Surrender | Stacie Wood

Well, folks, it's good to be together Well, folks, it's good to be together today. It's always good to be together. today. It's always good to be together. today. It's always good to be together. And I want to say welcome to our And I want to say welcome to our And I want to say welcome to our campuses. I want to welcome our campuses. I want to welcome our campuses. I want to welcome our extensions all over the world. Those of extensions all over the world. Those of extensions all over the world. Those of you who are joining us online, we're so you who are joining us online, we're so you who are joining us online, we're so glad that you're here with us. And we glad that you're here with us. And we glad that you're here with us. And we believe that Jesus wants to speak to believe that Jesus wants to speak to believe that Jesus wants to speak to each of our hearts today. That he has a each of our hearts today. That he has a each of our hearts today. That he has a word for us. When I finished my freshman word for us. When I finished my freshman word for us. When I finished my freshman year of college that that summer, I went year of college that that summer, I went year of college that that summer, I went on a mission trip to China for one month on a mission trip to China for one month on a mission trip to China for one month and it was the first time that I had and it was the first time that I had and it was the first time that I had ever been away from my family for that ever been away from my family for that ever been away from my family for that long. And it was definitely the furthest long. And it was definitely the furthest long. And it was definitely the furthest that I had ever been away from my that I had ever been away from my that I had ever been away from my family. And I remember throughout the family. And I remember throughout the family. And I remember throughout the course of that month that I was there course of that month that I was there course of that month that I was there serving in China that sometimes I would serving in China that sometimes I would serving in China that sometimes I would come back to my room and I would lay on come back to my room and I would lay on come back to my room and I would lay on my bed and I would be so homesick and I my bed and I would be so homesick and I my bed and I would be so homesick and I would miss my parents so much and they would miss my parents so much and they would miss my parents so much and they felt like they were a million miles felt like they were a million miles felt like they were a million miles away. There's something that's so away. There's something that's so away. There's something that's so comforting about being close to someone comforting about being close to someone comforting about being close to someone that you love. But on the other side, that you love. But on the other side, that you love. But on the other side, there's something so painful about being there's something so painful about being there's something so painful about being separated from someone that you love.

separated from someone that you love. separated from someone that you love. And maybe even during these holiday And maybe even during these holiday And maybe even during these holiday seasons, you're feeling that mixture of seasons, you're feeling that mixture of seasons, you're feeling that mixture of emotion. And today, I want to invite you emotion. And today, I want to invite you emotion. And today, I want to invite you to think about a time when you felt like to think about a time when you felt like to think about a time when you felt like God was a million miles away. God was a million miles away. God was a million miles away. And maybe you were going through And maybe you were going through And maybe you were going through something difficult in your life, a something difficult in your life, a something difficult in your life, a season of grief, and you just kind of season of grief, and you just kind of season of grief, and you just kind of felt like God abandoned you. Or maybe felt like God abandoned you. Or maybe felt like God abandoned you. Or maybe you chose to walk away from God for a you chose to walk away from God for a you chose to walk away from God for a season and just kind of pursue your own season and just kind of pursue your own season and just kind of pursue your own thing. Maybe there was like a hardness thing. Maybe there was like a hardness thing. Maybe there was like a hardness of your heart or a coldness of your of your heart or a coldness of your of your heart or a coldness of your heart and and you just didn't really heart and and you just didn't really heart and and you just didn't really care what God thought about it. care what God thought about it. care what God thought about it. Maybe here today you feel like God is a Maybe here today you feel like God is a Maybe here today you feel like God is a million miles away. And that's a bad million miles away. And that's a bad million miles away. And that's a bad feeling. feeling. feeling. And last week as Andy was kicking off And last week as Andy was kicking off And last week as Andy was kicking off this message series called Closer about this message series called Closer about this message series called Closer about how what do we do with that gap that we how what do we do with that gap that we how what do we do with that gap that we sometimes feel with God between our sometimes feel with God between our sometimes feel with God between our hearts and God where it feels like God hearts and God where it feels like God hearts and God where it feels like God is a million miles away. How do we close is a million miles away. How do we close is a million miles away. How do we close that gap? He said this one phrase that that gap? He said this one phrase that that gap? He said this one phrase that really stood out to me. He said, "There really stood out to me. He said, "There really stood out to me. He said, "There is always a solution for what stands is always a solution for what stands is always a solution for what stands between you and God."

between you and God." between you and God." There is always a solution. Whatever it There is always a solution. Whatever it There is always a solution. Whatever it is for what's standing between you and is for what's standing between you and is for what's standing between you and God, he has already made a way for you God, he has already made a way for you God, he has already made a way for you to have a close relationship with him. to have a close relationship with him. to have a close relationship with him. You know why? Because he wants to be You know why? Because he wants to be You know why? Because he wants to be close to you. So he has himself provided close to you. So he has himself provided close to you. So he has himself provided a solution for whatever it is that's a solution for whatever it is that's a solution for whatever it is that's separating you from him in this moment. separating you from him in this moment. separating you from him in this moment. I find this verse in James 4 so I find this verse in James 4 so I find this verse in James 4 so comforting. This promise from God. He comforting. This promise from God. He comforting. This promise from God. He says, "Come near to God and he will come says, "Come near to God and he will come says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you." So, I hope that at the top near to you." So, I hope that at the top near to you." So, I hope that at the top of this message, that one verse can of this message, that one verse can of this message, that one verse can bring you so much hope that this kind of bring you so much hope that this kind of bring you so much hope that this kind of relationship is available to you. Maybe relationship is available to you. Maybe relationship is available to you. Maybe all your life you have wished that you all your life you have wished that you all your life you have wished that you had a closer relationship with God. had a closer relationship with God. had a closer relationship with God. Maybe you wish that God felt more real Maybe you wish that God felt more real Maybe you wish that God felt more real to you. Maybe you wish that God felt to you. Maybe you wish that God felt to you. Maybe you wish that God felt like more of a friend to you. And what like more of a friend to you. And what like more of a friend to you. And what I'm saying to you today is that that is I'm saying to you today is that that is I'm saying to you today is that that is available to you because he very much available to you because he very much available to you because he very much wants that for you and with you. So wants that for you and with you. So wants that for you and with you. So today we are going to talk about this today we are going to talk about this today we are going to talk about this idea of surrender, surrendering to God idea of surrender, surrendering to God idea of surrender, surrendering to God to the letting go, the the stop to the letting go, the the stop to the letting go, the the stop resisting because sometimes it's in resisting because sometimes it's in resisting because sometimes it's in those things that we're clinging to that those things that we're clinging to that those things that we're clinging to that we refuse to surrender. Sometimes that we refuse to surrender. Sometimes that we refuse to surrender. Sometimes that is why there is that gap between our is why there is that gap between our is why there is that gap between our hearts and God's because we're the ones hearts and God's because we're the ones hearts and God's because we're the ones that are holding back. Have you ever that are holding back. Have you ever that are holding back. Have you ever heard of a monkey trap? It's kind of

heard of a monkey trap? It's kind of heard of a monkey trap? It's kind of become a bit of a phrase like you're in become a bit of a phrase like you're in become a bit of a phrase like you're in a monkey trap, but it comes from a very a monkey trap, but it comes from a very a monkey trap, but it comes from a very real situation with very real monkeys. real situation with very real monkeys. real situation with very real monkeys. Now, monkeys are kind of funny Now, monkeys are kind of funny Now, monkeys are kind of funny creatures. They're cute and they're kind creatures. They're cute and they're kind creatures. They're cute and they're kind of clever, but they're kind of stupid of clever, but they're kind of stupid of clever, but they're kind of stupid also. And there you can very easily trap also. And there you can very easily trap also. And there you can very easily trap a monkey because they're so curious that a monkey because they're so curious that a monkey because they're so curious that if you put a small object that's like if you put a small object that's like if you put a small object that's like kind of shiny or maybe like a little kind of shiny or maybe like a little kind of shiny or maybe like a little piece of food that they might want in a piece of food that they might want in a piece of food that they might want in a hole that's just large enough for them hole that's just large enough for them hole that's just large enough for them to squeeze their hand into. That monkey to squeeze their hand into. That monkey to squeeze their hand into. That monkey will do that. They will grab on to will do that. They will grab on to will do that. They will grab on to whatever that object is and now their whatever that object is and now their whatever that object is and now their hand is too big to get back through the hand is too big to get back through the hand is too big to get back through the hole. And so that stupid little monkey hole. And so that stupid little monkey hole. And so that stupid little monkey does not realize all he has to do is let does not realize all he has to do is let does not realize all he has to do is let go of the object. He could get his hand go of the object. He could get his hand go of the object. He could get his hand back out. But that monkey is stuck like back out. But that monkey is stuck like back out. But that monkey is stuck like for good until somebody comes and solves for good until somebody comes and solves for good until somebody comes and solves the problem for him. He's trapped. I was the problem for him. He's trapped. I was the problem for him. He's trapped. I was watching I went on a deep dive on watching I went on a deep dive on watching I went on a deep dive on YouTube this week watching monkey traps. YouTube this week watching monkey traps. YouTube this week watching monkey traps. It's entertaining if you need to blow It's entertaining if you need to blow It's entertaining if you need to blow some time. Um so I today have created my some time. Um so I today have created my some time. Um so I today have created my own little monkey trap just with little own little monkey trap just with little own little monkey trap just with little piece of candy. We're going to put it in piece of candy. We're going to put it in piece of candy. We're going to put it in this jar. And my hand's just big enough this jar. And my hand's just big enough this jar. And my hand's just big enough I can slide it into here. But now that I can slide it into here. But now that I can slide it into here. But now that I'm holding on to this candy, I can't I'm holding on to this candy, I can't I'm holding on to this candy, I can't get it back out. And I'm going to preach get it back out. And I'm going to preach get it back out. And I'm going to preach my entire message today with a monkey my entire message today with a monkey my entire message today with a monkey trap on my hand. You know why? Because trap on my hand. You know why? Because trap on my hand. You know why? Because sometimes your mind wanders and you sometimes your mind wanders and you sometimes your mind wanders and you don't even know what I'm talking about don't even know what I'm talking about don't even know what I'm talking about up here. And when you look back at me up here. And when you look back at me up here. And when you look back at me and you see me with this monkey trap on and you see me with this monkey trap on and you see me with this monkey trap on my hand, you're going to remember, "Oh

my hand, you're going to remember, "Oh my hand, you're going to remember, "Oh yeah, today we're talking about yeah, today we're talking about yeah, today we're talking about surrender. I need to let it go." And so, surrender. I need to let it go." And so, surrender. I need to let it go." And so, literally, I'm gonna do this. So, I literally, I'm gonna do this. So, I literally, I'm gonna do this. So, I don't know what's in your monkey trap don't know what's in your monkey trap don't know what's in your monkey trap today. Maybe you've got something you're today. Maybe you've got something you're today. Maybe you've got something you're clinging to. Maybe it's a job that you clinging to. Maybe it's a job that you clinging to. Maybe it's a job that you have built your identity around. Maybe have built your identity around. Maybe have built your identity around. Maybe it's some relationship that you're it's some relationship that you're it's some relationship that you're holding on to that you need to let go holding on to that you need to let go holding on to that you need to let go of. Maybe there's some kind of financial of. Maybe there's some kind of financial of. Maybe there's some kind of financial situation or like an outcome that you situation or like an outcome that you situation or like an outcome that you are really hoping for and you Jesus is are really hoping for and you Jesus is are really hoping for and you Jesus is saying, "Would you trust me with it? saying, "Would you trust me with it? saying, "Would you trust me with it? Would you trust me with it?" because Would you trust me with it?" because Would you trust me with it?" because right now you're in a trap and you right now you're in a trap and you right now you're in a trap and you you're stuck and I'm worthy of your you're stuck and I'm worthy of your you're stuck and I'm worthy of your trust. So today we are going to look at trust. So today we are going to look at trust. So today we are going to look at a story of a guy who got stuck in a a story of a guy who got stuck in a a story of a guy who got stuck in a monkey trap and he never let go and it's monkey trap and he never let go and it's monkey trap and he never let go and it's a sad story. And so we're going to look a sad story. And so we're going to look a sad story. And so we're going to look over in the book of Mark chapter 10 at over in the book of Mark chapter 10 at over in the book of Mark chapter 10 at this interaction that Jesus has with a this interaction that Jesus has with a this interaction that Jesus has with a young guy. It says as Jesus started on young guy. It says as Jesus started on young guy. It says as Jesus started on his way a man ran up to him and fell on his way a man ran up to him and fell on his way a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. Good teacher, he his knees before him. Good teacher, he his knees before him. Good teacher, he asked, "What must I do to inherit asked, "What must I do to inherit asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Now, what I want you to eternal life?" Now, what I want you to eternal life?" Now, what I want you to see is that this is a great question.

see is that this is a great question. see is that this is a great question. And sometimes people would come up to And sometimes people would come up to And sometimes people would come up to Jesus and they would try to trap him Jesus and they would try to trap him Jesus and they would try to trap him with their words or try to trick him a with their words or try to trick him a with their words or try to trick him a little bit. That does not appear to be little bit. That does not appear to be little bit. That does not appear to be what this guy is doing. It seems like what this guy is doing. It seems like what this guy is doing. It seems like he's very genuinely asking a question he's very genuinely asking a question he's very genuinely asking a question like, "How can I be sure that I'm going like, "How can I be sure that I'm going like, "How can I be sure that I'm going to go to heaven when I die? How can I to go to heaven when I die? How can I to go to heaven when I die? How can I make sure that I'm in good standing with make sure that I'm in good standing with make sure that I'm in good standing with God?" It's a really great question. And God?" It's a really great question. And God?" It's a really great question. And so Jesus replies back to him and so Jesus replies back to him and so Jesus replies back to him and says,"Wh do you call me good? No one is says,"Wh do you call me good? No one is says,"Wh do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the good except God alone. You know the good except God alone. You know the commandments. You shall not murder. You commandments. You shall not murder. You commandments. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not shall not commit adultery. You shall not shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false steal. You shall not give false steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not defraud. Honor testimony. You shall not defraud. Honor testimony. You shall not defraud. Honor your father and mother." your father and mother." your father and mother." And then the guy says back to him, And then the guy says back to him, And then the guy says back to him, "Teacher, all of these I have kept since "Teacher, all of these I have kept since "Teacher, all of these I have kept since I was a boy." I was a boy." I was a boy." Now, we don't know exactly why this guy Now, we don't know exactly why this guy Now, we don't know exactly why this guy felt compelled to get to Jesus and ask felt compelled to get to Jesus and ask felt compelled to get to Jesus and ask him this question this day. Like, him this question this day. Like, him this question this day. Like, possibly he wanted to validate himself, possibly he wanted to validate himself, possibly he wanted to validate himself, right? Like Jesus is going to hear, "Oh, right? Like Jesus is going to hear, "Oh, right? Like Jesus is going to hear, "Oh, you've kept all the commandments. Wow, you've kept all the commandments. Wow, you've kept all the commandments. Wow, that's impressive, dude. Well done. I that's impressive, dude. Well done. I that's impressive, dude. Well done. I think you're good to go." And it's like think you're good to go." And it's like think you're good to go." And it's like a pat on the back and this guy feels a pat on the back and this guy feels a pat on the back and this guy feels like justified, right? Maybe that's what like justified, right? Maybe that's what like justified, right? Maybe that's what he was hoping for. Or maybe he like he was hoping for. Or maybe he like he was hoping for. Or maybe he like wanted to verify that he's on the right wanted to verify that he's on the right wanted to verify that he's on the right path because clearly religion is quite path because clearly religion is quite path because clearly religion is quite important to the dude. He like followed important to the dude. He like followed important to the dude. He like followed the commandments all his life. And so the commandments all his life. And so the commandments all his life. And so here's this new rabbi that's on the here's this new rabbi that's on the here's this new rabbi that's on the scene and he is saying all kinds of scene and he is saying all kinds of scene and he is saying all kinds of things that are creating a stir. And so things that are creating a stir. And so things that are creating a stir. And so this guy says, "I'm just going to go this guy says, "I'm just going to go this guy says, "I'm just going to go check in with him, make sure I'm on the

check in with him, make sure I'm on the check in with him, make sure I'm on the right path." right path." right path." And so whatever his motivation was, what And so whatever his motivation was, what And so whatever his motivation was, what we're going to see is that Jesus is we're going to see is that Jesus is we're going to see is that Jesus is going to cut straight through all of going to cut straight through all of going to cut straight through all of these external behaviors and he's going these external behaviors and he's going these external behaviors and he's going to get right to the guy's heart, right to get right to the guy's heart, right to get right to the guy's heart, right to the thing that's holding this guy to the thing that's holding this guy to the thing that's holding this guy captive. He says to him in verse 21, captive. He says to him in verse 21, captive. He says to him in verse 21, Jesus looked at him and he loved him. Jesus looked at him and he loved him. Jesus looked at him and he loved him. One thing you lack, he said, "Go sell One thing you lack, he said, "Go sell One thing you lack, he said, "Go sell everything you have and give it to the everything you have and give it to the everything you have and give it to the poor and you will have treasure in poor and you will have treasure in poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me." That heaven. Then come follow me." That heaven. Then come follow me." That phrase that Jesus looked at him and he phrase that Jesus looked at him and he phrase that Jesus looked at him and he loved him. Isn't that such a tender loved him. Isn't that such a tender loved him. Isn't that such a tender moment? Like, can't you just see Jesus's moment? Like, can't you just see Jesus's moment? Like, can't you just see Jesus's eyes softening as he as he looks at this eyes softening as he as he looks at this eyes softening as he as he looks at this guy and realizes what's going on in this guy and realizes what's going on in this guy and realizes what's going on in this guy's heart? So whatever he's about to guy's heart? So whatever he's about to guy's heart? So whatever he's about to say to this guy, you can know that it's say to this guy, you can know that it's say to this guy, you can know that it's coming from a heart of love for him. We coming from a heart of love for him. We coming from a heart of love for him. We learn in Matthew's account and Luke's learn in Matthew's account and Luke's learn in Matthew's account and Luke's account of the same story that this is a account of the same story that this is a account of the same story that this is a a young man and that he's a ruler of a young man and that he's a ruler of a young man and that he's a ruler of some point of some sort that he's a some point of some sort that he's a some point of some sort that he's a leader. And so you have this wealthy leader. And so you have this wealthy leader. And so you have this wealthy young professional. And when Jesus looks young professional. And when Jesus looks young professional. And when Jesus looks at him, he has so much compassion in his at him, he has so much compassion in his at him, he has so much compassion in his heart because he's doing so many things heart because he's doing so many things heart because he's doing so many things well, right? He's he's killing it at well, right? He's he's killing it at well, right? He's he's killing it at life. He's doing an awesome job in so life. He's doing an awesome job in so life. He's doing an awesome job in so many ways. And Jesus is like, "Ah, he's many ways. And Jesus is like, "Ah, he's many ways. And Jesus is like, "Ah, he's so close and yet so far away." And so so close and yet so far away." And so so close and yet so far away." And so Jesus invites him to follow me. He says, Jesus invites him to follow me. He says, Jesus invites him to follow me. He says, "I I want you to come follow me." But

"I I want you to come follow me." But "I I want you to come follow me." But before you can do that, you've got this before you can do that, you've got this before you can do that, you've got this idol in your heart and it's your wealth. idol in your heart and it's your wealth. idol in your heart and it's your wealth. Because it's it's not just that you have Because it's it's not just that you have Because it's it's not just that you have money. It's that money has a hold on money. It's that money has a hold on money. It's that money has a hold on you. That money is gripping your heart. you. That money is gripping your heart. you. That money is gripping your heart. And I and so what you need to do if you And I and so what you need to do if you And I and so what you need to do if you really want to come follow me, you got really want to come follow me, you got really want to come follow me, you got to deal with the idol that's in your to deal with the idol that's in your to deal with the idol that's in your heart first and be willing to set that heart first and be willing to set that heart first and be willing to set that aside so that your heart is free to come aside so that your heart is free to come aside so that your heart is free to come and follow me. And verse 22 is such a and follow me. And verse 22 is such a and follow me. And verse 22 is such a tragic verse. It says at this the man's tragic verse. It says at this the man's tragic verse. It says at this the man's face fell and he went away sad because face fell and he went away sad because face fell and he went away sad because he had great wealth. he had great wealth. he had great wealth. He did not expect Jesus to say to him He did not expect Jesus to say to him He did not expect Jesus to say to him what Jesus said. Like he didn't think what Jesus said. Like he didn't think what Jesus said. Like he didn't think that his wealth was an issue. People that his wealth was an issue. People that his wealth was an issue. People would have admired him for being would have admired him for being would have admired him for being wealthy. In fact, a lot of people wealthy. In fact, a lot of people wealthy. In fact, a lot of people thought that it was a blessing from God thought that it was a blessing from God thought that it was a blessing from God if he were wealthy. So, it's not like if he were wealthy. So, it's not like if he were wealthy. So, it's not like this guy was like trying to cover up the this guy was like trying to cover up the this guy was like trying to cover up the fact that he was wealthy, like he is fact that he was wealthy, like he is fact that he was wealthy, like he is some secret sin or or like that he's got some secret sin or or like that he's got some secret sin or or like that he's got greed in his heart that he didn't want greed in his heart that he didn't want greed in his heart that he didn't want Jesus to find out about that. He he Jesus to find out about that. He he Jesus to find out about that. He he hasn't even thought along those lines.

hasn't even thought along those lines. hasn't even thought along those lines. He was surprised that when Jesus came to He was surprised that when Jesus came to He was surprised that when Jesus came to him, he was like, you know what it is? him, he was like, you know what it is? him, he was like, you know what it is? It's your wealth. It's your hold that It's your wealth. It's your hold that It's your wealth. It's your hold that you have on wealth that is keeping you you have on wealth that is keeping you you have on wealth that is keeping you away from the kingdom of God. And he was away from the kingdom of God. And he was away from the kingdom of God. And he was surprised by that. And he was sad. He surprised by that. And he was sad. He surprised by that. And he was sad. He was sad because Jesus put his finger on was sad because Jesus put his finger on was sad because Jesus put his finger on the very thing that was in his monkey the very thing that was in his monkey the very thing that was in his monkey trap, that was in his jar, the thing trap, that was in his jar, the thing trap, that was in his jar, the thing that he was clinging to, the thing that that he was clinging to, the thing that that he was clinging to, the thing that he was unwilling to let go of. Jesus he was unwilling to let go of. Jesus he was unwilling to let go of. Jesus touched something that he didn't even touched something that he didn't even touched something that he didn't even realize was a problem. And when I was realize was a problem. And when I was realize was a problem. And when I was considering that this week, I was like, considering that this week, I was like, considering that this week, I was like, man, how many things like that are there man, how many things like that are there man, how many things like that are there in my life? Like, I think I'm doing all in my life? Like, I think I'm doing all in my life? Like, I think I'm doing all the right things. I'm trying so hard to the right things. I'm trying so hard to the right things. I'm trying so hard to live my life in a way that honors God. live my life in a way that honors God. live my life in a way that honors God. But what this showed me is that there But what this showed me is that there But what this showed me is that there can be things in my life that I'm can be things in my life that I'm can be things in my life that I'm completely unaware of that I need to completely unaware of that I need to completely unaware of that I need to address. I could I could be trying to do address. I could I could be trying to do address. I could I could be trying to do all the right things, but Jesus is like, all the right things, but Jesus is like, all the right things, but Jesus is like, actually, it's it's this one thing that actually, it's it's this one thing that actually, it's it's this one thing that has your heart. I put it this way in has your heart. I put it this way in has your heart. I put it this way in your notes. My closeness with Jesus may your notes. My closeness with Jesus may your notes. My closeness with Jesus may be stalled by something I haven't even be stalled by something I haven't even be stalled by something I haven't even felt the need to address.

felt the need to address. felt the need to address. Something that I haven't even felt the Something that I haven't even felt the Something that I haven't even felt the need to address. You know why? Because need to address. You know why? Because need to address. You know why? Because our hearts can be deceptive. our hearts can be deceptive. our hearts can be deceptive. And we live in this world that And we live in this world that And we live in this world that normalizes certain behaviors and certain normalizes certain behaviors and certain normalizes certain behaviors and certain values that we we forget it's not even values that we we forget it's not even values that we we forget it's not even what God is asking of us. It's not what God is asking of us. It's not what God is asking of us. It's not pleasing to the Lord. And so sometimes pleasing to the Lord. And so sometimes pleasing to the Lord. And so sometimes we don't even realize that there's we don't even realize that there's we don't even realize that there's something a miss in our life. But when something a miss in our life. But when something a miss in our life. But when Jesus put his finger on that thing for Jesus put his finger on that thing for Jesus put his finger on that thing for this man, when he when he invited him to this man, when he when he invited him to this man, when he when he invited him to a place of surrender, a place of surrender, a place of surrender, he had a choice to make. Am I going to he had a choice to make. Am I going to he had a choice to make. Am I going to keep clinging to the thing that's in my keep clinging to the thing that's in my keep clinging to the thing that's in my hand? Am I going to refuse to surrender hand? Am I going to refuse to surrender hand? Am I going to refuse to surrender it or am I willing to let it go and to it or am I willing to let it go and to it or am I willing to let it go and to follow Jesus with my whole heart? follow Jesus with my whole heart? follow Jesus with my whole heart? You know those words that Jesus said to You know those words that Jesus said to You know those words that Jesus said to him, "Come follow me." That is the exact him, "Come follow me." That is the exact him, "Come follow me." That is the exact phrase that Jesus used when he was phrase that Jesus used when he was phrase that Jesus used when he was asking his original disciples to be his asking his original disciples to be his asking his original disciples to be his disciples. He said, "Come follow me." to disciples. He said, "Come follow me." to disciples. He said, "Come follow me." to to Peter and to James and John and to to Peter and to James and John and to to Peter and to James and John and to Philillip and to Matthew. Do you realize Philillip and to Matthew. Do you realize Philillip and to Matthew. Do you realize the magnitude of this invitation? What the magnitude of this invitation? What the magnitude of this invitation? What he was offering to this guy. He was he was offering to this guy. He was he was offering to this guy. He was saying to him, "Hey, you could come and saying to him, "Hey, you could come and saying to him, "Hey, you could come and be one of my original disciples. So few be one of my original disciples. So few be one of my original disciples. So few other people in the world were ever other people in the world were ever other people in the world were ever given that opportunity." And so here we given that opportunity." And so here we given that opportunity." And so here we stand on the sidelines of scripture stand on the sidelines of scripture stand on the sidelines of scripture cheering this guy on and we're like, cheering this guy on and we're like, cheering this guy on and we're like, "You should do it, man. you should "You should do it, man. you should "You should do it, man. you should follow him. You'll never regret it. It's

follow him. You'll never regret it. It's follow him. You'll never regret it. It's going to be the best adventure of your going to be the best adventure of your going to be the best adventure of your life. life. life. But in that moment of decision, But in that moment of decision, But in that moment of decision, all he could see was how much it was all he could see was how much it was all he could see was how much it was going to cost him. going to cost him. going to cost him. And he didn't realize that Jesus would And he didn't realize that Jesus would And he didn't realize that Jesus would be worth it. And so he went away sad be worth it. And so he went away sad be worth it. And so he went away sad that day. that day. that day. Friends, I wonder what it is that is Friends, I wonder what it is that is Friends, I wonder what it is that is holding you back from giving your holding you back from giving your holding you back from giving your wholehearted yes to Jesus. You see, the wholehearted yes to Jesus. You see, the wholehearted yes to Jesus. You see, the cost of following Jesus is so high. He cost of following Jesus is so high. He cost of following Jesus is so high. He is asking for our whole hearts. He is is asking for our whole hearts. He is is asking for our whole hearts. He is asking for a complete and unconditional asking for a complete and unconditional asking for a complete and unconditional kind of surrender. kind of surrender. kind of surrender. This really convicting quote by awtoer This really convicting quote by awtoer This really convicting quote by awtoer says there is a whole generation of says there is a whole generation of says there is a whole generation of Christians that has come up believing Christians that has come up believing Christians that has come up believing that it is possible to accept Christ that it is possible to accept Christ that it is possible to accept Christ without forsaking the world. without forsaking the world. without forsaking the world. Possible to accept Christ Possible to accept Christ Possible to accept Christ without forsaking the world. And folks, without forsaking the world. And folks, without forsaking the world. And folks, that's just not true Christianity.

that's just not true Christianity. that's just not true Christianity. A couple chapters prior to this chapter A couple chapters prior to this chapter A couple chapters prior to this chapter over in Mark 8, Jesus defines for the over in Mark 8, Jesus defines for the over in Mark 8, Jesus defines for the crowds what it really means to follow crowds what it really means to follow crowds what it really means to follow him. And you see, the crowds were him. And you see, the crowds were him. And you see, the crowds were building and the miracles were happening building and the miracles were happening building and the miracles were happening and Jesus was all the rage. And so Jesus and Jesus was all the rage. And so Jesus and Jesus was all the rage. And so Jesus like calls everybody together and he's like calls everybody together and he's like calls everybody together and he's like, "Hey folks, I'm glad you're here. like, "Hey folks, I'm glad you're here. like, "Hey folks, I'm glad you're here. I just want to give you like a better I just want to give you like a better I just want to give you like a better picture of what it actually means to picture of what it actually means to picture of what it actually means to follow me." Okay? And so in Mark chapter follow me." Okay? And so in Mark chapter follow me." Okay? And so in Mark chapter 8, he tells them this. Whoever wants to 8, he tells them this. Whoever wants to 8, he tells them this. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and be my disciple must deny themselves and be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. take up their cross and follow me. take up their cross and follow me. You got to deny yourself, take up your You got to deny yourself, take up your You got to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. And don't you just cross and follow me. And don't you just cross and follow me. And don't you just know there were people that were like, know there were people that were like, know there were people that were like, "Ah man, Jesus "Ah man, Jesus "Ah man, Jesus got asking a lot, you know, like just got asking a lot, you know, like just got asking a lot, you know, like just kind of here for the free coffee and kind of here for the free coffee and kind of here for the free coffee and that thing you did with the fish and that thing you did with the fish and that thing you did with the fish and loaves. That was that was pretty cool. loaves. That was that was pretty cool. loaves. That was that was pretty cool. My kid really likes SK, but I mean like My kid really likes SK, but I mean like My kid really likes SK, but I mean like deny yourself and take up my cross. Like deny yourself and take up my cross. Like deny yourself and take up my cross. Like that's a whole another level, Jesus.

that's a whole another level, Jesus. that's a whole another level, Jesus. That's that's asking a lot. That's that's asking a lot. That's that's asking a lot. You see those that original crowd of You see those that original crowd of You see those that original crowd of listeners, there would have been no listeners, there would have been no listeners, there would have been no confusion as to what a cross confusion as to what a cross confusion as to what a cross represented. Like there was no one in represented. Like there was no one in represented. Like there was no one in the first century that was wearing a the first century that was wearing a the first century that was wearing a golden cross around their neck. It was a golden cross around their neck. It was a golden cross around their neck. It was a a weapon of destruction. a weapon of destruction. a weapon of destruction. it. There was only one meaning of what it. There was only one meaning of what it. There was only one meaning of what it was to take up your cross and that it was to take up your cross and that it was to take up your cross and that meant that you were on your way to your meant that you were on your way to your meant that you were on your way to your own death and that is exactly what Jesus own death and that is exactly what Jesus own death and that is exactly what Jesus told his followers that they had to be told his followers that they had to be told his followers that they had to be willing to do. And for his original band willing to do. And for his original band willing to do. And for his original band of brothers, his disciples, that is of brothers, his disciples, that is of brothers, his disciples, that is literally what they were asked. They literally what they were asked. They literally what they were asked. They followed Jesus all the way to their own followed Jesus all the way to their own followed Jesus all the way to their own martyrdoms. martyrdoms. martyrdoms. They traveled to the ends of the earth They traveled to the ends of the earth They traveled to the ends of the earth to carry the name of Jesus. And they to carry the name of Jesus. And they to carry the name of Jesus. And they endured sickness and poverty. And they endured sickness and poverty. And they endured sickness and poverty. And they learned new languages. And they learned new languages. And they learned new languages. And they pioneered new churches. And everywhere pioneered new churches. And everywhere pioneered new churches. And everywhere they went, they carried this amazing they went, they carried this amazing they went, they carried this amazing good news about the one true God who good news about the one true God who good news about the one true God who loved the world so much that he came.

loved the world so much that he came. loved the world so much that he came. That he left heaven and he stepped into That he left heaven and he stepped into That he left heaven and he stepped into earth and he lived this perfect life and earth and he lived this perfect life and earth and he lived this perfect life and he died a sacrificial death and then he he died a sacrificial death and then he he died a sacrificial death and then he rose from the dead so that we could be rose from the dead so that we could be rose from the dead so that we could be forgiven and so that we could have a forgiven and so that we could have a forgiven and so that we could have a restored relationship with God. And restored relationship with God. And restored relationship with God. And wherever the apostles went and they took wherever the apostles went and they took wherever the apostles went and they took this message, the people who heard the this message, the people who heard the this message, the people who heard the message, they had to decide what they message, they had to decide what they message, they had to decide what they were going to do with it. And so some of were going to do with it. And so some of were going to do with it. And so some of them they they received the message with them they they received the message with them they they received the message with joy. And then there were others that joy. And then there were others that joy. And then there were others that they they mocked them and they they they mocked them and they they they mocked them and they persecuted them. And then eventually one persecuted them. And then eventually one persecuted them. And then eventually one by one, every single one of those by one, every single one of those by one, every single one of those apostles would lose their lives at the apostles would lose their lives at the apostles would lose their lives at the hands of people who opposed the message hands of people who opposed the message hands of people who opposed the message of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. You see, surrendering to Jesus will cost You see, surrendering to Jesus will cost You see, surrendering to Jesus will cost you more than you think. you more than you think. you more than you think. Surrendering to Jesus always cost you Surrendering to Jesus always cost you Surrendering to Jesus always cost you more than you think. more than you think. more than you think. And Jesus was very honest with his And Jesus was very honest with his And Jesus was very honest with his earlier f with his earliest followers earlier f with his earliest followers earlier f with his earliest followers about what it might cost them to follow about what it might cost them to follow about what it might cost them to follow him. They had to decide in that moment.

him. They had to decide in that moment. him. They had to decide in that moment. They got to count the cost. And either They got to count the cost. And either They got to count the cost. And either they're going all in or they might as they're going all in or they might as they're going all in or they might as well cut their losses and get out now well cut their losses and get out now well cut their losses and get out now because this is a high calling. because this is a high calling. because this is a high calling. And even though the call of Christ has And even though the call of Christ has And even though the call of Christ has never changed, never changed, never changed, the church has drifted the church has drifted the church has drifted and somehow we get sucked in to this and somehow we get sucked in to this and somehow we get sucked in to this institutionalized institutionalized institutionalized religion that has no zeal and it has no religion that has no zeal and it has no religion that has no zeal and it has no spiritual fervor. And the most spiritual fervor. And the most spiritual fervor. And the most sacrificial thing we ever do is we park sacrificial thing we ever do is we park sacrificial thing we ever do is we park at the back of the Saddleback parking at the back of the Saddleback parking at the back of the Saddleback parking lot and walk a quarter mile to get to lot and walk a quarter mile to get to lot and walk a quarter mile to get to service. service. service. But we were made for more than that. And But we were made for more than that. And But we were made for more than that. And Jesus has called us into more than that. Jesus has called us into more than that. Jesus has called us into more than that. There's this really convicting quote by There's this really convicting quote by There's this really convicting quote by Elton True Blood and it says, "Many Elton True Blood and it says, "Many Elton True Blood and it says, "Many people have refused to join the church people have refused to join the church people have refused to join the church not because the church has demanded too not because the church has demanded too not because the church has demanded too much but because it has demanded too much but because it has demanded too much but because it has demanded too little." Their criticism is not that the little." Their criticism is not that the little." Their criticism is not that the church is too different from the world church is too different from the world church is too different from the world but that it is too much like the world.

but that it is too much like the world. but that it is too much like the world. The humiliating truth is that no The humiliating truth is that no The humiliating truth is that no Christian fellowship has ever truly Christian fellowship has ever truly Christian fellowship has ever truly challenged them. And there's nothing challenged them. And there's nothing challenged them. And there's nothing compelling about that kind of religion. compelling about that kind of religion. compelling about that kind of religion. But you know what is compelling? But you know what is compelling? But you know what is compelling? It's the call to live for something that It's the call to live for something that It's the call to live for something that you would be willing to die for. It's you would be willing to die for. It's you would be willing to die for. It's the call to sacrifice so greatly so that the call to sacrifice so greatly so that the call to sacrifice so greatly so that the kingdom of God could come here on the kingdom of God could come here on the kingdom of God could come here on earth as it is in heaven. earth as it is in heaven. earth as it is in heaven. It's this call to go to the front lines It's this call to go to the front lines It's this call to go to the front lines of the battlefield where this battle of the battlefield where this battle of the battlefield where this battle with darkness wages because you know with darkness wages because you know with darkness wages because you know that you're investment there on the that you're investment there on the that you're investment there on the front lines could literally rescue front lines could literally rescue front lines could literally rescue prisoners of war and bring them back prisoners of war and bring them back prisoners of war and bring them back into the kingdom of light. That is what into the kingdom of light. That is what into the kingdom of light. That is what Jesus is calling us into. And when he Jesus is calling us into. And when he Jesus is calling us into. And when he offers you when he says come follow me offers you when he says come follow me offers you when he says come follow me that is precisely what he meant. This is that is precisely what he meant. This is that is precisely what he meant. This is an all-in type of situation that he an all-in type of situation that he an all-in type of situation that he wants your wholehearted wants your wholehearted wants your wholehearted surrender that you would hold nothing surrender that you would hold nothing surrender that you would hold nothing back from orienting your whole life back from orienting your whole life back from orienting your whole life around the king and his kingdom. Because around the king and his kingdom. Because around the king and his kingdom. Because here's the thing, surrendering to Jesus here's the thing, surrendering to Jesus here's the thing, surrendering to Jesus will always cost you more than you think will always cost you more than you think will always cost you more than you think it will. But surrendering to Jesus will it will. But surrendering to Jesus will it will. But surrendering to Jesus will always pay you more than it cost. Isn't always pay you more than it cost. Isn't always pay you more than it cost. Isn't that good news today? that surrendering that good news today? that surrendering that good news today? that surrendering to Jesus will pay you more than it to Jesus will pay you more than it to Jesus will pay you more than it costs. It is worth it. And so what I costs. It is worth it. And so what I costs. It is worth it. And so what I hope that you hear me saying today is, hope that you hear me saying today is, hope that you hear me saying today is, yeah, this is going to cost you yeah, this is going to cost you yeah, this is going to cost you everything. It's an all on the line kind

everything. It's an all on the line kind everything. It's an all on the line kind of invitation, but it will be worth it of invitation, but it will be worth it of invitation, but it will be worth it because he is worthy. And this kind of because he is worthy. And this kind of because he is worthy. And this kind of surrender pays in great dividends. There surrender pays in great dividends. There surrender pays in great dividends. There is no return on investment like what you is no return on investment like what you is no return on investment like what you make into the kingdom of God. make into the kingdom of God. make into the kingdom of God. Now, at the end of this passage that we Now, at the end of this passage that we Now, at the end of this passage that we were looking at in Mark chapter 10, were looking at in Mark chapter 10, were looking at in Mark chapter 10, the rich young ruler, this wealthy young the rich young ruler, this wealthy young the rich young ruler, this wealthy young professional, he he walks away sad. professional, he he walks away sad. professional, he he walks away sad. And then Jesus says a few lines about And then Jesus says a few lines about And then Jesus says a few lines about how hard it is for rich people to get how hard it is for rich people to get how hard it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven because into the kingdom of heaven because into the kingdom of heaven because they're holding on to the wealth of this they're holding on to the wealth of this they're holding on to the wealth of this world. world. world. And then Peter looks at Jesus and he And then Peter looks at Jesus and he And then Peter looks at Jesus and he just says this one simple phrase. He just says this one simple phrase. He just says this one simple phrase. He says, "Jesus, says, "Jesus, says, "Jesus, we've left everything to follow you." we've left everything to follow you." we've left everything to follow you." Because a couple years before this Because a couple years before this Because a couple years before this conversation, conversation, conversation, Jesus had come across this young Jesus had come across this young Jesus had come across this young fisherman by the Sea of Galilee and he fisherman by the Sea of Galilee and he fisherman by the Sea of Galilee and he said, "Peter, I want you to leave behind said, "Peter, I want you to leave behind said, "Peter, I want you to leave behind your fishing business. I want you to your fishing business. I want you to your fishing business. I want you to leave it all behind and I want you to leave it all behind and I want you to leave it all behind and I want you to come follow me. Folks, can you imagine come follow me. Folks, can you imagine come follow me. Folks, can you imagine if Peter had said no?

if Peter had said no? if Peter had said no? Can you imagine if in that moment the Can you imagine if in that moment the Can you imagine if in that moment the sacrifice felt too great or the unknown sacrifice felt too great or the unknown sacrifice felt too great or the unknown it it just felt too scary and he was it it just felt too scary and he was it it just felt too scary and he was like I I can't do it and and he just like I I can't do it and and he just like I I can't do it and and he just said no and he turned away and walked said no and he turned away and walked said no and he turned away and walked away sad. What if that had happened? But away sad. What if that had happened? But away sad. What if that had happened? But it didn't. Peter said yes and he left it didn't. Peter said yes and he left it didn't. Peter said yes and he left everything to follow Jesus. And in that everything to follow Jesus. And in that everything to follow Jesus. And in that moment Jesus said back to him he said moment Jesus said back to him he said moment Jesus said back to him he said truly I tell you no one who has left truly I tell you no one who has left truly I tell you no one who has left home or brothers or sister or mother or home or brothers or sister or mother or home or brothers or sister or mother or father or children or fields for me and father or children or fields for me and father or children or fields for me and for the gospel will fail to receive a for the gospel will fail to receive a for the gospel will fail to receive a hund times as much in this present age hund times as much in this present age hund times as much in this present age and in the age to come. and in the age to come. and in the age to come. Jesus looked Peter square in the face Jesus looked Peter square in the face Jesus looked Peter square in the face and he said, "Peter, every sacrifice and he said, "Peter, every sacrifice and he said, "Peter, every sacrifice you've ever made, it will be worth it. you've ever made, it will be worth it. you've ever made, it will be worth it. You will never regret it." You will never regret it." You will never regret it." You know, we don't know very much about You know, we don't know very much about You know, we don't know very much about this rich young ruler.

this rich young ruler. this rich young ruler. We can assume that he probably lived a We can assume that he probably lived a We can assume that he probably lived a pretty comfortable life. pretty comfortable life. pretty comfortable life. And we can assume that he probably And we can assume that he probably And we can assume that he probably continued to be a moral man that was continued to be a moral man that was continued to be a moral man that was respected by his community. respected by his community. respected by his community. Maybe he traveled the world. Maybe he traveled the world. Maybe he traveled the world. Maybe he had Maybe he had Maybe he had a vacation house that he owned or a vacation house that he owned or a vacation house that he owned or something like that. We don't really something like that. We don't really something like that. We don't really know. We don't know how many times he know. We don't know how many times he know. We don't know how many times he thought about that conversation that he thought about that conversation that he thought about that conversation that he had with Jesus and if he lived with a had with Jesus and if he lived with a had with Jesus and if he lived with a continual sadness and regret about that. continual sadness and regret about that. continual sadness and regret about that. Really, the only thing that we know Really, the only thing that we know Really, the only thing that we know about him is the thing that kept him about him is the thing that kept him about him is the thing that kept him from Jesus. We know the thing that was from Jesus. We know the thing that was from Jesus. We know the thing that was in his jar, the thing that he couldn't in his jar, the thing that he couldn't in his jar, the thing that he couldn't let go of, that he thought was worth let go of, that he thought was worth let go of, that he thought was worth more than following Jesus. more than following Jesus. more than following Jesus. But you know what we know about Peter? But you know what we know about Peter? But you know what we know about Peter? We know that Peter was one of the few We know that Peter was one of the few We know that Peter was one of the few people in the room that day when Jesus people in the room that day when Jesus people in the room that day when Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl back to life. raised a 12-year-old girl back to life. raised a 12-year-old girl back to life. And we know that Peter watched with And we know that Peter watched with And we know that Peter watched with wideeyed wonder as the fish and the wideeyed wonder as the fish and the wideeyed wonder as the fish and the loaves just kept multiplying.

loaves just kept multiplying. loaves just kept multiplying. We know that Peter walked on water. We We know that Peter walked on water. We We know that Peter walked on water. We know that one day Peter ran to a tomb know that one day Peter ran to a tomb know that one day Peter ran to a tomb that was empty and a couple days later that was empty and a couple days later that was empty and a couple days later he ate breakfast that was prepared for he ate breakfast that was prepared for he ate breakfast that was prepared for him by the guy that was supposed to be him by the guy that was supposed to be him by the guy that was supposed to be in that tomb. in that tomb. in that tomb. We know that Peter went on to lead the We know that Peter went on to lead the We know that Peter went on to lead the church at Jerusalem and that God used church at Jerusalem and that God used church at Jerusalem and that God used Peter to physically heal people and to Peter to physically heal people and to Peter to physically heal people and to shape theology and to shepherd a young shape theology and to shepherd a young shape theology and to shepherd a young flock of sheep that were brand new flock of sheep that were brand new flock of sheep that were brand new followers of Jesus. We know that Peter followers of Jesus. We know that Peter followers of Jesus. We know that Peter went on to write a couple letters to the went on to write a couple letters to the went on to write a couple letters to the church that we still learn from today church that we still learn from today church that we still learn from today 2,000 years later. 2,000 years later. 2,000 years later. And we know that eventually Peter would And we know that eventually Peter would And we know that eventually Peter would travel thousands of miles to Rome and he travel thousands of miles to Rome and he travel thousands of miles to Rome and he would share Jesus all the way there and would share Jesus all the way there and would share Jesus all the way there and eventually he would be crucified upside eventually he would be crucified upside eventually he would be crucified upside down under the persecution of Nero. down under the persecution of Nero. down under the persecution of Nero. And I just wonder And I just wonder And I just wonder if you had been able to have a if you had been able to have a if you had been able to have a conversation with Peter in the quietness conversation with Peter in the quietness conversation with Peter in the quietness of his cell right before his of his cell right before his of his cell right before his crucifixion.

crucifixion. crucifixion. And if you could have said to him, And if you could have said to him, And if you could have said to him, "Peter, "Peter, "Peter, are you glad you left your nets?" I think Peter I think Peter would have looked back at you with those would have looked back at you with those would have looked back at you with those weathered eyes weathered eyes weathered eyes that had seen so much and he would have that had seen so much and he would have that had seen so much and he would have said, "Yes, said, "Yes, said, "Yes, because he is worthy of it all." because he is worthy of it all." because he is worthy of it all." You see, there is nothing in this life You see, there is nothing in this life You see, there is nothing in this life that could even come close to comparing that could even come close to comparing that could even come close to comparing to the satisfaction to the satisfaction to the satisfaction of a life that is fully surrendered to of a life that is fully surrendered to of a life that is fully surrendered to God. God. God. That he is where the joy is. And when we That he is where the joy is. And when we That he is where the joy is. And when we can catch a glimpse of him, when we can can catch a glimpse of him, when we can can catch a glimpse of him, when we can behold his beauty, when we can stand in behold his beauty, when we can stand in behold his beauty, when we can stand in awe of his glory and his majesty and we awe of his glory and his majesty and we awe of his glory and his majesty and we encounter his love and his forgiveness encounter his love and his forgiveness encounter his love and his forgiveness for us, a full surrender is the only for us, a full surrender is the only for us, a full surrender is the only option that really makes sense.

option that really makes sense. option that really makes sense. You see, this kind of surrender, it You see, this kind of surrender, it You see, this kind of surrender, it doesn't come from a hostile denomination doesn't come from a hostile denomination doesn't come from a hostile denomination domination. God is not in the business domination. God is not in the business domination. God is not in the business of trying to force people to do things of trying to force people to do things of trying to force people to do things that they don't want to do. This kind of that they don't want to do. This kind of that they don't want to do. This kind of surrender, it comes it's compelled by surrender, it comes it's compelled by surrender, it comes it's compelled by love. It's a it's a love that says, love. It's a it's a love that says, love. It's a it's a love that says, "Jesus, you are beautiful and you are "Jesus, you are beautiful and you are "Jesus, you are beautiful and you are worth it. And there is nothing in this worth it. And there is nothing in this worth it. And there is nothing in this world that I want more than I want you." world that I want more than I want you." world that I want more than I want you." And so, Jesus, you can have it all. I And so, Jesus, you can have it all. I And so, Jesus, you can have it all. I refuse to let whatever this is to be the refuse to let whatever this is to be the refuse to let whatever this is to be the thing that keeps me from living my full thing that keeps me from living my full thing that keeps me from living my full redemptive potential for your kingdom. redemptive potential for your kingdom. redemptive potential for your kingdom. Jesus, you can have it all. That is what Jesus, you can have it all. That is what Jesus, you can have it all. That is what he is asking of us. [snorts] And so, he is asking of us. [snorts] And so, he is asking of us. [snorts] And so, friend, I just I want to ask you to friend, I just I want to ask you to friend, I just I want to ask you to think about it like what what are you think about it like what what are you think about it like what what are you clinging to? What does Jesus ask of you clinging to? What does Jesus ask of you clinging to? What does Jesus ask of you that you've not yet surrendered to him? that you've not yet surrendered to him? that you've not yet surrendered to him? Because just like his invitation to the Because just like his invitation to the Because just like his invitation to the rich young ruler when he says come and rich young ruler when he says come and rich young ruler when he says come and follow me, we have to make a decision.

follow me, we have to make a decision. follow me, we have to make a decision. What are we going to do with this What are we going to do with this What are we going to do with this invitation? invitation? invitation? And so I have just three reflection And so I have just three reflection And so I have just three reflection questions that I I want to pose for you. questions that I I want to pose for you. questions that I I want to pose for you. And I've been asking myself these And I've been asking myself these And I've been asking myself these questions all week as I've just been questions all week as I've just been questions all week as I've just been searching my own heart. Jesus, is there searching my own heart. Jesus, is there searching my own heart. Jesus, is there anything in me that I'm holding back anything in me that I'm holding back anything in me that I'm holding back from you? The first question is this. from you? The first question is this. from you? The first question is this. Have I received any instructions from Have I received any instructions from Have I received any instructions from God that I know I'm not obeying? God that I know I'm not obeying? God that I know I'm not obeying? Like, what was the last thing he said to Like, what was the last thing he said to Like, what was the last thing he said to me? Because maybe if I didn't do that, me? Because maybe if I didn't do that, me? Because maybe if I didn't do that, that's why I'm not hearing him right that's why I'm not hearing him right that's why I'm not hearing him right now. I should go back and do that and now. I should go back and do that and now. I should go back and do that and then he'll speak again. Like, is there then he'll speak again. Like, is there then he'll speak again. Like, is there anything in the Bible that I've read anything in the Bible that I've read anything in the Bible that I've read that I know I'm not obeying? Is there that I know I'm not obeying? Is there that I know I'm not obeying? Is there anything from a sermon that I've heard anything from a sermon that I've heard anything from a sermon that I've heard that convicted my heart? Is there any that convicted my heart? Is there any that convicted my heart? Is there any instruction that God has given me that I instruction that God has given me that I instruction that God has given me that I know I'm not currently obeying? The know I'm not currently obeying? The know I'm not currently obeying? The second question is, is there anything in second question is, is there anything in second question is, is there anything in my life that I would refuse to give up my life that I would refuse to give up my life that I would refuse to give up if I genuinely believed Jesus was asking if I genuinely believed Jesus was asking if I genuinely believed Jesus was asking me to? What would I try to keep control me to? What would I try to keep control me to? What would I try to keep control over? Would it be your job or or the over? Would it be your job or or the over? Would it be your job or or the relationships in your life? Would it relationships in your life? Would it relationships in your life? Would it would it be your living situation? Would would it be your living situation? Would would it be your living situation? Would it be the money, the finances, this this it be the money, the finances, this this it be the money, the finances, this this certain dream that you can't let go of?

certain dream that you can't let go of? certain dream that you can't let go of? What is it that you would refuse to give What is it that you would refuse to give What is it that you would refuse to give up? Like Jesus, you can have all of this up? Like Jesus, you can have all of this up? Like Jesus, you can have all of this over here. There's so much in my life over here. There's so much in my life over here. There's so much in my life that you can have, Jesus, but but just that you can have, Jesus, but but just that you can have, Jesus, but but just not this thing. What is that thing? And not this thing. What is that thing? And not this thing. What is that thing? And the third question is, does my calendar the third question is, does my calendar the third question is, does my calendar and my bank statement reflect Jesus as and my bank statement reflect Jesus as and my bank statement reflect Jesus as the center of my life? My calendar and the center of my life? My calendar and the center of my life? My calendar and my bank statement. Because how many of my bank statement. Because how many of my bank statement. Because how many of you know that it's a lot easier to say you know that it's a lot easier to say you know that it's a lot easier to say with our lips, that we surrender to with our lips, that we surrender to with our lips, that we surrender to Jesus, that he's the center of our Jesus, that he's the center of our Jesus, that he's the center of our lives. But really, what we spend our lives. But really, what we spend our lives. But really, what we spend our time doing and the way we spend our time doing and the way we spend our time doing and the way we spend our money, that is a pretty good reflection money, that is a pretty good reflection money, that is a pretty good reflection of what we prioritize in our lives. of what we prioritize in our lives. of what we prioritize in our lives. There's this quote by Jim Elliot, who is There's this quote by Jim Elliot, who is There's this quote by Jim Elliot, who is a a spiritual hero to me, and he says a a spiritual hero to me, and he says a a spiritual hero to me, and he says this about surrender. He says one does this about surrender. He says one does this about surrender. He says one does not surrender a life in an instant. That not surrender a life in an instant. That not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be which is lifelong can only be which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime. surrendered in a lifetime. surrendered in a lifetime. And what that means is that Jesus is And what that means is that Jesus is And what that means is that Jesus is always calling us upward and onward in always calling us upward and onward in always calling us upward and onward in this adventure with him. There are this adventure with him. There are this adventure with him. There are always new opportunities for surrender.

always new opportunities for surrender. always new opportunities for surrender. And so just because one day back then And so just because one day back then And so just because one day back then like at high school camp you surrendered like at high school camp you surrendered like at high school camp you surrendered your heart to the Lord that doesn't mean your heart to the Lord that doesn't mean your heart to the Lord that doesn't mean that you're living a fully surrendered that you're living a fully surrendered that you're living a fully surrendered life in this moment. This is a daybyday life in this moment. This is a daybyday life in this moment. This is a daybyday lifelong process of us climbing back on lifelong process of us climbing back on lifelong process of us climbing back on the altar and saying everything I have the altar and saying everything I have the altar and saying everything I have is yours. is yours. is yours. And so as we close our time together, I And so as we close our time together, I And so as we close our time together, I want to I want to offer three responses, want to I want to offer three responses, want to I want to offer three responses, three invitations to you. Because here's three invitations to you. Because here's three invitations to you. Because here's what we know. Whenever we hear the word what we know. Whenever we hear the word what we know. Whenever we hear the word of God, it's so important for us to of God, it's so important for us to of God, it's so important for us to respond to it immediately. Because if respond to it immediately. Because if respond to it immediately. Because if you will, if that will become the habit you will, if that will become the habit you will, if that will become the habit of your life, then your heart will grow of your life, then your heart will grow of your life, then your heart will grow more tender to the Lord and it'll be more tender to the Lord and it'll be more tender to the Lord and it'll be easier for you to hear his prompting easier for you to hear his prompting easier for you to hear his prompting next time. But if you hear the word of next time. But if you hear the word of next time. But if you hear the word of God and then you don't respond to it, God and then you don't respond to it, God and then you don't respond to it, your heart grows harder, more callous. your heart grows harder, more callous. your heart grows harder, more callous. It becomes more challenging for you to It becomes more challenging for you to It becomes more challenging for you to hear the word of God. And so I have hear the word of God. And so I have hear the word of God. And so I have three different responses that I want three different responses that I want three different responses that I want you to consider. What is Jesus's you to consider. What is Jesus's you to consider. What is Jesus's invitation to you today? The first invitation to you today? The first invitation to you today? The first invitation is a call to surrender your invitation is a call to surrender your invitation is a call to surrender your life to Jesus for the first time. Like life to Jesus for the first time. Like life to Jesus for the first time. Like some of you today, you you've never some of you today, you you've never some of you today, you you've never received that gift of salvation. you received that gift of salvation. you received that gift of salvation. you you're still trying to hold on to you're still trying to hold on to you're still trying to hold on to control of your life and you're not you control of your life and you're not you control of your life and you're not you haven't been ready to surrender control haven't been ready to surrender control haven't been ready to surrender control over to Jesus to say, "Okay, I'm going over to Jesus to say, "Okay, I'm going over to Jesus to say, "Okay, I'm going to do it your way now." But today, you to do it your way now." But today, you to do it your way now." But today, you can walk out freed from this monkey trap can walk out freed from this monkey trap can walk out freed from this monkey trap that you're in. And you could say, that you're in. And you could say, that you're in. And you could say, "Jesus, I I believe your way is better,

"Jesus, I I believe your way is better, "Jesus, I I believe your way is better, and I want to receive your forgiveness and I want to receive your forgiveness and I want to receive your forgiveness for my sins, and I want to put you as for my sins, and I want to put you as for my sins, and I want to put you as the Lord of my life." That might be the the Lord of my life." That might be the the Lord of my life." That might be the invitation that Jesus wants you to invitation that Jesus wants you to invitation that Jesus wants you to respond to today. respond to today. respond to today. The second invitation is directly The second invitation is directly The second invitation is directly related to this story that we read today related to this story that we read today related to this story that we read today about this wealthy young entrepreneur. about this wealthy young entrepreneur. about this wealthy young entrepreneur. And the thing that Jesus put his finger And the thing that Jesus put his finger And the thing that Jesus put his finger on was his wealth. The hold that wealth on was his wealth. The hold that wealth on was his wealth. The hold that wealth had on him. And goodness knows in our had on him. And goodness knows in our had on him. And goodness knows in our modern day world, we got a lot of rich modern day world, we got a lot of rich modern day world, we got a lot of rich young rulers, don't we? Like this issue young rulers, don't we? Like this issue young rulers, don't we? Like this issue of the grip of wealth and mamine, it it of the grip of wealth and mamine, it it of the grip of wealth and mamine, it it just it grips our hearts. And if we're just it grips our hearts. And if we're just it grips our hearts. And if we're not intentional about ridding ourselves not intentional about ridding ourselves not intentional about ridding ourselves from the entanglement of it, it will from the entanglement of it, it will from the entanglement of it, it will consume us. And so we talk about money consume us. And so we talk about money consume us. And so we talk about money here at church because Jesus talked a here at church because Jesus talked a here at church because Jesus talked a lot about money. Because Jesus knew that lot about money. Because Jesus knew that lot about money. Because Jesus knew that money would have a disproportionate money would have a disproportionate money would have a disproportionate power to choke out what God wants to do power to choke out what God wants to do power to choke out what God wants to do in your life. So if you don't get this in your life. So if you don't get this in your life. So if you don't get this situation with money under control, situation with money under control, situation with money under control, surrendered to Jesus, then it will surrendered to Jesus, then it will surrendered to Jesus, then it will always be a barrier in your relationship always be a barrier in your relationship always be a barrier in your relationship with him. And so for some of you today, with him. And so for some of you today, with him. And so for some of you today, that is the invitation. Would you loosen that is the invitation. Would you loosen that is the invitation. Would you loosen the grip that you have on your own the grip that you have on your own the grip that you have on your own finances and would you be willing to finances and would you be willing to finances and would you be willing to trust him? You know, our word, our trust him? You know, our word, our trust him? You know, our word, our worldly wealth can be used for so much worldly wealth can be used for so much worldly wealth can be used for so much good when we release it into his hands.

good when we release it into his hands. good when we release it into his hands. You you all heard about that earlier You you all heard about that earlier You you all heard about that earlier with the the dream now year-end with the the dream now year-end with the the dream now year-end offering. All the things that we're offering. All the things that we're offering. All the things that we're going to get to be a part of like going to get to be a part of like going to get to be a part of like starting new churches and ministering to starting new churches and ministering to starting new churches and ministering to vulnerable children and the gospel is vulnerable children and the gospel is vulnerable children and the gospel is going to be extended into the going to be extended into the going to be extended into the communities where our campuses are. All communities where our campuses are. All communities where our campuses are. All of these beautiful things that God can of these beautiful things that God can of these beautiful things that God can do through our worldly riches if we will do through our worldly riches if we will do through our worldly riches if we will surrender them to him. When I was surrender them to him. When I was surrender them to him. When I was growing up, my parents were were very growing up, my parents were were very growing up, my parents were were very generous people. And so I lived under generous people. And so I lived under generous people. And so I lived under the blessing of a life lived with open the blessing of a life lived with open the blessing of a life lived with open hands. And I saw that. And so from a hands. And I saw that. And so from a hands. And I saw that. And so from a young age, I I followed that pattern. young age, I I followed that pattern. young age, I I followed that pattern. But long before Angie and I ever got But long before Angie and I ever got But long before Angie and I ever got married, we had both decided we're going married, we had both decided we're going married, we had both decided we're going to honor God with the first tenth of our to honor God with the first tenth of our to honor God with the first tenth of our income, the tithe. And so when we got income, the tithe. And so when we got income, the tithe. And so when we got married, for the last 22 years, we've married, for the last 22 years, we've married, for the last 22 years, we've lived that lifestyle of putting God lived that lifestyle of putting God lived that lifestyle of putting God first in our finances. And you know first in our finances. And you know first in our finances. And you know what? God keeps calling us upward and what? God keeps calling us upward and what? God keeps calling us upward and onward and so it's not 10% anymore. It's onward and so it's not 10% anymore. It's onward and so it's not 10% anymore. It's much more than that. And sometimes it much more than that. And sometimes it much more than that. And sometimes it feels scary and sometimes things have feels scary and sometimes things have feels scary and sometimes things have been tight and it didn't feel like we been tight and it didn't feel like we been tight and it didn't feel like we could do that. But we just made a choice could do that. But we just made a choice could do that. But we just made a choice that we will do that because this is why that we will do that because this is why that we will do that because this is why Andy and I have a value that there will Andy and I have a value that there will Andy and I have a value that there will be nothing in our life, especially not be nothing in our life, especially not be nothing in our life, especially not the worldly wealth that will keep us the worldly wealth that will keep us the worldly wealth that will keep us away from the Lord. There is not going away from the Lord. There is not going away from the Lord. There is not going to be something like this that we're to be something like this that we're to be something like this that we're going to hold on to tighter than we going to hold on to tighter than we going to hold on to tighter than we would want to hold on to the things of would want to hold on to the things of would want to hold on to the things of the kingdom of God. And so I I don't the kingdom of God. And so I I don't the kingdom of God. And so I I don't know what that is for you, but I just know what that is for you, but I just know what that is for you, but I just want to ask you, would you really want to ask you, would you really want to ask you, would you really prayerfully consider God? Am I holding

prayerfully consider God? Am I holding prayerfully consider God? Am I holding on to the to the things of this world, on to the to the things of this world, on to the to the things of this world, to the riches of this world? And you to the riches of this world? And you to the riches of this world? And you have this opportunity with this year-end have this opportunity with this year-end have this opportunity with this year-end offering to invest your worldly riches offering to invest your worldly riches offering to invest your worldly riches into something that will extend the into something that will extend the into something that will extend the kingdom and to make a huge difference in kingdom and to make a huge difference in kingdom and to make a huge difference in people's lives. So that's the second people's lives. So that's the second people's lives. So that's the second invitation. invitation. invitation. For the third invitation, I want to For the third invitation, I want to For the third invitation, I want to invite you to stand with me as we close invite you to stand with me as we close invite you to stand with me as we close this out. So at all of our campuses, this out. So at all of our campuses, this out. So at all of our campuses, would you just stand up right now? And would you just stand up right now? And would you just stand up right now? And we're going to just bring the service to we're going to just bring the service to we're going to just bring the service to a close. And the third invitation And the third invitation is this wholehearted is this wholehearted is this wholehearted I'm climbing back on the altar. You can I'm climbing back on the altar. You can I'm climbing back on the altar. You can have it all kind of surrender. have it all kind of surrender. have it all kind of surrender. The kind of surrender where you actually The kind of surrender where you actually The kind of surrender where you actually let go and you take your hand out of the let go and you take your hand out of the let go and you take your hand out of the trap and you're free and you realize trap and you're free and you realize trap and you're free and you realize that there is nothing that you could that there is nothing that you could that there is nothing that you could cling to in this world that would be cling to in this world that would be cling to in this world that would be worth more than a life fully surrendered worth more than a life fully surrendered worth more than a life fully surrendered to God. where you say, "God, I want you to God. where you say, "God, I want you to God. where you say, "God, I want you more than I want anything in this life.

more than I want anything in this life. more than I want anything in this life. That you are worth it to me. Whatever That you are worth it to me. Whatever That you are worth it to me. Whatever sacrifice you ask of me, God, you are sacrifice you ask of me, God, you are sacrifice you ask of me, God, you are worthy of it all." And so, friends, I worthy of it all." And so, friends, I worthy of it all." And so, friends, I just want to say, could we be the kind just want to say, could we be the kind just want to say, could we be the kind of people that would be willing to lay of people that would be willing to lay of people that would be willing to lay our lives down on the altar in this our lives down on the altar in this our lives down on the altar in this moment and in tomorrow morning's moment moment and in tomorrow morning's moment moment and in tomorrow morning's moment and in next Friday's moment? Could we be and in next Friday's moment? Could we be and in next Friday's moment? Could we be the kind of people that would say day the kind of people that would say day the kind of people that would say day after day, Lord, would you search me and after day, Lord, would you search me and after day, Lord, would you search me and know me and see if there's any offensive know me and see if there's any offensive know me and see if there's any offensive way in me and lead me in the way way in me and lead me in the way way in me and lead me in the way everlasting because I want my whole life everlasting because I want my whole life everlasting because I want my whole life to be used and consecrated for your to be used and consecrated for your to be used and consecrated for your glory? glory? I want to lead us in a moment of prayer. I want to lead us in a moment of prayer. And I just want to invite you to to ask And I just want to invite you to to ask And I just want to invite you to to ask the Holy Spirit to come and do his work the Holy Spirit to come and do his work the Holy Spirit to come and do his work in your heart, whatever that looks like in your heart, whatever that looks like in your heart, whatever that looks like in this moment.

Father God, thank you that you Father God, thank you that you set the example for us of the greatest set the example for us of the greatest set the example for us of the greatest sacrifice. sacrifice. sacrifice. And Jesus, there are people here today And Jesus, there are people here today And Jesus, there are people here today that are listening to this message that that are listening to this message that that are listening to this message that are ready to take that step of surrender are ready to take that step of surrender are ready to take that step of surrender and to receive you for the very first and to receive you for the very first and to receive you for the very first time. time. time. And so if that's you today, wherever you And so if that's you today, wherever you And so if that's you today, wherever you are, I just want to ask you, would you are, I just want to ask you, would you are, I just want to ask you, would you open your heart to him and just tell him open your heart to him and just tell him open your heart to him and just tell him right where you're there, right where right where you're there, right where right where you're there, right where you're standing, just say, "Jesus, I you're standing, just say, "Jesus, I you're standing, just say, "Jesus, I surrender my life to you. I ask you to surrender my life to you. I ask you to surrender my life to you. I ask you to forgive my sins. I thank you for this forgive my sins. I thank you for this forgive my sins. I thank you for this free gift of salvation that you provided free gift of salvation that you provided free gift of salvation that you provided for me through the cross for me through the cross for me through the cross and I step into this new life with you and I step into this new life with you and I step into this new life with you through the power of your Holy Spirit. through the power of your Holy Spirit. through the power of your Holy Spirit. And Jesus, there are the rest of us we And Jesus, there are the rest of us we And Jesus, there are the rest of us we are we are just searching our hearts are we are just searching our hearts are we are just searching our hearts right now to say, God, what is it that right now to say, God, what is it that right now to say, God, what is it that you're asking of us? What are we you're asking of us? What are we you're asking of us? What are we gripping? What are we clinging to? What gripping? What are we clinging to? What gripping? What are we clinging to? What are we holding on to that that we have are we holding on to that that we have are we holding on to that that we have refused to surrender to you? Jesus, refused to surrender to you? Jesus, refused to surrender to you? Jesus, would you give us the strength that we would you give us the strength that we would you give us the strength that we need, the courage that we need, the need, the courage that we need, the need, the courage that we need, the faith that we need in this moment to faith that we need in this moment to faith that we need in this moment to give you our wholehearted yes. Whatever give you our wholehearted yes. Whatever give you our wholehearted yes. Whatever you ask of us, you already have a you ask of us, you already have a you ask of us, you already have a wholehearted yes.

Jesus, speak now. speak to our hearts Jesus, speak now. speak to our hearts and help us to truly and help us to truly and help us to truly come to your throne right now and just come to your throne right now and just come to your throne right now and just say all to Jesus. I surrender all to say all to Jesus. I surrender all to say all to Jesus. I surrender all to Jesus because you are worthy of it all. Jesus because you are worthy of it all. Jesus because you are worthy of it all. In your name we pray. Amen. To Jesus To Jesus I surrender I surrender I surrender all all all to him. [singing] I will ever [singing] I will ever [singing] love love love and trust in and trust in and trust in his presence. I surrender I surrender all. I surrender I surrender all.

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

All All to thee, my blessed to thee, my blessed to thee, my blessed Savior. I I surrender. [singing] I loved hearing that message from Pastor I loved hearing that message from Pastor Stacy on how to let go and surrender our Stacy on how to let go and surrender our Stacy on how to let go and surrender our hearts to Jesus. If you heard that hearts to Jesus. If you heard that hearts to Jesus. If you heard that message and you want to respond by message and you want to respond by message and you want to respond by taking a next step in your faith, we taking a next step in your faith, we taking a next step in your faith, we would love to know about it. So, you can would love to know about it. So, you can would love to know about it. So, you can go to the Saddleback app and let us know go to the Saddleback app and let us know go to the Saddleback app and let us know there so that we can walk with you no there so that we can walk with you no there so that we can walk with you no matter what step that may be. In matter what step that may be. In matter what step that may be. In addition, if you want prayer for addition, if you want prayer for addition, if you want prayer for anything, you can also let us know on anything, you can also let us know on anything, you can also let us know on the Saddleback app [music] so that we the Saddleback app [music] so that we the Saddleback app [music] so that we can be praying for you. Our team would can be praying for you. Our team would can be praying for you. Our team would love to walk alongside you to pray for love to walk alongside you to pray for love to walk alongside you to pray for whatever you might be facing. Well, whatever you might be facing. Well, whatever you might be facing. Well, church family, we are so, so grateful church family, we are so, so grateful church family, we are so, so grateful that you decided to join us for church that you decided to join us for church that you decided to join us for church today. If you're celebrating this week, today. If you're celebrating this week, today. If you're celebrating this week, happy Thanksgiving. We hope you'll join happy Thanksgiving. We hope you'll join happy Thanksgiving. We hope you'll join us for the message next week on us for the message next week on us for the message next week on gratitude as we close out this series.

gratitude as we close out this series. gratitude as we close out this series. We love you. We are so, so thankful for We love you. We are so, so thankful for We love you. We are so, so thankful for you, and we can't wait to see you back you, and we can't wait to see you back you, and we can't wait to see you back here again next week.