When Comfort Becomes Dangerous

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. About a handful of people back in 1996. About a handful of people back in 1996. About a decade into it, uh things were finally decade into it, uh things were finally 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 him, And I couldn't answer him, And I couldn't answer him, which was embarrassing because earlier which was embarrassing because earlier which was embarrassing because earlier in the early years of the church, in the early years of the church, in the early years of the church, 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 can be very dangerous can be very dangerous when it quietly replaces your dependence when it quietly replaces your dependence when it quietly replaces your dependence on God. And so I'm going to show you on God. And so I'm going to show you on God. And so I'm going to show you today from God's word that God doesn't today from God's word that God doesn't today from God's word that God doesn't position you for comfort. He positions position you for comfort. He positions position you for comfort. He positions you for purpose and for his glory. And you for purpose and for his glory. And you for purpose and for his glory. And Esther is going to discover that in the Esther is going to discover that in the Esther is going to discover that in the beginning of this week and next week. beginning of this week and next week. beginning of this week and next week. And my prayer is that you will too. So And my prayer is that you will too. So And my prayer is that you will too. So would you pray with me? Um heavenly would you pray with me? Um heavenly would you pray with me? Um heavenly father, we thank you for your presence father, we thank you for your presence father, we thank you for your presence and we thank you for your word. We pray and we thank you for your word. We pray and we thank you for your word. We pray God that you would speak to all of us. God that you would speak to all of us. God that you would speak to all of us. God, especially those who may have grown God, especially those who may have grown God, especially those who may have grown more comfortable, build our faith that more comfortable, build our faith that more comfortable, build our faith that we can take faith steps and faith risks we can take faith steps and faith risks we can take faith steps and faith risks and believe you for big things as we and believe you for big things as we and believe you for big things as we follow you. We pray this in Jesus' name follow you. We pray this in Jesus' name follow you. We pray this in Jesus' name and everybody said, and everybody said, and 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 Ordi. with Ordi. with Ordi. >> She had a cousin named Morai. And >> She had a cousin named Morai. And >> She had a cousin named Morai. And Morortei raised her. He was almost like Morortei raised her. He was almost like Morortei raised her. He was almost like a dad to her. and he ended up uh a dad to her. and he ended up uh a dad to her. and he ended up uh overhearing about an assassination plot. overhearing about an assassination plot. overhearing about an assassination plot. Two guys said, "Let's kill the king." Two guys said, "Let's kill the king." Two guys said, "Let's kill the king." And Mori heard about this and told And Mori heard about this and told And Mori heard about this and told Esther, who was the queen, "Hey, Esther, who was the queen, "Hey, Esther, who was the queen, "Hey, somebody's trying to kill the king." She somebody's trying to kill the king." She somebody's trying to kill the king." She told THE KING. "CENSELY MORI SAVED THE told THE KING. "CENSELY MORI SAVED THE told THE KING. "CENSELY MORI SAVED THE king's life. His faithfulness was king's life. His faithfulness was king's life. His faithfulness was recorded in this book." And then his recorded in this book." And then his recorded in this book." And then his good deed apparently forgotten. good deed apparently forgotten. good deed apparently forgotten. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] 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. dead. dead. Right. This is this is what's happening Right. This is this is what's happening Right. This is this is what's happening here. The music changes because Esther's here. The music changes because Esther's here. The music changes because Esther's now been queen for about four years and now been queen for about four years and now been queen for about four years and she's starting to finally feel she's starting to finally feel she's starting to finally feel comfortable. She's starting to enjoy the comfortable. She's starting to enjoy the comfortable. She's starting to enjoy the life that she didn't plan. And honestly, life that she didn't plan. And honestly, life that she didn't plan. And honestly, I don't blame her. If you think about I don't blame her. If you think about I don't blame her. If you think about it, the poor girl, she lost her parents. it, the poor girl, she lost her parents. it, the poor girl, she lost her parents. She's raised by her cousin. She's taken She's raised by her cousin. She's taken She's raised by her cousin. She's taken against her will into a palace with a against her will into a palace with a against her will into a palace with a bunch of other beautiful women and then bunch of other beautiful women and then bunch of other beautiful women and then chosen not for her character, her heart, chosen not for her character, her heart, chosen not for her character, her heart, her intelligence, her personality, but her intelligence, her personality, but her intelligence, her personality, but for her beauty. And she now becomes the for her beauty. And she now becomes the for her beauty. And she now becomes the queen because of that. Now she's finally queen because of that. Now she's finally queen because of that. Now she's finally starting to feel secure, starting to starting to feel secure, starting to starting to feel secure, starting to feel comfortable. And again, comfort feel comfortable. And again, comfort feel comfortable. And again, comfort alone isn't bad, but alone isn't bad, but 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 word to pronounce, son of Hard word to pronounce, son of Hard word 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, Mori. Why didn't he bow? Well, guy, Mori. Why didn't he bow? Well, guy, Mori. 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 [clears throat] else to do what everyone [clears throat] else to do what everyone [clears throat] else is doing. And if you're a follower of is doing. And if you're a follower of is doing. And if you're a follower of Jesus, you actually know that to be Jesus, you actually know that to be Jesus, you actually know that to be true. You know, sometimes whatever it true. You know, sometimes whatever it true. You know, sometimes whatever it is, you know, you're trying to follow is, you know, you're trying to follow is, you know, you're trying to follow Jesus in your life and all of your other Jesus in your life and all of your other Jesus in your life and all of your other friends are getting drunk and parting friends are getting drunk and parting friends are getting drunk and parting their brains out and even though they're their brains out and even though they're their brains out and even though they're doing it, you say, "Well, I'm not going doing it, you say, "Well, I'm not going doing it, you say, "Well, I'm not going to do that because Jesus has called me to do that because Jesus has called me to do that because Jesus has called me not to be better, but to be different, not to be better, but to be different, not to be better, but to be different, to be holy, and to be set apart or or to be holy, and to be set apart or or to be holy, and to be set apart or or maybe you don't sleep around when that's maybe you don't sleep around when that's maybe you 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. everyone else bows and he says, "I bow. everyone else bows and he says, "I bow. everyone else bows and he says, "I don't bow to anyone but the true God." don't bow to anyone but the true God." don't bow to anyone but the true God." And so Hmon, the bad guy, he loses it. I And so Hmon, the bad guy, he loses it. I And so Hmon, the bad guy, he loses it. I mean, he blows a gasket. And in some mean, he blows a gasket. And in some mean, he blows a gasket. And in some ways, I can relate because this guy had ways, I can relate because this guy had ways, I 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. [laughter] Whatever. I mean, isn't it [laughter] Whatever. I mean, isn't it [laughter] Whatever. I mean, isn't it amazing how one one unmet expectation amazing how one one unmet expectation amazing how one one unmet expectation can rob you of the joy of all the other can rob you of the joy of all the other can rob you of the joy of all the other blessings that you already have.

blessings that you already have. blessings that 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 bound bound to consume him. this one guy bound bound to consume him. this one guy bound bound to me. And then it got worse. He discovers me. And then it got worse. He discovers me. And then it got worse. He discovers Hmon is Persian and he discovers that Hmon is Persian and he discovers that Hmon is Persian and he discovers that Mori is Jewish and the Persian people Mori is Jewish and the Persian people Mori is Jewish and the Persian people despise the Jewish people. Suddenly, it despise the Jewish people. Suddenly, it despise the Jewish people. Suddenly, it wasn't about one man anymore. Now, Hmon, wasn't about one man anymore. Now, Hmon, wasn't about one man anymore. Now, Hmon, the bad guy, didn't want to just kill the bad guy, didn't want to just kill the bad guy, didn't want to just kill Mori, but instead he wanted to kill Mori, but instead he wanted to kill Mori, but instead he wanted to kill every single Jewish person in the entire every single Jewish person in the entire every single Jewish person in the entire empire, empire, 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 MORORTEI'S PEOPLE, way TO DESTROY ALL OF MORORTEI'S PEOPLE, way TO DESTROY ALL OF MORORTEI'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 gonna kill them all. So determines, I'm gonna kill them all. So determines, I'm gonna kill them all. So what does Hmon do? He goes to the king, what does Hmon do? He goes to the king, what does Hmon do? He goes to the king, king. And he tells him a lie. He makes king. And he tells him a lie. He makes king. And he tells him a lie. He makes up this story and and he tries to up this story and and he tries to 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.

the date was random. the date was random. It looks like chance. But what looks It looks like chance. But what looks It looks like chance. But what looks like chance like chance 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. Some of you were here last week. Some of you were here last week. Remember what providence is? That that's Remember what providence is? That that's Remember what providence is? That that's when God uses ordinary circumstances to when God uses ordinary circumstances to when God uses ordinary circumstances to bring about his supernatural will. bring about his supernatural will. bring about his supernatural will. That's when the very thing that's going That's when the very thing that's going That's when the very thing that's going on in your life that you don't on in your life that you don't on in your life that you don't understand and wish wasn't there, years understand and wish wasn't there, years understand and wish wasn't there, years later, you look back and say, "Oh, I see later, you look back and say, "Oh, I see later, you look back and say, "Oh, I see how God used something in my life that I how God used something in my life that I how God used something in my life that I didn't expect to do. something that only didn't expect to do. something that only didn't expect to do. something that only he could do. Hmon thinks, "Okay, it just he could do. Hmon thinks, "Okay, it just he 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, we've been pursuing comfortable. Y, we've been pursuing comfortable. Y, 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 I'd it's there. I didn't realize that I'd it's there. I didn't realize that I'd stop living by faith. And it's easy to stop living by faith. And it's easy to stop living by faith. And it's easy to do do 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. I want spirit of God speaking to you. I want spirit of God speaking to you. I want want you to recognize is that you never want you to recognize is that you never want you to recognize is that you never hear God's word without God having a hear God's word without God having a hear God's word without God having a purpose. He always has a purpose. His purpose. He always has a purpose. His purpose. He always has a purpose. His word never returns void. He always wants word never returns void. He always wants word never returns void. He always wants to speak to you. Hey, that wasn't one of to speak to you. Hey, that wasn't one of to speak to you. Hey, that wasn't one of my favorite sermons. Who really cares?

my favorite sermons. Who really cares? my favorite sermons. Who really cares? God can still speak to you. God can still speak to you. God can still speak to you. >> God I I sometimes people quote me and >> God I I sometimes people quote me and >> God I I sometimes people quote me and say, "Pastor Craig, when you said that, say, "Pastor Craig, when you said that, say, "Pastor Craig, when you said that, it changed my life." And like, I never it changed my life." And like, I never it changed my life." And 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. So, I want to ask you both loving. So, I want to ask you both loving. So, I want to ask you again. Same thing Lyle asked me. When is again. Same thing Lyle asked me. When is again. Same thing Lyle asked me. When is the last time you made a decision that the last time you made a decision that the last time you made a decision that actually took faith? [snorts] actually took faith? [snorts] actually took faith? [snorts] 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 the lobby between two I stood in the lobby between two I stood in the lobby between two services and I asked every person, "Do services and I asked every person, "Do services and I asked every person, "Do you have close Christian friends?" And you have close Christian friends?" And you have close Christian friends?" And almost everybody, almost everybody, almost everybody, almost everybody, almost everybody, almost everybody, about nine out of 10, looked at me like about nine out of 10, looked at me like about nine out of 10, looked at me like I just diagnosed a horrible problem and I just diagnosed a horrible problem and I just diagnosed a horrible problem and went, "No." And their body language went, "No." And their body language went, "No." And their body language changed. Do you have you have close, changed. Do you have you have close, changed. Do you have you have close, strong Christian friends? No. And their strong Christian friends? No. And their strong Christian friends? No. And their body language changed. One out of 10 or body language changed. One out of 10 or body language changed. One out of 10 or so would say yes. And their body so would say yes. And their body so would say yes. And their body language change. Like yes, I do. Like I language change. Like yes, I do. Like I language change. Like yes, I do. Like I have a treasure. Yes, I do. Yes, I do.

have a treasure. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. have a treasure. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. No, I don't. Yes, I do. If you don't No, I don't. Yes, I do. If you don't No, I don't. Yes, I do. If you don't have it, you're you're missing one of have it, you're you're missing one of have it, you're you're missing one of the key ingredients of knowing God, the key ingredients of knowing God, the key ingredients of knowing God, serving God, being faithful for God, serving God, being faithful for God, serving God, being faithful for God, enjoying the blessings of God. because enjoying the blessings of God. because enjoying the blessings of God. because we're not just called for individual we're not just called for individual we're not just called for individual relationship with him. But Christianity relationship with him. But Christianity relationship with him. But Christianity is more of a corporate relationship with is more of a corporate relationship with is more of a corporate relationship with him. And we're going to get together in him. And we're going to get together in him. And we're going to get together in the body of Christ. We're going to study the body of Christ. We're going to study the body of Christ. We're going to study his word together. We're going to serve his word together. We're going to serve his word together. We're going to serve one another. We're going to love one one another. We're going to love one one another. We're going to love one another. We're going to forgive one another. We're going to forgive one another. We're going to forgive one another. And we're going to ask each another. And we're going to ask each another. And we're going to ask each other, when is the last time you other, when is the last time you other, when is the last time you actually made a decision that took actually made a decision that took actually made a decision that took faith? And I'm going to help you answer faith? And I'm going to help you answer faith? And I'm going to help you answer that question. Here's a question. When that question. Here's a question. When that question. Here's a question. When is the last time you made a decision is the last time you made a decision is the last time you made a decision that took faith? Here's how you answer that took faith? Here's how you answer that took faith? Here's how you answer it. If you can accomplish everything it. If you can accomplish everything it. If you can accomplish everything you're doing right now without needing you're doing right now without needing you're doing right now without needing God, God, 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, hurts us and separates us from God, hurts us and separates us from God, 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. And whatever it is, God wants forgive. And whatever it is, God wants forgive. And whatever it is, God wants you to take the faith step and you you to take the faith step and you you to take the faith step and you haven't done it, NOT BECAUSE YOU DON'T haven't done it, NOT BECAUSE YOU DON'T haven't done it, NOT BECAUSE YOU DON'T LOVE GOD, LOVE GOD, 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." is because preaching it passionately." is because preaching it passionately." is because that's me that's me that's me again. again. again. 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 thought I kind of again. I'm like, I thought I kind of again. I'm like, I thought I kind of just want to take it easy. just want to take it easy. just want to 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. [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] [applause] you're going to watch Esther [applause] you're going to watch Esther [applause] you're going to watch Esther do this because if if you look at her do this because if if you look at her do this because if if you look at her life, she could have very easily thought life, she could have very easily thought life, she could have very easily thought that the palace was finally like the that the palace was finally like the that the palace was finally like the reward. Okay, they chose me and I reward. Okay, they chose me and I reward. Okay, they chose me and I endured it and I went through all that endured it and I went through all that endured it and I went through all that stuff and now I have comfort and power, stuff and now I have comfort and power, stuff and now I have comfort and power, but the palace wasn't the reward. The but the palace wasn't the reward. The but the palace wasn't the reward. The palace was preparation. Watch palace was preparation. Watch palace was 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 [music] for you. Your very same is true [music] for you. Your very same is true [music] for you. Your biggest step of faith is ahead of you. biggest step of faith is ahead of you. biggest step of faith is ahead of you. Don't let comfort keep you from your Don't let comfort keep you from your Don't let comfort keep you from your calling. calling. 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. Grieve it. Grieve it. Turn back to him. [clears throat] Turn back to him. [clears throat] Turn back to him. [clears throat] 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 when is the last time you made a when is the last time you made a 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 [music] we're going to talk about this [music] we're going to talk about this [music] we're going to talk about this in our life groups and we're going to be in our life groups and we're going to be in our life groups and we're going to be together in the body of Christ and we're together in the body of Christ and we're together in the body of Christ and we're going to pray for each other and we're going to pray for each other and we're going to pray for each other and we're going to stand together and we're going going to stand together and we're going going to stand together and we're going to be conformed to the image of Christ to be conformed to the image of Christ to be conformed to the image of Christ because we're not playing. We're just because we're not playing. We're just because we're not playing. We're just going to church. We are the church. This going to church. We are the church. This going to church. We are the church. This isn't just a check the box and we go on isn't just a check the box and we go on isn't just a check the box and we go on with life. We are the body of Christ with life. We are the body of Christ with life. We are the body of Christ called by God to be a light in the world called by God to be a light in the world called by God to be a light in the world to share his word with people. That's to share his word with people. That's to share his word with people. That's who we are. We're going to do it who we are. We're going to do it 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 to you. Would and I pray that God speaks to you. Would and I pray that God speaks to you. Would you pray with me today? [music] you pray with me today? [music] you pray with me today? [music] 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. [music] all of us. [music] all of us. [music] God, comfort those that are hurting and God, comfort those that are hurting and God, comfort those that are hurting and God convict [music] those of us that are God convict [music] those of us that are God convict [music] 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, [music] if you recognize churches, [music] if you recognize churches, [music] if you recognize you're a little bit more comfortable, you're a little bit more comfortable, you're a little bit more comfortable, we're going to do this again. I keep we're going to do this again. I keep we're going to do this again. I keep changing my mind. Open up your eyes. changing my mind. Open up your eyes. changing my mind. Open up your eyes. Let's just let's just not let's just not Let's just let's just not let's just not Let's just let's just not let's just not play. We're not hiding this thing. If play. We're not hiding this thing. If play. We're not hiding this thing. If you recognize you are a follower of you recognize you are a follower of you recognize you are a follower of Jesus and you've been a little more Jesus and you've been a little more Jesus 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 just be uncomfortable live by faith, you just be uncomfortable live by faith, you just be uncomfortable for a minute and lift up your hands and for a minute and lift up your hands and for a minute and lift up your hands and say, "It's me." That's praise God for say, "It's me." That's praise God for say, "It's me." That's praise God for you. Just be honest. Now, we're going to you. Just be honest. Now, we're going to you. Just be honest. Now, we're going to [music] just put your hands in front of [music] just put your hands in front of [music] just put your hands in front of you just kind of in a surrender place you just kind of in a surrender place you just kind of in a surrender place for God and just just kind of do this. for God and just just kind of do this. for God and just just kind of do this. Now, you can close your eyes and we're Now, you can close your eyes and we're Now, you can close your eyes and we're just going to pray [music] and in your just going to pray [music] and in your just going to pray [music] and in your own words, you can just tell God, I'm own words, you can just tell God, I'm own words, you can just tell God, I'm I'm I'm trusting you in faith. God, I I I'm I'm trusting you in faith. God, I I I'm I'm trusting you in faith. God, I I pray for every person who has grown more pray for every person who has grown more pray 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. [music] for miraculous and know you. [music] for miraculous and know you. [music] for miraculous and supernatural healing in a body that most supernatural healing in a body that most supernatural healing in a body that most would say would could never be healed. would say would could never be healed. would say would could never be healed. God for restoration for a broken God for restoration for a broken God for restoration for a broken relationship relationship 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. [music] broken. [music] broken. [music] God for faith for provision not just for God for faith for provision not just for God for faith for provision not just for us but so that we could be generous and us but so that we could be generous and us but so that we could be generous and be a blessing [music] to others. God for be a blessing [music] to others. God for be a blessing [music] to others. God for faith to give to someone or to to give faith to give to someone or to to give faith to give to someone or to to give what you prompted us to give. [music] what you prompted us to give. [music] what you prompted us to give. [music] God with just surrendered hands. God with just surrendered hands. God with just surrendered hands. We choose [music] faith. We choose [music] faith. We choose [music] faith. 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 choose faith." [music] choose faith." [music] choose faith." [music] I choose I choose I choose faith. faith. faith. 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, um, nobody looking around praying today, um, nobody looking around praying today, um, 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, you're far from God. [music] Um let me you're far from God. [music] Um let me you're far from God. [music] 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 loud, by grace. If you know it, say it loud, by grace. If you know it, say it loud, 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 unmmerited favor of faith. Grace is the unmmerited favor of faith. Grace is the unmmerited 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 up. Oh, come on in Praise God for you up. Oh, come on in Praise God for you up. Oh, come on in the section here. Others say yes. Jesus, the section here. Others say yes. Jesus, the section here. Others say yes. Jesus, I surrender. People up here. Praise God I surrender. People up here. Praise God I surrender. People 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. [music] Help me to live by faith love. [music] Help me to live by faith love. [music] Help me to live by faith every day by faith. Living for you. My every day by faith. Living for you. My every day by faith. Living for you. My life is not my own. I give it all to life is not my own. I give it all to life is not my own. I give it all to you. In Jesus name I pray. Church, can you. In Jesus name I pray. Church, can you. In Jesus name I pray. Church, can you celebrate? Give God glory. Come on.

you celebrate? Give God glory. Come on. you celebrate? Give God glory. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. We can trust that God works through all We can trust that God works through all We can trust that God works through all of our circumstances, even when we of our circumstances, even when we of our circumstances, even when we struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his [music] presence. To learn more about [music] presence. To learn more about [music] presence. To learn more about finding a faith that always sustains finding a faith that always sustains finding a faith that always sustains you, just click here.