New Life Church | Digital Service

Oh, your [music and singing] mercy never Oh, your [music and singing] mercy never fails me. fails me. fails me. And all my days And all my days And all my days I've been held [singing] I've been held [singing] I've been held [singing] in your [music] hands. in your [music] hands. in your [music] hands. From the moment that [singing] I wake From the moment that [singing] I wake From the moment that [singing] I wake until I lay my [music] head, until I lay my [music] head, until I lay my [music] head, oh, I will sing oh, I will sing oh, I will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. [music] All my [singing] life you [music] have All my [singing] life you [music] have been faith. All my life you have been feel so All my life you have been feel so [music] [music] [music] so good. so good. so good. With every [music and singing] breath With every [music and singing] breath With every [music and singing] breath that I am made, that I am made, that I am made, I [music] will sing I [music] will sing I [music] will sing of the of the of the [music] You [music] let [singing] me through the You [music] let [singing] me through the fire.

fire. fire. In darkest night, [music] In darkest night, [music] In darkest night, [music] you are close like [singing] no other. you are close like [singing] no other. you are close like [singing] no other. I know you as [music] a father. I know you as [music] a father. I know you as [music] a father. I know you as a friend. I know you as a friend. I know you as a friend. [music] I have [music] I have [music] I have in the goodness in the goodness in the goodness of God. All my [singing] life you [music] have All my [singing] life you [music] have been faithful. All my life [singing] you have [music] All my life [singing] you have [music] been so so good. been so so good. been so so good. [music] Every [singing] breath that I am I [music] will sing I [music] will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. of God. of God. [music] [music] [music] I give you everything.

Your [music] Your [music] goodness is right. [music] Your goodness is [music] Your goodness is strong. My heart [music] breaks down My heart [music] breaks down now. I give you everything. [music] Your goodness is Your goodness is running [music] out to me. All my life you have been [music] All my life you have been [music] faithful. And all my [singing] life you have been And all my [singing] life you have been [music] so so with every breath [singing] that I am with every breath [singing] that I am made.

made. made. I will sing [music] of the goodness I will sing [music] of the goodness I will sing [music] of the goodness of God. of God. of God. Yeah. I'm going to [music] sing of the Yeah. I'm going to [music] sing of the Yeah. I'm going to [music] sing of the goodness goodness goodness [snorts] of God. I remember I remember how [singing and music] you proided how you held me how you held me through the night. through the night. through the night. And I remember And I remember And I remember how you sustained me how you sustained me how you sustained me when you stepped in when you stepped in when you stepped in to save [music] my life. to save [music] my life. to save [music] my life. And if I knew [singing] then And if I knew [singing] then And if I knew [singing] then for what I [music] know now, for what I [music] know now, for what I [music] know now, then then I would be still and let you then then I would be still and let you then then I would be still and let you [singing] work it out.

Jesus, Jesus, I was tossed in [singing] the water, I was tossed in [singing] the water, I was tossed in [singing] the water, but I never went under. but I never went under. but I never went under. You [singing] were always [music] on You [singing] were always [music] on You [singing] were always [music] on time. time. time. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, when I went through the fire, when I went through the fire, when I went through the fire, you were right there beside me. Yes, you were right there beside me. Yes, you were right there beside me. Yes, [music and singing] you are. Always on [music and singing] you are. Always on [music and singing] you are. Always on time. You're always on [music] time. You're always on [music] time. You are always [singing] You are always [singing] You are always [singing] always always always on time. I remember I remember how you kept [music] how you kept [music] how you kept [music] me me me when I could. when I could. when I could. Take a step. Take a step. Take a step. And I [music and singing] remember And I [music and singing] remember And I [music and singing] remember how you loved me how you loved me how you loved me when [music and singing] I could when [music and singing] I could when [music and singing] I could love myself. Jesus.

love myself. Jesus. love myself. Jesus. Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] I was tossed in [singing] the water, I was tossed in [singing] the water, I was tossed in [singing] the water, but [music] I never went harder cuz you but [music] I never went harder cuz you but [music] I never went harder cuz you were always [singing] on time. were always [singing] on time. were always [singing] on time. [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, when I went through the fire, [music] when I went through the fire, [music] when I went through the fire, [music] you were right there beside [singing] you were right there beside [singing] you were right there beside [singing] me. Yes, you were [music] me. Yes, you were [music] me. Yes, you were [music] always on time. [singing] always on time. [singing] always on time. [singing] You are always [music] You are always [music] You are always [music] always [singing] always [singing] always [singing] your timing is perfect and you are your timing is perfect and you are your timing is perfect and you are always [music] always [music] always [music] always always always not my time but yours. [singing] You not my time but yours. [singing] You not my time but yours. [singing] You always [music] always always [music] always always [music] always always [singing] on time and I trust always [singing] on time and I trust always [singing] on time and I trust [music] you always [music] you always [music] you always [singing] [singing] [singing] always on time. [music] [music] Come on. Do you remember where he met Come on. Do you remember where he met Come on. Do you remember where he met you? Where he found you in darkness and you? Where he found you in darkness and you? Where he found you in darkness and brought you into his light?

brought you into his light? brought you into his light? Come on, [music] testify right now as Come on, [music] testify right now as Come on, [music] testify right now as you sing. There's never been a day, you sing. There's never been a day, you sing. There's never been a day, never been a minute, [music] never been a minute, [music] never been a minute, [music] never been a moment that you weren't in never been a moment that you weren't in never been a moment that you weren't in it. There's never been [singing] a time it. There's never been [singing] a time it. There's never been [singing] a time that you didn't see me through. that you didn't see me through. that you didn't see me through. And I worship you. There's never been a And I worship you. There's never been a And I worship you. There's never been a [music and singing] day, never been a [music and singing] day, never been a [music and singing] day, never been a minute. There's never been a moment that minute. There's never been a moment that minute. There's never been a moment that you weren't in it. [music and singing] you weren't in it. [music and singing] you weren't in it. [music and singing] There's never been a time that you There's never been a time that you There's never been a time that you didn't see the true God. [music] didn't see the true God. [music] didn't see the true God. [music] And I worship you. There's never been a And I worship you. There's never been a And I worship you. There's never been a day, [music] never been a minute, never day, [music] never been a minute, never day, [music] never been a minute, never been a moment that you weren't. There's been a moment that you weren't. There's been a moment that you weren't. There's never been a time that you turn to never been a time that you turn to never been a time that you turn to [music] [music] [music] God God God right. right. right. There's [music] never been a day, never There's [music] never been a day, never There's [music] never been a day, never been a minute. There never been a moment been a minute. There never been a moment been a minute. There never been a moment that you wanted. There's never been a that you wanted. There's never been a that you wanted. There's never been a time that you [music] worship. worship. [music] I lost in [singing] the water, I lost in [singing] the water, but I never but I never but I never [music] [singing] [singing] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. [music] Yes, you [music] were always on time. Yes, you [music] were always on time. You are [music and singing] You are [music and singing] You are [music and singing] always always always always always always and you're [music] always good. You are and you're [music] always good. You are and you're [music] always good. You are always You [music] You [music] always [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] One moment that you never One moment that you never One moment that you never [music] [music] [music] go and I worship you. We worship you go and I worship you. We worship you go and I worship you. We worship you Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. [music] Welcome everybody. I'm Nate. I want to Welcome everybody. I'm Nate. I want to take a moment to thank you for being take a moment to thank you for being take a moment to thank you for being here with us today online. you picked a here with us today online. you picked a here with us today online. you picked a great week [music] to tune in because great week [music] to tune in because great week [music] to tune in because we're kicking off a brand new series we're kicking off a brand new series we're kicking off a brand new series called Kingdom Culture. And over the called Kingdom Culture. And over the called Kingdom Culture. And over the next few weeks, [music] we're going to next few weeks, [music] we're going to next few weeks, [music] we're going to be looking at the biatitudes, which are be looking at the biatitudes, which are be looking at the biatitudes, which are Jesus's description of what life would Jesus's description of what life would Jesus's description of what life would look like when the values of heaven look like when the values of heaven look like when the values of heaven begin shaping the way we live right here begin shaping the way we live right here begin shaping the way we live right here on earth. [music] on earth. [music] on earth. [music] We live in a culture that's constantly We live in a culture that's constantly We live in a culture that's constantly changing. What people value changes. changing. What people value changes. changing. What people value changes. What's considered success changes like What's considered success changes like What's considered success changes like with the drop of a hat. What's popular, with the drop of a hat. What's popular, with the drop of a hat. What's popular, it changes all the time. In fact, it changes all the time. In fact, it changes all the time. In fact, sometimes it seems like the rules change sometimes it seems like the rules change sometimes it seems like the rules change [music] faster than you and I can keep [music] faster than you and I can keep [music] faster than you and I can keep up. The good news is that God's kingdom up. The good news is that God's kingdom up. The good news is that God's kingdom doesn't shift with the trends. His doesn't shift with the trends. His doesn't shift with the trends. His values are steady, [music] values are steady, [music] values are steady, [music] timeless, and lifegiving. Today, Pastor timeless, and lifegiving. Today, Pastor timeless, and lifegiving. Today, Pastor [music] Tanner Bazette is beginning this [music] Tanner Bazette is beginning this [music] Tanner Bazette is beginning this series with a message called Blessed are series with a message called Blessed are series with a message called Blessed are the Merciful. And I don't know about the Merciful. And I don't know about the Merciful. And I don't know about you, but I'm thankful that God is you, but I'm thankful that God is you, but I'm thankful that God is [music] rich in mercy. So before we hear [music] rich in mercy. So before we hear [music] rich in mercy. So before we hear from Pastor Tanner, we would love the from Pastor Tanner, we would love the from Pastor Tanner, we would love the chance to connect [music] chance to connect [music] chance to connect [music] with you. If you're new here, would you with you. If you're new here, would you with you. If you're new here, would you just take a moment and say hello in the just take a moment and say hello in the just take a moment and say hello in the comments or you can also find a link to comments or you can also find a link to comments or you can also find a link to our digital [music] connect form down our digital [music] connect form down our digital [music] connect form down below the video. Fill that out and one below the video. Fill that out and one below the video. Fill that out and one of our team members will follow up with of our team members will follow up with of our team members will follow up with you. Mostly this is because we're you. Mostly this is because we're you. Mostly this is because we're passionate [music] passionate [music] passionate [music] about helping people take their next about helping people take their next about helping people take their next steps in their walk with God. And if you

steps in their walk with God. And if you steps in their walk with God. And if you live in Arkansas or if you're anywhere live in Arkansas or if you're anywhere live in Arkansas or if you're anywhere near one of our campuses, we would love near one of our campuses, we would love near one of our campuses, we would love the opportunity [music] to meet with you the opportunity [music] to meet with you the opportunity [music] to meet with you face to face someday. So now, let's jump face to face someday. So now, let's jump face to face someday. So now, let's jump back into the service and hear this back into the service and hear this back into the service and hear this message [music] from Pastor Tanner. [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Come on, put your hands together if you >> Come on, put your hands together if you love Jesus all around this room. Come love Jesus all around this room. Come love Jesus all around this room. Come on, let's worship him for a few seconds.

on, let's worship him for a few seconds. on, let's worship him for a few seconds. [applause] [applause] [applause] And all glory uh to him. Harry just a And all glory uh to him. Harry just a And all glory uh to him. Harry just a second ago said I was coming up here to second ago said I was coming up here to second ago said I was coming up here to preach and one person clapped and that preach and one person clapped and that preach and one person clapped and that one person wasn't even my wife. So, uh, one person wasn't even my wife. So, uh, one person wasn't even my wife. So, uh, praise God. praise God. praise God. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Man, I'm excited to start a new series Man, I'm excited to start a new series Man, I'm excited to start a new series today. And so, we are going to be in today. And so, we are going to be in today. And so, we are going to be in Matthew chapter 5. If you want to go Matthew chapter 5. If you want to go Matthew chapter 5. If you want to go ahead and turn there, we will get to ahead and turn there, we will get to ahead and turn there, we will get to that in just a second. If I uh haven't that in just a second. If I uh haven't that in just a second. If I uh haven't had the chance to meet you yet, I know had the chance to meet you yet, I know had the chance to meet you yet, I know Pastor Harry was saying we have some Pastor Harry was saying we have some Pastor Harry was saying we have some visitors in the room today. And so, if I visitors in the room today. And so, if I visitors in the room today. And so, if I haven't had the chance to meet you yet, haven't had the chance to meet you yet, haven't had the chance to meet you yet, my name is Tanner Bez. I'm one of the my name is Tanner Bez. I'm one of the my name is Tanner Bez. I'm one of the pastors here on staff. A little bit pastors here on staff. A little bit pastors here on staff. A little bit about me is that I I was raised in about me is that I I was raised in about me is that I I was raised in church. I gave my heart to Jesus at a church. I gave my heart to Jesus at a church. I gave my heart to Jesus at a really young age and got water baptized really young age and got water baptized really young age and got water baptized too. But by high school, I started to too. But by high school, I started to too. But by high school, I started to kind of follow my own way some and I got kind of follow my own way some and I got kind of follow my own way some and I got caught up in partying and drinking uh caught up in partying and drinking uh caught up in partying and drinking uh six days of the week and then I would six days of the week and then I would six days of the week and then I would come to church on on Sunday and I would come to church on on Sunday and I would come to church on on Sunday and I would be a Christian again. And how many of be a Christian again. And how many of be a Christian again. And how many of y'all know that two lifestyle was pretty y'all know that two lifestyle was pretty y'all know that two lifestyle was pretty exhausting and uh I felt very exhausting and uh I felt very exhausting and uh I felt very unfulfilled. But then God in his mercy, unfulfilled. But then God in his mercy, unfulfilled. But then God in his mercy, my sophomore year of college, he got a my sophomore year of college, he got a my sophomore year of college, he got a hold of me and he gave me a second hold of me and he gave me a second hold of me and he gave me a second chance. And when I took that second chance. And when I took that second chance. And when I took that second chance, he filled that exhaustion and chance, he filled that exhaustion and chance, he filled that exhaustion and that unfulfillment with a joy that has that unfulfillment with a joy that has that unfulfillment with a joy that has never left to this day. And now it is my never left to this day. And now it is my never left to this day. And now it is my life ambition to tell people of that life ambition to tell people of that life ambition to tell people of that same mercy that reached out to me. How same mercy that reached out to me. How same mercy that reached out to me. How it's still reaching out to people like it's still reaching out to people like it's still reaching out to people like you. Okay? And so one of my favorite you. Okay? And so one of my favorite you. Okay? And so one of my favorite verses is Ephesians 4 or Ephesians 2 verses is Ephesians 4 or Ephesians 2 verses is Ephesians 4 or Ephesians 2 4-5. It says, "But because of his great

4-5. It says, "But because of his great 4-5. It says, "But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy." love for us, God who is rich in mercy." love for us, God who is rich in mercy." Say, "Rich in mercy." Say, "Rich in mercy." Say, "Rich in mercy." >> God who is rich in mercy made us alive >> God who is rich in mercy made us alive >> God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ. And so, I don't know with Christ. And so, I don't know with Christ. And so, I don't know exactly where you are today. I don't exactly where you are today. I don't exactly where you are today. I don't know where you are in your faith. You know where you are in your faith. You know where you are in your faith. You may need a lot of mercy. I've got good may need a lot of mercy. I've got good may need a lot of mercy. I've got good news for you. God is rich in it. He news for you. God is rich in it. He news for you. God is rich in it. He doesn't run out. His mercy doesn't run doesn't run out. His mercy doesn't run doesn't run out. His mercy doesn't run out. And he's here to connect with you out. And he's here to connect with you out. And he's here to connect with you today. And if you agree with that, would today. And if you agree with that, would today. And if you agree with that, would you say amen? and all of God's people. you say amen? and all of God's people. you say amen? and all of God's people. >> In just a minute, we're going to talk >> In just a minute, we're going to talk >> In just a minute, we're going to talk about God's mercy and and what a about God's mercy and and what a about God's mercy and and what a blessing it is whenever you extend that blessing it is whenever you extend that blessing it is whenever you extend that same mercy that you have received from same mercy that you have received from same mercy that you have received from God to others. But first, uh I just want God to others. But first, uh I just want God to others. But first, uh I just want to take a second to set up the series to take a second to set up the series to take a second to set up the series because this is week one of a study because this is week one of a study because this is week one of a study that's going to get us all the way to that's going to get us all the way to that's going to get us all the way to the fall. Can you believe that? Well, the fall. Can you believe that? Well, the fall. Can you believe that? Well, all the way to August. I guess it's not all the way to August. I guess it's not all the way to August. I guess it's not really fall in Arkansas, but you you get really fall in Arkansas, but you you get really fall in Arkansas, but you you get what I'm saying. June and July, we're what I'm saying. June and July, we're what I'm saying. June and July, we're going to stay in the study dur uh over going to stay in the study dur uh over going to stay in the study dur uh over the biatitudes. And so I want to set it the biatitudes. And so I want to set it the biatitudes. And so I want to set it up. We're calling this summer series up. We're calling this summer series up. We're calling this summer series kingdom culture. Kingdom culture.

kingdom culture. Kingdom culture. kingdom culture. Kingdom culture. Because as believers, we are called to Because as believers, we are called to Because as believers, we are called to bring the culture of heaven down to bring the culture of heaven down to bring the culture of heaven down to earth. Isn't that right? In Matthew earth. Isn't that right? In Matthew earth. Isn't that right? In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus, he was teaching his chapter 6, Jesus, he was teaching his chapter 6, Jesus, he was teaching his disciples how to pray. And in verse 10, disciples how to pray. And in verse 10, disciples how to pray. And in verse 10, he said, "Your kingdom come, your will he said, "Your kingdom come, your will he said, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." be done on earth as it is in heaven." be done on earth as it is in heaven." Our job as believers is to mimic the Our job as believers is to mimic the Our job as believers is to mimic the culture of heaven down here on earth. culture of heaven down here on earth. culture of heaven down here on earth. That's where we got the name kingdom That's where we got the name kingdom That's where we got the name kingdom culture. Now, to understand this a culture. Now, to understand this a culture. Now, to understand this a little bit better, let's define what little bit better, let's define what little bit better, let's define what culture is. All right, this is from culture is. All right, this is from culture is. All right, this is from Webster. C culture is the shared Webster. C culture is the shared Webster. C culture is the shared customs, customs, customs, values, behaviors, language, and way of values, behaviors, language, and way of values, behaviors, language, and way of life of a group of people. Can we all life of a group of people. Can we all life of a group of people. Can we all agree that if God has called you to agree that if God has called you to agree that if God has called you to follow him and now you are a part of his follow him and now you are a part of his follow him and now you are a part of his family, you are now a part of his family, you are now a part of his family, you are now a part of his kingdom, the way you live your life kingdom, the way you live your life kingdom, the way you live your life should probably look different than that should probably look different than that should probably look different than that way of the culture around you. Amen. And way of the culture around you. Amen. And way of the culture around you. Amen. And so, what is that culture? Well, it's so, what is that culture? Well, it's so, what is that culture? Well, it's kind of hard to define because if you kind of hard to define because if you kind of hard to define because if you haven't noticed, our culture is haven't noticed, our culture is haven't noticed, our culture is constantly changing. Is it not just constantly changing. Is it not just constantly changing. Is it not just always changing? Think about it. A few always changing? Think about it. A few always changing? Think about it. A few decades ago, okay, before the age of decades ago, okay, before the age of decades ago, okay, before the age of participation trophies, y'all help me participation trophies, y'all help me participation trophies, y'all help me out. How many trophies did they give out out. How many trophies did they give out out. How many trophies did they give out to the winners?

to the winners? to the winners? >> One. Just one. Just one trophy. All >> One. Just one. Just one trophy. All >> One. Just one. Just one trophy. All right. Now, they're giving them out to right. Now, they're giving them out to right. Now, they're giving them out to everybody. And uh people will blame the everybody. And uh people will blame the everybody. And uh people will blame the origin of this whole participation origin of this whole participation origin of this whole participation trophy culture on the millennial trophy culture on the millennial trophy culture on the millennial generation. My my my generation. They'll generation. My my my generation. They'll generation. My my my generation. They'll say they just wanted everybody to feel say they just wanted everybody to feel say they just wanted everybody to feel like they were a winner. But do you know like they were a winner. But do you know like they were a winner. But do you know who I actually believe originated this who I actually believe originated this who I actually believe originated this participation trophy idea? The owners of participation trophy idea? The owners of participation trophy idea? The owners of the trophy stores. Just just think just the trophy stores. Just just think just the trophy stores. Just just think just think about it. All right. Sales were think about it. All right. Sales were think about it. All right. Sales were down. They're like, "Man, there's not a down. They're like, "Man, there's not a down. They're like, "Man, there's not a whole lot of winners around here. In whole lot of winners around here. In whole lot of winners around here. In fact, only one person wins. I got a fact, only one person wins. I got a fact, only one person wins. I got a great idea. Let's just give them to great idea. Let's just give them to great idea. Let's just give them to everybody." And so they started everybody." And so they started everybody." And so they started spreading that that uh that propaganda spreading that that uh that propaganda spreading that that uh that propaganda that we should start giving that we should start giving that we should start giving participation trophies to everybody and participation trophies to everybody and participation trophies to everybody and sales are way up. Kind of smart if you sales are way up. Kind of smart if you sales are way up. Kind of smart if you would ask me. All right. What else has would ask me. All right. What else has would ask me. All right. What else has changed? How about like slang uh changed? How about like slang uh changed? How about like slang uh terminology, especially within our Gen Z terminology, especially within our Gen Z terminology, especially within our Gen Z uh I don't even know what they're saying uh I don't even know what they're saying uh I don't even know what they're saying these days. Just just just listen to these days. Just just just listen to these days. Just just just listen to them talk. Just listen to them talk. I them talk. Just listen to them talk. I them talk. Just listen to them talk. I overheard some students at the gym. One overheard some students at the gym. One overheard some students at the gym. One guy looked at his friend and he was guy looked at his friend and he was guy looked at his friend and he was like, "Bro, no cap. That dude was giving like, "Bro, no cap. That dude was giving like, "Bro, no cap. That dude was giving main character energy. you'd have to be main character energy. you'd have to be main character energy. you'd have to be a Dulu NPC to think that bro was mid.

a Dulu NPC to think that bro was mid. a Dulu NPC to think that bro was mid. And I was like, what did he just say? And I was like, what did he just say? And I was like, what did he just say? What did he I don't even know what he What did he I don't even know what he What did he I don't even know what he just said. And I heard somebody say, just said. And I heard somebody say, just said. And I heard somebody say, "The scariest part is that in 10 years "The scariest part is that in 10 years "The scariest part is that in 10 years that kid's going to be your doctor." All that kid's going to be your doctor." All that kid's going to be your doctor." All right, imagine that. Imagine that kid right, imagine that. Imagine that kid right, imagine that. Imagine that kid rolling into your patient room saying, rolling into your patient room saying, rolling into your patient room saying, "Hey, bro, low key, your vitals aren't "Hey, bro, low key, your vitals aren't "Hey, bro, low key, your vitals aren't looking very chill." All right, so like looking very chill." All right, so like looking very chill." All right, so like culture culture culture like culture is changing. Trends are like culture is changing. Trends are like culture is changing. Trends are changing. Uh, language is changing. changing. Uh, language is changing. changing. Uh, language is changing. Y'all don't even know what I just said a Y'all don't even know what I just said a Y'all don't even know what I just said a second ago. Like fa fashion is changing. second ago. Like fa fashion is changing. second ago. Like fa fashion is changing. But there's some things that Jesus as he But there's some things that Jesus as he But there's some things that Jesus as he began to open up his mouth said will began to open up his mouth said will began to open up his mouth said will never change. It's the it's the culture never change. It's the it's the culture never change. It's the it's the culture of heaven that will never ever change. of heaven that will never ever change. of heaven that will never ever change. And so what is this culture of heaven And so what is this culture of heaven And so what is this culture of heaven that we're talking about? What is that we're talking about? What is that we're talking about? What is kingdom culture? Well, it's found in the kingdom culture? Well, it's found in the kingdom culture? Well, it's found in the biatitudes. What does that word biatitudes. What does that word biatitudes. What does that word beatitude mean? Uh it means to be beatitude mean? Uh it means to be beatitude mean? Uh it means to be blessed. It it means to live in a state blessed. It it means to live in a state blessed. It it means to live in a state of supreme happiness. And Jesus defines of supreme happiness. And Jesus defines of supreme happiness. And Jesus defines through a kingdom culture what it looks through a kingdom culture what it looks through a kingdom culture what it looks like to live a life that is blessed. And like to live a life that is blessed. And like to live a life that is blessed. And I'm getting here in a second that was I'm getting here in a second that was I'm getting here in a second that was counterintuitive to the culture of that counterintuitive to the culture of that counterintuitive to the culture of that day. And so let's read it out loud day. And so let's read it out loud day. And so let's read it out loud together together together or just listen as I read it. How about or just listen as I read it. How about or just listen as I read it. How about that? Matthew 5 3-10 says this. Blessed that? Matthew 5 3-10 says this. Blessed that? Matthew 5 3-10 says this. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is are the poor in spirit, for theirs is are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

who mourn, for they will be comforted. who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will Blessed are the meek, for they will Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who inherit the earth. Blessed are those who inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for hunger and thirst for righteousness, for hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the they will be filled. Blessed are the they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. merciful, for they will be shown mercy. merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they Blessed are the pure in heart, for they Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the will see God. Blessed are the will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called peacemakers, for they will be called peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who children of God. Blessed are those who children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, are persecuted because of righteousness, are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All right, beautiful, right? I love these right, beautiful, right? I love these right, beautiful, right? I love these eight principles. But there's more to eight principles. But there's more to eight principles. But there's more to what we just read than what we see. what we just read than what we see. what we just read than what we see. Okay. Jesus as he is listing out these Okay. Jesus as he is listing out these Okay. Jesus as he is listing out these eight biatitudes, these eight ways of eight biatitudes, these eight ways of eight biatitudes, these eight ways of living out kingdom culture, he is living out kingdom culture, he is living out kingdom culture, he is presenting a culture that opposed the presenting a culture that opposed the presenting a culture that opposed the way you were supposed to live in order way you were supposed to live in order way you were supposed to live in order to be blessed in that day. In other to be blessed in that day. In other to be blessed in that day. In other words, the culture had changed and Jesus words, the culture had changed and Jesus words, the culture had changed and Jesus is correcting it. You could say the is correcting it. You could say the is correcting it. You could say the reason that our culture in America is reason that our culture in America is reason that our culture in America is changing so fast and so frequently to changing so fast and so frequently to changing so fast and so frequently to this day is because of how many voices this day is because of how many voices this day is because of how many voices you have speaking into society, speaking you have speaking into society, speaking you have speaking into society, speaking into culture. We live in a day and age into culture. We live in a day and age into culture. We live in a day and age with technology where anybody can record with technology where anybody can record with technology where anybody can record themselves from their living room and themselves from their living room and themselves from their living room and that video, if it gets enough likes and that video, if it gets enough likes and that video, if it gets enough likes and enough views, can go viral and can enough views, can go viral and can enough views, can go viral and can actually shape the culture. Everybody actually shape the culture. Everybody actually shape the culture. Everybody has a voice. If you're on social media a has a voice. If you're on social media a has a voice. If you're on social media a lot, maybe you've seen these whole uh a lot, maybe you've seen these whole uh a lot, maybe you've seen these whole uh a day in the life videos. You know, like a day in the life videos. You know, like a day in the life videos. You know, like a day in the life of a stay-at-home mom, a day in the life of a stay-at-home mom, a day in the life of a stay-at-home mom, a day in the life of a traveling nurse, a day in the life of a traveling nurse, a day in the life of a traveling nurse, a day in the life of a single 30-year-old

day in the life of a single 30-year-old day in the life of a single 30-year-old in New York City. All right, we call all in New York City. All right, we call all in New York City. All right, we call all of these people influencers. And of these people influencers. And of these people influencers. And influencers are shaping culture. And I influencers are shaping culture. And I influencers are shaping culture. And I don't know if you knew this, but they don't know if you knew this, but they don't know if you knew this, but they actually had influencers back in Jesus's actually had influencers back in Jesus's actually had influencers back in Jesus's day as well. All right? It wasn't the day as well. All right? It wasn't the day as well. All right? It wasn't the influencers we're used to. This wasn't influencers we're used to. This wasn't influencers we're used to. This wasn't Tik Tok influencers. That'd be kind of Tik Tok influencers. That'd be kind of Tik Tok influencers. That'd be kind of funny. A day in the life of a shepherd funny. A day in the life of a shepherd funny. A day in the life of a shepherd boy, right? Like no, like this is a boy, right? Like no, like this is a boy, right? Like no, like this is a different this is a different kind of different this is a different kind of different this is a different kind of influencer. Uh people who influenced influencer. Uh people who influenced influencer. Uh people who influenced culture in that day led uh in in culture in that day led uh in in culture in that day led uh in in political ways. People in influenced who political ways. People in influenced who political ways. People in influenced who you would call an influencer in that you would call an influencer in that you would call an influencer in that day, they they wrote famous things and day, they they wrote famous things and day, they they wrote famous things and published them and it actually shaped published them and it actually shaped published them and it actually shaped and and crafted culture. uh somebody and and crafted culture. uh somebody and and crafted culture. uh somebody that you would call an influencer before that you would call an influencer before that you would call an influencer before Jesus's day, but around that time was Jesus's day, but around that time was Jesus's day, but around that time was this guy by the name of Ben Surah in 150 this guy by the name of Ben Surah in 150 this guy by the name of Ben Surah in 150 BC. All right? He was a Jewish scribe BC. All right? He was a Jewish scribe BC. All right? He was a Jewish scribe and had a whole lot of influence by and had a whole lot of influence by and had a whole lot of influence by teaching people what they needed to do teaching people what they needed to do teaching people what they needed to do in order to be blessed, what they needed in order to be blessed, what they needed in order to be blessed, what they needed to achieve in order to be happy. And he to achieve in order to be happy. And he to achieve in order to be happy. And he published this work called the wisdom of published this work called the wisdom of published this work called the wisdom of Ben Sura. And it was actually his own Ben Sura. And it was actually his own Ben Sura. And it was actually his own version of the biatitudes. All right, so version of the biatitudes. All right, so version of the biatitudes. All right, so check this out. This is what it says.

check this out. This is what it says. check this out. This is what it says. You're going to notice some things in You're going to notice some things in You're going to notice some things in here that sound really good and some here that sound really good and some here that sound really good and some things that sound a little off. All things that sound a little off. All things that sound a little off. All right, this is the wisdom of Ben Surah, right, this is the wisdom of Ben Surah, right, this is the wisdom of Ben Surah, 150 BC. There are nine whom I would call 150 BC. There are nine whom I would call 150 BC. There are nine whom I would call blessed, a tenth my tongue proclaims. blessed, a tenth my tongue proclaims. blessed, a tenth my tongue proclaims. Blessed is the man who can rejoice in Blessed is the man who can rejoice in Blessed is the man who can rejoice in his children. Sounds pretty good. his children. Sounds pretty good. his children. Sounds pretty good. Blessed is the man who can live to see Blessed is the man who can live to see Blessed is the man who can live to see the downfall of his foes. Blessed is the the downfall of his foes. Blessed is the the downfall of his foes. Blessed is the one who does not sin with his tongue. one who does not sin with his tongue. one who does not sin with his tongue. Blessed is the one who does not serve an Blessed is the one who does not serve an Blessed is the one who does not serve an inferior. Blessed is the one who finds a inferior. Blessed is the one who finds a inferior. Blessed is the one who finds a friend and blessed is the one who speaks friend and blessed is the one who speaks friend and blessed is the one who speaks to attentive listeners. All right. So, to attentive listeners. All right. So, to attentive listeners. All right. So, you read that and this actually had a you read that and this actually had a you read that and this actually had a way of shaping culture and how many way of shaping culture and how many way of shaping culture and how many people believe they needed to live in people believe they needed to live in people believe they needed to live in order to be happy. And you read a few of order to be happy. And you read a few of order to be happy. And you read a few of these and you're like, "Wow, these are these and you're like, "Wow, these are these and you're like, "Wow, these are pretty good. Blessed is the man who can pretty good. Blessed is the man who can pretty good. Blessed is the man who can rejoice in his children." Sounds a whole rejoice in his children." Sounds a whole rejoice in his children." Sounds a whole lot like I'm reading a proverb, right? I lot like I'm reading a proverb, right? I lot like I'm reading a proverb, right? I can agree with that. I can get behind can agree with that. I can get behind can agree with that. I can get behind that. How about this? Blessed is the man that. How about this? Blessed is the man that. How about this? Blessed is the man who does not sin with his tongue. Sounds who does not sin with his tongue. Sounds who does not sin with his tongue. Sounds like the book of James in the New like the book of James in the New like the book of James in the New Testament. But then there's a few Testament. But then there's a few Testament. But then there's a few biatitudes that he writes that seem biatitudes that he writes that seem biatitudes that he writes that seem counterpart to kingdom culture. For counterpart to kingdom culture. For counterpart to kingdom culture. For example, put this one on the screen.

example, put this one on the screen. example, put this one on the screen. Blessed is the one who does not serve an Blessed is the one who does not serve an Blessed is the one who does not serve an inferior. inferior. inferior. Okay. Does that sound like Jesus? No. Okay. Does that sound like Jesus? No. Okay. Does that sound like Jesus? No. Jesus said, "Who is greater? The one who Jesus said, "Who is greater? The one who Jesus said, "Who is greater? The one who sits at the table or the one who sits at the table or the one who sits at the table or the one who serves?" Well, the one who sits at the serves?" Well, the one who sits at the serves?" Well, the one who sits at the table. But then Jesus says, "But I've table. But then Jesus says, "But I've table. But then Jesus says, "But I've come among you as one who serves." And come among you as one who serves." And come among you as one who serves." And then he gets down on his knees and then he gets down on his knees and then he gets down on his knees and begins to wash the feet of people a lot begins to wash the feet of people a lot begins to wash the feet of people a lot more inferior than he was. This is God more inferior than he was. This is God more inferior than he was. This is God washing the feet of wicked people, his washing the feet of wicked people, his washing the feet of wicked people, his disciples, who had nasty feet, by the disciples, who had nasty feet, by the disciples, who had nasty feet, by the way. What else does it say? Blessed is way. What else does it say? Blessed is way. What else does it say? Blessed is the man who can live to see the the man who can live to see the the man who can live to see the downfalls of his foes. Not going to lie, downfalls of his foes. Not going to lie, downfalls of his foes. Not going to lie, I kind of like this one, right? Like, I kind of like this one, right? Like, I kind of like this one, right? Like, blessed is the man that gets to see his blessed is the man that gets to see his blessed is the man that gets to see his haters destroyed. Like, that's sweet, haters destroyed. Like, that's sweet, haters destroyed. Like, that's sweet, right? But Jesus when teaching on the right? But Jesus when teaching on the right? But Jesus when teaching on the sermon on the mount says to love your sermon on the mount says to love your sermon on the mount says to love your enemies. Okay, what else? Blessed is the enemies. Okay, what else? Blessed is the enemies. Okay, what else? Blessed is the one who speaks to attentive listeners. one who speaks to attentive listeners. one who speaks to attentive listeners. That sounds good. Like what that That sounds good. Like what that That sounds good. Like what that basically means is like blessed is the basically means is like blessed is the basically means is like blessed is the one who whenever they speak up they have one who whenever they speak up they have one who whenever they speak up they have influence. People listen to their voice influence. People listen to their voice influence. People listen to their voice and they can gain a huge following and they can gain a huge following and they can gain a huge following around that. But if I can only be around that. But if I can only be around that. But if I can only be blessed by the amount of people I have blessed by the amount of people I have blessed by the amount of people I have listening to me, then what about the listening to me, then what about the listening to me, then what about the person who doesn't have a big following?

person who doesn't have a big following? person who doesn't have a big following? Can can they be blessed as well? And so Can can they be blessed as well? And so Can can they be blessed as well? And so it starts to make sense some of the it starts to make sense some of the it starts to make sense some of the stuff that Jesus is teaching. All right. stuff that Jesus is teaching. All right. stuff that Jesus is teaching. All right. Ben Surah is saying, "I have to watch Ben Surah is saying, "I have to watch Ben Surah is saying, "I have to watch other people fail in order to be other people fail in order to be other people fail in order to be blessed. I have to have other people blessed. I have to have other people blessed. I have to have other people serve me in order to be blessed." Uh I I serve me in order to be blessed." Uh I I serve me in order to be blessed." Uh I I have to gain and create this this have to gain and create this this have to gain and create this this influence and this large following in influence and this large following in influence and this large following in order to be blessed. Today we may say, order to be blessed. Today we may say, order to be blessed. Today we may say, "I need wealth. I need power. I need "I need wealth. I need power. I need "I need wealth. I need power. I need possessions. I need that next thing, possessions. I need that next thing, possessions. I need that next thing, that new house, in order to be blessed, that new house, in order to be blessed, that new house, in order to be blessed, in order to be happy. But Jesus says, in order to be happy. But Jesus says, in order to be happy. But Jesus says, I've come to challenge that culture by I've come to challenge that culture by I've come to challenge that culture by giving you the heart of God. I I've I've giving you the heart of God. I I've I've giving you the heart of God. I I've I've come to challenge that culture by come to challenge that culture by come to challenge that culture by saying, there's another way to live a saying, there's another way to live a saying, there's another way to live a blessed life that opposes what the world blessed life that opposes what the world blessed life that opposes what the world says you have to accomplish in order to says you have to accomplish in order to says you have to accomplish in order to be happy. And if you do these things, be happy. And if you do these things, be happy. And if you do these things, you will be blessed no matter the you will be blessed no matter the you will be blessed no matter the circumstance that you find yourself in. circumstance that you find yourself in. circumstance that you find yourself in. And that should be good news for some And that should be good news for some And that should be good news for some people in the room. Can I get an amen? people in the room. Can I get an amen? people in the room. Can I get an amen? >> And so what we're going to do is every >> And so what we're going to do is every >> And so what we're going to do is every single week we are going to take one of single week we are going to take one of single week we are going to take one of these biatitudes at a time and we're these biatitudes at a time and we're these biatitudes at a time and we're going to dive into it, but we're not going to dive into it, but we're not going to dive into it, but we're not going to go in any particular order going to go in any particular order going to go in any particular order because just like we did with the because just like we did with the because just like we did with the commandment series last year, I know how commandment series last year, I know how commandment series last year, I know how you guys work and if we went in order, you guys work and if we went in order, you guys work and if we went in order, you would look ahead at which ones you you would look ahead at which ones you you would look ahead at which ones you don't want to show up to and you would don't want to show up to and you would don't want to show up to and you would skip those. And so we're just going to skip those. And so we're just going to skip those. And so we're just going to go rando. All right. And so week one, go rando. All right. And so week one, go rando. All right. And so week one, week one, look at Matthew 5:7 with me.

week one, look at Matthew 5:7 with me. week one, look at Matthew 5:7 with me. And I want you to read this out loud And I want you to read this out loud And I want you to read this out loud with me. Ready? Matthew 5:7. Here we go. with me. Ready? Matthew 5:7. Here we go. with me. Ready? Matthew 5:7. Here we go. Is it on the screen? All right, let's Is it on the screen? All right, let's Is it on the screen? All right, let's start. 1 2 3. Blessed are the merciful, start. 1 2 3. Blessed are the merciful, start. 1 2 3. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Wow. The for they will be shown mercy. Wow. The for they will be shown mercy. Wow. The title of this sermon today is blessed title of this sermon today is blessed title of this sermon today is blessed are the merciful. I just took it are the merciful. I just took it are the merciful. I just took it straight from scripture. Blessed are the straight from scripture. Blessed are the straight from scripture. Blessed are the merciful. Uh, the story of the good merciful. Uh, the story of the good merciful. Uh, the story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 shows us what mercy Samaritan in Luke 10 shows us what mercy Samaritan in Luke 10 shows us what mercy is. Wave your hands at me if you've ever is. Wave your hands at me if you've ever is. Wave your hands at me if you've ever heard of the story of the good Samaritan heard of the story of the good Samaritan heard of the story of the good Samaritan before. If you haven't, that the story before. If you haven't, that the story before. If you haven't, that the story kind of goes like this. There's this guy kind of goes like this. There's this guy kind of goes like this. There's this guy that was beat up by robbers and left for that was beat up by robbers and left for that was beat up by robbers and left for dead on the side of the road. And then dead on the side of the road. And then dead on the side of the road. And then two separate travelers come by and do two separate travelers come by and do two separate travelers come by and do the same thing. They probably have the same thing. They probably have the same thing. They probably have sympathy towards the guy, but they sympathy towards the guy, but they sympathy towards the guy, but they didn't have mercy because they didn't didn't have mercy because they didn't didn't have mercy because they didn't step in to help. And so they just keep step in to help. And so they just keep step in to help. And so they just keep on walking by. And then finally, a third on walking by. And then finally, a third on walking by. And then finally, a third traveler comes by, a Samaritan, hence traveler comes by, a Samaritan, hence traveler comes by, a Samaritan, hence where we get the name, the good where we get the name, the good where we get the name, the good Samaritan, and he has mercy on this man.

Samaritan, and he has mercy on this man. Samaritan, and he has mercy on this man. He he has a a tender heart. He has an He he has a a tender heart. He has an He he has a a tender heart. He has an anxiousness inside of him that boils up anxiousness inside of him that boils up anxiousness inside of him that boils up that says, "I must help. I have to that says, "I must help. I have to that says, "I must help. I have to help." And so he goes over, he uses what help." And so he goes over, he uses what help." And so he goes over, he uses what he has to bind up these guys' wounds. he has to bind up these guys' wounds. he has to bind up these guys' wounds. And he saves him and he heals him. And And he saves him and he heals him. And And he saves him and he heals him. And so then in Luke 10:36-37, so then in Luke 10:36-37, so then in Luke 10:36-37, Jesus says this, "Which of these three Jesus says this, "Which of these three Jesus says this, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man do you think was a neighbor to the man do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The who fell into the hands of robbers?" The who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who expert in the law replied, "The one who expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." All right. So Luke 10 had mercy on him." All right. So Luke 10 had mercy on him." All right. So Luke 10 is obviously a story from this response. is obviously a story from this response. is obviously a story from this response. It's obviously a story about mercy. And It's obviously a story about mercy. And It's obviously a story about mercy. And that's good news because if this is a that's good news because if this is a that's good news because if this is a story, the Good Samaritan about mercy, story, the Good Samaritan about mercy, story, the Good Samaritan about mercy, then we can biblically define mercy by then we can biblically define mercy by then we can biblically define mercy by using this story. Here's the definition using this story. Here's the definition using this story. Here's the definition of mercy that we're going to work with of mercy that we're going to work with of mercy that we're going to work with today. All right, I want you to write today. All right, I want you to write today. All right, I want you to write this down if it's not in your notes. this down if it's not in your notes. this down if it's not in your notes. Mercy is a tender heart Mercy is a tender heart Mercy is a tender heart that cares. Listen, and acts for the that cares. Listen, and acts for the that cares. Listen, and acts for the good of others. It's not just sympathy.

good of others. It's not just sympathy. good of others. It's not just sympathy. It's not just good intention. Mercy is a It's not just good intention. Mercy is a It's not just good intention. Mercy is a tender heart that cares and acts for the tender heart that cares and acts for the tender heart that cares and acts for the good of others. I don't know about you, good of others. I don't know about you, good of others. I don't know about you, but I am so thankful for mercy in my but I am so thankful for mercy in my but I am so thankful for mercy in my life. I'm so thankful for friends that life. I'm so thankful for friends that life. I'm so thankful for friends that have shown me mercy in my life. Emily have shown me mercy in my life. Emily have shown me mercy in my life. Emily and I a few weeks ago, we had a whole and I a few weeks ago, we had a whole and I a few weeks ago, we had a whole lot of friends over, a big group of lot of friends over, a big group of lot of friends over, a big group of people over, like 40 or 50 people, and people over, like 40 or 50 people, and people over, like 40 or 50 people, and uh I was in charge of grilling the food uh I was in charge of grilling the food uh I was in charge of grilling the food that night, which in and of itself is that night, which in and of itself is that night, which in and of itself is mercy enough. All right, I'm not really mercy enough. All right, I'm not really mercy enough. All right, I'm not really a grill master. I'm like a Emily calls a grill master. I'm like a Emily calls a grill master. I'm like a Emily calls me a grill intern. And I'm kidding. I me a grill intern. And I'm kidding. I me a grill intern. And I'm kidding. I just made that up, but that's funny. And just made that up, but that's funny. And just made that up, but that's funny. And so, I'm a I'm learn I'm learning how to so, I'm a I'm learn I'm learning how to so, I'm a I'm learn I'm learning how to grill and stuff. And so, we were we were grill and stuff. And so, we were we were grill and stuff. And so, we were we were grilling and I I didn't like flatten the grilling and I I didn't like flatten the grilling and I I didn't like flatten the hamburger patties down enough. And so, hamburger patties down enough. And so, hamburger patties down enough. And so, like, rookie mistake, right? And like like, rookie mistake, right? And like like, rookie mistake, right? And like all the dads are looking at me like, all the dads are looking at me like, all the dads are looking at me like, "How dare you?" And so, I I lifted I "How dare you?" And so, I I lifted I "How dare you?" And so, I I lifted I lifted open the lid of the grill after lifted open the lid of the grill after lifted open the lid of the grill after four minutes of those patties being on four minutes of those patties being on four minutes of those patties being on there. And they had formed into the there. And they had formed into the there. And they had formed into the shape of a baseball. It's not good. You shape of a baseball. It's not good. You shape of a baseball. It's not good. You don't want to serve baseball-shaped don't want to serve baseball-shaped don't want to serve baseball-shaped hamburger patties. And I didn't have hamburger patties. And I didn't have hamburger patties. And I didn't have enough time to boil some noodles and enough time to boil some noodles and enough time to boil some noodles and tell them it was meatballs. And so, tell them it was meatballs. And so, tell them it was meatballs. And so, like, I just had to like I just had to like, I just had to like I just had to like, I just had to like I just had to like serve it as it was. And my friends, like serve it as it was. And my friends, like serve it as it was. And my friends, they showed me so much mercy, guys. They they showed me so much mercy, guys. They they showed me so much mercy, guys. They didn't say a word about it. They just didn't say a word about it. They just didn't say a word about it. They just smiled and ate. They smiled and ate. And smiled and ate. They smiled and ate. And smiled and ate. They smiled and ate. And I was like, man, I got away with it.

I was like, man, I got away with it. I was like, man, I got away with it. Thank God for mercy. Okay, praise. Like, Thank God for mercy. Okay, praise. Like, Thank God for mercy. Okay, praise. Like, that was a close one. I thought I got that was a close one. I thought I got that was a close one. I thought I got away with it because just this past away with it because just this past away with it because just this past week, we went to grill again. And when week, we went to grill again. And when week, we went to grill again. And when we fired up the grill, Emily, my wife, we fired up the grill, Emily, my wife, we fired up the grill, Emily, my wife, my sweet wife, looked at me and she my sweet wife, looked at me and she my sweet wife, looked at me and she says, "Tanner, how about I grill says, "Tanner, how about I grill says, "Tanner, how about I grill tonight?" And so, um, I'm still a little tonight?" And so, um, I'm still a little tonight?" And so, um, I'm still a little offended by that one. All right. I have offended by that one. All right. I have offended by that one. All right. I have three points for you about mercy. three points for you about mercy. three points for you about mercy. And and the first one is like going to And and the first one is like going to And and the first one is like going to truly help you understand a little bit truly help you understand a little bit truly help you understand a little bit more what mercy is. And so would you more what mercy is. And so would you more what mercy is. And so would you write this down? Number one, mercy is write this down? Number one, mercy is write this down? Number one, mercy is the character of God. the character of God. the character of God. Like mercy is like probably I'm going to Like mercy is like probably I'm going to Like mercy is like probably I'm going to get here in a second the most important get here in a second the most important get here in a second the most important characteristic of God. It is everything characteristic of God. It is everything characteristic of God. It is everything he is. All of us have different he is. All of us have different he is. All of us have different characteristics that make up who we are, characteristics that make up who we are, characteristics that make up who we are, that make up our personality. Uh, some that make up our personality. Uh, some that make up our personality. Uh, some people may be strong willed, some people people may be strong willed, some people people may be strong willed, some people may be even kill, some people may be may be even kill, some people may be may be even kill, some people may be extroverts, some may be introverts. extroverts, some may be introverts. extroverts, some may be introverts. Emily and I, our eldest daughter, Ella Emily and I, our eldest daughter, Ella Emily and I, our eldest daughter, Ella Jane, she's four and a half. You could Jane, she's four and a half. You could Jane, she's four and a half. You could say like one of her main characteristics say like one of her main characteristics say like one of her main characteristics is that she is theatrical.

is that she is theatrical. is that she is theatrical. Like, she thinks she straight up thinks Like, she thinks she straight up thinks Like, she thinks she straight up thinks she's the main character in a princess she's the main character in a princess she's the main character in a princess novel, y'all. And I'm here for it. She novel, y'all. And I'm here for it. She novel, y'all. And I'm here for it. She has her first dance recital today. I has her first dance recital today. I has her first dance recital today. I can't wa wait to watch her up there on can't wa wait to watch her up there on can't wa wait to watch her up there on the stage. But just the other day, this the stage. But just the other day, this the stage. But just the other day, this is her theatrics put on uh real time is her theatrics put on uh real time is her theatrics put on uh real time display. She looks at me and she goes, display. She looks at me and she goes, display. She looks at me and she goes, "Dad, okay, imagine you're looking at "Dad, okay, imagine you're looking at "Dad, okay, imagine you're looking at me, but then you look beyond me as if me, but then you look beyond me as if me, but then you look beyond me as if you're trying to find a ballerina, but you're trying to find a ballerina, but you're trying to find a ballerina, but there's not a ballerina there." And I there's not a ballerina there." And I there's not a ballerina there." And I was like, "Okay, that's a very was like, "Okay, that's a very was like, "Okay, that's a very interesting request. [laughter] interesting request. [laughter] interesting request. [laughter] Interesting side quest that she has me Interesting side quest that she has me Interesting side quest that she has me going on right now." So, so I I looked going on right now." So, so I I looked going on right now." So, so I I looked for direction, but then I looked over for direction, but then I looked over for direction, but then I looked over her shoulder and I was like, "Ella Jane, her shoulder and I was like, "Ella Jane, her shoulder and I was like, "Ella Jane, I'm looking for a ballerina, but there's I'm looking for a ballerina, but there's I'm looking for a ballerina, but there's not one there." verbatim. My daughter not one there." verbatim. My daughter not one there." verbatim. My daughter says, "That's right. There's only me. says, "That's right. There's only me. says, "That's right. There's only me. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Where is she learning this stuff, y'all? Where is she learning this stuff, y'all? Where is she learning this stuff, y'all? [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] She's theatrical." I I love it. If She's theatrical." I I love it. If She's theatrical." I I love it. If you've ever wondered what God is like, you've ever wondered what God is like, you've ever wondered what God is like, I'mma help y'all out. All right. God is I'mma help y'all out. All right. God is I'mma help y'all out. All right. God is merciful.

merciful. merciful. When when God showed up to Moses in the When when God showed up to Moses in the When when God showed up to Moses in the Old Testament and reveals himself to Old Testament and reveals himself to Old Testament and reveals himself to Moses, he reveals himself in a four-fold Moses, he reveals himself in a four-fold Moses, he reveals himself in a four-fold description that repeats itself seven description that repeats itself seven description that repeats itself seven times in the Old Testament. And it says times in the Old Testament. And it says times in the Old Testament. And it says this, okay, that the Lord is merciful, this, okay, that the Lord is merciful, this, okay, that the Lord is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in gracious, slow to anger, abounding in gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. We hear that over and over again. love. We hear that over and over again. love. We hear that over and over again. The Lord is merciful, gracious, slow to The Lord is merciful, gracious, slow to The Lord is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. What you need anger, abounding in love. What you need anger, abounding in love. What you need to know about God's character absolutely to know about God's character absolutely to know about God's character absolutely more than anything else is that God is more than anything else is that God is more than anything else is that God is merciful. What's the definition? It's merciful. What's the definition? It's merciful. What's the definition? It's this. That God has a tender heart of this. That God has a tender heart of this. That God has a tender heart of care towards you and he is always acting care towards you and he is always acting care towards you and he is always acting for your good. Lamentations 3 says it for your good. Lamentations 3 says it for your good. Lamentations 3 says it this way that his mercies are new each this way that his mercies are new each this way that his mercies are new each morning. morning. morning. And that's good news because haven't you And that's good news because haven't you And that's good news because haven't you realized that whenever you wake up, you realized that whenever you wake up, you realized that whenever you wake up, you have a world of trouble waiting on you? have a world of trouble waiting on you? have a world of trouble waiting on you? Like you have a to-do list that is just Like you have a to-do list that is just Like you have a to-do list that is just waiting on you. You have exhaustion from waiting on you. You have exhaustion from waiting on you. You have exhaustion from raising kids that is waiting on you. You raising kids that is waiting on you. You raising kids that is waiting on you. You have um the biggest concerns on your have um the biggest concerns on your have um the biggest concerns on your minds that are that are waiting on you.

minds that are that are waiting on you. minds that are that are waiting on you. They're waiting for you first thing when They're waiting for you first thing when They're waiting for you first thing when you wake up in the morning. But guess you wake up in the morning. But guess you wake up in the morning. But guess what else is waiting on you every single what else is waiting on you every single what else is waiting on you every single time you lift your head from your time you lift your head from your time you lift your head from your pillow? his his mercy, right? Like pillow? his his mercy, right? Like pillow? his his mercy, right? Like before that first email ever hit your before that first email ever hit your before that first email ever hit your phone, his mercy was already waiting. phone, his mercy was already waiting. phone, his mercy was already waiting. Before that first kid began to cry, his Before that first kid began to cry, his Before that first kid began to cry, his mercy was already waiting. Before you mercy was already waiting. Before you mercy was already waiting. Before you got a notification from Fox News or CNN got a notification from Fox News or CNN got a notification from Fox News or CNN about how bad everything is going, his about how bad everything is going, his about how bad everything is going, his mercy was waiting. And and so you can mercy was waiting. And and so you can mercy was waiting. And and so you can either be overwhelmed by the troubles of either be overwhelmed by the troubles of either be overwhelmed by the troubles of today or you can be overwhelmed by his today or you can be overwhelmed by his today or you can be overwhelmed by his mercy that led you through yesterday, mercy that led you through yesterday, mercy that led you through yesterday, gave you everything you need and is gave you everything you need and is gave you everything you need and is going to get you through today. Can I going to get you through today. Can I going to get you through today. Can I get an amen? We serve a merciful God. He get an amen? We serve a merciful God. He get an amen? We serve a merciful God. He is full of mercy and he puts his mercy is full of mercy and he puts his mercy is full of mercy and he puts his mercy on full display through the son of God, on full display through the son of God, on full display through the son of God, Jesus, in the New Testament. Right? In Jesus, in the New Testament. Right? In Jesus, in the New Testament. Right? In fact, the New Testament calls Jesus, I fact, the New Testament calls Jesus, I fact, the New Testament calls Jesus, I love this, our merciful high priest. love this, our merciful high priest. love this, our merciful high priest. >> Hebrews 2:17, look there with me on the >> Hebrews 2:17, look there with me on the >> Hebrews 2:17, look there with me on the screen. If you can't flip there that screen. If you can't flip there that screen. If you can't flip there that fast, that's fine. Says, "For this fast, that's fine. Says, "For this fast, that's fine. Says, "For this reason, he had to be made like them, reason, he had to be made like them, reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that fully human in every way, in order that fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful." Everybody he might become a merciful." Everybody he might become a merciful." Everybody say merciful, a merciful and faithful say merciful, a merciful and faithful say merciful, a merciful and faithful high priest. What does it mean that high priest. What does it mean that high priest. What does it mean that Jesus is a merciful high priest? What Jesus is a merciful high priest? What Jesus is a merciful high priest? What does that mean? John 8, remember the does that mean? John 8, remember the does that mean? John 8, remember the woman who was caught in the act of woman who was caught in the act of woman who was caught in the act of adultery. Think about that. The Bible

adultery. Think about that. The Bible adultery. Think about that. The Bible says the act of adultery. Talk about says the act of adultery. Talk about says the act of adultery. Talk about humiliating. The religious leaders of humiliating. The religious leaders of humiliating. The religious leaders of that day pull her out and drag her that day pull her out and drag her that day pull her out and drag her through the dirt in order to condemn through the dirt in order to condemn through the dirt in order to condemn her. In order to humiliate her, they her. In order to humiliate her, they her. In order to humiliate her, they bring her into the public square for bring her into the public square for bring her into the public square for every eye to see. But in order to hum every eye to see. But in order to hum every eye to see. But in order to hum humiliate her further, they make one big humiliate her further, they make one big humiliate her further, they make one big mistake and they throw her at the feet mistake and they throw her at the feet mistake and they throw her at the feet of no ordinary person. They throw her at of no ordinary person. They throw her at of no ordinary person. They throw her at the feet of our merciful high priest who the feet of our merciful high priest who the feet of our merciful high priest who looks at her, acknowledges her sin, but looks at her, acknowledges her sin, but looks at her, acknowledges her sin, but chooses to have mercy on her and says, chooses to have mercy on her and says, chooses to have mercy on her and says, "Now go and leave your life of sin, for "Now go and leave your life of sin, for "Now go and leave your life of sin, for I don't condemn you either." Why? I don't condemn you either." Why? I don't condemn you either." Why? Because we learn in James chapter 2 that Because we learn in James chapter 2 that Because we learn in James chapter 2 that mercy triumphs over judgment. mercy triumphs over judgment. mercy triumphs over judgment. >> I I need somebody to hear me today who >> I I need somebody to hear me today who >> I I need somebody to hear me today who you feel like there are certain things you feel like there are certain things you feel like there are certain things that you have done that disqualify you that you have done that disqualify you that you have done that disqualify you from the mercy of God. And I'm here to from the mercy of God. And I'm here to from the mercy of God. And I'm here to tell you that's exactly what mercy is.

tell you that's exactly what mercy is. tell you that's exactly what mercy is. It's you receiving grace even when you It's you receiving grace even when you It's you receiving grace even when you didn't deserve it. And there is not one didn't deserve it. And there is not one didn't deserve it. And there is not one mistake from your sins past that his mistake from your sins past that his mistake from your sins past that his mercy cannot look over. And so if you're mercy cannot look over. And so if you're mercy cannot look over. And so if you're in this room today and if you have in this room today and if you have in this room today and if you have received God's mercy to any degree, can received God's mercy to any degree, can received God's mercy to any degree, can you just take three seconds right now you just take three seconds right now you just take three seconds right now just to praise him all across this room? just to praise him all across this room? just to praise him all across this room? Because I know I've received it Because I know I've received it Because I know I've received it [applause] [applause] [applause] and I know the people in this room that and I know the people in this room that and I know the people in this room that need it, you can receive it as well. Listen, Jesus, like he does with this Listen, Jesus, like he does with this woman, he will address your sin. He'll woman, he will address your sin. He'll woman, he will address your sin. He'll call it what it is. But because he is call it what it is. But because he is call it what it is. But because he is merciful, he will connect before he merciful, he will connect before he merciful, he will connect before he corrects. And and that's what he always corrects. And and that's what he always corrects. And and that's what he always does. does. does. While we were still sinners, Christ went While we were still sinners, Christ went While we were still sinners, Christ went to the cross to die for us. He'll meet to the cross to die for us. He'll meet to the cross to die for us. He'll meet you in the mess. God's character is that you in the mess. God's character is that you in the mess. God's character is that he is merciful. That's my first point. he is merciful. That's my first point. he is merciful. That's my first point. Number two, mercy is the language of Number two, mercy is the language of Number two, mercy is the language of God's people. Mercy is the language that God's people. Mercy is the language that God's people. Mercy is the language that as God's people, we are required to as God's people, we are required to as God's people, we are required to speak. in any culture. If you visit speak. in any culture. If you visit speak. in any culture. If you visit somewhere and you want to be like somewhere and you want to be like somewhere and you want to be like immersed in the culture and if you want immersed in the culture and if you want immersed in the culture and if you want to fit in, it's a necessity that you to fit in, it's a necessity that you to fit in, it's a necessity that you know the language or else you're going know the language or else you're going know the language or else you're going to stick out like a vegan at a barbecue.

to stick out like a vegan at a barbecue. to stick out like a vegan at a barbecue. Like you won't you won't fit in, right? Like you won't you won't fit in, right? Like you won't you won't fit in, right? And so imagine like imagine if I said, And so imagine like imagine if I said, And so imagine like imagine if I said, "Guys, I'm Italian." And then I wore the "Guys, I'm Italian." And then I wore the "Guys, I'm Italian." And then I wore the loafers, no socks, and like the linen loafers, no socks, and like the linen loafers, no socks, and like the linen pants and the tucked in button-up and pants and the tucked in button-up and pants and the tucked in button-up and went went around all day long with went went around all day long with went went around all day long with sparkling water just saying mama mia. sparkling water just saying mama mia. sparkling water just saying mama mia. Like everywhere I went, it it might it Like everywhere I went, it it might it Like everywhere I went, it it might it might be like, you know, kind of might be like, you know, kind of might be like, you know, kind of convincing, but the moment a real convincing, but the moment a real convincing, but the moment a real Italian comes up to me and starts Italian comes up to me and starts Italian comes up to me and starts speaking Italian, I'm cooked cuz I don't speaking Italian, I'm cooked cuz I don't speaking Italian, I'm cooked cuz I don't know the language. All I know in Italian know the language. All I know in Italian know the language. All I know in Italian is pizza, cappuccino, fetuccini. And so is pizza, cappuccino, fetuccini. And so is pizza, cappuccino, fetuccini. And so instantly, y'all would be able to know, instantly, y'all would be able to know, instantly, y'all would be able to know, right? this guy, this guy is not a part right? this guy, this guy is not a part right? this guy, this guy is not a part of the culture because he does not know of the culture because he does not know of the culture because he does not know the language. Listen, we can say we're the language. Listen, we can say we're the language. Listen, we can say we're Christian all we want. Christian all we want. Christian all we want. But what good is it really if we're not But what good is it really if we're not But what good is it really if we're not speaking the language? speaking the language? speaking the language? >> Like, what good is it really if we say >> Like, what good is it really if we say >> Like, what good is it really if we say we're a part of the culture, but I don't we're a part of the culture, but I don't we're a part of the culture, but I don't even know the language of God's people, even know the language of God's people, even know the language of God's people, which is mercy. Mercy is a required which is mercy. Mercy is a required which is mercy. Mercy is a required language that God says you must speak.

language that God says you must speak. language that God says you must speak. >> Micah 6:8, I'll prove it to you. And >> Micah 6:8, I'll prove it to you. And >> Micah 6:8, I'll prove it to you. And what does the Lord require of you? Not what does the Lord require of you? Not what does the Lord require of you? Not much. To act justly, much. To act justly, much. To act justly, to love mercy. Everybody say, "Love to love mercy. Everybody say, "Love to love mercy. Everybody say, "Love mercy." mercy." mercy." >> Not just like it, but love it. To love >> Not just like it, but love it. To love >> Not just like it, but love it. To love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. mercy and to walk humbly with your God. mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Okay. Maybe speaking mercy, maybe having Okay. Maybe speaking mercy, maybe having Okay. Maybe speaking mercy, maybe having a tender heart that cares and acts for a tender heart that cares and acts for a tender heart that cares and acts for the good of others is difficult to you. the good of others is difficult to you. the good of others is difficult to you. H how do you learn how to speak this H how do you learn how to speak this H how do you learn how to speak this language? They say that if you want to language? They say that if you want to language? They say that if you want to learn a language quickly, then go visit learn a language quickly, then go visit learn a language quickly, then go visit the place and immerse yourself in the the place and immerse yourself in the the place and immerse yourself in the culture to where that language is being culture to where that language is being culture to where that language is being spoken. How if you want to learn spoken. How if you want to learn spoken. How if you want to learn Spanish, go to a Spanish-speaking Spanish, go to a Spanish-speaking Spanish, go to a Spanish-speaking country. How if you want to learn country. How if you want to learn country. How if you want to learn Portuguese, go to Portugal. Every time Portuguese, go to Portugal. Every time Portuguese, go to Portugal. Every time we go on a mission trip, I'm just always we go on a mission trip, I'm just always we go on a mission trip, I'm just always in shock by how much I can learn that in shock by how much I can learn that in shock by how much I can learn that land's language after just being there land's language after just being there land's language after just being there for only a week. Okay. In order to learn for only a week. Okay. In order to learn for only a week. Okay. In order to learn the language of mercy more quickly, the language of mercy more quickly, the language of mercy more quickly, maybe it's time that we start planting maybe it's time that we start planting maybe it's time that we start planting ourselves and visiting different places ourselves and visiting different places ourselves and visiting different places where the language of mercy is already where the language of mercy is already where the language of mercy is already being spoken.

being spoken. being spoken. We we do these serve outreaches here in We we do these serve outreaches here in We we do these serve outreaches here in our city. We we call them serve our city. We we call them serve our city. We we call them serve Saturdays. And one of my favorite ones Saturdays. And one of my favorite ones Saturdays. And one of my favorite ones we do is called adopt a block where we we do is called adopt a block where we we do is called adopt a block where we go to an underresourced apartment go to an underresourced apartment go to an underresourced apartment complex right here in our city. Y'all complex right here in our city. Y'all complex right here in our city. Y'all hear us talk about this sometimes. And hear us talk about this sometimes. And hear us talk about this sometimes. And and what we do is we practice this and what we do is we practice this and what we do is we practice this language of mercy. We we gather language of mercy. We we gather language of mercy. We we gather everybody up. We we we reach out a hand. everybody up. We we we reach out a hand. everybody up. We we we reach out a hand. We serve a meal. We teach a a Bible We serve a meal. We teach a a Bible We serve a meal. We teach a a Bible lesson. And every volunteer that is lesson. And every volunteer that is lesson. And every volunteer that is there, they are practicing mercy. The there, they are practicing mercy. The there, they are practicing mercy. The people they're serving haven't done people they're serving haven't done people they're serving haven't done anything for them. But again, that's anything for them. But again, that's anything for them. But again, that's what mercy is. They just have what mercy is. They just have what mercy is. They just have compassion. They just have a tender compassion. They just have a tender compassion. They just have a tender heart. And I'm telling you, if you just heart. And I'm telling you, if you just heart. And I'm telling you, if you just got around those people on a serve got around those people on a serve got around those people on a serve Saturday who are practicing the language Saturday who are practicing the language Saturday who are practicing the language of mercy, you would begin to pick it up of mercy, you would begin to pick it up of mercy, you would begin to pick it up as well. I'm sorry, but if all your free as well. I'm sorry, but if all your free as well. I'm sorry, but if all your free time is only spent serving yourself and time is only spent serving yourself and time is only spent serving yourself and nobody else, you're never going to pick nobody else, you're never going to pick nobody else, you're never going to pick up this language called mercy. You may up this language called mercy. You may up this language called mercy. You may say, "I don't need anybody else to teach say, "I don't need anybody else to teach say, "I don't need anybody else to teach me how to live mercifully. I already me how to live mercifully. I already me how to live mercifully. I already am." Great. Come prove it on a serve am." Great. Come prove it on a serve am." Great. Come prove it on a serve Saturday. like come show come show us Saturday. like come show come show us Saturday. like come show come show us how merciful you are and maybe somebody how merciful you are and maybe somebody how merciful you are and maybe somebody else will glean from that and learn what else will glean from that and learn what else will glean from that and learn what it looks like to put mercy into practice it looks like to put mercy into practice it looks like to put mercy into practice every single day of their life. Right?

every single day of their life. Right? every single day of their life. Right? And so mercy is the language of God's And so mercy is the language of God's And so mercy is the language of God's people that we are required to speak. people that we are required to speak. people that we are required to speak. And then finally number three is this. And then finally number three is this. And then finally number three is this. All right. Mercy, All right. Mercy, All right. Mercy, here's what I'm trying to get to. This here's what I'm trying to get to. This here's what I'm trying to get to. This is as practical as I'm going to get. is as practical as I'm going to get. is as practical as I'm going to get. Mercy can be carried out this week. Mercy can be carried out this week. Mercy can be carried out this week. It can be carried out starting today. It can be carried out starting today. It can be carried out starting today. And and so what I'm going to do is is And and so what I'm going to do is is And and so what I'm going to do is is I'm going to give you guys three I'm going to give you guys three I'm going to give you guys three examples. I promise you in the next examples. I promise you in the next examples. I promise you in the next seven days, you're probably going to see seven days, you're probably going to see seven days, you're probably going to see all three of these play out. You're all three of these play out. You're all three of these play out. You're probably going to see an opportunity to probably going to see an opportunity to probably going to see an opportunity to show mercy in all three of these ways. show mercy in all three of these ways. show mercy in all three of these ways. At least one. Okay? And so, what are At least one. Okay? And so, what are At least one. Okay? And so, what are what are three ways in the next seven what are three ways in the next seven what are three ways in the next seven days that we can carry out mercy? Real days that we can carry out mercy? Real days that we can carry out mercy? Real quick, I want you to write these three quick, I want you to write these three quick, I want you to write these three things down. First, by providing things down. First, by providing things down. First, by providing material needs. material needs. material needs. One way we can show mercy to people is One way we can show mercy to people is One way we can show mercy to people is by providing material needs. And I'm by providing material needs. And I'm by providing material needs. And I'm going to give you a verse that backs up going to give you a verse that backs up going to give you a verse that backs up all of this. 1 John 3:17 says, "If all of this. 1 John 3:17 says, "If all of this. 1 John 3:17 says, "If anyone has material possessions and sees anyone has material possessions and sees anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no a brother or sister in need but has no a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be pity on them, how can the love of God be pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" Strong verse. Okay.

in that person?" Strong verse. Okay. in that person?" Strong verse. Okay. This is exactly what we read about in This is exactly what we read about in This is exactly what we read about in the story of the good Samaritan. He used the story of the good Samaritan. He used the story of the good Samaritan. He used what he had in order to make a what he had in order to make a what he had in order to make a difference. I love this quote by difference. I love this quote by difference. I love this quote by Sinclair Ferguson. Sinclair Ferguson. Sinclair Ferguson. Mercy is getting down on your hands and Mercy is getting down on your hands and Mercy is getting down on your hands and knees and doing what you can to restore knees and doing what you can to restore knees and doing what you can to restore dignity to someone whose life has been dignity to someone whose life has been dignity to someone whose life has been broken by sin, whether his own or that broken by sin, whether his own or that broken by sin, whether his own or that of someone else. I want you to notice of someone else. I want you to notice of someone else. I want you to notice that the good Samaritan when he saw the that the good Samaritan when he saw the that the good Samaritan when he saw the need, he didn't chase down the robbers. need, he didn't chase down the robbers. need, he didn't chase down the robbers. That had probably been a good thing to That had probably been a good thing to That had probably been a good thing to do, but that's not mercy. He He didn't do, but that's not mercy. He He didn't do, but that's not mercy. He He didn't blame this man's failure blame this man's failure blame this man's failure on society or on somebody else. That on society or on somebody else. That on society or on somebody else. That wouldn't be mercy. No, he looked at him. wouldn't be mercy. No, he looked at him. wouldn't be mercy. No, he looked at him. He looked at what he had. And though He looked at what he had. And though He looked at what he had. And though this man who was left for dead on the this man who was left for dead on the this man who was left for dead on the side of the road hadn't done anything side of the road hadn't done anything side of the road hadn't done anything for this guy, mercy steps in. Just like for this guy, mercy steps in. Just like for this guy, mercy steps in. Just like the good Samaritan stepped in and used the good Samaritan stepped in and used the good Samaritan stepped in and used exactly what he had to make a exactly what he had to make a exactly what he had to make a difference. I was just talking to a difference. I was just talking to a difference. I was just talking to a friend this last week. He's trying his friend this last week. He's trying his friend this last week. He's trying his best to choose whether or not he's going best to choose whether or not he's going best to choose whether or not he's going to extend mercy to somebody. Maybe to extend mercy to somebody. Maybe to extend mercy to somebody. Maybe somebody can relate to this. I don't somebody can relate to this. I don't somebody can relate to this. I don't know. He he has a loved one, a relative know. He he has a loved one, a relative know. He he has a loved one, a relative that is in a financial pit right now.

that is in a financial pit right now. that is in a financial pit right now. But this relative has mishandled money But this relative has mishandled money But this relative has mishandled money before, before, before, has mishandled their their life before, has mishandled their their life before, has mishandled their their life before, and has even mistreated my friend. and has even mistreated my friend. and has even mistreated my friend. And so, he doesn't owe this person And so, he doesn't owe this person And so, he doesn't owe this person anything, but he's in a place where he anything, but he's in a place where he anything, but he's in a place where he could help. Biblically speaking, that's could help. Biblically speaking, that's could help. Biblically speaking, that's exactly what mercy is. It's reaching out exactly what mercy is. It's reaching out exactly what mercy is. It's reaching out when you can help, using what you have, when you can help, using what you have, when you can help, using what you have, even if that person doesn't owe you a even if that person doesn't owe you a even if that person doesn't owe you a single thing. single thing. single thing. So, we can live out mercy this week by So, we can live out mercy this week by So, we can live out mercy this week by providing material [music] needs. And providing material [music] needs. And providing material [music] needs. And then secondly, here's another way we can then secondly, here's another way we can then secondly, here's another way we can do it. By covering embarrassing do it. By covering embarrassing do it. By covering embarrassing failures. failures. failures. >> First Peter 4:8 says, "Love covers over >> First Peter 4:8 says, "Love covers over >> First Peter 4:8 says, "Love covers over a multitude of sins." a multitude of sins." a multitude of sins." All right, let me make this clear. Some All right, let me make this clear. Some All right, let me make this clear. Some things are to never be covered over. things are to never be covered over. things are to never be covered over. That the Bible does not say that love That the Bible does not say that love That the Bible does not say that love covers over a multitude of crimes. It covers over a multitude of crimes. It covers over a multitude of crimes. It says that that love covers over a says that that love covers over a says that that love covers over a multitude of sins.

multitude of sins. multitude of sins. Charles Spurgeon said this, "I recommend Charles Spurgeon said this, "I recommend Charles Spurgeon said this, "I recommend to you, brothers and sisters." Some of to you, brothers and sisters." Some of to you, brothers and sisters." Some of y'all, would you please lean into this y'all, would you please lean into this y'all, would you please lean into this point right quick? point right quick? point right quick? He says, "I recommend to you, brothers He says, "I recommend to you, brothers He says, "I recommend to you, brothers and sisters, that all of you have one and sisters, that all of you have one and sisters, that all of you have one blind eye and one deaf ear." blind eye and one deaf ear." blind eye and one deaf ear." And then he goes on to say that his And then he goes on to say that his And then he goes on to say that his blind eye is his best eye and his deaf blind eye is his best eye and his deaf blind eye is his best eye and his deaf ear is his best ear. In other words, ear is his best ear. In other words, ear is his best ear. In other words, what he's saying is that a hard-hearted what he's saying is that a hard-hearted what he's saying is that a hard-hearted person is always making a big deal of person is always making a big deal of person is always making a big deal of little failures. little failures. little failures. Okay? But a merciful person is going the Okay? But a merciful person is going the Okay? But a merciful person is going the other way and often covers little other way and often covers little other way and often covers little failures with their blind eye and with failures with their blind eye and with failures with their blind eye and with their deaf ear. And so, let me ask you, their deaf ear. And so, let me ask you, their deaf ear. And so, let me ask you, when's the last time you used your blind when's the last time you used your blind when's the last time you used your blind eye? eye? eye? Do do you have one or is everything an Do do you have one or is everything an Do do you have one or is everything an issue for you? We can extend mercy by issue for you? We can extend mercy by issue for you? We can extend mercy by covering embarrassing failures. And covering embarrassing failures. And covering embarrassing failures. And finally, mercy can be carried out this finally, mercy can be carried out this finally, mercy can be carried out this week. I want to close with this by week. I want to close with this by week. I want to close with this by avoiding unreasonable expectations.

avoiding unreasonable expectations. avoiding unreasonable expectations. I love this verse. Psalm 103:14 says, I love this verse. Psalm 103:14 says, I love this verse. Psalm 103:14 says, "For he knows how we are formed. "For he knows how we are formed. "For he knows how we are formed. He remembers that we are dust." Man, how He remembers that we are dust." Man, how He remembers that we are dust." Man, how many of you are thankful that God many of you are thankful that God many of you are thankful that God remembers we [music] are dust, right? remembers we [music] are dust, right? remembers we [music] are dust, right? And if we are dust, we should remember And if we are dust, we should remember And if we are dust, we should remember that other people are dust too. that other people are dust too. that other people are dust too. Therefore, I must not set unreasonable Therefore, I must not set unreasonable Therefore, I must not set unreasonable expectations among my spouse. I must not expectations among my spouse. I must not expectations among my spouse. I must not set unreasonable expectations among a set unreasonable expectations among a set unreasonable expectations among a child. I must not set unreasonable child. I must not set unreasonable child. I must not set unreasonable godlike expectations among somebody I do godlike expectations among somebody I do godlike expectations among somebody I do life with or somebody I work with life with or somebody I work with life with or somebody I work with because how many of y'all know that because how many of y'all know that because how many of y'all know that they're going to set unrealistic they're going to set unrealistic they're going to set unrealistic expectations among me as well? And with expectations among me as well? And with expectations among me as well? And with the measure of mercy I show them, they the measure of mercy I show them, they the measure of mercy I show them, they will likely show me. All right. Mercy is will likely show me. All right. Mercy is will likely show me. All right. Mercy is a tender heart that cares and acts for a tender heart that cares and acts for a tender heart that cares and acts for the good of others. Not myself, but for the good of others. Not myself, but for the good of others. Not myself, but for the good of the other person. [music] the good of the other person. [music] the good of the other person. [music] Per perhaps you in this room, I want to Per perhaps you in this room, I want to Per perhaps you in this room, I want to close with this. Perhaps you're like close with this. Perhaps you're like close with this. Perhaps you're like that person in the story of the good that person in the story of the good that person in the story of the good Samaritan that is off on the side of the Samaritan that is off on the side of the Samaritan that is off on the side of the road. You've been beaten down, weighed road. You've been beaten down, weighed road. You've been beaten down, weighed down by your own choices, by your own down by your own choices, by your own down by your own choices, by your own sin, or maybe by the choices of somebody sin, or maybe by the choices of somebody sin, or maybe by the choices of somebody else. and you feel like you're all out else. and you feel like you're all out else. and you feel like you're all out of hope. I'm here to remind you that of hope. I'm here to remind you that of hope. I'm here to remind you that God, our merciful high priest, just like

God, our merciful high priest, just like God, our merciful high priest, just like that good Samaritan, is walking by ready that good Samaritan, is walking by ready that good Samaritan, is walking by ready to extend his mercy out to somebody here to extend his mercy out to somebody here to extend his mercy out to somebody here in this room today. All you are to do, in this room today. All you are to do, in this room today. All you are to do, just like that lady in John 8, is to just like that lady in John 8, is to just like that lady in John 8, is to say, "God, I understand that I can't say, "God, I understand that I can't say, "God, I understand that I can't handle anything in this life without handle anything in this life without handle anything in this life without you. And if it's not for your mercy, I you. And if it's not for your mercy, I you. And if it's not for your mercy, I don't stand a chance." And so, all don't stand a chance." And so, all don't stand a chance." And so, all across this room, would you just bow across this room, would you just bow across this room, would you just bow your heads? Would you close your eyes your heads? Would you close your eyes your heads? Would you close your eyes with me? if you're in need of God's with me? if you're in need of God's with me? if you're in need of God's mercy right now mercy right now mercy right now because I truly believe the only way because I truly believe the only way because I truly believe the only way we're going to show it is if we've we're going to show it is if we've we're going to show it is if we've received it. And and so if you're here received it. And and so if you're here received it. And and so if you're here right now and you need to receive God's right now and you need to receive God's right now and you need to receive God's mercy, mercy, mercy, perhaps you're away from God and you perhaps you're away from God and you perhaps you're away from God and you want to rededicate your life to him, want to rededicate your life to him, want to rededicate your life to him, recommmit to him or choose for the first recommmit to him or choose for the first recommmit to him or choose for the first time to follow him. Would you just time to follow him. Would you just time to follow him. Would you just repeat [music] this prayer after me? repeat [music] this prayer after me? repeat [music] this prayer after me? Say, "God, I admit that I am a sinner. Say, "God, I admit that I am a sinner. Say, "God, I admit that I am a sinner. Lord, I need your mercy. Lord, I need your mercy. Lord, I need your mercy. I believe that you went to the cross I believe that you went to the cross I believe that you went to the cross [music] and and died for me and that you [music] and and died for me and that you [music] and and died for me and that you rose again and that your mercies are rose again and that your mercies are rose again and that your mercies are leading me even every morning and today.

leading me even every morning and today. leading me even every morning and today. Tell him this, God. I confess and I Tell him this, God. I confess and I Tell him this, God. I confess and I commit my ways to you. You are the Lord commit my ways to you. You are the Lord commit my ways to you. You are the Lord of my life. of my life. of my life. Teach me, tell them, teach me God as I Teach me, tell them, teach me God as I Teach me, tell them, teach me God as I have received your mercy have received your mercy have received your mercy how to extend it to others how to extend it to others how to extend it to others in Jesus mighty name. With every head in Jesus mighty name. With every head in Jesus mighty name. With every head still bowed and every eye closed, still bowed and every eye closed, still bowed and every eye closed, if you said that prayer today to receive if you said that prayer today to receive if you said that prayer today to receive God's mercy, would you just be bold God's mercy, would you just be bold God's mercy, would you just be bold enough to raise [music] up your hands so enough to raise [music] up your hands so enough to raise [music] up your hands so I know who I prayed with here in this I know who I prayed with here in this I know who I prayed with here in this room? I just love to know. Keep it up, room? I just love to know. Keep it up, room? I just love to know. Keep it up, please. Let me see your hands. Yep. Yep. please. Let me see your hands. Yep. Yep. please. Let me see your hands. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Man, I see hands all over Yep. Yep. Yep. Man, I see hands all over Yep. Yep. Yep. Man, I see hands all over this. Praise God. Everybody else, would this. Praise God. Everybody else, would this. Praise God. Everybody else, would you please just clap unto the Lord right you please just clap unto the Lord right you please just clap unto the Lord right now and celebrate decisions that were now and celebrate decisions that were now and celebrate decisions that were made for Jesus. Come on, all across this made for Jesus. Come on, all across this made for Jesus. Come on, all across this room, let's give him some some praise. room, let's give him some some praise. room, let's give him some some praise. Thank you so much for being with us Thank you so much for being with us Thank you so much for being with us today. I hope Pastor Tanner's message today. I hope Pastor Tanner's message today. I hope Pastor Tanner's message reminded you of something powerful reminded you of something powerful reminded you of something powerful [music] that God's mercy is greater than [music] that God's mercy is greater than [music] that God's mercy is greater than your and my failures. And his people are your and my failures. And his people are your and my failures. And his people are called to be carriers of that same mercy called to be carriers of that same mercy called to be carriers of that same mercy everywhere they go. And if today's everywhere they go. And if today's everywhere they go. And if today's message spoke to you or if you would message spoke to you or if you would message spoke to you or if you would like prayer, if you want to learn more like prayer, if you want to learn more like prayer, if you want to learn more about following Jesus or if you want to about following Jesus or if you want to about following Jesus or if you want to get connected to New Life Church, get connected to New Life Church, get connected to New Life Church, [music] we would love to hear from you.

[music] we would love to hear from you. [music] we would love to hear from you. Just take a moment to fill out that Just take a moment to fill out that Just take a moment to fill out that connect form linked below and somebody connect form linked below and somebody connect form linked below and somebody from the team will reach out to you from the team will reach out to you from the team will reach out to you [music] soon. And if you'd like to [music] soon. And if you'd like to [music] soon. And if you'd like to support the mission and the vision of support the mission and the vision of support the mission and the vision of New Life Church, there are a lot of New Life Church, there are a lot of New Life Church, there are a lot of different ways to give, but the easiest different ways to give, but the easiest different ways to give, but the easiest way is by clicking on the giving link way is by clicking on the giving link way is by clicking on the giving link below. Your generosity uh helps us below. Your generosity uh helps us below. Your generosity uh helps us continue sharing the hope of Jesus with continue sharing the hope of Jesus with continue sharing the hope of Jesus with people here in Arkansas and all around people here in Arkansas and all around people here in Arkansas and all around the world. Thanks again for spending the world. Thanks again for spending the world. Thanks again for spending part of your day with us. We can't wait part of your day with us. We can't wait part of your day with us. We can't wait to see you here again next time.