Don’t Lose the Gospel | Jason Parrish

>> Well, hey Saddleback Church, it's so >> Well, hey Saddleback Church, it's so good to be with you. Anybody excited to good to be with you. Anybody excited to good to be with you. Anybody excited to be in church? Come on. Come on. be in church? Come on. Come on. be in church? Come on. Come on. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I love your pastors, Pastor Andy and >> I love your pastors, Pastor Andy and >> I love your pastors, Pastor Andy and Stacie. Um they're great friends. Uh Stacie. Um they're great friends. Uh Stacie. Um they're great friends. Uh Andy, I met him in 2018 officially and Andy, I met him in 2018 officially and Andy, I met him in 2018 officially and uh he quickly became a fast friend and uh he quickly became a fast friend and uh he quickly became a fast friend and as well has been a uh a voice of as well has been a uh a voice of as well has been a uh a voice of leadership and insight and wisdom. Come leadership and insight and wisdom. Come leadership and insight and wisdom. Come on, how many of you know Pastor Andy is on, how many of you know Pastor Andy is on, how many of you know Pastor Andy is a very smart man and a great leader? a very smart man and a great leader? a very smart man and a great leader? Come on, somebody. And uh there's a lot of things that build great there's a lot of things that build great churches. We could [snorts] talk about churches. We could [snorts] talk about churches. We could [snorts] talk about preaching, we could talk about talent, preaching, we could talk about talent, preaching, we could talk about talent, we could talk about all those different we could talk about all those different we could talk about all those different things, but there's three things that I things, but there's three things that I things, but there's three things that I think are even more important to that. think are even more important to that. think are even more important to that. That is character, integrity, and That is character, integrity, and That is character, integrity, and consistency. And your pastors have that consistency. And your pastors have that consistency. And your pastors have that and I think that is a testament to them and I think that is a testament to them and I think that is a testament to them and a testament to what God is doing and a testament to what God is doing and a testament to what God is doing here. So, could you do me a massive here. So, could you do me a massive here. So, could you do me a massive favor? Can we just give honor where favor? Can we just give honor where favor? Can we just give honor where honor is due across all of our campuses? honor is due across all of our campuses? honor is due across all of our campuses? Can we just uh put our hands together Can we just uh put our hands together Can we just uh put our hands together for our pastors? Can we just love on for our pastors? Can we just love on for our pastors? Can we just love on them for just a second? If you're them for just a second? If you're them for just a second? If you're grateful for them.

Um I'm here today with my beautiful Um I'm here today with my beautiful bride of 21 years. We've been married bride of 21 years. We've been married bride of 21 years. We've been married for 21 years. We've got three kids, a for 21 years. We've got three kids, a for 21 years. We've got three kids, a 16-year-old, 16-year-old, 16-year-old, a 15-year-old, and an 8-year-old. So, a 15-year-old, and an 8-year-old. So, a 15-year-old, and an 8-year-old. So, our house is just a party right now and our house is just a party right now and our house is just a party right now and uh we're having a blast. We've actually uh we're having a blast. We've actually uh we're having a blast. We've actually known I'll I'll talk about this a little known I'll I'll talk about this a little known I'll I'll talk about this a little bit later, but uh we've known each other bit later, but uh we've known each other bit later, but uh we've known each other for more uh more than 30 years as we met for more uh more than 30 years as we met for more uh more than 30 years as we met in church. 35 years we've known each in church. 35 years we've known each in church. 35 years we've known each other. Uh we met each other in kids other. Uh we met each other in kids other. Uh we met each other in kids ministry in a small little church in ministry in a small little church in ministry in a small little church in Seattle, Washington. She saw me for the Seattle, Washington. She saw me for the Seattle, Washington. She saw me for the first time. It was game over for her. Um first time. It was game over for her. Um first time. It was game over for her. Um so, so, so, that's what children's ministry is for. that's what children's ministry is for. that's what children's ministry is for. So, I'm glad she's here as as well. But So, I'm glad she's here as as well. But So, I'm glad she's here as as well. But hey, I want to get into the text today hey, I want to get into the text today hey, I want to get into the text today that we're going to examine. We're going that we're going to examine. We're going that we're going to examine. We're going to be in a couple different places. to be in a couple different places. to be in a couple different places. We're going to be in Mark because we've We're going to be in Mark because we've We're going to be in Mark because we've been studying Mark here. Um but and then been studying Mark here. Um but and then been studying Mark here. Um but and then we're going to find ourselves uh in the we're going to find ourselves uh in the we're going to find ourselves uh in the uh in the book of John as well uh uh in the book of John as well uh uh in the book of John as well uh because there's some really important because there's some really important because there's some really important texts there that we need to examine and texts there that we need to examine and texts there that we need to examine and we're going to bring both of these books we're going to bring both of these books we're going to bring both of these books together, but we're going to focus in on together, but we're going to focus in on together, but we're going to focus in on Mark. But, if you could help me across Mark. But, if you could help me across Mark. But, if you could help me across all of our campuses today, could you all of our campuses today, could you all of our campuses today, could you help me feel at home? We do this at our help me feel at home? We do this at our help me feel at home? We do this at our church in Salt Lake City. Would you all church in Salt Lake City. Would you all church in Salt Lake City. Would you all stand for the reading of God's word?

stand for the reading of God's word? stand for the reading of God's word? Grab your Bibles if you've got them. If Grab your Bibles if you've got them. If Grab your Bibles if you've got them. If not, they'll be on the screens. We're going to find ourselves in Mark We're going to find ourselves in Mark chapter 2 verses 13 to 17. chapter 2 verses 13 to 17. chapter 2 verses 13 to 17. Mark chapter 2 Mark chapter 2 Mark chapter 2 verses 13 verses 13 verses 13 to 17. to 17. to 17. And it says this, "Then he went out And it says this, "Then he went out And it says this, "Then he went out again by the sea, and all the multitude again by the sea, and all the multitude again by the sea, and all the multitude came to him, and he taught them. came to him, and he taught them. came to him, and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi the son of As he passed by, he saw Levi the son of As he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And he said to him, 'Follow me.'" Come on, he said to him, 'Follow me.'" Come on, he said to him, 'Follow me.'" Come on, how many of you know that the words how many of you know that the words how many of you know that the words follow me from Jesus are some of the follow me from Jesus are some of the follow me from Jesus are some of the most important words that anybody could most important words that anybody could most important words that anybody could receive? receive? receive? And something happens that would never And something happens that would never And something happens that would never happen with any of us. Jesus says, happen with any of us. Jesus says, happen with any of us. Jesus says, "Follow me." And it says that so he "Follow me." And it says that so he "Follow me." And it says that so he arose and followed him. How many of you arose and followed him. How many of you arose and followed him. How many of you know, if you walked up to some stranger know, if you walked up to some stranger know, if you walked up to some stranger was like, "Follow me." they'd be like, was like, "Follow me." they'd be like, was like, "Follow me." they'd be like, "No, sorry, bro. We ain't doing that "No, sorry, bro. We ain't doing that "No, sorry, bro. We ain't doing that today, right?" today, right?" today, right?" But, when Jesus says, "Follow me." But, when Jesus says, "Follow me." But, when Jesus says, "Follow me." everything changes. Verse 15, "Now it everything changes. Verse 15, "Now it everything changes. Verse 15, "Now it happened as he was dining in Levi's happened as he was dining in Levi's happened as he was dining in Levi's house that many tax collectors and house that many tax collectors and house that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and sinners also sat together with Jesus and sinners also sat together with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many and his disciples, for there were many and his disciples, for there were many and they followed him.

they followed him. they followed him. And when the scribes and the Pharisees And when the scribes and the Pharisees And when the scribes and the Pharisees saw him eating with the tax collectors saw him eating with the tax collectors saw him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to his disciples, and sinners, they said to his disciples, and sinners, they said to his disciples, 'How is it that he eats with and drinks 'How is it that he eats with and drinks 'How is it that he eats with and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?'" They with tax collectors and sinners?'" They with tax collectors and sinners?'" They were really hung up that they were were really hung up that they were were really hung up that they were sinners and tax collectors if you can sinners and tax collectors if you can sinners and tax collectors if you can see that. see that. see that. Verse 17, "When Jesus heard it, he said Verse 17, "When Jesus heard it, he said Verse 17, "When Jesus heard it, he said to them these words, 'Those who are well to them these words, 'Those who are well to them these words, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those have no need of a physician, but those have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the who are sick. I did not come to call the who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.'" righteous but sinners to repentance.'" righteous but sinners to repentance.'" I want to speak to you from this I want to speak to you from this I want to speak to you from this subject. The title of my message is is subject. The title of my message is is subject. The title of my message is is this, don't lose the gospel. this, don't lose the gospel. this, don't lose the gospel. Don't lose the gospel. As we look at the Don't lose the gospel. As we look at the Don't lose the gospel. As we look at the sacredness and necessity of the gospel sacredness and necessity of the gospel sacredness and necessity of the gospel message, would you all pray with me in message, would you all pray with me in message, would you all pray with me in this moment? Lord, we we thank you for this moment? Lord, we we thank you for this moment? Lord, we we thank you for your word. your word. your word. We thank you that it's alive, it's We thank you that it's alive, it's We thank you that it's alive, it's active, it's powerful, it has the active, it's powerful, it has the active, it's powerful, it has the ability to transform us from the inside ability to transform us from the inside ability to transform us from the inside out. out. out. And so God, I pray that And so God, I pray that And so God, I pray that you wouldn't hear like no one would hear you wouldn't hear like no one would hear you wouldn't hear like no one would hear my words today, but we would hear your my words today, but we would hear your my words today, but we would hear your word. That you would shout in at some of word. That you would shout in at some of word. That you would shout in at some of us in this moment and you would whisper us in this moment and you would whisper us in this moment and you would whisper to others of us.

to others of us. to others of us. But no matter what, I pray that we would But no matter what, I pray that we would But no matter what, I pray that we would hear your word. hear your word. hear your word. That you would speak to us right now. That you would speak to us right now. That you would speak to us right now. And so our hearts, they're open to And so our hearts, they're open to And so our hearts, they're open to receive your word. You said your word is receive your word. You said your word is receive your word. You said your word is seed seed seed and that if it falls upon good soil, and that if it falls upon good soil, and that if it falls upon good soil, that seed takes root and it grows and it that seed takes root and it grows and it that seed takes root and it grows and it flourishes and it produces fruit. Would flourishes and it produces fruit. Would flourishes and it produces fruit. Would you do that in our lives you do that in our lives you do that in our lives as we gaze upon your word as we gaze upon your word as we gaze upon your word so that you would speak to us. In Jesus' so that you would speak to us. In Jesus' so that you would speak to us. In Jesus' mighty name, come on and all God's mighty name, come on and all God's mighty name, come on and all God's people shouted a big old amen. Come on, people shouted a big old amen. Come on, people shouted a big old amen. Come on, can we put our hands together? Praise can we put our hands together? Praise can we put our hands together? Praise Jesus just one more time. Jesus just one more time. Jesus just one more time. Come on, grab your seats. Tell the Come on, grab your seats. Tell the Come on, grab your seats. Tell the person next to you, I'm so glad I'm person next to you, I'm so glad I'm person next to you, I'm so glad I'm sitting next to you. I was hoping that sitting next to you. I was hoping that sitting next to you. I was hoping that was going to happen. In these verses of the book the the text In these verses of the book the the text found in Mark, found in Mark, found in Mark, there's a very important reality that's there's a very important reality that's there's a very important reality that's brought to us and it's the gospel brought to us and it's the gospel brought to us and it's the gospel message, the good news. Jesus says it message, the good news. Jesus says it message, the good news. Jesus says it himself, "Those who are well have no himself, "Those who are well have no himself, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are need of a physician, but those who are need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the sick. I did not come to call the sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

righteous, but sinners to repentance." righteous, but sinners to repentance." What's important that when we study this What's important that when we study this What's important that when we study this text that we see text that we see text that we see is that Jesus is is that Jesus is is that Jesus is he's declaring his purpose. He's he's declaring his purpose. He's he's declaring his purpose. He's declaring why he came, what his agenda declaring why he came, what his agenda declaring why he came, what his agenda is, what his mission is. How many of you is, what his mission is. How many of you is, what his mission is. How many of you know that it's important when Jesus know that it's important when Jesus know that it's important when Jesus tells us his purpose, we need to lean in tells us his purpose, we need to lean in tells us his purpose, we need to lean in and listen. and listen. and listen. And this is one of the few moments that And this is one of the few moments that And this is one of the few moments that Jesus is going to be very forward about. Jesus is going to be very forward about. Jesus is going to be very forward about. He's going to say, "I came to do He's going to say, "I came to do He's going to say, "I came to do this." this." this." It's the gospel message. It's the gospel message. It's the gospel message. And it's one of the most important And it's one of the most important And it's one of the most important messages that we have. messages that we have. messages that we have. But the problem is that as society But the problem is that as society But the problem is that as society continues to change and as culture continues to change and as culture continues to change and as culture shifts and everything moves, I just want shifts and everything moves, I just want shifts and everything moves, I just want to be honest with you. As I've studied to be honest with you. As I've studied to be honest with you. As I've studied the world and I've studied culture and the world and I've studied culture and the world and I've studied culture and I've studied society, if we're not I've studied society, if we're not I've studied society, if we're not careful as the church as everything careful as the church as everything careful as the church as everything changes, changes, changes, we can lose the necessity of the gospel. we can lose the necessity of the gospel. we can lose the necessity of the gospel. We can have worship services, but no We can have worship services, but no We can have worship services, but no gospel.

gospel. gospel. We can have small groups, but no gospel. We can have small groups, but no gospel. We can have small groups, but no gospel. We can have our meetings, but but no We can have our meetings, but but no We can have our meetings, but but no gospel. And so, I have an agenda that I gospel. And so, I have an agenda that I gospel. And so, I have an agenda that I came with tonight and it's this, to came with tonight and it's this, to came with tonight and it's this, to encourage you Saddleback across all of encourage you Saddleback across all of encourage you Saddleback across all of our campuses, don't lose the gospel. our campuses, don't lose the gospel. our campuses, don't lose the gospel. Because it's the greatest message that Because it's the greatest message that Because it's the greatest message that has ever been given. Because the truth has ever been given. Because the truth has ever been given. Because the truth is, how many of you agree with me, is, how many of you agree with me, is, how many of you agree with me, everything's changing? everything's changing? everything's changing? Come on, how many of you agree with me, Come on, how many of you agree with me, Come on, how many of you agree with me, the world is changing right now? the world is changing right now? the world is changing right now? And here's the reality is that as things And here's the reality is that as things And here's the reality is that as things change change change and as things shift and as things move, and as things shift and as things move, and as things shift and as things move, we are always looking for something to we are always looking for something to we are always looking for something to anchor us and and stabilize our lives anchor us and and stabilize our lives anchor us and and stabilize our lives and and give us a security. And I just and and give us a security. And I just and and give us a security. And I just want to come right out the gate and let want to come right out the gate and let want to come right out the gate and let you know that the only thing that can you know that the only thing that can you know that the only thing that can stabilize us, the only thing that can stabilize us, the only thing that can stabilize us, the only thing that can hold us, the only thing that gives us hold us, the only thing that gives us hold us, the only thing that gives us security is security is security is Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. But as the world changes, if we're not But as the world changes, if we're not But as the world changes, if we're not careful, we can lose that careful, we can lose that careful, we can lose that message. message. message. Famed writer C.S. Lewis Famed writer C.S. Lewis Famed writer C.S. Lewis had a conversation that he's going to had a conversation that he's going to had a conversation that he's going to write about. He's one of my favorite write about. He's one of my favorite write about. He's one of my favorite authors and I want you to hear this authors and I want you to hear this authors and I want you to hear this conversation as he writes about it conversation as he writes about it conversation as he writes about it because he he gives us an interesting because he he gives us an interesting because he he gives us an interesting idea that I want to I want to just zoom idea that I want to I want to just zoom idea that I want to I want to just zoom in on. This is what he writes. He says, in on. This is what he writes. He says, in on. This is what he writes. He says, "Barfield never made me an "Barfield never made me an "Barfield never made me an anthroposophist.

anthroposophist. anthroposophist. But his counter attacks destroyed But his counter attacks destroyed But his counter attacks destroyed forever two elements of my own thought. forever two elements of my own thought. forever two elements of my own thought. In other words, he's saying I had a In other words, he's saying I had a In other words, he's saying I had a conversation and it changed the way that conversation and it changed the way that conversation and it changed the way that I thought about things. I thought about things. I thought about things. In the first place, he made short work In the first place, he made short work In the first place, he made short work of what I have called, I love this term, of what I have called, I love this term, of what I have called, I love this term, a chronological snobbery. a chronological snobbery. a chronological snobbery. Chronological snobbery. It's the Chronological snobbery. It's the Chronological snobbery. It's the uncritical, he goes on to say, the uncritical, he goes on to say, the uncritical, he goes on to say, the uncritical acceptance of the uncritical acceptance of the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate common to our own intellectual climate common to our own intellectual climate common to our own age and the assumption that whatever has age and the assumption that whatever has age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that account gone out of date is on that account gone out of date is on that account discredited. He continues to write, you discredited. He continues to write, you discredited. He continues to write, you must find why it went out of date. Was must find why it went out of date. Was must find why it went out of date. Was it ever refuted? And if so, by whom, it ever refuted? And if so, by whom, it ever refuted? And if so, by whom, where and how conclusively? Or did it where and how conclusively? Or did it where and how conclusively? Or did it merely die away as fashions do? If the merely die away as fashions do? If the merely die away as fashions do? If the latter, this tells us nothing about its latter, this tells us nothing about its latter, this tells us nothing about its truth or falsehood. From seeing this, truth or falsehood. From seeing this, truth or falsehood. From seeing this, one passes to the realization that our one passes to the realization that our one passes to the realization that our own age is also a period and certainly own age is also a period and certainly own age is also a period and certainly has, like all other periods, listen to has, like all other periods, listen to has, like all other periods, listen to these words, its own characteristic these words, its own characteristic these words, its own characteristic illusions. illusions. illusions. In other words, he's saying that in In other words, he's saying that in In other words, he's saying that in every single time period, in every every single time period, in every every single time period, in every single moment in society, in every single moment in society, in every single moment in society, in every single moment in culture, there's these single moment in culture, there's these single moment in culture, there's these characteristic illusions, things that characteristic illusions, things that characteristic illusions, things that that cause us to be distracted, they're that cause us to be distracted, they're that cause us to be distracted, they're aberrations and and they cause us to aberrations and and they cause us to aberrations and and they cause us to lose focus of the main thing. He then lose focus of the main thing. He then lose focus of the main thing. He then goes on to say they are likeliest to goes on to say they are likeliest to goes on to say they are likeliest to lurk in those widespread assumptions lurk in those widespread assumptions lurk in those widespread assumptions which are so ingrained in the age that which are so ingrained in the age that which are so ingrained in the age that no one dares to attack or feels it no one dares to attack or feels it no one dares to attack or feels it necessary to defend them. So, Lewis in necessary to defend them. So, Lewis in necessary to defend them. So, Lewis in this whole this whole moment of writing this whole this whole moment of writing this whole this whole moment of writing is pretty much saying this, is pretty much saying this, is pretty much saying this, chronological snobbery is the idea that

chronological snobbery is the idea that chronological snobbery is the idea that because something is old, it's out. But have you ever noticed But have you ever noticed that young people today are listening to that young people today are listening to that young people today are listening to music from the '60s and '70s again? music from the '60s and '70s again? music from the '60s and '70s again? And some of us would argue it's some of And some of us would argue it's some of And some of us would argue it's some of the greatest rock and roll you'll ever the greatest rock and roll you'll ever the greatest rock and roll you'll ever hear. Come on, somebody, right? hear. Come on, somebody, right? hear. Come on, somebody, right? You Thank you, right? You Thank you, right? You Thank you, right? We're bringing fashions back, we're We're bringing fashions back, we're We're bringing fashions back, we're bringing fads back. It seems like all of bringing fads back. It seems like all of bringing fads back. It seems like all of the movies and TV shows that are coming the movies and TV shows that are coming the movies and TV shows that are coming out right now, they look like the '80s out right now, they look like the '80s out right now, they look like the '80s and the '90s again. That was the era and the '90s again. That was the era and the '90s again. That was the era that I grew up in, but the but that I grew up in, but the but that I grew up in, but the but chronological snobbery is this idea that chronological snobbery is this idea that chronological snobbery is this idea that because something is old, it's out, it's because something is old, it's out, it's because something is old, it's out, it's not relevant anymore. And I just want to not relevant anymore. And I just want to not relevant anymore. And I just want to declare to us today that this is not the declare to us today that this is not the declare to us today that this is not the case with the gospel. The gospel is case with the gospel. The gospel is case with the gospel. The gospel is transcendent. It's not irrelevant, it's transcendent. It's not irrelevant, it's transcendent. It's not irrelevant, it's not out of date, it's not diminished, not out of date, it's not diminished, not out of date, it's not diminished, it's not compromised. And while it may it's not compromised. And while it may it's not compromised. And while it may be difficult to swallow at times and be difficult to swallow at times and be difficult to swallow at times and uncomfortable to assimilate and require uncomfortable to assimilate and require uncomfortable to assimilate and require more of us than we may want to give more of us than we may want to give more of us than we may want to give ourselves, one thing it is not and it is ourselves, one thing it is not and it is ourselves, one thing it is not and it is not out of date. Don't lose the gospel.

not out of date. Don't lose the gospel. not out of date. Don't lose the gospel. Now, you may you may be saying right Now, you may you may be saying right Now, you may you may be saying right now, "Hey, bro, did you come from Salt now, "Hey, bro, did you come from Salt now, "Hey, bro, did you come from Salt Lake City, Utah Lake City, Utah Lake City, Utah to come give us the simplest message to come give us the simplest message to come give us the simplest message ever about the gospel?" ever about the gospel?" ever about the gospel?" Yes. Yes. Yes. I did. Because we can't lose the gospel. I did. Because we can't lose the gospel. I did. Because we can't lose the gospel. Some of us have forgot about the Some of us have forgot about the Some of us have forgot about the goodness of the gospel. goodness of the gospel. goodness of the gospel. And my job is to remind us of the And my job is to remind us of the And my job is to remind us of the importance of the gospel. There's going importance of the gospel. There's going importance of the gospel. There's going to be There's going to be two people to be There's going to be two people to be There's going to be two people that I'm aiming at in this thing. that I'm aiming at in this thing. that I'm aiming at in this thing. For some of us, you've been following For some of us, you've been following For some of us, you've been following Jesus for many many many many many years Jesus for many many many many many years Jesus for many many many many many years and you've forgotten about the beauty of and you've forgotten about the beauty of and you've forgotten about the beauty of the gospel. I hope you're reminded once the gospel. I hope you're reminded once the gospel. I hope you're reminded once again how great this message is. again how great this message is. again how great this message is. But there's others of you that you've But there's others of you that you've But there's others of you that you've never heard the gospel message before never heard the gospel message before never heard the gospel message before and you are about to find out the and you are about to find out the and you are about to find out the importance of that message and how much importance of that message and how much importance of that message and how much it will change your life. But no matter it will change your life. But no matter it will change your life. But no matter what, we all need to hear this. Don't what, we all need to hear this. Don't what, we all need to hear this. Don't lose. lose. lose. Don't lose the gospel.

Don't lose the gospel. Don't lose the gospel. Don't misplace the gospel. Paul, the Don't misplace the gospel. Paul, the Don't misplace the gospel. Paul, the apostle in Romans chapter 1, verses 16 apostle in Romans chapter 1, verses 16 apostle in Romans chapter 1, verses 16 through to 17, he's going to say this. through to 17, he's going to say this. through to 17, he's going to say this. He's going to say, "I'm not ashamed He's going to say, "I'm not ashamed He's going to say, "I'm not ashamed of the gospel. of the gospel. of the gospel. For it's the power of God for salvation For it's the power of God for salvation For it's the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew to everyone who believes, to the Jew to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and then also to the Greek. For in first and then also to the Greek. For in first and then also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed it the righteousness of God is revealed it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, from faith for faith, as it is written, from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." "The righteous shall live by faith." "The righteous shall live by faith." Paul says that the gospel is our power. Paul says that the gospel is our power. Paul says that the gospel is our power. It's our power. It's our power. It's our power. Paul writes this remarkable piece of Paul writes this remarkable piece of Paul writes this remarkable piece of scripture to address the issue of of scripture to address the issue of of scripture to address the issue of of power source. power source. power source. The people he was pastoring and and The people he was pastoring and and The people he was pastoring and and leading were falling into the same trap leading were falling into the same trap leading were falling into the same trap that many of us fall into. that many of us fall into. that many of us fall into. And that was we're trying to reroute our And that was we're trying to reroute our And that was we're trying to reroute our power source. We believe somewhere along power source. We believe somewhere along power source. We believe somewhere along the way that you can earn your the way that you can earn your the way that you can earn your salvation. salvation. salvation. But can I just declare to you today? You But can I just declare to you today? You But can I just declare to you today? You cannot earn your salvation. cannot earn your salvation. cannot earn your salvation. You can't buy your salvation. You can't You can't buy your salvation. You can't You can't buy your salvation. You can't good work your way to salvation. You good work your way to salvation. You good work your way to salvation. You can't pick it up in bulk at Costco.

can't pick it up in bulk at Costco. can't pick it up in bulk at Costco. Salvation is through one person and one Salvation is through one person and one Salvation is through one person and one person alone, and that is the person and person alone, and that is the person and person alone, and that is the person and the work of Jesus Christ. Is anybody the work of Jesus Christ. Is anybody the work of Jesus Christ. Is anybody thankful for the life-changing message thankful for the life-changing message thankful for the life-changing message of Jesus? of Jesus? of Jesus? >> [applause] >> So right here in Mark, >> So right here in Mark, Jesus draws everybody's attention to his Jesus draws everybody's attention to his Jesus draws everybody's attention to his his purpose. his purpose. his purpose. And so as I was examining the text and And so as I was examining the text and And so as I was examining the text and and looking at scripture, there's a and looking at scripture, there's a and looking at scripture, there's a another moment in the gospels that's another moment in the gospels that's another moment in the gospels that's found in John found in John found in John that I actually really believe, and many that I actually really believe, and many that I actually really believe, and many scholars and theologians believe as scholars and theologians believe as scholars and theologians believe as well, paints a beautiful picture. It's well, paints a beautiful picture. It's well, paints a beautiful picture. It's not just a story not just a story not just a story about somebody's life and and and this about somebody's life and and and this about somebody's life and and and this somebody is Lazarus. Many of you have somebody is Lazarus. Many of you have somebody is Lazarus. Many of you have heard this story before. It's not just heard this story before. It's not just heard this story before. It's not just about Lazarus's death and and about Lazarus's death and and about Lazarus's death and and resurrection, but it's it actually shows resurrection, but it's it actually shows resurrection, but it's it actually shows us what the gospel is in real time. us what the gospel is in real time. us what the gospel is in real time. And so I want to take us from Mark. I And so I want to take us from Mark. I And so I want to take us from Mark. I want you to hold Mark as an open tab. want you to hold Mark as an open tab. want you to hold Mark as an open tab. Jesus saying, "This is why I came." And Jesus saying, "This is why I came." And Jesus saying, "This is why I came." And then we're going to examine John and then we're going to examine John and then we're going to examine John and look at like in real time, what does the look at like in real time, what does the look at like in real time, what does the gospel actually look like and what does gospel actually look like and what does gospel actually look like and what does it mean for our lives, no matter where it mean for our lives, no matter where it mean for our lives, no matter where you find yourself. So, there's four you find yourself. So, there's four you find yourself. So, there's four truths that I want us to see in the truths that I want us to see in the truths that I want us to see in the text. And so, here's what we're going to text. And so, here's what we're going to text. And so, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to I'm going to give you a do. I'm going to I'm going to give you a do. I'm going to I'm going to give you a point and then we're just going to point and then we're just going to point and then we're just going to examine the text. And we're going to try examine the text. And we're going to try examine the text. And we're going to try to like we're going to try to do a to like we're going to try to do a to like we're going to try to do a miracle, okay? And that is we're going miracle, okay? And that is we're going miracle, okay? And that is we're going to work through 40-plus verses. Is that to work through 40-plus verses. Is that to work through 40-plus verses. Is that all right with everybody?

all right with everybody? all right with everybody? 40-plus verses of scripture. We're going 40-plus verses of scripture. We're going 40-plus verses of scripture. We're going to get there. Here we go. to get there. Here we go. to get there. Here we go. Here's the first truth that we're going Here's the first truth that we're going Here's the first truth that we're going to see to see to see in John chapter 11, is that the gospel in John chapter 11, is that the gospel in John chapter 11, is that the gospel magnifies the glory of God revealed in magnifies the glory of God revealed in magnifies the glory of God revealed in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The gospel magnifies the glory of God The gospel magnifies the glory of God The gospel magnifies the glory of God revealed in Jesus. John chapter 11 revealed in Jesus. John chapter 11 revealed in Jesus. John chapter 11 verses 1 through to 4 says this, verses 1 through to 4 says this, verses 1 through to 4 says this, "Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of "Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of "Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her Bethany, the village of Mary and her Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. sister Martha. sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with It was Mary who anointed the Lord with It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her ointment and wiped his feet with her ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So, the sisters sent to him saying, So, the sisters sent to him saying, So, the sisters sent to him saying, 'Lord, he whom you love is ill.' 'Lord, he whom you love is ill.' 'Lord, he whom you love is ill.' Verse 4, "But when Jesus heard it, he Verse 4, "But when Jesus heard it, he Verse 4, "But when Jesus heard it, he said, 'This illness does not lead to said, 'This illness does not lead to said, 'This illness does not lead to death. What Listen to these words. This death. What Listen to these words. This death. What Listen to these words. This is what Jesus says. This illness doesn't is what Jesus says. This illness doesn't is what Jesus says. This illness doesn't lead to death, it's for the glory of lead to death, it's for the glory of lead to death, it's for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be God, so that the Son of God may be God, so that the Son of God may be glorified glorified glorified through it.'" through it.'" through it.'" Because the truth about the gospel is Because the truth about the gospel is Because the truth about the gospel is this, this, this, is that glory is an essential part of is that glory is an essential part of is that glory is an essential part of the gospel.

the gospel. the gospel. Because it rightly highlights Jesus. It Because it rightly highlights Jesus. It Because it rightly highlights Jesus. It rightly positions Jesus rightly positions Jesus rightly positions Jesus in our lives. Because the truth is this, in our lives. Because the truth is this, in our lives. Because the truth is this, if we're not careful, we tend to make if we're not careful, we tend to make if we're not careful, we tend to make ourselves the main focus of the gospel ourselves the main focus of the gospel ourselves the main focus of the gospel story. story. story. And contrary to popular opinion, y'all And contrary to popular opinion, y'all And contrary to popular opinion, y'all need to hear this, you and I are not the need to hear this, you and I are not the need to hear this, you and I are not the center of the gospel story. center of the gospel story. center of the gospel story. We're secondary characters. But how many We're secondary characters. But how many We're secondary characters. But how many of you know How many of you would agree of you know How many of you would agree of you know How many of you would agree with me that we love to put ourselves as with me that we love to put ourselves as with me that we love to put ourselves as the center of the gospel story. Don't the center of the gospel story. Don't the center of the gospel story. Don't we? Have you ever noticed that when you we? Have you ever noticed that when you we? Have you ever noticed that when you read the Bible, you never make yourself read the Bible, you never make yourself read the Bible, you never make yourself the villain, we're always the hero? the villain, we're always the hero? the villain, we're always the hero? Come on, how many of you know what I'm Come on, how many of you know what I'm Come on, how many of you know what I'm talking about? talking about? talking about? You're always David, you're never You're always David, you're never You're always David, you're never Goliath. Goliath. Goliath. You're always Peter, never Judas. Because the truth is is that we never Because the truth is is that we never like to find ourselves in the negative like to find ourselves in the negative like to find ourselves in the negative part of the story and we have a tendency part of the story and we have a tendency part of the story and we have a tendency to make ourselves as the central part of to make ourselves as the central part of to make ourselves as the central part of the story, but the gospel, the truth of the story, but the gospel, the truth of the story, but the gospel, the truth of the gospel is this is that Christ is the gospel is this is that Christ is the gospel is this is that Christ is preeminent. He is the center of it all.

preeminent. He is the center of it all. preeminent. He is the center of it all. He is the one that is to be magnified. He is the one that is to be magnified. He is the one that is to be magnified. He is the one that is to be glorified. He is the one that is to be glorified. He is the one that is to be glorified. He gets the glory in our stories. He gets the glory in our stories. He gets the glory in our stories. Every single Every single Every single one of ours. And when the gospel is primarily about And when the gospel is primarily about Jesus, this is why it remains relevant Jesus, this is why it remains relevant Jesus, this is why it remains relevant across different cultures. across different cultures. across different cultures. It's why different ears can hear it. It's why different ears can hear it. It's why different ears can hear it. And that's why it never changes is And that's why it never changes is And that's why it never changes is because it's not about you and I, it's because it's not about you and I, it's because it's not about you and I, it's about him. about him. about him. He is the same yesterday, today, and He is the same yesterday, today, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And when he is not the central forever. And when he is not the central forever. And when he is not the central part of the gospel, the gospel loses its part of the gospel, the gospel loses its part of the gospel, the gospel loses its power. So, Jesus says in John, power. So, Jesus says in John, power. So, Jesus says in John, "Hey, I'm going to be the one who gets "Hey, I'm going to be the one who gets "Hey, I'm going to be the one who gets the glory." the glory." the glory." Can I help some of us out? Your story Can I help some of us out? Your story Can I help some of us out? Your story right now, right now, right now, the thing that the doctor told you, the thing that the doctor told you, the thing that the doctor told you, the frustration in the marriage right the frustration in the marriage right the frustration in the marriage right now, the addiction that's rearing its now, the addiction that's rearing its now, the addiction that's rearing its head, the stuff that's happening in your head, the stuff that's happening in your head, the stuff that's happening in your story line right now, can I just let you story line right now, can I just let you story line right now, can I just let you know that it's not about you, it's about know that it's not about you, it's about know that it's not about you, it's about God getting the glory in your story. God getting the glory in your story. God getting the glory in your story. And what happens is if we're not And what happens is if we're not And what happens is if we're not careful, we can worship our problems careful, we can worship our problems careful, we can worship our problems more than we worship the one who can more than we worship the one who can more than we worship the one who can take care of those problems.

take care of those problems. take care of those problems. If we're not careful, we can make our If we're not careful, we can make our If we're not careful, we can make our problem the center of the story and problem the center of the story and problem the center of the story and whoever's in the center of the story whoever's in the center of the story whoever's in the center of the story gets our worship. And I just want to gets our worship. And I just want to gets our worship. And I just want to encourage us, don't let anything else encourage us, don't let anything else encourage us, don't let anything else take center stage in your story. When it take center stage in your story. When it take center stage in your story. When it comes to the gospel, let's let Jesus be comes to the gospel, let's let Jesus be comes to the gospel, let's let Jesus be the center of every single one of our the center of every single one of our the center of every single one of our stories. Why? Because the gospel stories. Why? Because the gospel stories. Why? Because the gospel magnifies the glory of God that's magnifies the glory of God that's magnifies the glory of God that's revealed in Jesus. revealed in Jesus. revealed in Jesus. Here's the second truth that we find in Here's the second truth that we find in Here's the second truth that we find in the text. Number two, the text. Number two, the text. Number two, the gospel confronts the gospel confronts the gospel confronts the reality of our death apart from the reality of our death apart from the reality of our death apart from Christ. Okay, so we're about to have a Christ. Okay, so we're about to have a Christ. Okay, so we're about to have a super Caleb moment, okay? Here we go. super Caleb moment, okay? Here we go. super Caleb moment, okay? Here we go. The gospel confronts the reality of our The gospel confronts the reality of our The gospel confronts the reality of our death death death apart from Christ. apart from Christ. apart from Christ. John chapter 11 verses 5 through 16 says John chapter 11 verses 5 through 16 says John chapter 11 verses 5 through 16 says this, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her this, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her this, "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister Lazarus. So, when he heard that sister Lazarus. So, when he heard that sister Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed 2 days longer Lazarus was ill, he stayed 2 days longer Lazarus was ill, he stayed 2 days longer in the place where he was." Would you in the place where he was." Would you in the place where he was." Would you please, when you read scripture, just please, when you read scripture, just please, when you read scripture, just read it detailed. read it detailed. read it detailed. The Bible says that Jesus loved them so The Bible says that Jesus loved them so The Bible says that Jesus loved them so much that when he heard that Lazarus was much that when he heard that Lazarus was much that when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he decided to stay and not go visit ill, he decided to stay and not go visit ill, he decided to stay and not go visit them yet.

them yet. them yet. He's like, "Nah, I'll just wait 2 more He's like, "Nah, I'll just wait 2 more He's like, "Nah, I'll just wait 2 more days." days." days." Then after this, he said to his Then after this, he said to his Then after this, he said to his disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, Jews were just now seeking to stone you, Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and you're going there again?" and you're going there again?" and you're going there again?" Jesus answered, Jesus answered, Jesus answered, "Are there not 12 hours in the day? If "Are there not 12 hours in the day? If "Are there not 12 hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not anyone walks in the day, he does not anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of stumble because he sees the light of stumble because he sees the light of this world, but if anyone walks in the this world, but if anyone walks in the this world, but if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles because the light is night, he stumbles because the light is night, he stumbles because the light is not in him." Is anybody else ever not in him." Is anybody else ever not in him." Is anybody else ever perplexed by how Jesus answers perplexed by how Jesus answers perplexed by how Jesus answers questions? questions? questions? I've decided this text helped me decide I've decided this text helped me decide I've decided this text helped me decide how I'm going to answer question how I'm going to answer question how I'm going to answer question questions from my kids. Dad, can we go questions from my kids. Dad, can we go questions from my kids. Dad, can we go to Chick-fil-A? ARE THERE NOT 12 hours to Chick-fil-A? ARE THERE NOT 12 hours to Chick-fil-A? ARE THERE NOT 12 hours in a day, kids? So, Jesus is always messing with his So, Jesus is always messing with his disciples. disciples. disciples. And after saying these things, he said And after saying these things, he said And after saying these things, he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him." Watch, asleep, but I go to awaken him." Watch, asleep, but I go to awaken him." Watch, the disciples still don't get things. the disciples still don't get things. the disciples still don't get things. The disciples said to him, "Lord, if The disciples said to him, "Lord, if The disciples said to him, "Lord, if he's fallen asleep, he's going to he's fallen asleep, he's going to he's fallen asleep, he's going to recover." recover." recover." Now, Jesus has spoken of his death, but Now, Jesus has spoken of his death, but Now, Jesus has spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking a rest they thought that he meant taking a rest they thought that he meant taking a rest in sleep. Now, listen to these words.

in sleep. Now, listen to these words. in sleep. Now, listen to these words. This is This is the serious part, okay? This is This is the serious part, okay? This is This is the serious part, okay? This is what Jesus says in verse 14. He This is what Jesus says in verse 14. He This is what Jesus says in verse 14. He says, "Then Jesus told them plainly, says, "Then Jesus told them plainly, says, "Then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus has died." Lazarus has died." Lazarus has died." Lazarus has died. Lazarus has died. Lazarus has died. And for your sake, I'm glad that I was And for your sake, I'm glad that I was And for your sake, I'm glad that I was not there so that you may believe, but not there so that you may believe, but not there so that you may believe, but let us go to him. So, Thomas called the let us go to him. So, Thomas called the let us go to him. So, Thomas called the twin said to his fellow disciples, "Let twin said to his fellow disciples, "Let twin said to his fellow disciples, "Let us go also that we may die with him." us go also that we may die with him." us go also that we may die with him." These guys were off the rails. They had These guys were off the rails. They had These guys were off the rails. They had no idea what was going on. And here's no idea what was going on. And here's no idea what was going on. And here's what I want us to see. Jesus had to what I want us to see. Jesus had to what I want us to see. Jesus had to break into the disciples thinking and break into the disciples thinking and break into the disciples thinking and make them realize the hardest thing that make them realize the hardest thing that make them realize the hardest thing that they needed to see, which was Lazarus is they needed to see, which was Lazarus is they needed to see, which was Lazarus is dead. dead. dead. And here's the problem for many of us. And here's the problem for many of us. And here's the problem for many of us. We do not understand the gospel fully We do not understand the gospel fully We do not understand the gospel fully because we have not yet been able to because we have not yet been able to because we have not yet been able to comprehend our death fully. And the truth of the gospel is this, is And the truth of the gospel is this, is that you and I, apart from Christ, are that you and I, apart from Christ, are that you and I, apart from Christ, are dead in our sin. We are not sick, we are dead in our sin. We are not sick, we are dead in our sin. We are not sick, we are not broken, we are not hurting, we are not broken, we are not hurting, we are not broken, we are not hurting, we are dead in our sin. But then here's the dead in our sin. But then here's the dead in our sin. But then here's the good news, that in Christ we have good news, that in Christ we have good news, that in Christ we have resurrection life.

resurrection life. resurrection life. That is the good news of the gospel, and That is the good news of the gospel, and That is the good news of the gospel, and we can't lose it cuz remember what Jesus we can't lose it cuz remember what Jesus we can't lose it cuz remember what Jesus said in Mark, "I did not come for those said in Mark, "I did not come for those said in Mark, "I did not come for those who are whole and healed. I came for who are whole and healed. I came for who are whole and healed. I came for those who are sick." those who are sick." those who are sick." There was a message in all of this. There was a message in all of this. There was a message in all of this. A theologian once said this, he said, A theologian once said this, he said, A theologian once said this, he said, "Light and erroneous views of sin will "Light and erroneous views of sin will "Light and erroneous views of sin will cause us to have light and erroneous cause us to have light and erroneous cause us to have light and erroneous views of the cross." In other words, if views of the cross." In other words, if views of the cross." In other words, if we do not understand the gravity of sin, we do not understand the gravity of sin, we do not understand the gravity of sin, we will never understand the beauty of we will never understand the beauty of we will never understand the beauty of the cross. And some of us have a benign view of And some of us have a benign view of what this gospel message is. what this gospel message is. what this gospel message is. Here's another way to If you're taking Here's another way to If you're taking Here's another way to If you're taking notes, there's another way to to say it. notes, there's another way to to say it. notes, there's another way to to say it. Death provides the context for the Death provides the context for the Death provides the context for the gospel. gospel. gospel. And the reason that many people never And the reason that many people never And the reason that many people never respond to the gospel is because we respond to the gospel is because we respond to the gospel is because we think it's irrelevant. think it's irrelevant. think it's irrelevant. And it's irrelevant because we do not And it's irrelevant because we do not And it's irrelevant because we do not believe or realize this truth. We believe or realize this truth. We believe or realize this truth. We believe that we're just alive because believe that we're just alive because believe that we're just alive because we're breathing, but there's a whole we're breathing, but there's a whole we're breathing, but there's a whole other spiritual reality that's going on other spiritual reality that's going on other spiritual reality that's going on in our life. And I can guarantee you in our life. And I can guarantee you in our life. And I can guarantee you there are people in this room across all there are people in this room across all there are people in this room across all of our campuses, your life has been of our campuses, your life has been of our campuses, your life has been radically altered by the cross of Jesus.

radically altered by the cross of Jesus. radically altered by the cross of Jesus. You have been risen to new life. Come You have been risen to new life. Come You have been risen to new life. Come on, is there anybody who has that has on, is there anybody who has that has on, is there anybody who has that has had their life changed by the gospel had their life changed by the gospel had their life changed by the gospel message of Jesus? But we try to minimize it. But we try to minimize it. And so that's why we've got to get to And so that's why we've got to get to And so that's why we've got to get to this place. Listen, the gospel confronts this place. Listen, the gospel confronts this place. Listen, the gospel confronts the reality of our death apart apart the reality of our death apart apart the reality of our death apart apart from from from apart from Christ. apart from Christ. apart from Christ. Um, I don't know how many of you are Um, I don't know how many of you are Um, I don't know how many of you are potentially dentists, but I do not Is potentially dentists, but I do not Is potentially dentists, but I do not Is there anybody else like me that you there anybody else like me that you there anybody else like me that you don't like going to the dentist? Let's don't like going to the dentist? Let's don't like going to the dentist? Let's just come on. Thank you. No judgment just come on. Thank you. No judgment just come on. Thank you. No judgment zone right now. zone right now. zone right now. And here's why. It's because I'm afraid And here's why. It's because I'm afraid And here's why. It's because I'm afraid of the truth. And I don't know if you're like me, but And I don't know if you're like me, but when I go to the dentist, he gives me when I go to the dentist, he gives me when I go to the dentist, he gives me the truth and I'm like, man, this is why the truth and I'm like, man, this is why the truth and I'm like, man, this is why I just don't come to you. I'm just going I just don't come to you. I'm just going I just don't come to you. I'm just going to go about my life and do my thing. But to go about my life and do my thing. But to go about my life and do my thing. But how many of you understand that when you how many of you understand that when you how many of you understand that when you go to the dentist and they give you the go to the dentist and they give you the go to the dentist and they give you the truth, it's now you have an truth, it's now you have an truth, it's now you have an acknowledgement of what's going on and acknowledgement of what's going on and acknowledgement of what's going on and now there's a way to fix it. now there's a way to fix it. now there's a way to fix it. And the gospel message helps us And the gospel message helps us And the gospel message helps us understand the truth of who we are understand the truth of who we are understand the truth of who we are outside of Christ, but it also tells us outside of Christ, but it also tells us outside of Christ, but it also tells us what's possible, which brings us to then what's possible, which brings us to then what's possible, which brings us to then the third truth that's seen in this text the third truth that's seen in this text the third truth that's seen in this text is that the gospel announces our big is that the gospel announces our big is that the gospel announces our big Bible word, justification before God.

Bible word, justification before God. Bible word, justification before God. Our justification before God. Our justification before God. Our justification before God. John chapter 11:17-27, it says this, John chapter 11:17-27, it says this, John chapter 11:17-27, it says this, "Now then, when Jesus came, he found "Now then, when Jesus came, he found "Now then, when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the that Lazarus had already been in the that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. tomb four days. tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about 2 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about 2 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about 2 miles off, and many of the Jews had come miles off, and many of the Jews had come miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them to Martha and Mary to console them to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. concerning their brother. concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was So when Martha heard that Jesus was So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him. coming, she went and met him. coming, she went and met him. But Mary remained seated in the house. But Mary remained seated in the house. But Mary remained seated in the house. Martha's going to get really practical Martha's going to get really practical Martha's going to get really practical now. Watch what happens. now. Watch what happens. now. Watch what happens. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you'd Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you'd Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you'd been here." been here." been here." I'll pause there for just a second. I'll pause there for just a second. I'll pause there for just a second. Have you ever said those words before? Jesus, if you would have been here. Jesus, if you would have been here. Then maybe that diagnosis wouldn't have Then maybe that diagnosis wouldn't have Then maybe that diagnosis wouldn't have come. If you would have been here, maybe come. If you would have been here, maybe come. If you would have been here, maybe that marriage would have survived. If that marriage would have survived. If that marriage would have survived. If you If you would have been here, maybe you If you would have been here, maybe you If you would have been here, maybe my my kids wouldn't be doing what my my kids wouldn't be doing what my my kids wouldn't be doing what they're doing right now. But can I just they're doing right now. But can I just they're doing right now. But can I just just remind us, he's always with us. just remind us, he's always with us. just remind us, he's always with us. He's always with us. But Martha He's always with us. But Martha He's always with us. But Martha has experienced and experienced the same has experienced and experienced the same has experienced and experienced the same thing you and I.

thing you and I. thing you and I. This grief, this pain that's in the This grief, this pain that's in the This grief, this pain that's in the middle of her story, causes her to look middle of her story, causes her to look middle of her story, causes her to look at Jesus and go, "Where Where were you?" And then watch what happens. Jesus said And then watch what happens. Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." to her, "Your brother will rise again." to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he'll Martha said to him, "I know that he'll Martha said to him, "I know that he'll rise again in the resurrection of the rise again in the resurrection of the rise again in the resurrection of the last day." So Martha had hope still. She last day." So Martha had hope still. She last day." So Martha had hope still. She had hope for the future though. She had hope for the future though. She had hope for the future though. She didn't have hope for the moment. didn't have hope for the moment. didn't have hope for the moment. And here's the beautiful thing is that And here's the beautiful thing is that And here's the beautiful thing is that hope hope hope that comes from the gospel doesn't just that comes from the gospel doesn't just that comes from the gospel doesn't just give us hope for the future, it gives us give us hope for the future, it gives us give us hope for the future, it gives us hope for right now. hope for right now. hope for right now. It gives us hope in the moment. It gives It gives us hope in the moment. It gives It gives us hope in the moment. It gives us hope in the middle of our situation us hope in the middle of our situation us hope in the middle of our situation and circumstance. and circumstance. and circumstance. I know that he'll rise again I know that he'll rise again I know that he'll rise again in the resurrection of the last day. And in the resurrection of the last day. And in the resurrection of the last day. And now Jesus speaks to her and says this, now Jesus speaks to her and says this, now Jesus speaks to her and says this, "I am the resurrection and the life." "I am the resurrection and the life." "I am the resurrection and the life." Come on, how many of you know you don't Come on, how many of you know you don't Come on, how many of you know you don't need resurrection unless you're dead? So Jesus is he's confronting all of So Jesus is he's confronting all of these issues with how he's speaking to these issues with how he's speaking to these issues with how he's speaking to her. "I'm the resurrection and the her. "I'm the resurrection and the her. "I'm the resurrection and the life," he says. "Whoever believes in me, life," he says. "Whoever believes in me, life," he says. "Whoever believes in me, though he die," there it is, though he die," there it is, though he die," there it is, "yet shall he live again. And everyone "yet shall he live again. And everyone "yet shall he live again. And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never who lives and believes in me shall never who lives and believes in me shall never die. Now, I want you to hear these next die. Now, I want you to hear these next die. Now, I want you to hear these next words because they are some of the most words because they are some of the most words because they are some of the most confrontational words found within the confrontational words found within the confrontational words found within the New Testament. Y'all ready for this?

New Testament. Y'all ready for this? New Testament. Y'all ready for this? Watch what Jesus says. Watch what Jesus says. Watch what Jesus says. Do you believe this? Not is this a good idea? Not is this a good idea? Not does it match up with other things Not does it match up with other things Not does it match up with other things I'm hearing? I'm hearing? I'm hearing? Not whether you like it and it feels Not whether you like it and it feels Not whether you like it and it feels good? good? good? Watch what he says. Watch what he says. Watch what he says. He says, "Whoever believes in me, though He says, "Whoever believes in me, though He says, "Whoever believes in me, though he die, he shall live and everyone who he die, he shall live and everyone who he die, he shall live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never lives and believes in me shall never lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" What is he die. Do you believe this?" What is he die. Do you believe this?" What is he doing? He's asking, "Do you believe in doing? He's asking, "Do you believe in doing? He's asking, "Do you believe in the gospel message? Do you understand who I am?" And she Do you understand who I am?" And she said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the son of God, who you are the Christ, the son of God, who you are the Christ, the son of God, who is coming into the world." And where is coming into the world." And where is coming into the world." And where This is where we get this fancy This is where we get this fancy This is where we get this fancy theological word known as justification. theological word known as justification. theological word known as justification. It's a term used throughout the Bible It's a term used throughout the Bible It's a term used throughout the Bible many, many times and what it means is many, many times and what it means is many, many times and what it means is that there's a change in a man's that there's a change in a man's that there's a change in a man's relation or standing before God. It has relation or standing before God. It has relation or standing before God. It has to do with relations that have been to do with relations that have been to do with relations that have been disturbed by sin, but now because of the disturbed by sin, but now because of the disturbed by sin, but now because of the sacrifice of Jesus sacrifice of Jesus sacrifice of Jesus everything changes.

everything changes. everything changes. Can I just tell you that when you are in Can I just tell you that when you are in Can I just tell you that when you are in relationship with Jesus, when you've relationship with Jesus, when you've relationship with Jesus, when you've surrendered your life and submitted your surrendered your life and submitted your surrendered your life and submitted your life to him, everything changes. Shame life to him, everything changes. Shame life to him, everything changes. Shame is gone. Your disposition changes. You is gone. Your disposition changes. You is gone. Your disposition changes. You put your shoulders back and your chest put your shoulders back and your chest put your shoulders back and your chest out. Why? Cuz I'm a new creation in out. Why? Cuz I'm a new creation in out. Why? Cuz I'm a new creation in Christ Jesus. I've known this this beautiful woman for I've known this this beautiful woman for 35 35 35 years. We dated in junior high school. years. We dated in junior high school. years. We dated in junior high school. We dated in high school. We were And I We dated in high school. We were And I We dated in high school. We were And I don't recommend all that. The parents don't recommend all that. The parents don't recommend all that. The parents are like, "Can you please be quiet right are like, "Can you please be quiet right are like, "Can you please be quiet right now about this whole thing?" Right? But we went to almost all of our dances But we went to almost all of our dances together. together. together. Proms, Sadie Hawkins, I don't even know Proms, Sadie Hawkins, I don't even know Proms, Sadie Hawkins, I don't even know if they're doing those anymore, and at if they're doing those anymore, and at if they're doing those anymore, and at homecoming, and I remember the first homecoming, and I remember the first homecoming, and I remember the first dance that I went to dance that I went to dance that I went to with her where I had to wear a tuxedo. with her where I had to wear a tuxedo. with her where I had to wear a tuxedo. Now, I was like a gangly kid, acne Now, I was like a gangly kid, acne Now, I was like a gangly kid, acne everywhere, not not good-looking, and I everywhere, not not good-looking, and I everywhere, not not good-looking, and I was like, how did I get her? And this was like, how did I get her? And this was like, how did I get her? And this was like the '90s, and so those of you was like the '90s, and so those of you was like the '90s, and so those of you who understand clothing in the '90s, I who understand clothing in the '90s, I who understand clothing in the '90s, I wore these pants called JNCOs. They were wore these pants called JNCOs. They were wore these pants called JNCOs. They were these like really big they How many of these like really big they How many of these like really big they How many of you don't know what I'm talking about?

you don't know what I'm talking about? you don't know what I'm talking about? Corduroy ones. I don't know whose I did Corduroy ones. I don't know whose I did Corduroy ones. I don't know whose I did that was. that was. that was. The weirdest of clothes. They looked The weirdest of clothes. They looked The weirdest of clothes. They looked strange. I was like, why are you dating strange. I was like, why are you dating strange. I was like, why are you dating me right now? me right now? me right now? And so I'll never forget homecoming. And so I'll never forget homecoming. And so I'll never forget homecoming. Got my first tuxedo. Got my first tuxedo. Got my first tuxedo. Come on, man. How many of you know what Come on, man. How many of you know what Come on, man. How many of you know what I'm talking about? I'm talking about? I'm talking about? And I'll never I'll never forget. I I And I'll never I'll never forget. I I And I'll never I'll never forget. I I put that tuxedo I put a cummerbund on put that tuxedo I put a cummerbund on put that tuxedo I put a cummerbund on for the first time. for the first time. for the first time. And I was like, so this is what real And I was like, so this is what real And I was like, so this is what real life is like. life is like. life is like. Put that cummerbund on and a bow tie on, Put that cummerbund on and a bow tie on, Put that cummerbund on and a bow tie on, my jacket on, and my shiny shoes on. I'm my jacket on, and my shiny shoes on. I'm my jacket on, and my shiny shoes on. I'm looking like James Bond, and I looked in looking like James Bond, and I looked in looking like James Bond, and I looked in that mirror, and I was like, well, son, that mirror, and I was like, well, son, that mirror, and I was like, well, son, you're a good-looking man. you're a good-looking man. you're a good-looking man. What did that do? Because I put What did that do? Because I put What did that do? Because I put something new on, something new on, something new on, it changed who I was. it changed who I was. it changed who I was. It changed my disposition. It changed my It changed my disposition. It changed my It changed my disposition. It changed my countenance. I put my shoulders back. I countenance. I put my shoulders back. I countenance. I put my shoulders back. I was confident. was confident. was confident. And that's what happens when we put on And that's what happens when we put on And that's what happens when we put on Christ. Christ. Christ. When we put on Christ, we're putting a When we put on Christ, we're putting a When we put on Christ, we're putting a new life on. We we are told in scripture new life on. We we are told in scripture new life on. We we are told in scripture that we are a new creation.

that we are a new creation. that we are a new creation. We are justified. We are justified. We are justified. This is the beauty This is the beauty This is the beauty of the gospel. Justification is a of the gospel. Justification is a of the gospel. Justification is a miracle and happens in a moment. It's miracle and happens in a moment. It's miracle and happens in a moment. It's instantaneous. instantaneous. instantaneous. It's what God does, not what you and I It's what God does, not what you and I It's what God does, not what you and I do. do. do. This is the beautiful gospel message, This is the beautiful gospel message, This is the beautiful gospel message, and we can't lose it. So, the third and we can't lose it. So, the third and we can't lose it. So, the third thing is this is the gospel announces thing is this is the gospel announces thing is this is the gospel announces our justification our justification our justification before before before God. Number four, the fourth truth that God. Number four, the fourth truth that God. Number four, the fourth truth that we we we see in the text found in John is this. see in the text found in John is this. see in the text found in John is this. Is it the gospel ignites transformation Is it the gospel ignites transformation Is it the gospel ignites transformation by his grace. by his grace. by his grace. The gospel ignites transformation by his The gospel ignites transformation by his The gospel ignites transformation by his grace. John chapter 11:38 through to 44. grace. John chapter 11:38 through to 44. grace. John chapter 11:38 through to 44. Look at this. We got through 40 Look at this. We got through 40 Look at this. We got through 40 something verses. Come on, y'all proud something verses. Come on, y'all proud something verses. Come on, y'all proud of yourselves? We did it, okay? Then Jesus deeply moved again. Then Jesus deeply moved again. Man, I just want to speak to somebody's Man, I just want to speak to somebody's Man, I just want to speak to somebody's heart tonight. heart tonight. heart tonight. If If you're If If you're If If you're If you're in this room at any of our If you're in this room at any of our If you're in this room at any of our campuses, campuses, campuses, if you've ever had that thought that's if you've ever had that thought that's if you've ever had that thought that's come across your mind, does does God come across your mind, does does God come across your mind, does does God really care really care really care about my life? Does God really care about my life? Does God really care about my life? Does God really care about my situation? I want you to get about my situation? I want you to get about my situation? I want you to get these words in your heart. Then Jesus these words in your heart. Then Jesus these words in your heart. Then Jesus deeply moved again.

deeply moved again. deeply moved again. He sees your situation. He sees your He sees your situation. He sees your He sees your situation. He sees your circumstance. He understands where you circumstance. He understands where you circumstance. He understands where you are at. I'm talking to those of you who are at. I'm talking to those of you who are at. I'm talking to those of you who do not know who Jesus is yet, and I'm do not know who Jesus is yet, and I'm do not know who Jesus is yet, and I'm talking to those of you who've been talking to those of you who've been talking to those of you who've been following Jesus forever. He knows following Jesus forever. He knows following Jesus forever. He knows exactly where you're at. exactly where you're at. exactly where you're at. Every single moment. Then Jesus deeply moved again. He came Then Jesus deeply moved again. He came to the tomb. It was a cave and a stone to the tomb. It was a cave and a stone to the tomb. It was a cave and a stone lay against it. Verse 39. Then Jesus lay against it. Verse 39. Then Jesus lay against it. Verse 39. Then Jesus said, "Take away the stone." said, "Take away the stone." said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there'll be to him, "Lord, by this time there'll be to him, "Lord, by this time there'll be an odor, for he has been dead four an odor, for he has been dead four an odor, for he has been dead four days." Now she's really practical. days." Now she's really practical. days." Now she's really practical. Then Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell Then Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell Then Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see" you that if you believed you would see" you that if you believed you would see" Here it is. He's going to connect now to Here it is. He's going to connect now to Here it is. He's going to connect now to the very beginning of John that we the very beginning of John that we the very beginning of John that we started reading, started reading, started reading, "that you would not see the glory of "that you would not see the glory of "that you would not see the glory of God?" He brings it right back. He brings it right back. She's paying attention to Lazarus again, She's paying attention to Lazarus again, She's paying attention to Lazarus again, but Jesus says, "No, no, no, no, get but Jesus says, "No, no, no, no, get but Jesus says, "No, no, no, no, get your eyes off of the situation. Put them your eyes off of the situation. Put them your eyes off of the situation. Put them Put them back on me." Put them back on me." Put them back on me." Y'all see that in the text? Y'all see that in the text? Y'all see that in the text? He's saying, "Remember what I came to He's saying, "Remember what I came to He's saying, "Remember what I came to do."

do." do." It's not about Lazarus, it's about about It's not about Lazarus, it's about about It's not about Lazarus, it's about about me. me. me. The Did I not tell you that if you The Did I not tell you that if you The Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God? believed you would see the glory of God? believed you would see the glory of God? So, they took away the stone. So, they took away the stone. So, they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you've heard "Father, I thank you that you've heard "Father, I thank you that you've heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but me. I knew that you always hear me, but me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on the accounts of the I said this on the accounts of the I said this on the accounts of the people standing around that they may people standing around that they may people standing around that they may believe that you sent me." believe that you sent me." believe that you sent me." When he said these things, he cried out When he said these things, he cried out When he said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, with a loud voice, "Lazarus, with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." I'm going to do that one more time I'm going to do that one more time because I want you to get I want you to because I want you to get I want you to because I want you to get I want you to get the VERACITY OF THAT. "LAZARUS, get the VERACITY OF THAT. "LAZARUS, get the VERACITY OF THAT. "LAZARUS, COME OUT." I THINK WE READ OUR BIBLE SO sanitized I THINK WE READ OUR BIBLE SO sanitized sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. Jesus says that he didn't stand there Jesus says that he didn't stand there Jesus says that he didn't stand there lightly and and go like, "Hey Lazarus, lightly and and go like, "Hey Lazarus, lightly and and go like, "Hey Lazarus, like when you're ready, hey bro, can you like when you're ready, hey bro, can you like when you're ready, hey bro, can you come out? That'd be come out? That'd be come out? That'd be be great." be great." be great." No, the the text tells us with a loud No, the the text tells us with a loud No, the the text tells us with a loud voice, an authoritative voice, "Lazarus, voice, an authoritative voice, "Lazarus, voice, an authoritative voice, "Lazarus, come out." come out." come out." Come on, is anybody thankful that God Come on, is anybody thankful that God Come on, is anybody thankful that God called you out of the dead place that called you out of the dead place that called you out of the dead place that you were in? COME ON, IS ANYBODY you were in? COME ON, IS ANYBODY you were in? COME ON, IS ANYBODY THANKFUL THAT GOD CALLED YOU OUT THANKFUL THAT GOD CALLED YOU OUT THANKFUL THAT GOD CALLED YOU OUT of the grave?

Man who died, he came out. Man who died, he came out. The text tells us that his hands and his The text tells us that his hands and his The text tells us that his hands and his feet bound feet bound feet bound with linen strips with linen strips with linen strips and his face fat wrapped with a cloth. and his face fat wrapped with a cloth. and his face fat wrapped with a cloth. And Jesus said to him these words, and And Jesus said to him these words, and And Jesus said to him these words, and these words have always captivated my these words have always captivated my these words have always captivated my imagination and my heart as I've read imagination and my heart as I've read imagination and my heart as I've read them. Because remember, the fourth truth them. Because remember, the fourth truth them. Because remember, the fourth truth is that the gospel ignites the is that the gospel ignites the is that the gospel ignites the transformation, transformation, transformation, our transformation by his grace. Okay, our transformation by his grace. Okay, our transformation by his grace. Okay, we're going to connect these now, right? we're going to connect these now, right? we're going to connect these now, right? Unbind him Unbind him Unbind him and let him and let him and let him go. go. go. It's what it means. It's what it means. It's what it means. You and I don't have to get unbound You and I don't have to get unbound You and I don't have to get unbound before we come to Jesus. before we come to Jesus. before we come to Jesus. We get unbound after Jesus calls us out We get unbound after Jesus calls us out We get unbound after Jesus calls us out of the grave. of the grave. of the grave. You can't remove your grave clothes. You can't remove your grave clothes. You can't remove your grave clothes. Only he can. Lazarus came out. Guys, Only he can. Lazarus came out. Guys, Only he can. Lazarus came out. Guys, this is the first moment that we see a this is the first moment that we see a this is the first moment that we see a zombie in scripture. He's coming out all bound up. He's coming out all bound up. Face wrapped.

And a lot of us believe that we have to And a lot of us believe that we have to come to Jesus all cleaned up. A lot OF US BELIEVE THAT I GOT TO HAVE A lot OF US BELIEVE THAT I GOT TO HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER IF I'M GOING TO COME TO IT ALL TOGETHER IF I'M GOING TO COME TO IT ALL TOGETHER IF I'M GOING TO COME TO JESUS. NO, NO, NO. He's the only ONE JESUS. NO, NO, NO. He's the only ONE JESUS. NO, NO, NO. He's the only ONE THAT CALLS US OUT OF THE GRAVE AND THEN THAT CALLS US OUT OF THE GRAVE AND THEN THAT CALLS US OUT OF THE GRAVE AND THEN HE transforms us. THEN HE UNBINDS US. HE transforms us. THEN HE UNBINDS US. HE transforms us. THEN HE UNBINDS US. THEN HE REMOVES the things that have us THEN HE REMOVES the things that have us THEN HE REMOVES the things that have us bound up. The gospel marks the beginning of God's The gospel marks the beginning of God's ongoing plan of growth and ongoing plan of growth and ongoing plan of growth and transformation in our lives. So, the transformation in our lives. So, the transformation in our lives. So, the gospel of John shows us what the gospel is in the story of what the gospel is in the story of Lazarus. Lazarus. Lazarus. Mark chapter 2 Mark chapter 2 Mark chapter 2 is when Jesus tells us, "I came is when Jesus tells us, "I came is when Jesus tells us, "I came for that." for that." for that." Everybody look at me. Everybody look at me. Everybody look at me. Mark chapter 2 Mark chapter 2 Mark chapter 2 is Jesus' declaration is Jesus' declaration is Jesus' declaration that I came that I came that I came to bring dead things to bring dead things to bring dead things back to life. back to life. back to life. I came to bring healing. I came to bring I came to bring healing. I came to bring I came to bring healing. I came to bring forgiveness. I came to bring grace. I forgiveness. I came to bring grace. I forgiveness. I came to bring grace. I came to bring hope. I came to bring came to bring hope. I came to bring came to bring hope. I came to bring peace because you and I aren't the peace because you and I aren't the peace because you and I aren't the center of the story. Jesus and the good center of the story. Jesus and the good center of the story. Jesus and the good news of his life, death, resurrection, news of his life, death, resurrection, news of his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. And I don't know about and ascension. And I don't know about and ascension. And I don't know about you, but I still believe he is coming you, but I still believe he is coming you, but I still believe he is coming back through the clouds in glory for back through the clouds in glory for back through the clouds in glory for this beautiful thing that he's building this beautiful thing that he's building this beautiful thing that he's building called the church. Those who have been called the church. Those who have been called the church. Those who have been redeemed by his blood. This is the God redeemed by his blood. This is the God redeemed by his blood. This is the God that we worship. This is the God that we that we worship. This is the God that we that we worship. This is the God that we serve. And his name is Jesus. Do not serve. And his name is Jesus. Do not serve. And his name is Jesus. Do not lose the gospel, Saddleback. May it ever lose the gospel, Saddleback. May it ever lose the gospel, Saddleback. May it ever BE ON OUR LIPS. MAY IT EVER BE IN OUR

BE ON OUR LIPS. MAY IT EVER BE IN OUR BE ON OUR LIPS. MAY IT EVER BE IN OUR HEARTS. MAY IT EVER BE IN OUR PRAISE. HEARTS. MAY IT EVER BE IN OUR PRAISE. HEARTS. MAY IT EVER BE IN OUR PRAISE. MAY IT BE IN OUR HOMES AND OUR MAY IT BE IN OUR HOMES AND OUR MAY IT BE IN OUR HOMES AND OUR WORKPLACES AND EVERYWHERE WE FIND WORKPLACES AND EVERYWHERE WE FIND WORKPLACES AND EVERYWHERE WE FIND OURSELVES. Don't lose OURSELVES. Don't lose OURSELVES. Don't lose the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. It is the greatest message not ever told. not ever told. It's the greatest message It's the greatest message It's the greatest message ever lived. And I pray And I pray that whether you've been following Jesus that whether you've been following Jesus that whether you've been following Jesus for 20 years for 20 years for 20 years or you've yet to say yes to him, or you've yet to say yes to him, or you've yet to say yes to him, that every single one of us that every single one of us that every single one of us would realize the beauty would realize the beauty would realize the beauty and the necessity and the necessity and the necessity of the gospel of the gospel of the gospel for our lives. In Jesus' mighty name. for our lives. In Jesus' mighty name. for our lives. In Jesus' mighty name. Come on and all God's people shouted, Come on and all God's people shouted, Come on and all God's people shouted, "Amen. Amen." Come on. I want to ask you all to bow Come on. I want to ask you all to bow your head, close your eyes across all of your head, close your eyes across all of your head, close your eyes across all of our campuses.

our campuses. our campuses. I want to lead us in a prayer. I want to lead us in a prayer. I want to lead us in a prayer. This is an important prayer for some of This is an important prayer for some of This is an important prayer for some of us. us. us. Even just one of us. I believe that Even just one of us. I believe that Even just one of us. I believe that there's there's there's just one person potentially that needs just one person potentially that needs just one person potentially that needs to say yes to Jesus. And to say yes to Jesus. And to say yes to Jesus. And this prayer that we're about to pray, this prayer that we're about to pray, this prayer that we're about to pray, there's nothing fancy in these words or there's nothing fancy in these words or there's nothing fancy in these words or special in these words, but rather the special in these words, but rather the special in these words, but rather the heart from which these words would come. heart from which these words would come. heart from which these words would come. Cuz here's the deal. There's not a Cuz here's the deal. There's not a Cuz here's the deal. There's not a prayer that you and I pray that makes prayer that you and I pray that makes prayer that you and I pray that makes Jesus king. He's king whether you Jesus king. He's king whether you Jesus king. He's king whether you believe it or not. The question is, have believe it or not. The question is, have believe it or not. The question is, have you surrendered your life to him? you surrendered your life to him? you surrendered your life to him? And that's what this prayer that we're And that's what this prayer that we're And that's what this prayer that we're about to do is. And so, I'm going to ask about to do is. And so, I'm going to ask about to do is. And so, I'm going to ask all of us across all of our campuses, all of us across all of our campuses, all of us across all of our campuses, would you just repeat these words after would you just repeat these words after would you just repeat these words after me as loud and as bold as you can? We're me as loud and as bold as you can? We're me as loud and as bold as you can? We're going to pray, going to pray, going to pray, and then we're going to party. And I'll and then we're going to party. And I'll and then we're going to party. And I'll explain that in just a minute. So, with explain that in just a minute. So, with explain that in just a minute. So, with that, head every head bowed, every eye that, head every head bowed, every eye that, head every head bowed, every eye closed. Come on. As loud as you can, closed. Come on. As loud as you can, closed. Come on. As loud as you can, repeat these words after me. Everybody repeat these words after me. Everybody repeat these words after me. Everybody say, "Jesus, say, "Jesus, say, "Jesus, I'm giving you everything. I'm giving you everything. I'm giving you everything. My past, My past, My past, my right now, my right now, my right now, putting my future in your hands. putting my future in your hands. putting my future in your hands. Save me. Save me. Save me. Change me. Change me. Change me. and make me new.

and make me new. and make me new. And I declare in this moment And I declare in this moment And I declare in this moment that I'm going to follow you that I'm going to follow you that I'm going to follow you all the days of my life. all the days of my life. all the days of my life. Today, Today, Today, I repent of my sin. I repent of my sin. I repent of my sin. I turn to you, I turn to you, I turn to you, and I receive salvation. and I receive salvation. and I receive salvation. In Jesus' mighty name. In Jesus' mighty name. In Jesus' mighty name. Come on, and everybody shout amen. Come on, and everybody shout amen. Come on, and everybody shout amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. That's our prayer. Amen. Amen. Amen. That's our prayer. Amen. Amen. Amen. That's our prayer. That's our prayer. Okay? That's our prayer. Okay? That's our prayer. Okay? >> What a great [music] >> What a great [music] >> What a great [music] message from Pastor Jason Parrish. I message from Pastor Jason Parrish. I message from Pastor Jason Parrish. I love the reminder that the gospel is the love the reminder that the gospel is the love the reminder that the gospel is the beginning of God's plan for growth beginning of God's plan for growth beginning of God's plan for growth [music] [music] [music] and transformation for our lives. and transformation for our lives. and transformation for our lives. In a moment, we're going to join the In a moment, we're going to join the In a moment, we're going to join the rest of our church family in worship, rest of our church family in worship, rest of our church family in worship, but we want to take this opportunity to but we want to take this opportunity to but we want to take this opportunity to give [music] you an opportunity to give [music] you an opportunity to give [music] you an opportunity to respond. So, maybe there's a next step respond. So, maybe there's a next step respond. So, maybe there's a next step that you want to take. Maybe you want to that you want to take. Maybe you want to that you want to take. Maybe you want to join a small group, or maybe you want to join a small group, or maybe you want to join a small group, or maybe you want to fill out the get growing card, [music] fill out the get growing card, [music] fill out the get growing card, [music] or maybe you just decided to accept the or maybe you just decided to accept the or maybe you just decided to accept the salvation that Pastor Jason [music] was salvation that Pastor Jason [music] was salvation that Pastor Jason [music] was talking about. Whatever it may be, we talking about. Whatever it may be, we talking about. Whatever it may be, we would love to know about it. So, you can would love to know about it. So, you can would love to know about it. So, you can let us know in the Saddleback app, let us know in the Saddleback app, let us know in the Saddleback app, whatever that is, and we would love to whatever that is, and we would love to whatever that is, and we would love to walk alongside you and pray for you in walk alongside you and pray for you in walk alongside you and pray for you in that.

that. that. As you're doing that, let's go ahead and As you're doing that, let's go ahead and As you're doing that, let's go ahead and join our church as we worship through join our church as we worship through join our church as we worship through singing. singing. singing. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Praise the one who set me free. Praise the one who set me free. Praise the one who set me free. Death has lost its grip [music] on me. Death has lost its grip [music] on me. Death has lost its grip [music] on me. Come on, we sing. Come on, we sing. Come on, we sing. >> Hallelujah. [singing] >> Hallelujah. [singing] >> Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Jesus rose in victory. Jesus rose in victory. Jesus rose in victory. He's alive. He's alive. He's alive. He's alive. He's alive. He's alive. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Praise [music] the one who set me free. Praise [music] the one who set me free. Praise [music] the one who set me free. Death has lost its grip. Oh, yeah. Death has lost its grip. Oh, yeah. Death has lost its grip. Oh, yeah. >> [music] >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Jesus rose in victory. Jesus rose in victory. Jesus rose in victory. He's alive, alive in [music] me. So, may I never boast So, may I never boast >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in anything except the cross except the cross of Jesus [music] Christ.

of Jesus [music] Christ. of Jesus [music] Christ. And may I not forget And may I not forget And may I not forget the blood He shed. [music and singing] the blood He shed. [music and singing] the blood He shed. [music and singing] And in His body and death, And in His body and death, And in His body and death, I am alive. [music] Because of Christ, Because of Christ, I am >> [music] >> [music] >> Because of Christ, I am alive. >> Because of Christ, I am alive. >> Because of Christ, I am alive. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Because of Christ, I [music] am >> Because of Christ, I [music] am >> Because of Christ, I [music] am alive. >> Thank you so much again for joining us >> Thank you so much again for joining us for church today. for church today. for church today. Once again, if you want prayer for Once again, if you want prayer for Once again, if you want prayer for [music] anything or if there's a next [music] anything or if there's a next [music] anything or if there's a next step that you want to take in your step that you want to take in your step that you want to take in your faith, maybe you want to join a small faith, maybe you want to join a small faith, maybe you want to join a small group, you can let us know on the group, you can let us know on the group, you can let us know on the Saddleback app so that we can pray for Saddleback app so that we can pray for Saddleback app so that we can pray for you and walk with you in whatever step you and walk with you in whatever step you and walk with you in whatever step that may be. that may be. that may be. Church family, we love you so much. I Church family, we love you so much. I Church family, we love you so much. I hope you have a great week and we'll see hope you have a great week and we'll see hope you have a great week and we'll see you back here again for church next you back here again for church next you back here again for church next week.