The Joy You’ve Been Missing | Tauren Wells

SOME WILL HAVE TO START THIS MESSAGE OFF SOME WILL HAVE TO START THIS MESSAGE OFF BY ASKING for your forgiveness. BY ASKING for your forgiveness. BY ASKING for your forgiveness. Because I'm going to ask you to bypass Because I'm going to ask you to bypass Because I'm going to ask you to bypass your religious reflexes just for a your religious reflexes just for a your religious reflexes just for a moment today. moment today. moment today. I'm going to ask you to forget the scowl I'm going to ask you to forget the scowl I'm going to ask you to forget the scowl of that mean Christian that you of that mean Christian that you of that mean Christian that you encountered at some point in your encountered at some point in your encountered at some point in your childhood. childhood. childhood. I want you to for a moment move to the I want you to for a moment move to the I want you to for a moment move to the side the disdain that some people happen side the disdain that some people happen side the disdain that some people happen to carry for just the idea of a happy to carry for just the idea of a happy to carry for just the idea of a happy Christian. Christian. Christian. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Some people are are tormented by this >> Some people are are tormented by this >> Some people are are tormented by this idea that we are following Jesus and idea that we are following Jesus and idea that we are following Jesus and we're happy about it. That we serve a we're happy about it. That we serve a we're happy about it. That we serve a God who is not endured, God who is not endured, God who is not endured, but a God who is meant to be enjoyed. I but a God who is meant to be enjoyed. I but a God who is meant to be enjoyed. I I want you to set aside for a moment the I want you to set aside for a moment the I want you to set aside for a moment the notion that happiness is based on notion that happiness is based on notion that happiness is based on personality, personality, personality, circumstances, circumstances, circumstances, temperament, temperament, temperament, emotional state. And I just want to emotional state. And I just want to emotional state. And I just want to investigate a wild idea investigate a wild idea investigate a wild idea that you were created by the God of that you were created by the God of that you were created by the God of infinite joy.

infinite joy. infinite joy. And if you're created by the God of And if you're created by the God of And if you're created by the God of infinite joy, can I dare tell you today infinite joy, can I dare tell you today infinite joy, can I dare tell you today that your happiness that your happiness that your happiness matters to God. matters to God. matters to God. Y'all remember MythBusters? Y'all remember MythBusters? Y'all remember MythBusters? And this was a TV program, as the old And this was a TV program, as the old And this was a TV program, as the old heads would say, heads would say, heads would say, where they tested ideas where they tested ideas where they tested ideas and they busted these myths that had and they busted these myths that had and they busted these myths that had been absorbed as truths, but they didn't been absorbed as truths, but they didn't been absorbed as truths, but they didn't know if they would really hold up. And know if they would really hold up. And know if they would really hold up. And so, I want to do a little bit of myth so, I want to do a little bit of myth so, I want to do a little bit of myth busting before we get into this busting before we get into this busting before we get into this conversation today. I want to deal with conversation today. I want to deal with conversation today. I want to deal with a few misconceptions. The first a few misconceptions. The first a few misconceptions. The first misconception is this, that the Bible misconception is this, that the Bible misconception is this, that the Bible makes a distinction between happiness makes a distinction between happiness makes a distinction between happiness and joy. and joy. and joy. This is a modern-day misconception. The This is a modern-day misconception. The This is a modern-day misconception. The distinction between happiness and joy distinction between happiness and joy distinction between happiness and joy does not exist in scripture. does not exist in scripture. does not exist in scripture. Words like joy, blessed, delight, happy Words like joy, blessed, delight, happy Words like joy, blessed, delight, happy are used almost interchangeably in the are used almost interchangeably in the are used almost interchangeably in the scriptures. They dance around each other scriptures. They dance around each other scriptures. They dance around each other in the text. And this distinction in the text. And this distinction in the text. And this distinction between joy and happiness is a fairly between joy and happiness is a fairly between joy and happiness is a fairly modern development in Christian circles.

modern development in Christian circles. modern development in Christian circles. Even John Piper has said, "If you have Even John Piper has said, "If you have Even John Piper has said, "If you have nice little categories for joy is what nice little categories for joy is what nice little categories for joy is what Christians have and happiness is what Christians have and happiness is what Christians have and happiness is what the world has, you can scrap those when the world has, you can scrap those when the world has, you can scrap those when you go to the Bible because the Bible is you go to the Bible because the Bible is you go to the Bible because the Bible is indiscriminate in its uses of the indiscriminate in its uses of the indiscriminate in its uses of the language of happiness and joy and language of happiness and joy and language of happiness and joy and contentment and satisfaction." contentment and satisfaction." contentment and satisfaction." Miss busted. Okay, I'm just going to Miss busted. Okay, I'm just going to Miss busted. Okay, I'm just going to pretend like you believed everything I pretend like you believed everything I pretend like you believed everything I just said. Second misconception, just said. Second misconception, just said. Second misconception, that holiness and happiness are enemies. that holiness and happiness are enemies. that holiness and happiness are enemies. I'm going to deal with this one for a I'm going to deal with this one for a I'm going to deal with this one for a moment because some teaching in moment because some teaching in moment because some teaching in religious circles creates a false religious circles creates a false religious circles creates a false dichotomy. dichotomy. dichotomy. And you'll hear this type of preaching. And you'll hear this type of preaching. And you'll hear this type of preaching. I think I've said this at some point. I think I've said this at some point. I think I've said this at some point. God doesn't care about your happiness, God doesn't care about your happiness, God doesn't care about your happiness, he only cares about your holiness. he only cares about your holiness. he only cares about your holiness. This actually mischaracterizes This actually mischaracterizes This actually mischaracterizes God and I get it. What we are trying to God and I get it. What we are trying to God and I get it. What we are trying to emphasize is that God's character being emphasize is that God's character being emphasize is that God's character being formed in us is more important than our formed in us is more important than our formed in us is more important than our comfort and to that I wholeheartedly comfort and to that I wholeheartedly comfort and to that I wholeheartedly agree. That's right. But the character agree. That's right. But the character agree. That's right. But the character of Christ being formed in us produces of Christ being formed in us produces of Christ being formed in us produces something.

something. something. It produces happiness. It produces joy, It produces happiness. It produces joy, It produces happiness. It produces joy, not just temporarily, not just temporarily, not just temporarily, but eternally. but eternally. but eternally. Here's a big idea connected to this Here's a big idea connected to this Here's a big idea connected to this whole thing that we're going to set whole thing that we're going to set whole thing that we're going to set aside for the rest of this conversation, aside for the rest of this conversation, aside for the rest of this conversation, but I want you to think about it. but I want you to think about it. but I want you to think about it. Holiness Holiness Holiness produces joy. produces joy. produces joy. Holiness produces joy. Holiness produces joy. Holiness produces joy. We cannot divorce joy and happiness from We cannot divorce joy and happiness from We cannot divorce joy and happiness from God's own character. God's own character. God's own character. The scripture says that in his presence The scripture says that in his presence The scripture says that in his presence is the is the is the fullness of joy. Well, how could God fullness of joy. Well, how could God fullness of joy. Well, how could God produce that which he does not possess? produce that which he does not possess? produce that which he does not possess? In the New Testament, WE FIND THAT THE In the New Testament, WE FIND THAT THE In the New Testament, WE FIND THAT THE spirit of God in a person produces spirit of God in a person produces spirit of God in a person produces something, fruit. something, fruit. something, fruit. And the fruit IS LOVE, And the fruit IS LOVE, And the fruit IS LOVE, JOY. JOY. JOY. SO, I GET JOY WHEN I'M IN GOD'S SO, I GET JOY WHEN I'M IN GOD'S SO, I GET JOY WHEN I'M IN GOD'S PRESENCE, PRESENCE, PRESENCE, AND I PRODUCE JOY WHEN GOD'S PRESENCE is AND I PRODUCE JOY WHEN GOD'S PRESENCE is AND I PRODUCE JOY WHEN GOD'S PRESENCE is in me.

in me. in me. And so, these ideas are inseparable. And so, these ideas are inseparable. And so, these ideas are inseparable. >> [applause] >> HIS PROCESS of sanctification and >> HIS PROCESS of sanctification and holiness in you does not kill happiness. holiness in you does not kill happiness. holiness in you does not kill happiness. It reroutes and deepens the reservoir It reroutes and deepens the reservoir It reroutes and deepens the reservoir from which it flows. from which it flows. from which it flows. Now, there is an indelible quality Now, there is an indelible quality Now, there is an indelible quality to last words. Y'all know this. Last to last words. Y'all know this. Last to last words. Y'all know this. Last words, famous last words, weighty words words, famous last words, weighty words words, famous last words, weighty words that seal the end of a moment, a season that seal the end of a moment, a season that seal the end of a moment, a season with great finality. Like like like with great finality. Like like like with great finality. Like like like this. this. this. Ain't going to be no rematch. Ain't going to be no rematch. Ain't going to be no rematch. Apollo Creed, Rocky 4. You know what I'm Apollo Creed, Rocky 4. You know what I'm Apollo Creed, Rocky 4. You know what I'm talking about? talking about? talking about? I only regret that I have but one life I only regret that I have but one life I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. to lose for my country. to lose for my country. Nathan Hale Nathan Hale Nathan Hale You must do me this honor. Promise me You must do me this honor. Promise me You must do me this honor. Promise me you'll survive. That you won't give up you'll survive. That you won't give up you'll survive. That you won't give up NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, NO MATTER HOW NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, NO MATTER HOW NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, NO MATTER HOW HOPELESS. PROMISE ME NOW, ROSE.

HOPELESS. PROMISE ME NOW, ROSE. HOPELESS. PROMISE ME NOW, ROSE. >> [laughter] >> AND NEVER LET GO OF THAT PROMISE. >> AND NEVER LET GO OF THAT PROMISE. LET'S GO. LET'S GO. LET'S GO. >> [laughter] >> I'M just saying, Rose, you robbed us of >> I'M just saying, Rose, you robbed us of Titanic 2 because you were selfish. Titanic 2 because you were selfish. Titanic 2 because you were selfish. There was room on the door. That's all I There was room on the door. That's all I There was room on the door. That's all I have to say about it. There was room. have to say about it. There was room. have to say about it. There was room. Why you have TO DO LEO LIKE Why you have TO DO LEO LIKE Why you have TO DO LEO LIKE >> [applause] >> FAMOUS LAST WORDS. BUT WHAT about famous >> FAMOUS LAST WORDS. BUT WHAT about famous first words? first words? first words? Words that carry weight not because of Words that carry weight not because of Words that carry weight not because of their finality, but because of their their finality, but because of their their finality, but because of their primacy. primacy. primacy. The reality that they were spoken first. The reality that they were spoken first. The reality that they were spoken first. Famous first words like Famous first words like Famous first words like have a dream. have a dream. have a dream. That little black boys and little white That little black boys and little white That little black boys and little white girls will procreate and have little girls will procreate and have little girls will procreate and have little BEIGE CHILDREN. PRAISE GOD, THAT'S THE BEIGE CHILDREN. PRAISE GOD, THAT'S THE BEIGE CHILDREN. PRAISE GOD, THAT'S THE DREAM, MARTIN. DREAM, MARTIN. DREAM, MARTIN. LIVING THE DREAM, MARTIN. LIVING THE DREAM, MARTIN. LIVING THE DREAM, MARTIN. I don't know if that's exactly what he I don't know if that's exactly what he I don't know if that's exactly what he was talking about, but we did it anyway.

was talking about, but we did it anyway. was talking about, but we did it anyway. >> [laughter] >> How about this? A long time ago >> How about this? A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Y'all some in a galaxy far, far away. Y'all some in a galaxy far, far away. Y'all some nerds. [cheering] Y'all some nerds. nerds. [cheering] Y'all some nerds. nerds. [cheering] Y'all some nerds. Star Wars Star Wars Star Wars Famous first words. Last words, first Famous first words. Last words, first Famous first words. Last words, first words. words. words. Last words, first words. Last words, Last words, first words. Last words, Last words, first words. Last words, first words. You know the last word of first words. You know the last word of first words. You know the last word of your Old Testament is the word curse? The story of God's people did not end on The story of God's people did not end on a high note. They could not keep up with a high note. They could not keep up with a high note. They could not keep up with the traditions and the requirements and the traditions and the requirements and the traditions and the requirements and the regulations of God's law. And so all the regulations of God's law. And so all the regulations of God's law. And so all that they were left with was a curse that they were left with was a curse that they were left with was a curse until you fast forward to your New until you fast forward to your New until you fast forward to your New Testament. Testament. Testament. And you explore this set of scriptures And you explore this set of scriptures And you explore this set of scriptures in Matthew 5, in Matthew 5, in Matthew 5, where Jesus sits down where Jesus sits down where Jesus sits down with a group of people and brings forth with a group of people and brings forth with a group of people and brings forth his inaugural message. And the very his inaugural message. And the very his inaugural message. And the very first word out of his mouth is first word out of his mouth is first word out of his mouth is blessed.

blessed. blessed. Do you think the people on the hillside Do you think the people on the hillside Do you think the people on the hillside caught it that day? caught it that day? caught it that day? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> That this wasn't a coincidence. This was >> That this wasn't a coincidence. This was >> That this wasn't a coincidence. This was a reorientation a reorientation a reorientation of a heart posture, a belief system to a of a heart posture, a belief system to a of a heart posture, a belief system to a people who have been burdened down and people who have been burdened down and people who have been burdened down and beat down with the law, with the with beat down with the law, with the with beat down with the law, with the with the with the entanglement of the law and the with the entanglement of the law and the with the entanglement of the law and religion and politics to oppress the religion and politics to oppress the religion and politics to oppress the people of God. And finally, we All people of God. And finally, we All people of God. And finally, we All you've done is lived underneath a curse. you've done is lived underneath a curse. you've done is lived underneath a curse. This new feel-good preacher comes to This new feel-good preacher comes to This new feel-good preacher comes to town and says I've got GOOD NEWS FOR town and says I've got GOOD NEWS FOR town and says I've got GOOD NEWS FOR YOU. BLESSED are the poor in spirit. YOU. BLESSED are the poor in spirit. YOU. BLESSED are the poor in spirit. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN. BLESSED ARE BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN. BLESSED ARE BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN. BLESSED ARE THE MEEK. THE MEEK. THE MEEK. Famous first words. Famous first words. Famous first words. He was pointing the heart of the people He was pointing the heart of the people He was pointing the heart of the people back to the original intention of God. back to the original intention of God. back to the original intention of God. Because the first interaction God ever Because the first interaction God ever Because the first interaction God ever had with humanity was he blessed them.

had with humanity was he blessed them. had with humanity was he blessed them. Told them to be fruitful, multiply, fill Told them to be fruitful, multiply, fill Told them to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. This was a the earth, and subdue it. This was a the earth, and subdue it. This was a reorientation of the heart. And here's reorientation of the heart. And here's reorientation of the heart. And here's what you have to understand. what you have to understand. what you have to understand. The word blessed in the original The word blessed in the original The word blessed in the original language was not heard or received by language was not heard or received by language was not heard or received by the people in the way that we receive it the people in the way that we receive it the people in the way that we receive it today. today. today. When we hear blessed, we hear like When we hear blessed, we hear like When we hear blessed, we hear like shoutout 2016 hashtag blessed, car, shoutout 2016 hashtag blessed, car, shoutout 2016 hashtag blessed, car, house, Buddha, promotion, all of these house, Buddha, promotion, all of these house, Buddha, promotion, all of these types of things. No, no, no. These types of things. No, no, no. These types of things. No, no, no. These people heard this word people heard this word people heard this word happy. happy. happy. Wow. In the original language, go look Wow. In the original language, go look Wow. In the original language, go look it up. it up. it up. Happy. Happy. Happy. Wow. It forces us to ask the question Wow. It forces us to ask the question Wow. It forces us to ask the question how important how important how important is your happiness to God? is your happiness to God? is your happiness to God? If it's the first thing he chooses to If it's the first thing he chooses to If it's the first thing he chooses to teach about in his first message ever.

Now, Now, y'all walk [applause] with me here. y'all walk [applause] with me here. y'all walk [applause] with me here. Y'all walk with me here. Y'all walk with me here. Y'all walk with me here. The audience that day could not believe The audience that day could not believe The audience that day could not believe what they were hearing. what they were hearing. what they were hearing. You had these people who were going to You had these people who were going to You had these people who were going to become disciples. You had the religious become disciples. You had the religious become disciples. You had the religious scholars of the day, and they're all scholars of the day, and they're all scholars of the day, and they're all getting this information at the same getting this information at the same getting this information at the same time, and this was problematic. time, and this was problematic. time, and this was problematic. This sent shivers through their This sent shivers through their This sent shivers through their traditions. This sent rivets through traditions. This sent rivets through traditions. This sent rivets through their rituals and their religious their rituals and their religious their rituals and their religious routines. And like some of those in that routines. And like some of those in that routines. And like some of those in that audience, you've been told that joy is audience, you've been told that joy is audience, you've been told that joy is only possible for those with some great only possible for those with some great only possible for those with some great religious resume. religious resume. religious resume. And Jesus flips it and says, And Jesus flips it and says, And Jesus flips it and says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." In "Blessed are the poor in spirit." In "Blessed are the poor in spirit." In other words, the spiritually bankrupt. other words, the spiritually bankrupt. other words, the spiritually bankrupt. Those who are willing to say, "I have Those who are willing to say, "I have Those who are willing to say, "I have nothing to offer to this great and holy nothing to offer to this great and holy nothing to offer to this great and holy God." And yet that is exactly what he God." And yet that is exactly what he God." And yet that is exactly what he receives from me, and he gives me in receives from me, and he gives me in receives from me, and he gives me in exchange purpose and life and destiny exchange purpose and life and destiny exchange purpose and life and destiny and joy. That it was not through some and joy. That it was not through some and joy. That it was not through some great impressive religious resume that great impressive religious resume that great impressive religious resume that you earn through your works you earn through your works you earn through your works righteousness from God, but that you can righteousness from God, but that you can righteousness from God, but that you can receive it through humble faith.

receive it through humble faith. receive it through humble faith. Like those listening that day, you've Like those listening that day, you've Like those listening that day, you've been told that happiness is impossible been told that happiness is impossible been told that happiness is impossible for those caught in a storm of grief. for those caught in a storm of grief. for those caught in a storm of grief. And Jesus says, "Happy are those who And Jesus says, "Happy are those who And Jesus says, "Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Even mourn, for they will be comforted." Even mourn, for they will be comforted." Even in our Christian culture, sometimes we in our Christian culture, sometimes we in our Christian culture, sometimes we have misled people with emotional ideas have misled people with emotional ideas have misled people with emotional ideas that are empty, like faith over that are empty, like faith over that are empty, like faith over feelings. feelings. feelings. Faith it till you make it. Just because Faith it till you make it. Just because Faith it till you make it. Just because it looks good on a bumper sticker it looks good on a bumper sticker it looks good on a bumper sticker doesn't mean it's true or scriptural. doesn't mean it's true or scriptural. doesn't mean it's true or scriptural. No, what Jesus is saying when he says No, what Jesus is saying when he says No, what Jesus is saying when he says the words, "Blessed are those who the words, "Blessed are those who the words, "Blessed are those who mourn," he's reinforcing the reality mourn," he's reinforcing the reality mourn," he's reinforcing the reality that we will mourn. that we will mourn. that we will mourn. THAT YOU HAVE PERMISSION to feel what THAT YOU HAVE PERMISSION to feel what THAT YOU HAVE PERMISSION to feel what you feel. Now, you don't have permission you feel. Now, you don't have permission you feel. Now, you don't have permission to stay in what you feel, but you have to stay in what you feel, but you have to stay in what you feel, but you have permission to bring the work of the permission to bring the work of the permission to bring the work of the gospel even into the dark emotions of gospel even into the dark emotions of gospel even into the dark emotions of your life, and you'll realize that the your life, and you'll realize that the your life, and you'll realize that the gospel even works there. gospel even works there. gospel even works there. That because of the love and the grace That because of the love and the grace That because of the love and the grace and the goodness AND THE JOY THAT JESUS and the goodness AND THE JOY THAT JESUS and the goodness AND THE JOY THAT JESUS OFFERS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FAKE a OFFERS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FAKE a OFFERS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FAKE a Christian smile, YOU CAN ACTUALLY GO Christian smile, YOU CAN ACTUALLY GO Christian smile, YOU CAN ACTUALLY GO FIND one because you realize that even FIND one because you realize that even FIND one because you realize that even beneath the depths of your sorrow and beneath the depths of your sorrow and beneath the depths of your sorrow and despair, there's something even deeper.

despair, there's something even deeper. despair, there's something even deeper. It's the joy of the Lord, and it's your It's the joy of the Lord, and it's your It's the joy of the Lord, and it's your strength and comfort. strength and comfort. strength and comfort. >> [applause] >> You've been TOLD THAT DELUSIONAL >> You've been TOLD THAT DELUSIONAL SELF-CONFIDENCE BRINGS OPPORTUNITY. SELF-CONFIDENCE BRINGS OPPORTUNITY. SELF-CONFIDENCE BRINGS OPPORTUNITY. JESUS SAYS, "HAPPY ARE THE MEEK, JESUS SAYS, "HAPPY ARE THE MEEK, JESUS SAYS, "HAPPY ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY WILL INHERIT THE EARTH." FOR THEY WILL INHERIT THE EARTH." FOR THEY WILL INHERIT THE EARTH." INTENTIONAL HUMILITY, strength under INTENTIONAL HUMILITY, strength under INTENTIONAL HUMILITY, strength under control. LET ME TELL YOU THE THE BEST control. LET ME TELL YOU THE THE BEST control. LET ME TELL YOU THE THE BEST DEFINITION OF MEEKNESS I've ever heard. DEFINITION OF MEEKNESS I've ever heard. DEFINITION OF MEEKNESS I've ever heard. Meekness is the evidence of a sanctified Meekness is the evidence of a sanctified Meekness is the evidence of a sanctified ego. ego. ego. Meekness is the evidence of a sanctified Meekness is the evidence of a sanctified Meekness is the evidence of a sanctified ego. I found that God more often puts ego. I found that God more often puts ego. I found that God more often puts his greatest gifts and opportunities on his greatest gifts and opportunities on his greatest gifts and opportunities on the bottom shelf where only the people the bottom shelf where only the people the bottom shelf where only the people who are willing to get low can reach who are willing to get low can reach who are willing to get low can reach them. them. them. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Jesus is revealing a shift in the human >> Jesus is revealing a shift in the human >> Jesus is revealing a shift in the human condition and yet here is the challenge. condition and yet here is the challenge. condition and yet here is the challenge. Many of us will agree ideologically Many of us will agree ideologically Many of us will agree ideologically that Jesus is the only way into this that Jesus is the only way into this that Jesus is the only way into this great joy.

great joy. great joy. But then when you look at our lives But then when you look at our lives But then when you look at our lives practically, practically, practically, our lives tell a different story. our lives tell a different story. our lives tell a different story. The only access point into true lasting The only access point into true lasting The only access point into true lasting happiness and joy is a doorway called happiness and joy is a doorway called happiness and joy is a doorway called Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And yet so often we expect to find joy And yet so often we expect to find joy And yet so often we expect to find joy from our spouse, from our spouse, from our spouse, get joy from the achievements of our get joy from the achievements of our get joy from the achievements of our children, children, children, get joy from whatever the next get joy from whatever the next get joy from whatever the next acquisition is. acquisition is. acquisition is. And what you realize And what you realize And what you realize after a certain amount of time is you after a certain amount of time is you after a certain amount of time is you can walk through every one of those can walk through every one of those can walk through every one of those doors and find nothing but empty space doors and find nothing but empty space doors and find nothing but empty space on the other side. on the other side. on the other side. I've been there. I was I was at my house. This is back when we lived at my house. This is back when we lived at my house. This is back when we lived in Houston, Texas and I was so excited in Houston, Texas and I was so excited in Houston, Texas and I was so excited because I had my own writing room. because I had my own writing room. because I had my own writing room. Now, I'm a songwriter, but for most of Now, I'm a songwriter, but for most of Now, I'm a songwriter, but for most of my songwriting career, I had to hide my songwriting career, I had to hide my songwriting career, I had to hide from my children in the closet to record from my children in the closet to record from my children in the closet to record my songs. I I had to be at the dining my songs. I I had to be at the dining my songs. I I had to be at the dining room table with a blanket over my head room table with a blanket over my head room table with a blanket over my head as a signal, "Don't talk to me right as a signal, "Don't talk to me right as a signal, "Don't talk to me right now. I'm working." So, when I finally now. I'm working." So, when I finally now. I'm working." So, when I finally got a room to to write songs in, it was got a room to to write songs in, it was got a room to to write songs in, it was amazing. I painted the room green amazing. I painted the room green amazing. I painted the room green because Laura told me I could paint the because Laura told me I could paint the because Laura told me I could paint the room any color I wanted and I chose room any color I wanted and I chose room any color I wanted and I chose green cuz I like green. And then I found green cuz I like green. And then I found green cuz I like green. And then I found out later that geniuses choose green.

out later that geniuses choose green. out later that geniuses choose green. But I'm just I didn't know that before. But I'm just I didn't know that before. But I'm just I didn't know that before. I found that out after, and it was just I found that out after, and it was just I found that out after, and it was just a coincidence. But, I was in my writing a coincidence. But, I was in my writing a coincidence. But, I was in my writing room, and we're we got family that are room, and we're we got family that are room, and we're we got family that are about to come over to the house. about to come over to the house. about to come over to the house. Because I'm about to be on an award show Because I'm about to be on an award show Because I'm about to be on an award show where people are going to say, "Hey, where people are going to say, "Hey, where people are going to say, "Hey, this guy was nominated for something." this guy was nominated for something." this guy was nominated for something." This is crazy to me, okay? Upstairs, I'm This is crazy to me, okay? Upstairs, I'm This is crazy to me, okay? Upstairs, I'm hearing little feet just running around. hearing little feet just running around. hearing little feet just running around. It's my little boys up there having a It's my little boys up there having a It's my little boys up there having a great time chasing some imaginary great time chasing some imaginary great time chasing some imaginary monster or something like that. In the monster or something like that. In the monster or something like that. In the kitchen, Lauren is cooking like one of kitchen, Lauren is cooking like one of kitchen, Lauren is cooking like one of my favorite meals, and we're about to my favorite meals, and we're about to my favorite meals, and we're about to celebrate this night together. And I celebrate this night together. And I celebrate this night together. And I think, "You know what? This is perfect. think, "You know what? This is perfect. think, "You know what? This is perfect. I'm going to walk over to the piano, and I'm going to walk over to the piano, and I'm going to walk over to the piano, and I'm going to sing some great praise I'm going to sing some great praise I'm going to sing some great praise song." I I song." I I song." I I >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> If I were to write a song right now, >> If I were to write a song right now, >> If I were to write a song right now, it'd be a song of joy, honor, and glory it'd be a song of joy, honor, and glory it'd be a song of joy, honor, and glory to the most high God. to the most high God. to the most high God. I went over to that piano. These melancholy chords started coming These melancholy chords started coming together. And I started singing, "You could have And I started singing, "You could have it all.

it all. it all. You could have the whole world at your You could have the whole world at your You could have the whole world at your feet. feet. feet. Every little thing you think you need, Every little thing you think you need, Every little thing you think you need, and still feel empty." and still feel empty." and still feel empty." [singing] And I thought, "How in the world could I And I thought, "How in the world could I be surrounded by so much goodness from be surrounded by so much goodness from be surrounded by so much goodness from God, God, God, and still what floats to the surface of and still what floats to the surface of and still what floats to the surface of my heart is a feeling of emptiness?" And I realized it's because even when And I realized it's because even when good gifts come from God, good gifts come from God, good gifts come from God, they're still not God. they're still not God. they're still not God. And nothing can satisfy your soul like And nothing can satisfy your soul like And nothing can satisfy your soul like God God God can. can. can. >> [applause] >> In my research for the book Joy Bomb, I >> In my research for the book Joy Bomb, I came across an author and a pastor his came across an author and a pastor his came across an author and a pastor his name is David Murray. name is David Murray. name is David Murray. He identifies seven categories of He identifies seven categories of He identifies seven categories of happiness. Seven categories.

happiness. Seven categories. happiness. Seven categories. Social happiness, Social happiness, Social happiness, vocational happiness, physical vocational happiness, physical vocational happiness, physical happiness, intellectual happiness, happiness, intellectual happiness, happiness, intellectual happiness, nature happiness, which I can't relate nature happiness, which I can't relate nature happiness, which I can't relate with. Why would you want to go outside with. Why would you want to go outside with. Why would you want to go outside when there's a perfectly air-conditioned when there's a perfectly air-conditioned when there's a perfectly air-conditioned room somewhere? room somewhere? room somewhere? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Have you heard of Peloton? You can be in >> Have you heard of Peloton? You can be in >> Have you heard of Peloton? You can be in your house and on a mountain. I just your house and on a mountain. I just your house and on a mountain. I just And humor happiness. And humor happiness. And humor happiness. And all of these, all six of those are And all of these, all six of those are And all of these, all six of those are available to anyone because of God's available to anyone because of God's available to anyone because of God's common grace. That's why people who are common grace. That's why people who are common grace. That's why people who are outside of Jesus can find a certain outside of Jesus can find a certain outside of Jesus can find a certain element of fulfillment in career. They element of fulfillment in career. They element of fulfillment in career. They can sit at a table with friends and can sit at a table with friends and can sit at a table with friends and laugh until they cry because of God's laugh until they cry because of God's laugh until they cry because of God's common grace, but there's a seventh common grace, but there's a seventh common grace, but there's a seventh category. category. category. Spiritual Spiritual Spiritual happiness. happiness. happiness. And what we often do is we try to use And what we often do is we try to use And what we often do is we try to use the other six the other six the other six to fill in the void that the absence of to fill in the void that the absence of to fill in the void that the absence of the seventh creates. So, it's more the seventh creates. So, it's more the seventh creates. So, it's more friends and more opportunity and more friends and more opportunity and more friends and more opportunity and more busyness and more calendar appointments busyness and more calendar appointments busyness and more calendar appointments and more money saved and more stuff and more money saved and more stuff and more money saved and more stuff trying to fill this void, but that trying to fill this void, but that trying to fill this void, but that seventh category is spiritual happiness.

seventh category is spiritual happiness. seventh category is spiritual happiness. And spiritual happiness acts as a seal And spiritual happiness acts as a seal And spiritual happiness acts as a seal around the human soul. around the human soul. around the human soul. Without that seal, you can consume the Without that seal, you can consume the Without that seal, you can consume the whole world and your soul still leak. whole world and your soul still leak. whole world and your soul still leak. But if you have the seal of spiritual But if you have the seal of spiritual But if you have the seal of spiritual happiness around your heart, all of a happiness around your heart, all of a happiness around your heart, all of a sudden work is different because you're sudden work is different because you're sudden work is different because you're not doing it for people, you're doing it not doing it for people, you're doing it not doing it for people, you're doing it unto the Lord. All of a sudden the sky unto the Lord. All of a sudden the sky unto the Lord. All of a sudden the sky is a little brighter even when it's gray is a little brighter even when it's gray is a little brighter even when it's gray because you know all things work because you know all things work because you know all things work together for the good of those who love together for the good of those who love together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his the Lord and are called according to his the Lord and are called according to his purpose. There is a different sense of purpose. There is a different sense of purpose. There is a different sense of joy and expectation and hope with joy and expectation and hope with joy and expectation and hope with spiritual happiness. But the true genius spiritual happiness. But the true genius spiritual happiness. But the true genius of Jesus isn't just what he says, it's of Jesus isn't just what he says, it's of Jesus isn't just what he says, it's where he says it. where he says it. where he says it. A friend of mine tried to give me good A friend of mine tried to give me good A friend of mine tried to give me good advice when we first started having kids advice when we first started having kids advice when we first started having kids and I mean tried. and I mean tried. and I mean tried. He offered this idea to me. He said, "As He offered this idea to me. He said, "As He offered this idea to me. He said, "As you have kids and have more kids, it's you have kids and have more kids, it's you have kids and have more kids, it's hard to spend one-on-one time with them.

hard to spend one-on-one time with them. hard to spend one-on-one time with them. So, what you should do is take each one So, what you should do is take each one So, what you should do is take each one of them on a five-year trip every five of them on a five-year trip every five of them on a five-year trip every five years with just you and Lorna." years with just you and Lorna." years with just you and Lorna." Well, this sounded like a good idea when Well, this sounded like a good idea when Well, this sounded like a good idea when there were two of them things. there were two of them things. there were two of them things. Now, we got four of them things. Now, we got four of them things. Now, we got four of them things. BUT I'M LIKE, "OKAY, THIS IS COOL. We'll BUT I'M LIKE, "OKAY, THIS IS COOL. We'll BUT I'M LIKE, "OKAY, THIS IS COOL. We'll try it." And so, I go to my first son, try it." And so, I go to my first son, try it." And so, I go to my first son, Canaan. He's about to turn 5 years old. Canaan. He's about to turn 5 years old. Canaan. He's about to turn 5 years old. I'm like, "Hey, bro, we're going on a I'm like, "Hey, bro, we're going on a I'm like, "Hey, bro, we're going on a five-year trip. Where do you want to five-year trip. Where do you want to five-year trip. Where do you want to go?" How many of y'all know this little go?" How many of y'all know this little go?" How many of y'all know this little big-headed little dude picked the trip big-headed little dude picked the trip big-headed little dude picked the trip of all trips, the locations of all of all trips, the locations of all of all trips, the locations of all locations. He said, "Dad, I want to go locations. He said, "Dad, I want to go locations. He said, "Dad, I want to go to Disney World." to Disney World." to Disney World." I said, "I don't know who you think your I said, "I don't know who you think your I said, "I don't know who you think your dad is, bro, but dad is, bro, but dad is, bro, but >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> we figured it out though. So, we we went >> we figured it out though. So, we we went >> we figured it out though. So, we we went to Disney World. And then here comes the to Disney World. And then here comes the to Disney World. And then here comes the second son. second son. second son. Turning 5 years old. I'm like, "Hey, Turning 5 years old. I'm like, "Hey, Turning 5 years old. I'm like, "Hey, Lawson, Lawson, Lawson, where you want to go?" I kid you not, where you want to go?" I kid you not, where you want to go?" I kid you not, this little dude looks me dead in my this little dude looks me dead in my this little dude looks me dead in my eyeball, not even 3 ft tall, and says, eyeball, not even 3 ft tall, and says, eyeball, not even 3 ft tall, and says, "Dad, "Dad, "Dad, I want to go to Japan."

>> [applause] >> [applause] >> I said, "Bro, you can't even speak >> I said, "Bro, you can't even speak >> I said, "Bro, you can't even speak English. How are we going to go to English. How are we going to go to English. How are we going to go to another country? This another country? This another country? This Japan?" Japan?" Japan?" >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I said, "Bro, I'm sorry. My fault. My >> I said, "Bro, I'm sorry. My fault. My >> I said, "Bro, I'm sorry. My fault. My fault, little brother, my fault. Where fault, little brother, my fault. Where fault, little brother, my fault. Where would you like to go within the would you like to go within the would you like to go within the intercontinental United States of intercontinental United States of intercontinental United States of America?" America?" America?" >> [laughter] >> This man melted into a puddle of tears. >> This man melted into a puddle of tears. By the time he finally wiped his last By the time he finally wiped his last By the time he finally wiped his last tear, he said, "Fine. tear, he said, "Fine. tear, he said, "Fine. I'll go to Disney World." I said, I said, "You ain't going to Disney I said, "You ain't going to Disney World." World." World." We took him to Disney World. We took him to Disney World. We took him to Disney World. Then we had our third son. Then we had our third son. Then we had our third son. Disney World. And now our youngest son Disney World. And now our youngest son Disney World. And now our youngest son is about to youngest son is about to is about to youngest son is about to is about to youngest son is about to turn 5 years old. Guess where we're turn 5 years old. Guess where we're turn 5 years old. Guess where we're taking him? taking him? taking him? San Antonio. San Antonio. San Antonio. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I ain't No, we're not doing that. Here's >> I ain't No, we're not doing that. Here's >> I ain't No, we're not doing that. Here's some Mickey Mouse ears. That's the some Mickey Mouse ears. That's the some Mickey Mouse ears. That's the Alamo. Let's take a picture.

>> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You know, >> You know, >> You know, Disney World has a reputation. Disney World has a reputation. Disney World has a reputation. It's the It's the It's the >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> happiest place on Earth. I have seen >> happiest place on Earth. I have seen >> happiest place on Earth. I have seen more people throw fits, temper tantrums, more people throw fits, temper tantrums, more people throw fits, temper tantrums, stomp their feet, cry their eyes out, stomp their feet, cry their eyes out, stomp their feet, cry their eyes out, and the kids misbehave, too. Y'all know what I'm talking about? Y'all know what I'm talking about? They were a great couple. They were a They were a great couple. They were a They were a great couple. They were a great family till they went to Disney great family till they went to Disney great family till they went to Disney World. It all fell apart. All of a World. It all fell apart. All of a World. It all fell apart. All of a sudden, dad's got a backpack on with a sudden, dad's got a backpack on with a sudden, dad's got a backpack on with a water straw. It's like, who is this guy? water straw. It's like, who is this guy? water straw. It's like, who is this guy? You It was you. You It was you. You It was you. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> The happiest place on The happiest place >> The happiest place on The happiest place >> The happiest place on The happiest place on Earth. Isn't it funny how we assign on Earth. Isn't it funny how we assign on Earth. Isn't it funny how we assign certain expectations to certain certain expectations to certain certain expectations to certain locations in life? locations in life? locations in life? Not just geographic locations, locations Not just geographic locations, locations Not just geographic locations, locations that we feel like we would be in our that we feel like we would be in our that we feel like we would be in our lives. Some of us think, "If I can just lives. Some of us think, "If I can just lives. Some of us think, "If I can just graduate from high school and get rid of graduate from high school and get rid of graduate from high school and get rid of my parents, I will be in the happiest my parents, I will be in the happiest my parents, I will be in the happiest place on Earth." And then you go to place on Earth." And then you go to place on Earth." And then you go to college and you realize that's actually college and you realize that's actually college and you realize that's actually kind of challenging to do your own kind of challenging to do your own kind of challenging to do your own laundry and cook your own ramen. And laundry and cook your own ramen. And laundry and cook your own ramen. And [snorts] then you're trying to figure [snorts] then you're trying to figure [snorts] then you're trying to figure out how to do all that stuff. You think, out how to do all that stuff. You think, out how to do all that stuff. You think, "If I can just get out of this college, "If I can just get out of this college, "If I can just get out of this college, I will be in the happiest place on I will be in the happiest place on I will be in the happiest place on Earth." But, you know what you get for Earth." But, you know what you get for Earth." But, you know what you get for graduating college?

graduating college? graduating college? A job. A job. A job. Yeah. And then you think, "Well, the job Yeah. And then you think, "Well, the job Yeah. And then you think, "Well, the job isn't exactly what I wanted, but if I isn't exactly what I wanted, but if I isn't exactly what I wanted, but if I can just get the right spouse. And then can just get the right spouse. And then can just get the right spouse. And then if we can get in this apartment. And if we can get in this apartment. And if we can get in this apartment. And then if we can get from the apartment to then if we can get from the apartment to then if we can get from the apartment to the townhouse, to the townhouse, to the the townhouse, to the townhouse, to the the townhouse, to the townhouse, to the home, and then the home has an old home, and then the home has an old home, and then the home has an old kitchen, so I need a new sink." And then kitchen, so I need a new sink." And then kitchen, so I need a new sink." And then we're just constantly moving the goal we're just constantly moving the goal we're just constantly moving the goal post of what happiness is further and post of what happiness is further and post of what happiness is further and further and further and further down the further and further and further down the further and further and further down the line, not realizing that Jesus line, not realizing that Jesus line, not realizing that Jesus anticipated that we would be like this. anticipated that we would be like this. anticipated that we would be like this. [music] [music] [music] And so when we study the geography And so when we study the geography And so when we study the geography of Matthew 5, of Matthew 5, of Matthew 5, we discover the theology of joy. Because Jesus did not choose to teach Because Jesus did not choose to teach this message on a mountain. this message on a mountain. this message on a mountain. I know we call it the Sermon on the I know we call it the Sermon on the I know we call it the Sermon on the Mount. I looked it up. It's not a Mount. I looked it up. It's not a Mount. I looked it up. It's not a mountain. It's a hill. mountain. It's a hill. mountain. It's a hill. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> No, it wasn't Mount Sinai, 7,500 >> No, it wasn't Mount Sinai, 7,500 >> No, it wasn't Mount Sinai, 7,500 ft in elevation.

ft in elevation. ft in elevation. Just glory of God, 10 Commandments, Just glory of God, 10 Commandments, Just glory of God, 10 Commandments, glory cloud, divine revelation. No. It glory cloud, divine revelation. No. It glory cloud, divine revelation. No. It wasn't Mount Zion, wasn't Mount Zion, wasn't Mount Zion, a place that was prophesied by prophets a place that was prophesied by prophets a place that was prophesied by prophets and psalmists as this great beacon of and psalmists as this great beacon of and psalmists as this great beacon of hope and possibility, 2,500 ft in hope and possibility, 2,500 ft in hope and possibility, 2,500 ft in elevation. No. elevation. No. elevation. No. It was a little place that you've never It was a little place that you've never It was a little place that you've never heard of heard of heard of called Aramis, called Aramis, called Aramis, 410 ft in elevation. [music] An ordinary place. An ordinary place. And Jesus chooses an ordinary place And Jesus chooses an ordinary place And Jesus chooses an ordinary place to teach a master class on joy. [music] to teach a master class on joy. [music] to teach a master class on joy. [music] Why? Why? Why? Because we don't live life on Zion. Because we don't live life on Zion. Because we don't live life on Zion. And we don't live life on Mount Moriah. And we don't live life on Mount Moriah. And we don't live life on Mount Moriah. And we don't live life in these And we don't live life in these And we don't live life in these spectacular places. And yet, just spectacular places. And yet, just spectacular places. And yet, just because it isn't spectacular, doesn't because it isn't spectacular, doesn't because it isn't spectacular, doesn't mean it isn't significant. [music] God wants to give you a joy that works God wants to give you a joy that works in Aramus.

in Aramus. in Aramus. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Because you are going to spend more time >> Because you are going to spend more time >> Because you are going to spend more time in traffic than on vacation. You are going to spend more time getting You are going to spend more time getting crushed in life than being celebrated in crushed in life than being celebrated in crushed in life than being celebrated in life. life. life. And if the joy doesn't work there, the And if the joy doesn't work there, the And if the joy doesn't work there, the joy doesn't work. So, Jesus begins to reveal this So, Jesus begins to reveal this possibility of joy. You know what Aramus possibility of joy. You know what Aramus possibility of joy. You know what Aramus means? means? means? Desolate. Desolate. Desolate. Isolated. Isolated. Isolated. Strength. And Jesus shows us that joy is possible And Jesus shows us that joy is possible when you're in a desolate place. When you're in an isolated place. When you're in an isolated place. He actually shows us where the strength He actually shows us where the strength He actually shows us where the strength really is. really is. really is. It has nothing to do with where we are. It has nothing to do with where we are. It has nothing to do with where we are. And it has everything to do with whose And it has everything to do with whose And it has everything to do with whose presence we're [music] in. presence we're [music] in. presence we're [music] in. Because the greatest revelation of Because the greatest revelation of Because the greatest revelation of Matthew 5 is not eight keys to becoming Matthew 5 is not eight keys to becoming Matthew 5 is not eight keys to becoming more Christian.

It's not some It's not some set of ideals that will give you a set of ideals that will give you a set of ideals that will give you a better, more prosperous life. No, better, more prosperous life. No, better, more prosperous life. No, Matthew 5 is Jesus revealing [music] Matthew 5 is Jesus revealing [music] Matthew 5 is Jesus revealing [music] himself. He was the one who became poor in He was the one who became poor in spirit. Being equal with God. Being equal with God. Thought it not robbery. Thought it not robbery. Thought it not robbery. You know what I'm talking about? He was the one who would sow in tears He was the one who would sow in tears so that we could reap in joy. He was the so that we could reap in joy. He was the so that we could reap in joy. He was the God-man who cried. If [music] God cried, God-man who cried. If [music] God cried, God-man who cried. If [music] God cried, why do you have to be so strong? He was the one who made peace He was the one who made peace amongst each other possible amongst each other possible amongst each other possible and between God the Father and us and between God the Father and us and between God the Father and us possible. He was the one who was persecuted for He was the one who was persecuted for righteousness' sake, but not for his righteousness' sake, but not for his righteousness' sake, but not for his righteousness.

righteousness. righteousness. He already had it. He already had it. He already had it. For us. So, if I'm going to reintroduce you to So, if I'm going to reintroduce you to the idea of joy, I got to tell you it's the idea of joy, I got to tell you it's the idea of joy, I got to tell you it's more than an idea. more than an idea. more than an idea. It's more than an ideal. It's more than It's more than an ideal. It's more than It's more than an ideal. It's more than a principle. a principle. a principle. It's a person. It's a person. It's a person. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And for some of us, the person of Jesus >> And for some of us, the person of Jesus >> And for some of us, the person of Jesus has been so mischaracterized in our has been so mischaracterized in our has been so mischaracterized in our lives, we do not recognize [music] lives, we do not recognize [music] lives, we do not recognize [music] him. And I want you to allow joy to And I want you to allow joy to reintroduce himself. reintroduce himself. reintroduce himself. Would you pray with me? Would you pray with me? Would you pray with me? Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, would you open our hearts and our lives would you open our hearts and our lives would you open our hearts and our lives to seeing you for who you really are. to seeing you for who you really are. to seeing you for who you really are. That we would experience your power, That we would experience your power, That we would experience your power, your goodness, your glory. your goodness, your glory. your goodness, your glory. That we would understand that the joy of That we would understand that the joy of That we would understand that the joy of the Lord is our strength, but it's not the Lord is our strength, but it's not the Lord is our strength, but it's not some abstract concept. It is an intimate some abstract concept. It is an intimate some abstract concept. It is an intimate relationship with you.

relationship with you. relationship with you. In Jesus' [music] name. In Jesus' [music] name. In Jesus' [music] name. Amen. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Thank [applause] you. >> Thank [applause] you. >> Thank [applause] you. Thank [music] you. Come on, church. Let's tell Pastor T Come on, church. Let's tell Pastor T Warren, thank you. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Um >> Um >> Um that speaks to me. How many of you say that speaks to me. How many of you say that speaks to me. How many of you say that speaks to you? Right, raise your that speaks to you? Right, raise your that speaks to you? Right, raise your hand. How many of you say you want some hand. How many of you say you want some hand. How many of you say you want some of that jewelry? Raise your hand. God of that jewelry? Raise your hand. God of that jewelry? Raise your hand. God God, we thank you that the joy of the God, we thank you that the joy of the God, we thank you that the joy of the Lord is our strength. God, that you are Lord is our strength. God, that you are Lord is our strength. God, that you are present with us now. God, turn our present with us now. God, turn our present with us now. God, turn our mourning into joyfulness and laughter. mourning into joyfulness and laughter. mourning into joyfulness and laughter. God, we thank you that the blessings God, we thank you that the blessings God, we thank you that the blessings from you are not even you. You are what from you are not even you. You are what from you are not even you. You are what fulfills us. You are the one that fulfills us. You are the one that fulfills us. You are the one that satisfies us. God, you are the one that satisfies us. God, you are the one that satisfies us. God, you are the one that our hearts long for. God, fill us with our hearts long for. God, fill us with our hearts long for. God, fill us with your joy. your joy. your joy. That we could know you and overflow your That we could know you and overflow your That we could know you and overflow your goodness in those that we meet. God, goodness in those that we meet. God, goodness in those that we meet. God, thank you for that word today. I pray thank you for that word today. I pray thank you for that word today. I pray that it would be planted into our hearts that it would be planted into our hearts that it would be planted into our hearts and bring a harvest of joy and and bring a harvest of joy and and bring a harvest of joy and righteousness that we could honor you.

righteousness that we could honor you. righteousness that we could honor you. As you keep praying today, I As you keep praying today, I As you keep praying today, I No No looking around. Just just staying No No looking around. Just just staying No No looking around. Just just staying in in the Lord's presence in an attitude in in the Lord's presence in an attitude in in the Lord's presence in an attitude of prayer. I love how the pastor talked of prayer. I love how the pastor talked of prayer. I love how the pastor talked about the just the different areas of about the just the different areas of about the just the different areas of happiness and fulfillment. happiness and fulfillment. happiness and fulfillment. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And the the final area is that spiritual >> And the the final area is that spiritual >> And the the final area is that spiritual part. I wonder how many of you today part. I wonder how many of you today part. I wonder how many of you today recognize that you've been looking for recognize that you've been looking for recognize that you've been looking for joy and looking for meaning looking for joy and looking for meaning looking for joy and looking for meaning looking for happiness and in outward accomplishments happiness and in outward accomplishments happiness and in outward accomplishments and in being recognized by people and and in being recognized by people and and in being recognized by people and what you can accumulate and what you what you can accumulate and what you what you can accumulate and what you have and where you can go and who you have and where you can go and who you have and where you can go and who you know and who you're with and recognize know and who you're with and recognize know and who you're with and recognize you've been looking for it in every area you've been looking for it in every area you've been looking for it in every area outside of the only one who can truly outside of the only one who can truly outside of the only one who can truly give it to you. give it to you. give it to you. You're trying to fill a spiritual void You're trying to fill a spiritual void You're trying to fill a spiritual void with everything that's not spiritual and with everything that's not spiritual and with everything that's not spiritual and what you really need what you really need what you really need >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is Jesus. Today, if you don't know where you stand Today, if you don't know where you stand with God, if you find yourself longing with God, if you find yourself longing with God, if you find yourself longing for something more, maybe it's you're for something more, maybe it's you're for something more, maybe it's you're trying to fill that void with something trying to fill that void with something trying to fill that void with something that only Jesus can fill. Who is Jesus? that only Jesus can fill. Who is Jesus? that only Jesus can fill. Who is Jesus? He is the son of God, perfect in every He is the son of God, perfect in every He is the son of God, perfect in every way. He came to earth not for the way. He came to earth not for the way. He came to earth not for the righteous, but for the sinners, not for righteous, but for the sinners, not for righteous, but for the sinners, not for the healthy, but the sick, the broken the healthy, but the sick, the broken the healthy, but the sick, the broken ones who needed healing and salvation.

ones who needed healing and salvation. ones who needed healing and salvation. He was the lamb of God who died on a He was the lamb of God who died on a He was the lamb of God who died on a cross and was raised again to life so cross and was raised again to life so cross and was raised again to life so that anyone, and this includes you, that anyone, and this includes you, that anyone, and this includes you, could be broken free of the curse could be broken free of the curse could be broken free of the curse and find the blessing and find the blessing and find the blessing of joy and new life in Christ. of joy and new life in Christ. of joy and new life in Christ. What do we do? We stop searching for it What do we do? We stop searching for it What do we do? We stop searching for it in this world. We step away from our in this world. We step away from our in this world. We step away from our sin. We surrender to the lordship of sin. We surrender to the lordship of sin. We surrender to the lordship of Christ. He makes us new. All the old is Christ. He makes us new. All the old is Christ. He makes us new. All the old is gone. The sin is forgiven and you can gone. The sin is forgiven and you can gone. The sin is forgiven and you can become new. And I'm so thankful that become new. And I'm so thankful that become new. And I'm so thankful that there are those of you that God brought there are those of you that God brought there are those of you that God brought here today for this moment. You here today for this moment. You here today for this moment. You recognize something's missing. recognize something's missing. recognize something's missing. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's not more of this world, it's more >> It's not more of this world, it's more >> It's not more of this world, it's more of Jesus. It's not more of this world, of Jesus. It's not more of this world, of Jesus. It's not more of this world, it's more of Jesus. So, step away, it's more of Jesus. So, step away, it's more of Jesus. So, step away, repent of your sin, call on him. When repent of your sin, call on him. When repent of your sin, call on him. When you do, he'll hear your prayer. He'll you do, he'll hear your prayer. He'll you do, he'll hear your prayer. He'll forgive all of your sins. He'll enter forgive all of your sins. He'll enter forgive all of your sins. He'll enter your life. He'll fill you with a your life. He'll fill you with a your life. He'll fill you with a fullness of joy, with a power of the fullness of joy, with a power of the fullness of joy, with a power of the Holy Spirit. [music] You'll never be the Holy Spirit. [music] You'll never be the Holy Spirit. [music] You'll never be the same. If that's you today, you know you same. If that's you today, you know you same. If that's you today, you know you need his forgiveness. You need his need his forgiveness. You need his need his forgiveness. You need his grace. You want his joy. You want his grace. You want his joy. You want his grace. You want his joy. You want his life. Today, we're stepping away from life. Today, we're stepping away from life. Today, we're stepping away from our sins and we're saying, "Yes, Jesus, our sins and we're saying, "Yes, Jesus, our sins and we're saying, "Yes, Jesus, take all of me. Be my savior. Be the take all of me. Be my savior. Be the take all of me. Be my savior. Be the lord of my life." If that's your prayer, lord of my life." If that's your prayer, lord of my life." If that's your prayer, "Forgive my sins, Jesus. I give my life "Forgive my sins, Jesus. I give my life "Forgive my sins, Jesus. I give my life to you." Would you lift your hands high to you." Would you lift your hands high to you." Would you lift your hands high right now? All of our churches say, right now? All of our churches say, right now? All of our churches say, "Yes." Praise God for you at all of our "Yes." Praise God for you at all of our "Yes." Praise God for you at all of our churches as we have people today saying, churches as we have people today saying, churches as we have people today saying, "Yes, Jesus, I surrender to you.

"Yes, Jesus, I surrender to you. "Yes, Jesus, I surrender to you. Be the lord of my life." All of our Be the lord of my life." All of our Be the lord of my life." All of our churches, people coming to know Christ churches, people coming to know Christ churches, people coming to know Christ online, online, online, just type in the comment section, "I'm just type in the comment section, "I'm just type in the comment section, "I'm surrendering my life to Jesus today." surrendering my life to Jesus today." surrendering my life to Jesus today." And it's the work of the Holy Spirit is And it's the work of the Holy Spirit is And it's the work of the Holy Spirit is moving in hearts. Would you just pray moving in hearts. Would you just pray moving in hearts. Would you just pray aloud with those around you? Pray, aloud with those around you? Pray, aloud with those around you? Pray, "Heavenly Father, "Heavenly Father, "Heavenly Father, I receive eternal life. I receive eternal life. I receive eternal life. I receive forgiveness of sins I receive forgiveness of sins I receive forgiveness of sins >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and confess the lordship of Christ. >> and confess the lordship of Christ. >> and confess the lordship of Christ. Fill me with your spirit. Fill me with Fill me with your spirit. Fill me with Fill me with your spirit. Fill me with your joy. Fill me with your peace that I your joy. Fill me with your peace that I your joy. Fill me with your peace that I could know you, that I could walk with could know you, that I could walk with could know you, that I could walk with you, that I could be overflowing with you, that I could be overflowing with you, that I could be overflowing with your love. your love. your love. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for your joy. Thank you for new life. I give your joy. Thank you for new life. I give your joy. Thank you for new life. I give you all of mine. In Jesus' name I pray. you all of mine. In Jesus' name I pray. you all of mine. In Jesus' name I pray. Today, church, can you celebrate who he Today, church, can you celebrate who he Today, church, can you celebrate who he is, what he's done, the goodness of God, is, what he's done, the goodness of God, is, what he's done, the goodness of God, the faithfulness of God, new life in the faithfulness of God, new life in the faithfulness of God, new life in Christ? Are you enjoying the club? We Christ? Are you enjoying the club? We Christ? Are you enjoying the club? We got more messages from this series got more messages from this series got more messages from this series available for you right now. Like available for you right now. Like available for you right now. Like literally, right now. All you got to do literally, right now. All you got to do literally, right now. All you got to do is tap here to start watching.