New Life Church | Digital Service

>> Welcome to [music] New Life Church >> Welcome to [music] New Life Church online. We're so glad you're joining us. online. We're so glad you're joining us. online. We're so glad you're joining us. We are confident that God has something We are confident that God has something We are confident that God has something special in store for [music] you today. special in store for [music] you today. special in store for [music] you today. He's so faithful to meet us. We're about He's so faithful to meet us. We're about He's so faithful to meet us. We're about to spend some time in worship, then to spend some time in worship, then to spend some time in worship, then we'll hear a word from Marcus [music] we'll hear a word from Marcus [music] we'll hear a word from Marcus [music] Brown as we continue our series Kingdom Brown as we continue our series Kingdom Brown as we continue our series Kingdom Culture, a study in the Beatitudes. Culture, a study in the Beatitudes. Culture, a study in the Beatitudes. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> If you live in the state of Arkansas, we >> If you live in the state of Arkansas, we >> If you live in the state of Arkansas, we would love for you to consider visiting would love for you to consider visiting would love for you to consider visiting one of our campuses across the state. one of our campuses across the state. one of our campuses across the state. [music] Head to newlifechurch.tv to find [music] Head to newlifechurch.tv to find [music] Head to newlifechurch.tv to find a location near you. For now, [music] a location near you. For now, [music] a location near you. For now, [music] let's worship. >> God, I look to [music] you. >> God, I look to [music] you. I won't be overwhelmed. I won't be overwhelmed. I won't be overwhelmed. Give me vision [music] to see things like you do. to see things like you do. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God, I look [singing] to you.

>> God, I look [singing] to you. >> God, I look [singing] to you. You are my help comes [music] from. You are my help comes [music] from. You are my help comes [music] from. Give me wisdom. [singing] >> God, I look to you. >> God, I look to you. >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> I won't be overwhelmed. Give me [singing] vision Give me [singing] vision >> [music] >> to see things like you do. >> to see things like you do. God, I look to [music and singing] you. God, I look to [music and singing] you. God, I look to [music and singing] you. You are my help comes [music] from. You are my help comes [music] from. You are my help comes [music] from. Give me wisdom. [singing] You know [music] just what to do. You know [music] just what to do. And I will love [singing] you, And I will love [singing] you, And I will love [singing] you, Lord, my Lord, my Lord, my strength. strength. strength. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I will love [singing] >> I will love [singing] >> I will love [singing] you, Lord, [music] my you, Lord, [music] my you, Lord, [music] my shield. [singing] shield. [singing] shield. [singing] And I will And I will And I will love you, love you, love you, Lord, [music and singing] my rock. Forever all my days [music] rock. Forever all my days [music] I will love I will love I will love >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> you, God.

>> God, I look to you. >> God, I look to you. I won't be overwhelmed. I won't be overwhelmed. I won't be overwhelmed. [music and singing] to see things [music] like you do. God, to see things [music] like you do. God, I look to you. You are [music] my help I look to you. You are [music] my help I look to you. You are [music] my help [singing] comes from. [singing] comes from. [singing] comes from. Give me wisdom. You know just [singing] what to do. And You know just [singing] what to do. And I will love [music] you, Lord, my I will love [music] you, Lord, my I will love [music] you, Lord, my strength. strength. strength. And I [music and singing] will love you, And I [music and singing] will love you, And I [music and singing] will love you, Lord, my Lord, my Lord, my shield. [music] shield. [music] shield. [music] And And And >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I will love you, >> I will love you, >> I will love you, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord, my rock. Forever rock. Forever >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> all my days, >> all my days, >> all my days, I will I will I will love you. love you. love you. >> [music] >> I will love [singing] you, >> I will love [singing] you, Lord, my strength.

And I will love you, [music and singing] And I will love you, [music and singing] Lord, my Lord, my Lord, my shield. shield. shield. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, I will love you, I will love you, I will love you, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord, my rock. Forever rock. Forever >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all my days, >> all my days, >> all my days, I will [singing] I will [singing] I will [singing] love you. love you. love you. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Hallelujah, [singing] our God our God reigns. reigns. reigns. Hallelujah, [singing] our God our God reigns. [singing] reigns. [singing] reigns. [singing] Hallelujah, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> our God >> [music] >> [music] >> reigns. Forever >> reigns. Forever >> reigns. Forever all my [singing] days, hallelujah. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, >> [music and singing] >> our God >> our God reigns. reigns. reigns. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah, [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> our God >> [singing] >> [singing] >> reigns.

>> reigns. >> reigns. >> [music] [music] [music] >> God, I look to you.

>> God, I look to you. >> God, I look to you. You are [singing] my help comes [music] You are [singing] my help comes [music] You are [singing] my help comes [music] from. from. from. Give me [singing] wisdom. One of the Hebrew words for praise One of the Hebrew words for praise [music] is the word Yadah, and it means [music] is the word Yadah, and it means [music] is the word Yadah, and it means to thank the Lord with arms extended. to thank the Lord with arms extended. to thank the Lord with arms extended. And we've come to [music] praise this And we've come to [music] praise this And we've come to [music] praise this morning. Amen. morning. Amen. morning. Amen. Let's remember his faithfulness as we Let's remember his faithfulness as we Let's remember his faithfulness as we sing. sing. sing. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You woke [singing] me up this morning >> You woke [singing] me up this morning >> You woke [singing] me up this morning and my cup [music] is overflowing. and my cup [music] is overflowing. and my cup [music] is overflowing. You have blessed me and I know it. You have blessed me and I know it. You have blessed me and I know it. So I owe you [music] my praise. So I owe you [music] my praise. So I owe you [music] my praise. You're the author of [singing] my story You're the author of [singing] my story You're the author of [singing] my story when I thought [music] that when I thought [music] that when I thought [music] that it was [singing] over.

it was [singing] over. it was [singing] over. Your mercy kept me going. Your mercy kept me going. Your mercy kept me going. So [music] I owe you my praise. We sing. So [music] I owe you my praise. We sing. So [music] I owe you my praise. We sing. Praises, Praises, Praises, oh Lord, [singing and music] you oh Lord, [singing and music] you oh Lord, [singing and music] you deserve. deserve. deserve. Oh Lord, you deserve [music] all my Oh Lord, you deserve [music] all my Oh Lord, you deserve [music] all my praises. praises. praises. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Oh Lord, you deserve. >> Oh Lord, you deserve. >> Oh Lord, you deserve. Only [music] you deserve [singing] all Only [music] you deserve [singing] all Only [music] you deserve [singing] all my praises. And I know [music] I'm far from And I know [music] I'm far from [singing] finished [singing] finished [singing] finished but your grace is still sufficient. but your grace is still sufficient. but your grace is still sufficient. And that's [music] what makes the And that's [music] what makes the And that's [music] what makes the difference. difference. difference. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> So I owe you my praise. >> So I owe you my praise. >> So I owe you my praise. Now I'm standing here forgiven Now I'm standing here forgiven Now I'm standing here forgiven >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> knowing life is worth the living. >> knowing life is worth the living. >> knowing life is worth the living. You're the God [music] of new You're the God [music] of new You're the God [music] of new beginnings. beginnings. beginnings. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> So I owe you my >> So I owe you my >> So I owe you my praise.

praise. praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh praises, oh Lord, you [singing] deserve. oh Lord, you [singing] deserve. Oh Lord, you deserve [music] all my Oh Lord, you deserve [music] all my Oh Lord, you deserve [music] all my praises. praises. praises. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Oh Lord, you deserve. Only [music] you >> Oh Lord, you deserve. Only [music] you >> Oh Lord, you deserve. Only [music] you deserve. deserve. deserve. All my praises, All my praises, All my praises, oh Lord, you deserve. oh Lord, you deserve. oh Lord, you deserve. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh Lord, you We're going to give him all >> Oh Lord, you We're going to give him all >> Oh Lord, you We're going to give him all praises. praises. praises. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Oh Lord, you >> Oh Lord, you >> Oh Lord, you >> All the universe >> All the universe >> All the universe All my praises. All my praises. All my praises. >> [music] >> There's no one else [music] but Jesus >> There's no one else [music] but Jesus who met me in the valley. who met me in the valley. who met me in the valley. Lifted [music] me. Lifted [music] me. Lifted [music] me. You've been faithful all the time. You've been faithful all the time. You've been faithful all the time. And when I think [music] of all you've And when I think [music] of all you've And when I think [music] of all you've done, when I think of all you've brought me when I think of all you've brought me through, through, through, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> when I think about your love, When I think of all you've done, When I think of all you've done, we remember Jesus.

we remember Jesus. we remember Jesus. How you've been [music] faithful. How you've been [music] faithful. How you've been [music] faithful. Your love. I can never say enough. I can never say enough. When I think [music] of all you've done, When I think [music] of all you've done, When I think [music] of all you've done, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> when I [music] think of all you've >> when I [music] think of all you've >> when I [music] think of all you've brought me through, when I think about brought me through, when I think about brought me through, when I think about your love, your love, your love, >> [music] >> I can never say enough. >> I can never say enough. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> For the For the way >> For the For the way >> For the For the way that you For the For the that you For your For your >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> every day. >> every day. >> every day. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Come on, let's thank him. That's why I >> Come on, let's thank him. That's why I >> Come on, let's thank him. That's why I owe owe owe you praise. you praise. you praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> For the >> For the >> For the that you For the [music] For the [music] that you For your For your every day. every day. every day. That's why That's why That's why >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I owe you >> I owe you >> I owe you praise.

Oh Lord, you [music] Oh Lord, you [music] All the universe All my All my praises. praises. praises. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh Lord, you >> Oh Lord, you >> Oh Lord, you Let us celebrate All All >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] >> I'm excited to get into the word today.

>> I'm excited to get into the word today. We're going to be no other place than We're going to be no other place than We're going to be no other place than but Matthew chapter 5 as we continue our but Matthew chapter 5 as we continue our but Matthew chapter 5 as we continue our series in the Beatitudes. That's where series in the Beatitudes. That's where series in the Beatitudes. That's where you will find them. Matthew chapter 5. you will find them. Matthew chapter 5. you will find them. Matthew chapter 5. Next week by the way is Father's Day. Next week by the way is Father's Day. Next week by the way is Father's Day. Like Harry was saying, my my dad is Like Harry was saying, my my dad is Like Harry was saying, my my dad is going to be in the house Lord willing going to be in the house Lord willing going to be in the house Lord willing preaching the word of God next Sunday. preaching the word of God next Sunday. preaching the word of God next Sunday. And so apparently he can preach okay, so And so apparently he can preach okay, so And so apparently he can preach okay, so we thought we'd give him a chance to we thought we'd give him a chance to we thought we'd give him a chance to come up here and and share a little come up here and and share a little come up here and and share a little something. But for real, I know it's something. But for real, I know it's something. But for real, I know it's going to be encouraging what he shares going to be encouraging what he shares going to be encouraging what he shares and challenging and he'll probably make and challenging and he'll probably make and challenging and he'll probably make you laugh as well. I'm sure there will you laugh as well. I'm sure there will you laugh as well. I'm sure there will be a Budreau and Thibodeaux joke be a Budreau and Thibodeaux joke be a Budreau and Thibodeaux joke somewhere somewhere in there, but today somewhere somewhere in there, but today somewhere somewhere in there, but today we're going to continue our series in we're going to continue our series in we're going to continue our series in Matthew 5. Uh it's called the Matthew 5. Uh it's called the Matthew 5. Uh it's called the Beatitudes. This section of scripture Beatitudes. This section of scripture Beatitudes. This section of scripture and to remind you, Beatitude means to be and to remind you, Beatitude means to be and to remind you, Beatitude means to be blessed. It it means to be happy and the blessed. It it means to be happy and the blessed. It it means to be happy and the world will will teach you that happiness world will will teach you that happiness world will will teach you that happiness and a blessed life is defined by your and a blessed life is defined by your and a blessed life is defined by your circumstances, circumstances, circumstances, but how many of y'all know God comes in but how many of y'all know God comes in but how many of y'all know God comes in and corrects that and says you can be and corrects that and says you can be and corrects that and says you can be happy based off of the attitude in your happy based off of the attitude in your happy based off of the attitude in your heart regardless of your circumstances.

heart regardless of your circumstances. heart regardless of your circumstances. And so with that being said today I want And so with that being said today I want And so with that being said today I want to talk about which heart attitude, to talk about which heart attitude, to talk about which heart attitude, which Beatitude we're going to cover which Beatitude we're going to cover which Beatitude we're going to cover today and you find it in verse 8 if today and you find it in verse 8 if today and you find it in verse 8 if y'all want to look down there with me. y'all want to look down there with me. y'all want to look down there with me. It's just one sentence. I'm not used to It's just one sentence. I'm not used to It's just one sentence. I'm not used to preaching off of one sentence, but this preaching off of one sentence, but this preaching off of one sentence, but this is what we have here today. Verse 8, is what we have here today. Verse 8, is what we have here today. Verse 8, Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, are the pure in heart, are the pure in heart, for they will see God." for they will see God." for they will see God." In fact, it's so short. I want to say it In fact, it's so short. I want to say it In fact, it's so short. I want to say it again, but I want you guys to say it again, but I want you guys to say it again, but I want you guys to say it with me from the top. You ready? 1 2 3. with me from the top. You ready? 1 2 3. with me from the top. You ready? 1 2 3. 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. will see God. will see God. Today I want to talk to you guys about Today I want to talk to you guys about Today I want to talk to you guys about what it means to have a pure and what it means to have a pure and what it means to have a pure and undivided and clean heart before God. undivided and clean heart before God. undivided and clean heart before God. Uh Billy Graham always told this this Uh Billy Graham always told this this Uh Billy Graham always told this this joke like over and over again about this joke like over and over again about this joke like over and over again about this young college kid going to this zoo and young college kid going to this zoo and young college kid going to this zoo and applying for a job and the only job applying for a job and the only job applying for a job and the only job opening they had for him was to to be opening they had for him was to to be opening they had for him was to to be the bear. The bear had just died and so the bear. The bear had just died and so the bear. The bear had just died and so they they needed him to they they needed him to they they needed him to to get inside this bear suit and just to get inside this bear suit and just to get inside this bear suit and just give his best bear impersonation all day give his best bear impersonation all day give his best bear impersonation all day long. And so he put the bear suit on and long. And so he put the bear suit on and long. And so he put the bear suit on and he was like really good at it. He would he was like really good at it. He would he was like really good at it. He would he would growl and he would freak people he would growl and he would freak people he would growl and he would freak people out and go up on his hind legs and out and go up on his hind legs and out and go up on his hind legs and people from all over were driving in to people from all over were driving in to people from all over were driving in to to see this bear and the employees were to see this bear and the employees were to see this bear and the employees were like, "Bro, this is the best worker like, "Bro, this is the best worker like, "Bro, this is the best worker we've ever had. This guy is crazy good."

we've ever had. This guy is crazy good." we've ever had. This guy is crazy good." And then one day he got like really into And then one day he got like really into And then one day he got like really into it, and so he was like, you know, it, and so he was like, you know, it, and so he was like, you know, beating his chest, and he was growling, beating his chest, and he was growling, beating his chest, and he was growling, and everybody was screaming, and he goes and everybody was screaming, and he goes and everybody was screaming, and he goes over to the gate that leads to the over to the gate that leads to the over to the gate that leads to the lion's section right next to him. He lion's section right next to him. He lion's section right next to him. He starts shaking on the lion's gate, and starts shaking on the lion's gate, and starts shaking on the lion's gate, and on accident the gate breaks, and the on accident the gate breaks, and the on accident the gate breaks, and the lion rushes in. lion rushes in. lion rushes in. And so the the guy in in the bear suit And so the the guy in in the bear suit And so the the guy in in the bear suit starts to scream, "I'm I'm not actually starts to scream, "I'm I'm not actually starts to scream, "I'm I'm not actually a bear. I'm I'm only a man dressed up as a bear. I'm I'm only a man dressed up as a bear. I'm I'm only a man dressed up as a bear. I'm only a man. Somebody help. a bear. I'm only a man. Somebody help. a bear. I'm only a man. Somebody help. Somebody save me." And the lion said, Somebody save me." And the lion said, Somebody save me." And the lion said, "Bro, you dummy, shut up. You're going "Bro, you dummy, shut up. You're going "Bro, you dummy, shut up. You're going to get us both fired, man." to get us both fired, man." to get us both fired, man." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And so >> And so >> And so And so the point the point of the story And so the point the point of the story And so the point the point of the story is that just because somebody says is that just because somebody says is that just because somebody says they're one thing they're one thing they're one thing how many of you know there can be how many of you know there can be how many of you know there can be something else going on underneath the something else going on underneath the something else going on underneath the surface? surface? surface? But somebody who is pure in heart But somebody who is pure in heart But somebody who is pure in heart aims to please God at everything they aims to please God at everything they aims to please God at everything they do, even all the way down to their core, do, even all the way down to their core, do, even all the way down to their core, all the way down to their core.

all the way down to their core. all the way down to their core. And so to catch you guys up on this And so to catch you guys up on this And so to catch you guys up on this series, and I'm going to kind of bring series, and I'm going to kind of bring series, and I'm going to kind of bring this back to what we're talking about this back to what we're talking about this back to what we're talking about today, today, today, we're we're calling it kingdom culture. we're we're calling it kingdom culture. we're we're calling it kingdom culture. Culture basically means the way of life Culture basically means the way of life Culture basically means the way of life of a group of people, and I said this of a group of people, and I said this of a group of people, and I said this week one that How many of you know that week one that How many of you know that week one that How many of you know that the moment we're adopted into God's the moment we're adopted into God's the moment we're adopted into God's family, our way of life like the way we family, our way of life like the way we family, our way of life like the way we do things, the way we talk, the way we do things, the way we talk, the way we do things, the way we talk, the way we act should look different than the world act should look different than the world act should look different than the world around us. around us. around us. That instead of blending in with the That instead of blending in with the That instead of blending in with the darkness darkness darkness through pure lives, we should actually through pure lives, we should actually through pure lives, we should actually light up the darkness. light up the darkness. light up the darkness. Um the analogy that comes to mind for me Um the analogy that comes to mind for me Um the analogy that comes to mind for me is that of a lighthouse. I I've never is that of a lighthouse. I I've never is that of a lighthouse. I I've never been to a lighthouse before. I've always been to a lighthouse before. I've always been to a lighthouse before. I've always wanted to go to a lighthouse. I I looked wanted to go to a lighthouse. I I looked wanted to go to a lighthouse. I I looked up to see if there was one in Arkansas. up to see if there was one in Arkansas. up to see if there was one in Arkansas. We ain't got nothing. And so We ain't got nothing. And so We ain't got nothing. And so anyway, if you guys own a lighthouse, anyway, if you guys own a lighthouse, anyway, if you guys own a lighthouse, just like hit a boy up. I've always just like hit a boy up. I've always just like hit a boy up. I've always wanted to go see one, but one that I'm a wanted to go see one, but one that I'm a wanted to go see one, but one that I'm a I'm aware of is this lighthouse off the I'm aware of is this lighthouse off the I'm aware of is this lighthouse off the coast of North Carolina called the Cape coast of North Carolina called the Cape coast of North Carolina called the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. And for centuries, Hatteras Lighthouse. And for centuries, Hatteras Lighthouse. And for centuries, it's it's been known as like one of the it's it's been known as like one of the it's it's been known as like one of the most prominent lighthouses on the most prominent lighthouses on the most prominent lighthouses on the Atlantic coast. And so, basically, this Atlantic coast. And so, basically, this Atlantic coast. And so, basically, this this area of waters called Cape Hatteras this area of waters called Cape Hatteras this area of waters called Cape Hatteras was like a super dangerous cape of was like a super dangerous cape of was like a super dangerous cape of waters for for years. Basically, what waters for for years. Basically, what waters for for years. Basically, what what happens is the the cold water from what happens is the the cold water from what happens is the the cold water from the north meets the warmer water from the north meets the warmer water from the north meets the warmer water from the Caribbean, and it's always mixing the Caribbean, and it's always mixing the Caribbean, and it's always mixing and like blending together. And so, and like blending together. And so, and like blending together. And so, what's happening is it's actually

what's happening is it's actually what's happening is it's actually shifting the sandbars around that cape, shifting the sandbars around that cape, shifting the sandbars around that cape, making and changing like dangerous making and changing like dangerous making and changing like dangerous obstacles that are just popping up for obstacles that are just popping up for obstacles that are just popping up for sailors that are traveling by. For for sailors that are traveling by. For for sailors that are traveling by. For for years, they they called this place the years, they they called this place the years, they they called this place the graveyard of the Atlantic. Like a graveyard of the Atlantic. Like a graveyard of the Atlantic. Like a terrible name for a cruise ship. Like terrible name for a cruise ship. Like terrible name for a cruise ship. Like pretty cool name for a pirate movie pretty cool name for a pirate movie pretty cool name for a pirate movie though. And so, like they they named it though. And so, like they they named it though. And so, like they they named it this, and then in order to like help this, and then in order to like help this, and then in order to like help sailors like navigate safely by, they sailors like navigate safely by, they sailors like navigate safely by, they they put up this lighthouse there. And they put up this lighthouse there. And they put up this lighthouse there. And basically, how the inside of a basically, how the inside of a basically, how the inside of a lighthouse works, cuz this is the most lighthouse works, cuz this is the most lighthouse works, cuz this is the most mesmerizing part to me, how the inside mesmerizing part to me, how the inside mesmerizing part to me, how the inside of a lighthouse works is that there's of a lighthouse works is that there's of a lighthouse works is that there's this massive bulb just like a lamp, but this massive bulb just like a lamp, but this massive bulb just like a lamp, but instead of that light just surrounding instead of that light just surrounding instead of that light just surrounding and and causing light to just be cast and and causing light to just be cast and and causing light to just be cast out just near the light, the reason that out just near the light, the reason that out just near the light, the reason that it's able to shine so far is that on the it's able to shine so far is that on the it's able to shine so far is that on the inside of these lighthouses are inside of these lighthouses are inside of these lighthouses are thousands of glass prisms that are thousands of glass prisms that are thousands of glass prisms that are perfectly aligned. And so, the light perfectly aligned. And so, the light perfectly aligned. And so, the light just magnifies through these glass just magnifies through these glass just magnifies through these glass prisms. And because it intensifies and prisms. And because it intensifies and prisms. And because it intensifies and amplifies and is magnified through the amplifies and is magnified through the amplifies and is magnified through the purity of these glass prisms, these purity of these glass prisms, these purity of these glass prisms, these lights are able to be seen up to 20 mi lights are able to be seen up to 20 mi lights are able to be seen up to 20 mi away.

away. away. And and so, I say all that to say that I And and so, I say all that to say that I And and so, I say all that to say that I believe that the local church, I believe believe that the local church, I believe believe that the local church, I believe this church is like a the this church is like a the this church is like a the Isn't it true that every single one of Isn't it true that every single one of Isn't it true that every single one of us, God, he took us from some type of us, God, he took us from some type of us, God, he took us from some type of darkness that we were in? He he brought darkness that we were in? He he brought darkness that we were in? He he brought us into marvelous light. And just like us into marvelous light. And just like us into marvelous light. And just like those glass prisms are perfectly those glass prisms are perfectly those glass prisms are perfectly aligned, I believe that God is looking aligned, I believe that God is looking aligned, I believe that God is looking for people who are aligned with his for people who are aligned with his for people who are aligned with his word. I believe that God is looking for word. I believe that God is looking for word. I believe that God is looking for people who are aligned with his heart, people who are aligned with his heart, people who are aligned with his heart, who are aligned with his ways, so that who are aligned with his ways, so that who are aligned with his ways, so that so that his light so that the brilliance so that his light so that the brilliance so that his light so that the brilliance of his light can shine through people of his light can shine through people of his light can shine through people like that. And so if a lighthouse shines like that. And so if a lighthouse shines like that. And so if a lighthouse shines through these glass prisms, you could through these glass prisms, you could through these glass prisms, you could only imagine how important it is to keep only imagine how important it is to keep only imagine how important it is to keep those glass prisms pure and clean. those glass prisms pure and clean. those glass prisms pure and clean. In fact, I looked up that even if one In fact, I looked up that even if one In fact, I looked up that even if one little smudge of dirt even if one little smudge of dirt even if one little smudge of dirt even if one blemish is on that glass prism, it can blemish is on that glass prism, it can blemish is on that glass prism, it can actually diminish the light by miles. actually diminish the light by miles. actually diminish the light by miles. And so one of the most important jobs of And so one of the most important jobs of And so one of the most important jobs of a lighthouse keeper is to keep those a lighthouse keeper is to keep those a lighthouse keeper is to keep those glass prisms pure. In fact, every single glass prisms pure. In fact, every single glass prisms pure. In fact, every single day they will go and they will clean day they will go and they will clean day they will go and they will clean those glass prisms one at a time in those glass prisms one at a time in those glass prisms one at a time in order to keep them pure so that the order to keep them pure so that the order to keep them pure so that the light can shine through.

light can shine through. light can shine through. This reminds me exactly, like word for This reminds me exactly, like word for This reminds me exactly, like word for word, what Paul told Timothy when he word, what Paul told Timothy when he word, what Paul told Timothy when he wrote to him. Over seven times he wrote to him. Over seven times he wrote to him. Over seven times he basically says this exact same thing. I basically says this exact same thing. I basically says this exact same thing. I want to look at 1 Timothy 5:22. Paul want to look at 1 Timothy 5:22. Paul want to look at 1 Timothy 5:22. Paul writes to Timothy and he says, "Timothy, writes to Timothy and he says, "Timothy, writes to Timothy and he says, "Timothy, keep yourself pure. Keep yourself pure." keep yourself pure. Keep yourself pure." keep yourself pure. Keep yourself pure." In other words, Paul is writing to In other words, Paul is writing to In other words, Paul is writing to Timothy and he's saying, "Timothy, Timothy and he's saying, "Timothy, Timothy and he's saying, "Timothy, you're a lighthouse. You're called to you're a lighthouse. You're called to you're a lighthouse. You're called to shine. It's up to you to protect your shine. It's up to you to protect your shine. It's up to you to protect your light." light." light." Not not because Timothy had to be Not not because Timothy had to be Not not because Timothy had to be perfect in order to earn salvation, but perfect in order to earn salvation, but perfect in order to earn salvation, but because Paul understood something. because Paul understood something. because Paul understood something. Paul understood the cleaner the glass, Paul understood the cleaner the glass, Paul understood the cleaner the glass, the clearer the light. the clearer the light. the clearer the light. Paul understood the the cleaner the Paul understood the the cleaner the Paul understood the the cleaner the heart, the clearer the light. The purer heart, the clearer the light. The purer heart, the clearer the light. The purer my life, the clearer God's light can my life, the clearer God's light can my life, the clearer God's light can shine through me. That's why Jesus said, shine through me. That's why Jesus said, shine through me. That's why Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart." "Blessed are the pure in heart." "Blessed are the pure in heart." And so, to give you a little bit of And so, to give you a little bit of And so, to give you a little bit of background on Timothy, Timothy, he was background on Timothy, Timothy, he was background on Timothy, Timothy, he was from Lystra, a city in modern-day from Lystra, a city in modern-day from Lystra, a city in modern-day Turkey. His mom was a Jew, his dad was a Turkey. His mom was a Jew, his dad was a Turkey. His mom was a Jew, his dad was a Greek, and so he was born a Gentile. He Greek, and so he was born a Gentile. He Greek, and so he was born a Gentile. He was uncircumcised. In Acts chapter 16, was uncircumcised. In Acts chapter 16, was uncircumcised. In Acts chapter 16, Paul would take care of that issue, Lord Paul would take care of that issue, Lord Paul would take care of that issue, Lord help him. But in Acts 14, Paul journeys help him. But in Acts 14, Paul journeys help him. But in Acts 14, Paul journeys to Lystra, to Lystra, to Lystra, and though it's not documented here, and though it's not documented here, and though it's not documented here, everybody just truly believes that everybody just truly believes that everybody just truly believes that Timothy had to have given his heart to Timothy had to have given his heart to Timothy had to have given his heart to the Lord in Acts 14. Paul takes this the Lord in Acts 14. Paul takes this the Lord in Acts 14. Paul takes this missionary journey to Lystra. He's He's

missionary journey to Lystra. He's He's missionary journey to Lystra. He's He's preaching the gospel, and then shortly preaching the gospel, and then shortly preaching the gospel, and then shortly after, we read that Timothy is then after, we read that Timothy is then after, we read that Timothy is then assigned as a lighthouse, and a very assigned as a lighthouse, and a very assigned as a lighthouse, and a very influential lighthouse, to go lead this influential lighthouse, to go lead this influential lighthouse, to go lead this massive church that we know as the massive church that we know as the massive church that we know as the church in Ephesus, okay? Ephesus is the church in Ephesus, okay? Ephesus is the church in Ephesus, okay? Ephesus is the this massive city in the Roman Empire. this massive city in the Roman Empire. this massive city in the Roman Empire. This isn't a small city. This isn't like This isn't a small city. This isn't like This isn't a small city. This isn't like a Wichita, Kansas deal. This isn't like a Wichita, Kansas deal. This isn't like a Wichita, Kansas deal. This isn't like an Albuquerque. This is him getting an Albuquerque. This is him getting an Albuquerque. This is him getting assigned to like go plant a church in assigned to like go plant a church in assigned to like go plant a church in New York City, all right? Shout out to New York City, all right? Shout out to New York City, all right? Shout out to the Knicks, by the way, all right? This the Knicks, by the way, all right? This the Knicks, by the way, all right? This is him like going going to New York City is him like going going to New York City is him like going going to New York City to to plant this church. And so, you can to to plant this church. And so, you can to to plant this church. And so, you can only imagine, Timothy, we know he was only imagine, Timothy, we know he was only imagine, Timothy, we know he was young, but you can only imagine how bold young, but you can only imagine how bold young, but you can only imagine how bold this guy had to have been, this guy had to have been, this guy had to have been, how charismatic he had to have been, how how charismatic he had to have been, how how charismatic he had to have been, how intelligent he had to have been. I'm intelligent he had to have been. I'm intelligent he had to have been. I'm sure he was full of grit in order to go sure he was full of grit in order to go sure he was full of grit in order to go plant a church and lead a church there. plant a church and lead a church there. plant a church and lead a church there. But when Paul writes to Timothy, he But when Paul writes to Timothy, he But when Paul writes to Timothy, he doesn't talk about all of these doesn't talk about all of these doesn't talk about all of these attributes that he has, he repeats seven attributes that he has, he repeats seven attributes that he has, he repeats seven different times, different times, different times, as if it's the most important message he as if it's the most important message he as if it's the most important message he is trying to get across, Timothy, is trying to get across, Timothy, is trying to get across, Timothy, Timothy, don't forget you got to keep Timothy, don't forget you got to keep Timothy, don't forget you got to keep yourself pure.

yourself pure. yourself pure. In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "Have a pure heart." In 2:8, he says, "Have a pure heart." In 2:8, he says, "Have a pure heart." In 2:8, he says, "Have pure hands." In 3:9, he says, "Have pure hands." In 3:9, he says, "Have pure hands." In 3:9, he says, "Have a pure conscious." In 4:12, he "Have a pure conscious." In 4:12, he "Have a pure conscious." In 4:12, he says, "Have pure conduct." Listen, I says, "Have pure conduct." Listen, I says, "Have pure conduct." Listen, I believe that if Paul could write a believe that if Paul could write a believe that if Paul could write a letter letter letter to every single person in this room, but to every single person in this room, but to every single person in this room, but in particular the young leaders in this in particular the young leaders in this in particular the young leaders in this room, room, room, if Paul could write a letter to each and if Paul could write a letter to each and if Paul could write a letter to each and every single one of you, I believe he every single one of you, I believe he every single one of you, I believe he would write over and over and over again would write over and over and over again would write over and over and over again the same exact thing he wrote to the same exact thing he wrote to the same exact thing he wrote to Timothy, "Keep yourself pure." Timothy, "Keep yourself pure." Timothy, "Keep yourself pure." In everything you do, keep dating pure. In everything you do, keep dating pure. In everything you do, keep dating pure. Don't fall into relationships that are Don't fall into relationships that are Don't fall into relationships that are constantly pulling you away from the constantly pulling you away from the constantly pulling you away from the heart of God. heart of God. heart of God. Yes, God will always pull you back in, Yes, God will always pull you back in, Yes, God will always pull you back in, but let's be honest, some of the biggest but let's be honest, some of the biggest but let's be honest, some of the biggest setbacks in young people are whenever setbacks in young people are whenever setbacks in young people are whenever they get impure in their relationships. they get impure in their relationships. they get impure in their relationships. Keep yourself pure. Keep yourself pure. Keep yourself pure. I believe Paul would look at him and I believe Paul would look at him and I believe Paul would look at him and say, "Keep your eyes pure, man." Like, say, "Keep your eyes pure, man." Like, say, "Keep your eyes pure, man." Like, there's so many things on our devices there's so many things on our devices there's so many things on our devices that we can see even on accident. that we can see even on accident. that we can see even on accident. And because there's so many things we And because there's so many things we And because there's so many things we can see, how many of you know there's so can see, how many of you know there's so can see, how many of you know there's so many things available, but not many things available, but not many things available, but not everything that is available is everything that is available is everything that is available is beneficial, right?

beneficial, right? beneficial, right? And so I believe he would say like, And so I believe he would say like, And so I believe he would say like, "Keep Keep yourself pure there because "Keep Keep yourself pure there because "Keep Keep yourself pure there because the things you're looking at are shaping the things you're looking at are shaping the things you're looking at are shaping the way that you are thinking." the way that you are thinking." the way that you are thinking." And the way that you are thinking is And the way that you are thinking is And the way that you are thinking is either going to make you more like either going to make you more like either going to make you more like Christ or more like somebody you don't Christ or more like somebody you don't Christ or more like somebody you don't want to be. Keep yourself pure. want to be. Keep yourself pure. want to be. Keep yourself pure. I believe he would say, "Make sure you I believe he would say, "Make sure you I believe he would say, "Make sure you do everything you can to to keep your do everything you can to to keep your do everything you can to to keep your choices pure. Don't be a door, be a choices pure. Don't be a door, be a choices pure. Don't be a door, be a wall. Don't let compromise pass through wall. Don't let compromise pass through wall. Don't let compromise pass through you, you, you, but like hold up the standard like a but like hold up the standard like a but like hold up the standard like a child of God would. Keep yourself pure." child of God would. Keep yourself pure." child of God would. Keep yourself pure." Now, when I talk about purity, I I got Now, when I talk about purity, I I got Now, when I talk about purity, I I got to make sure that I state this like to make sure that I state this like to make sure that I state this like I know this room is full of a bunch of I know this room is full of a bunch of I know this room is full of a bunch of impure and imperfect people, and I'm impure and imperfect people, and I'm impure and imperfect people, and I'm right there with you. right there with you. right there with you. I I stumble all the time, and that's why I I stumble all the time, and that's why I I stumble all the time, and that's why I'm so thankful though that the Bible I'm so thankful though that the Bible I'm so thankful though that the Bible doesn't define a righteous person by how doesn't define a righteous person by how doesn't define a righteous person by how many times they stumble, but the Bible many times they stumble, but the Bible many times they stumble, but the Bible defines a righteous person by how many defines a righteous person by how many defines a righteous person by how many times they get up. times they get up. times they get up. And and and so listen, you might have And and and so listen, you might have And and and so listen, you might have stumbled 90 times in the last week, but stumbled 90 times in the last week, but stumbled 90 times in the last week, but I'm here to say biblically speaking, if I'm here to say biblically speaking, if I'm here to say biblically speaking, if you still have breath in your lungs, you you still have breath in your lungs, you you still have breath in your lungs, you still have an opportunity to stand back still have an opportunity to stand back still have an opportunity to stand back up and to say I'm fighting for purity in up and to say I'm fighting for purity in up and to say I'm fighting for purity in my life. And so and so what does purity my life. And so and so what does purity my life. And so and so what does purity mean? Well, biblically speaking, there's mean? Well, biblically speaking, there's mean? Well, biblically speaking, there's a few different types of purity. First a few different types of purity. First a few different types of purity. First off, there is a purity that only belongs off, there is a purity that only belongs off, there is a purity that only belongs to God alone.

to God alone. to God alone. The Bible says in Isaiah that the angels The Bible says in Isaiah that the angels The Bible says in Isaiah that the angels are surrounding him, guarding their are surrounding him, guarding their are surrounding him, guarding their faces, singing holy, holy, holy holy is faces, singing holy, holy, holy holy is faces, singing holy, holy, holy holy is the Lord God almighty. They can't even the Lord God almighty. They can't even the Lord God almighty. They can't even look his way. Think about that type of look his way. Think about that type of look his way. Think about that type of purity that belongs to God alone. These purity that belongs to God alone. These purity that belongs to God alone. These are angels who are perfect. They are are angels who are perfect. They are are angels who are perfect. They are sinless, yet they still are singing holy sinless, yet they still are singing holy sinless, yet they still are singing holy to a God that is even more pure than to a God that is even more pure than to a God that is even more pure than they are. they are. they are. All right, we can learn a lesson from All right, we can learn a lesson from All right, we can learn a lesson from the angels. Not for one day should we the angels. Not for one day should we the angels. Not for one day should we think we're perfect. Not for one day think we're perfect. Not for one day think we're perfect. Not for one day should we think that we are pure. We should we think that we are pure. We should we think that we are pure. We always need to look at God from a from always need to look at God from a from always need to look at God from a from an angle of God, you are so holy. You an angle of God, you are so holy. You an angle of God, you are so holy. You are so mighty, okay? And then, there's are so mighty, okay? And then, there's are so mighty, okay? And then, there's another type of purity though that we another type of purity though that we another type of purity though that we will achieve when we get to heaven. We will achieve when we get to heaven. We will achieve when we get to heaven. We we will be sinless kind of like the we will be sinless kind of like the we will be sinless kind of like the angels. And what an awesome day that angels. And what an awesome day that angels. And what an awesome day that will be, right? When there is no more will be, right? When there is no more will be, right? When there is no more sin that lives in communion with us. But sin that lives in communion with us. But sin that lives in communion with us. But then finally, okay, there is a purity then finally, okay, there is a purity then finally, okay, there is a purity that we are called to live out today. that we are called to live out today. that we are called to live out today. This is the purity that Jesus was This is the purity that Jesus was This is the purity that Jesus was talking about in this Beatitude. And talking about in this Beatitude. And talking about in this Beatitude. And it's called being pure in heart, being it's called being pure in heart, being it's called being pure in heart, being pure in heart. And I kind of spoke about pure in heart. And I kind of spoke about pure in heart. And I kind of spoke about it earlier that to be pure in heart it earlier that to be pure in heart it earlier that to be pure in heart means that even at the core of who I am, means that even at the core of who I am, means that even at the core of who I am, I do everything I can to aim at pleasing I do everything I can to aim at pleasing I do everything I can to aim at pleasing God. And so what what I want to do is I God. And so what what I want to do is I God. And so what what I want to do is I just want to give you guys three hearts, just want to give you guys three hearts, just want to give you guys three hearts, three attributes of a heart that I three attributes of a heart that I three attributes of a heart that I believe make up a pure heart. Whenever believe make up a pure heart. Whenever believe make up a pure heart. Whenever Jesus says blessed are the pure in Jesus says blessed are the pure in Jesus says blessed are the pure in heart, if you're taking notes, I I want heart, if you're taking notes, I I want heart, if you're taking notes, I I want you guys to to write these things down.

you guys to to write these things down. you guys to to write these things down. The first one that I believe makes The first one that I believe makes The first one that I believe makes somebody have a pure heart, makes somebody have a pure heart, makes somebody have a pure heart, makes somebody pure in heart is this. Number somebody pure in heart is this. Number somebody pure in heart is this. Number one, an undivided heart. one, an undivided heart. one, an undivided heart. An undivided heart. Write that down. An undivided heart. Write that down. An undivided heart. Write that down. Uh Psalm 86:11 says this, "Teach me your Uh Psalm 86:11 says this, "Teach me your Uh Psalm 86:11 says this, "Teach me your way, Lord, way, Lord, way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness. that I may rely on your faithfulness. that I may rely on your faithfulness. Give me an undivided heart." What is Give me an undivided heart." What is Give me an undivided heart." What is something that's undivided have to do something that's undivided have to do something that's undivided have to do with purity? Well, whenever a specialist with purity? Well, whenever a specialist with purity? Well, whenever a specialist look at a diamond, they're able to look at a diamond, they're able to look at a diamond, they're able to define that diamond's purity based off define that diamond's purity based off define that diamond's purity based off of how much division is in that rock. of how much division is in that rock. of how much division is in that rock. So, if there's a lot of diamond, but So, if there's a lot of diamond, but So, if there's a lot of diamond, but also a lot of graphite, it's not going also a lot of graphite, it's not going also a lot of graphite, it's not going to be as valuable because there's a lot to be as valuable because there's a lot to be as valuable because there's a lot of division there. But something that is of division there. But something that is of division there. But something that is 100% diamond is going to be worth more. 100% diamond is going to be worth more. 100% diamond is going to be worth more. And And so, what the psalmist is writing And And so, what the psalmist is writing And And so, what the psalmist is writing here is, "God, give me an undivided here is, "God, give me an undivided here is, "God, give me an undivided heart like that." heart like that." heart like that." I don't want compromise in my heart. I I don't want compromise in my heart. I I don't want compromise in my heart. I want everything that I aim at to be want everything that I aim at to be want everything that I aim at to be something that pleases you.

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

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

realities. realities. We're We're stuck between pursuing God We're We're stuck between pursuing God We're We're stuck between pursuing God and and we're stuck between pursuing and and we're stuck between pursuing and and we're stuck between pursuing worldliness. worldliness. worldliness. Now Now, to give you a biblical example Now Now, to give you a biblical example Now Now, to give you a biblical example of this, in 1 Kings 18, Elijah is about of this, in 1 Kings 18, Elijah is about of this, in 1 Kings 18, Elijah is about to face off in a heavyweight match to face off in a heavyweight match to face off in a heavyweight match against 450 against 450 against 450 false prophets of Baal, okay? Baal was a false prophets of Baal, okay? Baal was a false prophets of Baal, okay? Baal was a made-up, man-made god that the people of made-up, man-made god that the people of made-up, man-made god that the people of northern Israel followed and basically northern Israel followed and basically northern Israel followed and basically adopted into their religion. And so, adopted into their religion. And so, adopted into their religion. And so, Elijah stands up in boldness in in 1 Elijah stands up in boldness in in 1 Elijah stands up in boldness in in 1 Kings 18:21, and he says this, "How long Kings 18:21, and he says this, "How long Kings 18:21, and he says this, "How long How long will you waver between two How long will you waver between two How long will you waver between two opinions? opinions? opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. If the Lord is God, follow him. If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Bale is God, follow him. But if Bale is God, follow him. But if Bale is God, follow him. And to the divided heart, God asked the And to the divided heart, God asked the And to the divided heart, God asked the very same question. How long are you very same question. How long are you very same question. How long are you going to go on toying with the very same going to go on toying with the very same going to go on toying with the very same sins?

sins? sins? Like like never giving yourself fully Like like never giving yourself fully Like like never giving yourself fully over to your sin, over to your sin, over to your sin, but never giving yourself fully over to but never giving yourself fully over to but never giving yourself fully over to the Lord either. You're limping between the Lord either. You're limping between the Lord either. You're limping between two realities. You're limping between two realities. You're limping between two realities. You're limping between two things, and you're not blessed. two things, and you're not blessed. two things, and you're not blessed. You're divided. You're divided. You're divided. Can you picture just how blessed you Can you picture just how blessed you Can you picture just how blessed you would be if your heart wasn't divided? would be if your heart wasn't divided? would be if your heart wasn't divided? Can you picture how blessed you would be Can you picture how blessed you would be Can you picture how blessed you would be if all you did every single day was if all you did every single day was if all you did every single day was aimed to please God? aimed to please God? aimed to please God? Didn't have to have the shame and the Didn't have to have the shame and the Didn't have to have the shame and the consequences of your choices that came consequences of your choices that came consequences of your choices that came from a divided heart following you from a divided heart following you from a divided heart following you around all day, but every single day you around all day, but every single day you around all day, but every single day you woke up and said, "God, I'm here to woke up and said, "God, I'm here to woke up and said, "God, I'm here to serve you. I want you to unite my heart. serve you. I want you to unite my heart. serve you. I want you to unite my heart. I no longer want to have a divided I no longer want to have a divided I no longer want to have a divided heart." You can choose to have an heart." You can choose to have an heart." You can choose to have an undivided heart here today. In fact, undivided heart here today. In fact, undivided heart here today. In fact, even right here in this moment, you can even right here in this moment, you can even right here in this moment, you can say that prayer. say that prayer. say that prayer. You can say, "God, I I I know I've been You can say, "God, I I I know I've been You can say, "God, I I I know I've been living a divided way. I'm ready to be living a divided way. I'm ready to be living a divided way. I'm ready to be united. I'm ready to be united with united. I'm ready to be united with united. I'm ready to be united with you." you." you." Think about how blessed you would be if Think about how blessed you would be if Think about how blessed you would be if you did that. Not only that, but then you did that. Not only that, but then you did that. Not only that, but then Jesus, he actually tags on a promise. He Jesus, he actually tags on a promise. He Jesus, he actually tags on a promise. He says, "Blessed are the pure in heart. says, "Blessed are the pure in heart. says, "Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the undivided hearts, for Blessed are the undivided hearts, for Blessed are the undivided hearts, for they will see God."

they will see God." they will see God." Okay, how incredible is that? Like Okay, how incredible is that? Like Okay, how incredible is that? Like people have been trying to interpret people have been trying to interpret people have been trying to interpret what this means for for centuries, but what this means for for centuries, but what this means for for centuries, but since I'm the one talking, I'm going to since I'm the one talking, I'm going to since I'm the one talking, I'm going to give you guys my interpretation, all give you guys my interpretation, all give you guys my interpretation, all right? right? right? Um have you guys ever ever watched Um have you guys ever ever watched Um have you guys ever ever watched YouTube TV on that like multi-view split YouTube TV on that like multi-view split YouTube TV on that like multi-view split screen? screen? screen? What you can do if you're not if you're What you can do if you're not if you're What you can do if you're not if you're not aware of the function, it is you can not aware of the function, it is you can not aware of the function, it is you can put on four up to four games at once put on four up to four games at once put on four up to four games at once that will split the screen. So, like a that will split the screen. So, like a that will split the screen. So, like a quarter there, a quarter there, a quarter there, a quarter there, a quarter there, a quarter there, a quarter here, and a quarter there. So, quarter here, and a quarter there. So, quarter here, and a quarter there. So, four different games that you want to four different games that you want to four different games that you want to watch all the same time. It's it's It's watch all the same time. It's it's It's watch all the same time. It's it's It's perfect if you're trying to watch a lot perfect if you're trying to watch a lot perfect if you're trying to watch a lot of games that you're not that invested of games that you're not that invested of games that you're not that invested in, okay? Like Alabama. I I I always put in, okay? Like Alabama. I I I always put in, okay? Like Alabama. I I I always put them They never get more than a quarter them They never get more than a quarter them They never get more than a quarter of my screen. You know what I mean? And of my screen. You know what I mean? And of my screen. You know what I mean? And so, like I'll just put them at the Amen. so, like I'll just put them at the Amen. so, like I'll just put them at the Amen. I'll just put them at the bottom. That's I'll just put them at the bottom. That's I'll just put them at the bottom. That's the first amen that guy's ever said in the first amen that guy's ever said in the first amen that guy's ever said in church. And I'm kidding. I love you, church. And I'm kidding. I love you, church. And I'm kidding. I love you, Don. And so, we'll put you We'll put you Don. And so, we'll put you We'll put you Don. And so, we'll put you We'll put you I'll put Alabama at the bottom corner. I'll put Alabama at the bottom corner. I'll put Alabama at the bottom corner. You know, you always got to keep an eye You know, you always got to keep an eye You know, you always got to keep an eye on the enemy. Can I get an amen? And uh on the enemy. Can I get an amen? And uh on the enemy. Can I get an amen? And uh And so, that's what you do. But But then And so, that's what you do. But But then And so, that's what you do. But But then when that one game starts, you know, the when that one game starts, you know, the when that one game starts, you know, the game that you've been waiting for all game that you've been waiting for all game that you've been waiting for all day, day, day, uh you you click off multiview and you uh you you click off multiview and you uh you you click off multiview and you make that game the only view. Because uh make that game the only view. Because uh make that game the only view. Because uh you've been waiting all day. You You You you've been waiting all day. You You You you've been waiting all day. You You You want to see every single detail. And want to see every single detail. And want to see every single detail. And when a commercial comes up on the TV, when a commercial comes up on the TV, when a commercial comes up on the TV, you're not skipping over. Nobody's you're not skipping over. Nobody's you're not skipping over. Nobody's taking that remote from you. You are taking that remote from you. You are taking that remote from you. You are staying locked in. Why? Because you staying locked in. Why? Because you staying locked in. Why? Because you don't want to miss a thing. That game

don't want to miss a thing. That game don't want to miss a thing. That game That thing is getting my undivided That thing is getting my undivided That thing is getting my undivided attention. I don't want to miss attention. I don't want to miss attention. I don't want to miss anything. anything. anything. And And as a pastor, I I have heard so And And as a pastor, I I have heard so And And as a pastor, I I have heard so many times from people, "Bro, I just many times from people, "Bro, I just many times from people, "Bro, I just can't see God. I I can't hear from him. can't see God. I I can't hear from him. can't see God. I I can't hear from him. When is he going to show up? When is he When is he going to show up? When is he When is he going to show up? When is he going to speak to me? going to speak to me? going to speak to me? Where Where Where is he? Why Why can't I Where Where Where is he? Why Why can't I Where Where Where is he? Why Why can't I find him? Why can't I see him? find him? Why can't I see him? find him? Why can't I see him? He's so hard to find." He's so hard to find." He's so hard to find." Or maybe we're treating God like Or maybe we're treating God like Or maybe we're treating God like multiview and we're missing him. multiview and we're missing him. multiview and we're missing him. Maybe he's not the only thing. Maybe Maybe he's not the only thing. Maybe Maybe he's not the only thing. Maybe he's just one thing. Maybe he's only he's just one thing. Maybe he's only he's just one thing. Maybe he's only getting a quarter of our screen. Maybe getting a quarter of our screen. Maybe getting a quarter of our screen. Maybe he's only getting a quarter of our time. he's only getting a quarter of our time. he's only getting a quarter of our time. And so, therefore, if he's only getting And so, therefore, if he's only getting And so, therefore, if he's only getting a quarter of my time and my my brain and a quarter of my time and my my brain and a quarter of my time and my my brain and my heart is also divided between my my heart is also divided between my my heart is also divided between my opinion and God's opinion, what in his opinion and God's opinion, what in his opinion and God's opinion, what in his word he tells me that I should do and word he tells me that I should do and word he tells me that I should do and what in his word I want to do, don't you what in his word I want to do, don't you what in his word I want to do, don't you think I'm going to miss him from time to think I'm going to miss him from time to think I'm going to miss him from time to time? time? time? Think about the two disciples on the Think about the two disciples on the Think about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. road to Emmaus. road to Emmaus. They're walking down this road and we They're walking down this road and we They're walking down this road and we talked about this at Easter. And and talked about this at Easter. And and talked about this at Easter. And and Jesus walks up right beside them with Jesus walks up right beside them with Jesus walks up right beside them with the nail scars in his hands and they the nail scars in his hands and they the nail scars in his hands and they miss him.

miss him. miss him. They don't even know it's Jesus. They don't even know it's Jesus. They don't even know it's Jesus. Why? Because their hearts were divided Why? Because their hearts were divided Why? Because their hearts were divided between belief and unbelief. They between belief and unbelief. They between belief and unbelief. They couldn't see him. couldn't see him. couldn't see him. And so what's a what's a couple examples And so what's a what's a couple examples And so what's a what's a couple examples of this in in our faith? These are very of this in in our faith? These are very of this in in our faith? These are very practical. These are very simple. practical. These are very simple. practical. These are very simple. But I believe this is why people aren't But I believe this is why people aren't But I believe this is why people aren't seeing God the way that he wants to seeing God the way that he wants to seeing God the way that he wants to reveal himself. reveal himself. reveal himself. You know, we believe here at New Life You know, we believe here at New Life You know, we believe here at New Life Church that one moment in the presence Church that one moment in the presence Church that one moment in the presence of God can change everything. We always of God can change everything. We always of God can change everything. We always say that. say that. say that. And so that therefore whenever I And so that therefore whenever I And so that therefore whenever I worship, God's presence is around me and worship, God's presence is around me and worship, God's presence is around me and so my my sole focus should be to so my my sole focus should be to so my my sole focus should be to encounter him. encounter him. encounter him. But if my sole focus isn't on But if my sole focus isn't on But if my sole focus isn't on encountering him and I'm also thinking encountering him and I'm also thinking encountering him and I'm also thinking about man, the music it's a little too about man, the music it's a little too about man, the music it's a little too loud for my liking. loud for my liking. loud for my liking. Or maybe I wish it was a little bit Or maybe I wish it was a little bit Or maybe I wish it was a little bit louder. louder. louder. Or how come they're how come they're not Or how come they're how come they're not Or how come they're how come they're not singing the songs that I like? What singing the songs that I like? What singing the songs that I like? What happened to the hymns? How come they're happened to the hymns? How come they're happened to the hymns? How come they're singing the and if my heart is split singing the and if my heart is split singing the and if my heart is split between focusing on God and focusing on between focusing on God and focusing on between focusing on God and focusing on what I want, don't you think from time what I want, don't you think from time what I want, don't you think from time to time I'm going to miss him?

to time I'm going to miss him? to time I'm going to miss him? Okay, like whenever I read the word if Okay, like whenever I read the word if Okay, like whenever I read the word if if I'm just reading it on my phone if I'm just reading it on my phone if I'm just reading it on my phone and like notifications are popping up and like notifications are popping up and like notifications are popping up and Instagram is one click away and I'm and Instagram is one click away and I'm and Instagram is one click away and I'm just distracted and my heart is divided, just distracted and my heart is divided, just distracted and my heart is divided, don't you think I'm going to miss some don't you think I'm going to miss some don't you think I'm going to miss some things that he's trying to jump out and things that he's trying to jump out and things that he's trying to jump out and tell me and reveal himself then? tell me and reveal himself then? tell me and reveal himself then? If if the Lord in his word tells me that If if the Lord in his word tells me that If if the Lord in his word tells me that I need to be bold and share my faith I need to be bold and share my faith I need to be bold and share my faith but my heart is split between desiring but my heart is split between desiring but my heart is split between desiring to do that but also the fear of what to do that but also the fear of what to do that but also the fear of what people are going to think about me and people are going to think about me and people are going to think about me and so therefore I'm in this mixture and I'm so therefore I'm in this mixture and I'm so therefore I'm in this mixture and I'm and I'm never actually stepping out and and I'm never actually stepping out and and I'm never actually stepping out and doing it, don't you think I'm going to doing it, don't you think I'm going to doing it, don't you think I'm going to miss God whenever I did if I did step miss God whenever I did if I did step miss God whenever I did if I did step out and then allowed him to show up in a out and then allowed him to show up in a out and then allowed him to show up in a way that only he could show up and way that only he could show up and way that only he could show up and reveal himself in a conversation that reveal himself in a conversation that reveal himself in a conversation that had I not stepped out, he wouldn't have had I not stepped out, he wouldn't have had I not stepped out, he wouldn't have been able to reveal himself in. I think been able to reveal himself in. I think been able to reveal himself in. I think God is just waiting for people to step God is just waiting for people to step God is just waiting for people to step out of the boat like Peter and say with out of the boat like Peter and say with out of the boat like Peter and say with everything that I'm doing, I'm keeping everything that I'm doing, I'm keeping everything that I'm doing, I'm keeping my eyes on you. You're my only focus. my eyes on you. You're my only focus. my eyes on you. You're my only focus. I'm not looking at the waves. I'm not I'm not looking at the waves. I'm not I'm not looking at the waves. I'm not looking at the fear. I'm not looking at looking at the fear. I'm not looking at looking at the fear. I'm not looking at distractions. Give me an undivided distractions. Give me an undivided distractions. Give me an undivided heart. It's those type of people that heart. It's those type of people that heart. It's those type of people that see God because somebody with an see God because somebody with an see God because somebody with an undivided heart is only looking for God.

undivided heart is only looking for God. undivided heart is only looking for God. And and whenever we look for God and God And and whenever we look for God and God And and whenever we look for God and God only, I think those people are going to only, I think those people are going to only, I think those people are going to see him a little bit more often. see him a little bit more often. see him a little bit more often. And and so number one, I believe that a And and so number one, I believe that a And and so number one, I believe that a pure heart is an undivided heart. But pure heart is an undivided heart. But pure heart is an undivided heart. But number two, write this down. I believe a number two, write this down. I believe a number two, write this down. I believe a pure heart is a guarded heart. A guarded pure heart is a guarded heart. A guarded pure heart is a guarded heart. A guarded heart. heart. heart. When I say guarded, I'm not talking When I say guarded, I'm not talking When I say guarded, I'm not talking about like a heart that has gotten hard. about like a heart that has gotten hard. about like a heart that has gotten hard. I'm I'm talking about a heart that's I'm I'm talking about a heart that's I'm I'm talking about a heart that's guarding itself from the grime guarding itself from the grime guarding itself from the grime from the muck that's trying to get in. from the muck that's trying to get in. from the muck that's trying to get in. I I got this point from Proverbs 4:23. I I got this point from Proverbs 4:23. I I got this point from Proverbs 4:23. It says, "Above all else, guard your It says, "Above all else, guard your It says, "Above all else, guard your heart." Everybody say, "Guard your heart." Everybody say, "Guard your heart." Everybody say, "Guard your heart." Above all else, guard your heart heart." Above all else, guard your heart heart." Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. My for everything you do flows from it. My for everything you do flows from it. My my favorite example my favorite example my favorite example that relates to this passage that has to that relates to this passage that has to that relates to this passage that has to do with our heart is do with our heart is do with our heart is is the crawl space of a home. is the crawl space of a home. is the crawl space of a home. About a year ago, we had a realtor that About a year ago, we had a realtor that About a year ago, we had a realtor that came and looked at Emily and I's home. came and looked at Emily and I's home. came and looked at Emily and I's home. And the very first thing they wanted to And the very first thing they wanted to And the very first thing they wanted to look at was the crawl space underneath look at was the crawl space underneath look at was the crawl space underneath the house. And if you're not sure what a the house. And if you're not sure what a the house. And if you're not sure what a crawl space is underneath the house, crawl space is underneath the house, crawl space is underneath the house, it's where Emily sends me to sleep when it's where Emily sends me to sleep when it's where Emily sends me to sleep when I'm in trouble. And I'm kidding. It's I'm in trouble. And I'm kidding. It's I'm in trouble. And I'm kidding. It's where we send the kids to time out. And where we send the kids to time out. And where we send the kids to time out. And uh uh uh >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And so we had this realtor come and and >> And so we had this realtor come and and >> And so we had this realtor come and and look at our crawl space because look at our crawl space because look at our crawl space because basically what what's what happens in basically what what's what happens in basically what what's what happens in the crawl space can can basically affect the crawl space can can basically affect the crawl space can can basically affect everything else in the house. So if everything else in the house. So if everything else in the house. So if something is is molding down there, if something is is molding down there, if something is is molding down there, if something is infected down there, if something is infected down there, if something is infected down there, if something is rotting down there, it can something is rotting down there, it can something is rotting down there, it can eventually seep or like this verse says, eventually seep or like this verse says, eventually seep or like this verse says, flow flow through the rest of the house

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

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

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

unrighteousness." unrighteousness." And so there's three things in this And so there's three things in this And so there's three things in this verse that God will do in order to verse that God will do in order to verse that God will do in order to cleanse you that I see here. cleanse you that I see here. cleanse you that I see here. Number one is justification. Number one is justification. Number one is justification. Number two is forgiveness. And number Number two is forgiveness. And number Number two is forgiveness. And number three is cleansing. I want to go through three is cleansing. I want to go through three is cleansing. I want to go through all of them real fast, okay? What is all of them real fast, okay? What is all of them real fast, okay? What is justification? Maybe you've heard this justification? Maybe you've heard this justification? Maybe you've heard this word in church before. It's a very word in church before. It's a very word in church before. It's a very churchy word. It's a very scriptural churchy word. It's a very scriptural churchy word. It's a very scriptural word. Justification is a legal term. It word. Justification is a legal term. It word. Justification is a legal term. It means to drop a charge, okay? means to drop a charge, okay? means to drop a charge, okay? The reason somebody makes it into The reason somebody makes it into The reason somebody makes it into heaven, okay, you got to get this, is heaven, okay, you got to get this, is heaven, okay, you got to get this, is not because somebody lives a clean and not because somebody lives a clean and not because somebody lives a clean and perfect life. perfect life. perfect life. The reason somebody makes it into heaven The reason somebody makes it into heaven The reason somebody makes it into heaven is because God does not charge their sin is because God does not charge their sin is because God does not charge their sin against them. against them. against them. Romans 8:33 says, "Who will bring any Romans 8:33 says, "Who will bring any Romans 8:33 says, "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has charge against those whom God has charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies." Okay, chosen? It is God who justifies." Okay, chosen? It is God who justifies." Okay, we're we're all sinners, but the reason we're we're all sinners, but the reason we're we're all sinners, but the reason we have been justified is because God we have been justified is because God we have been justified is because God charged our sin to the account of Jesus charged our sin to the account of Jesus charged our sin to the account of Jesus through his death and crucifixion upon through his death and crucifixion upon through his death and crucifixion upon the cross, all right? Our charge was the cross, all right? Our charge was the cross, all right? Our charge was dropped because Jesus took the dropped because Jesus took the dropped because Jesus took the punishment.

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

friend. And everybody said, "Amen." friend. And everybody said, "Amen." Right? Forgiveness is relational because Right? Forgiveness is relational because Right? Forgiveness is relational because it takes two people, right? One One it takes two people, right? One One it takes two people, right? One One person has to be repentive of their sin, person has to be repentive of their sin, person has to be repentive of their sin, and the other person then chooses to and the other person then chooses to and the other person then chooses to look over it. look over it. look over it. The moment you come to God with a The moment you come to God with a The moment you come to God with a re- re- repentive heart, he is faithful re- re- repentive heart, he is faithful re- re- repentive heart, he is faithful to forgive you. And not just to forgive to forgive you. And not just to forgive to forgive you. And not just to forgive you, but to look past your past. Amen. you, but to look past your past. Amen. you, but to look past your past. Amen. It says in Micah 7:19, "You will again It says in Micah 7:19, "You will again It says in Micah 7:19, "You will again have compassion on us have compassion on us have compassion on us and hurl our iniquities into the depths and hurl our iniquities into the depths and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea. They will be forgotten." of the sea. They will be forgotten." of the sea. They will be forgotten." An old pastor one time said this, that An old pastor one time said this, that An old pastor one time said this, that God drops your sins into the sea God drops your sins into the sea God drops your sins into the sea and then he puts up a sign right there and then he puts up a sign right there and then he puts up a sign right there that says, "No fishing." that says, "No fishing." that says, "No fishing." Don't you love that? Don't you love that? Don't you love that? Those charges won't be brought back up. Those charges won't be brought back up. Those charges won't be brought back up. You've been forgiven. It is final. You've been forgiven. It is final. You've been forgiven. It is final. And then finally, there is a cleansing And then finally, there is a cleansing And then finally, there is a cleansing though, a cleansing that takes place. though, a cleansing that takes place. though, a cleansing that takes place. What is a cleansing? It's It's personal. What is a cleansing? It's It's personal. What is a cleansing? It's It's personal. It means in Christ, God washes your It means in Christ, God washes your It means in Christ, God washes your heart, and he washes your life. Cleaning heart, and he washes your life. Cleaning heart, and he washes your life. Cleaning [music] is such a [music] is such a [music] is such a big part of our culture. Maybe you you big part of our culture. Maybe you you big part of our culture. Maybe you you pressure wash your house after the pressure wash your house after the pressure wash your house after the pollen once a year. Maybe you you wash pollen once a year. Maybe you you wash pollen once a year. Maybe you you wash and clean your car and clean your car and clean your car every [music] few weeks. Perhaps you do every [music] few weeks. Perhaps you do every [music] few weeks. Perhaps you do your laundry every few days. I hope you your laundry every few days. I hope you your laundry every few days. I hope you brush your teeth every day. I hope, you brush your teeth every day. I hope, you brush your teeth every day. I hope, you know. Um for for me, I I don't know why know. Um for for me, I I don't know why know. Um for for me, I I don't know why I do this, but every single morning when I do this, but every single morning when I do this, but every single morning when I wake up, I rinse myself off in the I wake up, I rinse myself off in the I wake up, I rinse myself off in the shower. I I When I was sleeping, I was shower. I I When I was sleeping, I was shower. I I When I was sleeping, I was sleeping in a perfectly clean bed. I I

sleeping in a perfectly clean bed. I I sleeping in a perfectly clean bed. I I wasn't wading through the marsh in the wasn't wading through the marsh in the wasn't wading through the marsh in the middle of the night. But when I But when middle of the night. But when I But when middle of the night. But when I But when I wake up, I just have this feel I just I wake up, I just have this feel I just I wake up, I just have this feel I just I feel dirty. And so I go I go clean I feel dirty. And so I go I go clean I feel dirty. And so I go I go clean myself. And I say all this to say that myself. And I say all this to say that myself. And I say all this to say that Justification, listen, happens one time. Justification, listen, happens one time. Justification, listen, happens one time. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's final. >> It's final. >> It's final. For- Forgiveness happens once. It is For- Forgiveness happens once. It is For- Forgiveness happens once. It is final. final. final. But cleansing has to happen over and But cleansing has to happen over and But cleansing has to happen over and over and over again. I never move on. I over and over again. I never move on. I over and over again. I never move on. I I never graduate from the need of being I never graduate from the need of being I never graduate from the need of being cleansed by the blood of Christ in my cleansed by the blood of Christ in my cleansed by the blood of Christ in my heart. If we moved on from that, there heart. If we moved on from that, there heart. If we moved on from that, there wouldn't be a need to take communion. wouldn't be a need to take communion. wouldn't be a need to take communion. We're about to take communion. We're about to take communion. We're about to take communion. If we graduated from cleansing, there If we graduated from cleansing, there If we graduated from cleansing, there wouldn't be a need to remember what wouldn't be a need to remember what wouldn't be a need to remember what Jesus Christ did on the cross, how he Jesus Christ did on the cross, how he Jesus Christ did on the cross, how he spilled his blood for us, and how that spilled his blood for us, and how that spilled his blood for us, and how that blood and that that water purifies our blood and that that water purifies our blood and that that water purifies our heart and purifies our lives so that we heart and purifies our lives so that we heart and purifies our lives so that we can become more like him. can become more like him. can become more like him. >> Thank you so much [music] for joining us >> Thank you so much [music] for joining us >> Thank you so much [music] for joining us today. Again, if you live in the state today. Again, if you live in the state today. Again, if you live in the state of Arkansas, there's a good chance that of Arkansas, there's a good chance that of Arkansas, there's a good chance that you're near a New Life Church location, you're near a New Life Church location, you're near a New Life Church location, [music] [music] [music] and we'd love to meet you. If you need and we'd love to meet you. If you need and we'd love to meet you. If you need prayer, or if there's anything we can do prayer, or if there's anything we can do prayer, or if there's anything we can do to support you, click the [music] link to support you, click the [music] link to support you, click the [music] link below to find a location and get below to find a location and get below to find a location and get connected. If you're interested in connected. If you're interested in connected. If you're interested in supporting the mission and vision of New supporting the mission and vision of New supporting the mission and vision of New Life Church, there's also [music] a link Life Church, there's also [music] a link Life Church, there's also [music] a link where you can give.