You Are Chosen | Andy Wood

Well, it's so good to be together. Well, it's so good to be together. Today's a great day. We are celebrating Today's a great day. We are celebrating Today's a great day. We are celebrating so many incredible things that God is so many incredible things that God is so many incredible things that God is doing in our midst. Well, one thing that doing in our midst. Well, one thing that doing in our midst. Well, one thing that we're going to do at the end of our we're going to do at the end of our we're going to do at the end of our service today is we're going to join service today is we're going to join service today is we're going to join with thousands of churches across the with thousands of churches across the with thousands of churches across the country for one massive baptism called country for one massive baptism called country for one massive baptism called Baptize America. This is possibly the Baptize America. This is possibly the Baptize America. This is possibly the largest baptism in church history. And largest baptism in church history. And largest baptism in church history. And there are some of you that came today. there are some of you that came today. there are some of you that came today. Maybe you've never taken that step. Maybe you've never taken that step. Maybe you've never taken that step. Perhaps you're a follower of Jesus. Perhaps you're a follower of Jesus. Perhaps you're a follower of Jesus. Today is the day. It's the perfect day Today is the day. It's the perfect day Today is the day. It's the perfect day to go public with your faith in Jesus. to go public with your faith in Jesus. to go public with your faith in Jesus. And at the end of the message today, I'm And at the end of the message today, I'm And at the end of the message today, I'm going to invite you to take that step. going to invite you to take that step. going to invite you to take that step. You might not have come prepared for it. You might not have come prepared for it. You might not have come prepared for it. Some of you already have, but we have. Some of you already have, but we have. Some of you already have, but we have. We came prepared for you to step into We came prepared for you to step into We came prepared for you to step into the water, go public with your faith in the water, go public with your faith in the water, go public with your faith in Jesus. We have what you need. shorts, Jesus. We have what you need. shorts, Jesus. We have what you need. shorts, t-shirts, flipflops, towels, and I'm t-shirts, flipflops, towels, and I'm t-shirts, flipflops, towels, and I'm going to tell you how at the end of our going to tell you how at the end of our going to tell you how at the end of our time together, you can take that step as time together, you can take that step as time together, you can take that step as we celebrate with those who have already we celebrate with those who have already we celebrate with those who have already committed to go public with their faith committed to go public with their faith committed to go public with their faith in Jesus. In addition to that, today in Jesus. In addition to that, today in Jesus. In addition to that, today we're starting a brand new message we're starting a brand new message we're starting a brand new message series called identity crisis. Can we series called identity crisis. Can we series called identity crisis. Can we say that together? Identity crisis. Now, say that together? Identity crisis. Now, say that together? Identity crisis. Now, when it comes to a crisis of identity, when it comes to a crisis of identity, when it comes to a crisis of identity, all of us have moments in our lives all of us have moments in our lives all of us have moments in our lives where we walk through challenges around where we walk through challenges around where we walk through challenges around our identity. And I think we could all our identity. And I think we could all our identity. And I think we could all agree that there's one season that agree that there's one season that agree that there's one season that stands out above every other season when stands out above every other season when stands out above every other season when it comes to crisis of identity. And it's it comes to crisis of identity. And it's it comes to crisis of identity. And it's middle school. It is that moment, that middle school. It is that moment, that middle school. It is that moment, that glorious middle season of life where

glorious middle season of life where glorious middle season of life where you're in sixth, seventh, or eighth you're in sixth, seventh, or eighth you're in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. And some of you, you're like, grade. And some of you, you're like, grade. And some of you, you're like, "Yeah, middle school was awesome for me. "Yeah, middle school was awesome for me. "Yeah, middle school was awesome for me. You were the kid that bullied everybody You were the kid that bullied everybody You were the kid that bullied everybody else. It was awesome for you." But for else. It was awesome for you." But for else. It was awesome for you." But for the rest of us, it was a really hard the rest of us, it was a really hard the rest of us, it was a really hard time in life. And on a personal level, I time in life. And on a personal level, I time in life. And on a personal level, I was bullied in middle school. There were was bullied in middle school. There were was bullied in middle school. There were some names that people called me. I made some names that people called me. I made some names that people called me. I made the mistake one time of saying those the mistake one time of saying those the mistake one time of saying those names from a stage and then my three names from a stage and then my three names from a stage and then my three children proceeded to call me those children proceeded to call me those children proceeded to call me those names. So, I'm not going to tell you the names. So, I'm not going to tell you the names. So, I'm not going to tell you the names, but I'll tell you what happened names, but I'll tell you what happened names, but I'll tell you what happened to me. In seventh grade, there was a to me. In seventh grade, there was a to me. In seventh grade, there was a group of kids. I won't say their names, group of kids. I won't say their names, group of kids. I won't say their names, but they would steal my lunch. It was but they would steal my lunch. It was but they would steal my lunch. It was mean. Now, I want you to see a picture mean. Now, I want you to see a picture mean. Now, I want you to see a picture of who they were stealing lunch from. of who they were stealing lunch from. of who they were stealing lunch from. This right here. Apparently, they This right here. Apparently, they This right here. Apparently, they thought I didn't need the lunch, so they thought I didn't need the lunch, so they thought I didn't need the lunch, so they took it. And I remember during that took it. And I remember during that took it. And I remember during that season, maybe you've had a moment like season, maybe you've had a moment like season, maybe you've had a moment like this where you're you're in a situation this where you're you're in a situation this where you're you're in a situation where somebody's bullying you, where somebody's bullying you, where somebody's bullying you, mistreating you, saying things about mistreating you, saying things about mistreating you, saying things about you. And in that moment, I remember you. And in that moment, I remember you. And in that moment, I remember seventh grade. I'm on a bus. I'm going seventh grade. I'm on a bus. I'm going seventh grade. I'm on a bus. I'm going to school, cold, rainy morning in to school, cold, rainy morning in to school, cold, rainy morning in Michigan where I grew up. And I was Michigan where I grew up. And I was Michigan where I grew up. And I was sitting on the bus, and it was like the sitting on the bus, and it was like the sitting on the bus, and it was like the first moment that I heard from the Lord first moment that I heard from the Lord first moment that I heard from the Lord in my heart. It was almost as if God was in my heart. It was almost as if God was in my heart. It was almost as if God was speaking to me, not with an audible speaking to me, not with an audible speaking to me, not with an audible voice. And that voice from the Lord voice. And that voice from the Lord voice. And that voice from the Lord said, "Andy, they're making fun of you said, "Andy, they're making fun of you said, "Andy, they're making fun of you because of their issues, not because of because of their issues, not because of because of their issues, not because of you. And I am with you. I will walk you. And I am with you. I will walk you. And I am with you. I will walk through this with you." Now, that moment through this with you." Now, that moment through this with you." Now, that moment was a pivotal moment that changed my was a pivotal moment that changed my was a pivotal moment that changed my perspective. I began to see differently.

perspective. I began to see differently. perspective. I began to see differently. And it really came out of this journey And it really came out of this journey And it really came out of this journey that a passion for the subject of that a passion for the subject of that a passion for the subject of identity was a huge part of helping identity was a huge part of helping identity was a huge part of helping others discover how does God see us? How others discover how does God see us? How others discover how does God see us? How does God see you? We all wrestle through does God see you? We all wrestle through does God see you? We all wrestle through at times this question. Who am I? Who am at times this question. Who am I? Who am at times this question. Who am I? Who am I as a as a person? And there are all I as a as a person? And there are all I as a as a person? And there are all kinds of things that play into our kinds of things that play into our kinds of things that play into our perspective about who we are. Might be perspective about who we are. Might be perspective about who we are. Might be ethnicity, might be the family that we ethnicity, might be the family that we ethnicity, might be the family that we grew up in. It might be perhaps even the grew up in. It might be perhaps even the grew up in. It might be perhaps even the personality that you have. By a show of personality that you have. By a show of personality that you have. By a show of hands, how many of you guys have ever hands, how many of you guys have ever hands, how many of you guys have ever done a personality test? You've got the done a personality test? You've got the done a personality test? You've got the MyersBriggs, you've got the DISC, you've MyersBriggs, you've got the DISC, you've MyersBriggs, you've got the DISC, you've got the Inagram. And some people do the got the Inagram. And some people do the got the Inagram. And some people do the Inagram test and now they feel like with Inagram test and now they feel like with Inagram test and now they feel like with one number they are defined. They know one number they are defined. They know one number they are defined. They know themselves. And this this journey for themselves. And this this journey for themselves. And this this journey for identity is a journey that all of us go identity is a journey that all of us go identity is a journey that all of us go on. You know, every day when we wake up, on. You know, every day when we wake up, on. You know, every day when we wake up, most of us we walk over to a mirror. We most of us we walk over to a mirror. We most of us we walk over to a mirror. We get ourselves ready. Maybe you were at a get ourselves ready. Maybe you were at a get ourselves ready. Maybe you were at a mirror today. How many of you were at a mirror today. How many of you were at a mirror today. How many of you were at a mirror getting ready for church out of mirror getting ready for church out of mirror getting ready for church out of curiosity? How many just rolled out of curiosity? How many just rolled out of curiosity? How many just rolled out of bed? You're like, "Hey, I'm here." But bed? You're like, "Hey, I'm here." But bed? You're like, "Hey, I'm here." But those who look in the mirror, there those who look in the mirror, there those who look in the mirror, there there's something that you see when you there's something that you see when you there's something that you see when you look in the mirror. And I wonder for you look in the mirror. And I wonder for you look in the mirror. And I wonder for you what that is like. What is it that you what that is like. What is it that you what that is like. What is it that you see when you look at you? And today, I see when you look at you? And today, I see when you look at you? And today, I want to challenge you to see you the way want to challenge you to see you the way want to challenge you to see you the way that God sees you. So, we're going to that God sees you. So, we're going to that God sees you. So, we're going to start with three big ideas on the front start with three big ideas on the front start with three big ideas on the front end. We're going to jump into Ephesians end. We're going to jump into Ephesians end. We're going to jump into Ephesians chapter 1. And then I want to share chapter 1. And then I want to share chapter 1. And then I want to share three truths about your new identity in three truths about your new identity in three truths about your new identity in Jesus. If you have surrendered to him, Jesus. If you have surrendered to him, Jesus. If you have surrendered to him, there are truths about you that God there are truths about you that God there are truths about you that God wants to proclaim over your life today.

wants to proclaim over your life today. wants to proclaim over your life today. Now, the first big idea is this. You and Now, the first big idea is this. You and Now, the first big idea is this. You and I, we live for or from identity. You are I, we live for or from identity. You are I, we live for or from identity. You are living today either for or from living today either for or from living today either for or from identity. Now, I wish it was so clear identity. Now, I wish it was so clear identity. Now, I wish it was so clear and simple that you and I could nail it and simple that you and I could nail it and simple that you and I could nail it and then one day for the rest of our and then one day for the rest of our and then one day for the rest of our lives, we live from identity. But there lives, we live from identity. But there lives, we live from identity. But there is an internal battle that we all walk is an internal battle that we all walk is an internal battle that we all walk through. Will I live today for identity through. Will I live today for identity through. Will I live today for identity or from identity? And that journey of or from identity? And that journey of or from identity? And that journey of living for identity. I know I'm in that living for identity. I know I'm in that living for identity. I know I'm in that when I'm anxious, when I'm overwhelmed, when I'm anxious, when I'm overwhelmed, when I'm anxious, when I'm overwhelmed, when I'm striving. Living for identity when I'm striving. Living for identity when I'm striving. Living for identity means I'm striving believing that means I'm striving believing that means I'm striving believing that something on the outside will define me. something on the outside will define me. something on the outside will define me. Maybe for you it's your job. perhaps an Maybe for you it's your job. perhaps an Maybe for you it's your job. perhaps an amount of money that you make, a resume amount of money that you make, a resume amount of money that you make, a resume that you're building, a house that you that you're building, a house that you that you're building, a house that you live in, a GPA that you have as a live in, a GPA that you have as a live in, a GPA that you have as a student, but you're working towards an student, but you're working towards an student, but you're working towards an identity that you believe will make you identity that you believe will make you identity that you believe will make you feel better about yourself. But have you feel better about yourself. But have you feel better about yourself. But have you noticed that when you live for identity noticed that when you live for identity noticed that when you live for identity that that there's this wheel that we that that there's this wheel that we that that there's this wheel that we find ourselves on like a hamster wheel find ourselves on like a hamster wheel find ourselves on like a hamster wheel running, never feeling like we're fully running, never feeling like we're fully running, never feeling like we're fully achieving the identity that we're achieving the identity that we're achieving the identity that we're looking for. So God's solution is not to looking for. So God's solution is not to looking for. So God's solution is not to live for identity. It's to live from live for identity. It's to live from live for identity. It's to live from identity. It's to live from a new identity. It's to live from a new identity. It's to live from a new identity. Now, research proves this as identity. Now, research proves this as identity. Now, research proves this as well. Not just the Bible, but research well. Not just the Bible, but research well. Not just the Bible, but research shows us that we're wired as humans to shows us that we're wired as humans to shows us that we're wired as humans to live from identity. I read a couple live from identity. I read a couple live from identity. I read a couple research reports. One was around a group research reports. One was around a group research reports. One was around a group of people they were trying to help quit of people they were trying to help quit of people they were trying to help quit smoking. And these two groups of people, smoking. And these two groups of people, smoking. And these two groups of people, they gave them an assignment. They said, they gave them an assignment. They said, they gave them an assignment. They said, "Hey, we're going to offer you a "Hey, we're going to offer you a "Hey, we're going to offer you a cigarette. It's coming. And here's the

cigarette. It's coming. And here's the cigarette. It's coming. And here's the two options. One, you can say, "I can't two options. One, you can say, "I can't two options. One, you can say, "I can't smoke or I I I I'm not able to do that. smoke or I I I I'm not able to do that. smoke or I I I I'm not able to do that. I'm trying to quit. And then the other I'm trying to quit. And then the other I'm trying to quit. And then the other is to say, I'm not a smoker. Now, if you is to say, I'm not a smoker. Now, if you is to say, I'm not a smoker. Now, if you could guess which one do you think was could guess which one do you think was could guess which one do you think was able to resist more? It was the one that able to resist more? It was the one that able to resist more? It was the one that said, I'm not a smoker. Why? Because the said, I'm not a smoker. Why? Because the said, I'm not a smoker. Why? Because the identity that they were choosing helped identity that they were choosing helped identity that they were choosing helped them with the new behavior. Another one them with the new behavior. Another one them with the new behavior. Another one that probably applies to more of us is that probably applies to more of us is that probably applies to more of us is chocolate. And this group of people, chocolate. And this group of people, chocolate. And this group of people, they were put together and they said, they were put together and they said, they were put together and they said, "Hey, we want you to resist the "Hey, we want you to resist the "Hey, we want you to resist the chocolate." Wouldn't that be cool if I chocolate." Wouldn't that be cool if I chocolate." Wouldn't that be cool if I could just bring out chocolate for could just bring out chocolate for could just bring out chocolate for everybody right now and separate you and everybody right now and separate you and everybody right now and separate you and see who could resist? That would be see who could resist? That would be see who could resist? That would be mean, but it's even meaner to say it. So mean, but it's even meaner to say it. So mean, but it's even meaner to say it. So now I have your mouth watering. So the now I have your mouth watering. So the now I have your mouth watering. So the the two groups were one you're to say I the two groups were one you're to say I the two groups were one you're to say I can't eat the chocolate and then the can't eat the chocolate and then the can't eat the chocolate and then the other was to say I don't eat the other was to say I don't eat the other was to say I don't eat the chocolate. I don't eat chocolate. And in chocolate. I don't eat chocolate. And in chocolate. I don't eat chocolate. And in that group that says I don't eat that group that says I don't eat that group that says I don't eat chocolate, they were able to resist at a chocolate, they were able to resist at a chocolate, they were able to resist at a higher level. Why? Because we're wired higher level. Why? Because we're wired higher level. Why? Because we're wired to live from identity. So God when he to live from identity. So God when he to live from identity. So God when he forms us and shapes us, he changes us forms us and shapes us, he changes us forms us and shapes us, he changes us from the inside out. He shifts our from the inside out. He shifts our from the inside out. He shifts our identity and then our behavior follows identity and then our behavior follows identity and then our behavior follows that. That's truth number one. The that. That's truth number one. The that. That's truth number one. The second one is that I have both a second one is that I have both a second one is that I have both a perceived and a projected identity. So perceived and a projected identity. So perceived and a projected identity. So when you walk over to the mirror, when you walk over to the mirror, when you walk over to the mirror, there's something that you see in the there's something that you see in the there's something that you see in the mirror. It's what you perceive. And that mirror. It's what you perceive. And that mirror. It's what you perceive. And that perceived identity is is impacting all perceived identity is is impacting all perceived identity is is impacting all throughout the day how you see yourself throughout the day how you see yourself throughout the day how you see yourself as you're interacting with others, as as you're interacting with others, as as you're interacting with others, as you're going to school, as you're going you're going to school, as you're going you're going to school, as you're going to work. And then you're projecting an

to work. And then you're projecting an to work. And then you're projecting an identity. Sometimes we try to project identity. Sometimes we try to project identity. Sometimes we try to project something that's different than what we something that's different than what we something that's different than what we perceive. But this is very important. It perceive. But this is very important. It perceive. But this is very important. It does not have to be true for you to does not have to be true for you to does not have to be true for you to perceive it and project it. And some of perceive it and project it. And some of perceive it and project it. And some of us are perceiving and projecting an us are perceiving and projecting an us are perceiving and projecting an identity that is a false identity. It's identity that is a false identity. It's identity that is a false identity. It's filled with lies from Satan. It's filled filled with lies from Satan. It's filled filled with lies from Satan. It's filled with lies from the culture. And this with lies from the culture. And this with lies from the culture. And this most important truth, I want you to most important truth, I want you to most important truth, I want you to write this down. My new identity is write this down. My new identity is write this down. My new identity is determined by God. God gets to define determined by God. God gets to define determined by God. God gets to define who you are. Your creator defines your who you are. Your creator defines your who you are. Your creator defines your identity. You're not what your past says identity. You're not what your past says identity. You're not what your past says about you. You're not what your mom said about you. You're not what your mom said about you. You're not what your mom said about you. You're not what your boss about you. You're not what your boss about you. You're not what your boss says about you. You're not what the kid says about you. You're not what the kid says about you. You're not what the kid in the lunchroom says about you when he in the lunchroom says about you when he in the lunchroom says about you when he steals your lunch. You're not what steals your lunch. You're not what steals your lunch. You're not what everybody else in the world says about everybody else in the world says about everybody else in the world says about you. You are who God says you are. And you. You are who God says you are. And you. You are who God says you are. And today, what I hope God can do in your today, what I hope God can do in your today, what I hope God can do in your heart is to lift that vision to give you heart is to lift that vision to give you heart is to lift that vision to give you a new perspective to see you the way a new perspective to see you the way a new perspective to see you the way that God sees you. So, we're going to that God sees you. So, we're going to that God sees you. So, we're going to journey through Ephesians chapter 1. I journey through Ephesians chapter 1. I journey through Ephesians chapter 1. I love this chapter of the Bible. And I'm love this chapter of the Bible. And I'm love this chapter of the Bible. And I'm going to challenge you these next five going to challenge you these next five going to challenge you these next five weeks as we go through to memorize weeks as we go through to memorize weeks as we go through to memorize Ephesians chapter 1. There's something Ephesians chapter 1. There's something Ephesians chapter 1. There's something so beautiful about getting the word of so beautiful about getting the word of so beautiful about getting the word of God into your heart. it it getting it God into your heart. it it getting it God into your heart. it it getting it into your mind. It shapes your into your mind. It shapes your into your mind. It shapes your perspective. So, we're going to start perspective. So, we're going to start perspective. So, we're going to start this week with Ephesians chapter 1 this week with Ephesians chapter 1 this week with Ephesians chapter 1 verses 3 through7. Ephesians 1 3 through verses 3 through7. Ephesians 1 3 through verses 3 through7. Ephesians 1 3 through 7. And I want to do something different 7. And I want to do something different 7. And I want to do something different today. These verses as we read them. I'm today. These verses as we read them. I'm today. These verses as we read them. I'm going to invite you to read them aloud.

going to invite you to read them aloud. going to invite you to read them aloud. But I'm also going to invite you to But I'm also going to invite you to But I'm also going to invite you to stand with me with a big hearty voice stand with me with a big hearty voice stand with me with a big hearty voice and read aloud these verses. So, if you and read aloud these verses. So, if you and read aloud these verses. So, if you will stand up, if you fell asleep, you will stand up, if you fell asleep, you will stand up, if you fell asleep, you know, just tap them on the shoulder and know, just tap them on the shoulder and know, just tap them on the shoulder and say, "Time to wake up." All right. say, "Time to wake up." All right. say, "Time to wake up." All right. Ephesians 1:3-7. You guys ready? All Ephesians 1:3-7. You guys ready? All Ephesians 1:3-7. You guys ready? All right. Five people in the front are right. Five people in the front are right. Five people in the front are ready. You guys ready? All right. Way ready. You guys ready? All right. Way ready. You guys ready? All right. Way back there. Are you ready? All right. back there. Are you ready? All right. back there. Are you ready? All right. Let's go. Praise be to the God and Let's go. Praise be to the God and Let's go. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with blessed us in the heavenly realms with blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For every spiritual blessing in Christ. For every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation he chose us in him before the creation he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in of the world to be holy and blameless in of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us his sight. In love, he predestined us his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sunship through Jesus for adoption to sunship through Jesus for adoption to sunship through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure Christ in accordance with his pleasure Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious and will to the praise of his glorious and will to the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given us in grace which he has freely given us in grace which he has freely given us in the one he loves. In him we have the one he loves. In him we have the one he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the redemption through his blood, the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with forgiveness of sins in accordance with forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God's grace. Wow, that's a the riches of God's grace. Wow, that's a the riches of God's grace. Wow, that's a lot. Well done. Give yourself a hand and lot. Well done. Give yourself a hand and lot. Well done. Give yourself a hand and you may be seated. I love these verses.

you may be seated. I love these verses. you may be seated. I love these verses. This is the word of God and when we get This is the word of God and when we get This is the word of God and when we get it into our hearts and minds, it it into our hearts and minds, it it into our hearts and minds, it transforms us. Now, Paul the apostle is transforms us. Now, Paul the apostle is transforms us. Now, Paul the apostle is writing. He's writing to the church in writing. He's writing to the church in writing. He's writing to the church in Ephesus a letter to encourage them. He Ephesus a letter to encourage them. He Ephesus a letter to encourage them. He spends the first half of the letter spends the first half of the letter spends the first half of the letter focused on identity, focused on who they focused on identity, focused on who they focused on identity, focused on who they are as a church. and he wants this to are as a church. and he wants this to are as a church. and he wants this to get into their heart, their mind, and get into their heart, their mind, and get into their heart, their mind, and then he's going to move into a new life, then he's going to move into a new life, then he's going to move into a new life, how they live this new life out. But he how they live this new life out. But he how they live this new life out. But he starts the letter in Ephesians chapter starts the letter in Ephesians chapter starts the letter in Ephesians chapter 1, and I want you to notice Ephesians 1, and I want you to notice Ephesians 1, and I want you to notice Ephesians chapter 1, the Apostle Paul writes, and chapter 1, the Apostle Paul writes, and chapter 1, the Apostle Paul writes, and he begins, he says, Paul, an apostle of he begins, he says, Paul, an apostle of he begins, he says, Paul, an apostle of who? Of Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus. He who? Of Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus. He who? Of Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus. He says, I am one who is sent. That's what says, I am one who is sent. That's what says, I am one who is sent. That's what that word literally means, one sent by that word literally means, one sent by that word literally means, one sent by Jesus with a mission, with the good Jesus with a mission, with the good Jesus with a mission, with the good news. so that people could know the news. so that people could know the news. so that people could know the heart of God. So Paul is an apostle heart of God. So Paul is an apostle heart of God. So Paul is an apostle would go from town to town starting new would go from town to town starting new would go from town to town starting new churches. Now that word apostle is used churches. Now that word apostle is used churches. Now that word apostle is used to define Paul but it was also used to to define Paul but it was also used to to define Paul but it was also used to define Jesus initial 11 disciples after define Jesus initial 11 disciples after define Jesus initial 11 disciples after Judas who were sent forth with the good Judas who were sent forth with the good Judas who were sent forth with the good news. They were the apostles that took news. They were the apostles that took news. They were the apostles that took the message of Jesus to the ends of the the message of Jesus to the ends of the the message of Jesus to the ends of the known world. So Paul is now lumped into known world. So Paul is now lumped into known world. So Paul is now lumped into a group of apostles, a very exclusive a group of apostles, a very exclusive a group of apostles, a very exclusive group and defined by Jesus as one of his group and defined by Jesus as one of his group and defined by Jesus as one of his apostles. But he's not always been an apostles. But he's not always been an apostles. But he's not always been an apostle. In fact, prior to encountering apostle. In fact, prior to encountering apostle. In fact, prior to encountering Jesus, Paul was a murderer of Jesus Jesus, Paul was a murderer of Jesus Jesus, Paul was a murderer of Jesus followers. There was a moment where Paul followers. There was a moment where Paul followers. There was a moment where Paul was going from town to town taking was going from town to town taking was going from town to town taking Christians, dragging them out of their Christians, dragging them out of their Christians, dragging them out of their churches and synagogues and murdering

churches and synagogues and murdering churches and synagogues and murdering them. And as he was doing this, one day them. And as he was doing this, one day them. And as he was doing this, one day he's on the way to kill a bunch of he's on the way to kill a bunch of he's on the way to kill a bunch of Christians. And Jesus shows up and he Christians. And Jesus shows up and he Christians. And Jesus shows up and he says, "Saul, Saul, why are you says, "Saul, Saul, why are you says, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Which was the given persecuting me?" Which was the given persecuting me?" Which was the given name that had been that had been given name that had been that had been given name that had been that had been given to him as a Jewish man. So Jesus calls to him as a Jewish man. So Jesus calls to him as a Jewish man. So Jesus calls him by this name and tells him, "I am him by this name and tells him, "I am him by this name and tells him, "I am Jesus, the one that you've been you've Jesus, the one that you've been you've Jesus, the one that you've been you've been crucifi that you've been uh been crucifi that you've been uh been crucifi that you've been uh persecuting." And Paul, previously Saul, persecuting." And Paul, previously Saul, persecuting." And Paul, previously Saul, now changes radically and becomes one of now changes radically and becomes one of now changes radically and becomes one of the greatest proponents of the message the greatest proponents of the message the greatest proponents of the message of Jesus. So when he writes, he writes of Jesus. So when he writes, he writes of Jesus. So when he writes, he writes through this new identity. He says, through this new identity. He says, through this new identity. He says, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus." And then "Paul, an apostle of Jesus." And then "Paul, an apostle of Jesus." And then notice what he says next. by the will of notice what he says next. by the will of notice what he says next. by the will of God to God's broken, jacked up, messed God to God's broken, jacked up, messed God to God's broken, jacked up, messed up, no good people. Oh, sorry. Let me up, no good people. Oh, sorry. Let me up, no good people. Oh, sorry. Let me read it one more time. He says to God's read it one more time. He says to God's read it one more time. He says to God's what? Holy people. Now, I got to what? Holy people. Now, I got to what? Holy people. Now, I got to imagine, you know, like Saddleback, imagine, you know, like Saddleback, imagine, you know, like Saddleback, there were some people in Ephesus who there were some people in Ephesus who there were some people in Ephesus who were close to per perfect. like there were close to per perfect. like there were close to per perfect. like there were probably a few people that were were probably a few people that were were probably a few people that were near perfect, but the rest of them were near perfect, but the rest of them were near perfect, but the rest of them were like us, you know, broken issues in like us, you know, broken issues in like us, you know, broken issues in their life. And notice how Paul, he their life. And notice how Paul, he their life. And notice how Paul, he declares them holy, not based on their declares them holy, not based on their declares them holy, not based on their performance, not based on their performance, not based on their performance, not based on their religion, not based upon their good religion, not based upon their good religion, not based upon their good deeds, but based on what God says about deeds, but based on what God says about deeds, but based on what God says about them. So they are given a new identity them. So they are given a new identity them. So they are given a new identity as a holy people in Ephesus, the as a holy people in Ephesus, the as a holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace and

faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace and faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace and peace to you from God our father and the peace to you from God our father and the peace to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul, he Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul, he Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul, he identifies himself. He identifies the identifies himself. He identifies the identifies himself. He identifies the church. He writes this letter and he church. He writes this letter and he church. He writes this letter and he gives them this whole litany of gives them this whole litany of gives them this whole litany of description around their new identity in description around their new identity in description around their new identity in Jesus. But before we jump into that, I Jesus. But before we jump into that, I Jesus. But before we jump into that, I want to come back to these mirrors want to come back to these mirrors want to come back to these mirrors because there are two mirrors. One because there are two mirrors. One because there are two mirrors. One mirror is a mirror of the lies that we mirror is a mirror of the lies that we mirror is a mirror of the lies that we believe about ourselves. And I wonder believe about ourselves. And I wonder believe about ourselves. And I wonder what are the words that you see when you what are the words that you see when you what are the words that you see when you look into the mirror. For some of us, look into the mirror. For some of us, look into the mirror. For some of us, maybe what we see when we look into the maybe what we see when we look into the maybe what we see when we look into the mirror is rejected. Perhaps you were the mirror is rejected. Perhaps you were the mirror is rejected. Perhaps you were the kid on the basketball court that got kid on the basketball court that got kid on the basketball court that got picked last. I never liked that. The way picked last. I never liked that. The way picked last. I never liked that. The way that worked where you take 10 kids and that worked where you take 10 kids and that worked where you take 10 kids and you got one and one and one and one and you got one and one and one and one and you got one and one and one and one and then the last kid is there. It's like, then the last kid is there. It's like, then the last kid is there. It's like, "Oh, we don't really want him on our "Oh, we don't really want him on our "Oh, we don't really want him on our team. What are we going to do? He's team. What are we going to do? He's team. What are we going to do? He's rejected." And maybe you feel that. rejected." And maybe you feel that. rejected." And maybe you feel that. Maybe it wasn't basketball, but Maybe it wasn't basketball, but Maybe it wasn't basketball, but something in your life leaves you with a something in your life leaves you with a something in your life leaves you with a stamp in your mind, on your heart, you stamp in your mind, on your heart, you stamp in your mind, on your heart, you you see yourself as rejected. Others of you see yourself as rejected. Others of you see yourself as rejected. Others of you, maybe when you look in the mirror, you, maybe when you look in the mirror, you, maybe when you look in the mirror, what you see is ugly and you see all the what you see is ugly and you see all the what you see is ugly and you see all the things that are not right about you.

things that are not right about you. things that are not right about you. Like when I look in the mirror, I so I Like when I look in the mirror, I so I Like when I look in the mirror, I so I so often see zits on my face and I ask so often see zits on my face and I ask so often see zits on my face and I ask the question, why do I still have acne the question, why do I still have acne the question, why do I still have acne at 43 years old? I don't I don't I don't at 43 years old? I don't I don't I don't at 43 years old? I don't I don't I don't get it. Maybe it has something to do get it. Maybe it has something to do get it. Maybe it has something to do with not washing my face after I work with not washing my face after I work with not washing my face after I work out. But but that's another story. And I out. But but that's another story. And I out. But but that's another story. And I I see it though. I see I see my I see it though. I see I see my I see it though. I see I see my brokenness when I look at me in a brokenness when I look at me in a brokenness when I look at me in a mirror. I see the things that are not mirror. I see the things that are not mirror. I see the things that are not perfect. I see the things that are perfect. I see the things that are perfect. I see the things that are wrong. Maybe for some of us it's a wrong. Maybe for some of us it's a wrong. Maybe for some of us it's a failure that we see the things that failure that we see the things that failure that we see the things that we've done that we shouldn't have done. we've done that we shouldn't have done. we've done that we shouldn't have done. We see the things that we didn't do that We see the things that we didn't do that We see the things that we didn't do that we should have done. And we define we should have done. And we define we should have done. And we define oursel. It goes from a failure that we oursel. It goes from a failure that we oursel. It goes from a failure that we had to now seeing ourselves through the had to now seeing ourselves through the had to now seeing ourselves through the filter of being a failure. Maybe for filter of being a failure. Maybe for filter of being a failure. Maybe for some of you, you see worthless. And you some of you, you see worthless. And you some of you, you see worthless. And you had something said or spoken over you had something said or spoken over you had something said or spoken over you from a coach, from a parent, from a from a coach, from a parent, from a from a coach, from a parent, from a teacher, and in your soul, you've now teacher, and in your soul, you've now teacher, and in your soul, you've now picked up the label of worthless. And picked up the label of worthless. And picked up the label of worthless. And what God sees is very different. God what God sees is very different. God what God sees is very different. God sees value. But you still see worthless. sees value. But you still see worthless. sees value. But you still see worthless. Maybe for some of you, and this might be Maybe for some of you, and this might be Maybe for some of you, and this might be true, you see true, you see true, you see old. Now, we get to define if that's old. Now, we get to define if that's old. Now, we get to define if that's good or bad. Um, you could also change good or bad. Um, you could also change good or bad. Um, you could also change it to wise if you want. But maybe when it to wise if you want. But maybe when it to wise if you want. But maybe when you when you look in the mirror, you see you when you look in the mirror, you see you when you look in the mirror, you see all your wrinkles. You see yourself as all your wrinkles. You see yourself as all your wrinkles. You see yourself as being old. Or for some of you, maybe you being old. Or for some of you, maybe you being old. Or for some of you, maybe you look and you see young. And what I mean look and you see young. And what I mean look and you see young. And what I mean by this, maybe you're like, "Yeah, I am by this, maybe you're like, "Yeah, I am by this, maybe you're like, "Yeah, I am really young." Um, or perhaps for some really young." Um, or perhaps for some really young." Um, or perhaps for some of you, you think you are too young to of you, you think you are too young to of you, you think you are too young to be used by God. So too young, too old.

be used by God. So too young, too old. be used by God. So too young, too old. And isn't it interesting how you go from And isn't it interesting how you go from And isn't it interesting how you go from being young to old? It's like there's no being young to old? It's like there's no being young to old? It's like there's no middle ground. It's like, I'm too young, middle ground. It's like, I'm too young, middle ground. It's like, I'm too young, now I'm too old. And we see these words now I'm too old. And we see these words now I'm too old. And we see these words when we look into the mirror so often. when we look into the mirror so often. when we look into the mirror so often. These words define our lives and how we These words define our lives and how we These words define our lives and how we see ourselves and how we live out our see ourselves and how we live out our see ourselves and how we live out our identity. So I wonder for you if there's identity. So I wonder for you if there's identity. So I wonder for you if there's one word in there that you really feel one word in there that you really feel one word in there that you really feel like this is the one that I struggle like this is the one that I struggle like this is the one that I struggle with more than the others. Now God has a with more than the others. Now God has a with more than the others. Now God has a very different list for you found in very different list for you found in very different list for you found in Ephesians chapter 1. The moment that you Ephesians chapter 1. The moment that you Ephesians chapter 1. The moment that you open your heart to Jesus and put your open your heart to Jesus and put your open your heart to Jesus and put your trust in him, there's a new identity trust in him, there's a new identity trust in him, there's a new identity that is given to you. And Paul describes that is given to you. And Paul describes that is given to you. And Paul describes it. So here are some of the words. He it. So here are some of the words. He it. So here are some of the words. He says that you are chosen. That means says that you are chosen. That means says that you are chosen. That means that the creator of the universe steps that the creator of the universe steps that the creator of the universe steps towards us. That he sees you. He knows towards us. That he sees you. He knows towards us. That he sees you. He knows you. He loves you. He wants relationship you. He loves you. He wants relationship you. He loves you. He wants relationship with you. So God is pursuing you with with you. So God is pursuing you with with you. So God is pursuing you with his goodness and his faithfulness to his goodness and his faithfulness to his goodness and his faithfulness to open your heart to win you to himself.

open your heart to win you to himself. open your heart to win you to himself. So you are chosen. This is the identity So you are chosen. This is the identity So you are chosen. This is the identity that God has given to you. When you that God has given to you. When you that God has given to you. When you accept Jesus into your heart, you become accept Jesus into your heart, you become accept Jesus into your heart, you become a part of a bigger family with sons and a part of a bigger family with sons and a part of a bigger family with sons and daughters of the most high God. That daughters of the most high God. That daughters of the most high God. That family is a family that God loves with a family is a family that God loves with a family is a family that God loves with a perfect love. Not an imperfect, not a perfect love. Not an imperfect, not a perfect love. Not an imperfect, not a imperfect love with brokenness and imperfect love with brokenness and imperfect love with brokenness and selfishness, but a perfect love for you selfishness, but a perfect love for you selfishness, but a perfect love for you as a human being. In addition to that, as a human being. In addition to that, as a human being. In addition to that, now you are declared holy and blameless now you are declared holy and blameless now you are declared holy and blameless as a result of what Jesus has done on a as a result of what Jesus has done on a as a result of what Jesus has done on a cross and paying for your sins. In cross and paying for your sins. In cross and paying for your sins. In addition to that, we're going to see in addition to that, we're going to see in addition to that, we're going to see in Ephesians 2, he says that we are a Ephesians 2, he says that we are a Ephesians 2, he says that we are a masterpiece created by God to do good masterpiece created by God to do good masterpiece created by God to do good works. In addition to that, he says that works. In addition to that, he says that works. In addition to that, he says that we are moved from death to life and made we are moved from death to life and made we are moved from death to life and made alive as a follower of Jesus alive as a follower of Jesus alive as a follower of Jesus spiritually. We go from death to life in spiritually. We go from death to life in spiritually. We go from death to life in the moment that we receive Jesus into the moment that we receive Jesus into the moment that we receive Jesus into our hearts. Now, this is your new our hearts. Now, this is your new our hearts. Now, this is your new identity. And what God wants to do is he identity. And what God wants to do is he identity. And what God wants to do is he wants you to see you the way he sees wants you to see you the way he sees wants you to see you the way he sees you. And one of these words we're going you. And one of these words we're going you. And one of these words we're going to focus on today. Now, we're going to to focus on today. Now, we're going to to focus on today. Now, we're going to come to all of these throughout the come to all of these throughout the come to all of these throughout the series. Next week we'll talk about series. Next week we'll talk about series. Next week we'll talk about loved. But today I want to f I want to loved. But today I want to f I want to loved. But today I want to f I want to focus on the word family. When God sees focus on the word family. When God sees focus on the word family. When God sees you, if you receive the gift of you, if you receive the gift of you, if you receive the gift of salvation, you are brought into his big salvation, you are brought into his big salvation, you are brought into his big family called the church. You are now a family called the church. You are now a family called the church. You are now a son or daughter of the most high God.

son or daughter of the most high God. son or daughter of the most high God. And as a son or daughter of the most And as a son or daughter of the most And as a son or daughter of the most high God, there are things that become high God, there are things that become high God, there are things that become true about you in that moment. And we're true about you in that moment. And we're true about you in that moment. And we're going to look at three of them. The going to look at three of them. The going to look at three of them. The first one is this. The moment I open my first one is this. The moment I open my first one is this. The moment I open my heart to God, I say yes to Jesus, I put heart to God, I say yes to Jesus, I put heart to God, I say yes to Jesus, I put my trust in him for the forgiveness of my trust in him for the forgiveness of my trust in him for the forgiveness of my sins. I believe that he died and rose my sins. I believe that he died and rose my sins. I believe that he died and rose again. That moment, you now have access again. That moment, you now have access again. That moment, you now have access into the inner throne room of God's into the inner throne room of God's into the inner throne room of God's grace. You get access to God. Now, grace. You get access to God. Now, grace. You get access to God. Now, friends, this is wild. All throughout friends, this is wild. All throughout friends, this is wild. All throughout the Old Testament, there was a the Old Testament, there was a the Old Testament, there was a tabernacle that would get set up. And tabernacle that would get set up. And tabernacle that would get set up. And there was one moment where the high there was one moment where the high there was one moment where the high priest would go into the holy of holies priest would go into the holy of holies priest would go into the holy of holies after all of these sacrifices. These after all of these sacrifices. These after all of these sacrifices. These sacrifices were paying for the sins in a sacrifices were paying for the sins in a sacrifices were paying for the sins in a metaphorical sense symbolically metaphorical sense symbolically metaphorical sense symbolically indicating that God would give indicating that God would give indicating that God would give forgiveness to the people. And there forgiveness to the people. And there forgiveness to the people. And there would be one man who would go in as the would be one man who would go in as the would be one man who would go in as the high priest once a year. There was such high priest once a year. There was such high priest once a year. There was such reverence they would put little bells reverence they would put little bells reverence they would put little bells around his ankles believing that the around his ankles believing that the around his ankles believing that the holiness of God would strike him dead if holiness of God would strike him dead if holiness of God would strike him dead if he did anything wrong in that moment.

he did anything wrong in that moment. he did anything wrong in that moment. And now, as a result of Jesus death on a And now, as a result of Jesus death on a And now, as a result of Jesus death on a cross and his resurrection, Jesus paves cross and his resurrection, Jesus paves cross and his resurrection, Jesus paves the way so that you can move into the the way so that you can move into the the way so that you can move into the inner sanctum of God's presence and you inner sanctum of God's presence and you inner sanctum of God's presence and you have access to God at every moment of have access to God at every moment of have access to God at every moment of every day. Oh, I wish we could receive every day. Oh, I wish we could receive every day. Oh, I wish we could receive this deep in our soul that you right now this deep in our soul that you right now this deep in our soul that you right now have access to the creator and the have access to the creator and the have access to the creator and the sustainer of the universe, the perfect sustainer of the universe, the perfect sustainer of the universe, the perfect sovereign Lord. You get access to him. sovereign Lord. You get access to him. sovereign Lord. You get access to him. Now it happens only because of Jesus. In Now it happens only because of Jesus. In Now it happens only because of Jesus. In Ephesians chapter 3 verse 12 it says in Ephesians chapter 3 verse 12 it says in Ephesians chapter 3 verse 12 it says in him and through him through faith in him him and through him through faith in him him and through him through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and we may approach God with freedom and we may approach God with freedom and confidence. So I can come into the confidence. So I can come into the confidence. So I can come into the presence of God based upon what Jesus presence of God based upon what Jesus presence of God based upon what Jesus has done. Now I can have freedom and has done. Now I can have freedom and has done. Now I can have freedom and confidence. I don't have to come in with confidence. I don't have to come in with confidence. I don't have to come in with little bells around my ankles like the little bells around my ankles like the little bells around my ankles like the high priest. I know that Jesus has paid high priest. I know that Jesus has paid high priest. I know that Jesus has paid the price for my sin and now I have the price for my sin and now I have the price for my sin and now I have access to the heavenly father. That access to the heavenly father. That access to the heavenly father. That access comes one with relationship. It access comes one with relationship. It access comes one with relationship. It comes with a relationship between us and comes with a relationship between us and comes with a relationship between us and God and that relationship is flowing God and that relationship is flowing God and that relationship is flowing through what Jesus has done. Now I heard through what Jesus has done. Now I heard through what Jesus has done. Now I heard a story. This story I could not confirm a story. This story I could not confirm a story. This story I could not confirm whether or not it's historically whether or not it's historically whether or not it's historically accurate. Chat GBT did not let me know.

accurate. Chat GBT did not let me know. accurate. Chat GBT did not let me know. I asked and it searched and searched. I I asked and it searched and searched. I I asked and it searched and searched. I even did a deep search and it wouldn't even did a deep search and it wouldn't even did a deep search and it wouldn't tell me whether or not it was tell me whether or not it was tell me whether or not it was historically accurate. So, as chat GBT historically accurate. So, as chat GBT historically accurate. So, as chat GBT is still searching to define if this is is still searching to define if this is is still searching to define if this is an accurate story, I'm going to ask you an accurate story, I'm going to ask you an accurate story, I'm going to ask you to suspend doubt for just a moment and to suspend doubt for just a moment and to suspend doubt for just a moment and by faith received this story. Okay. So, by faith received this story. Okay. So, by faith received this story. Okay. So, one time during the Civil War, there was one time during the Civil War, there was one time during the Civil War, there was a man. He was a soldier. He was in the a man. He was a soldier. He was in the a man. He was a soldier. He was in the war and as he was fighting in the war, war and as he was fighting in the war, war and as he was fighting in the war, his brother was there in the war with his brother was there in the war with his brother was there in the war with him and his brother was killed in the him and his brother was killed in the him and his brother was killed in the war. He was a Union soldier fighting for war. He was a Union soldier fighting for war. He was a Union soldier fighting for the freedom of the nation, the union the freedom of the nation, the union the freedom of the nation, the union unity of the nation. And as he's unity of the nation. And as he's unity of the nation. And as he's fighting, his brother dies. He finds out fighting, his brother dies. He finds out fighting, his brother dies. He finds out back home his dad has also died. And back home his dad has also died. And back home his dad has also died. And they're back home is his mother and they're back home is his mother and they're back home is his mother and sister. So his mother and sister are sister. So his mother and sister are sister. So his mother and sister are there taking care of the farm. He's out there taking care of the farm. He's out there taking care of the farm. He's out on the front lines of battle. And he's on the front lines of battle. And he's on the front lines of battle. And he's grieved. He wants his mom and his sister grieved. He wants his mom and his sister grieved. He wants his mom and his sister to be cared for. Brother and dad are to be cared for. Brother and dad are to be cared for. Brother and dad are both dead. and he said, "The only way I both dead. and he said, "The only way I both dead. and he said, "The only way I can I can get back home is if I can get can I can get back home is if I can get can I can get back home is if I can get out of the war." Well, he went to his out of the war." Well, he went to his out of the war." Well, he went to his general and he said, "I want to get out general and he said, "I want to get out general and he said, "I want to get out of war. I need to go home and take care of war. I need to go home and take care of war. I need to go home and take care of my mom and my sister." The general of my mom and my sister." The general of my mom and my sister." The general says, "There's no way I can let you do says, "There's no way I can let you do says, "There's no way I can let you do that. You're going to have to go to that. You're going to have to go to that. You're going to have to go to Washington DC to get to the president.

Washington DC to get to the president. Washington DC to get to the president. You're going to have to ask the You're going to have to ask the You're going to have to ask the president for clearance." So, he goes to president for clearance." So, he goes to president for clearance." So, he goes to DC. He goes up to the White House, gets DC. He goes up to the White House, gets DC. He goes up to the White House, gets to the guard shack. They won't let him to the guard shack. They won't let him to the guard shack. They won't let him in. So, here he is. He's frustrated. in. So, here he is. He's frustrated. in. So, here he is. He's frustrated. He's like, "I I need to go home and be He's like, "I I need to go home and be He's like, "I I need to go home and be with my mom and my sister." And the the with my mom and my sister." And the the with my mom and my sister." And the the guard is like, "No, there's no way. guard is like, "No, there's no way. guard is like, "No, there's no way. President's too busy. It's the middle of President's too busy. It's the middle of President's too busy. It's the middle of a war. You can't get in to be with him. a war. You can't get in to be with him. a war. You can't get in to be with him. So, this guy, he's frustrated. He's sad. So, this guy, he's frustrated. He's sad. So, this guy, he's frustrated. He's sad. He walks over to a bench and sits down He walks over to a bench and sits down He walks over to a bench and sits down and just starts weeping. He's crying. and just starts weeping. He's crying. and just starts weeping. He's crying. He's He's struggling with the reality He's He's struggling with the reality He's He's struggling with the reality that his mom and sister are back home that his mom and sister are back home that his mom and sister are back home and he's not going to be able to do and he's not going to be able to do and he's not going to be able to do anything to help them. So, a little boy anything to help them. So, a little boy anything to help them. So, a little boy walks up. Little boy walks up to him and walks up. Little boy walks up to him and walks up. Little boy walks up to him and says, "Soldier, what's wrong?" Soldier says, "Soldier, what's wrong?" Soldier says, "Soldier, what's wrong?" Soldier looks and says, "Well, my my dad's dead. looks and says, "Well, my my dad's dead. looks and says, "Well, my my dad's dead. My brother's dead. My mom and my sister My brother's dead. My mom and my sister My brother's dead. My mom and my sister are back home. I need to go home and are back home. I need to go home and are back home. I need to go home and help them take care of the farm. and the help them take care of the farm. and the help them take care of the farm. and the only way I can go is if I get clearance only way I can go is if I get clearance only way I can go is if I get clearance from the president to be able to get out from the president to be able to get out from the president to be able to get out of the war and go back home and take of the war and go back home and take of the war and go back home and take care of my mom and my sister. Well, this care of my mom and my sister. Well, this care of my mom and my sister. Well, this little boy looks at him and says, "Well, little boy looks at him and says, "Well, little boy looks at him and says, "Well, I got you. Come with me." So, he takes I got you. Come with me." So, he takes I got you. Come with me." So, he takes him to the White House. They run up to him to the White House. They run up to him to the White House. They run up to the White House. They go past the guard the White House. They go past the guard the White House. They go past the guard shack. They go around the back past all shack. They go around the back past all shack. They go around the back past all of the generals. They go past the of the generals. They go past the of the generals. They go past the generals, past the high-ranking generals, past the high-ranking generals, past the high-ranking officials. They go into the White House.

officials. They go into the White House. officials. They go into the White House. They go to the office where the They go to the office where the They go to the office where the president is. And the president is president is. And the president is president is. And the president is standing there looking at war plans with standing there looking at war plans with standing there looking at war plans with the secretary of state. Abraham Lincoln the secretary of state. Abraham Lincoln the secretary of state. Abraham Lincoln looks at this little boy and says to looks at this little boy and says to looks at this little boy and says to him, "Son, what are you doing here?" And him, "Son, what are you doing here?" And him, "Son, what are you doing here?" And he says, "Dad, I brought this man to you he says, "Dad, I brought this man to you he says, "Dad, I brought this man to you because he needs your help." I love that because he needs your help." I love that because he needs your help." I love that story. I love that story because it story. I love that story because it story. I love that story because it illustrates what a son does and bringing illustrates what a son does and bringing illustrates what a son does and bringing this man to his father who has the this man to his father who has the this man to his father who has the ability to change his situation and ability to change his situation and ability to change his situation and circumstance. Jesus does that for us. circumstance. Jesus does that for us. circumstance. Jesus does that for us. Jesus takes us to the father and gives Jesus takes us to the father and gives Jesus takes us to the father and gives us access to the creator. The father who us access to the creator. The father who us access to the creator. The father who made us. The father who loves us. He made us. The father who loves us. He made us. The father who loves us. He gives us access as a result of what he's gives us access as a result of what he's gives us access as a result of what he's done on a cross. So we get access to done on a cross. So we get access to done on a cross. So we get access to relationship. We get access to relationship. We get access to relationship. We get access to resources. We get access to the resources. We get access to the resources. We get access to the resources that come from relationship resources that come from relationship resources that come from relationship with God. He gives power. He gives with God. He gives power. He gives with God. He gives power. He gives wisdom. He gives discernment. He gives a wisdom. He gives discernment. He gives a wisdom. He gives discernment. He gives a kind of strength that we don't have in kind of strength that we don't have in kind of strength that we don't have in and of ourselves. Paul understood this.

and of ourselves. Paul understood this. and of ourselves. Paul understood this. Paul spent a significant amount of his Paul spent a significant amount of his Paul spent a significant amount of his writing talking about the unlimited writing talking about the unlimited writing talking about the unlimited resource that comes from God. In fact, resource that comes from God. In fact, resource that comes from God. In fact, today we celebrate the reality that God today we celebrate the reality that God today we celebrate the reality that God the Spirit came to the early church. the Spirit came to the early church. the Spirit came to the early church. Today is Pentecost Sunday. And we Today is Pentecost Sunday. And we Today is Pentecost Sunday. And we celebrate the birth of the church almost celebrate the birth of the church almost celebrate the birth of the church almost 2,000 years ago when the spirit of the 2,000 years ago when the spirit of the 2,000 years ago when the spirit of the living God was poured out on the church. living God was poured out on the church. living God was poured out on the church. So God the Father, God the Son, and God So God the Father, God the Son, and God So God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. Now, the fullness of the the Spirit. Now, the fullness of the the Spirit. Now, the fullness of the spirit's work, we get to live in the spirit's work, we get to live in the spirit's work, we get to live in the fullness of the spirit's work in our fullness of the spirit's work in our fullness of the spirit's work in our lives. Part of what happened when the lives. Part of what happened when the lives. Part of what happened when the spirit of the living God came is that spirit of the living God came is that spirit of the living God came is that the early followers of Jesus now had the early followers of Jesus now had the early followers of Jesus now had courage. They went out as witnesses to courage. They went out as witnesses to courage. They went out as witnesses to spread the good news of Jesus to the spread the good news of Jesus to the spread the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth. We're here today ends of the earth. We're here today ends of the earth. We're here today because many followers of Jesus received because many followers of Jesus received because many followers of Jesus received the spirit and the commission that came the spirit and the commission that came the spirit and the commission that came from God to go to the ends of the earth. from God to go to the ends of the earth. from God to go to the ends of the earth. Now, I want for just a moment, if I Now, I want for just a moment, if I Now, I want for just a moment, if I might, do a little bit of a pause in my might, do a little bit of a pause in my might, do a little bit of a pause in my message and I want you to look around message and I want you to look around message and I want you to look around the room for just a moment. Just look the room for just a moment. Just look the room for just a moment. Just look around the room to your left and to your around the room to your left and to your around the room to your left and to your right. And what do you notice? You right. And what do you notice? You right. And what do you notice? You notice beautiful people in the room notice beautiful people in the room notice beautiful people in the room today, right? Any of you single, this today, right? Any of you single, this today, right? Any of you single, this would be a great time just to raise your would be a great time just to raise your would be a great time just to raise your hand up. Joking aside, um you notice hand up. Joking aside, um you notice hand up. Joking aside, um you notice that we're full in this service. And so, that we're full in this service. And so, that we're full in this service. And so, we went to two services on Sunday. And we went to two services on Sunday. And we went to two services on Sunday. And what it means is there's a lot of space what it means is there's a lot of space what it means is there's a lot of space on Saturday. And just like the early on Saturday. And just like the early on Saturday. And just like the early followers of Jesus were sent out as followers of Jesus were sent out as followers of Jesus were sent out as missionaries, you can be sent out as a missionaries, you can be sent out as a missionaries, you can be sent out as a missionary. And the shortest mission

missionary. And the shortest mission missionary. And the shortest mission trip you will ever go on is from Sunday trip you will ever go on is from Sunday trip you will ever go on is from Sunday to Saturday. So I want to invite you. to Saturday. So I want to invite you. to Saturday. So I want to invite you. Saturdays are for church as well to come Saturdays are for church as well to come Saturdays are for church as well to come join us on a Saturday night. There's join us on a Saturday night. There's join us on a Saturday night. There's space in those services. We want to keep space in those services. We want to keep space in those services. We want to keep making space as God is stirring inside making space as God is stirring inside making space as God is stirring inside of people's hearts. So God sends us out of people's hearts. So God sends us out of people's hearts. So God sends us out with resources and those resources with resources and those resources with resources and those resources include the power, the wisdom, the include the power, the wisdom, the include the power, the wisdom, the discernment. Now look at Ephesians 1:3. discernment. Now look at Ephesians 1:3. discernment. Now look at Ephesians 1:3. You like that little commercial right You like that little commercial right You like that little commercial right there to move? That's beautiful there to move? That's beautiful there to move? That's beautiful language. The shortest mission trip you language. The shortest mission trip you language. The shortest mission trip you will ever go on is from Sunday to will ever go on is from Sunday to will ever go on is from Sunday to Saturday. I wish it were mine. I stole Saturday. I wish it were mine. I stole Saturday. I wish it were mine. I stole it from somebody else. So Ephesians 1:3 it from somebody else. So Ephesians 1:3 it from somebody else. So Ephesians 1:3 says, "All praise to God the Father says, "All praise to God the Father says, "All praise to God the Father who's blessed us with every spiritual who's blessed us with every spiritual who's blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because blessing in the heavenly realms because blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ." Now, my two we are united with Christ." Now, my two we are united with Christ." Now, my two kids or my three kids, I should say, I kids or my three kids, I should say, I kids or my three kids, I should say, I was saying two because only two of them was saying two because only two of them was saying two because only two of them have access to bank accounts with Stacy have access to bank accounts with Stacy have access to bank accounts with Stacy and I, but they have bank accounts. My and I, but they have bank accounts. My and I, but they have bank accounts. My boys, 18 and 16, just got their first boys, 18 and 16, just got their first boys, 18 and 16, just got their first bank account in the last year, and bank account in the last year, and bank account in the last year, and they're wired to ours, and there are they're wired to ours, and there are they're wired to ours, and there are moments where they might need money for moments where they might need money for moments where they might need money for something that we pay for and will something that we pay for and will something that we pay for and will transfer money into their account. Now, transfer money into their account. Now, transfer money into their account. Now, they don't have the ability to go in and they don't have the ability to go in and they don't have the ability to go in and transfer money into my account. Do you transfer money into my account. Do you transfer money into my account. Do you have a Do you have a bank account, have a Do you have a bank account, have a Do you have a bank account, Caris, too? Yeah. Oh, sorry. She I heard Caris, too? Yeah. Oh, sorry. She I heard Caris, too? Yeah. Oh, sorry. She I heard I saw her looking at her mom. So, you do I saw her looking at her mom. So, you do I saw her looking at her mom. So, you do have a bank account. So, three of my have a bank account. So, three of my have a bank account. So, three of my kids have bank accounts. Thank you for kids have bank accounts. Thank you for kids have bank accounts. Thank you for that correction. So, all three of them that correction. So, all three of them that correction. So, all three of them have bank accounts. I stand corrected.

have bank accounts. I stand corrected. have bank accounts. I stand corrected. Um, and those bank accounts are linked, Um, and those bank accounts are linked, Um, and those bank accounts are linked, but they don't have the m the ability to but they don't have the m the ability to but they don't have the m the ability to go in and transfer money from our go in and transfer money from our go in and transfer money from our account to their accounts. We can account to their accounts. We can account to their accounts. We can transfer from our account into their transfer from our account into their transfer from our account into their account, but they can't do that. Now, account, but they can't do that. Now, account, but they can't do that. Now, what I love about that example is I what I love about that example is I what I love about that example is I don't have access to your account or don't have access to your account or don't have access to your account or your kids' accounts. You don't have your kids' accounts. You don't have your kids' accounts. You don't have access to my account. Why? Because access to my account. Why? Because access to my account. Why? Because you're not my kid. I'm not your kid. And you're not my kid. I'm not your kid. And you're not my kid. I'm not your kid. And that reality is the way that God, we that reality is the way that God, we that reality is the way that God, we have access to his resources to be have access to his resources to be have access to his resources to be deposited into our lives. And the Bible deposited into our lives. And the Bible deposited into our lives. And the Bible is full of so many of these examples is full of so many of these examples is full of so many of these examples that we could unpack just reading that we could unpack just reading that we could unpack just reading through scripture. But one of the things through scripture. But one of the things through scripture. But one of the things that God gives to us as a resource is that God gives to us as a resource is that God gives to us as a resource is his church. So the church is a resource his church. So the church is a resource his church. So the church is a resource that God gives to our lives to that God gives to our lives to that God gives to our lives to strengthen us, to grow us, to help us strengthen us, to grow us, to help us strengthen us, to grow us, to help us mature in our faith. It's the family of mature in our faith. It's the family of mature in our faith. It's the family of God, a family with fathers and mothers God, a family with fathers and mothers God, a family with fathers and mothers and sons and daughters working together and sons and daughters working together and sons and daughters working together around God's mission. And many of you, around God's mission. And many of you, around God's mission. And many of you, you're here and you perhaps are new or you're here and you perhaps are new or you're here and you perhaps are new or you've been coming to Saddleback for a you've been coming to Saddleback for a you've been coming to Saddleback for a little while and you like services. You little while and you like services. You little while and you like services. You come in and out, but you've never taken come in and out, but you've never taken come in and out, but you've never taken that step to be a part of this church that step to be a part of this church that step to be a part of this church family. Well, something happens when family. Well, something happens when family. Well, something happens when you're a part of a church family that you're a part of a church family that you're a part of a church family that helps you grow. One reason why is helps you grow. One reason why is helps you grow. One reason why is because the resources of the local because the resources of the local because the resources of the local church are now available to you to help church are now available to you to help church are now available to you to help you. That includes community. That you. That includes community. That you. That includes community. That includes wisdom. That includes so many includes wisdom. That includes so many includes wisdom. That includes so many things that we have to come alongside in things that we have to come alongside in things that we have to come alongside in your journey to catapult you into the your journey to catapult you into the your journey to catapult you into the future and to the best that God has for future and to the best that God has for future and to the best that God has for your life. Well, the first step in

your life. Well, the first step in your life. Well, the first step in getting connected into community at getting connected into community at getting connected into community at Saddleback is something that we call Saddleback is something that we call Saddleback is something that we call activate. And that's happening this activate. And that's happening this activate. And that's happening this weekend. It's happening at the Lake weekend. It's happening at the Lake weekend. It's happening at the Lake Forest campus tonight. And I would love Forest campus tonight. And I would love Forest campus tonight. And I would love to invite you. If you haven't made to invite you. If you haven't made to invite you. If you haven't made Saddleback your home yet, but you've Saddleback your home yet, but you've Saddleback your home yet, but you've been coming, we would love to have you been coming, we would love to have you been coming, we would love to have you be a part of this church family. We be a part of this church family. We be a part of this church family. We would love to commit with you to help would love to commit with you to help would love to commit with you to help you on your journey spiritually. So, I'm you on your journey spiritually. So, I'm you on your journey spiritually. So, I'm going to tell you very briefly how you going to tell you very briefly how you going to tell you very briefly how you can sign up to be a part of activate can sign up to be a part of activate can sign up to be a part of activate tonight at Lake Forest. If you will tonight at Lake Forest. If you will tonight at Lake Forest. If you will text, you can do it. Just pull out your text, you can do it. Just pull out your text, you can do it. Just pull out your phone. Don't shop, but just pull it out phone. Don't shop, but just pull it out phone. Don't shop, but just pull it out right now. Don't order anything from right now. Don't order anything from right now. Don't order anything from GrubHub or, you know, another place. GrubHub or, you know, another place. GrubHub or, you know, another place. just pull it out and just text activate just pull it out and just text activate just pull it out and just text activate to 83,000 and we'll send you a link. You to 83,000 and we'll send you a link. You to 83,000 and we'll send you a link. You can RSVP to be a part of our activate can RSVP to be a part of our activate can RSVP to be a part of our activate experience. And by showing up, we'll experience. And by showing up, we'll experience. And by showing up, we'll share more about how you can get share more about how you can get share more about how you can get connected into a family with groups and connected into a family with groups and connected into a family with groups and teams and all that we have to offer. God teams and all that we have to offer. God teams and all that we have to offer. God gives that resource of the local church gives that resource of the local church gives that resource of the local church to help us grow spiritually. So when I to help us grow spiritually. So when I to help us grow spiritually. So when I enter into God's family, I get access to enter into God's family, I get access to enter into God's family, I get access to relationship and resource. And finally, relationship and resource. And finally, relationship and resource. And finally, I'm going to finish on this. When I open I'm going to finish on this. When I open I'm going to finish on this. When I open my heart to Jesus, I get not only the my heart to Jesus, I get not only the my heart to Jesus, I get not only the attention from God, the the uh I'm attention from God, the the uh I'm attention from God, the the uh I'm sorry, I get not only access to God, but sorry, I get not only access to God, but sorry, I get not only access to God, but I get attention from God out of his eye I get attention from God out of his eye I get attention from God out of his eye being on me. So, he gives me access and being on me. So, he gives me access and being on me. So, he gives me access and he gives me attention. And I love how he gives me attention. And I love how he gives me attention. And I love how Paul says in Ephesians 1:4, "Even before Paul says in Ephesians 1:4, "Even before Paul says in Ephesians 1:4, "Even before the world was made, God loved us and

the world was made, God loved us and the world was made, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and chose us in Christ to be holy and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." So God without fault in his eyes." So God without fault in his eyes." So God purposed in advance to pursue us for purposed in advance to pursue us for purposed in advance to pursue us for relationship with himself. Now, on relationship with himself. Now, on relationship with himself. Now, on Friday night of this last week, my Friday night of this last week, my Friday night of this last week, my oldest, Cademan, graduated from high oldest, Cademan, graduated from high oldest, Cademan, graduated from high school. And I want you to see a couple school. And I want you to see a couple school. And I want you to see a couple pictures here of him graduating from pictures here of him graduating from pictures here of him graduating from high school. was awesome and we got to high school. was awesome and we got to high school. was awesome and we got to celebrate as a family. Uh he got across celebrate as a family. Uh he got across celebrate as a family. Uh he got across the stage, got his diploma. Stacy and I the stage, got his diploma. Stacy and I the stage, got his diploma. Stacy and I feel like we should get a diploma as feel like we should get a diploma as feel like we should get a diploma as well. It's a great moment for our well. It's a great moment for our well. It's a great moment for our family. Great moment of victory. Now, family. Great moment of victory. Now, family. Great moment of victory. Now, when he was walking across the stage, I when he was walking across the stage, I when he was walking across the stage, I had my phone out. I'm filming him. And I had my phone out. I'm filming him. And I had my phone out. I'm filming him. And I would just say there were no other kids would just say there were no other kids would just say there were no other kids that walked across the stage. No other that walked across the stage. No other that walked across the stage. No other students that I filmed. If I had filmed students that I filmed. If I had filmed students that I filmed. If I had filmed any other students, you would say, any other students, you would say, any other students, you would say, "That's weird." Why? Because they're not "That's weird." Why? Because they're not "That's weird." Why? Because they're not my kid. That's not my son. That's not my my kid. That's not my son. That's not my my kid. That's not my son. That's not my daughter. So, I don't film them because daughter. So, I don't film them because daughter. So, I don't film them because they're not my children. Now, God has they're not my children. Now, God has they're not my children. Now, God has his eye on you the way a father has his his eye on you the way a father has his his eye on you the way a father has his eye on a child. And that eye on you eye on a child. And that eye on you eye on a child. And that eye on you comes with him watching over you. I love comes with him watching over you. I love comes with him watching over you. I love Psalm 121. And I want to read these Psalm 121. And I want to read these Psalm 121. And I want to read these verses over you about the attention that verses over you about the attention that verses over you about the attention that comes from God over your life. This comes from God over your life. This comes from God over your life. This psalm, you might even read it this week psalm, you might even read it this week psalm, you might even read it this week and pray through it. says this, "I lift and pray through it. says this, "I lift and pray through it. says this, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my up my eyes to the hills. Where does my up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the help come from? My help comes from the help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He

Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your feet slip. He who will not let your feet slip. He who will not let your feet slip. He who watches over you will not slumber. watches over you will not slumber. watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will Indeed, he who watches over Israel will Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade watches over you. The Lord is your shade watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not at your right hand. The sun will not at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. harm you by day, nor the moon by night. harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm. He The Lord will keep you from all harm. He The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life. The Lord will will watch over your life. The Lord will will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both watch over your coming and going, both watch over your coming and going, both now and forever more. That's good news. now and forever more. That's good news. now and forever more. That's good news. The God of the universe has his eye on The God of the universe has his eye on The God of the universe has his eye on you and he's working all things together you and he's working all things together you and he's working all things together in your life for your good. He's in your life for your good. He's in your life for your good. He's watching out for you with goodness and watching out for you with goodness and watching out for you with goodness and mercy. He's caring for you. His mercy. He's caring for you. His mercy. He's caring for you. His attention is on you. And I wonder even attention is on you. And I wonder even attention is on you. And I wonder even tomorrow when you wake up in the morning tomorrow when you wake up in the morning tomorrow when you wake up in the morning as you're walking about throughout the as you're walking about throughout the as you're walking about throughout the course of the day, you could recognize course of the day, you could recognize course of the day, you could recognize deep in your soul, I'm a child of God. deep in your soul, I'm a child of God. deep in your soul, I'm a child of God. God is with me. He's going before me. God is with me. He's going before me. God is with me. He's going before me. He's behind me. He's over me. He's He's behind me. He's over me. He's He's behind me. He's over me. He's sovereign. He's sustaining me. He's sovereign. He's sustaining me. He's sovereign. He's sustaining me. He's resourcing me with strength and letting resourcing me with strength and letting resourcing me with strength and letting that attention be the way that you see that attention be the way that you see that attention be the way that you see yourself. So you don't have to strive yourself. So you don't have to strive yourself. So you don't have to strive for attention from another human being.

for attention from another human being. for attention from another human being. Some of you are working so hard to get Some of you are working so hard to get Some of you are working so hard to get people's attention. Maybe you never got people's attention. Maybe you never got people's attention. Maybe you never got it from your parents. Maybe you you you it from your parents. Maybe you you you it from your parents. Maybe you you you lived in such a way as a child that you lived in such a way as a child that you lived in such a way as a child that you were constantly having to strive to be were constantly having to strive to be were constantly having to strive to be approved of. So, you're working so hard approved of. So, you're working so hard approved of. So, you're working so hard to get that attention. But God says, to get that attention. But God says, to get that attention. But God says, "No, I see you and my eye is on you." "No, I see you and my eye is on you." "No, I see you and my eye is on you." And because of the cross and the empty And because of the cross and the empty And because of the cross and the empty tomb, all that Jesus did is now applied tomb, all that Jesus did is now applied tomb, all that Jesus did is now applied to your life. And I see you as holy and to your life. And I see you as holy and to your life. And I see you as holy and blameless. and I walk with you to give blameless. and I walk with you to give blameless. and I walk with you to give you strength. The attention of the Lord you strength. The attention of the Lord you strength. The attention of the Lord is on his children. This is good news. is on his children. This is good news. is on his children. This is good news. Not only does he give you his attention, Not only does he give you his attention, Not only does he give you his attention, but he also gives you his affection, his but he also gives you his affection, his but he also gives you his affection, his perfect fatherly love for you. His love perfect fatherly love for you. His love perfect fatherly love for you. His love for you is more than enough to sustain for you is more than enough to sustain for you is more than enough to sustain you through the darkest seasons of your you through the darkest seasons of your you through the darkest seasons of your life. He's personal. He's near. He's not life. He's personal. He's near. He's not life. He's personal. He's near. He's not a far and distant God. He's not a cosmic a far and distant God. He's not a cosmic a far and distant God. He's not a cosmic killjoy. He's not trying to destroy your killjoy. He's not trying to destroy your killjoy. He's not trying to destroy your life. He's trying to sustain you and life. He's trying to sustain you and life. He's trying to sustain you and bring you into fellowship and bring you into fellowship and bring you into fellowship and relationship with himself and give you relationship with himself and give you relationship with himself and give you his affection, give you his tender love his affection, give you his tender love his affection, give you his tender love and care. And I love how Paul says this and care. And I love how Paul says this and care. And I love how Paul says this in verse number three, he in verse number three, he in verse number three, he says, he says or verse 5, God decided in says, he says or verse 5, God decided in says, he says or verse 5, God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family advance to adopt us into his own family advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus by bringing us to himself through Jesus by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do.

Christ. This is what he wanted to do. Christ. This is what he wanted to do. This was his desire. He wanted you in This was his desire. He wanted you in This was his desire. He wanted you in his family and it gave him great his family and it gave him great his family and it gave him great pleasure. I want you on your notes to pleasure. I want you on your notes to pleasure. I want you on your notes to underline. It's what he wanted to do and underline. It's what he wanted to do and underline. It's what he wanted to do and it gave him great pleasure. I think it gave him great pleasure. I think it gave him great pleasure. I think about this through the filter again. If about this through the filter again. If about this through the filter again. If I come back to these mirrors and I think I come back to these mirrors and I think I come back to these mirrors and I think about all the moments in my life for you about all the moments in my life for you about all the moments in my life for you as well, all the moments in your life as well, all the moments in your life as well, all the moments in your life where you you felt like you were a where you you felt like you were a where you you felt like you were a nuisance to the people around you. You nuisance to the people around you. You nuisance to the people around you. You weren't wanted in certain environments, weren't wanted in certain environments, weren't wanted in certain environments, but you are wanted by God. You are but you are wanted by God. You are but you are wanted by God. You are wanted by your creator. Friends, this is wanted by your creator. Friends, this is wanted by your creator. Friends, this is unbelievable. This is why Paul called it unbelievable. This is why Paul called it unbelievable. This is why Paul called it good news. This is why he couldn't get good news. This is why he couldn't get good news. This is why he couldn't get over it. This is why he gave his life over it. This is why he gave his life over it. This is why he gave his life because he wanted people to know the because he wanted people to know the because he wanted people to know the reality of the cross. The reality of the reality of the cross. The reality of the reality of the cross. The reality of the empty tomb declares the love of God for empty tomb declares the love of God for empty tomb declares the love of God for humanity. That the affection, the humanity. That the affection, the humanity. That the affection, the tenderness, the kindness of a holy and tenderness, the kindness of a holy and tenderness, the kindness of a holy and righteous God, can be applied to your righteous God, can be applied to your righteous God, can be applied to your life because Jesus, God in human flesh, life because Jesus, God in human flesh, life because Jesus, God in human flesh, took your sin and nailed it to a cross.

took your sin and nailed it to a cross. took your sin and nailed it to a cross. You can live receiving that love into You can live receiving that love into You can live receiving that love into your heart on a day-to-day basis. Oh your heart on a day-to-day basis. Oh your heart on a day-to-day basis. Oh friends, receive it today. This is good friends, receive it today. This is good friends, receive it today. This is good news. Now I know, I understand when you news. Now I know, I understand when you news. Now I know, I understand when you look in a mirror, there is still the look in a mirror, there is still the look in a mirror, there is still the battle that we go through. Which mirror battle that we go through. Which mirror battle that we go through. Which mirror am I going to give my attention to? And am I going to give my attention to? And am I going to give my attention to? And I could say to you in all honesty, it's I could say to you in all honesty, it's I could say to you in all honesty, it's so much easier for me to stand on a so much easier for me to stand on a so much easier for me to stand on a stage and tell you, receive God's stage and tell you, receive God's stage and tell you, receive God's affection and love. God loves you. so affection and love. God loves you. so affection and love. God loves you. so much easier for me to say it to you than much easier for me to say it to you than much easier for me to say it to you than it is to receive myself. And that leads it is to receive myself. And that leads it is to receive myself. And that leads me to a question and a reality about me to a question and a reality about me to a question and a reality about this that is so very important and it's this that is so very important and it's this that is so very important and it's the question have I received this new the question have I received this new the question have I received this new identity in Christ. Now there is a identity in Christ. Now there is a identity in Christ. Now there is a moment by which we receive it for the moment by which we receive it for the moment by which we receive it for the first time and then there's a continued first time and then there's a continued first time and then there's a continued journey by which we live in it. And the journey by which we live in it. And the journey by which we live in it. And the choice to receive is by faith. Putting choice to receive is by faith. Putting choice to receive is by faith. Putting our trust in Jesus. What he's done on a our trust in Jesus. What he's done on a our trust in Jesus. What he's done on a cross. The continuation of living in cross. The continuation of living in cross. The continuation of living in that identity is also a choice of faith.

that identity is also a choice of faith. that identity is also a choice of faith. And sometimes what we can do, I can do And sometimes what we can do, I can do And sometimes what we can do, I can do on a personal level is I can allow my on a personal level is I can allow my on a personal level is I can allow my feelings, how I feel about myself to feelings, how I feel about myself to feelings, how I feel about myself to define my identity. Your identity is not define my identity. Your identity is not define my identity. Your identity is not your feelings. Your feelings will lead your feelings. Your feelings will lead your feelings. Your feelings will lead you astray. Your feelings will lead you you astray. Your feelings will lead you you astray. Your feelings will lead you into choices where now you're in a into choices where now you're in a into choices where now you're in a loophole with the enemy speaking lies loophole with the enemy speaking lies loophole with the enemy speaking lies over you, shame over you when God wants over you, shame over you when God wants over you, shame over you when God wants to speak truth over you. So this new to speak truth over you. So this new to speak truth over you. So this new identity and living in it is a choice by identity and living in it is a choice by identity and living in it is a choice by faith that I choose to live and to faith that I choose to live and to faith that I choose to live and to receive all of these things that are receive all of these things that are receive all of these things that are true about me because of Jesus. So true about me because of Jesus. So true about me because of Jesus. So there's a decision. There's a willful there's a decision. There's a willful there's a decision. There's a willful choice to say in my mind, in my heart, I choice to say in my mind, in my heart, I choice to say in my mind, in my heart, I am chosen by most high God. I'm adopted am chosen by most high God. I'm adopted am chosen by most high God. I'm adopted into his family. I am loved with a into his family. I am loved with a into his family. I am loved with a perfect love. I'm declared holy and perfect love. I'm declared holy and perfect love. I'm declared holy and blameless because of the death of Jesus blameless because of the death of Jesus blameless because of the death of Jesus on a cross. He calls me a masterpiece. on a cross. He calls me a masterpiece. on a cross. He calls me a masterpiece. And I am alive because of what he's done And I am alive because of what he's done And I am alive because of what he's done on the inside to take me from death to on the inside to take me from death to on the inside to take me from death to life. This is who I am. I am a child of God. In John 1:12, John says this, "Yet God. In John 1:12, John says this, "Yet to all yet to all who did receive him, to all yet to all who did receive him, to all yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he to those who believed in his name, he to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of gave the right to become children of gave the right to become children of God." And as I'm reading this, it sticks God." And as I'm reading this, it sticks God." And as I'm reading this, it sticks out to me more than any other service, out to me more than any other service, out to me more than any other service, that word all. yet to all who did

that word all. yet to all who did that word all. yet to all who did receive him. Some of you feel like receive him. Some of you feel like receive him. Some of you feel like you're not in the all that can receive you're not in the all that can receive you're not in the all that can receive him. And what God wants to say to you him. And what God wants to say to you him. And what God wants to say to you today, he sees you. He knows you. He today, he sees you. He knows you. He today, he sees you. He knows you. He desires you to receive the gift of desires you to receive the gift of desires you to receive the gift of salvation. Yet to all who received him, salvation. Yet to all who received him, salvation. Yet to all who received him, he gave the right to those who believed he gave the right to those who believed he gave the right to those who believed in him. He gave the right to become in him. He gave the right to become in him. He gave the right to become children of God. I want to read it one children of God. I want to read it one children of God. I want to read it one more time. And I want to ask you if you more time. And I want to ask you if you more time. And I want to ask you if you will to read it aloud with me. If your will to read it aloud with me. If your will to read it aloud with me. If your neighbors asleep, elbow them right now. neighbors asleep, elbow them right now. neighbors asleep, elbow them right now. Say, "This is the time to wake up." John Say, "This is the time to wake up." John Say, "This is the time to wake up." John 1:12. Let's read it aloud. Yet to all 1:12. Let's read it aloud. Yet to all 1:12. Let's read it aloud. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who who did receive him, to those who who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right believed in his name, he gave the right believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Children of to become children of God. Children of to become children of God. Children of God, sons and daughters of the most high God, sons and daughters of the most high God, sons and daughters of the most high God. The enemy wants to breathe lies God. The enemy wants to breathe lies God. The enemy wants to breathe lies over you. He's using all kinds of over you. He's using all kinds of over you. He's using all kinds of agendas in the culture. He's using an agendas in the culture. He's using an agendas in the culture. He's using an agenda about sexual identity. He's using agenda about sexual identity. He's using agenda about sexual identity. He's using an agenda around if you get more, you'll an agenda around if you get more, you'll an agenda around if you get more, you'll be satisfied. But what God says is, I be satisfied. But what God says is, I be satisfied. But what God says is, I see you. I made you. And by faith in me, see you. I made you. And by faith in me, see you. I made you. And by faith in me, you are now declared a son, a daughter you are now declared a son, a daughter you are now declared a son, a daughter of most high God. Today, if you've never of most high God. Today, if you've never of most high God. Today, if you've never received the gift of salvation, today received the gift of salvation, today received the gift of salvation, today can be that day, that moment that you can be that day, that moment that you can be that day, that moment that you put your hope, your trust in Jesus. You put your hope, your trust in Jesus. You put your hope, your trust in Jesus. You open your heart. You receive forgiveness open your heart. You receive forgiveness open your heart. You receive forgiveness for your sins. And you make a choice to for your sins. And you make a choice to for your sins. And you make a choice to yield your life to him to surrender your

yield your life to him to surrender your yield your life to him to surrender your will to walk with him. In that moment, will to walk with him. In that moment, will to walk with him. In that moment, you go from death to life. In that you go from death to life. In that you go from death to life. In that moment, new identity is yours. The Bible moment, new identity is yours. The Bible moment, new identity is yours. The Bible says you are a new creation in Jesus says you are a new creation in Jesus says you are a new creation in Jesus because of what he's done. And some of because of what he's done. And some of because of what he's done. And some of you right now, if if you're honest with you right now, if if you're honest with you right now, if if you're honest with yourself, you're drifting thinking about yourself, you're drifting thinking about yourself, you're drifting thinking about lunch. And what God wants to say is this lunch. And what God wants to say is this lunch. And what God wants to say is this is the most important moment of your is the most important moment of your is the most important moment of your entire life. You're going to walk out entire life. You're going to walk out entire life. You're going to walk out that door. You're going to be into a that door. You're going to be into a that door. You're going to be into a million things. And right now, lock eyes million things. And right now, lock eyes million things. And right now, lock eyes with me. Today is the day of salvation. with me. Today is the day of salvation. with me. Today is the day of salvation. There are some of you that God has been There are some of you that God has been There are some of you that God has been stirring in your heart for years. You've stirring in your heart for years. You've stirring in your heart for years. You've been resisting and you've sensed him, been resisting and you've sensed him, been resisting and you've sensed him, pursuing you. That's his love. That's pursuing you. That's his love. That's pursuing you. That's his love. That's the Holy Spirit drawing you to himself. the Holy Spirit drawing you to himself. the Holy Spirit drawing you to himself. And he's saying, "Today, I want you to And he's saying, "Today, I want you to And he's saying, "Today, I want you to receive the gift of salvation. I want receive the gift of salvation. I want receive the gift of salvation. I want you to open your heart to me right now you to open your heart to me right now you to open your heart to me right now in this moment. You can do it. Have you in this moment. You can do it. Have you in this moment. You can do it. Have you received the new identity in him? And received the new identity in him? And received the new identity in him? And then the second question is, have you then the second question is, have you then the second question is, have you stepped into it? Have I stepped into my stepped into it? Have I stepped into my stepped into it? Have I stepped into my new identity in Christ? Some of you it's new identity in Christ? Some of you it's new identity in Christ? Some of you it's receiving for the first time. Others of receiving for the first time. Others of receiving for the first time. Others of you, it's stepping into it. And I'm you, it's stepping into it. And I'm you, it's stepping into it. And I'm going to talk to both groups. I'm going going to talk to both groups. I'm going going to talk to both groups. I'm going to talk first to those who've never made to talk first to those who've never made to talk first to those who've never made that decision to to receive that that decision to to receive that that decision to to receive that identity today. You can receive right identity today. You can receive right identity today. You can receive right now. And I'm going to pause. There's now. And I'm going to pause. There's now. And I'm going to pause. There's more I have to say before we go into more I have to say before we go into more I have to say before we go into baptism, but I'm going to pause right baptism, but I'm going to pause right baptism, but I'm going to pause right now and I'm going to ask you to close now and I'm going to ask you to close now and I'm going to ask you to close your eyes, bow your heads with me.

your eyes, bow your heads with me. your eyes, bow your heads with me. You've never received the gift of You've never received the gift of You've never received the gift of salvation to receive it right now by salvation to receive it right now by salvation to receive it right now by faith in Jesus and what he's done on a faith in Jesus and what he's done on a faith in Jesus and what he's done on a cross. Just say, "Dear Jesus, I believe cross. Just say, "Dear Jesus, I believe cross. Just say, "Dear Jesus, I believe that you died on a cross for my that you died on a cross for my that you died on a cross for my sins. I believe that you rose again from sins. I believe that you rose again from sins. I believe that you rose again from the dead." The Bible says if you believe the dead." The Bible says if you believe the dead." The Bible says if you believe in your heart and confess with your in your heart and confess with your in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and God raised mouth that Jesus is Lord and God raised mouth that Jesus is Lord and God raised him from the dead, you'll be saved. And him from the dead, you'll be saved. And him from the dead, you'll be saved. And if you're receiving this right now, if you're receiving this right now, if you're receiving this right now, you're receiving the gift of salvation, you're receiving the gift of salvation, you're receiving the gift of salvation, eternal life. Say to him, "I need you. I eternal life. Say to him, "I need you. I eternal life. Say to him, "I need you. I need you. Please forgive me for my sins. need you. Please forgive me for my sins. need you. Please forgive me for my sins. I'm putting my trust in you. I want to I'm putting my trust in you. I want to I'm putting my trust in you. I want to follow you with my whole heart. And if follow you with my whole heart. And if follow you with my whole heart. And if that's you, you just prayed the most that's you, you just prayed the most that's you, you just prayed the most important prayer of your entire life. important prayer of your entire life. important prayer of your entire life. You received the gift of salvation. You received the gift of salvation. You received the gift of salvation. Father, we thank you for those today Father, we thank you for those today Father, we thank you for those today that have received that gift in this that have received that gift in this that have received that gift in this moment and we celebrate with them. Can moment and we celebrate with them. Can moment and we celebrate with them. Can we put our hands together for anyone we put our hands together for anyone we put our hands together for anyone today? If you just made that decision, I today? If you just made that decision, I today? If you just made that decision, I want to ask you to let me know to just want to ask you to let me know to just want to ask you to let me know to just text decision to 83,000 in this moment.

text decision to 83,000 in this moment. text decision to 83,000 in this moment. Now, there's another group of people I Now, there's another group of people I Now, there's another group of people I want to speak to right now. That's those want to speak to right now. That's those want to speak to right now. That's those of you who have never gone public with of you who have never gone public with of you who have never gone public with your faith in Jesus. And I want to read your faith in Jesus. And I want to read your faith in Jesus. And I want to read this verse. Galatians 3. It says this. this verse. Galatians 3. It says this. this verse. Galatians 3. It says this. So in Christ, you are all children of So in Christ, you are all children of So in Christ, you are all children of God through faith. For all who were God through faith. For all who were God through faith. For all who were baptized into Christ have been clothed. baptized into Christ have been clothed. baptized into Christ have been clothed. You've clothed yourself with Christ. You've clothed yourself with Christ. You've clothed yourself with Christ. There's neither Jew nor Gentile, slave There's neither Jew nor Gentile, slave There's neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are nor free, male nor female, for you are nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. So God's taking all one in Christ Jesus. So God's taking all one in Christ Jesus. So God's taking sons and daughters. He's taking Jews and sons and daughters. He's taking Jews and sons and daughters. He's taking Jews and Gentiles, different ethnicities, Gentiles, different ethnicities, Gentiles, different ethnicities, different socioeconomic status, bringing different socioeconomic status, bringing different socioeconomic status, bringing together in one family. He says, "Nor is together in one family. He says, "Nor is together in one family. He says, "Nor is there male or female, for you are all there male or female, for you are all there male or female, for you are all one in Christ. And if you belong to one in Christ. And if you belong to one in Christ. And if you belong to Christ, then you are now Abraham's seed Christ, then you are now Abraham's seed Christ, then you are now Abraham's seed and hes according to the promise." Now and hes according to the promise." Now and hes according to the promise." Now he ties it to baptism as being the he ties it to baptism as being the he ties it to baptism as being the identification of being clothed with identification of being clothed with identification of being clothed with Christ. So when you go into the water, Christ. So when you go into the water, Christ. So when you go into the water, it represents an old way of life it represents an old way of life it represents an old way of life shedding away. You come up, it shedding away. You come up, it shedding away. You come up, it represents a new life that you have in represents a new life that you have in represents a new life that you have in Jesus, that you're made alive and you Jesus, that you're made alive and you Jesus, that you're made alive and you have a new identity. So baptism waters have a new identity. So baptism waters have a new identity. So baptism waters don't make you a Christian. They're like don't make you a Christian. They're like don't make you a Christian. They're like a wedding ring. This wedding ring a wedding ring. This wedding ring a wedding ring. This wedding ring symbolizes an internal decision that symbolizes an internal decision that symbolizes an internal decision that I've made to be married to Stacy. And I've made to be married to Stacy. And I've made to be married to Stacy. And everybody knows I'm married when they everybody knows I'm married when they everybody knows I'm married when they see this. Well, baptism is you see this. Well, baptism is you see this. Well, baptism is you symbolizing you saying to the world, "I symbolizing you saying to the world, "I symbolizing you saying to the world, "I made a decision to follow Jesus." We made a decision to follow Jesus." We made a decision to follow Jesus." We have some that are already ready to take have some that are already ready to take have some that are already ready to take that step. There are others of you, the that step. There are others of you, the that step. There are others of you, the spirit of God's been stirring in you.

spirit of God's been stirring in you. spirit of God's been stirring in you. And today, you can go public with your And today, you can go public with your And today, you can go public with your faith in Jesus in this moment. We've got faith in Jesus in this moment. We've got faith in Jesus in this moment. We've got a group of people in the back. I want to a group of people in the back. I want to a group of people in the back. I want to invite you guys if you'll hold your invite you guys if you'll hold your invite you guys if you'll hold your signs up. Let's give it up for this team signs up. Let's give it up for this team signs up. Let's give it up for this team right here. They're saying, "Get right here. They're saying, "Get right here. They're saying, "Get baptized." They're going to help you baptized." They're going to help you baptized." They're going to help you today to take that step. And what I want today to take that step. And what I want today to take that step. And what I want to I want to invite you to do in just a to I want to invite you to do in just a to I want to invite you to do in just a moment, the band's going to lead us in moment, the band's going to lead us in moment, the band's going to lead us in two songs and we're going to worship. two songs and we're going to worship. two songs and we're going to worship. There's already going to be some people There's already going to be some people There's already going to be some people taking that step. I want to invite you taking that step. I want to invite you taking that step. I want to invite you when they go in the water, celebrate, when they go in the water, celebrate, when they go in the water, celebrate, rejoice with them. Let's rejoice that rejoice with them. Let's rejoice that rejoice with them. Let's rejoice that God has changed their lives and what he God has changed their lives and what he God has changed their lives and what he is doing in individual lives. And then is doing in individual lives. And then is doing in individual lives. And then this is the moment when we start singing this is the moment when we start singing this is the moment when we start singing for you to step out to go to the back to for you to step out to go to the back to for you to step out to go to the back to these signs and they will give you these signs and they will give you these signs and they will give you everything that you need. t-shirts, everything that you need. t-shirts, everything that you need. t-shirts, shorts, flipflops. You can take that shorts, flipflops. You can take that shorts, flipflops. You can take that step today to go public with your faith step today to go public with your faith step today to go public with your faith in Jesus. So, I'm going to invite us all in Jesus. So, I'm going to invite us all in Jesus. So, I'm going to invite us all to stand up. I'm going to pray. And when to stand up. I'm going to pray. And when to stand up. I'm going to pray. And when I say amen, if you want to take the step I say amen, if you want to take the step I say amen, if you want to take the step today to get baptized, just go to one of today to get baptized, just go to one of today to get baptized, just go to one of these signs. Hey, by the way, I know these signs. Hey, by the way, I know these signs. Hey, by the way, I know some of y'all leave early. I do. And if some of y'all leave early. I do. And if some of y'all leave early. I do. And if you leave, we're going to think you're you leave, we're going to think you're you leave, we're going to think you're getting baptized. I've said this before.

getting baptized. I've said this before. getting baptized. I've said this before. So, we're just going to carry you over So, we're just going to carry you over So, we're just going to carry you over to the waters and put you in the water. to the waters and put you in the water. to the waters and put you in the water. So, if you leave early, you're going to So, if you leave early, you're going to So, if you leave early, you're going to miss out on what God's doing. So, let's miss out on what God's doing. So, let's miss out on what God's doing. So, let's worship with our whole heart. If you've worship with our whole heart. If you've worship with our whole heart. If you've been made new by Jesus, give him praise been made new by Jesus, give him praise been made new by Jesus, give him praise today for what he's done in your life. today for what he's done in your life. today for what he's done in your life. Thank him for his love and let's Thank him for his love and let's Thank him for his love and let's celebrate lives that are being changed. celebrate lives that are being changed. celebrate lives that are being changed. So, God, we thank you. How great is your So, God, we thank you. How great is your So, God, we thank you. How great is your love for us, God? Thank you for what love for us, God? Thank you for what love for us, God? Thank you for what you've done on a cross. Thank you, you've done on a cross. Thank you, you've done on a cross. Thank you, Jesus, for your resurrection power that Jesus, for your resurrection power that Jesus, for your resurrection power that we get to celebrate that you are a God we get to celebrate that you are a God we get to celebrate that you are a God who changes lives, that you change us. who changes lives, that you change us. who changes lives, that you change us. We give you great glory for what you've We give you great glory for what you've We give you great glory for what you've done in Jesus name. Amen.