New Life Church | Digital Service

It's by your blood that we are healed, It's by your blood that we are healed, that we are set free. So we give you our that we are set free. So we give you our that we are set free. So we give you our highest praise this morning. Come on, highest praise this morning. Come on, highest praise this morning. Come on, every voice. Oh, everything changed. Oh, everything changed. It's [music] getting harder to recognize It's [music] getting harder to recognize It's [music] getting harder to recognize the person I was. Before the person I was. Before the person I was. Before I encounter I encounter I encounter [music] [singing] [singing] [music] I know it was the [singing] blood. Could I know it was the [singing] blood. Could have only been the blood.

Could have only been blood. Jesus. Could have only been blood. Jesus. Come on, we sing. I cannot explain I cannot explain nothing's real nothing's real nothing's real in the presence of God. in the presence of God. in the presence of God. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh my heart experience Oh my heart experience Oh my heart experience with my shame [music] at the wayside with my shame [music] at the wayside with my shame [music] at the wayside and my sin at the high. I've been washed and my sin at the high. I've been washed and my sin at the high. I've been washed from the inside. from the inside. from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. I've been washed from the inside. [music] [music] [music] Halleluah. I know it [singing] was the blood. Could I know it [singing] was the blood. Could have only been the [music] blood. have only been the [music] blood. have only been the [music] blood. Hallelu. I know it [singing] was the blood. Could I know it [singing] was the blood. Could have only been [music] have only been [music] have only been [music] the blood.

Oh, thank [music] you. Thank you, Oh, thank [music] you. Thank you, Father. It's never been about performance, It's never been about performance, perfection. [music] Come on. We strive perfection. [music] Come on. We strive perfection. [music] Come on. We strive for existence. Let me tell you, it's for existence. Let me tell you, it's for existence. Let me tell you, it's only [music and singing] by the blood we only [music and singing] by the blood we only [music and singing] by the blood we believe. It's never been about deserving believe. It's never been about deserving believe. It's never been about deserving or [music] earning. It's a gift that's or [music] earning. It's a gift that's or [music] earning. It's a gift that's free. free. free. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Let me tell you, it's only by the blood. Does anybody want to be holy, [music] Does anybody want to be holy, [music] Does anybody want to be holy, [music] aroused, aroused, aroused, purified his [music] father? Let me tell purified his [music] father? Let me tell purified his [music] father? Let me tell you, it's only about you and be [music] you and be [music] forgiving. forgiving. forgiving. It's justified really. [music] It's justified really. [music] It's justified really. [music] Let me tell you, it's only I know it wasn't I know it wasn't could only [music] be.

could only [music] be. could only [music] be. Hallelujah. I know [music] it was I know [music] it was only Make it Make it [music] I know it was the blood. Could have I know it was the blood. Could have [singing] only been the blood. [singing] only been the blood. [singing] only been the blood. Hallelu. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] [music] [music] [music] I know it was the blood.

I know it was the blood. I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. I [singing] remember I [singing] remember how you how you how you [singing] held me held me through the night. through the night. through the night. And [singing] I remember And [singing] I remember And [singing] I remember how [music] you sustained me how [music] you sustained me how [music] you sustained me when you stepped when you stepped when you stepped to save my life. to save my life. to save my life. If I knew then If I knew then If I knew then what I know now, what I know now, what I know now, I would be still [singing] and let you I would be still [singing] and let you I would be still [singing] and let you work it out. Jesus, Jesus, I was tossed [singing] in the water, I was tossed [singing] in the water, I was tossed [singing] in the water, but I never went under.

but I never went under. but I never went under. You were [singing and music] always on You were [singing and music] always on You were [singing and music] always on time, time, time, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. When I went through the fire, When I went through the fire, When I went through the fire, you were right there [singing] beside you were right there [singing] beside you were right there [singing] beside me. You were [music] me. You were [music] me. You were [music] always on time. always on time. always on time. You were always always [singing] on time. on time. You [singing] were always I [singing] remember I [singing] remember how you car and I remember and I remember how you love love [music and singing] me how you love love [music and singing] me how you love love [music and singing] me when I couldn't when I couldn't when I couldn't love myself love myself love myself for for for Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. I was tossed in the [music and singing] I was tossed in the [music and singing] I was tossed in the [music and singing] water, water, water, but I never would. but I never would. but I never would. You were always on time, You were always on time, You were always on time, Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] When I went through the fire, When I went through the fire, When I went through the fire, you were right [music] there beside me. you were right [music] there beside me. you were right [music] there beside me. Oh, you were [singing] always on time. Oh, you were [singing] always on time. Oh, you were [singing] always on time. You were always always You were always always You were always always [music] on time. [music] on time. [music] on time. You were always always You were always always You were always always [music] always on time. [music] always on time. [music] always on time. You were always [music] always You were always [music] always You were always [music] always on time. on time. on time. You were [singing and music] You were [singing and music] You were [singing and music] always always always always always always on [music] time. on [music] time. on [music] time. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh, how you're faithful, God.

Oh, how you're faithful, God. Oh, how you're faithful, God. And you've kept me. You sustain me. And you've kept me. You sustain me. And you've kept me. You sustain me. There's [singing] never been a day, There's [singing] never been a day, There's [singing] never been a day, never been a minute, never been a moment never been a minute, never been a moment never been a minute, never been a moment that you weren't [singing] in it. that you weren't [singing] in it. that you weren't [singing] in it. There's never been a time that you There's never been a time that you There's never been a time that you didn't see me through. God, I worship didn't see me through. God, I worship didn't see me through. God, I worship you. There's never [singing] been a day, you. There's never [singing] been a day, you. There's never [singing] been a day, never been a minute, never been a never been a minute, never been a never been a minute, never been a [music] moment that you weren't. There's [music] moment that you weren't. There's [music] moment that you weren't. There's never been [singing] a time that you never been [singing] a time that you never been [singing] a time that you didn't see me through. God, I worship didn't see me through. God, I worship didn't see me through. God, I worship [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] you. There's never been a day, never you. There's never been a day, never you. There's never been a day, never been a minute, [music] never been a been a minute, [music] never been a been a minute, [music] never been a moment that you weren't in it. There's moment that you weren't in it. There's moment that you weren't in it. There's never been a time that you didn't see me never been a time that you didn't see me never been a time that you didn't see me through. God, I worship you. [music] through. God, I worship you. [music] through. God, I worship you. [music] There's never been a day, never been a There's never been a day, never been a There's never been a day, never been a minute, never been a [music] moment that minute, never been a [music] moment that minute, never been a [music] moment that you weren't in it. There's never been a you weren't in it. There's never been a you weren't in it. There's never been a time that you didn't see me through time that you didn't see me through time that you didn't see me through life. I worship you, oh Jesus. [music] life. I worship you, oh Jesus. [music] life. I worship you, oh Jesus. [music] I was tossed in the water, I was tossed in the water, I was tossed in the water, but I never went [music] under.

but I never went [music] under. but I never went [music] under. You were always [music] on time. You were always [music] on time. You were always [music] on time. And Jesus, [singing] when I went through [music] the fire, when I went through [music] the fire, you were right there beside me. You were you were right there beside me. You were you were right there beside me. You were always on [music] time. always on [music] time. always on [music] time. You were always always [music] on time. always [music] on time. You were always You were always You were always always [music] on time. on time. You were always always You were always always You were always always always on time. always on time. always on time. You were [music] You were [music] You were [music] always You heard your children and you hear You heard your children and you hear your children now. You are the same God.

your children now. You are the same God. your children now. You are the same God. You [singing and music] are the same You [singing and music] are the same You [singing and music] are the same God. You answered prayers back then and God. You answered prayers back then and God. You answered prayers back then and you will answer [singing and music] you will answer [singing and music] you will answer [singing and music] now. You are the same God. You are the now. You are the same God. You are the now. You are the same God. You are the same [music and singing] God. Yes, he same [music and singing] God. Yes, he same [music and singing] God. Yes, he is. You are providing. is. You are providing. is. You are providing. [singing] You are providing [singing] You are providing [singing] You are providing now. You are [music and singing] the now. You are [music and singing] the now. You are [music and singing] the same God. You are the same [music] God. same God. You are the same [music] God. same God. You are the same [music] God. You move in power. Let God [music] move You move in power. Let God [music] move You move in power. Let God [music] move in power. Now you are [singing] the same in power. Now you are [singing] the same in power. Now you are [singing] the same God. You are the same God. You are the same God. You are the same [music and singing] God. You are a [music and singing] God. You are a [music and singing] God. You are a healer and you are a healer. [music] healer and you are a healer. [music] healer and you are a healer. [music] Now you are the same God. You are a Now you are the same God. You are a Now you are the same God. You are a savior [music] God. savior [music] God. savior [music] God. You are a savior.

You are a savior. You are a savior. [music] You are a savior now. You are [music] You are a savior now. You are [music] You are a savior now. You are [music] the savior. [music] the savior. [music] the savior. You are the same. There's never been a You are the same. There's never been a You are the same. There's never been a day, never been a bit, [music] never day, never been a bit, [music] never day, never been a bit, [music] never been a moment that you weren't in it. been a moment that you weren't in it. been a moment that you weren't in it. There's never been a time that you There's never been a time that you There's never been a time that you didn't see [music] through God. I didn't see [music] through God. I didn't see [music] through God. I worship you. There's never been a day, worship you. There's never been a day, worship you. There's never been a day, never been a minute, [music] never been never been a minute, [music] never been never been a minute, [music] never been a moment that you were in it. There's a moment that you were in it. There's a moment that you were in it. There's never been a time that you didn't see me never been a time that you didn't see me never been a time that you didn't see me through [music] God. I worship you. through [music] God. I worship you. through [music] God. I worship you. There's never been a [music] day, never There's never been a [music] day, never There's never been a [music] day, never been a minute, never been a moment that been a minute, never been a moment that been a minute, never been a moment that you were. There's never been a time that you were. There's never been a time that you were. There's never been a time that you didn't see me goodbye. you didn't see me goodbye. you didn't see me goodbye. I was in the [music] air. Welcome everyone. I'm Nate. Thanks so Welcome everyone. I'm Nate. Thanks so much for being here today. You picked a much for being here today. You picked a much for being here today. You picked a great week to tune in because [music] great week to tune in because [music] great week to tune in because [music] today we are continuing in a family today we are continuing in a family today we are continuing in a family series called Building Stronger [music] series called Building Stronger [music] series called Building Stronger [music] Households. And all throughout this Households. And all throughout this Households. And all throughout this series, we've been asking God to help us series, we've been asking God to help us series, we've been asking God to help us as a church reinforce and [music] as a church reinforce and [music] as a church reinforce and [music] strengthen our homes and our strengthen our homes and our strengthen our homes and our relationships. And so today, Pastor relationships. And so today, Pastor relationships. And so today, Pastor Tanner Bazette [music] is going to Tanner Bazette [music] is going to Tanner Bazette [music] is going to expand that picture of family beyond the expand that picture of family beyond the expand that picture of family beyond the walls of our homes to the family that walls of our homes to the family that walls of our homes to the family that God gives us through his church. Psalm God gives us through his church. Psalm God gives us through his church. Psalm 127 says, "Unless the Lord builds 127 says, "Unless the Lord builds 127 says, "Unless the Lord builds [music] the house, the builders labor in

[music] the house, the builders labor in [music] the house, the builders labor in vain." And that's true not only of our vain." And that's true not only of our vain." And that's true not only of our household, but also of the church that household, but also of the church that household, but also of the church that God [music] is building. Because God God [music] is building. Because God God [music] is building. Because God never meant for you to do life alone. We never meant for you to do life alone. We never meant for you to do life alone. We don't just need a friendly church. We don't just need a friendly church. We don't just need a friendly church. We need [music] real friends. People who need [music] real friends. People who need [music] real friends. People who know what's happening in our lives. know what's happening in our lives. know what's happening in our lives. People who encourage us whenever we're People who encourage us whenever we're People who encourage us whenever we're discouraged. [music] People who ask discouraged. [music] People who ask discouraged. [music] People who ask meaningful questions and people who show meaningful questions and people who show meaningful questions and people who show up when life gets difficult. And there's up when life gets difficult. And there's up when life gets difficult. And there's another side to that. The message another side to that. The message another side to that. The message [music] is not only about why you need [music] is not only about why you need [music] is not only about why you need people, but today's message is also people, but today's message is also people, but today's message is also about why people need you. God's love about why people need you. God's love about why people need you. God's love was never meant [music] to stop with us. was never meant [music] to stop with us. was never meant [music] to stop with us. So before we hear today's message from So before we hear today's message from So before we hear today's message from [music] Tanner, we would love the chance [music] Tanner, we would love the chance [music] Tanner, we would love the chance to connect with you. Please take a to connect with you. Please take a to connect with you. Please take a moment and just say hello down in the moment and just say hello down in the moment and just say hello down in the comments. You're going to also find a comments. You're going to also find a comments. You're going to also find a link below [music] to our digital link below [music] to our digital link below [music] to our digital connect form if you will fill that out. connect form if you will fill that out. connect form if you will fill that out. Please, someone from our team will Please, someone from our team will Please, someone from our team will follow up with you because at New follow up with you because at New follow up with you because at New [music] Life Church, we're passionate [music] Life Church, we're passionate [music] Life Church, we're passionate about helping people take their next about helping people take their next about helping people take their next steps in their walk with God. And if you steps in their walk with God. And if you steps in their walk with God. And if you live in Arkansas or if you're in live in Arkansas or if you're in live in Arkansas or if you're in anywhere near one of our campuses, we anywhere near one of our campuses, we anywhere near one of our campuses, we would love the opportunity to meet you would love the opportunity to meet you would love the opportunity to meet you face [music] to face soon. Now, let's face [music] to face soon. Now, let's face [music] to face soon. Now, let's lean in, grab a notebook, take some lean in, grab a notebook, take some lean in, grab a notebook, take some notes, and hear today's message.

notes, and hear today's message. notes, and hear today's message. Uh we're going to continue in our series Uh we're going to continue in our series Uh we're going to continue in our series today called Building Stronger today called Building Stronger today called Building Stronger Households. And as we continue that Households. And as we continue that Households. And as we continue that series today, we're going to talk about series today, we're going to talk about series today, we're going to talk about the family that you can find right here the family that you can find right here the family that you can find right here in this church. the the heart and the in this church. the the heart and the in this church. the the heart and the prayer of this sermon today is that you prayer of this sermon today is that you prayer of this sermon today is that you would be able to grasp just who we are would be able to grasp just who we are would be able to grasp just who we are as a church around here. That you would as a church around here. That you would as a church around here. That you would be able to grasp the heart of what it be able to grasp the heart of what it be able to grasp the heart of what it means to be a healthy church around means to be a healthy church around means to be a healthy church around here. And with that being said, uh I here. And with that being said, uh I here. And with that being said, uh I want to remind you of our thesis verse want to remind you of our thesis verse want to remind you of our thesis verse for this series, building stronger for this series, building stronger for this series, building stronger households. It comes from Psalm 127 in households. It comes from Psalm 127 in households. It comes from Psalm 127 in verse one. It'll be up on the screen. Uh verse one. It'll be up on the screen. Uh verse one. It'll be up on the screen. Uh read it with me. One, two, three. Unless read it with me. One, two, three. Unless read it with me. One, two, three. Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders the Lord builds the house, the builders the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord builds labor in vain. Unless the Lord builds labor in vain. Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers, the laborers, the house, the laborers, the laborers, the house, the laborers, the laborers, they they build in vain. I don't know they they build in vain. I don't know they they build in vain. I don't know about you, but I want God to build this about you, but I want God to build this about you, but I want God to build this church. Uh the Bible says that the gates church. Uh the Bible says that the gates church. Uh the Bible says that the gates of hell cannot prevail against his of hell cannot prevail against his of hell cannot prevail against his church, but the gates of hell can church, but the gates of hell can church, but the gates of hell can prevail against a crowd.

prevail against a crowd. prevail against a crowd. >> Man can make crowds. Only God can build >> Man can make crowds. Only God can build >> Man can make crowds. Only God can build a church. And so our prayer is that a church. And so our prayer is that a church. And so our prayer is that through his will and through his word, through his will and through his word, through his will and through his word, he would help us do that. We're going to he would help us do that. We're going to he would help us do that. We're going to need the word of God in order to help us need the word of God in order to help us need the word of God in order to help us accomplish that today. So turn with me accomplish that today. So turn with me accomplish that today. So turn with me in your Bibles to the letter of First in your Bibles to the letter of First in your Bibles to the letter of First Thessalonians. Thessalonians. Thessalonians. First Thessalonians, that is right after First Thessalonians, that is right after First Thessalonians, that is right after the book of Colossians, about halfway the book of Colossians, about halfway the book of Colossians, about halfway through the New Testament. So turn there through the New Testament. So turn there through the New Testament. So turn there with me. Turn there with me. Turn there with me. Turn there with me. Turn there with me. Turn there with me. Turn there with me. I have a couple guests here with me. I have a couple guests here with me. I have a couple guests here with us today. I just want to make with us today. I just want to make with us today. I just want to make clear. Um I just wanted to acknowledge clear. Um I just wanted to acknowledge clear. Um I just wanted to acknowledge them. They're two good friends of mine them. They're two good friends of mine them. They're two good friends of mine now. Family already. Uh Jaylen Wilson now. Family already. Uh Jaylen Wilson now. Family already. Uh Jaylen Wilson and Jacobe Kohl's. They both played and Jacobe Kohl's. They both played and Jacobe Kohl's. They both played professional basketball. One in Europe, professional basketball. One in Europe, professional basketball. One in Europe, uh one for the NBA uh for the Atlanta uh one for the NBA uh for the Atlanta uh one for the NBA uh for the Atlanta Hawks right now. Can we give it up for Hawks right now. Can we give it up for Hawks right now. Can we give it up for them real quick? Um last year [applause] them real quick? Um last year [applause] them real quick? Um last year [applause] last year I met I met Jaylen at our last year I met I met Jaylen at our last year I met I met Jaylen at our student conference, Collide. He came in student conference, Collide. He came in student conference, Collide. He came in with his pastor. He's from the Dallas with his pastor. He's from the Dallas with his pastor. He's from the Dallas area and he and I just hit it off and area and he and I just hit it off and area and he and I just hit it off and we've just been texting each other ever we've just been texting each other ever we've just been texting each other ever since then. And then he decided to come since then. And then he decided to come since then. And then he decided to come in this weekend to just hang a little in this weekend to just hang a little in this weekend to just hang a little bit. And and them two along with some of bit. And and them two along with some of bit. And and them two along with some of my friends were over at our house late my friends were over at our house late my friends were over at our house late Friday night about towards midnight. And Friday night about towards midnight. And Friday night about towards midnight. And we were talking about our stories, we were talking about our stories, we were talking about our stories, having some God talk, praying over one having some God talk, praying over one having some God talk, praying over one another. And I just got to say, it's another. And I just got to say, it's another. And I just got to say, it's awesome to have two lights, awesome to have two lights, awesome to have two lights, >> two godly lights in professional >> two godly lights in professional >> two godly lights in professional basketball in Europe, in the NBA. You basketball in Europe, in the NBA. You basketball in Europe, in the NBA. You guys are making a difference. And I'm guys are making a difference. And I'm guys are making a difference. And I'm just honored to know y'all. So you guys just honored to know y'all. So you guys just honored to know y'all. So you guys are welcome here anytime. They make me are welcome here anytime. They make me are welcome here anytime. They make me feel really short. Really, really short.

feel really short. Really, really short. feel really short. Really, really short. [laughter] Today, the title of the sermon I want to Today, the title of the sermon I want to bring to you is this. Building a bring to you is this. Building a bring to you is this. Building a stronger church. stronger church. stronger church. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Building a stronger church. I'll be >> Building a stronger church. I'll be >> Building a stronger church. I'll be honest with you. We've never claimed or honest with you. We've never claimed or honest with you. We've never claimed or never admitted to being a perfect never admitted to being a perfect never admitted to being a perfect church. I don't think we'll ever be a church. I don't think we'll ever be a church. I don't think we'll ever be a perfect church. Someday in heaven, maybe perfect church. Someday in heaven, maybe perfect church. Someday in heaven, maybe we can reach that or at least get closer we can reach that or at least get closer we can reach that or at least get closer to it with Christ as our aid and Christ to it with Christ as our aid and Christ to it with Christ as our aid and Christ as our help, right? But we've never been as our help, right? But we've never been as our help, right? But we've never been a perfect church. But I'll tell you a perfect church. But I'll tell you a perfect church. But I'll tell you this, we fight like crazy to love people this, we fight like crazy to love people this, we fight like crazy to love people around here. around here. around here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So much so that whenever Pastor Harry or >> So much so that whenever Pastor Harry or >> So much so that whenever Pastor Harry or I see somebody who's not in community, I see somebody who's not in community, I see somebody who's not in community, we just kind of genuinely just go, man. we just kind of genuinely just go, man. we just kind of genuinely just go, man. Because we know what they're missing. Because we know what they're missing. Because we know what they're missing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> They're missing somebody who doesn't >> They're missing somebody who doesn't >> They're missing somebody who doesn't just know their name, but knows their just know their name, but knows their just know their name, but knows their kids' names. kids' names. kids' names. >> Knows what's keeping them up at night. >> Knows what's keeping them up at night. >> Knows what's keeping them up at night. Knows when the job isn't going so good. Knows when the job isn't going so good. Knows when the job isn't going so good. Knows when the parents aren't doing so Knows when the parents aren't doing so Knows when the parents aren't doing so well. knows when somebody in the well. knows when somebody in the well. knows when somebody in the family's health is depleting, knows family's health is depleting, knows family's health is depleting, knows those things, and then is also willing those things, and then is also willing those things, and then is also willing to show up to that person's house to show up to that person's house to show up to that person's house unannounced with a big serving of corn unannounced with a big serving of corn unannounced with a big serving of corn dip. Come on, somebody. [laughter] dip. Come on, somebody. [laughter] dip. Come on, somebody. [laughter] And even say, "You can keep the And even say, "You can keep the And even say, "You can keep the Tupperware." That's a real friend right Tupperware." That's a real friend right Tupperware." That's a real friend right there. Right? We all We all need people there. Right? We all We all need people there. Right? We all We all need people like that. We all need friends. We like that. We all need friends. We like that. We all need friends. We cannot do life alone. We cannot do life cannot do life alone. We cannot do life cannot do life alone. We cannot do life by ourselves. My folks are from by ourselves. My folks are from by ourselves. My folks are from Louisiana. I moved up here when I was a Louisiana. I moved up here when I was a Louisiana. I moved up here when I was a little kid. I am an Arkansas boy, but I little kid. I am an Arkansas boy, but I little kid. I am an Arkansas boy, but I have heard my dad say a million times have heard my dad say a million times have heard my dad say a million times that there is a by you in Louisiana that that there is a by you in Louisiana that that there is a by you in Louisiana that you don't want to go to. It's called by

you don't want to go to. It's called by you don't want to go to. It's called by yourself. All right? Nobody wants to yourself. All right? Nobody wants to yourself. All right? Nobody wants to live by yourself. Turn to your neighbor live by yourself. Turn to your neighbor live by yourself. Turn to your neighbor and say, "Don't do life by yourself." and say, "Don't do life by yourself." and say, "Don't do life by yourself." >> We We can't do life alone. We can't do >> We We can't do life alone. We can't do >> We We can't do life alone. We can't do life by ourselves. I'll prove it to you. life by ourselves. I'll prove it to you. life by ourselves. I'll prove it to you. We had our first day of Little Life We had our first day of Little Life We had our first day of Little Life Academy. That's the preschool that meets Academy. That's the preschool that meets Academy. That's the preschool that meets right over here in our church building right over here in our church building right over here in our church building Monday through Friday. shout out. And Monday through Friday. shout out. And Monday through Friday. shout out. And Harry and I were guarding the front Harry and I were guarding the front Harry and I were guarding the front doors, greeting people as they were doors, greeting people as they were doors, greeting people as they were coming in for the first day. And this coming in for the first day. And this coming in for the first day. And this dad walked in with his three-year-old dad walked in with his three-year-old dad walked in with his three-year-old son, and he said, "My wife is out of son, and he said, "My wife is out of son, and he said, "My wife is out of town. Uh, my daughter is out of town, town. Uh, my daughter is out of town, town. Uh, my daughter is out of town, but I got this little man ready all by but I got this little man ready all by but I got this little man ready all by myself." And I looked down and the kid myself." And I looked down and the kid myself." And I looked down and the kid had two different shoes on, [laughter] had two different shoes on, [laughter] had two different shoes on, [laughter] two different colors. And his defense, two different colors. And his defense, two different colors. And his defense, he was like, "No, bro. It came that way. he was like, "No, bro. It came that way. he was like, "No, bro. It came that way. It's the design of the shoe. they're It's the design of the shoe. they're It's the design of the shoe. they're they're they're mismatched. And I was they're they're mismatched. And I was they're they're mismatched. And I was like, "Yeah, sure, sure, sure, sure, like, "Yeah, sure, sure, sure, sure, like, "Yeah, sure, sure, sure, sure, sure. Right, right, right, right." We sure. Right, right, right, right." We sure. Right, right, right, right." We can't do life on our own. We we cannot can't do life on our own. We we cannot can't do life on our own. We we cannot do life by ourselves. And so, as we take do life by ourselves. And so, as we take do life by ourselves. And so, as we take a look at First Thessalonians chapter 1 a look at First Thessalonians chapter 1 a look at First Thessalonians chapter 1 to begin, that's where I'm going to be.

to begin, that's where I'm going to be. to begin, that's where I'm going to be. And then we'll go to verse or chapter 2 And then we'll go to verse or chapter 2 And then we'll go to verse or chapter 2 in a second. Uh what you're going to in a second. Uh what you're going to in a second. Uh what you're going to notice is how others focused this notice is how others focused this notice is how others focused this passage is. Not me focused, not passage is. Not me focused, not passage is. Not me focused, not self-centered, but how others focused self-centered, but how others focused self-centered, but how others focused this passage is. Paul is writing back to this passage is. Paul is writing back to this passage is. Paul is writing back to his time when he visit the church in his time when he visit the church in his time when he visit the church in Thessalonica. And he says starting in Thessalonica. And he says starting in Thessalonica. And he says starting in verse five, verse five, verse five, our gospel came to you not simply with our gospel came to you not simply with our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power words but also with power words but also with power >> with the Holy Spirit and deep >> with the Holy Spirit and deep >> with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. conviction. conviction. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know how we lived among you for your >> You know how we lived among you for your >> You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of sake. You became imitators of us and of sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord. For you welcomed the message the Lord. For you welcomed the message the Lord. For you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with in the midst of severe suffering with in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all believers in you became a model to all believers in you became a model to all believers in Macedonia and Aaya. The Lord's message Macedonia and Aaya. The Lord's message Macedonia and Aaya. The Lord's message rang out. Everybody say rang out. rang out. Everybody say rang out. rang out. Everybody say rang out. >> The Lord's message rang out from you. >> The Lord's message rang out from you. >> The Lord's message rang out from you. Not only in Macedonia and Aaya, but your Not only in Macedonia and Aaya, but your Not only in Macedonia and Aaya, but your faith in God has become known faith in God has become known faith in God has become known everywhere. I love that the word rang everywhere. I love that the word rang everywhere. I love that the word rang out in the Greek is this word echoed.

out in the Greek is this word echoed. out in the Greek is this word echoed. What Paul is basically saying is that What Paul is basically saying is that What Paul is basically saying is that the gospel makes a really loud and the gospel makes a really loud and the gospel makes a really loud and powerful sound when the love of God powerful sound when the love of God powerful sound when the love of God doesn't just come to you, but it begins doesn't just come to you, but it begins doesn't just come to you, but it begins to move through you. to move through you. to move through you. I want you to notice the progression of I want you to notice the progression of I want you to notice the progression of what we just read. The word of God, the what we just read. The word of God, the what we just read. The word of God, the love of God came to the Thessalonians, love of God came to the Thessalonians, love of God came to the Thessalonians, but then it started to move through the but then it started to move through the but then it started to move through the Thessalonians. Thessalonians. Thessalonians. >> All we who are receivers of God's love >> All we who are receivers of God's love >> All we who are receivers of God's love must at one point grow up from just must at one point grow up from just must at one point grow up from just being receivers to being transmitters of being receivers to being transmitters of being receivers to being transmitters of God's love. The love of God just can't God's love. The love of God just can't God's love. The love of God just can't come to us. It eventually has to move come to us. It eventually has to move come to us. It eventually has to move through us. If we have claimed to through us. If we have claimed to through us. If we have claimed to receive God's love, at some point we receive God's love, at some point we receive God's love, at some point we have to release God's love. Right? Jesus have to release God's love. Right? Jesus have to release God's love. Right? Jesus said it just like this in John 7:38. If said it just like this in John 7:38. If said it just like this in John 7:38. If anyone thirsts, anyone thirsts, anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever let him come to me and drink. Whoever let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has believes in me, as the scripture has believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers said, out of his heart will flow rivers said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. I want you to write of living water. I want you to write of living water. I want you to write this down, okay? I'm not just a this down, okay? I'm not just a this down, okay? I'm not just a container of God's love.

container of God's love. container of God's love. I'm a conduit. I'm a conduit. I'm a conduit. Write that down. I'm not just a Write that down. I'm not just a Write that down. I'm not just a container of God's love. I'm a conduit. container of God's love. I'm a conduit. container of God's love. I'm a conduit. A conduit is something that not only it A conduit is something that not only it A conduit is something that not only it receives, but it gives. God is looking receives, but it gives. God is looking receives, but it gives. God is looking for people who his love can flow for people who his love can flow for people who his love can flow through. Amen church. Uh in Israel, through. Amen church. Uh in Israel, through. Amen church. Uh in Israel, there are two prominent bodies of water. there are two prominent bodies of water. there are two prominent bodies of water. There is the Sea of Galilee and there is There is the Sea of Galilee and there is There is the Sea of Galilee and there is the Dead Sea. Okay, I want to show you a the Dead Sea. Okay, I want to show you a the Dead Sea. Okay, I want to show you a picture of the Sea of Galilee first. Uh picture of the Sea of Galilee first. Uh picture of the Sea of Galilee first. Uh the Sea of Galilee is known for its the Sea of Galilee is known for its the Sea of Galilee is known for its vegetation, its lush foliage. There are vegetation, its lush foliage. There are vegetation, its lush foliage. There are mounds of fish. It is just full of life mounds of fish. It is just full of life mounds of fish. It is just full of life here at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus did here at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus did here at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus did much of his ministry at the Sea of much of his ministry at the Sea of much of his ministry at the Sea of Galilee. That's in the northern region Galilee. That's in the northern region Galilee. That's in the northern region of Israel. Uh but then there is this of Israel. Uh but then there is this of Israel. Uh but then there is this other body of water called the Dead Sea. other body of water called the Dead Sea. other body of water called the Dead Sea. Throw the Dead Sea up there. You guessed Throw the Dead Sea up there. You guessed Throw the Dead Sea up there. You guessed it, it's dead. Uh there is no life it, it's dead. Uh there is no life it, it's dead. Uh there is no life there. There is no vegetation there. there. There is no vegetation there. there. There is no vegetation there. Nothing can live there. It's that dead. Nothing can live there. It's that dead. Nothing can live there. It's that dead. My papa, that's my grandfather. He lives My papa, that's my grandfather. He lives My papa, that's my grandfather. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And he's the in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And he's the in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And he's the funniest person I've ever met. He called funniest person I've ever met. He called funniest person I've ever met. He called me up one day and said, "Tanner, I'm so me up one day and said, "Tanner, I'm so me up one day and said, "Tanner, I'm so old. Whenever I was born, the Dead Sea old. Whenever I was born, the Dead Sea old. Whenever I was born, the Dead Sea wasn't even sick." And, uh, that's wasn't even sick." And, uh, that's wasn't even sick." And, uh, that's pretty funny right there. And so, uh, my pretty funny right there. And so, uh, my pretty funny right there. And so, uh, my the the point the point is this. Okay, the the point the point is this. Okay, the the point the point is this. Okay, this is crazy. Two prominent bodies of this is crazy. Two prominent bodies of this is crazy. Two prominent bodies of water, water, water, both fed by the same river, the Jordan both fed by the same river, the Jordan both fed by the same river, the Jordan River. Okay, the Jordan River feeds both River. Okay, the Jordan River feeds both River. Okay, the Jordan River feeds both bodies, but only one is alive while the

bodies, but only one is alive while the bodies, but only one is alive while the other is dead. Now, why is that? Well, other is dead. Now, why is that? Well, other is dead. Now, why is that? Well, the answer is simple. The Jordan River the answer is simple. The Jordan River the answer is simple. The Jordan River flows through one of them but only flows flows through one of them but only flows flows through one of them but only flows to another. to another. to another. Okay? In other words, one is a container Okay? In other words, one is a container Okay? In other words, one is a container while the other is a conduit. while the other is a conduit. while the other is a conduit. uh one the source comes through it and uh one the source comes through it and uh one the source comes through it and then feeds the rest of Israel while the then feeds the rest of Israel while the then feeds the rest of Israel while the other just takes the sea of Galilee it other just takes the sea of Galilee it other just takes the sea of Galilee it takes and gives while the dead sea just takes and gives while the dead sea just takes and gives while the dead sea just takes just takes just takes and because takes just takes just takes and because takes just takes just takes and because one just takes and doesn't give one of one just takes and doesn't give one of one just takes and doesn't give one of them is dead while the other is full of them is dead while the other is full of them is dead while the other is full of life life life >> man how true is that for us in our walk >> man how true is that for us in our walk >> man how true is that for us in our walk with God those who are willing to give with God those who are willing to give with God those who are willing to give God's love seem to be the most full of God's love seem to be the most full of God's love seem to be the most full of life because that's how God designed life because that's how God designed life because that's how God designed this whole thing for us not just to be this whole thing for us not just to be this whole thing for us not just to be containers of his love but for us to be containers of his love but for us to be containers of his love but for us to be conduits. God is saying I want to find conduits. God is saying I want to find conduits. God is saying I want to find somebody who my love can move through, somebody who my love can move through, somebody who my love can move through, not just move to. And this was exactly not just move to. And this was exactly not just move to. And this was exactly Paul's life. This is exactly who Paul Paul's life. This is exactly who Paul Paul's life. This is exactly who Paul chose to be. Uh first off, a little chose to be. Uh first off, a little chose to be. Uh first off, a little background on Paul. Paul was a radical background on Paul. Paul was a radical background on Paul. Paul was a radical man but for all the wrong reasons. And man but for all the wrong reasons. And man but for all the wrong reasons. And then one day, the love of Christ finds then one day, the love of Christ finds then one day, the love of Christ finds him on the road to Damascus. And then him on the road to Damascus. And then him on the road to Damascus. And then all of a sudden, he goes radical for all of a sudden, he goes radical for all of a sudden, he goes radical for Jesus. Don't you love stories of people Jesus. Don't you love stories of people Jesus. Don't you love stories of people who used to be radically against God, who used to be radically against God, who used to be radically against God, and now they're radically for God? Don't and now they're radically for God? Don't and now they're radically for God? Don't you love stories of people who used to

you love stories of people who used to you love stories of people who used to be like the Dead Sea, but now they're be like the Dead Sea, but now they're be like the Dead Sea, but now they're like the Sea of Galilee? This is exactly like the Sea of Galilee? This is exactly like the Sea of Galilee? This is exactly Paul's story. uh he was killing Paul's story. uh he was killing Paul's story. uh he was killing Christians, persecuting them, stoning Christians, persecuting them, stoning Christians, persecuting them, stoning them to death. And then Jesus finds him, them to death. And then Jesus finds him, them to death. And then Jesus finds him, says, "Hey, my love is not only going to says, "Hey, my love is not only going to says, "Hey, my love is not only going to change your life, but it's going to move change your life, but it's going to move change your life, but it's going to move through you and change other people's through you and change other people's through you and change other people's lives as well." His life turns around lives as well." His life turns around lives as well." His life turns around and he begins planting churches and and he begins planting churches and and he begins planting churches and begins showing the love of Christ begins showing the love of Christ begins showing the love of Christ everywhere he goes. And it just goes to everywhere he goes. And it just goes to everywhere he goes. And it just goes to show that none of us in this room are show that none of us in this room are show that none of us in this room are too far gone. Not one person in this too far gone. Not one person in this too far gone. Not one person in this room, no matter how radical your past room, no matter how radical your past room, no matter how radical your past is, is too messy for God. If God could is, is too messy for God. If God could is, is too messy for God. If God could find Paul on that road and turn him find Paul on that road and turn him find Paul on that road and turn him around, he can turn us around, too. God around, he can turn us around, too. God around, he can turn us around, too. God wants you. And whenever his love finds wants you. And whenever his love finds wants you. And whenever his love finds you, he wants to move through you. And you, he wants to move through you. And you, he wants to move through you. And and so this is what's happening with and so this is what's happening with and so this is what's happening with Paul. He goes to all these different Paul. He goes to all these different Paul. He goes to all these different cities. And everywhere he goes, he is a cities. And everywhere he goes, he is a cities. And everywhere he goes, he is a light. He is a conduit. God's love is light. He is a conduit. God's love is light. He is a conduit. God's love is moving through him. He goes to places moving through him. He goes to places moving through him. He goes to places like Ephesus, like Philippi, like like Ephesus, like Philippi, like like Ephesus, like Philippi, like Colasse. But in particular, here's Colasse. But in particular, here's Colasse. But in particular, here's what's really cool about the letters to what's really cool about the letters to what's really cool about the letters to the Thessalonians. In particular, at the the Thessalonians. In particular, at the the Thessalonians. In particular, at the church of Thessalonica, we get him church of Thessalonica, we get him church of Thessalonica, we get him remembering what he did in chapter 2.

remembering what he did in chapter 2. remembering what he did in chapter 2. So, so turn there now. We get them So, so turn there now. We get them So, so turn there now. We get them reminiscing on how he loved them. uh reminiscing on how he loved them. uh reminiscing on how he loved them. uh what we get him reminiscing on what it what we get him reminiscing on what it what we get him reminiscing on what it looks like practically on what it looks looks like practically on what it looks looks like practically on what it looks like specifically for the love of God to like specifically for the love of God to like specifically for the love of God to move through our lives to other people. move through our lives to other people. move through our lives to other people. Okay, this is the Christian playbook for Okay, this is the Christian playbook for Okay, this is the Christian playbook for what it looks like to love like Christ. what it looks like to love like Christ. what it looks like to love like Christ. Listen, this is not another message. I Listen, this is not another message. I Listen, this is not another message. I know y'all saw the tables and the booths know y'all saw the tables and the booths know y'all saw the tables and the booths out out in the foyer. This is not out out in the foyer. This is not out out in the foyer. This is not another message on why you need another message on why you need another message on why you need community and why you need people. community and why you need people. community and why you need people. Listen to me. This is a message on why Listen to me. This is a message on why Listen to me. This is a message on why people need you. people need you. people need you. >> People need the love of Christ to move >> People need the love of Christ to move >> People need the love of Christ to move through you. It could be the only thing through you. It could be the only thing through you. It could be the only thing that changes the course of the rest of that changes the course of the rest of that changes the course of the rest of their lives. their lives. their lives. >> And so, and so we see Paul put this on >> And so, and so we see Paul put this on >> And so, and so we see Paul put this on display. And here's what's so cool. display. And here's what's so cool. display. And here's what's so cool. We're in a family series right now. We're in a family series right now. We're in a family series right now. We're calling it building stronger We're calling it building stronger We're calling it building stronger households. And the three examples he households. And the three examples he households. And the three examples he gives for what it looks like to love gives for what it looks like to love gives for what it looks like to love like Jesus. The three examples he gives like Jesus. The three examples he gives like Jesus. The three examples he gives are three different examples of the are three different examples of the are three different examples of the household of the family. He shows us how household of the family. He shows us how household of the family. He shows us how he loved with the heart of a child. He he loved with the heart of a child. He he loved with the heart of a child. He shows us how he loved with the heart of shows us how he loved with the heart of shows us how he loved with the heart of a father. And he also shows us how he a father. And he also shows us how he a father. And he also shows us how he loved with the heart of a sibling. And loved with the heart of a sibling. And loved with the heart of a sibling. And so I want to go through all of these so I want to go through all of these so I want to go through all of these starting off with number one. Write this starting off with number one. Write this starting off with number one. Write this down in your notes. The heart of a down in your notes. The heart of a down in your notes. The heart of a child. The heart of a child. What does child. The heart of a child. What does child. The heart of a child. What does that mean? 1 Thessalonians 2 6 and 7 that mean? 1 Thessalonians 2 6 and 7 that mean? 1 Thessalonians 2 6 and 7 says this. We were not looking for

says this. We were not looking for says this. We were not looking for praise from people, praise from people, praise from people, not from you or anyone else. Even though not from you or anyone else. Even though not from you or anyone else. Even though as apostles of Christ, we could have as apostles of Christ, we could have as apostles of Christ, we could have asserted our authority. asserted our authority. asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children Instead, we were like young children Instead, we were like young children among you. What does that mean? Uh for among you. What does that mean? Uh for among you. What does that mean? Uh for this point, I want to bring up my oldest this point, I want to bring up my oldest this point, I want to bring up my oldest daughter, Ella Jane, really fast. Ella daughter, Ella Jane, really fast. Ella daughter, Ella Jane, really fast. Ella Jane, will you join me up here, sweetie? Jane, will you join me up here, sweetie? Jane, will you join me up here, sweetie? This is my four-year-old. Come up here, This is my four-year-old. Come up here, This is my four-year-old. Come up here, baby. You can run, run, run, run as fast baby. You can run, run, run, run as fast baby. You can run, run, run, run as fast as you can. Everybody, give it up for as you can. Everybody, give it up for as you can. Everybody, give it up for Ella Jane real quick. All right. Give it Ella Jane real quick. All right. Give it Ella Jane real quick. All right. Give it up for Ella Jane. Come here. Come here. up for Ella Jane. Come here. Come here. up for Ella Jane. Come here. Come here. Come here. All the way to me. Come here. All the way to me. Come here. All the way to me. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] All right. This is my daughter. Hey, how All right. This is my daughter. Hey, how All right. This is my daughter. Hey, how about you tell everybody what your name about you tell everybody what your name about you tell everybody what your name is real quick? is real quick? is real quick? >> Ella Jane. >> Ella Jane. >> Ella Jane. >> And And Ella Jane, stand up. Stand up. >> And And Ella Jane, stand up. Stand up. >> And And Ella Jane, stand up. Stand up. Stand up. I love you so much. Hey, how Stand up. I love you so much. Hey, how Stand up. I love you so much. Hey, how old are you? old are you? old are you? >> Four and a half. >> Four and a half. >> Four and a half. >> Four and a half. And what is your >> Four and a half. And what is your >> Four and a half. And what is your [snorts] favorite food? [snorts] favorite food? [snorts] favorite food? >> Treats. You like treats? [laughter] >> Treats. You like treats? [laughter] >> Treats. You like treats? [laughter] >> Do you think Do you think that maybe you >> Do you think Do you think that maybe you >> Do you think Do you think that maybe you should get a treat after you've gone up should get a treat after you've gone up should get a treat after you've gone up here with me and been all brave? here with me and been all brave? here with me and been all brave? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay, we'll get you a treat today. All >> Okay, we'll get you a treat today. All >> Okay, we'll get you a treat today. All right. Hey, as she's up here, I want you right. Hey, as she's up here, I want you right. Hey, as she's up here, I want you to think about this. Okay, this little to think about this. Okay, this little to think about this. Okay, this little four-year-old, as I read this verse, I I four-year-old, as I read this verse, I I four-year-old, as I read this verse, I I think whenever Paul was saying, we're think whenever Paul was saying, we're think whenever Paul was saying, we're we're supposed to be like little we're supposed to be like little we're supposed to be like little children among people. I believe he was children among people. I believe he was children among people. I believe he was referring back to this teaching that referring back to this teaching that referring back to this teaching that Jesus talked about in Matthew chapter Jesus talked about in Matthew chapter Jesus talked about in Matthew chapter 18. So, put it up on the screen. Matthew 18. So, put it up on the screen. Matthew 18. So, put it up on the screen. Matthew 18 1-4. It says at that time the 18 1-4. It says at that time the 18 1-4. It says at that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked who disciples came to Jesus and asked who disciples came to Jesus and asked who then is the greatest in the kingdom of then is the greatest in the kingdom of then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Next slide. He called a little heaven. Next slide. He called a little heaven. Next slide. He called a little child to him and placed the child among

child to him and placed the child among child to him and placed the child among them. That's a really impressive move. them. That's a really impressive move. them. That's a really impressive move. And he said, "Truly I tell you, truly I And he said, "Truly I tell you, truly I And he said, "Truly I tell you, truly I tell you, listen to this. Unless you tell you, listen to this. Unless you tell you, listen to this. Unless you change and become like little children, change and become like little children, change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of you will never enter the kingdom of you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the lowly position of this child is the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. All greatest in the kingdom of heaven. All greatest in the kingdom of heaven. All right, Ella Jane, you did a great job. right, Ella Jane, you did a great job. right, Ella Jane, you did a great job. Y'all give it up for her one more time. Y'all give it up for her one more time. Y'all give it up for her one more time. Okay, run back [applause and cheering] Okay, run back [applause and cheering] Okay, run back [applause and cheering] to your mom. Run back to your mom. Run to your mom. Run back to your mom. Run to your mom. Run back to your mom. Run back to your mom. back to your mom. back to your mom. >> Okay. Whoever Put that last one back up >> Okay. Whoever Put that last one back up >> Okay. Whoever Put that last one back up here. It says, "Whoever takes the lowly here. It says, "Whoever takes the lowly here. It says, "Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest." position of this child is the greatest." position of this child is the greatest." Everybody say, Everybody say, Everybody say, >> "Greatest." >> "Greatest." >> "Greatest." >> Is the greatest in the kingdom of >> Is the greatest in the kingdom of >> Is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. All right. There are some great heaven. All right. There are some great heaven. All right. There are some great qualities. Here's what I'm trying to qualities. Here's what I'm trying to qualities. Here's what I'm trying to tell you. tell you. tell you. There are some great qualities that There are some great qualities that There are some great qualities that children have that I believe we tend to children have that I believe we tend to children have that I believe we tend to lose the older we get. lose the older we get. lose the older we get. >> Uh the first one is a child's resilient >> Uh the first one is a child's resilient >> Uh the first one is a child's resilient joy. Would you write that down? joy. Would you write that down? joy. Would you write that down? Resilient joy. What does that word Resilient joy. What does that word Resilient joy. What does that word resilient mean? It means that you have resilient mean? It means that you have resilient mean? It means that you have the ability to bounce back quickly.

the ability to bounce back quickly. the ability to bounce back quickly. And and what I have learned that the And and what I have learned that the And and what I have learned that the older I get is the harder it gets for me older I get is the harder it gets for me older I get is the harder it gets for me to find my joy, especially as quickly as to find my joy, especially as quickly as to find my joy, especially as quickly as I see my daughters find it. I see my daughters find it. I see my daughters find it. >> Uh I have already broken up so many >> Uh I have already broken up so many >> Uh I have already broken up so many fights between Ella Jane and her little fights between Ella Jane and her little fights between Ella Jane and her little sister Blakeley. They will be pushing sister Blakeley. They will be pushing sister Blakeley. They will be pushing each other to the ground, pulling hair, each other to the ground, pulling hair, each other to the ground, pulling hair, even throwing punches, yelling at each even throwing punches, yelling at each even throwing punches, yelling at each other, screaming, and then we'll other, screaming, and then we'll other, screaming, and then we'll separate them. And then it's not but separate them. And then it's not but separate them. And then it's not but moments later they're laughing with one moments later they're laughing with one moments later they're laughing with one another again. They're hugging each another again. They're hugging each another again. They're hugging each other again. They're best friends again. other again. They're best friends again. other again. They're best friends again. And I say all that to say that in this And I say all that to say that in this And I say all that to say that in this world, listen, in this world, we're world, listen, in this world, we're world, listen, in this world, we're going to get hurt. going to get hurt. going to get hurt. People are going to say things to you People are going to say things to you People are going to say things to you they shouldn't. They're going to hurt they shouldn't. They're going to hurt they shouldn't. They're going to hurt you in ways that they shouldn't. They're you in ways that they shouldn't. They're you in ways that they shouldn't. They're going to let you down. They're going to going to let you down. They're going to going to let you down. They're going to lie to you. They're going to betray you. lie to you. They're going to betray you. lie to you. They're going to betray you. They're going to forget to call you They're going to forget to call you They're going to forget to call you back. You're going to go to their back. You're going to go to their back. You're going to go to their wedding shower. They're not going to wedding shower. They're not going to wedding shower. They're not going to come to your wedding shower. They're come to your wedding shower. They're come to your wedding shower. They're going to leave you out of plans. That's going to leave you out of plans. That's going to leave you out of plans. That's going to happen. And this kind of stuff going to happen. And this kind of stuff going to happen. And this kind of stuff tends to pe tends to make people lose tends to pe tends to make people lose tends to pe tends to make people lose their joy, not just for a moment, but their joy, not just for a moment, but their joy, not just for a moment, but for a long time.

for a long time. for a long time. But a child has this resilience to say, But a child has this resilience to say, But a child has this resilience to say, "I would rather enjoy my life than let "I would rather enjoy my life than let "I would rather enjoy my life than let this thing that once hurt me, here's the this thing that once hurt me, here's the this thing that once hurt me, here's the key word, continue to bother me." key word, continue to bother me." key word, continue to bother me." Continue to Continue to Continue to >> Because do children get hurt? >> Because do children get hurt? >> Because do children get hurt? Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. Uh, can children be dramatic in the Uh, can children be dramatic in the Uh, can children be dramatic in the moment? Absolutely. moment? Absolutely. moment? Absolutely. Do children hang on to offenses for Do children hang on to offenses for Do children hang on to offenses for longer than a moment? No, they don't. longer than a moment? No, they don't. longer than a moment? No, they don't. And Jesus says in Matthew 18, "I want And Jesus says in Matthew 18, "I want And Jesus says in Matthew 18, "I want you to be like that. I want you to be you to be like that. I want you to be you to be like that. I want you to be like that." There was a resilient joy like that." There was a resilient joy like that." There was a resilient joy that we lose the older we get. I believe that we lose the older we get. I believe that we lose the older we get. I believe with Christ, we can find it again. The with Christ, we can find it again. The with Christ, we can find it again. The second thing I've noticed about children second thing I've noticed about children second thing I've noticed about children that we lose the older we get is this that we lose the older we get is this that we lose the older we get is this constant curiosity. constant curiosity. constant curiosity. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> This constant curiosity about life. I >> This constant curiosity about life. I >> This constant curiosity about life. I love this passage in Proverbs 25:2. It love this passage in Proverbs 25:2. It love this passage in Proverbs 25:2. It says, "It is the glory of God to conceal says, "It is the glory of God to conceal says, "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to things, but the glory of kings is to things, but the glory of kings is to search things out." Man, children, search things out." Man, children, search things out." Man, children, they're constantly searching things out they're constantly searching things out they're constantly searching things out through the amount of questions they through the amount of questions they through the amount of questions they ask. One time I tried to keep count of ask. One time I tried to keep count of ask. One time I tried to keep count of how many questions our kids would ask in how many questions our kids would ask in how many questions our kids would ask in a day, and I gave up by 6:58 a.m. All a day, and I gave up by 6:58 a.m. All a day, and I gave up by 6:58 a.m. All right? Like, I'm just telling you, it's right? Like, I'm just telling you, it's right? Like, I'm just telling you, it's just question after question after just question after question after just question after question after question. I I love the questions kids question. I I love the questions kids question. I I love the questions kids ask. They're just so curious. So, some ask. They're just so curious. So, some ask. They're just so curious. So, some of their questions can be so silly. I of their questions can be so silly. I of their questions can be so silly. I had a friend who said when he was 5 had a friend who said when he was 5 had a friend who said when he was 5 years old, it was uh Easter Sunday. And years old, it was uh Easter Sunday. And years old, it was uh Easter Sunday. And he goes downstairs and there's candy set he goes downstairs and there's candy set he goes downstairs and there's candy set out everywhere. And so he's looking out everywhere. And so he's looking out everywhere. And so he's looking around at all the candy on Easter Sunday around at all the candy on Easter Sunday around at all the candy on Easter Sunday and he was like, "Mom and dad, I got a

and he was like, "Mom and dad, I got a and he was like, "Mom and dad, I got a question. I'm just curious about question. I'm just curious about question. I'm just curious about something. I see all this candy out something. I see all this candy out something. I see all this candy out here. I know it's Easter." And I here. I know it's Easter." And I here. I know it's Easter." And I understand how on Christmas I I get how understand how on Christmas I I get how understand how on Christmas I I get how Santa Claus gets in our house. He comes Santa Claus gets in our house. He comes Santa Claus gets in our house. He comes through the chimney and he puts out all through the chimney and he puts out all through the chimney and he puts out all the presents. I understand that. He the presents. I understand that. He the presents. I understand that. He said, "But on Easter Sunday, as I look said, "But on Easter Sunday, as I look said, "But on Easter Sunday, as I look around at all this candy, I'm just around at all this candy, I'm just around at all this candy, I'm just curious. How in the world did Jesus get curious. How in the world did Jesus get curious. How in the world did Jesus get in our house?" And and I'm just like, in our house?" And and I'm just like, in our house?" And and I'm just like, "That's the mind of a kid right there. "That's the mind of a kid right there. "That's the mind of a kid right there. They're just curious. They miss the They're just curious. They miss the They're just curious. They miss the mark, but they're just curious and they mark, but they're just curious and they mark, but they're just curious and they ask questions and they're never afraid ask questions and they're never afraid ask questions and they're never afraid to ask the thing that's on the top of to ask the thing that's on the top of to ask the thing that's on the top of their head." Children are constantly their head." Children are constantly their head." Children are constantly curious. But isn't it true? Isn't it curious. But isn't it true? Isn't it curious. But isn't it true? Isn't it true that no matter how old we get, it true that no matter how old we get, it true that no matter how old we get, it feels so good when somebody is curious feels so good when somebody is curious feels so good when somebody is curious about you? about you? about you? >> It feels so good when somebody is >> It feels so good when somebody is >> It feels so good when somebody is curious about me. Whenever somebody has curious about me. Whenever somebody has curious about me. Whenever somebody has the ability to ask the question, "Hey the ability to ask the question, "Hey the ability to ask the question, "Hey man, tell me about your story. Hey, what man, tell me about your story. Hey, what man, tell me about your story. Hey, what are what are you dreaming about right are what are you dreaming about right are what are you dreaming about right now?" now?" now?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Tell me about a weight that you're >> Tell me about a weight that you're >> Tell me about a weight that you're carrying that nobody else can see.

carrying that nobody else can see. carrying that nobody else can see. >> So good. Hey, what do you wish that more >> So good. Hey, what do you wish that more >> So good. Hey, what do you wish that more people knew about you that just kind of people knew about you that just kind of people knew about you that just kind of seems to get swept under the rug? What seems to get swept under the rug? What seems to get swept under the rug? What are you most proud of about your life? are you most proud of about your life? are you most proud of about your life? What has Jesus done in your heart? I What has Jesus done in your heart? I What has Jesus done in your heart? I want to hear. And then we just sit back want to hear. And then we just sit back want to hear. And then we just sit back and listen. You know what's crazy to me and listen. You know what's crazy to me and listen. You know what's crazy to me about the person of Jesus? He was God in about the person of Jesus? He was God in about the person of Jesus? He was God in the flesh during his years of ministry the flesh during his years of ministry the flesh during his years of ministry here. 33 years on on earth. God in the here. 33 years on on earth. God in the here. 33 years on on earth. God in the flesh. Knows everything. Wisest teacher flesh. Knows everything. Wisest teacher flesh. Knows everything. Wisest teacher to ever walk the face of the earth. With to ever walk the face of the earth. With to ever walk the face of the earth. With that being said, people came to him with that being said, people came to him with that being said, people came to him with questions all the time, one question questions all the time, one question questions all the time, one question after the other. But if you read through after the other. But if you read through after the other. But if you read through the gospels and you document all the the gospels and you document all the the gospels and you document all the questions that he was asked, it is questions that he was asked, it is questions that he was asked, it is proven and it is shown that as many proven and it is shown that as many proven and it is shown that as many questions that were asked to him, he questions that were asked to him, he questions that were asked to him, he asked twice as many. asked twice as many. asked twice as many. And I just think like, man, that is the And I just think like, man, that is the And I just think like, man, that is the heart of Jesus to say, look, you can be heart of Jesus to say, look, you can be heart of Jesus to say, look, you can be interested in me. That's fine. But I interested in me. That's fine. But I interested in me. That's fine. But I want to be twice as interested in you. want to be twice as interested in you. want to be twice as interested in you. >> That's the heart of a child. We lose >> That's the heart of a child. We lose >> That's the heart of a child. We lose that the older we get. We're more that the older we get. We're more that the older we get. We're more concerned about ourselves. People need concerned about ourselves. People need concerned about ourselves. People need you to be concerned about them.

you to be concerned about them. you to be concerned about them. >> All right? So, that's the heart of a >> All right? So, that's the heart of a >> All right? So, that's the heart of a child. Uh, number two is the heart of a child. Uh, number two is the heart of a child. Uh, number two is the heart of a father. So, move down to verse 11 real father. So, move down to verse 11 real father. So, move down to verse 11 real quick. The heart of a father. Paul says quick. The heart of a father. Paul says quick. The heart of a father. Paul says clearly in verse 11, for you know that clearly in verse 11, for you know that clearly in verse 11, for you know that we dealt with each of you as a father we dealt with each of you as a father we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children. deals with his own children. deals with his own children. Encouraging. Everybody say encouraging. Encouraging. Everybody say encouraging. Encouraging. Everybody say encouraging. >> Encouraging, comforting, and urging you >> Encouraging, comforting, and urging you >> Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God. I want you to live lives worthy of God. I want you to live lives worthy of God. I want you to write this down. The heart of a to write this down. The heart of a to write this down. The heart of a father is to encourage. father is to encourage. father is to encourage. The heart of a father according to this The heart of a father according to this The heart of a father according to this scripture is to encourage. scripture is to encourage. scripture is to encourage. I want to show you a picture of the I want to show you a picture of the I want to show you a picture of the greatest encourager in my life my whole greatest encourager in my life my whole greatest encourager in my life my whole life. It's a picture of my dad. Uh life. It's a picture of my dad. Uh life. It's a picture of my dad. Uh that's him surrounded by all of his uh that's him surrounded by all of his uh that's him surrounded by all of his uh grandb babies. Not all of them, but at grandb babies. Not all of them, but at grandb babies. Not all of them, but at least a few of the 12. And uh my dad has least a few of the 12. And uh my dad has least a few of the 12. And uh my dad has dedicated his whole life to making sure dedicated his whole life to making sure dedicated his whole life to making sure that when people get discouraged, they that when people get discouraged, they that when people get discouraged, they don't stay discouraged.

don't stay discouraged. don't stay discouraged. >> Even this last week, I was discouraged >> Even this last week, I was discouraged >> Even this last week, I was discouraged about something. Uh I couldn't shake about something. Uh I couldn't shake about something. Uh I couldn't shake this feeling of insecurity I had about this feeling of insecurity I had about this feeling of insecurity I had about what a group of pe to be honest about what a group of pe to be honest about what a group of pe to be honest about what a group of people were thinking what a group of people were thinking what a group of people were thinking about me. And so I just sent him like a about me. And so I just sent him like a about me. And so I just sent him like a a little text about it. I was like, a little text about it. I was like, a little text about it. I was like, "Dad, I'm just kind of struggling with "Dad, I'm just kind of struggling with "Dad, I'm just kind of struggling with this point of view on this deal, and I this point of view on this deal, and I this point of view on this deal, and I just I need your help." And he picked up just I need your help." And he picked up just I need your help." And he picked up the phone and immediately he called me the phone and immediately he called me the phone and immediately he called me because I I'll tell I'll tell you what, because I I'll tell I'll tell you what, because I I'll tell I'll tell you what, a a mentor is somebody that you can a a mentor is somebody that you can a a mentor is somebody that you can call. But a father is somebody who calls call. But a father is somebody who calls call. But a father is somebody who calls you. you. you. >> And and I think that's what our world >> And and I think that's what our world >> And and I think that's what our world needs, more people who just pick up the needs, more people who just pick up the needs, more people who just pick up the phone and say, "I'm not waiting on you. phone and say, "I'm not waiting on you. phone and say, "I'm not waiting on you. I'll call you. The moment I know you're I'll call you. The moment I know you're I'll call you. The moment I know you're in distress, I'm coming after you." in distress, I'm coming after you." in distress, I'm coming after you." That's right. That's right. That's right. >> And that and that and that's what my dad >> And that and that and that's what my dad >> And that and that and that's what my dad did. He called me and he immediately did. He called me and he immediately did. He called me and he immediately encouraged me. And it says in this encouraged me. And it says in this encouraged me. And it says in this passage, Paul said, "We encourage you to passage, Paul said, "We encourage you to passage, Paul said, "We encourage you to get back up on your feet and urge you to get back up on your feet and urge you to get back up on your feet and urge you to live a life after Christ." My My father live a life after Christ." My My father live a life after Christ." My My father has never been a pamperer. He's never has never been a pamperer. He's never has never been a pamperer. He's never like you. It's okay. You're going to be like you. It's okay. You're going to be like you. It's okay. You're going to be great. No, he he's like, "Hey, get back great. No, he he's like, "Hey, get back great. No, he he's like, "Hey, get back up on your feet, Tanner. What what up on your feet, Tanner. What what up on your feet, Tanner. What what you're hearing are lies. God's got a you're hearing are lies. God's got a you're hearing are lies. God's got a plan for you. Stand back up. You're plan for you. Stand back up. You're plan for you. Stand back up. You're strong. I'm proud of you." Because strong. I'm proud of you." Because strong. I'm proud of you." Because that's what an encourager does. It's so that's what an encourager does. It's so that's what an encourager does. It's so important that we are people who important that we are people who important that we are people who encourage because guys, how many of encourage because guys, how many of encourage because guys, how many of y'all know we live in a world of y'all know we live in a world of y'all know we live in a world of discouragement.

discouragement. discouragement. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And and discouragement honestly can kind >> And and discouragement honestly can kind >> And and discouragement honestly can kind of be like a disease. First off, it's a of be like a disease. First off, it's a of be like a disease. First off, it's a universal disease because everybody can universal disease because everybody can universal disease because everybody can get it. get it. get it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Second off, discouragement is a >> Second off, discouragement is a >> Second off, discouragement is a repeating disease because you can get it repeating disease because you can get it repeating disease because you can get it more than once. It's not like more than once. It's not like more than once. It's not like chickenpox. It keeps coming back around. chickenpox. It keeps coming back around. chickenpox. It keeps coming back around. Uh, and then number three, it's a deadly Uh, and then number three, it's a deadly Uh, and then number three, it's a deadly disease because if it sticks around long disease because if it sticks around long disease because if it sticks around long enough, it can wreck your life. I want enough, it can wreck your life. I want enough, it can wreck your life. I want to try to apply this point to you by to try to apply this point to you by to try to apply this point to you by telling you a story. I heard this pastor telling you a story. I heard this pastor telling you a story. I heard this pastor telling the story about the most telling the story about the most telling the story about the most discouraging and worst day of his life. discouraging and worst day of his life. discouraging and worst day of his life. He said it was his first day ever of He said it was his first day ever of He said it was his first day ever of little league baseball. Uh, he said it little league baseball. Uh, he said it little league baseball. Uh, he said it was the worst day of my life. Uh, first was the worst day of my life. Uh, first was the worst day of my life. Uh, first off, I was the smallest one on the team. off, I was the smallest one on the team. off, I was the smallest one on the team. I was playing with a bunch of nine and I was playing with a bunch of nine and I was playing with a bunch of nine and 10 year olds and I was eight and the 10 year olds and I was eight and the 10 year olds and I was eight and the jersey hung off of me like a coat hanger jersey hung off of me like a coat hanger jersey hung off of me like a coat hanger uh coat on a hanger and I just I I uh coat on a hanger and I just I I uh coat on a hanger and I just I I looked I looked crazy. I didn't look looked I looked crazy. I didn't look looked I looked crazy. I didn't look like I was an athlete at all. And then like I was an athlete at all. And then like I was an athlete at all. And then he said, "But it gets worse. I lived in he said, "But it gets worse. I lived in he said, "But it gets worse. I lived in Iowa." And then he said, "But it gets Iowa." And then he said, "But it gets Iowa." And then he said, "But it gets even worse after that." He said, "60 of even worse after that." He said, "60 of even worse after that." He said, "60 of my relatives flew in and drove in from my relatives flew in and drove in from my relatives flew in and drove in from all over to watch me play in my first all over to watch me play in my first all over to watch me play in my first game." And then he said, "But it gets game." And then he said, "But it gets game." And then he said, "But it gets worse. I struck out three times in a worse. I struck out three times in a worse. I struck out three times in a row. And then he said, "But it gets row. And then he said, "But it gets row. And then he said, "But it gets worse. It's the end of the game, last worse. It's the end of the game, last worse. It's the end of the game, last inning. My team is down by one, and I'm inning. My team is down by one, and I'm inning. My team is down by one, and I'm up to bat. Two outs. Bases are loaded.

up to bat. Two outs. Bases are loaded. up to bat. Two outs. Bases are loaded. All we need is one run to come in." All All we need is one run to come in." All All we need is one run to come in." All right. The pitcher throws the first one. right. The pitcher throws the first one. right. The pitcher throws the first one. Swinging a miss, strike one. Swing and a Swinging a miss, strike one. Swing and a Swinging a miss, strike one. Swing and a miss, strike two. And he said, "That's miss, strike two. And he said, "That's miss, strike two. And he said, "That's when it dawned on me because we only when it dawned on me because we only when it dawned on me because we only needed one run, I could hear 200 fans needed one run, I could hear 200 fans needed one run, I could hear 200 fans all screaming for me to get hit, for all screaming for me to get hit, for all screaming for me to get hit, for that would be enough for the final that would be enough for the final that would be enough for the final runner to run on in," he said. But I runner to run on in," he said. But I runner to run on in," he said. But I stepped back up into the box and I and I stepped back up into the box and I and I stepped back up into the box and I and I kind of panicked and I saw the guy kind of panicked and I saw the guy kind of panicked and I saw the guy throwing the ball and I timed it up what throwing the ball and I timed it up what throwing the ball and I timed it up what I thought was perfectly and I swung, but I thought was perfectly and I swung, but I thought was perfectly and I swung, but as I swung, I could hear the ball hit as I swung, I could hear the ball hit as I swung, I could hear the ball hit the catcher's mitt and the game was the catcher's mitt and the game was the catcher's mitt and the game was over. I heard 200 fans, the same ones over. I heard 200 fans, the same ones over. I heard 200 fans, the same ones who were yelling for me to get hit, all who were yelling for me to get hit, all who were yelling for me to get hit, all instantaneously groan. He said, "I knew instantaneously groan. He said, "I knew instantaneously groan. He said, "I knew in that moment I I had failed. I go back in that moment I I had failed. I go back in that moment I I had failed. I go back to the dugout. I put my hat over my eyes to the dugout. I put my hat over my eyes to the dugout. I put my hat over my eyes and I'm just crying. My teammates are and I'm just crying. My teammates are and I'm just crying. My teammates are calling me names. You're a loser. You're calling me names. You're a loser. You're calling me names. You're a loser. You're a failure. We don't even want you on a failure. We don't even want you on a failure. We don't even want you on this team." And he said, "I'm just this team." And he said, "I'm just this team." And he said, "I'm just sobbing. I'm sobbing until the whole sobbing. I'm sobbing until the whole sobbing. I'm sobbing until the whole place clears out. My head is still place clears out. My head is still place clears out. My head is still down." He said, "I'm just crying. I feel down." He said, "I'm just crying. I feel down." He said, "I'm just crying. I feel like the worst person, worst athlete all like the worst person, worst athlete all like the worst person, worst athlete all time." And as I'm crying, he said, "I time." And as I'm crying, he said, "I time." And as I'm crying, he said, "I could hear a sound coming out from the could hear a sound coming out from the could hear a sound coming out from the pitcher's mouth." It sounded like a pitcher's mouth." It sounded like a pitcher's mouth." It sounded like a voice. So, he listened for it and he voice. So, he listened for it and he voice. So, he listened for it and he could hear a voice saying, "Hey, son, could hear a voice saying, "Hey, son, could hear a voice saying, "Hey, son, get back up. Game ain't over yet." He get back up. Game ain't over yet." He get back up. Game ain't over yet." He said, "I heard it again. Hey, son, get said, "I heard it again. Hey, son, get said, "I heard it again. Hey, son, get back up. The game ain't over yet." And I back up. The game ain't over yet." And I back up. The game ain't over yet." And I looked up and it was my dad on the looked up and it was my dad on the looked up and it was my dad on the pitcher mound with all 60 of my pitcher mound with all 60 of my pitcher mound with all 60 of my relatives out there waving me to come relatives out there waving me to come relatives out there waving me to come back up. So I get out of the dugout, he

back up. So I get out of the dugout, he back up. So I get out of the dugout, he said, and my bat was still in the same said, and my bat was still in the same said, and my bat was still in the same place where I left it. So I picked it up place where I left it. So I picked it up place where I left it. So I picked it up and just kind of sluggishly walked over and just kind of sluggishly walked over and just kind of sluggishly walked over to home plate. My dad threw a pitch, to home plate. My dad threw a pitch, to home plate. My dad threw a pitch, swinging a miss. He said, "It's okay, swinging a miss. He said, "It's okay, swinging a miss. He said, "It's okay, son. Swing again. Game ain't over yet." son. Swing again. Game ain't over yet." son. Swing again. Game ain't over yet." He pitched it again. Second time, He pitched it again. Second time, He pitched it again. Second time, swinging a miss. Third time, swinging a swinging a miss. Third time, swinging a swinging a miss. Third time, swinging a miss. He said it took him about 15 tries miss. He said it took him about 15 tries miss. He said it took him about 15 tries until finally after that 15th throw, he until finally after that 15th throw, he until finally after that 15th throw, he connected with one. It was a line drive connected with one. It was a line drive connected with one. It was a line drive to left field and he just freaks out and to left field and he just freaks out and to left field and he just freaks out and stands there and his dad's like, "Son, stands there and his dad's like, "Son, stands there and his dad's like, "Son, go to first base." And the kid said, go to first base." And the kid said, go to first base." And the kid said, "Where's first base? I never been there "Where's first base? I never been there "Where's first base? I never been there before." And so his dad's like pointing, before." And so his dad's like pointing, before." And so his dad's like pointing, "It's that way, son. It's go that way." "It's that way, son. It's go that way." "It's that way, son. It's go that way." And so he starts running to first base And so he starts running to first base And so he starts running to first base and then he rounds first and he's going and then he rounds first and he's going and then he rounds first and he's going to second and his family's out there to second and his family's out there to second and his family's out there just kind of like, you know, jumbling just kind of like, you know, jumbling just kind of like, you know, jumbling the ball around, throwing it over the ball around, throwing it over the ball around, throwing it over people's heads. He's going to third and people's heads. He's going to third and people's heads. He's going to third and as he's going to third his uncle Harold as he's going to third his uncle Harold as he's going to third his uncle Harold is there and they throw the ball to is there and they throw the ball to is there and they throw the ball to Uncle Harold but Uncle Harold is blind Uncle Harold but Uncle Harold is blind Uncle Harold but Uncle Harold is blind so he can't even see the ball. It goes so he can't even see the ball. It goes so he can't even see the ball. It goes past his head into the dugout and so now past his head into the dugout and so now past his head into the dugout and so now all he has to do is get home and his dad all he has to do is get home and his dad all he has to do is get home and his dad is waiting for him there just waving him is waiting for him there just waving him is waiting for him there just waving him in, waving them in and he slides at home in, waving them in and he slides at home in, waving them in and he slides at home plate and the dust clears and now he can plate and the dust clears and now he can plate and the dust clears and now he can see his dad with tears in his eyes see his dad with tears in his eyes see his dad with tears in his eyes saying, "Son, you're safe at home. Son, saying, "Son, you're safe at home. Son, saying, "Son, you're safe at home. Son, you're safe at home." and he said, 'The you're safe at home." and he said, 'The you're safe at home." and he said, 'The worst day of my life turned out to be worst day of my life turned out to be worst day of my life turned out to be the best day of my life.' And he got in the best day of my life.' And he got in the best day of my life.' And he got in the car and his dad looked at him and the car and his dad looked at him and the car and his dad looked at him and said,"Son, I told you the game wasn't said,"Son, I told you the game wasn't said,"Son, I told you the game wasn't over.

over. over. >> I told you the game wasn't over. >> I told you the game wasn't over. >> I told you the game wasn't over. >> I'll tell you what people need." >> I'll tell you what people need." >> I'll tell you what people need." There are people who are walking in this There are people who are walking in this There are people who are walking in this church every single week who believe the church every single week who believe the church every single week who believe the game is over for them. game is over for them. game is over for them. >> And it is the heart of a father to find >> And it is the heart of a father to find >> And it is the heart of a father to find them. Regardless of how old you are, you them. Regardless of how old you are, you them. Regardless of how old you are, you can have the heart of a father. can have the heart of a father. can have the heart of a father. >> To find those people and to look at them >> To find those people and to look at them >> To find those people and to look at them in the eyes and say, "It doesn't matter in the eyes and say, "It doesn't matter in the eyes and say, "It doesn't matter what you've done in your past. It what you've done in your past. It what you've done in your past. It doesn't matter where you've come from. doesn't matter where you've come from. doesn't matter where you've come from. You may have lied. You may have hurt You may have lied. You may have hurt You may have lied. You may have hurt people. You may have cheated people. But people. You may have cheated people. But people. You may have cheated people. But as long as you're still on this side of as long as you're still on this side of as long as you're still on this side of heaven, I'm here to tell you the game heaven, I'm here to tell you the game heaven, I'm here to tell you the game ain't over yet. And I want to be the ain't over yet. And I want to be the ain't over yet. And I want to be the kind of church that regardless of where kind of church that regardless of where kind of church that regardless of where people have come from, regardless of people have come from, regardless of people have come from, regardless of what they've done, we have the heart to what they've done, we have the heart to what they've done, we have the heart to go after them, to find them, and say, go after them, to find them, and say, go after them, to find them, and say, "Gain ain't over yet." I want to be the "Gain ain't over yet." I want to be the "Gain ain't over yet." I want to be the kind of church that doesn't shoot the kind of church that doesn't shoot the kind of church that doesn't shoot the wounded around here, but picks them up wounded around here, but picks them up wounded around here, but picks them up and brings them to the great physician and brings them to the great physician and brings them to the great physician and says, "The game ain't over. As long and says, "The game ain't over. As long and says, "The game ain't over. As long as you got me, we're still going to as you got me, we're still going to as you got me, we're still going to win."

win." win." >> That's the heart of a father. Is anybody >> That's the heart of a father. Is anybody >> That's the heart of a father. Is anybody out there today hearing this? That's out there today hearing this? That's out there today hearing this? That's what we're called to be. It's what we're what we're called to be. It's what we're what we're called to be. It's what we're called to do. [applause] So, we're going called to do. [applause] So, we're going called to do. [applause] So, we're going to have the heart of a child with this to have the heart of a child with this to have the heart of a child with this like resilient joy and this constant like resilient joy and this constant like resilient joy and this constant curiosity. But then the heart of a curiosity. But then the heart of a curiosity. But then the heart of a father says, "I'm going to encourage." father says, "I'm going to encourage." father says, "I'm going to encourage." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I'm going to find people who are >> I'm going to find people who are >> I'm going to find people who are discouraged. I'm going to pick them back discouraged. I'm going to pick them back discouraged. I'm going to pick them back up. And then finally, we have the heart up. And then finally, we have the heart up. And then finally, we have the heart of a sibling. Look at verse 17. The of a sibling. Look at verse 17. The of a sibling. Look at verse 17. The heart of a sibling. heart of a sibling. heart of a sibling. >> Keys, you can join me, too. We're >> Keys, you can join me, too. We're >> Keys, you can join me, too. We're wrapping up. wrapping up. wrapping up. But brothers and sisters, But brothers and sisters, But brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated when we were orphaned by being separated when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time in person, not from you for a short time in person, not from you for a short time in person, not in thought, in thought, in thought, out of our intense longing, look at out of our intense longing, look at out of our intense longing, look at this. this. this. Out of our intense longing, we made Out of our intense longing, we made Out of our intense longing, we made every effort to see you. All right. The every effort to see you. All right. The every effort to see you. All right. The heart of a sibling is an easy one heart of a sibling is an easy one heart of a sibling is an easy one because the heart of a sibling is as because the heart of a sibling is as because the heart of a sibling is as simple as this. Siblings show up.

simple as this. Siblings show up. simple as this. Siblings show up. Siblings show up. I have my big sister's Siblings show up. I have my big sister's Siblings show up. I have my big sister's going to join me up here for this final going to join me up here for this final going to join me up here for this final demonstration. Y'all give it up for demonstration. Y'all give it up for demonstration. Y'all give it up for Haley real fast. I love her. This is Haley real fast. I love her. This is Haley real fast. I love her. This is [applause] [applause] [applause] one of my closest friends on planet one of my closest friends on planet one of my closest friends on planet Earth. And I just want to ask you a few Earth. And I just want to ask you a few Earth. And I just want to ask you a few questions, okay? And all you got to do questions, okay? And all you got to do questions, okay? And all you got to do is answer them. All right. is answer them. All right. is answer them. All right. On my first day of high school, uh, who On my first day of high school, uh, who On my first day of high school, uh, who was there driving me to Conway High was there driving me to Conway High was there driving me to Conway High School as a freshman? School as a freshman? School as a freshman? >> I play >> I play >> I play When I got my first ever varsity letter When I got my first ever varsity letter When I got my first ever varsity letter in golf that 10th grade year, who was in golf that 10th grade year, who was in golf that 10th grade year, who was there? there? there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> And I'm glad you were because nobody >> And I'm glad you were because nobody >> And I'm glad you were because nobody else cared. [laughter] When I started to make, let's just say, When I started to make, let's just say, some wrong decisions. Who was still some wrong decisions. Who was still some wrong decisions. Who was still there? there? there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> Yep. Uh when I graduated high school, >> Yep. Uh when I graduated high school, >> Yep. Uh when I graduated high school, who was there? who was there? who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. When I turned my life back around and When I turned my life back around and When I turned my life back around and kind of got my feet underneath me and kind of got my feet underneath me and kind of got my feet underneath me and went into ministry, who was there? went into ministry, who was there? went into ministry, who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> And when I brought Emily home for the >> And when I brought Emily home for the >> And when I brought Emily home for the first time, who was there?

first time, who was there? first time, who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> And when I called up the whole family >> And when I called up the whole family >> And when I called up the whole family and I said, "Hey, I think I want to and I said, "Hey, I think I want to and I said, "Hey, I think I want to marry this girl. I'm ready to propose." marry this girl. I'm ready to propose." marry this girl. I'm ready to propose." Who was there? Who was there? Who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> And when I got married, who was there? >> And when I got married, who was there? >> And when I got married, who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> And when we had our first kid, Ella >> And when we had our first kid, Ella >> And when we had our first kid, Ella Jane, who was there? Jane, who was there? Jane, who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. Who was there holding on to my hand in Who was there holding on to my hand in Who was there holding on to my hand in grandma's place right after she had grandma's place right after she had grandma's place right after she had passed away? Who was there? passed away? Who was there? passed away? Who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> Who was there when we had William >> Who was there when we had William >> Who was there when we had William at at Children's Hospital and they had at at Children's Hospital and they had at at Children's Hospital and they had those like tubes connected to him and those like tubes connected to him and those like tubes connected to him and they didn't really know what was going they didn't really know what was going they didn't really know what was going on and they were just trying to test on and they were just trying to test on and they were just trying to test things out and figure out if he was things out and figure out if he was things out and figure out if he was going to be okay. Who was there? going to be okay. Who was there? going to be okay. Who was there? >> I was. >> I was. >> I was. >> And And why were you there for all of >> And And why were you there for all of >> And And why were you there for all of those things? those things? those things? >> Because that's what siblings do. >> Because that's what siblings do. >> Because that's what siblings do. >> They show up. they show up. I want to >> They show up. they show up. I want to >> They show up. they show up. I want to thank you, Haley. You can go down. Thank thank you, Haley. You can go down. Thank thank you, Haley. You can go down. Thank you for everything you've always done you for everything you've always done you for everything you've always done for me. And I And I say that I say that. for me. And I And I say that I say that. for me. And I And I say that I say that. You can go. You can go. I say that You can go. You can go. I say that You can go. You can go. I say that because look, because look, because look, what our church needs, what our church needs, what our church needs, what people need are spiritual brothers what people need are spiritual brothers what people need are spiritual brothers and sisters, and sisters, and sisters, >> our spiritual siblings who say, [music] >> our spiritual siblings who say, [music] >> our spiritual siblings who say, [music] "When you need me, I'll drop everything "When you need me, I'll drop everything "When you need me, I'll drop everything to show up.

to show up. to show up. >> I'll drop everything." >> I'll drop everything." >> I'll drop everything." We had a pastor who went to the We had a pastor who went to the We had a pastor who went to the emergency room not long ago. There was a emergency room not long ago. There was a emergency room not long ago. There was a family whose kid had an emergency family whose kid had an emergency family whose kid had an emergency surgery. And he's in the waiting room. surgery. And he's in the waiting room. surgery. And he's in the waiting room. And the family's entire small group is And the family's entire small group is And the family's entire small group is there praying, there praying, there praying, laughing when they can, just trying to laughing when they can, just trying to laughing when they can, just trying to encourage these people, showing up. And encourage these people, showing up. And encourage these people, showing up. And the surgeon comes in and the pastor is the surgeon comes in and the pastor is the surgeon comes in and the pastor is able to talk to the surgeon for a little able to talk to the surgeon for a little able to talk to the surgeon for a little bit. And the pastor's proud of it bit. And the pastor's proud of it bit. And the pastor's proud of it because this was our church. This was because this was our church. This was because this was our church. This was New Life. And he was like, "Bro, isn't New Life. And he was like, "Bro, isn't New Life. And he was like, "Bro, isn't this awesome? and look at all these this awesome? and look at all these this awesome? and look at all these people from New Life showing up for this people from New Life showing up for this people from New Life showing up for this for this family. And the surgeon said, for this family. And the surgeon said, for this family. And the surgeon said, "Bro, this is all the time." He said, "Bro, this is all the time." He said, "Bro, this is all the time." He said, "New Life Church is known in this "New Life Church is known in this "New Life Church is known in this hospital as the church that shows up for hospital as the church that shows up for hospital as the church that shows up for people. That's what we do. That's the people. That's what we do. That's the people. That's what we do. That's the heart of everything we're trying to be." heart of everything we're trying to be." heart of everything we're trying to be." And whenever we look at the heart of a And whenever we look at the heart of a And whenever we look at the heart of a child, when we look at the heart of a child, when we look at the heart of a child, when we look at the heart of a father, when we look at the heart of a father, when we look at the heart of a father, when we look at the heart of a sibling, really all we're talking about, sibling, really all we're talking about, sibling, really all we're talking about, hear me on this, okay? This is the most hear me on this, okay? This is the most hear me on this, okay? This is the most important thing I'm going to say. When important thing I'm going to say. When important thing I'm going to say. When we talk about all these different types we talk about all these different types we talk about all these different types of hearts, what we're really talking of hearts, what we're really talking of hearts, what we're really talking about is just the heart of God.

about is just the heart of God. about is just the heart of God. >> It's the heart of God. >> It's the heart of God. >> It's the heart of God. In Hebrews, it says it was for the joy In Hebrews, it says it was for the joy In Hebrews, it says it was for the joy that was set before him [music] that that was set before him [music] that that was set before him [music] that Christ endured the cross. Thank God he Christ endured the cross. Thank God he Christ endured the cross. Thank God he had resilient joy. Thank God in the had resilient joy. Thank God in the had resilient joy. Thank God in the Garden of Gethsemane when he was in Garden of Gethsemane when he was in Garden of Gethsemane when he was in distress, it was the joy set before him distress, it was the joy set before him distress, it was the joy set before him to save souls like you and me that got to save souls like you and me that got to save souls like you and me that got him back up on his feet and went to him back up on his feet and went to him back up on his feet and went to Calvary and he marched there. The heart Calvary and he marched there. The heart Calvary and he marched there. The heart of the father is put on display of the father is put on display of the father is put on display whenever you see Peter who messed up so whenever you see Peter who messed up so whenever you see Peter who messed up so many times. many times. many times. And then Jesus finds him and says, "Hey And then Jesus finds him and says, "Hey And then Jesus finds him and says, "Hey Peter, game ain't over yet. I need you Peter, game ain't over yet. I need you Peter, game ain't over yet. I need you to build a church, bro. Need you to go to build a church, bro. Need you to go to build a church, bro. Need you to go build something." build something." build something." We can see the heart of a sibling on We can see the heart of a sibling on We can see the heart of a sibling on display through Christ, the son of God, display through Christ, the son of God, display through Christ, the son of God, who didn't just say, "I love you," but who didn't just say, "I love you," but who didn't just say, "I love you," but showed up and went to Calvary and said, showed up and went to Calvary and said, showed up and went to Calvary and said, "This is how much I love you. I'll hang "This is how much I love you. I'll hang "This is how much I love you. I'll hang up here for you and I'll die for your up here for you and I'll die for your up here for you and I'll die for your sin to take it away. That is the heart sin to take it away. That is the heart sin to take it away. That is the heart of God and what he wants is a church to of God and what he wants is a church to of God and what he wants is a church to have that same heart as well.

have that same heart as well. have that same heart as well. >> Man, wasn't that a [music] great message >> Man, wasn't that a [music] great message >> Man, wasn't that a [music] great message today from Tanner? I'm so thankful for today from Tanner? I'm so thankful for today from Tanner? I'm so thankful for the reminder that the love of God isn't the reminder that the love of God isn't the reminder that the love of God isn't meant to simply come to us. It's meant to simply come to us. It's meant to simply come to us. It's supposed to move through us. [music] We supposed to move through us. [music] We supposed to move through us. [music] We can be people with the heart of a child. can be people with the heart of a child. can be people with the heart of a child. We can love with the heart of a father. We can love with the heart of a father. We can love with the heart of a father. And we can love people [music] with the And we can love people [music] with the And we can love people [music] with the heart of a sibling. That's what real heart of a sibling. That's what real heart of a sibling. That's what real church family is supposed to look like. church family is supposed to look like. church family is supposed to look like. And if you've been trying to do life on And if you've been trying to do life on And if you've been trying to do life on your own, this could be the perfect your own, this could be the perfect your own, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get [music] opportunity for you to get [music] opportunity for you to get [music] connected. Or maybe you want prayer. connected. Or maybe you want prayer. connected. Or maybe you want prayer. Either of those things, just take a Either of those things, just take a Either of those things, just take a second and fill out that connect form, second and fill out that connect form, second and fill out that connect form, this link down below, so someone from this link down below, so someone from this link down below, so someone from our team can follow up with you really our team can follow up with you really our team can follow up with you really soon. And if you would like to support soon. And if you would like to support soon. And if you would like to support the mission and the vision of New Life the mission and the vision of New Life the mission and the vision of New Life Church, there's a lot of different ways Church, there's a lot of different ways Church, there's a lot of different ways [music] that you can give, but the [music] that you can give, but the [music] that you can give, but the easiest is simply by clicking on the easiest is simply by clicking on the easiest is simply by clicking on the giving link down below. It's your giving link down below. It's your giving link down below. It's your generosity [music] that helps create generosity [music] that helps create generosity [music] that helps create environments where people can find environments where people can find environments where people can find meaningful community and grow in their meaningful community and grow in their meaningful community and grow in their relationship with God. So, thanks relationship with God. So, thanks relationship with God. So, thanks [music] again for spending part of your [music] again for spending part of your [music] again for spending part of your day with us. We can't wait to see you day with us. We can't wait to see you day with us. We can't wait to see you again next time.