All Things // Week 2 // Pastor David Marrero

this sermon series that is called all this sermon series that is called all things. So, I want to I want to make things. So, I want to I want to make things. So, I want to I want to make sure that you are aware of that. 1 sure that you are aware of that. 1 sure that you are aware of that. 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 22, that's Corinthians chapter 9 verse 22, that's Corinthians chapter 9 verse 22, that's the scripture that we're going to read. the scripture that we're going to read. the scripture that we're going to read. You can remain seated. 1 Corinthians You can remain seated. 1 Corinthians You can remain seated. 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 22, I want you to go chapter 9 verse 22, I want you to go chapter 9 verse 22, I want you to go ahead and just repeat ahead and just repeat ahead and just repeat me. Your word is written in my mind. me. Your word is written in my mind. me. Your word is written in my mind. Your word is hidden in my heart. Your Your word is hidden in my heart. Your Your word is hidden in my heart. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light word is a lamp unto my feet and a light word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. I will seek you with all my for my path. I will seek you with all my for my path. I will seek you with all my strength. I choose to live my life strength. I choose to live my life strength. I choose to live my life according to your word. Your word, O according to your word. Your word, O according to your word. Your word, O Lord, is eternal. Lord, is eternal. Lord, is eternal. 1 Corinthians 9:22 is the foundational 1 Corinthians 9:22 is the foundational 1 Corinthians 9:22 is the foundational verse that we have for this whole month. verse that we have for this whole month. verse that we have for this whole month. And we're going to talk a little bit And we're going to talk a little bit And we're going to talk a little bit more about the boundaries in which Paul more about the boundaries in which Paul more about the boundaries in which Paul shares with the Corinthian church. He's shares with the Corinthian church. He's shares with the Corinthian church. He's really just sharing that we have to do really just sharing that we have to do really just sharing that we have to do everything possible to reach people for everything possible to reach people for everything possible to reach people for Jesus. I I want you to have an Jesus. I I want you to have an Jesus. I I want you to have an evangelistic heart.

evangelistic heart. evangelistic heart. That our heart posture is that people That our heart posture is that people That our heart posture is that people come to know Jesus. How How many desire come to know Jesus. How How many desire come to know Jesus. How How many desire for people to come to know Jesus? for people to come to know Jesus? for people to come to know Jesus? I want my I want family that that that I want my I want family that that that I want my I want family that that that don't know Jesus or they're not don't know Jesus or they're not don't know Jesus or they're not surrendered to Jesus to have an surrendered to Jesus to have an surrendered to Jesus to have an encounter with him. I want friends. I encounter with him. I want friends. I encounter with him. I want friends. I want co-workers. I want acquaintances. I want co-workers. I want acquaintances. I want co-workers. I want acquaintances. I want people that I DON'T KNOW TO know want people that I DON'T KNOW TO know want people that I DON'T KNOW TO know Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:22, it says it Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:22, it says it Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:22, it says it this way, I have become all things this way, I have become all things this way, I have become all things to all people that by all means I might to all people that by all means I might to all people that by all means I might have that I might save some. have that I might save some. have that I might save some. You and I got to define the why. Why do You and I got to define the why. Why do You and I got to define the why. Why do we do what we do? I challenged the team we do what we do? I challenged the team we do what we do? I challenged the team this morning as we were in our team this morning as we were in our team this morning as we were in our team huddle before service and I ASKED THEM, huddle before service and I ASKED THEM, huddle before service and I ASKED THEM, WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING? WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING? WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING? BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE POINT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE POINT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE POINT OF DEFINING THE WHY. OF DEFINING THE WHY. OF DEFINING THE WHY. WHY DAVID ARE YOU PREACHING? WHY DAVID ARE YOU PREACHING? WHY DAVID ARE YOU PREACHING? WHY am I serving in ministry? Why do I WHY am I serving in ministry? Why do I WHY am I serving in ministry? Why do I volunteer on a Sunday or Monday through volunteer on a Sunday or Monday through volunteer on a Sunday or Monday through Saturday through a ministry? WHY DO I DO Saturday through a ministry? WHY DO I DO Saturday through a ministry? WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO AS A BELIEVER? Why do I have WHAT I DO AS A BELIEVER? Why do I have WHAT I DO AS A BELIEVER? Why do I have faith in Jesus? YOU HAVE ALWAYS GOT TO faith in Jesus? YOU HAVE ALWAYS GOT TO faith in Jesus? YOU HAVE ALWAYS GOT TO BE ABLE TO answer the why to what you BE ABLE TO answer the why to what you BE ABLE TO answer the why to what you do.

do. do. I want you TO KNOW THAT PAUL IS SAYING I want you TO KNOW THAT PAUL IS SAYING I want you TO KNOW THAT PAUL IS SAYING THAT everything that he does, he does it THAT everything that he does, he does it THAT everything that he does, he does it for the sake of the gospel. for the sake of the gospel. for the sake of the gospel. Everything that he does is motivated Everything that he does is motivated Everything that he does is motivated BY THE GOSPEL. SO WHY I DO WHAT I DO IS BY THE GOSPEL. SO WHY I DO WHAT I DO IS BY THE GOSPEL. SO WHY I DO WHAT I DO IS BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO HEAR, SEE, BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO HEAR, SEE, BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO HEAR, SEE, experience Jesus. experience Jesus. experience Jesus. I have become all things to all people. I have become all things to all people. I have become all things to all people. In other words, I'M WILLING TO EVEN In other words, I'M WILLING TO EVEN In other words, I'M WILLING TO EVEN SACRIFICE SOME OF MY PREFERENCES SO THAT SACRIFICE SOME OF MY PREFERENCES SO THAT SACRIFICE SOME OF MY PREFERENCES SO THAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE JESUS. I am not GOING TO COMPROMISE MY FAITH. I am not GOING TO COMPROMISE MY FAITH. I'm not going to COMPROMISE MY I'm not going to COMPROMISE MY I'm not going to COMPROMISE MY CONVICTION, BUT I'M WILLING TO CONVICTION, BUT I'M WILLING TO CONVICTION, BUT I'M WILLING TO COMPROMISE MY TRADITION. COMPROMISE MY TRADITION. COMPROMISE MY TRADITION. SO THAT IF IN YOUR TRADITION THERE IS A SO THAT IF IN YOUR TRADITION THERE IS A SO THAT IF IN YOUR TRADITION THERE IS A PRACTICE THAT YOU HAVE THAT DOESN'T PRACTICE THAT YOU HAVE THAT DOESN'T PRACTICE THAT YOU HAVE THAT DOESN'T COMPROMISE MY FAITH, I'M WILLING TO MEET COMPROMISE MY FAITH, I'M WILLING TO MEET COMPROMISE MY FAITH, I'M WILLING TO MEET you where you are for the sake of the you where you are for the sake of the you where you are for the sake of the gospel. That's what Paul is saying. That gospel. That's what Paul is saying. That gospel. That's what Paul is saying. That needs to be our mindset that everything needs to be our mindset that everything needs to be our mindset that everything we do short of sin. THIS IS WHY THE we do short of sin. THIS IS WHY THE we do short of sin. THIS IS WHY THE BIBLE TEACHES US TO BE HOLY BECAUSE HOLY BIBLE TEACHES US TO BE HOLY BECAUSE HOLY BIBLE TEACHES US TO BE HOLY BECAUSE HOLY means set apart. I got TO BE SET APART.

means set apart. I got TO BE SET APART. means set apart. I got TO BE SET APART. SO I AM NOT GOING TO USE THE GOSPEL AS A SO I AM NOT GOING TO USE THE GOSPEL AS A SO I AM NOT GOING TO USE THE GOSPEL AS A MEANS FOR ME TO SIN. I'm going to use MEANS FOR ME TO SIN. I'm going to use MEANS FOR ME TO SIN. I'm going to use the gospel as a means for me to be used the gospel as a means for me to be used the gospel as a means for me to be used as a tool as a tool as a tool for his name to be named or for his name for his name to be named or for his name for his name to be named or for his name to be known. to be known. to be known. Now, last week we talked about becoming Now, last week we talked about becoming Now, last week we talked about becoming all things. Now, you can't become all things. Now, you can't become all things. Now, you can't become everything, but you can become all everything, but you can become all everything, but you can become all things. things. things. I can't be Superman at all time. That is I can't be Superman at all time. That is I can't be Superman at all time. That is the position and the title for God the position and the title for God the position and the title for God himself. God is all things. himself. God is all things. himself. God is all things. The Bible teaches us that God is the God The Bible teaches us that God is the God The Bible teaches us that God is the God of I Am. You fill in the blank. What is of I Am. You fill in the blank. What is of I Am. You fill in the blank. What is it that you need GOD TO DO IN YOUR LIFE? it that you need GOD TO DO IN YOUR LIFE? it that you need GOD TO DO IN YOUR LIFE? God can do it. God can do it. God can do it. But, we can become all things getting But, we can become all things getting But, we can become all things getting next to people. Paul in this was not next to people. Paul in this was not next to people. Paul in this was not compromising any type of truth, which compromising any type of truth, which compromising any type of truth, which today I want to speak to you with the today I want to speak to you with the today I want to speak to you with the subject called We love because. Why do subject called We love because. Why do subject called We love because. Why do we love? we love? we love? WHAT IS IT THAT motivates us to love? WHAT IS IT THAT motivates us to love? WHAT IS IT THAT motivates us to love? Who should we love?

Who should we love? Who should we love? You know, one of the things that we You know, one of the things that we You know, one of the things that we ought to be willing to do is adjust ought to be willing to do is adjust ought to be willing to do is adjust our approach. our approach. our approach. I shared with you last week that it is I shared with you last week that it is I shared with you last week that it is not about the method, it's about the not about the method, it's about the not about the method, it's about the mission. What's the end goal? mission. What's the end goal? mission. What's the end goal? I want to I don't want my passion to get I want to I don't want my passion to get I want to I don't want my passion to get in the way of the message of Jesus in the way of the message of Jesus in the way of the message of Jesus Christ. I have to make sure that I can Christ. I have to make sure that I can Christ. I have to make sure that I can represent Jesus to the best of my represent Jesus to the best of my represent Jesus to the best of my ability. Call me crazy, but I want to ability. Call me crazy, but I want to ability. Call me crazy, but I want to make sure that my pictures on social make sure that my pictures on social make sure that my pictures on social media are modest because I don't want media are modest because I don't want media are modest because I don't want people to see me and lust after me. I people to see me and lust after me. I people to see me and lust after me. I want people Excuse me. want people Excuse me. want people Excuse me. I want people to SEE THE GOD THAT IS in I want people to SEE THE GOD THAT IS in I want people to SEE THE GOD THAT IS in me. I I I I don't want my messages to be me. I I I I don't want my messages to be me. I I I I don't want my messages to be to be misunderstood to be misunderstood to be misunderstood and bring a and bring a and bring a and and bring people TO A PLACE WHERE I, and and bring people TO A PLACE WHERE I, and and bring people TO A PLACE WHERE I, DAVID, BECOME A DISTRACTION. I don't DAVID, BECOME A DISTRACTION. I don't DAVID, BECOME A DISTRACTION. I don't want my passions to be used or misused. want my passions to be used or misused. want my passions to be used or misused. I I don't I don't want my words to be I I don't I don't want my words to be I I don't I don't want my words to be misused. misused. misused. Everything that I do, I got to be Everything that I do, I got to be Everything that I do, I got to be mindful of that. And you and I, WE mindful of that. And you and I, WE mindful of that. And you and I, WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT HOW WE APPEAR.

SHOULD CARE ABOUT HOW WE APPEAR. SHOULD CARE ABOUT HOW WE APPEAR. WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT HOW WE PRESENT WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT HOW WE PRESENT WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT HOW WE PRESENT OURSELVES. WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT how OURSELVES. WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT how OURSELVES. WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT how we're displaying Jesus. we're displaying Jesus. we're displaying Jesus. WHAT GIVES YOU AND I THE CAPACITY to do WHAT GIVES YOU AND I THE CAPACITY to do WHAT GIVES YOU AND I THE CAPACITY to do this is love. Everything that we do this is love. Everything that we do this is love. Everything that we do should be motivated by love. should be motivated by love. should be motivated by love. Love is powerful. Love is powerful. Love is powerful. IT IS SO POWERFUL WHEN YOU GENERALLY IT IS SO POWERFUL WHEN YOU GENERALLY IT IS SO POWERFUL WHEN YOU GENERALLY LOVE SOMEONE, YOU WILL VOLUNTEER. You LOVE SOMEONE, YOU WILL VOLUNTEER. You LOVE SOMEONE, YOU WILL VOLUNTEER. You you'll MAKE SACRIFICES. you'll MAKE SACRIFICES. you'll MAKE SACRIFICES. YOU'LL DO THINGS that you you wouldn't YOU'LL DO THINGS that you you wouldn't YOU'LL DO THINGS that you you wouldn't do for other people, but when you love do for other people, but when you love do for other people, but when you love them, them, them, you'll do crazy things. Like you'll you'll do crazy things. Like you'll you'll do crazy things. Like you'll forgive somebody. forgive somebody. forgive somebody. You'll do CRAZY THINGS. LIKE YOU'RE You'll do CRAZY THINGS. LIKE YOU'RE You'll do CRAZY THINGS. LIKE YOU'RE WILLING TO SERVE PEOPLE. YOU'RE WILLING WILLING TO SERVE PEOPLE. YOU'RE WILLING WILLING TO SERVE PEOPLE. YOU'RE WILLING TO SERVE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T EVEN TO SERVE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T EVEN TO SERVE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW. KNOW. KNOW. LOVE IT WILL PUT YOU IN POSITIONS WHERE LOVE IT WILL PUT YOU IN POSITIONS WHERE LOVE IT WILL PUT YOU IN POSITIONS WHERE you would BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE OR OR YOU you would BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE OR OR YOU you would BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE OR OR YOU WOULD INCONVENIENCE YOURSELF SO THAT WOULD INCONVENIENCE YOURSELF SO THAT WOULD INCONVENIENCE YOURSELF SO THAT SOMEONE CAN GAIN. FOR THAT SOMEONE CAN SOMEONE CAN GAIN. FOR THAT SOMEONE CAN SOMEONE CAN GAIN. FOR THAT SOMEONE CAN WIN. WIN. WIN. Because you're always looking out for Because you're always looking out for Because you're always looking out for their good. Love is powerful. their good. Love is powerful. their good. Love is powerful. When you look at the different meanings When you look at the different meanings When you look at the different meanings of love in scripture, there's definitely of love in scripture, there's definitely of love in scripture, there's definitely different levels and types of it, but different levels and types of it, but different levels and types of it, but the highest expression of biblical love the highest expression of biblical love the highest expression of biblical love is agape. I need you to shout out agape.

is agape. I need you to shout out agape. is agape. I need you to shout out agape. Agape. A love Agape. A love Agape. A love a love that is not controlled by a love that is not controlled by a love that is not controlled by circumstances or dependent upon what circumstances or dependent upon what circumstances or dependent upon what someone gives back to you. someone gives back to you. someone gives back to you. So us have we have to recognize that our So us have we have to recognize that our So us have we have to recognize that our love is not dependent on what you do. love is not dependent on what you do. love is not dependent on what you do. It's not dependent on what you GIVE ME. It's not dependent on what you GIVE ME. It's not dependent on what you GIVE ME. THAT THAT'S NOT AGAPE LOVE. I like what THAT THAT'S NOT AGAPE LOVE. I like what THAT THAT'S NOT AGAPE LOVE. I like what the authors Clayton and Ashley Hurtz, the authors Clayton and Ashley Hurtz, the authors Clayton and Ashley Hurtz, this is how they put it. Agape exists this is how they put it. Agape exists this is how they put it. Agape exists regardless of changing circumstances regardless of changing circumstances regardless of changing circumstances and means to love the undeserving and means to love the undeserving and means to love the undeserving despite disappointments and rejection. despite disappointments and rejection. despite disappointments and rejection. Despite of Think about that just for a Despite of Think about that just for a Despite of Think about that just for a moment. Agape is love despite. moment. Agape is love despite. moment. Agape is love despite. Agape is love despite rejection. AGAPE Agape is love despite rejection. AGAPE Agape is love despite rejection. AGAPE IS love despite disappointment. IS love despite disappointment. IS love despite disappointment. AGAPE IS LOVE DESPITE INCONVENIENCE. AGAPE IS LOVE DESPITE INCONVENIENCE. AGAPE IS LOVE DESPITE INCONVENIENCE. IT'S DESPITE WHAT THEY DO OR DESPITE IT'S DESPITE WHAT THEY DO OR DESPITE IT'S DESPITE WHAT THEY DO OR DESPITE WHAT THEY DON'T DO. AGAPE IS NOT WHAT THEY DON'T DO. AGAPE IS NOT WHAT THEY DON'T DO. AGAPE IS NOT CONDITIONAL.

CONDITIONAL. CONDITIONAL. This is the kind of love that we HAVE This is the kind of love that we HAVE This is the kind of love that we HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD. DESPITE US REJECTING RECEIVED FROM GOD. DESPITE US REJECTING RECEIVED FROM GOD. DESPITE US REJECTING GOD, HE STILL LOVED US. GOD, HE STILL LOVED US. GOD, HE STILL LOVED US. DESPITE US DISAPPOINTING GOD, HE STILL DESPITE US DISAPPOINTING GOD, HE STILL DESPITE US DISAPPOINTING GOD, HE STILL LOVED US. DESPITE US NOT SERVING HIM, LOVED US. DESPITE US NOT SERVING HIM, LOVED US. DESPITE US NOT SERVING HIM, NOT SURRENDERED TO HIM, HE STILL LOVED NOT SURRENDERED TO HIM, HE STILL LOVED NOT SURRENDERED TO HIM, HE STILL LOVED US. US. US. THAT'S THE KIND OF LOVE THAT GOD HAS THAT'S THE KIND OF LOVE THAT GOD HAS THAT'S THE KIND OF LOVE THAT GOD HAS SHOWN TOWARDS US. GOD DIDN'T LOVE US SHOWN TOWARDS US. GOD DIDN'T LOVE US SHOWN TOWARDS US. GOD DIDN'T LOVE US BECAUSE WE WERE PERFECT. BECAUSE WE WERE PERFECT. BECAUSE WE WERE PERFECT. AND SOME OF US WHO THINK THAT GOD WOULD AND SOME OF US WHO THINK THAT GOD WOULD AND SOME OF US WHO THINK THAT GOD WOULD ONLY LOVE US IF WE IF WE GET IT ONLY LOVE US IF WE IF WE GET IT ONLY LOVE US IF WE IF WE GET IT TOGETHER. NO, DESPITE IF YOU GET IT TOGETHER. NO, DESPITE IF YOU GET IT TOGETHER. NO, DESPITE IF YOU GET IT TOGETHER OR NOT, HE STILL LOVES YOU. HIS LOVE IS NOT MOTIVATED BY WHAT YOU HIS LOVE IS NOT MOTIVATED BY WHAT YOU DO. HE'S NOT GOING TO LOVE YOU ANY LESS DO. HE'S NOT GOING TO LOVE YOU ANY LESS DO. HE'S NOT GOING TO LOVE YOU ANY LESS BECAUSE YOU REJECT HIM. HE LOVES YOU BECAUSE YOU REJECT HIM. HE LOVES YOU BECAUSE YOU REJECT HIM. HE LOVES YOU DESPITE OF YOUR REJECTION. DESPITE OF YOUR REJECTION. DESPITE OF YOUR REJECTION. ROMANS 5:8 TEACHES US THIS WAY. HE LOVED ROMANS 5:8 TEACHES US THIS WAY. HE LOVED ROMANS 5:8 TEACHES US THIS WAY. HE LOVED US WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS. SO, US WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS. SO, US WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS. SO, WHILE WE WERE SINNERS, HE LOVED YOU. WHILE WE WERE SINNERS, HE LOVED YOU. WHILE WE WERE SINNERS, HE LOVED YOU. I DON'T KNOW HOW HOW HOW YOU ARE IN I DON'T KNOW HOW HOW HOW YOU ARE IN I DON'T KNOW HOW HOW HOW YOU ARE IN TERMS OF LOVING SOMEBODY, BUT CAN YOU TERMS OF LOVING SOMEBODY, BUT CAN YOU TERMS OF LOVING SOMEBODY, BUT CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT SOMEBODY IS SINNING AGAINST IMAGINE THAT SOMEBODY IS SINNING AGAINST IMAGINE THAT SOMEBODY IS SINNING AGAINST YOU and then you love them YOU and then you love them YOU and then you love them unconditionally?

unconditionally? unconditionally? That's the love that God has given us. That's the love that God has given us. That's the love that God has given us. Because his love is not conditional. And Because his love is not conditional. And Because his love is not conditional. And when YOU UNDERSTAND THE VALUE of when YOU UNDERSTAND THE VALUE of when YOU UNDERSTAND THE VALUE of something, YOU TREAT IT ACCORDINGLY. GOD something, YOU TREAT IT ACCORDINGLY. GOD something, YOU TREAT IT ACCORDINGLY. GOD SEES US AS SPECIAL. HE SEES US AS SEES US AS SPECIAL. HE SEES US AS SEES US AS SPECIAL. HE SEES US AS VALUABLE. SO MUCH SO THAT WHEN WE WERE VALUABLE. SO MUCH SO THAT WHEN WE WERE VALUABLE. SO MUCH SO THAT WHEN WE WERE CREATED, we were created in his image. CREATED, we were created in his image. CREATED, we were created in his image. None of his creation were created in his None of his creation were created in his None of his creation were created in his image. Not None of THE SIX DAYS OUTSIDE image. Not None of THE SIX DAYS OUTSIDE image. Not None of THE SIX DAYS OUTSIDE OF HUMANITY. Not even the angels, the OF HUMANITY. Not even the angels, the OF HUMANITY. Not even the angels, the spiritual beings, were created in his spiritual beings, were created in his spiritual beings, were created in his image, but you and I were created in his image, but you and I were created in his image, but you and I were created in his image. image. image. So, let's talk about love. WHAT WHAT So, let's talk about love. WHAT WHAT So, let's talk about love. WHAT WHAT WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT THAT we can WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT THAT we can WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT THAT we can love? Number one is this, we love love? Number one is this, we love love? Number one is this, we love because he first loved us. because he first loved us. because he first loved us. We love because he first loved us. We love because he first loved us. We love because he first loved us. First John 4:19 says it just THAT WAY. First John 4:19 says it just THAT WAY. First John 4:19 says it just THAT WAY. BECAUSE HE LOVED US, OUR LOVE IS BECAUSE HE LOVED US, OUR LOVE IS BECAUSE HE LOVED US, OUR LOVE IS RESPONSE TO HIS LOVE. WE DON'T RESPONSE TO HIS LOVE. WE DON'T RESPONSE TO HIS LOVE. WE DON'T MANUFACTURE CHRISTIAN LOVE THROUGH HUMAN MANUFACTURE CHRISTIAN LOVE THROUGH HUMAN MANUFACTURE CHRISTIAN LOVE THROUGH HUMAN EFFORT. EFFORT. EFFORT. We receive his love, and his love begins We receive his love, and his love begins We receive his love, and his love begins to work through us. Because he loved me, to work through us. Because he loved me, to work through us. Because he loved me, that love is now going to work through that love is now going to work through that love is now going to work through me, and I'm capable of loving other me, and I'm capable of loving other me, and I'm capable of loving other people.

people. people. There are certain things that we can and There are certain things that we can and There are certain things that we can and cannot do, and one of the things that we cannot do, and one of the things that we cannot do, and one of the things that we HAVE GOT TO ADOPT IS THE FACT THAT HE HAVE GOT TO ADOPT IS THE FACT THAT HE HAVE GOT TO ADOPT IS THE FACT THAT HE LOVES US, because then we can love LOVES US, because then we can love LOVES US, because then we can love people through God. people through God. people through God. I CAN LOVE THEM THE WAY THAT GOD CAN I CAN LOVE THEM THE WAY THAT GOD CAN I CAN LOVE THEM THE WAY THAT GOD CAN love them, but through me God can use me love them, but through me God can use me love them, but through me God can use me as an instrument to love them. as an instrument to love them. as an instrument to love them. I CAN BE GOD'S HANDS. I can BE GOD'S I CAN BE GOD'S HANDS. I can BE GOD'S I CAN BE GOD'S HANDS. I can BE GOD'S FEET. I CAN BE GOD'S MOUTHPIECE. FEET. I CAN BE GOD'S MOUTHPIECE. FEET. I CAN BE GOD'S MOUTHPIECE. I CAN ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY WITH A WORD I CAN ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY WITH A WORD I CAN ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY WITH A WORD THAT THAT WILL THAT THAT WILL THAT THAT WILL INSPIRE THEM OR ENCOURAGE THEM. We INSPIRE THEM OR ENCOURAGE THEM. We INSPIRE THEM OR ENCOURAGE THEM. We receive his love. The greatest symbol receive his love. The greatest symbol receive his love. The greatest symbol that is demonstrated of God's love is that is demonstrated of God's love is that is demonstrated of God's love is the cross. the cross. the cross. When you and I we see the cross, we see When you and I we see the cross, we see When you and I we see the cross, we see redemption. We see freedom. redemption. We see freedom. redemption. We see freedom. I want you to know that the cross in I want you to know that the cross in I want you to know that the cross in ITSELF WAS THE DEATH sentence for ITSELF WAS THE DEATH sentence for ITSELF WAS THE DEATH sentence for people. It was a It WAS SOMEONE WHO HAD people. It was a It WAS SOMEONE WHO HAD people. It was a It WAS SOMEONE WHO HAD A CRIMINAL ACT, AND BECAUSE of that they A CRIMINAL ACT, AND BECAUSE of that they A CRIMINAL ACT, AND BECAUSE of that they SENTENCED THEM TO DEATH, BUT YET JESUS, SENTENCED THEM TO DEATH, BUT YET JESUS, SENTENCED THEM TO DEATH, BUT YET JESUS, BECAUSE OF HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, BECAUSE OF HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, BECAUSE OF HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, VOLUNTEERED HIMSELF.

VOLUNTEERED HIMSELF. VOLUNTEERED HIMSELF. HE COULD HAVE FOUGHT. He could have He HE COULD HAVE FOUGHT. He could have He HE COULD HAVE FOUGHT. He could have He could have done anything to avoid could have done anything to avoid could have done anything to avoid GETTING ON THAT CROSS, BUT HE LOVED us GETTING ON THAT CROSS, BUT HE LOVED us GETTING ON THAT CROSS, BUT HE LOVED us enough. LOVE IS WHAT HAD HIM ON THE enough. LOVE IS WHAT HAD HIM ON THE enough. LOVE IS WHAT HAD HIM ON THE CROSS. LOVE IS WHAT GOT HIM ON THE CROSS. LOVE IS WHAT GOT HIM ON THE CROSS. LOVE IS WHAT GOT HIM ON THE CROSS. LOVE IS WHAT KEPT HIM ON THE CROSS. LOVE IS WHAT KEPT HIM ON THE CROSS. LOVE IS WHAT KEPT HIM ON THE CROSS, AND LOVE IS WHY HE DID WHAT HE CROSS, AND LOVE IS WHY HE DID WHAT HE CROSS, AND LOVE IS WHY HE DID WHAT HE DID. DID. DID. IT IT HIS MOTIVATION. IT IS THE GREATEST IT IT HIS MOTIVATION. IT IS THE GREATEST IT IT HIS MOTIVATION. IT IS THE GREATEST DEMONSTRATION. THAT'S WHY WHEN WE LOOK DEMONSTRATION. THAT'S WHY WHEN WE LOOK DEMONSTRATION. THAT'S WHY WHEN WE LOOK AT A CROSS, YOU COME TO NEW LIFE, YOU'LL AT A CROSS, YOU COME TO NEW LIFE, YOU'LL AT A CROSS, YOU COME TO NEW LIFE, YOU'LL SEE THAT THERE'S A CROSS ON HOME INSIDE. SEE THAT THERE'S A CROSS ON HOME INSIDE. SEE THAT THERE'S A CROSS ON HOME INSIDE. If you look at the glass mirrors, you're If you look at the glass mirrors, you're If you look at the glass mirrors, you're going to see that THERE IS A CROSS going to see that THERE IS A CROSS going to see that THERE IS A CROSS SHAPE. SHAPE. SHAPE. Because when we look AT THE CROSS, WHAT Because when we look AT THE CROSS, WHAT Because when we look AT THE CROSS, WHAT WE SEE IS the sacrifice that Jesus made WE SEE IS the sacrifice that Jesus made WE SEE IS the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. for us. for us. The reason that Jesus is not STILL ON The reason that Jesus is not STILL ON The reason that Jesus is not STILL ON THE CROSS IN ANY OF OUR THE CROSS IN ANY OF OUR THE CROSS IN ANY OF OUR in any of our our signs IS BECAUSE JESUS in any of our our signs IS BECAUSE JESUS in any of our our signs IS BECAUSE JESUS CAME DOWN FROM THAT CROSS. HE'S no CAME DOWN FROM THAT CROSS. HE'S no CAME DOWN FROM THAT CROSS. HE'S no longer on that cross. That in itself is a testimony BECAUSE HE That in itself is a testimony BECAUSE HE CONQUERED DEATH 3 days later when he CONQUERED DEATH 3 days later when he CONQUERED DEATH 3 days later when he came down, BUT THE CROSS IT DEMONSTRATES came down, BUT THE CROSS IT DEMONSTRATES came down, BUT THE CROSS IT DEMONSTRATES his unconditional love.

his unconditional love. his unconditional love. Jesus didn't sacrifice himself because Jesus didn't sacrifice himself because Jesus didn't sacrifice himself because we had earned it. HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF we had earned it. HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF we had earned it. HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF BECAUSE HE LOVED US. BECAUSE HE LOVED US. BECAUSE HE LOVED US. Because he LOVED YOU. Because he LOVED YOU. Because he LOVED YOU. THE FACT THAT YOU GOT UP THIS MORNING IS THE FACT THAT YOU GOT UP THIS MORNING IS THE FACT THAT YOU GOT UP THIS MORNING IS A SIGN OF GOD'S LOVE and grace. A SIGN OF GOD'S LOVE and grace. A SIGN OF GOD'S LOVE and grace. He bust the first move. You know, in a He bust the first move. You know, in a He bust the first move. You know, in a relationship, there's always somebody relationship, there's always somebody relationship, there's always somebody who bust THE FIRST MOVE. GOD BUST THE FIRST MOVE. IT WAS EVEN GOD BUST THE FIRST MOVE. IT WAS EVEN BEFORE THE CROSS. HE MADE THE MOVE EVEN BEFORE THE CROSS. HE MADE THE MOVE EVEN BEFORE THE CROSS. HE MADE THE MOVE EVEN BEFORE WE WERE BORN. HE CAME FROM HEAVEN BEFORE WE WERE BORN. HE CAME FROM HEAVEN BEFORE WE WERE BORN. HE CAME FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH. TO EARTH. TO EARTH. THIS IS WHY WHEN WE READ SCRIPTURE NOW, THIS IS WHY WHEN WE READ SCRIPTURE NOW, THIS IS WHY WHEN WE READ SCRIPTURE NOW, WE CAN SEE THAT IT SAYS DRAW NEAR TO ME WE CAN SEE THAT IT SAYS DRAW NEAR TO ME WE CAN SEE THAT IT SAYS DRAW NEAR TO ME when I and I will draw NEAR TO YOU. GOD when I and I will draw NEAR TO YOU. GOD when I and I will draw NEAR TO YOU. GOD ALREADY BUST THE FIRST MOVE. ARE YOU ALREADY BUST THE FIRST MOVE. ARE YOU ALREADY BUST THE FIRST MOVE. ARE YOU WILLING TO BUST THE SECOND MOVE SO THAT WILLING TO BUST THE SECOND MOVE SO THAT WILLING TO BUST THE SECOND MOVE SO THAT HE CAN BUST THE third move? HE CAN BUST THE third move? HE CAN BUST THE third move? IT IS RELATIONSHIP. IT'S LET'S GLEAN. IT IS RELATIONSHIP. IT'S LET'S GLEAN. IT IS RELATIONSHIP. IT'S LET'S GLEAN. LET'S GET CLOSER TOGETHER. LET'S GET CLOSER TOGETHER. LET'S GET CLOSER TOGETHER. HE LOVE His love moved first. HE LOVE His love moved first. HE LOVE His love moved first. His love showed by actions, not just by His love showed by actions, not just by His love showed by actions, not just by mere words. And when you truly mere words. And when you truly mere words. And when you truly understand what Christ has done for you, understand what Christ has done for you, understand what Christ has done for you, it becomes DIFFICULT TO RECEIVE THAT it becomes DIFFICULT TO RECEIVE THAT it becomes DIFFICULT TO RECEIVE THAT KIND of love and remain indifferent KIND of love and remain indifferent KIND of love and remain indifferent towards others.

towards others. towards others. When you got saved, when you accepted When you got saved, when you accepted When you got saved, when you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in your life, the Lord Jesus Christ in your life, the Lord Jesus Christ in your life, the Bible says that we are baptized with the Bible says that we are baptized with the Bible says that we are baptized with the spirit. In other words, that we are the spirit. In other words, that we are the spirit. In other words, that we are now a new creation. is a new birth now a new creation. is a new birth now a new creation. is a new birth inside of us. inside of us. inside of us. And in that new birth, we are now being And in that new birth, we are now being And in that new birth, we are now being shaped and matured into a spiritual shaped and matured into a spiritual shaped and matured into a spiritual formation that can reflect the formation that can reflect the formation that can reflect the characters of God. characters of God. characters of God. So, WHEN YOU LOVE GOD AND YOU ACCEPT HIS So, WHEN YOU LOVE GOD AND YOU ACCEPT HIS So, WHEN YOU LOVE GOD AND YOU ACCEPT HIS LOVE, that love needs to be reflected to LOVE, that love needs to be reflected to LOVE, that love needs to be reflected to other people. You and I have been a other people. You and I have been a other people. You and I have been a witness, we probably participated, or we witness, we probably participated, or we witness, we probably participated, or we have probably been on the recipient end have probably been on the recipient end have probably been on the recipient end of what happens when love is absent. of what happens when love is absent. of what happens when love is absent. LOVE IS SO NOTICEABLE WHEN IT'S ABSENT. LOVE IS SO NOTICEABLE WHEN IT'S ABSENT. LOVE IS SO NOTICEABLE WHEN IT'S ABSENT. WE CAN KNOW SCRIPTURE WE CAN KNOW SCRIPTURE WE CAN KNOW SCRIPTURE AND ACT INDIFFERENT. AND ACT INDIFFERENT. AND ACT INDIFFERENT. WE CAN DEFEND TRUTH AND STILL LACK WE CAN DEFEND TRUTH AND STILL LACK WE CAN DEFEND TRUTH AND STILL LACK COMPASSION. COMPASSION. COMPASSION. WE CAN BE RIGHT AND STILL be wrong IN WE CAN BE RIGHT AND STILL be wrong IN WE CAN BE RIGHT AND STILL be wrong IN HOW WE TREAT PEOPLE. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW WE TREAT PEOPLE. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW WE TREAT PEOPLE. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UP HERE. HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UP HERE. HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UP HERE. IT IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY SCRIPTURES IT IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY SCRIPTURES IT IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY SCRIPTURES YOU MEMORIZE. I DON'T I DON'T DISCOURAGE YOU MEMORIZE. I DON'T I DON'T DISCOURAGE YOU MEMORIZE. I DON'T I DON'T DISCOURAGE ANY OF THAT. MATTER OF FACT, FOR THOSE ANY OF THAT. MATTER OF FACT, FOR THOSE ANY OF THAT. MATTER OF FACT, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT PRACTICING OR NOT OF YOU WHO ARE NOT PRACTICING OR NOT OF YOU WHO ARE NOT PRACTICING OR NOT DISCIPLINED in memorizing scripture, DISCIPLINED in memorizing scripture, DISCIPLINED in memorizing scripture, GETTING INTO THE WORD, LET THAT BE YOUR GETTING INTO THE WORD, LET THAT BE YOUR GETTING INTO THE WORD, LET THAT BE YOUR NEXT STEP. BUT, WHAT I'M TRYING TO TELL NEXT STEP. BUT, WHAT I'M TRYING TO TELL NEXT STEP. BUT, WHAT I'M TRYING TO TELL YOU, BE CAREFUL THAT YOU DON'T GAIN A YOU, BE CAREFUL THAT YOU DON'T GAIN A YOU, BE CAREFUL THAT YOU DON'T GAIN A Pharisee spirit Pharisee spirit Pharisee spirit that you begin to know THE WORD OF GOD, that you begin to know THE WORD OF GOD, that you begin to know THE WORD OF GOD, BUT YET THE WORD OF GOD ITSELF BUT YET THE WORD OF GOD ITSELF BUT YET THE WORD OF GOD ITSELF has more value to YOU THAN GOD HIMSELF.

has more value to YOU THAN GOD HIMSELF. has more value to YOU THAN GOD HIMSELF. THAT THE LAWS OF THE WORLD ARE MORE THAT THE LAWS OF THE WORLD ARE MORE THAT THE LAWS OF THE WORLD ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD. IMPORTANT THAN THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD. IMPORTANT THAN THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD. WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL THAT OUR PASSIONS WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL THAT OUR PASSIONS WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL THAT OUR PASSIONS ARE NOT IS WHAT GETS IN THE WAY BECAUSE ARE NOT IS WHAT GETS IN THE WAY BECAUSE ARE NOT IS WHAT GETS IN THE WAY BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE THE ONE THAT HAS THE last WE WANT TO BE THE ONE THAT HAS THE last WE WANT TO BE THE ONE THAT HAS THE last say-so. say-so. say-so. We can have all the right TOOLS AND HAVE We can have all the right TOOLS AND HAVE We can have all the right TOOLS AND HAVE ALL THE RIGHT PRACTICES, AND YET LISTEN ALL THE RIGHT PRACTICES, AND YET LISTEN ALL THE RIGHT PRACTICES, AND YET LISTEN TO ME, if you ARE MISTREATING PEOPLE, TO ME, if you ARE MISTREATING PEOPLE, TO ME, if you ARE MISTREATING PEOPLE, YOU ARE MISSING THE POINT OF YOU ARE MISSING THE POINT OF YOU ARE MISSING THE POINT OF CHRISTIANITY. If you are NOT TREATING YOUR WIFE THE If you are NOT TREATING YOUR WIFE THE WAY THAT GOD TELLS YOU TO TREAT YOUR WAY THAT GOD TELLS YOU TO TREAT YOUR WAY THAT GOD TELLS YOU TO TREAT YOUR WIFE, YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING WIFE, YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING WIFE, YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING CHRISTIANITY. CHRISTIANITY. CHRISTIANITY. If you are NOT TREATING YOUR NEIGHBOR If you are NOT TREATING YOUR NEIGHBOR If you are NOT TREATING YOUR NEIGHBOR THE WAY THAT GOD TELLS US HOW TO TREAT THE WAY THAT GOD TELLS US HOW TO TREAT THE WAY THAT GOD TELLS US HOW TO TREAT OUR NEIGHBOR, YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING OUR NEIGHBOR, YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING OUR NEIGHBOR, YOU ARE COMPLETELY MISSING CHRISTIANITY. CHRISTIANITY. CHRISTIANITY. YOU MAY BE RIGHT. YOU MAY BE RIGHT. YOU MAY BE RIGHT. YOU YOU MAY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE YOU YOU MAY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE YOU YOU MAY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE UNDERSTAND YOU MAY BE RIGHT at the end UNDERSTAND YOU MAY BE RIGHT at the end UNDERSTAND YOU MAY BE RIGHT at the end of the day, of the day, of the day, but you got to monitor how you're but you got to monitor how you're but you got to monitor how you're treating people. treating people. treating people. YOU GOT TO MONITOR HOW YOU'RE TALKING TO YOU GOT TO MONITOR HOW YOU'RE TALKING TO YOU GOT TO MONITOR HOW YOU'RE TALKING TO PEOPLE. PEOPLE. PEOPLE. WE HAVE TO be able to come to a place WE HAVE TO be able to come to a place WE HAVE TO be able to come to a place where we DON'T PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE where we DON'T PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE where we DON'T PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE VERY CHRIST WE'RE TRYING to introduce VERY CHRIST WE'RE TRYING to introduce VERY CHRIST WE'RE TRYING to introduce them to.

them to. them to. Number two is this. Number two is this. Number two is this. We love because God's love compels us to We love because God's love compels us to We love because God's love compels us to love others. love others. love others. So, now that I have Jesus in my life, So, now that I have Jesus in my life, So, now that I have Jesus in my life, that love that is in me it compels me to that love that is in me it compels me to that love that is in me it compels me to love others. I have never been homeless love others. I have never been homeless love others. I have never been homeless in my life, ever. in my life, ever. in my life, ever. Ever. But I have such a deep heart for Ever. But I have such a deep heart for Ever. But I have such a deep heart for those who are homeless. those who are homeless. those who are homeless. I've never ever been addicted to any I've never ever been addicted to any I've never ever been addicted to any type of drugs. type of drugs. type of drugs. But I have such a deep compassion for But I have such a deep compassion for But I have such a deep compassion for those who are addicts. those who are addicts. those who are addicts. I have never ever been in a divorce. I have never ever been in a divorce. I have never ever been in a divorce. But I have such a deep compassion for But I have such a deep compassion for But I have such a deep compassion for those who have been in a divorce. those who have been in a divorce. those who have been in a divorce. I have never never ever lost a son or a I have never never ever lost a son or a I have never never ever lost a son or a daughter, but I have such deep daughter, but I have such deep daughter, but I have such deep compassion for those who have lost a son compassion for those who have lost a son compassion for those who have lost a son or a daughter. When God loves you the or a daughter. When God loves you the or a daughter. When God loves you the way that he loves you, it compares you way that he loves you, it compares you way that he loves you, it compares you to love others if you know them or not. to love others if you know them or not. to love others if you know them or not. My motivation My motivation My motivation My motivation is reflecting on my own My motivation is reflecting on my own My motivation is reflecting on my own life and seeing the hand of God in me.

life and seeing the hand of God in me. life and seeing the hand of God in me. And because of that, I want to be able And because of that, I want to be able And because of that, I want to be able to see other people EXPERIENCE THE SAME to see other people EXPERIENCE THE SAME to see other people EXPERIENCE THE SAME GOD that I have experienced. GOD that I have experienced. GOD that I have experienced. Jesus connected these two things Jesus connected these two things Jesus connected these two things together. together. together. He connected these two things together He connected these two things together He connected these two things together in John 13:34. in John 13:34. in John 13:34. A new commandment I give to you, A new commandment I give to you, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have that you love one another just as I have that you love one another just as I have loved you. You got to park the car there loved you. You got to park the car there loved you. You got to park the car there just for a moment, how has Jesus loved just for a moment, how has Jesus loved just for a moment, how has Jesus loved you? you? you? When has Jesus loved you? When has Jesus loved you? When has Jesus loved you? Think about that because the times that Think about that because the times that Think about that because the times that we feel God's love the most is when we feel God's love the most is when we feel God's love the most is when we're the when we're most broken. we're the when we're most broken. we're the when we're most broken. When we feel the embrace, when we feel When we feel the embrace, when we feel When we feel the embrace, when we feel the strength, when we feel the comfort. the strength, when we feel the comfort. the strength, when we feel the comfort. He says, "I A new commandment I give to He says, "I A new commandment I give to He says, "I A new commandment I give to you that you love one another just as I you that you love one another just as I you that you love one another just as I have loved you. You, now here's the have loved you. You, now here's the have loved you. You, now here's the commandment, also are to love one commandment, also are to love one commandment, also are to love one another. The same WAY I LOVE YOU, you another. The same WAY I LOVE YOU, you another. The same WAY I LOVE YOU, you need TO LOVE PEOPLE." need TO LOVE PEOPLE." need TO LOVE PEOPLE." WHY DO YOU think Jesus stretches us by WHY DO YOU think Jesus stretches us by WHY DO YOU think Jesus stretches us by saying LOVE YOUR ENEMIES?

saying LOVE YOUR ENEMIES? saying LOVE YOUR ENEMIES? WHY DO YOU THINK JESUS STRETCHES US WHY DO YOU THINK JESUS STRETCHES US WHY DO YOU THINK JESUS STRETCHES US BY TELLING US TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE BY TELLING US TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE BY TELLING US TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE OFFENDED YOU? OFFENDED YOU? OFFENDED YOU? THIS IS NOT A SUGGESTION FOR EVERY THIS IS NOT A SUGGESTION FOR EVERY THIS IS NOT A SUGGESTION FOR EVERY BELIEVER THAT IS IN THIS ROOM. YOU ARE BELIEVER THAT IS IN THIS ROOM. YOU ARE BELIEVER THAT IS IN THIS ROOM. YOU ARE DECLARING THAT YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP DECLARING THAT YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP DECLARING THAT YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. IT'S A commandment WITH JESUS. IT'S A commandment WITH JESUS. IT'S A commandment to love your neighbor the way that he's to love your neighbor the way that he's to love your neighbor the way that he's loved you. loved you. loved you. JAKE JESUS EVEN makes it more clear in JAKE JESUS EVEN makes it more clear in JAKE JESUS EVEN makes it more clear in Mark 12. He says this, AND I'M Mark 12. He says this, AND I'M Mark 12. He says this, AND I'M PARAPHRASING, "LOVE GOD [screaming] WITH PARAPHRASING, "LOVE GOD [screaming] WITH PARAPHRASING, "LOVE GOD [screaming] WITH EVERYTHING AND LOVE YOUR neighbor as EVERYTHING AND LOVE YOUR neighbor as EVERYTHING AND LOVE YOUR neighbor as yourself." It is a commandment. YOU CANNOT SEPARATE It is a commandment. YOU CANNOT SEPARATE YOUR LOVE FOR GOD FROM TREATING FROM YOUR LOVE FOR GOD FROM TREATING FROM YOUR LOVE FOR GOD FROM TREATING FROM FROM TREATMENTS TO PEOPLE OR FOR PEOPLE. FROM TREATMENTS TO PEOPLE OR FOR PEOPLE. FROM TREATMENTS TO PEOPLE OR FOR PEOPLE. IT HAS TO WORK TOGETHER. I CANNOT ALLOW IT HAS TO WORK TOGETHER. I CANNOT ALLOW IT HAS TO WORK TOGETHER. I CANNOT ALLOW GOD TO BE KIND TO ME AND I'M NOT KIND TO GOD TO BE KIND TO ME AND I'M NOT KIND TO GOD TO BE KIND TO ME AND I'M NOT KIND TO OTHER PEOPLE. OTHER PEOPLE. OTHER PEOPLE. THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MUST BE seen in THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MUST BE seen in THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MUST BE seen in action AND TRUTH. IT'S GOT TO COME action AND TRUTH. IT'S GOT TO COME action AND TRUTH. IT'S GOT TO COME TOGETHER. IT CANNOT BE SEPARATED. THERE TOGETHER. IT CANNOT BE SEPARATED. THERE TOGETHER. IT CANNOT BE SEPARATED. THERE IS GOT TO BE ACTION AND THERE IS GOT TO IS GOT TO BE ACTION AND THERE IS GOT TO IS GOT TO BE ACTION AND THERE IS GOT TO BE TRUTH. LOVE ISN'T JUST WHAT WE FEEL.

BE TRUTH. LOVE ISN'T JUST WHAT WE FEEL. BE TRUTH. LOVE ISN'T JUST WHAT WE FEEL. LOVE IS WHAT WE DO. LOVE IS WHAT WE DO. LOVE IS WHAT WE DO. AND IF YOU HAVE been in a relationship AND IF YOU HAVE been in a relationship AND IF YOU HAVE been in a relationship long ago long enough, if it's a long ago long enough, if it's a long ago long enough, if it's a friendship or if it's a dating friendship or if it's a dating friendship or if it's a dating relationship or a MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP, relationship or a MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP, relationship or a MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP, YOU WILL REALIZE LOVE isn't just about YOU WILL REALIZE LOVE isn't just about YOU WILL REALIZE LOVE isn't just about feelings. feelings. feelings. Because there are moments where it Because there are moments where it Because there are moments where it doesn't FEEL LIKE LOVE. BUT the reality doesn't FEEL LIKE LOVE. BUT the reality doesn't FEEL LIKE LOVE. BUT the reality is love is what KEEPS YOU KICKING. LOVE is love is what KEEPS YOU KICKING. LOVE is love is what KEEPS YOU KICKING. LOVE IS WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING. LOVE IS WHAT IS WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING. LOVE IS WHAT IS WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING. LOVE IS WHAT KEEPS YOU NOT FROM QUITTING, NOT FROM KEEPS YOU NOT FROM QUITTING, NOT FROM KEEPS YOU NOT FROM QUITTING, NOT FROM GIVING UP. LOVE IS WHAT KEEPS YOU NOT GIVING UP. LOVE IS WHAT KEEPS YOU NOT GIVING UP. LOVE IS WHAT KEEPS YOU NOT FROM BEING SELFISH, BUT BEING SELFLESS. FROM BEING SELFISH, BUT BEING SELFLESS. FROM BEING SELFISH, BUT BEING SELFLESS. LOVE IS A KEY ELEMENT IN OUR GROWTH, NOT LOVE IS A KEY ELEMENT IN OUR GROWTH, NOT LOVE IS A KEY ELEMENT IN OUR GROWTH, NOT ONLY WITH EACH OTHER, BUT WITH GOD. LOVE ONLY WITH EACH OTHER, BUT WITH GOD. LOVE ONLY WITH EACH OTHER, BUT WITH GOD. LOVE IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING. IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING. IS THE FOUNDATION OF EVERYTHING. THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MUST BE SEEN. THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MUST BE SEEN. THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MUST BE SEEN. People need to see your love. People need to see your love. People need to see your love. People need TO SEE GOD. NOW, I WANT YOU People need TO SEE GOD. NOW, I WANT YOU People need TO SEE GOD. NOW, I WANT YOU TO I WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS. THINK ABOUT TO I WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS. THINK ABOUT TO I WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS. THINK ABOUT A MIRROR. YOU AND I, WE'RE all mirrors. A MIRROR. YOU AND I, WE'RE all mirrors. A MIRROR. YOU AND I, WE'RE all mirrors. What do people see when they see you? WHEN YOU ARE PRESSURED, WHEN YOU ARE WHEN YOU ARE PRESSURED, WHEN YOU ARE HEATED, WHEN YOU HAVE TENSION, WHEN HEATED, WHEN YOU HAVE TENSION, WHEN HEATED, WHEN YOU HAVE TENSION, WHEN THINGS ARE TOUGH, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THINGS ARE TOUGH, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THINGS ARE TOUGH, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT'S WHEN THE THAT THAT THAT THAT'S THAT'S WHEN THE THAT THAT THAT THAT'S THAT'S WHEN THE THAT THAT THAT THAT'S when the the ugly can come out. When when the the ugly can come out. When when the the ugly can come out. When things are easy, then it's easy. Let's things are easy, then it's easy. Let's things are easy, then it's easy. Let's not talk ABOUT THAT. LET'S TALK ABOUT not talk ABOUT THAT. LET'S TALK ABOUT not talk ABOUT THAT. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHEN WE'RE CHALLENGED. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHEN WE'RE CHALLENGED. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHEN WE'RE CHALLENGED. LET'S TALK ABOUT when we're tempted. LET'S TALK ABOUT when we're tempted. LET'S TALK ABOUT when we're tempted. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHEN OUR BLOOD PRESSURE is is rising.

WHEN OUR BLOOD PRESSURE is is rising. WHEN OUR BLOOD PRESSURE is is rising. LET'S LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT MOMENT WHERE LET'S LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT MOMENT WHERE LET'S LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT MOMENT WHERE YOU HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE. HOW AM I YOU HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE. HOW AM I YOU HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE. HOW AM I GOING TO RESPOND TO THIS SITUATION? GOING TO RESPOND TO THIS SITUATION? GOING TO RESPOND TO THIS SITUATION? You and I got to recognize that we are You and I got to recognize that we are You and I got to recognize that we are mirrors. WHO ARE YOU REFLECTING? mirrors. WHO ARE YOU REFLECTING? mirrors. WHO ARE YOU REFLECTING? BECAUSE IF WE OUGHT TO REFLECT CHRIST, BECAUSE IF WE OUGHT TO REFLECT CHRIST, BECAUSE IF WE OUGHT TO REFLECT CHRIST, THEN HOW WE RESPOND HAS TO BE CONSISTENT THEN HOW WE RESPOND HAS TO BE CONSISTENT THEN HOW WE RESPOND HAS TO BE CONSISTENT TO WHO WE SAY WE BELIEVE. TO WHO WE SAY WE BELIEVE. TO WHO WE SAY WE BELIEVE. WE CANNOT JUST HAVE THE WORD IN OUR WE CANNOT JUST HAVE THE WORD IN OUR WE CANNOT JUST HAVE THE WORD IN OUR minds and OUR HEARTS, BUT NOT YET NOT minds and OUR HEARTS, BUT NOT YET NOT minds and OUR HEARTS, BUT NOT YET NOT RESPOND IN A WAY THAT GOD TEACHES US HOW RESPOND IN A WAY THAT GOD TEACHES US HOW RESPOND IN A WAY THAT GOD TEACHES US HOW TO DO IT. SO, SOMETIMES WE BECOME SO TO DO IT. SO, SOMETIMES WE BECOME SO TO DO IT. SO, SOMETIMES WE BECOME SO PREOCCUPIED. PREOCCUPIED. PREOCCUPIED. SOMETIMES WE'RE SO MUCH FOCUSED ON SOMETIMES WE'RE SO MUCH FOCUSED ON SOMETIMES WE'RE SO MUCH FOCUSED ON PEOPLE'S FAULTS, OR WE'RE FOCUSED MORE PEOPLE'S FAULTS, OR WE'RE FOCUSED MORE PEOPLE'S FAULTS, OR WE'RE FOCUSED MORE ON THEIR FAILURES, OR WE'RE FOCUSED MORE ON THEIR FAILURES, OR WE'RE FOCUSED MORE ON THEIR FAILURES, OR WE'RE FOCUSED MORE ON THEIR SINS, THAT WE MISS THE ON THEIR SINS, THAT WE MISS THE ON THEIR SINS, THAT WE MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF CHRIST. CHRIST. CHRIST. WE'RE SO HEATED IN THE MOMENT THAT we WE'RE SO HEATED IN THE MOMENT THAT we WE'RE SO HEATED IN THE MOMENT THAT we are not showing what it looks like to are not showing what it looks like to are not showing what it looks like to have the love of Christ. have the love of Christ. have the love of Christ. I I want to I want to share a scripture I I want to I want to share a scripture I I want to I want to share a scripture with you that is in James 4:4 because with you that is in James 4:4 because with you that is in James 4:4 because people have taken the scripture out of people have taken the scripture out of people have taken the scripture out of its context and I want to give you some its context and I want to give you some its context and I want to give you some context.

context. context. The Bible says, "You adulterous people, The Bible says, "You adulterous people, The Bible says, "You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship with the do you not know that friendship with the do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? world is enmity with God? world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of of the world makes himself an enemy of of the world makes himself an enemy of God." God." God." I want you to know that this does not I want you to know that this does not I want you to know that this does not mean to avoid non-believers. mean to avoid non-believers. mean to avoid non-believers. I've heard preachers. I'VE I'VE HAVE I've heard preachers. I'VE I'VE HAVE I've heard preachers. I'VE I'VE HAVE BEEN PART OF CONVERSATIONS WHERE PEOPLE BEEN PART OF CONVERSATIONS WHERE PEOPLE BEEN PART OF CONVERSATIONS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN THIS OUT OF CONTEXT AND WHAT HAVE TAKEN THIS OUT OF CONTEXT AND WHAT HAVE TAKEN THIS OUT OF CONTEXT AND WHAT THEY'RE TELLING YOU, "YOU SHALL NOT BE THEY'RE TELLING YOU, "YOU SHALL NOT BE THEY'RE TELLING YOU, "YOU SHALL NOT BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW JESUS." AROUND PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW JESUS." AROUND PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW JESUS." IF THAT IS THE STAND, then Jesus himself IF THAT IS THE STAND, then Jesus himself IF THAT IS THE STAND, then Jesus himself was wrong. was wrong. was wrong. Because Jesus, ONE OF THE BIGGEST Because Jesus, ONE OF THE BIGGEST Because Jesus, ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMPLAINTS FROM THE PHARISEES, the COMPLAINTS FROM THE PHARISEES, the COMPLAINTS FROM THE PHARISEES, the religious GROUP, WAS THE FACT THAT HE religious GROUP, WAS THE FACT THAT HE religious GROUP, WAS THE FACT THAT HE WAS AMONGST WAS AMONGST WAS AMONGST SINNERS. SINNERS. SINNERS. MATTER OF FACT, THERE WAS A TIME WHERE MATTER OF FACT, THERE WAS A TIME WHERE MATTER OF FACT, THERE WAS A TIME WHERE JESUS, THE BIBLE SAYS THAT JESUS WAS JESUS, THE BIBLE SAYS THAT JESUS WAS JESUS, THE BIBLE SAYS THAT JESUS WAS RECLINING. IN OTHER WORDS, JESUS WAS RECLINING. IN OTHER WORDS, JESUS WAS RECLINING. IN OTHER WORDS, JESUS WAS CHILLING. NOWHERE IN THE SCRIPTURE DOES CHILLING. NOWHERE IN THE SCRIPTURE DOES CHILLING. NOWHERE IN THE SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY THAT YOU SHALL NOT BREAK BREAD IT SAY THAT YOU SHALL NOT BREAK BREAD IT SAY THAT YOU SHALL NOT BREAK BREAD WITH SOMEBODY WHO IS NOT A BELIEVER.

WITH SOMEBODY WHO IS NOT A BELIEVER. WITH SOMEBODY WHO IS NOT A BELIEVER. NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY THAT NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY THAT NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY THAT YOU CANNOT BE FRIEND, THAT you cannot YOU CANNOT BE FRIEND, THAT you cannot YOU CANNOT BE FRIEND, THAT you cannot love, THAT YOU CANNOT CARE, THAT YOU love, THAT YOU CANNOT CARE, THAT YOU love, THAT YOU CANNOT CARE, THAT YOU CANNOT HANG WITH SOMEONE WHO'S A CANNOT HANG WITH SOMEONE WHO'S A CANNOT HANG WITH SOMEONE WHO'S A NON-BELIEVER. IT DOESN'T mean we can't NON-BELIEVER. IT DOESN'T mean we can't NON-BELIEVER. IT DOESN'T mean we can't be FRIEND SOMEONE. be FRIEND SOMEONE. be FRIEND SOMEONE. JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T FOLLOW JESUS. MY JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T FOLLOW JESUS. MY JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T FOLLOW JESUS. MY QUESTION IS THIS, HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO QUESTION IS THIS, HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO QUESTION IS THIS, HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE LIGHT IF WE'RE NOT AROUND DARKNESS? BE LIGHT IF WE'RE NOT AROUND DARKNESS? BE LIGHT IF WE'RE NOT AROUND DARKNESS? WHAT GOD IS REQUIRING FROM YOU AND I IS WHAT GOD IS REQUIRING FROM YOU AND I IS WHAT GOD IS REQUIRING FROM YOU AND I IS TO WALK ALONGSIDE SOMEONE WHO MAY BE TO WALK ALONGSIDE SOMEONE WHO MAY BE TO WALK ALONGSIDE SOMEONE WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING IN THEIR FAITH. YOU KNOW YOUR STRUGGLING IN THEIR FAITH. YOU KNOW YOUR STRUGGLING IN THEIR FAITH. YOU KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES. BOUNDARIES. BOUNDARIES. YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS. DON'T GO TO A YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS. DON'T GO TO A YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS. DON'T GO TO A PLACE WHERE YOU KNOW YOU YOU COMPROMISE. YOU KNOW YOURSELF, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, YOU KNOW YOURSELF, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, DON'T BE AFRAID TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE DON'T BE AFRAID TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE DON'T BE AFRAID TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE BECAUSE YOU HAVE GOT TO HAVE AN THEY ARE BECAUSE YOU HAVE GOT TO HAVE AN THEY ARE BECAUSE YOU HAVE GOT TO HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT IN YOUR MIND SAYING, "I GOT ASSIGNMENT IN YOUR MIND SAYING, "I GOT ASSIGNMENT IN YOUR MIND SAYING, "I GOT TO BE LIGHT." TO BE LIGHT." TO BE LIGHT." JESUS HIMSELF, HE SPENT TIME WITH PEOPLE JESUS HIMSELF, HE SPENT TIME WITH PEOPLE JESUS HIMSELF, HE SPENT TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO WERE FAR FROM GOD. GOD WANTS YOU AND WHO WERE FAR FROM GOD. GOD WANTS YOU AND WHO WERE FAR FROM GOD. GOD WANTS YOU AND I TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE I TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE I TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE FAR FROM GOD. I LITERALLY HAD THIS FAR FROM GOD. I LITERALLY HAD THIS FAR FROM GOD. I LITERALLY HAD THIS CONVERSATION with my wife. I said, CONVERSATION with my wife. I said, CONVERSATION with my wife. I said, "Babe, how many non-believer friends do "Babe, how many non-believer friends do "Babe, how many non-believer friends do we have? I got to go find some."

WE CANNOT BE AFRAID. WE'VE GOT WE CANNOT BE AFRAID. WE'VE GOT CO-WORKERS. WE GOT PEOPLE IN OUR CO-WORKERS. WE GOT PEOPLE IN OUR CO-WORKERS. WE GOT PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. They may NOT BE {QUOTE} COMMUNITY. They may NOT BE {QUOTE} COMMUNITY. They may NOT BE {QUOTE} FRIENDS, BUT THERE'S ACQUAINTANCES. FRIENDS, BUT THERE'S ACQUAINTANCES. FRIENDS, BUT THERE'S ACQUAINTANCES. THERE'S INDIVIDUALS THAT WE HAVE. THERE'S INDIVIDUALS THAT WE HAVE. THERE'S INDIVIDUALS THAT WE HAVE. WHAT scripture WHAT scripture WHAT scripture is not telling us is not telling us is not telling us is not to befriend them, but this is is not to befriend them, but this is is not to befriend them, but this is what scripture is warning us against is what scripture is warning us against is what scripture is warning us against is adopting the world's value system, the adopting the world's value system, the adopting the world's value system, the world's moral framework, PRIORITIES. world's moral framework, PRIORITIES. world's moral framework, PRIORITIES. TO TO ADAPT A WAY OF THINKING THAT TO TO ADAPT A WAY OF THINKING THAT TO TO ADAPT A WAY OF THINKING THAT OPERATES independently of God. Let me OPERATES independently of God. Let me OPERATES independently of God. Let me take you a little bit deeper. 1 John take you a little bit deeper. 1 John take you a little bit deeper. 1 John 2:15 and 16 gives us more meaning of the 2:15 and 16 gives us more meaning of the 2:15 and 16 gives us more meaning of the word world. word world. word world. It says, "DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD or the It says, "DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD or the It says, "DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD or the things in the world." things in the world." things in the world." "If anyone loves the world, the love of "If anyone loves the world, the love of "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not IN HIM." the Father is not IN HIM." the Father is not IN HIM." "FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE "FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE "FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND THE DESIRES OF DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND THE DESIRES OF DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND THE DESIRES OF THE EYES AND PRIDE OF LIFE IS NOT FROM THE EYES AND PRIDE OF LIFE IS NOT FROM THE EYES AND PRIDE OF LIFE IS NOT FROM THE FATHER, BUT IS FROM THE WHAT? IT'S THE FATHER, BUT IS FROM THE WHAT? IT'S THE FATHER, BUT IS FROM THE WHAT? IT'S FROM THE WORLD." THIS IS NOT GIVING A FROM THE WORLD." THIS IS NOT GIVING A FROM THE WORLD." THIS IS NOT GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF A PERSON. IT IS GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF A PERSON. IT IS GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF A PERSON. IT IS GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF EVILNESS. IT IS GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF EVILNESS. IT IS GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF EVILNESS. IT IS GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF OF WHAT IT IS IN THE DESCRIPTION OF OF WHAT IT IS IN THE DESCRIPTION OF OF WHAT IT IS IN THE ENVIRONMENT OR IN THE air or in the ENVIRONMENT OR IN THE air or in the ENVIRONMENT OR IN THE air or in the BELIEF SYSTEM.

BELIEF SYSTEM. BELIEF SYSTEM. WE ARE CALLED TO ENGAGE THE WORLD WE ARE CALLED TO ENGAGE THE WORLD WE ARE CALLED TO ENGAGE THE WORLD WITHOUT BECOMING SHAPED BY THE WORLD. WITHOUT BECOMING SHAPED BY THE WORLD. WITHOUT BECOMING SHAPED BY THE WORLD. I HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED OF SITTING AT I HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED OF SITTING AT I HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED OF SITTING AT TABLES WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT DON'T HAVE TABLES WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT DON'T HAVE TABLES WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT DON'T HAVE THE SAME FAITH BELIEF SYSTEM AS ME. BUT THE SAME FAITH BELIEF SYSTEM AS ME. BUT THE SAME FAITH BELIEF SYSTEM AS ME. BUT IF I'M GOING TO BE LIGHT, I CANNOT BE IF I'M GOING TO BE LIGHT, I CANNOT BE IF I'M GOING TO BE LIGHT, I CANNOT BE DICTATED BY YOUR OPINION OR YOUR DICTATED BY YOUR OPINION OR YOUR DICTATED BY YOUR OPINION OR YOUR TRADITION IN TRYING TO REMOVE ME FROM TRADITION IN TRYING TO REMOVE ME FROM TRADITION IN TRYING TO REMOVE ME FROM SPACES IN WHICH I CAN BRING VALUE IN SPACES IN WHICH I CAN BRING VALUE IN SPACES IN WHICH I CAN BRING VALUE IN THAT MOMENT. THAT MOMENT. THAT MOMENT. We can LOVE PEOPLE WITHOUT ADOPTING We can LOVE PEOPLE WITHOUT ADOPTING We can LOVE PEOPLE WITHOUT ADOPTING THEIR VALUES. THEIR VALUES. THEIR VALUES. WE CAN BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITHOUT WE CAN BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITHOUT WE CAN BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITHOUT COMPROMISING OUR CONVICTION. PLAY COMPROMISING OUR CONVICTION. PLAY COMPROMISING OUR CONVICTION. PLAY SPADES, PLAY DOMINOES, WATCH THE BALL SPADES, PLAY DOMINOES, WATCH THE BALL SPADES, PLAY DOMINOES, WATCH THE BALL GAME, ENJOY YOUR LIFE, ENJOY THE GAME, ENJOY YOUR LIFE, ENJOY THE GAME, ENJOY YOUR LIFE, ENJOY THE COMPANY, BREAK SOME BREAD, DO NOT PUSH COMPANY, BREAK SOME BREAD, DO NOT PUSH COMPANY, BREAK SOME BREAD, DO NOT PUSH THEM AWAY, GET NEAR THEM, AND BE THE THEM AWAY, GET NEAR THEM, AND BE THE THEM AWAY, GET NEAR THEM, AND BE THE LIGHT TO THE ONES THAT YOU LOVE. WE CAN MEET PEOPLE where they are WE CAN MEET PEOPLE where they are without losing sight of who we are in without losing sight of who we are in without losing sight of who we are in Christ. Christ. Christ. We are called to be in the world, but We are called to be in the world, but We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. WE DON'T AFFIRM not of the world. WE DON'T AFFIRM not of the world. WE DON'T AFFIRM EVERYTHING PEOPLE DO.

EVERYTHING PEOPLE DO. EVERYTHING PEOPLE DO. I AM NOT JUST SO THAT I CAN SO THAT I I AM NOT JUST SO THAT I CAN SO THAT I I AM NOT JUST SO THAT I CAN SO THAT I CAN WIN YOU for the sake OF THE GOSPEL, CAN WIN YOU for the sake OF THE GOSPEL, CAN WIN YOU for the sake OF THE GOSPEL, I AM NOT GOING TO COMPROMISE my faith I AM NOT GOING TO COMPROMISE my faith I AM NOT GOING TO COMPROMISE my faith and sin with you. and sin with you. and sin with you. I AM NOT GOING TO ENDORSE YOUR SIN. I AM NOT GOING TO ENDORSE YOUR SIN. I AM NOT GOING TO ENDORSE YOUR SIN. BUT WHAT I AM GOING TO DO is I'm going BUT WHAT I AM GOING TO DO is I'm going BUT WHAT I AM GOING TO DO is I'm going to stand with you. to stand with you. to stand with you. WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IS I'M GOING TO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IS I'M GOING TO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IS I'M GOING TO BREAK BREAD WITH YOU. WHAT I AM GOING TO BREAK BREAD WITH YOU. WHAT I AM GOING TO BREAK BREAD WITH YOU. WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IS THAT WE'RE GOING TO LOVE EACH DO IS THAT WE'RE GOING TO LOVE EACH DO IS THAT WE'RE GOING TO LOVE EACH OTHER THE WAY THAT CHRIST WANTS US TO OTHER THE WAY THAT CHRIST WANTS US TO OTHER THE WAY THAT CHRIST WANTS US TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR. We can love people while still holding We can love people while still holding biblical convictions. biblical convictions. biblical convictions. Now, some of us in this room, listen to Now, some of us in this room, listen to Now, some of us in this room, listen to my heart, please, and those that are my heart, please, and those that are my heart, please, and those that are watching online, we need to know what watching online, we need to know what watching online, we need to know what the word of God says. the word of God says. the word of God says. Because some of us are standing not for Because some of us are standing not for Because some of us are standing not for truth, we're standing for evilness, and truth, we're standing for evilness, and truth, we're standing for evilness, and we're calling it truth. And the Bible we're calling it truth. And the Bible we're calling it truth. And the Bible talks AGAINST THAT. talks AGAINST THAT. talks AGAINST THAT. YOU CANNOT CALL EVIL good YOU CANNOT CALL EVIL good YOU CANNOT CALL EVIL good for the sake of MAKING SOMEBODY FEEL for the sake of MAKING SOMEBODY FEEL for the sake of MAKING SOMEBODY FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEIR LIFE, AND AT THE SAME GOOD ABOUT THEIR LIFE, AND AT THE SAME GOOD ABOUT THEIR LIFE, AND AT THE SAME TIME, you've got to create SOME TIME, you've got to create SOME TIME, you've got to create SOME BOUNDARIES IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU BOUNDARIES IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU BOUNDARIES IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU YOURSELF ARE NOT WILLING TO CROSS.

YOURSELF ARE NOT WILLING TO CROSS. YOURSELF ARE NOT WILLING TO CROSS. JUST BECAUSE IT'S NOT A SIN DOES NOT JUST BECAUSE IT'S NOT A SIN DOES NOT JUST BECAUSE IT'S NOT A SIN DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD BE THERE or that MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD BE THERE or that MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD BE THERE or that you should do that. Listen to me. Create you should do that. Listen to me. Create you should do that. Listen to me. Create boundaries for yourself. If you're in a boundaries for yourself. If you're in a boundaries for yourself. If you're in a dating relationship, create boundaries dating relationship, create boundaries dating relationship, create boundaries for yourself. for yourself. for yourself. Just because Just because Just because being alone with somebody that you have being alone with somebody that you have being alone with somebody that you have romantic relationship with romantic relationship with romantic relationship with does not mean THAT YOU SHOULD PUT does not mean THAT YOU SHOULD PUT does not mean THAT YOU SHOULD PUT YOURSELF IN A COMPROMISED POSITION. YOURSELF IN A COMPROMISED POSITION. YOURSELF IN A COMPROMISED POSITION. BE WISE WITH THAT BECAUSE THE ENEMY BE WISE WITH THAT BECAUSE THE ENEMY BE WISE WITH THAT BECAUSE THE ENEMY WANTS you to slip up. WANTS you to slip up. WANTS you to slip up. SO, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? SO, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? SO, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? GUARDRAILS. GUARDRAILS. GUARDRAILS. GUARDRAILS. GUARDRAILS. GUARDRAILS. I'm not going to be alone in my house I'm not going to be alone in my house I'm not going to be alone in my house cuz I'm a grown man, I'm a grown woman, cuz I'm a grown man, I'm a grown woman, cuz I'm a grown man, I'm a grown woman, but I am not married. I'm not GOING TO but I am not married. I'm not GOING TO but I am not married. I'm not GOING TO BE ALONE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN BECAUSE GOD BE ALONE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN BECAUSE GOD BE ALONE WITH ANOTHER WOMAN BECAUSE GOD KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. GOD KNOWS WHAT I'M CAPABLE OF. And GOD KNOWS WHAT I'M CAPABLE OF. And GOD KNOWS WHAT I'M CAPABLE OF. And here's what the Bible teaches us about here's what the Bible teaches us about here's what the Bible teaches us about sexual immorality. sexual immorality. sexual immorality. That not only have you sinned against That not only have you sinned against That not only have you sinned against God, but you have sinned against God, but you have sinned against God, but you have sinned against yourself if you've fallen short. I I I I got to be able to create some I I I I got to be able to create some things. I have a things. I have a things. I have a understanding that I have to have a understanding that I have to have a understanding that I have to have a posture of of an evangelistic heart. I posture of of an evangelistic heart. I posture of of an evangelistic heart. I want people and for some of us who sit want people and for some of us who sit want people and for some of us who sit back and say, "Well, pastor, that's your back and say, "Well, pastor, that's your back and say, "Well, pastor, that's your responsibility." No, that's a responsibility." No, that's a responsibility." No, that's a responsibility of everyone who is a responsibility of everyone who is a responsibility of everyone who is a follower of Jesus.

follower of Jesus. follower of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus. We we have to learn, you life covenant, We we have to learn, you life covenant, we have to learn what it is to be we have to learn what it is to be we have to learn what it is to be modest. We have to learn what it is to modest. We have to learn what it is to modest. We have to learn what it is to carry ourself respectfully. We have to carry ourself respectfully. We have to carry ourself respectfully. We have to learn what it is to honor. We have to learn what it is to honor. We have to learn what it is to honor. We have to learn what it is. learn what it is. learn what it is. Because we don't want to become a Because we don't want to become a Because we don't want to become a stumbling block to anyone. stumbling block to anyone. stumbling block to anyone. I DON'T WANT TO GET IN THE WAY. I TOLD I DON'T WANT TO GET IN THE WAY. I TOLD I DON'T WANT TO GET IN THE WAY. I TOLD THE LEADERSHIP THIS MORNING, I DON'T THE LEADERSHIP THIS MORNING, I DON'T THE LEADERSHIP THIS MORNING, I DON'T WANT MY PASSION to get in the way of the WANT MY PASSION to get in the way of the WANT MY PASSION to get in the way of the gospel. gospel. gospel. I I don't want my WORDS TO TO GET IN THE I I don't want my WORDS TO TO GET IN THE I I don't want my WORDS TO TO GET IN THE WAY OF PEOPLE MISUNDERSTANDING in love WAY OF PEOPLE MISUNDERSTANDING in love WAY OF PEOPLE MISUNDERSTANDING in love OF JESUS. I WANT people to receive the OF JESUS. I WANT people to receive the OF JESUS. I WANT people to receive the message OF JESUS BECAUSE I know what message OF JESUS BECAUSE I know what message OF JESUS BECAUSE I know what it's done for me. it's done for me. it's done for me. And I know what it can do for you. And I know what it can do for you. And I know what it can do for you. We still can hold our biblical We still can hold our biblical We still can hold our biblical convictions. Jesus never asked us to convictions. Jesus never asked us to convictions. Jesus never asked us to choose between truth and love. He showed choose between truth and love. He showed choose between truth and love. He showed us how to carry both. us how to carry both. us how to carry both. HE SHARE HE SHOWED US HOW TO CARRY both HE SHARE HE SHOWED US HOW TO CARRY both HE SHARE HE SHOWED US HOW TO CARRY both truth and love. You don't have to truth and love. You don't have to truth and love. You don't have to compromise one with the other. compromise one with the other. compromise one with the other. My my wife share share share shared this My my wife share share share shared this My my wife share share share shared this with me.

with me. with me. Uh this is literally between first and Uh this is literally between first and Uh this is literally between first and second service. This was her devotion second service. This was her devotion second service. This was her devotion today. today. today. And she goes, "Babe, this this is so in And she goes, "Babe, this this is so in And she goes, "Babe, this this is so in line with line with line with with what you were preaching about." with what you were preaching about." with what you were preaching about." And so she read it to me. I said, "Babe, And so she read it to me. I said, "Babe, And so she read it to me. I said, "Babe, I I want I want to read this. I I I want I I want I want to read this. I I I want I I want I want to read this. I I I want to read it directly out of this to read it directly out of this to read it directly out of this devotion." devotion." devotion." And it says it this way, "Truth requires And it says it this way, "Truth requires And it says it this way, "Truth requires you to love you to love you to love and love requires you to be truthful. and love requires you to be truthful. and love requires you to be truthful. Contrary to popular opinion, Contrary to popular opinion, Contrary to popular opinion, love and truth don't stand in opposition love and truth don't stand in opposition love and truth don't stand in opposition to one another. In fact, to one another. In fact, to one another. In fact, you can't really have one without the you can't really have one without the you can't really have one without the other. other. other. To love truth, To love truth, To love truth, you have to be committed to love. you have to be committed to love. you have to be committed to love. And to love love, And to love love, And to love love, you have to be committed to truth. you have to be committed to truth. you have to be committed to truth. The most loving person who ever lived, The most loving person who ever lived, The most loving person who ever lived, so loving that he died a crucial a cruel so loving that he died a crucial a cruel so loving that he died a crucial a cruel and bloody public death for crimes that and bloody public death for crimes that and bloody public death for crimes that others committed, others committed, others committed, was at the same time the most forthright was at the same time the most forthright was at the same time the most forthright and honest truth speaker that the world and honest truth speaker that the world and honest truth speaker that the world >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> had ever known. >> had ever known. >> had ever known. It was not just that the love of Jesus It was not just that the love of Jesus It was not just that the love of Jesus never contradicted his candor and his never contradicted his candor and his never contradicted his candor and his candor never inhibit inhibited his love.

candor never inhibit inhibited his love. candor never inhibit inhibited his love. No, there was something more profound No, there was something more profound No, there was something more profound going on. Listen to this. His commitment going on. Listen to this. His commitment going on. Listen to this. His commitment to truth speaking was propelled by his to truth speaking was propelled by his to truth speaking was propelled by his love. love. love. Your commitment to truth speaking has to Your commitment to truth speaking has to Your commitment to truth speaking has to be compared by your love. by your love. God's love transforms us. God's love transforms us. God's love transforms us. I'm a testimony of that. I'm a testimony of that. I'm a testimony of that. How many of us are a testimony of God's How many of us are a testimony of God's How many of us are a testimony of God's love that has transformed your life? So, So, God transforms us. God transforms us. God transforms us. So, God uses transformed people to be So, God uses transformed people to be So, God uses transformed people to be conduits conduits conduits to his word. to his word. to his word. Number three, this is it. Number three, this is it. Number three, this is it. We love because love identifies us as We love because love identifies us as We love because love identifies us as his disciples. How do you know you're saved? How do you How do you know you're saved? How do you know you're a Christian? know you're a Christian? know you're a Christian? Love shows who we follow. You you can say you follow Jesus, but You you can say you follow Jesus, but Jesus said our love would show it.

John 13:35, by this by this John 13:35, by this by this all people would know that you are my all people would know that you are my all people would know that you are my disciples if you have love for one disciples if you have love for one disciples if you have love for one another. another. another. So, if you're trying to grade yourself So, if you're trying to grade yourself So, if you're trying to grade yourself in your in your in your relationship with Jesus, if you are relationship with Jesus, if you are relationship with Jesus, if you are trying to see if you are a follower of trying to see if you are a follower of trying to see if you are a follower of Jesus, it points right back to the Jesus, it points right back to the Jesus, it points right back to the scripture. scripture. scripture. You would know You would know You would know based off your love that you have for based off your love that you have for based off your love that you have for one another. one another. one another. It is clear what Jesus did not say. It is clear what Jesus did not say. It is clear what Jesus did not say. Jesus did not say the world will Jesus did not say the world will Jesus did not say the world will recognize us by our buildings. recognize us by our buildings. recognize us by our buildings. Jesus did not say that the world will Jesus did not say that the world will Jesus did not say that the world will recognize us by our finances or our recognize us by our finances or our recognize us by our finances or our successes. Jesus did not say that the successes. Jesus did not say that the successes. Jesus did not say that the world would recognize us by our gifts. world would recognize us by our gifts. world would recognize us by our gifts. Do you understand that the way that the Do you understand that the way that the Do you understand that the way that the world would recognize us is by how we world would recognize us is by how we world would recognize us is by how we love others? He said they would recognize us by our He said they would recognize us by our love. Love becomes a revelation of love. Love becomes a revelation of love. Love becomes a revelation of Christ to the world. Christ to the world. Christ to the world. I have a deep desire for the world, for I have a deep desire for the world, for I have a deep desire for the world, for anyone in my world, anyone in my world, anyone in my world, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> anyone in my pathway >> anyone in my pathway >> anyone in my pathway to know Jesus.

I have a have a I have a have a for your brothers and your sisters and for your brothers and your sisters and for your brothers and your sisters and your aunts and your cousins and your your aunts and your cousins and your your aunts and your cousins and your friends friends friends >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and your neighbors to know Jesus whether >> and your neighbors to know Jesus whether >> and your neighbors to know Jesus whether they come TO NEW LIFE COVENANT OR NOT. they come TO NEW LIFE COVENANT OR NOT. they come TO NEW LIFE COVENANT OR NOT. AT THE end of the day is that they have AT THE end of the day is that they have AT THE end of the day is that they have an encounter with Jesus. Because when WE GET TO HEAVEN, LISTEN, Because when WE GET TO HEAVEN, LISTEN, there ain't going to be no New Life there ain't going to be no New Life there ain't going to be no New Life Covenant and all the other churches Covenant and all the other churches Covenant and all the other churches around the world, there's only going to around the world, there's only going to around the world, there's only going to be one and that is the kingdom of God. be one and that is the kingdom of God. be one and that is the kingdom of God. We're preaching the same message, THE We're preaching the same message, THE We're preaching the same message, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR. KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR. KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's about Jesus. WHEN PEOPLE ENCOUNTER GENUINE CHRISTIAN WHEN PEOPLE ENCOUNTER GENUINE CHRISTIAN LOVE, THEY SHOULD encounter something LOVE, THEY SHOULD encounter something LOVE, THEY SHOULD encounter something different. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? different. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? different. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? I WANT TO DO IT FOR THE SAKE OF THE I WANT TO DO IT FOR THE SAKE OF THE I WANT TO DO IT FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL. I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. GOSPEL. I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. GOSPEL. I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. WHY DO DO WE OUT WE DO OUTREACHES? WHY DO DO WE OUT WE DO OUTREACHES? WHY DO DO WE OUT WE DO OUTREACHES? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. WHY DO WE HAVE MINISTRIES THROUGHOUT OUR WHY DO WE HAVE MINISTRIES THROUGHOUT OUR WHY DO WE HAVE MINISTRIES THROUGHOUT OUR CHURCH? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET CHURCH? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET CHURCH? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. HIM. HIM. WHY DO WE GATHER ON SUNDAYS? BECAUSE I WHY DO WE GATHER ON SUNDAYS? BECAUSE I WHY DO WE GATHER ON SUNDAYS? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. WHY DO WE SACRIFICE OUR DAYS THROUGHOUT WHY DO WE SACRIFICE OUR DAYS THROUGHOUT WHY DO WE SACRIFICE OUR DAYS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET THE WEEK? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET THE WEEK? BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO MEET HIM. MY GOD IS SO BIG AND GREAT AND HIM. MY GOD IS SO BIG AND GREAT AND HIM. MY GOD IS SO BIG AND GREAT AND AWESOME AND MIGHTY THAT OTHER PEOPLE AWESOME AND MIGHTY THAT OTHER PEOPLE AWESOME AND MIGHTY THAT OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD experience the God that I serve.

SHOULD experience the God that I serve. SHOULD experience the God that I serve. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> WHEN DO YOU LOVE NEW LIFE COVENANT? YOU >> WHEN DO YOU LOVE NEW LIFE COVENANT? YOU >> WHEN DO YOU LOVE NEW LIFE COVENANT? YOU LOVE WHEN IT'S INCONVENIENT. LOVE WHEN IT'S INCONVENIENT. LOVE WHEN IT'S INCONVENIENT. WE LOVE WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT. WE WE LOVE WE LOVE WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT. WE WE LOVE WE LOVE WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT. WE WE LOVE WHEN WE DON'T AGREE. WE LOVE WHEN WE WHEN WE DON'T AGREE. WE LOVE WHEN WE WHEN WE DON'T AGREE. WE LOVE WHEN WE WHEN WHEN WE AREN'T APPRECIATED. WE LOVE WHEN WHEN WE AREN'T APPRECIATED. WE LOVE WHEN WHEN WE AREN'T APPRECIATED. WE LOVE BECAUSE WHY? CHRIST FIRST LOVED US. BECAUSE WHY? CHRIST FIRST LOVED US. BECAUSE WHY? CHRIST FIRST LOVED US. THE QUESTION IS IT SIMPLY DO I LOVE GOD? THE QUESTION IS IT SIMPLY DO I LOVE GOD? THE QUESTION IS IT SIMPLY DO I LOVE GOD? HERE'S THE QUESTION WE NEED TO ASK HERE'S THE QUESTION WE NEED TO ASK HERE'S THE QUESTION WE NEED TO ASK OURSELVES TODAY. CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE OURSELVES TODAY. CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE OURSELVES TODAY. CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH ME? THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH ME? THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH ME? CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH ME? THROUGH ME? THROUGH ME? WE MAKE IT SO MUCH ABOUT THE INSTITUTION WE MAKE IT SO MUCH ABOUT THE INSTITUTION WE MAKE IT SO MUCH ABOUT THE INSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH OR OR THE PROGRAMS OF THE OF THE CHURCH OR OR THE PROGRAMS OF THE OF THE CHURCH OR OR THE PROGRAMS OF THE CHURCH. I LIKE THIS AND I LIKE THAT. I CHURCH. I LIKE THIS AND I LIKE THAT. I CHURCH. I LIKE THIS AND I LIKE THAT. I DON'T LIKE THIS AND I DON'T LIKE THAT. DON'T LIKE THIS AND I DON'T LIKE THAT. DON'T LIKE THIS AND I DON'T LIKE THAT. AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT'S ALL AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT'S ALL AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT'S ALL IRRELEVANT. WHAT WE GOT TO ASK OURSELVES IRRELEVANT. WHAT WE GOT TO ASK OURSELVES IRRELEVANT. WHAT WE GOT TO ASK OURSELVES IS THIS QUESTION, CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE IS THIS QUESTION, CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE IS THIS QUESTION, CAN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH ME? AM I WILLING TO MAKE SACRIFICES FOR MY AM I WILLING TO MAKE SACRIFICES FOR MY PREFERENCE SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HEAR THE PREFERENCE SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HEAR THE PREFERENCE SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HEAR THE WORD OF GOD? WORD OF GOD? WORD OF GOD? AM I JUST A PREACHER WHEN I GET UP ON AM I JUST A PREACHER WHEN I GET UP ON AM I JUST A PREACHER WHEN I GET UP ON SUNDAY MORNING OR DO I PREACH EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE?

EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE? Do I preach every time I step outside? Do I preach every time I step outside? Do I preach every time I step outside? Because there was times Jesus used words Because there was times Jesus used words Because there was times Jesus used words when he preached, but there was other when he preached, but there was other when he preached, but there was other times times times Jesus just just used his obedience to Jesus just just used his obedience to Jesus just just used his obedience to preach. preach. preach. People will look, people will watch. People will look, people will watch. People will look, people will watch. People will be inspired. People will be inspired. People will be inspired. And the truth is if the you if you keep And the truth is if the you if you keep And the truth is if the you if you keep showing up and be a light, showing up and be a light, showing up and be a light, there's going to be times where that there's going to be times where that there's going to be times where that individual individual individual who's going to be so broken one day who's going to be so broken one day who's going to be so broken one day will have no one else to call but you. will have no one else to call but you. will have no one else to call but you. Because there's something on you, Because there's something on you, Because there's something on you, there's something about you that you there's something about you that you there's something about you that you carry carry carry that they cannot call anybody else and that they cannot call anybody else and that they cannot call anybody else and God is saying, I want you to call and God is saying, I want you to call and God is saying, I want you to call and they will call you. they will call you. they will call you. And then [music] you can be the hope. And then [music] you can be the hope. And then [music] you can be the hope. And you can lead them to Jesus. And you can lead them to Jesus. And you can lead them to Jesus. And you can let them know the truth. And you can let them know the truth. And you can let them know the truth. In some cases, you can remind them of In some cases, you can remind them of In some cases, you can remind them of the truth. They know it. the truth. They know it. the truth. They know it. They just need somebody to remind them. They just need somebody to remind them. They just need somebody to remind them. They hear it, [music] they just need They hear it, [music] they just need They hear it, [music] they just need somebody to remind them. somebody to remind them. somebody to remind them. New life, let's not kick people while New life, let's not kick people while New life, let's not kick people while they're still down.

they're still down. they're still down. Let's not do that. Let's not do that. Let's not do that. Let's not shame people. Let's not shame people. Let's not shame people. Let's pick them up the way that Jesus Let's pick them up the way that Jesus Let's pick them up the way that Jesus picked up Peter when he was picked up Peter when he was picked up Peter when he was drowning. Let's look around our homes and our Let's look around our homes and our communities and our city. And let's have communities and our city. And let's have communities and our city. And let's have the heart of Jesus when he looked the heart of Jesus when he looked the heart of Jesus when he looked around, he says, my God, around, he says, my God, around, he says, my God, there are so many sheep without a there are so many sheep without a there are so many sheep without a shepherd. shepherd. shepherd. When Jesus was doing ministry and he was When Jesus was doing ministry and he was When Jesus was doing ministry and he was exhausted and tired, exhausted and tired, exhausted and tired, he He upon the crowds and the Bible says he He upon the crowds and the Bible says he He upon the crowds and the Bible says the [music] disciples were telling the [music] disciples were telling the [music] disciples were telling Jesus, "Jesus, go and get some rest." Jesus, "Jesus, go and get some rest." Jesus, "Jesus, go and get some rest." And Jesus says, "I can't." I'm And Jesus says, "I can't." I'm And Jesus says, "I can't." I'm paraphrasing. paraphrasing. paraphrasing. They're hungry. They're hungry. They're hungry. Go find me some food. Go find me some food. Go find me some food. And the Bible says he fed them. And the Bible says he fed them. And the Bible says he fed them. God cares about your physical needs. God cares about your physical needs. God cares about your physical needs. He cares about your emotional needs. He cares about your emotional needs. He cares about your emotional needs. He cares about your spiritual needs. He cares about your spiritual needs. He cares about your spiritual needs. He cares about He cares about He cares about you. Today, Today, you and I can be that to someone else.

you and I can be that to someone else. you and I can be that to someone else. Make it a goal for you to say, Make it a goal for you to say, Make it a goal for you to say, well, let me ask you this question just well, let me ask you this question just well, let me ask you this question just to challenge you, and then let me go to challenge you, and then let me go to challenge you, and then let me go ahead and put a goal before you. And ahead and put a goal before you. And ahead and put a goal before you. And here's my challenge. When was the last here's my challenge. When was the last here's my challenge. When was the last time you led somebody to Jesus? You. time you led somebody to Jesus? You. time you led somebody to Jesus? You. When was the last time you When was the When was the last time you When was the When was the last time you When was the last time you prayed for somebody last time you prayed for somebody last time you prayed for somebody [music] outside of the covering of this [music] outside of the covering of this [music] outside of the covering of this church? church? church? Where you said, "Hey, let me cover you Where you said, "Hey, let me cover you Where you said, "Hey, let me cover you in prayer." in prayer." in prayer." Somebody called you and you said, "Hey, Somebody called you and you said, "Hey, Somebody called you and you said, "Hey, do you want to receive Jesus? do you want to receive Jesus? do you want to receive Jesus? He's the one that changed me, and I know He's the one that changed me, and I know He's the one that changed me, and I know he can change you." And if you haven't done it, then my And if you haven't done it, then my challenge to you is pray, "God, give me challenge to you is pray, "God, give me challenge to you is pray, "God, give me an opportunity an opportunity an opportunity so that I can be a witness to somebody so that I can be a witness to somebody so that I can be a witness to somebody [music] else." It doesn't matter how [music] else." It doesn't matter how [music] else." It doesn't matter how gifted you are. It doesn't matter how gifted you are. It doesn't matter how gifted you are. It doesn't matter how much money you have. much money you have. much money you have. Jesus has made it very [music] clear, Jesus has made it very [music] clear, Jesus has made it very [music] clear, and he told the rich man, "Give and he told the rich man, "Give and he told the rich man, "Give everything that you have, sell it to the everything that you have, sell it to the everything that you have, sell it to the poor, and follow me." poor, and follow me." poor, and follow me." I don't care what platforms [music] I don't care what platforms [music] I don't care what platforms [music] you're on and what committees you're a you're on and what committees you're a you're on and what committees you're a part of and what positions and titles part of and what positions and titles part of and what positions and titles you hold. That's all irrelevant. At the you hold. That's all irrelevant. At the you hold. That's all irrelevant. At the end of the day, [music] every knee will end of the day, [music] every knee will end of the day, [music] every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus bow and every tongue confess that Jesus bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Christ is Lord. Christ is Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> New life, I'm here today. I may not be >> New life, I'm here today. I may not be >> New life, I'm here today. I may not be here tomorrow. here tomorrow. here tomorrow. Transitions will happen in life. Some of Transitions will happen in life. Some of Transitions will happen in life. Some of us are young, but you will grow old. us are young, but you will grow old. us are young, but you will grow old. Some of us are in the in the tip of Some of us are in the in the tip of Some of us are in the in the tip of retirement, or maybe we're in the season retirement, or maybe we're in the season retirement, or maybe we're in the season [music] of retirement. I'm here to [music] of retirement. I'm here to [music] of retirement. I'm here to remind you your mission and your remind you your mission and your remind you your mission and your assignment is not done yet. God has so assignment is not done yet. God has so assignment is not done yet. God has so much more much more much more for you. Would you stand to your feet? Paul was telling [music] the church of Paul was telling [music] the church of Corinthians, same church, Corinthians, same church, Corinthians, same church, in chapter 13, he says, "Listen, in chapter 13, he says, "Listen, in chapter 13, he says, "Listen, you can all uh have all of these you can all uh have all of these you can all uh have all of these wonderful spiritual gifts. wonderful spiritual gifts. wonderful spiritual gifts. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You can prophesy, you can speak in >> You can prophesy, you can speak in >> You can prophesy, you can speak in tongues, all of it. I mean, you can do tongues, all of it. I mean, you can do tongues, all of it. I mean, you can do it. But, if you have not loved, But, if you have not loved, then you have missed the whole point. then you have missed the whole point. then you have missed the whole point. Love is Love is Love is is the language of God. is the language of God. is the language of God. If you ever want to know the language of If you ever want to know the language of If you ever want to know the language of God, it is not Greek, it is not Hebrew, God, it is not Greek, it is not Hebrew, God, it is not Greek, it is not Hebrew, it's not English. You want to know the it's not English. You want to know the it's not English. You want to know the language [music] of God? It's love.

language [music] of God? It's love. language [music] of God? It's love. Love transcends. Love transcends. Love transcends. Love is generational. Love is generational. Love is generational. Love Love Love is what motivated him. is what motivated him. is what motivated him. And love is what compels me And love is what compels me And love is what compels me to do the same for others. to do the same for others. to do the same for others. He first loved me. He first loved me. He first loved me. May I love others the way that God has May I love others the way that God has May I love others the way that God has loved me. loved me. loved me. Here's my first call. Care team, if you Here's my first call. Care team, if you Here's my first call. Care team, if you can make your way up here to the altar. can make your way up here to the altar. can make your way up here to the altar. My first call is this, My first call is this, My first call is this, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> it's a salvation call. >> it's a salvation call. >> it's a salvation call. I I don't want you to run to New Life I I don't want you to run to New Life I I don't want you to run to New Life Covenant and running to a church, I want Covenant and running to a church, I want Covenant and running to a church, I want you to run to Jesus. you to run to Jesus. you to run to Jesus. Jesus has come to me all who are weary Jesus has come to me all who are weary Jesus has come to me all who are weary and broken-hearted, and I would give you and broken-hearted, and I would give you and broken-hearted, and I would give you rest. Jesus is the salvation, and he is rest. Jesus is the salvation, and he is rest. Jesus is the salvation, and he is the hope. The Bible teaches that Jesus the hope. The Bible teaches that Jesus the hope. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the cornerstone. In other words, is the cornerstone. In other words, is the cornerstone. In other words, [music] you remove the cornerstone from [music] you remove the cornerstone from [music] you remove the cornerstone from the foundation, then whatever is built the foundation, then whatever is built the foundation, then whatever is built on will collapse. Jesus is the on will collapse. Jesus is the on will collapse. Jesus is the foundation. foundation. foundation. And if you're walking without Jesus, or And if you're walking without Jesus, or And if you're walking without Jesus, or you have not fully surrendered [music] you have not fully surrendered [music] you have not fully surrendered [music] to Jesus, to Jesus, to Jesus, then what a beautiful opportunity this then what a beautiful opportunity this then what a beautiful opportunity this is for you to join team Jesus.

is for you to join team Jesus. is for you to join team Jesus. And say, "Jesus, I want to commit my And say, "Jesus, I want to commit my And say, "Jesus, I want to commit my life to you." I don't know how this is life to you." I don't know how this is life to you." I don't know how this is going to look like, we're going to help going to look like, we're going to help going to look like, we're going to help you with that. [music] you with that. [music] you with that. [music] I I I don't even know what's my next I I I don't even know what's my next I I I don't even know what's my next step. We can help you with that. But step. We can help you with that. But step. We can help you with that. But it's just one decision away it's just one decision away it's just one decision away from saying yes to Jesus. [music] Eyes from saying yes to Jesus. [music] Eyes from saying yes to Jesus. [music] Eyes closed, head bowed. If you're in this closed, head bowed. If you're in this closed, head bowed. If you're in this room and you're saying, "Pastor D, that room and you're saying, "Pastor D, that room and you're saying, "Pastor D, that is me." is me." is me." Or or or maybe you've slipped away. Or or or maybe you've slipped away. Or or or maybe you've slipped away. And maybe you have not been [music] in a And maybe you have not been [music] in a And maybe you have not been [music] in a place of surrender and you're saying, "I place of surrender and you're saying, "I place of surrender and you're saying, "I want to surrender." want to surrender." want to surrender." I've been here, I've done that. Do not I've been here, I've done that. Do not I've been here, I've done that. Do not let shame crush you, let shame crush you, let shame crush you, but let grace elevate you. but let grace elevate you. but let grace elevate you. Receive his mercy. Receive his mercy. Receive his mercy. Receive his grace. Receive his grace. Receive his grace. Receive his love. If that is you, when I Receive his love. If that is you, when I Receive his love. If that is you, when I count to three, just lift up your hands. count to three, just lift up your hands. count to three, just lift up your hands. 1 2 3. Lift up your hands if that is 1 2 3. Lift up your hands if that is 1 2 3. Lift up your hands if that is you. I see hands. Anybody else in this you. I see hands. Anybody else in this you. I see hands. Anybody else in this [music] room? Beautiful. I see hands. [music] room? Beautiful. I see hands. [music] room? Beautiful. I see hands. Anybody else in this room? Anybody else in this room? Anybody else in this room? I see hands. Anybody else? You want to I see hands. Anybody else? You want to I see hands. Anybody else? You want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior? For those that are [music] savior? For those that are [music] savior? For those that are [music] watching online, you want to receive watching online, you want to receive watching online, you want to receive him? Open your heart to Jesus. We got him? Open your heart to Jesus. We got him? Open your heart to Jesus. We got someone in there to serve you. Can pray someone in there to serve you. Can pray someone in there to serve you. Can pray with you. Here's my second [music] call.

with you. Here's my second [music] call. with you. Here's my second [music] call. You are ready to be the light of the You are ready to be the light of the You are ready to be the light of the world. world. world. Maybe God has given you a place, [music] Maybe God has given you a place, [music] Maybe God has given you a place, [music] he has given you a platform, he has he has given you a platform, he has he has given you a platform, he has given you opportunities, he's given you given you opportunities, he's given you given you opportunities, he's given you tables, he's given you influence. May you use that for his [music] glory. May you use that for his [music] glory. I'm going to ask you if you I'm going to ask you if you I'm going to ask you if you feel the spirit pulling your [music] feel the spirit pulling your [music] feel the spirit pulling your [music] heart to say, "Pastor D, heart to say, "Pastor D, heart to say, "Pastor D, the Holy Spirit convicted me the Holy Spirit convicted me the Holy Spirit convicted me and I want to be the light." Every eyes and I want to be the light." Every eyes and I want to be the light." Every eyes closed [music] and head bowed. If that closed [music] and head bowed. If that closed [music] and head bowed. If that is you, 1 2 3. Lift up your hands if is you, 1 2 3. Lift up your hands if is you, 1 2 3. Lift up your hands if that is you. I see your hands. that is you. I see your hands. that is you. I see your hands. Beautiful. Come on, I'm going to join Beautiful. Come on, I'm going to join Beautiful. Come on, I'm going to join you. I joined you. I joined you. I'm you. I joined you. I joined you. I'm you. I joined you. I joined you. I'm challenging myself the way that I'm challenging myself the way that I'm challenging myself the way that I'm challenging you. I want to be the light challenging you. I want to be the light challenging you. I want to be the light of this world. I want to be responsible of this world. I want to be responsible of this world. I want to be responsible with the people that God surrounds me with the people that God surrounds me with the people that God surrounds me with. I want to be responsible. with. I want to be responsible. with. I want to be responsible. Do me a [music] favor, New Light. For Do me a [music] favor, New Light. For Do me a [music] favor, New Light. For those of you who lift up their hands for those of you who lift up their hands for those of you who lift up their hands for either salvation call or those who feel either salvation call or those who feel either salvation call or those who feel the the the the the the spirit [music] calling you the the the spirit [music] calling you the the the spirit [music] calling you to be the light. Would you do me a to be the light. Would you do me a to be the light. Would you do me a favor? Would you get out of your seats, favor? Would you get out of your seats, favor? Would you get out of your seats, New Light? we're going to clap our hands New Light? we're going to clap our hands New Light? we're going to clap our hands [music] and we're going to acknowledge [music] and we're going to acknowledge [music] and we're going to acknowledge every person that had the courage to every person that had the courage to every person that had the courage to have the courage to say yes to Jesus.

have the courage to say yes to Jesus. have the courage to say yes to Jesus. Come out of your seats and make your way Come out of your seats and make your way Come out of your seats and make your way up here to the altar.