You're Invited | Part 2 | Andy Stanley

Well, good morning. Welcome to North Well, good morning. Welcome to North Point. We're so glad that you joined us Point. We're so glad that you joined us Point. We're so glad that you joined us today. If we haven't met, my name is today. If we haven't met, my name is today. If we haven't met, my name is Holly and I'm the executive pastor and Holly and I'm the executive pastor and Holly and I'm the executive pastor and our lead pastors over in the West our lead pastors over in the West our lead pastors over in the West auditorium this morning. Good morning, auditorium this morning. Good morning, auditorium this morning. Good morning, Andy. How's it going over there? Andy. How's it going over there? Andy. How's it going over there? >> Holly, things are great over here in the >> Holly, things are great over here in the >> Holly, things are great over here in the West, aren't they? Yes. Yes. West, aren't they? Yes. Yes. West, aren't they? Yes. Yes. >> Oh, yeah. Look out. >> Oh, yeah. Look out. >> Oh, yeah. Look out. >> It sounds riveting. Yes. It sounds >> It sounds riveting. Yes. It sounds >> It sounds riveting. Yes. It sounds amazing. Well, hey, Andy, summer is amazing. Well, hey, Andy, summer is amazing. Well, hey, Andy, summer is almost over. almost over. almost over. >> I know. Two more weeks. >> I know. Two more weeks. >> I know. Two more weeks. >> I know. I can't believe it. I know. I've >> I know. I can't believe it. I know. I've >> I know. I can't believe it. I know. I've been hitting that snooze button so hard. been hitting that snooze button so hard. been hitting that snooze button so hard. So, I guess that time is over. But you So, I guess that time is over. But you So, I guess that time is over. But you know what? We're going to make the most know what? We're going to make the most know what? We're going to make the most of summer uh around here. In fact, of summer uh around here. In fact, of summer uh around here. In fact, tomorrow morning, get ready for this. tomorrow morning, get ready for this. tomorrow morning, get ready for this. Just from North Point alone, we are Just from North Point alone, we are Just from North Point alone, we are sending 700 high school students to our sending 700 high school students to our sending 700 high school students to our summer camp called Inside Out Daytona. I summer camp called Inside Out Daytona. I summer camp called Inside Out Daytona. I know. And that's incredible. know. And that's incredible. know. And that's incredible. Well, Andy, tell them how many are going Well, Andy, tell them how many are going Well, Andy, tell them how many are going for. for. for. >> Yeah, that's just from this campus. All >> Yeah, that's just from this campus. All >> Yeah, that's just from this campus. All of our eight Atlanta area churches on of our eight Atlanta area churches on of our eight Atlanta area churches on the north side of the city. over 3,000 the north side of the city. over 3,000 the north side of the city. over 3,000 high school students to camp plus five high school students to camp plus five high school students to camp plus five or 6 hundred adults. Pray for the or 6 hundred adults. Pray for the or 6 hundred adults. Pray for the adults. It's it's it's amazing. And I'm adults. It's it's it's amazing. And I'm adults. It's it's it's amazing. And I'm so I'm so grateful for our volunteers so I'm so grateful for our volunteers so I'm so grateful for our volunteers because those are small group leaders.

because those are small group leaders. because those are small group leaders. And what happens is it's not just the And what happens is it's not just the And what happens is it's not just the normal camp thing like you remember when normal camp thing like you remember when normal camp thing like you remember when you went to camp. The small groups spend you went to camp. The small groups spend you went to camp. The small groups spend so much time together. When they hit the so much time together. When they hit the so much time together. When they hit the fall and they're back in school, there fall and they're back in school, there fall and they're back in school, there is so much relational momentum. So this is so much relational momentum. So this is so much relational momentum. So this is a super important [music] um thing is a super important [music] um thing is a super important [music] um thing going on. So anyway, it's going on. So anyway, it's going on. So anyway, it's >> Yeah, it really is. And then next >> Yeah, it really is. And then next >> Yeah, it really is. And then next Sunday, we're going to wrap up summer Sunday, we're going to wrap up summer Sunday, we're going to wrap up summer with a bang around here. We're going to with a bang around here. We're going to with a bang around here. We're going to do something we've never done before. do something we've never done before. do something we've never done before. Tell them about that, Andy. Tell them about that, Andy. Tell them about that, Andy. >> Yeah, next Sunday is our very first >> Yeah, next Sunday is our very first >> Yeah, next Sunday is our very first baptism Sunday we've ever done at North baptism Sunday we've ever done at North baptism Sunday we've ever done at North Point in terms of committing the whole Point in terms of committing the whole Point in terms of committing the whole service to baptism. So, here's what service to baptism. So, here's what service to baptism. So, here's what what's going to happen. We're going to what's going to happen. We're going to what's going to happen. We're going to baptize baptize baptize and so far 143 people in two services in and so far 143 people in two services in and so far 143 people in two services in two hours, okay? Which is very exciting. two hours, okay? Which is very exciting. two hours, okay? Which is very exciting. >> But here's the the amazing thing, and >> But here's the the amazing thing, and >> But here's the the amazing thing, and this came as a bit of a surprise. When this came as a bit of a surprise. When this came as a bit of a surprise. When people are baptized, they generally take people are baptized, they generally take people are baptized, they generally take an opportunity to invite friends and an opportunity to invite friends and an opportunity to invite friends and family members to attend church to see family members to attend church to see family members to attend church to see them baptized. It's kind of hard to say, them baptized. It's kind of hard to say, them baptized. It's kind of hard to say, "No, I don't want to see you baptized." "No, I don't want to see you baptized." "No, I don't want to see you baptized." Um, and sometime many times this is the Um, and sometime many times this is the Um, and sometime many times this is the first time those friends and family have first time those friends and family have first time those friends and family have even been to our church. So, uh, these even been to our church. So, uh, these even been to our church. So, uh, these 140 plus adults have invited friends and 140 plus adults have invited friends and 140 plus adults have invited friends and family. So, we we're going to have about family. So, we we're going to have about family. So, we we're going to have about 700 700 700 guests next Sunday to see these folks guests next Sunday to see these folks guests next Sunday to see these folks baptized. so many we decided to do an baptized. so many we decided to do an baptized. so many we decided to do an event for them and host them in the event for them and host them in the event for them and host them in the theater. And if we'd known before, I theater. And if we'd known before, I theater. And if we'd known before, I thought it would have been great to thought it would have been great to thought it would have been great to serve donuts to them as they get ready serve donuts to them as they get ready serve donuts to them as they get ready to come to the service. Then we could to come to the service. Then we could to come to the service. Then we could have called the whole service dunk and have called the whole service dunk and have called the whole service dunk and donuts.

donuts. donuts. That's why they don't let me go to those That's why they don't let me go to those That's why they don't let me go to those meetings. But anyway, anyway, meetings. But anyway, anyway, meetings. But anyway, anyway, [clears throat] so it's a really big [clears throat] so it's a really big [clears throat] so it's a really big deal. Now, if this is your first time deal. Now, if this is your first time deal. Now, if this is your first time with us, here's why the baptism Sunday with us, here's why the baptism Sunday with us, here's why the baptism Sunday is a big deal to us. Our mission is to is a big deal to us. Our mission is to is a big deal to us. Our mission is to inspire people to follow Jesus. So, next inspire people to follow Jesus. So, next inspire people to follow Jesus. So, next Sunday, 140 adults are going public with Sunday, 140 adults are going public with Sunday, 140 adults are going public with their um story to say or going public, their um story to say or going public, their um story to say or going public, making a declaration that a public making a declaration that a public making a declaration that a public declaration I should say that of the declaration I should say that of the declaration I should say that of the fact that they have in fact decided to fact that they have in fact decided to fact that they have in fact decided to follow Jesus. So, we're celebrating with follow Jesus. So, we're celebrating with follow Jesus. So, we're celebrating with them. They're going to have folks that them. They're going to have folks that them. They're going to have folks that know them celebrate with them. And we know them celebrate with them. And we know them celebrate with them. And we want all of you to be here next Sunday. want all of you to be here next Sunday. want all of you to be here next Sunday. When you get here, the room's going to When you get here, the room's going to When you get here, the room's going to be a little bit different. There's going be a little bit different. There's going be a little bit different. There's going to be a different arrangement. So, for to be a different arrangement. So, for to be a different arrangement. So, for those of you that get freaked out when those of you that get freaked out when those of you that get freaked out when you can't get your favorite seat, you you can't get your favorite seat, you you can't get your favorite seat, you might be a little freaked out, but might be a little freaked out, but might be a little freaked out, but that's okay. It's going to be great. So, that's okay. It's going to be great. So, that's okay. It's going to be great. So, don't miss next Sunday. It's it's going don't miss next Sunday. It's it's going don't miss next Sunday. It's it's going to be it's going to be amazing. to be it's going to be amazing. to be it's going to be amazing. >> Yeah, it really is going to be amazing. >> Yeah, it really is going to be amazing. >> Yeah, it really is going to be amazing. I cannot wait for that. And here's a I cannot wait for that. And here's a I cannot wait for that. And here's a really cool thing that's happening. Some really cool thing that's happening. Some really cool thing that's happening. Some of the people that are getting baptized of the people that are getting baptized of the people that are getting baptized next week, they're part of our adult next week, they're part of our adult next week, they're part of our adult small groups. So, not only are they small groups. So, not only are they small groups. So, not only are they going to be surrounded by their families going to be surrounded by their families going to be surrounded by their families and friends, but their whole small group and friends, but their whole small group and friends, but their whole small group is going to be there to cheer them on, is going to be there to cheer them on, is going to be there to cheer them on, which that's why I love this church. And which that's why I love this church. And which that's why I love this church. And speaking of small groups, next month speaking of small groups, next month speaking of small groups, next month we're going to kick off a brand new we're going to kick off a brand new we're going to kick off a brand new round of small groups. And we need some round of small groups. And we need some round of small groups. And we need some leaders. We need married leaders and leaders. We need married leaders and leaders. We need married leaders and women's leaders. And this year, women's leaders. And this year, women's leaders. And this year, beginning of the year, I told you guys I beginning of the year, I told you guys I beginning of the year, I told you guys I started a three-month women's group. I started a three-month women's group. I started a three-month women's group. I grabbed my friend Jen and we said, grabbed my friend Jen and we said, grabbed my friend Jen and we said, "Let's do this together." We've been "Let's do this together." We've been "Let's do this together." We've been co-leading, which is the way to do it, co-leading, which is the way to do it, co-leading, which is the way to do it, by the way. And we like our ladies so by the way. And we like our ladies so by the way. And we like our ladies so much, we're just going to keep on going, much, we're just going to keep on going, much, we're just going to keep on going, but you can do a three-month or you can but you can do a three-month or you can but you can do a three-month or you can keep going. It is up to you. But here's keep going. It is up to you. But here's keep going. It is up to you. But here's the thing. If you're married, you've got the thing. If you're married, you've got the thing. If you're married, you've got a built-in co-leader. So, win-win. We

a built-in co-leader. So, win-win. We a built-in co-leader. So, win-win. We And we need you to step up. And some of And we need you to step up. And some of And we need you to step up. And some of you, I know what you're thinking. You're you, I know what you're thinking. You're you, I know what you're thinking. You're like, "School's about to start. The kids like, "School's about to start. The kids like, "School's about to start. The kids sports schedules are coming back." like sports schedules are coming back." like sports schedules are coming back." like it's just too much. Well, that's why I it's just too much. Well, that's why I it's just too much. Well, that's why I want to introduce you to Christian and want to introduce you to Christian and want to introduce you to Christian and Jill. I brought a picture of them and I Jill. I brought a picture of them and I Jill. I brought a picture of them and I just met them via email this week. But just met them via email this week. But just met them via email this week. But here's their story. Last year when we here's their story. Last year when we here's their story. Last year when we started talking about small groups, I started talking about small groups, I started talking about small groups, I said, "Hey, we want you to be a part of said, "Hey, we want you to be a part of said, "Hey, we want you to be a part of this because it's going to make your this because it's going to make your this because it's going to make your life better." And they decided they were life better." And they decided they were life better." And they decided they were going to say yes to being in group and going to say yes to being in group and going to say yes to being in group and yes to leading. And they're busy yes to leading. And they're busy yes to leading. And they're busy parents. They've got teenagers and parents. They've got teenagers and parents. They've got teenagers and Christian. He travels for work. but he Christian. He travels for work. but he Christian. He travels for work. but he decided, I'm gonna rearrange my whole decided, I'm gonna rearrange my whole decided, I'm gonna rearrange my whole schedule so that we can do this thing. schedule so that we can do this thing. schedule so that we can do this thing. They emailed me this week and said, "I They emailed me this week and said, "I They emailed me this week and said, "I am so so glad that I did because it was am so so glad that I did because it was am so so glad that I did because it was so worth it." So, here's the thing. We so worth it." So, here's the thing. We so worth it." So, here's the thing. We don't want to just add something to your don't want to just add something to your don't want to just add something to your calendar. We know you're busy people. We calendar. We know you're busy people. We calendar. We know you're busy people. We want to add something to the quality of want to add something to the quality of want to add something to the quality of your life and we think small groups do your life and we think small groups do your life and we think small groups do that. So, if you're interested in that. So, if you're interested in that. So, if you're interested in leading, go to the top three, fill out leading, go to the top three, fill out leading, go to the top three, fill out the information, and we'll start a the information, and we'll start a the information, and we'll start a conversation that way.

conversation that way. conversation that way. >> Yep. And if you uh if you're wondering >> Yep. And if you uh if you're wondering >> Yep. And if you uh if you're wondering what's the top three, if you'll just use what's the top three, if you'll just use what's the top three, if you'll just use the QR code on the back seat back in the QR code on the back seat back in the QR code on the back seat back in front of you, it'll take you to our top front of you, it'll take you to our top front of you, it'll take you to our top three where we update every week all the three where we update every week all the three where we update every week all the things going on around here at North things going on around here at North things going on around here at North Point Community Church. Um that's what's Point Community Church. Um that's what's Point Community Church. Um that's what's coming up today. You're going to get a coming up today. You're going to get a coming up today. You're going to get a deeper wider um update. Deeper Wider is deeper wider um update. Deeper Wider is deeper wider um update. Deeper Wider is our financial initiative to change the our financial initiative to change the our financial initiative to change the world. And so you're going to hear a world. And so you're going to hear a world. And so you're going to hear a little bit about what's been happening little bit about what's been happening little bit about what's been happening halfway around the world. So Holly's halfway around the world. So Holly's halfway around the world. So Holly's going to talk a little bit about that. going to talk a little bit about that. going to talk a little bit about that. Before that, we're going to sing with Before that, we're going to sing with Before that, we're going to sing with BJ, Cara, Mike, Tommy, and Tan. This BJ, Cara, Mike, Tommy, and Tan. This BJ, Cara, Mike, Tommy, and Tan. This first song is one we've sung several first song is one we've sung several first song is one we've sung several times. Here's my favorite part of the times. Here's my favorite part of the times. Here's my favorite part of the song. It says this. Um, I'm calling on song. It says this. Um, I'm calling on song. It says this. Um, I'm calling on the God of David who made a shepherd boy the God of David who made a shepherd boy the God of David who made a shepherd boy courageous. You I may not ha I may not courageous. You I may not ha I may not courageous. You I may not ha I may not face Goliath, but I have my own giants. face Goliath, but I have my own giants. face Goliath, but I have my own giants. And all of us either currently or in the And all of us either currently or in the And all of us either currently or in the past or coming up in the future are past or coming up in the future are past or coming up in the future are going to have some giants that we face going to have some giants that we face going to have some giants that we face in life. So here's the great news. Not in life. So here's the great news. Not in life. So here's the great news. Not only is God with you, your church is only is God with you, your church is only is God with you, your church is with you. And we would love to if you with you. And we would love to if you with you. And we would love to if you would allow us to walk with you through would allow us to walk with you through would allow us to walk with you through those difficult times because one of the those difficult times because one of the those difficult times because one of the great things about a big church is we great things about a big church is we great things about a big church is we have lots of people and lots of have lots of people and lots of have lots of people and lots of resources because we all face Goliaths resources because we all face Goliaths resources because we all face Goliaths in our life. So stand. Say hey to in our life. So stand. Say hey to in our life. So stand. Say hey to somebody. We'll sing this together.

>> the sing. >> the sing. I'm calling [music] on the God of Jacob, I'm calling [music] on the God of Jacob, I'm calling [music] on the God of Jacob, [singing] [music] [music] whose love endures to generations. whose love endures to generations. whose love endures to generations. [singing] I [music] know that you will keep your I [music] know that you will keep your covenant. I'm [music] calling on the God of Moses, I'm [music] calling on the God of Moses, [singing] the [music] one who opened up the oions. the [music] one who opened up the oions. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] I need you now to do the same thing for I need you now to do the same thing for I need you now to do the same thing for me. [music] me. [music] me. [music] Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, oh God, [singing] my God, I [music] need oh God, [singing] my God, I [music] need oh God, [singing] my God, I [music] need you. Oh God, my God, I need you [music] you. Oh God, my God, I need you [music] you. Oh God, my God, I need you [music] now. How I need you now. [singing] now. How I need you now. [singing] now. How I need you now. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Oh rock of aes. I'm standing [singing] Oh rock of aes. I'm standing [singing] Oh rock of aes. I'm standing [singing] on your faithfulness, I'm calling on the [singing] God of Mary I'm calling on the [singing] God of Mary [music] whose favor [singing] rest upon the whose favor [singing] rest upon the Lord.

I [music] know with you all things are I [music] know with you all things are possible. [singing] [music] [music] >> Heat. You heard [music] your children then. You heard [music] your children then. You hear your children [music] now. You You hear your children [music] now. You You hear your children [music] now. You are the same God. You are the [singing] are the same God. You are the [singing] are the same God. You are the [singing] same God. You answered prayers [music] same God. You answered prayers [music] same God. You answered prayers [music] back then and you will answer. You are back then and you will answer. You are back then and you will answer. You are the same. You are the [singing] same the same. You are the [singing] same the same. You are the [singing] same God. [music] You are the same God. You God. [music] You are the same God. You God. [music] You are the same God. You are [music] proiding.

are [music] proiding. are [music] proiding. You [singing] are providing God. You are You [singing] are providing God. You are You [singing] are providing God. You are [music and singing] God. You are God. [music and singing] God. You are God. [music and singing] God. You are God. You [music] You [music] You [music] [singing] power. [music]

[music] Bless [singing] He's been [singing] my fourth man in the He's been [singing] my fourth man in the fire time after time. [music] Born of his spirit Born of his spirit [music] and washed [singing] in his [music] and washed [singing] in his [music] and washed [singing] in his blood. And what he did for [singing and music] And what he did for [singing and music] me on Calvary was more than enough. me on Calvary was more than enough. me on Calvary was more than enough. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I trust in God, >> I trust in God, >> I trust in God, my savior my savior my savior [music] [music] [music] who will [singing] never who will [singing] never who will [singing] never fail. fail. fail. [music] [music] [music] He will never [singing] fail. [music] [music] All is [singing] at rest cuz I know the [music and singing] cuz I know the [music and singing] author of tomorrow author of tomorrow author of tomorrow all [music and singing] all [music and singing] all [music and singing] in my steps.

in my steps. in my steps. So this is my [music] story. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music]

[music] You never [music] [music] see. Thank you so much for worshiping with Thank you so much for worshiping with us. You can take a seat. If you'll us. You can take a seat. If you'll us. You can take a seat. If you'll direct [music] your attentions up to the direct [music] your attentions up to the direct [music] your attentions up to the screen, we have a deeper, wider update screen, we have a deeper, wider update screen, we have a deeper, wider update for you. for you. for you. [music] So, back in November, Sandra and I So, back in November, Sandra and I traveled to New Zealand and Australia to traveled to New Zealand and Australia to traveled to New Zealand and Australia to equip and encourage [music] church equip and encourage [music] church equip and encourage [music] church leaders. Just over 500 leaders gathered leaders. Just over 500 leaders gathered leaders. Just over 500 leaders gathered with us in three different cities to with us in three different cities to with us in three different cities to learn more about creating outwardfacing learn more about creating outwardfacing learn more about creating outwardfacing [music] [music] [music] churches. Jason Perkins is the director churches. Jason Perkins is the director churches. Jason Perkins is the director of the Irresistible Church Network in of the Irresistible Church Network in of the Irresistible Church Network in Australasia. So I've asked him to give Australasia. So I've asked him to give Australasia. So I've asked him to give you a snapshot of what [music] we you a snapshot of what [music] we you a snapshot of what [music] we experienced together with these amazing experienced together with these amazing experienced together with these amazing leaders and the impact that your leaders and the impact that your leaders and the impact that your generosity through Deeper Wider is generosity through Deeper Wider is generosity through Deeper Wider is [music] having literally halfway around [music] having literally halfway around [music] having literally halfway around the world. Here's Jason.

the world. Here's Jason. the world. Here's Jason. >> The Irresistible [music] Church Network >> The Irresistible [music] Church Network >> The Irresistible [music] Church Network Tour wasn't just another event. It was a Tour wasn't just another event. It was a Tour wasn't just another event. It was a holy moment for hundreds of church holy moment for hundreds of church holy moment for hundreds of church leaders longing to reach their leaders longing to reach their leaders longing to reach their communities. communities. communities. Our first stop was New Zealand [music] Our first stop was New Zealand [music] Our first stop was New Zealand [music] where we're watching something where we're watching something where we're watching something remarkable unfold. In a nation of 5 remarkable unfold. In a nation of 5 remarkable unfold. In a nation of 5 million people, more than half the million people, more than half the million people, more than half the population now identifies with no population now identifies with no population now identifies with no religion at all. And many have never religion at all. And many have never religion at all. And many have never [music] stepped inside a church. Yet [music] stepped inside a church. Yet [music] stepped inside a church. Yet leaders here are telling us people are leaders here are telling us people are leaders here are telling us people are now showing up [music] unprompted, now showing up [music] unprompted, now showing up [music] unprompted, searching online, even being nudged searching online, even being nudged searching online, even being nudged towards our partner churches through towards our partner churches through towards our partner churches through tools like chat GPT. And these church tools like chat GPT. And these church tools like chat GPT. And these church leaders are hungry. They are eager to leaders are hungry. They are eager to leaders are hungry. They are eager to learn from what you in Atlanta have been learn from what you in Atlanta have been learn from what you in Atlanta have been doing [music] for years, creating doing [music] for years, creating doing [music] for years, creating churches unchurched people love to churches unchurched people love to churches unchurched people love to attend. Our second stop was Sydney. Sydney's Our second stop was Sydney. Sydney's [music] pastors and ministry leaders [music] pastors and ministry leaders [music] pastors and ministry leaders carry the weight of a complex, carry the weight of a complex, carry the weight of a complex, fastmoving city. With a population of 5 fastmoving city. With a population of 5 fastmoving city. With a population of 5 million people [music] in Sydney alone, million people [music] in Sydney alone, million people [music] in Sydney alone, incredible diversity, these church incredible diversity, these church incredible diversity, these church leaders are seeing something surprising.

leaders are seeing something surprising. leaders are seeing something surprising. People are returning, searching, asking People are returning, searching, asking People are returning, searching, asking deeper [music] questions about faith. deeper [music] questions about faith. deeper [music] questions about faith. The opportunity is great. And because of The opportunity is great. And because of The opportunity is great. And because of your investment, these church leaders your investment, these church leaders your investment, these church leaders are helping meet Sydney's [music] are helping meet Sydney's [music] are helping meet Sydney's [music] spiritual hunger with the hope of Jesus. Finally, in Brisbane, a city approaching Finally, in Brisbane, a city approaching 3 million [music] and one of the fastest 3 million [music] and one of the fastest 3 million [music] and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, church growing regions in Australia, church growing regions in Australia, church leaders are navigating a culture that is leaders are navigating a culture that is leaders are navigating a culture that is [music] literally shifting underneath [music] literally shifting underneath [music] literally shifting underneath their feet. This is a young expanding their feet. This is a young expanding their feet. This is a young expanding city where the number of people who city where the number of people who city where the number of people who identify with no religion continues to identify with no religion continues to identify with no religion continues to [music] rise and where many families [music] rise and where many families [music] rise and where many families have little or no church background at have little or no church background at have little or no church background at all. Church leaders are stretched as all. Church leaders are stretched as all. Church leaders are stretched as they try to innovate while still they try to innovate while still they try to innovate while still pastoring [music] people well. Yet they pastoring [music] people well. Yet they pastoring [music] people well. Yet they are also energized because every week are also energized because every week are also energized because every week new faces [music] are walking through new faces [music] are walking through new faces [music] are walking through their doors. People who are exploring their doors. People who are exploring their doors. People who are exploring faith for the first time. These leaders faith for the first time. These leaders faith for the first time. These leaders [music] sense the urgency for something [music] sense the urgency for something [music] sense the urgency for something different. And the opportunity is real. different. And the opportunity is real. different. And the opportunity is real. You are equipping them [music] to reach You are equipping them [music] to reach You are equipping them [music] to reach the unchurched with clarity, creativity, the unchurched with clarity, creativity, the unchurched with clarity, creativity, and a vision of church that connects and a vision of church that connects and a vision of church that connects with the [music] next generation of with the [music] next generation of with the [music] next generation of Brisbane. And none of this happens Brisbane. And none of this happens Brisbane. And none of this happens without you. You may never meet the without you. You may never meet the without you. You may never meet the leaders who were impacted, but please leaders who were impacted, but please leaders who were impacted, but please hear this clearly. Your generosity hear this clearly. Your generosity hear this clearly. Your generosity through [music] deeper wider is shaping through [music] deeper wider is shaping through [music] deeper wider is shaping churches across Australia and New churches across Australia and New churches across Australia and New Zealand. Thank you for believing in Zealand. Thank you for believing in Zealand. Thank you for believing in [music] this work, resourcing this [music] this work, resourcing this [music] this work, resourcing this vision, and standing with us as we help vision, and standing with us as we help vision, and standing with us as we help leaders create churches that unchurched

leaders create churches that unchurched leaders create churches that unchurched Aussies and Kiwis love to attend. We Aussies and Kiwis love to attend. We Aussies and Kiwis love to attend. We couldn't [music] do this without you. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> so emotional for me every time I see >> so emotional for me every time I see >> so emotional for me every time I see that because it's so hard to believe that because it's so hard to believe that because it's so hard to believe that what we get to experience every that what we get to experience every that what we get to experience every single Sunday is starting to happen all single Sunday is starting to happen all single Sunday is starting to happen all over the world. And I bet when you over the world. And I bet when you over the world. And I bet when you dropped your deeper, wider commitment dropped your deeper, wider commitment dropped your deeper, wider commitment card or filled out that little form card or filled out that little form card or filled out that little form online that you had no idea about our online that you had no idea about our online that you had no idea about our Aussie and our Kiwi friends. I didn't, Aussie and our Kiwi friends. I didn't, Aussie and our Kiwi friends. I didn't, but God did. And if you're new here, but God did. And if you're new here, but God did. And if you're new here, we've been on a journey because we got a we've been on a journey because we got a we've been on a journey because we got a big vision. We want to see outwardfacing big vision. We want to see outwardfacing big vision. We want to see outwardfacing churches in every community all over the churches in every community all over the churches in every community all over the world. Not because we care about being world. Not because we care about being world. Not because we care about being big, but because we want Jesus to be big, but because we want Jesus to be big, but because we want Jesus to be real and accessible to people. real and accessible to people. real and accessible to people. And of course, the church, the church of And of course, the church, the church of And of course, the church, the church of Jesus is going to keep moving on with or Jesus is going to keep moving on with or Jesus is going to keep moving on with or without us because he said that it without us because he said that it without us because he said that it would. But aren't you glad that we get would. But aren't you glad that we get would. But aren't you glad that we get to be part of it?

to be part of it? to be part of it? Because God is taking our collective Because God is taking our collective Because God is taking our collective offering, what we're doing here offering, what we're doing here offering, what we're doing here together, and he is multiplying it to together, and he is multiplying it to together, and he is multiplying it to help churches grow, to help people meet help churches grow, to help people meet help churches grow, to help people meet Jesus, and to build his kingdom. And if Jesus, and to build his kingdom. And if Jesus, and to build his kingdom. And if you're part of deeper wider, you are you're part of deeper wider, you are you're part of deeper wider, you are part of something bigger than yourself. part of something bigger than yourself. part of something bigger than yourself. And we are so glad that you are on this And we are so glad that you are on this And we are so glad that you are on this journey with us. So thank you, thank journey with us. So thank you, thank journey with us. So thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for being the you, thank you. Thank you for being the you, thank you. Thank you for being the church. And at this time, if you will church. And at this time, if you will church. And at this time, if you will turn your attention to the screen and we turn your attention to the screen and we turn your attention to the screen and we will continue our service. So before I jump into the message, I So before I jump into the message, I want to kind of tag along with what um want to kind of tag along with what um want to kind of tag along with what um Holly just said and then it serves as an Holly just said and then it serves as an Holly just said and then it serves as an introduction to the message. So last introduction to the message. So last introduction to the message. So last weekend, as some of you know because I weekend, as some of you know because I weekend, as some of you know because I let you know before I went, I was in let you know before I went, I was in let you know before I went, I was in Brazil. Now, we have a network just like Brazil. Now, we have a network just like Brazil. Now, we have a network just like the Australasia network you just saw. We the Australasia network you just saw. We the Australasia network you just saw. We have a Latin American network has grown

have a Latin American network has grown have a Latin American network has grown so much that we decided to split it into so much that we decided to split it into so much that we decided to split it into two networks because Brazil in Brazil two networks because Brazil in Brazil two networks because Brazil in Brazil they speak Portuguese. So, last weekend they speak Portuguese. So, last weekend they speak Portuguese. So, last weekend we launched the the new network and uh we launched the the new network and uh we launched the the new network and uh last weekend and we were hoping last weekend and we were hoping last weekend and we were hoping [clears throat] we were hoping we could [clears throat] we were hoping we could [clears throat] we were hoping we could get 500 church leaders to show up at get 500 church leaders to show up at get 500 church leaders to show up at this conference. So, over a thousand this conference. So, over a thousand this conference. So, over a thousand church leaders just from Brazil um church leaders just from Brazil um church leaders just from Brazil um registered and showed up at the registered and showed up at the registered and showed up at the conference and it was it was absolutely conference and it was it was absolutely conference and it was it was absolutely amazing. So, I got to speak twice at the amazing. So, I got to speak twice at the amazing. So, I got to speak twice at the conference. Then I stayed and preached conference. Then I stayed and preached conference. Then I stayed and preached Sunday. This was at Red Church. Red Sunday. This was at Red Church. Red Sunday. This was at Red Church. Red Church is the kind of the church, the Church is the kind of the church, the Church is the kind of the church, the showand tell church that had took our showand tell church that had took our showand tell church that had took our model in 2015 and began tweaking model in 2015 and began tweaking model in 2015 and began tweaking tweaking. And so they're kind of the the tweaking. And so they're kind of the the tweaking. And so they're kind of the the come and see church in Brazil. Um uh come and see church in Brazil. Um uh come and see church in Brazil. Um uh Thiago, Pastor Thiago's the the main Thiago, Pastor Thiago's the the main Thiago, Pastor Thiago's the the main pastor there. So anyway, um part of pastor there. So anyway, um part of pastor there. So anyway, um part of Deeper Wider, we gave their church Deeper Wider, we gave their church Deeper Wider, we gave their church $250,000 to finish out the inter the $250,000 to finish out the inter the $250,000 to finish out the inter the inside of their auditorium. So this was inside of their auditorium. So this was inside of their auditorium. So this was they had just moved into their they had just moved into their they had just moved into their auditorium not too long ago and auditorium not too long ago and auditorium not too long ago and [clears throat] it's so amazing and so I [clears throat] it's so amazing and so I [clears throat] it's so amazing and so I just nobody knew who I was. So I just just nobody knew who I was. So I just just nobody knew who I was. So I just kind of got lost in the crowd as the kind of got lost in the crowd as the kind of got lost in the crowd as the crowd was waiting outside to go into the crowd was waiting outside to go into the crowd was waiting outside to go into the auditorium and it was so emotional and I auditorium and it was so emotional and I auditorium and it was so emotional and I kept thinking I wish everybody at North kept thinking I wish everybody at North kept thinking I wish everybody at North Point Community Church or at all of our Point Community Church or at all of our Point Community Church or at all of our churches could experience this. I churches could experience this. I churches could experience this. I couldn't understand a word anybody was couldn't understand a word anybody was couldn't understand a word anybody was saying and hear all these young saying and hear all these young saying and hear all these young energetic leaders. They couldn't wait to energetic leaders. They couldn't wait to energetic leaders. They couldn't wait to get in there. They sing our songs. Um it get in there. They sing our songs. Um it get in there. They sing our songs. Um it it was absolutely amazing. So I stayed it was absolutely amazing. So I stayed it was absolutely amazing. So I stayed and then preached um the message on and then preached um the message on and then preached um the message on Sunday. So before the service on Sunday Sunday. So before the service on Sunday Sunday. So before the service on Sunday um I was just out in the lobby again um I was just out in the lobby again um I was just out in the lobby again just just experiencing just all this just just experiencing just all this just just experiencing just all this energy and again they had like 4,000 energy and again they had like 4,000 energy and again they had like 4,000 adults attending this church. It's like adults attending this church. It's like adults attending this church. It's like the come and see church for the whole

the come and see church for the whole the come and see church for the whole region. And a woman walked up to me and region. And a woman walked up to me and region. And a woman walked up to me and she introduced herself. She had really she introduced herself. She had really she introduced herself. She had really good English but she was I could tell good English but she was I could tell good English but she was I could tell she was Brazilian. And she said she had she was Brazilian. And she said she had she was Brazilian. And she said she had an envelope. She said, "Andy," she said, an envelope. She said, "Andy," she said, an envelope. She said, "Andy," she said, "I wrote out my whole story because I "I wrote out my whole story because I "I wrote out my whole story because I heard you were going to be here and I heard you were going to be here and I heard you were going to be here and I wanted you I wanted to give this to wanted you I wanted to give this to wanted you I wanted to give this to somebody to give to you, but I didn't somebody to give to you, but I didn't somebody to give to you, but I didn't think I would get to meet you." And then think I would get to meet you." And then think I would get to meet you." And then she told me her story and here's her she told me her story and here's her she told me her story and here's her story because you are a part of her story because you are a part of her story because you are a part of her story. Four and a half years ago, her story. Four and a half years ago, her story. Four and a half years ago, her husband got transferred to Atlanta and husband got transferred to Atlanta and husband got transferred to Atlanta and they live in Alpharetta, her and her they live in Alpharetta, her and her they live in Alpharetta, her and her family. And um it was a really difficult family. And um it was a really difficult family. And um it was a really difficult challenging move for her. She said, "I'm challenging move for her. She said, "I'm challenging move for her. She said, "I'm learning new culture, new people, no learning new culture, new people, no learning new culture, new people, no friends, no family. I've got put my kids friends, no family. I've got put my kids friends, no family. I've got put my kids in school, she said. I was really in school, she said. I was really in school, she said. I was really struggling and somebody invited us to struggling and somebody invited us to struggling and somebody invited us to North Point Community Church, she said. North Point Community Church, she said. North Point Community Church, she said. And so we we went and we we liked it and And so we we went and we we liked it and And so we we went and we we liked it and we kept coming and kept coming. She we kept coming and kept coming. She we kept coming and kept coming. She said, "But I still," she said, "I was said, "But I still," she said, "I was said, "But I still," she said, "I was really struggling with just so many really struggling with just so many really struggling with just so many things." So one Sunday after church, I things." So one Sunday after church, I things." So one Sunday after church, I walked into connections and I just said, walked into connections and I just said, walked into connections and I just said, "I need to talk to someone." And um she "I need to talk to someone." And um she "I need to talk to someone." And um she had an opportunity to talk to a woman. I had an opportunity to talk to a woman. I had an opportunity to talk to a woman. I found out after the first service who it found out after the first service who it found out after the first service who it was. Um so all these cool connections.

was. Um so all these cool connections. was. Um so all these cool connections. So the the one of our guest volunteers So the the one of our guest volunteers So the the one of our guest volunteers was in there and talked to her a long was in there and talked to her a long was in there and talked to her a long time. She said she was so patient and time. She said she was so patient and time. She said she was so patient and she connected me to a Renew the Renew she connected me to a Renew the Renew she connected me to a Renew the Renew Ministry, which is a one-on-one Ministry, which is a one-on-one Ministry, which is a one-on-one mentoring relationship. So she got a mentoring relationship. So she got a mentoring relationship. So she got a Renew mentor. She said, "Renew changed Renew mentor. She said, "Renew changed Renew mentor. She said, "Renew changed my life." This was in her letter. And my life." This was in her letter. And my life." This was in her letter. And then she she was telling me this, "Renew then she she was telling me this, "Renew then she she was telling me this, "Renew changed my life." So much so I got changed my life." So much so I got changed my life." So much so I got trained to be a Renew mentor so I could trained to be a Renew mentor so I could trained to be a Renew mentor so I could do for others what somebody had done for do for others what somebody had done for do for others what somebody had done for me. And it was [clears throat] she said me. And it was [clears throat] she said me. And it was [clears throat] she said it was so impactful. I thought Brazil it was so impactful. I thought Brazil it was so impactful. I thought Brazil needs renew. the churches in Brazil needs renew. the churches in Brazil needs renew. the churches in Brazil needs to renew. She said, "So I decided needs to renew. She said, "So I decided needs to renew. She said, "So I decided to translate all the Renew curriculum to translate all the Renew curriculum to translate all the Renew curriculum into Portuguese." She said, "I didn't into Portuguese." She said, "I didn't into Portuguese." She said, "I didn't know why. I didn't know what I was going know why. I didn't know what I was going know why. I didn't know what I was going to do with it. I just thought this needs to do with it. I just thought this needs to do with it. I just thought this needs to be in my country." And so she to be in my country." And so she to be in my country." And so she translates all of it. Time goes by. She translates all of it. Time goes by. She translates all of it. Time goes by. She volunteers in transit, our middle school volunteers in transit, our middle school volunteers in transit, our middle school environment, because of the age of her environment, because of the age of her environment, because of the age of her kids. And one day she's in transit on kids. And one day she's in transit on kids. And one day she's in transit on Sunday morning. She hears somebody Sunday morning. She hears somebody Sunday morning. She hears somebody speaking Portuguese. And she walks over speaking Portuguese. And she walks over speaking Portuguese. And she walks over to them and says, "Oh, and they're from to them and says, "Oh, and they're from to them and says, "Oh, and they're from Brazil." And they're actually from Red Brazil." And they're actually from Red Brazil." And they're actually from Red Church, the church that hosted the Church, the church that hosted the Church, the church that hosted the conference. She didn't know anything conference. She didn't know anything conference. She didn't know anything about red church and she found out about about red church and she found out about about red church and she found out about she said oh and then she found out that she said oh and then she found out that she said oh and then she found out that this was a partner on and on and on. So this was a partner on and on and on. So this was a partner on and on and on. So um every summer they go back to Brazil um every summer they go back to Brazil um every summer they go back to Brazil in order to to see family grand parents in order to to see family grand parents in order to to see family grand parents and grandparents. They spend about a and grandparents. They spend about a and grandparents. They spend about a month. So she found out because a couple month. So she found out because a couple month. So she found out because a couple of weeks ago I mentioned I'm going to of weeks ago I mentioned I'm going to of weeks ago I mentioned I'm going to Brazil. She found out about the Brazil. She found out about the Brazil. She found out about the conference. They were going to be there conference. They were going to be there conference. They were going to be there anyway. So she showed up on that Sunday anyway. So she showed up on that Sunday anyway. So she showed up on that Sunday morning because she wanted me to to um morning because she wanted me to to um morning because she wanted me to to um get this letter or get hear. But the get this letter or get hear. But the get this letter or get hear. But the amazing thing is because because Red amazing thing is because because Red amazing thing is because because Red Church is kind of is running our model.

Church is kind of is running our model. Church is kind of is running our model. I mean you it was it was it was like I mean you it was it was it was like I mean you it was it was it was like being here in Portuguese because they being here in Portuguese because they being here in Portuguese because they just have slam dunked the whole thing just have slam dunked the whole thing just have slam dunked the whole thing and they've contextualized it because and they've contextualized it because and they've contextualized it because Thiago is a great leader. But they want Thiago is a great leader. But they want Thiago is a great leader. But they want to do Renew and she's already translated to do Renew and she's already translated to do Renew and she's already translated the whole curriculum into Portuguese and the whole curriculum into Portuguese and the whole curriculum into Portuguese and didn't even know why. Anyway, so that didn't even know why. Anyway, so that didn't even know why. Anyway, so that was amazing. And was amazing. And was amazing. And I just found this out too today after I I just found this out too today after I I just found this out too today after I told the story in the 9:00 service. She told the story in the 9:00 service. She told the story in the 9:00 service. She was baptized here. She got baptized was baptized here. She got baptized was baptized here. She got baptized after going through Renew. She posted after going through Renew. She posted after going through Renew. She posted her baptism story on Instagram. Somebody her baptism story on Instagram. Somebody her baptism story on Instagram. Somebody c somebody she didn't even know c somebody she didn't even know c somebody she didn't even know commented on it, but apparently I think commented on it, but apparently I think commented on it, but apparently I think she's from Brazil as well. She reaches she's from Brazil as well. She reaches she's from Brazil as well. She reaches out to this woman, meets her for coffee, out to this woman, meets her for coffee, out to this woman, meets her for coffee, invites her to church, she starts coming invites her to church, she starts coming invites her to church, she starts coming to church, and she's getting baptized to church, and she's getting baptized to church, and she's getting baptized next Sunday as part of the 140 people. next Sunday as part of the 140 people. next Sunday as part of the 140 people. Now, here's my point. Here's my point. I Now, here's my point. Here's my point. I Now, here's my point. Here's my point. I know it's I know it's amazing. know it's I know it's amazing. know it's I know it's amazing. [applause] [applause] [applause] And here's the connection to the sermon. And here's the connection to the sermon. And here's the connection to the sermon. All of that happened because somebody All of that happened because somebody All of that happened because somebody took a chance to invite her to North took a chance to invite her to North took a chance to invite her to North Point Community Church. And then Point Community Church. And then Point Community Church. And then somebody was volunteering there.

somebody was volunteering there. somebody was volunteering there. Somebody helped create transit. All I Somebody helped create transit. All I Somebody helped create transit. All I mean all of these connections that's mean all of these connections that's mean all of these connections that's impacting again this amazing church in impacting again this amazing church in impacting again this amazing church in Brazil that so that's amazing the area Brazil that so that's amazing the area Brazil that so that's amazing the area uh impacting the area. Here's the cool uh impacting the area. Here's the cool uh impacting the area. Here's the cool thing. At the end of the conference, the thing. At the end of the conference, the thing. At the end of the conference, the two-day conference, there were 400 two-day conference, there were 400 two-day conference, there were 400 instead of 500 people, there were instead of 500 people, there were instead of 500 people, there were thousand people there who represented thousand people there who represented thousand people there who represented 400 churches in Brazil and over 115 of 400 churches in Brazil and over 115 of 400 churches in Brazil and over 115 of those churches immediately leaned in and those churches immediately leaned in and those churches immediately leaned in and took the first step to becoming partner took the first step to becoming partner took the first step to becoming partner churches in the nation of Brazil. So, churches in the nation of Brazil. So, churches in the nation of Brazil. So, all that to say, what you're doing is all that to say, what you're doing is all that to say, what you're doing is having an extraordinary impact and you having an extraordinary impact and you having an extraordinary impact and you just show up and you're just kind of just show up and you're just kind of just show up and you're just kind of doing your thing and serving and doing doing your thing and serving and doing doing your thing and serving and doing group and stuff, but God is using you in group and stuff, but God is using you in group and stuff, but God is using you in an amazing amazing way. And every time I an amazing amazing way. And every time I an amazing amazing way. And every time I visit one of these environments, like visit one of these environments, like visit one of these environments, like you saw on the video, I just think if you saw on the video, I just think if you saw on the video, I just think if everybody could see this, those of you everybody could see this, those of you everybody could see this, those of you who are part of Deeper Witers, as Holly who are part of Deeper Witers, as Holly who are part of Deeper Witers, as Holly said, you would be so so encouraged. So, said, you would be so so encouraged. So, said, you would be so so encouraged. So, all of that is a good um transition into all of that is a good um transition into all of that is a good um transition into today's message. Um I promise I'll let today's message. Um I promise I'll let today's message. Um I promise I'll let you out almost on time. And part two, you out almost on time. And part two, you out almost on time. And part two, part two of our series. Um you're part two of our series. Um you're part two of our series. Um you're invited. As Joel said last week in invited. As Joel said last week in invited. As Joel said last week in kicking this off, he said, "You know, kicking this off, he said, "You know, kicking this off, he said, "You know, this is the largest church I've ever this is the largest church I've ever this is the largest church I've ever attended." And it's it's the largest attended." And it's it's the largest attended." And it's it's the largest church. Ours is the largest church church. Ours is the largest church church. Ours is the largest church certainly I've ever attended. Perhaps certainly I've ever attended. Perhaps certainly I've ever attended. Perhaps you as well. And I know that not you as well. And I know that not you as well. And I know that not everybody likes big church. I mean, everybody likes big church. I mean, everybody likes big church. I mean, there's a lot of criticism about big there's a lot of criticism about big there's a lot of criticism about big church. But I got to tell you, I love church. But I got to tell you, I love church. But I got to tell you, I love what this big church did for my little what this big church did for my little what this big church did for my little kids growing up. And I love what this kids growing up. And I love what this kids growing up. And I love what this big church does for our communities.

big church does for our communities. big church does for our communities. Wherever we put a church, we make the Wherever we put a church, we make the Wherever we put a church, we make the community better. [snorts] And as we've community better. [snorts] And as we've community better. [snorts] And as we've just seen, I love what we're doing just seen, I love what we're doing just seen, I love what we're doing together. I love what this big church is together. I love what this big church is together. I love what this big church is doing for our world. The other thing doing for our world. The other thing doing for our world. The other thing Joel mentioned last week, he asked the Joel mentioned last week, he asked the Joel mentioned last week, he asked the question. He said, "So, how did we how question. He said, "So, how did we how question. He said, "So, how did we how did we get so big, you know, not that did we get so big, you know, not that did we get so big, you know, not that anybody really asked this, but it's a anybody really asked this, but it's a anybody really asked this, but it's a good question. In other words, how did good question. In other words, how did good question. In other words, how did we go from 250 core families, which is a we go from 250 core families, which is a we go from 250 core families, which is a lot of people to start a church with 250 lot of people to start a church with 250 lot of people to start a church with 250 core families to currently like 47,000 core families to currently like 47,000 core families to currently like 47,000 active adults and thousands of children active adults and thousands of children active adults and thousands of children um and and teenagers and, you know, um and and teenagers and, you know, um and and teenagers and, you know, students as well. And you know, students as well. And you know, students as well. And you know, sometimes when I'm I'm with business sometimes when I'm I'm with business sometimes when I'm I'm with business leaders or I'm in other environments leaders or I'm in other environments leaders or I'm in other environments outside of Atlanta, they they ask, you outside of Atlanta, they they ask, you outside of Atlanta, they they ask, you know, how did you do that? You know, know, how did you do that? You know, know, how did you do that? You know, what's is there what's the secret? what's is there what's the secret? what's is there what's the secret? What's your I've been asked multiple What's your I've been asked multiple What's your I've been asked multiple times, what's your marketing strategy? times, what's your marketing strategy? times, what's your marketing strategy? You must be a brilliant, you know, You must be a brilliant, you know, You must be a brilliant, you know, market marketer. And I'm like, well, market marketer. And I'm like, well, market marketer. And I'm like, well, there's no secret. And there's no there's no secret. And there's no there's no secret. And there's no strategy. The the only reason we're big strategy. The the only reason we're big strategy. The the only reason we're big is real simple. People invited people is real simple. People invited people is real simple. People invited people who invited people who just kept on who invited people who just kept on who invited people who just kept on inviting people. In fact, all whenever inviting people. In fact, all whenever inviting people. In fact, all whenever we survey, we know we survey everybody, we survey, we know we survey everybody, we survey, we know we survey everybody, all of you about once a year. The number all of you about once a year. The number all of you about once a year. The number one reason people show up at one of our one reason people show up at one of our one reason people show up at one of our churches was is because of a personal churches was is because of a personal churches was is because of a personal invitation. In fact, apart from a invitation. In fact, apart from a invitation. In fact, apart from a personal invitation, my hunch is most of personal invitation, my hunch is most of personal invitation, my hunch is most of you wouldn't know we're here and you you wouldn't know we're here and you you wouldn't know we're here and you wouldn't be here. And as Joel talked wouldn't be here. And as Joel talked wouldn't be here. And as Joel talked about last week, and this was kind of about last week, and this was kind of about last week, and this was kind of the the focus of his sermon, which I the the focus of his sermon, which I the the focus of his sermon, which I really loved, a personal invitation really loved, a personal invitation really loved, a personal invitation is actually how the whole Jesus movement is actually how the whole Jesus movement is actually how the whole Jesus movement multiplied and got started from day one.

multiplied and got started from day one. multiplied and got started from day one. the the the Jesus movement, the movement the the the Jesus movement, the movement the the the Jesus movement, the movement of Jesus should have never survived the of Jesus should have never survived the of Jesus should have never survived the first century. I mean, Jesus as a a first century. I mean, Jesus as a a first century. I mean, Jesus as a a rabbi was sandwiched between the temple rabbi was sandwiched between the temple rabbi was sandwiched between the temple that stood against him and the Roman that stood against him and the Roman that stood against him and the Roman Empire that stood against him. And he Empire that stood against him. And he Empire that stood against him. And he should have been crushed and his message should have been crushed and his message should have been crushed and his message should have never made it out of the should have never made it out of the should have never made it out of the first century, but it did. And the first century, but it did. And the first century, but it did. And the reason it did is not because of the reason it did is not because of the reason it did is not because of the message. The reason it did, if you're message. The reason it did, if you're message. The reason it did, if you're new to Christianity or exploring new to Christianity or exploring new to Christianity or exploring Christianity, the reason Christianity Christianity, the reason Christianity Christianity, the reason Christianity survived is because of a single event. survived is because of a single event. survived is because of a single event. He ro he he rose from the dead. And you He ro he he rose from the dead. And you He ro he he rose from the dead. And you know when somebody rises from the dead know when somebody rises from the dead know when somebody rises from the dead everybody sits up straight and pays everybody sits up straight and pays everybody sits up straight and pays attention. So that's what actually attention. So that's what actually attention. So that's what actually launched the movement. But the reason it launched the movement. But the reason it launched the movement. But the reason it grew is because people kept inviting grew is because people kept inviting grew is because people kept inviting people who kept inviting people. It was people who kept inviting people. It was people who kept inviting people. It was fueled by and this was this came right fueled by and this was this came right fueled by and this was this came right out of the text from last week. It was out of the text from last week. It was out of the text from last week. It was fueled by an invitation to come and see. fueled by an invitation to come and see. fueled by an invitation to come and see. Come and see. I can't answer all your Come and see. I can't answer all your Come and see. I can't answer all your questions. I can't explain how somebody questions. I can't explain how somebody questions. I can't explain how somebody from Nazareth is is the Messiah, but from Nazareth is is the Messiah, but from Nazareth is is the Messiah, but just just come and see. And then we've just just come and see. And then we've just just come and see. And then we've added to come and see. Come sit with me.

added to come and see. Come sit with me. added to come and see. Come sit with me. Because from the beginning, my heart's Because from the beginning, my heart's Because from the beginning, my heart's desire was, and I didn't even know if desire was, and I didn't even know if desire was, and I didn't even know if this was possible, honestly. And our this was possible, honestly. And our this was possible, honestly. And our little team, we didn't know if it was little team, we didn't know if it was little team, we didn't know if it was possible. I wanted our church and our possible. I wanted our church and our possible. I wanted our church and our churches back then it was just a church. churches back then it was just a church. churches back then it was just a church. I wanted our churches to be partners I wanted our churches to be partners I wanted our churches to be partners with Christians in the process of with Christians in the process of with Christians in the process of evangelism. In other words, I grew up in evangelism. In other words, I grew up in evangelism. In other words, I grew up in a model where you go out there and you a model where you go out there and you a model where you go out there and you have some pe meet some people who are have some pe meet some people who are have some pe meet some people who are not Christians and you explain not Christians and you explain not Christians and you explain Christianity and they become a Christian Christianity and they become a Christian Christianity and they become a Christian then you invite them to church and you then you invite them to church and you then you invite them to church and you know I mean that's a model but I just know I mean that's a model but I just know I mean that's a model but I just thought you know what I want the church thought you know what I want the church thought you know what I want the church I want our the gathering of Christians I want our the gathering of Christians I want our the gathering of Christians to be part of the winsome process um as to be part of the winsome process um as to be part of the winsome process um as people again they as they want to people again they as they want to people again they as they want to introduce their friends and family to introduce their friends and family to introduce their friends and family to Jesus and and so we as from the Jesus and and so we as from the Jesus and and so we as from the beginning we try to create comfortable beginning we try to create comfortable beginning we try to create comfortable envir environments, appealing settings, envir environments, appealing settings, envir environments, appealing settings, um, engaging communication. We wanted to um, engaging communication. We wanted to um, engaging communication. We wanted to make sure that all the content was super make sure that all the content was super make sure that all the content was super helpful so that even if you're like helpful so that even if you're like helpful so that even if you're like today, if you're here and you're not a today, if you're here and you're not a today, if you're here and you're not a Christian or you used to be, or maybe Christian or you used to be, or maybe Christian or you used to be, or maybe you're from a different faith tradition, you're from a different faith tradition, you're from a different faith tradition, that there would always be some kind of that there would always be some kind of that there would always be some kind of takeaway to, you know, you'd walk away takeaway to, you know, you'd walk away takeaway to, you know, you'd walk away and say, "Well, I'm not sure I believe and say, "Well, I'm not sure I believe and say, "Well, I'm not sure I believe all that, but you know, that was all that, but you know, that was all that, but you know, that was interesting." And, you know, that was interesting." And, you know, that was interesting." And, you know, that was that was helpful. And we decided it was that was helpful. And we decided it was that was helpful. And we decided it was very important as far as the Sunday very important as far as the Sunday very important as far as the Sunday morning service goes to finish on time, morning service goes to finish on time, morning service goes to finish on time, right? In fact, every once in a while, right? In fact, every once in a while, right? In fact, every once in a while, we don't do this as often as we used to, we don't do this as often as we used to, we don't do this as often as we used to, but every once in a while in our but every once in a while in our but every once in a while in our welcome, we'll say, "We're going to be welcome, we'll say, "We're going to be welcome, we'll say, "We're going to be here for about an hour and five here for about an hour and five here for about an hour and five minutes." And for those of you who come minutes." And for those of you who come minutes." And for those of you who come all the time, you're like, "We know all the time, you're like, "We know all the time, you're like, "We know that." And why do you say that? Here's that." And why do you say that? Here's that." And why do you say that? Here's why we say that. Because just speaking

why we say that. Because just speaking why we say that. Because just speaking for the men, whenever I go to an event for the men, whenever I go to an event for the men, whenever I go to an event that I'm not sure I want to go to, and that I'm not sure I want to go to, and that I'm not sure I want to go to, and it's a big crowd of people and I'm stuck it's a big crowd of people and I'm stuck it's a big crowd of people and I'm stuck in the middle of an aisle, my number one in the middle of an aisle, my number one in the middle of an aisle, my number one question isn't what's going to happen. question isn't what's going to happen. question isn't what's going to happen. My number one question is what? My number one question is what? My number one question is what? How long am I going to have to be here? How long am I going to have to be here? How long am I going to have to be here? Right? So, we say up front, hey, relax. Right? So, we say up front, hey, relax. Right? So, we say up front, hey, relax. We're going to be here about an hour and We're going to be here about an hour and We're going to be here about an hour and five minutes. Anyway, all that to say, five minutes. Anyway, all that to say, five minutes. Anyway, all that to say, and let me back up and say one other and let me back up and say one other and let me back up and say one other thing. If you're here today and it's thing. If you're here today and it's thing. If you're here today and it's your first time with us because somebody your first time with us because somebody your first time with us because somebody invited you, I hope what I just invited you, I hope what I just invited you, I hope what I just described is what you experience. And described is what you experience. And described is what you experience. And the person who invited you, they're the person who invited you, they're the person who invited you, they're already nervous because I'm talking already nervous because I'm talking already nervous because I'm talking about this. And I um I hope and they're about this. And I um I hope and they're about this. And I um I hope and they're hoping that I don't mess this up for hoping that I don't mess this up for hoping that I don't mess this up for them because they took a risk. Oh, no. them because they took a risk. Oh, no. them because they took a risk. Oh, no. You're really going to like it. And then You're really going to like it. And then You're really going to like it. And then you got here. And anyway, so now you got here. And anyway, so now you got here. And anyway, so now [clears throat] here's what everybody [clears throat] here's what everybody [clears throat] here's what everybody knows, and this is kind of an all skate knows, and this is kind of an all skate knows, and this is kind of an all skate observation. Um, there is when it comes observation. Um, there is when it comes observation. Um, there is when it comes to invitations, as you know, there is a to invitations, as you know, there is a to invitations, as you know, there is a relationship between who's inviting. relationship between who's inviting. relationship between who's inviting. There's a relationship between who's There's a relationship between who's There's a relationship between who's inviting and the appeal of the inviting and the appeal of the inviting and the appeal of the invitation. Or to say it another way, invitation. Or to say it another way, invitation. Or to say it another way, generally speaking, not all the time, generally speaking, not all the time, generally speaking, not all the time, generally speaking, the credibility of generally speaking, the credibility of generally speaking, the credibility of the inviter determines the appeal of the the inviter determines the appeal of the the inviter determines the appeal of the invitation.

invitation. invitation. So, as Jesus followers, as those of us So, as Jesus followers, as those of us So, as Jesus followers, as those of us who claim to follow Jesus, there are who claim to follow Jesus, there are who claim to follow Jesus, there are several things that determine our several things that determine our several things that determine our credibility with the people with people credibility with the people with people credibility with the people with people who are outside of our faith or who are who are outside of our faith or who are who are outside of our faith or who are of of a different faith um tradition. of of a different faith um tradition. of of a different faith um tradition. There are certain things that either There are certain things that either There are certain things that either give us credibility when we invite give us credibility when we invite give us credibility when we invite people or to talk about faith or invite people or to talk about faith or invite people or to talk about faith or invite them to church. There are several things them to church. There are several things them to church. There are several things that give us credibility and there are that give us credibility and there are that give us credibility and there are things that undermine our credibility. things that undermine our credibility. things that undermine our credibility. And the primary thing as you know that And the primary thing as you know that And the primary thing as you know that gives you or gives us credibility with gives you or gives us credibility with gives you or gives us credibility with other people um is whether or not we're other people um is whether or not we're other people um is whether or not we're actually walking our talk. Our actions actually walking our talk. Our actions actually walking our talk. Our actions and more than our actions, our and more than our actions, our and more than our actions, our reactions. Because this is kind of a reactions. Because this is kind of a reactions. Because this is kind of a general principle, actions speak louder general principle, actions speak louder general principle, actions speak louder than words. Everybody knows that. But than words. Everybody knows that. But than words. Everybody knows that. But reactions speak even louder than reactions speak even louder than reactions speak even louder than actions. how we respond when we're under actions. how we respond when we're under actions. how we respond when we're under pressure, how we respond when we're pressure, how we respond when we're pressure, how we respond when we're surprised, how we respond or react when surprised, how we respond or react when surprised, how we respond or react when things don't go our way. That's how you things don't go our way. That's how you things don't go our way. That's how you find out what's really inside of a find out what's really inside of a find out what's really inside of a person. When you squeeze them, what person. When you squeeze them, what person. When you squeeze them, what comes out? So, understandably, um those comes out? So, understandably, um those comes out? So, understandably, um those of you who aren't Christians, if you're of you who aren't Christians, if you're of you who aren't Christians, if you're listening or watching, people outside of listening or watching, people outside of listening or watching, people outside of our faith tradition, um you expect us to our faith tradition, um you expect us to our faith tradition, um you expect us to again walk our talk. And the standard again walk our talk. And the standard again walk our talk. And the standard that you hold us to, the standard that that you hold us to, the standard that that you hold us to, the standard that you hold us to, generally speaking, is you hold us to, generally speaking, is you hold us to, generally speaking, is the correct standard. You expect us, the correct standard. You expect us, the correct standard. You expect us, duh, to act and react like Jesus.

duh, to act and react like Jesus. duh, to act and react like Jesus. Shocker, right? I mean, that that that's Shocker, right? I mean, that that that's Shocker, right? I mean, that that that's what you should expect of those of us what you should expect of those of us what you should expect of those of us who claim to be Christians. And my who claim to be Christians. And my who claim to be Christians. And my experience is this, and maybe yours is experience is this, and maybe yours is experience is this, and maybe yours is different. My experience is this that different. My experience is this that different. My experience is this that many many people who know very little many many people who know very little many many people who know very little about the Bible in general know enough about the Bible in general know enough about the Bible in general know enough about Jesus to know whether or not we about Jesus to know whether or not we about Jesus to know whether or not we are acting and reacting like Jesus. They are acting and reacting like Jesus. They are acting and reacting like Jesus. They know enough about Jesus to know whether know enough about Jesus to know whether know enough about Jesus to know whether we are believers or followers. If we're we are believers or followers. If we're we are believers or followers. If we're a group of people that just believe a a group of people that just believe a a group of people that just believe a list of things and we're always trying list of things and we're always trying list of things and we're always trying to get people to believe what we believe to get people to believe what we believe to get people to believe what we believe or we are actually following the or we are actually following the or we are actually following the commands and the teaching of Jesus. So commands and the teaching of Jesus. So commands and the teaching of Jesus. So that's one of the things that either that's one of the things that either that's one of the things that either gives us credibility or takes away our gives us credibility or takes away our gives us credibility or takes away our credibility. But there's something else credibility. But there's something else credibility. But there's something else and that's what I want to focus on for a and that's what I want to focus on for a and that's what I want to focus on for a few minutes. In addition to being few minutes. In addition to being few minutes. In addition to being Christlike, there's there's one other Christlike, there's there's one other Christlike, there's there's one other thing that every person of a different thing that every person of a different thing that every person of a different faith tradition or a person outside of faith tradition or a person outside of faith tradition or a person outside of Christianity has a right to expect of Christianity has a right to expect of Christianity has a right to expect of us. They have every right to expect us us. They have every right to expect us us. They have every right to expect us to have a reason why. A reason why we to have a reason why. A reason why we to have a reason why. A reason why we have chosen to follow Jesus as adults.

have chosen to follow Jesus as adults. have chosen to follow Jesus as adults. Everybody pretty much understands why Everybody pretty much understands why Everybody pretty much understands why children pray a prayer and pray a children pray a prayer and pray a children pray a prayer and pray a sinner's prayer and decide to be a sinner's prayer and decide to be a sinner's prayer and decide to be a Christian. It's the it's it's parent Christian. It's the it's it's parent Christian. It's the it's it's parent pressure a little bit and that's fine. pressure a little bit and that's fine. pressure a little bit and that's fine. Okay, we want our kids in church, want Okay, we want our kids in church, want Okay, we want our kids in church, want to get our kids baptized, we get that. to get our kids baptized, we get that. to get our kids baptized, we get that. But as an adult, people who are our But as an adult, people who are our But as an adult, people who are our adult friends outside of our faith or of adult friends outside of our faith or of adult friends outside of our faith or of different faith traditions, they we different faith traditions, they we different faith traditions, they we should expect for them to expect that we should expect for them to expect that we should expect for them to expect that we would have a good answer to the question would have a good answer to the question would have a good answer to the question as to why we have chosen to follow Jesus as to why we have chosen to follow Jesus as to why we have chosen to follow Jesus as an adult. And in the book of Acts, as an adult. And in the book of Acts, as an adult. And in the book of Acts, which is the book of Acts, there's which is the book of Acts, there's which is the book of Acts, there's Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and then the Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and then the Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and then the book of Acts. Acts of if you're a church book of Acts. Acts of if you're a church book of Acts. Acts of if you're a church person, you know, Acts is the history of person, you know, Acts is the history of person, you know, Acts is the history of the church about for the first, you the church about for the first, you the church about for the first, you know, 30 or 40 years after the know, 30 or 40 years after the know, 30 or 40 years after the resurrection of Jesus. And when you read resurrection of Jesus. And when you read resurrection of Jesus. And when you read the book of Acts, you discover quickly the book of Acts, you discover quickly the book of Acts, you discover quickly that first century Christians, first that first century Christians, first that first century Christians, first century Christians were constantly put century Christians were constantly put century Christians were constantly put on the spot to explain themselves. In on the spot to explain themselves. In on the spot to explain themselves. In other words, why have you abandoned the other words, why have you abandoned the other words, why have you abandoned the gods? Why have you abandoned the gods of gods? Why have you abandoned the gods of gods? Why have you abandoned the gods of your culture? Why are you talking so your culture? Why are you talking so your culture? Why are you talking so much about this Christos, this Christos, much about this Christos, this Christos, much about this Christos, this Christos, this anointed one, this king, this this anointed one, this king, this this anointed one, this king, this invisible king? So, they were expected invisible king? So, they were expected invisible king? So, they were expected to explain themselves. And they were to explain themselves. And they were to explain themselves. And they were expected to defend themselves. Now, in expected to defend themselves. Now, in expected to defend themselves. Now, in our culture, we don't we don't get a lot our culture, we don't we don't get a lot our culture, we don't we don't get a lot of this because in our culture, it's of this because in our culture, it's of this because in our culture, it's like you do you, I do me, you have your like you do you, I do me, you have your like you do you, I do me, you have your truth, I have me my truth. That's truth, I have me my truth. That's truth, I have me my truth. That's interesting, you know. So, there's interesting, you know. So, there's interesting, you know. So, there's there's not a lot of pressure to defend, there's not a lot of pressure to defend, there's not a lot of pressure to defend, you know, to defend what you believe.

you know, to defend what you believe. you know, to defend what you believe. Rarely is somebody going to press you, Rarely is somebody going to press you, Rarely is somebody going to press you, you know, to defend what you believe. you know, to defend what you believe. you know, to defend what you believe. But that doesn't mean this isn't But that doesn't mean this isn't But that doesn't mean this isn't important. And here's why. You should important. And here's why. You should important. And here's why. You should have, I should have, we all should have, have, I should have, we all should have, have, I should have, we all should have, Christian should have, we should have a Christian should have, we should have a Christian should have, we should have a short, you should have a short but short, you should have a short but short, you should have a short but compelling reason or answer to the compelling reason or answer to the compelling reason or answer to the question of why are you a Christian? you question of why are you a Christian? you question of why are you a Christian? you and you need an answer to this, a short and you need an answer to this, a short and you need an answer to this, a short compelling answer to this for several compelling answer to this for several compelling answer to this for several reasons. Um, first of all, I think you reasons. Um, first of all, I think you reasons. Um, first of all, I think you need a short compelling answer for you need a short compelling answer for you need a short compelling answer for you for you to have something to fall back for you to have something to fall back for you to have something to fall back on when it's difficult to be a Jesus on when it's difficult to be a Jesus on when it's difficult to be a Jesus follower. For you to have something to follower. For you to have something to follower. For you to have something to back have to to fall back on when you back have to to fall back on when you back have to to fall back on when you start to doubt when you start to have start to doubt when you start to have start to doubt when you start to have unanswerable questions. when tragedy unanswerable questions. when tragedy unanswerable questions. when tragedy strikes, when you when suddenly life is strikes, when you when suddenly life is strikes, when you when suddenly life is not going your way and God doesn't seem not going your way and God doesn't seem not going your way and God doesn't seem to be answering your prayer, to fall to be answering your prayer, to fall to be answering your prayer, to fall back on to say, "Wait a minute. Wait a back on to say, "Wait a minute. Wait a back on to say, "Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Why did I decide to follow Jesus minute. Why did I decide to follow Jesus minute. Why did I decide to follow Jesus in the first place?" Something to fall in the first place?" Something to fall in the first place?" Something to fall back on when following Jesus is not back on when following Jesus is not back on when following Jesus is not convenient, when you're tempted not to.

convenient, when you're tempted not to. convenient, when you're tempted not to. And you may need to have a a short And you may need to have a a short And you may need to have a a short answer as to why you follow Jesus answer as to why you follow Jesus answer as to why you follow Jesus because of certain family members who because of certain family members who because of certain family members who feel comfortable pressuring you or kind feel comfortable pressuring you or kind feel comfortable pressuring you or kind of undermining or asking all those pesky of undermining or asking all those pesky of undermining or asking all those pesky questions you don't have answers to questions you don't have answers to questions you don't have answers to about the Bible. They just they just about the Bible. They just they just about the Bible. They just they just sort of ri you a little bit. It's kind sort of ri you a little bit. It's kind sort of ri you a little bit. It's kind of in fun, but it's also their way of of in fun, but it's also their way of of in fun, but it's also their way of saying there's something different about saying there's something different about saying there's something different about us and don't try and don't try and don't us and don't try and don't try and don't us and don't try and don't try and don't try to convince me and besides that try to convince me and besides that try to convince me and besides that there's too many holes in your argument. there's too many holes in your argument. there's too many holes in your argument. you you may have that that that family you you may have that that that family you you may have that that that family member and you need a short, you know, member and you need a short, you know, member and you need a short, you know, succinct answer as to why in fact, you succinct answer as to why in fact, you succinct answer as to why in fact, you know, yeah, you're right. That's a good know, yeah, you're right. That's a good know, yeah, you're right. That's a good question. I can't answer all those question. I can't answer all those question. I can't answer all those questions, but here's why I've chosen to questions, but here's why I've chosen to questions, but here's why I've chosen to follow Jesus. You need it when pressed follow Jesus. You need it when pressed follow Jesus. You need it when pressed to explain a decision that runs counter to explain a decision that runs counter to explain a decision that runs counter to culture. You'll need an answer when to culture. You'll need an answer when to culture. You'll need an answer when you're when you're you you find yourself you're when you're you you find yourself you're when you're you you find yourself deciding to follow Jesus and what you've deciding to follow Jesus and what you've deciding to follow Jesus and what you've decided to do doesn't make sense to the decided to do doesn't make sense to the decided to do doesn't make sense to the people around you. It's not common sense people around you. It's not common sense people around you. It's not common sense or common practice, you know? So, it's or common practice, you know? So, it's or common practice, you know? So, it's like, well, why don't you or why won't like, well, why don't you or why won't like, well, why don't you or why won't you or why did you or why didn't you?

you or why did you or why didn't you? you or why did you or why didn't you? And you realize, okay, I've made a And you realize, okay, I've made a And you realize, okay, I've made a decision. I've chosen to do something decision. I've chosen to do something decision. I've chosen to do something that doesn't really fit with the culture that doesn't really fit with the culture that doesn't really fit with the culture I'm in, but it's because I'm a Jesus I'm in, but it's because I'm a Jesus I'm in, but it's because I'm a Jesus follower. And in those moments, you just follower. And in those moments, you just follower. And in those moments, you just need a simple short answer as to why as need a simple short answer as to why as need a simple short answer as to why as an adult you decided to follow Jesus. an adult you decided to follow Jesus. an adult you decided to follow Jesus. Not to convince anybody else and not to Not to convince anybody else and not to Not to convince anybody else and not to convert anybody, but to demonstrate but convert anybody, but to demonstrate but convert anybody, but to demonstrate but to demonstrate that you have anchored to demonstrate that you have anchored to demonstrate that you have anchored your way of life to something solid. your way of life to something solid. your way of life to something solid. That you've anchored your way of life to That you've anchored your way of life to That you've anchored your way of life to something or someone. Now, this idea something or someone. Now, this idea something or someone. Now, this idea isn't new as I've illustrated. I mean, isn't new as I've illustrated. I mean, isn't new as I've illustrated. I mean, in the first century, there was a lot of in the first century, there was a lot of in the first century, there was a lot of pressure on Christians that to have an pressure on Christians that to have an pressure on Christians that to have an answer for that. But Jesus most famous answer for that. But Jesus most famous answer for that. But Jesus most famous uh disciple Peter, the famous fisherman uh disciple Peter, the famous fisherman uh disciple Peter, the famous fisherman Peter, um he actually wrote a couple of Peter, um he actually wrote a couple of Peter, um he actually wrote a couple of letters that have survived antiquity letters that have survived antiquity letters that have survived antiquity that are in our New Testaments. They're that are in our New Testaments. They're that are in our New Testaments. They're titled creatively first Peter and second titled creatively first Peter and second titled creatively first Peter and second Peter. Um and in one of the in one of Peter. Um and in one of the in one of Peter. Um and in one of the in one of these documents in in first Peter, he these documents in in first Peter, he these documents in in first Peter, he addresses this um specifically and he addresses this um specifically and he addresses this um specifically and he tells first century Christians and I tells first century Christians and I tells first century Christians and I think this is appropriate for all of us.

think this is appropriate for all of us. think this is appropriate for all of us. He tells first century Christians, this He tells first century Christians, this He tells first century Christians, this is amazing, to give the reason for the is amazing, to give the reason for the is amazing, to give the reason for the hope that is in them. Then in other hope that is in them. Then in other hope that is in them. Then in other words, that they need to have a reason. words, that they need to have a reason. words, that they need to have a reason. They need to be able to verbalize a They need to be able to verbalize a They need to be able to verbalize a reason for the hope that is in them. The reason for the hope that is in them. The reason for the hope that is in them. The hope specifically anchored to being hope specifically anchored to being hope specifically anchored to being followers of Jesus. Now, when he wrote followers of Jesus. Now, when he wrote followers of Jesus. Now, when he wrote this, this was during a period of this, this was during a period of this, this was during a period of persecution. Every once in a while, for persecution. Every once in a while, for persecution. Every once in a while, for the first 300 plus years after the the first 300 plus years after the the first 300 plus years after the resurrection of Jesus, there were resurrection of Jesus, there were resurrection of Jesus, there were periods or seasons of persecution of periods or seasons of persecution of periods or seasons of persecution of Christians throughout the empire. It Christians throughout the empire. It Christians throughout the empire. It wasn't constant. it wasn't consistent wasn't constant. it wasn't consistent wasn't constant. it wasn't consistent and it wasn't everywhere but there were and it wasn't everywhere but there were and it wasn't everywhere but there were periods and pockets of persecution of periods and pockets of persecution of periods and pockets of persecution of Christians uh for the first 300 330 Christians uh for the first 300 330 Christians uh for the first 300 330 years and the interesting thing about years and the interesting thing about years and the interesting thing about all that and this is kind of sidebar is all that and this is kind of sidebar is all that and this is kind of sidebar is ancient Rome ancient Rome they didn't ancient Rome ancient Rome they didn't ancient Rome ancient Rome they didn't care who you worshiped they didn't care care who you worshiped they didn't care care who you worshiped they didn't care they would because they conquered they would because they conquered they would because they conquered different parts of the world they didn't different parts of the world they didn't different parts of the world they didn't care who those people worship and what care who those people worship and what care who those people worship and what gods they worship because they believe gods they worship because they believe gods they worship because they believe there were multiple gods their concern there were multiple gods their concern there were multiple gods their concern they weren't trying to convert people they weren't trying to convert people they weren't trying to convert people away from their gods their concern was away from their gods their concern was away from their gods their concern was that everybody they conquered and that that everybody they conquered and that that everybody they conquered and that everybody in the world would acknowledge everybody in the world would acknowledge everybody in the world would acknowledge that Caesar is the ultimate authority or that Caesar is the ultimate authority or that Caesar is the ultimate authority or the way they would see it that say it is the way they would see it that say it is the way they would see it that say it is that Caesar is Lord and they wanted that Caesar is Lord and they wanted that Caesar is Lord and they wanted everybody to be willing to make a everybody to be willing to make a everybody to be willing to make a sacrifice a physical sacrifice to sacrifice a physical sacrifice to sacrifice a physical sacrifice to Caesar. Now you can worship your Caesar. Now you can worship your Caesar. Now you can worship your household gods and all the other gods household gods and all the other gods household gods and all the other gods but at the end of the day your ultimate but at the end of the day your ultimate but at the end of the day your ultimate allegiance has to be to Caesar. Well, allegiance has to be to Caesar. Well, allegiance has to be to Caesar. Well, for Christians, this was just a for Christians, this was just a for Christians, this was just a non-starter non-starter non-starter because even though our the, you know, because even though our the, you know, because even though our the, you know, unfortunately the word Christ shows up

unfortunately the word Christ shows up unfortunately the word Christ shows up in the New Testament, which is a little in the New Testament, which is a little in the New Testament, which is a little bit confusing. Christ, of course, as you bit confusing. Christ, of course, as you bit confusing. Christ, of course, as you know, isn't a name. It's a title. And know, isn't a name. It's a title. And know, isn't a name. It's a title. And from the very beginning, followers of from the very beginning, followers of from the very beginning, followers of Jesus understood Jesus to be the king, Jesus understood Jesus to be the king, Jesus understood Jesus to be the king, not a king, the king, God's final king, not a king, the king, God's final king, not a king, the king, God's final king, the anointed one, the Messiah. So the anointed one, the Messiah. So the anointed one, the Messiah. So consequently, they could not swear consequently, they could not swear consequently, they could not swear ultimate allegiance to Caesar. And that ultimate allegiance to Caesar. And that ultimate allegiance to Caesar. And that was a problem. And this is why was a problem. And this is why was a problem. And this is why Christians were persecuted. And it's why Christians were persecuted. And it's why Christians were persecuted. And it's why the empire feared this subversive the empire feared this subversive the empire feared this subversive Nazarene sect that had the potential, Nazarene sect that had the potential, Nazarene sect that had the potential, they thought, to undermine the they thought, to undermine the they thought, to undermine the credibility and the authority ultimately credibility and the authority ultimately credibility and the authority ultimately of the empire. So they were arrested at of the empire. So they were arrested at of the empire. So they were arrested at times and questioned with their lives on times and questioned with their lives on times and questioned with their lives on the line. So with all that as a the line. So with all that as a the line. So with all that as a backdrop, here's what Peter writes. And backdrop, here's what Peter writes. And backdrop, here's what Peter writes. And then he gives us some really, really then he gives us some really, really then he gives us some really, really specific instructions that I I think specific instructions that I I think specific instructions that I I think you're going to find helpful. Here's you're going to find helpful. Here's you're going to find helpful. Here's what here's what he writes. He says, what here's what he writes. He says, what here's what he writes. He says, "Who is going to harm you if you are "Who is going to harm you if you are "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?" Now, this points to a eager to do good?" Now, this points to a eager to do good?" Now, this points to a some specific scenarios happening in the some specific scenarios happening in the some specific scenarios happening in the empire. And I I wish I could I there's empire. And I I wish I could I there's empire. And I I wish I could I there's documents I could read because they're documents I could read because they're documents I could read because they're they're they're documented. But they're they're documented. But they're they're documented. But basically, here's what was happening.

basically, here's what was happening. basically, here's what was happening. when during these periods of when during these periods of when during these periods of persecution, the emperor and his the persecution, the emperor and his the persecution, the emperor and his the people around him would send out these people around him would send out these people around him would send out these these letters to the different provinces these letters to the different provinces these letters to the different provinces saying here's how you're to treat saying here's how you're to treat saying here's how you're to treat Christians and you're to round them up Christians and you're to round them up Christians and you're to round them up and you once you think somebody's a and you once you think somebody's a and you once you think somebody's a Christian you have to ask them to swear Christian you have to ask them to swear Christian you have to ask them to swear allegiance to Caesar to say Caesar is allegiance to Caesar to say Caesar is allegiance to Caesar to say Caesar is Lord and to offer a sacrifice to Caesar Lord and to offer a sacrifice to Caesar Lord and to offer a sacrifice to Caesar and if they are that means they're not a and if they are that means they're not a and if they are that means they're not a real Christian. Um, but the problem was, real Christian. Um, but the problem was, real Christian. Um, but the problem was, and this is what's so interesting and is and this is what's so interesting and is and this is what's so interesting and is documented, when the governors of these documented, when the governors of these documented, when the governors of these provinces would get these letters, the provinces would get these letters, the provinces would get these letters, the challenge was there were Christians in challenge was there were Christians in challenge was there were Christians in their communities, but the Christians in their communities, but the Christians in their communities, but the Christians in their communities were the best citizens their communities were the best citizens their communities were the best citizens in their communities. And it's like, in their communities. And it's like, in their communities. And it's like, okay, I I I see what you're saying, but okay, I I I see what you're saying, but okay, I I I see what you're saying, but they're not a problem. In fact, not only they're not a problem. In fact, not only they're not a problem. In fact, not only are they not a problem, they pay their are they not a problem, they pay their are they not a problem, they pay their taxes. The men are, you know, are taxes. The men are, you know, are taxes. The men are, you know, are faithful to their wives. um they have faithful to their wives. um they have faithful to their wives. um they have this weird thing they do the first day this weird thing they do the first day this weird thing they do the first day of the week. They all gather in a garden of the week. They all gather in a garden of the week. They all gather in a garden somewhere and they sing some songs we somewhere and they sing some songs we somewhere and they sing some songs we don't understand and they have a meal. don't understand and they have a meal. don't understand and they have a meal. But other than that, they're like the But other than that, they're like the But other than that, they're like the best people in the community. And so best people in the community. And so best people in the community. And so Peter is kind of, you know, leveraging Peter is kind of, you know, leveraging Peter is kind of, you know, leveraging off of that, saying for the most part, off of that, saying for the most part, off of that, saying for the most part, if you're not going to be harmed, you're if you're not going to be harmed, you're if you're not going to be harmed, you're not going to suffer probably if you do not going to suffer probably if you do not going to suffer probably if you do good. But e, he says, but even if you good. But e, he says, but even if you good. But e, he says, but even if you should suffer what for what is right, should suffer what for what is right, should suffer what for what is right, you're blessed. And the implication is you're blessed. And the implication is you're blessed. And the implication is if you suffer for doing the right thing, if you suffer for doing the right thing, if you suffer for doing the right thing, you're in good company because your you're in good company because your you're in good company because your savior suffered for doing what was savior suffered for doing what was savior suffered for doing what was right. Then he goes on, he says this, right. Then he goes on, he says this, right. Then he goes on, he says this, "Do not fear their threats and don't be "Do not fear their threats and don't be "Do not fear their threats and don't be frightened." And now he's echoing what

frightened." And now he's echoing what frightened." And now he's echoing what Jesus taught when Jesus said, it's it's Jesus taught when Jesus said, it's it's Jesus taught when Jesus said, it's it's kind of funny if if you think about it. kind of funny if if you think about it. kind of funny if if you think about it. Jesus said, "Don't fear those who can Jesus said, "Don't fear those who can Jesus said, "Don't fear those who can kill the body. Don't don't fear the kill the body. Don't don't fear the kill the body. Don't don't fear the people the worst they can do is kill people the worst they can do is kill people the worst they can do is kill you." You're like, "Well, then who are you." You're like, "Well, then who are you." You're like, "Well, then who are we supposed to fear?" I mean, that's we supposed to fear?" I mean, that's we supposed to fear?" I mean, that's like the worst thing, right? What What like the worst thing, right? What What like the worst thing, right? What What do you mean don't fear those who he do you mean don't fear those who he do you mean don't fear those who he says, "Well, I'm not dumb." Don't fear says, "Well, I'm not dumb." Don't fear says, "Well, I'm not dumb." Don't fear those or don't really swear your those or don't really swear your those or don't really swear your allegiance. Don't swear your loyalty to allegiance. Don't swear your loyalty to allegiance. Don't swear your loyalty to to those who the only thing they can do to those who the only thing they can do to those who the only thing they can do is kill your body, but can't touch your is kill your body, but can't touch your is kill your body, but can't touch your soul. And that's what Peter's alluding soul. And that's what Peter's alluding soul. And that's what Peter's alluding to here, that you have eternal life. And to here, that you have eternal life. And to here, that you have eternal life. And so you don't need to be frightened of so you don't need to be frightened of so you don't need to be frightened of those that the only thing they can do is those that the only thing they can do is those that the only thing they can do is take your physical life. The implication take your physical life. The implication take your physical life. The implication is don't allow your persecutors and is don't allow your persecutors and is don't allow your persecutors and don't allow your intimidators to become don't allow your intimidators to become don't allow your intimidators to become your masters. Because if you defer your your masters. Because if you defer your your masters. Because if you defer your loyalty to them away from Jesus, you loyalty to them away from Jesus, you loyalty to them away from Jesus, you have allowed your enemy to become the have allowed your enemy to become the have allowed your enemy to become the boss of you. He goes on, he says this, boss of you. He goes on, he says this, boss of you. He goes on, he says this, but instead of being frightened in your but instead of being frightened in your but instead of being frightened in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Hagazo is hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Hagazo is hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Hagazo is the Greek term here. And essentially the Greek term here. And essentially the Greek term here. And essentially what this means is he's saying, look, what this means is he's saying, look, what this means is he's saying, look, you've got to keep your king the king.

you've got to keep your king the king. you've got to keep your king the king. You've got to make and keep Jesus as You've got to make and keep Jesus as You've got to make and keep Jesus as your king. Don't let anybody else become your king. Don't let anybody else become your king. Don't let anybody else become the king or the lord of your life. the king or the lord of your life. the king or the lord of your life. Revere the king. That's what Christ Revere the king. That's what Christ Revere the king. That's what Christ means, the anointed one as your ultimate means, the anointed one as your ultimate means, the anointed one as your ultimate authority. for us because we're not authority. for us because we're not authority. for us because we're not physically persecuted. For us, this this physically persecuted. For us, this this physically persecuted. For us, this this really means don't allow your really means don't allow your really means don't allow your insecurity, don't allow your inability insecurity, don't allow your inability insecurity, don't allow your inability to answer a hard question, and don't to answer a hard question, and don't to answer a hard question, and don't allow fear to remove Jesus from the allow fear to remove Jesus from the allow fear to remove Jesus from the throne of your life. To which we throne of your life. To which we throne of your life. To which we respond, okay, makes sense. Thanks, respond, okay, makes sense. Thanks, respond, okay, makes sense. Thanks, Peter. Uh, you got any other suggestions Peter. Uh, you got any other suggestions Peter. Uh, you got any other suggestions like how do we do this? You know, how do like how do we do this? You know, how do like how do we do this? You know, how do we prepare for those moments when we prepare for those moments when we prepare for those moments when somebody's like, why would you do that? somebody's like, why would you do that? somebody's like, why would you do that? Why wouldn't you do that? Why are you Why wouldn't you do that? Why are you Why wouldn't you do that? Why are you going there? Why won't you let your going there? Why won't you let your going there? Why won't you let your kids? Why won't you attend? You know kids? Why won't you attend? You know kids? Why won't you attend? You know what? You know what's wrong with you? what? You know what's wrong with you? what? You know what's wrong with you? And so he tells us, and this takes us And so he tells us, and this takes us And so he tells us, and this takes us back to where we started. He says, back to where we started. He says, back to where we started. He says, because of all this, always be prepared. because of all this, always be prepared. because of all this, always be prepared. Always be prepared. Always be prepared. Always be prepared. Always be prepared. Always be prepared. Always be prepared. In other words, prepare. You know, if In other words, prepare. You know, if In other words, prepare. You know, if you're going to be prepared, that means you're going to be prepared, that means you're going to be prepared, that means you've done something ahead of time. You you've done something ahead of time. You you've done something ahead of time. You haven't waited for the moment. You've haven't waited for the moment. You've haven't waited for the moment. You've prepared for the moment. Always be prepared for the moment. Always be prepared for the moment. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone prepared to give an answer to everyone prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the who asks you to give the reason for the who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Literally always hope that you have. Literally always hope that you have. Literally always always ready for a defense. You should always ready for a defense. You should always ready for a defense. You should be always ready for a defense. You be always ready for a defense. You be always ready for a defense. You should be. Now, here's why I love this should be. Now, here's why I love this should be. Now, here's why I love this verse. Peter is very specific, which is verse. Peter is very specific, which is verse. Peter is very specific, which is very helpful. In fact, what he doesn't very helpful. In fact, what he doesn't very helpful. In fact, what he doesn't say is as or more important than what he

say is as or more important than what he say is as or more important than what he does say. Here's the good news. He's not does say. Here's the good news. He's not does say. Here's the good news. He's not requiring his audience and he's not requiring his audience and he's not requiring his audience and he's not requiring us to defend Christianity. requiring us to defend Christianity. requiring us to defend Christianity. He's not asking his audience or us to He's not asking his audience or us to He's not asking his audience or us to defend the Bible. In fact, there wasn't defend the Bible. In fact, there wasn't defend the Bible. In fact, there wasn't the Bible until all the persecution had the Bible until all the persecution had the Bible until all the persecution had gone away because the first Bible wasn't gone away because the first Bible wasn't gone away because the first Bible wasn't assembled until the early 4th century assembled until the early 4th century assembled until the early 4th century when Rome had capitulated without a when Rome had capitulated without a when Rome had capitulated without a Bible and declared Jesus a god or in Bible and declared Jesus a god or in Bible and declared Jesus a god or in many cases the one and only God. That's many cases the one and only God. That's many cases the one and only God. That's when the Bible was assembled. So, he's when the Bible was assembled. So, he's when the Bible was assembled. So, he's not saying you should be able to give a not saying you should be able to give a not saying you should be able to give a reason and an explanation and defend reason and an explanation and defend reason and an explanation and defend everything in the Bible because there everything in the Bible because there everything in the Bible because there wasn't a Bible. And he's saying you're wasn't a Bible. And he's saying you're wasn't a Bible. And he's saying you're not I don't expect you to give an not I don't expect you to give an not I don't expect you to give an explanation for everything that happens explanation for everything that happens explanation for everything that happens in the church. You don't have to defend in the church. You don't have to defend in the church. You don't have to defend the behavior of Christians in the past, the behavior of Christians in the past, the behavior of Christians in the past, the present, or the future. He's very the present, or the future. He's very the present, or the future. He's very specific and this is very helpful and I specific and this is very helpful and I specific and this is very helpful and I think this is something we should pay think this is something we should pay think this is something we should pay very much attention to. He says, "You very much attention to. He says, "You very much attention to. He says, "You should be prepared to explain the hope should be prepared to explain the hope should be prepared to explain the hope that you have. You should be prepared in that you have. You should be prepared in that you have. You should be prepared in an elevator pitch, in a short statement, an elevator pitch, in a short statement, an elevator pitch, in a short statement, and without saying, "Okay, give me three and without saying, "Okay, give me three and without saying, "Okay, give me three weeks and I can or two weeks or three weeks and I can or two weeks or three weeks and I can or two weeks or three hours." You should be prepared to hours." You should be prepared to hours." You should be prepared to explain in a sentence or two the hope explain in a sentence or two the hope explain in a sentence or two the hope that you have why you as an adult have that you have why you as an adult have that you have why you as an adult have chosen to follow Jesus. That's it.

chosen to follow Jesus. That's it. chosen to follow Jesus. That's it. That's what he's talking about. And then That's what he's talking about. And then That's what he's talking about. And then he describes the tone and the posture of he describes the tone and the posture of he describes the tone and the posture of our response. And the bottom line, I'll our response. And the bottom line, I'll our response. And the bottom line, I'll give you my words, then we'll read his give you my words, then we'll read his give you my words, then we'll read his is simply this. And don't be defensive is simply this. And don't be defensive is simply this. And don't be defensive and don't be offensive. You don't need and don't be offensive. You don't need and don't be offensive. You don't need to be defensive. You're not trying to to be defensive. You're not trying to to be defensive. You're not trying to convince them. You're just you're just convince them. You're just you're just convince them. You're just you're just saying, "Well, here's why I have chosen saying, "Well, here's why I have chosen saying, "Well, here's why I have chosen to follow Jesus." And don't be offensive to follow Jesus." And don't be offensive to follow Jesus." And don't be offensive because you're here to be winsome and because you're here to be winsome and because you're here to be winsome and you're not going to be persecuted for you're not going to be persecuted for you're not going to be persecuted for your good behavior. Here's how he says your good behavior. Here's how he says your good behavior. Here's how he says it. He says, ' But when you give a it. He says, ' But when you give a it. He says, ' But when you give a reason for the hope that's in you, do reason for the hope that's in you, do reason for the hope that's in you, do this with gentleness this with gentleness this with gentleness and respect, and respect, and respect, keeping a clear conscience. In other keeping a clear conscience. In other keeping a clear conscience. In other words, humble and courteous. Humble and words, humble and courteous. Humble and words, humble and courteous. Humble and courteous. Humb. Hey, I'm glad you courteous. Humb. Hey, I'm glad you courteous. Humb. Hey, I'm glad you asked. Don't do or say something that asked. Don't do or say something that asked. Don't do or say something that you're going to have to apologize for you're going to have to apologize for you're going to have to apologize for later. And here's a tip, okay? And this later. And here's a tip, okay? And this later. And here's a tip, okay? And this is just great in general for parenting is just great in general for parenting is just great in general for parenting or leadership or anywhere else. Whenever or leadership or anywhere else. Whenever or leadership or anywhere else. Whenever somebody asks you a question and you somebody asks you a question and you somebody asks you a question and you sense that they are questioning you, you sense that they are questioning you, you sense that they are questioning you, you know there's a difference between know there's a difference between know there's a difference between somebody asking a sincere question and somebody asking a sincere question and somebody asking a sincere question and somebody asking a question, they're somebody asking a question, they're somebody asking a question, they're questioning you. You should always questioning you. You should always questioning you. You should always respond as if they're asking a sincere respond as if they're asking a sincere respond as if they're asking a sincere question and pretend like you don't even question and pretend like you don't even question and pretend like you don't even notice they're questioning you. Ah, notice they're questioning you. Ah, notice they're questioning you. Ah, that's a good question. Oh, you know that's a good question. Oh, you know that's a good question. Oh, you know what? I've never thought about it. Give what? I've never thought about it. Give what? I've never thought about it. Give me a minute. That Hey, I'm You know me a minute. That Hey, I'm You know me a minute. That Hey, I'm You know what? I'm so I'm so glad you asked that what? I'm so I'm so glad you asked that what? I'm so I'm so glad you asked that question. And then Peter tells us why question. And then Peter tells us why question. And then Peter tells us why this is so important. Why this posture this is so important. Why this posture this is so important. Why this posture is so important and why our our tone is is so important and why our our tone is is so important and why our our tone is important. He says,"I want you to be

important. He says,"I want you to be important. He says,"I want you to be gentle and I want you to be unoffensive gentle and I want you to be unoffensive gentle and I want you to be unoffensive when you answer." He says, "So that he when you answer." He says, "So that he when you answer." He says, "So that he continues, so that those who speak continues, so that those who speak continues, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior maliciously against your good behavior maliciously against your good behavior in Christ. I can't believe you know in Christ. I can't believe you know in Christ. I can't believe you know you're doing that because you're you're doing that because you're you're doing that because you're Christian, you won't go because you're Christian, you won't go because you're Christian, you won't go because you're Christian, you won't, you know, those Christian, you won't, you know, those Christian, you won't, you know, those who are like kind of make fun of you or who are like kind of make fun of you or who are like kind of make fun of you or critical because of what you've chosen critical because of what you've chosen critical because of what you've chosen to do or not do because you're to do or not do because you're to do or not do because you're Christian." He said, "If you'll do this Christian." He said, "If you'll do this Christian." He said, "If you'll do this the right way graciously, ultimately the right way graciously, ultimately the right way graciously, ultimately they may be ashamed of their slander." they may be ashamed of their slander." they may be ashamed of their slander." Now, there's no guarantee that's going Now, there's no guarantee that's going Now, there's no guarantee that's going to happen, but you know this, especially to happen, but you know this, especially to happen, but you know this, especially in the United States, selfless, in the United States, selfless, in the United States, selfless, generous, compassionate, generous, compassionate, generous, compassionate, selfless, generous, compassionate living selfless, generous, compassionate living selfless, generous, compassionate living is ultimately unassalable. is ultimately unassalable. is ultimately unassalable. In other words, if we are Christlike, In other words, if we are Christlike, In other words, if we are Christlike, people may have real problems with what people may have real problems with what people may have real problems with what we believe, but they shouldn't have much we believe, but they shouldn't have much we believe, but they shouldn't have much problem with the way we ultimately problem with the way we ultimately problem with the way we ultimately behave. This is why, you know, when I'm behave. This is why, you know, when I'm behave. This is why, you know, when I'm talking to church leaders, I I cast this talking to church leaders, I I cast this talking to church leaders, I I cast this vision. I say, "My vision is this. A vision. I say, "My vision is this. A vision. I say, "My vision is this. A world a world in which people are world a world in which people are world a world in which people are critical or confused by what we believe critical or confused by what we believe critical or confused by what we believe but are amazed at how well we love each but are amazed at how well we love each but are amazed at how well we love each other and are amazed at how well we other and are amazed at how well we other and are amazed at how well we treat them. That should be the treat them. That should be the treat them. That should be the differentiator for the church that differentiator for the church that differentiator for the church that people are, you know, may be critical of people are, you know, may be critical of people are, you know, may be critical of what we believe. I I get that we believe what we believe. I I get that we believe what we believe. I I get that we believe some weird stuff. You know, man rose some weird stuff. You know, man rose some weird stuff. You know, man rose from the dead, right? Okay. I they may

from the dead, right? Okay. I they may from the dead, right? Okay. I they may be critical of what we believe, but they be critical of what we believe, but they be critical of what we believe, but they have a hard time being critical of us have a hard time being critical of us have a hard time being critical of us because we're the best citizens. We're because we're the best citizens. We're because we're the best citizens. We're the best family people. We're the best the best family people. We're the best the best family people. We're the best employers. We're the best employees. We employers. We're the best employees. We employers. We're the best employees. We the way we treat each other and the way the way we treat each other and the way the way we treat each other and the way we treat even people we disagree with. we treat even people we disagree with. we treat even people we disagree with. He goes on, he says this, "For it is He goes on, he says this, "For it is He goes on, he says this, "For it is better," and we'll wrap this up. For it better," and we'll wrap this up. For it better," and we'll wrap this up. For it is better if it is God's will to suffer is better if it is God's will to suffer is better if it is God's will to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing for doing good than to suffer for doing for doing good than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for evil. For Christ also suffered once for evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous sins, the righteous for the unrighteous sins, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God. Jesus suffered and to bring you to God. Jesus suffered and to bring you to God. Jesus suffered and we benefited. We may suffer for the sake we benefited. We may suffer for the sake we benefited. We may suffer for the sake of other benefiting. So wrapping this of other benefiting. So wrapping this of other benefiting. So wrapping this up. Okay, here we go. Here's the real up. Okay, here we go. Here's the real up. Okay, here we go. Here's the real question. So why are you a Jesus question. So why are you a Jesus question. So why are you a Jesus follower? If you are, follower? If you are, follower? If you are, why? Wh What's your reason? What's your why? Wh What's your reason? What's your why? Wh What's your reason? What's your elevator pitch? Well, when I was a elevator pitch? Well, when I was a elevator pitch? Well, when I was a child, no, you're not a child anymore. child, no, you're not a child anymore. child, no, you're not a child anymore. You're an adult. Why? Why are you a You're an adult. Why? Why are you a You're an adult. Why? Why are you a Jesus follower? Now, let's just end on Jesus follower? Now, let's just end on Jesus follower? Now, let's just end on something. I've never shared this before something. I've never shared this before something. I've never shared this before and so I'd rather it stay in the room, and so I'd rather it stay in the room, and so I'd rather it stay in the room, okay? But okay? But okay? But I have repeated my two go-to reasons for I have repeated my two go-to reasons for I have repeated my two go-to reasons for my faith. My elevator pitches. I have my faith. My elevator pitches. I have my faith. My elevator pitches. I have repeated these two so many times in repeated these two so many times in repeated these two so many times in sermons that some of you have memorized sermons that some of you have memorized sermons that some of you have memorized my elevator pitches even though you my elevator pitches even though you my elevator pitches even though you didn't know you memorized them because I didn't know you memorized them because I didn't know you memorized them because I said them so often. At least I hope you said them so often. At least I hope you said them so often. At least I hope you have. So, until you have your own, you have. So, until you have your own, you have. So, until you have your own, you are certainly welcome to borrow mine.

are certainly welcome to borrow mine. are certainly welcome to borrow mine. What? So, what is my answer? You know, What? So, what is my answer? You know, What? So, what is my answer? You know, what is my answer to the qu question? what is my answer to the qu question? what is my answer to the qu question? What is the reason for the hope that I What is the reason for the hope that I What is the reason for the hope that I have? Here are the here are two my here have? Here are the here are two my here have? Here are the here are two my here are my two go-to answers. One's kind of are my two go-to answers. One's kind of are my two go-to answers. One's kind of theological depending on who's asking theological depending on who's asking theological depending on who's asking and one's super practical. The and one's super practical. The and one's super practical. The theological one is this. Here's okay, theological one is this. Here's okay, theological one is this. Here's okay, here's why I'm a Jesus follower. I don't here's why I'm a Jesus follower. I don't here's why I'm a Jesus follower. I don't know about all those animals on the know about all those animals on the know about all those animals on the boat. I I know that in the book of boat. I I know that in the book of boat. I I know that in the book of Revelation, I know doesn't I know. But Revelation, I know doesn't I know. But Revelation, I know doesn't I know. But let me look look. I'm a simple man. let me look look. I'm a simple man. let me look look. I'm a simple man. If someone predicts their own death and If someone predicts their own death and If someone predicts their own death and resurrection and pulls it off, I go with resurrection and pulls it off, I go with resurrection and pulls it off, I go with whatever that person says. [laughter] whatever that person says. [laughter] whatever that person says. [laughter] I believe Jesus rose from the dead, I believe Jesus rose from the dead, I believe Jesus rose from the dead, which validated what he said about which validated what he said about which validated what he said about himself. himself. himself. And if you if you're interested, I don't And if you if you're interested, I don't And if you if you're interested, I don't believe it because the Bible tells us believe it because the Bible tells us believe it because the Bible tells us so. It's better than that. Matthew, so. It's better than that. Matthew, so. It's better than that. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, and Paul Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, and Paul Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, and Paul told us so. So, I know those are good told us so. So, I know those are good told us so. So, I know those are good questions. I don't know. I believe questions. I don't know. I believe questions. I don't know. I believe Jesus. Okay. My more practical reason Jesus. Okay. My more practical reason Jesus. Okay. My more practical reason why why as an adult, you know, in in a why why as an adult, you know, in in a why why as an adult, you know, in in a world, you know, why would I follow world, you know, why would I follow world, you know, why would I follow Jesus? Okay, I I'm not trying to Jesus? Okay, I I'm not trying to Jesus? Okay, I I'm not trying to convince you. I just here's my story.

convince you. I just here's my story. convince you. I just here's my story. Following Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus, it's made my life better it's made my life better it's made my life better and it's made me and continues to make and it's made me and continues to make and it's made me and continues to make me better at life. That that's my story. me better at life. That that's my story. me better at life. That that's my story. I I I would say I can't imagine where I I I would say I can't imagine where I I I would say I can't imagine where I'd be without Jesus. But I can imagine I'd be without Jesus. But I can imagine I'd be without Jesus. But I can imagine where I'd be without Jesus without where I'd be without Jesus without where I'd be without Jesus without following Jesus because in the seasons following Jesus because in the seasons following Jesus because in the seasons of my life when I wasn't following of my life when I wasn't following of my life when I wasn't following Jesus, I was a mess. So you you believe Jesus, I was a mess. So you you believe Jesus, I was a mess. So you you believe you do you. Okay? I'm just telling you you do you. Okay? I'm just telling you you do you. Okay? I'm just telling you following Jesus, not believing bunch of following Jesus, not believing bunch of following Jesus, not believing bunch of stuff has made my So that's my story. stuff has made my So that's my story. stuff has made my So that's my story. Now, real quick, if you're here or Now, real quick, if you're here or Now, real quick, if you're here or listening watching and you're not a listening watching and you're not a listening watching and you're not a Christian, you have a reason or you have Christian, you have a reason or you have Christian, you have a reason or you have reasons not to be a Christian. And if I reasons not to be a Christian. And if I reasons not to be a Christian. And if I were to hear your reasons, I'd be I I were to hear your reasons, I'd be I I were to hear your reasons, I'd be I I get that. Or if you used to be a get that. Or if you used to be a get that. Or if you used to be a Christian or a church person and you are Christian or a church person and you are Christian or a church person and you are no longer part of church or no longer part of church or no longer part of church or Christianity, you also have reasons or a Christianity, you also have reasons or a Christianity, you also have reasons or a reason, right? And let me just say one reason, right? And let me just say one reason, right? And let me just say one thing about your reasons. thing about your reasons. thing about your reasons. If your reason for not considering If your reason for not considering If your reason for not considering Christianity or if your reasons for Christianity or if your reasons for Christianity or if your reasons for leaving the church and leaving leaving the church and leaving leaving the church and leaving Christianity has anything to do with the Christianity has anything to do with the Christianity has anything to do with the behavior of Christians, I would just say behavior of Christians, I would just say behavior of Christians, I would just say this to you as kindly as as I can. In this to you as kindly as as I can. In this to you as kindly as as I can. In fact, forget what I would say. Let me fact, forget what I would say. Let me fact, forget what I would say. Let me tell you what Peter would say. Peter tell you what Peter would say. Peter tell you what Peter would say. Peter would say, "Ple," because he just said would say, "Ple," because he just said would say, "Ple," because he just said it. These are my words, my rendition of it. These are my words, my rendition of it. These are my words, my rendition of what he just said. Peter would be quick what he just said. Peter would be quick what he just said. Peter would be quick to say, "Hey, please, whoa, whoa, whoa.

to say, "Hey, please, whoa, whoa, whoa. to say, "Hey, please, whoa, whoa, whoa. Please don't allow imperfect Jesus Please don't allow imperfect Jesus Please don't allow imperfect Jesus followers to cause you to miss Jesus. followers to cause you to miss Jesus. followers to cause you to miss Jesus. And if he were to say, "Why, Peter?" He And if he were to say, "Why, Peter?" He And if he were to say, "Why, Peter?" He would say, "Because would say, "Because would say, "Because I didn't read about this. I wasn't told I didn't read about this. I wasn't told I didn't read about this. I wasn't told about this. about this. about this. I was there." I was there." I was there." When he suffered once for sins, When he suffered once for sins, When he suffered once for sins, the righteous, and I'm telling you, he the righteous, and I'm telling you, he the righteous, and I'm telling you, he was righteous. I was with him for three was righteous. I was with him for three was righteous. I was with him for three and a half years. He was righteous. and a half years. He was righteous. and a half years. He was righteous. And I know me, Peter would say, and I am And I know me, Peter would say, and I am And I know me, Peter would say, and I am unrighteous. Let me tell you how unrighteous. Let me tell you how unrighteous. Let me tell you how unrighteous I am. I have no room to to unrighteous I am. I have no room to to unrighteous I am. I have no room to to brag or talk. When my rabbi was arrested brag or talk. When my rabbi was arrested brag or talk. When my rabbi was arrested and I was intimidated and all my and I was intimidated and all my and I was intimidated and all my insecurities came to the surface, I told insecurities came to the surface, I told insecurities came to the surface, I told a middle school girl I didn't even know a middle school girl I didn't even know a middle school girl I didn't even know who he was. who he was. who he was. So, So, So, if you're looking for hypocrites, Peter if you're looking for hypocrites, Peter if you're looking for hypocrites, Peter would say you're looking at one. But I'm would say you're looking at one. But I'm would say you're looking at one. But I'm telling you, telling you, telling you, don't miss my rabbi. He was the don't miss my rabbi. He was the don't miss my rabbi. He was the righteous one who came to give his life righteous one who came to give his life righteous one who came to give his life for unrighteous people like me to bring for unrighteous people like me to bring for unrighteous people like me to bring you and to bring us you and to bring us you and to bring us to God.

to God. to God. For those of you here are listening For those of you here are listening For those of you here are listening watching who are Christians, you know watching who are Christians, you know watching who are Christians, you know this. You work with you do life with this. You work with you do life with this. You work with you do life with people of a different faith or who have people of a different faith or who have people of a different faith or who have no faith. At some point you may be no faith. At some point you may be no faith. At some point you may be tempted to walk away from faith. For tempted to walk away from faith. For tempted to walk away from faith. For that reason you need an elevator pitch. that reason you need an elevator pitch. that reason you need an elevator pitch. You need to ask yourself, think deep, You need to ask yourself, think deep, You need to ask yourself, think deep, think hard. You can use my language, but think hard. You can use my language, but think hard. You can use my language, but it it needs to be your story. Why have it it needs to be your story. Why have it it needs to be your story. Why have you chosen and why do you continue to you chosen and why do you continue to you chosen and why do you continue to follow Jesus? And you need to have an follow Jesus? And you need to have an follow Jesus? And you need to have an answer to that question on the tip of answer to that question on the tip of answer to that question on the tip of your tongue. Peter's right. We should be your tongue. Peter's right. We should be your tongue. Peter's right. We should be all always, he said, we should always be all always, he said, we should always be all always, he said, we should always be prepared to give an answer. An answer prepared to give an answer. An answer prepared to give an answer. An answer people understand and can digest. An people understand and can digest. An people understand and can digest. An answer for the hope that is in each one answer for the hope that is in each one answer for the hope that is in each one of us. You need a reason for the hope of us. You need a reason for the hope of us. You need a reason for the hope that is in that is in that is in you. So you. So you. So conclusion, our conduct should serve our conclusion, our conduct should serve our conclusion, our conduct should serve our conduct should serve as credibility for conduct should serve as credibility for conduct should serve as credibility for our invitation to follow Jesus. And next our invitation to follow Jesus. And next our invitation to follow Jesus. And next week, this is what I don't want you to week, this is what I don't want you to week, this is what I don't want you to miss next week. Next week, we're going miss next week. Next week, we're going miss next week. Next week, we're going to celebrate with 140 or so adults who to celebrate with 140 or so adults who to celebrate with 140 or so adults who have accepted the invitation to both have accepted the invitation to both have accepted the invitation to both attend our church and then more attend our church and then more attend our church and then more importantly, they have accept accepted importantly, they have accept accepted importantly, they have accept accepted an invitation to follow Jesus. And an invitation to follow Jesus. And an invitation to follow Jesus. And they're going public with that decision.

they're going public with that decision. they're going public with that decision. And here's the thing. You can listen to And here's the thing. You can listen to And here's the thing. You can listen to sermons anytime, anywhere. It's a sermons anytime, anywhere. It's a sermons anytime, anywhere. It's a wonderful world to live in. But what wonderful world to live in. But what wonderful world to live in. But what we're going to do next weekend and what we're going to do next weekend and what we're going to do next weekend and what we're going to experience together next we're going to experience together next we're going to experience together next weekend, it might be the only time in weekend, it might be the only time in weekend, it might be the only time in your life you get to experience that. your life you get to experience that. your life you get to experience that. So, I don't want you to miss it. It's So, I don't want you to miss it. It's So, I don't want you to miss it. It's going to be amazing. It's going to it's going to be amazing. It's going to it's going to be amazing. It's going to it's going to remind us of how important what going to remind us of how important what going to remind us of how important what we do as a local church really is. So, we do as a local church really is. So, we do as a local church really is. So, I'm going to pray and then Tan's going I'm going to pray and then Tan's going I'm going to pray and then Tan's going to come out here with the band and sing to come out here with the band and sing to come out here with the band and sing us out and then uh we'll let you go. So, us out and then uh we'll let you go. So, us out and then uh we'll let you go. So, let's pray together. Father, thank you let's pray together. Father, thank you let's pray together. Father, thank you so much for preserving this ancient so much for preserving this ancient so much for preserving this ancient document. Thank you for the faith and document. Thank you for the faith and document. Thank you for the faith and the faithfulness of Peter. Um goodness, the faithfulness of Peter. Um goodness, the faithfulness of Peter. Um goodness, his his story, it just it becomes a his his story, it just it becomes a his his story, it just it becomes a context for whatever we've done wrong context for whatever we've done wrong context for whatever we've done wrong because he knew so much and failed so because he knew so much and failed so because he knew so much and failed so miserably at the end. So he gets us. So miserably at the end. So he gets us. So miserably at the end. So he gets us. So wherever this lands with us, Father, for wherever this lands with us, Father, for wherever this lands with us, Father, for the non-Christian or person used to be the non-Christian or person used to be the non-Christian or person used to be or considering faith, I just pray they or considering faith, I just pray they or considering faith, I just pray they would. I pray they wouldn't that nothing would. I pray they wouldn't that nothing would. I pray they wouldn't that nothing we do or I do or that we say or that I we do or I do or that we say or that I we do or I do or that we say or that I say, I pray that none of that would get say, I pray that none of that would get say, I pray that none of that would get in the way of their willingness to lean in the way of their willingness to lean in the way of their willingness to lean into the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

into the person of Jesus of Nazareth. into the person of Jesus of Nazareth. And for the rest of us, Father, I pray And for the rest of us, Father, I pray And for the rest of us, Father, I pray that we would be prepared, that we would that we would be prepared, that we would that we would be prepared, that we would always be prepared. And father Father, always be prepared. And father Father, always be prepared. And father Father, for the for the man or woman or the for the for the man or woman or the for the for the man or woman or the single or college student or married single or college student or married single or college student or married adult who's here today and they're adult who's here today and they're adult who's here today and they're honestly thinking about just walking honestly thinking about just walking honestly thinking about just walking away from faith, I pray that you would away from faith, I pray that you would away from faith, I pray that you would remind them of why they chose to follow remind them of why they chose to follow remind them of why they chose to follow you in the first place and that that you in the first place and that that you in the first place and that that anchor would hold and that that firm anchor would hold and that that firm anchor would hold and that that firm foundation would keep them firmly in foundation would keep them firmly in foundation would keep them firmly in their faith in Jesus name. Amen. I am a living, [singing] breathing, I am a living, [singing] breathing, walking testimony. [music] I am the living proof of what the Lord I am the living proof of what the Lord [singing] has [music] done.

They [singing] call it crazy but they They [singing] call it crazy but they can't [music] can't [music] can't [music] take away my story cuz I [music and singing] am a living cuz I [music and singing] am a living breathing walking testimony. breathing walking testimony. breathing walking testimony. [music and singing] They said I wouldn't make it, They said I wouldn't make it, [music] [music] [music] that I should [singing] give up. that I should [singing] give up. that I should [singing] give up. But they didn't [music] know that the But they didn't [music] know that the But they didn't [music] know that the God that I [singing] serve is more than God that I [singing] serve is more than God that I [singing] serve is more than enough. He can make broken beautiful. I never He can make broken beautiful. I never run out [singing] run out [singing] run out [singing] [music] [music] [music] to the god of a [music] [music] [singing] living. [singing] [singing] [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] Look what [music] the Lord [singing] Look what [music] the Lord [singing] has done. has done. has done. Look what the Lord has done. Look what the Lord has done. Look what the Lord has done. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Every day what he could Every day what he could Every day what he could but the Lord he [music] has used it for but the Lord he [music] has used it for but the Lord he [music] has used it for good. good. good. What the has done. What the has done. What the has done. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

[music] >> Oh yes, I am. >> Oh yes, I am. >> Oh yes, I am. Oh God, thank you all so much for being Oh God, thank you all so much for being Oh God, thank you all so much for being here today. God is so good to us. He here today. God is so good to us. He here today. God is so good to us. He loves us in spite of what we [music] may loves us in spite of what we [music] may loves us in spite of what we [music] may be going through. He's there for us and be going through. He's there for us and be going through. He's there for us and he's good. Y'all, I will see you on he's good. Y'all, I will see you on he's good. Y'all, I will see you on Sunday. Okay, God bless. Thank you. Have Sunday. Okay, God bless. Thank you. Have Sunday. Okay, God bless. Thank you. Have a great weekend.