When Comfort Becomes Dangerous

[music] Hello, welcome to live church. [music] Hello, welcome to live church. We are so glad that you are joining us We are so glad that you are joining us We are so glad that you are joining us here today. My name is Kim. This is here today. My name is Kim. This is here today. My name is Kim. This is Devin. And we get the honor of serving Devin. And we get the honor of serving Devin. And we get the honor of serving as some of your pastors here. And what as some of your pastors here. And what as some of your pastors here. And what [music] I want you to know is that we [music] I want you to know is that we [music] I want you to know is that we love getting to be your pastors. We do love getting to be your pastors. We do love getting to be your pastors. We do because that means that we get the because that means that we get the because that means that we get the chance to get to know you. And so if you chance to get to know you. And so if you chance to get to know you. And so if you are here and you are new, uh we would are here and you are new, uh we would are here and you are new, uh we would love love love >> There's for sure new people here today. >> There's for sure new people here today. >> There's for sure new people here today. We know that. We know that. We know that. >> That's right. We would love nothing more >> That's right. We would love nothing more >> That's right. We would love nothing more than the [music] chance to get to than the [music] chance to get to than the [music] chance to get to connect with you. And you can do that by connect with you. And you can do that by connect with you. And you can do that by going to life.urch/hello. going to life.urch/hello. going to life.urch/hello. And this is going to give us a chance And this is going to give us a chance And this is going to give us a chance just to follow up with you, connect with just to follow up with you, connect with just to follow up with you, connect with you, learn uh how [music] we can support you, learn uh how [music] we can support you, learn uh how [music] we can support you, ways that we can be praying for you you, ways that we can be praying for you you, ways that we can be praying for you because you are a part of this. And and because you are a part of this. And and because you are a part of this. And and in the chat, you'll notice when you come in the chat, you'll notice when you come in the chat, you'll notice when you come in, there will be people that will say in, there will be people that will say in, there will be people that will say hello to you. I hope it's not weird. hello to you. I hope it's not weird. hello to you. I hope it's not weird. They're just as excited as we are that They're just as excited as we are that They're just as excited as we are that you're new and visiting with us today. you're new and visiting with us today. you're new and visiting with us today. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And [music] >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And [music] >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And [music] Devin, we have been in the middle of a Devin, we have been in the middle of a Devin, we have been in the middle of a message series called Esther Straight message series called Esther Straight message series called Esther Straight from the Bible. And it has been just so from the Bible. And it has been just so from the Bible. And it has been just so powerful. And what a great reminder powerful. And what a great reminder powerful. And what a great reminder [music] that if we are finding or if you [music] that if we are finding or if you [music] that if we are finding or if you are finding yourself in a place where are finding yourself in a place where are finding yourself in a place where maybe you are asking the question of maybe you are asking the question of maybe you are asking the question of like, "Oh man, how did I end up here?"

like, "Oh man, how did I end up here?" like, "Oh man, how did I end up here?" >> Which is all of us. Let's be honest. >> Which is all of us. Let's be honest. >> Which is all of us. Let's be honest. We've all been there, right? God is We've all been there, right? God is We've all been there, right? God is working and he is using that. working and he is using that. working and he is using that. >> That's exactly right. I mean, no matter >> That's exactly right. I mean, no matter >> That's exactly right. I mean, no matter where you are, where you find yourself, where you are, where you find yourself, where you are, where you find yourself, Esther's story is very similar to our Esther's story is very similar to our Esther's story is very similar to our own. And and when I think about my own. And and when I think about my own. And and when I think about my story, I can think uh some time ago story, I can think uh some time ago story, I can think uh some time ago where our middle son, Giani, uh [music] where our middle son, Giani, uh [music] where our middle son, Giani, uh [music] was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. And was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. And was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. And suffice it to say, we didn't see that suffice it to say, we didn't see that suffice it to say, we didn't see that coming. My wife and I felt like our coming. My wife and I felt like our coming. My wife and I felt like our world changed [music] overnight. You world changed [music] overnight. You world changed [music] overnight. You know, how do we care for our kid and know, how do we care for our kid and know, how do we care for our kid and what's new and all the things that we what's new and all the things that we what's new and all the things that we didn't know? And it was just very, very didn't know? And it was just very, very didn't know? And it was just very, very overwhelming. And maybe it's not that overwhelming. And maybe it's not that overwhelming. And maybe it's not that situation for you, but you might find situation for you, but you might find situation for you, but you might find yourself in a season where God, where yourself in a season where God, where yourself in a season where God, where are you? And this is not what I planned. are you? And this is not what I planned. are you? And this is not what I planned. Stay locked in because this message Stay locked in because this message Stay locked in because this message series is going to be a blessing, I'm series is going to be a blessing, I'm series is going to be a blessing, I'm telling [music] you. telling [music] you. telling [music] you. >> Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. And >> Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. And >> Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. And you guys are incredible parents. So, you guys are incredible parents. So, you guys are incredible parents. So, >> thank you. And he's doing great, man. >> thank you. And he's doing great, man. >> thank you. And he's doing great, man. We're And we have the opportunity to We're And we have the opportunity to We're And we have the opportunity to help other parents who are have that new help other parents who are have that new help other parents who are have that new [music] diagnosis. So, it's it's just [music] diagnosis. So, it's it's just [music] diagnosis. So, it's it's just God is working in it even when you don't God is working in it even when you don't God is working in it even when you don't see it. see it. see it. >> Yeah. And I'm sure that for you as a >> Yeah. And I'm sure that for you as a >> Yeah. And I'm sure that for you as a worship pastor, worship [music] has been worship pastor, worship [music] has been worship pastor, worship [music] has been just something that has helped you get just something that has helped you get just something that has helped you get through maybe some of those challenges. through maybe some of those challenges. through maybe some of those challenges. >> Oh, absolutely. there in that season >> Oh, absolutely. there in that season >> Oh, absolutely. there in that season there were songs that were just [music] there were songs that were just [music] there were songs that were just [music] uh rock solid to us. I can think about uh rock solid to us. I can think about uh rock solid to us. I can think about songs like Firm Foundation. I mean, in a songs like Firm Foundation. I mean, in a songs like Firm Foundation. I mean, in a season a season like that, we really season a season like that, we really season a season like that, we really held on to it. And worship doesn't held on to it. And worship doesn't held on to it. And worship doesn't necessarily change everything [music] in necessarily change everything [music] in necessarily change everything [music] in the moment, but it does shift your the moment, but it does shift your the moment, but it does shift your perspective, right? It does help you to perspective, right? It does help you to perspective, right? It does help you to understand that you're not alone in understand that you're not alone in understand that you're not alone in whatever you're facing and going whatever you're facing and going whatever you're facing and going through. So, man, [music] what's really through. So, man, [music] what's really through. So, man, [music] what's really really cool is Life Church Worship uh or really cool is Life Church Worship uh or really cool is Life Church Worship uh or excuse me, Life Church Switch is excuse me, Life Church Switch is excuse me, Life Church Switch is actually releasing a uh brand new album actually releasing a uh brand new album actually releasing a uh brand new album called Simple. And that is going to be called Simple. And that is going to be called Simple. And that is going to be an opportunity for you to go grab it uh

an opportunity for you to go grab it uh an opportunity for you to go grab it uh wherever you stream music. wherever you stream music. wherever you stream music. >> And I even love the name simple because >> And I even love the name simple because >> And I even love the name simple because worshiping God does not have to be worshiping God does not have to be worshiping God does not have to be >> it doesn't have to be complicated. >> it doesn't have to be complicated. >> it doesn't have to be complicated. That's right. Simple. That's right. And That's right. Simple. That's right. And That's right. Simple. That's right. And and what I'm excited about is as a and what I'm excited about is as a and what I'm excited about is as a church family, we're actually going to church family, we're actually going to church family, we're actually going to go into a time [music] of worship. So go into a time [music] of worship. So go into a time [music] of worship. So man, I want you to prepare your heart. man, I want you to prepare your heart. man, I want you to prepare your heart. Uh prepare your mind wherever you are, Uh prepare your mind wherever you are, Uh prepare your mind wherever you are, wherever you're facing. Acknowledge the wherever you're facing. Acknowledge the wherever you're facing. Acknowledge the Lord because he's faithful. And I Lord because he's faithful. And I Lord because he's faithful. And I promise you, he's going to meet you promise you, he's going to meet you promise you, he's going to meet you wherever you are. Let's worship wherever you are. Let's worship wherever you are. Let's worship together. together. together. >> Welcome to Life Church. We're so glad >> Welcome to Life Church. We're so glad >> Welcome to Life Church. We're so glad [music] you joined us as we worship our [music] you joined us as we worship our [music] you joined us as we worship our God who is so good. Our God who is so God who is so good. Our God who is so God who is so good. Our God who is so faithful. [music] faithful. [music] faithful. [music] Our God who is worthy of our praise. Our God who is worthy of our praise. Our God who is worthy of our praise. Let's lift our voices, [music] lift our Let's lift our voices, [music] lift our Let's lift our voices, [music] lift our hands, and worship him together tonight. The ages The ages and every season [music] won't change. and every season [music] won't change. and every season [music] won't change. He's true to all generations. He's true to all generations. He's true to all generations. There's only one. There's only [music] There's only one. There's only [music] There's only one. There's only [music] one [singing] name who has the power to one [singing] name who has the power to one [singing] name who has the power to save us.

save us. save us. Sin [music] in the grave Sin [music] in the grave Sin [music] in the grave and change our past and our future. and change our past and our future. and change our past and our future. There's only one. [music] There's only one. [music] There's only one. [music] There's only one day, There's only one day, There's only one day, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There [music] is no There [music] is no There [music] is no all praise to the king on [singing] all praise to the king on [singing] all praise to the king on [singing] high. high. high. He reigns [music] now and forever. The He reigns [music] now and forever. The He reigns [music] now and forever. The only name is just the test of time. over heaven and earth. over heaven and earth. There is only kingom. There is only kingom. There is only kingom. There's only one. [music] Heat. Heat. now and forever. [music] now and forever. [music] The only The only The only [singing] The name [music] of the beginning is the The name [music] of the beginning is the name of the [singing] end Jesus.

name of the [singing] end Jesus. name of the [singing] end Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The name of the beginning is [music] the The name of the beginning is [music] the The name of the beginning is [music] the name. name. name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The name of the beginning [music] is the The name of the beginning [music] is the The name of the beginning [music] is the name of the end. Jesus. [singing] name of the end. Jesus. [singing] name of the end. Jesus. [singing] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The name of the beginning is the name of The name of the beginning is the name of The name of the beginning is the name of the end. Jesus. [music] the end. Jesus. [music] the end. Jesus. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus. [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> Come on. There's no name like the name >> Come on. There's no name like the name of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. There's no one who could overcome our There's no one who could overcome our There's no one who could overcome our sin. There's no one who would resurrect sin. There's no one who would resurrect sin. There's no one who would resurrect from the grave [music] but Jesus. from the grave [music] but Jesus. from the grave [music] but Jesus. The one who freed us. The one who gave The one who freed us. The one who gave The one who freed us. The one who gave us hope. [music] The one who's giving us us hope. [music] The one who's giving us us hope. [music] The one who's giving us life right now. life right now. life right now. So God, we come to you with thanks So God, we come to you with thanks So God, we come to you with thanks [music] and praise [music] and praise [music] and praise for you changed it all for us. We give for you changed it all for us. We give for you changed it all for us. We give you our worship. We give you our song.

you our worship. We give you our song. you our worship. We give you our song. We give you these melodies, Lord. We give you these melodies, Lord. We give you these melodies, Lord. [music] [music] [music] all for your glory. Yes. all for your glory. Yes. all for your glory. Yes. Behold [music] Behold [music] Behold [music] [singing] the lamb [singing] the lamb [singing] the lamb upon the cross upon the cross upon the cross who takes [singing] away [music] who takes [singing] away [music] who takes [singing] away [music] the sins of all. the sins of all. the sins of all. Forgiveness [singing and music] Forgiveness [singing and music] Forgiveness [singing and music] flows flows flows from hands and feet. [music] from hands and feet. [music] from hands and feet. [music] His violence meets His violence meets His violence meets the prince of [music and singing] peace. the prince of [music and singing] peace. the prince of [music and singing] peace. Behold the king. [music] Light of the world. Light of the world. Lamb that was slain. Lamb that was slain. Lamb that was slain. Lion [singing] Lion [singing] Lion [singing] who rose. who rose. who rose. Mighty to save. [music and singing] The fullness of God The fullness of God won't be [music and singing] kept in a won't be [music and singing] kept in a won't be [music and singing] kept in a grave.

grave. grave. In darkness, your hour is over. Behold the [music] love Behold the [music] love is dying. is dying. is dying. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Behold the [singing] grace >> Behold the [singing] grace >> Behold the [singing] grace of Calary that [music] that [music] cross cross cross to be [music] to be [music] to be [music] the emblem [singing] the emblem [singing] the emblem [singing] of of of a risen king. [music] a risen king. [music] a risen king. [music] Behold the king. [singing] Behold the king. [singing] Behold the king. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Oh darkness, your hour is over. Oh darkness, your hour is over. Oh darkness, your hour is over. [singing] [music] [music] The battle is won. Jesus is overcoming. The battle is won. Jesus is overcoming. The battle is won. Jesus is overcoming. [singing] [singing] [singing] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No enemy can hold you down cuz there's >> No enemy can hold you down cuz there's >> No enemy can hold you down cuz there's [music] nobody in the grave. Now one [music] nobody in the grave. Now one [music] nobody in the grave. Now one head gets [singing] to wear that crown head gets [singing] to wear that crown head gets [singing] to wear that crown cuz [music] there's nobody in cuz [music] there's nobody in cuz [music] there's nobody in no enemy can [music and singing] hold no enemy can [music and singing] hold no enemy can [music and singing] hold you down.

[music and singing] [music and singing] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> of the world. Heat. >> of the world. Heat. >> of the world. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Now Now Now there's somebody in [music] pray. Oh, you're victorious. [music] Oh, you're victorious. [music] [singing] We give you all the glory, [singing] We give you all the glory, [singing] We give you all the glory, Lord.

Lord. Lord. Thank you, [music and singing] Jesus. Thank you, [music and singing] Jesus. Thank you, [music and singing] Jesus. Worthy. Worthy are you, [music] Lord. Worthy. Worthy are you, [music] Lord. Worthy. Worthy are you, [music] Lord. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> [applause] I [singing] could [music] see your name I [singing] could [music] see your name for [singing] all my [music] life. for [singing] all my [music] life. for [singing] all my [music] life. step. Find more [singing] step. Find more [singing] step. Find more [singing] to love each time. to love each time. to love each time. So Jesus be the [music and singing] name So Jesus be the [music and singing] name So Jesus be the [music and singing] name ever on my lips. ever on my lips. ever on my lips. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It's sweeter every time [singing] that I >> It's sweeter every time [singing] that I >> It's sweeter every time [singing] that I call on it. And there's just something call on it. And there's just something call on it. And there's just something about your name.

about your name. about your name. >> There's just something about your name. >> There's just something about your name. >> There's just something about your name. There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about your name that makes me cry holy. your name that makes me cry holy. your name that makes me cry holy. [music] There is no other name. There is no other name. No, there [music] is no [singing] other No, there [music] is no [singing] other No, there [music] is no [singing] other name. name. name. There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] Jesus, you're worthy. You have been [music] You have been [music] the friend who never the friend who never the friend who never [singing] left. [music] [singing] left. [music] [singing] left. [music] So I won't So I won't So I won't forget forget forget [music] your faithfulness. [singing] So Jesus be the name ever on my lips. So Jesus be the name ever on my lips. [music] It's sweeter every [singing] time that I It's sweeter every [singing] time that I call on it. And there's just something call on it. And there's just something call on it. And there's just something about [music] your name.

about [music] your name. about [music] your name. There's just something [singing] about There's just something [singing] about There's just something [singing] about your name, Jesus. [music] There's just your name, Jesus. [music] There's just your name, Jesus. [music] There's just something about your name something about your name something about your name that makes me [singing] cry holy. that makes me [singing] cry holy. that makes me [singing] cry holy. [music] [music] [music] There is no other [singing] name. There is no other [singing] name. There is no other [singing] name. No, [music] there is no other name. No, [music] there is no other name. No, [music] there is no other name. There is no [music and singing] other There is no [music and singing] other There is no [music and singing] other name. name. name. Jesus worthy. [music] There's just Jesus worthy. [music] There's just Jesus worthy. [music] There's just [singing] something there's just [singing] something there's just [singing] something there's just something about today. Oh, something about today. Oh, something about today. Oh, there's [music] something about your there's [music] something about your there's [music] something about your name, [singing] Jesus. name, [singing] Jesus. name, [singing] Jesus. There's just something about your name There's just something about your name There's just something about your name [music] [music] [music] that makes me cry. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] No, there is no [singing] other name. No, there is no [singing] other name. No, there is no [singing] other name. Jesus, you're worthy. [music] Yes, you are. [music] Yes, you are. [music] Oh, yes, you're worthy, Jesus. [music] Oh, yes, you're worthy, Jesus. [music] Oh, yes, you're worthy, Jesus. [music] Oh, there's no one like you, Jesus.

Oh, there's no one like you, Jesus. Oh, there's no one like you, Jesus. Oh, there's none beside you, Jesus. Oh, there's none beside you, Jesus. Oh, there's none beside you, Jesus. [music] Oh, we sing your name. [music] Oh, we sing your name. [music] Oh, we sing your name. Oh, we lift up the name of [music] Oh, we lift up the name of [music] Oh, we lift up the name of [music] Jesus. Cuz Jesus, your [music] name is like the Jesus, your [music] name is like the morning light, the one [singing] the morning light, the one [singing] the morning light, the one [singing] the darkness can't [music] deny. The darkness can't [music] deny. The darkness can't [music] deny. The resurrection resurrection resurrection and the life. Jesus. and the life. Jesus. and the life. Jesus. Jesus. Your name can sing. Your [music] Jesus. Your name can sing. Your [music] Jesus. Your name can sing. Your [music] name can heal. Your name [singing] can name can heal. Your name [singing] can name can heal. Your name [singing] can make the storm be still. You never make the storm be still. You never make the storm be still. You never [music] fail. [singing] You never will. [music] fail. [singing] You never will. [music] fail. [singing] You never will. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Jesus the [singing] life Jesus the [singing] life Jesus the [singing] life for us. Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus.

[music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Heat [music] [music] up Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. Yeah. Yeah. [music] >> Well, welcome back everybody to Life >> Well, welcome back everybody to Life Church online. We're so glad you're here Church online. We're so glad you're here Church online. We're so glad you're here today. My name is Devin. This is Kim. We today. My name is Devin. This is Kim. We today. My name is Devin. This is Kim. We get to be some of your pastors. And if get to be some of your pastors. And if get to be some of your pastors. And if you're just joining us, we just came out

you're just joining us, we just came out you're just joining us, we just came out of a powerful time in worship. I'm of a powerful time in worship. I'm of a powerful time in worship. I'm telling you, I love worship. Worship is telling you, I love worship. Worship is telling you, I love worship. Worship is always like a breath of fresh air for always like a breath of fresh air for always like a breath of fresh air for me. I just get to focus and center on me. I just get to focus and center on me. I just get to focus and center on feel like a new person. feel like a new person. feel like a new person. >> That's right. That's right. Because he >> That's right. That's right. Because he >> That's right. That's right. Because he makes all things new. Come on. So, we're makes all things new. Come on. So, we're makes all things new. Come on. So, we're so glad you're here today. U man, if so glad you're here today. U man, if so glad you're here today. U man, if you're new or visiting with us, again, you're new or visiting with us, again, you're new or visiting with us, again, welcome. I want to let you know here at welcome. I want to let you know here at welcome. I want to let you know here at Life Church, we have one purpose, one Life Church, we have one purpose, one Life Church, we have one purpose, one mission, one, and it's been the same mission, one, and it's been the same mission, one, and it's been the same since day one. That's to lead people to since day one. That's to lead people to since day one. That's to lead people to become fully devoted followers of become fully devoted followers of become fully devoted followers of Christ. That's right. So, man, welcome Christ. That's right. So, man, welcome Christ. That's right. So, man, welcome to the church. We're so glad you're here to the church. We're so glad you're here to the church. We're so glad you're here today. today. today. >> Yes. And part of helping you become a >> Yes. And part of helping you become a >> Yes. And part of helping you become a fully devoted follower of Christ means fully devoted follower of Christ means fully devoted follower of Christ means that we want to help you grow in your that we want to help you grow in your that we want to help you grow in your faith, grow closer to Jesus, um also be faith, grow closer to Jesus, um also be faith, grow closer to Jesus, um also be connected to other people, build connected to other people, build connected to other people, build community. community. community. >> Build community. Yeah. But also with >> Build community. Yeah. But also with >> Build community. Yeah. But also with that, making attending church that, making attending church that, making attending church consistently [music] a priority. And if consistently [music] a priority. And if consistently [music] a priority. And if you have been here with us, then you you have been here with us, then you you have been here with us, then you know that we are in the middle of a know that we are in the middle of a know that we are in the middle of a message series called Esther. So it has message series called Esther. So it has message series called Esther. So it has been so powerful. We have been walking been so powerful. We have been walking been so powerful. We have been walking verse by verse uh from that book. And it verse by verse uh from that book. And it verse by verse uh from that book. And it has just been [music] what a a great has just been [music] what a a great has just been [music] what a a great reminder that [clears throat] God has reminder that [clears throat] God has reminder that [clears throat] God has given each and every single one of us a given each and every single one of us a given each and every single one of us a calling. And often times he uses people calling. And often times he uses people calling. And often times he uses people to help us [music] to help us [music] to help us [music] live that calling out. And that is why live that calling out. And that is why live that calling out. And that is why here we do events like sisters which is here we do events like sisters which is here we do events like sisters which is a great time for you to get connected to a great time for you to get connected to a great time for you to get connected to other ladies. That's right. For all the other ladies. That's right. For all the other ladies. That's right. For all the ladies.

ladies. ladies. >> Yes. And it's such an amazing time, such >> Yes. And it's such an amazing time, such >> Yes. And it's such an amazing time, such a fun time to get all the girls together a fun time to get all the girls together a fun time to get all the girls together and to worship together, to hear a and to worship together, to hear a and to worship together, to hear a powerful message from Pastor Amy powerful message from Pastor Amy powerful message from Pastor Amy Gchelle. But more [music] than anything, Gchelle. But more [music] than anything, Gchelle. But more [music] than anything, it could be the chance for you to meet it could be the chance for you to meet it could be the chance for you to meet maybe your new best friend. maybe your new best friend. maybe your new best friend. >> Yeah. Yeah. Find your people. That's >> Yeah. Yeah. Find your people. That's >> Yeah. Yeah. Find your people. That's right. right. right. >> Yes. So that you are reminded that you >> Yes. So that you are reminded that you >> Yes. So that you are reminded that you are not doing life alone. And it's are not doing life alone. And it's are not doing life alone. And it's happening [music] on August 31st. Um but happening [music] on August 31st. Um but happening [music] on August 31st. Um but if if you missed that, if if you missed that, if if you missed that, >> that's right. They give it a second >> that's right. They give it a second >> that's right. They give it a second opportunity, which is opportunity, which is opportunity, which is >> um September 5th. And so we we have more >> um September 5th. And so we we have more >> um September 5th. And so we we have more details right here [music] on this details right here [music] on this details right here [music] on this screen. So, make sure that you check screen. So, make sure that you check screen. So, make sure that you check that out and that if you're a lady that that out and that if you're a lady that that out and that if you're a lady that you prioritize being a part of that and you prioritize being a part of that and you prioritize being a part of that and that you invite other women in your life that you invite other women in your life that you invite other women in your life to be a part of it. to be a part of it. to be a part of it. >> And the the cool thing is it is for the >> And the the cool thing is it is for the >> And the the cool thing is it is for the ladies, but guys, don't think that you ladies, but guys, don't think that you ladies, but guys, don't think that you can't be a part of it. At our physical can't be a part of it. At our physical can't be a part of it. At our physical locations, a lot of the men actually locations, a lot of the men actually locations, a lot of the men actually show up and serve for that event. So, show up and serve for that event. So, show up and serve for that event. So, hey, get up, go and be a blessing in hey, get up, go and be a blessing in hey, get up, go and be a blessing in that way as well. That's right. that way as well. That's right. that way as well. That's right. >> I love that. Well, man, as we uh >> I love that. Well, man, as we uh >> I love that. Well, man, as we uh continue uh to worship the Lord today, I continue uh to worship the Lord today, I continue uh to worship the Lord today, I just want to remind you, man, as I just want to remind you, man, as I just want to remind you, man, as I mentioned earlier, worship changes the mentioned earlier, worship changes the mentioned earlier, worship changes the perspective. It changes the atmosphere perspective. It changes the atmosphere perspective. It changes the atmosphere and whatever challenging season you are and whatever challenging season you are and whatever challenging season you are because puts our focus and attention on because puts our focus and attention on because puts our focus and attention on the Lord. It's powerful when we do that.

the Lord. It's powerful when we do that. the Lord. It's powerful when we do that. But one of the other ways that worship But one of the other ways that worship But one of the other ways that worship helps us change uh is through our giving helps us change uh is through our giving helps us change uh is through our giving and through our finances. And [music] and through our finances. And [music] and through our finances. And [music] so, as you uh think about, man, what so, as you uh think about, man, what so, as you uh think about, man, what does it look like to trust the Lord with does it look like to trust the Lord with does it look like to trust the Lord with your money? that tends to be one of the your money? that tends to be one of the your money? that tends to be one of the most challenging things for us to do. most challenging things for us to do. most challenging things for us to do. [music] Um, scripture tells us in [music] Um, scripture tells us in [music] Um, scripture tells us in Matthew chapter 6 that wherever your Matthew chapter 6 that wherever your Matthew chapter 6 that wherever your treasure is, there your heart is also. treasure is, there your heart is also. treasure is, there your heart is also. Um, and this is not to meant to be any Um, and this is not to meant to be any Um, and this is not to meant to be any correction, but it's also just an correction, but it's also just an correction, but it's also just an awareness that man, the last thing that awareness that man, the last thing that awareness that man, the last thing that happens for us sometimes for surrender happens for us sometimes for surrender happens for us sometimes for surrender is [music] our tithe. And so, I want to is [music] our tithe. And so, I want to is [music] our tithe. And so, I want to take a sec and challenge you. If you take a sec and challenge you. If you take a sec and challenge you. If you have never started to give the Lord your have never started to give the Lord your have never started to give the Lord your tithe, I want to give you that tithe, I want to give you that tithe, I want to give you that opportunity to do that today. Um, that's opportunity to do that today. Um, that's opportunity to do that today. Um, that's that's going to be something that is that's going to be something that is that's going to be something that is going to change you. Uh it's going to going to change you. Uh it's going to going to change you. Uh it's going to reveal the the Lord is going to reveal reveal the the Lord is going to reveal reveal the the Lord is going to reveal himself in a very authentic way. Um and himself in a very authentic way. Um and himself in a very authentic way. Um and so the easiest and best way for you to so the easiest and best way for you to so the easiest and best way for you to do that uh is through the [music] Life do that uh is through the [music] Life do that uh is through the [music] Life Church app. You can go down right there Church app. You can go down right there Church app. You can go down right there and even you might decide you want to and even you might decide you want to and even you might decide you want to schedule recurring giving. Great schedule recurring giving. Great schedule recurring giving. Great accountability. accountability. accountability. >> Yeah. To prioritize the Lord in that >> Yeah. To prioritize the Lord in that >> Yeah. To prioritize the Lord in that way. But today is that's going to be way. But today is that's going to be way. But today is that's going to be your next step. I want to challenge you your next step. I want to challenge you your next step. I want to challenge you to do that. to do that. to do that. >> Yes. And if you have more questions as >> Yes. And if you have more questions as >> Yes. And if you have more questions as to what that looks like. Um we also want to what that looks like. Um we also want to what that looks like. Um we also want to be available to help answer those. So to be available to help answer those. So to be available to help answer those. So just let us know how we can support you just let us know how we can support you just let us know how we can support you in that way. And I believe that God is in that way. And I believe that God is in that way. And I believe that God is going to use that.

going to use that. going to use that. >> That's right. Well, we're getting real >> That's right. Well, we're getting real >> That's right. Well, we're getting real close to service time. Are you ready? close to service time. Are you ready? close to service time. Are you ready? >> I'm ready. >> I'm ready. >> I'm ready. >> All right. So, I've been ready. >> All right. So, I've been ready. >> All right. So, I've been ready. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right now, we're about to go into week >> Right now, we're about to go into week >> Right now, we're about to go into week number two of Esther. Let's go right now number two of Esther. Let's go right now number two of Esther. Let's go right now to Pastor Craig. to Pastor Craig. to Pastor Craig. [music] Hey, a big welcome to our church family. Hey, a big welcome to our church family. And uh before we dive into God's word And uh before we dive into God's word And uh before we dive into God's word today, I'm very very emotional just today, I'm very very emotional just today, I'm very very emotional just thinking about um what is happening in thinking about um what is happening in thinking about um what is happening in our church community. Last weekend our church community. Last weekend our church community. Last weekend alone, we got to celebrate that over alone, we got to celebrate that over alone, we got to celebrate that over 1,900 1,900 1,900 people were baptized publicly declaring people were baptized publicly declaring people were baptized publicly declaring the work of Jesus in their lives, which the work of Jesus in their lives, which the work of Jesus in their lives, which is completely mindblowing. And on the is completely mindblowing. And on the is completely mindblowing. And on the very same weekend we saw that we very same weekend we saw that we very same weekend we saw that we actually launched our 46th actually launched our 46th actually launched our 46th location in Pilion, Nebraska.

location in Pilion, Nebraska. location in Pilion, Nebraska. If you say where is Pilion, uh it's a If you say where is Pilion, uh it's a If you say where is Pilion, uh it's a suburb in uh Omaha. Uh and on the very suburb in uh Omaha. Uh and on the very suburb in uh Omaha. Uh and on the very first weekend, imagine this. The very first weekend, imagine this. The very first weekend, imagine this. The very first weekend of a brand new church first weekend of a brand new church first weekend of a brand new church location, we saw over 1,700 people location, we saw over 1,700 people location, we saw over 1,700 people attend and worship there with 20 attend and worship there with 20 attend and worship there with 20 salvations. salvations. salvations. And when we talk about [applause] And when we talk about [applause] And when we talk about [applause] all these numbers, it can be all these numbers, it can be all these numbers, it can be overwhelming. I want you to remember overwhelming. I want you to remember overwhelming. I want you to remember that every single number has a name that every single number has a name that every single number has a name >> and every name has a story and every >> and every name has a story and every >> and every name has a story and every single one matters to God. And just one single one matters to God. And just one single one matters to God. And just one of them from the brand new location was of them from the brand new location was of them from the brand new location was John who had tried Buddhism. And John John who had tried Buddhism. And John John who had tried Buddhism. And John actually declared himself a pagan. He actually declared himself a pagan. He actually declared himself a pagan. He came the very first time, the very first came the very first time, the very first came the very first time, the very first Sunday, gave his life to Christ, asked Sunday, gave his life to Christ, asked Sunday, gave his life to Christ, asked to be baptized. Since we didn't have a to be baptized. Since we didn't have a to be baptized. Since we didn't have a pool there because of the brand new pool there because of the brand new pool there because of the brand new church, we found a horse trough. And on church, we found a horse trough. And on church, we found a horse trough. And on the first weekend, John got baptized in the first weekend, John got baptized in the first weekend, John got baptized in a horse trough, celebrating the work of a horse trough, celebrating the work of a horse trough, celebrating the work of God. Congratulations to you, John. God. Congratulations to you, John. God. Congratulations to you, John. Congratulations to everybody at Life Congratulations to everybody at Life Congratulations to everybody at Life Church Pavilion. Thank you for your Church Pavilion. Thank you for your Church Pavilion. Thank you for your faithfulness and thank you to God for faithfulness and thank you to God for faithfulness and thank you to God for your goodness. It's amazing to be a part your goodness. It's amazing to be a part your goodness. It's amazing to be a part of something so special. Um, if you're of something so special. Um, if you're of something so special. Um, if you're ready for the word today, say, "I'm ready for the word today, say, "I'm ready for the word today, say, "I'm ready." Are you ready?

ready." Are you ready? ready." Are you ready? >> We are in a message series on the book >> We are in a message series on the book >> We are in a message series on the book of Esther. And I want to start with the of Esther. And I want to start with the of Esther. And I want to start with the question for those of you that are question for those of you that are question for those of you that are followers of Christ, for those of you followers of Christ, for those of you followers of Christ, for those of you that are Christians, I wonder, have you that are Christians, I wonder, have you that are Christians, I wonder, have you ever gotten so comfortable in your life ever gotten so comfortable in your life ever gotten so comfortable in your life that you stopped depending on God the that you stopped depending on God the that you stopped depending on God the way that you once did? Some of you may way that you once did? Some of you may way that you once did? Some of you may be there today. You want a good life. be there today. You want a good life. be there today. You want a good life. You pursue a good life. You do it in the You pursue a good life. You do it in the You pursue a good life. You do it in the name of God for the glory of God. And name of God for the glory of God. And name of God for the glory of God. And then sometimes when you get the very then sometimes when you get the very then sometimes when you get the very things that you want and you finally things that you want and you finally things that you want and you finally start to feel a little bit comfortable start to feel a little bit comfortable start to feel a little bit comfortable in your comfort, sometimes you actually in your comfort, sometimes you actually in your comfort, sometimes you actually stop depending on God the way that you stop depending on God the way that you stop depending on God the way that you once did. This happened to me about a once did. This happened to me about a once did. This happened to me about a decade or so into Life Church. Amy and I decade or so into Life Church. Amy and I decade or so into Life Church. Amy and I started the church um together with a started the church um together with a started the church um together with a handful of people back in 1996. So about handful of people back in 1996. So about handful of people back in 1996. So about a decade into it, uh things were finally a decade into it, uh things were finally a decade into it, uh things were finally really starting to work and getting a really starting to work and getting a really starting to work and getting a little bit easier. We had a lot of little bit easier. We had a lot of little bit easier. We had a lot of people coming to faith in Christ. We people coming to faith in Christ. We people coming to faith in Christ. We finally had um a staff. We had full finally had um a staff. We had full finally had um a staff. We had full volunteers. We just things were working.

volunteers. We just things were working. volunteers. We just things were working. And I kind of thought, I'll take a And I kind of thought, I'll take a And I kind of thought, I'll take a breath. I got a phone call from a mentor breath. I got a phone call from a mentor breath. I got a phone call from a mentor of mine. His name is Lyall Showler. Ly of mine. His name is Lyall Showler. Ly of mine. His name is Lyall Showler. Ly is in heaven today. Uh Lyall was one of is in heaven today. Uh Lyall was one of is in heaven today. Uh Lyall was one of the um one of the wisest, most godly men the um one of the wisest, most godly men the um one of the wisest, most godly men that I knew. I got a phone call from that I knew. I got a phone call from that I knew. I got a phone call from Lyall. And after the normal how you Lyall. And after the normal how you Lyall. And after the normal how you doing small talk, Lyall said, "Hey, let doing small talk, Lyall said, "Hey, let doing small talk, Lyall said, "Hey, let me ask you a question." Now, every time me ask you a question." Now, every time me ask you a question." Now, every time Lyall had a question for you, it was Lyall had a question for you, it was Lyall had a question for you, it was going to be a good question. And he going to be a good question. And he going to be a good question. And he said, "Let me ask you a question." And said, "Let me ask you a question." And said, "Let me ask you a question." And he asked me, he said, "Craig, when is he asked me, he said, "Craig, when is he asked me, he said, "Craig, when is the last time that you made a decision the last time that you made a decision the last time that you made a decision that actually took faith?" that actually took faith?" that actually took faith?" When is the last time you made a When is the last time you made a When is the last time you made a decision that actually took faith? I decision that actually took faith? I decision that actually took faith? I kind of bowed up. kind of bowed up. kind of bowed up. You're talking to Mr. Faith. Everything You're talking to Mr. Faith. Everything You're talking to Mr. Faith. Everything I do requires faith. My whole life is I I do requires faith. My whole life is I I do requires faith. My whole life is I was a little bit little bit hurt, a was a little bit little bit hurt, a was a little bit little bit hurt, a little bit offended. I'm a pastor. I little bit offended. I'm a pastor. I little bit offended. I'm a pastor. I started this church. I I got a lot of started this church. I I got a lot of started this church. I I got a lot of faith. And he didn't argue. He just kind faith. And he didn't argue. He just kind faith. And he didn't argue. He just kind of listened to me. And then he asked of listened to me. And then he asked of listened to me. And then he asked again. He said, "Well, just be really again. He said, "Well, just be really again. He said, "Well, just be really specific. Give me a very specific time specific. Give me a very specific time specific. Give me a very specific time recently that you did something that recently that you did something that recently that you did something that required faith."

required faith." required faith." And I couldn't answer [clears throat] And I couldn't answer [clears throat] And I couldn't answer [clears throat] him, him, him, which was embarrassing because earlier which was embarrassing because earlier which was embarrassing because earlier in the early years of the church, like in the early years of the church, like in the early years of the church, like everything we did was by faith. I mean, everything we did was by faith. I mean, everything we did was by faith. I mean, everything like we started out with no everything like we started out with no everything like we started out with no building. We had a a borrowed garage. We building. We had a a borrowed garage. We building. We had a a borrowed garage. We met in the garage with borrowed chairs, met in the garage with borrowed chairs, met in the garage with borrowed chairs, a borrowed sound system. We didn't we a borrowed sound system. We didn't we a borrowed sound system. We didn't we didn't have c we didn't even have a didn't have c we didn't even have a didn't have c we didn't even have a casserole lady. casserole lady. casserole lady. And in the 1990s, every church had a And in the 1990s, every church had a And in the 1990s, every church had a casserole lady. We didn't have it. And casserole lady. We didn't have it. And casserole lady. We didn't have it. And it was really, really hard. And it was really, really hard. And it was really, really hard. And somewhere along the way, we started somewhere along the way, we started somewhere along the way, we started getting the things that we thought that getting the things that we thought that getting the things that we thought that we needed. And I just wanted it to be we needed. And I just wanted it to be we needed. And I just wanted it to be easier. And it finally was easier. And easier. And it finally was easier. And easier. And it finally was easier. And when it got easier, I didn't even when it got easier, I didn't even when it got easier, I didn't even realize it, but without knowing it, I realize it, but without knowing it, I realize it, but without knowing it, I think I just started to kind of think I just started to kind of think I just started to kind of eliminate risk. eliminate risk. eliminate risk. And when you start to eliminate risk, And when you start to eliminate risk, And when you start to eliminate risk, you don't really need as much faith. And you don't really need as much faith. And you don't really need as much faith. And so he asked me that question and I so he asked me that question and I so he asked me that question and I realized, man, my my prayers had realized, man, my my prayers had realized, man, my my prayers had actually gotten smaller actually gotten smaller actually gotten smaller and my faith was safer. And what used to and my faith was safer. And what used to and my faith was safer. And what used to be a very passionate raw faith in God be a very passionate raw faith in God be a very passionate raw faith in God had just become comfortable.

had just become comfortable. had just become comfortable. Now when we talk about comfort today, Now when we talk about comfort today, Now when we talk about comfort today, I'm going to tell you right now that I'm going to tell you right now that I'm going to tell you right now that comfort alone isn't wrong or bad just to comfort alone isn't wrong or bad just to comfort alone isn't wrong or bad just to be comfortable. But spiritually, comfort be comfortable. But spiritually, comfort be comfortable. But spiritually, comfort can be very dangerous when it quietly can be very dangerous when it quietly can be very dangerous when it quietly replaces your dependence on God. And so replaces your dependence on God. And so replaces your dependence on God. And so I'm going to show you today from God's I'm going to show you today from God's I'm going to show you today from God's word that God doesn't position you for word that God doesn't position you for word that God doesn't position you for comfort. He positions you for purpose comfort. He positions you for purpose comfort. He positions you for purpose and for his glory. And Esther is going and for his glory. And Esther is going and for his glory. And Esther is going to discover that in the beginning of to discover that in the beginning of to discover that in the beginning of this week and next week. And my prayer this week and next week. And my prayer this week and next week. And my prayer is that you will too. So would you pray is that you will too. So would you pray is that you will too. So would you pray with me? Um heavenly father, we thank with me? Um heavenly father, we thank with me? Um heavenly father, we thank you for your presence and we thank you you for your presence and we thank you you for your presence and we thank you for your word. We pray God that you for your word. We pray God that you for your word. We pray God that you would speak to all of us, God, would speak to all of us, God, would speak to all of us, God, especially those who may have grown more especially those who may have grown more especially those who may have grown more comfortable. Build our faith that we can comfortable. Build our faith that we can comfortable. Build our faith that we can take faith steps and faith risks and take faith steps and faith risks and take faith steps and faith risks and believe you for big things as we follow believe you for big things as we follow believe you for big things as we follow you. We pray this in Jesus' name. And you. We pray this in Jesus' name. And you. We pray this in Jesus' name. And everybody said, everybody said, everybody said, >> "Amen." Remember, you prayed for it >> "Amen." Remember, you prayed for it >> "Amen." Remember, you prayed for it >> if you get it today. Okay. Uh we are in >> if you get it today. Okay. Uh we are in >> if you get it today. Okay. Uh we are in the Old Testament book of Esther. If you the Old Testament book of Esther. If you the Old Testament book of Esther. If you were not here last week, we discovered were not here last week, we discovered were not here last week, we discovered something very interesting about the something very interesting about the something very interesting about the book of Esther. Do you remember what it book of Esther. Do you remember what it book of Esther. Do you remember what it is? Of every book in the Bible, this is is? Of every book in the Bible, this is is? Of every book in the Bible, this is the only What is it? What is it? What is the only What is it? What is it? What is the only What is it? What is it? What is it?

it? it? >> It's the only book that doesn't mention >> It's the only book that doesn't mention >> It's the only book that doesn't mention God's name directly. Mind-blowing. Every God's name directly. Mind-blowing. Every God's name directly. Mind-blowing. Every book in the Bible, this is the only one book in the Bible, this is the only one book in the Bible, this is the only one that doesn't mention God's name that doesn't mention God's name that doesn't mention God's name directly. But the good news is God's directly. But the good news is God's directly. But the good news is God's presence and God's power is found on presence and God's power is found on presence and God's power is found on every single page. Even though his name every single page. Even though his name every single page. Even though his name isn't obvious, his power and presence is isn't obvious, his power and presence is isn't obvious, his power and presence is obvious. So, let's review in case you obvious. So, let's review in case you obvious. So, let's review in case you missed last week. Uh we introduced four missed last week. Uh we introduced four missed last week. Uh we introduced four big characters last week. The four main big characters last week. The four main big characters last week. The four main characters I called the starting lineup. characters I called the starting lineup. characters I called the starting lineup. First of all, we have King Xerxes. First of all, we have King Xerxes. First of all, we have King Xerxes. Remember, the king is uh very well known Remember, the king is uh very well known Remember, the king is uh very well known for throwing big parties. And at a for throwing big parties. And at a for throwing big parties. And at a particular party, he got very very particular party, he got very very particular party, he got very very drunk. And King Xerxes had the wife, drunk. And King Xerxes had the wife, drunk. And King Xerxes had the wife, Queen Vashi, and he said, "Hey, go get Queen Vashi, and he said, "Hey, go get Queen Vashi, and he said, "Hey, go get her. I want to display her to everybody. her. I want to display her to everybody. her. I want to display her to everybody. She's very, very beautiful. I want She's very, very beautiful. I want She's very, very beautiful. I want everybody to see my trophy wife everybody to see my trophy wife everybody to see my trophy wife essentially. That's not what the Bible essentially. That's not what the Bible essentially. That's not what the Bible says directly, but that's essentially says directly, but that's essentially says directly, but that's essentially what it says. And the queen perhaps she what it says. And the queen perhaps she what it says. And the queen perhaps she was tired of being paraded around or was tired of being paraded around or was tired of being paraded around or being used or whatever, but on this being used or whatever, but on this being used or whatever, but on this particular day, she said, "No, go. It particular day, she said, "No, go. It particular day, she said, "No, go. It ain't happening. Sorry, king. No, I'm ain't happening. Sorry, king. No, I'm ain't happening. Sorry, king. No, I'm not coming out." And so, the king Xerxes not coming out." And so, the king Xerxes not coming out." And so, the king Xerxes got angry and banished the queen. and got angry and banished the queen. and got angry and banished the queen. and all of a sudden she's no longer there all of a sudden she's no longer there all of a sudden she's no longer there and the throne is empty. Enter Esther.

and the throne is empty. Enter Esther. and the throne is empty. Enter Esther. The book is named after Esther. Uh she The book is named after Esther. Uh she The book is named after Esther. Uh she was a very ordinary girl, probably a was a very ordinary girl, probably a was a very ordinary girl, probably a teenager, a Jewish orphan who then is teenager, a Jewish orphan who then is teenager, a Jewish orphan who then is taken to the palace and after a year of taken to the palace and after a year of taken to the palace and after a year of events, she actually is chosen to become events, she actually is chosen to become events, she actually is chosen to become the queen. She had a cousin, what was the queen. She had a cousin, what was the queen. She had a cousin, what was his name? Starts with an M and rhymes his name? Starts with an M and rhymes his name? Starts with an M and rhymes with Ordy. with Ordy. with Ordy. She had a cousin named Morai and Morai She had a cousin named Morai and Morai She had a cousin named Morai and Morai raised her. He was almost like a dad to raised her. He was almost like a dad to raised her. He was almost like a dad to her and he ended up uh overhearing about her and he ended up uh overhearing about her and he ended up uh overhearing about an assassination plot. Two guys said, an assassination plot. Two guys said, an assassination plot. Two guys said, "Let's kill the king." And Morai heard "Let's kill the king." And Morai heard "Let's kill the king." And Morai heard about this and told Esther, who was the about this and told Esther, who was the about this and told Esther, who was the queen, "Hey, somebody's trying to kill queen, "Hey, somebody's trying to kill queen, "Hey, somebody's trying to kill the king." She told the king. "Censely the king." She told the king. "Censely the king." She told the king. "Censely Mori saved the king's life. His Mori saved the king's life. His Mori saved the king's life. His faithfulness was recorded in this book faithfulness was recorded in this book faithfulness was recorded in this book and then his good deed apparently and then his good deed apparently and then his good deed apparently forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. God's name was not anywhere. God's name was not anywhere. God's name was not anywhere. God's plan was everywhere. God's plan was everywhere. God's plan was everywhere. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> None of it looked like God was in it, >> None of it looked like God was in it, >> None of it looked like God was in it, but God was in all of it. Today, we're but God was in all of it. Today, we're but God was in all of it. Today, we're going to be in chapters three and four.

going to be in chapters three and four. going to be in chapters three and four. And this is where the music changes. And this is where the music changes. And this is where the music changes. Things get dark. You ever watching the Things get dark. You ever watching the Things get dark. You ever watching the show and the characters don't know, it's show and the characters don't know, it's show and the characters don't know, it's about to get scary, but the music about to get scary, but the music about to get scary, but the music changes and you want to scream, "Don't changes and you want to scream, "Don't changes and you want to scream, "Don't touch the dead guy. He's not really touch the dead guy. He's not really touch the dead guy. He's not really dead." Right? This is this is what's dead." Right? This is this is what's dead." Right? This is this is what's happening here. The music changes happening here. The music changes happening here. The music changes because Esther's now been queen for because Esther's now been queen for because Esther's now been queen for about four years and she's starting to about four years and she's starting to about four years and she's starting to finally feel comfortable. She's starting finally feel comfortable. She's starting finally feel comfortable. She's starting to enjoy the life that she didn't plan. to enjoy the life that she didn't plan. to enjoy the life that she didn't plan. And honestly, I don't blame her. If you And honestly, I don't blame her. If you And honestly, I don't blame her. If you think about it, the poor girl, she lost think about it, the poor girl, she lost think about it, the poor girl, she lost her parents. She's raised by her cousin. her parents. She's raised by her cousin. her parents. She's raised by her cousin. She's taken against her will into a She's taken against her will into a She's taken against her will into a palace with a bunch of other beautiful palace with a bunch of other beautiful palace with a bunch of other beautiful women and then chosen not for her women and then chosen not for her women and then chosen not for her character, her heart, her intelligence, character, her heart, her intelligence, character, her heart, her intelligence, her personality, but for her beauty. And her personality, but for her beauty. And her personality, but for her beauty. And she now becomes the queen because of she now becomes the queen because of she now becomes the queen because of that. Now she's finally starting to feel that. Now she's finally starting to feel that. Now she's finally starting to feel secure, starting to feel comfortable.

secure, starting to feel comfortable. secure, starting to feel comfortable. And again, comfort alone isn't bad. But And again, comfort alone isn't bad. But And again, comfort alone isn't bad. But God rarely calls us to stay in the God rarely calls us to stay in the God rarely calls us to stay in the places we're most comfortable. places we're most comfortable. places we're most comfortable. >> Why? Because comfort doesn't require >> Why? Because comfort doesn't require >> Why? Because comfort doesn't require faith. faith. faith. >> And the author to the Hebrews said that >> And the author to the Hebrews said that >> And the author to the Hebrews said that without faith, without faith, without faith, it's impossible to please God. So, right it's impossible to please God. So, right it's impossible to please God. So, right when she starts to get comfortable, uh, when she starts to get comfortable, uh, when she starts to get comfortable, uh, the bad guy steps in. His name is Hmon, the bad guy steps in. His name is Hmon, the bad guy steps in. His name is Hmon, and he's a bad guy. Our coin looks and he's a bad guy. Our coin looks and he's a bad guy. Our coin looks scary. We made it look scary because scary. We made it look scary because scary. We made it look scary because he's the bad guy. Every great story has he's the bad guy. Every great story has he's the bad guy. Every great story has a bad guy. Think about it. Batman has a bad guy. Think about it. Batman has a bad guy. Think about it. Batman has Joker. Joker. Joker. Star Wars, Darth Vader. Star Wars, Darth Vader. Star Wars, Darth Vader. Spongebob Spongebob Spongebob has plankton. has plankton. has plankton. Esther has Hmon. We see this in Esther Esther has Hmon. We see this in Esther Esther has Hmon. We see this in Esther 3:1. This is the story. Sometime later, 3:1. This is the story. Sometime later, 3:1. This is the story. Sometime later, King Xerxes promoted the bad guy Hmon, King Xerxes promoted the bad guy Hmon, King Xerxes promoted the bad guy Hmon, son of Hard to pronounce, son of Hard to pronounce, son of Hard to pronounce, the Agagite, over all the other nobles, the Agagite, over all the other nobles, the Agagite, over all the other nobles, making Hmon the most powerful official making Hmon the most powerful official making Hmon the most powerful official in the kingdom. So you got the king's in the kingdom. So you got the king's in the kingdom. So you got the king's most powerful and now you got his most most powerful and now you got his most most powerful and now you got his most powerful ranking official. And all the powerful ranking official. And all the powerful ranking official. And all the royal officials at the king's gate knelt royal officials at the king's gate knelt royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to the bad guy Hmon.

down and paid honor to the bad guy Hmon. down and paid honor to the bad guy Hmon. For the king had commanded this For the king had commanded this For the king had commanded this concerning him. But Esther's cousin Mori concerning him. But Esther's cousin Mori concerning him. But Esther's cousin Mori would not kneel down and pay him honor. would not kneel down and pay him honor. would not kneel down and pay him honor. What do we see here? Well, we see that What do we see here? Well, we see that What do we see here? Well, we see that everyone bows to Hmon except for one everyone bows to Hmon except for one everyone bows to Hmon except for one guy, Morai. Why didn't he bow? Well, guy, Morai. Why didn't he bow? Well, guy, Morai. Why didn't he bow? Well, probably because he was Jewish and he probably because he was Jewish and he probably because he was Jewish and he wouldn't bow to anyone but God. Which wouldn't bow to anyone but God. Which wouldn't bow to anyone but God. Which shows us the principle that sometimes shows us the principle that sometimes shows us the principle that sometimes your greatest act of courage is refusing your greatest act of courage is refusing your greatest act of courage is refusing to do what everyone else is doing. And to do what everyone else is doing. And to do what everyone else is doing. And if you're a follower of Jesus, you if you're a follower of Jesus, you if you're a follower of Jesus, you actually know that to be true. You know, actually know that to be true. You know, actually know that to be true. You know, sometimes whatever it is, you know, sometimes whatever it is, you know, sometimes whatever it is, you know, you're trying to follow Jesus in your you're trying to follow Jesus in your you're trying to follow Jesus in your life and all of your other friends are life and all of your other friends are life and all of your other friends are getting drunk and partying their brains getting drunk and partying their brains getting drunk and partying their brains out and even though they're doing it, out and even though they're doing it, out and even though they're doing it, you say, "Well, I'm not going to do that you say, "Well, I'm not going to do that you say, "Well, I'm not going to do that because Jesus has called me not to be because Jesus has called me not to be because Jesus has called me not to be better, but to be different, to be holy, better, but to be different, to be holy, better, but to be different, to be holy, and to be set apart or or maybe you and to be set apart or or maybe you and to be set apart or or maybe you don't sleep around when that's don't sleep around when that's don't sleep around when that's considered the absolute norm, and considered the absolute norm, and considered the absolute norm, and everyone expects you to, but you're not everyone expects you to, but you're not everyone expects you to, but you're not going to." Why? Because you have the going to." Why? Because you have the going to." Why? Because you have the courage to be different. Everyone else courage to be different. Everyone else courage to be different. Everyone else is gossiping at work and you don't judge is gossiping at work and you don't judge is gossiping at work and you don't judge them and you're not better than them, them and you're not better than them, them and you're not better than them, but you walk away because you're called but you walk away because you're called but you walk away because you're called to be different. Different isn't better.

to be different. Different isn't better. to be different. Different isn't better. Different is different. If you're the Different is different. If you're the Different is different. If you're the same, you're probably not following same, you're probably not following same, you're probably not following Jesus. I tell people all the time, don't Jesus. I tell people all the time, don't Jesus. I tell people all the time, don't worry if you're different. Worry if worry if you're different. Worry if worry if you're different. Worry if you're not. you're not. you're not. >> Sometimes the greatest act of courage is >> Sometimes the greatest act of courage is >> Sometimes the greatest act of courage is just stepping away when everyone else just stepping away when everyone else just stepping away when everyone else stays in the wrong place. Morai won't stays in the wrong place. Morai won't stays in the wrong place. Morai won't bow. bow. bow. everyone else bows and he says, "I don't everyone else bows and he says, "I don't everyone else bows and he says, "I don't bow to anyone but the true God." And so bow to anyone but the true God." And so bow to anyone but the true God." And so Hmon, the bad guy, he loses it. I mean, Hmon, the bad guy, he loses it. I mean, Hmon, the bad guy, he loses it. I mean, he blows a gasket. And in some ways, I he blows a gasket. And in some ways, I he blows a gasket. And in some ways, I can relate because this guy had can relate because this guy had can relate because this guy had everything you'd want. He's powerful. everything you'd want. He's powerful. everything you'd want. He's powerful. Everybody else is bowing. And one bro Everybody else is bowing. And one bro Everybody else is bowing. And one bro doesn't bow and he falls apart. That doesn't bow and he falls apart. That doesn't bow and he falls apart. That happens to me. Several people say, "Good happens to me. Several people say, "Good happens to me. Several people say, "Good sermon, Pastor Craig. Good sermon, sermon, Pastor Craig. Good sermon, sermon, Pastor Craig. Good sermon, Pastor Greg. Good sermon, Pastor Greg. Pastor Greg. Good sermon, Pastor Greg. Pastor Greg. Good sermon, Pastor Greg. One person says, "That's a dumb sermon, One person says, "That's a dumb sermon, One person says, "That's a dumb sermon, and your shirt didn't look good." And I and your shirt didn't look good." And I and your shirt didn't look good." And I fall apart. fall apart. fall apart. Whatever. I mean, isn't it amazing how Whatever. I mean, isn't it amazing how Whatever. I mean, isn't it amazing how one one unmet expectation can rob you of one one unmet expectation can rob you of one one unmet expectation can rob you of the joy of all the other blessings that the joy of all the other blessings that the joy of all the other blessings that you already have.

you already have. you already have. >> One guy doesn't bow and Hmon puffs up. >> One guy doesn't bow and Hmon puffs up. >> One guy doesn't bow and Hmon puffs up. Instead of letting it go, he lets it Instead of letting it go, he lets it Instead of letting it go, he lets it consume him. This one guy won't bow down consume him. This one guy won't bow down consume him. This one guy won't bow down to me. And then it got worse. He to me. And then it got worse. He to me. And then it got worse. He discovers Hmon is Persian. And he discovers Hmon is Persian. And he discovers Hmon is Persian. And he discovers that Mori is Jewish and the discovers that Mori is Jewish and the discovers that Mori is Jewish and the Persian people despise the Jewish Persian people despise the Jewish Persian people despise the Jewish people. Suddenly, it wasn't about one people. Suddenly, it wasn't about one people. Suddenly, it wasn't about one man anymore. man anymore. man anymore. Now, Hmon, the bad guy, didn't want to Now, Hmon, the bad guy, didn't want to Now, Hmon, the bad guy, didn't want to just kill Mori, but instead he wanted to just kill Mori, but instead he wanted to just kill Mori, but instead he wanted to kill every single Jewish person in the kill every single Jewish person in the kill every single Jewish person in the entire empire, entire empire, entire empire, tragic, tragic, tragic, horrific, horrific, horrific, horrible. Verse six of Esther 3 says horrible. Verse six of Esther 3 says horrible. Verse six of Esther 3 says this. Yet having learned who Morai's this. Yet having learned who Morai's this. Yet having learned who Morai's people were, okay, they're Jewish. He people were, okay, they're Jewish. He people were, okay, they're Jewish. He scorned the idea of killing only Mori. scorned the idea of killing only Mori. scorned the idea of killing only Mori. Instead, Hmon, the bad guy, looked for a Instead, Hmon, the bad guy, looked for a Instead, Hmon, the bad guy, looked for a way to destroy all of Mordei's people, way to destroy all of Mordei's people, way to destroy all of Mordei's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xeres.

of Xeres. of Xeres. One guy won't bow. And this guy One guy won't bow. And this guy One guy won't bow. And this guy determines, I'm going to kill them all. determines, I'm going to kill them all. determines, I'm going to kill them all. So what does Hmon do? He goes to the So what does Hmon do? He goes to the So what does Hmon do? He goes to the king, king. And he tells him a lie. He king, king. And he tells him a lie. He king, king. And he tells him a lie. He makes up this story and and he tries to makes up this story and and he tries to makes up this story and and he tries to manipulate the king. He doesn't say, manipulate the king. He doesn't say, manipulate the king. He doesn't say, "King, one man won't bow to me." "King, one man won't bow to me." "King, one man won't bow to me." Instead, what he says is, "King, all Instead, what he says is, "King, all Instead, what he says is, "King, all these people are dangerous. None of them these people are dangerous. None of them these people are dangerous. None of them obeys your laws." And the king says, obeys your laws." And the king says, obeys your laws." And the king says, "Oh, that's not good." and he believes "Oh, that's not good." and he believes "Oh, that's not good." and he believes Hmon's lie and so he said gives Hmon Hmon's lie and so he said gives Hmon Hmon's lie and so he said gives Hmon permission to kill every Jewish person permission to kill every Jewish person permission to kill every Jewish person in the empire. Verse 13 tells us this in the empire. Verse 13 tells us this in the empire. Verse 13 tells us this letters were sent by couriers to all the letters were sent by couriers to all the letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instructions to king's provinces with instructions to king's provinces with instructions to destroy to kill to annihilate all Jews destroy to kill to annihilate all Jews destroy to kill to annihilate all Jews young and old women and children in one young and old women and children in one young and old women and children in one day. Kill them all. And so the Bible day. Kill them all. And so the Bible day. Kill them all. And so the Bible says that Hmon says he cast lots. I says that Hmon says he cast lots. I says that Hmon says he cast lots. I don't know if you know what that means don't know if you know what that means don't know if you know what that means or not. If it it means like drawing or not. If it it means like drawing or not. If it it means like drawing straws or like rolling dice. He says, straws or like rolling dice. He says, straws or like rolling dice. He says, "Okay, what day are we going to destroy "Okay, what day are we going to destroy "Okay, what day are we going to destroy them all?" And he cast lots and the day them all?" And he cast lots and the day them all?" And he cast lots and the day ends up on being 11 months later. So 11 ends up on being 11 months later. So 11 ends up on being 11 months later. So 11 months from now, he's going to destroy months from now, he's going to destroy months from now, he's going to destroy all the Jews. And he thinks to himself, all the Jews. And he thinks to himself, all the Jews. And he thinks to himself, the date was random. It looks like the date was random. It looks like the date was random. It looks like chance. But what looks like chance chance. But what looks like chance chance. But what looks like chance is often God's providence in disguise.

is often God's providence in disguise. is often God's providence in disguise. Some of you were here last week remember Some of you were here last week remember Some of you were here last week remember what providence is. That that's when God what providence is. That that's when God what providence is. That that's when God uses ordinary circumstances to bring uses ordinary circumstances to bring uses ordinary circumstances to bring about his supernatural will. That's when about his supernatural will. That's when about his supernatural will. That's when the very thing that's going on in your the very thing that's going on in your the very thing that's going on in your life that you don't understand and wish life that you don't understand and wish life that you don't understand and wish wasn't there. Years later, you look back wasn't there. Years later, you look back wasn't there. Years later, you look back and say, "Oh, I see how God used and say, "Oh, I see how God used and say, "Oh, I see how God used something in my life that I didn't something in my life that I didn't something in my life that I didn't expect to do, something that only he expect to do, something that only he expect to do, something that only he could do." Hmon thinks, "Okay, it just could do." Hmon thinks, "Okay, it just could do." Hmon thinks, "Okay, it just so happens that 11 months from now, so happens that 11 months from now, so happens that 11 months from now, that's the date that we're going to do that's the date that we're going to do that's the date that we're going to do it." But he didn't know that God was it." But he didn't know that God was it." But he didn't know that God was giving Esther time to discover her giving Esther time to discover her giving Esther time to discover her purpose when she was in the palace. purpose when she was in the palace. purpose when she was in the palace. Because at this time, she doesn't know Because at this time, she doesn't know Because at this time, she doesn't know her purpose. She didn't even know at her purpose. She didn't even know at her purpose. She didn't even know at this point that there was a plan to kill this point that there was a plan to kill this point that there was a plan to kill her people. Why? her people. Why? her people. Why? Because she was comfortable, Because she was comfortable, Because she was comfortable, safe, safe, safe, hidden, still hiding her Jewish identity hidden, still hiding her Jewish identity hidden, still hiding her Jewish identity while her people were under a death while her people were under a death while her people were under a death sentence. Now, I want to ask you, a lot sentence. Now, I want to ask you, a lot sentence. Now, I want to ask you, a lot of buildup. Thank you for staying with of buildup. Thank you for staying with of buildup. Thank you for staying with me. Application, how often is that us?

me. Application, how often is that us? me. Application, how often is that us? How often in some area of our lives are How often in some area of our lives are How often in some area of our lives are we living in comfort, we living in comfort, we living in comfort, unaware unaware unaware of something tragic very nearby? You of something tragic very nearby? You of something tragic very nearby? You see, this is one of the many problems see, this is one of the many problems see, this is one of the many problems with comfort. Comfort doesn't just make with comfort. Comfort doesn't just make with comfort. Comfort doesn't just make us comfortable, it makes us less aware. Whenever I find myself more comfortable, Whenever I find myself more comfortable, I am less aware of people that are I am less aware of people that are I am less aware of people that are hurting very close to me. hurting very close to me. hurting very close to me. When I'm comfortable, I'm less aware of When I'm comfortable, I'm less aware of When I'm comfortable, I'm less aware of those people who are far from God. those people who are far from God. those people who are far from God. When I'm comfortable, I'm less aware of When I'm comfortable, I'm less aware of When I'm comfortable, I'm less aware of my need for him. my need for him. my need for him. >> And this is why I'm going to come today, >> And this is why I'm going to come today, >> And this is why I'm going to come today, and I hope you receive this as loving and I hope you receive this as loving and I hope you receive this as loving because it's there's there is no because it's there's there is no because it's there's there is no judgment because I've been there way too judgment because I've been there way too judgment because I've been there way too often. But some of you right now, you often. But some of you right now, you often. But some of you right now, you are comfortable in your faith. You call are comfortable in your faith. You call are comfortable in your faith. You call yourself a follower of Jesus and it's yourself a follower of Jesus and it's yourself a follower of Jesus and it's been a long time since you've done been a long time since you've done been a long time since you've done anything that takes faith. You're anything that takes faith. You're anything that takes faith. You're comfortable. Y'all, we've been pursuing comfortable. Y'all, we've been pursuing comfortable. Y'all, we've been pursuing comfort in the name of Jesus, and now comfort in the name of Jesus, and now comfort in the name of Jesus, and now we're comfortable. And so, whatever it we're comfortable. And so, whatever it we're comfortable. And so, whatever it is, like you're so focused on the next is, like you're so focused on the next is, like you're so focused on the next next vacation that you that you don't next vacation that you that you don't next vacation that you that you don't even notice your teenager is drifting even notice your teenager is drifting even notice your teenager is drifting away.

away. away. You're so busy like scrolling on your You're so busy like scrolling on your You're so busy like scrolling on your phone at night, you don't even realize phone at night, you don't even realize phone at night, you don't even realize the person next to you is desperate to the person next to you is desperate to the person next to you is desperate to have an intimate conversation with you, have an intimate conversation with you, have an intimate conversation with you, but can't because your attention is but can't because your attention is but can't because your attention is always somewhere else. always somewhere else. always somewhere else. some people. But but we just get so busy some people. But but we just get so busy some people. But but we just get so busy enjoying the blessings of God that we enjoying the blessings of God that we enjoying the blessings of God that we forget that he called us to a life forget that he called us to a life forget that he called us to a life outside of our own comfort and outside of our own comfort and outside of our own comfort and selfishness selfishness selfishness >> to be a blessing to other people. And >> to be a blessing to other people. And >> to be a blessing to other people. And this was me about a decade in pastor this was me about a decade in pastor this was me about a decade in pastor Craig. I I'd worked so hard. Things were Craig. I I'd worked so hard. Things were Craig. I I'd worked so hard. Things were finally starting to go well. And I just finally starting to go well. And I just finally starting to go well. And I just thought I I kind of want a break. I kind thought I I kind of want a break. I kind thought I I kind of want a break. I kind of want easy. I kind of want comfort. of want easy. I kind of want comfort. of want easy. I kind of want comfort. And I was it was like I was I was so And I was it was like I was I was so And I was it was like I was I was so thankful for the fruit. like finally thankful for the fruit. like finally thankful for the fruit. like finally it's there. I didn't realize that it's there. I didn't realize that it's there. I didn't realize that [clears throat] I'd stop living by [clears throat] I'd stop living by [clears throat] I'd stop living by faith. And it's easy to do faith. And it's easy to do faith. And it's easy to do because even though like we believe in because even though like we believe in because even though like we believe in God, most of you do. Most of you believe God, most of you do. Most of you believe God, most of you do. Most of you believe in God, but just because you believe in in God, but just because you believe in in God, but just because you believe in God, sometimes it seems like life is God, sometimes it seems like life is God, sometimes it seems like life is just happening outside of God.

just happening outside of God. just happening outside of God. Just another day. Just another day Just another day. Just another day Just another day. Just another day and another day and I'm comfortable and and another day and I'm comfortable and and another day and I'm comfortable and another day and I'm comfortable. And another day and I'm comfortable. And another day and I'm comfortable. And it's not that we're rejecting God's it's not that we're rejecting God's it's not that we're rejecting God's calling. calling. calling. We just get distracted from it. One We just get distracted from it. One We just get distracted from it. One comfortable day becomes a comfortable comfortable day becomes a comfortable comfortable day becomes a comfortable week becomes a comfortable month becomes week becomes a comfortable month becomes week becomes a comfortable month becomes a comfortable year. And then we wake up a comfortable year. And then we wake up a comfortable year. And then we wake up and realize we built a comfortable life. And so And so I want to talk to you and when I do, my I want to talk to you and when I do, my I want to talk to you and when I do, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will talk prayer is that the Holy Spirit will talk prayer is that the Holy Spirit will talk through my words to you because I can't through my words to you because I can't through my words to you because I can't I can't do it right. I don't have the I can't do it right. I don't have the I can't do it right. I don't have the power. But that those of you that are power. But that those of you that are power. But that those of you that are followers of Jesus, you can hear the followers of Jesus, you can hear the followers of Jesus, you can hear the spirit of God speaking to you. want want spirit of God speaking to you. want want spirit of God speaking to you. want want you to recognize is that you never hear you to recognize is that you never hear you to recognize is that you never hear God's word without God having a purpose.

God's word without God having a purpose. God's word without God having a purpose. He always has a purpose. His word never He always has a purpose. His word never He always has a purpose. His word never returns void. He always wants to speak returns void. He always wants to speak returns void. He always wants to speak to you. Hey, that wasn't one of my to you. Hey, that wasn't one of my to you. Hey, that wasn't one of my favorite sermons. Who really cares? God favorite sermons. Who really cares? God favorite sermons. Who really cares? God can still speak to you. God I I can still speak to you. God I I can still speak to you. God I I sometimes people quote me and say, sometimes people quote me and say, sometimes people quote me and say, "Pastor Craig, when you said that, it "Pastor Craig, when you said that, it "Pastor Craig, when you said that, it changed my life." And be like, "I never changed my life." And be like, "I never changed my life." And be like, "I never said that." I didn't say it. Why? God said that." I didn't say it. Why? God said that." I didn't say it. Why? God said it. said it. said it. >> Like God can take the dumb things I say >> Like God can take the dumb things I say >> Like God can take the dumb things I say and fix it. and fix it. and fix it. I hope he does that today. This is like whatever like it's not my This is like whatever like it's not my words. It's his spirit. I can say words. It's his spirit. I can say words. It's his spirit. I can say nothing. You can be in his presence and nothing. You can be in his presence and nothing. You can be in his presence and he can speak to you. he can speak to you. he can speak to you. >> Speak to you through worship. Speak to >> Speak to you through worship. Speak to >> Speak to you through worship. Speak to you through your kid. Speak to you you through your kid. Speak to you you through your kid. Speak to you through the person who stops you and through the person who stops you and through the person who stops you and says, "Let's pray together before you says, "Let's pray together before you says, "Let's pray together before you leave." In the presence of God, he's leave." In the presence of God, he's leave." In the presence of God, he's always speaking. He's always speaking. always speaking. He's always speaking. always speaking. He's always speaking. And so if you're in pain, And so if you're in pain, And so if you're in pain, God will comfort you. God will comfort you. God will comfort you. That's what he does. If you're hurting That's what he does. If you're hurting That's what he does. If you're hurting today, God comforts you today, God comforts you today, God comforts you in your pain.

in your pain. in your pain. But if you're comfortable today, But if you're comfortable today, But if you're comfortable today, God will convict you in your comfort. God will convict you in your comfort. God will convict you in your comfort. That's what he does. He convicts us. That's what he does. He convicts us. That's what he does. He convicts us. Comforts us and he convicts us. They're Comforts us and he convicts us. They're Comforts us and he convicts us. They're both loving. both loving. both loving. So, I want to ask you again, same thing So, I want to ask you again, same thing So, I want to ask you again, same thing Lyall asked me. When is the last time Lyall asked me. When is the last time Lyall asked me. When is the last time you made a decision that actually took you made a decision that actually took you made a decision that actually took faith? faith? faith? What we're going to do is we're going to What we're going to do is we're going to What we're going to do is we're going to talk about that in our life groups this talk about that in our life groups this talk about that in our life groups this week. And so, I'm going to say, "Well, week. And so, I'm going to say, "Well, week. And so, I'm going to say, "Well, I'm not in a life group." Well, it'll I'm not in a life group." Well, it'll I'm not in a life group." Well, it'll probably take faith to actually step out of your comfort to actually step out of your comfort zone and get in some community. And uh zone and get in some community. And uh zone and get in some community. And uh there there is no strategy and no reason there there is no strategy and no reason there there is no strategy and no reason why I always talk about this besides the why I always talk about this besides the why I always talk about this besides the ma the fact of the matter is that life ma the fact of the matter is that life ma the fact of the matter is that life goes better with God's people goes better with God's people goes better with God's people >> and life is not as good without God's >> and life is not as good without God's >> and life is not as good without God's people. And one of the biggest problems people. And one of the biggest problems people. And one of the biggest problems I see today in the world is that people I see today in the world is that people I see today in the world is that people are on their phones and they're going are on their phones and they're going are on their phones and they're going solo and they don't have community. And solo and they don't have community. And solo and they don't have community. And I stood in a lobby between two services I stood in a lobby between two services I stood in a lobby between two services and I asked every person, "Do you have and I asked every person, "Do you have and I asked every person, "Do you have close Christian friends?" And almost close Christian friends?" And almost close Christian friends?" And almost everybody, almost everybody, about nine everybody, almost everybody, about nine everybody, almost everybody, about nine out of 10, looked at me like I just out of 10, looked at me like I just out of 10, looked at me like I just diagnosed a horrible problem and went, diagnosed a horrible problem and went, diagnosed a horrible problem and went, "No." And their body language changed.

"No." And their body language changed. "No." And their body language changed. "Do you have, do you have close, strong "Do you have, do you have close, strong "Do you have, do you have close, strong Christian friends?" "No." And their body Christian friends?" "No." And their body Christian friends?" "No." And their body language changed. One out of 10 or so language changed. One out of 10 or so language changed. One out of 10 or so would say yes. And their body language would say yes. And their body language would say yes. And their body language changed. Like yes, I do. Like I have a changed. Like yes, I do. Like I have a changed. Like yes, I do. Like I have a treasure. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. No, I treasure. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. No, I treasure. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. No, I don't. Yes, I do. don't. Yes, I do. don't. Yes, I do. If you don't have it, you're mi you're If you don't have it, you're mi you're If you don't have it, you're mi you're missing one of the key ingredients of missing one of the key ingredients of missing one of the key ingredients of knowing God, serving God, being faithful knowing God, serving God, being faithful knowing God, serving God, being faithful for God, enjoying the blessings of God. for God, enjoying the blessings of God. for God, enjoying the blessings of God. Because we're not just called for Because we're not just called for Because we're not just called for individual relationship with him, but individual relationship with him, but individual relationship with him, but Christianity is more of a corporate Christianity is more of a corporate Christianity is more of a corporate relationship with him. And we're going relationship with him. And we're going relationship with him. And we're going to get together in the body of Christ. to get together in the body of Christ. to get together in the body of Christ. We're going to study his word together. We're going to study his word together. We're going to study his word together. We're going to serve one another. We're We're going to serve one another. We're We're going to serve one another. We're going to love one another. We're going going to love one another. We're going going to love one another. We're going to forgive one another. And we're going to forgive one another. And we're going to forgive one another. And we're going to ask each other, "When is the last to ask each other, "When is the last to ask each other, "When is the last time you actually made a decision that time you actually made a decision that time you actually made a decision that took faith?" And I'm going to help you took faith?" And I'm going to help you took faith?" And I'm going to help you answer that question. Here's a question. answer that question. Here's a question. answer that question. Here's a question. When is the last time you made a When is the last time you made a When is the last time you made a decision that took faith? Here's how you decision that took faith? Here's how you decision that took faith? Here's how you answer it. If you can accomplish answer it. If you can accomplish answer it. If you can accomplish everything you're doing right now everything you're doing right now everything you're doing right now without needing God, without needing God, without needing God, you're probably not living by faith. you're probably not living by faith. you're probably not living by faith. So, what faith step is God calling you So, what faith step is God calling you So, what faith step is God calling you to take? Some of you, it's just a to take? Some of you, it's just a to take? Some of you, it's just a conversation that you've been avoiding conversation that you've been avoiding conversation that you've been avoiding that you know God wants you to have that you know God wants you to have that you know God wants you to have or it's a sin that you've been excusing.

or it's a sin that you've been excusing. or it's a sin that you've been excusing. You've been rationalizing it. Stand it's You've been rationalizing it. Stand it's You've been rationalizing it. Stand it's not that big of a deal. All sin is a big not that big of a deal. All sin is a big not that big of a deal. All sin is a big deal. It breaks the heart of God. deal. It breaks the heart of God. deal. It breaks the heart of God. Separates us from God. It hurts us and Separates us from God. It hurts us and Separates us from God. It hurts us and hurts people. Maybe it's something that hurts people. Maybe it's something that hurts people. Maybe it's something that God wants you to surrender to him. Maybe God wants you to surrender to him. Maybe God wants you to surrender to him. Maybe it's someone that God wants you to it's someone that God wants you to it's someone that God wants you to forgive. forgive. forgive. And whatever it is, God wants you to And whatever it is, God wants you to And whatever it is, God wants you to take the faith step. And you haven't take the faith step. And you haven't take the faith step. And you haven't done it, not because you don't love God, done it, not because you don't love God, done it, not because you don't love God, but because you've gotten comfortable. And if you if you say, Craig, you're And if you if you say, Craig, you're preaching it passionately, it's because preaching it passionately, it's because preaching it passionately, it's because that's me. that's me. that's me. again [clears throat] again [clears throat] again [clears throat] 30 years in, three decades 30 years in, three decades 30 years in, three decades of trying to keep the passion high. of trying to keep the passion high. of trying to keep the passion high. And earlier this year, it was again I And earlier this year, it was again I And earlier this year, it was again I just found myself being comfortable just found myself being comfortable just found myself being comfortable again. I'm like, I kind of just want to again. I'm like, I kind of just want to again. I'm like, I kind of just want to take it easy. take it easy. take it easy. I want weekends off.

[snorts] [snorts] Not jealous, maybe a little bit. Not jealous, maybe a little bit. Not jealous, maybe a little bit. I just I just I just I just want I just I just I just I just I just want I just I just I just I just I just want I just I just I just want to coast. I don't I I just I just want to coast. I don't I I just I just want to coast. I don't I don't I don't want to pray big. And I don't I don't want to pray big. And I don't I don't want to pray big. And I I'm looking at my life again and I'm looking at my life again and I'm looking at my life again and realizing my prayers had gotten smaller realizing my prayers had gotten smaller realizing my prayers had gotten smaller and my faith had gotten safer. and my faith had gotten safer. and my faith had gotten safer. And so what I'm going to do just right And so what I'm going to do just right And so what I'm going to do just right now in front of all of you, in front of now in front of all of you, in front of now in front of all of you, in front of God and everybody, I'm just going to God and everybody, I'm just going to God and everybody, I'm just going to tell you what I'm choosing. And I'm and tell you what I'm choosing. And I'm and tell you what I'm choosing. And I'm and I'll just say it as simply as I can. And I'll just say it as simply as I can. And I'll just say it as simply as I can. And I'm it's and I mean it from the depths I'm it's and I mean it from the depths I'm it's and I mean it from the depths of my heart. I mean it more than I can of my heart. I mean it more than I can of my heart. I mean it more than I can describe to you. describe to you. describe to you. I choose faith. I choose faith. I choose faith. [music] I choose faith. I choose it. I I [music] I choose faith. I choose it. I I [music] I choose faith. I choose it. I I choose faith over comfort. I refuse to choose faith over comfort. I refuse to choose faith over comfort. I refuse to be more grateful for what God has be more grateful for what God has be more grateful for what God has already done in our church than already done in our church than already done in our church than desperate [music] desperate [music] desperate [music] for what God wants to do next. I choose for what God wants to do next. I choose for what God wants to do next. I choose faith. I choose it. I choose it. I faith. I choose it. I choose it. I faith. I choose it. I choose it. I choose it. I choose it. And and choose it. I choose it. And and choose it. I choose it. And and [music] [music] [music] you're going to watch Esther do this you're going to watch Esther do this you're going to watch Esther do this because if if you look at her life, she because if if you look at her life, she because if if you look at her life, she could have very easily thought that the could have very easily thought that the could have very easily thought that the palace was finally like the reward.

palace was finally like the reward. palace was finally like the reward. Okay, they chose me and I endured it and Okay, they chose me and I endured it and Okay, they chose me and I endured it and I went through all that stuff and now I I went through all that stuff and now I I went through all that stuff and now I have comfort and power. But the palace have comfort and power. But the palace have comfort and power. But the palace wasn't the reward. The palace was wasn't the reward. The palace was wasn't the reward. The palace was preparation. Watch preparation. Watch preparation. Watch for her biggest for her biggest for her biggest step of faith. step of faith. step of faith. her biggest step of faith was still her biggest step of faith was still her biggest step of faith was still ahead of her. And so I just tell you ahead of her. And so I just tell you ahead of her. And so I just tell you right now as your pastor, I confess and right now as your pastor, I confess and right now as your pastor, I confess and I truly believe I truly believe that my I truly believe I truly believe that my I truly believe I truly believe that my biggest step of faith is still ahead of biggest step of faith is still ahead of biggest step of faith is still ahead of me. And I believe as your pastor, the me. And I believe as your pastor, the me. And I believe as your pastor, the very same is true for you. Your biggest very same is true for you. Your biggest very same is true for you. Your biggest step of faith is ahead of you. Don't let step of faith is ahead of you. Don't let step of faith is ahead of you. Don't let comfort keep you from your calling. comfort keep you from your calling. comfort keep you from your calling. If you're comfortable, let God convict If you're comfortable, let God convict If you're comfortable, let God convict you. you. you. Feel it. Feel it. Feel it. Repent.

Repent. Repent. Grieve it. Grieve it. Grieve it. Turn back to him. Turn back to him. Turn back to him. Say, "God, I need you. I want you. I I I Say, "God, I need you. I want you. I I I Say, "God, I need you. I want you. I I I I I want to believe so big for I I want to believe so big for I I want to believe so big for something. If you don't come through, something. If you don't come through, something. If you don't come through, God, then it doesn't happen. God, then it doesn't happen. God, then it doesn't happen. not going to depend on my own strength, not going to depend on my own strength, not going to depend on my own strength, my own abilities. my own abilities. my own abilities. God, I want to depend on you. So God, I want to depend on you. So God, I want to depend on you. So to hear it, not as me asking you, hear to hear it, not as me asking you, hear to hear it, not as me asking you, hear it as the Holy Spirit asking you when it as the Holy Spirit asking you when it as the Holy Spirit asking you when when is the last time you made a [music] when is the last time you made a [music] when is the last time you made a [music] decision that took big faith. And here's decision that took big faith. And here's decision that took big faith. And here's the application. And here's what every the application. And here's what every the application. And here's what every talk about this in our life groups. talk about this in our life groups. talk about this in our life groups. [music] [music] [music] and we're going to be together in the and we're going to be together in the and we're going to be together in the body of Christ and we're going to pray body of Christ and we're going to pray body of Christ and we're going to pray for each other and we're going to stand for each other and we're going to stand for each other and we're going to stand together and we're going to be conformed together and we're going to be conformed together and we're going to be conformed to the image of Christ because we're not to the image of Christ because we're not to the image of Christ because we're not playing. We're not just going to church. playing. We're not just going to church. playing. We're not just going to church. We are the church. This isn't just a We are the church. This isn't just a We are the church. This isn't just a check the box and we go on with life. We check the box and we go on with life. We check the box and we go on with life. We are the body of Christ called by God to are the body of Christ called by God to are the body of Christ called by God to be a light in the world to share his be a light in the world to share his be a light in the world to share his word with people. [music] word with people. [music] word with people. [music] That's who we are. We're going to do it That's who we are. We're going to do it That's who we are. We're going to do it together. And the application that we're together. And the application that we're together. And the application that we're going to ask ourselves is this. What going to ask ourselves is this. What going to ask ourselves is this. What faith step is God calling you to take?

faith step is God calling you to take? faith step is God calling you to take? Some of you know what it is. No more Some of you know what it is. No more Some of you know what it is. No more excuses. Take the step of faith. Give excuses. Take the step of faith. Give excuses. Take the step of faith. Give it. Confess it. Apologize for it. Ask it. Confess it. Apologize for it. Ask it. Confess it. Apologize for it. Ask for it. Surrender it. Forgive them. for it. Surrender it. Forgive them. for it. Surrender it. Forgive them. Whatever it is. What faith step [music] Whatever it is. What faith step [music] Whatever it is. What faith step [music] is God calling you to take? I love you is God calling you to take? I love you is God calling you to take? I love you and I pray that God speaks [music] to and I pray that God speaks [music] to and I pray that God speaks [music] to you. Would you pray with me today? you. Would you pray with me today? you. Would you pray with me today? Heavenly Father, we open up our hearts Heavenly Father, we open up our hearts Heavenly Father, we open up our hearts believing God you're going to speak to believing God you're going to speak to believing God you're going to speak to all of us. all of us. all of us. God, comfort those that are hurting and God, comfort those that are hurting and God, comfort those that are hurting and God convict those of us that are God convict those of us that are God convict those of us that are comfortable comfortable comfortable as you're praying today. Um, all of our as you're praying today. Um, all of our as you're praying today. Um, all of our churches, if you recognize you're a churches, if you recognize you're a churches, if you recognize you're a little bit more comfortable, we're going little bit more comfortable, we're going little bit more comfortable, we're going to do this again. I keep changing my to do this again. I keep changing my to do this again. I keep changing my mind. Open up your eyes. Let's just mind. Open up your eyes. Let's just mind. Open up your eyes. Let's just let's just not let's just not play. let's just not let's just not play. let's just not let's just not play. We're not hiding this thing. If you We're not hiding this thing. If you We're not hiding this thing. If you recognize you are a follower of Jesus recognize you are a follower of Jesus recognize you are a follower of Jesus and you've been a little more and you've been a little more and you've been a little more comfortable and you want to you want to comfortable and you want to you want to comfortable and you want to you want to live by faith, you'll just be live by faith, you'll just be live by faith, you'll just be uncomfortable for a minute and lift up uncomfortable for a minute and lift up uncomfortable for a minute and lift up your hands and say, "It's me." That's your hands and say, "It's me." That's your hands and say, "It's me." That's praise God for you. Just be honest. Now, praise God for you. Just be honest. Now, praise God for you. Just be honest. Now, we're going to just put your hands in we're going to just put your hands in we're going to just put your hands in front of you just kind of in a surrender front of you just kind of in a surrender front of you just kind of in a surrender place for God and just just kind of do place for God and just just kind of do place for God and just just kind of do this. Now, you can close your eyes and this. Now, you can close your eyes and this. Now, you can close your eyes and we're just going to pray and in your own we're just going to pray and in your own we're just going to pray and in your own words, you can just tell God, I'm I'm words, you can just tell God, I'm I'm words, you can just tell God, I'm I'm I'm trusting you in faith. God, I I pray I'm trusting you in faith. God, I I pray I'm trusting you in faith. God, I I pray for every person who has grown more for every person who has grown more for every person who has grown more comfortable that just just hands comfortable that just just hands comfortable that just just hands postured towards surrendered would be a postured towards surrendered would be a postured towards surrendered would be a reflection of our heart before you. God, reflection of our heart before you. God, reflection of our heart before you. God, help us to need you.

help us to need you. help us to need you. Help us to trust you, God, for for Help us to trust you, God, for for Help us to trust you, God, for for specific miracles, for the salvation of specific miracles, for the salvation of specific miracles, for the salvation of the loved one that we think may never the loved one that we think may never the loved one that we think may never know you. know you. know you. for miraculous and supernatural healing for miraculous and supernatural healing for miraculous and supernatural healing in a body that most would say would in a body that most would say would in a body that most would say would could never be healed. God for could never be healed. God for could never be healed. God for restoration for a broken relationship restoration for a broken relationship restoration for a broken relationship that seems like it's always going to be that seems like it's always going to be that seems like it's always going to be broken. God for faith for provision not broken. God for faith for provision not broken. God for faith for provision not just for us but so that we could be just for us but so that we could be just for us but so that we could be generous and be a blessing [music] to generous and be a blessing [music] to generous and be a blessing [music] to others. God for faith to give to someone others. God for faith to give to someone others. God for faith to give to someone or to to give what you prompted us to or to to give what you prompted us to or to to give what you prompted us to give. give. give. God with just surrendered hands. God with just surrendered hands. God with just surrendered hands. We choose faith. [music] We choose faith. [music] We choose faith. [music] If you want to tell them that in your If you want to tell them that in your If you want to tell them that in your own words is would just you would say, own words is would just you would say, own words is would just you would say, "I choose faith." If you want to tell "I choose faith." If you want to tell "I choose faith." If you want to tell them, just just whisper it. Just say, "I them, just just whisper it. Just say, "I them, just just whisper it. Just say, "I [music] choose faith." [music] choose faith." [music] choose faith." I choose I choose I choose faith. [music] faith. [music] faith. [music] God, help us to choose faith every God, help us to choose faith every God, help us to choose faith every single day because without faith, it's single day because without faith, it's single day because without faith, it's impossible to please you. As you keep impossible to please you. As you keep impossible to please you. As you keep praying today, nobody looking around praying today, nobody looking around praying today, nobody looking around this time. Uh there are some of you that this time. Uh there are some of you that this time. Uh there are some of you that are that um are comfortable and some of are that um are comfortable and some of are that um are comfortable and some of you the opposite when it comes to you the opposite when it comes to you the opposite when it comes to spiritual things like you're you're not spiritual things like you're you're not spiritual things like you're you're not comfortable, you're not close to God, comfortable, you're not close to God, comfortable, you're not close to God, [music] you're far from God. Um let me [music] you're far from God. Um let me [music] you're far from God. Um let me tell you what God's word says. Uh tell you what God's word says. Uh tell you what God's word says. Uh scripture says that every single one of scripture says that every single one of scripture says that every single one of us have sinned. If you ever feel guilty us have sinned. If you ever feel guilty us have sinned. If you ever feel guilty for doing things wrong, welcome to the for doing things wrong, welcome to the for doing things wrong, welcome to the family. We've all done things wrong.

family. We've all done things wrong. family. We've all done things wrong. We've all sinned against a holy God. And We've all sinned against a holy God. And We've all sinned against a holy God. And our sin separates us from God. So, how our sin separates us from God. So, how our sin separates us from God. So, how are we made right with God? Well, are we made right with God? Well, are we made right with God? Well, scripture tells us this, that we're not scripture tells us this, that we're not scripture tells us this, that we're not made right with God by our own works, by made right with God by our own works, by made right with God by our own works, by our own religious efforts. But the only our own religious efforts. But the only our own religious efforts. But the only way we're made right with God, watch way we're made right with God, watch way we're made right with God, watch this. The Bible says that we are saved this. The Bible says that we are saved this. The Bible says that we are saved by grace. If you know it, say it aloud, by grace. If you know it, say it aloud, by grace. If you know it, say it aloud, through what? Through faith. The way through what? Through faith. The way through what? Through faith. The way that we're saved is by grace through that we're saved is by grace through that we're saved is by grace through faith. Grace is the unmarited favor of faith. Grace is the unmarited favor of faith. Grace is the unmarited favor of God. faith in the perfect work of Jesus. God. faith in the perfect work of Jesus. God. faith in the perfect work of Jesus. Who is Jesus? He is the sinless son of Who is Jesus? He is the sinless son of Who is Jesus? He is the sinless son of God. He's called the lamb of God who was God. He's called the lamb of God who was God. He's called the lamb of God who was without sin who gave his life as a without sin who gave his life as a without sin who gave his life as a sacrifice on a cross. And three days sacrifice on a cross. And three days sacrifice on a cross. And three days later, God raised him from the dead so later, God raised him from the dead so later, God raised him from the dead so that anyone, and this includes you, that anyone, and this includes you, that anyone, and this includes you, doesn't matter what you've done, how bad doesn't matter what you've done, how bad doesn't matter what you've done, how bad your life is, how dark you feel, anyone your life is, how dark you feel, anyone your life is, how dark you feel, anyone who calls on the name of the Lord would who calls on the name of the Lord would who calls on the name of the Lord would be forgiven and made new. You're saved be forgiven and made new. You're saved be forgiven and made new. You're saved not by religious effort. Not by your own not by religious effort. Not by your own not by religious effort. Not by your own good works, but by his grace, by his good works, but by his grace, by his good works, but by his grace, by his perfect work through faith, believing in perfect work through faith, believing in perfect work through faith, believing in the perfect work of Jesus by faith, so the perfect work of Jesus by faith, so the perfect work of Jesus by faith, so that no one can brag about it. God gets that no one can brag about it. God gets that no one can brag about it. God gets all the glory for it. There are those of all the glory for it. There are those of all the glory for it. There are those of you that are here that you know you're you that are here that you know you're you that are here that you know you're far from God. You're not walking with far from God. You're not walking with far from God. You're not walking with him. You're not at peace with him. Maybe him. You're not at peace with him. Maybe him. You're not at peace with him. Maybe you've been too comfortable in this you've been too comfortable in this you've been too comfortable in this world, but now you're being convicted of world, but now you're being convicted of world, but now you're being convicted of your sin. Today, we're going to take a your sin. Today, we're going to take a your sin. Today, we're going to take a step away from our sin and by faith step away from our sin and by faith step away from our sin and by faith believe that the work of Jesus is all believe that the work of Jesus is all believe that the work of Jesus is all that we need. You're saved by grace that we need. You're saved by grace that we need. You're saved by grace through faith. If you recognize you're

through faith. If you recognize you're through faith. If you recognize you're not in intimate with God, you don't know not in intimate with God, you don't know not in intimate with God, you don't know if you're forgiven by God. Today is the if you're forgiven by God. Today is the if you're forgiven by God. Today is the day of your salvation. Grace through day of your salvation. Grace through day of your salvation. Grace through faith. Wherever you are today, say, "I faith. Wherever you are today, say, "I faith. Wherever you are today, say, "I need his forgiveness. I need his grace need his forgiveness. I need his grace need his forgiveness. I need his grace today. I give my life to him. Jesus, be today. I give my life to him. Jesus, be today. I give my life to him. Jesus, be my savior. Be my Lord." That's your my savior. Be my Lord." That's your my savior. Be my Lord." That's your prayer. Lift your hand high right now. prayer. Lift your hand high right now. prayer. Lift your hand high right now. Lift it up all over the place and say, Lift it up all over the place and say, Lift it up all over the place and say, "Yes." That's my prayer right back "Yes." That's my prayer right back "Yes." That's my prayer right back there. God bless you over here as well. there. God bless you over here as well. there. God bless you over here as well. Praise God for you. I come on in a Praise God for you. I come on in a Praise God for you. I come on in a section here. Others say yes. Jesus, I section here. Others say yes. Jesus, I section here. Others say yes. Jesus, I surrender. Be the up here. Praise God surrender. Be the up here. Praise God surrender. Be the up here. Praise God for you. Others say yes. Be the Lord of for you. Others say yes. Be the Lord of for you. Others say yes. Be the Lord of my life. I surrender to you. Be first in my life. I surrender to you. Be first in my life. I surrender to you. Be first in my life. Online, you can type in the my life. Online, you can type in the my life. Online, you can type in the comments section, I'm surrendering my comments section, I'm surrendering my comments section, I'm surrendering my life to Jesus. And today we all pray life to Jesus. And today we all pray life to Jesus. And today we all pray together in faith. Pray aloud. Pray. together in faith. Pray aloud. Pray. together in faith. Pray aloud. Pray. Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, >> forgive all of my sins. >> forgive all of my sins. >> forgive all of my sins. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Save me. be first in my life, the Lord >> Save me. be first in my life, the Lord >> Save me. be first in my life, the Lord of my life. Fill me with your Holy of my life. Fill me with your Holy of my life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so I could live by your power, so Spirit so I could live by your power, so Spirit so I could live by your power, so I could know you, so I could show your I could know you, so I could show your I could know you, so I could show your love. Help me to live by faith every day love. Help me to live by faith every day love. Help me to live by faith every day by faith. Living for you. My life is not by faith. Living for you. My life is not by faith. Living for you. My life is not my own. I give it all to you. In Jesus my own. I give it all to you. In Jesus my own. I give it all to you. In Jesus name I pray. Church, can you celebrate?

name I pray. Church, can you celebrate? name I pray. Church, can you celebrate? Give God glory. Come on. Come on. Come Give God glory. Come on. Come on. Come Give God glory. Come on. Come on. Come on. Congratulations if you just made that Congratulations if you just made that decision. Can we just take a moment to decision. Can we just take a moment to decision. Can we just take a moment to celebrate with you everyone get loud, celebrate with you everyone get loud, celebrate with you everyone get loud, cheer for them. That is such a big deal. cheer for them. That is such a big deal. cheer for them. That is such a big deal. And if you just said yes to Jesus, I And if you just said yes to Jesus, I And if you just said yes to Jesus, I need you to go right down this state need you to go right down this state need you to go right down this state because this is the day where you just because this is the day where you just because this is the day where you just went from darkness to light [music] and went from darkness to light [music] and went from darkness to light [music] and God is beginning something new in your God is beginning something new in your God is beginning something new in your life. And there's nothing better than life. And there's nothing better than life. And there's nothing better than that. And I am just so [music] that. And I am just so [music] that. And I am just so [music] incredibly proud of you because it incredibly proud of you because it incredibly proud of you because it doesn't get better than this. But what I doesn't get better than this. But what I doesn't get better than this. But what I recognize is that as you are starting recognize is that as you are starting recognize is that as you are starting this new journey, every journey requires this new journey, every journey requires this new journey, every journey requires [music] [music] [music] a next step, a first step. And that a next step, a first step. And that a next step, a first step. And that first step for you is to let us know first step for you is to let us know first step for you is to let us know that you said yes to Jesus so that we that you said yes to Jesus so that we that you said yes to Jesus so that we can continue to [music] encourage you in can continue to [music] encourage you in can continue to [music] encourage you in this journey. But we also want to give this journey. But we also want to give this journey. But we also want to give you a free devotional. It's a 21-day you a free devotional. It's a 21-day you a free devotional. It's a 21-day devotional that we want to send right to devotional that we want to send right to devotional that we want to send right to your inbox. It's [music] called our you your inbox. It's [music] called our you your inbox. It's [music] called our you said yes booklet and it's going to be uh said yes booklet and it's going to be uh said yes booklet and it's going to be uh something that you're going to get and something that you're going to get and something that you're going to get and you're going to be able to read [music] you're going to be able to read [music] you're going to be able to read [music] through that and hopefully begin to uh through that and hopefully begin to uh through that and hopefully begin to uh have answers to maybe a lot of the big have answers to maybe a lot of the big have answers to maybe a lot of the big questions that you might have like what questions that you might have like what questions that you might have like what does it look like to follow Jesus? Where does it look like to follow Jesus? Where does it look like to follow Jesus? Where do I begin reading my Bible and things do I begin reading my Bible and things do I begin reading my Bible and things like that. But we are just so proud of like that. But we are just so proud of like that. But we are just so proud of you and we want to get that to you so you and we want to get that to you so you and we want to get that to you so that we can continue to support you. But that we can continue to support you. But that we can continue to support you. But congratulations.

congratulations. congratulations. >> That's right, Kim. I'm telling you today >> That's right, Kim. I'm telling you today >> That's right, Kim. I'm telling you today has been absolutely incredible. has been absolutely incredible. has been absolutely incredible. >> So powerful and a great message. >> So powerful and a great message. >> So powerful and a great message. >> It's so good and it just gets better >> It's so good and it just gets better >> It's so good and it just gets better each week. each week and we know God is each week. each week and we know God is each week. each week and we know God is speaking to us in such an incredible speaking to us in such an incredible speaking to us in such an incredible way. There are people in our lives that way. There are people in our lives that way. There are people in our lives that I know you know would benefit from I know you know would benefit from I know you know would benefit from hearing this message because we all need hearing this message because we all need hearing this message because we all need encouragement. We were not created to do encouragement. We were not created to do encouragement. We were not created to do life alone. And so here's the thing life alone. And so here's the thing life alone. And so here's the thing >> and I think I don't want to sorry to >> and I think I don't want to sorry to >> and I think I don't want to sorry to interrupt. I do think it ties in so well interrupt. I do think it ties in so well interrupt. I do think it ties in so well to just like the message because it was to just like the message because it was to just like the message because it was really challenging us not to get really challenging us not to get really challenging us not to get comfortable because we can all get to comfortable because we can all get to comfortable because we can all get to that place and maybe this week you got that place and maybe this week you got that place and maybe this week you got to get a little uncomfortable by to get a little uncomfortable by to get a little uncomfortable by inviting inviting inviting >> people. That's exactly right. And it's >> people. That's exactly right. And it's >> people. That's exactly right. And it's easy, man. Whether you're sharing a link easy, man. Whether you're sharing a link easy, man. Whether you're sharing a link or you can even be doing that by sharing or you can even be doing that by sharing or you can even be doing that by sharing what the Lord revealed to you in this what the Lord revealed to you in this what the Lord revealed to you in this message. Hey, [music] hey, here's what message. Hey, [music] hey, here's what message. Hey, [music] hey, here's what God is showing me. I'd love for you to God is showing me. I'd love for you to God is showing me. I'd love for you to be a part of it. Invite and bring be a part of it. Invite and bring be a part of it. Invite and bring somebody back with you next week cuz we somebody back with you next week cuz we somebody back with you next week cuz we know, Kim, whoever finds God know, Kim, whoever finds God know, Kim, whoever finds God >> finds life. We can't wait to see. >> finds life. We can't wait to see. >> finds life. We can't wait to see. >> See you guys next [music] week. [music] [music] Heat.