Accept or Decline | Pastor Daniel Floyd

All right, welcome to church everybody. All right, welcome to church everybody. How are we today? Feeling good. Come on, How are we today? Feeling good. Come on, How are we today? Feeling good. Come on, let's put our hands together one more let's put our hands together one more let's put our hands together one more time and give God time and give God time and give God the worship that he's due. the worship that he's due. the worship that he's due. We are so glad you're here. Want to say We are so glad you're here. Want to say We are so glad you're here. Want to say hello to all of our campuses, everybody hello to all of our campuses, everybody hello to all of our campuses, everybody joining us online or on demand later in joining us online or on demand later in joining us online or on demand later in the week. of course, all of our gateway the week. of course, all of our gateway the week. of course, all of our gateway gatherings and our prison campuses. gatherings and our prison campuses. gatherings and our prison campuses. You're not a project to us. You are You're not a project to us. You are You're not a project to us. You are family to us and it is an honor to serve family to us and it is an honor to serve family to us and it is an honor to serve you. Of course, if you're here for the you. Of course, if you're here for the you. Of course, if you're here for the first time or the first time in a long first time or the first time in a long first time or the first time in a long time, we want to say welcome. Come on, time, we want to say welcome. Come on, time, we want to say welcome. Come on, let's put our hands together at every let's put our hands together at every let's put our hands together at every campus. For those that are with us for campus. For those that are with us for campus. For those that are with us for the first time or the first time in a the first time or the first time in a the first time or the first time in a while, welcome home. while, welcome home. while, welcome home. We have been in this series called Tik We have been in this series called Tik We have been in this series called Tik Tok theology and we're going to continue Tok theology and we're going to continue Tok theology and we're going to continue that today. U and I hope that you have that today. U and I hope that you have that today. U and I hope that you have listened to the first two messages. If listened to the first two messages. If listened to the first two messages. If not, I'd encourage you to go back and not, I'd encourage you to go back and not, I'd encourage you to go back and get those. And I want to talk to you get those. And I want to talk to you get those. And I want to talk to you today around this idea of accept or today around this idea of accept or today around this idea of accept or decline. If you're the note takingaking decline. If you're the note takingaking decline. If you're the note takingaking type, write that down. If not, go ahead type, write that down. If not, go ahead type, write that down. If not, go ahead and write it down. Anyways, everybody. and write it down. Anyways, everybody. and write it down. Anyways, everybody. Um, but before I get into that, I want Um, but before I get into that, I want Um, but before I get into that, I want to remind you two weeks from now, you to remind you two weeks from now, you to remind you two weeks from now, you saw it just a minute ago, beginning a saw it just a minute ago, beginning a saw it just a minute ago, beginning a new series called Best Days. And, um, new series called Best Days. And, um, new series called Best Days. And, um, that weekend be a special weekend for a that weekend be a special weekend for a that weekend be a special weekend for a couple reasons. One is uh off of the couple reasons. One is uh off of the couple reasons. One is uh off of the recent live recording. Gateway worship recent live recording. Gateway worship recent live recording. Gateway worship will be uh leaving or sending out a new will be uh leaving or sending out a new will be uh leaving or sending out a new song, publishing a new song that is song, publishing a new song that is song, publishing a new song that is called Best Days. And it's all around called Best Days. And it's all around called Best Days. And it's all around this idea that your best days are in this idea that your best days are in this idea that your best days are in front of you and our best days as a front of you and our best days as a front of you and our best days as a church are out in front of us.

church are out in front of us. church are out in front of us. >> How many of you believe that? >> How many of you believe that? >> How many of you believe that? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And then also on August the 16th, And then also on August the 16th, And then also on August the 16th, actually be celebrating one year since actually be celebrating one year since actually be celebrating one year since the Lord brought us to Texas. [applause] the Lord brought us to Texas. [applause] the Lord brought us to Texas. [applause] Can't believe it's been a year. Can't believe it's been a year. Can't believe it's been a year. It's wild. It's wild. It's wild. Year goes by like that, y'all. Year goes by like that, y'all. Year goes by like that, y'all. >> By really fast. But what an honor to >> By really fast. But what an honor to >> By really fast. But what an honor to [music] [music] [music] be assigned here. And uh [clears throat] be assigned here. And uh [clears throat] be assigned here. And uh [clears throat] Texas has been wonderful. The last two Texas has been wonderful. The last two Texas has been wonderful. The last two weeks have been hot. weeks have been hot. weeks have been hot. Everybody warned us. I get your warning Everybody warned us. I get your warning Everybody warned us. I get your warning now. Hey, let's pray together and let's now. Hey, let's pray together and let's now. Hey, let's pray together and let's get into the word of God. Lord, we love get into the word of God. Lord, we love get into the word of God. Lord, we love you and uh we're grateful for you you and uh we're grateful for you you and uh we're grateful for you [music] and we ask that you'd speak to [music] and we ask that you'd speak to [music] and we ask that you'd speak to us today. We believe that we'll never be us today. We believe that we'll never be us today. We believe that we'll never be the same because of time in your word. the same because of time in your word. the same because of time in your word. Uh you have the ability to transform us. Uh you have the ability to transform us. Uh you have the ability to transform us. So do that today. And we ask this So do that today. And we ask this So do that today. And we ask this [music] in Jesus' name. And everybody [music] in Jesus' name. And everybody [music] in Jesus' name. And everybody said a big amen. said a big amen. said a big amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Um how many of you love a good >> Amen. Um how many of you love a good >> Amen. Um how many of you love a good invitation?

invitation? invitation? Good invitation. Let me say it this way. Good invitation. Let me say it this way. Good invitation. Let me say it this way. If someone were to come and say, "Hey, I If someone were to come and say, "Hey, I If someone were to come and say, "Hey, I got a couple extra tickets to uh got a couple extra tickets to uh got a couple extra tickets to uh Sunday's round of the masters." How many Sunday's round of the masters." How many Sunday's round of the masters." How many of you love an invitation? Right? Okay. of you love an invitation? Right? Okay. of you love an invitation? Right? Okay. It's a little bit different, right? Um It's a little bit different, right? Um It's a little bit different, right? Um how many of you know that uh invitations how many of you know that uh invitations how many of you know that uh invitations can change your life? U invitations that can change your life? U invitations that can change your life? U invitations that you accept can change your life. you accept can change your life. you accept can change your life. Invitations that you decline can change Invitations that you decline can change Invitations that you decline can change your life, can they not? Um I think your life, can they not? Um I think your life, can they not? Um I think about an invitation that changed my about an invitation that changed my about an invitation that changed my life. I was in my late 20s and got a life. I was in my late 20s and got a life. I was in my late 20s and got a phone call uh from a group of people phone call uh from a group of people phone call uh from a group of people that wanted to start a church inviting that wanted to start a church inviting that wanted to start a church inviting us to come and be a part of that and us to come and be a part of that and us to come and be a part of that and that became what we pastored for 20 that became what we pastored for 20 that became what we pastored for 20 years one invitation that we accepted years one invitation that we accepted years one invitation that we accepted changed our life right um a friend of changed our life right um a friend of changed our life right um a friend of mine in my mid20s around 25 friend of mine in my mid20s around 25 friend of mine in my mid20s around 25 friend of mine said to me hey I'm in this theater mine said to me hey I'm in this theater mine said to me hey I'm in this theater production uh why don't you come back production uh why don't you come back production uh why don't you come back come by after work will you bring me come by after work will you bring me come by after work will you bring me some coffee I want you to meet somebody some coffee I want you to meet somebody some coffee I want you to meet somebody that somebody's name was Tammy And here that somebody's name was Tammy And here that somebody's name was Tammy And here we are 22 years later. Like one we are 22 years later. Like one we are 22 years later. Like one invitation, right? How many of you know invitation, right? How many of you know invitation, right? How many of you know invitations you decline can change your invitations you decline can change your invitations you decline can change your life?

life? life? >> So before I was engaged to Tammy, I was >> So before I was engaged to Tammy, I was >> So before I was engaged to Tammy, I was engaged to somebody else. Hey, it's been a year. You're learning Hey, it's been a year. You're learning all new things about us, right? all new things about us, right? all new things about us, right? It didn't make it down the aisle. It didn't make it down the aisle. It didn't make it down the aisle. Obviously, I made it down the aisle with Obviously, I made it down the aisle with Obviously, I made it down the aisle with her. [laughter] her. [laughter] her. [laughter] Uh, I think my mom prayed that one away. Uh, I think my mom prayed that one away. Uh, I think my mom prayed that one away. She's here with us this weekend. She's She's here with us this weekend. She's She's here with us this weekend. She's shaking her head yes right now. She She shaking her head yes right now. She She shaking her head yes right now. She She prayed that one away. Prayed Tammy in. prayed that one away. Prayed Tammy in. prayed that one away. Prayed Tammy in. Praying moms. All right. Just Praying moms. All right. Just Praying moms. All right. Just encouragement for you right there if encouragement for you right there if encouragement for you right there if you're concerned. Uh, just keep praying, you're concerned. Uh, just keep praying, you're concerned. Uh, just keep praying, Mom. Mom. Mom. But invitations can change your life. But invitations can change your life. But invitations can change your life. And I I want to give to you today two And I I want to give to you today two And I I want to give to you today two invitations that I think really affect invitations that I think really affect invitations that I think really affect your destiny and potentially your your destiny and potentially your your destiny and potentially your children, your grandchildren, a future children, your grandchildren, a future children, your grandchildren, a future family that maybe you don't even have family that maybe you don't even have family that maybe you don't even have right now will affect it about more than right now will affect it about more than right now will affect it about more than any other decision you'll make in your any other decision you'll make in your any other decision you'll make in your life. And it's it's two invitations that life. And it's it's two invitations that life. And it's it's two invitations that God gives us in the scripture. There's a God gives us in the scripture. There's a God gives us in the scripture. There's a lot of invitations in the scripture, but lot of invitations in the scripture, but lot of invitations in the scripture, but I think there's two primary that God I think there's two primary that God I think there's two primary that God wants us to give our best yes to um over wants us to give our best yes to um over wants us to give our best yes to um over about any other invitation. It's and about any other invitation. It's and about any other invitation. It's and these invitations will shape your these invitations will shape your these invitations will shape your purpose. They'll shape destiny in your purpose. They'll shape destiny in your purpose. They'll shape destiny in your life. They'll shape the level of life. They'll shape the level of life. They'll shape the level of fulfillment you live with in life or the fulfillment you live with in life or the fulfillment you live with in life or the level of fulfillment you don't live with level of fulfillment you don't live with level of fulfillment you don't live with in life. And the first invitation is in life. And the first invitation is in life. And the first invitation is this one that we would be familiar with this one that we would be familiar with this one that we would be familiar with if you've been around church. And that if you've been around church. And that if you've been around church. And that is the invitation into a relationship is the invitation into a relationship is the invitation into a relationship with Jesus.

with Jesus. with Jesus. That's the first invitation. It's the That's the first invitation. It's the That's the first invitation. It's the invitation not to religion and not to invitation not to religion and not to invitation not to religion and not to church and not to membership or not to church and not to membership or not to church and not to membership or not to any of that but to a authentic genuine any of that but to a authentic genuine any of that but to a authentic genuine relationship with Jesus. That's the relationship with Jesus. That's the relationship with Jesus. That's the first and the primary. Matter of fact, first and the primary. Matter of fact, first and the primary. Matter of fact, uh the the scriptures have, as one uh the the scriptures have, as one uh the the scriptures have, as one theologian said, a scarlet thread that theologian said, a scarlet thread that theologian said, a scarlet thread that is woven throughout all of scripture, is woven throughout all of scripture, is woven throughout all of scripture, and it is this is that God loved the and it is this is that God loved the and it is this is that God loved the world so much that he sent his only son world so much that he sent his only son world so much that he sent his only son into the world so that we could be into the world so that we could be into the world so that we could be redeemed unto himself. That is the first redeemed unto himself. That is the first redeemed unto himself. That is the first invitation. And and it's not to you invitation. And and it's not to you invitation. And and it's not to you being a better person or turning over a being a better person or turning over a being a better person or turning over a new leaf or trying harder. It is to new leaf or trying harder. It is to new leaf or trying harder. It is to surrender really at the end of the day. surrender really at the end of the day. surrender really at the end of the day. It's just saying, "Jesus, I can't do It's just saying, "Jesus, I can't do It's just saying, "Jesus, I can't do life on my own, and the way I'm doing it life on my own, and the way I'm doing it life on my own, and the way I'm doing it doesn't work, and I make you the Lord." doesn't work, and I make you the Lord." doesn't work, and I make you the Lord." Lord isn't a word that we use very much Lord isn't a word that we use very much Lord isn't a word that we use very much these days, but it's making him in these days, but it's making him in these days, but it's making him in control of our life completely and control of our life completely and control of our life completely and totally totally totally authentically to knowing God. Not having authentically to knowing God. Not having authentically to knowing God. Not having intellectual understanding of God, not intellectual understanding of God, not intellectual understanding of God, not an intellectual ascent to the facts and an intellectual ascent to the facts and an intellectual ascent to the facts and the principles and the precepts even of the principles and the precepts even of the principles and the precepts even of scripture. It's to full surrender. It's scripture. It's to full surrender. It's scripture. It's to full surrender. It's to a relationship. It's not just a fire to a relationship. It's not just a fire to a relationship. It's not just a fire insurance.

insurance. insurance. Are y'all with me? Like I want to pass Are y'all with me? Like I want to pass Are y'all with me? Like I want to pass hell. Want to get to heaven. hell. Want to get to heaven. hell. Want to get to heaven. No matter fact, Jesus said our prayer No matter fact, Jesus said our prayer No matter fact, Jesus said our prayer should be heaven come to earth. Thy should be heaven come to earth. Thy should be heaven come to earth. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. All of us are trying as it is in heaven. All of us are trying as it is in heaven. All of us are trying to escape earth. And one theologian to escape earth. And one theologian to escape earth. And one theologian said, God is trying to you to bring said, God is trying to you to bring said, God is trying to you to bring heaven to earth. heaven to earth. heaven to earth. >> So the first invitation is to Jesus. But >> So the first invitation is to Jesus. But >> So the first invitation is to Jesus. But the second invitation where I want to the second invitation where I want to the second invitation where I want to spend our time today is the invitation spend our time today is the invitation spend our time today is the invitation for you to share with others about the for you to share with others about the for you to share with others about the first invitation. first invitation. first invitation. It's the invitation he makes for us to It's the invitation he makes for us to It's the invitation he makes for us to let our light so shine. We're going to let our light so shine. We're going to let our light so shine. We're going to see in a minute Matthew chapter 3 to see in a minute Matthew chapter 3 to see in a minute Matthew chapter 3 to others around us that the world would be others around us that the world would be others around us that the world would be impacted by the life that we live and impacted by the life that we live and impacted by the life that we live and the light that we shine. That is the the light that we shine. That is the the light that we shine. That is the second invitation. And here is what's so second invitation. And here is what's so second invitation. And here is what's so interesting is that many of us are great interesting is that many of us are great interesting is that many of us are great with the first invitation. with the first invitation. with the first invitation. Jesus save me. I want to go to heaven Jesus save me. I want to go to heaven Jesus save me. I want to go to heaven one day. I want to know what it is to one day. I want to know what it is to one day. I want to know what it is to have relationship with you. But then have relationship with you. But then have relationship with you. But then when we begin to ask about, have you when we begin to ask about, have you when we begin to ask about, have you told anybody about your acceptance of told anybody about your acceptance of told anybody about your acceptance of the first invitation? It's like, hey, the first invitation? It's like, hey, the first invitation? It's like, hey, whoa, whoa, whoa. I don't know about all whoa, whoa, whoa. I don't know about all whoa, whoa, whoa. I don't know about all that. That makes me a little that. That makes me a little that. That makes me a little uncomfortable. I don't know if I want to uncomfortable. I don't know if I want to uncomfortable. I don't know if I want to do that. Can I just say something to do that. Can I just say something to do that. Can I just say something to you? Your faith is personal, but it is you? Your faith is personal, but it is you? Your faith is personal, but it is not private.

not private. not private. It's never meant to be that way. And so It's never meant to be that way. And so It's never meant to be that way. And so I want to give you a few thoughts on I want to give you a few thoughts on I want to give you a few thoughts on that. And then I'm going to train us that. And then I'm going to train us that. And then I'm going to train us all. This is my goal this weekend to all. This is my goal this weekend to all. This is my goal this weekend to train our entire church on how to tell train our entire church on how to tell train our entire church on how to tell people about the first invitation people about the first invitation people about the first invitation because the world desperately needs it. because the world desperately needs it. because the world desperately needs it. So number one, let me give you a few So number one, let me give you a few So number one, let me give you a few thoughts and then I'm going to give you thoughts and then I'm going to give you thoughts and then I'm going to give you some very practical steps. Thought some very practical steps. Thought some very practical steps. Thought number one is this. It's why you're number one is this. It's why you're number one is this. It's why you're here. here. here. >> I want to propose that it's why you're >> I want to propose that it's why you're >> I want to propose that it's why you're here. here. here. I I know you're you're running the I I know you're you're running the I I know you're you're running the business and I know that you're pursuing business and I know that you're pursuing business and I know that you're pursuing the degree and I know that you're trying the degree and I know that you're trying the degree and I know that you're trying to figure out life postgraduation and to figure out life postgraduation and to figure out life postgraduation and you're wondering is AI going to take my you're wondering is AI going to take my you're wondering is AI going to take my job or am I going to have a job in the job or am I going to have a job in the job or am I going to have a job in the future? And I get all that, but I just future? And I get all that, but I just future? And I get all that, but I just want to say above all those things, want to say above all those things, want to say above all those things, the mission of Jesus is why you're here. the mission of Jesus is why you're here. the mission of Jesus is why you're here. Matter of fact, Matthew said it in Matter of fact, Matthew said it in Matter of fact, Matthew said it in Matthew chapter 3. I referenced it. It Matthew chapter 3. I referenced it. It Matthew chapter 3. I referenced it. It says, "Let me tell you why you're here." says, "Let me tell you why you're here." says, "Let me tell you why you're here." I love the way the the message I love the way the the message I love the way the the message paraphrase says this. So, I'm the paraphrase says this. So, I'm the paraphrase says this. So, I'm the Bible's about to tell us why we're here. Bible's about to tell us why we're here. Bible's about to tell us why we're here. Why you exist. Why you're breathing Why you exist. Why you're breathing Why you exist. Why you're breathing today. You're here to be salt seasoning today. You're here to be salt seasoning today. You're here to be salt seasoning that brings out the God flavors of this that brings out the God flavors of this that brings out the God flavors of this earth.

earth. earth. Here's another way to put it. You're Here's another way to put it. You're Here's another way to put it. You're here to be light, bringing out the God here to be light, bringing out the God here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. God's not a secret colors in the world. God's not a secret colors in the world. God's not a secret to be kept. Everybody, we're going to be kept. Everybody, we're going to be kept. Everybody, we're going public with this. public with this. public with this. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> As public as a city on a hill. And if I >> As public as a city on a hill. And if I >> As public as a city on a hill. And if I make you lightbears, do you think I'm make you lightbears, do you think I'm make you lightbears, do you think I'm going to hide you under a bucket? Do going to hide you under a bucket? Do going to hide you under a bucket? Do you? I'm putting you on a light stand you? I'm putting you on a light stand you? I'm putting you on a light stand now that I've put you there on a hilltop now that I've put you there on a hilltop now that I've put you there on a hilltop on a light stand. Shine. on a light stand. Shine. on a light stand. Shine. Keep open house. Be generous with your Keep open house. Be generous with your Keep open house. Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll lives. By opening up to others, you'll lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God. This prompt people to open up with God. This prompt people to open up with God. This generous father in heaven. generous father in heaven. generous father in heaven. >> Why are you here? You're to be a >> Why are you here? You're to be a >> Why are you here? You're to be a seasoning to the world around you. seasoning to the world around you. seasoning to the world around you. You're to be a light that shows what God You're to be a light that shows what God You're to be a light that shows what God is like to the world around you. is like to the world around you. is like to the world around you. When I grew up in church, we sang this When I grew up in church, we sang this When I grew up in church, we sang this song and you held up your finger.

song and you held up your finger. song and you held up your finger. This little light of mine, This little light of mine, This little light of mine, I'm going to We got some other church I'm going to We got some other church I'm going to We got some other church people here. This little was it hide it people here. This little was it hide it people here. This little was it hide it under a bushel. No. Right. I mean, we were forceful with it Right. I mean, we were forceful with it as little kids in church under a bushel. as little kids in church under a bushel. as little kids in church under a bushel. No, I'm going to let it shine. Let it No, I'm going to let it shine. Let it No, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. It's shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. It's shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. It's why you're here. why you're here. why you're here. It's It's why you're here. It's why It's It's why you're here. It's why It's It's why you're here. It's why you're in that neighborhood. you're in that neighborhood. you're in that neighborhood. Oh, you thought you You thought you just Oh, you thought you You thought you just Oh, you thought you You thought you just made the offer and negotiated the right made the offer and negotiated the right made the offer and negotiated the right deal. No, it's it's why you're here. deal. No, it's it's why you're here. deal. No, it's it's why you're here. It's why you're in the job you're in. It's why you're in the job you're in. It's why you're in the job you're in. It's why you're in the dorm room you're It's why you're in the dorm room you're It's why you're in the dorm room you're in. And you know what? It's natural in in. And you know what? It's natural in in. And you know what? It's natural in us to tell people about the things we're us to tell people about the things we're us to tell people about the things we're excited about. I mean, just think about excited about. I mean, just think about excited about. I mean, just think about it. I was having a conversation this it. I was having a conversation this it. I was having a conversation this morning. Someone tell me about a morning. Someone tell me about a morning. Someone tell me about a restaurant they went to this weekend.

restaurant they went to this weekend. restaurant they went to this weekend. They like the restaurant. It was great They like the restaurant. It was great They like the restaurant. It was great food. Then we ended up on other food. Then we ended up on other food. Then we ended up on other restaurants that why? because we like to restaurants that why? because we like to restaurants that why? because we like to talk about the things that we enjoy that talk about the things that we enjoy that talk about the things that we enjoy that maybe we've stumbled upon. I mean, just maybe we've stumbled upon. I mean, just maybe we've stumbled upon. I mean, just you usually don't have to tell people, you usually don't have to tell people, you usually don't have to tell people, you know, or ask people if they have you know, or ask people if they have you know, or ask people if they have kids. They'll end up telling you, kids. They'll end up telling you, kids. They'll end up telling you, right? You know how someone's a right? You know how someone's a right? You know how someone's a grandparent? They're going to let you grandparent? They're going to let you grandparent? They're going to let you know. know. know. It's kind of like CrossFitters. Come on. You know I'm telling the truth. Come on. You know I'm telling the truth. That's funny right there. I don't care That's funny right there. I don't care That's funny right there. I don't care who you are. who you are. who you are. They're going to let you know. They're going to let you know. They're going to let you know. was out doing the Murfs the other day. was out doing the Murfs the other day. was out doing the Murfs the other day. And so anyways, I'm for it all. I'm for And so anyways, I'm for it all. I'm for And so anyways, I'm for it all. I'm for it all. it all. it all. Why? Because we like to share with Why? Because we like to share with Why? Because we like to share with people the things that we're excited people the things that we're excited people the things that we're excited about, but for some reason in this one about, but for some reason in this one about, but for some reason in this one area, the enemy has caused us to believe area, the enemy has caused us to believe area, the enemy has caused us to believe this lie that you can tell everybody this lie that you can tell everybody this lie that you can tell everybody about everything about the things you about everything about the things you about everything about the things you the vacation you went on, the restaurant the vacation you went on, the restaurant the vacation you went on, the restaurant you like, the new peptide you're on. you like, the new peptide you're on. you like, the new peptide you're on. Like you can tell him about everything, but you can tell him about everything, but when it comes to God, you better be when it comes to God, you better be when it comes to God, you better be quiet.

quiet. quiet. >> Better keep it to yourself. >> Better keep it to yourself. >> Better keep it to yourself. No, it's why we're here. We're here to No, it's why we're here. We're here to No, it's why we're here. We're here to be on the mission of Jesus. be on the mission of Jesus. be on the mission of Jesus. We're here to be a part of what he's We're here to be a part of what he's We're here to be a part of what he's trying to accomplish. It's why you're trying to accomplish. It's why you're trying to accomplish. It's why you're here. Number two, it's what people need. here. Number two, it's what people need. here. Number two, it's what people need. Man, if there was ever a day when people Man, if there was ever a day when people Man, if there was ever a day when people need you to shine your light, it's right need you to shine your light, it's right need you to shine your light, it's right now. now. now. >> Look what John chapter 4, if you've been >> Look what John chapter 4, if you've been >> Look what John chapter 4, if you've been around the Bible, you know this story. around the Bible, you know this story. around the Bible, you know this story. The good Samaritan or the Samaritan The good Samaritan or the Samaritan The good Samaritan or the Samaritan woman, Jesus comes and and he's sitting woman, Jesus comes and and he's sitting woman, Jesus comes and and he's sitting by the well. She comes out comes out to by the well. She comes out comes out to by the well. She comes out comes out to draw water and Jesus said to her, "Will draw water and Jesus said to her, "Will draw water and Jesus said to her, "Will you give me something to drink?" Because you give me something to drink?" Because you give me something to drink?" Because his disciples had went to Taco Bell. his disciples had went to Taco Bell. his disciples had went to Taco Bell. They weren't back yet. Kidding. They weren't back yet. Kidding. They weren't back yet. Kidding. And the Samaritan woman said to him, And the Samaritan woman said to him, And the Samaritan woman said to him, "You're a Jew. I'm a Samaritan. How can "You're a Jew. I'm a Samaritan. How can "You're a Jew. I'm a Samaritan. How can you ask me for a drink?" Because they you ask me for a drink?" Because they you ask me for a drink?" Because they didn't get along. There was a lot of didn't get along. There was a lot of didn't get along. There was a lot of racial tension between these two groups. racial tension between these two groups. racial tension between these two groups. And Jesus answered her, "If you knew the And Jesus answered her, "If you knew the And Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that ask you gift of God and who it is that ask you gift of God and who it is that ask you for a drink." In other words, he's for a drink." In other words, he's for a drink." In other words, he's saying, "If you knew who I was, you saying, "If you knew who I was, you saying, "If you knew who I was, you would be asking me for a drink and I would be asking me for a drink and I would be asking me for a drink and I would give you living water."

And the story goes on to unfold is that And the story goes on to unfold is that the reason she's even at the well at the reason she's even at the well at the reason she's even at the well at this time of the day is because most this time of the day is because most this time of the day is because most likely she was avoiding the early likely she was avoiding the early likely she was avoiding the early morning of the hour when all the women morning of the hour when all the women morning of the hour when all the women from town would come to get the water from town would come to get the water from town would come to get the water and she wanted to come at another time and she wanted to come at another time and she wanted to come at another time because she was known as one of those because she was known as one of those because she was known as one of those women in town and she probably didn't women in town and she probably didn't women in town and she probably didn't want to put up with the scrutiny. So now want to put up with the scrutiny. So now want to put up with the scrutiny. So now here she is alone with Jesus and she has here she is alone with Jesus and she has here she is alone with Jesus and she has been thirsty. so thirsty, she's went to been thirsty. so thirsty, she's went to been thirsty. so thirsty, she's went to man after man after man trying to quench man after man after man trying to quench man after man after man trying to quench this thirst in her soul. And Jesus said, this thirst in her soul. And Jesus said, this thirst in her soul. And Jesus said, "If you knew who I was, I'd give you "If you knew who I was, I'd give you "If you knew who I was, I'd give you living water." And he goes on to say, living water." And he goes on to say, living water." And he goes on to say, "You'll never thirst again." And can I "You'll never thirst again." And can I "You'll never thirst again." And can I tell you something? We have a thirsty tell you something? We have a thirsty tell you something? We have a thirsty culture. culture. culture. We have a thirsty world around us. We have a thirsty world around us. We have a thirsty world around us. There's millions and billions of dollars There's millions and billions of dollars There's millions and billions of dollars being spent every year because we're being spent every year because we're being spent every year because we're trying to quench thirst. trying to quench thirst. trying to quench thirst. We think this brand will quench it and We think this brand will quench it and We think this brand will quench it and we think this purchase will quench it we think this purchase will quench it we think this purchase will quench it and we think getting on this program and we think getting on this program and we think getting on this program will quench the thirst. And we're will quench the thirst. And we're will quench the thirst. And we're spending, spending, spending all around spending, spending, spending all around spending, spending, spending all around us, people are thirsty and we have us, people are thirsty and we have us, people are thirsty and we have living water.

>> It's kind of like someone stranded out >> It's kind of like someone stranded out in the ocean and they're parched with in the ocean and they're parched with in the ocean and they're parched with thirst, but they can't drink the water thirst, but they can't drink the water thirst, but they can't drink the water they're floating on. they're floating on. they're floating on. Why? Because salt water will dehydrate Why? Because salt water will dehydrate Why? Because salt water will dehydrate you and only make you more thirsty, you and only make you more thirsty, you and only make you more thirsty, which will dehydrate you only making you which will dehydrate you only making you which will dehydrate you only making you more thirsty to dehydrate you only to more thirsty to dehydrate you only to more thirsty to dehydrate you only to making you more thirsty and eventually making you more thirsty and eventually making you more thirsty and eventually you die. you die. you die. And people all around you, And people all around you, And people all around you, some you even care about, some you even care about, some you even care about, are drinking salt water are drinking salt water are drinking salt water thinking it'll quench their thirst. And thinking it'll quench their thirst. And thinking it'll quench their thirst. And we have living water, everybody. we have living water, everybody. we have living water, everybody. It's what the world needs. It's what the world needs. It's what the world needs. They need the love of Jesus that we have They need the love of Jesus that we have They need the love of Jesus that we have to offer to them. It's what the to offer to them. It's what the to offer to them. It's what the disciples said to Jesus in John 6. He he disciples said to Jesus in John 6. He he disciples said to Jesus in John 6. He he just before this he said, "Are you going just before this he said, "Are you going just before this he said, "Are you going to leave too?" Because all these people to leave too?" Because all these people to leave too?" Because all these people that have been following him left that have been following him left that have been following him left because he gave them a hard teaching and because he gave them a hard teaching and because he gave them a hard teaching and they say, "Master, whom would we go? they say, "Master, whom would we go? they say, "Master, whom would we go? Where else can we go?" Because you have Where else can we go?" Because you have Where else can we go?" Because you have the words of real life, of eternal life.

the words of real life, of eternal life. the words of real life, of eternal life. And they said, "We've committed And they said, "We've committed And they said, "We've committed ourselves. We're confident that you are ourselves. We're confident that you are ourselves. We're confident that you are the holy one of God. the holy one of God. the holy one of God. Where else do we go? There's only one Where else do we go? There's only one Where else do we go? There's only one source of living water and his name is source of living water and his name is source of living water and his name is Jesus. And who are we And who are we that have the cup of living water that have the cup of living water that have the cup of living water to not offer it to everybody that we to not offer it to everybody that we to not offer it to everybody that we come in contact with? come in contact with? come in contact with? >> It's what the world needs. Number three, >> It's what the world needs. Number three, >> It's what the world needs. Number three, I hope you can say this. It's what's I hope you can say this. It's what's I hope you can say this. It's what's changed me. It's It's what makes It's It's what makes me better than me. me better than me. me better than me. Are y'all following me? Are y'all following me? Are y'all following me? >> A relationship with Jesus, the power of >> A relationship with Jesus, the power of >> A relationship with Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I like to the Holy Spirit in my life. I like to the Holy Spirit in my life. I like to say it this way. The Holy Spirit and say it this way. The Holy Spirit and say it this way. The Holy Spirit and walking with Jesus doesn't make me walking with Jesus doesn't make me walking with Jesus doesn't make me better than you. It makes me better than better than you. It makes me better than better than you. It makes me better than me. Come on. me. Come on. me. Come on. >> And I need something that makes me >> And I need something that makes me >> And I need something that makes me better than me better than me better than me >> cuz I'm limited >> cuz I'm limited >> cuz I'm limited >> and I've got a parent and I'm limited >> and I've got a parent and I'm limited >> and I've got a parent and I'm limited and I need to be a good husband and I'm and I need to be a good husband and I'm and I need to be a good husband and I'm limited and I need to be a good leader limited and I need to be a good leader limited and I need to be a good leader and a pastor. I need something that and a pastor. I need something that and a pastor. I need something that makes me better than me that can change makes me better than me that can change makes me better than me that can change Daniel from what he naturally wants to Daniel from what he naturally wants to Daniel from what he naturally wants to do so that supernaturally I do what God do so that supernaturally I do what God do so that supernaturally I do what God wants me to do.

wants me to do. wants me to do. >> And if it's changed you, it can change >> And if it's changed you, it can change >> And if it's changed you, it can change other people. Are you with me? Amen. other people. Are you with me? Amen. other people. Are you with me? Amen. >> Can I just remind you the gospel is >> Can I just remind you the gospel is >> Can I just remind you the gospel is still transforming lives. still transforming lives. still transforming lives. >> It's what happens in according to >> It's what happens in according to >> It's what happens in according to Galatians when when we begin to show the Galatians when when we begin to show the Galatians when when we begin to show the fruits of walking with God. This is the fruits of walking with God. This is the fruits of walking with God. This is the message paraphrased but it's the list of message paraphrased but it's the list of message paraphrased but it's the list of the fruit of the ste spirits. What the fruit of the ste spirits. What the fruit of the ste spirits. What happens when we live God's way? He happens when we live God's way? He happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts to our lives in much the brings gifts to our lives in much the brings gifts to our lives in much the same way fruit appears in the orchard. same way fruit appears in the orchard. same way fruit appears in the orchard. things like this, affection for others, things like this, affection for others, things like this, affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We exuberance about life, serenity. We exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with develop a willingness to stick with develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the things, a sense of compassion in the things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction heart, and a conviction heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things that a basic holiness permeates things that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved and people. We find ourselves involved and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to in loyal commitments, not needing to in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshall force our way in life, able to marshall force our way in life, able to marshall and direct our energies wisely. We're and direct our energies wisely. We're and direct our energies wisely. We're able to have self-control. What What is able to have self-control. What What is able to have self-control. What What is this saying? It's saying that there are this saying? It's saying that there are this saying? It's saying that there are some things that are supernatural that some things that are supernatural that some things that are supernatural that cannot be produced in your natural. And cannot be produced in your natural. And cannot be produced in your natural. And it is the spirit of God. It's faith in it is the spirit of God. It's faith in it is the spirit of God. It's faith in Christ that changes us. And if it's Christ that changes us. And if it's Christ that changes us. And if it's changed us, we are walking testimonies.

changed us, we are walking testimonies. changed us, we are walking testimonies. We're walking witnesses We're walking witnesses We're walking witnesses of the goodness of God and the power of of the goodness of God and the power of of the goodness of God and the power of the transformation of the gospel in our the transformation of the gospel in our the transformation of the gospel in our lives. And so, if all this is true, then lives. And so, if all this is true, then lives. And so, if all this is true, then why are we not sharing it? why are we not sharing it? why are we not sharing it? I think there's a couple of reasons. I think there's a couple of reasons. I think there's a couple of reasons. One, I think for some of us, we've seen One, I think for some of us, we've seen One, I think for some of us, we've seen it done so horribly, we'd rather not do it done so horribly, we'd rather not do it done so horribly, we'd rather not do it at all. it at all. it at all. We've seen it done so offensively and so We've seen it done so offensively and so We've seen it done so offensively and so negatively and we're like, we don't want negatively and we're like, we don't want negatively and we're like, we don't want to become that to become that to become that or we've just seen or we've just seen or we've just seen trying to think how to say this kindly. trying to think how to say this kindly. trying to think how to say this kindly. We just seen it done weirdly. We just seen it done weirdly. We just seen it done weirdly. Are y'all following me? And we're like, Are y'all following me? And we're like, Are y'all following me? And we're like, I don't want to be that person. I don't I don't want to be that person. I don't I don't want to be that person. I don't want to be the one they avoid at the want to be the one they avoid at the want to be the one they avoid at the coffee table at the office. Or I don't coffee table at the office. Or I don't coffee table at the office. Or I don't want to be the one that's like kicked want to be the one that's like kicked want to be the one that's like kicked out of the dorm. Like, can I just tell out of the dorm. Like, can I just tell out of the dorm. Like, can I just tell you something? You can shine your light you something? You can shine your light you something? You can shine your light and not be weird.

and not be weird. and not be weird. >> You can love people like Jesus and not >> You can love people like Jesus and not >> You can love people like Jesus and not be weird. Are you following me? Like, be weird. Are you following me? Like, be weird. Are you following me? Like, Jesus doesn't make people weird. People Jesus doesn't make people weird. People Jesus doesn't make people weird. People are weird before they meet Jesus. And so I want to give you some really And so I want to give you some really practical tools on how to do this practical tools on how to do this practical tools on how to do this because I just believe if our entire because I just believe if our entire because I just believe if our entire church were to leave the doors of our church were to leave the doors of our church were to leave the doors of our campuses campuses campuses were to close the screen and this week were to close the screen and this week were to close the screen and this week simply be the light. It would transform simply be the light. It would transform simply be the light. It would transform homes, homes, homes, transform communities, transform your transform communities, transform your transform communities, transform your office, transform your school, office, transform your school, office, transform your school, transform the dorm you're about to go transform the dorm you're about to go transform the dorm you're about to go move back into. move back into. move back into. If you simply do this, and it's not If you simply do this, and it's not If you simply do this, and it's not rocket science. If you're all with me, rocket science. If you're all with me, rocket science. If you're all with me, say amen. say amen. say amen. >> All right. If you've never written down >> All right. If you've never written down >> All right. If you've never written down anything in the last year, write these anything in the last year, write these anything in the last year, write these down. Number one, simply be aware. down. Number one, simply be aware. down. Number one, simply be aware. That's it. Simply be aware.

That's it. Simply be aware. That's it. Simply be aware. In other words, have eyes to see. Psalms In other words, have eyes to see. Psalms In other words, have eyes to see. Psalms 37 says this, "The steps of a good man 37 says this, "The steps of a good man 37 says this, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." And then are ordered by the Lord." And then are ordered by the Lord." And then Proverbs 16, very similar to that, says, Proverbs 16, very similar to that, says, Proverbs 16, very similar to that, says, "In the in the hearts we plan our ways, "In the in the hearts we plan our ways, "In the in the hearts we plan our ways, but the Lord establishes our steps or but the Lord establishes our steps or but the Lord establishes our steps or orders our steps." In other words, in orders our steps." In other words, in orders our steps." In other words, in your dayto-day, I'm not asking you to your dayto-day, I'm not asking you to your dayto-day, I'm not asking you to like rearrange your whole day, be like, like rearrange your whole day, be like, like rearrange your whole day, be like, "Man, I'm I'm going to go stand on the "Man, I'm I'm going to go stand on the "Man, I'm I'm going to go stand on the corner corner corner and I'm going to hold up some signs. I'm and I'm going to hold up some signs. I'm and I'm going to hold up some signs. I'm going really be a light today." going really be a light today." going really be a light today." No, No, No, I'm just saying as you go throughout I'm just saying as you go throughout I'm just saying as you go throughout your day, I'm going to wake up and the your day, I'm going to wake up and the your day, I'm going to wake up and the Bible says you plan your day. I'm going Bible says you plan your day. I'm going Bible says you plan your day. I'm going to go to the gym. I'm going to have my to go to the gym. I'm going to have my to go to the gym. I'm going to have my quiet time. I'm going to get ready. I'm quiet time. I'm going to get ready. I'm quiet time. I'm going to get ready. I'm going to take the kids to school. I'm going to take the kids to school. I'm going to take the kids to school. I'm going go to work. I'm going to run going go to work. I'm going to run going go to work. I'm going to run errands. Whatever it is, I just want you errands. Whatever it is, I just want you errands. Whatever it is, I just want you to be aware that you may have planned to be aware that you may have planned to be aware that you may have planned the day, but give God space to ordain the day, but give God space to ordain the day, but give God space to ordain some things in the day.

some things in the day. some things in the day. >> So, just maybe the stop at Starbucks >> So, just maybe the stop at Starbucks >> So, just maybe the stop at Starbucks and the conversation with the barista and the conversation with the barista and the conversation with the barista was a God- orained moment, even though was a God- orained moment, even though was a God- orained moment, even though you plan to go there yourself. you plan to go there yourself. you plan to go there yourself. And maybe that whenever you went to run And maybe that whenever you went to run And maybe that whenever you went to run the errand and the person that you just the errand and the person that you just the errand and the person that you just happened to run into in the store that happened to run into in the store that happened to run into in the store that you haven't seen forever that you would you haven't seen forever that you would you haven't seen forever that you would just have an awareness to go, "Oh, this just have an awareness to go, "Oh, this just have an awareness to go, "Oh, this could be a God moment. This could be an could be a God moment. This could be an could be a God moment. This could be an opportunity for me just to just to shine opportunity for me just to just to shine opportunity for me just to just to shine my light." Does that mean that you got my light." Does that mean that you got my light." Does that mean that you got to go, "Hey, I want to make sure you to go, "Hey, I want to make sure you to go, "Hey, I want to make sure you understand John 3:16. Want to make sure understand John 3:16. Want to make sure understand John 3:16. Want to make sure that No. Shining your light just means that No. Shining your light just means that No. Shining your light just means I'm just going to I'm going to be I'm just going to I'm going to be I'm just going to I'm going to be loving. I'm going to be kind. I'm going loving. I'm going to be kind. I'm going loving. I'm going to be kind. I'm going to be there. I'm going to be present. to be there. I'm going to be present. to be there. I'm going to be present. I'm going I'm going to be who Jesus is I'm going I'm going to be who Jesus is I'm going I'm going to be who Jesus is into the people that I interact with into the people that I interact with into the people that I interact with every day. I'm just going to have an every day. I'm just going to have an every day. I'm just going to have an awareness for it. And can I tell you awareness for it. And can I tell you awareness for it. And can I tell you something? If you'll have an awareness, something? If you'll have an awareness, something? If you'll have an awareness, you'll start to see the God moments in you'll start to see the God moments in you'll start to see the God moments in your day. But if you just got your head your day. But if you just got your head your day. But if you just got your head down thinking about you and all the down thinking about you and all the down thinking about you and all the things you got to do and all the things things you got to do and all the things things you got to do and all the things you got to check off the box and all the you got to check off the box and all the you got to check off the box and all the list that you got to get through, you'll list that you got to get through, you'll list that you got to get through, you'll never see the God moments.

never see the God moments. never see the God moments. >> You're not aware of them. I'm I was >> You're not aware of them. I'm I was >> You're not aware of them. I'm I was reading this I'm reading this book reading this I'm reading this book reading this I'm reading this book currently called The Science of Scaling. currently called The Science of Scaling. currently called The Science of Scaling. And it's irrelevant what it's about, but And it's irrelevant what it's about, but And it's irrelevant what it's about, but it's so interesting this little it's so interesting this little it's so interesting this little paragraph that I read and I was like I paragraph that I read and I was like I paragraph that I read and I was like I was thinking about this message. I was thinking about this message. I was thinking about this message. I thought, man, this is psychologically thought, man, this is psychologically thought, man, this is psychologically what happens to it. He's talking about what happens to it. He's talking about what happens to it. He's talking about pathway thinking relies on this. That's pathway thinking relies on this. That's pathway thinking relies on this. That's what I want you to get. A deeper what I want you to get. A deeper what I want you to get. A deeper psychological insight known as selective psychological insight known as selective psychological insight known as selective attention. So, our brains have this attention. So, our brains have this attention. So, our brains have this ability to do this thing called ability to do this thing called ability to do this thing called selective attention, which is our human selective attention, which is our human selective attention, which is our human ability to mentally filter for the most ability to mentally filter for the most ability to mentally filter for the most relevant information while ignoring all relevant information while ignoring all relevant information while ignoring all other data. So, some of you wives are other data. So, some of you wives are other data. So, some of you wives are like, "Okay, it all makes sense now." like, "Okay, it all makes sense now." like, "Okay, it all makes sense now." [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] I'm kidding. I'm joking. I'm kidding. I'm joking. I'm kidding. I'm joking. Put simply, here's what I want you to Put simply, here's what I want you to Put simply, here's what I want you to see. The quality and clarity of your see. The quality and clarity of your see. The quality and clarity of your goal goal goal as well as your commitment to it shapes as well as your commitment to it shapes as well as your commitment to it shapes both what you see and the actions you both what you see and the actions you both what you see and the actions you take. So if your goal every day is to take. So if your goal every day is to take. So if your goal every day is to say, "God, make me aware of divine say, "God, make me aware of divine say, "God, make me aware of divine moments where I can be a light in moments where I can be a light in moments where I can be a light in somebody's life and I'm committed to somebody's life and I'm committed to somebody's life and I'm committed to it." Your brain will start to see those it." Your brain will start to see those it." Your brain will start to see those moments.

All you got to do is be aware. All you got to do is be aware. >> It's like this. You bought the white >> It's like this. You bought the white >> It's like this. You bought the white Tahoe and now it feels like everybody on Tahoe and now it feels like everybody on Tahoe and now it feels like everybody on the road has the white Tahoe. the road has the white Tahoe. the road has the white Tahoe. The white Tahoe was always there. The white Tahoe was always there. The white Tahoe was always there. You just now see it. Listen to me, You just now see it. Listen to me, You just now see it. Listen to me, church. Look at me. There's people church. Look at me. There's people church. Look at me. There's people thirsty all around you. Every day, all day, people are thirsty Every day, all day, people are thirsty and you have living water. and you have living water. and you have living water. You just have to see it. You just have to see it. You just have to see it. Just have to be aware of it. Sitting Just have to be aware of it. Sitting Just have to be aware of it. Sitting rocket science. How do you shine your rocket science. How do you shine your rocket science. How do you shine your light? Just be aware. Number two, light? Just be aware. Number two, light? Just be aware. Number two, be intentional. Be intentional Be intentional about being a light. about being a light. about being a light. Paul said this in 1 Corinthians. He Paul said this in 1 Corinthians. He Paul said this in 1 Corinthians. He said, "To the weak I became weak to win said, "To the weak I became weak to win said, "To the weak I became weak to win the weak. I've become all things to all the weak. I've become all things to all the weak. I've become all things to all people so that by all possible means I people so that by all possible means I people so that by all possible means I might save some." You know what Paul is might save some." You know what Paul is might save some." You know what Paul is saying here? I'm going to give you the saying here? I'm going to give you the saying here? I'm going to give you the the Daniel translation. Look for common the Daniel translation. Look for common the Daniel translation. Look for common ground, not battleground.

Look for common ground, not Look for common ground, not battleground. battleground. battleground. How do I shine the light of Jesus to the How do I shine the light of Jesus to the How do I shine the light of Jesus to the world around me? I look for common world around me? I look for common world around me? I look for common ground, not battleground. Too much of ground, not battleground. Too much of ground, not battleground. Too much of church these days in in my opinion is we church these days in in my opinion is we church these days in in my opinion is we look for all the things we disagree on look for all the things we disagree on look for all the things we disagree on and we give that 100% of our attention. and we give that 100% of our attention. and we give that 100% of our attention. If you can only find one thing you agree If you can only find one thing you agree If you can only find one thing you agree on, give that a 100% of your attention on, give that a 100% of your attention on, give that a 100% of your attention so that the door may open for the so that the door may open for the so that the door may open for the opportunity for the gospel to be shared opportunity for the gospel to be shared opportunity for the gospel to be shared and the love of Jesus to be given to and the love of Jesus to be given to and the love of Jesus to be given to somebody. And it somebody. And it somebody. And it it may it may and and you may be we it may it may and and you may be we it may it may and and you may be we agree on nothing. We just be like this. agree on nothing. We just be like this. agree on nothing. We just be like this. Hey, we both are breathing. That's cool. Hey, we both are breathing. That's cool. Hey, we both are breathing. That's cool. Like [laughter] Like [laughter] Like [laughter] we both like inhale oxygen. Isn't that we both like inhale oxygen. Isn't that we both like inhale oxygen. Isn't that amazing? Isn't that crazy how oxygen I amazing? Isn't that crazy how oxygen I amazing? Isn't that crazy how oxygen I mean I just love it. I love oxygen and mean I just love it. I love oxygen and mean I just love it. I love oxygen and the fact that it keeps us alive and I the fact that it keeps us alive and I the fact that it keeps us alive and I love that you're alive. love that you're alive. love that you're alive. I'm being facitious, but you get what I'm being facitious, but you get what I'm being facitious, but you get what I'm saying, right? What is the thing I'm saying, right? What is the thing I'm saying, right? What is the thing that we can agree on that we might find that we can agree on that we might find that we can agree on that we might find common ground? Paul said, "If you're common ground? Paul said, "If you're common ground? Paul said, "If you're weak, I got weak.

Why? I tried to become all things to all Why? I tried to become all things to all people." people." people." Why? So that I can may win some. Why? So that I can may win some. Why? So that I can may win some. Paul said, "I became weak. I became Paul said, "I became weak. I became Paul said, "I became weak. I became whatever whatever I needed to be whatever whatever I needed to be whatever whatever I needed to be so that I could share the good news of so that I could share the good news of so that I could share the good news of Jesus with the people I came in contact Jesus with the people I came in contact Jesus with the people I came in contact with. with. with. Paul also was great at coming in from Paul also was great at coming in from Paul also was great at coming in from people's perspective, trying to see life people's perspective, trying to see life people's perspective, trying to see life from their lens, from their lens, from their lens, stepping out of ourselves and into stepping out of ourselves and into stepping out of ourselves and into somebody else's shoes. I want to show somebody else's shoes. I want to show somebody else's shoes. I want to show you one one example is when he was in you one one example is when he was in you one one example is when he was in Athens, Acts 17 says, "So Paul took his Athens, Acts 17 says, "So Paul took his Athens, Acts 17 says, "So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Aropagus. stand in the open space at the Aropagus. stand in the open space at the Aropagus. It's a place where philosophers would It's a place where philosophers would It's a place where philosophers would speak. And he laid it out for them. He speak. And he laid it out for them. He speak. And he laid it out for them. He said, "It's plain to see that you said, "It's plain to see that you said, "It's plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. Athenians take your religion seriously. Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was When I arrived here the other day, I was When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came fascinated with all the shrines I came fascinated with all the shrines I came across, and then I found one inscribed across, and then I found one inscribed across, and then I found one inscribed to the God nobody knows. I'm here to to the God nobody knows. I'm here to to the God nobody knows. I'm here to introduce you to this God so that you introduce you to this God so that you introduce you to this God so that you can worship intelligently and know who can worship intelligently and know who can worship intelligently and know who you're dealing with." I want you to you're dealing with." I want you to you're dealing with." I want you to notice what Paul didn't do. He didn't notice what Paul didn't do. He didn't notice what Paul didn't do. He didn't come into Athens and get the attention come into Athens and get the attention come into Athens and get the attention of all the people say hey seen all your of all the people say hey seen all your of all the people say hey seen all your shrines shrines shrines dumb no what he come in he came in to find no what he come in he came in to find their perspective their perspective their perspective you see how he did you see how he open

you see how he did you see how he open you see how he did you see how he open walked through the door he said hey I walked through the door he said hey I walked through the door he said hey I walked around and I saw how serious you walked around and I saw how serious you walked around and I saw how serious you are about religion. It's almost commending them It's almost commending them in order to win them. in order to win them. in order to win them. And then he said, "And I even saw one to And then he said, "And I even saw one to And then he said, "And I even saw one to an unknown god, the god nobody knows." an unknown god, the god nobody knows." an unknown god, the god nobody knows." And he says, "I want to introduce you to And he says, "I want to introduce you to And he says, "I want to introduce you to that God." that God." that God." He came in on their perspective. He came in on their perspective. He came in on their perspective. He he stepped to the place of connection He he stepped to the place of connection He he stepped to the place of connection with them. Not saying you got to come with them. Not saying you got to come with them. Not saying you got to come over to my side. over to my side. over to my side. >> Get their perspective. Are you with me? >> Get their perspective. Are you with me? >> Get their perspective. Are you with me? >> Let me show you what else Paul said this >> Let me show you what else Paul said this >> Let me show you what else Paul said this to Timothy. to Timothy. to Timothy. He said again I say don't get involved He said again I say don't get involved He said again I say don't get involved in foolish ignorant arguments that only in foolish ignorant arguments that only in foolish ignorant arguments that only start fights. start fights. start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel A servant of the Lord must not quarrel A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. Be able to but must be kind to everyone. Be able to but must be kind to everyone. Be able to teach and be able be patient with teach and be able be patient with teach and be able be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those difficult people. Gently instruct those difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change these people's hearts and they change these people's hearts and they change these people's hearts and they will learn the truth. In other words, will learn the truth. In other words, will learn the truth. In other words, here's what Paul is saying. Hey, here's what Paul is saying. Hey, here's what Paul is saying. Hey, Timothy, I want you to operate with Timothy, I want you to operate with Timothy, I want you to operate with patience.

patience. patience. Can I tell you somebody? Everybody is at Can I tell you somebody? Everybody is at Can I tell you somebody? Everybody is at their own pace in this journey of faith. their own pace in this journey of faith. their own pace in this journey of faith. And just because they're not running at And just because they're not running at And just because they're not running at the pace you're running at doesn't mean the pace you're running at doesn't mean the pace you're running at doesn't mean that you're there to prod them with a that you're there to prod them with a that you're there to prod them with a stick. stick. stick. Are y'all with me? Are y'all with me? Are y'all with me? >> Some of you go to family gatherings and >> Some of you go to family gatherings and >> Some of you go to family gatherings and see people you haven't seen in years and see people you haven't seen in years and see people you haven't seen in years and you need, you know, you need to get you need, you know, you need to get you need, you know, you need to get things right with God. How about how are your kids? How about How about how are your kids? How about we start there? I'm not saying we don't we start there? I'm not saying we don't we start there? I'm not saying we don't get to that place. Are you following me? get to that place. Are you following me? get to that place. Are you following me? I'm just saying some people get so shut I'm just saying some people get so shut I'm just saying some people get so shut off to the gospel because we're not able off to the gospel because we're not able off to the gospel because we're not able to walk with them at a pace that they're to walk with them at a pace that they're to walk with them at a pace that they're moving at and how God is working in moving at and how God is working in moving at and how God is working in their lives. We just need to be like, their lives. We just need to be like, their lives. We just need to be like, "Hey, I'm not Are y'all tracking with "Hey, I'm not Are y'all tracking with "Hey, I'm not Are y'all tracking with me?" Paul says, "Don't get in these me?" Paul says, "Don't get in these me?" Paul says, "Don't get in these foolish arguments." Like, why are you foolish arguments." Like, why are you foolish arguments." Like, why are you showing up with your End Times magazine? Let's start with Jesus loves you Let's start with Jesus loves you >> and he loved you so much he died for >> and he loved you so much he died for >> and he loved you so much he died for you. and I want you to know I love you you. and I want you to know I love you you. and I want you to know I love you and I want the best for your life. Come and I want the best for your life. Come and I want the best for your life. Come on, somebody.

on, somebody. on, somebody. [applause] Like, [applause] Like, [applause] Like, be intentional. be intentional. be intentional. Number three, Number three, Number three, be the light. be the light. be the light. I want to revisit Matthew 5 again. He I want to revisit Matthew 5 again. He I want to revisit Matthew 5 again. He says, "If I make you light bears, you says, "If I make you light bears, you says, "If I make you light bears, you think I'm going to hide you under a think I'm going to hide you under a think I'm going to hide you under a bucket?" bucket?" bucket?" No. I'm going to put you on a hilltop. No. I'm going to put you on a hilltop. No. I'm going to put you on a hilltop. Why? So you can shine. Why? So you can shine. Why? So you can shine. And I want you to keep an open house. I And I want you to keep an open house. I And I want you to keep an open house. I want you to be generous with your lives. want you to be generous with your lives. want you to be generous with your lives. In other words, I want you to open I In other words, I want you to open I In other words, I want you to open I want you to be closed off to people. want you to be closed off to people. want you to be closed off to people. It's the opening of your heart to It's the opening of your heart to It's the opening of your heart to people. It's the hospitality of people. people. It's the hospitality of people. people. It's the hospitality of people. That's what it's going to prompt people That's what it's going to prompt people That's what it's going to prompt people to open up with God. to open up with God. to open up with God. So, I have this torch and these candles, So, I have this torch and these candles, So, I have this torch and these candles, right? I'm gonna get one of these. My new I'm gonna get one of these. My new favorite toy. So, you and I both know that if we were So, you and I both know that if we were to shut the lights down to shut the lights down to shut the lights down that all the focus in the room would that all the focus in the room would that all the focus in the room would come to here, right?

come to here, right? come to here, right? Because these would be illuminated. They Because these would be illuminated. They Because these would be illuminated. They wouldn't illuminate the entire room, but wouldn't illuminate the entire room, but wouldn't illuminate the entire room, but it would illuminate this part around the it would illuminate this part around the it would illuminate this part around the room, but it would grab the attention of room, but it would grab the attention of room, but it would grab the attention of everybody in the room. everybody in the room. everybody in the room. But here's what's interesting about But here's what's interesting about But here's what's interesting about these candles. these candles. these candles. Whenever you light a candle, the candle Whenever you light a candle, the candle Whenever you light a candle, the candle doesn't go, "Look at me. doesn't go, "Look at me. doesn't go, "Look at me. I'm being a light. I'm shining. I'm shining. I'm shining. I'm shining. I'm shining. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. No, No, No, all the candle has to do is just all the candle has to do is just all the candle has to do is just >> be lit and be a candle. >> be lit and be a candle. >> be lit and be a candle. And wherever it goes, it's going to And wherever it goes, it's going to And wherever it goes, it's going to light up the room because it's just light up the room because it's just light up the room because it's just being a candle. being a candle. being a candle. >> Can I tell you something that when >> Can I tell you something that when >> Can I tell you something that when you're the light that Jesus wants you to you're the light that Jesus wants you to you're the light that Jesus wants you to shine, you don't have to walk in a room shine, you don't have to walk in a room shine, you don't have to walk in a room and go, "Look at me. and go, "Look at me. and go, "Look at me. >> I'm being kind. >> I'm being kind. >> I'm being kind. Look at me. I want to tell you off, but Look at me. I want to tell you off, but Look at me. I want to tell you off, but I'm being loving.

No, you just have to shine. No, you just have to shine. You just have to shine. You just have to shine. You just have to shine. And in a dark and thirsty world, you And in a dark and thirsty world, you And in a dark and thirsty world, you will be a bright light will be a bright light will be a bright light and living water. But here's what's and living water. But here's what's and living water. But here's what's happened to some of you is that you're happened to some of you is that you're happened to some of you is that you're like, "Pastor, I tried to shine. I tried like, "Pastor, I tried to shine. I tried like, "Pastor, I tried to shine. I tried to shine in my dorm room and I tried to to shine in my dorm room and I tried to to shine in my dorm room and I tried to shine on work and I tried to shine and shine on work and I tried to shine and shine on work and I tried to shine and every time I try to shine they just want every time I try to shine they just want every time I try to shine they just want to blow out my light to blow out my light to blow out my light and then pain comes along and just wants and then pain comes along and just wants and then pain comes along and just wants to blow out my light and then to blow out my light and then to blow out my light and then disappointment came along and [snorts] disappointment came along and [snorts] disappointment came along and [snorts] just wants to blow out my light. But just wants to blow out my light. But just wants to blow out my light. But here's what I want to show you is that here's what I want to show you is that here's what I want to show you is that because you're filled with the spirit of because you're filled with the spirit of because you're filled with the spirit of God, you just keep reigniting and God, you just keep reigniting and God, you just keep reigniting and reigniting and reigniting and reigniting and reigniting and reigniting and reigniting and reigniting. reigniting. reigniting. Come on, Come on, Come on, let your light so shine before men that let your light so shine before men that let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and give they might see your good works and give they might see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven. glory to your father in heaven. glory to your father in heaven. >> You were meant to shine. >> He didn't put you on a hilltop.

>> He didn't put you on a hilltop. for you to hide and to cower. for you to hide and to cower. for you to hide and to cower. Just shine. Just shine. Just shine. Just be Jesus. Just be Jesus. Just be Jesus. And here's what'll happen. First And here's what'll happen. First And here's what'll happen. First Thessalonians, Thessalonians, Thessalonians, make it your ambition to lead a quiet make it your ambition to lead a quiet make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. life. life. >> So, what Paul's saying, you should mind >> So, what Paul's saying, you should mind >> So, what Paul's saying, you should mind your own business. your own business. your own business. It's a good word for somebody. It's a good word for somebody. It's a good word for somebody. and work with your hands and work with your hands and work with your hands just as we told you so that your daily just as we told you so that your daily just as we told you so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders. life may win the respect of outsiders. life may win the respect of outsiders. Time out. I want you to see this. Time out. I want you to see this. Time out. I want you to see this. How you handle yourself How you handle yourself How you handle yourself and how you work with your hands is a and how you work with your hands is a and how you work with your hands is a testimony of who Jesus is. testimony of who Jesus is. testimony of who Jesus is. Let that sink in. Let that sink in. Let that sink in. It's not just you're there doing a It's not just you're there doing a It's not just you're there doing a nine-to-five job because that's when you nine-to-five job because that's when you nine-to-five job because that's when you got to clock in and clock out. No, no, got to clock in and clock out. No, no, got to clock in and clock out. No, no, no. That nineto-5 is either telling no. That nineto-5 is either telling no. That nineto-5 is either telling people about Jesus in a great way or not people about Jesus in a great way or not people about Jesus in a great way or not a great way.

a great way. a great way. Paul says one of the greatest Paul says one of the greatest Paul says one of the greatest apologetics is how Christians work with apologetics is how Christians work with apologetics is how Christians work with their hands. And what will it do? It'll win the And what will it do? It'll win the respect of outsiders and so that you'll respect of outsiders and so that you'll respect of outsiders and so that you'll not be dependent on anybody. Lead a not be dependent on anybody. Lead a not be dependent on anybody. Lead a quiet life. Mind your own business. Work quiet life. Mind your own business. Work quiet life. Mind your own business. Work hard with your hands. And that life, hard with your hands. And that life, hard with your hands. And that life, living that out every day, living that out every day, living that out every day, being the light, just letting your being the light, just letting your being the light, just letting your candle burn candle burn candle burn will win people over [music] to Jesus. So be aware. So be aware. Be aware. Just say, "God, give me eyes Be aware. Just say, "God, give me eyes Be aware. Just say, "God, give me eyes to see. Just help me to see in my every to see. Just help me to see in my every to see. Just help me to see in my every day. Where are you moving and how can day. Where are you moving and how can day. Where are you moving and how can you use me? And then be intentional you use me? And then be intentional you use me? And then be intentional about it. Find common ground, not about it. Find common ground, not about it. Find common ground, not battleground. battleground. battleground. Don't pressure people. Have patience Don't pressure people. Have patience Don't pressure people. Have patience with people. Try to see life from their with people. Try to see life from their with people. Try to see life from their perspective. perspective.

perspective. And then just simply shine. And then just simply shine. And then just simply shine. And then when the door opens, someone And then when the door opens, someone And then when the door opens, someone says, "Why are you that way?" The Bible says, "Be ready to give an The Bible says, "Be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within answer for the hope that lies within answer for the hope that lies within you." you." you." What do you do? Share your story. What What do you do? Share your story. What What do you do? Share your story. What if they ask me about where the dinosaurs if they ask me about where the dinosaurs if they ask me about where the dinosaurs went? went? went? That's rarely the question, everybody. That's rarely the question, everybody. That's rarely the question, everybody. Usually the question is, how do you have Usually the question is, how do you have Usually the question is, how do you have peace like you have? I don't have that. peace like you have? I don't have that. peace like you have? I don't have that. How are you able How are you able How are you able to be that kind of parent? I don't know to be that kind of parent? I don't know to be that kind of parent? I don't know how to. how to. how to. That's where people are thirsty. That's where people are thirsty. That's where people are thirsty. You just share your story. I met Jesus. You just share your story. I met Jesus. You just share your story. I met Jesus. He changed my life. He changed my life. He changed my life. >> Got around a community of believers. >> Got around a community of believers. >> Got around a community of believers. Share your story. Share your church. You have a great church to share about, You have a great church to share about, by the way. by the way. by the way. >> Phenomenal church, a resilient church.

>> Phenomenal church, a resilient church. >> Phenomenal church, a resilient church. [applause] [applause] [applause] Hold your head up high Hold your head up high Hold your head up high >> because the church is not a building and >> because the church is not a building and >> because the church is not a building and the church is not a name. The church is the church is not a name. The church is the church is not a name. The church is the people the people the people >> and they're remarkable people here. >> and they're remarkable people here. >> and they're remarkable people here. People in love with Jesus. People that People in love with Jesus. People that People in love with Jesus. People that want to help people journey in the want to help people journey in the want to help people journey in the journey of faith. journey of faith. journey of faith. And so you get to decide And so you get to decide And so you get to decide what you'll do with the two invitations. what you'll do with the two invitations. what you'll do with the two invitations. the invitation to Jesus the invitation to Jesus the invitation to Jesus and the invitation to share with others and the invitation to share with others and the invitation to share with others about the first invitation. about the first invitation. about the first invitation. You can accept or you can decline. You can accept or you can decline. You can accept or you can decline. But they will shape your destiny. They But they will shape your destiny. They But they will shape your destiny. They will shape meaningfulness in your life, will shape meaningfulness in your life, will shape meaningfulness in your life, purpose, purpose, purpose, and I promise you they will shape and I promise you they will shape and I promise you they will shape your family for generations to come. So I pray that you will simply let your So I pray that you will simply let your light shine.

light shine. light shine. Will you pray with me? Will you pray with me? Will you pray with me? Every head bowed, every eye closed. Maybe you're here today and you've never Maybe you're here today and you've never accepted the first invitation, accepted the first invitation, accepted the first invitation, the invitation into an authentic the invitation into an authentic the invitation into an authentic relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. As I said earlier, not not into church As I said earlier, not not into church As I said earlier, not not into church or or or into religion, but a real relationship into religion, but a real relationship into religion, but a real relationship with Jesus where you've really with Jesus where you've really with Jesus where you've really surrendered your life to him where it's surrendered your life to him where it's surrendered your life to him where it's authentic. It's every day. It's not just authentic. It's every day. It's not just authentic. It's every day. It's not just on the weekend. It's not when things are on the weekend. It's not when things are on the weekend. It's not when things are in crisis, in crisis, in crisis, but it's an ongoing growing but it's an ongoing growing but it's an ongoing growing relationship with Jesus where you relationship with Jesus where you relationship with Jesus where you surrender to him, make him the Lord of surrender to him, make him the Lord of surrender to him, make him the Lord of your life. your life. your life. Or maybe you're here today and there was Or maybe you're here today and there was Or maybe you're here today and there was a moment in your life when it was like a moment in your life when it was like a moment in your life when it was like that, but you know in your heart you've that, but you know in your heart you've that, but you know in your heart you've strayed away. strayed away. strayed away. Well, today's the day for you to come Well, today's the day for you to come Well, today's the day for you to come back home.

back home. back home. The arms of the father are open and The arms of the father are open and The arms of the father are open and waiting for you. And so, in just a waiting for you. And so, in just a waiting for you. And so, in just a moment, we're going to pray together, moment, we're going to pray together, moment, we're going to pray together, just making that the confession of our just making that the confession of our just making that the confession of our heart. God, I I want to receive your heart. God, I I want to receive your heart. God, I I want to receive your gift of salvation. Or, Lord, I want to I gift of salvation. Or, Lord, I want to I gift of salvation. Or, Lord, I want to I want to come back home to you. I want to want to come back home to you. I want to want to come back home to you. I want to recommmit my life. But before we do recommmit my life. But before we do recommmit my life. But before we do that, just want to know who I'm praying that, just want to know who I'm praying that, just want to know who I'm praying with. No one's going to come to you or with. No one's going to come to you or with. No one's going to come to you or embarrass you. I just want to know who embarrass you. I just want to know who embarrass you. I just want to know who I'm praying with at every campus. I'm praying with at every campus. I'm praying with at every campus. Myself, your campus pastor, is there to Myself, your campus pastor, is there to Myself, your campus pastor, is there to see. But as I count to three, I just see. But as I count to three, I just see. But as I count to three, I just want you to shoot your hand up high. You want you to shoot your hand up high. You want you to shoot your hand up high. You say, "Pastor, that's me. I need a I need say, "Pastor, that's me. I need a I need say, "Pastor, that's me. I need a I need a fresh start in God today. I want today a fresh start in God today. I want today a fresh start in God today. I want today to be a day of a new beginning for me." to be a day of a new beginning for me." to be a day of a new beginning for me." And if that's you, when I count to And if that's you, when I count to And if that's you, when I count to three, you just shoot your hand up high. three, you just shoot your hand up high. three, you just shoot your hand up high. Then we're going to pray together. So on Then we're going to pray together. So on Then we're going to pray together. So on three. One, two, three. You just shoot three. One, two, three. You just shoot three. One, two, three. You just shoot your hand up high. God bless you. God your hand up high. God bless you. God your hand up high. God bless you. God bless you bless you bless you all over the room. God bless you. I see all over the room. God bless you. I see all over the room. God bless you. I see you. God sees you. More importantly, you. God sees you. More importantly, you. God sees you. More importantly, you can put your hands down. Church, you can put your hands down. Church, you can put your hands down. Church, will you pray this out loud with me for will you pray this out loud with me for will you pray this out loud with me for the benefit of those who just slipped the benefit of those who just slipped the benefit of those who just slipped their hand up. Just say, "Jesus, I need their hand up. Just say, "Jesus, I need their hand up. Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive me of all my you. I ask you to forgive me of all my you. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I believe you died for me. I sin. I believe you died for me. I sin. I believe you died for me. I believe God raised you from the dead.

believe God raised you from the dead. believe God raised you from the dead. Today I make you my Lord and Savior. Today I make you my Lord and Savior. Today I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for a brand new beginning Thank you for a brand new beginning Thank you for a brand new beginning in Jesus' name. Everybody said amen. in Jesus' name. Everybody said amen. in Jesus' name. Everybody said amen. Amen. Come on, let's celebrate those who Amen. Come on, let's celebrate those who Amen. Come on, let's celebrate those who made that decision at every campus. made that decision at every campus. made that decision at every campus. >> [applause]