All Things // Week 1 // Pastor David Marrero

So, I want to go straight into the word So, I want to go straight into the word of God. How many y'all ready to hear a of God. How many y'all ready to hear a of God. How many y'all ready to hear a word today? word today? word today? >> Let's do something a little bit >> Let's do something a little bit >> Let's do something a little bit different. As you're seated, I want you different. As you're seated, I want you different. As you're seated, I want you to let's go ahead and do the Bible to let's go ahead and do the Bible to let's go ahead and do the Bible pledge and then we're going to go to 1 pledge and then we're going to go to 1 pledge and then we're going to go to 1 Corinthians chapter 9. But let's do the Corinthians chapter 9. But let's do the Corinthians chapter 9. But let's do the Bible pledge and then we'll go into the Bible pledge and then we'll go into the Bible pledge and then we'll go into the scriptures here today. I want you to scriptures here today. I want you to scriptures here today. I want you to repeat after me. Your word repeat after me. Your word repeat after me. Your word >> is written in my mind. >> is written in my mind. >> is written in my mind. >> Your word is hidden >> Your word is hidden >> Your word is hidden >> in my heart. Your word is a lamp unto my >> in my heart. Your word is a lamp unto my >> in my heart. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. I will feet and a light for my path. I will feet and a light for my path. I will seek you with all my strength. I choose seek you with all my strength. I choose seek you with all my strength. I choose to live my life according to your word. to live my life according to your word. to live my life according to your word. Your word, O Lord, is eternal. I want Your word, O Lord, is eternal. I want Your word, O Lord, is eternal. I want you to open up to 1 Corinthians chapter you to open up to 1 Corinthians chapter you to open up to 1 Corinthians chapter 9, and we're going to be reading verses 9, and we're going to be reading verses 9, and we're going to be reading verses 19 through 22. We're going to be 19 through 22. We're going to be 19 through 22. We're going to be starting a new sermon series that is starting a new sermon series that is starting a new sermon series that is called All Things. called All Things. called All Things. Not everything, but all things. We want Not everything, but all things. We want Not everything, but all things. We want to be able to talk about Paul and when to be able to talk about Paul and when to be able to talk about Paul and when he was writing to the Corinthian church.

he was writing to the Corinthian church. he was writing to the Corinthian church. And we know that the Corinthian church And we know that the Corinthian church And we know that the Corinthian church was uh did not have the Jewish practices was uh did not have the Jewish practices was uh did not have the Jewish practices or the Jewish customs, did not uh follow or the Jewish customs, did not uh follow or the Jewish customs, did not uh follow the Torah for saying, and what they were the Torah for saying, and what they were the Torah for saying, and what they were were Greeks. They were Gentiles and they were Greeks. They were Gentiles and they were Greeks. They were Gentiles and they had a lot of different religions and had a lot of different religions and had a lot of different religions and pagan practices and worship and pagan practices and worship and pagan practices and worship and sacrifices. And Paul's mission here on sacrifices. And Paul's mission here on sacrifices. And Paul's mission here on earth was not only to reach the Jews, earth was not only to reach the Jews, earth was not only to reach the Jews, but it was also to reach the Gentiles but it was also to reach the Gentiles but it was also to reach the Gentiles with the Corinthian church is in line with the Corinthian church is in line with the Corinthian church is in line with individuals who did not grow up in with individuals who did not grow up in with individuals who did not grow up in church. And this is what he reads in or church. And this is what he reads in or church. And this is what he reads in or he shares in verse 19. he shares in verse 19. he shares in verse 19. FOR THOUGH I AM FREE FROM ALL, I have FOR THOUGH I AM FREE FROM ALL, I have FOR THOUGH I AM FREE FROM ALL, I have made myself a servant to all that I made myself a servant to all that I made myself a servant to all that I might win more of them. Now, how many of might win more of them. Now, how many of might win more of them. Now, how many of us, we want to see people come to know us, we want to see people come to know us, we want to see people come to know Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? >> And this was Paul's mission. This was >> And this was Paul's mission. This was >> And this was Paul's mission. This was his desire that he would win them over. his desire that he would win them over. his desire that he would win them over. The Bible says in verse 20, TO THE JEWS, The Bible says in verse 20, TO THE JEWS, The Bible says in verse 20, TO THE JEWS, I BECAME AS A Jew in order to win Jews.

I BECAME AS A Jew in order to win Jews. I BECAME AS A Jew in order to win Jews. to those under the law. I became as one to those under the law. I became as one to those under the law. I became as one under the law, though not being myself under the law, though not being myself under the law, though not being myself under the law, that I might win those under the law, that I might win those under the law, that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law, under the law. To those outside the law, under the law. To those outside the law, I became as one outside the law. Not I became as one outside the law. Not I became as one outside the law. Not being outside the law of God, but under being outside the law of God, but under being outside the law of God, but under the law of Christ. What's the purpose? the law of Christ. What's the purpose? the law of Christ. What's the purpose? That I might win those outside the law. That I might win those outside the law. That I might win those outside the law. To the weak, [snorts] I became weak. To the weak, [snorts] I became weak. To the weak, [snorts] I became weak. that I might win the week. that I might win the week. that I might win the week. >> I Here's the verse. Here's the theme for >> I Here's the verse. Here's the theme for >> I Here's the verse. Here's the theme for the month. I have become all things TO the month. I have become all things TO the month. I have become all things TO ALL PEOPLE THAT by all means I might ALL PEOPLE THAT by all means I might ALL PEOPLE THAT by all means I might save some. save some. save some. I do it all for the sake of the what? I do it all for the sake of the what? I do it all for the sake of the what? >> That's the reason why I do it. I DO IT >> That's the reason why I do it. I DO IT >> That's the reason why I do it. I DO IT FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL THAT I MAY FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL THAT I MAY FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL THAT I MAY SHARE WITH them in the blessings. Paul SHARE WITH them in the blessings. Paul SHARE WITH them in the blessings. Paul is laying it out on why he's doing what is laying it out on why he's doing what is laying it out on why he's doing what he's doing. I think all of us should ask he's doing. I think all of us should ask he's doing. I think all of us should ask ourselves the question, WHY DO WE do ourselves the question, WHY DO WE do ourselves the question, WHY DO WE do what we do? Why do we go to church? Why what we do? Why do we go to church? Why what we do? Why do we go to church? Why do we serve God? There has to be meaning do we serve God? There has to be meaning do we serve God? There has to be meaning behind the wise, the the purpose, the behind the wise, the the purpose, the behind the wise, the the purpose, the reasons on why we do. If you're taking reasons on why we do. If you're taking reasons on why we do. If you're taking notes, I want to put a subject behind notes, I want to put a subject behind notes, I want to put a subject behind today's preaching. Becoming all things.

today's preaching. Becoming all things. today's preaching. Becoming all things. I was also going to put becoming all I was also going to put becoming all I was also going to put becoming all things not everything. And I think that things not everything. And I think that things not everything. And I think that there is a difference between becoming there is a difference between becoming there is a difference between becoming all things all things versus everything. all things all things versus everything. all things all things versus everything. God is not asking you to be everything. God is not asking you to be everything. God is not asking you to be everything. He is everything. But there is a He is everything. But there is a He is everything. But there is a difference. And I want to break down difference. And I want to break down difference. And I want to break down what it means to be all things. Because what it means to be all things. Because what it means to be all things. Because all things does mean to adopt, to adapt. all things does mean to adopt, to adapt. all things does mean to adopt, to adapt. But when it comes to trying to be But when it comes to trying to be But when it comes to trying to be everything, then it is easily lost everything, then it is easily lost everything, then it is easily lost because we can then compromise our because we can then compromise our because we can then compromise our convictions. If we're trying to be convictions. If we're trying to be convictions. If we're trying to be everything, IF WE'RE TRYING TO BE everything, IF WE'RE TRYING TO BE everything, IF WE'RE TRYING TO BE EVERYTHING, if we're trying to be EVERYTHING, if we're trying to be EVERYTHING, if we're trying to be everything, that means that we're going everything, that means that we're going everything, that means that we're going to try to please people. And if you're to try to please people. And if you're to try to please people. And if you're GOING TO TRY TO PLEASE PEOPLE, then it GOING TO TRY TO PLEASE PEOPLE, then it GOING TO TRY TO PLEASE PEOPLE, then it is EASY FOR US TO COMPROMISE. AND PAUL is EASY FOR US TO COMPROMISE. AND PAUL is EASY FOR US TO COMPROMISE. AND PAUL DOES NOT TEACH us to compromise. He is DOES NOT TEACH us to compromise. He is DOES NOT TEACH us to compromise. He is teaching us to create boundaries AND teaching us to create boundaries AND teaching us to create boundaries AND THAT WE CAN BECOME ALL THINGS WITHOUT THAT WE CAN BECOME ALL THINGS WITHOUT THAT WE CAN BECOME ALL THINGS WITHOUT compromising our faith in Jesus Christ. compromising our faith in Jesus Christ. compromising our faith in Jesus Christ. You know growing up most of us imagine You know growing up most of us imagine You know growing up most of us imagine the kind of person we wanted to become.

the kind of person we wanted to become. the kind of person we wanted to become. We dreamed about our future. We started We dreamed about our future. We started We dreamed about our future. We started to think about the character like to think about the character like to think about the character like there's certain parts of our life where there's certain parts of our life where there's certain parts of our life where we wanted to to to continue to work we wanted to to to continue to work we wanted to to to continue to work through AND SHAPE. WE WANT TO IMPACT THE through AND SHAPE. WE WANT TO IMPACT THE through AND SHAPE. WE WANT TO IMPACT THE WORLD. EVERYTHING THAT WE WORK TOWARDS, WORLD. EVERYTHING THAT WE WORK TOWARDS, WORLD. EVERYTHING THAT WE WORK TOWARDS, I want to impact the world. If it's me I want to impact the world. If it's me I want to impact the world. If it's me parenting, I want to impact the world parenting, I want to impact the world parenting, I want to impact the world through my children. If it's if it's me through my children. If it's if it's me through my children. If it's if it's me being an educator, I want to BE ABLE TO being an educator, I want to BE ABLE TO being an educator, I want to BE ABLE TO IMPACT THE world by the people that I'm IMPACT THE world by the people that I'm IMPACT THE world by the people that I'm investing into. If I'm an employee, I investing into. If I'm an employee, I investing into. If I'm an employee, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I DON'T JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I DON'T JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I DON'T JUST WORK, BUT that I make an impact in what WORK, BUT that I make an impact in what WORK, BUT that I make an impact in what I'm doing. I want to be able to leave a I'm doing. I want to be able to leave a I'm doing. I want to be able to leave a legacy. Is there anybody that wants to legacy. Is there anybody that wants to legacy. Is there anybody that wants to leave a legacy? that that you want to leave a legacy? that that you want to leave a legacy? that that you want to LEAVE AN IMPACT THAT WHEN YOU'RE GONE LEAVE AN IMPACT THAT WHEN YOU'RE GONE LEAVE AN IMPACT THAT WHEN YOU'RE GONE AND AND YOUR LIFE IS TRANSITIONED that AND AND YOUR LIFE IS TRANSITIONED that AND AND YOUR LIFE IS TRANSITIONED that you know that you've left an imprint in you know that you've left an imprint in you know that you've left an imprint in this world. If we're honest, this world. If we're honest, this world. If we're honest, there's also have been moments in our there's also have been moments in our there's also have been moments in our life that as we reflect backwards, life that as we reflect backwards, life that as we reflect backwards, we can begin to consider the times where we can begin to consider the times where we can begin to consider the times where our personalities or our characteristics our personalities or our characteristics our personalities or our characteristics or our temperaments, or our temperaments, or our temperaments, OUR ATTITUDES, OUR ATTITUDES, OUR ATTITUDES, HABITS, OR REACTIONS THAT WE'RE NOT HABITS, OR REACTIONS THAT WE'RE NOT HABITS, OR REACTIONS THAT WE'RE NOT PROUD OF. we can look back and consider PROUD OF. we can look back and consider PROUD OF. we can look back and consider the MOMENTS WHERE WE LOST OURSELVES OR the MOMENTS WHERE WE LOST OURSELVES OR the MOMENTS WHERE WE LOST OURSELVES OR THE moments where we could have been a THE moments where we could have been a THE moments where we could have been a little bit more mature about it. Well, little bit more mature about it. Well, little bit more mature about it. Well, hopefully through growth, hopefully hopefully through growth, hopefully hopefully through growth, hopefully through time, you can look at life and through time, you can look at life and through time, you can look at life and you can look at your past as a classroom

you can look at your past as a classroom you can look at your past as a classroom so that you can develop and grow. I I so that you can develop and grow. I I so that you can develop and grow. I I hope you see yourself that at the age hope you see yourself that at the age hope you see yourself that at the age you are today that there is more of a you are today that there is more of a you are today that there is more of a maturity about you than than you were maturity about you than than you were maturity about you than than you were about 5 years ago. The same to be said about 5 years ago. The same to be said about 5 years ago. The same to be said about your spirituality. You should have about your spirituality. You should have about your spirituality. You should have a growth, a maturity in your a growth, a maturity in your a growth, a maturity in your spirituality that is so much different spirituality that is so much different spirituality that is so much different than where you were 5 years ago. The than where you were 5 years ago. The than where you were 5 years ago. The moment that you said yes to Jesus, the moment that you said yes to Jesus, the moment that you said yes to Jesus, the moment that you accepted Christ, there moment that you accepted Christ, there moment that you accepted Christ, there should be growth. There should be should be growth. There should be should be growth. There should be intellectual growth. THERE THERE THERE intellectual growth. THERE THERE THERE intellectual growth. THERE THERE THERE SHOULD BE BIBLICAL GROWTH. IN OTHER SHOULD BE BIBLICAL GROWTH. IN OTHER SHOULD BE BIBLICAL GROWTH. IN OTHER WORDS, I don't want to be a Christian WORDS, I don't want to be a Christian WORDS, I don't want to be a Christian that has biblical literacy. I I don't that has biblical literacy. I I don't that has biblical literacy. I I don't want to be illiterate. I want to be I want to be illiterate. I want to be I want to be illiterate. I want to be I don't want to be IGNORANT TO THE TRUTH. don't want to be IGNORANT TO THE TRUTH. don't want to be IGNORANT TO THE TRUTH. SO I GOT TO LEARN and grow AND MATURE SO I GOT TO LEARN and grow AND MATURE SO I GOT TO LEARN and grow AND MATURE AND EDUCATE MYSELF. I WANT TO APPLY AND EDUCATE MYSELF. I WANT TO APPLY AND EDUCATE MYSELF. I WANT TO APPLY MYSELF SO THAT THERE CAN be MYSELF SO THAT THERE CAN be MYSELF SO THAT THERE CAN be developments. developments. developments. God has uniquely designed and wired us God has uniquely designed and wired us God has uniquely designed and wired us to be different. We have different to be different. We have different to be different. We have different personalities. We have uh different personalities. We have uh different personalities. We have uh different likings and preferences.

likings and preferences. likings and preferences. We have differences. There's nothing We have differences. There's nothing We have differences. There's nothing wrong with differences. We went to wrong with differences. We went to wrong with differences. We went to different churches and there was there different churches and there was there different churches and there was there was preferences WHY PEOPLE GO TO was preferences WHY PEOPLE GO TO was preferences WHY PEOPLE GO TO DIFFERENT CHURCHES. I I LIKE THIS CHURCH DIFFERENT CHURCHES. I I LIKE THIS CHURCH DIFFERENT CHURCHES. I I LIKE THIS CHURCH because I like the way that this pastor because I like the way that this pastor because I like the way that this pastor preaches this and I like the WORSHIP AND preaches this and I like the WORSHIP AND preaches this and I like the WORSHIP AND THE STYLE OF THAT WORSHIP and I've THE STYLE OF THAT WORSHIP and I've THE STYLE OF THAT WORSHIP and I've connected with the community and I like connected with the community and I like connected with the community and I like how they operate. SEE, IT'S ALL ABOUT how they operate. SEE, IT'S ALL ABOUT how they operate. SEE, IT'S ALL ABOUT THE METHODS. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE METHODS. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE METHODS. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, every church that I attended was every church that I attended was every church that I attended was gospeldriven. gospeldriven. gospeldriven. >> THE word was being preached. Jesus was >> THE word was being preached. Jesus was >> THE word was being preached. Jesus was being glorified. being glorified. being glorified. THAT THERE THERE IS THERE IS A NARRATIVE THAT THERE THERE IS THERE IS A NARRATIVE THAT THERE THERE IS THERE IS A NARRATIVE THAT REMAINS THE SAME WHICH IS the THAT REMAINS THE SAME WHICH IS the THAT REMAINS THE SAME WHICH IS the truth. The truth does not get truth. The truth does not get truth. The truth does not get compromised. IF I GO TO DINNER WITH YOU compromised. IF I GO TO DINNER WITH YOU compromised. IF I GO TO DINNER WITH YOU AND WE'RE ordering a meal, many of us AND WE'RE ordering a meal, many of us AND WE'RE ordering a meal, many of us MAY HAVE DIFFERENT TASTE BUDS. WE HAVE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT TASTE BUDS. WE HAVE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT TASTE BUDS. WE HAVE DIFFERENT TASTINGS and we would order DIFFERENT TASTINGS and we would order DIFFERENT TASTINGS and we would order OUR PREFERENCE. I MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU OUR PREFERENCE. I MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU OUR PREFERENCE. I MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU LIKE, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT LIKE, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT LIKE, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU OR I BETTER. IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE YOU OR I BETTER. IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE YOU OR I BETTER. IT JUST MAKES US DIFFERENT. WHAT GOD CREATED you MAKES US DIFFERENT. WHAT GOD CREATED you MAKES US DIFFERENT. WHAT GOD CREATED you and I to be different. GOD CREATED US TO and I to be different. GOD CREATED US TO and I to be different. GOD CREATED US TO BE UNIQUE AND THAT WE SHALL TAKE BE UNIQUE AND THAT WE SHALL TAKE BE UNIQUE AND THAT WE SHALL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF. AND AS WE WALK INTO THIS ADVANTAGE OF. AND AS WE WALK INTO THIS ADVANTAGE OF. AND AS WE WALK INTO THIS AREA OF MATURITY AND GROWTH AND AREA OF MATURITY AND GROWTH AND AREA OF MATURITY AND GROWTH AND SPIRITUALITY, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT PAUL SPIRITUALITY, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT PAUL SPIRITUALITY, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT PAUL IS SPEAKING ABOUT. I AM NOT GOING TO IS SPEAKING ABOUT. I AM NOT GOING TO IS SPEAKING ABOUT. I AM NOT GOING TO COMPROMISE MY FAITH, BUT I HAVE NO COMPROMISE MY FAITH, BUT I HAVE NO COMPROMISE MY FAITH, BUT I HAVE NO PROBLEMS ADAPTING TO A CERTAIN CULTURE PROBLEMS ADAPTING TO A CERTAIN CULTURE PROBLEMS ADAPTING TO A CERTAIN CULTURE SO THAT I CAN REACH them with the GOOD SO THAT I CAN REACH them with the GOOD SO THAT I CAN REACH them with the GOOD NEWS.

NEWS. NEWS. IT MAY NOT BE YOUR PREFERENCE, BUT IT IT MAY NOT BE YOUR PREFERENCE, BUT IT IT MAY NOT BE YOUR PREFERENCE, BUT IT DOESN'T MAKE IT WRONG. EVERY TIME WE DOESN'T MAKE IT WRONG. EVERY TIME WE DOESN'T MAKE IT WRONG. EVERY TIME WE COMMUNICATE the message of Jesus, our COMMUNICATE the message of Jesus, our COMMUNICATE the message of Jesus, our desire is not simply to speak. At the desire is not simply to speak. At the desire is not simply to speak. At the end, WE DON'T WANT IT JUST TO BE HEARD, end, WE DON'T WANT IT JUST TO BE HEARD, end, WE DON'T WANT IT JUST TO BE HEARD, JUST to be heard. We're hoping that our JUST to be heard. We're hoping that our JUST to be heard. We're hoping that our message message message can minister. Our hope is that our can minister. Our hope is that our can minister. Our hope is that our message can speak volumes into someone's message can speak volumes into someone's message can speak volumes into someone's life. Whenever you're having a life. Whenever you're having a life. Whenever you're having a CONVERSATION WITH SOMEBODY, YOU want to CONVERSATION WITH SOMEBODY, YOU want to CONVERSATION WITH SOMEBODY, YOU want to be heard, but you also want to be be heard, but you also want to be be heard, but you also want to be understood. understood. understood. >> So, you would GO INTO A CONVERSATION. >> So, you would GO INTO A CONVERSATION. >> So, you would GO INTO A CONVERSATION. NOW, just because you raise your volume NOW, just because you raise your volume NOW, just because you raise your volume does not mean that your point is going does not mean that your point is going does not mean that your point is going to be more validated. DEBATES AT TIMES, IF IT'S NOT in a DEBATES AT TIMES, IF IT'S NOT in a formal setting, CAN BE VERY DETRIMENTAL. formal setting, CAN BE VERY DETRIMENTAL. formal setting, CAN BE VERY DETRIMENTAL. WHY? BECAUSE THE MESSAGE IS GOING TO BE WHY? BECAUSE THE MESSAGE IS GOING TO BE WHY? BECAUSE THE MESSAGE IS GOING TO BE LOST. WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE LOST. WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE LOST. WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, I DON'T WANT TO GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, I DON'T WANT TO GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, I DON'T WANT TO JUST TALK ABOUT THE GOSPEL BECAUSE I JUST TALK ABOUT THE GOSPEL BECAUSE I JUST TALK ABOUT THE GOSPEL BECAUSE I KNOW THE TRUTH. I want to BE ABLE TO KNOW THE TRUTH. I want to BE ABLE TO KNOW THE TRUTH. I want to BE ABLE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS BECAUSE I PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS BECAUSE I PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO know the truth.

WANT YOU TO know the truth. WANT YOU TO know the truth. >> SO, I'M GOING TO HAVE to meet YOU WHERE >> SO, I'M GOING TO HAVE to meet YOU WHERE >> SO, I'M GOING TO HAVE to meet YOU WHERE YOU ARE. I GOT TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE IN YOU ARE. I GOT TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE IN YOU ARE. I GOT TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE IN WHICH YOU UNDERSTAND. MAYBE YOU DON'T WHICH YOU UNDERSTAND. MAYBE YOU DON'T WHICH YOU UNDERSTAND. MAYBE YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND MY LANGUAGE BECAUSE I'M UNDERSTAND MY LANGUAGE BECAUSE I'M UNDERSTAND MY LANGUAGE BECAUSE I'M SPEAKING A LANGUAGE OF A GENERATION IN SPEAKING A LANGUAGE OF A GENERATION IN SPEAKING A LANGUAGE OF A GENERATION IN WHICH IS NOT UNDERSTOOD. THIS IS WHY WHICH IS NOT UNDERSTOOD. THIS IS WHY WHICH IS NOT UNDERSTOOD. THIS IS WHY JESUS WOULD PREACH IN PARABLES. AND WHEN JESUS WOULD PREACH IN PARABLES. AND WHEN JESUS WOULD PREACH IN PARABLES. AND WHEN HE WOULD PREACH IN PARABLES, THERE WERE HE WOULD PREACH IN PARABLES, THERE WERE HE WOULD PREACH IN PARABLES, THERE WERE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANINGS, but SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANINGS, but SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANINGS, but he WOULD BRING IT BACK INTO A CULTURAL he WOULD BRING IT BACK INTO A CULTURAL he WOULD BRING IT BACK INTO A CULTURAL CONTEXT SO THAT IT CAN BE UNDERSTOOD. HE CONTEXT SO THAT IT CAN BE UNDERSTOOD. HE CONTEXT SO THAT IT CAN BE UNDERSTOOD. HE CREATED NARRATIVES and stories AND HE CREATED NARRATIVES and stories AND HE CREATED NARRATIVES and stories AND HE WOULD CONNECT IT TO THE WORD OF GOD AND WOULD CONNECT IT TO THE WORD OF GOD AND WOULD CONNECT IT TO THE WORD OF GOD AND HE WOULD BEGIN TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT IS HE WOULD BEGIN TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT IS HE WOULD BEGIN TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT IS THE MEANING AND WHAT IS THE POINT SO THE MEANING AND WHAT IS THE POINT SO THE MEANING AND WHAT IS THE POINT SO THAT THERE CAN BE LOGICAL SENSE TO THE THAT THERE CAN BE LOGICAL SENSE TO THE THAT THERE CAN BE LOGICAL SENSE TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. And when you and GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. And when you and GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. And when you and I share and speak and when WE PREACH THE I share and speak and when WE PREACH THE I share and speak and when WE PREACH THE WORD, IT IS FOR PEOPLE, WATCH THIS NOW, WORD, IT IS FOR PEOPLE, WATCH THIS NOW, WORD, IT IS FOR PEOPLE, WATCH THIS NOW, TO RECEIVE WHAT WE'VE GOT TO SAY. TO RECEIVE WHAT WE'VE GOT TO SAY. TO RECEIVE WHAT WE'VE GOT TO SAY. WHETHER THEY REJECT IT OR NOT, IS NOT WHETHER THEY REJECT IT OR NOT, IS NOT WHETHER THEY REJECT IT OR NOT, IS NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. THAT belongs to YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. THAT belongs to YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. THAT belongs to them. BUT IT'S NOT FOR ME TO GET IN THE them. BUT IT'S NOT FOR ME TO GET IN THE them. BUT IT'S NOT FOR ME TO GET IN THE WAY OF GOD'S WORD. I DON'T WANT TO SAY WAY OF GOD'S WORD. I DON'T WANT TO SAY WAY OF GOD'S WORD. I DON'T WANT TO SAY IT JUST SO THAT I CAN PROVE MY POINT. I IT JUST SO THAT I CAN PROVE MY POINT. I IT JUST SO THAT I CAN PROVE MY POINT. I WANT TO SAY IT BECAUSE I DEEPLY LOVE YOU WANT TO SAY IT BECAUSE I DEEPLY LOVE YOU WANT TO SAY IT BECAUSE I DEEPLY LOVE YOU AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT I believe CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT I believe CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT I believe is true.

is true. is true. >> All of us are preachers. Did you know >> All of us are preachers. Did you know >> All of us are preachers. Did you know that? that? that? >> Some of us in this room, you're like, >> Some of us in this room, you're like, >> Some of us in this room, you're like, "No, pastor, I am not a preacher." No, "No, pastor, I am not a preacher." No, "No, pastor, I am not a preacher." No, no, no. All of us are preachers. no, no. All of us are preachers. no, no. All of us are preachers. >> I want you TO KNOW THAT A PREACHER IS A >> I want you TO KNOW THAT A PREACHER IS A >> I want you TO KNOW THAT A PREACHER IS A PERSON WHO heralds the news. THAT THERE PERSON WHO heralds the news. THAT THERE PERSON WHO heralds the news. THAT THERE IS A PERSON THAT IS ABLE TO TAKE THE IS A PERSON THAT IS ABLE TO TAKE THE IS A PERSON THAT IS ABLE TO TAKE THE MESSAGE OF THE KING. THIS IS IN BIBLICAL MESSAGE OF THE KING. THIS IS IN BIBLICAL MESSAGE OF THE KING. THIS IS IN BIBLICAL TIMES. THERE WAS AN INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS TIMES. THERE WAS AN INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS TIMES. THERE WAS AN INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS HIS POSITION. HE WOULD HERALD THE HIS POSITION. HE WOULD HERALD THE HIS POSITION. HE WOULD HERALD THE MESSAGE OF THE king and when the king MESSAGE OF THE king and when the king MESSAGE OF THE king and when the king said something he'll lay the message said something he'll lay the message said something he'll lay the message down TO THE INDIVIDUAL. THE INDIVIDUAL down TO THE INDIVIDUAL. THE INDIVIDUAL down TO THE INDIVIDUAL. THE INDIVIDUAL WOULD THEN SHARE THE MESSAGE. THAT IS WOULD THEN SHARE THE MESSAGE. THAT IS WOULD THEN SHARE THE MESSAGE. THAT IS what in Greek MEANS PREACH IT THAT YOU what in Greek MEANS PREACH IT THAT YOU what in Greek MEANS PREACH IT THAT YOU WOULD HERALD THE MESSAGE. WE ARE CALLED WOULD HERALD THE MESSAGE. WE ARE CALLED WOULD HERALD THE MESSAGE. WE ARE CALLED TO HERALD THE MESSAGE TO MAKE AN TO HERALD THE MESSAGE TO MAKE AN TO HERALD THE MESSAGE TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT JESUS IS THE WAY THAT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT JESUS IS THE WAY THAT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT JESUS IS THE WAY THAT JESUS IS THE TRUTH AND THAT JESUS IS THE JESUS IS THE TRUTH AND THAT JESUS IS THE JESUS IS THE TRUTH AND THAT JESUS IS THE LIFE. IT IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PASTOR. IT LIFE. IT IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PASTOR. IT LIFE. IT IS NOT ONLY FOR THE PASTOR. IT IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS TO TESTIFY and to IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS TO TESTIFY and to IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS TO TESTIFY and to WITNESS ON WHO JESUS IS. WITNESS ON WHO JESUS IS. WITNESS ON WHO JESUS IS. WE ARE CALLED. JESUS HIMSELF SAYS GO WE ARE CALLED. JESUS HIMSELF SAYS GO WE ARE CALLED. JESUS HIMSELF SAYS GO PREACH THE GOSPEL AND PREACH IT TO THE PREACH THE GOSPEL AND PREACH IT TO THE PREACH THE GOSPEL AND PREACH IT TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD. AND PREACHING IS NOT ENDS OF THE WORLD. AND PREACHING IS NOT ENDS OF THE WORLD. AND PREACHING IS NOT ONLY ON A PODCAST. YOU CAN PREACH BY ONLY ON A PODCAST. YOU CAN PREACH BY ONLY ON A PODCAST. YOU CAN PREACH BY HAVING COFFEE WITH SOMEBODY. YOU CAN HAVING COFFEE WITH SOMEBODY. YOU CAN HAVING COFFEE WITH SOMEBODY. YOU CAN PREACH BY SENDING A TEXT MESSAGE TO PREACH BY SENDING A TEXT MESSAGE TO PREACH BY SENDING A TEXT MESSAGE TO SOMEBODY. YOU CAN PREACH BY WALKING IN A SOMEBODY. YOU CAN PREACH BY WALKING IN A SOMEBODY. YOU CAN PREACH BY WALKING IN A IN A LOBBY OR IN THE HALLWAY BY LETTING IN A LOBBY OR IN THE HALLWAY BY LETTING IN A LOBBY OR IN THE HALLWAY BY LETTING PEOPLE know the witness of Jesus.

PEOPLE know the witness of Jesus. PEOPLE know the witness of Jesus. >> It's to testify. It's to share the good >> It's to testify. It's to share the good >> It's to testify. It's to share the good news. Paul is saying this, I become all news. Paul is saying this, I become all news. Paul is saying this, I become all things to all people that that by all things to all people that that by all things to all people that that by all means I might save some. means I might save some. means I might save some. If I can just save some. If I can just save some. If I can just save some. If I COULD JUST SAVE SOME. I DON'T KNOW If I COULD JUST SAVE SOME. I DON'T KNOW If I COULD JUST SAVE SOME. I DON'T KNOW WHO'S GOING TO GET SAVED, BUT IF I CAN WHO'S GOING TO GET SAVED, BUT IF I CAN WHO'S GOING TO GET SAVED, BUT IF I CAN JUST SAVE SOME. SO IF I HAVE IF I HAVE A JUST SAVE SOME. SO IF I HAVE IF I HAVE A JUST SAVE SOME. SO IF I HAVE IF I HAVE A A A LARGE AUDIENCE OR A SMALL AUDIENCE A A LARGE AUDIENCE OR A SMALL AUDIENCE A A LARGE AUDIENCE OR A SMALL AUDIENCE AND IF I CAN JUST SAVE SOME WHO ARE AND IF I CAN JUST SAVE SOME WHO ARE AND IF I CAN JUST SAVE SOME WHO ARE listening then to God be the glory. listening then to God be the glory. listening then to God be the glory. >> The Greek word for become means to >> The Greek word for become means to >> The Greek word for become means to assume a posture or adapt one's behavior assume a posture or adapt one's behavior assume a posture or adapt one's behavior appropriately for the sake of another. appropriately for the sake of another. appropriately for the sake of another. To the Jews, Paul became like a Jew. To the Jews, Paul became like a Jew. To the Jews, Paul became like a Jew. To those under the law, he adapted to To those under the law, he adapted to To those under the law, he adapted to their customs. To those outside the law, their customs. To those outside the law, their customs. To those outside the law, he related to them where they were. To he related to them where they were. To he related to them where they were. To the weak, he became weak. Paul was the weak, he became weak. Paul was the weak, he became weak. Paul was telling to adapt his methods without telling to adapt his methods without telling to adapt his methods without compromising God's truth. We've been compromising God's truth. We've been compromising God's truth. We've been saying that many years here at New Life saying that many years here at New Life saying that many years here at New Life Covenant. That is not about the methods.

Covenant. That is not about the methods. Covenant. That is not about the methods. It's about the message. The message It's about the message. The message It's about the message. The message needs to remain the truth. The gospel needs to remain the truth. The gospel needs to remain the truth. The gospel needs to be preached. But how you needs to be preached. But how you needs to be preached. But how you present it can change. how you present present it can change. how you present present it can change. how you present it. With the creativity that God has it. With the creativity that God has it. With the creativity that God has given us, with the opportunities that he given us, with the opportunities that he given us, with the opportunities that he has placed in our hands, we can share has placed in our hands, we can share has placed in our hands, we can share the message. Paul was willing to adapt the message. Paul was willing to adapt the message. Paul was willing to adapt his methods but not compromise God's his methods but not compromise God's his methods but not compromise God's truth. I want to encourage you here truth. I want to encourage you here truth. I want to encourage you here today that don't be discouraged when God today that don't be discouraged when God today that don't be discouraged when God has placed you in an audience in which has placed you in an audience in which has placed you in an audience in which don't serve the God that you serve. HE don't serve the God that you serve. HE don't serve the God that you serve. HE WOULD ADAPT TO TO PEOPLE'S CULTURES. HE WOULD ADAPT TO TO PEOPLE'S CULTURES. HE WOULD ADAPT TO TO PEOPLE'S CULTURES. HE WOULD ADAPT TO THEIR customs and and WOULD ADAPT TO THEIR customs and and WOULD ADAPT TO THEIR customs and and EVEN THEIR PREFERENCES, BUT HE WOULD EVEN THEIR PREFERENCES, BUT HE WOULD EVEN THEIR PREFERENCES, BUT HE WOULD NEVER COMPROMISE God's moral standard. NEVER COMPROMISE God's moral standard. NEVER COMPROMISE God's moral standard. You can be IN AN AUDIENCE OF PEOPLE WHO You can be IN AN AUDIENCE OF PEOPLE WHO You can be IN AN AUDIENCE OF PEOPLE WHO are pagans. YOU CAN BE IN AN AUDIENCE OF are pagans. YOU CAN BE IN AN AUDIENCE OF are pagans. YOU CAN BE IN AN AUDIENCE OF PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SAME FAITH PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SAME FAITH PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SAME FAITH BELIEF SYSTEM. AND THE ONE thing is THAT BELIEF SYSTEM. AND THE ONE thing is THAT BELIEF SYSTEM. AND THE ONE thing is THAT IF THEY COMPROMISE GOD'S MORAL IF THEY COMPROMISE GOD'S MORAL IF THEY COMPROMISE GOD'S MORAL STANDARDS, DOES THAT MEAN YOU NEED TO STANDARDS, DOES THAT MEAN YOU NEED TO STANDARDS, DOES THAT MEAN YOU NEED TO COMPROMISE GOD'S moral standard?

COMPROMISE GOD'S moral standard? COMPROMISE GOD'S moral standard? The message never changes. THE METHOD The message never changes. THE METHOD The message never changes. THE METHOD DOES. PAUL WAS NOT ENDORSING IMMORALITY DOES. PAUL WAS NOT ENDORSING IMMORALITY DOES. PAUL WAS NOT ENDORSING IMMORALITY or compromising THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL. or compromising THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL. or compromising THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL. INSTEAD, HE REFUSED TO PLACE UNNECESSARY INSTEAD, HE REFUSED TO PLACE UNNECESSARY INSTEAD, HE REFUSED TO PLACE UNNECESSARY CULTURAL burdens on people. Matter of CULTURAL burdens on people. Matter of CULTURAL burdens on people. Matter of fact, Timothy, ONE OF THE PEOPLE HE ONE fact, Timothy, ONE OF THE PEOPLE HE ONE fact, Timothy, ONE OF THE PEOPLE HE ONE OF ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS he mentored OF ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS he mentored OF ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS he mentored and and BECAME A POWERFUL PASTOR IN and and BECAME A POWERFUL PASTOR IN and and BECAME A POWERFUL PASTOR IN SCRIPTURE AS HE POURED HIMSELF INTO HIM. SCRIPTURE AS HE POURED HIMSELF INTO HIM. SCRIPTURE AS HE POURED HIMSELF INTO HIM. TIMOTHY'S FATHER WAS A GREEK AND HIS TIMOTHY'S FATHER WAS A GREEK AND HIS TIMOTHY'S FATHER WAS A GREEK AND HIS MOTHER WAS A JEW. AND IN ORDER FOR MOTHER WAS A JEW. AND IN ORDER FOR MOTHER WAS A JEW. AND IN ORDER FOR TIMOTHY TO HAVE THE BANDWIDTH AND THE TIMOTHY TO HAVE THE BANDWIDTH AND THE TIMOTHY TO HAVE THE BANDWIDTH AND THE AND AND AND HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO AND AND AND HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO AND AND AND HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO REACH ALL AUDIENCE UNDERSTANDING THIS REACH ALL AUDIENCE UNDERSTANDING THIS REACH ALL AUDIENCE UNDERSTANDING THIS GUY HAS A GREAT CALL IN his life. The GUY HAS A GREAT CALL IN his life. The GUY HAS A GREAT CALL IN his life. The Bible says that Paul encouraged Timothy Bible says that Paul encouraged Timothy Bible says that Paul encouraged Timothy or encouraged the mom let's get this kid or encouraged the mom let's get this kid or encouraged the mom let's get this kid circumcised. circumcised. circumcised. It was a Jewish custom that after the It was a Jewish custom that after the It was a Jewish custom that after the eighth day the boys will be customi uh eighth day the boys will be customi uh eighth day the boys will be customi uh circumcised. It was it was law in the circumcised. It was it was law in the circumcised. It was it was law in the JEWISH TRADITION. AND PAUL SAID, JEWISH TRADITION. AND PAUL SAID, JEWISH TRADITION. AND PAUL SAID, "Because "Because "Because I want more for Timothy." And I believe I want more for Timothy." And I believe I want more for Timothy." And I believe that Timothy can reach not only the that Timothy can reach not only the that Timothy can reach not only the Greeks, not only the Gentiles, but he Greeks, not only the Gentiles, but he Greeks, not only the Gentiles, but he can also reach the Jews. Let's position can also reach the Jews. Let's position can also reach the Jews. Let's position him so that he can sta stand in front of him so that he can sta stand in front of him so that he can sta stand in front of an audience in which if they would ever an audience in which if they would ever an audience in which if they would ever question, question, question, he can respond and say that I have been he can respond and say that I have been he can respond and say that I have been circumcised. He did not pressure circumcised. He did not pressure circumcised. He did not pressure Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs. Nor Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs. Nor Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs. Nor did he shame Jewish believers for did he shame Jewish believers for did he shame Jewish believers for continuing to practice their tradition.

continuing to practice their tradition. continuing to practice their tradition. Paul demonstrated that Jewish believers Paul demonstrated that Jewish believers Paul demonstrated that Jewish believers could remain FAITHFUL TO THEIR CULTURAL could remain FAITHFUL TO THEIR CULTURAL could remain FAITHFUL TO THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE AS LONG AS THOSE CUSTOMS WERE HERITAGE AS LONG AS THOSE CUSTOMS WERE HERITAGE AS LONG AS THOSE CUSTOMS WERE NOT TREATED AS A REQUIREMENT FOR NOT TREATED AS A REQUIREMENT FOR NOT TREATED AS A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION or allowed to compromise THE SALVATION or allowed to compromise THE SALVATION or allowed to compromise THE GOSPEL. MANY OF US, WE HAVE DIFFERENT GOSPEL. MANY OF US, WE HAVE DIFFERENT GOSPEL. MANY OF US, WE HAVE DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, DIFFERENT STYLES CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, DIFFERENT STYLES CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, DIFFERENT STYLES OF FOOD THAT WE EAT, DIFFERENT OF FOOD THAT WE EAT, DIFFERENT OF FOOD THAT WE EAT, DIFFERENT UPBRINGINGS. WE'VE GREW UP IN DIFFERENT UPBRINGINGS. WE'VE GREW UP IN DIFFERENT UPBRINGINGS. WE'VE GREW UP IN DIFFERENT LANDS, AND WE HAVE THIS TRADITION THAT LANDS, AND WE HAVE THIS TRADITION THAT LANDS, AND WE HAVE THIS TRADITION THAT WE CARRY. THERE AIN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH WE CARRY. THERE AIN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH WE CARRY. THERE AIN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH WITH CELEBRATING CERTAIN TRADITIONS. WITH CELEBRATING CERTAIN TRADITIONS. WITH CELEBRATING CERTAIN TRADITIONS. as long as it doesn't compromise the as long as it doesn't compromise the as long as it doesn't compromise the gospel, as long as that IT DOESN'T gospel, as long as that IT DOESN'T gospel, as long as that IT DOESN'T INTERFERE WITH SALVATION. HIS FOCUS WAS INTERFERE WITH SALVATION. HIS FOCUS WAS INTERFERE WITH SALVATION. HIS FOCUS WAS ALWAYS ON REMOVING BARRIERS TO CHRIST ALWAYS ON REMOVING BARRIERS TO CHRIST ALWAYS ON REMOVING BARRIERS TO CHRIST WHILE REMAINING UNWAVERING IN BIBLICAL WHILE REMAINING UNWAVERING IN BIBLICAL WHILE REMAINING UNWAVERING IN BIBLICAL TRUTH. WHAT BARRIERS CAN I REMOVE SO TRUTH. WHAT BARRIERS CAN I REMOVE SO TRUTH. WHAT BARRIERS CAN I REMOVE SO THAT truth can prevail? THAT truth can prevail? THAT truth can prevail? Many of us may understand this that Many of us may understand this that Many of us may understand this that growing up in church that there were growing up in church that there were growing up in church that there were there were legalistic CHURCHES WHERE there were legalistic CHURCHES WHERE there were legalistic CHURCHES WHERE NOBODY CAN CAN DO CERTAIN THINGS AND IF NOBODY CAN CAN DO CERTAIN THINGS AND IF NOBODY CAN CAN DO CERTAIN THINGS AND IF YOU DID IT THEN YOU WILL BE sent to YOU DID IT THEN YOU WILL BE sent to YOU DID IT THEN YOU WILL BE sent to hell. A person walking into THE hell. A person walking into THE hell. A person walking into THE SANCTUARY WITH A HAT ON WILL BE SENT TO SANCTUARY WITH A HAT ON WILL BE SENT TO SANCTUARY WITH A HAT ON WILL BE SENT TO HELL. A woman THAT WOULD WEAR PANTS IN HELL. A woman THAT WOULD WEAR PANTS IN HELL. A woman THAT WOULD WEAR PANTS IN CHURCH WILL BE SENT TO HELL. GOD FORBID CHURCH WILL BE SENT TO HELL. GOD FORBID CHURCH WILL BE SENT TO HELL. GOD FORBID IF YOU GET A TATTOO, YOU WOULD GO TO IF YOU GET A TATTOO, YOU WOULD GO TO IF YOU GET A TATTOO, YOU WOULD GO TO HELL. AND THEY BEGAN TO PLACE THESE HELL. AND THEY BEGAN TO PLACE THESE HELL. AND THEY BEGAN TO PLACE THESE LAWS, THESE TRADITIONS, THESE CULTURAL LAWS, THESE TRADITIONS, THESE CULTURAL LAWS, THESE TRADITIONS, THESE CULTURAL UH PRACTICES AND FORCED THIS UPON THEM.

UH PRACTICES AND FORCED THIS UPON THEM. UH PRACTICES AND FORCED THIS UPON THEM. AND THEY STARTED TO MAKE SECONDARY AND THEY STARTED TO MAKE SECONDARY AND THEY STARTED TO MAKE SECONDARY THINGS PRIMARY. I WANT TO TELL YOU HERE THINGS PRIMARY. I WANT TO TELL YOU HERE THINGS PRIMARY. I WANT TO TELL YOU HERE TODAY THAT THE PRIMARY THING YOU AND I TODAY THAT THE PRIMARY THING YOU AND I TODAY THAT THE PRIMARY THING YOU AND I NEED TO BE FOCUSED ON IS DO YOU BELIEVE NEED TO BE FOCUSED ON IS DO YOU BELIEVE NEED TO BE FOCUSED ON IS DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD AND THAT THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD AND THAT THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD AND THAT JESUS IS GOD INCARNATE? THAT IS PRIMARY. JESUS IS GOD INCARNATE? THAT IS PRIMARY. JESUS IS GOD INCARNATE? THAT IS PRIMARY. THAT IS ABOUT SALVATION AND ALL OF THE THAT IS ABOUT SALVATION AND ALL OF THE THAT IS ABOUT SALVATION AND ALL OF THE SECONDARY THINGS THERE CAN BE SECONDARY THINGS THERE CAN BE SECONDARY THINGS THERE CAN BE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT. BUT CAN WE FALL IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT. BUT CAN WE FALL IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT. BUT CAN WE FALL IN LINE AND UNDERSTAND THAT JESUS IS THE LINE AND UNDERSTAND THAT JESUS IS THE LINE AND UNDERSTAND THAT JESUS IS THE WAY THAT JESUS IS THE TRUTH AND THAT WAY THAT JESUS IS THE TRUTH AND THAT WAY THAT JESUS IS THE TRUTH AND THAT JESUS IS THE LIFE AND THAT NO ONE COMES JESUS IS THE LIFE AND THAT NO ONE COMES JESUS IS THE LIFE AND THAT NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT through TO THE FATHER EXCEPT through TO THE FATHER EXCEPT through >> him. Jesus is why we gather together. If Jesus is why we gather together. If you're wondering what type of church we you're wondering what type of church we you're wondering what type of church we are, we are Jesus church. We're Jesus are, we are Jesus church. We're Jesus are, we are Jesus church. We're Jesus followers. We're Jesus worshippers. We followers. We're Jesus worshippers. We followers. We're Jesus worshippers. We don't believe THAT JESUS WAS JUST a don't believe THAT JESUS WAS JUST a don't believe THAT JESUS WAS JUST a teacher. We believe that he is God. teacher. We believe that he is God. teacher. We believe that he is God. >> We believe that HE IS GOD INCARNATE. IN >> We believe that HE IS GOD INCARNATE. IN >> We believe that HE IS GOD INCARNATE. IN OTHER WORDS, HE IS GOD THAT CAME FROM OTHER WORDS, HE IS GOD THAT CAME FROM OTHER WORDS, HE IS GOD THAT CAME FROM HEAVEN AND HE THREW ON SOME FLESH AND HE HEAVEN AND HE THREW ON SOME FLESH AND HE HEAVEN AND HE THREW ON SOME FLESH AND HE LIVED ON THIS EARTH FOR 33 YEARS. AND LIVED ON THIS EARTH FOR 33 YEARS. AND LIVED ON THIS EARTH FOR 33 YEARS. AND FOR THREE YEARS OF HIS LIFE, HE FOR THREE YEARS OF HIS LIFE, HE FOR THREE YEARS OF HIS LIFE, HE DEDICATED INTO FULL-TIME MINISTRY WHERE DEDICATED INTO FULL-TIME MINISTRY WHERE DEDICATED INTO FULL-TIME MINISTRY WHERE HE LIVED his life FOR US.

HE LIVED his life FOR US. HE LIVED his life FOR US. HE DIED TO himself HE DIED TO himself HE DIED TO himself and he did it so that we can be saved. and he did it so that we can be saved. and he did it so that we can be saved. We are benefiting off of Jesus We are benefiting off of Jesus We are benefiting off of Jesus sacrifice. We are benefiting off Jesus sacrifice. We are benefiting off Jesus sacrifice. We are benefiting off Jesus surrender. His focus, Paul's focus was surrender. His focus, Paul's focus was surrender. His focus, Paul's focus was always on removing barriers. What always on removing barriers. What always on removing barriers. What barriers do you need to remove in your barriers do you need to remove in your barriers do you need to remove in your life as you are sharing and being a life as you are sharing and being a life as you are sharing and being a witness to people? witness to people? witness to people? WELL, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE WELL, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE WELL, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU START THINKING about is why am WHEN YOU START THINKING about is why am WHEN YOU START THINKING about is why am I making this a primary thing when in I making this a primary thing when in I making this a primary thing when in reality it's not primary. reality it's not primary. reality it's not primary. This is not a salvation conversation. This is not a salvation conversation. This is not a salvation conversation. This is not something that we should we This is not something that we should we This is not something that we should we should put our swords down on and say should put our swords down on and say should put our swords down on and say and make it about salvation when it is and make it about salvation when it is and make it about salvation when it is not I want to be able to move all types not I want to be able to move all types not I want to be able to move all types of obstacles. I want people to meet of obstacles. I want people to meet of obstacles. I want people to meet Jesus. I'm not trying to compromise Jesus. I'm not trying to compromise Jesus. I'm not trying to compromise anything, but I want to be able to anything, but I want to be able to anything, but I want to be able to create a pathway where Jesus can change. create a pathway where Jesus can change. create a pathway where Jesus can change. And I want to hear I want to tell you And I want to hear I want to tell you And I want to hear I want to tell you this. It's not you that changes people.

this. It's not you that changes people. this. It's not you that changes people. It is the spirit of God that changes It is the spirit of God that changes It is the spirit of God that changes people. people. people. Th this is why people that you love, Th this is why people that you love, Th this is why people that you love, people that have people that have people that have people that have people that have people that have throughout churches and ministries and throughout churches and ministries and throughout churches and ministries and life and leaders, this is why people can life and leaders, this is why people can life and leaders, this is why people can can have so much influence because the can have so much influence because the can have so much influence because the spirit of God that is in them, God would spirit of God that is in them, God would spirit of God that is in them, God would use them. But on the flip side of it, use them. But on the flip side of it, use them. But on the flip side of it, that same God that is used by God can that same God that is used by God can that same God that is used by God can also fall short of the glory of God. also fall short of the glory of God. also fall short of the glory of God. Even though the man falls or the woman Even though the man falls or the woman Even though the man falls or the woman falls, guess what? The word of God never falls, guess what? The word of God never falls, guess what? The word of God never falls. The word of God is still true. It falls. The word of God is still true. It falls. The word of God is still true. It is the word of God that brings is the word of God that brings is the word of God that brings transformation, not the pastor. It is transformation, not the pastor. It is transformation, not the pastor. It is THE WORD OF GOD THAT BRINGS CHANGE, not THE WORD OF GOD THAT BRINGS CHANGE, not THE WORD OF GOD THAT BRINGS CHANGE, not the pastor. Sin is still sin. THE GOSPEL the pastor. Sin is still sin. THE GOSPEL the pastor. Sin is still sin. THE GOSPEL REMAINS THE GOSPEL. SO HERE HERE'S THE REMAINS THE GOSPEL. SO HERE HERE'S THE REMAINS THE GOSPEL. SO HERE HERE'S THE QUESTION. HOW DO WE BECOME all things to QUESTION. HOW DO WE BECOME all things to QUESTION. HOW DO WE BECOME all things to all people for the sake of the gospel all people for the sake of the gospel all people for the sake of the gospel without compromising who we are in without compromising who we are in without compromising who we are in Christ? Number one is this. Become more Christ? Number one is this. Become more Christ? Number one is this. Become more like Christ. like Christ. like Christ. As a Christian, you want to become more As a Christian, you want to become more As a Christian, you want to become more like who?

like who? like who? >> You want to become more like Christ. You >> You want to become more like Christ. You >> You want to become more like Christ. You want to be able to study Jesus. You want want to be able to study Jesus. You want want to be able to study Jesus. You want to be able to see how did Jesus move on to be able to see how did Jesus move on to be able to see how did Jesus move on this earth. What did Jesus say? What this earth. What did Jesus say? What this earth. What did Jesus say? What what did the disciples say about him what did the disciples say about him what did the disciples say about him that were closest to Jesus? How do they that were closest to Jesus? How do they that were closest to Jesus? How do they interpret their experience with him? interpret their experience with him? interpret their experience with him? We want to become more like Jesus. We want to become more like Jesus. We want to become more like Jesus. Before we became all things or become Before we became all things or become Before we became all things or become all things to all people, we must first all things to all people, we must first all things to all people, we must first become more like him. And in Romans become more like him. And in Romans become more like him. And in Romans 8:29, it says it this way. For God knew 8:29, it says it this way. For God knew 8:29, it says it this way. For God knew his people in advance and he chose them his people in advance and he chose them his people in advance and he chose them to become like his son. to become like his son. to become like his son. God the father knew and through his God the father knew and through his God the father knew and through his knowledge the one individual the one knowledge the one individual the one knowledge the one individual the one person the one figure the one God in person the one figure the one God in person the one figure the one God in WHICH HE IS TELLING ALL OF US TO MODEL WHICH HE IS TELLING ALL OF US TO MODEL WHICH HE IS TELLING ALL OF US TO MODEL AFTER is Jesus he is telling us to learn AFTER is Jesus he is telling us to learn AFTER is Jesus he is telling us to learn TO UNDERSTAND TO follow his son that we TO UNDERSTAND TO follow his son that we TO UNDERSTAND TO follow his son that we are image barrier bar be barriers OF HIS are image barrier bar be barriers OF HIS are image barrier bar be barriers OF HIS GLORY THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY TO BECOME GLORY THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY TO BECOME GLORY THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY TO BECOME RELATABLE IT'S NOT ABOUT becoming RELATABLE IT'S NOT ABOUT becoming RELATABLE IT'S NOT ABOUT becoming relatable to people. It It DOESN'T END relatable to people. It It DOESN'T END relatable to people. It It DOESN'T END THERE. THE GOAL IS TO BECOME CHRISTLIKE.

THERE. THE GOAL IS TO BECOME CHRISTLIKE. THERE. THE GOAL IS TO BECOME CHRISTLIKE. I want people to see Jesus in me. I want I want people to see Jesus in me. I want I want people to see Jesus in me. I want people to see how TO RESPOND IN PRESSURE people to see how TO RESPOND IN PRESSURE people to see how TO RESPOND IN PRESSURE TIMES. I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THE GOD THAT TIMES. I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THE GOD THAT TIMES. I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THE GOD THAT I SERVE IN A WAY THAT IS NOT CONSISTENT I SERVE IN A WAY THAT IS NOT CONSISTENT I SERVE IN A WAY THAT IS NOT CONSISTENT TO HOW THE world looks. MY MODEL IS TO HOW THE world looks. MY MODEL IS TO HOW THE world looks. MY MODEL IS JESUS. I WANT TO THINK LIKE JESUS. I JESUS. I WANT TO THINK LIKE JESUS. I JESUS. I WANT TO THINK LIKE JESUS. I WANT MY HEART POSTURE TO BE LIKE JESUS. WANT MY HEART POSTURE TO BE LIKE JESUS. WANT MY HEART POSTURE TO BE LIKE JESUS. AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, WE ALL SHOULD AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, WE ALL SHOULD AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, WE ALL SHOULD HAVE A DESIRE TO BE LIKE HIM. HAVE you HAVE A DESIRE TO BE LIKE HIM. HAVE you HAVE A DESIRE TO BE LIKE HIM. HAVE you ever looked UP TO SOMEBODY? MAYBE YOU'RE ever looked UP TO SOMEBODY? MAYBE YOU'RE ever looked UP TO SOMEBODY? MAYBE YOU'RE IN A PROFESSION AND YOU'VE GOT SO MUCH IN A PROFESSION AND YOU'VE GOT SO MUCH IN A PROFESSION AND YOU'VE GOT SO MUCH RESPECT FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS RESPECT FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS RESPECT FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SUCCEEDED. AND THE REASON YOU HAVE SO SUCCEEDED. AND THE REASON YOU HAVE SO SUCCEEDED. AND THE REASON YOU HAVE SO MUCH SUCCESS IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE seen MUCH SUCCESS IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE seen MUCH SUCCESS IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE seen what they have accomplished. what they have accomplished. what they have accomplished. I want to be like Jesus. I want to serve I want to be like Jesus. I want to serve I want to be like Jesus. I want to serve like Jesus. I want to think like him. SO like Jesus. I want to think like him. SO like Jesus. I want to think like him. SO THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY JUST TRYING TO BE THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY JUST TRYING TO BE THE GOAL IS NOT SIMPLY JUST TRYING TO BE relatable to people. It's it's TO IS THE relatable to people. It's it's TO IS THE relatable to people. It's it's TO IS THE GOAL IS TO BE CHRISTLIKE. I WANT PEOPLE GOAL IS TO BE CHRISTLIKE. I WANT PEOPLE GOAL IS TO BE CHRISTLIKE. I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THE God inside of me. CHRIST TO SEE THE God inside of me. CHRIST TO SEE THE God inside of me. CHRIST LIKENESS IS NOT ABOUT BECOMING MORE LIKENESS IS NOT ABOUT BECOMING MORE LIKENESS IS NOT ABOUT BECOMING MORE RELIGIOUS. SO IF YOU'RE THINKING, WELL, RELIGIOUS. SO IF YOU'RE THINKING, WELL, RELIGIOUS. SO IF YOU'RE THINKING, WELL, HOW DO I BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST? IT'S HOW DO I BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST? IT'S HOW DO I BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST? IT'S NOT ABOUT GOING TO CHURCH MORE.

NOT ABOUT GOING TO CHURCH MORE. NOT ABOUT GOING TO CHURCH MORE. I want you to know IT'S ABOUT GOING TO I want you to know IT'S ABOUT GOING TO I want you to know IT'S ABOUT GOING TO JESUS MORE. JESUS MORE. JESUS MORE. And church can be a means in which YOU And church can be a means in which YOU And church can be a means in which YOU CAN GROW YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. CAN GROW YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. CAN GROW YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. YOU YOU WANT TO BE ABLE NOT ONLY TO READ YOU YOU WANT TO BE ABLE NOT ONLY TO READ YOU YOU WANT TO BE ABLE NOT ONLY TO READ THE WORD, BUT YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO ASK THE WORD, BUT YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO ASK THE WORD, BUT YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO ASK THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO REVEAL THE TRUTH OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO REVEAL THE TRUTH OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO REVEAL THE TRUTH OF THE WORD. I don't want to read the word THE WORD. I don't want to read the word THE WORD. I don't want to read the word just to read it. I want to read the word just to read it. I want to read the word just to read it. I want to read the word so that it can disciple me, SO THAT IT so that it can disciple me, SO THAT IT so that it can disciple me, SO THAT IT CAN SHAPE THE WAY THAT I THINK, SO IT CAN SHAPE THE WAY THAT I THINK, SO IT CAN SHAPE THE WAY THAT I THINK, SO IT CAN SHAPE THE WAY THAT I FEEL. JUST THE CAN SHAPE THE WAY THAT I FEEL. JUST THE CAN SHAPE THE WAY THAT I FEEL. JUST THE OTHER DAY, I I came home and there was a OTHER DAY, I I came home and there was a OTHER DAY, I I came home and there was a lot of things that were in my mind and I lot of things that were in my mind and I lot of things that were in my mind and I had a lot of energy and I went to my had a lot of energy and I went to my had a lot of energy and I went to my wife. I said, "Babe, uh, I'm gonna I'm wife. I said, "Babe, uh, I'm gonna I'm wife. I said, "Babe, uh, I'm gonna I'm gonna take a walk outside and and I gonna take a walk outside and and I gonna take a walk outside and and I started walking outside and I put on my started walking outside and I put on my started walking outside and I put on my headphones and I started listening to headphones and I started listening to headphones and I started listening to worship music. I just needed to change worship music. I just needed to change worship music. I just needed to change the the the atmosphere where I felt like the the the atmosphere where I felt like the the the atmosphere where I felt like I was just feeling a little bit a little I was just feeling a little bit a little I was just feeling a little bit a little bit down. So, I shifted that and I bit down. So, I shifted that and I bit down. So, I shifted that and I started worshiping the Lord and I came started worshiping the Lord and I came started worshiping the Lord and I came back into the house and I WENT TO MY back into the house and I WENT TO MY back into the house and I WENT TO MY BACKYARD AND I OPENED up the word and I BACKYARD AND I OPENED up the word and I BACKYARD AND I OPENED up the word and I started underlining and I started started underlining and I started started underlining and I started reading and I started studying and I reading and I started studying and I reading and I started studying and I start and I and it hit me. I said, "Oh start and I and it hit me. I said, "Oh start and I and it hit me. I said, "Oh my God, I PREACH THIS ALL THE TIME." BUT my God, I PREACH THIS ALL THE TIME." BUT my God, I PREACH THIS ALL THE TIME." BUT THE TRUTH IS the answer of my next step THE TRUTH IS the answer of my next step THE TRUTH IS the answer of my next step is in the is in the is in the >> word. And many of us are like, "God, I >> word. And many of us are like, "God, I >> word. And many of us are like, "God, I want to hear from you. Have you gotten want to hear from you. Have you gotten want to hear from you. Have you gotten into his into his into his >> you got to you got to you got to go in >> you got to you got to you got to go in >> you got to you got to you got to go in it.

it. it. >> You got to read it. YOU GOT TO STAY IN >> You got to read it. YOU GOT TO STAY IN >> You got to read it. YOU GOT TO STAY IN IT. IT. IT. Have Have you ever ate food so fast that Have Have you ever ate food so fast that Have Have you ever ate food so fast that you were like, "Man, I don't even know you were like, "Man, I don't even know you were like, "Man, I don't even know how it tasted." how it tasted." how it tasted." Like, you were so hungry. Like, you were so hungry. Like, you were so hungry. >> No. No. You You want to You want to >> No. No. You You want to You want to >> No. No. You You want to You want to taste it? taste it? taste it? >> Get get all the flavors out of that word >> Get get all the flavors out of that word >> Get get all the flavors out of that word and begin to lean in and say, "Okay, and begin to lean in and say, "Okay, and begin to lean in and say, "Okay, God, I don't want to leave." And maybe God, I don't want to leave." And maybe God, I don't want to leave." And maybe this is day one to another day. This is this is day one to another day. This is this is day one to another day. This is what Jacob did. Jacob when he wrestled what Jacob did. Jacob when he wrestled what Jacob did. Jacob when he wrestled with God, the Bible says that that he with God, the Bible says that that he with God, the Bible says that that he was there all night. And sometimes it's was there all night. And sometimes it's was there all night. And sometimes it's going to require this intentional uh uh going to require this intentional uh uh going to require this intentional uh uh intentional uh approach to God so that intentional uh approach to God so that intentional uh approach to God so that you can say, "God, I can't leave until you can say, "God, I can't leave until you can say, "God, I can't leave until you give me a word. I I need a divine you give me a word. I I need a divine you give me a word. I I need a divine word. I need a revelationary word. I word. I need a revelationary word. I word. I need a revelationary word. I need a word. Not not that it comes from need a word. Not not that it comes from need a word. Not not that it comes from man. I need a word THAT COMES FROM GOD. man. I need a word THAT COMES FROM GOD. man. I need a word THAT COMES FROM GOD. IT NEEDS TO BE DIVINE re revelation. IT NEEDS TO BE DIVINE re revelation. IT NEEDS TO BE DIVINE re revelation. Christlike. It's not about just just Christlike. It's not about just just Christlike. It's not about just just going to church or just reading." And going to church or just reading." And going to church or just reading." And those those are those are access points those those are those are access points those those are those are access points to your meeting Jesus. There's more to to your meeting Jesus. There's more to to your meeting Jesus. There's more to it. Christlike people die to self it. Christlike people die to self it. Christlike people die to self instead of living for themselves.

instead of living for themselves. instead of living for themselves. Christlike people serve instead of Christlike people serve instead of Christlike people serve instead of seeking to be served. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE seeking to be served. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE seeking to be served. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE ARE SACRIFICIAL RATHER THAN SELFENTERED. ARE SACRIFICIAL RATHER THAN SELFENTERED. ARE SACRIFICIAL RATHER THAN SELFENTERED. Christlike people ARE DRIVEN BY THE Christlike people ARE DRIVEN BY THE Christlike people ARE DRIVEN BY THE father's mission, not personal ambition. father's mission, not personal ambition. father's mission, not personal ambition. Christlike people extend grace even when Christlike people extend grace even when Christlike people extend grace even when it's deserved or isn't deserved. it's deserved or isn't deserved. it's deserved or isn't deserved. Christlike people show mercy INSTEAD OF Christlike people show mercy INSTEAD OF Christlike people show mercy INSTEAD OF CONDEMNATION. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE are CONDEMNATION. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE are CONDEMNATION. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE are moved with compassion towards the moved with compassion towards the moved with compassion towards the hurting. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE ARE hurting. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE ARE hurting. CHRISTLIKE PEOPLE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD'S KINGDOM AND THE PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD'S KINGDOM AND THE PASSIONATE ABOUT GOD'S KINGDOM AND THE salvation of people. Christlike people salvation of people. Christlike people salvation of people. Christlike people walk in humility instead of pride. walk in humility instead of pride. walk in humility instead of pride. Christlike people speak truth in love. Christlike people speak truth in love. Christlike people speak truth in love. Christlike people forgive as they have Christlike people forgive as they have Christlike people forgive as they have been forgiven. I want to not only read been forgiven. I want to not only read been forgiven. I want to not only read what can change me. I want to apply what what can change me. I want to apply what what can change me. I want to apply what can change me. I want to be able to see can change me. I want to be able to see can change me. I want to be able to see the full circle in my life. I want to the full circle in my life. I want to the full circle in my life. I want to see the fruit of my intentionality. I see the fruit of my intentionality. I see the fruit of my intentionality. I want to see the word of God come to want to see the word of God come to want to see the word of God come to life. I'm tired of talking about other life. I'm tired of talking about other life. I'm tired of talking about other people's miracles. I want to talk about people's miracles. I want to talk about people's miracles. I want to talk about the miracle in my life. I WANT TO TALK the miracle in my life. I WANT TO TALK the miracle in my life. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE WALKING ON WATER EXPERIENCE OF ABOUT THE WALKING ON WATER EXPERIENCE OF ABOUT THE WALKING ON WATER EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. I HEAR IT FROM HER. I HEAR IT MY LIFE. I HEAR IT FROM HER. I HEAR IT MY LIFE. I HEAR IT FROM HER. I HEAR IT FROM HIM. I HEAR IT FROM THEM. BUT I FROM HIM. I HEAR IT FROM THEM. BUT I FROM HIM. I HEAR IT FROM THEM. BUT I WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IF WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IF WANT TO BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IF I READ MY BIBLE CORRECTLY, THE SAME GOD I READ MY BIBLE CORRECTLY, THE SAME GOD I READ MY BIBLE CORRECTLY, THE SAME GOD THAT THEY SERVE IS THE SAME GOD THAT I THAT THEY SERVE IS THE SAME GOD THAT I THAT THEY SERVE IS THE SAME GOD THAT I SERVE. IF I READ MY BIBLE CORRECTLY, SERVE. IF I READ MY BIBLE CORRECTLY, SERVE. IF I READ MY BIBLE CORRECTLY, THERE ISN'T MULTIPLE FATHERS. THERE'S THERE ISN'T MULTIPLE FATHERS. THERE'S THERE ISN'T MULTIPLE FATHERS. THERE'S ONLY ONE FATHER. AND WE ALL SHARE THE ONLY ONE FATHER. AND WE ALL SHARE THE ONLY ONE FATHER. AND WE ALL SHARE THE SAME FATHER. AND IF I SHALL HAVE A NEED,

SAME FATHER. AND IF I SHALL HAVE A NEED, SAME FATHER. AND IF I SHALL HAVE A NEED, THEN THE BIBLE SAYS, "THEN I CAN ASK AS THEN THE BIBLE SAYS, "THEN I CAN ASK AS THEN THE BIBLE SAYS, "THEN I CAN ASK AS A CHILD. ASK HIS FATHER AND HE SHALL A CHILD. ASK HIS FATHER AND HE SHALL A CHILD. ASK HIS FATHER AND HE SHALL GIVE IT UNTO YOU." GIVE IT UNTO YOU." GIVE IT UNTO YOU." BEING CHRISTLIKE DOES NOT MEAN ACCEPTING BEING CHRISTLIKE DOES NOT MEAN ACCEPTING BEING CHRISTLIKE DOES NOT MEAN ACCEPTING OR TOLERATING OR CELEBRATING SIN. OR TOLERATING OR CELEBRATING SIN. OR TOLERATING OR CELEBRATING SIN. JESUS WELCOMED SINNERS, BUT HE NEVER JESUS WELCOMED SINNERS, BUT HE NEVER JESUS WELCOMED SINNERS, BUT HE NEVER AFFIRMED THEIR SIN. I'M GOING TO SAY AFFIRMED THEIR SIN. I'M GOING TO SAY AFFIRMED THEIR SIN. I'M GOING TO SAY THAT AGAIN. HE WELCOMED SINNERS, BUT HE THAT AGAIN. HE WELCOMED SINNERS, BUT HE THAT AGAIN. HE WELCOMED SINNERS, BUT HE never affirmed their sin. never affirmed their sin. never affirmed their sin. >> The number ONE FLAG THAT YOU OUGHT TO >> The number ONE FLAG THAT YOU OUGHT TO >> The number ONE FLAG THAT YOU OUGHT TO lift up is the flag of righteousness. lift up is the flag of righteousness. lift up is the flag of righteousness. The the number ONE The the number ONE The the number ONE JOY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR HEART JOY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR HEART JOY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR HEART IS NOT THAT YOU'RE THE SPECIFIC IS NOT THAT YOU'RE THE SPECIFIC IS NOT THAT YOU'RE THE SPECIFIC NATIONALITY, BUT THE NUMBER ONE JOY THAT NATIONALITY, BUT THE NUMBER ONE JOY THAT NATIONALITY, BUT THE NUMBER ONE JOY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR heart YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR heart YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR heart that you're a son or you're a daughter that you're a son or you're a daughter that you're a son or you're a daughter of God. of God. of God. You should carry that with joy. YOU You should carry that with joy. YOU You should carry that with joy. YOU SHOULD WALK WITH HUMILITY THAT GOD WAS SHOULD WALK WITH HUMILITY THAT GOD WAS SHOULD WALK WITH HUMILITY THAT GOD WAS WILLING TO GO TO THE EXTENT THAT HE WENT WILLING TO GO TO THE EXTENT THAT HE WENT WILLING TO GO TO THE EXTENT THAT HE WENT SO that we can have relationship with SO that we can have relationship with SO that we can have relationship with him.

him. him. WE SHOULD DENY THE VOICES OF THE ENEMY WE SHOULD DENY THE VOICES OF THE ENEMY WE SHOULD DENY THE VOICES OF THE ENEMY THAT TRIES TO TELL US OTHERWISE AND THAT TRIES TO TELL US OTHERWISE AND THAT TRIES TO TELL US OTHERWISE AND ACCEPT THE WORD OF GOD THAT HIS PROMISE ACCEPT THE WORD OF GOD THAT HIS PROMISE ACCEPT THE WORD OF GOD THAT HIS PROMISE SUPERSEDES ALL OF THE LIES FROM THE PIT SUPERSEDES ALL OF THE LIES FROM THE PIT SUPERSEDES ALL OF THE LIES FROM THE PIT of hell. THAT OUGHT TO WALK WITH THE of hell. THAT OUGHT TO WALK WITH THE of hell. THAT OUGHT TO WALK WITH THE FAITH KNOWING THAT IF GOD SAID IT, THAT FAITH KNOWING THAT IF GOD SAID IT, THAT FAITH KNOWING THAT IF GOD SAID IT, THAT IT SHALL COME TO PASS AND THY WILL BE IT SHALL COME TO PASS AND THY WILL BE IT SHALL COME TO PASS AND THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. THAT DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. THAT DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. THAT NO MATTER WHAT, I'M GOING TO TRUST HIM. NO MATTER WHAT, I'M GOING TO TRUST HIM. NO MATTER WHAT, I'M GOING TO TRUST HIM. PAUL, PAUL, PAUL, he adapted because he wanted people to he adapted because he wanted people to he adapted because he wanted people to meet Jesus. He adapted his methods, but meet Jesus. He adapted his methods, but meet Jesus. He adapted his methods, but he never altered his message. He was he never altered his message. He was he never altered his message. He was willing to change his approach, but he willing to change his approach, but he willing to change his approach, but he was never willing to change the truth of was never willing to change the truth of was never willing to change the truth of the gospel. We are called to meet people the gospel. We are called to meet people the gospel. We are called to meet people where they are, but we must love them where they are, but we must love them where they are, but we must love them enough, watch this now, to help them enough, watch this now, to help them enough, watch this now, to help them become who God has called them to be. become who God has called them to be. become who God has called them to be. Our freedom in Christ was never given so Our freedom in Christ was never given so Our freedom in Christ was never given so we can indulge ourselves. It was never we can indulge ourselves. It was never we can indulge ourselves. It was never for us. for us. for us. There there there's a conviction at There there there's a conviction at There there there's a conviction at times when I sit back and I think about times when I sit back and I think about times when I sit back and I think about it and sometimes we talk this way when it and sometimes we talk this way when it and sometimes we talk this way when we come to church. Man, I love we come to church. Man, I love we come to church. Man, I love the worship team. Oh, I love Pastor D the worship team. Oh, I love Pastor D the worship team. Oh, I love Pastor D and I love when he preaches. See, I want and I love when he preaches. See, I want and I love when he preaches. See, I want us to change the narrative and and us to change the narrative and and us to change the narrative and and talking about the things that we threw, talking about the things that we threw, talking about the things that we threw, the methods that we threw and use the the methods that we threw and use the the methods that we threw and use the word love and connect next to it. I want word love and connect next to it. I want word love and connect next to it. I want our language to be this way. I love to our language to be this way. I love to our language to be this way. I love to be in the presence of God

be in the presence of God be in the presence of God >> because rather they're free worship or >> because rather they're free worship or >> because rather they're free worship or not, worship is worship. And the Bible not, worship is worship. And the Bible not, worship is worship. And the Bible says to worship him in spirit and in says to worship him in spirit and in says to worship him in spirit and in truth. So if you have a band or if truth. So if you have a band or if truth. So if you have a band or if you're in your car or if you're in your you're in your car or if you're in your you're in your car or if you're in your home, worship is worship. Worship is home, worship is worship. Worship is home, worship is worship. Worship is more than the song that is sung. Worship more than the song that is sung. Worship more than the song that is sung. Worship is a mindset. Worship is a life. Worship is a mindset. Worship is a life. Worship is a mindset. Worship is a life. Worship is obedience. When you love your wife is obedience. When you love your wife is obedience. When you love your wife the way that Christ loves the church, the way that Christ loves the church, the way that Christ loves the church, you are worshiping God. When you live a you are worshiping God. When you live a you are worshiping God. When you live a life of liberation here on earth, life of liberation here on earth, life of liberation here on earth, knowing that there is no condemnation knowing that there is no condemnation knowing that there is no condemnation because Christ has saved you from that, because Christ has saved you from that, because Christ has saved you from that, THAT IS WORSHIP. WHEN you walk with joy, THAT IS WORSHIP. WHEN you walk with joy, THAT IS WORSHIP. WHEN you walk with joy, knowing that you're in a storm, that is knowing that you're in a storm, that is knowing that you're in a storm, that is worship. Worship comes in SO MANY worship. Worship comes in SO MANY worship. Worship comes in SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. AND WE OUGHT to live in DIFFERENT WAYS. AND WE OUGHT to live in DIFFERENT WAYS. AND WE OUGHT to live in such a way by worshiping him. such a way by worshiping him. such a way by worshiping him. >> WE OUGHT TO LIVE OUR LIVES IN FREEDOM. >> WE OUGHT TO LIVE OUR LIVES IN FREEDOM. >> WE OUGHT TO LIVE OUR LIVES IN FREEDOM. PAUL IS IN PRISON, but yet he is free. PAUL IS IN PRISON, but yet he is free. PAUL IS IN PRISON, but yet he is free. >> WE OUGHT TO LIVE OUR LIVES KNOWING THAT >> WE OUGHT TO LIVE OUR LIVES KNOWING THAT >> WE OUGHT TO LIVE OUR LIVES KNOWING THAT WE MIGHT BE IN A STORM, BUT IT'S ALL WE MIGHT BE IN A STORM, BUT IT'S ALL WE MIGHT BE IN A STORM, BUT IT'S ALL RIGHT. I'M GOING TO PRAISE him in the RIGHT. I'M GOING TO PRAISE him in the RIGHT. I'M GOING TO PRAISE him in the STORM. OUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST WAS NEVER STORM. OUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST WAS NEVER STORM. OUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST WAS NEVER GIVEN SO THAT IT COULD BE ABOUT US. OH, GIVEN SO THAT IT COULD BE ABOUT US. OH, GIVEN SO THAT IT COULD BE ABOUT US. OH, I don't like this worship song, so I'm I don't like this worship song, so I'm I don't like this worship song, so I'm not going to sing. You have lost the not going to sing. You have lost the not going to sing. You have lost the point.

WHY DO I GO TO CHURCH? CUZ I'M GOING TO WHY DO I GO TO CHURCH? CUZ I'M GOING TO WORSHIP the Lord. WORSHIP the Lord. WORSHIP the Lord. >> It don't matter who's preaching. >> It don't matter who's preaching. >> It don't matter who's preaching. >> It don't matter who's singing. I get it. >> It don't matter who's singing. I get it. >> It don't matter who's singing. I get it. We got preferences. But at the end of We got preferences. But at the end of We got preferences. But at the end of the day, that's secondary. That is not the day, that's secondary. That is not the day, that's secondary. That is not primary. Why am I doing what I'm doing? primary. Why am I doing what I'm doing? primary. Why am I doing what I'm doing? Why do I serve in church? Why do I make Why do I serve in church? Why do I make Why do I serve in church? Why do I make some sacrifices in my calendar so that I some sacrifices in my calendar so that I some sacrifices in my calendar so that I can give back? Because I want to worship can give back? Because I want to worship can give back? Because I want to worship the Lord. The motivation behind becoming the Lord. The motivation behind becoming the Lord. The motivation behind becoming ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE, it is love. ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE, it is love. ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE, it is love. I'm going to take time so I can SERVE I'm going to take time so I can SERVE I'm going to take time so I can SERVE THE HUNGRY. I'M GOING TO TAKE TIME SO I THE HUNGRY. I'M GOING TO TAKE TIME SO I THE HUNGRY. I'M GOING TO TAKE TIME SO I CAN GIVE CARE PACKAGES TO THOSE THAT ARE CAN GIVE CARE PACKAGES TO THOSE THAT ARE CAN GIVE CARE PACKAGES TO THOSE THAT ARE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING. I'M GOING TO TAKE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING. I'M GOING TO TAKE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING. I'M GOING TO TAKE TIME AND SIT DOWN WITH A MARRIED COUPLE TIME AND SIT DOWN WITH A MARRIED COUPLE TIME AND SIT DOWN WITH A MARRIED COUPLE THAT IS STRUGGLING IN THEIR MARRIAGE. THAT IS STRUGGLING IN THEIR MARRIAGE. THAT IS STRUGGLING IN THEIR MARRIAGE. WHY? BECAUSE I WANT TO SERVE THEM THE WHY? BECAUSE I WANT TO SERVE THEM THE WHY? BECAUSE I WANT TO SERVE THEM THE WAY THAT CHRIST served me. WAY THAT CHRIST served me. WAY THAT CHRIST served me. the mindset of sitting DOWN WITH the mindset of sitting DOWN WITH the mindset of sitting DOWN WITH SOMEBODY AND BREAKING BREAD OR HAVING SOMEBODY AND BREAKING BREAD OR HAVING SOMEBODY AND BREAKING BREAD OR HAVING COFFEE AND JUST GIVING THEM TIME AND COFFEE AND JUST GIVING THEM TIME AND COFFEE AND JUST GIVING THEM TIME AND MAYBE THEY JUST NEED TO VENT, BUT THEY MAYBE THEY JUST NEED TO VENT, BUT THEY MAYBE THEY JUST NEED TO VENT, BUT THEY CHOSE YOU TO VENT AND YOU'RE JUST CHOSE YOU TO VENT AND YOU'RE JUST CHOSE YOU TO VENT AND YOU'RE JUST LISTENING TO THEM. AND AS YOU'RE JUST LISTENING TO THEM. AND AS YOU'RE JUST LISTENING TO THEM. AND AS YOU'RE JUST SITTING THERE, MAY GOD GIVE YOU SITTING THERE, MAY GOD GIVE YOU SITTING THERE, MAY GOD GIVE YOU ANOINTING SO THAT YOU can breathe life ANOINTING SO THAT YOU can breathe life ANOINTING SO THAT YOU can breathe life right back to them.

right back to them. right back to them. Serving people, Serving people, Serving people, serve your children, serve your children, serve your children, serve your community, serve your community, serve your community, serve your church, serve your church, serve your church, SERVE IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE SERVE IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE SERVE IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE wanted to do it unto the Lord. You know wanted to do it unto the Lord. You know wanted to do it unto the Lord. You know the framework behind becoming all things the framework behind becoming all things the framework behind becoming all things to all people. That is the gospel. to all people. That is the gospel. to all people. That is the gospel. It is the gospel. EVERYTHING JESUS DID It is the gospel. EVERYTHING JESUS DID It is the gospel. EVERYTHING JESUS DID WAS MOTIVATED BY LOVE. EVERYTHING THAT WAS MOTIVATED BY LOVE. EVERYTHING THAT WAS MOTIVATED BY LOVE. EVERYTHING THAT HE DID, IT WAS GUIDED BY TRUTH. HE DID, IT WAS GUIDED BY TRUTH. HE DID, IT WAS GUIDED BY TRUTH. So our freedom must always remain So our freedom must always remain So our freedom must always remain tethered to the gospel without tethered to the gospel without tethered to the gospel without compromise. compromise. compromise. >> It's one and the same. It is about the >> It's one and the same. It is about the >> It's one and the same. It is about the good news of Jesus. good news of Jesus. good news of Jesus. It's about who he is and what Jesus has It's about who he is and what Jesus has It's about who he is and what Jesus has done. done. done. Number two, know your boundaries. Number two, know your boundaries. Number two, know your boundaries. Know your boundaries as a believer, as a Know your boundaries as a believer, as a Know your boundaries as a believer, as a Christian. Know your boundaries. Christian. Know your boundaries. Christian. Know your boundaries. Scripture puts it this way in Galatians Scripture puts it this way in Galatians Scripture puts it this way in Galatians 5:13. For you have been called to live 5:13. For you have been called to live 5:13. For you have been called to live in freedom, in freedom, in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use my brothers and sisters. But don't use my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful your freedom to satisfy your sinful your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.

nature. nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one Instead, use your freedom to serve one Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. another in love. another in love. God has set me free. God has set me free. God has set me free. I want to be able to see other people I want to be able to see other people I want to be able to see other people set free. set free. set free. You look around here. There's some empty You look around here. There's some empty You look around here. There's some empty chairs in between you. chairs in between you. chairs in between you. You should have some righteous anger and You should have some righteous anger and You should have some righteous anger and tell yourself, "Man, that's a missing tell yourself, "Man, that's a missing tell yourself, "Man, that's a missing soul that is not in this building. soul that is not in this building. soul that is not in this building. Your your family's members name can be Your your family's members name can be Your your family's members name can be on that your neighbor." And whether you on that your neighbor." And whether you on that your neighbor." And whether you know them or not, we should have a know them or not, we should have a know them or not, we should have a burden for people to hear the gospel so burden for people to hear the gospel so burden for people to hear the gospel so that we can message Jesus and letting that we can message Jesus and letting that we can message Jesus and letting everyone know from the sound of our everyone know from the sound of our everyone know from the sound of our voice that he is the way, that he is the voice that he is the way, that he is the voice that he is the way, that he is the life. life. life. Christian freedom is is liberation from Christian freedom is is liberation from Christian freedom is is liberation from sin. WE'VE BEEN LIBERATED FROM SIN. WHAT sin. WE'VE BEEN LIBERATED FROM SIN. WHAT sin. WE'VE BEEN LIBERATED FROM SIN. WHAT A MESSAGE. WHAT A MESSAGE. WHAT A A MESSAGE. WHAT A MESSAGE. WHAT A A MESSAGE. WHAT A MESSAGE. WHAT A TESTIMONY. What a what what what a TESTIMONY. What a what what what a TESTIMONY. What a what what what a message we've got to share. message we've got to share. message we've got to share. But but but liberation and freedom does But but but liberation and freedom does But but but liberation and freedom does not give you the license to sin, not give you the license to sin, not give you the license to sin, taking advantage of grace, knowing like, taking advantage of grace, knowing like, taking advantage of grace, knowing like, well, let me just do this because I know well, let me just do this because I know well, let me just do this because I know that God is going to forgive me anyways.

that God is going to forgive me anyways. that God is going to forgive me anyways. Paul adapted his approach, but he never Paul adapted his approach, but he never Paul adapted his approach, but he never abandoned his convictions. abandoned his convictions. abandoned his convictions. >> Don't you abandon your convictions. >> Don't you abandon your convictions. >> Don't you abandon your convictions. >> And some of us, we talk hard about some >> And some of us, we talk hard about some >> And some of us, we talk hard about some of the churches we grew up in. But let of the churches we grew up in. But let of the churches we grew up in. But let me tell you something. One thing about me tell you something. One thing about me tell you something. One thing about those churches we grew up in, it taught those churches we grew up in, it taught those churches we grew up in, it taught you how to be disciplined. you how to be disciplined. you how to be disciplined. >> It taught you how to respect each other >> It taught you how to respect each other >> It taught you how to respect each other and how to be modest. It taught you how and how to be modest. It taught you how and how to be modest. It taught you how to present yourself in a way that is to present yourself in a way that is to present yourself in a way that is godly. AND SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE, WE godly. AND SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE, WE godly. AND SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE, WE have went to the total opposite side and have went to the total opposite side and have went to the total opposite side and we've lost full conviction. we've lost full conviction. we've lost full conviction. Individuals don't even know what modesty Individuals don't even know what modesty Individuals don't even know what modesty LOOKS LIKE ANYMORE. AND THERE'S SO MUCH LOOKS LIKE ANYMORE. AND THERE'S SO MUCH LOOKS LIKE ANYMORE. AND THERE'S SO MUCH COMPROMISE THAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF THE COMPROMISE THAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF THE COMPROMISE THAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH. AND LET ME JUST SAY THIS, WHEN I CHURCH. AND LET ME JUST SAY THIS, WHEN I CHURCH. AND LET ME JUST SAY THIS, WHEN I SAY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, I'M NOT JUST SAY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, I'M NOT JUST SAY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, I'M NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE BUILDING. I'M TALKING TALKING ABOUT THE BUILDING. I'M TALKING TALKING ABOUT THE BUILDING. I'M TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE that were in and no longer ABOUT PEOPLE that were in and no longer ABOUT PEOPLE that were in and no longer are in. are in. are in. People who have blamed people or shamed People who have blamed people or shamed People who have blamed people or shamed people and people who HAVE BEEN HURT BY people and people who HAVE BEEN HURT BY people and people who HAVE BEEN HURT BY LIFE AND SO MUCH PAIN. AND WHAT HAPPENS LIFE AND SO MUCH PAIN. AND WHAT HAPPENS LIFE AND SO MUCH PAIN. AND WHAT HAPPENS IS THEY HAVE LOST THEIR way and the IS THEY HAVE LOST THEIR way and the IS THEY HAVE LOST THEIR way and the enemy has used that against them. enemy has used that against them. enemy has used that against them. Christian liberty is about recognize I Christian liberty is about recognize I Christian liberty is about recognize I am set free for all the sins that I have am set free for all the sins that I have am set free for all the sins that I have committed committed committed and I am and I am and I am I'm IN A PLACE WHERE I want other people I'm IN A PLACE WHERE I want other people I'm IN A PLACE WHERE I want other people to experience that.

to experience that. to experience that. Paul adapted his approach. Paul adapted his approach. Paul adapted his approach. You and I need to adapt our approach. You and I need to adapt our approach. You and I need to adapt our approach. There is a difference between being There is a difference between being There is a difference between being culturally relevant and spiritually culturally relevant and spiritually culturally relevant and spiritually compromised. Listen to this. Knowing compromised. Listen to this. Knowing compromised. Listen to this. Knowing your boundaries keeps you from your boundaries keeps you from your boundaries keeps you from confusion. Compassion with compromise. confusion. Compassion with compromise. confusion. Compassion with compromise. We're very passionate people and we have We're very passionate people and we have We're very passionate people and we have compassion for individuals. compassion for individuals. compassion for individuals. I like what one commentary said and I'm I like what one commentary said and I'm I like what one commentary said and I'm I want to put it up on the screen I want to put it up on the screen I want to put it up on the screen because I want you to read it. because I want you to read it. because I want you to read it. The confusion between compassion and The confusion between compassion and The confusion between compassion and compromise arises when emotional compromise arises when emotional compromise arises when emotional sympathy sympathy sympathy becomes detached from moral truth and becomes detached from moral truth and becomes detached from moral truth and divine standards. divine standards. divine standards. Did you see that? Put it up on the Did you see that? Put it up on the Did you see that? Put it up on the screen, please. screen, please. screen, please. The confusion between compassion The confusion between compassion The confusion between compassion and compromise arises when emotional and compromise arises when emotional and compromise arises when emotional sympathy become detached from moral sympathy become detached from moral sympathy become detached from moral truth and divine standards. truth and divine standards. truth and divine standards. Let that sit for a second here.

Just because you don't support Just because you don't support what is immoral according to God's what is immoral according to God's what is immoral according to God's standard standard standard does not mean that you love any less. does not mean that you love any less. does not mean that you love any less. And sometimes we would use our And sometimes we would use our And sometimes we would use our compassion towards our love for people, compassion towards our love for people, compassion towards our love for people, our family, our friends to a place of our family, our friends to a place of our family, our friends to a place of compromise. compromise. compromise. And we have to recognize that there is a And we have to recognize that there is a And we have to recognize that there is a boundary in which we cannot cross. boundary in which we cannot cross. boundary in which we cannot cross. There is a moral truth and we're not the There is a moral truth and we're not the There is a moral truth and we're not the creator of those moral truth. God is the creator of those moral truth. God is the creator of those moral truth. God is the creator of those moral truth. creator of those moral truth. creator of those moral truth. And we have to live by those convictions And we have to live by those convictions And we have to live by those convictions to the best of our ability. And we have to the best of our ability. And we have to the best of our ability. And we have to use the moral truth OF THE THE to use the moral truth OF THE THE to use the moral truth OF THE THE SCRIPTURES is as our standard. SCRIPTURES is as our standard. SCRIPTURES is as our standard. WHAT IS OUR STANDARD? CAN I TELL YOU WHAT IS OUR STANDARD? CAN I TELL YOU WHAT IS OUR STANDARD? CAN I TELL YOU HOLINESS IS OUR STANDARD. HOLINESS IS OUR STANDARD. HOLINESS IS OUR STANDARD. >> AND I KNOW CHURCHES DON'T WANT TO TALK >> AND I KNOW CHURCHES DON'T WANT TO TALK >> AND I KNOW CHURCHES DON'T WANT TO TALK LIKE THAT ANYMORE. AND IT'S POSSIBLE LIKE THAT ANYMORE. AND IT'S POSSIBLE LIKE THAT ANYMORE. AND IT'S POSSIBLE WHY. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT WHY. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT WHY. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT THE CHURCH BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO BE THE CHURCH BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO BE THE CHURCH BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO BE CHALLENGED SPIRITUALLY ACCORDING TO HOW CHALLENGED SPIRITUALLY ACCORDING TO HOW CHALLENGED SPIRITUALLY ACCORDING TO HOW GOD WANTS US TO LIVE THIS THING OUT. BUT GOD WANTS US TO LIVE THIS THING OUT. BUT GOD WANTS US TO LIVE THIS THING OUT. BUT IF WE'RE NOT CAREFUL, WE'RE GOING TO IF WE'RE NOT CAREFUL, WE'RE GOING TO IF WE'RE NOT CAREFUL, WE'RE GOING TO BECOME LIKE SODOM AND GOMORRAH. IF WE'RE BECOME LIKE SODOM AND GOMORRAH. IF WE'RE BECOME LIKE SODOM AND GOMORRAH. IF WE'RE NOT CAREFUL, WE'RE GOING TO BECOME LIKE NOT CAREFUL, WE'RE GOING TO BECOME LIKE NOT CAREFUL, WE'RE GOING TO BECOME LIKE THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. THAT GENERATIONS THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. THAT GENERATIONS THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. THAT GENERATIONS HAVE GONE AND YET A WHOLE GENERATION HAS HAVE GONE AND YET A WHOLE GENERATION HAS HAVE GONE AND YET A WHOLE GENERATION HAS RISEN AND THEY DID NOT KNOW THE GOD THAT RISEN AND THEY DID NOT KNOW THE GOD THAT RISEN AND THEY DID NOT KNOW THE GOD THAT DELIVERED THEM.

DELIVERED THEM. DELIVERED THEM. WE CANNOT BE THAT TYPE. WE CANNOT BE THE WE CANNOT BE THAT TYPE. WE CANNOT BE THE WE CANNOT BE THAT TYPE. WE CANNOT BE THE TYPE OF CHURCH THAT IS SPOKEN ABOUT IN TYPE OF CHURCH THAT IS SPOKEN ABOUT IN TYPE OF CHURCH THAT IS SPOKEN ABOUT IN THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS WHERE THEY WERE THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS WHERE THEY WERE THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS WHERE THEY WERE REBUKED FOR THE FACT THAT THEY DID GOOD REBUKED FOR THE FACT THAT THEY DID GOOD REBUKED FOR THE FACT THAT THEY DID GOOD MINISTRY BUT YET THEY FORSAKEN THEIR MINISTRY BUT YET THEY FORSAKEN THEIR MINISTRY BUT YET THEY FORSAKEN THEIR FIRST LOVE. WE CANNOT FORGET GOD. NO FIRST LOVE. WE CANNOT FORGET GOD. NO FIRST LOVE. WE CANNOT FORGET GOD. NO MATTER HOW SUCCESSFUL YOU BECOME, DON'T MATTER HOW SUCCESSFUL YOU BECOME, DON'T MATTER HOW SUCCESSFUL YOU BECOME, DON'T YOU FORGET GOD. NO MATTER HOW MANY YOU FORGET GOD. NO MATTER HOW MANY YOU FORGET GOD. NO MATTER HOW MANY REWARDS YOU GET AND HOW MANY BONUSES YOU REWARDS YOU GET AND HOW MANY BONUSES YOU REWARDS YOU GET AND HOW MANY BONUSES YOU HAVE, AND NO MATTER HOW SOME YOU HAVE, AND NO MATTER HOW SOME YOU HAVE, AND NO MATTER HOW SOME YOU SUCCEED, DON'T YOU FORGET GOD. SUCCEED, DON'T YOU FORGET GOD. SUCCEED, DON'T YOU FORGET GOD. [applause and cheering] DON'T YOU FORGET [applause and cheering] DON'T YOU FORGET [applause and cheering] DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE BROKE. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE BROKE. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE BROKE. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE IN DESPAIR. DON'T YOU WHEN YOU WERE IN DESPAIR. DON'T YOU WHEN YOU WERE IN DESPAIR. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE LOST. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE LOST. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE LOST. DON'T YOU FORGET WHEN YOU WERE IN THE DIRT AND GOD FORGET WHEN YOU WERE IN THE DIRT AND GOD FORGET WHEN YOU WERE IN THE DIRT AND GOD CAME RIGHT WHERE YOU WERE AND HE LIFTED CAME RIGHT WHERE YOU WERE AND HE LIFTED CAME RIGHT WHERE YOU WERE AND HE LIFTED YOU up [applause] and he GAVE YOU WHAT YOU up [applause] and he GAVE YOU WHAT YOU up [applause] and he GAVE YOU WHAT YOU DIDN'T DESERVE. YOU WERE LOCKED UP YOU DIDN'T DESERVE. YOU WERE LOCKED UP YOU DIDN'T DESERVE. YOU WERE LOCKED UP FOR YEARS AND GOD OPENED UP A DOOR AND FOR YEARS AND GOD OPENED UP A DOOR AND FOR YEARS AND GOD OPENED UP A DOOR AND YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A DEGREE. THE YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A DEGREE. THE YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE A DEGREE. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD SURPASSES ANY OPEN FAITHFULNESS OF GOD SURPASSES ANY OPEN FAITHFULNESS OF GOD SURPASSES ANY OPEN DOOR THAT A MAN AND A WOMAN CAN NEVER DOOR THAT A MAN AND A WOMAN CAN NEVER DOOR THAT A MAN AND A WOMAN CAN NEVER GIVE YOU. GIVE YOU. GIVE YOU. >> MY GOD IS FAITHFUL.

>> MY GOD IS FAITHFUL. >> MY GOD IS FAITHFUL. >> AND WHILE MAN WILL TRY TO CREATE >> AND WHILE MAN WILL TRY TO CREATE >> AND WHILE MAN WILL TRY TO CREATE STANDARDS AND SHIFT US INTO BELIEVING STANDARDS AND SHIFT US INTO BELIEVING STANDARDS AND SHIFT US INTO BELIEVING THAT THAT IS THE MORAL STANDARD. I'M THAT THAT IS THE MORAL STANDARD. I'M THAT THAT IS THE MORAL STANDARD. I'M HERE TO TELL YOU, GOD ALREADY SAID IT, HERE TO TELL YOU, GOD ALREADY SAID IT, HERE TO TELL YOU, GOD ALREADY SAID IT, AND THAT SHALL SETTLE it for us to deny AND THAT SHALL SETTLE it for us to deny AND THAT SHALL SETTLE it for us to deny or justify sin. It is not our or justify sin. It is not our or justify sin. It is not our responsibility, responsibility, responsibility, nor is it our responsibility to judge nor is it our responsibility to judge nor is it our responsibility to judge people to hell. people to hell. people to hell. It is our responsibility to herald the It is our responsibility to herald the It is our responsibility to herald the message of truth. message of truth. message of truth. It is our responsibility It is our responsibility It is our responsibility to let people know how Jesus changed us. to let people know how Jesus changed us. to let people know how Jesus changed us. And because Jesus changed us, he can And because Jesus changed us, he can And because Jesus changed us, he can change you. change you. change you. Paul was not in it to please people. I'm Paul was not in it to please people. I'm Paul was not in it to please people. I'm almost done. He was not in it to please almost done. He was not in it to please almost done. He was not in it to please people. people. people. Nor in his letter is he suggesting to Nor in his letter is he suggesting to Nor in his letter is he suggesting to compromise. But Paul knew his compromise. But Paul knew his compromise. But Paul knew his boundaries. He knew his boundaries. And boundaries. He knew his boundaries. And boundaries. He knew his boundaries. And this is what he said in 1 Corinthians this is what he said in 1 Corinthians this is what he said in 1 Corinthians 9:21. When I am with the Gentiles, 9:21. When I am with the Gentiles, 9:21. When I am with the Gentiles, who do I not follow the Jewish law?

who do I not follow the Jewish law? who do I not follow the Jewish law? I too live apart from that law so I can I too live apart from that law so I can I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. bring them to Christ. bring them to Christ. In other words, if you're going to In other words, if you're going to In other words, if you're going to practice Shabbat, practice Shabbat, practice Shabbat, if you're going to practice that every if you're going to practice that every if you're going to practice that every Friday, then I'm going to follow when Friday, then I'm going to follow when Friday, then I'm going to follow when I'm with you. If you're if you don't eat I'm with you. If you're if you don't eat I'm with you. If you're if you don't eat meat, guess what? I'm not going to eat meat, guess what? I'm not going to eat meat, guess what? I'm not going to eat meat in front of you. I'm going to adapt meat in front of you. I'm going to adapt meat in front of you. I'm going to adapt to your culture. I'm going to adapt to to your culture. I'm going to adapt to to your culture. I'm going to adapt to your tradition without compromising the your tradition without compromising the your tradition without compromising the moral law that God has set before me. I moral law that God has set before me. I moral law that God has set before me. I too live apart from that law. Why do I too live apart from that law. Why do I too live apart from that law. Why do I do that? So that I can live so I can win do that? So that I can live so I can win do that? So that I can live so I can win them to Christ. He says this, "But I do them to Christ. He says this, "But I do them to Christ. He says this, "But I do not ignore the law of God. I obey the not ignore the law of God. I obey the not ignore the law of God. I obey the law of Christ." That's why when culture law of Christ." That's why when culture law of Christ." That's why when culture begins to tell you to bow down, it begins to tell you to bow down, it begins to tell you to bow down, it doesn't mean for you to bow down. doesn't mean for you to bow down. doesn't mean for you to bow down. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo was put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo was put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo was put in a pressure where the law of the land in a pressure where the law of the land in a pressure where the law of the land was to bow down to an idol. And when the was to bow down to an idol. And when the was to bow down to an idol. And when the trumpets were blown, the Bible says trumpets were blown, the Bible says trumpets were blown, the Bible says everybody bowed down. But yet, there everybody bowed down. But yet, there everybody bowed down. But yet, there were three individuals were three individuals were three individuals >> that did not bow down.

>> that did not bow down. >> that did not bow down. >> And let me tell you something that when >> And let me tell you something that when >> And let me tell you something that when you don't bow down to the pressures of you don't bow down to the pressures of you don't bow down to the pressures of this culture, you will stand out this culture, you will stand out this culture, you will stand out >> and people will talk about you. When you >> and people will talk about you. When you >> and people will talk about you. When you don't go with the current and when you don't go with the current and when you don't go with the current and when you don't go WITH THE RHYTHM OF CULTURE, don't go WITH THE RHYTHM OF CULTURE, don't go WITH THE RHYTHM OF CULTURE, you will stand out. you will stand out. you will stand out. Healthy boundaries PROTECT BOTH OUR Healthy boundaries PROTECT BOTH OUR Healthy boundaries PROTECT BOTH OUR WITNESS AND INTEGRITY. AND LET ME TELL WITNESS AND INTEGRITY. AND LET ME TELL WITNESS AND INTEGRITY. AND LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, IT WILL COME AROUND FULL YOU SOMETHING, IT WILL COME AROUND FULL YOU SOMETHING, IT WILL COME AROUND FULL CIRCLE BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A MOMENT CIRCLE BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A MOMENT CIRCLE BECAUSE THERE WILL BE A MOMENT WHERE THEY WILL REMEMBER THE FACT THAT WHERE THEY WILL REMEMBER THE FACT THAT WHERE THEY WILL REMEMBER THE FACT THAT THOUGH THERE WAS MUCH PRESSURE, YOU DID THOUGH THERE WAS MUCH PRESSURE, YOU DID THOUGH THERE WAS MUCH PRESSURE, YOU DID NOT BOW. And then they're going to know NOT BOW. And then they're going to know NOT BOW. And then they're going to know at one point WHO THEY CAN GO TO. WHY? at one point WHO THEY CAN GO TO. WHY? at one point WHO THEY CAN GO TO. WHY? BECAUSE YOU STOOD FOR YOUR CONVICTIONS, BECAUSE YOU STOOD FOR YOUR CONVICTIONS, BECAUSE YOU STOOD FOR YOUR CONVICTIONS, WHICH IS NUMBER THREE. STAND FIRM ON WHICH IS NUMBER THREE. STAND FIRM ON WHICH IS NUMBER THREE. STAND FIRM ON BIBLICAL CONVICTIONS. BIBLICAL CONVICTIONS. BIBLICAL CONVICTIONS. >> And I wanted to make sure that IT SAID >> And I wanted to make sure that IT SAID >> And I wanted to make sure that IT SAID BIBLICAL. STAND FIRM ON BIBLICAL BIBLICAL. STAND FIRM ON BIBLICAL BIBLICAL. STAND FIRM ON BIBLICAL CONVICTIONS. THIS IDEA THAT THIS IS my CONVICTIONS. THIS IDEA THAT THIS IS my CONVICTIONS. THIS IDEA THAT THIS IS my conviction and THIS IS YOUR CONVICTION. conviction and THIS IS YOUR CONVICTION. conviction and THIS IS YOUR CONVICTION. CAN I TELL YOU THERE'S ONLY ONE CAN I TELL YOU THERE'S ONLY ONE CAN I TELL YOU THERE'S ONLY ONE CONVICTION AND THAT IS BIBLICAL CONVICTION AND THAT IS BIBLICAL CONVICTION AND THAT IS BIBLICAL CONVICTION. THAT IS SCRIPTURAL CONVICTION. THAT IS SCRIPTURAL CONVICTION. THAT IS SCRIPTURAL CONVICTION. AND WE OUGHT TO STAND ON THE CONVICTION. AND WE OUGHT TO STAND ON THE CONVICTION. AND WE OUGHT TO STAND ON THE CONVICTION in which God places in us. I CONVICTION in which God places in us. I CONVICTION in which God places in us. I live for truth. Becoming all things TO live for truth. Becoming all things TO live for truth. Becoming all things TO ALL PEOPLE DOES NOT MEAN BECOMING ALL PEOPLE DOES NOT MEAN BECOMING ALL PEOPLE DOES NOT MEAN BECOMING EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE. IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE. IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE. IT MEANS removing unnecessary barriers without removing unnecessary barriers without removing unnecessary barriers without removing biblical convictions.

removing biblical convictions. removing biblical convictions. I still can love you. I still can break I still can love you. I still can break I still can love you. I still can break bread with you, but I'm not going to do bread with you, but I'm not going to do bread with you, but I'm not going to do what you do. what you do. what you do. I I may leave a little bit earlier I I may leave a little bit earlier I I may leave a little bit earlier because sometimes it gets a little bit because sometimes it gets a little bit because sometimes it gets a little bit too much, but it doesn't mean that I too much, but it doesn't mean that I too much, but it doesn't mean that I will not get next to you. will not get next to you. will not get next to you. Paul never compromised the gospel to Paul never compromised the gospel to Paul never compromised the gospel to gain acceptance. And some of us, we're gain acceptance. And some of us, we're gain acceptance. And some of us, we're battling with low self-esteem that we're battling with low self-esteem that we're battling with low self-esteem that we're willing to be friends with anyone, willing to be friends with anyone, willing to be friends with anyone, including those that are in the world. including those that are in the world. including those that are in the world. And God says, "What does light have to And God says, "What does light have to And God says, "What does light have to do with darkness? What does friendship do with darkness? What does friendship do with darkness? What does friendship with the world? with the world? with the world? What do you gain from that What do you gain from that What do you gain from that when you and I can easily be enticed when you and I can easily be enticed when you and I can easily be enticed pulled away? He never compromised the pulled away? He never compromised the pulled away? He never compromised the gospel to gain acceptance to be gospel to gain acceptance to be gospel to gain acceptance to be culturally relevant. He loved people culturally relevant. He loved people culturally relevant. He loved people enough to meet them where they are. Are enough to meet them where they are. Are enough to meet them where they are. Are you willing to love people enough to you willing to love people enough to you willing to love people enough to meet them where they are? meet them where they are? meet them where they are? Are you willing to love them so much Are you willing to love them so much Are you willing to love them so much that you don't want to leave them there?

that you don't want to leave them there? that you don't want to leave them there? He has saved us from sin. How many of us He has saved us from sin. How many of us He has saved us from sin. How many of us God has saved us from sin? God has saved us from sin? God has saved us from sin? [applause] He has saved us from sin. He has saved us from sin. I think it's a beautiful message to tell I think it's a beautiful message to tell I think it's a beautiful message to tell other people that God can save you from other people that God can save you from other people that God can save you from your sins as well. Our culture your sins as well. Our culture your sins as well. Our culture constantly pressures us to change God's constantly pressures us to change God's constantly pressures us to change God's standard, standard, standard, but we do not change God's standard. but we do not change God's standard. but we do not change God's standard. We stay planted and we stay in truth. We stay planted and we stay in truth. We stay planted and we stay in truth. The Bible says that if you deny him The Bible says that if you deny him The Bible says that if you deny him before men, then he will deny before men, then he will deny before men, then he will deny you. I don't want to be denied by God. I don't want to be denied by God. I don't want to be denied by God. And as a pastor of this church, you know And as a pastor of this church, you know And as a pastor of this church, you know what my heart's desire is? what my heart's desire is? what my heart's desire is? Is that you go so deep in God that not Is that you go so deep in God that not Is that you go so deep in God that not only do you hear the word, only do you hear the word, only do you hear the word, but my desire but my desire but my desire is that you study the word, is that you study the word, is that you study the word, that you eat the word, and that you can that you eat the word, and that you can that you eat the word, and that you can live that word, live that word, live that word, that you can feel the embrace of God as that you can feel the embrace of God as that you can feel the embrace of God as you walk your everyday life.

you walk your everyday life. you walk your everyday life. May his word change you. May his word change you. May his word change you. >> You hearing what I'm saying? >> You hearing what I'm saying? >> You hearing what I'm saying? >> May his word change you. >> May his word change you. >> May his word change you. >> Is there anybody here that can testify >> Is there anybody here that can testify >> Is there anybody here that can testify and say that the word has changed me? and say that the word has changed me? and say that the word has changed me? [applause] >> Let me just give you context because >> Let me just give you context because when I use the word, the Bible says that when I use the word, the Bible says that when I use the word, the Bible says that in the beginning was the word. The word in the beginning was the word. The word in the beginning was the word. The word was God and the word was with God. God was God and the word was with God. God was God and the word was with God. God God is the word. God is the word. God is the word. The word can change you. The word can The word can change you. The word can The word can change you. The word can give you life and a new life. The word give you life and a new life. The word give you life and a new life. The word can bring about transformation. Would can bring about transformation. Would can bring about transformation. Would you stand to your feet? The word you stand to your feet? The word you stand to your feet? The word is not just words on a paper. But it is life. It is the breath But it is life. It is the breath that brings about transformation. that brings about transformation. that brings about transformation. I'm going to ask the car team, would you I'm going to ask the car team, would you I'm going to ask the car team, would you move quickly and make your way up here move quickly and make your way up here move quickly and make your way up here to this altar? to this altar? to this altar? I want to pray for people here today I want to pray for people here today I want to pray for people here today that want that want that want to meet Jesus.

to meet Jesus. to meet Jesus. You came to church and it's divine. You came to church and it's divine. You came to church and it's divine. It came to a place of worship and we had It came to a place of worship and we had It came to a place of worship and we had a beautiful time of expression and a beautiful time of expression and a beautiful time of expression and honor. honor. honor. But now it's a time of reflection But now it's a time of reflection But now it's a time of reflection that if you are not surrendered to that if you are not surrendered to that if you are not surrendered to Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, this is your moment to be surrendered to this is your moment to be surrendered to this is your moment to be surrendered to him. him. him. If you're saying, "Pastor D, I want to If you're saying, "Pastor D, I want to If you're saying, "Pastor D, I want to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and my receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and my receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and my Savior with every eyes closed and head Savior with every eyes closed and head Savior with every eyes closed and head bowed." bowed." bowed." or you're saying, "Pastor D, I need to or you're saying, "Pastor D, I need to or you're saying, "Pastor D, I need to come back home." And I'm not talking come back home." And I'm not talking come back home." And I'm not talking about coming back to a church. I'm about coming back to a church. I'm about coming back to a church. I'm talking about coming back to Jesus. I talking about coming back to Jesus. I talking about coming back to Jesus. I need to come back to Jesus. need to come back to Jesus. need to come back to Jesus. If you're in this place and you're If you're in this place and you're If you're in this place and you're saying, "This word minister to my saying, "This word minister to my saying, "This word minister to my heart." When I count to three, just lift heart." When I count to three, just lift heart." When I count to three, just lift up your hands. One, two, three. Lift up up your hands. One, two, three. Lift up up your hands. One, two, three. Lift up your hands. If that was you, I see your your hands. If that was you, I see your your hands. If that was you, I see your hands. [music] Come on. You want to hands. [music] Come on. You want to hands. [music] Come on. You want to accept them. You want to receive him. accept them. You want to receive him. accept them. You want to receive him. Come on. I see your hands. Come on. I see your hands. Come on. I see your hands. Here's my second call. If you're in this Here's my second call. If you're in this Here's my second call. If you're in this place, place, place, everything that you and I do, we do it everything that you and I do, we do it everything that you and I do, we do it for the honor and the glory of God. So, for the honor and the glory of God. So, for the honor and the glory of God. So, no matter where you work, no matter what no matter where you work, no matter what no matter where you work, no matter what you do, no matter who you're in contact you do, no matter who you're in contact you do, no matter who you're in contact with, I believe that there's a message with, I believe that there's a message with, I believe that there's a message inside of you that God wants you to inside of you that God wants you to inside of you that God wants you to herald that word and that God would give herald that word and that God would give herald that word and that God would give you those opportunities. And if you're you those opportunities. And if you're you those opportunities. And if you're in a place and maybe life and in a place and maybe life and in a place and maybe life and distractions have happened where that distractions have happened where that distractions have happened where that has removed you from your focus towards has removed you from your focus towards has removed you from your focus towards your mission, we're all called to herald your mission, we're all called to herald your mission, we're all called to herald the message of Jesus. And I want to the message of Jesus. And I want to the message of Jesus. And I want to bring you right back to an alignment to

bring you right back to an alignment to bring you right back to an alignment to go back on mission. If you're in this go back on mission. If you're in this go back on mission. If you're in this place, say, "Pastor D, I need to go back place, say, "Pastor D, I need to go back place, say, "Pastor D, I need to go back on mission." When I count to three, just on mission." When I count to three, just on mission." When I count to three, just lift up your hands. One, two, three. lift up your hands. One, two, three. lift up your hands. One, two, three. Lift up your hands. I want to go back on Lift up your hands. I want to go back on Lift up your hands. I want to go back on missions. I see your hands. Worship is missions. I see your hands. Worship is missions. I see your hands. Worship is going to lead us in. I'm going to ask going to lead us in. I'm going to ask going to lead us in. I'm going to ask for those of you who lift up their for those of you who lift up their for those of you who lift up their hands, would you make your way out of hands, would you make your way out of hands, would you make your way out of your seat and would you find somebody at your seat and would you find somebody at your seat and would you find somebody at this altar and let us partner with you this altar and let us partner with you this altar and let us partner with you as we