What’s on the Other Side of Your Faith? | Cami Robledo

Good morning, church. [applause] Good morning, church. [applause] Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, church. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE Good morning, church. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE Good morning, church. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DAY TO BE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD. AMEN. DAY TO BE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD. AMEN. DAY TO BE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD. AMEN. >> AMEN. GUYS, I'm I'm kind of still a mess >> AMEN. GUYS, I'm I'm kind of still a mess >> AMEN. GUYS, I'm I'm kind of still a mess from worship. It was hard to not just from worship. It was hard to not just from worship. It was hard to not just cry my eyes out down there. Um, but cry my eyes out down there. Um, but cry my eyes out down there. Um, but first and foremost, I want to thank our first and foremost, I want to thank our first and foremost, I want to thank our leaders, Pastor Daniel and Pastor Tammy, leaders, Pastor Daniel and Pastor Tammy, leaders, Pastor Daniel and Pastor Tammy, for this opportunity. I think it's for this opportunity. I think it's for this opportunity. I think it's absolutely amazing that all across of absolutely amazing that all across of absolutely amazing that all across of our campuses right now, there are young our campuses right now, there are young our campuses right now, there are young communicators getting to practice their communicators getting to practice their communicators getting to practice their gifts. And we're a church that doesn't gifts. And we're a church that doesn't gifts. And we're a church that doesn't just believe in the next generation, but just believe in the next generation, but just believe in the next generation, but we equip them and we empower them. Isn't we equip them and we empower them. Isn't we equip them and we empower them. Isn't that incredible? Yeah. That's amazing. that incredible? Yeah. That's amazing. that incredible? Yeah. That's amazing. That is amazing. And so, thank you so That is amazing. And so, thank you so That is amazing. And so, thank you so much for being here with us today. If much for being here with us today. If much for being here with us today. If it's your first time, I want to welcome it's your first time, I want to welcome it's your first time, I want to welcome you to Gateway Church. We're so glad you to Gateway Church. We're so glad you to Gateway Church. We're so glad you're here with us today. And if you're you're here with us today. And if you're you're here with us today. And if you're joining us online, whether at our joining us online, whether at our joining us online, whether at our gateway gatherings, at our prison gateway gatherings, at our prison gateway gatherings, at our prison campuses, or on demand later in the campuses, or on demand later in the campuses, or on demand later in the week, thank you so much. We're so glad week, thank you so much. We're so glad week, thank you so much. We're so glad you're here with us today, guys. I'm you're here with us today, guys. I'm you're here with us today, guys. I'm excited. Happy Fourth of July weekend. excited. Happy Fourth of July weekend. excited. Happy Fourth of July weekend. Y'all, I love the church. I grew up in Y'all, I love the church. I grew up in Y'all, I love the church. I grew up in the church. I'm a pastor's kid from the church. I'm a pastor's kid from the church. I'm a pastor's kid from Miami, so 305 till I die. I know there Miami, so 305 till I die. I know there Miami, so 305 till I die. I know there might not be a lot of Miami people in might not be a lot of Miami people in might not be a lot of Miami people in here, but I absolutely love it. And I here, but I absolutely love it. And I here, but I absolutely love it. And I know Pastor Daniel has kind of joked know Pastor Daniel has kind of joked know Pastor Daniel has kind of joked about how here in the South y'all would about how here in the South y'all would about how here in the South y'all would do like Sunday morning, Sunday night, do like Sunday morning, Sunday night, do like Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, like that was like a Wednesday night, like that was like a Wednesday night, like that was like a like a hefty thing. Like you were in the like a hefty thing. Like you were in the like a hefty thing. Like you were in the church. And let me tell y'all something.

church. And let me tell y'all something. church. And let me tell y'all something. Us Hispanics, we took that and we said Us Hispanics, we took that and we said Us Hispanics, we took that and we said we're going to put it on steroids. We we're going to put it on steroids. We we're going to put it on steroids. We are going to go Tuesday night are going to go Tuesday night are going to go Tuesday night disciplehip, Wednesday night prayer, disciplehip, Wednesday night prayer, disciplehip, Wednesday night prayer, Thursday night worship rehearsal, Friday Thursday night worship rehearsal, Friday Thursday night worship rehearsal, Friday night youth nights, and Saturdays. We night youth nights, and Saturdays. We night youth nights, and Saturdays. We almost always ended up there for no almost always ended up there for no almost always ended up there for no reason probably, but normally for either reason probably, but normally for either reason probably, but normally for either a Christmas rehearsal or Easter thing or a Christmas rehearsal or Easter thing or a Christmas rehearsal or Easter thing or giving back to our local community, giving back to our local community, giving back to our local community, whatever we could do, we would be in whatever we could do, we would be in whatever we could do, we would be in church. And by we, I mean me. I was church. And by we, I mean me. I was church. And by we, I mean me. I was there all the time. You can ask my there all the time. You can ask my there all the time. You can ask my parents. I literally was at church more parents. I literally was at church more parents. I literally was at church more than at home sometimes. You're also than at home sometimes. You're also than at home sometimes. You're also going to hear me say literally a lot. going to hear me say literally a lot. going to hear me say literally a lot. That's a Miami accent thing, so enjoy That's a Miami accent thing, so enjoy That's a Miami accent thing, so enjoy it. And so, I was at church so much that it. And so, I was at church so much that it. And so, I was at church so much that being there actually caused me to be at being there actually caused me to be at being there actually caused me to be at a really significant crossroads when I a really significant crossroads when I a really significant crossroads when I was about 16 years old. I remember that was about 16 years old. I remember that was about 16 years old. I remember that my parents approached me and they said, my parents approached me and they said, my parents approached me and they said, "Cammy, we're moving to Dallas." And I "Cammy, we're moving to Dallas." And I "Cammy, we're moving to Dallas." And I said, "We I don't think so." But they said, "We I don't think so." But they said, "We I don't think so." But they said, "You can pray about it and you can said, "You can pray about it and you can said, "You can pray about it and you can either finish high school, which I had a either finish high school, which I had a either finish high school, which I had a year and a half left, or you can stay year and a half left, or you can stay year and a half left, or you can stay with your siblings under their with your siblings under their with your siblings under their guardianship." My sister's 11 years guardianship." My sister's 11 years guardianship." My sister's 11 years older than I am. She's here today. My older than I am. She's here today. My older than I am. She's here today. My brother's 5 years older than I am. He's brother's 5 years older than I am. He's brother's 5 years older than I am. He's watching online. And I was like, "Ching.

watching online. And I was like, "Ching. watching online. And I was like, "Ching. I'm staying with my like my siblings. I'm staying with my like my siblings. I'm staying with my like my siblings. This is going to be so fun. No parents This is going to be so fun. No parents This is going to be so fun. No parents during senior year. Prom is going to go during senior year. Prom is going to go during senior year. Prom is going to go crazy. Like, this is going to be crazy. Like, this is going to be crazy. Like, this is going to be amazing." And so, yeah, I had no good amazing." And so, yeah, I had no good amazing." And so, yeah, I had no good ideas and no good intentions in that. ideas and no good intentions in that. ideas and no good intentions in that. And so I was like, "All right, I'm cool. And so I was like, "All right, I'm cool. And so I was like, "All right, I'm cool. I'm going to stay here." But as any I'm going to stay here." But as any I'm going to stay here." But as any normal Christian saint would, I was normal Christian saint would, I was normal Christian saint would, I was like, "Let me pray about it." Like, "I like, "Let me pray about it." Like, "I like, "Let me pray about it." Like, "I should probably pray about this." And so should probably pray about this." And so should probably pray about this." And so I was praying about it and I just I was praying about it and I just I was praying about it and I just started having like panic attacks and started having like panic attacks and started having like panic attacks and anxiety attacks. And guys, I had a panic anxiety attacks. And guys, I had a panic anxiety attacks. And guys, I had a panic attack in English class. And if you ever attack in English class. And if you ever attack in English class. And if you ever run out of a classroom and take 20 run out of a classroom and take 20 run out of a classroom and take 20 minutes in the bathroom, you know, they minutes in the bathroom, you know, they minutes in the bathroom, you know, they don't think you're having a panic don't think you're having a panic don't think you're having a panic attack. They think you had bad Mexican attack. They think you had bad Mexican attack. They think you had bad Mexican food at lunch. And so I was like, "This food at lunch. And so I was like, "This food at lunch. And so I was like, "This is not okay. I need peace." Like, "I is not okay. I need peace." Like, "I is not okay. I need peace." Like, "I don't know what's happening." And one don't know what's happening." And one don't know what's happening." And one day my mom picked me up from school and day my mom picked me up from school and day my mom picked me up from school and we parked at a CVS imas. IMAS means and we parked at a CVS imas. IMAS means and we parked at a CVS imas. IMAS means and more in Spanish. And so for all of y'all more in Spanish. And so for all of y'all more in Spanish. And so for all of y'all that aren't from Miami, Spanglish is our that aren't from Miami, Spanglish is our that aren't from Miami, Spanglish is our national language. Everyone speaks it.

national language. Everyone speaks it. national language. Everyone speaks it. We don't speak enough English and we We don't speak enough English and we We don't speak enough English and we don't speak enough Spanish. So we just don't speak enough Spanish. So we just don't speak enough Spanish. So we just meshed them together and we're like, I meshed them together and we're like, I meshed them together and we're like, I hope this works. And it actually does. hope this works. And it actually does. hope this works. And it actually does. And so we were outside this CVS imas, And so we were outside this CVS imas, And so we were outside this CVS imas, which basically means it's a normal CVS which basically means it's a normal CVS which basically means it's a normal CVS that y'all have, but then everything you that y'all have, but then everything you that y'all have, but then everything you could find at your Abua's house that you could find at your Abua's house that you could find at your Abua's house that you need because you live in the States now, need because you live in the States now, need because you live in the States now, so you're not back home. So we're parked so you're not back home. So we're parked so you're not back home. So we're parked outside there and I don't know why my outside there and I don't know why my outside there and I don't know why my mom just turns over and she was like, mom just turns over and she was like, mom just turns over and she was like, "Gami, I'm going to save y'all from the "Gami, I'm going to save y'all from the "Gami, I'm going to save y'all from the Spanish." She was like, "Gami, I can't Spanish." She was like, "Gami, I can't Spanish." She was like, "Gami, I can't leave all my three children behind. Can leave all my three children behind. Can leave all my three children behind. Can you please, please think about moving you please, please think about moving you please, please think about moving with us?" And guys, I had so many with us?" And guys, I had so many with us?" And guys, I had so many excuses to not do it. I was the captain excuses to not do it. I was the captain excuses to not do it. I was the captain of the varsity soccer team at school. I of the varsity soccer team at school. I of the varsity soccer team at school. I was in choir. I was in a really rigorous was in choir. I was in a really rigorous was in choir. I was in a really rigorous academic program. I was on the worship academic program. I was on the worship academic program. I was on the worship team at church. I was involved in team at church. I was involved in team at church. I was involved in absolutely anything and everything you absolutely anything and everything you absolutely anything and everything you could possibly think of. I was there. could possibly think of. I was there. could possibly think of. I was there. And so I was like, I'm not doing this. And so I was like, I'm not doing this. And so I was like, I'm not doing this. Like I could have thought of so many Like I could have thought of so many Like I could have thought of so many reasons why not to do it. And before I reasons why not to do it. And before I reasons why not to do it. And before I could even think of reasons, like they could even think of reasons, like they could even think of reasons, like they were there. Trust me, I have been were there. Trust me, I have been were there. Trust me, I have been repeating them for weeks. Before I could repeating them for weeks. Before I could repeating them for weeks. Before I could think of those, I felt the strongest think of those, I felt the strongest think of those, I felt the strongest impression I've ever had in my life of impression I've ever had in my life of impression I've ever had in my life of God speak to me and say, "You've been God speak to me and say, "You've been God speak to me and say, "You've been praying for peace. Dallas is your praying for peace. Dallas is your praying for peace. Dallas is your peace." And I want to pause there for a peace." And I want to pause there for a peace." And I want to pause there for a moment and acknowledge that I know that moment and acknowledge that I know that moment and acknowledge that I know that peace is not confined to a location.

peace is not confined to a location. peace is not confined to a location. It's not confined to a building. It's It's not confined to a building. It's It's not confined to a building. It's not about a specific place. It's only not about a specific place. It's only not about a specific place. It's only found in Jesus. But he knew my prayers. found in Jesus. But he knew my prayers. found in Jesus. But he knew my prayers. He knew that I was like, "Miami, Dallas, He knew that I was like, "Miami, Dallas, He knew that I was like, "Miami, Dallas, Miami, Dallas, give me peace. Miami, Miami, Dallas, give me peace. Miami, Miami, Dallas, give me peace. Miami, Dallas, and he spoke to me how he knew Dallas, and he spoke to me how he knew Dallas, and he spoke to me how he knew best. And isn't that the best that God best. And isn't that the best that God best. And isn't that the best that God knows exactly how to give us a word knows exactly how to give us a word knows exactly how to give us a word right when we need it, right, church? right when we need it, right, church? right when we need it, right, church? Right? And so I tell you this story Right? And so I tell you this story Right? And so I tell you this story because I was at a really significant because I was at a really significant because I was at a really significant crossroads when I was about 16 years crossroads when I was about 16 years crossroads when I was about 16 years old. I was a young high school girl. And old. I was a young high school girl. And old. I was a young high school girl. And it's not lost on me that in this room it's not lost on me that in this room it's not lost on me that in this room there's so many stories. There's so many there's so many stories. There's so many there's so many stories. There's so many of us that find ourselves at those of us that find ourselves at those of us that find ourselves at those crossroads. It might not be moving crossroads. It might not be moving crossroads. It might not be moving states, but it could be stepping into states, but it could be stepping into states, but it could be stepping into that relationship, stepping out of that that relationship, stepping out of that that relationship, stepping out of that relationship. It could be making that relationship. It could be making that relationship. It could be making that business investment or not making it. It business investment or not making it. It business investment or not making it. It could be reaching out to that friend could be reaching out to that friend could be reaching out to that friend that there's been some tension and that there's been some tension and that there's been some tension and you're not sure what's going on and you're not sure what's going on and you're not sure what's going on and you're kind of putting it off. It could you're kind of putting it off. It could you're kind of putting it off. It could be as big as moving states. It could be be as big as moving states. It could be be as big as moving states. It could be should we have kids right now or should should we have kids right now or should should we have kids right now or should we not? We all find ourselves in these we not? We all find ourselves in these we not? We all find ourselves in these crossroads. And it's in moments like crossroads. And it's in moments like crossroads. And it's in moments like these that I personally look to these that I personally look to these that I personally look to scripture to see what God has taught us.

scripture to see what God has taught us. scripture to see what God has taught us. What is the blueprint of what to do when What is the blueprint of what to do when What is the blueprint of what to do when we're faced with these questions and we're faced with these questions and we're faced with these questions and doubts and situations that feel like doubts and situations that feel like doubts and situations that feel like they're a little bit too big for our own they're a little bit too big for our own they're a little bit too big for our own humanity? And so someone I think of in humanity? And so someone I think of in humanity? And so someone I think of in scripture that lived this out perfectly scripture that lived this out perfectly scripture that lived this out perfectly is Rahab. And so a few fun facts about is Rahab. And so a few fun facts about is Rahab. And so a few fun facts about Rahab is her story is written in Joshua Rahab is her story is written in Joshua Rahab is her story is written in Joshua chapter 2. And what's going on here is chapter 2. And what's going on here is chapter 2. And what's going on here is I'm just going to give you a synopsis I'm just going to give you a synopsis I'm just going to give you a synopsis because it's a pretty long chapter. And because it's a pretty long chapter. And because it's a pretty long chapter. And what's happening is Moses died while what's happening is Moses died while what's happening is Moses died while they were going to the promised land. they were going to the promised land. they were going to the promised land. And the leadership of Israel was left And the leadership of Israel was left And the leadership of Israel was left over to Joshua. And so Joshua heard from over to Joshua. And so Joshua heard from over to Joshua. And so Joshua heard from the Lord that the next city they had to the Lord that the next city they had to the Lord that the next city they had to conquer was Jericho. And so he sent two conquer was Jericho. And so he sent two conquer was Jericho. And so he sent two spies over to the city, you know, to spies over to the city, you know, to spies over to the city, you know, to scout the land to see their weaknesses, scout the land to see their weaknesses, scout the land to see their weaknesses, their strengths, what their Yeah. what their strengths, what their Yeah. what their strengths, what their Yeah. what their whole setup is like. I I wasn't their whole setup is like. I I wasn't their whole setup is like. I I wasn't back there in war, but it they needed to back there in war, but it they needed to back there in war, but it they needed to know the setup just like we know now. know the setup just like we know now. know the setup just like we know now. And so they send the spies and these And so they send the spies and these And so they send the spies and these spies run into a woman named Rahab. So spies run into a woman named Rahab. So spies run into a woman named Rahab. So fun facts about Rahab is that she is a fun facts about Rahab is that she is a fun facts about Rahab is that she is a pagan. She's a Canaanite. She lives in pagan. She's a Canaanite. She lives in pagan. She's a Canaanite. She lives in the border of the city. Jericho is a the border of the city. Jericho is a the border of the city. Jericho is a fortified city. So it was kind of like a fortified city. So it was kind of like a fortified city. So it was kind of like a whole cylinder like this. She lives in whole cylinder like this. She lives in whole cylinder like this. She lives in the border of the city. And if there the border of the city. And if there the border of the city. And if there weren't any more reasons as to why she's weren't any more reasons as to why she's weren't any more reasons as to why she's the least expected person that God would the least expected person that God would the least expected person that God would partner with in this story, on top of partner with in this story, on top of partner with in this story, on top of that, Rahab was a prostitute. And so, we that, Rahab was a prostitute. And so, we that, Rahab was a prostitute. And so, we don't expect much from this story. But don't expect much from this story. But don't expect much from this story. But these men arrive at Rahab Rahab's house these men arrive at Rahab Rahab's house these men arrive at Rahab Rahab's house and the government comes to look for and the government comes to look for and the government comes to look for them. And Rahab has a decision to make.

them. And Rahab has a decision to make. them. And Rahab has a decision to make. But she says, "In exchange of me hiding But she says, "In exchange of me hiding But she says, "In exchange of me hiding you, I ask that when you come and take you, I ask that when you come and take you, I ask that when you come and take over this city that you spare me and my over this city that you spare me and my over this city that you spare me and my family's lives." So, let's stop right family's lives." So, let's stop right family's lives." So, let's stop right there for a second. Imagine yourself as there for a second. Imagine yourself as there for a second. Imagine yourself as Rahab. She's in a city that God is about Rahab. She's in a city that God is about Rahab. She's in a city that God is about to judge. And this isn't a fun thing. to judge. And this isn't a fun thing. to judge. And this isn't a fun thing. But I wonder what kind of questions But I wonder what kind of questions But I wonder what kind of questions cross her mind because she said yes to cross her mind because she said yes to cross her mind because she said yes to these spies. I wonder if she asked, "Is these spies. I wonder if she asked, "Is these spies. I wonder if she asked, "Is this the right decision? Is this not the this the right decision? Is this not the this the right decision? Is this not the right decision? Do I let them stay? do I right decision? Do I let them stay? do I right decision? Do I let them stay? do I not? What's going to happen to my life not? What's going to happen to my life not? What's going to happen to my life if I do? And what's going to happen if I if I do? And what's going to happen if I if I do? And what's going to happen if I don't? There was so much uncertainty on don't? There was so much uncertainty on don't? There was so much uncertainty on the other side of that. And she had no the other side of that. And she had no the other side of that. And she had no idea. And yet, she still did it. And I idea. And yet, she still did it. And I idea. And yet, she still did it. And I think that a lot of us are in that same think that a lot of us are in that same think that a lot of us are in that same place. Do I do it? Do I not? Do I go? Do place. Do I do it? Do I not? Do I go? Do place. Do I do it? Do I not? Do I go? Do I stay? Maybe like me as 16-year-old, do I stay? Maybe like me as 16-year-old, do I stay? Maybe like me as 16-year-old, do I move? Do I stay in the comfortable? I move? Do I stay in the comfortable? I move? Do I stay in the comfortable? What do I do? What Rahab shows us is What do I do? What Rahab shows us is What do I do? What Rahab shows us is that she stepped out in faith without that she stepped out in faith without that she stepped out in faith without knowing what was on the other side of knowing what was on the other side of knowing what was on the other side of it. And so today, if you're taking it. And so today, if you're taking it. And so today, if you're taking notes, the sermon title is what's on the notes, the sermon title is what's on the notes, the sermon title is what's on the other side of your faith. So, Father, we other side of your faith. So, Father, we other side of your faith. So, Father, we thank you. We thank you for your word thank you. We thank you for your word thank you. We thank you for your word that is perfect and true. And we ask that is perfect and true. And we ask that is perfect and true. And we ask that Holy Spirit, you would illuminate that Holy Spirit, you would illuminate that Holy Spirit, you would illuminate our eyes to see Jesus, that you would our eyes to see Jesus, that you would our eyes to see Jesus, that you would help us understand. And that at the end help us understand. And that at the end help us understand. And that at the end of the day, you would give us courage to of the day, you would give us courage to of the day, you would give us courage to step out in faith. In Jesus' name I step out in faith. In Jesus' name I step out in faith. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen, church. So, when I pray. Amen. Amen, church. So, when I pray. Amen. Amen, church. So, when I think of Rahab, the first thing that think of Rahab, the first thing that think of Rahab, the first thing that comes to my mind in her story is that comes to my mind in her story is that comes to my mind in her story is that her faith came first. So, if you have

her faith came first. So, if you have her faith came first. So, if you have your Bibles with you with you, whoa, fun your Bibles with you with you, whoa, fun your Bibles with you with you, whoa, fun little new thing. If you have your little new thing. If you have your little new thing. If you have your Bibles with you, can you open them up to Bibles with you, can you open them up to Bibles with you, can you open them up to Joshua chapter 2? I also accept digital Joshua chapter 2? I also accept digital Joshua chapter 2? I also accept digital Bibles. It's all right. We're good. I Bibles. It's all right. We're good. I Bibles. It's all right. We're good. I have mine right here. Um Joshua chapter have mine right here. Um Joshua chapter have mine right here. Um Joshua chapter 2:8. 2:8. 2:8. It says, "Before the spies laid down for It says, "Before the spies laid down for It says, "Before the spies laid down for the night, she went up on the roof and the night, she went up on the roof and the night, she went up on the roof and she said to them,"I know that the Lord she said to them,"I know that the Lord she said to them,"I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great has given you this land and that a great has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us so that all fear of you has fallen on us so that all fear of you has fallen on us so that all who live in this country are melting in who live in this country are melting in who live in this country are melting in fear because of you." We have heard. Can fear because of you." We have heard. Can fear because of you." We have heard. Can y'all say, "We have heard." y'all say, "We have heard." y'all say, "We have heard." >> We have heard. >> We have heard. >> We have heard. >> Y'all are the 11:00 a little louder. We >> Y'all are the 11:00 a little louder. We >> Y'all are the 11:00 a little louder. We have heard. have heard. have heard. >> Let's go. Uh, we have heard the Lord >> Let's go. Uh, we have heard the Lord >> Let's go. Uh, we have heard the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for dried up the water of the Red Sea for dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you when you came out of Egypt, and what you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Ogue, the two kings you did to Sihon and Ogue, the two kings you did to Sihon and Ogue, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard you completely destroyed. When we heard you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear, and of it, our hearts melted in fear, and of it, our hearts melted in fear, and everyone's courage failed because of everyone's courage failed because of everyone's courage failed because of you. For the Lord your God is God in you. For the Lord your God is God in you. For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below. God is heaven above and on earth below. God is heaven above and on earth below. God is heaven above and on earth below. I find heaven above and on earth below. I find heaven above and on earth below. I find it really interesting that Rahab out of it really interesting that Rahab out of it really interesting that Rahab out of all people said this because if you all people said this because if you all people said this because if you don't have I didn't have much before don't have I didn't have much before don't have I didn't have much before studying all of this that the cultural studying all of this that the cultural studying all of this that the cultural context and the historical context is context and the historical context is context and the historical context is that this is a pagan city. They do not that this is a pagan city. They do not that this is a pagan city. They do not serve the God of Israel. They do not serve the God of Israel. They do not serve the God of Israel. They do not know the God of Israel. She had no know the God of Israel. She had no know the God of Israel. She had no context to know of this God before this.

context to know of this God before this. context to know of this God before this. She didn't have like we had Sunday She didn't have like we had Sunday She didn't have like we had Sunday school. She didn't have like they had a school. She didn't have like they had a school. She didn't have like they had a temple, a synagogue, the law. She didn't temple, a synagogue, the law. She didn't temple, a synagogue, the law. She didn't have any of that to make this have any of that to make this have any of that to make this confession. And yet that was her confession. And yet that was her confession. And yet that was her confession. The Lord your God, he is God confession. The Lord your God, he is God confession. The Lord your God, he is God in heaven above and on earth below. And in heaven above and on earth below. And in heaven above and on earth below. And it was this confession that when the it was this confession that when the it was this confession that when the spies told her to put up a scarlet cord spies told her to put up a scarlet cord spies told her to put up a scarlet cord over her window and that would be the over her window and that would be the over her window and that would be the identifier that they wouldn't attack her identifier that they wouldn't attack her identifier that they wouldn't attack her home, that she did it. She took that home, that she did it. She took that home, that she did it. She took that step first because she says, "The Lord step first because she says, "The Lord step first because she says, "The Lord your God, not all the other gods I've your God, not all the other gods I've your God, not all the other gods I've served all my life, not all the other served all my life, not all the other served all my life, not all the other pagan gods that my city has tried to pagan gods that my city has tried to pagan gods that my city has tried to offer me." That is not God. Those are offer me." That is not God. Those are offer me." That is not God. Those are not the gods that I know is real. The not the gods that I know is real. The not the gods that I know is real. The God of Israel, he seems to be the God. God of Israel, he seems to be the God. God of Israel, he seems to be the God. He seems to be the one. He seems to be the one. He seems to be the one. And I know that in this room, we might And I know that in this room, we might And I know that in this room, we might not all have those pagan gods that Rahab not all have those pagan gods that Rahab not all have those pagan gods that Rahab had, but if we're honest with ourselves, had, but if we're honest with ourselves, had, but if we're honest with ourselves, we all have our own gods. We all have we all have our own gods. We all have we all have our own gods. We all have our own idols in our hearts. Things that our own idols in our hearts. Things that our own idols in our hearts. Things that we put first before Jesus, our financial we put first before Jesus, our financial we put first before Jesus, our financial status, our education, the things we status, our education, the things we status, our education, the things we look for safety and comfort, things we look for safety and comfort, things we look for safety and comfort, things we run to when we need satisfaction.

run to when we need satisfaction. run to when we need satisfaction. We make gods of things that aren't him. We make gods of things that aren't him. We make gods of things that aren't him. But it's interesting that Rahab, she But it's interesting that Rahab, she But it's interesting that Rahab, she said this before even Romans 10:17 says. said this before even Romans 10:17 says. said this before even Romans 10:17 says. So then faith comes by hearing and So then faith comes by hearing and So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. hearing by the word of God. hearing by the word of God. And so a lot of us that's our first step And so a lot of us that's our first step And so a lot of us that's our first step today. Faith comes first. Our first step today. Faith comes first. Our first step today. Faith comes first. Our first step is saying he is who he says he is. is saying he is who he says he is. is saying he is who he says he is. Right church? He is who he says he is. Right church? He is who he says he is. Right church? He is who he says he is. >> Right? >> Right? >> Right? And what Rahab did was she responded to And what Rahab did was she responded to And what Rahab did was she responded to what she heard. She hadn't yet seen the what she heard. She hadn't yet seen the what she heard. She hadn't yet seen the other side of what would happen if she other side of what would happen if she other side of what would happen if she said yes. Of what would happen if she said yes. Of what would happen if she said yes. Of what would happen if she harbored these dies if what would happen harbored these dies if what would happen harbored these dies if what would happen on the other side? Because I think she on the other side? Because I think she on the other side? Because I think she teaches us that faith is not believing teaches us that faith is not believing teaches us that faith is not believing God after you see the outcome. It's God after you see the outcome. It's God after you see the outcome. It's trusting him before you see it. trusting him before you see it. trusting him before you see it. >> And a lot of us have a lot of trouble >> And a lot of us have a lot of trouble >> And a lot of us have a lot of trouble with that. Let me tell you, I'm the with that. Let me tell you, I'm the with that. Let me tell you, I'm the first one first one first one because she knew that she had the danger because she knew that she had the danger because she knew that she had the danger right in front of us. But with a lot of right in front of us. But with a lot of right in front of us. But with a lot of us, that's not the story. But faith is us, that's not the story. But faith is us, that's not the story. But faith is something that God invites us to step something that God invites us to step something that God invites us to step into. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews into. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews into. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 saying, "Now faith is confidence in 11:1 saying, "Now faith is confidence in 11:1 saying, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we hope for and assurance about what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

what we do not see." what we do not see." You see Rahab, she had confidence in You see Rahab, she had confidence in You see Rahab, she had confidence in what she hoped for and she had assurance what she hoped for and she had assurance what she hoped for and she had assurance about what she had not yet seen. She about what she had not yet seen. She about what she had not yet seen. She hadn't seen the end of the story. If you hadn't seen the end of the story. If you hadn't seen the end of the story. If you read later in Joshua, you read the end read later in Joshua, you read the end read later in Joshua, you read the end of the story that the city does get of the story that the city does get of the story that the city does get taken over that it does become complete taken over that it does become complete taken over that it does become complete dra not distraction, destruction and dra not distraction, destruction and dra not distraction, destruction and complete and utter mishap. She doesn't complete and utter mishap. She doesn't complete and utter mishap. She doesn't know that yet, but she knew that she had know that yet, but she knew that she had know that yet, but she knew that she had come face to face with two people that come face to face with two people that come face to face with two people that represented that God. She represented represented that God. She represented represented that God. She represented the God that was powerful, the God that the God that was powerful, the God that the God that was powerful, the God that was mighty and she was confident even was mighty and she was confident even was mighty and she was confident even though she couldn't see it. Because I though she couldn't see it. Because I though she couldn't see it. Because I think that we forget that real faith is think that we forget that real faith is think that we forget that real faith is actually supposed to provoke action. You actually supposed to provoke action. You actually supposed to provoke action. You know, Pastor Mark Job talked about that know, Pastor Mark Job talked about that know, Pastor Mark Job talked about that last week in his sermon. He said when we last week in his sermon. He said when we last week in his sermon. He said when we are called, our job is to go. Because are called, our job is to go. Because are called, our job is to go. Because responding to God's prompting isn't responding to God's prompting isn't responding to God's prompting isn't blind faith. It's biblical faith. blind faith. It's biblical faith. blind faith. It's biblical faith. >> It's not just I'm walking in the dark. >> It's not just I'm walking in the dark. >> It's not just I'm walking in the dark. I'm going in a direction I don't know I'm going in a direction I don't know I'm going in a direction I don't know of. No, it's walking in the light. It's of. No, it's walking in the light. It's of. No, it's walking in the light. It's seeing that he's prompting us in a seeing that he's prompting us in a seeing that he's prompting us in a certain direction.

certain direction. certain direction. But you see, a lot of us in this room, But you see, a lot of us in this room, But you see, a lot of us in this room, we have a lot of reasons as to why we we have a lot of reasons as to why we we have a lot of reasons as to why we delay those steps of faith. One of those delay those steps of faith. One of those delay those steps of faith. One of those reasons is we think we need more reasons is we think we need more reasons is we think we need more certainty. You can tell yourself like, certainty. You can tell yourself like, certainty. You can tell yourself like, "No, I need to be 100% sure before I "No, I need to be 100% sure before I "No, I need to be 100% sure before I make this decision." But let me tell make this decision." But let me tell make this decision." But let me tell you, if you had complete certainty, it you, if you had complete certainty, it you, if you had complete certainty, it wouldn't be faith in the first place. wouldn't be faith in the first place. wouldn't be faith in the first place. And I tell you with a smile on my face And I tell you with a smile on my face And I tell you with a smile on my face because I know that that's hard for us because I know that that's hard for us because I know that that's hard for us in the room. in the room. in the room. [applause] [applause] [applause] You know, if we're honest with You know, if we're honest with You know, if we're honest with ourselves, if we were in Rahab's ourselves, if we were in Rahab's ourselves, if we were in Rahab's position and these spies come to our position and these spies come to our position and these spies come to our home, we would be like, "Let me think home, we would be like, "Let me think home, we would be like, "Let me think about it. Let me let me pray about it. about it. Let me let me pray about it. about it. Let me let me pray about it. Let me tell my support group. I'm going Let me tell my support group. I'm going Let me tell my support group. I'm going to submit it to my elders. I'm going to to submit it to my elders. I'm going to to submit it to my elders. I'm going to ask everyone. I'm going to pray again. ask everyone. I'm going to pray again. ask everyone. I'm going to pray again. And then after I pray, I'm going to ask And then after I pray, I'm going to ask And then after I pray, I'm going to ask ChatGpt what chat thinks about the ChatGpt what chat thinks about the ChatGpt what chat thinks about the decision." and then go ahead and make a decision." and then go ahead and make a decision." and then go ahead and make a decision based off of that. And then decision based off of that. And then decision based off of that. And then once I'm sure about that, then I'll do once I'm sure about that, then I'll do once I'm sure about that, then I'll do it, right? Am I the only one? Just me? it, right? Am I the only one? Just me? it, right? Am I the only one? Just me? Okay. Amazing. Amazing. It reminds me Okay. Amazing. Amazing. It reminds me Okay. Amazing. Amazing. It reminds me really of my three-year-old niece, Abby.

really of my three-year-old niece, Abby. really of my three-year-old niece, Abby. She's learning how to swim. And it is She's learning how to swim. And it is She's learning how to swim. And it is genuinely the cutest thing in the world. genuinely the cutest thing in the world. genuinely the cutest thing in the world. Like, she is just a bubble of joy. And Like, she is just a bubble of joy. And Like, she is just a bubble of joy. And so, I wonder what would happen, right? so, I wonder what would happen, right? so, I wonder what would happen, right? She's swimming. What if one day she came She's swimming. What if one day she came She's swimming. What if one day she came up to me and she was like, "Thea, I want up to me and she was like, "Thea, I want up to me and she was like, "Thea, I want to swim." And I'm like, "Amazing. Let's to swim." And I'm like, "Amazing. Let's to swim." And I'm like, "Amazing. Let's jump in the water. Like, let's get in. jump in the water. Like, let's get in. jump in the water. Like, let's get in. Let's do it. And she goes, "No, no, no. Let's do it. And she goes, "No, no, no. Let's do it. And she goes, "No, no, no. I'm not going to get into the water I'm not going to get into the water I'm not going to get into the water until I'm 100% certain I know how to until I'm 100% certain I know how to until I'm 100% certain I know how to swim." swim." swim." [laughter] For all the swimmers in the [laughter] For all the swimmers in the [laughter] For all the swimmers in the room, we know you have to get in the room, we know you have to get in the room, we know you have to get in the water in order to swim, right? Right. water in order to swim, right? Right. water in order to swim, right? Right. And what would you think if someone told And what would you think if someone told And what would you think if someone told you that? You'd be like, "It's kind of you that? You'd be like, "It's kind of you that? You'd be like, "It's kind of silly. Like, you need to get in. You silly. Like, you need to get in. You silly. Like, you need to get in. You need to get in the water to swim." But need to get in the water to swim." But need to get in the water to swim." But that's the same with faith. You need to that's the same with faith. You need to that's the same with faith. You need to jump. You need to take that step. Faith jump. You need to take that step. Faith jump. You need to take that step. Faith is not idol. Faith is an action. It's an is not idol. Faith is an action. It's an is not idol. Faith is an action. It's an action. It's not a thought. It's not an action. It's not a thought. It's not an action. It's not a thought. It's not an opinion. Faith is an action. opinion. Faith is an action. opinion. Faith is an action. [applause] But I wonder how many of us do that.

But I wonder how many of us do that. I'll be honest. I do it. God, show me a I'll be honest. I do it. God, show me a I'll be honest. I do it. God, show me a lightning bolt from heaven right now. If lightning bolt from heaven right now. If lightning bolt from heaven right now. If it's you, start a storm. And it's like, it's you, start a storm. And it's like, it's you, start a storm. And it's like, he's not going to do it. Like, it's a he's not going to do it. Like, it's a he's not going to do it. Like, it's a sunny day out. Like, he's not going to sunny day out. Like, he's not going to sunny day out. Like, he's not going to do that. or tell a stranger on the do that. or tell a stranger on the do that. or tell a stranger on the street to come and tell me that my shoes street to come and tell me that my shoes street to come and tell me that my shoes are cute and then I know it's you. And are cute and then I know it's you. And are cute and then I know it's you. And it's like odds are in South Lake someone it's like odds are in South Lake someone it's like odds are in South Lake someone might do it. Honestly, someone's going might do it. Honestly, someone's going might do it. Honestly, someone's going to come up to you and probably do that. to come up to you and probably do that. to come up to you and probably do that. But the thing is But the thing is But the thing is that's not what God's asking us to do. that's not what God's asking us to do. that's not what God's asking us to do. He's not asking us to go make sure if He's not asking us to go make sure if He's not asking us to go make sure if everything's certain. He's not asking us everything's certain. He's not asking us everything's certain. He's not asking us to go check every box. He's asking us to to go check every box. He's asking us to to go check every box. He's asking us to simply respond. simply respond. simply respond. He's asking us to simply jump. He's He's asking us to simply jump. He's He's asking us to simply jump. He's asking us to simply trust. And you see, asking us to simply trust. And you see, asking us to simply trust. And you see, there may be others in the room whose there may be others in the room whose there may be others in the room whose response to this is is not the need for response to this is is not the need for response to this is is not the need for certainty, but it's actually a lot of certainty, but it's actually a lot of certainty, but it's actually a lot of fear. And I could relate with that. I fear. And I could relate with that. I fear. And I could relate with that. I can understand being in a position where can understand being in a position where can understand being in a position where you say that and you freeze literally you say that and you freeze literally you say that and you freeze literally like that. Like you freeze. It it panics like that. Like you freeze. It it panics like that. Like you freeze. It it panics you and you a bunch of questions come to you and you a bunch of questions come to you and you a bunch of questions come to your mind like I I'm this is too much your mind like I I'm this is too much your mind like I I'm this is too much for me. like what what am I supposed to for me. like what what am I supposed to for me. like what what am I supposed to do? What happens if I make the right do? What happens if I make the right do? What happens if I make the right decision? What happens if I make the decision? What happens if I make the decision? What happens if I make the wrong decision? What are people going to wrong decision? What are people going to wrong decision? What are people going to think of me? Like there's so many things think of me? Like there's so many things think of me? Like there's so many things that go through our minds. And maybe that go through our minds. And maybe that go through our minds. And maybe fear isn't the thing you struggle with, fear isn't the thing you struggle with, fear isn't the thing you struggle with, but maybe it's doubt. Maybe it's but maybe it's doubt. Maybe it's but maybe it's doubt. Maybe it's cynicism. Maybe it's doubting that God cynicism. Maybe it's doubting that God cynicism. Maybe it's doubting that God would even support you, that God is even would even support you, that God is even would even support you, that God is even there for you, that maybe he doesn't there for you, that maybe he doesn't there for you, that maybe he doesn't even hear your prayers anymore. And

even hear your prayers anymore. And even hear your prayers anymore. And there's a lot of us in those in this there's a lot of us in those in this there's a lot of us in those in this room that could come up with a lot of room that could come up with a lot of room that could come up with a lot of excuses. excuses. excuses. We can come up with whatifs, negative We can come up with whatifs, negative We can come up with whatifs, negative whatifs. Honestly, we never really think whatifs. Honestly, we never really think whatifs. Honestly, we never really think of the positive ones, right? It's we're of the positive ones, right? It's we're of the positive ones, right? It's we're just like, "What if I die?" And it's just like, "What if I die?" And it's just like, "What if I die?" And it's like, "Well, what if you have the best like, "Well, what if you have the best like, "Well, what if you have the best day of your life?" Like, there's just so day of your life?" Like, there's just so day of your life?" Like, there's just so many opportunities, you know? Right. many opportunities, you know? Right. many opportunities, you know? Right. Yeah. We had a celebration back there. Yeah. We had a celebration back there. Yeah. We had a celebration back there. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's because we don't see And I think it's because we don't see And I think it's because we don't see that ending that ending that ending and we might not even know every single and we might not even know every single and we might not even know every single step. step. step. The word says that in Psalms that God's The word says that in Psalms that God's The word says that in Psalms that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light word is a lamp to our feet and a light word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. And Pastor Mark mentioned to our path. And Pastor Mark mentioned to our path. And Pastor Mark mentioned this last week, too. A lamp does not go this last week, too. A lamp does not go this last week, too. A lamp does not go too far, guys. It doesn't go too far, too far, guys. It doesn't go too far, too far, guys. It doesn't go too far, but it gives us right where we need. It but it gives us right where we need. It but it gives us right where we need. It gives us light exactly where we need. gives us light exactly where we need. gives us light exactly where we need. Every step we take, every step we take, Every step we take, every step we take, Every step we take, every step we take, there's a light to our feet. There's a there's a light to our feet. There's a there's a light to our feet. There's a lamp to our feet and a light to our lamp to our feet and a light to our lamp to our feet and a light to our path. path. path. And we have to understand that we're And we have to understand that we're And we have to understand that we're when we're at a crossroads, we have to when we're at a crossroads, we have to when we're at a crossroads, we have to remind ourselves that the God we serve, remind ourselves that the God we serve, remind ourselves that the God we serve, we can have confidence in him. Rahab we can have confidence in him. Rahab we can have confidence in him. Rahab knew that and she didn't even know him knew that and she didn't even know him knew that and she didn't even know him yet. She had just heard of him. So how yet. She had just heard of him. So how yet. She had just heard of him. So how much more us that we have infinite much more us that we have infinite much more us that we have infinite exposure to the Bible, to the stories, exposure to the Bible, to the stories, exposure to the Bible, to the stories, to the people's testimonies, to the people's testimonies, to the people's testimonies, we can have confidence and assurance we can have confidence and assurance we can have confidence and assurance that we can trust our God because he that we can trust our God because he that we can trust our God because he will not put us to shame. Amen. Come on.

will not put us to shame. Amen. Come on. will not put us to shame. Amen. Come on. I said he will not put us to shame. God I said he will not put us to shame. God I said he will not put us to shame. God will not put us to shame will not put us to shame will not put us to shame because if he said it, he will do it. because if he said it, he will do it. because if he said it, he will do it. Amen. Can y'all repeat after me? If God Amen. Can y'all repeat after me? If God Amen. Can y'all repeat after me? If God said it, said it, said it, I believe it. I believe it. I believe it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> Come on, one more time. If God said it, >> Come on, one more time. If God said it, >> Come on, one more time. If God said it, >> God said it. >> God said it. >> God said it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> I believe it. >> You see, in that moment, Rahab didn't >> You see, in that moment, Rahab didn't >> You see, in that moment, Rahab didn't know her outcome. And many of you might know her outcome. And many of you might know her outcome. And many of you might not know your outcome, but she didn't not know your outcome, but she didn't not know your outcome, but she didn't need more convincing. She didn't need need more convincing. She didn't need need more convincing. She didn't need the lightning bolt from heaven that we the lightning bolt from heaven that we the lightning bolt from heaven that we often ask for. She was just asked to often ask for. She was just asked to often ask for. She was just asked to act, to jump, to do it. act, to jump, to do it. act, to jump, to do it. And let me tell you something that Rahab And let me tell you something that Rahab And let me tell you something that Rahab had a lot to lose. had a lot to lose. had a lot to lose. A lot to lose. If y'all can turn your A lot to lose. If y'all can turn your A lot to lose. If y'all can turn your Bibles to verse 2 through 7 of Josh Bibles to verse 2 through 7 of Josh Bibles to verse 2 through 7 of Josh Joshua chapter 2, where we're at, it Joshua chapter 2, where we're at, it Joshua chapter 2, where we're at, it says, "The king of Jericho was told, says, "The king of Jericho was told, says, "The king of Jericho was told, look, some of the Israelites have come look, some of the Israelites have come look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land. So the here tonight to spy out the land. So the here tonight to spy out the land. So the king of Jericho sent this message to king of Jericho sent this message to king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab. Knock.

Rahab. Knock. Rahab. Knock. Bring out the men who came to you and Bring out the men who came to you and Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house because they have entered your house because they have entered your house because they have come to spy out the whole land." But the come to spy out the whole land." But the come to spy out the whole land." But the woman had taken the two men and hidden woman had taken the two men and hidden woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, "Yes, the men came them. And she said, "Yes, the men came them. And she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I don't know where they had to me, but I don't know where they had to me, but I don't know where they had come from." And at dusk, when it was come from." And at dusk, when it was come from." And at dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. time to close the city gate, they left. time to close the city gate, they left. I don't know which way they went. So go I don't know which way they went. So go I don't know which way they went. So go after them quickly. You might catch up after them quickly. You might catch up after them quickly. You might catch up with them. But she had taken them up to with them. But she had taken them up to with them. But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the the roof and hidden them under the the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax that she had laid out on stalks of flax that she had laid out on stalks of flax that she had laid out on the roof. So the men set out in pursuit the roof. So the men set out in pursuit the roof. So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to of the spies on the road that leads to of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan. And as soon as the fords of the Jordan. And as soon as the fords of the Jordan. And as soon as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the soon as the pursuers had gone out, the soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut. gate was shut. gate was shut. You see what Rahab did right there is You see what Rahab did right there is You see what Rahab did right there is what us in modern times would call what us in modern times would call what us in modern times would call treason. treason. treason. And if she were to be caught And if she were to be caught And if she were to be caught historically, she would have been historically, she would have been historically, she would have been imprisoned. She could have been tortured imprisoned. She could have been tortured imprisoned. She could have been tortured and eventually it could have led to the and eventually it could have led to the and eventually it could have led to the death of both her and her entire family. death of both her and her entire family. death of both her and her entire family. Why did she say yes?

Why did she say yes? Why did she say yes? Why did she act? because the decision Why did she act? because the decision Why did she act? because the decision she just made put her in a risk that was she just made put her in a risk that was she just made put her in a risk that was not theoretical. It was a literal danger not theoretical. It was a literal danger not theoretical. It was a literal danger on her life. on her life. on her life. But you know what? She does it anyway. But you know what? She does it anyway. But you know what? She does it anyway. She's betting her entire life and her She's betting her entire life and her She's betting her entire life and her entire family's life on this God of entire family's life on this God of entire family's life on this God of Israel. Israel. Israel. And she might not have complete And she might not have complete And she might not have complete certainty, but she trusted him. certainty, but she trusted him. certainty, but she trusted him. Because would you put your entire family Because would you put your entire family Because would you put your entire family on the line? on the line? on the line? every family member at the stake. Would every family member at the stake. Would every family member at the stake. Would you do that? you do that? you do that? She wasn't trusting God from a position She wasn't trusting God from a position She wasn't trusting God from a position of safety. She was trusting God when it of safety. She was trusting God when it of safety. She was trusting God when it could have cost her everything. could have cost her everything. could have cost her everything. Everything. Everything. Everything. Can you imagine her thought process? Can you imagine her thought process? Can you imagine her thought process? How do you even make that decision? How do you even make that decision? How do you even make that decision? I think we I tend to forget that this is I think we I tend to forget that this is I think we I tend to forget that this is a real person here. This isn't a tale or a real person here. This isn't a tale or a real person here. This isn't a tale or a fable from a long time ago. This is a a fable from a long time ago. This is a a fable from a long time ago. This is a real person that had to make a real real person that had to make a real real person that had to make a real decision.

decision. decision. And maybe in this room, the crossroads And maybe in this room, the crossroads And maybe in this room, the crossroads you're at isn't a life or death you're at isn't a life or death you're at isn't a life or death decision. I can understand that. Even decision. I can understand that. Even decision. I can understand that. Even though there are people that to this day though there are people that to this day though there are people that to this day there is, there are might not be a life there is, there are might not be a life there is, there are might not be a life and death decision. But what we can and death decision. But what we can and death decision. But what we can learn from her, from Rahab, is that she learn from her, from Rahab, is that she learn from her, from Rahab, is that she was willing to risk it all. She was was willing to risk it all. She was was willing to risk it all. She was willing. I know at a young 16 years old, willing. I know at a young 16 years old, willing. I know at a young 16 years old, I felt like I was willing kind of, not I felt like I was willing kind of, not I felt like I was willing kind of, not really. I was I I felt like I was really. I was I I felt like I was really. I was I I felt like I was risking a lot, you know, like for a risking a lot, you know, like for a risking a lot, you know, like for a 16-year-old, it felt like a lot. 16-year-old, it felt like a lot. 16-year-old, it felt like a lot. I was risking my support system, my I was risking my support system, my I was risking my support system, my circle, my community, my activities. circle, my community, my activities. circle, my community, my activities. And maybe for you, the risk of that next And maybe for you, the risk of that next And maybe for you, the risk of that next step of faith is what your family might step of faith is what your family might step of faith is what your family might think of you, what your friends might think of you, what your friends might think of you, what your friends might think of you, what your schoolmates think of you, what your schoolmates think of you, what your schoolmates might think of you, what the people in might think of you, what the people in might think of you, what the people in the boardroom might think of you. the boardroom might think of you. the boardroom might think of you. Maybe that's your risk. Maybe it'll cost Maybe that's your risk. Maybe it'll cost Maybe that's your risk. Maybe it'll cost you some friendships and maybe it'll you some friendships and maybe it'll you some friendships and maybe it'll cost you some connections and maybe cost you some connections and maybe cost you some connections and maybe it'll cost you a social status. But are it'll cost you a social status. But are it'll cost you a social status. But are you willing to risk it?

you willing to risk it? you willing to risk it? Because I I honestly wonder if we're all Because I I honestly wonder if we're all Because I I honestly wonder if we're all honest with ourselves. honest with ourselves. honest with ourselves. If we're really just a little too If we're really just a little too If we're really just a little too comfortable with where God has us. comfortable with where God has us. comfortable with where God has us. I think we know that a change would I think we know that a change would I think we know that a change would require us to change our preferences and require us to change our preferences and require us to change our preferences and our opinions and what we value and what our opinions and what we value and what our opinions and what we value and what we want. we want. we want. And if I'm honest, I don't like to do And if I'm honest, I don't like to do And if I'm honest, I don't like to do that. that. that. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] And I think if you're honest, you don't And I think if you're honest, you don't And I think if you're honest, you don't like it either. I'm with you. I promise. like it either. I'm with you. I promise. like it either. I'm with you. I promise. I think that we cling to what brings us I think that we cling to what brings us I think that we cling to what brings us the most safety and the most security. the most safety and the most security. the most safety and the most security. And they can look different for all of And they can look different for all of And they can look different for all of us. us. us. But what we can learn from Rahab is she But what we can learn from Rahab is she But what we can learn from Rahab is she risked it all. Charles Spurgeon says risked it all. Charles Spurgeon says risked it all. Charles Spurgeon says that faith is believing Christ is who he that faith is believing Christ is who he that faith is believing Christ is who he says he is and acting upon that belief says he is and acting upon that belief says he is and acting upon that belief regardless of the consequences. It regardless of the consequences. It regardless of the consequences. It doesn't matter what the consequences doesn't matter what the consequences doesn't matter what the consequences are. I believe him. I'm doing it. I are. I believe him. I'm doing it. I are. I believe him. I'm doing it. I believe him. I'm doing it. You see, God believe him. I'm doing it. You see, God believe him. I'm doing it. You see, God isn't asking us to do the comfortable isn't asking us to do the comfortable isn't asking us to do the comfortable thing. He's asking us to do the thing. He's asking us to do the thing. He's asking us to do the courageous thing. If we were all courageous thing. If we were all courageous thing. If we were all comfortable, and historically if comfortable, and historically if comfortable, and historically if everyone stayed comfortable, we wouldn't everyone stayed comfortable, we wouldn't everyone stayed comfortable, we wouldn't have a faith to begin with. All the have a faith to begin with. All the have a faith to begin with. All the apostles died a cruel, awful death. I apostles died a cruel, awful death. I apostles died a cruel, awful death. I don't think that was comfortable.

don't think that was comfortable. don't think that was comfortable. I don't think being crucified was I don't think being crucified was I don't think being crucified was comfortable. comfortable. comfortable. And hey, that ne that next decision And hey, that ne that next decision And hey, that ne that next decision you're taking might not be as extreme as you're taking might not be as extreme as you're taking might not be as extreme as that, but it might feel like God's just that, but it might feel like God's just that, but it might feel like God's just asking a little too much from you. He's asking a little too much from you. He's asking a little too much from you. He's asking for the thing you cherish most. asking for the thing you cherish most. asking for the thing you cherish most. But I want to tell you today that the But I want to tell you today that the But I want to tell you today that the reward is far far far greater than the reward is far far far greater than the reward is far far far greater than the risk. risk. risk. >> And you might be that next decision even >> And you might be that next decision even >> And you might be that next decision even though it feels like it's too much. God though it feels like it's too much. God though it feels like it's too much. God what he can do in return with that is what he can do in return with that is what he can do in return with that is bigger than anything we could plan bigger than anything we could plan bigger than anything we could plan ourselves, invest ourselves, build ourselves, invest ourselves, build ourselves, invest ourselves, build ourselves, logically make ourselves. ourselves, logically make ourselves. ourselves, logically make ourselves. It's almost always bigger. There's It's almost always bigger. There's It's almost always bigger. There's nothing that he will take from us that nothing that he will take from us that nothing that he will take from us that we will not get something in return we will not get something in return we will not get something in return that's bigger and better than we asked that's bigger and better than we asked that's bigger and better than we asked for. And it doesn't always look like for. And it doesn't always look like for. And it doesn't always look like what we thought it looked like. what we thought it looked like. what we thought it looked like. [applause] >> You know, it reminds me of this hymn. >> You know, it reminds me of this hymn. Says, "Take the world, but give me Says, "Take the world, but give me Says, "Take the world, but give me Jesus. All its joys are but a name, but Jesus. All its joys are but a name, but Jesus. All its joys are but a name, but his love abides forever, though eternal his love abides forever, though eternal his love abides forever, though eternal years the same. Oh, the height and the years the same. Oh, the height and the years the same. Oh, the height and the depth of mercy. Oh, the length and depth of mercy. Oh, the length and depth of mercy. Oh, the length and breadth of love. Oh, the fullness of breadth of love. Oh, the fullness of breadth of love. Oh, the fullness of redemption. Pledge of life endless redemption. Pledge of life endless redemption. Pledge of life endless above. Take the world, but give me above. Take the world, but give me above. Take the world, but give me Jesus, sweetest comfort of my soul. With Jesus, sweetest comfort of my soul. With Jesus, sweetest comfort of my soul. With the Savior watching over me, I can sing the Savior watching over me, I can sing the Savior watching over me, I can sing the thunders roll. Take the world. And I the thunders roll. Take the world. And I the thunders roll. Take the world. And I will add, take my comfort, take my will add, take my comfort, take my will add, take my comfort, take my preferences, take my opinion, take my preferences, take my opinion, take my preferences, take my opinion, take my political party, take my economic political party, take my economic political party, take my economic status, take my friend group, take my status, take my friend group, take my status, take my friend group, take my degree, take anything you want from me,

degree, take anything you want from me, degree, take anything you want from me, but give me Jesus. but give me Jesus. but give me Jesus. In his cross, my trust shall be. Till In his cross, my trust shall be. Till In his cross, my trust shall be. Till with clearer, brighter vision, face to with clearer, brighter vision, face to with clearer, brighter vision, face to face, the Lord I see. It rings in my face, the Lord I see. It rings in my face, the Lord I see. It rings in my ears. Philippians 3:7 that says, "But ears. Philippians 3:7 that says, "But ears. Philippians 3:7 that says, "But whatever regains to me now, I consider a whatever regains to me now, I consider a whatever regains to me now, I consider a loss for the sake of Christ. What is loss for the sake of Christ. What is loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss more, I consider everything a loss more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of because of the surpassing worth of because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For whose knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For whose knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For whose sake I have lost all things, and I sake I have lost all things, and I sake I have lost all things, and I consider it all garbage that I may gain consider it all garbage that I may gain consider it all garbage that I may gain Christ." Christ." Christ." And I'd like to believe that that was And I'd like to believe that that was And I'd like to believe that that was Rahab's posture of heart. Even though Rahab's posture of heart. Even though Rahab's posture of heart. Even though she had only heard of this God, I wonder she had only heard of this God, I wonder she had only heard of this God, I wonder if deep in her spirit she had the if deep in her spirit she had the if deep in her spirit she had the confidence that no matter what she would confidence that no matter what she would confidence that no matter what she would lose, there was a greater reward ahead. lose, there was a greater reward ahead. lose, there was a greater reward ahead. Reward ahead. That's a hard word for a Reward ahead. That's a hard word for a Reward ahead. That's a hard word for a Hispanic. Hispanic. Hispanic. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] There was a greater reward ahead. And I There was a greater reward ahead. And I There was a greater reward ahead. And I want to encourage you today, church, want to encourage you today, church, want to encourage you today, church, that no matter what you lose, there is a that no matter what you lose, there is a that no matter what you lose, there is a greater reward ahead.

greater reward ahead. greater reward ahead. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen. [applause] [applause] This leads me to my third and final This leads me to my third and final This leads me to my third and final point that says faith goes beyond you. point that says faith goes beyond you. point that says faith goes beyond you. That's what we can learn from Rahab in That's what we can learn from Rahab in That's what we can learn from Rahab in chapter 2:es 12-4. It says this. Now chapter 2:es 12-4. It says this. Now chapter 2:es 12-4. It says this. Now then please swear to me by the Lord. then please swear to me by the Lord. then please swear to me by the Lord. This is Rahab. Swear to me by the Lord This is Rahab. Swear to me by the Lord This is Rahab. Swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family that you will show kindness to my family that you will show kindness to my family because I have shown kindness to you. because I have shown kindness to you. because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare Give me a sure sign that you will spare Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and my mother, my the lives of my father and my mother, my the lives of my father and my mother, my brothers and my sisters and all. Y'all brothers and my sisters and all. Y'all brothers and my sisters and all. Y'all say all. say all. say all. >> All all who belong to them and you will >> All all who belong to them and you will >> All all who belong to them and you will save us from death. What's beautiful of save us from death. What's beautiful of save us from death. What's beautiful of this story that I think is incredibly this story that I think is incredibly this story that I think is incredibly special and precious is that Rahab special and precious is that Rahab special and precious is that Rahab thought of her family first. thought of her family first. thought of her family first. She wanted to make sure that the safety, She wanted to make sure that the safety, She wanted to make sure that the safety, the protection, the salvation that she the protection, the salvation that she the protection, the salvation that she got was extended to her family, that it got was extended to her family, that it got was extended to her family, that it would go beyond her. And listen y'all, would go beyond her. And listen y'all, would go beyond her. And listen y'all, if that were me, that would be a really if that were me, that would be a really if that were me, that would be a really packed house. I'm Hispanic [laughter] packed house. I'm Hispanic [laughter] packed house. I'm Hispanic [laughter] and so I know that in a Hispanic family, and so I know that in a Hispanic family, and so I know that in a Hispanic family, we are huge. And we also take on a lot we are huge. And we also take on a lot we are huge. And we also take on a lot of our friends as family. I think here of our friends as family. I think here of our friends as family. I think here today I have like 10 or 15 that are my today I have like 10 or 15 that are my today I have like 10 or 15 that are my family or family that are friends, family or family that are friends, family or family that are friends, right?

right? right? >> My Latinos. Yes, I see y'all. I see >> My Latinos. Yes, I see y'all. I see >> My Latinos. Yes, I see y'all. I see y'all. My families here. Family friends. y'all. My families here. Family friends. y'all. My families here. Family friends. It's [music] a lot of us. We are a lot It's [music] a lot of us. We are a lot It's [music] a lot of us. We are a lot of people. And Middle Eastern families of people. And Middle Eastern families of people. And Middle Eastern families aren't much different. They are a lot of aren't much different. They are a lot of aren't much different. They are a lot of people. And she said, "I want everyone people. And she said, "I want everyone people. And she said, "I want everyone saved. I [music] want everyone in this saved. I [music] want everyone in this saved. I [music] want everyone in this house and everyone that belongs to house and everyone that belongs to house and everyone that belongs to everyone. Everyone's going to get saved. everyone. Everyone's going to get saved. everyone. Everyone's going to get saved. I promise everyone is in this home." I promise everyone is in this home." I promise everyone is in this home." And isn't that incredible? And isn't that incredible? And isn't that incredible? >> It's amazing that it went beyond her. It >> It's amazing that it went beyond her. It >> It's amazing that it went beyond her. It wasn't just about her. wasn't just about her. wasn't just about her. It wasn't just about her benefits. It It wasn't just about her benefits. It It wasn't just about her benefits. It wasn't just about her gain. Because when wasn't just about her gain. Because when wasn't just about her gain. Because when you act out in real faith, it's not just you act out in real faith, it's not just you act out in real faith, it's not just about yourself. It really isn't. We about yourself. It really isn't. We about yourself. It really isn't. We think it is. [music] But it's what God think it is. [music] But it's what God think it is. [music] But it's what God wants to do in the other people's lives wants to do in the other people's lives wants to do in the other people's lives around you as well. And what we learned around you as well. And what we learned around you as well. And what we learned from her is that her faith [music] from her is that her faith [music] from her is that her faith [music] became a doorway for others. Not because became a doorway for others. Not because became a doorway for others. Not because she was special and she could save them, she was special and she could save them, she was special and she could save them, but because her decision created a way but because her decision created a way but because her decision created a way and an opportunity, an experience for and an opportunity, an experience for and an opportunity, an experience for them [music] to experience God's rescue them [music] to experience God's rescue them [music] to experience God's rescue then on their own. They got to then on their own. They got to then on their own. They got to experience God rescue on God's rescue on experience God rescue on God's rescue on experience God rescue on God's rescue on their own [music] because of her their own [music] because of her their own [music] because of her decision. And sometimes I could admit, I decision. And sometimes I could admit, I decision. And sometimes I could admit, I don't know about you, that when I'm don't know about you, that when I'm don't know about you, that when I'm praying about that next thing, when I'm praying about that next thing, when I'm praying about that next thing, when I'm thinking about that next leap, when I'm thinking about that next leap, when I'm thinking about that next leap, when I'm thinking about something I need to step thinking about something I need to step thinking about something I need to step out in faith in, a lot of my prayers out in faith in, a lot of my prayers out in faith in, a lot of my prayers sound like, "How [music] is this going sound like, "How [music] is this going sound like, "How [music] is this going to affect my life? How are my days going to affect my life? How are my days going to affect my life? How are my days going to be changed? How are my comforts going to be changed? How are my comforts going to be changed? How are my comforts going to be taken from me? How are my to be taken from me? How are my to be taken from me? How are my preferences going to change?

preferences going to change? preferences going to change? I can admit that I can be selfish in I can admit that I can be selfish in I can admit that I can be selfish in that. And I wonder how many of them in that. And I wonder how many of them in that. And I wonder how many of them in this room can admit that as well. this room can admit that as well. this room can admit that as well. That even though we would want to be the That even though we would want to be the That even though we would want to be the best versions of ourselves, sometimes we best versions of ourselves, sometimes we best versions of ourselves, sometimes we really at the end of the day are really at the end of the day are really at the end of the day are concerned about our own lives. concerned about our own lives. concerned about our own lives. And you see, that's just not how God And you see, that's just not how God And you see, that's just not how God works. works. works. It's not. He wants your faith to go It's not. He wants your faith to go It's not. He wants your faith to go [music] beyond you. [music] beyond you. [music] beyond you. >> Yeah. He wants Come on. Yes. I like that >> Yeah. He wants Come on. Yes. I like that >> Yeah. He wants Come on. Yes. I like that energy. He wants your faith to go beyond energy. He wants your faith to go beyond energy. He wants your faith to go beyond you. Yeah. I love that man back there. you. Yeah. I love that man back there. you. Yeah. I love that man back there. [laughter] He wants it to go into your classroom He wants it to go into your classroom and your boardroom. He wants it to go and your boardroom. He wants it to go and your boardroom. He wants it to go into your [music] workspace. He wants it into your [music] workspace. He wants it into your [music] workspace. He wants it to go into the grocery store you're to go into the grocery store you're to go into the grocery store you're shopping in. He wants it to go at the shopping in. He wants it to go at the shopping in. He wants it to go at the blowout bar you're getting your hair blowout bar you're getting your hair blowout bar you're getting your hair done in. He wants it to go everywhere. done in. He wants it to go everywhere. done in. He wants it to go everywhere. He wants it to spread to everyone. And He wants it to spread to everyone. And He wants it to spread to everyone. And let me tell you friends, you might be let me tell you friends, you might be let me tell you friends, you might be one courageous act away from affecting one courageous act away from affecting one courageous act away from affecting your leaders, your grandparents, your your leaders, your grandparents, your your leaders, your grandparents, your cousins, your family members, your cousins, your family members, your cousins, your family members, your brothers, your sisters. You might be one brothers, your sisters. You might be one brothers, your sisters. You might be one act away because let me tell you, act away because let me tell you, act away because let me tell you, Rahab's entire [music] family was spared Rahab's entire [music] family was spared Rahab's entire [music] family was spared that day. Everyone under that roof. And that day. Everyone under that roof. And that day. Everyone under that roof. And what if I told [music] you that that what if I told [music] you that that what if I told [music] you that that next decision, you could affect everyone next decision, you could affect everyone next decision, you could affect everyone around you?

around you? around you? Pastor Jalani told us this morning at Pastor Jalani told us this morning at Pastor Jalani told us this morning at our circle up that all of us have our circle up that all of us have our circle up that all of us have influence. Every single one of us. We influence. Every single one of us. We influence. Every single one of us. We have the ability to impact someone have the ability to impact someone have the ability to impact someone around us. Every single one of us. And around us. Every single one of us. And around us. Every single one of us. And what if we used it for good? What if we what if we used it for good? What if we what if we used it for good? What if we used it for God? What if we used it in used it for God? What if we used it in used it for God? What if we used it in the step of faith we're about to take the step of faith we're about to take the step of faith we're about to take next? And let me tell you something. next? And let me tell you something. next? And let me tell you something. This is my absolute favorite part, This is my absolute favorite part, This is my absolute favorite part, y'all. This is my favorite part. So y'all. This is my favorite part. So y'all. This is my favorite part. So Rahab, she makes this decision, right? Rahab, she makes this decision, right? Rahab, she makes this decision, right? And without even knowing it would pan And without even knowing it would pan And without even knowing it would pan out this way, when she gets saved, she out this way, when she gets saved, she out this way, when she gets saved, she ends up finding her husband in Israel. ends up finding her husband in Israel. ends up finding her husband in Israel. Yeah. Yeah. Come on. For all the single Yeah. Yeah. Come on. For all the single Yeah. Yeah. Come on. For all the single ladies and men in the room, who knows on ladies and men in the room, who knows on ladies and men in the room, who knows on the other side of faith, you might find the other side of faith, you might find the other side of faith, you might find your husband. I know I did. I did. Yeah. your husband. I know I did. I did. Yeah. your husband. I know I did. I did. Yeah. We just got engaged. So, hallelujah. And We just got engaged. So, hallelujah. And We just got engaged. So, hallelujah. And so, [laughter] I had to. I had to. I had to, guys. I I had to. I had to. I had to, guys. I had to. But guys, she found her husband.

had to. But guys, she found her husband. had to. But guys, she found her husband. Not any just not any just husband. Not Not any just not any just husband. Not Not any just not any just husband. Not any husband. She married someone in the any husband. She married someone in the any husband. She married someone in the tribe of Judah. His name was Salmon, tribe of Judah. His name was Salmon, tribe of Judah. His name was Salmon, spelled Salmon. Pronounc pronounced spelled Salmon. Pronounc pronounced spelled Salmon. Pronounc pronounced Salmon. [music] Right, Irene? Salmon. [music] Right, Irene? Salmon. [music] Right, Irene? >> Yes. Yes. Pronounced Salmon. And I have >> Yes. Yes. Pronounced Salmon. And I have >> Yes. Yes. Pronounced Salmon. And I have a hard time cuz my whole life I've been a hard time cuz my whole life I've been a hard time cuz my whole life I've been told it's salmon and now it's suddenly told it's salmon and now it's suddenly told it's salmon and now it's suddenly salmon. So she marries this man. She salmon. So she marries this man. She salmon. So she marries this man. She marries into Israel which means she is marries into Israel which means she is marries into Israel which means she is now in God's family. He's saying you are now in God's family. He's saying you are now in God's family. He's saying you are now mine. What you thought you lost is now mine. What you thought you lost is now mine. What you thought you lost is now suddenly all given back to you. You now suddenly all given back to you. You now suddenly all given back to you. You have a family. You have who you belong have a family. You have who you belong have a family. You have who you belong to. You have someone protecting you. You to. You have someone protecting you. You to. You have someone protecting you. You have safety. You have security, guys. have safety. You have security, guys. have safety. You have security, guys. And it does not end there. It doesn't And it does not end there. It doesn't And it does not end there. It doesn't end there. So Rahab marries this man, end there. So Rahab marries this man, end there. So Rahab marries this man, Salmon, right? And so they have a kid Salmon, right? And so they have a kid Salmon, right? And so they have a kid named Boaz. And Boaz has a son named named Boaz. And Boaz has a son named named Boaz. And Boaz has a son named Oed. And Oed has a son named Jesse. And Oed. And Oed has a son named Jesse. And Oed. And Oed has a son named Jesse. And Jesse has a son named David. Who we know Jesse has a son named David. Who we know Jesse has a son named David. Who we know of as King David. The one who wrote the of as King David. The one who wrote the of as King David. The one who wrote the Psalms. Yeah. The one who defeated Psalms. Yeah. The one who defeated Psalms. Yeah. The one who defeated Goliath. Yeah. Him. Him. Uh-huh. Yes. I Goliath. Yeah. Him. Him. Uh-huh. Yes. I Goliath. Yeah. Him. Him. Uh-huh. Yes. I like that. It's him. And did you think like that. It's him. And did you think like that. It's him. And did you think she thought that? Did you think she knew she thought that? Did you think she knew she thought that? Did you think she knew that? No. And you know what's even that? No. And you know what's even that? No. And you know what's even crazier? Who would come through David?

crazier? Who would come through David? crazier? Who would come through David? >> Say it louder. Who would come through >> Say it louder. Who would come through >> Say it louder. Who would come through David? David? David? >> Jesus Christ, son of God, would come >> Jesus Christ, son of God, would come >> Jesus Christ, son of God, would come through the line of David. And let me through the line of David. And let me through the line of David. And let me tell you, Rahab is one of five women tell you, Rahab is one of five women tell you, Rahab is one of five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. She mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. She mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. She is one of five women woven into the is one of five women woven into the is one of five women woven into the story that God was writing in all of story that God was writing in all of story that God was writing in all of history. The biggest story we could ever history. The biggest story we could ever history. The biggest story we could ever tell, the most important story we could tell, the most important story we could tell, the most important story we could ever tell. Rahab was written in it. HER ever tell. Rahab was written in it. HER ever tell. Rahab was written in it. HER NAME IS WRITTEN ON that paper. NAME IS WRITTEN ON that paper. NAME IS WRITTEN ON that paper. >> [music and applause] >> one decision, >> one decision, one act of faith, and look at her one act of faith, and look at her one act of faith, and look at her generational impact. generational impact. generational impact. It genuinely blows my mind. It genuinely blows my mind. It genuinely blows my mind. I wonder I wonder what she thought in I wonder I wonder what she thought in I wonder I wonder what she thought in that moment. Like, I just want to that moment. Like, I just want to that moment. Like, I just want to survive. I don't want to suffer. Like, survive. I don't want to suffer. Like, survive. I don't want to suffer. Like, this feels like an out. I don't I don't this feels like an out. I don't I don't this feels like an out. I don't I don't think she understood the magnitude of think she understood the magnitude of think she understood the magnitude of that decision. that decision. that decision. And I can tell you what I thought when I And I can tell you what I thought when I And I can tell you what I thought when I was 16 years old. The summer before I was 16 years old. The summer before I was 16 years old. The summer before I even knew I was moving here, I was even knew I was moving here, I was even knew I was moving here, I was sitting right here at a Gateway [music] sitting right here at a Gateway [music] sitting right here at a Gateway [music] Youth Conference, Youth Conference, Youth Conference, contemplating taking my life away.

And God has turned my life around. And God has turned my life around. He did it. It's only him 10 years ago. He did it. It's only him 10 years ago. He did it. It's only him 10 years ago. Before I knew I would live here, before Before I knew I would live here, before Before I knew I would live here, before I knew this would be my church, I came I knew this would be my church, I came I knew this would be my church, I came as a visitor. I came from out of state, as a visitor. I came from out of state, as a visitor. I came from out of state, which is another sign. Send your kids to which is another sign. Send your kids to which is another sign. Send your kids to Youthcon. Youthcon. Youthcon. >> Send them to a place where they're going >> Send them to a place where they're going >> Send them to a place where they're going to encounter the presence of God and be to encounter the presence of God and be to encounter the presence of God and be taught the word of God and be instructed taught the word of God and be instructed taught the word of God and be instructed in his ways. in his ways. in his ways. >> Because God just does that. He radically >> Because God just does that. He radically >> Because God just does that. He radically changes our story. changes our story. changes our story. >> Yeah. He radically changes our story. >> Yeah. He radically changes our story. >> Yeah. He radically changes our story. And let me tell you, I don't think Rahab And let me tell you, I don't think Rahab And let me tell you, I don't think Rahab knew that. 31 generations later, 31 knew that. 31 generations later, 31 knew that. 31 generations later, 31 generations later, that step of faith generations later, that step of faith generations later, that step of faith would bring forth Jesus. That step of would bring forth Jesus. That step of would bring forth Jesus. That step of faith would be talking about today. faith would be talking about today. faith would be talking about today. And I don't know about you. But I And I don't know about you. But I And I don't know about you. But I haven't thought about what would happen haven't thought about what would happen haven't thought about what would happen in 31 generations if I took that step of in 31 generations if I took that step of in 31 generations if I took that step of faith. I haven't faith. I haven't faith. I haven't even thought about sometimes the next even thought about sometimes the next even thought about sometimes the next one sometimes. one sometimes. one sometimes. But that's God's invitation to us But that's God's invitation to us But that's God's invitation to us because he is a generational [music] because he is a generational [music] because he is a generational [music] God. Your faith has to go beyond you. It God. Your faith has to go beyond you. It God. Your faith has to go beyond you. It has to extend to others. It has to be has to extend to others. It has to be has to extend to others. It has to be shout shouted from the rooftops. It has shout shouted from the rooftops. It has shout shouted from the rooftops. It has to be told to every person around you.

to be told to every person around you. to be told to every person around you. And you sitting here today, you might be And you sitting here today, you might be And you sitting here today, you might be thinking to yourself like, I don't know thinking to yourself like, I don't know thinking to yourself like, I don't know what would happen. what would happen. what would happen. I don't know if people would think I don't know if people would think I don't know if people would think something weird of me. I don't know if I something weird of me. I don't know if I something weird of me. I don't know if I would lose it all. would lose it all. would lose it all. Maybe your step of faith today or Maybe your step of faith today or Maybe your step of faith today or tomorrow morning on Monday is to pray tomorrow morning on Monday is to pray tomorrow morning on Monday is to pray for that person at work. Simple as that. for that person at work. Simple as that. for that person at work. Simple as that. That you know they've had a hard year to That you know they've had a hard year to That you know they've had a hard year to pray for them. Maybe it is investing in pray for them. Maybe it is investing in pray for them. Maybe it is investing in that business that I mentioned before. that business that I mentioned before. that business that I mentioned before. Maybe it is moving states or starting a Maybe it is moving states or starting a Maybe it is moving states or starting a small group here in the fall at Gateway small group here in the fall at Gateway small group here in the fall at Gateway Church or starting to serve. We need Church or starting to serve. We need Church or starting to serve. We need people to serve in youth and in kids and people to serve in youth and in kids and people to serve in youth and in kids and all over the place. Maybe that's a step all over the place. Maybe that's a step all over the place. Maybe that's a step of faith. It's simple steps of faith. of faith. It's simple steps of faith. of faith. It's simple steps of faith. And you might feel like you're risking And you might feel like you're risking And you might feel like you're risking rejection from people, but God has rejection from people, but God has rejection from people, but God has acceptance for you. And you might feel acceptance for you. And you might feel acceptance for you. And you might feel like you're risking provision, but God like you're risking provision, but God like you're risking provision, but God has abundant life for you. has abundant life for you. has abundant life for you. >> And today, we have a chance to respond. >> And today, we have a chance to respond. >> And today, we have a chance to respond. Today is the day. Today is the day. Today is the day. Especially for those of you that haven't Especially for those of you that haven't Especially for those of you that haven't given your life to Jesus. You've heard given your life to Jesus. You've heard given your life to Jesus. You've heard of him. You've heard of him here today, of him. You've heard of him here today, of him. You've heard of him here today, but you've chosen to keep a hand out but you've chosen to keep a hand out but you've chosen to keep a hand out because you just don't know what that because you just don't know what that because you just don't know what that decision might cost you.

decision might cost you. decision might cost you. And if even if it cost you everything, And if even if it cost you everything, And if even if it cost you everything, what did we read in Philippians? It's what did we read in Philippians? It's what did we read in Philippians? It's all garbage to me. But to know him, but all garbage to me. But to know him, but all garbage to me. But to know him, but to know him. The scripture says that it is by grace The scripture says that it is by grace that we have been saved through faith. that we have been saved through faith. that we have been saved through faith. And it is not from us. It's a gift from And it is not from us. It's a gift from And it is not from us. It's a gift from God. God. God. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> So, church, if we could all bow our >> So, church, if we could all bow our >> So, church, if we could all bow our heads and close our eyes this [music] heads and close our eyes this [music] heads and close our eyes this [music] morning. morning. morning. I know a lot of us have a lot of I know a lot of us have a lot of I know a lot of us have a lot of thoughts maybe running through our minds thoughts maybe running through our minds thoughts maybe running through our minds of things that we steps that God's of things that we steps that God's of things that we steps that God's [music] asking us to take, [music] asking us to take, [music] asking us to take, and I want you to pray about that. But and I want you to pray about that. But and I want you to pray about that. But there are also people in this room that there are also people in this room that there are also people in this room that I know have never taken that step I know have never taken that step I know have never taken that step [music] of faith to follow Jesus. And I [music] of faith to follow Jesus. And I [music] of faith to follow Jesus. And I mean follow him. surrender your life mean follow him. surrender your life mean follow him. surrender your life [music] to him. [music] to him. [music] to him. And today is the day the Holy Spirit has And today is the day the Holy Spirit has And today is the day the Holy Spirit has been convicting you. You have felt it on been convicting you. You have felt it on been convicting you. You have felt it on your heart in this place. your heart in this place. your heart in this place. And if that is you [music] today and you And if that is you [music] today and you And if that is you [music] today and you haven't given that confession to him and haven't given that confession to him and haven't given that confession to him and surrender to him, surrender to him, surrender to him, I want you right now, every eye closed, I want you right now, every eye closed, I want you right now, every eye closed, every head bowed, to raise your hand in every head bowed, to raise your hand in every head bowed, to raise your hand in this room. I'm the only one that's going this room. I'm the only one that's going this room. I'm the only one that's going to see you. I just want to know who I'm to see you. I just want to know who I'm to see you. I just want to know who I'm praying with this [music] morning. And praying with this [music] morning. And praying with this [music] morning. And there's nothing magical about my prayer.

there's nothing magical about my prayer. there's nothing magical about my prayer. I just want to join you. It's your I just want to join you. It's your I just want to join you. It's your heart's change that matters. So church, can we all join and pray this So church, can we all join and pray this out loud for the benefit of those who out loud for the benefit of those who out loud for the benefit of those who have just made that decision today? Can have just made that decision today? Can have just made that decision today? Can we all say, "Jesus, we all say, "Jesus, we all say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask for you to forgive me I need you. I ask for you to forgive me I need you. I ask for you to forgive me of all my sin. of all my sin. of all my sin. I believe you died for me. I believe you died for me. I believe you died for me. And I believe that God raised you from And I believe that God raised you from And I believe that God raised you from the dead. Today I make you my Lord [music] and Today I make you my Lord [music] and Savior. Thank you for your sacrifice for me. Thank you for your sacrifice for me. In Jesus name I pray. In Jesus name I pray. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Church, can we put our hands Amen. Amen. Church, can we put our hands Amen. Amen. Church, can we put our hands together and celebrate with those