NewSpring at Home

[music] [music] up. Hey Hey [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> How?

[music] [music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. >> It's like a hot tub. How about that? >> It's like a hot tub. How about that? Hey, welcome everybody. A little bit of Hey, welcome everybody. A little bit of Hey, welcome everybody. A little bit of a different start for us this morning. a different start for us this morning. a different start for us this morning. If you're out in the atrium, go ahead If you're out in the atrium, go ahead If you're out in the atrium, go ahead and come on in. You're not going to want and come on in. You're not going to want and come on in. You're not going to want to miss the beginning of this service. to miss the beginning of this service. to miss the beginning of this service. Hey, I am always Hey, Micah. I am always Hey, I am always Hey, Micah. I am always Hey, I am always Hey, Micah. I am always uh blessed with the opportunity to uh blessed with the opportunity to uh blessed with the opportunity to welcome you in, but this morning I get welcome you in, but this morning I get welcome you in, but this morning I get to do that with my good friend Bo. Y'all to do that with my good friend Bo. Y'all to do that with my good friend Bo. Y'all put your hands together for Bo put your hands together for Bo put your hands together for Bo as we get to celebrate baptism. So, I as we get to celebrate baptism. So, I as we get to celebrate baptism. So, I have known Bo's family for 35 plus have known Bo's family for 35 plus have known Bo's family for 35 plus years. And uh their grand his years. And uh their grand his years. And uh their grand his grandparents have always been very kind grandparents have always been very kind grandparents have always been very kind to me. I've grown up with his siblings to me. I've grown up with his siblings to me. I've grown up with his siblings and now I get to see one of their and now I get to see one of their and now I get to see one of their children baptized in our church and I I children baptized in our church and I I children baptized in our church and I I mean it is such a gift to see what God mean it is such a gift to see what God mean it is such a gift to see what God is doing through generations here at New is doing through generations here at New is doing through generations here at New Spring Church. I've seen it in my own Spring Church. I've seen it in my own Spring Church. I've seen it in my own family. I've seen it in so many others.

family. I've seen it in so many others. family. I've seen it in so many others. So Bo, man, thank you for hanging out So Bo, man, thank you for hanging out So Bo, man, thank you for hanging out with me this morning. Bo, put your hands with me this morning. Bo, put your hands with me this morning. Bo, put your hands out and say welcome to all the new out and say welcome to all the new out and say welcome to all the new people. That old boy, well done. Bo's people. That old boy, well done. Bo's people. That old boy, well done. Bo's doing great this morning. Y'all don't doing great this morning. Y'all don't doing great this morning. Y'all don't even know. And you got to strap in for even know. And you got to strap in for even know. And you got to strap in for his story. Hey, if this is your first his story. Hey, if this is your first his story. Hey, if this is your first time here, welcome. We're glad you're time here, welcome. We're glad you're time here, welcome. We're glad you're here. You picked a great Sunday to come. here. You picked a great Sunday to come. here. You picked a great Sunday to come. We've got Joey ODM with us. He's a guest We've got Joey ODM with us. He's a guest We've got Joey ODM with us. He's a guest speaker who's going to talk about speaker who's going to talk about speaker who's going to talk about technology. And I'm telling you, he's technology. And I'm telling you, he's technology. And I'm telling you, he's going to give you such practical handles going to give you such practical handles going to give you such practical handles for what to do. But we want to begin for what to do. But we want to begin for what to do. But we want to begin with baptism. And listen, baptism is not with baptism. And listen, baptism is not with baptism. And listen, baptism is not magic. Bapt baptism is simply an magic. Bapt baptism is simply an magic. Bapt baptism is simply an acknowledgment of the work that God is acknowledgment of the work that God is acknowledgment of the work that God is doing in Bose's life. And when you hear doing in Bose's life. And when you hear doing in Bose's life. And when you hear his story, you're going to see that Bo his story, you're going to see that Bo his story, you're going to see that Bo recognizes that he has received recognizes that he has received recognizes that he has received salvation through God's grace. And salvation through God's grace. And salvation through God's grace. And that's what we want to teach as a that's what we want to teach as a that's what we want to teach as a church. You're going to see two verses church. You're going to see two verses church. You're going to see two verses pop up on the screen. And we we want to pop up on the screen. And we we want to pop up on the screen. And we we want to honor the great commission that we go honor the great commission that we go honor the great commission that we go and make disciples, baptizing them and and make disciples, baptizing them and and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey. Like that's what teaching them to obey. Like that's what teaching them to obey. Like that's what we want to do when we participate in we want to do when we participate in we want to do when we participate in baptism. We want that to be an baptism. We want that to be an baptism. We want that to be an indication of that process. And we indication of that process. And we indication of that process. And we recognize Bo recognizes that salvation recognize Bo recognizes that salvation recognize Bo recognizes that salvation is by grace through faith, which is a is by grace through faith, which is a is by grace through faith, which is a gift. This is nothing that he's done to gift. This is nothing that he's done to gift. This is nothing that he's done to earn it. He doesn't have to be baptized earn it. He doesn't have to be baptized earn it. He doesn't have to be baptized in order to be right with God. He is in order to be right with God. He is in order to be right with God. He is stepping into baptism as [music] a as a stepping into baptism as [music] a as a stepping into baptism as [music] a as a reflection of the gift that he has reflection of the gift that he has reflection of the gift that he has received. And so Bo, I am so proud of received. And so Bo, I am so proud of received. And so Bo, I am so proud of you. Molly has your story over here.

you. Molly has your story over here. you. Molly has your story over here. We're going to read that to everybody. We're going to read that to everybody. We're going to read that to everybody. You ready? You ready? You ready? >> One night, I was laying in bed. I felt >> One night, I was laying in bed. I felt >> One night, I was laying in bed. I felt someone tap my shoulder. I looked and someone tap my shoulder. I looked and someone tap my shoulder. I looked and saw a man in a white robe with long hair saw a man in a white robe with long hair saw a man in a white robe with long hair and sandals. It was Jesus. He was and sandals. It was Jesus. He was and sandals. It was Jesus. He was holding my Bible and said, "When you get holding my Bible and said, "When you get holding my Bible and said, "When you get to heaven, you won't need this because to heaven, you won't need this because to heaven, you won't need this because [music] [music] [music] I am the word. So, don't worry about I am the word. So, don't worry about I am the word. So, don't worry about anything." That is when I knew I wanted anything." That is when I knew I wanted anything." That is when I knew I wanted to accept Jesus into my heart and get to accept Jesus into my heart and get to accept Jesus into my heart and get baptized. >> I mean, come on, >> I mean, come on, Bo. Do you want my [music] job? Bo. Do you want my [music] job? Bo. Do you want my [music] job? Listen, that was incredible. You did so Listen, that was incredible. You did so Listen, that was incredible. You did so good. I have a couple of questions for good. I have a couple of questions for good. I have a couple of questions for you, okay? Have you repented of your you, okay? Have you repented of your you, okay? Have you repented of your sins [music] and trusted in Christ alone sins [music] and trusted in Christ alone sins [music] and trusted in Christ alone for salvation? for salvation? for salvation? >> Yes.

>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Excellent. Excellent. Do you commit to >> Excellent. Excellent. Do you commit to >> Excellent. Excellent. Do you commit to following Jesus all the days of your following Jesus all the days of your following Jesus all the days of your life? life? life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Very good. All right. Now church, I have >> Very good. All right. Now church, I have >> Very good. All right. Now church, I have a question for you because we want Bo to a question for you because we want Bo to a question for you because we want Bo to know that he is not in this alone. So know that he is not in this alone. So know that he is not in this alone. So church, do you commit to loving and church, do you commit to loving and church, do you commit to loving and supporting Bo and his family as he seeks supporting Bo and his family as he seeks supporting Bo and his family as he seeks to continue to walk out his relationship to continue to walk out his relationship to continue to walk out his relationship with Christ? If you do, say we do. Did with Christ? If you do, say we do. Did with Christ? If you do, say we do. Did you hear that, Bo? So all these people you hear that, Bo? So all these people you hear that, Bo? So all these people are with you. So I have one more are with you. So I have one more are with you. So I have one more question for you, Bo. Who is your savior question for you, Bo. Who is your savior question for you, Bo. Who is your savior and lord? and lord? and lord? >> Jesus Christ. >> Jesus Christ. >> Jesus Christ. My dude, Bo, you have pretty much done My dude, Bo, you have pretty much done My dude, Bo, you have pretty much done this perfectly. this perfectly. this perfectly. It is my honor now upon your profession It is my honor now upon your profession It is my honor now upon your profession of faith that Jesus is your Lord to of faith that Jesus is your Lord to of faith that Jesus is your Lord to baptize you in the name of the Father baptize you in the name of the Father baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, [music] and the Son and the Holy Spirit, [music] and the Son and the Holy Spirit, [music] buried with Christ through baptism, [music] Bo, that was excellent. I am so [music] Bo, that was excellent. I am so proud of you. Listen, [music] we are proud of you. Listen, [music] we are proud of you. Listen, [music] we are getting to see things like this in the getting to see things like this in the getting to see things like this in the next generation over and over and over next generation over and over and over next generation over and over and over again. And I don't ever want us to take again. And I don't ever want us to take again. And I don't ever want us to take for granted God's faithfulness to our for granted God's faithfulness to our for granted God's faithfulness to our church and bringing to people in church and bringing to people in church and bringing to people in bringing people to salvation at a young bringing people to salvation at a young bringing people to salvation at a young age in working out his generational work age in working out his generational work age in working out his generational work through his church. And so, I want to through his church. And so, I want to through his church. And so, I want to thank you for making things like that thank you for making things like that thank you for making things like that possible. I want to thank you for the

possible. I want to thank you for the possible. I want to thank you for the way that you serve back in Kidsspring. way that you serve back in Kidsspring. way that you serve back in Kidsspring. If you serve in Kidsspring, would you If you serve in Kidsspring, would you If you serve in Kidsspring, would you throw a hand up for me? You're headed throw a hand up for me? You're headed throw a hand up for me? You're headed back there next service. And I want you back there next service. And I want you back there next service. And I want you to know that right now 120, 130 people to know that right now 120, 130 people to know that right now 120, 130 people are back there giving kids Jesus on are back there giving kids Jesus on are back there giving kids Jesus on their level. And so, I'm so thankful for their level. And so, I'm so thankful for their level. And so, I'm so thankful for the way that you do that. Last week, we the way that you do that. Last week, we the way that you do that. Last week, we heard from Lee. We heard about giving. heard from Lee. We heard about giving. heard from Lee. We heard about giving. And as we transition into a time of And as we transition into a time of And as we transition into a time of giving and worship, I don't want us to giving and worship, I don't want us to giving and worship, I don't want us to see this as distinct see this as distinct see this as distinct individualistic moments in the service, individualistic moments in the service, individualistic moments in the service, what I want us to recognize that is that what I want us to recognize that is that what I want us to recognize that is that God is at work in every one of these God is at work in every one of these God is at work in every one of these scenarios. So today, let us take the scenarios. So today, let us take the scenarios. So today, let us take the training wheels that Lee talked about, training wheels that Lee talked about, training wheels that Lee talked about, and lean into the tithe, the very first and lean into the tithe, the very first and lean into the tithe, the very first 10%, knowing that just like Bo trusts 10%, knowing that just like Bo trusts 10%, knowing that just like Bo trusts Christ to provide everything he could Christ to provide everything he could Christ to provide everything he could need, we can trust God in the exact same need, we can trust God in the exact same need, we can trust God in the exact same way. Like, I hesitate to say it, but way. Like, I hesitate to say it, but way. Like, I hesitate to say it, but god, if an 8-year-old can stand up and god, if an 8-year-old can stand up and god, if an 8-year-old can stand up and do it, we can trust God in that way, do it, we can trust God in that way, do it, we can trust God in that way, too. Amen. Amen. And so as we prepare to too. Amen. Amen. And so as we prepare to too. Amen. Amen. And so as we prepare to give, let's think of it as an give, let's think of it as an give, let's think of it as an opportunity to begin the generous life opportunity to begin the generous life opportunity to begin the generous life that God has given us. Specifically, I that God has given us. Specifically, I that God has given us. Specifically, I want to thank 11 families here. Since want to thank 11 families here. Since want to thank 11 families here. Since last week, 11 families have stepped into last week, 11 families have stepped into last week, 11 families have stepped into giving for the very first time. And as giving for the very first time. And as giving for the very first time. And as we continue to do that, yeah, we can we continue to do that, yeah, we can we continue to do that, yeah, we can absolutely put our hands together.

absolutely put our hands together. absolutely put our hands together. As we continue to become this generous As we continue to become this generous As we continue to become this generous church, we can see that that the church, we can see that that the church, we can see that that the relational connection we have inside relational connection we have inside relational connection we have inside this walls can extend out into our this walls can extend out into our this walls can extend out into our community. So, I'm going to invite all community. So, I'm going to invite all community. So, I'm going to invite all of you to your feet. We're going to pray of you to your feet. We're going to pray of you to your feet. We're going to pray this prayer together. And the reason we this prayer together. And the reason we this prayer together. And the reason we pray it together is because we recognize pray it together is because we recognize pray it together is because we recognize recognize that just like Bose's a part recognize that just like Bose's a part recognize that just like Bose's a part of this church and I'm a part of this of this church and I'm a part of this of this church and I'm a part of this church, you're a part of the church and church, you're a part of the church and church, you're a part of the church and everybody around you is a part of the everybody around you is a part of the everybody around you is a part of the church. And we can do infinitely more church. And we can do infinitely more church. And we can do infinitely more with one another than we could ever do with one another than we could ever do with one another than we could ever do alone. So, let's pray this prayer alone. So, let's pray this prayer alone. So, let's pray this prayer together. Father, we pause now and together. Father, we pause now and together. Father, we pause now and remember who you are and how generous remember who you are and how generous remember who you are and how generous and faithful you've been to us. All that and faithful you've been to us. All that and faithful you've been to us. All that we have and all that we are belongs to we have and all that we are belongs to we have and all that we are belongs to you. We choose to respond together to you. We choose to respond together to you. We choose to respond together to your generosity by bringing our tithes your generosity by bringing our tithes your generosity by bringing our tithes and offerings, giving that which was and offerings, giving that which was and offerings, giving that which was never ours in the first place. May you never ours in the first place. May you never ours in the first place. May you use them to bless others and [music] to use them to bless others and [music] to use them to bless others and [music] to carry your hope and light into our carry your hope and light into our carry your hope and light into our communities, nation, and world [music] communities, nation, and world [music] communities, nation, and world [music] in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. Church, let's continue in worship, Amen. Church, let's continue in worship, praising [music] the Lord, remembering praising [music] the Lord, remembering praising [music] the Lord, remembering him, fixing our eyes on the true Savior, him, fixing our eyes on the true Savior, him, fixing our eyes on the true Savior, Jesus Christ. So, let's sing together, Jesus Christ. So, let's sing together, Jesus Christ. So, let's sing together, church. There is a sound I love to hear. It's There is a sound I love to hear. It's [music] the sound [singing] of a [music] the sound [singing] of a [music] the sound [singing] of a Savior's robe as he walks into the room Savior's robe as he walks into the room Savior's robe as he walks into the room where people pray [music] where people pray [music] where people pray [music] [singing] where we hear praise as he is [music] faith. is [music] faith. So let it rise [singing] So let it rise [singing] So let it rise [singing] up. [music] There is [music] a sound I love to hear. There is [music] a sound I love to hear. It's the sound of the Savior's robe as It's the sound of the Savior's robe as It's the sound of the Savior's robe as he walks into the room where [music] he walks into the room where [music] he walks into the room where [music] people pray. Where we worship people pray. Where we worship people pray. Where we worship his [music] name.

his [music] name. his [music] name. So let your rise. >> [music] >> [music] >> May we bless you all. >> May we bless you all. >> May we bless you all. [singing] [music] [music] Awake my soul and sing. Awake my soul and sing. Awake my soul and sing. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] wake my soul and sing [music] wake my soul and sing [music] wake my soul and sing [music] his praise aloud. [singing] his praise aloud. [singing] his praise aloud. [singing] Sing his praise aloud. Let's give him the [music] praise this Let's give him the [music] praise this morning morning morning cuz he's worthy of all of it. Worthy of cuz he's worthy of all of it. Worthy of cuz he's worthy of all of it. Worthy of all of our praise. all of our praise. all of our praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> See, there's a sound. >> See, there's a sound. >> See, there's a sound. There is a sound that changes [music] There is a sound that changes [music] There is a sound that changes [music] things. The sound of his people things. The sound of his people things. The sound of his people [singing] on days. Oh, wake up. You [singing] on days. Oh, wake up. You [singing] on days. Oh, wake up. You suffering. [music] suffering. [music] suffering. [music] It's time to worship him. Oh, wake my It's time to worship him. Oh, wake my It's time to worship him. Oh, wake my soul and sing. Sing his [music] praise soul and sing. Sing his [music] praise soul and sing. Sing his [music] praise God.

God. God. his praise. [singing] [singing] Oh, wake [music] my soul [singing] Oh, wake [music] my soul [singing] Oh, wake [music] my soul [singing] in in in sing praise. Let's remember the church. And when we Let's remember the church. And when we [music] reach and when we pray, we're [music] reach and when we pray, we're [music] reach and when we pray, we're sure sure sure now [music] now [music] now [music] away every pro is [singing] let's testify let's testify [music] [music] [music] make make make the bs of hell begin [music] to sh the bs of hell begin [music] to sh the bs of hell begin [music] to sh the world. I have the king [music] now now where [music] every The king of glory

The king of glory [music] soul. whole land [music] to sing. Sing soul. whole land [music] to sing. Sing his praise aloud. his praise aloud. his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Let's [music] sing this church with Let's [music] sing this church with Let's [music] sing this church with faith. Oh, [singing] faith. Oh, [singing] faith. Oh, [singing] wake my soul [music] wake my soul [music] wake my soul [music] and sing. Sing his praise and sing. Sing his praise and sing. Sing his praise loud. Sing his praise. [singing] is come on church this morning. Can we is come on church this morning. Can we tell [music] our own souls, can we lead tell [music] our own souls, can we lead tell [music] our own souls, can we lead our own souls to wake up and remember our own souls to wake up and remember our own souls to wake up and remember his goodness, to remember his grace, his goodness, to remember his grace, his goodness, to remember his grace, [music] to remember his faithfulness [music] to remember his faithfulness [music] to remember his faithfulness this morning. I want us to sing that this morning. I want us to sing that this morning. I want us to sing that bridge again. It says, "And when he bridge again. It says, "And when he bridge again. It says, "And when he moves," let's sing this together.

moves," let's sing this together. moves," let's sing this together. And when [music] he moves and when we And when [music] he moves and when we And when [music] he moves and when we pray where stood a wall now stands away pray where stood a wall now stands away pray where stood a wall now stands away where [music and singing] every where [music and singing] every where [music and singing] every promises. promises. promises. Amen. Amen. Amen. Every time. Every time. Every promise. Every time. Every time. Every promise. Every time. Every time. Every promise. And when [music] he moves, make no And when [music] he moves, make no And when [music] he moves, make no [singing] mistake. The bowels of hell [singing] mistake. The bowels of hell [singing] mistake. The bowels of hell begin to shake. All hail the begin to shake. All hail the begin to shake. All hail the [music and singing] Lord. All hail the [music and singing] Lord. All hail the [music and singing] Lord. All hail the King. King. King. Oh. [music] Oh. [music] Oh. [music] Awake my [singing] soul and sing. Awake my [singing] soul and sing. Awake my [singing] soul and sing. [music] [music] [music] Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise aloud. Sing his praise [singing] Sing his praise [singing] Sing his praise [singing] alone. You sing. [music] Oh wake [singing] my You sing. [music] Oh wake [singing] my soul and [music] sing. S sing his praise soul and [music] sing. S sing his praise soul and [music] sing. S sing his praise aloud. aloud. aloud. Sing his praise. Sing his praise. Sing his praise. [music] To worship you. I live to [music] To worship you. I live to [music] To worship you. I live to worship you. I [singing] live worship you. I [singing] live worship you. I [singing] live to worship you. I live I live [music] to to worship you. I live I live [music] to to worship you. I live I live [music] to worship you. Come on. Every voice we worship you. Come on. Every voice we worship you. Come on. Every voice we sing, we open our mouths and declare his sing, we open our mouths and declare his sing, we open our mouths and declare his [music] praise. Come on. To worship you.

[music] praise. Come on. To worship you. [music] praise. Come on. To worship you. I live to worship [music] you. I live I I live to worship [music] you. I live I I live to worship [music] you. I live I live to [singing] worship you. No live to [singing] worship you. No live to [singing] worship you. No [music] better place to be. No better [music] better place to be. No better [music] better place to be. No better thing to do but to worship and praise. thing to do but to worship and praise. thing to do but to worship and praise. To [music] worship you. I live To [music] worship you. I live To [music] worship you. I live to worship [singing] to worship [singing] to worship [singing] you. I live I live to worship [music] you. I live I live to worship [music] you. I live I live to worship [music] you. You are you with [singing] all my You are you with [singing] all my [music] worthy [music] worthy [music] worthy worship you. I live worship you. I live worship you. I live to worship [music and singing] to worship [music and singing] to worship [music and singing] you. I live I live to worship you. And you. I live I live to worship you. And you. I live I live to worship you. And we [music] all sing. we [music] all sing. we [music] all sing. Oh, together. Come on. Oh, together. Come on. Oh, together. Come on. Oh. [singing] Oh. [singing] Oh. [singing] [music] is good to remind ourselves to this is good to remind ourselves to this morning of the gospel morning of the gospel morning of the gospel that we never graduate from the gospel that we never graduate from the gospel that we never graduate from the gospel [music] from the good news that we were [music] from the good news that we were [music] from the good news that we were in need and he came to us. So come on in need and he came to us. So come on in need and he came to us. So come on this morning as you sing these [music] this morning as you sing these [music] this morning as you sing these [music] lyrics let's remember the story.

lyrics let's remember the story. lyrics let's remember the story. There [music] was a [singing] moment There [music] was a [singing] moment There [music] was a [singing] moment when the lights went out. when the lights went out. when the lights went out. When death claimed its victory. [music] The king of love had ging up his [music] The king of love had ging up his life. life. life. The darkest [music and singing] The darkest [music and singing] The darkest [music and singing] day in history. There on [music and singing] a cross There on [music and singing] a cross they made for sinners. For every [music and singing] curse, his For every [music and singing] curse, his blood and horns. One final [music] breath and it was One final [music] breath and it was finished. But not [music and singing] the end we But not [music and singing] the end we could have known. For the earth [music] began to shake For the earth [music] began to shake and the veil [music] and the veil [music] and the veil [music] was torn.

was torn. was torn. What sacrifice was made What sacrifice was made What sacrifice was made [music] as the heaven. [singing] All [singing] hell All [singing] hell Jesus. All [music] All [music] Jesus. [singing] All the savior [music] All the savior [music] of [singing] of [singing] of [singing] the world. the world. the world. [music] [music] [music] Come on. Who is like the Lord? [music] Come on. Who is like the Lord? [music] Come on. Who is like the Lord? [music] Who is like the Lord? A flash [music] of light [singing] A flash [music] of light [singing] breaking through.

[music] We all lost cross eternity. [music] We all lost cross eternity. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh >> Oh >> Oh Jesus.

[music] [music] Oh Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] your Now let us join your Now let us join your Now let us join sing. [music] Jesus. [music]

Jesus. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yes, Father God, King Jesus, Holy Yes, Father God, King Jesus, Holy Spirit, we welcome you, we honor you, we Spirit, we welcome you, we honor you, we Spirit, we welcome you, we honor you, we bless you, and we hail your name today, bless you, and we hail your name today, bless you, and we hail your name today, the name above every name, Jesus Christ, the name above every name, Jesus Christ, the name above every name, Jesus Christ, our risen Savior, our risen King. our risen Savior, our risen King. our risen Savior, our risen King. [music] Would you be glorified in all [music] Would you be glorified in all [music] Would you be glorified in all that we do in our fellowship, in [music] that we do in our fellowship, in [music] that we do in our fellowship, in [music] our in our greetings, in our praise, in our in our greetings, in our praise, in our in our greetings, in our praise, in in your word, Lord? Would you be in your word, Lord? Would you be in your word, Lord? Would you be glorified in and through it all? We ask glorified in and through it all? We ask glorified in and through it all? We ask it all in Christ's name. And we seal it it all in Christ's name. And we seal it it all in Christ's name. And we seal it on every campus in Jesus' name by on every campus in Jesus' name by on every campus in Jesus' name by saying, "Amen." Amen. Come on, church. saying, "Amen." Amen. Come on, church. saying, "Amen." Amen. Come on, church. Let's hand clap one more time. You keep your keep your feet for a You keep your keep your feet for a moment. I'm going to actually uh just be moment. I'm going to actually uh just be moment. I'm going to actually uh just be up here briefly, but I wanted to say up here briefly, but I wanted to say up here briefly, but I wanted to say hello and welcome. Good to see hello and welcome. Good to see hello and welcome. Good to see everybody. Welcome you if you are new everybody. Welcome you if you are new everybody. Welcome you if you are new with us here today. We are in a series with us here today. We are in a series with us here today. We are in a series that is called made for relationship.

that is called made for relationship. that is called made for relationship. And that series has been based out of And that series has been based out of And that series has been based out of what is known as the great commandment. what is known as the great commandment. what is known as the great commandment. And so while you're standing, I thought And so while you're standing, I thought And so while you're standing, I thought we might read the word just to remind us we might read the word just to remind us we might read the word just to remind us before my friend Joey comes and before my friend Joey comes and before my friend Joey comes and encourages us today. And so let's read encourages us today. And so let's read encourages us today. And so let's read Matthew 22 together. Verse Matthew 22 together. Verse Matthew 22 together. Verse 36, 36, 36, Matthew 22. Matthew 22. Matthew 22. Teacher, which is the great commandment Teacher, which is the great commandment Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And Jesus said to them, you in the law? And Jesus said to them, you in the law? And Jesus said to them, you shall love the Lord your God with all shall love the Lord your God with all shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and your heart and with all your soul and your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great with all your mind. This is the great with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is and first commandment. And a second is and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as like it. You shall love your neighbor as like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments yourself. On these two commandments yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. depend all the law and the prophets. depend all the law and the prophets. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. All right, you guys can grab to God. All right, you guys can grab to God. All right, you guys can grab your seat. Well, while you're grabbing your seat. Well, while you're grabbing your seat. Well, while you're grabbing your seat, um we have got an incredible your seat, um we have got an incredible your seat, um we have got an incredible opportunity here today, a friend of mine opportunity here today, a friend of mine opportunity here today, a friend of mine who has driven from East Tennessee, who has driven from East Tennessee, who has driven from East Tennessee, y'all, uh all the way down to South y'all, uh all the way down to South y'all, uh all the way down to South Carolina. My friend Joey and I, Corey, Carolina. My friend Joey and I, Corey, Carolina. My friend Joey and I, Corey, my wife, we were at a a pastor's my wife, we were at a a pastor's my wife, we were at a a pastor's gathering a couple of years ago, and gathering a couple of years ago, and gathering a couple of years ago, and there was a breakout session that Joey there was a breakout session that Joey there was a breakout session that Joey led with another friend named Gabe on led with another friend named Gabe on led with another friend named Gabe on digital disciplehip and what's going on digital disciplehip and what's going on digital disciplehip and what's going on in our world in in in the world of in our world in in in the world of in our world in in in the world of technology and in the world of the cell technology and in the world of the cell technology and in the world of the cell phone. And we were intrigued as parents, phone. And we were intrigued as parents, phone. And we were intrigued as parents, we were intrigued as pastors to be there

we were intrigued as pastors to be there we were intrigued as pastors to be there to lean in. And uh and I absolutely love to lean in. And uh and I absolutely love to lean in. And uh and I absolutely love the content of that uh intentional the content of that uh intentional the content of that uh intentional message. We're not lites and we don't message. We're not lites and we don't message. We're not lites and we don't reject technology as we're watching reject technology as we're watching reject technology as we're watching online and we're leaning in. But how do online and we're leaning in. But how do online and we're leaning in. But how do we redeem technology? How do we leverage we redeem technology? How do we leverage we redeem technology? How do we leverage this moment in time? God before the this moment in time? God before the this moment in time? God before the foundation of the universe decided now foundation of the universe decided now foundation of the universe decided now is our time to live. He chose you to be is our time to live. He chose you to be is our time to live. He chose you to be in this day and age. He could have in this day and age. He could have in this day and age. He could have chosen anywhere, but he chose this time. chosen anywhere, but he chose this time. chosen anywhere, but he chose this time. And we've got an opportunity with that. And we've got an opportunity with that. And we've got an opportunity with that. And in this relationship series where And in this relationship series where And in this relationship series where we've talked about a lot of things, one we've talked about a lot of things, one we've talked about a lot of things, one of the ways that the enemy sneaks in and of the ways that the enemy sneaks in and of the ways that the enemy sneaks in and robs from us is the relationship with robs from us is the relationship with robs from us is the relationship with technology. And so I'm going to invite technology. And so I'm going to invite technology. And so I'm going to invite Joey out here and I'm not going to take Joey out here and I'm not going to take Joey out here and I'm not going to take any of his thunder cuz he's got some any of his thunder cuz he's got some any of his thunder cuz he's got some great content. New Spring Church, put great content. New Spring Church, put great content. New Spring Church, put your hands together and welcome Joey to your hands together and welcome Joey to your hands together and welcome Joey to the stage and I'm going to pray for him the stage and I'm going to pray for him the stage and I'm going to pray for him and then I'm going to let him go. and then I'm going to let him go. and then I'm going to let him go. [applause] [applause] [applause] This guy right here is a giant. Look how This guy right here is a giant. Look how This guy right here is a giant. Look how big [laughter] he is. All right, let me big [laughter] he is. All right, let me big [laughter] he is. All right, let me let me pray for you, brother. I let me pray for you, brother. I let me pray for you, brother. I appreciate you being here. Father God, appreciate you being here. Father God, appreciate you being here. Father God, fill my brother up. Thank you for his fill my brother up. Thank you for his fill my brother up. Thank you for his gift, his grace, his insights, and make gift, his grace, his insights, and make gift, his grace, his insights, and make us good soil today that we would receive us good soil today that we would receive us good soil today that we would receive your word. Bless him. Let him have great your word. Bless him. Let him have great your word. Bless him. Let him have great joy as he communicates. In Christ's name joy as he communicates. In Christ's name joy as he communicates. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Joey ODM, everybody.

we pray. Amen. Joey ODM, everybody. we pray. Amen. Joey ODM, everybody. >> Thank you, sir. New spring. >> Thank you, sir. New spring. >> Thank you, sir. New spring. God, by the way, I love this church. I God, by the way, I love this church. I God, by the way, I love this church. I love this staff. I love that guy right love this staff. I love that guy right love this staff. I love that guy right there. I have extreme mustache envy at there. I have extreme mustache envy at there. I have extreme mustache envy at the moment right now. So, I'm going to the moment right now. So, I'm going to the moment right now. So, I'm going to try to work through that right now. And try to work through that right now. And try to work through that right now. And I want to start by telling you a story I want to start by telling you a story I want to start by telling you a story from about nine years ago. Nine years from about nine years ago. Nine years from about nine years ago. Nine years ago, I landed at the busiest airport in ago, I landed at the busiest airport in ago, I landed at the busiest airport in the world, just a shot down 85. You know the world, just a shot down 85. You know the world, just a shot down 85. You know it. It's called Hartsfield Jackson it. It's called Hartsfield Jackson it. It's called Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. And Atlanta International Airport. And Atlanta International Airport. And y'all, I was feeling pretty good. I I'd y'all, I was feeling pretty good. I I'd y'all, I was feeling pretty good. I I'd come from all these meetings. I was come from all these meetings. I was come from all these meetings. I was wearing a suit. I was decked out, wearing a suit. I was decked out, wearing a suit. I was decked out, feeling great. And I was walking through feeling great. And I was walking through feeling great. And I was walking through Terminal B doing what all of us do in Terminal B doing what all of us do in Terminal B doing what all of us do in the airport, the airport, the airport, looking at my phone, paying no attention looking at my phone, paying no attention looking at my phone, paying no attention to the thousands of people that walked to the thousands of people that walked to the thousands of people that walked around me. And as I did that, someone around me. And as I did that, someone around me. And as I did that, someone walked by me and they said something. walked by me and they said something. walked by me and they said something. And it took me a second to realize this And it took me a second to realize this And it took me a second to realize this man was talking to me. And here's what man was talking to me. And here's what man was talking to me. And here's what he said. He said, "Why don't you just he said. He said, "Why don't you just he said. He said, "Why don't you just take up the whole terminal, buddy?"

take up the whole terminal, buddy?" take up the whole terminal, buddy?" Now, hold on one sec. I'm sitting here Now, hold on one sec. I'm sitting here Now, hold on one sec. I'm sitting here watching a cat video on my phone, right? watching a cat video on my phone, right? watching a cat video on my phone, right? And he comes at me like that. And I had And he comes at me like that. And I had And he comes at me like that. And I had this I had this moment like a a choice this I had this moment like a a choice this I had this moment like a a choice in the moment. I could have let this man in the moment. I could have let this man in the moment. I could have let this man pass. Good Christian man I am. Grace and pass. Good Christian man I am. Grace and pass. Good Christian man I am. Grace and peace, brother. Just let him go. peace, brother. Just let him go. peace, brother. Just let him go. Or or I could escalate a little bit and Or or I could escalate a little bit and Or or I could escalate a little bit and I chose poorly and I escalated. So I go I chose poorly and I escalated. So I go I chose poorly and I escalated. So I go back at him and I said, "Why don't you back at him and I said, "Why don't you back at him and I said, "Why don't you watch who you're talking to, big guy?" watch who you're talking to, big guy?" watch who you're talking to, big guy?" which is ladies, this is one of the which is ladies, this is one of the which is ladies, this is one of the weirder things you will ever see happen weirder things you will ever see happen weirder things you will ever see happen is that when two guys are getting is that when two guys are getting is that when two guys are getting confrontational with each other, we confrontational with each other, we confrontational with each other, we start to to call each other little pet start to to call each other little pet start to to call each other little pet names like like almost boyfriend names. names like like almost boyfriend names. names like like almost boyfriend names. It's a very weird thing we do. And I I It's a very weird thing we do. And I I It's a very weird thing we do. And I I found myself busiest airport in the found myself busiest airport in the found myself busiest airport in the world yelling boyfriend names at a world yelling boyfriend names at a world yelling boyfriend names at a perfect stranger. The two of us moving perfect stranger. The two of us moving perfect stranger. The two of us moving ever closer together until we are face ever closer together until we are face ever closer together until we are face to face. There was a crowd around us. My to face. There was a crowd around us. My to face. There was a crowd around us. My fists were clenched. I'm ready to fight fists were clenched. I'm ready to fight fists were clenched. I'm ready to fight this guy. probably wondering, "Why did this guy. probably wondering, "Why did this guy. probably wondering, "Why did Coupe invite this guy to church right Coupe invite this guy to church right Coupe invite this guy to church right now?" I get it. I understand. But now?" I get it. I understand. But now?" I get it. I understand. But luckily, at the last second, right right luckily, at the last second, right right luckily, at the last second, right right before things really escalated, the before things really escalated, the before things really escalated, the woman he was with grabbed him by the woman he was with grabbed him by the woman he was with grabbed him by the shirt, she pulled him away, and I was shirt, she pulled him away, and I was shirt, she pulled him away, and I was left with another choice. I could let left with another choice. I could let left with another choice. I could let him walk on, good Christian man I am, or him walk on, good Christian man I am, or him walk on, good Christian man I am, or I could escalate one more time. And I could escalate one more time. And I could escalate one more time. And again, I chose poorly.

again, I chose poorly. again, I chose poorly. And I said, "You got some real anger And I said, "You got some real anger And I said, "You got some real anger issues to deal with, Slick." issues to deal with, Slick." issues to deal with, Slick." And when I said that, I mean, this one And when I said that, I mean, this one And when I said that, I mean, this one really struck a nerve with him because really struck a nerve with him because really struck a nerve with him because he stopped where he was and he wheeled he stopped where he was and he wheeled he stopped where he was and he wheeled around and he said four words that I'm around and he said four words that I'm around and he said four words that I'm going to remember for the rest of my going to remember for the rest of my going to remember for the rest of my life. He said, life. He said, life. He said, "My dad just died." And all of a sudden, in an instant, I And all of a sudden, in an instant, I saw the situation that had actually just saw the situation that had actually just saw the situation that had actually just played out. I saw this man who had just played out. I saw this man who had just played out. I saw this man who had just lost his anchor in the world. I saw this lost his anchor in the world. I saw this lost his anchor in the world. I saw this man. He's just a little boy in a grown man. He's just a little boy in a grown man. He's just a little boy in a grown man's body who had all these big man's body who had all these big man's body who had all these big feelings inside and he didn't know where feelings inside and he didn't know where feelings inside and he didn't know where to put them so he just put them on me. to put them so he just put them on me. to put them so he just put them on me. And I saw who I was in that moment. A And I saw who I was in that moment. A And I saw who I was in that moment. A father, a father who told his kids all father, a father who told his kids all father, a father who told his kids all the time just to be kind to other the time just to be kind to other the time just to be kind to other people, which is advice I really needed people, which is advice I really needed people, which is advice I really needed in that moment. I saw myself a little in that moment. I saw myself a little in that moment. I saw myself a little boy in a grown man's body who couldn't boy in a grown man's body who couldn't boy in a grown man's body who couldn't control his tongue. See, this is one of control his tongue. See, this is one of control his tongue. See, this is one of these moments as Jesus followers, like these moments as Jesus followers, like these moments as Jesus followers, like this is Super Bowl Sunday. I mean, this this is Super Bowl Sunday. I mean, this this is Super Bowl Sunday. I mean, this is like a moment to show the love of is like a moment to show the love of is like a moment to show the love of Christ to a hurting soul. But because I Christ to a hurting soul. But because I Christ to a hurting soul. But because I was lost right here in the world of my was lost right here in the world of my was lost right here in the world of my phone, I didn't have the physical eyes.

phone, I didn't have the physical eyes. phone, I didn't have the physical eyes. I didn't have the spiritual eyes to see I didn't have the spiritual eyes to see I didn't have the spiritual eyes to see that this man was hurting. that this man was hurting. that this man was hurting. Say, y'all, I just stood there Say, y'all, I just stood there Say, y'all, I just stood there embarrassed, ashamed, and honestly just embarrassed, ashamed, and honestly just embarrassed, ashamed, and honestly just feeling hopeless as I watched this man feeling hopeless as I watched this man feeling hopeless as I watched this man disappear into the abyss of the Atlanta disappear into the abyss of the Atlanta disappear into the abyss of the Atlanta airport. airport. airport. Newspring, right now you are in a series Newspring, right now you are in a series Newspring, right now you are in a series called made for relationships. And when called made for relationships. And when called made for relationships. And when you're talking about these you're talking about these you're talking about these relationships, these meaningful relationships, these meaningful relationships, these meaningful relationships, the the horizontal relationships, the the horizontal relationships, the the horizontal relationships with our kids and with our relationships with our kids and with our relationships with our kids and with our spouses and with our friends and family, spouses and with our friends and family, spouses and with our friends and family, talking about relationships with our talking about relationships with our talking about relationships with our heavenly father, that vertical heavenly father, that vertical heavenly father, that vertical relationship. And if I were to ask all relationship. And if I were to ask all relationship. And if I were to ask all of you here, the most important of you here, the most important of you here, the most important relationship in your life, the least relationship in your life, the least relationship in your life, the least valuable relationship in your life, the valuable relationship in your life, the valuable relationship in your life, the least valuable relationship, my least valuable relationship, my least valuable relationship, my suspicion you would say is your phone. suspicion you would say is your phone. suspicion you would say is your phone. And here's the interesting thing about And here's the interesting thing about And here's the interesting thing about that is that I just said something that that is that I just said something that that is that I just said something that was so weird. I talked about a was so weird. I talked about a was so weird. I talked about a relationship with an object. I mean, is relationship with an object. I mean, is relationship with an object. I mean, is this weird? I mean, we're talking about this weird? I mean, we're talking about this weird? I mean, we're talking about for the last 20 years, for all of for the last 20 years, for all of for the last 20 years, for all of history leading up to about 20 years history leading up to about 20 years history leading up to about 20 years ago, we had relationships with living ago, we had relationships with living ago, we had relationships with living things. Now, all of a sudden, we're just things. Now, all of a sudden, we're just things. Now, all of a sudden, we're just very casually talking about a very casually talking about a very casually talking about a relationship with an object. So, I want relationship with an object. So, I want relationship with an object. So, I want you to think about most objects in our you to think about most objects in our you to think about most objects in our lives are just tools that assist us with lives are just tools that assist us with lives are just tools that assist us with tasks, right? Most object. So, think tasks, right? Most object. So, think tasks, right? Most object. So, think about like my lawn mower, for example.

about like my lawn mower, for example. about like my lawn mower, for example. Okay, let's think about my lawn mower. I Okay, let's think about my lawn mower. I Okay, let's think about my lawn mower. I see my lawn mower very frequently. Once see my lawn mower very frequently. Once see my lawn mower very frequently. Once a week, every nine months out of the a week, every nine months out of the a week, every nine months out of the year. We don't chat throughout the week. year. We don't chat throughout the week. year. We don't chat throughout the week. When I'm in a conversation, I don't I When I'm in a conversation, I don't I When I'm in a conversation, I don't I don't sneak little glances at my lawn don't sneak little glances at my lawn don't sneak little glances at my lawn mower. Does that make sense? Like when a mower. Does that make sense? Like when a mower. Does that make sense? Like when a conversation gets boring, I don't slip conversation gets boring, I don't slip conversation gets boring, I don't slip out for a quick mow. Does that make out for a quick mow. Does that make out for a quick mow. Does that make sense? So, so it's weird. It's not like sense? So, so it's weird. It's not like sense? So, so it's weird. It's not like our phone. See, our phone is different. our phone. See, our phone is different. our phone. See, our phone is different. We've formed a relationship with this We've formed a relationship with this We've formed a relationship with this object. And again, all of you, this is object. And again, all of you, this is object. And again, all of you, this is our least valuable relationship. But our least valuable relationship. But our least valuable relationship. But here's the thing. Our least valuable here's the thing. Our least valuable here's the thing. Our least valuable relationship is having the greatest relationship is having the greatest relationship is having the greatest impact on our most valuable impact on our most valuable impact on our most valuable relationships. relationships. relationships. But here's the promise and here's the But here's the promise and here's the But here's the promise and here's the hope in this is that when you change hope in this is that when you change hope in this is that when you change your relationship with your phone, you your relationship with your phone, you your relationship with your phone, you will change your relationship with will change your relationship with will change your relationship with everyone around you. everyone around you. everyone around you. So when we talk about technology, it's So when we talk about technology, it's So when we talk about technology, it's very easy to feel things though. when very easy to feel things though. when very easy to feel things though. when when you come in, a guy comes in with when you come in, a guy comes in with when you come in, a guy comes in with long hair into your into your church. I long hair into your into your church. I long hair into your into your church. I understand it's like who what's this guy understand it's like who what's this guy understand it's like who what's this guy talking about? Is he coming at me? And talking about? Is he coming at me? And talking about? Is he coming at me? And we we might feel some things. So, you we we might feel some things. So, you we we might feel some things. So, you might feel some things today. And I want might feel some things today. And I want might feel some things today. And I want to caution you against three feelings.

to caution you against three feelings. to caution you against three feelings. Against shame, blame, and defensiveness Against shame, blame, and defensiveness Against shame, blame, and defensiveness when it comes to technology. First one when it comes to technology. First one when it comes to technology. First one is is shame. We we have this feeling is is shame. We we have this feeling is is shame. We we have this feeling inside that h I've not gotten this inside that h I've not gotten this inside that h I've not gotten this right. And we feel bad about ourselves. right. And we feel bad about ourselves. right. And we feel bad about ourselves. And and if you feel shame at any moment And and if you feel shame at any moment And and if you feel shame at any moment in today's message, I want to give you in today's message, I want to give you in today's message, I want to give you some good news. some good news. some good news. None of us have gotten this right. So None of us have gotten this right. So None of us have gotten this right. So you are in very good company today. you are in very good company today. you are in very good company today. Second thing we often feel, we feel Second thing we often feel, we feel Second thing we often feel, we feel blame. We feel this feeling that, oh, blame. We feel this feeling that, oh, blame. We feel this feeling that, oh, this is somebody else's problem. Well, I this is somebody else's problem. Well, I this is somebody else's problem. Well, I hope they're listening to it. And I want hope they're listening to it. And I want hope they're listening to it. And I want you to really hear me here that this you to really hear me here that this you to really hear me here that this message, grandma and grandpa, is not for message, grandma and grandpa, is not for message, grandma and grandpa, is not for your grandkids. your grandkids. your grandkids. Husbands, this message is not for your Husbands, this message is not for your Husbands, this message is not for your wife. Wives, this message is not for wife. Wives, this message is not for wife. Wives, this message is not for your husband's kids. This is not for your husband's kids. This is not for your husband's kids. This is not for your friends. It's not for your parents, your friends. It's not for your parents, your friends. It's not for your parents, not for your grandparents. Everybody not for your grandparents. Everybody not for your grandparents. Everybody here, this message, please hear this is here, this message, please hear this is here, this message, please hear this is for you, the in your individual lives for you, the in your individual lives for you, the in your individual lives and the good of your own lives. So, and the good of your own lives. So, and the good of your own lives. So, please listen through that framework. please listen through that framework. please listen through that framework. Last thing we feel is defensive. Last thing we feel is defensive. Last thing we feel is defensive. Sometimes we feel like our walls come Sometimes we feel like our walls come Sometimes we feel like our walls come up. And I got some good news if you feel up. And I got some good news if you feel up. And I got some good news if you feel defensive today is that nobody today is defensive today is that nobody today is defensive today is that nobody today is pointing fingers at you. This is pointing fingers at you. This is pointing fingers at you. This is definitely not the guy who almost got in definitely not the guy who almost got in definitely not the guy who almost got in a fight at the airport. So no one's a fight at the airport. So no one's a fight at the airport. So no one's pointing fingers. So again, we are all pointing fingers. So again, we are all pointing fingers. So again, we are all in good company today.

in good company today. in good company today. One last note, nothing. It's very easy One last note, nothing. It's very easy One last note, nothing. It's very easy when we start tech talking technology to when we start tech talking technology to when we start tech talking technology to get very negative. I'm very hopeful on get very negative. I'm very hopeful on get very negative. I'm very hopeful on this. It's very, very easy to go this. It's very, very easy to go this. It's very, very easy to go anti-technology. anti-technology. anti-technology. So I want to assure you nothing about So I want to assure you nothing about So I want to assure you nothing about today's message is anti-technology. In today's message is anti-technology. In today's message is anti-technology. In fact, there's a picture I want to show fact, there's a picture I want to show fact, there's a picture I want to show you. This is my iPhone. I own an iPhone. you. This is my iPhone. I own an iPhone. you. This is my iPhone. I own an iPhone. I kind of like my iPhone. I use this I kind of like my iPhone. I use this I kind of like my iPhone. I use this thing all the time. I I I host a thing all the time. I I I host a thing all the time. I I I host a podcast. It's called Brave and Big. I podcast. It's called Brave and Big. I podcast. It's called Brave and Big. I hope all of you listen to it and you'll hope all of you listen to it and you'll hope all of you listen to it and you'll probably listen to it on one of those probably listen to it on one of those probably listen to it on one of those things. So, this is not anti-technology. things. So, this is not anti-technology. things. So, this is not anti-technology. In fact, this is actually about the In fact, this is actually about the In fact, this is actually about the greater opportunity that all of us have greater opportunity that all of us have greater opportunity that all of us have to live meaningful, fruitful lives, to live meaningful, fruitful lives, to live meaningful, fruitful lives, experience meaningful, fruitful experience meaningful, fruitful experience meaningful, fruitful relationships on the other side of our relationships on the other side of our relationships on the other side of our phones. phones. phones. Now, I told you a story a second ago Now, I told you a story a second ago Now, I told you a story a second ago about almost getting in a fight at the about almost getting in a fight at the about almost getting in a fight at the airport because I was on my phone. And airport because I was on my phone. And airport because I was on my phone. And and and here's what I know about you. and and here's what I know about you. and and here's what I know about you. You are new Christians. You you could You are new Christians. You you could You are new Christians. You you could not relate to that story. You're not not relate to that story. You're not not relate to that story. You're not just new springs Christians. You're just new springs Christians. You're just new springs Christians. You're summertime Christians. Like Christians summertime Christians. Like Christians summertime Christians. Like Christians who come in the summer, like some of you who come in the summer, like some of you who come in the summer, like some of you online, you may be watching from a boat online, you may be watching from a boat online, you may be watching from a boat right now. Like you are legit Jesus right now. Like you are legit Jesus right now. Like you are legit Jesus lovers. So you can't relate to that. You lovers. So you can't relate to that. You lovers. So you can't relate to that. You have not almost gotten in a fight at the have not almost gotten in a fight at the have not almost gotten in a fight at the airport. But I bet there was an element airport. But I bet there was an element airport. But I bet there was an element of the story that you could relate to.

of the story that you could relate to. of the story that you could relate to. That was this idea that our phones can That was this idea that our phones can That was this idea that our phones can be distractions from our greatest be distractions from our greatest be distractions from our greatest intentions. So, let's think about our intentions. So, let's think about our intentions. So, let's think about our daily lives. We we wake up in the daily lives. We we wake up in the daily lives. We we wake up in the morning. We want to have this great morning. We want to have this great morning. We want to have this great quiet time with Jesus. We want to have quiet time with Jesus. We want to have quiet time with Jesus. We want to have really meaningful time with our kids or really meaningful time with our kids or really meaningful time with our kids or a conversation with a friend or a great a conversation with a friend or a great a conversation with a friend or a great date night with our spouse or our date night with our spouse or our date night with our spouse or our significant other. But then we feel a significant other. But then we feel a significant other. But then we feel a little buzz in our pocket. And all of a little buzz in our pocket. And all of a little buzz in our pocket. And all of a sudden, in an instant, we find ourselves sudden, in an instant, we find ourselves sudden, in an instant, we find ourselves lost in the world of our phones. Our lost in the world of our phones. Our lost in the world of our phones. Our intentions completely derailed by this intentions completely derailed by this intentions completely derailed by this distraction in our pocket. If you can distraction in our pocket. If you can distraction in our pocket. If you can relate to that, I got more good news. relate to that, I got more good news. relate to that, I got more good news. You are not alone. That's because You are not alone. That's because You are not alone. That's because distraction is nothing new. In the distraction is nothing new. In the distraction is nothing new. In the 1940s, CS Lewis wrote a book called The 1940s, CS Lewis wrote a book called The 1940s, CS Lewis wrote a book called The Screw Tape Letters. Screw Tape Letters Screw Tape Letters. Screw Tape Letters Screw Tape Letters. Screw Tape Letters is this great book. It's an allegory on is this great book. It's an allegory on is this great book. It's an allegory on the way that Satan comes at us, his the way that Satan comes at us, his the way that Satan comes at us, his tactics and strategies with us. And tactics and strategies with us. And tactics and strategies with us. And Lewis uses a line in that book talking Lewis uses a line in that book talking Lewis uses a line in that book talking about the temptations that Satan uses. about the temptations that Satan uses. about the temptations that Satan uses. Lewis says this. He says that murder is Lewis says this. He says that murder is Lewis says this. He says that murder is no better than cards, referring to a no better than cards, referring to a no better than cards, referring to a deck of playing cards. Murder is no deck of playing cards. Murder is no deck of playing cards. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the better than cards if cards can do the better than cards if cards can do the trick.

trick. trick. So, Satan's goal, Satan's goal is to So, Satan's goal, Satan's goal is to So, Satan's goal, Satan's goal is to separate us, separate our mind, our separate us, separate our mind, our separate us, separate our mind, our will, our consciousness, our actions, will, our consciousness, our actions, will, our consciousness, our actions, our intentions from Jesus. And what our intentions from Jesus. And what our intentions from Jesus. And what Lewis says says is is why would Satan Lewis says says is is why would Satan Lewis says says is is why would Satan waste temptation with it like a big old waste temptation with it like a big old waste temptation with it like a big old capital S sin when simple distraction capital S sin when simple distraction capital S sin when simple distraction can do the trick? can do the trick? can do the trick? And the best example of distraction, the And the best example of distraction, the And the best example of distraction, the best example that this brilliant man in best example that this brilliant man in best example that this brilliant man in the 1940s could think of was a deck of the 1940s could think of was a deck of the 1940s could think of was a deck of playing cards. How awesome would that playing cards. How awesome would that playing cards. How awesome would that be? Like that's the thing. I mean, be? Like that's the thing. I mean, be? Like that's the thing. I mean, because all I mean know all of us, we because all I mean know all of us, we because all I mean know all of us, we all walked in today in our pockets and all walked in today in our pockets and all walked in today in our pockets and purses. All of us brought in a deck of purses. All of us brought in a deck of purses. All of us brought in a deck of playing cards on your phones right now. playing cards on your phones right now. playing cards on your phones right now. Every one of you could be playing one of Every one of you could be playing one of Every one of you could be playing one of 50,000 card games on your phone. 50,000 card games on your phone. 50,000 card games on your phone. Statistically, it's not just cards. How Statistically, it's not just cards. How Statistically, it's not just cards. How about games? There there you have access about games? There there you have access about games? There there you have access to 10 million games on your phone right to 10 million games on your phone right to 10 million games on your phone right now. Games might not be your thing. You now. Games might not be your thing. You now. Games might not be your thing. You may like videos. So just pop over to Tik may like videos. So just pop over to Tik may like videos. So just pop over to Tik Tok. You can watch one of 30 million new Tok. You can watch one of 30 million new Tok. You can watch one of 30 million new videos uploaded every single day. And videos uploaded every single day. And videos uploaded every single day. And listen, I can't believe this. Do you listen, I can't believe this. Do you listen, I can't believe this. Do you know how many years it would take to know how many years it would take to know how many years it would take to watch everything on YouTube? Take watch everything on YouTube? Take watch everything on YouTube? Take 114,000 years to watch everything on YouTube.

years to watch everything on YouTube. And this is available to us 24 hours a And this is available to us 24 hours a And this is available to us 24 hours a day on our phones. So let me ask a day on our phones. So let me ask a day on our phones. So let me ask a question. With that said, how on earth question. With that said, how on earth question. With that said, how on earth are we expected to love the Lord our God are we expected to love the Lord our God are we expected to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, all of our soul, with all of our heart, all of our soul, with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind, all of our strength. all of our mind, all of our strength. all of our mind, all of our strength. And then once we just nail that, then we And then once we just nail that, then we And then once we just nail that, then we got to go love our neighbor as got to go love our neighbor as got to go love our neighbor as ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. This feels impossible. This feels impossible. This feels impossible. The greatest impediment to fruit in our The greatest impediment to fruit in our The greatest impediment to fruit in our relationships, the greatest impediment relationships, the greatest impediment relationships, the greatest impediment to the fruit we want in our lives is not to the fruit we want in our lives is not to the fruit we want in our lives is not capital Sins on big old temptations. It capital Sins on big old temptations. It capital Sins on big old temptations. It is the world of distraction in our is the world of distraction in our is the world of distraction in our phones. phones. phones. Now, I realize I look like a 45-year-old Now, I realize I look like a 45-year-old Now, I realize I look like a 45-year-old version of Jesus. I know. I understand. version of Jesus. I know. I understand. version of Jesus. I know. I understand. You're already thinking, I'll just say You're already thinking, I'll just say You're already thinking, I'll just say it. But I, as you have learned, am far it. But I, as you have learned, am far it. But I, as you have learned, am far from he. So, let's take his words from he. So, let's take his words from he. So, let's take his words instead of my words here. See, Jesus instead of my words here. See, Jesus instead of my words here. See, Jesus talked about phones, talked about talked about phones, talked about talked about phones, talked about technology in the parable of the sewer.

technology in the parable of the sewer. technology in the parable of the sewer. And I want to refer to this this parable And I want to refer to this this parable And I want to refer to this this parable of the sewer because it's so applicable of the sewer because it's so applicable of the sewer because it's so applicable to our lives today. So, the parable of to our lives today. So, the parable of to our lives today. So, the parable of the sewer in that the farmer goes out. the sewer in that the farmer goes out. the sewer in that the farmer goes out. He sews seed in four different types of He sews seed in four different types of He sews seed in four different types of soils. We're going to focus on one of soils. We're going to focus on one of soils. We're going to focus on one of those soils today. We're going to focus those soils today. We're going to focus those soils today. We're going to focus on the thorns. And you will see very on the thorns. And you will see very on the thorns. And you will see very quickly that the thorns that Jesus quickly that the thorns that Jesus quickly that the thorns that Jesus referred to then represent our phones referred to then represent our phones referred to then represent our phones today. So, here's the passage scripture today. So, here's the passage scripture today. So, here's the passage scripture we're going to read. says, "Other seed we're going to read. says, "Other seed we're going to read. says, "Other seed fell among the thorns and the thorns fell among the thorns and the thorns fell among the thorns and the thorns grew up with it. The thorns choked the grew up with it. The thorns choked the grew up with it. The thorns choked the seed and it didn't produce fruit. The seed and it didn't produce fruit. The seed and it didn't produce fruit. The seed falling among the thorns refers to seed falling among the thorns refers to seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word but the someone who hears the word but the someone who hears the word but the worries of life, the pleasures of life worries of life, the pleasures of life worries of life, the pleasures of life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke and the deceitfulness of wealth choke and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word and it becomes unfruitful." All the word and it becomes unfruitful." All the word and it becomes unfruitful." All right, we got some characters here in right, we got some characters here in right, we got some characters here in the story. Let's go through the the story. Let's go through the the story. Let's go through the characters real quick. First thing we characters real quick. First thing we characters real quick. First thing we have, we have the ground. The ground have, we have the ground. The ground have, we have the ground. The ground this represents us and our lives. Second this represents us and our lives. Second this represents us and our lives. Second thing we have the seed. Jesus said it thing we have the seed. Jesus said it thing we have the seed. Jesus said it represents God's word. Next thing we represents God's word. Next thing we represents God's word. Next thing we have is the the fruit, excuse me, the have is the the fruit, excuse me, the have is the the fruit, excuse me, the fruit which is the potential outgrowth fruit which is the potential outgrowth fruit which is the potential outgrowth of the seed. And then finally we have of the seed. And then finally we have of the seed. And then finally we have the thorns. Thorns. This is the the thorns. Thorns. This is the the thorns. Thorns. This is the existential threat to the seed and its existential threat to the seed and its existential threat to the seed and its fruit. And it represents the worries of fruit. And it represents the worries of fruit. And it represents the worries of life, the pleasures of life, and the life, the pleasures of life, and the life, the pleasures of life, and the deceitfulness of wealth.

deceitfulness of wealth. deceitfulness of wealth. Quick side note, this story, this story Quick side note, this story, this story Quick side note, this story, this story is how we know Jesus is just the is how we know Jesus is just the is how we know Jesus is just the absolute goat. I mean, Jesus the absolute goat. I mean, Jesus the absolute goat. I mean, Jesus the greatest of all time. See, Jesus told a greatest of all time. See, Jesus told a greatest of all time. See, Jesus told a story 2,000 years ago to farmers in an story 2,000 years ago to farmers in an story 2,000 years ago to farmers in an agrarian society. And it's the perfect agrarian society. And it's the perfect agrarian society. And it's the perfect application. It's the perfect application. It's the perfect application. It's the perfect illustration for th their lives at that illustration for th their lives at that illustration for th their lives at that time. time. time. Jesus tells us this same exact story Jesus tells us this same exact story Jesus tells us this same exact story 2,000 years later to digital natives in 2,000 years later to digital natives in 2,000 years later to digital natives in a digital society and it's the perfect a digital society and it's the perfect a digital society and it's the perfect application and illustration for our application and illustration for our application and illustration for our lives today. So when the Bible says the lives today. So when the Bible says the lives today. So when the Bible says the word of God is living and active, this word of God is living and active, this word of God is living and active, this is what it's talking about is that this is what it's talking about is that this is what it's talking about is that this is timeless truth that has practical is timeless truth that has practical is timeless truth that has practical application for your life today. And application for your life today. And application for your life today. And just as a very quick side note, this is just as a very quick side note, this is just as a very quick side note, this is why I would encourage everybody in this why I would encourage everybody in this why I would encourage everybody in this room, be in the word every day. Get that room, be in the word every day. Get that room, be in the word every day. Get that in you. Let it get working in you in you. Let it get working in you in you. Let it get working in you because it will change your life. So because it will change your life. So because it will change your life. So we'll start at the thorns. We'll start we'll start at the thorns. We'll start we'll start at the thorns. We'll start at the thorns. Jesus says that the at the thorns. Jesus says that the at the thorns. Jesus says that the thorns represent three things. Worries thorns represent three things. Worries thorns represent three things. Worries of life, pleasures of life, of life, pleasures of life, of life, pleasures of life, deceitfulness of wealth.

deceitfulness of wealth. deceitfulness of wealth. Y'all, there's no greater source of Y'all, there's no greater source of Y'all, there's no greater source of those three things than our phones those three things than our phones those three things than our phones today. For us today, these are not today. For us today, these are not today. For us today, these are not physical thorns. These are digital physical thorns. These are digital physical thorns. These are digital thorns. And for all their good, they thorns. And for all their good, they thorns. And for all their good, they have the potential to choke out every have the potential to choke out every have the potential to choke out every good thing we want in our lives. And I good thing we want in our lives. And I good thing we want in our lives. And I want you I want you just to to lean in want you I want you just to to lean in want you I want you just to to lean in with me for the next few minutes here with me for the next few minutes here with me for the next few minutes here because I believe this message from the because I believe this message from the because I believe this message from the mouth of Jesus will change the way that mouth of Jesus will change the way that mouth of Jesus will change the way that you view your relationship with your you view your relationship with your you view your relationship with your phone. Believe this will change the way phone. Believe this will change the way phone. Believe this will change the way that you view your relationship with that you view your relationship with that you view your relationship with people around you. And I believe this people around you. And I believe this people around you. And I believe this will change the way that you live your will change the way that you live your will change the way that you live your life and experience fruit in your life. life and experience fruit in your life. life and experience fruit in your life. So let's start with that first thorn. So let's start with that first thorn. So let's start with that first thorn. Jesus says, "The worries of life." Jesus says, "The worries of life." Jesus says, "The worries of life." Let me ask you a question. When When was Let me ask you a question. When When was Let me ask you a question. When When was the last time you got on Twitter, aka X, the last time you got on Twitter, aka X, the last time you got on Twitter, aka X, scrolled for a few minutes, 5, 10, 15 scrolled for a few minutes, 5, 10, 15 scrolled for a few minutes, 5, 10, 15 minutes, sat back and said, "Well, that minutes, sat back and said, "Well, that minutes, sat back and said, "Well, that was refreshing. That was really nice. was refreshing. That was really nice. was refreshing. That was really nice. People are so kind in the comments People are so kind in the comments People are so kind in the comments sections." Okay, maybe not true. Okay, sections." Okay, maybe not true. Okay, sections." Okay, maybe not true. Okay, how about this? When was the last time how about this? When was the last time how about this? When was the last time you woke up, you went to your newsfeed?

you woke up, you went to your newsfeed? you woke up, you went to your newsfeed? Or anytime you went to your newsfeed and Or anytime you went to your newsfeed and Or anytime you went to your newsfeed and you scrolled a few minutes and you said, you scrolled a few minutes and you said, you scrolled a few minutes and you said, "Feeling pretty good out there." Yep. "Feeling pretty good out there." Yep. "Feeling pretty good out there." Yep. Feels nice. I like it. Feels great. I Feels nice. I like it. Feels great. I Feels nice. I like it. Feels great. I feel really good now. Or what about when feel really good now. Or what about when feel really good now. Or what about when the last time you woke up in the morning the last time you woke up in the morning the last time you woke up in the morning and the very first thing you did was and the very first thing you did was and the very first thing you did was check your email? check your email? check your email? In all of those instances, did you feel In all of those instances, did you feel In all of those instances, did you feel the worries of life kind of begin to the worries of life kind of begin to the worries of life kind of begin to flood your heart? You see, if you wanted flood your heart? You see, if you wanted flood your heart? You see, if you wanted to build a warehouse for all the things to build a warehouse for all the things to build a warehouse for all the things you could worry about in life, you would you could worry about in life, you would you could worry about in life, you would just build an iPhone and you would let just build an iPhone and you would let just build an iPhone and you would let them hold all those things for you. them hold all those things for you. them hold all those things for you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And the interesting thing about the >> And the interesting thing about the >> And the interesting thing about the worries of life we consume on our phone worries of life we consume on our phone worries of life we consume on our phone is that most of them, the vast vast is that most of them, the vast vast is that most of them, the vast vast majority of the worries of life we majority of the worries of life we majority of the worries of life we consume on our phone are completely consume on our phone are completely consume on our phone are completely inactionable by us. I can do very little inactionable by us. I can do very little inactionable by us. I can do very little about what I read on the news. I can do about what I read on the news. I can do about what I read on the news. I can do very little about what I see on X. But very little about what I see on X. But very little about what I see on X. But here's what it does. It gets in my here's what it does. It gets in my here's what it does. It gets in my heart. It paralyzes me. And it keeps me heart. It paralyzes me. And it keeps me heart. It paralyzes me. And it keeps me from taking action on something that I from taking action on something that I from taking action on something that I can do something about, like have a can do something about, like have a can do something about, like have a great conversation with my daughter or great conversation with my daughter or great conversation with my daughter or have a good date night with my wife or have a good date night with my wife or have a good date night with my wife or have a good quiet time with Jesus. You have a good quiet time with Jesus. You have a good quiet time with Jesus. You see, the worries of life. This is the see, the worries of life. This is the see, the worries of life. This is the thorn that chokes out joy.

thorn that chokes out joy. thorn that chokes out joy. Second thorn. Second thorn. The Second thorn. Second thorn. The Second thorn. Second thorn. The pleasures of life. And when we hear pleasures of life. And when we hear pleasures of life. And when we hear pleasures, we think of vices. We think pleasures, we think of vices. We think pleasures, we think of vices. We think of these inherently harmful things on of these inherently harmful things on of these inherently harmful things on our phone. Think about pornography or or our phone. Think about pornography or or our phone. Think about pornography or or gambling and and all of those are true, gambling and and all of those are true, gambling and and all of those are true, but it's a little bit more insidious but it's a little bit more insidious but it's a little bit more insidious than that. You see, other translations than that. You see, other translations than that. You see, other translations don't say the pleasures of life. They don't say the pleasures of life. They don't say the pleasures of life. They say the desires for other things. And say the desires for other things. And say the desires for other things. And that sounds to me just like everyday that sounds to me just like everyday that sounds to me just like everyday distraction. This sounds to me maybe distraction. This sounds to me maybe distraction. This sounds to me maybe like ESPN or online shopping or fantasy like ESPN or online shopping or fantasy like ESPN or online shopping or fantasy football. Fells, I know some of y'all football. Fells, I know some of y'all football. Fells, I know some of y'all are mockdrafting already. I know it. So, are mockdrafting already. I know it. So, are mockdrafting already. I know it. So, what's interesting about this one, the what's interesting about this one, the what's interesting about this one, the pleasures of life, the desires for other pleasures of life, the desires for other pleasures of life, the desires for other things, is what we're really talking things, is what we're really talking things, is what we're really talking about here is escapism. about here is escapism. about here is escapism. How we turn to our phones to medicate How we turn to our phones to medicate How we turn to our phones to medicate ourselves, to remove ourselves from ourselves, to remove ourselves from ourselves, to remove ourselves from negative feelings, from bad feelings negative feelings, from bad feelings negative feelings, from bad feelings that we're feeling inside, feelings, that we're feeling inside, feelings, that we're feeling inside, feelings, feelings like boredom, even if we're feelings like boredom, even if we're feelings like boredom, even if we're just spending time with our kids and it just spending time with our kids and it just spending time with our kids and it may be a little boring. And so, we just may be a little boring. And so, we just may be a little boring. And so, we just escape that moment and go to our phones.

escape that moment and go to our phones. escape that moment and go to our phones. We we like to escape feelings like We we like to escape feelings like We we like to escape feelings like loneliness. None of us like the feeling loneliness. None of us like the feeling loneliness. None of us like the feeling of loneliness. And so we go to our of loneliness. And so we go to our of loneliness. And so we go to our phones to escape loneliness. phones to escape loneliness. phones to escape loneliness. And a question really specifically, if And a question really specifically, if And a question really specifically, if you're 30 or younger, let me see if you you're 30 or younger, let me see if you you're 30 or younger, let me see if you can relate to this one. Have you noticed can relate to this one. Have you noticed can relate to this one. Have you noticed when you feel lonely and you go to your when you feel lonely and you go to your when you feel lonely and you go to your phone to medicate and escape, have you phone to medicate and escape, have you phone to medicate and escape, have you noticed that you just feel more lonely noticed that you just feel more lonely noticed that you just feel more lonely at the end of the scroll? at the end of the scroll? at the end of the scroll? You see this desires for other thing. You see this desires for other thing. You see this desires for other thing. This is this is that thorn. This is the This is this is that thorn. This is the This is this is that thorn. This is the thorn that chokes out our presence. thorn that chokes out our presence. thorn that chokes out our presence. Third thorn Jesus says is the Third thorn Jesus says is the Third thorn Jesus says is the deceitfulness of wealth. And y'all, I deceitfulness of wealth. And y'all, I deceitfulness of wealth. And y'all, I love I love this phrasing so much love I love this phrasing so much love I love this phrasing so much because it it's not the wealth, it's the because it it's not the wealth, it's the because it it's not the wealth, it's the story that wealth tells us. See, wealth story that wealth tells us. See, wealth story that wealth tells us. See, wealth tells us that everything would be okay tells us that everything would be okay tells us that everything would be okay if we just had what? More. Of course, we if we just had what? More. Of course, we if we just had what? More. Of course, we even use we use wealth as a term for our even use we use wealth as a term for our even use we use wealth as a term for our own value when we use that term net own value when we use that term net own value when we use that term net worth. And there's no greater source of worth. And there's no greater source of worth. And there's no greater source of our value, especially compared to our value, especially compared to our value, especially compared to others, than our social media feeds. So, others, than our social media feeds. So, others, than our social media feeds. So, just imagine with me, you're on vacation just imagine with me, you're on vacation just imagine with me, you're on vacation with your family. Let's say you go down with your family. Let's say you go down with your family. Let's say you go down to Tampa and you're having a great time to Tampa and you're having a great time to Tampa and you're having a great time in Tampa. You're having lifelong family in Tampa. You're having lifelong family in Tampa. You're having lifelong family memories. Your your sun is shining memories. Your your sun is shining memories. Your your sun is shining bright. Your ocean is blue. You're bright. Your ocean is blue. You're bright. Your ocean is blue. You're eating some crab, maybe. You're doing a eating some crab, maybe. You're doing a eating some crab, maybe. You're doing a little bit of snorkeling. and it's just little bit of snorkeling. and it's just little bit of snorkeling. and it's just the best vacation you've ever had the best vacation you've ever had the best vacation you've ever had until you open up Instagram until you open up Instagram until you open up Instagram and you see a friend or maybe you just and you see a friend or maybe you just and you see a friend or maybe you just open your Snap Map and you see a friend

open your Snap Map and you see a friend open your Snap Map and you see a friend and they are also on vacation but and they are also on vacation but and they are also on vacation but they're not on vacation in Tampa, they're not on vacation in Tampa, they're not on vacation in Tampa, they're on vacation in Tahiti they're on vacation in Tahiti they're on vacation in Tahiti and you take a look at those pictures or and you take a look at those pictures or and you take a look at those pictures or maybe you just imagine what those maybe you just imagine what those maybe you just imagine what those pictures might look like pictures might look like pictures might look like and their [snorts] sun's a little bit and their [snorts] sun's a little bit and their [snorts] sun's a little bit brighter, isn't it? their ocean just a brighter, isn't it? their ocean just a brighter, isn't it? their ocean just a little bit more blue. little bit more blue. little bit more blue. Yeah, you're eating crab, but they're Yeah, you're eating crab, but they're Yeah, you're eating crab, but they're eating lobster. Yeah, you're snorkeling, eating lobster. Yeah, you're snorkeling, eating lobster. Yeah, you're snorkeling, but they're scuba diving. And all of a but they're scuba diving. And all of a but they're scuba diving. And all of a sudden, next to Tahiti, Tampa's not all sudden, next to Tahiti, Tampa's not all sudden, next to Tahiti, Tampa's not all that great. If you could just have that that great. If you could just have that that great. If you could just have that Tahiti money, Tahiti money, Tahiti money, everything would be okay. The digital everything would be okay. The digital everything would be okay. The digital thorns strike again, choking out your thorns strike again, choking out your thorns strike again, choking out your contentment. So, it's not the wealth, contentment. So, it's not the wealth, contentment. So, it's not the wealth, it's the story that wealth tells us. The it's the story that wealth tells us. The it's the story that wealth tells us. The constant comparison of our social media constant comparison of our social media constant comparison of our social media feeds is a reminder of what we don't feeds is a reminder of what we don't feeds is a reminder of what we don't have and it opens our heart up to the have and it opens our heart up to the have and it opens our heart up to the lie that we are incomplete without that lie that we are incomplete without that lie that we are incomplete without that wealth. wealth. wealth. See the deceitfulness of wealth. This is See the deceitfulness of wealth. This is See the deceitfulness of wealth. This is the thorn that chokes out truth.

the thorn that chokes out truth. the thorn that chokes out truth. So we got three thorns. We got worries So we got three thorns. We got worries So we got three thorns. We got worries of life, pleasures of life, of life, pleasures of life, of life, pleasures of life, deceitfulness of wealth. And what do deceitfulness of wealth. And what do deceitfulness of wealth. And what do they do? Well, they choke out the seed they do? Well, they choke out the seed they do? Well, they choke out the seed so that it doesn't produce fruit. Let's so that it doesn't produce fruit. Let's so that it doesn't produce fruit. Let's turn our attention real quick to fruit turn our attention real quick to fruit turn our attention real quick to fruit and seed. Fruit. Fruit is one of these and seed. Fruit. Fruit is one of these and seed. Fruit. Fruit is one of these massive themes of the Bible that that massive themes of the Bible that that massive themes of the Bible that that shows up all over the Bible. In fact, shows up all over the Bible. In fact, shows up all over the Bible. In fact, there are 300 references in the Bible to there are 300 references in the Bible to there are 300 references in the Bible to fruit, fruitfulness, unfruitfulness. fruit, fruitfulness, unfruitfulness. fruit, fruitfulness, unfruitfulness. See, fruit is the result or reward of See, fruit is the result or reward of See, fruit is the result or reward of work or activity. work or activity. work or activity. And here's something I know about you. And here's something I know about you. And here's something I know about you. And here's something you know about me And here's something you know about me And here's something you know about me is that we want fruit. In fact, that's is that we want fruit. In fact, that's is that we want fruit. In fact, that's really all of our life's ambitions is to really all of our life's ambitions is to really all of our life's ambitions is to get fruit, to have fruit in our get fruit, to have fruit in our get fruit, to have fruit in our relationships. You're at church today relationships. You're at church today relationships. You're at church today because you want fruit, spiritual, because you want fruit, spiritual, because you want fruit, spiritual, social, relational. You may be in a social, relational. You may be in a social, relational. You may be in a family. You may want a family. And family. You may want a family. And family. You may want a family. And that's because that's what we believe that's because that's what we believe that's because that's what we believe fruit looks like. And because we want fruit looks like. And because we want fruit looks like. And because we want fruit, we do something about it. We we fruit, we do something about it. We we fruit, we do something about it. We we plant seeds so that we can get the plant seeds so that we can get the plant seeds so that we can get the fruit. See, a seed is not yet fruit. A fruit. See, a seed is not yet fruit. A fruit. See, a seed is not yet fruit. A seed has the potential of fruit. seed seed has the potential of fruit. seed seed has the potential of fruit. seed represents the potential of something represents the potential of something represents the potential of something that can be greater later. And in this that can be greater later. And in this that can be greater later. And in this parable, Jesus says that that represents parable, Jesus says that that represents parable, Jesus says that that represents a seed represents the word of God.

a seed represents the word of God. a seed represents the word of God. So this seed represents every good thing So this seed represents every good thing So this seed represents every good thing we want in our lives. This seed we want in our lives. This seed we want in our lives. This seed represents the potential of the family represents the potential of the family represents the potential of the family that we want. This seed represents that we want. This seed represents that we want. This seed represents everything that God has said about the everything that God has said about the everything that God has said about the way he created us. What it means to live way he created us. What it means to live way he created us. What it means to live abundantly in Jesus. This applies to abundantly in Jesus. This applies to abundantly in Jesus. This applies to your vocation and your relationships and your vocation and your relationships and your vocation and your relationships and your studies and everything in between. your studies and everything in between. your studies and everything in between. This seed that Jesus talks about right This seed that Jesus talks about right This seed that Jesus talks about right here represents the potential for every here represents the potential for every here represents the potential for every good thing we want in our lives. good thing we want in our lives. good thing we want in our lives. And it is in danger from the thorns. You And it is in danger from the thorns. You And it is in danger from the thorns. You see, the thorns have one goal. They just see, the thorns have one goal. They just see, the thorns have one goal. They just want to choke and kill. And you can see want to choke and kill. And you can see want to choke and kill. And you can see you can see it in nature the way that you can see it in nature the way that you can see it in nature the way that thorns grow here. The thorns grow in a thorns grow here. The thorns grow in a thorns grow here. The thorns grow in a couple different ways. One one way that couple different ways. One one way that couple different ways. One one way that thorns grow is they grow by completely thorns grow is they grow by completely thorns grow is they grow by completely overtaking an area. And here's why they overtaking an area. And here's why they overtaking an area. And here's why they do that. They want to steal the sunlight do that. They want to steal the sunlight do that. They want to steal the sunlight from above. They want to steal the from above. They want to steal the from above. They want to steal the nutrients from below in the soil. And nutrients from below in the soil. And nutrients from below in the soil. And they want to choke out everything in the they want to choke out everything in the they want to choke out everything in the middle except for itself. The other way middle except for itself. The other way middle except for itself. The other way they grow, they grow like this. They they grow, they grow like this. They they grow, they grow like this. They grow around a healthy plant in a spiral grow around a healthy plant in a spiral grow around a healthy plant in a spiral just like that. So just by looking at just like that. So just by looking at just like that. So just by looking at it, you can tell exactly what it's it, you can tell exactly what it's it, you can tell exactly what it's positioning itself to do, to choke.

positioning itself to do, to choke. positioning itself to do, to choke. And that may be the most important thing And that may be the most important thing And that may be the most important thing about this entire message is the way about this entire message is the way about this entire message is the way that thorns kill. It's by choking. that thorns kill. It's by choking. that thorns kill. It's by choking. See, choking is not an instant death. See, choking is not an instant death. See, choking is not an instant death. Choking happens slowly. It can happen Choking happens slowly. It can happen Choking happens slowly. It can happen almost indecisipably. almost indecisipably. almost indecisipably. overgrowing our gardens and our overgrowing our gardens and our overgrowing our gardens and our families, families, families, wrapping around our lives and our wrapping around our lives and our wrapping around our lives and our relationships, relationships, relationships, choking out the oxygen in every good choking out the oxygen in every good choking out the oxygen in every good thing in our lives, sometimes without us thing in our lives, sometimes without us thing in our lives, sometimes without us even noticing it's happening. even noticing it's happening. even noticing it's happening. Y'all, the garden that we've all been Y'all, the garden that we've all been Y'all, the garden that we've all been planted in in 2026 is surrounded by planted in in 2026 is surrounded by planted in in 2026 is surrounded by digital thorns. We have our phones with digital thorns. We have our phones with digital thorns. We have our phones with us everywhere. We bring our phones to us everywhere. We bring our phones to us everywhere. We bring our phones to every moment we're in. And they have the every moment we're in. And they have the every moment we're in. And they have the potential to choke out every good thing potential to choke out every good thing potential to choke out every good thing we want in our lives sometimes without we want in our lives sometimes without we want in our lives sometimes without us noticing. us noticing. us noticing. And let's be honest, it can feel And let's be honest, it can feel And let's be honest, it can feel hopeless. hopeless. hopeless. And hopeless And hopeless And hopeless is how I felt standing in the middle of is how I felt standing in the middle of is how I felt standing in the middle of the busiest airport in the world nine the busiest airport in the world nine the busiest airport in the world nine years ago as I watched that man years ago as I watched that man years ago as I watched that man disappear.

disappear. disappear. And as I stood there, I had this And as I stood there, I had this And as I stood there, I had this realization that the story can't end realization that the story can't end realization that the story can't end here. here. here. So, I took off through thousands of So, I took off through thousands of So, I took off through thousands of people to try to find this man. And I people to try to find this man. And I people to try to find this man. And I saw him off in the distance at the top saw him off in the distance at the top saw him off in the distance at the top of the escalator. And and I reached him of the escalator. And and I reached him of the escalator. And and I reached him and through panted breaths, I said to and through panted breaths, I said to and through panted breaths, I said to him, I said, "I know I'm the last person him, I said, "I know I'm the last person him, I said, "I know I'm the last person in the world that you want to see right in the world that you want to see right in the world that you want to see right now. I just want to tell you how sorry I now. I just want to tell you how sorry I now. I just want to tell you how sorry I am that you lost your dad. I want to am that you lost your dad. I want to am that you lost your dad. I want to tell you how sorry I am for how I tell you how sorry I am for how I tell you how sorry I am for how I acted." acted." acted." The man looked up at me and he had tears The man looked up at me and he had tears The man looked up at me and he had tears stream, excuse me, tears streaming down stream, excuse me, tears streaming down stream, excuse me, tears streaming down his face. his face. his face. He said, 'It's okay. And it broke me and He said, 'It's okay. And it broke me and He said, 'It's okay. And it broke me and I started crying. And and so I found I started crying. And and so I found I started crying. And and so I found myself doing what perfect strangers myself doing what perfect strangers myself doing what perfect strangers would do in the middle of the busiest would do in the middle of the busiest would do in the middle of the busiest airport in the world is crying on this airport in the world is crying on this airport in the world is crying on this man's shoulder, him on mine, and us man's shoulder, him on mine, and us man's shoulder, him on mine, and us hugging it out. hugging it out. hugging it out. Y'all, I got great news. See, this is Y'all, I got great news. See, this is Y'all, I got great news. See, this is the day I met my friend Ron. Ron and I, the day I met my friend Ron. Ron and I, the day I met my friend Ron. Ron and I, nine years later, still text a little nine years later, still text a little nine years later, still text a little bit to this day. I I want to pull up a bit to this day. I I want to pull up a bit to this day. I I want to pull up a little screen recording. Yes, it's little screen recording. Yes, it's little screen recording. Yes, it's blurred out. No, you can't read our blurred out. No, you can't read our blurred out. No, you can't read our texts. Ron and I text to this day. We texts. Ron and I text to this day. We texts. Ron and I text to this day. We check on each other. We send family check on each other. We send family check on each other. We send family pictures to each other. You can see pictures to each other. You can see pictures to each other. You can see there. And obviously, when we're going there. And obviously, when we're going there. And obviously, when we're going through the Atlanta airport, we text the through the Atlanta airport, we text the through the Atlanta airport, we text the other one to see if the other one other one to see if the other one other one to see if the other one happens to be there at the time.

happens to be there at the time. happens to be there at the time. So, I got good news here. I got great So, I got good news here. I got great So, I got good news here. I got great news here. Just like this situation in news here. Just like this situation in news here. Just like this situation in Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta, this is repable. This situation is this is repable. This situation is this is repable. This situation is repable. That the digital thorns don't repable. That the digital thorns don't repable. That the digital thorns don't have to overgrow in our lives. that we have to overgrow in our lives. that we have to overgrow in our lives. that we can become good soil that will produce can become good soil that will produce can become good soil that will produce fruit in our lives. Jesus says, "The fruit in our lives. Jesus says, "The fruit in our lives. Jesus says, "The seed on good soil stands for those who seed on good soil stands for those who seed on good soil stands for those who hear the word, retain it, and by hear the word, retain it, and by hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop more than a persevering produce a crop more than a persevering produce a crop more than a hundred times what was sown." hundred times what was sown." hundred times what was sown." Here's the truth. Over time, left Here's the truth. Over time, left Here's the truth. Over time, left unchecked, our phones will become thorns unchecked, our phones will become thorns unchecked, our phones will become thorns if we don't do something about it. and if we don't do something about it. and if we don't do something about it. and they will try to choke out every good they will try to choke out every good they will try to choke out every good thing we want in our lives. And I know thing we want in our lives. And I know thing we want in our lives. And I know that sounds like bad news, but y'all, that sounds like bad news, but y'all, that sounds like bad news, but y'all, this is great news. It's great news this is great news. It's great news this is great news. It's great news because we know it now. We have a name because we know it now. We have a name because we know it now. We have a name for it. We've had a sickness and now we for it. We've had a sickness and now we for it. We've had a sickness and now we know we know the name for the sickness know we know the name for the sickness know we know the name for the sickness and we can do something about it and and we can do something about it and and we can do something about it and that we can get ahead of this and we can that we can get ahead of this and we can that we can get ahead of this and we can cultivate good soil, but we have to get cultivate good soil, but we have to get cultivate good soil, but we have to get ahead of it. So, I want to give ahead of it. So, I want to give ahead of it. So, I want to give everybody a phrase today. I want to give everybody a phrase today. I want to give everybody a phrase today. I want to give you a phrase and think of this as the you a phrase and think of this as the you a phrase and think of this as the big idea for this message today. And I big idea for this message today. And I big idea for this message today. And I would love this phrase to find its way would love this phrase to find its way would love this phrase to find its way onto the lock screen of your phone. I'd onto the lock screen of your phone. I'd onto the lock screen of your phone. I'd love for this phone, this phrase to find love for this phone, this phrase to find love for this phone, this phrase to find its way under your bathroom mirror just its way under your bathroom mirror just its way under your bathroom mirror just as a daily reminder of how important as a daily reminder of how important as a daily reminder of how important this is. Is a daily reminder that we this is. Is a daily reminder that we this is. Is a daily reminder that we must do something about it. And it's must do something about it. And it's must do something about it. And it's simply this. Before they attack, I must simply this. Before they attack, I must simply this. Before they attack, I must prune the thorns back. Before they prune the thorns back. Before they prune the thorns back. Before they attack, I must prune the thorns back.

attack, I must prune the thorns back. attack, I must prune the thorns back. And what I want to do for our next few And what I want to do for our next few And what I want to do for our next few minutes here, New Spring, I I want to minutes here, New Spring, I I want to minutes here, New Spring, I I want to talk through three practices and talk through three practices and talk through three practices and principles that will help you begin to principles that will help you begin to principles that will help you begin to prune back the thorns before they attack prune back the thorns before they attack prune back the thorns before they attack in your life so that we can begin to in your life so that we can begin to in your life so that we can begin to cultivate good soil that will bear fruit cultivate good soil that will bear fruit cultivate good soil that will bear fruit in our lives. And you're going to notice in our lives. And you're going to notice in our lives. And you're going to notice something about each one of these. They something about each one of these. They something about each one of these. They all start with the same word, lets. Let all start with the same word, lets. Let all start with the same word, lets. Let us. Alcoholics Anonymous, they say us. Alcoholics Anonymous, they say us. Alcoholics Anonymous, they say something like, "I get drunk. We get something like, "I get drunk. We get something like, "I get drunk. We get sober." sober." sober." So this is something that's a we that we So this is something that's a we that we So this is something that's a we that we have to have an us around us to have to have an us around us to have to have an us around us to encourage us to do. You are you have encourage us to do. You are you have encourage us to do. You are you have this advantage of sitting here next to this advantage of sitting here next to this advantage of sitting here next to people whatever campus you're at whether people whatever campus you're at whether people whatever campus you're at whether you're online as around a group of you're online as around a group of you're online as around a group of people here who are an us. You may be in people here who are an us. You may be in people here who are an us. You may be in a small group. You may be in a family a small group. You may be in a family a small group. You may be in a family unit. You may be in a marriage. In fact unit. You may be in a marriage. In fact unit. You may be in a marriage. In fact I think any parent here today even if I think any parent here today even if I think any parent here today even if you're in a co-parenting situation your you're in a co-parenting situation your you're in a co-parenting situation your alignment together is the most important alignment together is the most important alignment together is the most important thing. So think of your us. thing. So think of your us. thing. So think of your us. The first let's first let's let's live The first let's first let's let's live The first let's first let's let's live differently. differently. differently. Y'all, we have to stop bringing our Y'all, we have to stop bringing our Y'all, we have to stop bringing our phones to every moment of our lives. You phones to every moment of our lives. You phones to every moment of our lives. You see, every every moment is a seed see, every every moment is a seed see, every every moment is a seed moment. I'm talking about every car moment. I'm talking about every car moment. I'm talking about every car ride, every conversation, every date ride, every conversation, every date ride, every conversation, every date night, every quiet time, every family night, every quiet time, every family night, every quiet time, every family movie night. These are little seed movie night. These are little seed movie night. These are little seed moments that have the potential to bear moments that have the potential to bear moments that have the potential to bear fruit. And and I want you to think of fruit. And and I want you to think of fruit. And and I want you to think of these little moments in your lives like these little moments in your lives like these little moments in your lives like an invitation an invitation an invitation to a fruit party. Hold on. Let me to a fruit party. Hold on. Let me to a fruit party. Hold on. Let me explain here. I I I have I have an explain here. I I I have I have an explain here. I I I have I have an irrational fear inside that anytime I'm

irrational fear inside that anytime I'm irrational fear inside that anytime I'm invited to a costume party that I'm invited to a costume party that I'm invited to a costume party that I'm going to show up and haha jokes on Joey. going to show up and haha jokes on Joey. going to show up and haha jokes on Joey. Everybody is in normal clothes and I'm Everybody is in normal clothes and I'm Everybody is in normal clothes and I'm dressed like Indiana Jones or something dressed like Indiana Jones or something dressed like Indiana Jones or something like that. And I and I just think about like that. And I and I just think about like that. And I and I just think about how silly it would look to bring a how silly it would look to bring a how silly it would look to bring a costume to a normal dinner party. So costume to a normal dinner party. So costume to a normal dinner party. So it's it's kind of like that. You see, it's it's kind of like that. You see, it's it's kind of like that. You see, when we bring our phones to these seed when we bring our phones to these seed when we bring our phones to these seed moments, to these potential moments of moments, to these potential moments of moments, to these potential moments of fruit, it's just like bringing thorns to fruit, it's just like bringing thorns to fruit, it's just like bringing thorns to a fruit party. So what if we didn't a fruit party. So what if we didn't a fruit party. So what if we didn't bring our phones to the date night or to bring our phones to the date night or to bring our phones to the date night or to the playtime with our kids? What if we the playtime with our kids? What if we the playtime with our kids? What if we didn't bring those to that situation in didn't bring those to that situation in didn't bring those to that situation in the first place? the first place? the first place? So hear me here. Don't bring thorns to a So hear me here. Don't bring thorns to a So hear me here. Don't bring thorns to a fruit party. And I want you to use this fruit party. And I want you to use this fruit party. And I want you to use this phrase. I want you, it's intentionally a phrase. I want you, it's intentionally a phrase. I want you, it's intentionally a little bit silly because here's how I little bit silly because here's how I little bit silly because here's how I want you to use it. Daughters, next time want you to use it. Daughters, next time want you to use it. Daughters, next time your dad pulls out his phone at the at your dad pulls out his phone at the at your dad pulls out his phone at the at the dinner table, here's what you should the dinner table, here's what you should the dinner table, here's what you should to do. Say, "Dad, you silly goose. This to do. Say, "Dad, you silly goose. This to do. Say, "Dad, you silly goose. This is a fruit party. Please put your thorns is a fruit party. Please put your thorns is a fruit party. Please put your thorns away." I want you say this to yourself. away." I want you say this to yourself. away." I want you say this to yourself. I want you to say it to yourself. You I want you to say it to yourself. You I want you to say it to yourself. You sit down for a quiet time. You have your sit down for a quiet time. You have your sit down for a quiet time. You have your phone there. Just say, "Come on, man.

phone there. Just say, "Come on, man. phone there. Just say, "Come on, man. This is a fruit party. There are no This is a fruit party. There are no This is a fruit party. There are no thorns allowed here." thorns allowed here." thorns allowed here." The practical application of this is so The practical application of this is so The practical application of this is so small. It's so simple. And I'm telling small. It's so simple. And I'm telling small. It's so simple. And I'm telling you from experience, this is so you from experience, this is so you from experience, this is so profound. Is that I want everybody in profound. Is that I want everybody in profound. Is that I want everybody in this room to get in the daily practice this room to get in the daily practice this room to get in the daily practice of spending time apart from your phone. of spending time apart from your phone. of spending time apart from your phone. And I know that sounds small, but here's And I know that sounds small, but here's And I know that sounds small, but here's why it's so important is that why it's so important is that why it's so important is that statistically 91% of us have our phones statistically 91% of us have our phones statistically 91% of us have our phones with us 24 hours a day. 91% of us have with us 24 hours a day. 91% of us have with us 24 hours a day. 91% of us have our phones with us 24 hours a day. So I our phones with us 24 hours a day. So I our phones with us 24 hours a day. So I want everybody here to get in this daily want everybody here to get in this daily want everybody here to get in this daily practice. I'm talking five minutes a day practice. I'm talking five minutes a day practice. I'm talking five minutes a day or 15 minutes a day. I mean, you could or 15 minutes a day. I mean, you could or 15 minutes a day. I mean, you could work up to like life goals here. Did you work up to like life goals here. Did you work up to like life goals here. Did you know if you spend two hours apart from know if you spend two hours apart from know if you spend two hours apart from your phone per day, again, throughout your phone per day, again, throughout your phone per day, again, throughout the day in different points, you spend the day in different points, you spend the day in different points, you spend two hours apart from your phone per day, two hours apart from your phone per day, two hours apart from your phone per day, you will reclaim one month out of your you will reclaim one month out of your you will reclaim one month out of your year. This is massive daily things. And year. This is massive daily things. And year. This is massive daily things. And it always starts with a small bit. So, it always starts with a small bit. So, it always starts with a small bit. So, start with five five minutes today. And start with five five minutes today. And start with five five minutes today. And when you do that, you join a 9% club of when you do that, you join a 9% club of when you do that, you join a 9% club of people who do that. And that's what it people who do that. And that's what it people who do that. And that's what it looks like to live differently.

looks like to live differently. looks like to live differently. Secondly, let's look different. Secondly, let's look different. Secondly, let's look different. The way we use our phones when we are The way we use our phones when we are The way we use our phones when we are around others or when we're in public, around others or when we're in public, around others or when we're in public, this is an outward representation of this is an outward representation of this is an outward representation of what we value most or what we value what we value most or what we value what we value most or what we value least. least. least. So, as Jesus followers, we must look So, as Jesus followers, we must look So, as Jesus followers, we must look different. And I'll promise you this, different. And I'll promise you this, different. And I'll promise you this, you're going to look different when you're going to look different when you're going to look different when you're the only table at the restaurant you're the only table at the restaurant you're the only table at the restaurant with your phone stacked in the middle of with your phone stacked in the middle of with your phone stacked in the middle of the table. It'll look a little the table. It'll look a little the table. It'll look a little different. You're going to look a little different. You're going to look a little different. You're going to look a little different when you're the only one in different when you're the only one in different when you're the only one in the Starbucks line, the only one in the the Starbucks line, the only one in the the Starbucks line, the only one in the grocery store, and you're the only one grocery store, and you're the only one grocery store, and you're the only one looking up instead of looking down at looking up instead of looking down at looking up instead of looking down at your phone. Your family will look your phone. Your family will look your phone. Your family will look different when it's a no phone policy at different when it's a no phone policy at different when it's a no phone policy at family dinners. You will look different. family dinners. You will look different. family dinners. You will look different. You probably have heard this phrase You probably have heard this phrase You probably have heard this phrase that to preach the gospel at all times that to preach the gospel at all times that to preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words. and if necessary use words. and if necessary use words. I'm going to say something that may feel I'm going to say something that may feel I'm going to say something that may feel a little bit shocking, but in 2026, the a little bit shocking, but in 2026, the a little bit shocking, but in 2026, the greatest way to preach the gospel greatest way to preach the gospel greatest way to preach the gospel without words when you are in public is without words when you are in public is without words when you are in public is simply to be off your phone looking up.

simply to be off your phone looking up. simply to be off your phone looking up. Now listen, it doesn't stop there, but Now listen, it doesn't stop there, but Now listen, it doesn't stop there, but it definitely starts there. See Jesus, it definitely starts there. See Jesus, it definitely starts there. See Jesus, he walked, talked, lived and looked he walked, talked, lived and looked he walked, talked, lived and looked different. This is our way to look different. This is our way to look different. This is our way to look different. different. different. So Jesus followers, let's make this one So Jesus followers, let's make this one So Jesus followers, let's make this one super super simple. Super simple. for super super simple. Super simple. for super super simple. Super simple. for the next seven days in this room and the next seven days in this room and the next seven days in this room and every room watching today and every every room watching today and every every room watching today and every every person who is watching online. So every person who is watching online. So every person who is watching online. So across the state of South Carolina and across the state of South Carolina and across the state of South Carolina and beyond for the next seven days and beyond for the next seven days and beyond for the next seven days and hopefully for the next month, hopefully hopefully for the next month, hopefully hopefully for the next month, hopefully for the next year, what if we had no for the next year, what if we had no for the next year, what if we had no phones in lines while we waited and no phones in lines while we waited and no phones in lines while we waited and no phones during meals, whether at home or phones during meals, whether at home or phones during meals, whether at home or at restaurants. at restaurants. at restaurants. Let's just see what happens. Let's just see what happens. Let's just see what happens. And here's what happens. You'll look And here's what happens. You'll look And here's what happens. You'll look different. And the cool thing is like different. And the cool thing is like different. And the cool thing is like Jesus says, he says to let your light Jesus says, he says to let your light Jesus says, he says to let your light shine before others so they will see shine before others so they will see shine before others so they will see your good works and glorify your father your good works and glorify your father your good works and glorify your father in heaven. So here's what happens is in heaven. So here's what happens is in heaven. So here's what happens is that people will want what you have and that people will want what you have and that people will want what you have and they will see the very face of God in they will see the very face of God in they will see the very face of God in the process.

the process. the process. And when we live differently and when we And when we live differently and when we And when we live differently and when we look different, we will have an look different, we will have an look different, we will have an opportunity to love differently. opportunity to love differently. opportunity to love differently. One of the most piercing quotes I've One of the most piercing quotes I've One of the most piercing quotes I've heard over the last year is to never heard over the last year is to never heard over the last year is to never underestimate the amount of pain in any underestimate the amount of pain in any underestimate the amount of pain in any room you enter. room you enter. room you enter. The Atlanta airport nine years ago, The Atlanta airport nine years ago, The Atlanta airport nine years ago, there was pain in a man who had lost his there was pain in a man who had lost his there was pain in a man who had lost his father. father. father. In this room today, there is pain. In this room today, there is pain. In this room today, there is pain. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] You may have lost somebody that you You may have lost somebody that you You may have lost somebody that you love. You may be going through a love. You may be going through a love. You may be going through a divorce. You may be on the edge of divorce. You may be on the edge of divorce. You may be on the edge of divorce or on the heels of a divorce. divorce or on the heels of a divorce. divorce or on the heels of a divorce. And it feels like it's ripping the heart And it feels like it's ripping the heart And it feels like it's ripping the heart out of your chest. out of your chest. out of your chest. In this room right now, there is In this room right now, there is In this room right now, there is loneliness. loneliness. loneliness. Does anyone see me? I just need one Does anyone see me? I just need one Does anyone see me? I just need one friend who notices me. friend who notices me. friend who notices me. And I know this about all of us. When And I know this about all of us. When And I know this about all of us. When we're in pain and when we feel lonely, we're in pain and when we feel lonely, we're in pain and when we feel lonely, we just want one thing, and that is to we just want one thing, and that is to we just want one thing, and that is to be seen and known and loved.

be seen and known and loved. be seen and known and loved. and new spring. I can't promise you that and new spring. I can't promise you that and new spring. I can't promise you that you're going to be seen or known or you're going to be seen or known or you're going to be seen or known or loved, but I can promise you this that loved, but I can promise you this that loved, but I can promise you this that you can see and know and love somebody you can see and know and love somebody you can see and know and love somebody else. else. else. And what would happen if we all did that And what would happen if we all did that And what would happen if we all did that today? What would happen is that in today? What would happen is that in today? What would happen is that in giving it, we would also receive it. giving it, we would also receive it. giving it, we would also receive it. But it requires something of us. But it requires something of us. But it requires something of us. It requires us to slow down. to slow down. Requires us to put down. Requires us to Requires us to put down. Requires us to Requires us to put down. Requires us to look up. look up. look up. You see this knowledge that everybody's You see this knowledge that everybody's You see this knowledge that everybody's in pain. This is a the distinctive of in pain. This is a the distinctive of in pain. This is a the distinctive of Jesus. Jesus knew everywhere he went Jesus. Jesus knew everywhere he went Jesus. Jesus knew everywhere he went that there was pain. that there was pain. that there was pain. So what did he do as a result? So what did he do as a result? So what did he do as a result? He walked a little bit slower, He walked a little bit slower, He walked a little bit slower, made eye contact just a little bit made eye contact just a little bit made eye contact just a little bit longer.

longer. longer. He asked one more question and he He asked one more question and he He asked one more question and he listened a little bit more intently. listened a little bit more intently. listened a little bit more intently. Jesus says in John, he says, "If you Jesus says in John, he says, "If you Jesus says in John, he says, "If you believe in me, you'll do the works that believe in me, you'll do the works that believe in me, you'll do the works that I do." So today, this is our invitation I do." So today, this is our invitation I do." So today, this is our invitation to do the works that Jesus does to do the works that Jesus does to do the works that Jesus does by loving differently. by loving differently. by loving differently. You see, I told you at the beginning of You see, I told you at the beginning of You see, I told you at the beginning of this message, this message was not this message, this message was not this message, this message was not anti-technology. anti-technology. anti-technology. This is not a message on how to reduce This is not a message on how to reduce This is not a message on how to reduce your screen time. No, no. This message your screen time. No, no. This message your screen time. No, no. This message is about something so much greater than is about something so much greater than is about something so much greater than that. that. that. Second Peter says that the ultimate Second Peter says that the ultimate Second Peter says that the ultimate crescendo to our faith is love. crescendo to our faith is love. crescendo to our faith is love. This is about the opportunity that all This is about the opportunity that all This is about the opportunity that all of us have in this room to setting aside of us have in this room to setting aside of us have in this room to setting aside the greatest impediment in our life to the greatest impediment in our life to the greatest impediment in our life to walking alongside Jesus in love. walking alongside Jesus in love. walking alongside Jesus in love. So, new spring, let's prune back the So, new spring, let's prune back the So, new spring, let's prune back the thorns before they [music] attack. Let's thorns before they [music] attack. Let's thorns before they [music] attack. Let's cultivate good soil that will bear cultivate good soil that will bear cultivate good soil that will bear fruit. Let's let's live differently.

fruit. Let's let's live differently. fruit. Let's let's live differently. Let's look different Let's look different Let's look different all so that we can love the people and all so that we can love the people and all so that we can love the people and the world around us differently. the world around us differently. the world around us differently. Let's pray. Jesus, will you right now, Holy Spirit, Jesus, will you right now, Holy Spirit, will you give us courage? will you give us courage? will you give us courage? Will you give us courage and strength to Will you give us courage and strength to Will you give us courage and strength to do something that seems so easy in our do something that seems so easy in our do something that seems so easy in our own strength but in practicality is so own strength but in practicality is so own strength but in practicality is so unbelievably extraordinarily difficult. unbelievably extraordinarily difficult. unbelievably extraordinarily difficult. God, will you help us to realize that God, will you help us to realize that God, will you help us to realize that maybe it's because it's so difficult maybe it's because it's so difficult maybe it's because it's so difficult that it's so valuable on the other side? that it's so valuable on the other side? that it's so valuable on the other side? Holy Spirit, will you fill us with that Holy Spirit, will you fill us with that Holy Spirit, will you fill us with that strength and confidence? Jesus, will you strength and confidence? Jesus, will you strength and confidence? Jesus, will you put people around us to help us put people around us to help us put people around us to help us encourage each other to lift up each encourage each other to lift up each encourage each other to lift up each other's arms in this? God, I pray in other's arms in this? God, I pray in other's arms in this? God, I pray in this room in the name of Jesus for this room in the name of Jesus for this room in the name of Jesus for change in relationships with technology change in relationships with technology change in relationships with technology that we can cast that aside in the that we can cast that aside in the that we can cast that aside in the moments where we need connection. Holy moments where we need connection. Holy moments where we need connection. Holy Spirit, will you show us what true Spirit, will you show us what true Spirit, will you show us what true connection looks like with you, connection looks like with you, connection looks like with you, beginning with the way you look at us, beginning with the way you look at us, beginning with the way you look at us, God, we know even this, the the Bible God, we know even this, the the Bible God, we know even this, the the Bible says that our prayers go up as an aroma says that our prayers go up as an aroma says that our prayers go up as an aroma to you. So, we believe this prayer right to you. So, we believe this prayer right to you. So, we believe this prayer right now is even going up as an aroma to you, now is even going up as an aroma to you, now is even going up as an aroma to you, God. In Psalm 139, it says, "How vast God. In Psalm 139, it says, "How vast God. In Psalm 139, it says, "How vast are your thoughts about us." So God, are your thoughts about us." So God, are your thoughts about us." So God, will you help us have a revelation? Will will you help us have a revelation? Will will you help us have a revelation? Will you give us a revelation of your deep, you give us a revelation of your deep, you give us a revelation of your deep, incredible, passionate love for us so incredible, passionate love for us so incredible, passionate love for us so that we can then [music] in turn, just that we can then [music] in turn, just that we can then [music] in turn, just as a response to that, set aside this as a response to that, set aside this as a response to that, set aside this distraction to loving other people and

distraction to loving other people and distraction to loving other people and seeing them. Thank you for this church. seeing them. Thank you for this church. seeing them. Thank you for this church. Thank you for this people. I pray for Thank you for this people. I pray for Thank you for this people. I pray for blessing on this church and every family blessing on this church and every family blessing on this church and every family here. God, we love you. We pray all this here. God, we love you. We pray all this here. God, we love you. We pray all this in Jesus name. Amen. Joey, thank you for that. What a what an Joey, thank you for that. What a what an incredible reminder. Um, as as so we run incredible reminder. Um, as as so we run incredible reminder. Um, as as so we run through the service uh every morning at through the service uh every morning at through the service uh every morning at about 8:00 and as Joey was doing that, I about 8:00 and as Joey was doing that, I about 8:00 and as Joey was doing that, I I thought about last week and how we we I thought about last week and how we we I thought about last week and how we we talked about our wallets and what that talked about our wallets and what that talked about our wallets and what that means for us. And today we're talking means for us. And today we're talking means for us. And today we're talking about our phone and like I had this this about our phone and like I had this this about our phone and like I had this this moment of like man I'm I'm being asked moment of like man I'm I'm being asked moment of like man I'm I'm being asked to give a lot up here. to give a lot up here. to give a lot up here. >> Like it was like God I why why would God >> Like it was like God I why why would God >> Like it was like God I why why would God take from me? And I I had this moment take from me? And I I had this moment take from me? And I I had this moment where I realized that's a complete where I realized that's a complete where I realized that's a complete misunderstanding of who God is. Like 1 misunderstanding of who God is. Like 1 misunderstanding of who God is. Like 1 John 4 tells us God is love. And so John 4 tells us God is love. And so John 4 tells us God is love. And so anything he's asking me to open my hand anything he's asking me to open my hand anything he's asking me to open my hand up for, it's because he has something so up for, it's because he has something so up for, it's because he has something so much better for me on the other side of much better for me on the other side of much better for me on the other side of it. So God's inviting you into something it. So God's inviting you into something it. So God's inviting you into something so much better. And so like I think so much better. And so like I think so much better. And so like I think about that that moment in the morning. I about that that moment in the morning. I about that that moment in the morning. I try to go to this blue chair in our try to go to this blue chair in our try to go to this blue chair in our house and sit and just sit in quiet and house and sit and just sit in quiet and house and sit and just sit in quiet and have gratitude and drink a cup of have gratitude and drink a cup of have gratitude and drink a cup of coffee. And I have this pull. I wish I coffee. And I have this pull. I wish I coffee. And I have this pull. I wish I could just go get my phone. And that could just go get my phone. And that could just go get my phone. And that pull is a lesser choice. God is inviting

pull is a lesser choice. God is inviting pull is a lesser choice. God is inviting me into more. And so there's a very me into more. And so there's a very me into more. And so there's a very obvious way for us all to respond this obvious way for us all to respond this obvious way for us all to respond this morning that I want to encourage you morning that I want to encourage you morning that I want to encourage you with. We can simply turn our phones off with. We can simply turn our phones off with. We can simply turn our phones off for the remainder of the church service. for the remainder of the church service. for the remainder of the church service. So I would encourage you just let it let So I would encourage you just let it let So I would encourage you just let it let it be. There's no way to reach you for it be. There's no way to reach you for it be. There's no way to reach you for the next 8 minutes, 10 minutes, and then the next 8 minutes, 10 minutes, and then the next 8 minutes, 10 minutes, and then we can respond. And if you're if you're we can respond. And if you're if you're we can respond. And if you're if you're a person who feels like, man, I have a person who feels like, man, I have a person who feels like, man, I have just misunderstood who God is. I have just misunderstood who God is. I have just misunderstood who God is. I have felt like he's trying to take something felt like he's trying to take something felt like he's trying to take something in any area of your life. I'm going to in any area of your life. I'm going to in any area of your life. I'm going to invite you down for prayer. So, prayer invite you down for prayer. So, prayer invite you down for prayer. So, prayer teams, you can go ahead and come down to teams, you can go ahead and come down to teams, you can go ahead and come down to the front to receive, folks. I'm going the front to receive, folks. I'm going the front to receive, folks. I'm going to invite the rest of you to your feet. to invite the rest of you to your feet. to invite the rest of you to your feet. And we're going to enter into a time of And we're going to enter into a time of And we're going to enter into a time of response and communion. And your response and communion. And your response and communion. And your response this moment may simply be to response this moment may simply be to response this moment may simply be to sit still for 10 [music] minutes. To sit sit still for 10 [music] minutes. To sit sit still for 10 [music] minutes. To sit still and know that that you don't have still and know that that you don't have still and know that that you don't have to be available. You don't have to be to be available. You don't have to be to be available. You don't have to be prepared to respond. And so [music] I'm prepared to respond. And so [music] I'm prepared to respond. And so [music] I'm going to just pray peace over us and going to just pray peace over us and going to just pray peace over us and then encourage you to respond for then encourage you to respond for then encourage you to respond for prayer, for communion, or in song. God, prayer, for communion, or in song. God, prayer, for communion, or in song. God, thank [music] you. We're grateful.

thank [music] you. We're grateful. thank [music] you. We're grateful. Lord, we recognize that you are enough Lord, we recognize that you are enough Lord, we recognize that you are enough and anything you would ask us to give up and anything you would ask us to give up and anything you would ask us to give up is only because you have more [music] to is only because you have more [music] to is only because you have more [music] to give. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Go give. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Go give. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Go ahead and respond as you feel led. >> I surrender >> I surrender all. all. all. [music] I surrender I surrender all.

All to thee, [music] All to thee, [music] my blessed my blessed my blessed Savior, Savior, Savior, I surrender. [music] I [singing] I [singing] surrender. All [music] All [music] to thee my blessed [music and singing] to thee my blessed [music and singing] to thee my blessed [music and singing] Savior.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Enthralled in glory, >> Enthralled in glory, >> Enthralled in glory, my savior king, my savior king, my savior king, your loving [music] your loving [music] your loving [music] kindness has welcomed me. kindness has welcomed me. kindness has welcomed me. Though [music and singing] I'm unworthy Though [music and singing] I'm unworthy Though [music and singing] I'm unworthy of majesty, of majesty, of majesty, you're up [singing] the [music] lowly in you're up [singing] the [music] lowly in you're up [singing] the [music] lowly in royalty. I will lay my crowns [music] down at I will lay my crowns [music] down at your feet. your feet. your feet. You are holy, [singing] You are holy, [singing] You are holy, [singing] holy, and I will give [singing] holy, and I will give [singing] holy, and I will give [singing] my life [music] as an offering. You are worthy. So [music and singing] You are worthy. So [music and singing] worthy, God. worthy, God. worthy, God. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. So much [music] better. Better.

So much [music] better. Better. So much [music] better. Better. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, here [music] at your altar [singing] here [music] at your altar [singing] to seek your face to seek your face to seek your face broken and poured [music and singing] broken and poured [music and singing] broken and poured [music and singing] out without restraint. It [music] full [singing] of abandoned It [music] full [singing] of abandoned before my king. before my king. before my king. Here I [music and singing] surrender Here I [music and singing] surrender Here I [music and singing] surrender my everything. I [music] I [music] will lay my crowns down at your will lay my crowns down at your will lay my crowns down at your [singing] [singing] [singing] feet. [music] You are holy, [singing] You are holy, [singing] so holy, [music] and I will give so holy, [music] and I will give so holy, [music] and I will give [singing] my life as [music] an [singing] my life as [music] an [singing] my life as [music] an offering. You are worthy. [music and singing] You are worthy. [music and singing] So worthy. And I will lay [music] my So worthy. And I will lay [music] my So worthy. And I will lay [music] my crowns down at [singing] your feet.

crowns down at [singing] your feet. crowns down at [singing] your feet. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you are holy, [music and singing] you are holy, [music and singing] you are holy, [music and singing] so holy, and I will give so holy, and I will give so holy, and I will give [music and singing] my life as an offer. You withheld nothing from [music] us. You withheld nothing from [music] us. We withhold nothing from you. We [music] We withhold nothing from you. We [music] We withhold nothing from you. We [music] withhold [singing] nothing from you.

withhold [singing] nothing from you. withhold [singing] nothing from you. You are [music] worthy. You are [music] worthy. You are [music] worthy. You withheld [singing] nothing from us. You withheld [singing] nothing from us. You withheld [singing] nothing from us. We withhold [music] We withhold [music] We withhold [music] nothing from you. nothing from you. nothing from you. We withhold nothing [singing] from you. Holy, [music] holy, holy is the lamb Holy, [music] holy, holy is the lamb upon the throne. upon the throne. upon the throne. Rejoice with [music] all of heaven in Rejoice with [music] all of heaven in Rejoice with [music] all of heaven in the everlasting song. the everlasting song. the everlasting song. Holy, [music and singing] holy, holy is Holy, [music and singing] holy, holy is Holy, [music and singing] holy, holy is the lamb upon the throne. the lamb upon the throne. the lamb upon the throne. We [music] join with all of heaven in We [music] join with all of heaven in We [music] join with all of heaven in the everlasting. Come on every [music] the everlasting. Come on every [music] the everlasting. Come on every [music] voice. Can we sing this? Holy, [singing] voice. Can we sing this? Holy, [singing] voice. Can we sing this? Holy, [singing] holy, holy is the lamb upon the throne. holy, holy is the lamb upon the throne. holy, holy is the lamb upon the throne. No one [music] like him. Rejoice with No one [music] like him. Rejoice with No one [music] like him. Rejoice with all of heaven in the everlasting [music] all of heaven in the everlasting [music] all of heaven in the everlasting [music] song. song. song. Holy [singing] Jesus.

Jesus. Yeah. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> We exalt >> We exalt >> We exalt thee. every voice [music] we sing this every voice [music] we sing this together. We exalt thee. Come on. We together. We exalt thee. Come on. We together. We exalt thee. Come on. We exalt exalt exalt thee. We exalt [singing] We exalt [singing] thee. We exalt We exalt thee, oh oh Lord.

Yes. Heavenly Father, give us that Yes. Heavenly Father, give us that posture as we go into our week. [music] posture as we go into our week. [music] posture as we go into our week. [music] Uh a posture that that turns our Uh a posture that that turns our Uh a posture that that turns our attention to you and when we feel it attention to you and when we feel it attention to you and when we feel it going another direction, Lord, that we going another direction, Lord, that we going another direction, Lord, that we are quick to turn back knowing that you are quick to turn back knowing that you are quick to turn back knowing that you are the best there is on offer. Jesus are the best there is on offer. Jesus are the best there is on offer. Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Hey, what a name we pray. Amen. Amen. Hey, what a name we pray. Amen. Amen. Hey, what a great day. Joey, I know you're great day. Joey, I know you're great day. Joey, I know you're backstage. Thank you. Can we put our backstage. Thank you. Can we put our backstage. Thank you. Can we put our hands together for Joey? Come and spend hands together for Joey? Come and spend hands together for Joey? Come and spend some time with us. Very grateful for some time with us. Very grateful for some time with us. Very grateful for you. Thankful for that teach. Uh listen, you. Thankful for that teach. Uh listen, you. Thankful for that teach. Uh listen, I'm going to give you a handle for next I'm going to give you a handle for next I'm going to give you a handle for next week. There are a lot of people here week. There are a lot of people here week. There are a lot of people here today. Next week, we're going to teach today. Next week, we're going to teach today. Next week, we're going to teach on friendship. Okay? So, it is a perfect on friendship. Okay? So, it is a perfect on friendship. Okay? So, it is a perfect Sunday to bring a friend with you. Don't Sunday to bring a friend with you. Don't Sunday to bring a friend with you. Don't tell them I'm preaching. Just bring them tell them I'm preaching. Just bring them tell them I'm preaching. Just bring them and we'll get them here with the music and we'll get them here with the music and we'll get them here with the music and the the Justin's hosting. So, and the the Justin's hosting. So, and the the Justin's hosting. So, that'll be excellent. But I I'm really that'll be excellent. But I I'm really that'll be excellent. But I I'm really excited. I feel like as I've studied for excited. I feel like as I've studied for excited. I feel like as I've studied for this, I've seen so much in my own life this, I've seen so much in my own life this, I've seen so much in my own life that's like, man, I'm missing out on that's like, man, I'm missing out on that's like, man, I'm missing out on that. And so, it's a great Sunday to that. And so, it's a great Sunday to that. And so, it's a great Sunday to bring a friend with you. The last thing bring a friend with you. The last thing bring a friend with you. The last thing I want to tell you about is we've had a I want to tell you about is we've had a I want to tell you about is we've had a lot of people step into membership at lot of people step into membership at lot of people step into membership at the church. And if you're one of those the church. And if you're one of those the church. And if you're one of those folks, you've been around for a long folks, you've been around for a long folks, you've been around for a long time and you haven't stepped into that time and you haven't stepped into that time and you haven't stepped into that ne yet, there's a class next week. If ne yet, there's a class next week. If ne yet, there's a class next week. If you just want to text member to 30303, you just want to text member to 30303, you just want to text member to 30303, we'd love to plug you into that class.

we'd love to plug you into that class. we'd love to plug you into that class. class. It's during the 11:15 service. class. It's during the 11:15 service. class. It's during the 11:15 service. So, you can come to 9:15, attend that So, you can come to 9:15, attend that So, you can come to 9:15, attend that class right after. We'd love to have you class right after. We'd love to have you class right after. We'd love to have you step into that process. [music] Finally, step into that process. [music] Finally, step into that process. [music] Finally, I'd love to bless you as you are I'd love to bless you as you are I'd love to bless you as you are phoneless and won't be distracted by any phoneless and won't be distracted by any phoneless and won't be distracted by any buzzing in your pocket. So, let me have buzzing in your pocket. So, let me have buzzing in your pocket. So, let me have the opportunity to bless you guys. May the opportunity to bless you guys. May the opportunity to bless you guys. May the word of God fall on good soil in the word of God fall on good soil in the word of God fall on good soil in your heart and yield a hundfold fruit. your heart and yield a hundfold fruit. your heart and yield a hundfold fruit. May you prune back the thorns in your May you prune back the thorns in your May you prune back the thorns in your life and commit to living a life present life and commit to living a life present life and commit to living a life present and set apart in the world. You are and set apart in the world. You are and set apart in the world. You are [music] empowered by the same spirit [music] empowered by the same spirit [music] empowered by the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. Go in that raised Christ from the dead. Go in that raised Christ from the dead. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. I love peace to love and serve the Lord. I love peace to love and serve the Lord. I love you guys. We'll see you back here next you guys. We'll see you back here next you guys. We'll see you back here next week. Long family. Thank y'all for week. Long family. Thank y'all for week. Long family. Thank y'all for today. That was beautiful. >> That's what it was. >> That's what it was. I was like, "Dude, what is that song? I I was like, "Dude, what is that song? I I was like, "Dude, what is that song? I know it.