Wednesday "Well, how about we It's Wednesday night." I said, "I think I can do night." I said, "I think I can do night." I said, "I think I can do something next Tuesday." something next Tuesday." something next Tuesday." Thinking I'm exhausted. He goes, "How Thinking I'm exhausted. He goes, "How Thinking I'm exhausted. He goes, "How about tomorrow morning?" And I thought, about tomorrow morning?" And I thought, about tomorrow morning?" And I thought, "Okay, so tomorrow morning." And he "Okay, so tomorrow morning." And he "Okay, so tomorrow morning." And he goes, "Like 6:45?" I was like, "In the goes, "Like 6:45?" I was like, "In the goes, "Like 6:45?" I was like, "In the morning? Kidding me? I'm not ready to morning? Kidding me? I'm not ready to morning? Kidding me? I'm not ready to talk about your marriage. It's anyway." talk about your marriage. It's anyway." talk about your marriage. It's anyway." But I did. We met. It was awesome. It But I did. We met. It was awesome. It But I did. We met. It was awesome. It was good. And and I went to bed that was good. And and I went to bed that was good. And and I went to bed that night. And I thought, well, I know what night. And I thought, well, I know what night. And I thought, well, I know what he's going to tell me because when a man he's going to tell me because when a man he's going to tell me because when a man is desperate, I know I know what he's is desperate, I know I know what he's is desperate, I know I know what he's going to talk to me about. You know, going to talk to me about. You know, going to talk to me about. You know, it's it's going to be it's just going to it's it's going to be it's just going to it's it's going to be it's just going to be one of four or five different things. be one of four or five different things. be one of four or five different things. I was I was completely ready for that. I was I was completely ready for that. I was I was completely ready for that. What I wasn't ready for is what he told What I wasn't ready for is what he told What I wasn't ready for is what he told me.

me. me. What I was wasn't ready for is is he What I was wasn't ready for is is he What I was wasn't ready for is is he started off uh coffee, which became started off uh coffee, which became started off uh coffee, which became breakfast. He started off by saying, um, breakfast. He started off by saying, um, breakfast. He started off by saying, um, I've been married 12 years and I've I've been married 12 years and I've I've been married 12 years and I've wrecked our marriage. thought, "Okay, I wrecked our marriage. thought, "Okay, I wrecked our marriage. thought, "Okay, I know what's coming." But then he said know what's coming." But then he said know what's coming." But then he said this. He said, this. He said, this. He said, "We've drifted apart. "We've drifted apart. "We've drifted apart. I think we still love each other, but we I think we still love each other, but we I think we still love each other, but we just don't connect." He said, "All of my enthusiasm for our He said, "All of my enthusiasm for our marriage just evaporate." That wasn't what I thought he would tell That wasn't what I thought he would tell me, me, me, but he proceeded to unpack it. It's like but he proceeded to unpack it. It's like but he proceeded to unpack it. It's like there was another person There wasn't a there was another person There wasn't a there was another person There wasn't a dramatic betrayal. dramatic betrayal. dramatic betrayal. There wasn't one catastrophic moment There wasn't one catastrophic moment There wasn't one catastrophic moment where everything fell apart. where everything fell apart. where everything fell apart. It was just years of busyness, It was just years of busyness, It was just years of busyness, neglect, neglect, neglect, years of living beside each other years of living beside each other years of living beside each other instead of living with one another.

instead of living with one another. instead of living with one another. And God got a hold of him and he was And God got a hold of him and he was And God got a hold of him and he was broken. broken. broken. He was broken because he still loved He was broken because he still loved He was broken because he still loved her, but he no longer treasured her. There's a difference. There's a difference. We love Jesus. We love Jesus. We love Jesus. We treasure. We still do all the things, but our We still do all the things, but our heart's not in it. So, we had a conversation that lasted So, we had a conversation that lasted till for a while. and he left with a commitment and he left with a commitment to keep loving his wife to keep loving his wife to keep loving his wife but to treasure her. So he started doing but to treasure her. So he started doing but to treasure her. So he started doing the little things again. the little things again. the little things again. He started trying to look at her with He started trying to look at her with He started trying to look at her with renewed wonder. I'm not even sure to renewed wonder. I'm not even sure to renewed wonder. I'm not even sure to this day if she knows we met. Should I this day if she knows we met. Should I this day if she knows we met. Should I put it together three semesters ago? put it together three semesters ago? put it together three semesters ago? I'll have the conversation.

I'll have the conversation. I'll have the conversation. But he met her with renewed wonder. But he met her with renewed wonder. But he met her with renewed wonder. Nothing about her changed, Nothing about her changed, Nothing about her changed, but his eyes changed. He remembered why but his eyes changed. He remembered why but his eyes changed. He remembered why he fell in love. He began to pursue he fell in love. He began to pursue he fell in love. He began to pursue instead of assuming. He Here's one, instead of assuming. He Here's one, instead of assuming. He Here's one, guys. He listened guys. He listened guys. He listened instead of just nodding in agreement. instead of just nodding in agreement. instead of just nodding in agreement. He cherished instead of coexisting. He cherished instead of coexisting. He cherished instead of coexisting. And their marriage by the end of the And their marriage by the end of the And their marriage by the end of the semester was dramatically different. So semester was dramatically different. So semester was dramatically different. So much so that they gave a little much so that they gave a little much so that they gave a little testimony towards the end of the testimony towards the end of the testimony towards the end of the semester. semester. semester. It was remarkable. He still loved her, It was remarkable. He still loved her, It was remarkable. He still loved her, but he quit treasuring her. So their but he quit treasuring her. So their but he quit treasuring her. So their marriage was on the brink. I would put marriage was on the brink. I would put marriage was on the brink. I would put it to you. it to you. it to you. Some of us still love Jesus. We don't Some of us still love Jesus. We don't Some of us still love Jesus. We don't treasure him anymore. treasure him anymore. treasure him anymore. We don't, We don't, We don't, but we can. And we can start doing that but we can. And we can start doing that but we can. And we can start doing that today. today. today. And I would encourage you to do to do And I would encourage you to do to do And I would encourage you to do to do just that.

just that. just that. Well, we we stop demanding attention. We Well, we we stop demanding attention. We Well, we we stop demanding attention. We start treasuring the treasure and then start treasuring the treasure and then start treasuring the treasure and then quickly quickly quickly we continue. This is all I had. We we continue. This is all I had. We we continue. This is all I had. We continue shining the light. continue shining the light. continue shining the light. Let me read this to you and then I want Let me read this to you and then I want Let me read this to you and then I want to give you one challenge and we'll be to give you one challenge and we'll be to give you one challenge and we'll be done. done. done. Bible says we have this in treasures uh Bible says we have this in treasures uh Bible says we have this in treasures uh have this treasure in clay jars, jars of have this treasure in clay jars, jars of have this treasure in clay jars, jars of clay so that this extraordinary power clay so that this extraordinary power clay so that this extraordinary power may from God and not from us. We're may from God and not from us. We're may from God and not from us. We're afflicted in every way, not crushed. afflicted in every way, not crushed. afflicted in every way, not crushed. We're perplexed, and we're not in We're perplexed, and we're not in We're perplexed, and we're not in despair. Do you wonder why God chose despair. Do you wonder why God chose despair. Do you wonder why God chose clay jars? I mean, now clay jars can get clay jars? I mean, now clay jars can get clay jars? I mean, now clay jars can get pretty expensive. Back then, they were pretty expensive. Back then, they were pretty expensive. Back then, they were not. You had You could put food in them. not. You had You could put food in them. not. You had You could put food in them. You can also put refu in them. You could You can also put refu in them. You could You can also put refu in them. You could put dung in them. They just carried all put dung in them. They just carried all put dung in them. They just carried all kind of things. When they broke, you kind of things. When they broke, you kind of things. When they broke, you didn't replace them. You just threw them didn't replace them. You just threw them didn't replace them. You just threw them away. But for some reason, he chose away. But for some reason, he chose away. But for some reason, he chose chooses to call us, you and me, jars of chooses to call us, you and me, jars of chooses to call us, you and me, jars of clay. clay. clay. I love what Tony Evans says. He says, I love what Tony Evans says. He says, I love what Tony Evans says. He says, "On our best days," this will this will "On our best days," this will this will "On our best days," this will this will bless you. "On our best days, we're just bless you. "On our best days, we're just bless you. "On our best days, we're just dignified dirt." Like, thanks, Tony.

dignified dirt." Like, thanks, Tony. dignified dirt." Like, thanks, Tony. It's pretty nice. Ordinary Clard clay jars. Ordinary Clard clay jars. Here's what I want to encourage. Those Here's what I want to encourage. Those Here's what I want to encourage. Those of you that have been beaten up, of you that have been beaten up, of you that have been beaten up, you have things that you are you'd you have things that you are you'd you have things that you are you'd rather not share about. You've gone rather not share about. You've gone rather not share about. You've gone through pain that some of us can't even through pain that some of us can't even through pain that some of us can't even imagine. imagine. imagine. Blessed be 2 Corinthians 1 3-4. Blessed Blessed be 2 Corinthians 1 3-4. Blessed Blessed be 2 Corinthians 1 3-4. Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus be the God and father of our Lord Jesus be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and the Christ, the father of mercies and the Christ, the father of mercies and the God of all comfort. God of all comfort. God of all comfort. He comforts us, listen, in all of our He comforts us, listen, in all of our He comforts us, listen, in all of our afflictions. So that we may be able to comfort those So that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction who are in any kind of affliction who are in any kind of affliction through the comfort we ourselves receive through the comfort we ourselves receive through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. Do you know that the point of your Do you know that the point of your deepest pain could very well be the deepest pain could very well be the deepest pain could very well be the beginning of a ministry to people that beginning of a ministry to people that beginning of a ministry to people that are going through exactly what you've are going through exactly what you've are going through exactly what you've gone through?

God never ever wastes pain. God never ever wastes pain. Our suffering is never meaningless in Our suffering is never meaningless in Our suffering is never meaningless in his hands. his hands. his hands. And that is why you need to tell your And that is why you need to tell your And that is why you need to tell your story. story. story. Whatever your story is, Whatever your story is, Whatever your story is, if you're a senior in high school, talk if you're a senior in high school, talk if you're a senior in high school, talk to a freshman about what it's like to to a freshman about what it's like to to a freshman about what it's like to get through clinging to faith in Christ. get through clinging to faith in Christ. get through clinging to faith in Christ. If you're a business owner and you have If you're a business owner and you have If you're a business owner and you have failed, talk to somebody whose business failed, talk to somebody whose business failed, talk to somebody whose business just failed and how Christ took you just failed and how Christ took you just failed and how Christ took you through it. People will admire the ones who they People will admire the ones who they only see as successful, only see as successful, only see as successful, but they'll never have their lives but they'll never have their lives but they'll never have their lives changed by it. There is pain that some of you have There is pain that some of you have walked through. If you've ever had your walked through. If you've ever had your walked through. If you've ever had your marriage restored, let somebody know the pain you went let somebody know the pain you went through to get there. through to get there. through to get there. A prodigal A prodigal A prodigal or you've been addicted. The point has never been us. The point The point has never been us. The point is not us. It's Jesus. We're a jar of is not us. It's Jesus. We're a jar of is not us. It's Jesus. We're a jar of clay. I'll tell you a quick story and clay. I'll tell you a quick story and clay. I'll tell you a quick story and then if I can get through it, we'll wrap then if I can get through it, we'll wrap then if I can get through it, we'll wrap up. Okay? Uh not long ago, uh there's up. Okay? Uh not long ago, uh there's up. Okay? Uh not long ago, uh there's some there's some people in this room, some there's some people in this room, some there's some people in this room, some of you ladies have been heartbroken some of you ladies have been heartbroken some of you ladies have been heartbroken because you've had a miscarriage. Okay?

because you've had a miscarriage. Okay? because you've had a miscarriage. Okay? I will never know what that's like. I I will never know what that's like. I I will never know what that's like. I can only be empathetic, but some of you can only be empathetic, but some of you can only be empathetic, but some of you know how dramatic and painful that can know how dramatic and painful that can know how dramatic and painful that can be. Okay? Um and I have known about it, be. Okay? Um and I have known about it, be. Okay? Um and I have known about it, but I've never experienced it obviously. but I've never experienced it obviously. but I've never experienced it obviously. But The last couple of months, it's been But The last couple of months, it's been But The last couple of months, it's been very clear as my daughter went through a very clear as my daughter went through a very clear as my daughter went through a miscarriage. Church family, she went through a Church family, she went through a miscarriage and she had some of the most miscarriage and she had some of the most miscarriage and she had some of the most godly, kind women speak into her life. godly, kind women speak into her life. godly, kind women speak into her life. I couldn't I really wanted to I wanted to make it I really wanted to I wanted to make it all go away. But the pain that those all go away. But the pain that those all go away. But the pain that those women had, all they did was they just women had, all they did was they just women had, all they did was they just shared how God brought them through it. shared how God brought them through it. shared how God brought them through it. And all of a sudden, I've got my smiling And all of a sudden, I've got my smiling And all of a sudden, I've got my smiling daughter back.

daughter back. daughter back. I asked her before I shared this to be I asked her before I shared this to be I asked her before I shared this to be clear and her husband, clear and her husband, clear and her husband, tell your story. tell your story. tell your story. Your perfection doesn't help anyone. Tell your story Tell your story in this room. There's unimaginable pain in this room. There's unimaginable pain in this room. There's unimaginable pain and someone needs to hear how God took and someone needs to hear how God took and someone needs to hear how God took you through that same pain. Tell your you through that same pain. Tell your you through that same pain. Tell your story. story. story. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] God will use you. Stop demanding God will use you. Stop demanding God will use you. Stop demanding attention. attention. attention. Treasure the treasure Treasure the treasure Treasure the treasure and tell [snorts] your story. Shine your and tell [snorts] your story. Shine your and tell [snorts] your story. Shine your light. Y'all pray with me. light. Y'all pray with me. light. Y'all pray with me. Father, would you give us courage Father, would you give us courage Father, would you give us courage to take you at your word? Would you give to take you at your word? Would you give to take you at your word? Would you give us boldness to pray that you must us boldness to pray that you must us boldness to pray that you must increase and we must decrease. increase and we must decrease. increase and we must decrease. Father, would you help us be the kind of Father, would you help us be the kind of Father, would you help us be the kind of people that know to live as you as people that know to live as you as people that know to live as you as Christ to die is gain. Father, forgive Christ to die is gain. Father, forgive Christ to die is gain. Father, forgive us for just playing around us for just playing around us for just playing around some of us with our faith.

some of us with our faith. some of us with our faith. We're just been an add-on. You've been a We're just been an add-on. You've been a We're just been an add-on. You've been a wonderful coach. wonderful coach. wonderful coach. Father, we have been inconsistent. Lord, Father, we have been inconsistent. Lord, Father, we have been inconsistent. Lord, as we move into the fall, as we prepare as we move into the fall, as we prepare as we move into the fall, as we prepare for thousands of people, Lord, would you for thousands of people, Lord, would you for thousands of people, Lord, would you remind us that your gospel not only remind us that your gospel not only remind us that your gospel not only saves us, but it sustains us. saves us, but it sustains us. saves us, but it sustains us. So, Father, would you move in a way I So, Father, would you move in a way I So, Father, would you move in a way I can't explain you? We can't explain. can't explain you? We can't explain. can't explain you? We can't explain. Would you touch the lives and give Would you touch the lives and give Would you touch the lives and give boldness to people that have a story boldness to people that have a story boldness to people that have a story that needs to be told? I pray that in Jesus name. Everybody I pray that in Jesus name. Everybody said amen.