Deeper Still – Sermon – Matt Chandler – 8/9/26

Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of our visions at the Village Church is we our visions at the Village Church is we our visions at the Village Church is we want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources liberally the big C church of Jesus liberally the big C church of Jesus liberally the big C church of Jesus Christ. And if by his grace we might Christ. And if by his grace we might Christ. And if by his grace we might leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. And so, thanks for watching this sermon And so, thanks for watching this sermon And so, thanks for watching this sermon or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your community in conjunction with your ongoing disciplehip at a local church. A ongoing disciplehip at a local church. A ongoing disciplehip at a local church. A and if by the grace of God, this becomes and if by the grace of God, this becomes and if by the grace of God, this becomes one of those things that continues to one of those things that continues to one of those things that continues to build up your faith, encourage your build up your faith, encourage your build up your faith, encourage your walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would you consider giving to the ministries of you consider giving to the ministries of you consider giving to the ministries of the Village Church? It's actually really the Village Church? It's actually really the Village Church? It's actually really simple. You could either do it in the simple. You could either do it in the simple. You could either do it in the app or you can go to the villageurch.net app or you can go to the villageurch.net app or you can go to the villageurch.net net back/g net back/g net back/g and do it there. I hope that the next and do it there. I hope that the next and do it there. I hope that the next chunk of time as you watch this sermon, chunk of time as you watch this sermon, chunk of time as you watch this sermon, you find your affections for Jesus you find your affections for Jesus you find your affections for Jesus soaring. You find courage flood back soaring. You find courage flood back soaring. You find courage flood back into your bones and you fall more deeply into your bones and you fall more deeply into your bones and you fall more deeply in love with Jesus than you are at this in love with Jesus than you are at this in love with Jesus than you are at this moment. God bless you.

All right, our reading today comes from All right, our reading today comes from Ephesians 4 10-15. Ephesians 4 10-15. Ephesians 4 10-15. The one who descended is also the one The one who descended is also the one The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens who ascended far above all the heavens who ascended far above all the heavens to fill all things. And he himself gave to fill all things. And he himself gave to fill all things. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some some to be apostles, some prophets, some some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers evangelists, some pastors and teachers evangelists, some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of the to equip the saints for the work of the to equip the saints for the work of the ministry to build up the body of Christ. ministry to build up the body of Christ. ministry to build up the body of Christ. until we all reach unity in the faith until we all reach unity in the faith until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's son, and in the knowledge of God's son, and in the knowledge of God's son, growing into maturity with a stature growing into maturity with a stature growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ's fullness. Then we measured by Christ's fullness. Then we measured by Christ's fullness. Then we will no longer be little children tossed will no longer be little children tossed will no longer be little children tossed by the waves, blown around by the very by the waves, blown around by the very by the waves, blown around by the very every wind of teaching. by human every wind of teaching. by human every wind of teaching. by human cunning, with cleverness and the cunning, with cleverness and the cunning, with cleverness and the techniques of deceit, techniques of deceit, techniques of deceit, but speaking the truth in love, let us but speaking the truth in love, let us but speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the grow in every way into him who is the grow in every way into him who is the head of Christ. This is the word of the head of Christ. This is the word of the head of Christ. This is the word of the Lord. Lord. Lord. You guys may be seated.

All right. Well, good morning, church. All right. Well, good morning, church. My name is PJ. I serve on your security My name is PJ. I serve on your security My name is PJ. I serve on your security team here. Um, yeah, thank you. team here. Um, yeah, thank you. team here. Um, yeah, thank you. I'm a husband, father, uh, Marine, I'm a husband, father, uh, Marine, I'm a husband, father, uh, Marine, entrepreneur, and, uh, co-founder of entrepreneur, and, uh, co-founder of entrepreneur, and, uh, co-founder of Therapeutic Recreation Group. We're a Therapeutic Recreation Group. We're a Therapeutic Recreation Group. We're a local 501 that, uh, serves our veteran, local 501 that, uh, serves our veteran, local 501 that, uh, serves our veteran, frontline, and first responders frontline, and first responders frontline, and first responders community, uh, right here in town. I community, uh, right here in town. I community, uh, right here in town. I love reading out loud and speaking in love reading out loud and speaking in love reading out loud and speaking in front of tons of people. front of tons of people. front of tons of people. No, I don't. But we're we're doing it. No, I don't. But we're we're doing it. No, I don't. But we're we're doing it. Um, so there was a time in my life not Um, so there was a time in my life not Um, so there was a time in my life not so long ago when I was on the fence, you so long ago when I was on the fence, you so long ago when I was on the fence, you know, church, God, religion, uh, really know, church, God, religion, uh, really know, church, God, religion, uh, really really all the above. Um, I grew up really all the above. Um, I grew up really all the above. Um, I grew up right here in Flower Mound. I grew up in right here in Flower Mound. I grew up in right here in Flower Mound. I grew up in a great church, uh, serving, leading a great church, uh, serving, leading a great church, uh, serving, leading groups, mentoring youth, all the things. groups, mentoring youth, all the things. groups, mentoring youth, all the things. About six years ago, my wife and I About six years ago, my wife and I About six years ago, my wife and I decided to make a change and we landed decided to make a change and we landed decided to make a change and we landed here at the village. Um, I got plugged here at the village. Um, I got plugged here at the village. Um, I got plugged in with a group of guys at Chandler's in with a group of guys at Chandler's in with a group of guys at Chandler's house for a series of Thursday nights.

house for a series of Thursday nights. house for a series of Thursday nights. Um, it's there I realized that really I Um, it's there I realized that really I Um, it's there I realized that really I had spent the last 40 years chasing a had spent the last 40 years chasing a had spent the last 40 years chasing a religion, a legalistic, dependent on religion, a legalistic, dependent on religion, a legalistic, dependent on disciplined view of what I thought disciplined view of what I thought disciplined view of what I thought Christianity was. Over those few months, Christianity was. Over those few months, Christianity was. Over those few months, I began to realize it was a real I began to realize it was a real I began to realize it was a real relationship that God wanted. And there relationship that God wanted. And there relationship that God wanted. And there was this crazy freedom that actually was this crazy freedom that actually was this crazy freedom that actually came along with that. Sure, there's a came along with that. Sure, there's a came along with that. Sure, there's a place for discipline, but that's no place for discipline, but that's no place for discipline, but that's no longer my focus. longer my focus. longer my focus. Uh, I'm grateful for those guys. I'm Uh, I'm grateful for those guys. I'm Uh, I'm grateful for those guys. I'm grateful for our our pastor that that grateful for our our pastor that that grateful for our our pastor that that call me out by name and pulled me into call me out by name and pulled me into call me out by name and pulled me into that group. Um, grateful for the that group. Um, grateful for the that group. Um, grateful for the opportunity and the grace of God that he opportunity and the grace of God that he opportunity and the grace of God that he has allowed me to start to understand has allowed me to start to understand has allowed me to start to understand that he does have more. Uh, I was at a that he does have more. Uh, I was at a that he does have more. Uh, I was at a point in my life where if things were point in my life where if things were point in my life where if things were really what what they were going to be, really what what they were going to be, really what what they were going to be, just kind of ready to bail. Um, just kind of ready to bail. Um, just kind of ready to bail. Um, but in the past year, year and a half, but in the past year, year and a half, but in the past year, year and a half, I've undoubtedly I've undoubtedly I've undoubtedly uh just encountered and and felt God uh just encountered and and felt God uh just encountered and and felt God really in every direction that I've really in every direction that I've really in every direction that I've turned. Um, turned. Um, turned. Um, so if you've been thinking like, uh, so if you've been thinking like, uh, so if you've been thinking like, uh, there has to be more to it, man, there there has to be more to it, man, there there has to be more to it, man, there is. Um, if you're like me and, uh, we is. Um, if you're like me and, uh, we is. Um, if you're like me and, uh, we post up back there in in 25A at the post up back there in in 25A at the post up back there in in 25A at the back, uh, don't really engage that much, back, uh, don't really engage that much, back, uh, don't really engage that much, man, I would say engage. Uh, I'm really man, I would say engage. Uh, I'm really man, I would say engage. Uh, I'm really finding that, uh, you know, seeking out finding that, uh, you know, seeking out finding that, uh, you know, seeking out community, being intentional on plugging community, being intentional on plugging community, being intentional on plugging in when maybe that's not really what in when maybe that's not really what in when maybe that's not really what what you want to do, but but going ahead what you want to do, but but going ahead what you want to do, but but going ahead and stepping out there, doing that, and and stepping out there, doing that, and and stepping out there, doing that, and continuing to seek the Lord, like

continuing to seek the Lord, like continuing to seek the Lord, like everything can change. So, that's it. I just think how the Lord wires us I just think how the Lord wires us always makes me giggle. Like PJ has seen always makes me giggle. Like PJ has seen always makes me giggle. Like PJ has seen some stuff. And then I'm like like some stuff. And then I'm like like some stuff. And then I'm like like downrange seen some stuff. And then I downrange seen some stuff. And then I downrange seen some stuff. And then I was like, "Hey, would you just share was like, "Hey, would you just share was like, "Hey, would you just share brief testimony?" And he's like, "Oh, I brief testimony?" And he's like, "Oh, I brief testimony?" And he's like, "Oh, I don't know." Like, "Brother, you and don't know." Like, "Brother, you and don't know." Like, "Brother, you and your team ate a rocket. Had to be your team ate a rocket. Had to be your team ate a rocket. Had to be carefeded out of like you fought ISIS carefeded out of like you fought ISIS carefeded out of like you fought ISIS from behind a Toyota. from behind a Toyota. from behind a Toyota. Like what? What do you mean?" But it's Like what? What do you mean?" But it's Like what? What do you mean?" But it's funny, right? Like he he's not nervous funny, right? Like he he's not nervous funny, right? Like he he's not nervous about that. He just like chambers one about that. He just like chambers one about that. He just like chambers one and runs right into the heat. But this and runs right into the heat. But this and runs right into the heat. But this was just like, "Oh man, I'm not going to was just like, "Oh man, I'm not going to was just like, "Oh man, I'm not going to be able to sleep. I'm going to be so be able to sleep. I'm going to be so be able to sleep. I'm going to be so anxious." It's just funny how we're anxious." It's just funny how we're anxious." It's just funny how we're wired, how we're gifted. So, uh, last wired, how we're gifted. So, uh, last wired, how we're gifted. So, uh, last January, uh, met with a group of guys, January, uh, met with a group of guys, January, uh, met with a group of guys, started meeting with a group of guys at started meeting with a group of guys at started meeting with a group of guys at my house. Uh, night one, uh, we sat. It my house. Uh, night one, uh, we sat. It my house. Uh, night one, uh, we sat. It was way too cold to be outside. Uh, but was way too cold to be outside. Uh, but was way too cold to be outside. Uh, but we just I built the biggest fire I could we just I built the biggest fire I could we just I built the biggest fire I could in my little pit. And the way I always in my little pit. And the way I always in my little pit. And the way I always like to start is, hey, 15 minutes, catch like to start is, hey, 15 minutes, catch like to start is, hey, 15 minutes, catch us up to this moment in your life. And us up to this moment in your life. And us up to this moment in your life. And so everybody shares their story. No one so everybody shares their story. No one so everybody shares their story. No one goes 15 minutes. I even added like a goes 15 minutes. I even added like a goes 15 minutes. I even added like a little bottle flip thing. Like when you little bottle flip thing. Like when you little bottle flip thing. Like when you see me flip this, that gives you five.

see me flip this, that gives you five. see me flip this, that gives you five. About an hour and a half later, those About an hour and a half later, those About an hour and a half later, those brothers would kind of start wrapping it brothers would kind of start wrapping it brothers would kind of start wrapping it up. And and when it got to PJ, PJ's was up. And and when it got to PJ, PJ's was up. And and when it got to PJ, PJ's was both fascinating to me and haunting. Uh both fascinating to me and haunting. Uh both fascinating to me and haunting. Uh because PJ grew up in the church. Like because PJ grew up in the church. Like because PJ grew up in the church. Like not just grew up in the church, like he not just grew up in the church, like he not just grew up in the church, like he he and his family mowed the lawn of that he and his family mowed the lawn of that he and his family mowed the lawn of that church. He worked in student ministry. church. He worked in student ministry. church. He worked in student ministry. They were super active. And then here's They were super active. And then here's They were super active. And then here's this man who's never not been in and this man who's never not been in and this man who's never not been in and around the church saying, "I I'm on the around the church saying, "I I'm on the around the church saying, "I I'm on the fence." And so Big Will Tate was like, fence." And so Big Will Tate was like, fence." And so Big Will Tate was like, "What do you mean by on the fence?" He "What do you mean by on the fence?" He "What do you mean by on the fence?" He said, "Well, I just I mean, I've been in said, "Well, I just I mean, I've been in said, "Well, I just I mean, I've been in the game 40 years. Like, is this all the game 40 years. Like, is this all the game 40 years. Like, is this all there is? Is this it?" And then by the there is? Is this it?" And then by the there is? Is this it?" And then by the grace of God, the spirit just showed him grace of God, the spirit just showed him grace of God, the spirit just showed him a few weeks later, "Oh, no, no, this a few weeks later, "Oh, no, no, this a few weeks later, "Oh, no, no, this ain't it at all." uh and you heard his ain't it at all." uh and you heard his ain't it at all." uh and you heard his testimony of uh what I would call testimony of uh what I would call testimony of uh what I would call Christian adjacent behavior, Christian adjacent behavior, Christian adjacent behavior, but not necessarily being a Christian. but not necessarily being a Christian. but not necessarily being a Christian. Uh and so then by haunting, I'm like, Uh and so then by haunting, I'm like, Uh and so then by haunting, I'm like, "Oh my gosh, how many people are sitting "Oh my gosh, how many people are sitting "Oh my gosh, how many people are sitting out in front of me every weekend and out in front of me every weekend and out in front of me every weekend and this is their story? They know the this is their story? They know the this is their story? They know the songs, they know the language, they're songs, they know the language, they're songs, they know the language, they're trying to be good people." And none of trying to be good people." And none of trying to be good people." And none of that makes you a Christian. Even that makes you a Christian. Even that makes you a Christian. Even believing the right stuff doesn't make believing the right stuff doesn't make believing the right stuff doesn't make you a Christian. We're not working for you a Christian. We're not working for you a Christian. We're not working for God. We're working into and with God. So God. We're working into and with God. So God. We're working into and with God. So that what Jesus is after and what the that what Jesus is after and what the that what Jesus is after and what the gospel has done is ushered us into gospel has done is ushered us into gospel has done is ushered us into communion with him. And that it's out of communion with him. And that it's out of communion with him. And that it's out of an overflow of that and an understanding

an overflow of that and an understanding an overflow of that and an understanding that the spirit came into our souls, not that the spirit came into our souls, not that the spirit came into our souls, not empty-handed, but with gifts that we empty-handed, but with gifts that we empty-handed, but with gifts that we find our purpose, meaning, and joy. So, find our purpose, meaning, and joy. So, find our purpose, meaning, and joy. So, it's been fun for me to watch PJ not it's been fun for me to watch PJ not it's been fun for me to watch PJ not only grow, but man, we baptized 10 only grow, but man, we baptized 10 only grow, but man, we baptized 10 people in the last service. A lot of people in the last service. A lot of people in the last service. A lot of them just ancillarily connected to this them just ancillarily connected to this them just ancillarily connected to this man catching fire for Jesus. So, I I man catching fire for Jesus. So, I I man catching fire for Jesus. So, I I wonder sometimes if you've got that kind wonder sometimes if you've got that kind wonder sometimes if you've got that kind of lowgrade hitting the ceiling, I mean, of lowgrade hitting the ceiling, I mean, of lowgrade hitting the ceiling, I mean, I've been coming to church for a while. I've been coming to church for a while. I've been coming to church for a while. Is this all there is? I'm wondering if Is this all there is? I'm wondering if Is this all there is? I'm wondering if part of that probably wouldn't be true part of that probably wouldn't be true part of that probably wouldn't be true for all, but if part of that I is that for all, but if part of that I is that for all, but if part of that I is that the latent gift and invitation that God the latent gift and invitation that God the latent gift and invitation that God has put in you is just sitting there. has put in you is just sitting there. has put in you is just sitting there. Like I don't I don't know if you knew Like I don't I don't know if you knew Like I don't I don't know if you knew this or not. Christianity is not a this or not. Christianity is not a this or not. Christianity is not a spectator sport. spectator sport. spectator sport. >> It's not it's not a spectator sport. In >> It's not it's not a spectator sport. In >> It's not it's not a spectator sport. In fact, I'm going to make the argument fact, I'm going to make the argument fact, I'm going to make the argument today that I'm not the only one in this today that I'm not the only one in this today that I'm not the only one in this room called into ministry. Right. room called into ministry. Right. room called into ministry. Right. >> And and the more you don't understand >> And and the more you don't understand >> And and the more you don't understand that, the more I understand why you that, the more I understand why you that, the more I understand why you think Christianity is boring. And and think Christianity is boring. And and think Christianity is boring. And and the more you do understand that, you the more you do understand that, you the more you do understand that, you could testify like PJ. See, when you could testify like PJ. See, when you could testify like PJ. See, when you understand you've been saved into a understand you've been saved into a understand you've been saved into a body, when you understand that you've body, when you understand that you've body, when you understand that you've been given a gift and a role, when you been given a gift and a role, when you been given a gift and a role, when you begin to embrace, no, no, no. I am on begin to embrace, no, no, no. I am on begin to embrace, no, no, no. I am on mission with Christ pushing back mission with Christ pushing back mission with Christ pushing back darkness and establishing order in chaos darkness and establishing order in chaos darkness and establishing order in chaos in this cosmic conflict we find our in this cosmic conflict we find our in this cosmic conflict we find our lives playing out in now all of a sudden lives playing out in now all of a sudden lives playing out in now all of a sudden you move from is this it to I can't

you move from is this it to I can't you move from is this it to I can't believe I get to be a part of this like believe I get to be a part of this like believe I get to be a part of this like you move from there's got to be you move from there's got to be you move from there's got to be something more into I can't believe this something more into I can't believe this something more into I can't believe this is my life and so as long as Christ is is my life and so as long as Christ is is my life and so as long as Christ is an add-on to your life and he's not your an add-on to your life and he's not your an add-on to your life and he's not your life. He's not supreme. He's just life. He's not supreme. He's just life. He's not supreme. He's just another thing. I don't think you'll ever another thing. I don't think you'll ever another thing. I don't think you'll ever get there. I think you'll always hit the get there. I think you'll always hit the get there. I think you'll always hit the ceiling of white knuckle discipline, ceiling of white knuckle discipline, ceiling of white knuckle discipline, which there is a place for in faith, but which there is a place for in faith, but which there is a place for in faith, but not meant to replace a living not meant to replace a living not meant to replace a living relationship with the risen King of relationship with the risen King of relationship with the risen King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And that's Kings and Lord of Lords. And that's Kings and Lord of Lords. And that's exactly where the Apostle Paul wants to exactly where the Apostle Paul wants to exactly where the Apostle Paul wants to take us in Ephesians 4. So, I'm going to take us in Ephesians 4. So, I'm going to take us in Ephesians 4. So, I'm going to start in verse 10. We're just going to start in verse 10. We're just going to start in verse 10. We're just going to walk through this. Here's what verse 10 walk through this. Here's what verse 10 walk through this. Here's what verse 10 says. the one who descended. So Jesus is says. the one who descended. So Jesus is says. the one who descended. So Jesus is eternal, co-eternal with the father. It eternal, co-eternal with the father. It eternal, co-eternal with the father. It wasn't like Jesus just showed up. Now wasn't like Jesus just showed up. Now wasn't like Jesus just showed up. Now that God in human form shows up in the that God in human form shows up in the that God in human form shows up in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, but God the person of Jesus of Nazareth, but God the person of Jesus of Nazareth, but God the son is co-eternal with the father. He son is co-eternal with the father. He son is co-eternal with the father. He has always been. And this idea of has always been. And this idea of has always been. And this idea of descending is that the son of God, descending is that the son of God, descending is that the son of God, second person of the trinity, the active second person of the trinity, the active second person of the trinity, the active agent of creation descends, puts on agent of creation descends, puts on agent of creation descends, puts on flesh and blood and dwells uh among us.

flesh and blood and dwells uh among us. flesh and blood and dwells uh among us. And he gave us his mission statement to And he gave us his mission statement to And he gave us his mission statement to seek and save the lost. That that's his seek and save the lost. That that's his seek and save the lost. That that's his goal to seek and save the lost. To the goal to seek and save the lost. To the goal to seek and save the lost. To the one who descended is also the one who one who descended is also the one who one who descended is also the one who ascended far above the heavens to fill ascended far above the heavens to fill ascended far above the heavens to fill all things. And so this is just a brief all things. And so this is just a brief all things. And so this is just a brief to get us into Paul's argument uh an to get us into Paul's argument uh an to get us into Paul's argument uh an argument for the supremacy of Jesus argument for the supremacy of Jesus argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ co-eternal with the father Christ co-eternal with the father Christ co-eternal with the father descends Shane said it great last week descends Shane said it great last week descends Shane said it great last week went on a little mission trip to save us went on a little mission trip to save us went on a little mission trip to save us where we could not save ourselves that where we could not save ourselves that where we could not save ourselves that no amount of discipline no ma no amount no amount of discipline no ma no amount no amount of discipline no ma no amount of moral improvement was going to be of moral improvement was going to be of moral improvement was going to be able to save us. So God did what we able to save us. So God did what we able to save us. So God did what we could not do, weak as we are in the could not do, weak as we are in the could not do, weak as we are in the flesh. That's what the Bible says. That flesh. That's what the Bible says. That flesh. That's what the Bible says. That no amount of good behavior purchases no amount of good behavior purchases no amount of good behavior purchases salvation from God. So God made a way. salvation from God. So God made a way. salvation from God. So God made a way. He sent the son. The son not only He sent the son. The son not only He sent the son. The son not only descended, but he won and ascended where descended, but he won and ascended where descended, but he won and ascended where he sits at the right hand of glory. And he sits at the right hand of glory. And he sits at the right hand of glory. And did you see what the text says? And he did you see what the text says? And he did you see what the text says? And he fills all things. Now, you are actually fills all things. Now, you are actually fills all things. Now, you are actually objective evidence that that verse is objective evidence that that verse is objective evidence that that verse is true cuz you're worshiping Jesus in true cuz you're worshiping Jesus in true cuz you're worshiping Jesus in Dallas.

So, the supremacy of Christ fills all So, the supremacy of Christ fills all things. It's this unstoppable things. It's this unstoppable things. It's this unstoppable pushing back of what the enemy stole at pushing back of what the enemy stole at pushing back of what the enemy stole at the fall. And you and I are trophies of the fall. And you and I are trophies of the fall. And you and I are trophies of that grace if we're Christians. Now, that grace if we're Christians. Now, that grace if we're Christians. Now, this is this is common language. The this is this is common language. The this is this is common language. The supremacy of Christ is common language supremacy of Christ is common language supremacy of Christ is common language in the New Testament. Let me read a in the New Testament. Let me read a in the New Testament. Let me read a couple. This is Hebrews 1:3. The sun is couple. This is Hebrews 1:3. The sun is couple. This is Hebrews 1:3. The sun is the radiance of God's glory and the the radiance of God's glory and the the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of his nature. You want exact expression of his nature. You want exact expression of his nature. You want to know what God's like? Study the life to know what God's like? Study the life to know what God's like? Study the life of Jesus, sustaining all things by his of Jesus, sustaining all things by his of Jesus, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Love this sentence. After powerful word. Love this sentence. After powerful word. Love this sentence. After making purification for sins, he sat making purification for sins, he sat making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on down at the right hand of the Majesty on down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. I love this. Such a mic drop high. I love this. Such a mic drop high. I love this. Such a mic drop moment. Like he came to what? For the moment. Like he came to what? For the moment. Like he came to what? For the purification of sins that regardless of purification of sins that regardless of purification of sins that regardless of your past, regardless of what junk and I your past, regardless of what junk and I your past, regardless of what junk and I know some of you, you're surprised God know some of you, you're surprised God know some of you, you're surprised God hadn't lit you up with some lightning hadn't lit you up with some lightning hadn't lit you up with some lightning already. So, you're just low-key still already. So, you're just low-key still already. So, you're just low-key still nervous. I don't know. Maybe he'll get nervous. I don't know. Maybe he'll get nervous. I don't know. Maybe he'll get me in the offatory or something like me in the offatory or something like me in the offatory or something like that. Like you you just don't know. You that. Like you you just don't know. You that. Like you you just don't know. You just think God's like, "Oh, really? You just think God's like, "Oh, really? You just think God's like, "Oh, really? You gonna show up in my house?" Blam. But gonna show up in my house?" Blam. But gonna show up in my house?" Blam. But but this is saying that Christ came for but this is saying that Christ came for but this is saying that Christ came for what reason? for the purification of what reason? for the purification of what reason? for the purification of sin. What sin? All sin, past, present, sin. What sin? All sin, past, present, sin. What sin? All sin, past, present, and future, fully, freely, and forever and future, fully, freely, and forever and future, fully, freely, and forever for those who had put their faith in for those who had put their faith in for those who had put their faith in him. And then I love this part. Then he him. And then I love this part. Then he him. And then I love this part. Then he sat down.

sat down. sat down. Why? Cuz the work's done like he died Why? Cuz the work's done like he died Why? Cuz the work's done like he died once and for all for those who are being once and for all for those who are being once and for all for those who are being saved. This is why we don't believe in saved. This is why we don't believe in saved. This is why we don't believe in penance. It's why we don't punish penance. It's why we don't punish penance. It's why we don't punish ourselves. And where you are punishing ourselves. And where you are punishing ourselves. And where you are punishing yourself, I'm telling you, don't quite yourself, I'm telling you, don't quite yourself, I'm telling you, don't quite believe the gospel in its fullness yet. believe the gospel in its fullness yet. believe the gospel in its fullness yet. No, Christ absorbed all punishment for No, Christ absorbed all punishment for No, Christ absorbed all punishment for those who would believe on the cross. those who would believe on the cross. those who would believe on the cross. That's why it was so gruesome. And That's why it was so gruesome. And That's why it was so gruesome. And that's why it was so public. Which is that's why it was so public. Which is that's why it was so public. Which is why when you get to bending inward, you why when you get to bending inward, you why when you get to bending inward, you ought to gaze upon the cross and ought to gaze upon the cross and ought to gaze upon the cross and remember. No, he sat down. He ain't got remember. No, he sat down. He ain't got remember. No, he sat down. He ain't got to stand up again. Like, look, I love to stand up again. Like, look, I love to stand up again. Like, look, I love you. You ain't so nasty that Jesus got you. You ain't so nasty that Jesus got you. You ain't so nasty that Jesus got to stand up again. to stand up again. to stand up again. >> I'm just trying to Gosh, I wish you >> I'm just trying to Gosh, I wish you >> I'm just trying to Gosh, I wish you could get this. Like, I I I know like could get this. Like, I I I know like could get this. Like, I I I know like you you like you you so nasty. He's got you you like you you so nasty. He's got you you like you you so nasty. He's got to go do it again. No, no, no. Once and to go do it again. No, no, no. Once and to go do it again. No, no, no. Once and for all is what the book says. for all is what the book says. for all is what the book says. >> Once and for all for those who are >> Once and for all for those who are >> Once and for all for those who are perishing. So the supremacy of Christ is perishing. So the supremacy of Christ is perishing. So the supremacy of Christ is in seen in his victory over sin and in seen in his victory over sin and in seen in his victory over sin and death and in the salvation he extends to death and in the salvation he extends to death and in the salvation he extends to all. If he is not supreme, he cannot all. If he is not supreme, he cannot all. If he is not supreme, he cannot save us. But he is supreme. And then save us. But he is supreme. And then save us. But he is supreme. And then look at this. This is Philippians 29-11.

look at this. This is Philippians 29-11. look at this. This is Philippians 29-11. We could do Colossians 1 61617, but uh I We could do Colossians 1 61617, but uh I We could do Colossians 1 61617, but uh I thought Shane crushed that last week. thought Shane crushed that last week. thought Shane crushed that last week. Philippians 29-11. For this reason that Philippians 29-11. For this reason that Philippians 29-11. For this reason that Jesus descended and absorbed and Jesus descended and absorbed and Jesus descended and absorbed and resurrected and ascended. For this resurrected and ascended. For this resurrected and ascended. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave reason God highly exalted him and gave reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name. him the name that is above every name. him the name that is above every name. So that at the name of Jesus, every knee So that at the name of Jesus, every knee So that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and will bow in heaven and on earth and will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will under the earth and every tongue will under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Now I'm not glory of God the Father. Now I'm not glory of God the Father. Now I'm not trying to start a fight with you, but trying to start a fight with you, but trying to start a fight with you, but let me give you objective reality. No let me give you objective reality. No let me give you objective reality. No one in this room will decide whether or one in this room will decide whether or one in this room will decide whether or not their life glorifies God or not. You not their life glorifies God or not. You not their life glorifies God or not. You are going to glorify God. You are going are going to glorify God. You are going are going to glorify God. You are going to do it by being a trophy of his grace to do it by being a trophy of his grace to do it by being a trophy of his grace or the right just object of his wrath. or the right just object of his wrath. or the right just object of his wrath. Like even the most hardened people that Like even the most hardened people that Like even the most hardened people that are indifferent towards, aggressive are indifferent towards, aggressive are indifferent towards, aggressive about or despise Christ, they will bring about or despise Christ, they will bring about or despise Christ, they will bring glory to Christ when all is said and glory to Christ when all is said and glory to Christ when all is said and done. Every knee will bow. every tongue done. Every knee will bow. every tongue done. Every knee will bow. every tongue will confess. You and I are in a on a will confess. You and I are in a on a will confess. You and I are in a on a collision course with the one who sits collision course with the one who sits collision course with the one who sits behind everything we can see, touch, behind everything we can see, touch, behind everything we can see, touch, taste, smell, and and know about. Like taste, smell, and and know about. Like taste, smell, and and know about. Like he you you peel back all the dimensions.

he you you peel back all the dimensions. he you you peel back all the dimensions. You peel back all that we know, see, You peel back all that we know, see, You peel back all that we know, see, understand. There he is doing what? understand. There he is doing what? understand. There he is doing what? Reigning and ruling. And this says when Reigning and ruling. And this says when Reigning and ruling. And this says when all said and done, every knee will bow. all said and done, every knee will bow. all said and done, every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess what? That he Every tongue will confess what? That he Every tongue will confess what? That he is Lord. Not my homeboy, not my buddy, is Lord. Not my homeboy, not my buddy, is Lord. Not my homeboy, not my buddy, not no Lord the great sovereign. So my not no Lord the great sovereign. So my not no Lord the great sovereign. So my Dutch friend from the Netherlands, Dutch friend from the Netherlands, Dutch friend from the Netherlands, Abraham Kyper says it like this. There Abraham Kyper says it like this. There Abraham Kyper says it like this. There is not a square inch in the whole domain is not a square inch in the whole domain is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ of our human existence over which Christ of our human existence over which Christ who is sovereign over all does not cry who is sovereign over all does not cry who is sovereign over all does not cry mine. mine. mine. That means That means That means my life is not mine. My time is not my life is not mine. My time is not my life is not mine. My time is not mine. My money's not mine. My gifts mine. My money's not mine. My gifts mine. My money's not mine. My gifts aren't mine. My you name it ain't mine. aren't mine. My you name it ain't mine. aren't mine. My you name it ain't mine. Christ rightly because he is the author Christ rightly because he is the author Christ rightly because he is the author and perfector. Christ rightly because he and perfector. Christ rightly because he and perfector. Christ rightly because he is the creator says mine and he ain't is the creator says mine and he ain't is the creator says mine and he ain't lying. So all I have has been given to lying. So all I have has been given to lying. So all I have has been given to me on loan to steward, not to take and me on loan to steward, not to take and me on loan to steward, not to take and make for my own glory.

make for my own glory. make for my own glory. This supremacy of Christ changes This supremacy of Christ changes This supremacy of Christ changes everything about our lives. everything about our lives. everything about our lives. our current moment in history. Maybe our current moment in history. Maybe our current moment in history. Maybe it's always been this way, but just it's always been this way, but just it's always been this way, but just because of that little device in your because of that little device in your because of that little device in your pocket on your lap, that thing you're pocket on your lap, that thing you're pocket on your lap, that thing you're fighting to check right now that I'm fighting to check right now that I'm fighting to check right now that I'm mentioning it, it bends us inward. mentioning it, it bends us inward. mentioning it, it bends us inward. It bends us inward where the scriptures It bends us inward where the scriptures It bends us inward where the scriptures in Christ are always trying to bend you in Christ are always trying to bend you in Christ are always trying to bend you outward. You've heard me say this outward. You've heard me say this outward. You've heard me say this before. The more you make your life before. The more you make your life before. The more you make your life about you, the more miserable of a human about you, the more miserable of a human about you, the more miserable of a human being you're going to be. being you're going to be. being you're going to be. >> So you like Christ is trying to bend you >> So you like Christ is trying to bend you >> So you like Christ is trying to bend you outward. We're always trying to bend outward. We're always trying to bend outward. We're always trying to bend inward. And so I I want you to look at inward. And so I I want you to look at inward. And so I I want you to look at with the supremacy of Christ. So that's with the supremacy of Christ. So that's with the supremacy of Christ. So that's where we've got to start that Christ can where we've got to start that Christ can where we've got to start that Christ can be trusted. Christ knows. Christ sees. be trusted. Christ knows. Christ sees. be trusted. Christ knows. Christ sees. It's all Christ's. Look at what comes It's all Christ's. Look at what comes It's all Christ's. Look at what comes next. Verse 11. And he himself gave some next. Verse 11. And he himself gave some next. Verse 11. And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some to be apostles, some prophets, some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers evangelists, some pastors and teachers evangelists, some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of to equip the saints for the work of to equip the saints for the work of ministry to build up the body of Christ ministry to build up the body of Christ ministry to build up the body of Christ until we all reach, listen to this, until we all reach, listen to this, until we all reach, listen to this, unity in the faith and in the knowledge unity in the faith and in the knowledge unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's son, growing into maturity with of God's son, growing into maturity with of God's son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ's fullness.

a stature measured by Christ's fullness. a stature measured by Christ's fullness. Now, verse 11 gets all the press. Now, verse 11 gets all the press. Now, verse 11 gets all the press. apostles, teachers, pastors. That's who apostles, teachers, pastors. That's who apostles, teachers, pastors. That's who you follow on Instagram, the sermons you you follow on Instagram, the sermons you you follow on Instagram, the sermons you listen to, the books you read, the it's listen to, the books you read, the it's listen to, the books you read, the it's Christian fame. Christian famous ain't Christian fame. Christian famous ain't Christian fame. Christian famous ain't actually famous. It's Christian fame. actually famous. It's Christian fame. actually famous. It's Christian fame. This whole different level of fame. But This whole different level of fame. But This whole different level of fame. But here I if you're not careful, what here I if you're not careful, what here I if you're not careful, what happens is you watch Philip Anthony happens is you watch Philip Anthony happens is you watch Philip Anthony Mitchell, you look, you watch Josh Mitchell, you look, you watch Josh Mitchell, you look, you watch Josh Howard, you watch Joby Martin, you watch Howard, you watch Joby Martin, you watch Howard, you watch Joby Martin, you watch you I can go old school Dr. Tony Evans you I can go old school Dr. Tony Evans you I can go old school Dr. Tony Evans or Chuck Swindoll. you you watch these or Chuck Swindoll. you you watch these or Chuck Swindoll. you you watch these saints and then you're kind of going, saints and then you're kind of going, saints and then you're kind of going, "Ah, that's what it's all about. That "Ah, that's what it's all about. That "Ah, that's what it's all about. That that that they're the ones." And then that that they're the ones." And then that that they're the ones." And then what this ends up doing is robbing you what this ends up doing is robbing you what this ends up doing is robbing you of the very role you've been called to of the very role you've been called to of the very role you've been called to play. Do you see their job? play. Do you see their job? play. Do you see their job? >> Did you see it? What What's their job? >> Did you see it? What What's their job? >> Did you see it? What What's their job? Their job is to equip the saints for the Their job is to equip the saints for the Their job is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. And here's this stuff work of ministry. And here's this stuff work of ministry. And here's this stuff will drive me bananas. I don't have will drive me bananas. I don't have will drive me bananas. I don't have special access to God that you don't.

special access to God that you don't. special access to God that you don't. He's not answering my prayers at a He's not answering my prayers at a He's not answering my prayers at a higher clip. That's not what's happening higher clip. That's not what's happening higher clip. That's not what's happening here. Like if you're sick, my prayers here. Like if you're sick, my prayers here. Like if you're sick, my prayers aren't going to magically heal you. aren't going to magically heal you. aren't going to magically heal you. Although I'm going to ask the spirit to Although I'm going to ask the spirit to Although I'm going to ask the spirit to do it, right? I my role a as a pastor, do it, right? I my role a as a pastor, do it, right? I my role a as a pastor, little apostle, teacher, exhorter, is to little apostle, teacher, exhorter, is to little apostle, teacher, exhorter, is to help you understand I ain't the only one help you understand I ain't the only one help you understand I ain't the only one called to ministry here. And I think called to ministry here. And I think called to ministry here. And I think some of you got that lingering is this some of you got that lingering is this some of you got that lingering is this it freaking sitting around watching it freaking sitting around watching it freaking sitting around watching everybody else play everybody else play everybody else play >> and and you want play this position when >> and and you want play this position when >> and and you want play this position when God's given you this gift. This is a God's given you this gift. This is a God's given you this gift. This is a throwback to Paul's teaching to the throwback to Paul's teaching to the throwback to Paul's teaching to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12. Here's Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12. Here's Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12. Here's what we read. This starts in verse 4. what we read. This starts in verse 4. what we read. This starts in verse 4. Now there are different gifts but the Now there are different gifts but the Now there are different gifts but the same spirit. There are different same spirit. There are different same spirit. There are different ministries but the same Lord. And there ministries but the same Lord. And there ministries but the same Lord. And there are different activities but the same are different activities but the same are different activities but the same God works all of them in each person. God works all of them in each person. God works all of them in each person. Listen to seven. A manifestation Listen to seven. A manifestation Listen to seven. A manifestation of the spirit is given to each person of the spirit is given to each person of the spirit is given to each person for the common good. So he here's the for the common good. So he here's the for the common good. So he here's the art. A manifestation something visible.

art. A manifestation something visible. art. A manifestation something visible. When you became a Christian and the Holy When you became a Christian and the Holy When you became a Christian and the Holy Spirit came into your soul regenerating Spirit came into your soul regenerating Spirit came into your soul regenerating and making you alive, he didn't come and making you alive, he didn't come and making you alive, he didn't come empty-handed. He came with at least one empty-handed. He came with at least one empty-handed. He came with at least one gift. This is not your personality type. gift. This is not your personality type. gift. This is not your personality type. This is not some acquired skill. This This is not some acquired skill. This This is not some acquired skill. This isn't anything like that. This is a gift isn't anything like that. This is a gift isn't anything like that. This is a gift given to you by the Holy Spirit for your given to you by the Holy Spirit for your given to you by the Holy Spirit for your joy and his glory and your part to play joy and his glory and your part to play joy and his glory and your part to play in the common good in the building up of in the common good in the building up of in the common good in the building up of the body unto maturation. the body unto maturation. the body unto maturation. And the the more you can kind of get a And the the more you can kind of get a And the the more you can kind of get a sense of that that you have been given a sense of that that you have been given a sense of that that you have been given a spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit, I'm spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit, I'm spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit, I'm just telling you, the more you sit on just telling you, the more you sit on just telling you, the more you sit on that, the more boring this gets. And and that, the more boring this gets. And and that, the more boring this gets. And and the more you wrestle to figure that out the more you wrestle to figure that out the more you wrestle to figure that out and give yourself over to it, the more and give yourself over to it, the more and give yourself over to it, the more joy and life there is to be found. And I joy and life there is to be found. And I joy and life there is to be found. And I ain't doing a volunteer drive here. I ain't doing a volunteer drive here. I ain't doing a volunteer drive here. I don't think that's what I'm talking don't think that's what I'm talking don't think that's what I'm talking about. I hope that's not how you're about. I hope that's not how you're about. I hope that's not how you're hearing it. But we'll get to that in a hearing it. But we'll get to that in a hearing it. But we'll get to that in a moment. These are given by God's grace moment. These are given by God's grace moment. These are given by God's grace for the common good or as today's text for the common good or as today's text for the common good or as today's text said to build up the body of Christ said to build up the body of Christ said to build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith until we all reach unity in the faith until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's son and in the knowledge of God's son and in the knowledge of God's son growing into maturity with the stature growing into maturity with the stature growing into maturity with the stature measured by Christ's fullness. Which measured by Christ's fullness. Which measured by Christ's fullness. Which means if you're a Christian and we're means if you're a Christian and we're means if you're a Christian and we're your place your place your place without you bringing your gift to bear without you bringing your gift to bear without you bringing your gift to bear on us or gifts, you got at least one.

on us or gifts, you got at least one. on us or gifts, you got at least one. Some of you got a couple. Nobody has Some of you got a couple. Nobody has Some of you got a couple. Nobody has them all. them all. them all. like we can't grow into the fullness like we can't grow into the fullness like we can't grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ here in this of the stature of Christ here in this of the stature of Christ here in this place while you're spectating place while you're spectating place while you're spectating like like we need that gift. You need like like we need that gift. You need like like we need that gift. You need that gift. Otherwise, that that little that gift. Otherwise, that that little that gift. Otherwise, that that little is this all there is and that boredom is this all there is and that boredom is this all there is and that boredom that comes when moralism is your God and that comes when moralism is your God and that comes when moralism is your God and you don't even know that you've been set you don't even know that you've been set you don't even know that you've been set free from such things. free from such things. free from such things. He goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 12, He goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 12, He goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 12, "For just as the body is one and has "For just as the body is one and has "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that many parts, and all the parts of that many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body, so also body, though many, are one body, so also body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by is Christ. For we were all baptized by is Christ. For we were all baptized by one spirit into one body, whether Jews one spirit into one body, whether Jews one spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all given one spirit to drink. we were all given one spirit to drink. we were all given one spirit to drink. Indeed, the body is not one part, but Indeed, the body is not one part, but Indeed, the body is not one part, but many." If the foot should say because many." If the foot should say because many." If the foot should say because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body. It is not for that reason any less body. It is not for that reason any less body. It is not for that reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear a part of the body. And if the ear a part of the body. And if the ear should say because I am not an eye, I should say because I am not an eye, I should say because I am not an eye, I don't belong to the body, it is not for don't belong to the body, it is not for don't belong to the body, it is not for that reason any less part of the body.

that reason any less part of the body. that reason any less part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where If the whole body were an eye, where If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body would the hearing be? If the whole body would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of were an ear, where would the sense of were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God has smell be? But as it is, God has smell be? But as it is, God has arranged. God sovereignly has arranged arranged. God sovereignly has arranged arranged. God sovereignly has arranged each one of the parts in the body just each one of the parts in the body just each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. Your gift is what he as he wanted. Your gift is what he as he wanted. Your gift is what he wanted. Might not be the gift you wanted. Might not be the gift you wanted. Might not be the gift you wanted, but it was the gift he wanted wanted, but it was the gift he wanted wanted, but it was the gift he wanted you to have. you to have. you to have. >> And if we were all the same part, where >> And if we were all the same part, where >> And if we were all the same part, where would the body be? As it is, there are would the body be? As it is, there are would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. apostles, many parts, but one body. apostles, many parts, but one body. apostles, teachers, prophets, that's the mouth. teachers, prophets, that's the mouth. teachers, prophets, that's the mouth. And some of you are guilty of just And some of you are guilty of just And some of you are guilty of just thinking all the body needs is a mouth. Anybody have that friend like run his Anybody have that friend like run his mouth but don't do anything. mouth but don't do anything. mouth but don't do anything. You know, just talk huge. Maybe it's in You know, just talk huge. Maybe it's in You know, just talk huge. Maybe it's in your hobby. Maybe it's at work. Maybe your hobby. Maybe it's at work. Maybe your hobby. Maybe it's at work. Maybe it's always talking about what people it's always talking about what people it's always talking about what people should be doing but doesn't do anything. should be doing but doesn't do anything. should be doing but doesn't do anything. Yeah. You can't. The church gets a bad Yeah. You can't. The church gets a bad Yeah. You can't. The church gets a bad rap when it's just guys like me up here rap when it's just guys like me up here rap when it's just guys like me up here proclaiming the good news of the kingdom proclaiming the good news of the kingdom proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and you won't live into your part.

and you won't live into your part. and you won't live into your part. >> It looks nothing like the fullness of >> It looks nothing like the fullness of >> It looks nothing like the fullness of Christ. It looks like hypocrisy. Christ. It looks like hypocrisy. Christ. It looks like hypocrisy. That no bond of unity that the text That no bond of unity that the text That no bond of unity that the text speaks of. Not the fullness of Christ. speaks of. Not the fullness of Christ. speaks of. Not the fullness of Christ. Just me up here hollering. And part of Just me up here hollering. And part of Just me up here hollering. And part of what I'm doing today is getting myself what I'm doing today is getting myself what I'm doing today is getting myself off the hook off the hook off the hook cuz this thing's saying about me. I need cuz this thing's saying about me. I need cuz this thing's saying about me. I need to be preparing you. And so here's me to be preparing you. And so here's me to be preparing you. And so here's me saying, I'm going to give you a pathway saying, I'm going to give you a pathway saying, I'm going to give you a pathway to do the work of ministry. So when I to do the work of ministry. So when I to do the work of ministry. So when I stand in front of God and give an stand in front of God and give an stand in front of God and give an account, I'm not just going, I just account, I'm not just going, I just account, I'm not just going, I just faithfully preach. No, I called him to faithfully preach. No, I called him to faithfully preach. No, I called him to it, Lord. I I called him to and then I'm it, Lord. I I called him to and then I'm it, Lord. I I called him to and then I'm just going to take a nap like a baby just going to take a nap like a baby just going to take a nap like a baby this afternoon knowing this is between this afternoon knowing this is between this afternoon knowing this is between you and God. Now, now the gifts that you you and God. Now, now the gifts that you you and God. Now, now the gifts that you have been given are varied and nuanced. have been given are varied and nuanced. have been given are varied and nuanced. Even the same gift in two different Even the same gift in two different Even the same gift in two different people might look different. So, I've people might look different. So, I've people might look different. So, I've got I I was having lunch with some got I I was having lunch with some got I I was having lunch with some members this week and they they were members this week and they they were members this week and they they were they both have the spiritual gift of they both have the spiritual gift of they both have the spiritual gift of hospitality. All right? But the way it hospitality. All right? But the way it hospitality. All right? But the way it plays out is wildly different. Um the plays out is wildly different. Um the plays out is wildly different. Um the husband, this works completely opposite husband, this works completely opposite husband, this works completely opposite in my family. The husband, he cares in my family. The husband, he cares in my family. The husband, he cares about the food, the way the house looks, about the food, the way the house looks, about the food, the way the house looks, kind of the smell and the vibe when you kind of the smell and the vibe when you kind of the smell and the vibe when you walk in. But as soon as the party walk in. But as soon as the party walk in. But as soon as the party starts, he's going to be with one guy in starts, he's going to be with one guy in starts, he's going to be with one guy in the back talking with him the whole time the back talking with him the whole time the back talking with him the whole time and won't talk to it. Could it be his and won't talk to it. Could it be his and won't talk to it. Could it be his birthday and then as people are leaving birthday and then as people are leaving birthday and then as people are leaving or celebrating like, "Thanks for or celebrating like, "Thanks for or celebrating like, "Thanks for coming." He's just going to keep talking coming." He's just going to keep talking coming." He's just going to keep talking to this guy. Now, his wife doesn't care to this guy. Now, his wife doesn't care to this guy. Now, his wife doesn't care as much. She cares just not as much as much. She cares just not as much as much. She cares just not as much about the quality of the food, the vibe about the quality of the food, the vibe about the quality of the food, the vibe of the room, the but she is going to of the room, the but she is going to of the room, the but she is going to make sure everyone who walks in that

make sure everyone who walks in that make sure everyone who walks in that door is made eye contact with, ask about door is made eye contact with, ask about door is made eye contact with, ask about it's both the gift of hospitality, but it's both the gift of hospitality, but it's both the gift of hospitality, but it plays out differently. So even within it plays out differently. So even within it plays out differently. So even within the gifts there there's a spectrum of the gifts there there's a spectrum of the gifts there there's a spectrum of how they function and and this this is how they function and and this this is how they function and and this this is kind of a um to me kind of is the thing kind of a um to me kind of is the thing kind of a um to me kind of is the thing that can kind of make it complex and that can kind of make it complex and that can kind of make it complex and you're like I'm just not quite sure what you're like I'm just not quite sure what you're like I'm just not quite sure what my gift is and then let me my gift is and then let me my gift is and then let me spiritual gifts test spiritual gifts test spiritual gifts test low-key hate them. I'm not telling you I low-key hate them. I'm not telling you I low-key hate them. I'm not telling you I dislike them. I'm telling you I hate dislike them. I'm telling you I hate dislike them. I'm telling you I hate them. one, the only way for you to ever them. one, the only way for you to ever them. one, the only way for you to ever know is to be in a community where all know is to be in a community where all know is to be in a community where all the gifts are practiced rightly and the gifts are practiced rightly and the gifts are practiced rightly and orderly. orderly. orderly. >> If you can't see that, how do you even >> If you can't see that, how do you even >> If you can't see that, how do you even know? know? know? >> And so just a piece of paper that I >> And so just a piece of paper that I >> And so just a piece of paper that I think's measuring your personality, not think's measuring your personality, not think's measuring your personality, not your gift. And I don't think those two your gift. And I don't think those two your gift. And I don't think those two things are the same. Now, I think the things are the same. Now, I think the things are the same. Now, I think the Lord in in his kindness kind of weaves Lord in in his kindness kind of weaves Lord in in his kindness kind of weaves some of that together, but they're some of that together, but they're some of that together, but they're separate things. So, let me give you uh separate things. So, let me give you uh separate things. So, let me give you uh some questions that you can ask if some questions that you can ask if some questions that you can ask if you're thinking about what the Holy you're thinking about what the Holy you're thinking about what the Holy Spirit might have put inside of you. Um, Spirit might have put inside of you. Um, Spirit might have put inside of you. Um, this is an original to me. John Thompson this is an original to me. John Thompson this is an original to me. John Thompson in his excellent book, Convergence, if in his excellent book, Convergence, if in his excellent book, Convergence, if you're a reader, I commend it to you. He you're a reader, I commend it to you. He you're a reader, I commend it to you. He he he says, "Here's how you kind of he he says, "Here's how you kind of he he says, "Here's how you kind of start to wrangle with it." Start to start to wrangle with it." Start to start to wrangle with it." Start to wrangle with it. Uh, question number wrangle with it. Uh, question number wrangle with it. Uh, question number one, what keeps happening to you?

one, what keeps happening to you? one, what keeps happening to you? That's a great question. Like, what just That's a great question. Like, what just That's a great question. Like, what just keeps happening to you? So, that lunch I keeps happening to you? So, that lunch I keeps happening to you? So, that lunch I was at, um, the this this woman who was was at, um, the this this woman who was was at, um, the this this woman who was there with her husband, she was um she there with her husband, she was um she there with her husband, she was um she had kind of woken up to the fact that had kind of woken up to the fact that had kind of woken up to the fact that she has a mercy gift. And and what she she has a mercy gift. And and what she she has a mercy gift. And and what she realized is like from the moment she realized is like from the moment she realized is like from the moment she became a Christian, everybody around her became a Christian, everybody around her became a Christian, everybody around her trauma dumps on her. So it's like trauma dumps on her. So it's like trauma dumps on her. So it's like literally like, "Hey, this is my name. literally like, "Hey, this is my name. literally like, "Hey, this is my name. This is my name." And then immediately This is my name." And then immediately This is my name." And then immediately was like, "Oh, it's so good to meet you. was like, "Oh, it's so good to meet you. was like, "Oh, it's so good to meet you. When I was 12, my parents divorced. And When I was 12, my parents divorced. And When I was 12, my parents divorced. And then my mom married this man who was then my mom married this man who was then my mom married this man who was just such a terrible guy." And then he just such a terrible guy." And then he just such a terrible guy." And then he and then it's like just trauma vomiting and then it's like just trauma vomiting and then it's like just trauma vomiting all over her. And and it just would all over her. And and it just would all over her. And and it just would happen over and over and over and over happen over and over and over and over happen over and over and over and over again. And and so a year or so ago, again. And and so a year or so ago, again. And and so a year or so ago, somebody started asking her questions somebody started asking her questions somebody started asking her questions like, "What what do you do when you hear like, "What what do you do when you hear like, "What what do you do when you hear those things?" She's like, "My heart those things?" She's like, "My heart those things?" She's like, "My heart breaks and I go to pray. It's the gift breaks and I go to pray. It's the gift breaks and I go to pray. It's the gift of mercy. of mercy. of mercy. >> What keeps happening to you?" Like >> What keeps happening to you?" Like >> What keeps happening to you?" Like people without the gift of mercy, I people without the gift of mercy, I people without the gift of mercy, I don't let anybody trauma dump on him don't let anybody trauma dump on him don't let anybody trauma dump on him like that once. Then they're going to like that once. Then they're going to like that once. Then they're going to create some distance like, "Hey, I create some distance like, "Hey, I create some distance like, "Hey, I noticed you're not hanging up." "Yeah, noticed you're not hanging up." "Yeah, noticed you're not hanging up." "Yeah, bro. I just met that guy 10 seconds bro. I just met that guy 10 seconds bro. I just met that guy 10 seconds later. He's telling me about this thing later. He's telling me about this thing later. He's telling me about this thing that happened when he was five. Man, I that happened when he was five. Man, I that happened when he was five. Man, I wasn't ready for." But mercy, mercy wasn't ready for." But mercy, mercy wasn't ready for." But mercy, mercy leans in. Mercy wants to hear and then leans in. Mercy wants to hear and then leans in. Mercy wants to hear and then has a place to take the sorrow so it has a place to take the sorrow so it has a place to take the sorrow so it doesn't rot them out. Second question, I doesn't rot them out. Second question, I doesn't rot them out. Second question, I love this one. What makes you angry?

love this one. What makes you angry? love this one. What makes you angry? It's a good way to find your gift. Like It's a good way to find your gift. Like It's a good way to find your gift. Like I'm talking about if you're a member of I'm talking about if you're a member of I'm talking about if you're a member of the village, this is your church. I'm the village, this is your church. I'm the village, this is your church. I'm not talking about if you go here. Like not talking about if you go here. Like not talking about if you go here. Like if you're here once a month, save your if you're here once a month, save your if you're here once a month, save your email. email. email. But if you're you belong here, what But if you're you belong here, what But if you're you belong here, what frustrates you about us? What do you frustrates you about us? What do you frustrates you about us? What do you find in your soul? You're like, you know find in your soul? You're like, you know find in your soul? You're like, you know what we should be doing? That's your what we should be doing? That's your what we should be doing? That's your gift trying to alien pop out of your gift trying to alien pop out of your gift trying to alien pop out of your chest. That's why you you corner me and chest. That's why you you corner me and chest. That's why you you corner me and you start talking to me about what our you start talking to me about what our you start talking to me about what our church should be doing. I'm gonna very church should be doing. I'm gonna very church should be doing. I'm gonna very gently kind of go, "Sounds like Holy gently kind of go, "Sounds like Holy gently kind of go, "Sounds like Holy Spirit's birthing something in you, Spirit's birthing something in you, Spirit's birthing something in you, brother. Why don't you start running?" brother. Why don't you start running?" brother. Why don't you start running?" And then we'll be alongside of you as And then we'll be alongside of you as And then we'll be alongside of you as you step in and lean into the gift that you step in and lean into the gift that you step in and lean into the gift that God gave you. What frustrates you? What God gave you. What frustrates you? What God gave you. What frustrates you? What makes you angry? What do you think we makes you angry? What do you think we makes you angry? What do you think we should be doing and we're not doing? should be doing and we're not doing? should be doing and we're not doing? It's probably your gift. Number three, It's probably your gift. Number three, It's probably your gift. Number three, what comes easy? What comes easy? Um, what comes easy? What comes easy? Um, what comes easy? What comes easy? Um, then lastly, what when you get to do it then lastly, what when you get to do it then lastly, what when you get to do it just brings you joy? Like I just brings you joy? Like I just brings you joy? Like I can feel the pleasure of God when I'm can feel the pleasure of God when I'm can feel the pleasure of God when I'm preaching.

preaching. preaching. I can feel it in me and on me. Like I I I can feel it in me and on me. Like I I I can feel it in me and on me. Like I I like this. I can't believe that I get to like this. I can't believe that I get to like this. I can't believe that I get to spend my life talking uh about Jesus to spend my life talking uh about Jesus to spend my life talking uh about Jesus to people. that I get to study my Bible people. that I get to study my Bible people. that I get to study my Bible wrangle with text and present that to wrangle with text and present that to wrangle with text and present that to you in a way that I hope demands a you in a way that I hope demands a you in a way that I hope demands a response. response. response. Like I love it. I get to do it four or Like I love it. I get to do it four or Like I love it. I get to do it four or five times a week. And if I'm not doing five times a week. And if I'm not doing five times a week. And if I'm not doing it, I'm preparing to do it. Like I can't it, I'm preparing to do it. Like I can't it, I'm preparing to do it. Like I can't believe I get to I feel the pleasure of believe I get to I feel the pleasure of believe I get to I feel the pleasure of God when I preach. What's that for you? God when I preach. What's that for you? God when I preach. What's that for you? And it might not even be dynamic like And it might not even be dynamic like And it might not even be dynamic like that. You might have the gift of that. You might have the gift of that. You might have the gift of administration. It might be when I open administration. It might be when I open administration. It might be when I open spreadsheets, spreadsheets, spreadsheets, I feel the pleasure of God. I feel the pleasure of God. I feel the pleasure of God. I I you think I'm making a joke and I'm I I you think I'm making a joke and I'm I I you think I'm making a joke and I'm not. There actually is a spiritual gift not. There actually is a spiritual gift not. There actually is a spiritual gift of administration. Some of you got of administration. Some of you got of administration. Some of you got saved. Hear me math nerds. This is for saved. Hear me math nerds. This is for saved. Hear me math nerds. This is for you. The Holy Spirit just came in there you. The Holy Spirit just came in there you. The Holy Spirit just came in there with an Excel spreadsheet just for the with an Excel spreadsheet just for the with an Excel spreadsheet just for the glory of God and your joy. Right now, glory of God and your joy. Right now, glory of God and your joy. Right now, this is this it I think kind of gets this is this it I think kind of gets this is this it I think kind of gets driven to the margins when we start driven to the margins when we start driven to the margins when we start going, "Oh, no, no. I see the good gift going, "Oh, no, no. I see the good gift going, "Oh, no, no. I see the good gift God gave me. Let me bend outward with God gave me. Let me bend outward with God gave me. Let me bend outward with it. So rather than sending you out to do it. So rather than sending you out to do it. So rather than sending you out to do a gifts test or something like that, let a gifts test or something like that, let a gifts test or something like that, let me just put the posture of our heart me just put the posture of our heart me just put the posture of our heart that I think moves us that direction.

that I think moves us that direction. that I think moves us that direction. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, since all of me belongs to you, since all of me belongs to you, since all of me belongs to you, where have you placed me? What have you where have you placed me? What have you where have you placed me? What have you given me? And who are you asking me to given me? And who are you asking me to given me? And who are you asking me to build up? build up? build up? You want to get your phone out and take You want to get your phone out and take You want to get your phone out and take a picture of that? Jesus, since all of me belongs to you, Jesus, since all of me belongs to you, where have you placed me? What have you where have you placed me? What have you where have you placed me? What have you given me? And who are you asking me to given me? And who are you asking me to given me? And who are you asking me to build up? Right now, put those phones build up? Right now, put those phones build up? Right now, put those phones away. I know where this goes. I was just away. I know where this goes. I was just away. I know where this goes. I was just going to take a picture and then you're going to take a picture and then you're going to take a picture and then you're going to go down this algorithm rabbit going to go down this algorithm rabbit going to go down this algorithm rabbit hole and look up and we'll be hole and look up and we'll be hole and look up and we'll be dismissing. So, let's get those back dismissing. So, let's get those back dismissing. So, let's get those back away. Now, this is all so I want you to away. Now, this is all so I want you to away. Now, this is all so I want you to follow the argumentation of Paul. follow the argumentation of Paul. follow the argumentation of Paul. supremacy of Christ. Spirit brings a supremacy of Christ. Spirit brings a supremacy of Christ. Spirit brings a gift from the Holy Spirit for the common gift from the Holy Spirit for the common gift from the Holy Spirit for the common good, for the building up of the body good, for the building up of the body good, for the building up of the body unto the fullness of Christ. And that unto the fullness of Christ. And that unto the fullness of Christ. And that brings a certain level of protection brings a certain level of protection brings a certain level of protection against false teaching and deceit. Let's against false teaching and deceit. Let's against false teaching and deceit. Let's look at it together. This is verse um look at it together. This is verse um look at it together. This is verse um 14. Then we will no longer be little 14. Then we will no longer be little 14. Then we will no longer be little children tossed by the waves and blown children tossed by the waves and blown children tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching by around by every wind of teaching by around by every wind of teaching by human cunning with cleverness in the human cunning with cleverness in the human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. You know, deceit techniques of deceit. You know, deceit techniques of deceit. You know, deceit has techniques.

has techniques. has techniques. Like if you're not aware that we're Like if you're not aware that we're Like if you're not aware that we're being manipulated in this current moment being manipulated in this current moment being manipulated in this current moment by just about everyone, then I I would by just about everyone, then I I would by just about everyone, then I I would just beckon you to wake up and lift up just beckon you to wake up and lift up just beckon you to wake up and lift up your eyes like everyone's lying to us. your eyes like everyone's lying to us. your eyes like everyone's lying to us. We have been codified. We we are simply We have been codified. We we are simply We have been codified. We we are simply an economic metric. Everyone's lying. an economic metric. Everyone's lying. an economic metric. Everyone's lying. Every I'm not I'm not some sort of weird Every I'm not I'm not some sort of weird Every I'm not I'm not some sort of weird conspiracy theorist. I just know those conspiracy theorist. I just know those conspiracy theorist. I just know those guys are batting about 900 lately. guys are batting about 900 lately. guys are batting about 900 lately. Right? Deceit has technique. Love to go Right? Deceit has technique. Love to go Right? Deceit has technique. Love to go down the lane of anger. So this is the down the lane of anger. So this is the down the lane of anger. So this is the argument here is that participation in argument here is that participation in argument here is that participation in the body of Christ matures us. Then we the body of Christ matures us. Then we the body of Christ matures us. Then we get thrown around like children. get thrown around like children. get thrown around like children. How? Let let me just highlight three How? Let let me just highlight three How? Let let me just highlight three quick things. Number one, the body quick things. Number one, the body quick things. Number one, the body exposes our blind spots. If I'm exposes our blind spots. If I'm exposes our blind spots. If I'm believing in the supremacy of Christ, believing in the supremacy of Christ, believing in the supremacy of Christ, I'm operating in my gifting. I'm with I'm operating in my gifting. I'm with I'm operating in my gifting. I'm with you. My gift is bent outward. Well, then you. My gift is bent outward. Well, then you. My gift is bent outward. Well, then it becomes really hard for me to justify it becomes really hard for me to justify it becomes really hard for me to justify things that aren't true. And now, I things that aren't true. And now, I things that aren't true. And now, I don't know, like maybe maybe I'm on an don't know, like maybe maybe I'm on an don't know, like maybe maybe I'm on an island here. I feel like I can justify island here. I feel like I can justify island here. I feel like I can justify almost anything to myself. I think you almost anything to myself. I think you almost anything to myself. I think you just leave me all by myself, I'll have a just leave me all by myself, I'll have a just leave me all by myself, I'll have a reality that is not in step with reality that is not in step with reality that is not in step with reality. But because Christ loves us, he reality. But because Christ loves us, he reality. But because Christ loves us, he gave us each other. And we need people gave us each other. And we need people gave us each other. And we need people that are willing to lean in and go, I that are willing to lean in and go, I that are willing to lean in and go, I don't think that's what the scriptures don't think that's what the scriptures don't think that's what the scriptures teach. Or where did you get that? Or how teach. Or where did you get that? Or how teach. Or where did you get that? Or how do you reconcile this? My closest do you reconcile this? My closest do you reconcile this? My closest friends have all done this. And no one

friends have all done this. And no one friends have all done this. And no one who has not done this to me will be a who has not done this to me will be a who has not done this to me will be a close friend. close friend. close friend. >> Like I need this in my life. I I need >> Like I need this in my life. I I need >> Like I need this in my life. I I need someone to go, I don't know about that. someone to go, I don't know about that. someone to go, I don't know about that. And if you want to endear yourself to And if you want to endear yourself to And if you want to endear yourself to me, that's the card. Now, tell you what me, that's the card. Now, tell you what me, that's the card. Now, tell you what I'm not saying so you don't blow up my I'm not saying so you don't blow up my I'm not saying so you don't blow up my inbox. inbox. inbox. If you think it's too bright in here, if If you think it's too bright in here, if If you think it's too bright in here, if you don't like the songs that we sing, you don't like the songs that we sing, you don't like the songs that we sing, if you think the volume's too loud, if if you think the volume's too loud, if if you think the volume's too loud, if you think I'm too much, you should check you think I'm too much, you should check you think I'm too much, you should check out another church. That's not what I'm out another church. That's not what I'm out another church. That's not what I'm talking about. If I'm saying things talking about. If I'm saying things talking about. If I'm saying things contrary to the word of God, if I've contrary to the word of God, if I've contrary to the word of God, if I've moved on from the gospel, if there is a moved on from the gospel, if there is a moved on from the gospel, if there is a hint of heretical wickedness in me, come hint of heretical wickedness in me, come hint of heretical wickedness in me, come at me. at me. at me. >> But stylistically, like we are what we >> But stylistically, like we are what we >> But stylistically, like we are what we are. This is what we're doing. And I are. This is what we're doing. And I are. This is what we're doing. And I know we're not for everybody. I've never know we're not for everybody. I've never know we're not for everybody. I've never pretended that we are. But the body pretended that we are. But the body pretended that we are. But the body exposes our blind spots. And everybody exposes our blind spots. And everybody exposes our blind spots. And everybody has a blind spot. Number two, the body has a blind spot. Number two, the body has a blind spot. Number two, the body gives us multiple gifts and gives us multiple gifts and gives us multiple gifts and perspectives. No single Christian has perspectives. No single Christian has perspectives. No single Christian has all the gifts. all the gifts. all the gifts. Now, some people have, you know, two or Now, some people have, you know, two or Now, some people have, you know, two or three, four or five. Some people have three, four or five. Some people have three, four or five. Some people have one. Some people have two. That that's a one. Some people have two. That that's a one. Some people have two. That that's a sovereignty of God thing, but nobody has sovereignty of God thing, but nobody has sovereignty of God thing, but nobody has them all. So, what ends up happening them all. So, what ends up happening them all. So, what ends up happening when the body comes together is now we when the body comes together is now we when the body comes together is now we get to humming because you got a full get to humming because you got a full get to humming because you got a full body working. You got a mouth and you body working. You got a mouth and you body working. You got a mouth and you got hands, you got eyes, you got ears, got hands, you got eyes, you got ears, got hands, you got eyes, you got ears, you got feet, you got quads of thunder you got feet, you got quads of thunder you got feet, you got quads of thunder from on high. Like, now we're moving.

from on high. Like, now we're moving. from on high. Like, now we're moving. Now we're pushing back darkness. Now Now we're pushing back darkness. Now Now we're pushing back darkness. Now we're taking the fight to the enemy and we're taking the fight to the enemy and we're taking the fight to the enemy and not just playing defense. But the body not just playing defense. But the body not just playing defense. But the body has to be the the body. And and it's not has to be the the body. And and it's not has to be the the body. And and it's not always that maybe this is the wrong always that maybe this is the wrong always that maybe this is the wrong word. Sometimes the gift God gave you, word. Sometimes the gift God gave you, word. Sometimes the gift God gave you, it's just not the sexiest gift. It's not it's just not the sexiest gift. It's not it's just not the sexiest gift. It's not the gift that you wanted, but it's the the gift that you wanted, but it's the the gift that you wanted, but it's the gift that you were given. Like let me gift that you were given. Like let me gift that you were given. Like let me talk about our church. Um I I'm an talk about our church. Um I I'm an talk about our church. Um I I'm an exhorter. I'm a teacher. Probably little exhorter. I'm a teacher. Probably little exhorter. I'm a teacher. Probably little a apostle at some level. And and I we a apostle at some level. And and I we a apostle at some level. And and I we desperately need in a church of four or desperately need in a church of four or desperately need in a church of four or 5,000. Uh we we need gifts of 5,000. Uh we we need gifts of 5,000. Uh we we need gifts of administration. We desperately need administration. We desperately need administration. We desperately need shephering gifts from you. Like you know shephering gifts from you. Like you know shephering gifts from you. Like you know how impossible it would be for our staff how impossible it would be for our staff how impossible it would be for our staff to shepherd everyone here. Now you you to shepherd everyone here. Now you you to shepherd everyone here. Now you you you get sick, something terrible happens you get sick, something terrible happens you get sick, something terrible happens to you, and you're built in here. I I'm to you, and you're built in here. I I'm to you, and you're built in here. I I'm going to do everything I can to get going to do everything I can to get going to do everything I can to get there. But I'm telling you, I'm more and there. But I'm telling you, I'm more and there. But I'm telling you, I'm more and again, this is more John Thompson stuff. again, this is more John Thompson stuff. again, this is more John Thompson stuff. I feel more like a rancher than a I feel more like a rancher than a I feel more like a rancher than a shepherd. Are you tracking with me on shepherd. Are you tracking with me on shepherd. Are you tracking with me on that? What I mean by that is I'm always that? What I mean by that is I'm always that? What I mean by that is I'm always thinking about the flock. Like what God thinking about the flock. Like what God thinking about the flock. Like what God doing collectively? Where's he taking us doing collectively? Where's he taking us doing collectively? Where's he taking us collectively? What's next for us? I'm collectively? What's next for us? I'm collectively? What's next for us? I'm going to seek the face of God. I'm going going to seek the face of God. I'm going going to seek the face of God. I'm going to preach to that. I'm going to seek to preach to that. I'm going to seek to preach to that. I'm going to seek that out. That means we need a lot of that out. That means we need a lot of that out. That means we need a lot of shepherds here. Cuz shepherds don't care shepherds here. Cuz shepherds don't care shepherds here. Cuz shepherds don't care about the flock at all. They just see about the flock at all. They just see about the flock at all. They just see that one sheep.

that one sheep. that one sheep. Like shepherds see Bill and that his Like shepherds see Bill and that his Like shepherds see Bill and that his marriage is falling. This isn't a real marriage is falling. This isn't a real marriage is falling. This isn't a real person. All right. If your name's Bill person. All right. If your name's Bill person. All right. If your name's Bill and I nail it. It's not prophecy. It's and I nail it. It's not prophecy. It's and I nail it. It's not prophecy. It's an illustration. Like he's got the gift an illustration. Like he's got the gift an illustration. Like he's got the gift of prophecy, too. What? No, I don't. Um, of prophecy, too. What? No, I don't. Um, of prophecy, too. What? No, I don't. Um, like Bill's marriage is falling apart. like Bill's marriage is falling apart. like Bill's marriage is falling apart. His kids are all thrilled. He just lost His kids are all thrilled. He just lost His kids are all thrilled. He just lost his job and his wife's got cancer. Don't his job and his wife's got cancer. Don't his job and his wife's got cancer. Don't care about the flock. Don't care about care about the flock. Don't care about care about the flock. Don't care about new initiatives. Don't care about new initiatives. Don't care about new initiatives. Don't care about wrapping up yarn. don't care. I I got to wrapping up yarn. don't care. I I got to wrapping up yarn. don't care. I I got to be here with Bill until he gets to the be here with Bill until he gets to the be here with Bill until he gets to the other side of this. We got to have that other side of this. We got to have that other side of this. We got to have that gifts of administration, gifts of help gifts of administration, gifts of help gifts of administration, gifts of help and serving, gifts of right, like these and serving, gifts of right, like these and serving, gifts of right, like these are these are what you would bring to are these are what you would bring to are these are what you would bring to bear. And the Bible even says that those bear. And the Bible even says that those bear. And the Bible even says that those of least like value are the most of least like value are the most of least like value are the most important. They're like the mortar that important. They're like the mortar that important. They're like the mortar that holds it all together. holds it all together. holds it all together. And anyone who's ever had their And anyone who's ever had their And anyone who's ever had their gallbladder taken out understands this. gallbladder taken out understands this. gallbladder taken out understands this. Let that gallbladder file you and let it Let that gallbladder file you and let it Let that gallbladder file you and let it flare on you. I've had a couple people flare on you. I've had a couple people flare on you. I've had a couple people around me this has happened to, bro. around me this has happened to, bro. around me this has happened to, bro. Like you got knifed with a hot poker. Do Like you got knifed with a hot poker. Do Like you got knifed with a hot poker. Do you know what the You know what that you know what the You know what that you know what the You know what that thing does? Produces mucus for the body.

thing does? Produces mucus for the body. thing does? Produces mucus for the body. And and I know nobody in here's like, And and I know nobody in here's like, And and I know nobody in here's like, you know what I want to be in the body you know what I want to be in the body you know what I want to be in the body of Christ? I want to create mucus for of Christ? I want to create mucus for of Christ? I want to create mucus for the glory of God. Nobody wants that. the glory of God. Nobody wants that. the glory of God. Nobody wants that. But God sovereignly gave But God sovereignly gave But God sovereignly gave for your joy and his glory. for your joy and his glory. for your joy and his glory. like he you could beg him for another like he you could beg him for another like he you could beg him for another gift, but he's given you the one he's gift, but he's given you the one he's gift, but he's given you the one he's given you. Joy, life is this all there given you. Joy, life is this all there given you. Joy, life is this all there is is eradicated when you learn and then is is eradicated when you learn and then is is eradicated when you learn and then embrace the gift given. And then lastly, embrace the gift given. And then lastly, embrace the gift given. And then lastly, the body lets us see truth embodied. the body lets us see truth embodied. the body lets us see truth embodied. Um, it's one thing to try to combat Um, it's one thing to try to combat Um, it's one thing to try to combat false teaching with, false teaching with, false teaching with, you know, phrases and sentences and then you know, phrases and sentences and then you know, phrases and sentences and then it's a whole another thing to fight it it's a whole another thing to fight it it's a whole another thing to fight it with what it looks like to be a mature with what it looks like to be a mature with what it looks like to be a mature follower of Jesus Christ. When I was follower of Jesus Christ. When I was follower of Jesus Christ. When I was going to get married to Lauren, uh, I going to get married to Lauren, uh, I going to get married to Lauren, uh, I knew I didn't want my parents' marriage. knew I didn't want my parents' marriage. knew I didn't want my parents' marriage. Um, which means I'm already in trouble Um, which means I'm already in trouble Um, which means I'm already in trouble because I've got anti- vision. I don't because I've got anti- vision. I don't because I've got anti- vision. I don't have vision. Are you tracking with the have vision. Are you tracking with the have vision. Are you tracking with the difference in that? I knew what I didn't difference in that? I knew what I didn't difference in that? I knew what I didn't want to be. I didn't know what I wanted want to be. I didn't know what I wanted want to be. I didn't know what I wanted to be. Um, but I'm I'm me. So, I read to be. Um, but I'm I'm me. So, I read to be. Um, but I'm I'm me. So, I read like seven or eight books on it. Uh, and like seven or eight books on it. Uh, and like seven or eight books on it. Uh, and came in thinking I was ready to rock. I came in thinking I was ready to rock. I came in thinking I was ready to rock. I was not. Seven year seven very hard was not. Seven year seven very hard was not. Seven year seven very hard years later, the thing that kind of years later, the thing that kind of years later, the thing that kind of helped turn the corner was the embodied helped turn the corner was the embodied helped turn the corner was the embodied truth of what a man of God looks like truth of what a man of God looks like truth of what a man of God looks like when he loves his strong wife. I I when he loves his strong wife. I I when he loves his strong wife. I I didn't marry I know Lauren's pretty and didn't marry I know Lauren's pretty and didn't marry I know Lauren's pretty and sweet and every like she was probably a sweet and every like she was probably a sweet and every like she was probably a cheerleader. She wasn't. She was an cheerleader. She wasn't. She was an cheerleader. She wasn't. She was an athlete and she's fierce. like fierce

athlete and she's fierce. like fierce athlete and she's fierce. like fierce um low-key terrifying. It's it's um low-key terrifying. It's it's um low-key terrifying. It's it's sometimes uh right and I don't I don't sometimes uh right and I don't I don't sometimes uh right and I don't I don't scare easy and that she's the one she scare easy and that she's the one she scare easy and that she's the one she can and and like how do you navigate can and and like how do you navigate can and and like how do you navigate that? What do you do with that? I needed that? What do you do with that? I needed that? What do you do with that? I needed men to show me. I needed men to be the men to show me. I needed men to be the men to show me. I needed men to be the kind of man that lets me know, oh, I kind of man that lets me know, oh, I kind of man that lets me know, oh, I need to grow into that kind of man. Like need to grow into that kind of man. Like need to grow into that kind of man. Like truth embodied is what happens when we truth embodied is what happens when we truth embodied is what happens when we bring our gifts to bear under the bring our gifts to bear under the bring our gifts to bear under the supremacy of Christ. And know this is my supremacy of Christ. And know this is my supremacy of Christ. And know this is my role to play in this body so that the role to play in this body so that the role to play in this body so that the fullness of Christ is seen in the world fullness of Christ is seen in the world fullness of Christ is seen in the world in which we inhabit. in which we inhabit. in which we inhabit. You and I were never meant to discern You and I were never meant to discern You and I were never meant to discern truth all on our own. That's not that. truth all on our own. That's not that. truth all on our own. That's not that. No, we need each other. different No, we need each other. different No, we need each other. different perspectives, different backgrounds, perspectives, different backgrounds, perspectives, different backgrounds, different gifts, all colliding to create different gifts, all colliding to create different gifts, all colliding to create the fullness of Christ unto the unity, the fullness of Christ unto the unity, the fullness of Christ unto the unity, the bond of Christ. the bond of Christ. the bond of Christ. Yeah. Um, so Nora is starting her senior Yeah. Um, so Nora is starting her senior Yeah. Um, so Nora is starting her senior year. Yeah. I'm not wooing. I'm year. Yeah. I'm not wooing. I'm year. Yeah. I'm not wooing. I'm somewhere between weeping and rejoicing somewhere between weeping and rejoicing somewhere between weeping and rejoicing depending on the day. I'm sure she is depending on the day. I'm sure she is depending on the day. I'm sure she is too. And um so I this summer I was like too. And um so I this summer I was like too. And um so I this summer I was like reminiscing a lot as you think about oh reminiscing a lot as you think about oh reminiscing a lot as you think about oh it's just going to be Lauren and I and it's just going to be Lauren and I and it's just going to be Lauren and I and I'm I'm down for that um and sad about I'm I'm down for that um and sad about I'm I'm down for that um and sad about that. And I finally got to use our pool that. And I finally got to use our pool that. And I finally got to use our pool um where there weren't nine 17-year-old um where there weren't nine 17-year-old um where there weren't nine 17-year-old girls out there sunbathing. That's just girls out there sunbathing. That's just girls out there sunbathing. That's just I'm I'm self-aware enough to know it's I'm I'm self-aware enough to know it's I'm I'm self-aware enough to know it's awkward for dad be like you guys I'm awkward for dad be like you guys I'm awkward for dad be like you guys I'm just going to just going to hang out in

just going to just going to hang out in just going to just going to hang out in the pool while you No. No. I'm smarter the pool while you No. No. I'm smarter the pool while you No. No. I'm smarter than that. not smarter, but yeah, I like than that. not smarter, but yeah, I like than that. not smarter, but yeah, I like them at my house. So, a surefire way to them at my house. So, a surefire way to them at my house. So, a surefire way to go. They're not sunbathing at your house go. They're not sunbathing at your house go. They're not sunbathing at your house is for them to be out there. And you're is for them to be out there. And you're is for them to be out there. And you're like, "Okay, dad's here. Anybody need like, "Okay, dad's here. Anybody need like, "Okay, dad's here. Anybody need anything?" So, I just kind of finally anything?" So, I just kind of finally anything?" So, I just kind of finally got the pool to myself, got the pool to myself, got the pool to myself, right? Get to play the music I want to right? Get to play the music I want to right? Get to play the music I want to listen to. I'm I'm just going to hang listen to. I'm I'm just going to hang listen to. I'm I'm just going to hang out in my pool. And then I could out in my pool. And then I could out in my pool. And then I could remember like what it was like to when remember like what it was like to when remember like what it was like to when they were little to try to get them to they were little to try to get them to they were little to try to get them to jump to you. You remember that? start in jump to you. You remember that? start in jump to you. You remember that? start in the shallow end like you're you're the shallow end like you're you're the shallow end like you're you're getting them to jump and for me the getting them to jump and for me the getting them to jump and for me the water's like right here, you know? It's water's like right here, you know? It's water's like right here, you know? It's like come on, come to daddy and then like come on, come to daddy and then like come on, come to daddy and then they would and then what do you do? You they would and then what do you do? You they would and then what do you do? You you go a little deeper and then okay, you go a little deeper and then okay, you go a little deeper and then okay, come on. And the goal was always to get come on. And the goal was always to get come on. And the goal was always to get them to the deep end to get them jumping them to the deep end to get them jumping them to the deep end to get them jumping off that diving board, to get them off that diving board, to get them off that diving board, to get them jumping off that diving rock, whatever jumping off that diving rock, whatever jumping off that diving rock, whatever it is, all that stuff that's supposedly it is, all that stuff that's supposedly it is, all that stuff that's supposedly too dangerous now. And uh my whole goal too dangerous now. And uh my whole goal too dangerous now. And uh my whole goal was to get them in that deep end in a was to get them in that deep end in a was to get them in that deep end in a way that I didn't have to worry about way that I didn't have to worry about way that I didn't have to worry about them drowning and they could enjoy. Like them drowning and they could enjoy. Like them drowning and they could enjoy. Like nobody plays sharks and minnows in the nobody plays sharks and minnows in the nobody plays sharks and minnows in the shallow end of the pool. Nobody. No, you shallow end of the pool. Nobody. No, you shallow end of the pool. Nobody. No, you you got to get to deep water for that you got to get to deep water for that you got to get to deep water for that kind of fun. So I'm just constantly kind of fun. So I'm just constantly kind of fun. So I'm just constantly trying to ooch them out there. And so I trying to ooch them out there. And so I trying to ooch them out there. And so I was thinking about that and then I was was thinking about that and then I was was thinking about that and then I was like, "Oh my gosh, that's kind of what like, "Oh my gosh, that's kind of what like, "Oh my gosh, that's kind of what I'm going to do this morning. I'm just I'm going to do this morning. I'm just I'm going to do this morning. I'm just trying to call you into deeper water."

trying to call you into deeper water." trying to call you into deeper water." So, what does that what does that look So, what does that what does that look So, what does that what does that look like? Um, let me give you a couple of like? Um, let me give you a couple of like? Um, let me give you a couple of things, and I promise this is going to things, and I promise this is going to things, and I promise this is going to be quick. I know you don't believe me, be quick. I know you don't believe me, be quick. I know you don't believe me, and that's fine. and that's fine. and that's fine. You will not Let's make some eye You will not Let's make some eye You will not Let's make some eye contact. You will not discover your gift contact. You will not discover your gift contact. You will not discover your gift coming on Sunday morning and listening coming on Sunday morning and listening coming on Sunday morning and listening to me. to me. to me. I am not going to preach in such a way I am not going to preach in such a way I am not going to preach in such a way that you sitting out there going, "Oh, that you sitting out there going, "Oh, that you sitting out there going, "Oh, this it's not happening." You will have this it's not happening." You will have this it's not happening." You will have to move towards belonging and to move towards belonging and to move towards belonging and connection. Without belonging and connection. Without belonging and connection. Without belonging and connection, you will never discover your connection, you will never discover your connection, you will never discover your gift. Nothing's going to make you angry. gift. Nothing's going to make you angry. gift. Nothing's going to make you angry. Uh you're not going to figure out what Uh you're not going to figure out what Uh you're not going to figure out what keeps happening to you. You're not going keeps happening to you. You're not going keeps happening to you. You're not going to figure out what brings you joy or to figure out what brings you joy or to figure out what brings you joy or what comes easy. So, we have to move what comes easy. So, we have to move what comes easy. So, we have to move towards one another. So, I want to towards one another. So, I want to towards one another. So, I want to invite you to find your people here. invite you to find your people here. invite you to find your people here. Join a Bible study. Get in a class. Get Join a Bible study. Get in a class. Get Join a Bible study. Get in a class. Get in a home group and connect in such a in a home group and connect in such a in a home group and connect in such a way where you're coming in eyes wide way where you're coming in eyes wide way where you're coming in eyes wide open. The Holy Spirit's gifted to me. I open. The Holy Spirit's gifted to me. I open. The Holy Spirit's gifted to me. I want to bring my gift to bear on these want to bring my gift to bear on these want to bring my gift to bear on these people. people. people. If you haven't made this your place, If you haven't made this your place, If you haven't made this your place, then make some place your place. I know then make some place your place. I know then make some place your place. I know we're not for everybody. So if it's not we're not for everybody. So if it's not we're not for everybody. So if it's not us, great. Wherever you normally go, us, great. Wherever you normally go, us, great. Wherever you normally go, wherever you're going after this, wherever you're going after this, wherever you're going after this, wherever you land, belong there. Don't wherever you land, belong there. Don't wherever you land, belong there. Don't just go. Such a dumb idea. Nowhere in just go. Such a dumb idea. Nowhere in just go. Such a dumb idea. Nowhere in the Bible said go to church. What is the Bible said go to church. What is the Bible said go to church. What is this accomplishing?

this accomplishing? this accomplishing? No. Without obedience, without movement, No. Without obedience, without movement, No. Without obedience, without movement, without accountability, this is like a without accountability, this is like a without accountability, this is like a pep rally. pep rally. pep rally. Yeah. So move towards belonging and Yeah. So move towards belonging and Yeah. So move towards belonging and place and then go with eyes wide open. place and then go with eyes wide open. place and then go with eyes wide open. My goal in joining this home group, my My goal in joining this home group, my My goal in joining this home group, my goal in joining this Bible is not only goal in joining this Bible is not only goal in joining this Bible is not only just to digactically learn or to get just to digactically learn or to get just to digactically learn or to get some information, but to bend out and some information, but to bend out and some information, but to bend out and bless in whatever way based on where bless in whatever way based on where bless in whatever way based on where God's placed me and how he's wired me God's placed me and how he's wired me God's placed me and how he's wired me this group of people. Number two, maybe this group of people. Number two, maybe this group of people. Number two, maybe this morning during prayer um response this morning during prayer um response this morning during prayer um response time, you just come up and grab one of time, you just come up and grab one of time, you just come up and grab one of our prayer team. People like, I man, I our prayer team. People like, I man, I our prayer team. People like, I man, I want to know. I want to know what my want to know. I want to know what my want to know. I want to know what my gift will you pray over me that the Holy gift will you pray over me that the Holy gift will you pray over me that the Holy Spirit would just reveal uh as I head Spirit would just reveal uh as I head Spirit would just reveal uh as I head towards belong deeper belonging and towards belong deeper belonging and towards belong deeper belonging and connection that the Holy Spirit would connection that the Holy Spirit would connection that the Holy Spirit would reveal to me what my gift is. I want reveal to me what my gift is. I want reveal to me what my gift is. I want this. I I feel I've got that little this. I I feel I've got that little this. I I feel I've got that little smidge of there's got to be something smidge of there's got to be something smidge of there's got to be something more than this than just singing and more than this than just singing and more than this than just singing and attending and trying to be a good attending and trying to be a good attending and trying to be a good person. Well, great. Let's ask that the person. Well, great. Let's ask that the person. Well, great. Let's ask that the Holy Spirit would show you. It's kind of Holy Spirit would show you. It's kind of Holy Spirit would show you. It's kind of low key. I mean, that's kind of how we low key. I mean, that's kind of how we low key. I mean, that's kind of how we prayed over PJ that night. just bunch of prayed over PJ that night. just bunch of prayed over PJ that night. just bunch of rough neck dudes laid our hands on that rough neck dudes laid our hands on that rough neck dudes laid our hands on that brother and prayed an honest brother and prayed an honest brother and prayed an honest open of his heart to see and believe.

open of his heart to see and believe. open of his heart to see and believe. Show him what relationship with you Show him what relationship with you Show him what relationship with you looks like. Reveal in him. And here's looks like. Reveal in him. And here's looks like. Reveal in him. And here's what I want to just highlight so you're what I want to just highlight so you're what I want to just highlight so you're not confused. PJ's not serving in any not confused. PJ's not serving in any not confused. PJ's not serving in any other location than when he was when other location than when he was when other location than when he was when this happened. He's still just on the this happened. He's still just on the this happened. He's still just on the security. I'm not asking you just to security. I'm not asking you just to security. I'm not asking you just to like help us in Kids Village. That's not like help us in Kids Village. That's not like help us in Kids Village. That's not what this sermon is. Your gift's going what this sermon is. Your gift's going what this sermon is. Your gift's going to roll out here in the body and out to roll out here in the body and out to roll out here in the body and out there in the world. baptized 10 people there in the world. baptized 10 people there in the world. baptized 10 people in the nine. A lot of them connected to in the nine. A lot of them connected to in the nine. A lot of them connected to him. Why? Because he's using those gifts him. Why? Because he's using those gifts him. Why? Because he's using those gifts now in a profound way outside and inside now in a profound way outside and inside now in a profound way outside and inside and strengthening and helping us mature and strengthening and helping us mature and strengthening and helping us mature and grow. And maybe the last response and grow. And maybe the last response and grow. And maybe the last response and then I want to pray for us is maybe and then I want to pray for us is maybe and then I want to pray for us is maybe you are PJ you are PJ you are PJ or your version of it, right? or your version of it, right? or your version of it, right? Uh, Uh, Uh, and maybe like like he said, you just and maybe like like he said, you just and maybe like like he said, you just been sitting in seat 25A been sitting in seat 25A been sitting in seat 25A for years. for years. for years. Come a couple of times a month. You're Come a couple of times a month. You're Come a couple of times a month. You're you're probably what I would call you're probably what I would call you're probably what I would call Christian adjacent.

Christian adjacent. Christian adjacent. That that means I don't think you're a That that means I don't think you're a That that means I don't think you're a Christian. I think you're Christian Christian. I think you're Christian Christian. I think you're Christian adjacent. adjacent. adjacent. So So maybe today could be the day of So So maybe today could be the day of So So maybe today could be the day of salvation where you say, "Oh, no, no, salvation where you say, "Oh, no, no, salvation where you say, "Oh, no, no, no. I want to surrender my life to the no. I want to surrender my life to the no. I want to surrender my life to the supremacy of Christ. supremacy of Christ. supremacy of Christ. I I want to receive from him the offer I I want to receive from him the offer I I want to receive from him the offer to be a trophy of grace rather than the to be a trophy of grace rather than the to be a trophy of grace rather than the just object of his wrath. And this is just object of his wrath. And this is just object of his wrath. And this is the offer Jesus came so that that you the offer Jesus came so that that you the offer Jesus came so that that you could take option B off the table and could take option B off the table and could take option B off the table and receive life life that starts here and receive life life that starts here and receive life life that starts here and grows unto eternity. You haven't grows unto eternity. You haven't grows unto eternity. You haven't outended his grace. You're not so wicked outended his grace. You're not so wicked outended his grace. You're not so wicked and dirty that he can't wash you clean. and dirty that he can't wash you clean. and dirty that he can't wash you clean. I mean, if you had any idea who was I mean, if you had any idea who was I mean, if you had any idea who was sitting around you, it would bend your sitting around you, it would bend your sitting around you, it would bend your brain and you'd gather your valuables brain and you'd gather your valuables brain and you'd gather your valuables closer to you. But Christ is the great closer to you. But Christ is the great closer to you. But Christ is the great transformer of souls, the great lover of transformer of souls, the great lover of transformer of souls, the great lover of souls, and that offer's on the table. souls, and that offer's on the table. souls, and that offer's on the table. So, I'm going to pray for us. Our prayer So, I'm going to pray for us. Our prayer So, I'm going to pray for us. Our prayer team's going to come up. You want team's going to come up. You want team's going to come up. You want somebody to pray over you that Holy somebody to pray over you that Holy somebody to pray over you that Holy Spirit would reveal your gifts, do it.

Spirit would reveal your gifts, do it. Spirit would reveal your gifts, do it. You You want to just walk up. You don't You You want to just walk up. You don't You You want to just walk up. You don't even have to explain a lot. You can just even have to explain a lot. You can just even have to explain a lot. You can just tell one of our prayer, I'm kind of like tell one of our prayer, I'm kind of like tell one of our prayer, I'm kind of like PJ. And then they'll ask some questions PJ. And then they'll ask some questions PJ. And then they'll ask some questions and pray for you. and let's move towards and pray for you. and let's move towards and pray for you. and let's move towards the Lord like we're called to be doers, the Lord like we're called to be doers, the Lord like we're called to be doers, not just hearers. We good? All right. not just hearers. We good? All right. not just hearers. We good? All right. Father, I bless these men and women in Father, I bless these men and women in Father, I bless these men and women in the name of Jesus. I thank you for your the name of Jesus. I thank you for your the name of Jesus. I thank you for your kindness, and your goodness, your kindness, and your goodness, your kindness, and your goodness, your beauty, and your grace. You are supreme. beauty, and your grace. You are supreme. beauty, and your grace. You are supreme. You do reign above it all. You are the You do reign above it all. You are the You do reign above it all. You are the alpha and the omega, the beginning and alpha and the omega, the beginning and alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. You sit alone, reigning and the end. You sit alone, reigning and the end. You sit alone, reigning and ruling on high. You are our sovereign ruling on high. You are our sovereign ruling on high. You are our sovereign and you in your generosity and you in your generosity and you in your generosity have come into our heart not have come into our heart not have come into our heart not empty-handed but with spiritual gifts. empty-handed but with spiritual gifts. empty-handed but with spiritual gifts. And so I pray spirit of the living God And so I pray spirit of the living God And so I pray spirit of the living God that you would act I'm just trying to that you would act I'm just trying to that you would act I'm just trying to get my brain around what would happen if get my brain around what would happen if get my brain around what would happen if you did this. What would it be like for you did this. What would it be like for you did this. What would it be like for 4,000 people this weekend to be awakened 4,000 people this weekend to be awakened 4,000 people this weekend to be awakened to the good deposit you put into them? to the good deposit you put into them? to the good deposit you put into them? And what would we look like as they And what would we look like as they And what would we look like as they brought those gifts to bear on our brought those gifts to bear on our brought those gifts to bear on our family of faith? And so, Holy Spirit, do family of faith? And so, Holy Spirit, do family of faith? And so, Holy Spirit, do those things that only you can do now.

those things that only you can do now. those things that only you can do now. Would you encourage, rebuke, correct, Would you encourage, rebuke, correct, Would you encourage, rebuke, correct, illuminate, draw, save, and heal? And illuminate, draw, save, and heal? And illuminate, draw, save, and heal? And it's for your beautiful name I pray. it's for your beautiful name I pray. it's for your beautiful name I pray. Amen. Would you stand with me as we sing Amen. Would you stand with me as we sing Amen. Would you stand with me as we sing and respond?