Blessed Are The Pure In Heart | Kingdom Culture

I'm excited to get into the word today. I'm excited to get into the word today. We're going to be uh no other place than We're going to be uh no other place than We're going to be uh no other place than but Matthew chapter 5 as we continue our but Matthew chapter 5 as we continue our but Matthew chapter 5 as we continue our series in the biatitudes. That's where series in the biatitudes. That's where series in the biatitudes. That's where you will find them. Matthew chapter 5. you will find them. Matthew chapter 5. you will find them. Matthew chapter 5. Today we're going to continue our series Today we're going to continue our series Today we're going to continue our series in Matthew 5. Uh it's called the in Matthew 5. Uh it's called the in Matthew 5. Uh it's called the biatitudes this section of scripture. biatitudes this section of scripture. biatitudes this section of scripture. And to remind you, beatitude means to be And to remind you, beatitude means to be And to remind you, beatitude means to be blessed. It it means to be happy. And blessed. It it means to be happy. And blessed. It it means to be happy. And the world will will teach you that the world will will teach you that the world will will teach you that happiness in a blessed life is defined happiness in a blessed life is defined happiness in a blessed life is defined by your circumstances. by your circumstances. by your circumstances. But how many of y'all know God comes in But how many of y'all know God comes in But how many of y'all know God comes in and corrects that and says you can be and corrects that and says you can be and corrects that and says you can be happy based off of the attitude in your happy based off of the attitude in your happy based off of the attitude in your heart regardless of your circumstances. heart regardless of your circumstances. heart regardless of your circumstances. And so with that being said, today I And so with that being said, today I And so with that being said, today I want to talk about which heart attitude, want to talk about which heart attitude, want to talk about which heart attitude, which beatitude we're going to cover which beatitude we're going to cover which beatitude we're going to cover today. And you find it in verse eight if today. And you find it in verse eight if today. And you find it in verse eight if y'all want to look down there with me. y'all want to look down there with me. y'all want to look down there with me. It's just one sentence. I'm not used to It's just one sentence. I'm not used to It's just one sentence. I'm not used to preaching off of one sentence, but this preaching off of one sentence, but this preaching off of one sentence, but this is what we have here today. Verse 8, is what we have here today. Verse 8, is what we have here today. Verse 8, Matthew 5'8 says, "Blessed are the pure Matthew 5'8 says, "Blessed are the pure Matthew 5'8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." In in heart, for they will see God." In in heart, for they will see God." In fact, it's so short, I want to say it fact, it's so short, I want to say it fact, it's so short, I want to say it again, but I want you guys to say it again, but I want you guys to say it again, but I want you guys to say it with me from the top. You ready? One, with me from the top. You ready? One, with me from the top. You ready? One, two, three. Blessed are the pure in two, three. Blessed are the pure in two, three. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Today I heart, for they will see God. Today I heart, for they will see God. Today I want to talk to you guys about what it want to talk to you guys about what it want to talk to you guys about what it means to have a pure and undivided and means to have a pure and undivided and means to have a pure and undivided and clean heart before God. Billy Graham clean heart before God. Billy Graham clean heart before God. Billy Graham always told this this joke like over and always told this this joke like over and always told this this joke like over and over again about this young college kid

over again about this young college kid over again about this young college kid going to this zoo and applying for a job going to this zoo and applying for a job going to this zoo and applying for a job and the only job opening they had for and the only job opening they had for and the only job opening they had for him was to to be the bear. the bear had him was to to be the bear. the bear had him was to to be the bear. the bear had just died. And so they they needed him just died. And so they they needed him just died. And so they they needed him to to get inside this bear suit and just to to get inside this bear suit and just to to get inside this bear suit and just give his best bear impersonation all day give his best bear impersonation all day give his best bear impersonation all day long. And so he put the bear suit on and long. And so he put the bear suit on and long. And so he put the bear suit on and he was like really good at it. He would he was like really good at it. He would he was like really good at it. He would he would growl and he would freak people he would growl and he would freak people he would growl and he would freak people out and go up on his hind legs and out and go up on his hind legs and out and go up on his hind legs and people from all over were driving in to people from all over were driving in to people from all over were driving in to see this bear and the employees were see this bear and the employees were see this bear and the employees were like, "Bro, this is the best worker like, "Bro, this is the best worker like, "Bro, this is the best worker we've ever had. This guy's crazy good." we've ever had. This guy's crazy good." we've ever had. This guy's crazy good." And then one day he got like really into And then one day he got like really into And then one day he got like really into it. And so he was like, you know, it. And so he was like, you know, it. And so he was like, you know, beating his chest and he was growling beating his chest and he was growling beating his chest and he was growling and everybody was screaming. Then he and everybody was screaming. Then he and everybody was screaming. Then he goes over to the gate that leads to the goes over to the gate that leads to the goes over to the gate that leads to the lion's section right next to him. He lion's section right next to him. He lion's section right next to him. He starts shaking on the lion's gate and on starts shaking on the lion's gate and on starts shaking on the lion's gate and on accident the gate breaks and the lion accident the gate breaks and the lion accident the gate breaks and the lion rushes in. And so the the guy in in the rushes in. And so the the guy in in the rushes in. And so the the guy in in the bear suit starts to scream, "I'm I'm not bear suit starts to scream, "I'm I'm not bear suit starts to scream, "I'm I'm not actually a bear. I'm I'm only a man actually a bear. I'm I'm only a man actually a bear. I'm I'm only a man dressed up as a bear. I'm only a man.

dressed up as a bear. I'm only a man. dressed up as a bear. I'm only a man. Somebody help. Somebody save me." And Somebody help. Somebody save me." And Somebody help. Somebody save me." And the lion said, 'Bro, you dummies, shut the lion said, 'Bro, you dummies, shut the lion said, 'Bro, you dummies, shut up. You're going to get us both fired, up. You're going to get us both fired, up. You're going to get us both fired, man. man. man. And so, and so the point the point of And so, and so the point the point of And so, and so the point the point of the story is that just because somebody the story is that just because somebody the story is that just because somebody says they're one thing, how many of you says they're one thing, how many of you says they're one thing, how many of you know there can be something else going know there can be something else going know there can be something else going on underneath the surface? on underneath the surface? on underneath the surface? But somebody who is pure in heart, But somebody who is pure in heart, But somebody who is pure in heart, aims to please God at everything they aims to please God at everything they aims to please God at everything they do, even all the way down to their core. do, even all the way down to their core. do, even all the way down to their core. All the way down to their core. And so All the way down to their core. And so All the way down to their core. And so to catch you guys up on this series, and to catch you guys up on this series, and to catch you guys up on this series, and I'm going to kind of bring this back to I'm going to kind of bring this back to I'm going to kind of bring this back to what we're talking about today. We're what we're talking about today. We're what we're talking about today. We're we're calling it kingdom culture. we're calling it kingdom culture. we're calling it kingdom culture. Culture basically means the way of life Culture basically means the way of life Culture basically means the way of life of a group of people. And I said this of a group of people. And I said this of a group of people. And I said this week one that how many of you know that week one that how many of you know that week one that how many of you know that the moment we're adopted into God's the moment we're adopted into God's the moment we're adopted into God's family, our way of life, like the way we family, our way of life, like the way we family, our way of life, like the way we do things, the way we talk, the way we do things, the way we talk, the way we do things, the way we talk, the way we act should look different than the world act should look different than the world act should look different than the world around us. That instead of blending in around us. That instead of blending in around us. That instead of blending in with the darkness through pure lives, we with the darkness through pure lives, we with the darkness through pure lives, we should actually light up the darkness.

should actually light up the darkness. should actually light up the darkness. Um, the analogy that comes to mind for Um, the analogy that comes to mind for Um, the analogy that comes to mind for me is that of a lighthouse. I I've never me is that of a lighthouse. I I've never me is that of a lighthouse. I I've never been to a lighthouse before. I've always been to a lighthouse before. I've always been to a lighthouse before. I've always wanted to go to a lighthouse. I I looked wanted to go to a lighthouse. I I looked wanted to go to a lighthouse. I I looked up to see if there was one in Arkansas. up to see if there was one in Arkansas. up to see if there was one in Arkansas. We ain't got nothing. And so anyway, if We ain't got nothing. And so anyway, if We ain't got nothing. And so anyway, if you guys own a lighthouse, just like hit you guys own a lighthouse, just like hit you guys own a lighthouse, just like hit a boy up. I've always wanted to go see a boy up. I've always wanted to go see a boy up. I've always wanted to go see one. But one that I'm a I'm aware of is one. But one that I'm a I'm aware of is one. But one that I'm a I'm aware of is this lighthouse off the coast of North this lighthouse off the coast of North this lighthouse off the coast of North Carolina called the Cape Hatteris Carolina called the Cape Hatteris Carolina called the Cape Hatteris Lighthouse. And for centuries, it's it's Lighthouse. And for centuries, it's it's Lighthouse. And for centuries, it's it's been known as like one of the most been known as like one of the most been known as like one of the most prominent lighouses on the the Atlantic prominent lighouses on the the Atlantic prominent lighouses on the the Atlantic coast. And so, uh, basically this this coast. And so, uh, basically this this coast. And so, uh, basically this this area of waters called Cape Hatteris was area of waters called Cape Hatteris was area of waters called Cape Hatteris was like a super dangerous cape of waters like a super dangerous cape of waters like a super dangerous cape of waters for for years. Basically, what what for for years. Basically, what what for for years. Basically, what what happens is the the cold water from the happens is the the cold water from the happens is the the cold water from the north meets the warmer water from the north meets the warmer water from the north meets the warmer water from the Caribbean. And it's always mixing and Caribbean. And it's always mixing and Caribbean. And it's always mixing and like blending together. And so what's like blending together. And so what's like blending together. And so what's happening is it's actually shifting the happening is it's actually shifting the happening is it's actually shifting the sandbarss around that cape, making uh sandbarss around that cape, making uh sandbarss around that cape, making uh and changing like dangerous obstacles and changing like dangerous obstacles and changing like dangerous obstacles that are just popping up for sailors that are just popping up for sailors that are just popping up for sailors that are traveling by. For for years, that are traveling by. For for years, that are traveling by. For for years, they they called this place the they they called this place the they they called this place the graveyard of the Atlantic. Like a graveyard of the Atlantic. Like a graveyard of the Atlantic. Like a terrible name for a cruise ship. Like terrible name for a cruise ship. Like terrible name for a cruise ship. Like pretty cool name for a pirate movie, pretty cool name for a pirate movie, pretty cool name for a pirate movie, though. And so like they they named it though. And so like they they named it though. And so like they they named it this. And then in order to like help this. And then in order to like help this. And then in order to like help sailors like navigate safely by, they sailors like navigate safely by, they sailors like navigate safely by, they they put up this lighthouse there. And they put up this lighthouse there. And they put up this lighthouse there. And uh basically how the inside of a uh basically how the inside of a uh basically how the inside of a lighthouse works because this is the lighthouse works because this is the lighthouse works because this is the most mesmerizing part to me. How the most mesmerizing part to me. How the most mesmerizing part to me. How the inside of a lighthouse works is that inside of a lighthouse works is that inside of a lighthouse works is that there's this massive bulb just like a

there's this massive bulb just like a there's this massive bulb just like a lamp, but instead of that light just lamp, but instead of that light just lamp, but instead of that light just surrounding and and causing light to surrounding and and causing light to surrounding and and causing light to just be cast out just near the light, uh just be cast out just near the light, uh just be cast out just near the light, uh the reason that it's able to shine so the reason that it's able to shine so the reason that it's able to shine so far is that on the inside of these far is that on the inside of these far is that on the inside of these lighouses are thousands of glass prisms lighouses are thousands of glass prisms lighouses are thousands of glass prisms that are perfectly aligned. And so the that are perfectly aligned. And so the that are perfectly aligned. And so the light just magnifies through these glass light just magnifies through these glass light just magnifies through these glass prisms. And because it intensifies and prisms. And because it intensifies and prisms. And because it intensifies and amplifies and is magnified through the amplifies and is magnified through the amplifies and is magnified through the purity of these glass prisms, these purity of these glass prisms, these purity of these glass prisms, these lights are able to be seen up to 20 lights are able to be seen up to 20 lights are able to be seen up to 20 miles away. And and so I say all that to miles away. And and so I say all that to miles away. And and so I say all that to say that I believe that the local say that I believe that the local say that I believe that the local church, I believe this church is like a church, I believe this church is like a church, I believe this church is like a lighthouse. Isn't it true that every lighthouse. Isn't it true that every lighthouse. Isn't it true that every single one of us, God, he took us from single one of us, God, he took us from single one of us, God, he took us from some type of darkness that we were in. some type of darkness that we were in. some type of darkness that we were in. He He brought us into marvelous light. He He brought us into marvelous light. He He brought us into marvelous light. And just like those glass prisms are And just like those glass prisms are And just like those glass prisms are perfectly aligned, I believe that God is perfectly aligned, I believe that God is perfectly aligned, I believe that God is looking for people who are aligned with looking for people who are aligned with looking for people who are aligned with his word. I believe that God is looking his word. I believe that God is looking his word. I believe that God is looking for people who are aligned with his for people who are aligned with his for people who are aligned with his heart, who are aligned with his ways. So heart, who are aligned with his ways. So heart, who are aligned with his ways. So that so that his light so that the that so that his light so that the that so that his light so that the brilliance of his light can shine brilliance of his light can shine brilliance of his light can shine through people like that. And so if a through people like that. And so if a through people like that. And so if a lighthouse shines through these glass lighthouse shines through these glass lighthouse shines through these glass prisms, you could only imagine how prisms, you could only imagine how prisms, you could only imagine how important it is to keep those glass important it is to keep those glass important it is to keep those glass prisms pure and clean. In fact, I looked prisms pure and clean. In fact, I looked prisms pure and clean. In fact, I looked up that even if one little smudge of up that even if one little smudge of up that even if one little smudge of dirt, even if one blemish is on that dirt, even if one blemish is on that dirt, even if one blemish is on that glass prism, it can actually diminish glass prism, it can actually diminish glass prism, it can actually diminish the light by miles.

the light by miles. the light by miles. And so, one of the most important jobs And so, one of the most important jobs And so, one of the most important jobs of a lighthouse keeper is to keep those of a lighthouse keeper is to keep those of a lighthouse keeper is to keep those glass prisms pure. In fact, every single glass prisms pure. In fact, every single glass prisms pure. In fact, every single day they will go and they will clean day they will go and they will clean day they will go and they will clean those glass prisms one at a time in those glass prisms one at a time in those glass prisms one at a time in order to keep them pure so that the order to keep them pure so that the order to keep them pure so that the light can shine through. This reminds me light can shine through. This reminds me light can shine through. This reminds me exactly like word for word what Paul exactly like word for word what Paul exactly like word for word what Paul told Timothy when he wrote to him. Uh told Timothy when he wrote to him. Uh told Timothy when he wrote to him. Uh over seven times he basically says this over seven times he basically says this over seven times he basically says this exact same thing. I want to look at 1 exact same thing. I want to look at 1 exact same thing. I want to look at 1 Timothy 5:22. Paul writes to Timothy and Timothy 5:22. Paul writes to Timothy and Timothy 5:22. Paul writes to Timothy and he says, "Timothy, keep yourself pure. he says, "Timothy, keep yourself pure. he says, "Timothy, keep yourself pure. Keep yourself pure." In other words, Keep yourself pure." In other words, Keep yourself pure." In other words, Paul is writing to Timothy and he's Paul is writing to Timothy and he's Paul is writing to Timothy and he's saying, "Timothy, you're a lighthouse. saying, "Timothy, you're a lighthouse. saying, "Timothy, you're a lighthouse. You're called to shine. It's up to you You're called to shine. It's up to you You're called to shine. It's up to you to protect your light." to protect your light." to protect your light." >> Not not because Timothy had to be >> Not not because Timothy had to be >> Not not because Timothy had to be perfect in order to earn salvation, but perfect in order to earn salvation, but perfect in order to earn salvation, but because Paul understood something. Paul because Paul understood something. Paul because Paul understood something. Paul understood the cleaner the glass, the understood the cleaner the glass, the understood the cleaner the glass, the clearer the light. Paul understood the clearer the light. Paul understood the clearer the light. Paul understood the the cleaner the heart, the clearer the the cleaner the heart, the clearer the the cleaner the heart, the clearer the light. The purer my life, the clear light. The purer my life, the clear light. The purer my life, the clear God's light can shine through me. That's God's light can shine through me. That's God's light can shine through me. That's why Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in why Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in why Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart." And so to give you a little bit heart." And so to give you a little bit heart." And so to give you a little bit of background on Timothy, Timothy, he of background on Timothy, Timothy, he of background on Timothy, Timothy, he was from Lististra, a city in modernday was from Lististra, a city in modernday was from Lististra, a city in modernday Turkey. His mom was a Jew. His dad was a Turkey. His mom was a Jew. His dad was a Turkey. His mom was a Jew. His dad was a Greek and so he was born a gentile. He Greek and so he was born a gentile. He Greek and so he was born a gentile. He was uncircumcised. In Acts chapter 16,

was uncircumcised. In Acts chapter 16, was uncircumcised. In Acts chapter 16, Paul would take care of that issue. Lord Paul would take care of that issue. Lord Paul would take care of that issue. Lord help him. But in Acts 14, Paul journeys help him. But in Acts 14, Paul journeys help him. But in Acts 14, Paul journeys to Lististra. And though it's not to Lististra. And though it's not to Lististra. And though it's not documented here, everybody just truly documented here, everybody just truly documented here, everybody just truly believes that Timothy had to have given believes that Timothy had to have given believes that Timothy had to have given his heart to the Lord. In Acts 14, Paul his heart to the Lord. In Acts 14, Paul his heart to the Lord. In Acts 14, Paul takes this missionary journey to takes this missionary journey to takes this missionary journey to Lististra. He's he's preaching the Lististra. He's he's preaching the Lististra. He's he's preaching the gospel. And then shortly after we read gospel. And then shortly after we read gospel. And then shortly after we read that Timothy is then assigned as a that Timothy is then assigned as a that Timothy is then assigned as a lighthouse and a very influential lighthouse and a very influential lighthouse and a very influential lighthouse to go lead this massive lighthouse to go lead this massive lighthouse to go lead this massive church that we know as the church in church that we know as the church in church that we know as the church in Ephesus. Okay, Ephesus is this massive Ephesus. Okay, Ephesus is this massive Ephesus. Okay, Ephesus is this massive city in the Roman Empire. This isn't a city in the Roman Empire. This isn't a city in the Roman Empire. This isn't a small city. This isn't like a Witchah, small city. This isn't like a Witchah, small city. This isn't like a Witchah, Kansas deal. This isn't like an Kansas deal. This isn't like an Kansas deal. This isn't like an Albuquerque. This is him getting Albuquerque. This is him getting Albuquerque. This is him getting assigned to like go plant a church in assigned to like go plant a church in assigned to like go plant a church in New York City. All right. Shout out to New York City. All right. Shout out to New York City. All right. Shout out to the Knicks, by the way. All right. This the Knicks, by the way. All right. This the Knicks, by the way. All right. This is him like going going to New York City is him like going going to New York City is him like going going to New York City to to plant this church. And so you can to to plant this church. And so you can to to plant this church. And so you can only imagine Timothy, we know he was only imagine Timothy, we know he was only imagine Timothy, we know he was young, but you can only imagine how bold young, but you can only imagine how bold young, but you can only imagine how bold this guy had to have been, how this guy had to have been, how this guy had to have been, how charismatic he had to have been, how charismatic he had to have been, how charismatic he had to have been, how intelligent he had to have been. I'm intelligent he had to have been. I'm intelligent he had to have been. I'm sure he was full of grit in order to go sure he was full of grit in order to go sure he was full of grit in order to go plant a church and lead a church there.

plant a church and lead a church there. plant a church and lead a church there. But when Paul writes to Timothy, he But when Paul writes to Timothy, he But when Paul writes to Timothy, he doesn't talk about all of these doesn't talk about all of these doesn't talk about all of these attributes that he has. He repeats seven attributes that he has. He repeats seven attributes that he has. He repeats seven different times as if it's the most different times as if it's the most different times as if it's the most important message he is trying to get important message he is trying to get important message he is trying to get across. Timothy, Timothy, don't forget across. Timothy, Timothy, don't forget across. Timothy, Timothy, don't forget you got to keep yourself pure. you got to keep yourself pure. you got to keep yourself pure. >> In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, >> In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, >> In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "Have a pure heart." In 2:8, he says, "Have a pure heart." In 2:8, he says, "Have a pure heart." In 2:8, he says, "Have pure hands." In 3:9, he says, "Have pure hands." In 3:9, he says, "Have pure hands." In 3:9, he says, "Have a pure conscience." In 4:12, he "Have a pure conscience." In 4:12, he "Have a pure conscience." In 4:12, he says, "Have pure conduct." says, "Have pure conduct." says, "Have pure conduct." Listen, I believe that if Paul could Listen, I believe that if Paul could Listen, I believe that if Paul could write a letter to every single person in write a letter to every single person in write a letter to every single person in this room, but in particular the young this room, but in particular the young this room, but in particular the young leaders in this room, if Paul could leaders in this room, if Paul could leaders in this room, if Paul could write a letter to each and every single write a letter to each and every single write a letter to each and every single one of you, I believe he would write one of you, I believe he would write one of you, I believe he would write over and over and over again the same over and over and over again the same over and over and over again the same exact thing he wrote to Timothy. Keep exact thing he wrote to Timothy. Keep exact thing he wrote to Timothy. Keep yourself pure in everything you do. Keep yourself pure in everything you do. Keep yourself pure in everything you do. Keep dating pure. Don't fall into dating pure. Don't fall into dating pure. Don't fall into relationships that are constantly relationships that are constantly relationships that are constantly pulling you away from the heart of God. pulling you away from the heart of God. pulling you away from the heart of God. Yes, God will always pull you back in. Yes, God will always pull you back in. Yes, God will always pull you back in. But let's be honest, some of the biggest But let's be honest, some of the biggest But let's be honest, some of the biggest setbacks in young people are whenever setbacks in young people are whenever setbacks in young people are whenever they get impure in their relationships.

they get impure in their relationships. they get impure in their relationships. Keep yourself pure. I believe Paul would Keep yourself pure. I believe Paul would Keep yourself pure. I believe Paul would look at him and say, "Keep your eyes look at him and say, "Keep your eyes look at him and say, "Keep your eyes pure, man." Like, there's so many things pure, man." Like, there's so many things pure, man." Like, there's so many things on our devices that we can see even on on our devices that we can see even on on our devices that we can see even on accident because there's so many things accident because there's so many things accident because there's so many things we can see. How many of you know there's we can see. How many of you know there's we can see. How many of you know there's so many things available, but not so many things available, but not so many things available, but not everything that is available is everything that is available is everything that is available is beneficial, right? beneficial, right? beneficial, right? And so I believe he would say like keep And so I believe he would say like keep And so I believe he would say like keep yourself pure there because the things yourself pure there because the things yourself pure there because the things you're looking at are shaping the way you're looking at are shaping the way you're looking at are shaping the way that you are thinking and the way that that you are thinking and the way that that you are thinking and the way that you are thinking is either going to make you are thinking is either going to make you are thinking is either going to make you more like Christ or more like you more like Christ or more like you more like Christ or more like somebody you don't want to be. Keep somebody you don't want to be. Keep somebody you don't want to be. Keep yourself pure. I believe he would say yourself pure. I believe he would say yourself pure. I believe he would say make sure you do everything you can to make sure you do everything you can to make sure you do everything you can to to keep your choices pure. Don't be a to keep your choices pure. Don't be a to keep your choices pure. Don't be a door be a wall. Don't let compromise door be a wall. Don't let compromise door be a wall. Don't let compromise pass through you, but like hold up the pass through you, but like hold up the pass through you, but like hold up the standard like a child of God would. Keep standard like a child of God would. Keep standard like a child of God would. Keep yourself pure. Now, when I talk about yourself pure. Now, when I talk about yourself pure. Now, when I talk about purity, I I got to make sure that I purity, I I got to make sure that I purity, I I got to make sure that I state this like I know this room is full state this like I know this room is full state this like I know this room is full of a bunch of impure and imperfect of a bunch of impure and imperfect of a bunch of impure and imperfect people. And I'm right there with you. I people. And I'm right there with you. I people. And I'm right there with you. I I stumble all the time. And that's why I stumble all the time. And that's why I stumble all the time. And that's why I'm so thankful though that the Bible I'm so thankful though that the Bible I'm so thankful though that the Bible doesn't define a righteous person by how doesn't define a righteous person by how doesn't define a righteous person by how many times they stumble. But the Bible many times they stumble. But the Bible many times they stumble. But the Bible defines a righteous person by how many defines a righteous person by how many defines a righteous person by how many times they get up. And and and so times they get up. And and and so times they get up. And and and so listen, you you might have stumbled 90 listen, you you might have stumbled 90 listen, you you might have stumbled 90 times in the last week, but I'm here to times in the last week, but I'm here to times in the last week, but I'm here to say biblically speaking, if you still say biblically speaking, if you still say biblically speaking, if you still have breath in your lungs, you still have breath in your lungs, you still have breath in your lungs, you still have an opportunity to stand back up and have an opportunity to stand back up and have an opportunity to stand back up and to say, "I'm fighting for purity in my to say, "I'm fighting for purity in my to say, "I'm fighting for purity in my life."

life." life." >> And so, and so what does purity mean? >> And so, and so what does purity mean? >> And so, and so what does purity mean? Well, biblically speaking, there's a few Well, biblically speaking, there's a few Well, biblically speaking, there's a few different types of purity. First off, different types of purity. First off, different types of purity. First off, there is a purity that only belongs to there is a purity that only belongs to there is a purity that only belongs to God alone. The Bible says in Isaiah that God alone. The Bible says in Isaiah that God alone. The Bible says in Isaiah that the angels are surrounding him, guarding the angels are surrounding him, guarding the angels are surrounding him, guarding their faces, singing, "Holy, holy, holy, their faces, singing, "Holy, holy, holy, their faces, singing, "Holy, holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty." They holy is the Lord God Almighty." They holy is the Lord God Almighty." They can't even look his way. Think about can't even look his way. Think about can't even look his way. Think about that type of purity that belongs to God that type of purity that belongs to God that type of purity that belongs to God alone. These are angels who are perfect. alone. These are angels who are perfect. alone. These are angels who are perfect. They are sinless, yet they still are They are sinless, yet they still are They are sinless, yet they still are singing holy to a God that is even more singing holy to a God that is even more singing holy to a God that is even more pure than they are. All right? We can pure than they are. All right? We can pure than they are. All right? We can learn a lesson from the angels. Not for learn a lesson from the angels. Not for learn a lesson from the angels. Not for one day should we think we're perfect. one day should we think we're perfect. one day should we think we're perfect. Not for one day should we think that we Not for one day should we think that we Not for one day should we think that we are pure. We always need to look at God are pure. We always need to look at God are pure. We always need to look at God from a from an angle of God, you are so from a from an angle of God, you are so from a from an angle of God, you are so holy. You are so mighty. Okay. And then holy. You are so mighty. Okay. And then holy. You are so mighty. Okay. And then there's another type of purity though there's another type of purity though there's another type of purity though that we will achieve when we get to that we will achieve when we get to that we will achieve when we get to heaven. We we will be sinless kind of heaven. We we will be sinless kind of heaven. We we will be sinless kind of like the angels. And what an awesome day like the angels. And what an awesome day like the angels. And what an awesome day that will be, right? When there is no that will be, right? When there is no that will be, right? When there is no more sin that lives in communion with more sin that lives in communion with more sin that lives in communion with us. But then finally, okay, there is a us. But then finally, okay, there is a us. But then finally, okay, there is a purity that we are called to live out purity that we are called to live out purity that we are called to live out today. This is the purity that Jesus was today. This is the purity that Jesus was today. This is the purity that Jesus was talking about in this biatitude and it's talking about in this biatitude and it's talking about in this biatitude and it's called being pure in heart. Being pure called being pure in heart. Being pure called being pure in heart. Being pure in heart and I kind of spoke about it in heart and I kind of spoke about it in heart and I kind of spoke about it earlier that to be pure in heart means earlier that to be pure in heart means earlier that to be pure in heart means that even at the core of who I am, I do that even at the core of who I am, I do that even at the core of who I am, I do everything I can to aim at pleasing God.

everything I can to aim at pleasing God. everything I can to aim at pleasing God. And so what what I want to do is I just And so what what I want to do is I just And so what what I want to do is I just want to give you guys three hearts, want to give you guys three hearts, want to give you guys three hearts, three attributes of a heart that I three attributes of a heart that I three attributes of a heart that I believe make up a pure heart. Whenever believe make up a pure heart. Whenever believe make up a pure heart. Whenever Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart." If you're taking notes, I want heart." If you're taking notes, I want heart." If you're taking notes, I want you guys to to write these things down. you guys to to write these things down. you guys to to write these things down. The first one that I believe makes The first one that I believe makes The first one that I believe makes somebody have a pure heart. Makes somebody have a pure heart. Makes somebody have a pure heart. Makes somebody pure in heart is this. Number somebody pure in heart is this. Number somebody pure in heart is this. Number one, an undivided heart. An undivided one, an undivided heart. An undivided one, an undivided heart. An undivided heart. Write that down. heart. Write that down. heart. Write that down. Psalm 86:11 Psalm 86:11 Psalm 86:11 says this, "Teach me your way, Lord, says this, "Teach me your way, Lord, says this, "Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness. that I may rely on your faithfulness. that I may rely on your faithfulness. Give me an undivided heart." What does Give me an undivided heart." What does Give me an undivided heart." What does something that's undivided have to do something that's undivided have to do something that's undivided have to do with purity? Well, whenever specialists with purity? Well, whenever specialists with purity? Well, whenever specialists look at a diamond, they're able to look at a diamond, they're able to look at a diamond, they're able to define that diamond's purity based off define that diamond's purity based off define that diamond's purity based off of how much division is in that rock. of how much division is in that rock. of how much division is in that rock. So, if there's a lot of diamond, but So, if there's a lot of diamond, but So, if there's a lot of diamond, but also a lot of graphite, it's not going also a lot of graphite, it's not going also a lot of graphite, it's not going to be as valuable because there's a lot to be as valuable because there's a lot to be as valuable because there's a lot of division there. But something that is of division there. But something that is of division there. But something that is 100% diamond is going to be worth more.

100% diamond is going to be worth more. 100% diamond is going to be worth more. And and so what the psalmist is writing And and so what the psalmist is writing And and so what the psalmist is writing here is, God, give me an undivided heart here is, God, give me an undivided heart here is, God, give me an undivided heart like that. I don't want compromise in my like that. I don't want compromise in my like that. I don't want compromise in my heart. I want everything that I aim at heart. I want everything that I aim at heart. I want everything that I aim at to be something that pleases you. The to be something that pleases you. The to be something that pleases you. The the first time I I met Emily's the first time I I met Emily's the first time I I met Emily's grandfather, uh we we called him Pops. grandfather, uh we we called him Pops. grandfather, uh we we called him Pops. He he went to be with the Lord about a He he went to be with the Lord about a He he went to be with the Lord about a year and a half ago. The first time I year and a half ago. The first time I year and a half ago. The first time I ever met him, I I had an undivided ever met him, I I had an undivided ever met him, I I had an undivided heart. Y'all know how this goes. Part of heart. Y'all know how this goes. Part of heart. Y'all know how this goes. Part of me was excited to meet a relative, but me was excited to meet a relative, but me was excited to meet a relative, but the other part of me was intimidated to the other part of me was intimidated to the other part of me was intimidated to meet him. This was a hardworking, meet him. This was a hardworking, meet him. This was a hardworking, successful, like gritty guy. And then successful, like gritty guy. And then successful, like gritty guy. And then Emily gave me no warning that I was Emily gave me no warning that I was Emily gave me no warning that I was going to meet him that day. So it's at going to meet him that day. So it's at going to meet him that day. So it's at it's at church on a Sunday and she goes, it's at church on a Sunday and she goes, it's at church on a Sunday and she goes, "Hey, Pops is coming to church today. "Hey, Pops is coming to church today. "Hey, Pops is coming to church today. You get to meet him for the first time." You get to meet him for the first time." You get to meet him for the first time." Like all good, no big deal except for Like all good, no big deal except for Like all good, no big deal except for one issue. All right. I was wearing this one issue. All right. I was wearing this one issue. All right. I was wearing this jean jacket that felt like a little too jean jacket that felt like a little too jean jacket that felt like a little too tight, you know? It was like a little tight, you know? It was like a little tight, you know? It was like a little weird. And uh because in 2016, I guess weird. And uh because in 2016, I guess weird. And uh because in 2016, I guess jean jackets were in and I was trying to jean jackets were in and I was trying to jean jackets were in and I was trying to be a cool youth pastor. But now all of a be a cool youth pastor. But now all of a be a cool youth pastor. But now all of a sudden my heart's divided between being sudden my heart's divided between being sudden my heart's divided between being a cool youth pastor and also being like a cool youth pastor and also being like a cool youth pastor and also being like a potential manly future husband of a potential manly future husband of a potential manly future husband of eldest granddaughter, you know. And so eldest granddaughter, you know. And so eldest granddaughter, you know. And so I'm like, I don't really know how to how I'm like, I don't really know how to how I'm like, I don't really know how to how to do this. I couldn't take the jacket to do this. I couldn't take the jacket to do this. I couldn't take the jacket off cuz I didn't have a shirt that was off cuz I didn't have a shirt that was off cuz I didn't have a shirt that was appropriate for church. So I just looked appropriate for church. So I just looked appropriate for church. So I just looked at a friend and I was like, bro, shoot at a friend and I was like, bro, shoot at a friend and I was like, bro, shoot me straight. I need your help. Do do you me straight. I need your help. Do do you me straight. I need your help. Do do you think this jean jacket looks manly think this jean jacket looks manly think this jean jacket looks manly enough for me to meet Emily's enough for me to meet Emily's enough for me to meet Emily's grandfather for the very first time? And grandfather for the very first time? And grandfather for the very first time? And he was just like And he said he said this verbatim. He And he said he said this verbatim. He said, "Brother, just make sure you give

said, "Brother, just make sure you give said, "Brother, just make sure you give him a really firm handshake." him a really firm handshake." him a really firm handshake." And and and so and so I I I met Pops and And and and so and so I I I met Pops and And and and so and so I I I met Pops and I did exactly that. And I gripped his I did exactly that. And I gripped his I did exactly that. And I gripped his hand and gave him a fern handshake and hand and gave him a fern handshake and hand and gave him a fern handshake and like shook it for a while. And and and like shook it for a while. And and and like shook it for a while. And and and and he never said anything about the and he never said anything about the and he never said anything about the jean jacket, but he also like never jean jacket, but he also like never jean jacket, but he also like never called me over to like cut down a tree called me over to like cut down a tree called me over to like cut down a tree or like build something. or like do or like build something. or like do or like build something. or like do anything manly. And like the the point anything manly. And like the the point anything manly. And like the the point is this, like my my heart was divided is this, like my my heart was divided is this, like my my heart was divided between like trying to be two things. between like trying to be two things. between like trying to be two things. And how many of y'all know that was not And how many of y'all know that was not And how many of y'all know that was not a blessed moment? Like Jesus says, a blessed moment? Like Jesus says, a blessed moment? Like Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart." Blessed "Blessed are the pure in heart." Blessed "Blessed are the pure in heart." Blessed are those whose hearts are not divided. are those whose hearts are not divided. are those whose hearts are not divided. A divided heart, listen to this, a A divided heart, listen to this, a A divided heart, listen to this, a divided heart puts us in a dilemma where divided heart puts us in a dilemma where divided heart puts us in a dilemma where we can't be blessed because oftent times we can't be blessed because oftent times we can't be blessed because oftent times we're stuck between two realities. we're stuck between two realities. we're stuck between two realities. We're we're stuck between pursuing God We're we're stuck between pursuing God We're we're stuck between pursuing God and and we're stuck between pursuing and and we're stuck between pursuing and and we're stuck between pursuing worldliness.

worldliness. worldliness. Now, now to give you a biblical example Now, now to give you a biblical example Now, now to give you a biblical example of this, in First Kings 18, Elijah is of this, in First Kings 18, Elijah is of this, in First Kings 18, Elijah is about to face off in a heavyweight match about to face off in a heavyweight match about to face off in a heavyweight match against 450 against 450 against 450 false prophets of Baal. Okay? Baal was a false prophets of Baal. Okay? Baal was a false prophets of Baal. Okay? Baal was a madeup man-made god that the people of madeup man-made god that the people of madeup man-made god that the people of northern Israel followed and basically northern Israel followed and basically northern Israel followed and basically adopted into their religion. And so adopted into their religion. And so adopted into their religion. And so Elijah stands up in boldness in in First Elijah stands up in boldness in in First Elijah stands up in boldness in in First Kings 18:21 and he says this, "How long Kings 18:21 and he says this, "How long Kings 18:21 and he says this, "How long how long will you waver between two how long will you waver between two how long will you waver between two opinions? opinions? opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if If the Lord is God, follow him. But if If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal is God, follow him." And to the Baal is God, follow him." And to the Baal is God, follow him." And to the divided heart, God asked the very same divided heart, God asked the very same divided heart, God asked the very same question. How long are you going to go question. How long are you going to go question. How long are you going to go on toying with the very same sins? Like on toying with the very same sins? Like on toying with the very same sins? Like like never giving yourself fully over to like never giving yourself fully over to like never giving yourself fully over to your sin, but never giving yourself your sin, but never giving yourself your sin, but never giving yourself fully over to the Lord either. You're fully over to the Lord either. You're fully over to the Lord either. You're limping between two realities. You're limping between two realities. You're limping between two realities. You're limping between two things. And you're limping between two things. And you're limping between two things. And you're not blessed. You're divided.

not blessed. You're divided. not blessed. You're divided. Can you picture just how blessed you Can you picture just how blessed you Can you picture just how blessed you would be if your heart wasn't divided? would be if your heart wasn't divided? would be if your heart wasn't divided? Can you picture how blessed you would be Can you picture how blessed you would be Can you picture how blessed you would be if all you did every single day was aim if all you did every single day was aim if all you did every single day was aim to please God? Didn't have to have the to please God? Didn't have to have the to please God? Didn't have to have the shame and the consequences of your shame and the consequences of your shame and the consequences of your choices that came from a divided heart choices that came from a divided heart choices that came from a divided heart following you around all day. But every following you around all day. But every following you around all day. But every single day you woke up and said, "God, single day you woke up and said, "God, single day you woke up and said, "God, I'm here to serve you. I want you to I'm here to serve you. I want you to I'm here to serve you. I want you to unite my heart. I no longer want to have unite my heart. I no longer want to have unite my heart. I no longer want to have a divided heart." You can choose to have a divided heart." You can choose to have a divided heart." You can choose to have an undivided heart here today. In fact, an undivided heart here today. In fact, an undivided heart here today. In fact, even right here in this moment, you can even right here in this moment, you can even right here in this moment, you can say that prayer. You can say, "God, I I say that prayer. You can say, "God, I I say that prayer. You can say, "God, I I I know I've been living a divided way. I know I've been living a divided way. I know I've been living a divided way. I'm ready to be united. I'm ready to be I'm ready to be united. I'm ready to be I'm ready to be united. I'm ready to be united with you. Think about how blessed united with you. Think about how blessed united with you. Think about how blessed you would be if you did that. Not only you would be if you did that. Not only you would be if you did that. Not only that, but then Jesus, he actually tags that, but then Jesus, he actually tags that, but then Jesus, he actually tags on a promise. He says, "Blessed are the on a promise. He says, "Blessed are the on a promise. He says, "Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the undivided pure in heart. Blessed are the undivided pure in heart. Blessed are the undivided hearts, for they will see God." hearts, for they will see God." hearts, for they will see God." Okay, how incredible is that? Like, Okay, how incredible is that? Like, Okay, how incredible is that? Like, people have been trying to interpret people have been trying to interpret people have been trying to interpret what this means for for centuries, but what this means for for centuries, but what this means for for centuries, but since I'm the one talking, I'm gonna since I'm the one talking, I'm gonna since I'm the one talking, I'm gonna give you guys my interpretation. All give you guys my interpretation. All give you guys my interpretation. All right. Um, have you guys ever ever right. Um, have you guys ever ever right. Um, have you guys ever ever watched uh YouTube TV on that like watched uh YouTube TV on that like watched uh YouTube TV on that like multiv- view split screen? Uh, what you multiv- view split screen? Uh, what you multiv- view split screen? Uh, what you can do if you're not if you're not aware can do if you're not if you're not aware can do if you're not if you're not aware of the function is you can put on four of the function is you can put on four of the function is you can put on four up to four games at once that will split up to four games at once that will split up to four games at once that will split the screen. So like a quarter there, a the screen. So like a quarter there, a the screen. So like a quarter there, a quarter there, a quarter here, and a quarter there, a quarter here, and a quarter there, a quarter here, and a quarter there. So four different games quarter there. So four different games quarter there. So four different games that you want to watch all at the same that you want to watch all at the same that you want to watch all at the same time. It's it's perfect if you're trying time. It's it's perfect if you're trying time. It's it's perfect if you're trying to watch a lot of games that you're not to watch a lot of games that you're not to watch a lot of games that you're not that invested in. Okay? like Alabama. I

that invested in. Okay? like Alabama. I that invested in. Okay? like Alabama. I I always put them They never get more I always put them They never get more I always put them They never get more than a quarter of my screen. You know than a quarter of my screen. You know than a quarter of my screen. You know what I mean? And so like I'll just put what I mean? And so like I'll just put what I mean? And so like I'll just put them at the Amen. I'll just put them at them at the Amen. I'll just put them at them at the Amen. I'll just put them at the bottom. That's the first amen that the bottom. That's the first amen that the bottom. That's the first amen that guy's ever said in church. And I'm guy's ever said in church. And I'm guy's ever said in church. And I'm kidding. I love you, Don. And so we'll kidding. I love you, Don. And so we'll kidding. I love you, Don. And so we'll put you we'll put you I'll put Alabama put you we'll put you I'll put Alabama put you we'll put you I'll put Alabama at the bottom corner. You know, you at the bottom corner. You know, you at the bottom corner. You know, you always got to keep an eye on the enemy. always got to keep an eye on the enemy. always got to keep an eye on the enemy. Can I get an amen? And uh and so that's Can I get an amen? And uh and so that's Can I get an amen? And uh and so that's what you do. But but then when that one what you do. But but then when that one what you do. But but then when that one game starts, you know, the game that game starts, you know, the game that game starts, you know, the game that you've been waiting for all day, uh you you've been waiting for all day, uh you you've been waiting for all day, uh you you click off multiv- view and you make you click off multiv- view and you make you click off multiv- view and you make that game the only view because uh that game the only view because uh that game the only view because uh you've been waiting all day. You you you you've been waiting all day. You you you you've been waiting all day. You you you want to see every single detail and when want to see every single detail and when want to see every single detail and when a commercial comes up on the TV, you're a commercial comes up on the TV, you're a commercial comes up on the TV, you're not skipping over. Nobody's taking that not skipping over. Nobody's taking that not skipping over. Nobody's taking that remote from you. You are staying locked remote from you. You are staying locked remote from you. You are staying locked in. Why? Because you don't want to miss in. Why? Because you don't want to miss in. Why? Because you don't want to miss a thing. that game, that thing is a thing. that game, that thing is a thing. that game, that thing is getting my undivided attention. I don't getting my undivided attention. I don't getting my undivided attention. I don't want to miss anything. And and as a want to miss anything. And and as a want to miss anything. And and as a pastor, I I have heard so many times pastor, I I have heard so many times pastor, I I have heard so many times from people, "Bro, I just can't see God.

from people, "Bro, I just can't see God. from people, "Bro, I just can't see God. I I can't hear from him. When is he I I can't hear from him. When is he I I can't hear from him. When is he going to show up? When is he going to going to show up? When is he going to going to show up? When is he going to speak to me? Where where is he? Why why speak to me? Where where is he? Why why speak to me? Where where is he? Why why can't I find him? Why can't I see him? can't I find him? Why can't I see him? can't I find him? Why can't I see him? He's so hard to find." He's so hard to find." He's so hard to find." Or maybe we're treating God like multiv- Or maybe we're treating God like multiv- Or maybe we're treating God like multiv- view and we're missing him. Maybe he's view and we're missing him. Maybe he's view and we're missing him. Maybe he's not the only thing. Maybe he's just one not the only thing. Maybe he's just one not the only thing. Maybe he's just one thing. Maybe he's only getting a quarter thing. Maybe he's only getting a quarter thing. Maybe he's only getting a quarter of our screen. Maybe he's only getting a of our screen. Maybe he's only getting a of our screen. Maybe he's only getting a quarter of our time. And so therefore, quarter of our time. And so therefore, quarter of our time. And so therefore, if he's only getting a quarter of my if he's only getting a quarter of my if he's only getting a quarter of my time and my my brain and my heart is time and my my brain and my heart is time and my my brain and my heart is also divided between my opinion and also divided between my opinion and also divided between my opinion and God's opinion, what in his word he tells God's opinion, what in his word he tells God's opinion, what in his word he tells me that I should do and what in his word me that I should do and what in his word me that I should do and what in his word I want to do, don't you think I'm going I want to do, don't you think I'm going I want to do, don't you think I'm going to miss him from time to time? Think to miss him from time to time? Think to miss him from time to time? Think about the two disciples on the road to about the two disciples on the road to about the two disciples on the road to Emmas. They're walking down this road Emmas. They're walking down this road Emmas. They're walking down this road and we talked about this at Easter and and we talked about this at Easter and and we talked about this at Easter and and Jesus walks up right beside them and Jesus walks up right beside them and Jesus walks up right beside them with the nail scars in his hands and with the nail scars in his hands and with the nail scars in his hands and they miss them. They don't even know they miss them. They don't even know they miss them. They don't even know it's Jesus. Why? Because their hearts it's Jesus. Why? Because their hearts it's Jesus. Why? Because their hearts were divided between belief and were divided between belief and were divided between belief and unbelief. They couldn't see him.

unbelief. They couldn't see him. unbelief. They couldn't see him. >> And so what's in a what's a couple >> And so what's in a what's a couple >> And so what's in a what's a couple examples of this in in our faith? These examples of this in in our faith? These examples of this in in our faith? These are very practical. These are very are very practical. These are very are very practical. These are very simple. But I believe this is why people simple. But I believe this is why people simple. But I believe this is why people aren't seeing God the way that he wants aren't seeing God the way that he wants aren't seeing God the way that he wants to reveal himself. You know, we believe to reveal himself. You know, we believe to reveal himself. You know, we believe here at New Life Church that one moment here at New Life Church that one moment here at New Life Church that one moment in the presence of God can change in the presence of God can change in the presence of God can change everything. We always say that. And so everything. We always say that. And so everything. We always say that. And so that therefore whenever I worship, God's that therefore whenever I worship, God's that therefore whenever I worship, God's presence is around me. And so my my sole presence is around me. And so my my sole presence is around me. And so my my sole focus should be to encounter him. But if focus should be to encounter him. But if focus should be to encounter him. But if my sole focus isn't on encountering him my sole focus isn't on encountering him my sole focus isn't on encountering him and I'm also thinking about, man, the and I'm also thinking about, man, the and I'm also thinking about, man, the music it's a little too loud for my music it's a little too loud for my music it's a little too loud for my liking or maybe I wish it was a little liking or maybe I wish it was a little liking or maybe I wish it was a little bit louder bit louder bit louder or how come they're how come they're not or how come they're how come they're not or how come they're how come they're not singing the songs that I like? What singing the songs that I like? What singing the songs that I like? What happened to the hymns? How come they're happened to the hymns? How come they're happened to the hymns? How come they're singing me? And if my heart is split singing me? And if my heart is split singing me? And if my heart is split between focusing on God and focusing on between focusing on God and focusing on between focusing on God and focusing on what I want, don't you think from time what I want, don't you think from time what I want, don't you think from time to time I'm going to miss them? to time I'm going to miss them? to time I'm going to miss them? Okay? Like whenever I read the word, if Okay? Like whenever I read the word, if Okay? Like whenever I read the word, if if I'm just reading it on my phone and if I'm just reading it on my phone and if I'm just reading it on my phone and like notifications are popping up and like notifications are popping up and like notifications are popping up and Instagram is one click away and I'm just Instagram is one click away and I'm just Instagram is one click away and I'm just distracted and my heart is divided, distracted and my heart is divided, distracted and my heart is divided, don't you think I'm going to miss some don't you think I'm going to miss some don't you think I'm going to miss some things that he's trying to jump out and things that he's trying to jump out and things that he's trying to jump out and tell me and reveal himself in? If if the tell me and reveal himself in? If if the tell me and reveal himself in? If if the Lord in his word tells me that I need to Lord in his word tells me that I need to Lord in his word tells me that I need to be bold and share my faith, but my heart be bold and share my faith, but my heart be bold and share my faith, but my heart is split between desiring to do that, is split between desiring to do that, is split between desiring to do that, but also the fear of what people are but also the fear of what people are but also the fear of what people are going to think about me. And so going to think about me. And so going to think about me. And so therefore, I'm in this mixture and I'm therefore, I'm in this mixture and I'm therefore, I'm in this mixture and I'm and I'm never actually stepping out and and I'm never actually stepping out and and I'm never actually stepping out and doing it. Don't you think I'm going to doing it. Don't you think I'm going to doing it. Don't you think I'm going to miss God whenever I did if I did step miss God whenever I did if I did step miss God whenever I did if I did step out and then allowed him to show up in a

out and then allowed him to show up in a out and then allowed him to show up in a way that only he could show up and way that only he could show up and way that only he could show up and reveal himself in a conversation that reveal himself in a conversation that reveal himself in a conversation that had I not stepped out, he wouldn't have had I not stepped out, he wouldn't have had I not stepped out, he wouldn't have been able to reveal himself in. I think been able to reveal himself in. I think been able to reveal himself in. I think God is just waiting for people to step God is just waiting for people to step God is just waiting for people to step out of the boat like Peter and say, out of the boat like Peter and say, out of the boat like Peter and say, "With everything that I'm doing, I'm "With everything that I'm doing, I'm "With everything that I'm doing, I'm keeping my eyes on you. You're my only keeping my eyes on you. You're my only keeping my eyes on you. You're my only focus. I'm not looking at the waves. I'm focus. I'm not looking at the waves. I'm focus. I'm not looking at the waves. I'm not looking at the fear. I'm not looking not looking at the fear. I'm not looking not looking at the fear. I'm not looking at distractions. give me an undivided at distractions. give me an undivided at distractions. give me an undivided heart. It's those type of people that heart. It's those type of people that heart. It's those type of people that see God because somebody with an see God because somebody with an see God because somebody with an undivided heart is only looking for God. undivided heart is only looking for God. undivided heart is only looking for God. >> And and whenever we look for God and God >> And and whenever we look for God and God >> And and whenever we look for God and God only, I think those people are going to only, I think those people are going to only, I think those people are going to see him a little bit more often. see him a little bit more often. see him a little bit more often. >> And and so number one, I I believe a >> And and so number one, I I believe a >> And and so number one, I I believe a pure heart is an undivided heart. But pure heart is an undivided heart. But pure heart is an undivided heart. But number two, write this down. I believe a number two, write this down. I believe a number two, write this down. I believe a pure heart is a guarded heart. A guarded pure heart is a guarded heart. A guarded pure heart is a guarded heart. A guarded heart. heart. heart. When I say guarded, I'm not talking When I say guarded, I'm not talking When I say guarded, I'm not talking about like a heart that has gotten hard. about like a heart that has gotten hard. about like a heart that has gotten hard. Um, I'm talking about a heart that's Um, I'm talking about a heart that's Um, I'm talking about a heart that's guarding itself from the grime, from the guarding itself from the grime, from the guarding itself from the grime, from the muck that's trying to get in. I I got muck that's trying to get in. I I got muck that's trying to get in. I I got this point from Proverbs 4:23. It says, this point from Proverbs 4:23. It says, this point from Proverbs 4:23. It says, "Above all else, guard your heart."

"Above all else, guard your heart." "Above all else, guard your heart." Everybody say, "Guard your heart." Everybody say, "Guard your heart." Everybody say, "Guard your heart." >> Above all else, guard your heart, for >> Above all else, guard your heart, for >> Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. My my everything you do flows from it. My my everything you do flows from it. My my favorite example um that relates to this favorite example um that relates to this favorite example um that relates to this passage that has to do with our heart is passage that has to do with our heart is passage that has to do with our heart is uh is the crawl space of a home. About a uh is the crawl space of a home. About a uh is the crawl space of a home. About a year ago, we had a realtor that came and year ago, we had a realtor that came and year ago, we had a realtor that came and looked at Emily and I's home. And the looked at Emily and I's home. And the looked at Emily and I's home. And the very first thing they wanted to look at very first thing they wanted to look at very first thing they wanted to look at was the crawl space underneath the was the crawl space underneath the was the crawl space underneath the house. And if you're not sure what a house. And if you're not sure what a house. And if you're not sure what a crawl space is underneath the house, crawl space is underneath the house, crawl space is underneath the house, it's where Emily sends me to sleep when it's where Emily sends me to sleep when it's where Emily sends me to sleep when I'm in trouble. And uh I'm kidding. It's I'm in trouble. And uh I'm kidding. It's I'm in trouble. And uh I'm kidding. It's where we send the kids to timeout. And where we send the kids to timeout. And where we send the kids to timeout. And uh uh uh and so uh we had this realer come and and so uh we had this realer come and and so uh we had this realer come and and look at our crawl space because and look at our crawl space because and look at our crawl space because basically what what's happens in the basically what what's happens in the basically what what's happens in the crawl space can can basically affect crawl space can can basically affect crawl space can can basically affect everything else in the house. So if everything else in the house. So if everything else in the house. So if something is is molding down there, if something is is molding down there, if something is is molding down there, if something is infected down there, if something is infected down there, if something is infected down there, if something is rotting down there, it can something is rotting down there, it can something is rotting down there, it can eventually seep or like this verse says eventually seep or like this verse says eventually seep or like this verse says flow flow through the rest of the house flow flow through the rest of the house flow flow through the rest of the house and affect the air that we breathe.

and affect the air that we breathe. and affect the air that we breathe. Okay? And so it's very important that Okay? And so it's very important that Okay? And so it's very important that you have like annual often checkups on you have like annual often checkups on you have like annual often checkups on your crawl space so that it doesn't your crawl space so that it doesn't your crawl space so that it doesn't affect your house. And I'm just here to affect your house. And I'm just here to affect your house. And I'm just here to tell you that the crawl space of your tell you that the crawl space of your tell you that the crawl space of your soul is your heart. soul is your heart. soul is your heart. >> The crawl space of your soul, the thing >> The crawl space of your soul, the thing >> The crawl space of your soul, the thing that ever so often you have to check that ever so often you have to check that ever so often you have to check from what's trying to sneak in is your from what's trying to sneak in is your from what's trying to sneak in is your heart. Why? Genesis 4:7, one of the very heart. Why? Genesis 4:7, one of the very heart. Why? Genesis 4:7, one of the very first warnings about sin in the Bible, first warnings about sin in the Bible, first warnings about sin in the Bible, God looks at Cain and he says, "Sin is God looks at Cain and he says, "Sin is God looks at Cain and he says, "Sin is crouching at the door. crouching at the door. crouching at the door. It's eager to control you, but you must It's eager to control you, but you must It's eager to control you, but you must subdue it and be its master." And so, if subdue it and be its master." And so, if subdue it and be its master." And so, if we aren't intentional to guard our we aren't intentional to guard our we aren't intentional to guard our hearts, the same thing that can happen hearts, the same thing that can happen hearts, the same thing that can happen to a crawl space can happen to you. Like to a crawl space can happen to you. Like to a crawl space can happen to you. Like when a little critter called bitterness when a little critter called bitterness when a little critter called bitterness sneaks its way in. When when a little sneaks its way in. When when a little sneaks its way in. When when a little critter called anger, lust, pride, you critter called anger, lust, pride, you critter called anger, lust, pride, you you name it, when it sneaks its way in, you name it, when it sneaks its way in, you name it, when it sneaks its way in, it might be hidden at first, but if left it might be hidden at first, but if left it might be hidden at first, but if left unguarded, if left unccured, what's unguarded, if left unccured, what's unguarded, if left unccured, what's hidden can grow and fester into hidden can grow and fester into hidden can grow and fester into something that you don't want to be something that you don't want to be something that you don't want to be there. For me, a little critter that there. For me, a little critter that there. For me, a little critter that tries to sneak into my heart often is tries to sneak into my heart often is tries to sneak into my heart often is this critter called defensiveness.

this critter called defensiveness. this critter called defensiveness. And when defensiveness is left And when defensiveness is left And when defensiveness is left unguarded, if I don't cure it, if I unguarded, if I don't cure it, if I unguarded, if I don't cure it, if I don't bring it to the Lord, that don't bring it to the Lord, that don't bring it to the Lord, that defensiveness can turn into a heap of defensiveness can turn into a heap of defensiveness can turn into a heap of pride, y'all. Like my wife, you know, pride, y'all. Like my wife, you know, pride, y'all. Like my wife, you know, different times in our marriage has come different times in our marriage has come different times in our marriage has come to me with her sweet voice and said to me with her sweet voice and said to me with her sweet voice and said something like, "Tanner, I just don't something like, "Tanner, I just don't something like, "Tanner, I just don't think you you handled that the the best think you you handled that the the best think you you handled that the the best way." And because I'm so defensive in my way." And because I'm so defensive in my way." And because I'm so defensive in my mind, I'm thinking, "Don't you know mind, I'm thinking, "Don't you know mind, I'm thinking, "Don't you know you're talking to the great one right you're talking to the great one right you're talking to the great one right now now now or whatever, you know?" or whatever, you know?" or whatever, you know?" But but but listen, like But but but listen, like But but but listen, like if if I allowed my my defensiveness to if if I allowed my my defensiveness to if if I allowed my my defensiveness to get in the way of ever changing in my get in the way of ever changing in my get in the way of ever changing in my relationship with her, it couldn't it relationship with her, it couldn't it relationship with her, it couldn't it very possible that very slowly I would very possible that very slowly I would very possible that very slowly I would start to do the same thing with God start to do the same thing with God start to do the same thing with God where where that instead of having a where where that instead of having a where where that instead of having a guarded heart towards sin, I have a guarded heart towards sin, I have a guarded heart towards sin, I have a guarded heart towards his correction and guarded heart towards his correction and guarded heart towards his correction and I never change and and never become the I never change and and never become the I never change and and never become the person of God that he wants me to be. person of God that he wants me to be. person of God that he wants me to be. And and so we're we're called to have a And and so we're we're called to have a And and so we're we're called to have a guarded heart towards sin. What in your guarded heart towards sin. What in your guarded heart towards sin. What in your heart, let me ask you, what in your heart, let me ask you, what in your heart, let me ask you, what in your heart have you let in?

heart have you let in? heart have you let in? Just like you would call a company to Just like you would call a company to Just like you would call a company to come clean out your crawl space and come clean out your crawl space and come clean out your crawl space and inspect what's going on, the Holy Spirit inspect what's going on, the Holy Spirit inspect what's going on, the Holy Spirit is the inspector of our heart. And and is the inspector of our heart. And and is the inspector of our heart. And and when you call on him, he can do a mighty when you call on him, he can do a mighty when you call on him, he can do a mighty and awesome work. And we're going to and awesome work. And we're going to and awesome work. And we're going to give you that opportunity in just a give you that opportunity in just a give you that opportunity in just a second. So what is a pure heart? It's an second. So what is a pure heart? It's an second. So what is a pure heart? It's an undivided heart. Okay, it is a guarded undivided heart. Okay, it is a guarded undivided heart. Okay, it is a guarded heart. But then number three, and I'm heart. But then number three, and I'm heart. But then number three, and I'm going to close with this keys. You can going to close with this keys. You can going to close with this keys. You can join me out here. join me out here. join me out here. A pure heart is a cleansed heart. A pure heart is a cleansed heart. A pure heart is a cleansed heart. I told you that the Holy Spirit, when I told you that the Holy Spirit, when I told you that the Holy Spirit, when you call on him, he's faithful to do you call on him, he's faithful to do you call on him, he's faithful to do some mighty work and to clean your heart some mighty work and to clean your heart some mighty work and to clean your heart out. And that's what a pure heart does. out. And that's what a pure heart does. out. And that's what a pure heart does. It it it gets clean before God so that It it it gets clean before God so that It it it gets clean before God so that you can shine your light more you can shine your light more you can shine your light more brilliantly. brilliantly. brilliantly. First John 1:9 gives us three parts to a First John 1:9 gives us three parts to a First John 1:9 gives us three parts to a cleansed heart. And I want to show them cleansed heart. And I want to show them cleansed heart. And I want to show them to you, okay? You can see them all in to you, okay? You can see them all in to you, okay? You can see them all in this verse right here. It says, "If we this verse right here. It says, "If we this verse right here. It says, "If we confess our sins," so like there is an confess our sins," so like there is an confess our sins," so like there is an action that we're called to do. This is action that we're called to do. This is action that we're called to do. This is us calling on the Holy Spirit. This is us calling on the Holy Spirit. This is us calling on the Holy Spirit. This is us calling on the inspector. It says, us calling on the inspector. It says, us calling on the inspector. It says, "If we confess our sins, here they are.

"If we confess our sins, here they are. "If we confess our sins, here they are. He is faithful and just He is faithful and just He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." And so from all unrighteousness." And so from all unrighteousness." And so there's three things in this verse that there's three things in this verse that there's three things in this verse that God will do in order to cleanse you that God will do in order to cleanse you that God will do in order to cleanse you that I see here. Number one is justification. I see here. Number one is justification. I see here. Number one is justification. Number two is forgiveness. And number Number two is forgiveness. And number Number two is forgiveness. And number three is cleansing. I want to go through three is cleansing. I want to go through three is cleansing. I want to go through all of them real fast. Okay. What is all of them real fast. Okay. What is all of them real fast. Okay. What is justification? Maybe you've heard this justification? Maybe you've heard this justification? Maybe you've heard this word in church before. It's a very word in church before. It's a very word in church before. It's a very churchy word. It's a very scriptural churchy word. It's a very scriptural churchy word. It's a very scriptural word. Justification is a legal term. It word. Justification is a legal term. It word. Justification is a legal term. It means to drop a charge. Okay? The reason means to drop a charge. Okay? The reason means to drop a charge. Okay? The reason somebody makes it into heaven, okay? You somebody makes it into heaven, okay? You somebody makes it into heaven, okay? You got to get this, is not because somebody got to get this, is not because somebody got to get this, is not because somebody lives a clean and perfect life. The lives a clean and perfect life. The lives a clean and perfect life. The reason somebody makes it into heaven is reason somebody makes it into heaven is reason somebody makes it into heaven is because God does not charge their sin because God does not charge their sin because God does not charge their sin against them. Romans 8:33 says, "Who against them. Romans 8:33 says, "Who against them. Romans 8:33 says, "Who will bring any charge against those whom will bring any charge against those whom will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who God has chosen? It is God who God has chosen? It is God who justifies." justifies." justifies." >> Okay, we're we're all sinners, but the >> Okay, we're we're all sinners, but the >> Okay, we're we're all sinners, but the reason we have been justified is because reason we have been justified is because reason we have been justified is because God charged our sin to the account of God charged our sin to the account of God charged our sin to the account of Jesus through his death and crucifixion Jesus through his death and crucifixion Jesus through his death and crucifixion upon the cross. All right? our charge upon the cross. All right? our charge upon the cross. All right? our charge was dropped because Jesus took the was dropped because Jesus took the was dropped because Jesus took the punishment. In other words, Jesus picked punishment. In other words, Jesus picked punishment. In other words, Jesus picked up the bill. Have you ever been to a up the bill. Have you ever been to a up the bill. Have you ever been to a lunch or to a dinner or breakfast with lunch or to a dinner or breakfast with lunch or to a dinner or breakfast with somebody and there's two people fighting somebody and there's two people fighting somebody and there's two people fighting over the bill? You know, they both pull over the bill? You know, they both pull over the bill? You know, they both pull their credit cards out. They're like, their credit cards out. They're like, their credit cards out. They're like, "No, your credit card is no good here.

"No, your credit card is no good here. "No, your credit card is no good here. You got it last time. I'll get it this You got it last time. I'll get it this You got it last time. I'll get it this time. You can get it next time." And time. You can get it next time." And time. You can get it next time." And they're just bickering. They're just they're just bickering. They're just they're just bickering. They're just fighting because they hate to be the fighting because they hate to be the fighting because they hate to be the person who doesn't get to pay. I love to person who doesn't get to pay. I love to person who doesn't get to pay. I love to hate like I don't get to pick up the hate like I don't get to pick up the hate like I don't get to pick up the tab, but actually I love it. You know, tab, but actually I love it. You know, tab, but actually I love it. You know, I'm like, man, are you sure, bro? And I'm like, man, are you sure, bro? And I'm like, man, are you sure, bro? And so, uh, so, uh, so, uh, I think we can all agree to be thankful I think we can all agree to be thankful I think we can all agree to be thankful on one thing, that Jesus picked up the on one thing, that Jesus picked up the on one thing, that Jesus picked up the bill. bill. bill. >> He picked He picked it up for us. He >> He picked He picked it up for us. He >> He picked He picked it up for us. He justified us. And here's what that justified us. And here's what that justified us. And here's what that means. When we get to heaven, there's means. When we get to heaven, there's means. When we get to heaven, there's going to be no additional charges. Some going to be no additional charges. Some going to be no additional charges. Some of you think you're going to be judged of you think you're going to be judged of you think you're going to be judged for your sin. No. Look, Jesus was for your sin. No. Look, Jesus was for your sin. No. Look, Jesus was already judged for that. He's going to already judged for that. He's going to already judged for that. He's going to accept. He's going to bring you in and accept. He's going to bring you in and accept. He's going to bring you in and say, "Well done, my good and faithful say, "Well done, my good and faithful say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Not because what you did, but servant. Not because what you did, but servant. Not because what you did, but because of what Jesus did. That's final. because of what Jesus did. That's final. because of what Jesus did. That's final. Okay. Number two, what else does he do? Okay. Number two, what else does he do? Okay. Number two, what else does he do? He He forgives us. I want to talk about He He forgives us. I want to talk about He He forgives us. I want to talk about forgiveness for a second. Justification forgiveness for a second. Justification forgiveness for a second. Justification is a legal term. All right. Forgiveness is a legal term. All right. Forgiveness is a legal term. All right. Forgiveness is a relational term. All right? Once is a relational term. All right? Once is a relational term. All right? Once you were God's enemy, now you are his you were God's enemy, now you are his you were God's enemy, now you are his friend. And everybody said, "Amen." friend. And everybody said, "Amen." friend. And everybody said, "Amen." Right? Forgiveness is relational because Right? Forgiveness is relational because Right? Forgiveness is relational because it takes two people, right? One, one it takes two people, right? One, one it takes two people, right? One, one person has to be repentive of their sin.

person has to be repentive of their sin. person has to be repentive of their sin. and the other person then chooses to and the other person then chooses to and the other person then chooses to look over it. The moment you come to God look over it. The moment you come to God look over it. The moment you come to God with a repentive heart, he is faithful with a repentive heart, he is faithful with a repentive heart, he is faithful to forgive you. And not just to forgive to forgive you. And not just to forgive to forgive you. And not just to forgive you, but to look past your past. Amen. you, but to look past your past. Amen. you, but to look past your past. Amen. It says in Micah 7:19, "You will again It says in Micah 7:19, "You will again It says in Micah 7:19, "You will again have compassion on us and hurl our have compassion on us and hurl our have compassion on us and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea. iniquities into the depths of the sea. iniquities into the depths of the sea. They will be forgotten." They will be forgotten." They will be forgotten." An old pastor one time said this that An old pastor one time said this that An old pastor one time said this that God drops your sins into the sea and God drops your sins into the sea and God drops your sins into the sea and then he puts up a sign right there that then he puts up a sign right there that then he puts up a sign right there that says no fishing. Don't you love that? says no fishing. Don't you love that? says no fishing. Don't you love that? Those charges won't be brought back up. Those charges won't be brought back up. Those charges won't be brought back up. You've been forgiven. It is final. And You've been forgiven. It is final. And You've been forgiven. It is final. And then finally, there is a cleansing then finally, there is a cleansing then finally, there is a cleansing though. A cleansing that takes place. though. A cleansing that takes place. though. A cleansing that takes place. What is a cleansing? It's it's personal. What is a cleansing? It's it's personal. What is a cleansing? It's it's personal. It means in Christ, God washes your It means in Christ, God washes your It means in Christ, God washes your heart and he washes your life. Cleaning heart and he washes your life. Cleaning heart and he washes your life. Cleaning is such a big part of our culture. Maybe is such a big part of our culture. Maybe is such a big part of our culture. Maybe you you pressure wash your house after you you pressure wash your house after you you pressure wash your house after the pollen once a year. Maybe you you the pollen once a year. Maybe you you the pollen once a year. Maybe you you wash and clean your car every few weeks.

wash and clean your car every few weeks. wash and clean your car every few weeks. Perhaps you do your laundry every few Perhaps you do your laundry every few Perhaps you do your laundry every few days. I I hope you brush your teeth days. I I hope you brush your teeth days. I I hope you brush your teeth every day. I hope you know. Um for for every day. I hope you know. Um for for every day. I hope you know. Um for for me, I I don't know why I do this, but me, I I don't know why I do this, but me, I I don't know why I do this, but every single morning when I wake up, I I every single morning when I wake up, I I every single morning when I wake up, I I rinse myself off in the shower. I I when rinse myself off in the shower. I I when rinse myself off in the shower. I I when I was sleeping, I was sleeping in a I was sleeping, I was sleeping in a I was sleeping, I was sleeping in a perfectly clean bed. I I wasn't waiting perfectly clean bed. I I wasn't waiting perfectly clean bed. I I wasn't waiting through the marsh in the middle of the through the marsh in the middle of the through the marsh in the middle of the night. But when I But when I wake up, I night. But when I But when I wake up, I night. But when I But when I wake up, I just have this I just I feel dirty. And just have this I just I feel dirty. And just have this I just I feel dirty. And so I go I go clean myself. And I say all so I go I go clean myself. And I say all so I go I go clean myself. And I say all this to say that justification, listen, this to say that justification, listen, this to say that justification, listen, happens one time. It's final. For happens one time. It's final. For happens one time. It's final. For forgiveness happens once, it is final. forgiveness happens once, it is final. forgiveness happens once, it is final. But cleansing has to happen over and But cleansing has to happen over and But cleansing has to happen over and over and over again. I never move on. over and over again. I never move on. over and over again. I never move on. And I I never graduate from the need of And I I never graduate from the need of And I I never graduate from the need of being cleansed by the blood of Christ in being cleansed by the blood of Christ in being cleansed by the blood of Christ in my heart. If we moved on from that, my heart. If we moved on from that, my heart. If we moved on from that, there wouldn't be a need to take there wouldn't be a need to take there wouldn't be a need to take communion. We're about to take communion. We're about to take communion. We're about to take communion. communion. communion. If we graduated from cleansing, there If we graduated from cleansing, there If we graduated from cleansing, there wouldn't be a need to remember what wouldn't be a need to remember what wouldn't be a need to remember what Jesus Christ did on the cross. How he Jesus Christ did on the cross. How he Jesus Christ did on the cross. How he spilled his blood for us and how that spilled his blood for us and how that spilled his blood for us and how that blood and that that water purifies our blood and that that water purifies our blood and that that water purifies our heart and purifies our life so that we heart and purifies our life so that we heart and purifies our life so that we can become more like him. And so in just can become more like him. And so in just can become more like him. And so in just a minute, we're going to take communion.

a minute, we're going to take communion. a minute, we're going to take communion. And here's what the Bible tells us to And here's what the Bible tells us to And here's what the Bible tells us to do. That whenever you do it, to examine do. That whenever you do it, to examine do. That whenever you do it, to examine your heart. We were going to do commune your heart. We were going to do commune your heart. We were going to do commune at the front. We chose to put it here at the front. We chose to put it here at the front. We chose to put it here because what an awesome time to allow because what an awesome time to allow because what an awesome time to allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse you as you the Holy Spirit to cleanse you as you the Holy Spirit to cleanse you as you examine your heart. Because I just want examine your heart. Because I just want examine your heart. Because I just want to ask, where are you? to ask, where are you? to ask, where are you? Where's the person in this room that Where's the person in this room that Where's the person in this room that says, "I I need to be made right with says, "I I need to be made right with says, "I I need to be made right with God. I I need to be cleaned. I need to God. I I need to be cleaned. I need to God. I I need to be cleaned. I need to be purified. that I need to chase not a be purified. that I need to chase not a be purified. that I need to chase not a divided heart but an undivided heart. I divided heart but an undivided heart. I divided heart but an undivided heart. I need a guarded heart. Lord, would you need a guarded heart. Lord, would you need a guarded heart. Lord, would you please cleanse me? Where are you? Who is please cleanse me? Where are you? Who is please cleanse me? Where are you? Who is that person? I want you to think about that person? I want you to think about that person? I want you to think about what it is that you need to allow the what it is that you need to allow the what it is that you need to allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse you of here today Holy Spirit to cleanse you of here today Holy Spirit to cleanse you of here today as we close in prayer. Would you bow as we close in prayer. Would you bow as we close in prayer. Would you bow your heads with me all across this room? your heads with me all across this room? your heads with me all across this room? I'm so thankful that God justifies us, I'm so thankful that God justifies us, I'm so thankful that God justifies us, forgives us, and in just a minute to all forgives us, and in just a minute to all forgives us, and in just a minute to all the believers, he's going to cleanse the believers, he's going to cleanse the believers, he's going to cleanse you. But I just want to ask, I never you. But I just want to ask, I never you. But I just want to ask, I never want to move on from a moment where we want to move on from a moment where we want to move on from a moment where we ask, maybe there's somebody in this room ask, maybe there's somebody in this room ask, maybe there's somebody in this room right here, right now. You don't believe right here, right now. You don't believe right here, right now. You don't believe that you've been justified yet. You that you've been justified yet. You that you've been justified yet. You don't believe you've been forgiven.

don't believe you've been forgiven. don't believe you've been forgiven. Maybe you've never made that prayer or Maybe you've never made that prayer or Maybe you've never made that prayer or you're so unclean, you feel that you you're so unclean, you feel that you you're so unclean, you feel that you need to recommmit your life to God and need to recommmit your life to God and need to recommmit your life to God and return to him. Listen, he is faithful to return to him. Listen, he is faithful to return to him. Listen, he is faithful to forgive when a heart repents. forgive when a heart repents. forgive when a heart repents. All the Bible tells us to do is confess All the Bible tells us to do is confess All the Bible tells us to do is confess with our mouth and to believe that Jesus with our mouth and to believe that Jesus with our mouth and to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and we will be justified. Christ is Lord and we will be justified. Christ is Lord and we will be justified. We will be forgiven. And so if that's We will be forgiven. And so if that's We will be forgiven. And so if that's you in this place today and you want to you in this place today and you want to you in this place today and you want to be made right with God and surrender be made right with God and surrender be made right with God and surrender your life to him, I just want to pray your life to him, I just want to pray your life to him, I just want to pray with you. If you're ready to say that with you. If you're ready to say that with you. If you're ready to say that prayer today, I just want you to put prayer today, I just want you to put prayer today, I just want you to put your hand over your heart. Put your hand your hand over your heart. Put your hand your hand over your heart. Put your hand over your heart right now and just say over your heart right now and just say over your heart right now and just say this. Say, "God, I admit that I'm a this. Say, "God, I admit that I'm a this. Say, "God, I admit that I'm a sinner. sinner. sinner. That I believe that you went to the That I believe that you went to the That I believe that you went to the cross. You died for me. cross. You died for me. cross. You died for me. And now I'm forgiven. and I've been And now I'm forgiven. and I've been And now I'm forgiven. and I've been justified. justified. justified. Thank you, Jesus. I also believe that Thank you, Jesus. I also believe that Thank you, Jesus. I also believe that you you raised from that grave. you you raised from that grave. you you raised from that grave. So, I'm not worshiping somebody that's So, I'm not worshiping somebody that's So, I'm not worshiping somebody that's dead. I'm worshiping somebody who's dead. I'm worshiping somebody who's dead. I'm worshiping somebody who's alive. alive. alive. When I confess with my mouth that you When I confess with my mouth that you When I confess with my mouth that you are my Lord. Tell them that.

are my Lord. Tell them that. are my Lord. Tell them that. And with all that I am, with everything And with all that I am, with everything And with all that I am, with everything I believe, I'm following after you in I believe, I'm following after you in I believe, I'm following after you in Jesus mighty name. with every head still Jesus mighty name. with every head still Jesus mighty name. with every head still bowed and eyes closed. I'm just curious bowed and eyes closed. I'm just curious bowed and eyes closed. I'm just curious if you said that prayer today, would you if you said that prayer today, would you if you said that prayer today, would you please just lift up your hands so I can please just lift up your hands so I can please just lift up your hands so I can see you? So I know who I prayed with see you? So I know who I prayed with see you? So I know who I prayed with today. I said just for a little bit today. I said just for a little bit today. I said just for a little bit longer, raise up your hand. This always longer, raise up your hand. This always longer, raise up your hand. This always encourages me to know what God is up to. encourages me to know what God is up to. encourages me to know what God is up to. I see y'all. Thank you. You can put your I see y'all. Thank you. You can put your I see y'all. Thank you. You can put your hands down. Everybody else, you can go hands down. Everybody else, you can go hands down. Everybody else, you can go ahead.