The Normal Christian Life // Acts 18 // Watermark Community Church

>> Well, good morning Watermark. How we >> Well, good morning Watermark. How we doing today? doing today? doing today? Hey, uh good to see you. I'm so glad you Hey, uh good to see you. I'm so glad you Hey, uh good to see you. I'm so glad you made it. If this your first time ever made it. If this your first time ever made it. If this your first time ever with us on a Sunday, with us on a Sunday, with us on a Sunday, my name is Timothy Ateek. I serve as the my name is Timothy Ateek. I serve as the my name is Timothy Ateek. I serve as the lead pastor here. lead pastor here. lead pastor here. I just want to welcome you. I just want to welcome you. I just want to welcome you. And my genuine hope for every person in And my genuine hope for every person in And my genuine hope for every person in this room this morning, whether you are this room this morning, whether you are this room this morning, whether you are spiritually skeptical or spiritually spiritually skeptical or spiritually spiritually skeptical or spiritually strong, strong, strong, my hope is you would take either your my hope is you would take either your my hope is you would take either your first or your next step with Jesus first or your next step with Jesus first or your next step with Jesus Christ. And I hope you leave here Christ. And I hope you leave here Christ. And I hope you leave here sensing that you have met with and heard sensing that you have met with and heard sensing that you have met with and heard from the living God. He's a God who from the living God. He's a God who from the living God. He's a God who speaks. speaks. speaks. And I believe he wants to speak to our And I believe he wants to speak to our And I believe he wants to speak to our hearts this morning. So, hearts this morning. So, hearts this morning. So, uh just like we do every Sunday, I want uh just like we do every Sunday, I want uh just like we do every Sunday, I want to give you a moment real quick to pray to give you a moment real quick to pray to give you a moment real quick to pray for yourself and ask God for yourself and ask God for yourself and ask God to speak to you. So, would you just pray to speak to you. So, would you just pray to speak to you. So, would you just pray that real quick for yourself? Say, "God, that real quick for yourself? Say, "God, that real quick for yourself? Say, "God, would you speak to me this morning?" And now would you pray for the people And now would you pray for the people around you and ask God to speak to them around you and ask God to speak to them around you and ask God to speak to them as well.

And now would you pray for me and ask And now would you pray for me and ask God to speak through me to you. Well, Lord, we know you're already here Well, Lord, we know you're already here because you are omnipresent. You are because you are omnipresent. You are because you are omnipresent. You are You are always here, and yet we still You are always here, and yet we still You are always here, and yet we still welcome you. welcome you. welcome you. And we invite you to come and speak to And we invite you to come and speak to And we invite you to come and speak to our hearts. our hearts. our hearts. I pray, Holy Spirit, that you would take I pray, Holy Spirit, that you would take I pray, Holy Spirit, that you would take the word of God this morning the word of God this morning the word of God this morning and lead and guide us into all truth. and lead and guide us into all truth. and lead and guide us into all truth. Lord, if there's anyone here today who Lord, if there's anyone here today who Lord, if there's anyone here today who does not have a genuine saving does not have a genuine saving does not have a genuine saving relationship with you, I pray that you relationship with you, I pray that you relationship with you, I pray that you would introduce yourself to them in such would introduce yourself to them in such would introduce yourself to them in such a clear way that they would respond in a clear way that they would respond in a clear way that they would respond in faith faith faith and experience complete forgiveness. and experience complete forgiveness. and experience complete forgiveness. Lord, we just give this time to you, and Lord, we just give this time to you, and Lord, we just give this time to you, and we pray that you would be glorified we pray that you would be glorified we pray that you would be glorified right here at Watermark Community Church right here at Watermark Community Church right here at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas. We need you. We love in Dallas, Texas. We need you. We love in Dallas, Texas. We need you. We love you.

you. you. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, I'm going to say something that Well, I'm going to say something that Well, I'm going to say something that will cause some of you to judge me, but will cause some of you to judge me, but will cause some of you to judge me, but a little over 2 years ago, I was doing a little over 2 years ago, I was doing a little over 2 years ago, I was doing very little in the department of very little in the department of very little in the department of physical exercise. physical exercise. physical exercise. Very little. Very little. Very little. If I did anything, I would go for a run If I did anything, I would go for a run If I did anything, I would go for a run occasionally. And even less occasionally. And even less occasionally. And even less occasionally, I would get to the gym. occasionally, I would get to the gym. occasionally, I would get to the gym. But I was doing very little. Days would But I was doing very little. Days would But I was doing very little. Days would go by. Weeks could go by without me go by. Weeks could go by without me go by. Weeks could go by without me doing anything. doing anything. doing anything. And then we went on our annual summer And then we went on our annual summer And then we went on our annual summer family trip to Galveston, family trip to Galveston, family trip to Galveston, and I ate like the world was ending. and I ate like the world was ending. and I ate like the world was ending. And I came home and just had And I came home and just had And I came home and just had the realization, something needs to the realization, something needs to the realization, something needs to change. I don't know if you've ever had change. I don't know if you've ever had change. I don't know if you've ever had that moment where you're like, something that moment where you're like, something that moment where you're like, something needs to change. needs to change. needs to change. So, there's some friends here. So, there's some friends here. So, there's some friends here. They own a gym, CrossFit Richardson. They own a gym, CrossFit Richardson. They own a gym, CrossFit Richardson. Some of you guys go there, and I decided Some of you guys go there, and I decided Some of you guys go there, and I decided that I'd give it a try. So, I started that I'd give it a try. So, I started that I'd give it a try. So, I started going, going, going, and 2 years later, into going regularly, and 2 years later, into going regularly, and 2 years later, into going regularly, here's what I can say. I actually feel here's what I can say. I actually feel here's what I can say. I actually feel better.

better. better. Like, I just feel better. Like, I just feel better. Like, I just feel better. And I can I can see some results. Like And I can I can see some results. Like And I can I can see some results. Like I'm not ready to preach in a tank top I'm not ready to preach in a tank top I'm not ready to preach in a tank top yet. yet. yet. My ultimate goal is a sweater vest with My ultimate goal is a sweater vest with My ultimate goal is a sweater vest with no undershirt. no undershirt. no undershirt. But I need just a little But I need just a little But I need just a little Don't picture it. You if you picture it, Don't picture it. You if you picture it, Don't picture it. You if you picture it, you won't be able to unsee it. you won't be able to unsee it. you won't be able to unsee it. You just won't be able to sleep at You just won't be able to sleep at You just won't be able to sleep at night. night. night. But that's kind of where we're headed, But that's kind of where we're headed, But that's kind of where we're headed, but I can I can see some results. And but I can I can see some results. And but I can I can see some results. And you know what? I I feel like I'm getting you know what? I I feel like I'm getting you know what? I I feel like I'm getting stronger. stronger. stronger. Uh a low point was in the gym when I was Uh a low point was in the gym when I was Uh a low point was in the gym when I was putting my weights back. putting my weights back. putting my weights back. And a woman that had been working out, And a woman that had been working out, And a woman that had been working out, she saw the weights that I was putting she saw the weights that I was putting she saw the weights that I was putting back and she said, "There they are. back and she said, "There they are. back and she said, "There they are. I've been looking for those." At least I was there. Anyway, um At least I was there. Anyway, um I feel like I'm getting stronger. Uh I feel like I'm getting stronger. Uh I feel like I'm getting stronger. Uh I've loved the people that I've met. I've loved the people that I've met. I've loved the people that I've met. There's so many great people Many of you There's so many great people Many of you There's so many great people Many of you are those people. I've gotten to pray are those people. I've gotten to pray are those people. I've gotten to pray with people there, share my faith with with people there, share my faith with with people there, share my faith with people there. And what I've found myself people there. And what I've found myself people there. And what I've found myself thinking recently thinking recently thinking recently is like is like is like I can't believe I settled for anything I can't believe I settled for anything I can't believe I settled for anything less previously.

less previously. less previously. And I hate that it took so long And I hate that it took so long And I hate that it took so long for me to get where I am now. for me to get where I am now. for me to get where I am now. Like I wish that I could have Like I wish that I could have Like I wish that I could have um gotten to this place sooner. I've um gotten to this place sooner. I've um gotten to this place sooner. I've even told my high school son like don't even told my high school son like don't even told my high school son like don't ever stop working out post high school. And I'm just so glad to be experiencing And I'm just so glad to be experiencing what I'm experiencing. Now, I share this what I'm experiencing. Now, I share this what I'm experiencing. Now, I share this with you. This isn't a talk about with you. This isn't a talk about with you. This isn't a talk about physical exercise. I would encourage you physical exercise. I would encourage you physical exercise. I would encourage you to exercise physically. This isn't a to exercise physically. This isn't a to exercise physically. This isn't a talk about physical exercise. talk about physical exercise. talk about physical exercise. The reason I share this with you The reason I share this with you The reason I share this with you is because what I've experienced is because what I've experienced is because what I've experienced physically is what I hope we all physically is what I hope we all physically is what I hope we all experience spiritually this morning. Let experience spiritually this morning. Let experience spiritually this morning. Let me be clear on what I'm talking about. me be clear on what I'm talking about. me be clear on what I'm talking about. Like my hope is over the next little Like my hope is over the next little Like my hope is over the next little time that we're together, my hope is time that we're together, my hope is time that we're together, my hope is that many people in this room will leave that many people in this room will leave that many people in this room will leave having a clear resolution something having a clear resolution something having a clear resolution something needs to change. needs to change. needs to change. And my hope that many other people would And my hope that many other people would And my hope that many other people would would say, "I I don't want to settle."

would say, "I I don't want to settle." would say, "I I don't want to settle." Like I I don't want to settle at all in Like I I don't want to settle at all in Like I I don't want to settle at all in life. And what I want to do is I'm going life. And what I want to do is I'm going life. And what I want to do is I'm going to guard many of you from getting to a to guard many of you from getting to a to guard many of you from getting to a point someday looking back saying, "It point someday looking back saying, "It point someday looking back saying, "It took me too long to experience fullness took me too long to experience fullness took me too long to experience fullness of joy in Christ. I I wish that I had of joy in Christ. I I wish that I had of joy in Christ. I I wish that I had found it sooner." And so what I want to found it sooner." And so what I want to found it sooner." And so what I want to do with my time that I have with you do with my time that I have with you do with my time that I have with you this morning is I just want to unpack this morning is I just want to unpack this morning is I just want to unpack for you and give you a picture for the for you and give you a picture for the for you and give you a picture for the normal Christian life. normal Christian life. normal Christian life. And I use that phrasing very And I use that phrasing very And I use that phrasing very intentionally. I call it the normal intentionally. I call it the normal intentionally. I call it the normal Christian life for a couple reasons. One Christian life for a couple reasons. One Christian life for a couple reasons. One is because we're just going to look at is because we're just going to look at is because we're just going to look at the life that the scriptures unpack in the life that the scriptures unpack in the life that the scriptures unpack in terms of what biblical Christianity terms of what biblical Christianity terms of what biblical Christianity looks like. We take our cues from the looks like. We take our cues from the looks like. We take our cues from the Bible. So, whatever picture scripture Bible. So, whatever picture scripture Bible. So, whatever picture scripture paints of the Christian life, that's the paints of the Christian life, that's the paints of the Christian life, that's the normal Christian life. normal Christian life. normal Christian life. And it's important for us to understand And it's important for us to understand And it's important for us to understand that because there is a version, a that because there is a version, a that because there is a version, a distorted version of Christianity that's distorted version of Christianity that's distorted version of Christianity that's been created by the American church. And been created by the American church. And been created by the American church. And there's a form of American Christianity that when contrasted with biblical that when contrasted with biblical Christianity, American Christianity Christianity, American Christianity Christianity, American Christianity would make biblical Christianity out to would make biblical Christianity out to would make biblical Christianity out to be radical.

be radical. be radical. But what is radical is actually normal. But what is radical is actually normal. But what is radical is actually normal. The other reason I use the word normal The other reason I use the word normal The other reason I use the word normal is because today we're not learning from is because today we're not learning from is because today we're not learning from the Apostle Paul. We're actually going the Apostle Paul. We're actually going the Apostle Paul. We're actually going to learn from just a married couple in to learn from just a married couple in to learn from just a married couple in scripture. This is a couple that had scripture. This is a couple that had scripture. This is a couple that had normal a normal 8:00 to 5:00 just like normal a normal 8:00 to 5:00 just like normal a normal 8:00 to 5:00 just like so many of you in the room. They were so many of you in the room. They were so many of you in the room. They were not W-2 employees of the church. They not W-2 employees of the church. They not W-2 employees of the church. They were just church members that fully were just church members that fully were just church members that fully understood that they only had one life understood that they only had one life understood that they only had one life to live and because of that they wanted to live and because of that they wanted to live and because of that they wanted to leverage every second of their lives to leverage every second of their lives to leverage every second of their lives for the sake of the glory of Jesus for the sake of the glory of Jesus for the sake of the glory of Jesus Christ. And it was that normal Christian Christ. And it was that normal Christian Christ. And it was that normal Christian life life life where fullness of joy is found. where fullness of joy is found. where fullness of joy is found. And so my hope for you And so my hope for you And so my hope for you is that you would get a picture for a is that you would get a picture for a is that you would get a picture for a life life life with Jesus Christ which is packed full with Jesus Christ which is packed full with Jesus Christ which is packed full of joy and that you wouldn't settle for of joy and that you wouldn't settle for of joy and that you wouldn't settle for anything less. And so this morning I anything less. And so this morning I anything less. And so this morning I want to invite you to learn from just want to invite you to learn from just want to invite you to learn from just normal church members. Their names were normal church members. Their names were normal church members. Their names were Priscilla and Aquila and they're found Priscilla and Aquila and they're found Priscilla and Aquila and they're found in Acts chapter 18. So if you have a in Acts chapter 18. So if you have a in Acts chapter 18. So if you have a Bible I want to invite you to turn with Bible I want to invite you to turn with Bible I want to invite you to turn with me me me to Acts chapter to Acts chapter to Acts chapter 18.

Acts chapter 18, if you have a Acts chapter 18, if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the life relationship with Jesus Christ, the life relationship with Jesus Christ, the life that we're going to see Priscilla and that we're going to see Priscilla and that we're going to see Priscilla and Aquila living is the life that Jesus Aquila living is the life that Jesus Aquila living is the life that Jesus Christ went to the cross, faithfully Christ went to the cross, faithfully Christ went to the cross, faithfully died, and then conquered the grave died, and then conquered the grave died, and then conquered the grave victoriously. He went and lived and died victoriously. He went and lived and died victoriously. He went and lived and died and rose from the dead to save you to and rose from the dead to save you to and rose from the dead to save you to this life, to the normal Christian life. this life, to the normal Christian life. this life, to the normal Christian life. And so what I want to do is I just want And so what I want to do is I just want And so what I want to do is I just want to do a flyover real quick to do a flyover real quick to do a flyover real quick of when we see Priscilla and Aquila in of when we see Priscilla and Aquila in of when we see Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18 and then we'll be able to learn Acts 18 and then we'll be able to learn Acts 18 and then we'll be able to learn from them. We find out we're introduced from them. We find out we're introduced from them. We find out we're introduced to them in Acts chapter 18 verse 1 to them in Acts chapter 18 verse 1 to them in Acts chapter 18 verse 1 through 3. It says, "After this, Paul left Athens It says, "After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. and went to Corinth. and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a And he found a Jew named Aquila, a And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from native of Pontus, recently come from native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to Claudius had commanded all the Jews to Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. leave Rome. leave Rome. And he went to see them. And he went to see them. And he went to see them. And because he was of the same trade, he And because he was of the same trade, he And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they stayed with them and worked, for they stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. So, here's were tentmakers by trade. So, here's were tentmakers by trade. So, here's what we learn about Priscilla and what we learn about Priscilla and what we learn about Priscilla and Aquila. These are followers of Jesus Aquila. These are followers of Jesus Aquila. These are followers of Jesus Christ. They were expelled from Rome Christ. They were expelled from Rome Christ. They were expelled from Rome because of their relationship with because of their relationship with because of their relationship with Jesus. They relocate to Corinth, and Jesus. They relocate to Corinth, and Jesus. They relocate to Corinth, and that's where they meet Paul.

that's where they meet Paul. that's where they meet Paul. And they have the same trade as Paul. And they have the same trade as Paul. And they have the same trade as Paul. Their 8:00 to 5:00 is that they are Their 8:00 to 5:00 is that they are Their 8:00 to 5:00 is that they are tentmakers. They Most likely, they work tentmakers. They Most likely, they work tentmakers. They Most likely, they work with leather. with leather. with leather. And these people, Priscilla and Aquila, And these people, Priscilla and Aquila, And these people, Priscilla and Aquila, this is a married couple that becomes this is a married couple that becomes this is a married couple that becomes very important to Paul. The way that we very important to Paul. The way that we very important to Paul. The way that we know that they're important to Paul is know that they're important to Paul is know that they're important to Paul is that Paul mentions them in his that Paul mentions them in his that Paul mentions them in his in his letters, Romans, 1 Corinthians, in his letters, Romans, 1 Corinthians, in his letters, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Timothy. and 2 Timothy. and 2 Timothy. This is a very important couple. This is a very important couple. This is a very important couple. Not W-2 employees of the church, just Not W-2 employees of the church, just Not W-2 employees of the church, just normal church members. normal church members. normal church members. The next time we see them is in Acts 18 The next time we see them is in Acts 18 The next time we see them is in Acts 18 verse 18. So, skip down. Here's what we verse 18. So, skip down. Here's what we verse 18. So, skip down. Here's what we learn about them. It says this, "After learn about them. It says this, "After learn about them. It says this, "After this, Paul stayed many days longer, this, Paul stayed many days longer, this, Paul stayed many days longer, and then took leave of the brothers and and then took leave of the brothers and and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him set sail for Syria, and with him set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila." Priscilla and Aquila." Priscilla and Aquila." So, just track with this. They meet Paul So, just track with this. They meet Paul So, just track with this. They meet Paul in Corinth. in Corinth. in Corinth. And the reason that they're in Corinth And the reason that they're in Corinth And the reason that they're in Corinth is because they were expelled from Rome. is because they were expelled from Rome. is because they were expelled from Rome. So, they've already uprooted once, but So, they've already uprooted once, but So, they've already uprooted once, but here, what do we see them doing again?

here, what do we see them doing again? here, what do we see them doing again? We see them relocating. This time, they We see them relocating. This time, they We see them relocating. This time, they are relocating to Ephesus with Paul. are relocating to Ephesus with Paul. are relocating to Ephesus with Paul. Then skip down to verse 24. This is the Then skip down to verse 24. This is the Then skip down to verse 24. This is the last time we see them in Acts 18. last time we see them in Acts 18. last time we see them in Acts 18. It says, "Now, a Jew named Apollos, a It says, "Now, a Jew named Apollos, a It says, "Now, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the He was an eloquent man, competent in the He was an eloquent man, competent in the scriptures. scriptures. scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the He had been instructed in the way of the He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things spoke and taught accurately the things spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only concerning Jesus, though he knew only concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. the baptism of John. the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the He began to speak boldly in the He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and heard him, they took him aside and heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more explained to him the way of God more explained to him the way of God more accurately." So, what do we see right accurately." So, what do we see right accurately." So, what do we see right here? We see them um together as a here? We see them um together as a here? We see them um together as a married couple discipling a man named married couple discipling a man named married couple discipling a man named Apollos. Apollos. Apollos. They're helping him grow in his faith. They're helping him grow in his faith. They're helping him grow in his faith. Now, uh one more scripture that I'll Now, uh one more scripture that I'll Now, uh one more scripture that I'll take you to about Priscilla and Aquila. take you to about Priscilla and Aquila. take you to about Priscilla and Aquila. Listen to what Paul says about these two Listen to what Paul says about these two Listen to what Paul says about these two in Romans 16. in Romans 16. in Romans 16. He says, "Greet Greet Prisca and Aquila, He says, "Greet Greet Prisca and Aquila, He says, "Greet Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ, my fellow workers in Christ, my fellow workers in Christ, who risked their necks for my life." So, who risked their necks for my life." So, who risked their necks for my life." So, what is that telling us? Paul calls them what is that telling us? Paul calls them what is that telling us? Paul calls them his fellow workers. They risked their his fellow workers. They risked their his fellow workers. They risked their lives for the sake of the gospel. "Who lives for the sake of the gospel. "Who lives for the sake of the gospel. "Who risked their necks for my life, to whom risked their necks for my life, to whom risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the not only I give thanks, but all the not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks to churches of the Gentiles give thanks to churches of the Gentiles give thanks to them as well." So, for this normal them as well." So, for this normal them as well." So, for this normal tent-making couple, tent-making couple, tent-making couple, there are churches

there are churches there are churches all over the place who have heard of all over the place who have heard of all over the place who have heard of their faith, heard of their ministry, their faith, heard of their ministry, their faith, heard of their ministry, and are thankful for them. Watch this, and are thankful for them. Watch this, and are thankful for them. Watch this, verse 5, "Greet also the church in their verse 5, "Greet also the church in their verse 5, "Greet also the church in their house." house." house." So, what do we find out about this So, what do we find out about this So, what do we find out about this normal couple? That they hosted the normal couple? That they hosted the normal couple? That they hosted the church church church in their home. in their home. in their home. This is a power couple for the sake of This is a power couple for the sake of This is a power couple for the sake of the gospel. Normal church members, like the gospel. Normal church members, like the gospel. Normal church members, like so many of you, who experienced the joy so many of you, who experienced the joy so many of you, who experienced the joy of the normal Christian life. And so, my of the normal Christian life. And so, my of the normal Christian life. And so, my hope this morning is that their example hope this morning is that their example hope this morning is that their example would encourage you to not settle for would encourage you to not settle for would encourage you to not settle for anything less, nothing different. anything less, nothing different. anything less, nothing different. So, I just want to invite you in. If So, I just want to invite you in. If So, I just want to invite you in. If you're looking for joy, I'll tell you you're looking for joy, I'll tell you you're looking for joy, I'll tell you this is where you find it. this is where you find it. this is where you find it. If you want rescue out of American If you want rescue out of American If you want rescue out of American Christianity into biblical Christianity, Christianity into biblical Christianity, Christianity into biblical Christianity, the life with Christ that is marked by the life with Christ that is marked by the life with Christ that is marked by abundant life, then this is it. So, abundant life, then this is it. So, abundant life, then this is it. So, let's just learn from them. let's just learn from them. let's just learn from them. The first thing we learn about Priscilla The first thing we learn about Priscilla The first thing we learn about Priscilla and Aquila is that they were on and Aquila is that they were on and Aquila is that they were on mission together.

mission together. mission together. They were on mission together as a They were on mission together as a They were on mission together as a married couple. married couple. married couple. They're husband and wife, and anytime They're husband and wife, and anytime They're husband and wife, and anytime they're mentioned, they are actually they're mentioned, they are actually they're mentioned, they are actually mentioned together. So, they moved with mentioned together. So, they moved with mentioned together. So, they moved with Paul together. They hosted the church in Paul together. They hosted the church in Paul together. They hosted the church in their home together. They discipled their home together. They discipled their home together. They discipled Apollos Apollos Apollos together. What this tells us is that together. What this tells us is that together. What this tells us is that Priscilla and Aquila understood the Priscilla and Aquila understood the Priscilla and Aquila understood the point and purpose point and purpose point and purpose for their marriage. for their marriage. for their marriage. So, I want everyone's attention right So, I want everyone's attention right So, I want everyone's attention right now, whether you're married or hope to now, whether you're married or hope to now, whether you're married or hope to be married one day. Just Here's the be married one day. Just Here's the be married one day. Just Here's the question I want you to answer, whether question I want you to answer, whether question I want you to answer, whether you're married or hope to be married one you're married or hope to be married one you're married or hope to be married one day, what is the ultimate point and day, what is the ultimate point and day, what is the ultimate point and purpose of your current or future purpose of your current or future purpose of your current or future marriage? Just answer that question to marriage? Just answer that question to marriage? Just answer that question to yourself. What's the ultimate point and yourself. What's the ultimate point and yourself. What's the ultimate point and purpose of your current or future purpose of your current or future purpose of your current or future marriage? marriage? marriage? A lot of people A lot of people A lot of people live and operate like the ultimate point live and operate like the ultimate point live and operate like the ultimate point and purpose of marriage is happiness. and purpose of marriage is happiness. and purpose of marriage is happiness. It's companionship. It's companionship. It's companionship. Marriage is a cure for loneliness.

Marriage is a cure for loneliness. Marriage is a cure for loneliness. So, you get into marriage to be happy, So, you get into marriage to be happy, So, you get into marriage to be happy, you get out of your marriage because you you get out of your marriage because you you get out of your marriage because you aren't happy, and you don't like your aren't happy, and you don't like your aren't happy, and you don't like your companion. companion. companion. Other people live like the ultimate Other people live like the ultimate Other people live like the ultimate point and purpose of marriage is to have point and purpose of marriage is to have point and purpose of marriage is to have and raise kids. Some of you right now, and raise kids. Some of you right now, and raise kids. Some of you right now, the reason you stay married is is for the reason you stay married is is for the reason you stay married is is for the sole purpose of raising your kids. the sole purpose of raising your kids. the sole purpose of raising your kids. But God had a different understanding of But God had a different understanding of But God had a different understanding of marriage when he created it. Remember, marriage when he created it. Remember, marriage when he created it. Remember, God's the inventor of marriage, and God God's the inventor of marriage, and God God's the inventor of marriage, and God created marriage for a very particular created marriage for a very particular created marriage for a very particular purpose. The ultimate point and purpose purpose. The ultimate point and purpose purpose. The ultimate point and purpose of marriage, for which God has created of marriage, for which God has created of marriage, for which God has created it, is he brings a man and woman it, is he brings a man and woman it, is he brings a man and woman together to show Christ to the world. together to show Christ to the world. together to show Christ to the world. That's why marriage exists. That's why marriage exists. That's why marriage exists. Marriage exists Marriage exists Marriage exists for a husband and a wife to put Christ for a husband and a wife to put Christ for a husband and a wife to put Christ on display to the world. on display to the world. on display to the world. And if you don't believe me, or you And if you don't believe me, or you And if you don't believe me, or you think this is just my opinion, let me think this is just my opinion, let me think this is just my opinion, let me point you to the scripture. So, whether point you to the scripture. So, whether point you to the scripture. So, whether you're married or you hope to be married you're married or you hope to be married you're married or you hope to be married one day, make sure you understand this.

one day, make sure you understand this. one day, make sure you understand this. Let me just take you all the way back to Let me just take you all the way back to Let me just take you all the way back to the creation of marriage. the creation of marriage. the creation of marriage. Says this in Genesis 2:24. It says, Says this in Genesis 2:24. It says, Says this in Genesis 2:24. It says, "Therefore, a man shall leave his father "Therefore, a man shall leave his father "Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and mother and hold fast to his wife, and mother and hold fast to his wife, and watch this, and they shall become and watch this, and they shall become and watch this, and they shall become one flesh." one flesh." one flesh." You know what marriage is? It is two You know what marriage is? It is two You know what marriage is? It is two separate people who come together, and separate people who come together, and separate people who come together, and in coming together, in God's eyes, they in coming together, in God's eyes, they in coming together, in God's eyes, they become what? become what? become what? Marriage is the closest picture we get Marriage is the closest picture we get Marriage is the closest picture we get to a triune God. God is three co-equal, to a triune God. God is three co-equal, to a triune God. God is three co-equal, co-eternal persons that exist in one co-eternal persons that exist in one co-eternal persons that exist in one essence. God the Father, God the Son, essence. God the Father, God the Son, essence. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. They're not three God the Holy Spirit. They're not three God the Holy Spirit. They're not three separate gods, they are three persons separate gods, they are three persons separate gods, they are three persons that exist in one essence. that exist in one essence. that exist in one essence. From the beginning, marriage has existed From the beginning, marriage has existed From the beginning, marriage has existed to reflect God. to reflect God. to reflect God. But then we get more clarity, listen to But then we get more clarity, listen to But then we get more clarity, listen to Ephesians 5. Paul says this, "Husbands, Ephesians 5. Paul says this, "Husbands, Ephesians 5. Paul says this, "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the love your wives as Christ loved the love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." So, church and gave himself up for her." So, church and gave himself up for her." So, what Paul is saying is that the love what Paul is saying is that the love what Paul is saying is that the love that a husband is to have for his wife that a husband is to have for his wife that a husband is to have for his wife is meant to be an ad is meant to be an ad is meant to be an ad to the world to the world to the world of the love waiting for them in Jesus of the love waiting for them in Jesus of the love waiting for them in Jesus Christ. Look, if you're here this Christ. Look, if you're here this Christ. Look, if you're here this morning, and you really don't understand morning, and you really don't understand morning, and you really don't understand Christianity, if you think that Christianity, if you think that Christianity, if you think that Christianity is just about voting a Christianity is just about voting a Christianity is just about voting a certain way or or being very religious certain way or or being very religious certain way or or being very religious coming to church, that's not ultimately coming to church, that's not ultimately coming to church, that's not ultimately what it's about. Christianity is about what it's about. Christianity is about what it's about. Christianity is about you experiencing you experiencing you experiencing a supernatural love that can only come

a supernatural love that can only come a supernatural love that can only come from Jesus Christ. It's It's about you from Jesus Christ. It's It's about you from Jesus Christ. It's It's about you coming to understand that there is one coming to understand that there is one coming to understand that there is one who loved you enough to leave heaven, who loved you enough to leave heaven, who loved you enough to leave heaven, come to earth, Jesus Christ, who laid come to earth, Jesus Christ, who laid come to earth, Jesus Christ, who laid his life down for you. his life down for you. his life down for you. If you ever wonder if you matter, well, If you ever wonder if you matter, well, If you ever wonder if you matter, well, Christ died for you. Why did he die? He Christ died for you. Why did he die? He Christ died for you. Why did he die? He died to make payment for everything that died to make payment for everything that died to make payment for everything that separated you from God. He rose and separated you from God. He rose and separated you from God. He rose and conquered the grave to display that his conquered the grave to display that his conquered the grave to display that his payment for your sin and mine was payment for your sin and mine was payment for your sin and mine was sufficient. sufficient. sufficient. And when you give your life to Jesus And when you give your life to Jesus And when you give your life to Jesus Christ, you know what happens is you are Christ, you know what happens is you are Christ, you know what happens is you are made right with your maker. made right with your maker. made right with your maker. And he secures your your presence with And he secures your your presence with And he secures your your presence with him for all him for all him for all of eternity. Marriage is supposed to of eternity. Marriage is supposed to of eternity. Marriage is supposed to reflect that love. The point of marriage is to point to The point of marriage is to point to Jesus. It's to make much of Jesus Jesus. It's to make much of Jesus Jesus. It's to make much of Jesus together. Priscilla and Aquila, they got together. Priscilla and Aquila, they got together. Priscilla and Aquila, they got that. that. that. They moved together for the sake of the They moved together for the sake of the They moved together for the sake of the gospel. They hosted the church in their gospel. They hosted the church in their gospel. They hosted the church in their home for the sake of the gospel. They home for the sake of the gospel. They home for the sake of the gospel. They discipled Apollos together for the sake discipled Apollos together for the sake discipled Apollos together for the sake of the gospel.

of the gospel. of the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila Priscilla and Aquila Priscilla and Aquila leveraged their lives together. They leveraged their lives together. They leveraged their lives together. They were on mission together for the glory were on mission together for the glory were on mission together for the glory of Christ. That's the point of marriage. of Christ. That's the point of marriage. of Christ. That's the point of marriage. When Cat and I stood on the altar of When Cat and I stood on the altar of When Cat and I stood on the altar of First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls on First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls on First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls on October 14th, 2006, when we said yes to October 14th, 2006, when we said yes to October 14th, 2006, when we said yes to one another, we were saying yes to being one another, we were saying yes to being one another, we were saying yes to being on mission together. on mission together. on mission together. We were saying yes to making much of We were saying yes to making much of We were saying yes to making much of Jesus Jesus Jesus together. together. together. You want to experience joy? Then be on mission together. If If Then be on mission together. If If you're single, then let me encourage you you're single, then let me encourage you you're single, then let me encourage you this way. this way. this way. If you're single, be on mission for If you're single, be on mission for If you're single, be on mission for Jesus now. Let's be clear, you don't Jesus now. Let's be clear, you don't Jesus now. Let's be clear, you don't need to be married to have a varsity need to be married to have a varsity need to be married to have a varsity level impact for Jesus. level impact for Jesus. level impact for Jesus. The Apostle Paul wasn't married. The Apostle Paul wasn't married. The Apostle Paul wasn't married. But if you're looking for a spouse, let But if you're looking for a spouse, let But if you're looking for a spouse, let me just beg you, don't marry someone who me just beg you, don't marry someone who me just beg you, don't marry someone who is a mission.

Marry Hey, the whole I'm going to flirt Marry Hey, the whole I'm going to flirt to convert, don't do it. That's so dumb. Marry someone That's so dumb. Marry someone Marry someone with whom you can be on Marry someone with whom you can be on Marry someone with whom you can be on mission. mission. mission. Marry someone with whom you can be on Marry someone with whom you can be on Marry someone with whom you can be on mission. And look, if you're married and mission. And look, if you're married and mission. And look, if you're married and your marriage is mediocre at best, your marriage is mediocre at best, your marriage is mediocre at best, if your marriage doesn't display Christ if your marriage doesn't display Christ if your marriage doesn't display Christ in the way y'all communicate or care for in the way y'all communicate or care for in the way y'all communicate or care for one another and conflict with one one another and conflict with one one another and conflict with one another, then let me encourage you, another, then let me encourage you, another, then let me encourage you, check out re-engage this Wednesday check out re-engage this Wednesday check out re-engage this Wednesday night. night. night. So that you can begin to experience So that you can begin to experience So that you can begin to experience again the ultimate purpose of marriage. again the ultimate purpose of marriage. again the ultimate purpose of marriage. And for everyone else, I just want to And for everyone else, I just want to And for everyone else, I just want to encourage you, be on mission in your encourage you, be on mission in your encourage you, be on mission in your marriage. marriage. marriage. God brought you together for the purpose God brought you together for the purpose God brought you together for the purpose of making much of Jesus together. You of making much of Jesus together. You of making much of Jesus together. You can disciple others together. That's can disciple others together. That's can disciple others together. That's what we see Priscilla and Aquila do. I'm what we see Priscilla and Aquila do. I'm what we see Priscilla and Aquila do. I'm so encouraged by all of the couples who so encouraged by all of the couples who so encouraged by all of the couples who serve as merge or foundation or serve as merge or foundation or serve as merge or foundation or re-engage leaders.

re-engage leaders. re-engage leaders. I love that there are married couples I love that there are married couples I love that there are married couples that serve as student ministry leaders that serve as student ministry leaders that serve as student ministry leaders or they're in classrooms right now in or they're in classrooms right now in or they're in classrooms right now in our kids space. our kids space. our kids space. You can disciple your kids together. You can disciple your kids together. You can disciple your kids together. Engage the lost together. Anytime Cat Engage the lost together. Anytime Cat Engage the lost together. Anytime Cat and I and I and I have hosted unbelievers in our home, have hosted unbelievers in our home, have hosted unbelievers in our home, it's been so fun to feel like it's a it's been so fun to feel like it's a it's been so fun to feel like it's a team effort together, being on mission team effort together, being on mission team effort together, being on mission together. I would encourage you to pray together. I would encourage you to pray together. I would encourage you to pray together. Here's a challenge for every together. Here's a challenge for every together. Here's a challenge for every married couple in the room, and guys, married couple in the room, and guys, married couple in the room, and guys, I'm going to challenge you to take the I'm going to challenge you to take the I'm going to challenge you to take the lead on this. But I want to challenge lead on this. But I want to challenge lead on this. But I want to challenge every married couple for the next 7 days every married couple for the next 7 days every married couple for the next 7 days to pray together every day this week. to pray together every day this week. to pray together every day this week. And when you pray, ask God to show you And when you pray, ask God to show you And when you pray, ask God to show you how you can be on mission how you can be on mission how you can be on mission together. together. together. The second thing that we see from The second thing that we see from The second thing that we see from Priscilla and Aquila is that Priscilla and Aquila is that Priscilla and Aquila is that they lived with anchors and sails up. they lived with anchors and sails up. they lived with anchors and sails up. They lived with their anchors up. They They lived with their anchors up. They They lived with their anchors up. They lived with their sails up. We skip down lived with their sails up. We skip down lived with their sails up. We skip down to verse 18, and what does it say? It to verse 18, and what does it say? It to verse 18, and what does it say? It says, "After this, Paul stayed many days says, "After this, Paul stayed many days says, "After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the longer and then took leave of the longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail." That wording's brothers and set sail." That wording's brothers and set sail." That wording's important. They set sail for Syria.

important. They set sail for Syria. important. They set sail for Syria. And with him, Priscilla and Aquila. And with him, Priscilla and Aquila. And with him, Priscilla and Aquila. Just Just think about it. Just Just think about it. Just Just think about it. Priscilla and Aquila, they they they Priscilla and Aquila, they they they Priscilla and Aquila, they they they were forced out of their homes in Rome were forced out of their homes in Rome were forced out of their homes in Rome because of their relationship with because of their relationship with because of their relationship with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They've already been relocated once. They've already been relocated once. They've already been relocated once. And now they establish roots in Corinth, And now they establish roots in Corinth, And now they establish roots in Corinth, they meet Paul, and what do we see them they meet Paul, and what do we see them they meet Paul, and what do we see them doing? We send We see them uprooting doing? We send We see them uprooting doing? We send We see them uprooting again, and now they move to Ephesus again, and now they move to Ephesus again, and now they move to Ephesus with Paul. with Paul. with Paul. I love that the text says that they set I love that the text says that they set I love that the text says that they set sail. And I know that's talking about sail. And I know that's talking about sail. And I know that's talking about what they were doing physically, but the what they were doing physically, but the what they were doing physically, but the reality is that it was This is also what reality is that it was This is also what reality is that it was This is also what they were doing spiritually. they were doing spiritually. they were doing spiritually. They were setting sail. I think I think They were setting sail. I think I think They were setting sail. I think I think a sailboat is such a beautiful picture a sailboat is such a beautiful picture a sailboat is such a beautiful picture of the normal Christian life. The normal of the normal Christian life. The normal of the normal Christian life. The normal Christian life involves putting your Christian life involves putting your Christian life involves putting your sails up and being carried along by the sails up and being carried along by the sails up and being carried along by the Spirit of God. In the Bible, both in Spirit of God. In the Bible, both in Spirit of God. In the Bible, both in Hebrew and in Greek, the word for spirit Hebrew and in Greek, the word for spirit Hebrew and in Greek, the word for spirit is is the same word for wind.

is is the same word for wind. is is the same word for wind. So, just as the wind is carrying them So, just as the wind is carrying them So, just as the wind is carrying them along from Corinth to Ephesus, the the along from Corinth to Ephesus, the the along from Corinth to Ephesus, the the wind of the spirit of God wind of the spirit of God wind of the spirit of God is carrying them forward in mission. is carrying them forward in mission. is carrying them forward in mission. Priscilla and Aquila lived with their Priscilla and Aquila lived with their Priscilla and Aquila lived with their sails up to God. They wanted to go sails up to God. They wanted to go sails up to God. They wanted to go whenever and wherever his wind was whenever and wherever his wind was whenever and wherever his wind was blowing. They had no anchors that would blowing. They had no anchors that would blowing. They had no anchors that would hold them back. hold them back. hold them back. Normal Christianity, not radical Normal Christianity, not radical Normal Christianity, not radical Christianity, normal Christianity is a Christianity, normal Christianity is a Christianity, normal Christianity is a sails up. sails up. sails up. It is an anchors up It is an anchors up It is an anchors up Christianity. What do I mean by sails Christianity. What do I mean by sails Christianity. What do I mean by sails up? I I mean I I mean you position yourself before before the you position yourself before before the you position yourself before before the Lord, and you say regularly, "God, Lord, and you say regularly, "God, Lord, and you say regularly, "God, look, my life is your life. look, my life is your life. look, my life is your life. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Jesus Christ, you gave your life for me. >> Jesus Christ, you gave your life for me. >> Jesus Christ, you gave your life for me. I give my life to you. I will go I give my life to you. I will go I give my life to you. I will go wherever you want me to go, and I will wherever you want me to go, and I will wherever you want me to go, and I will do whatever you want me to do." That's do whatever you want me to do." That's do whatever you want me to do." That's what sails up Christianity looks like.

what sails up Christianity looks like. what sails up Christianity looks like. What do I mean by anchors up? What do I mean by anchors up? What do I mean by anchors up? I just mean that there's nothing that we I just mean that there's nothing that we I just mean that there's nothing that we would let hold us back from saying yes would let hold us back from saying yes would let hold us back from saying yes to Jesus. So, to Jesus. So, to Jesus. So, I think it's worth thinking about. Let I think it's worth thinking about. Let I think it's worth thinking about. Let me just ask you a question. If you're me just ask you a question. If you're me just ask you a question. If you're tuned out, just come back. tuned out, just come back. tuned out, just come back. What could Jesus ask you to do for the What could Jesus ask you to do for the What could Jesus ask you to do for the sake of the gospel sake of the gospel sake of the gospel that you don't think you could say yes that you don't think you could say yes that you don't think you could say yes to? to? to? Just think about that. Be honest with Just think about that. Be honest with Just think about that. Be honest with yourself. yourself. yourself. What could Jesus ask you to do for the What could Jesus ask you to do for the What could Jesus ask you to do for the sake of the gospel that you don't think sake of the gospel that you don't think sake of the gospel that you don't think you could say yes to? you could say yes to? you could say yes to? Maybe it's leaving the forever home that Maybe it's leaving the forever home that Maybe it's leaving the forever home that you built. you built. you built. Maybe it's moving from Dallas to help Maybe it's moving from Dallas to help Maybe it's moving from Dallas to help plant a church. Maybe it's leaving the plant a church. Maybe it's leaving the plant a church. Maybe it's leaving the country to take the gospel to the country to take the gospel to the country to take the gospel to the nations. nations. nations. Maybe it's selling your company or Maybe it's selling your company or Maybe it's selling your company or taking a major pay cut or giving away a taking a major pay cut or giving away a taking a major pay cut or giving away a crazy amount of what you own or crazy amount of what you own or crazy amount of what you own or fostering or adopting. fostering or adopting. fostering or adopting. I would just encourage you to wrestle I would just encourage you to wrestle I would just encourage you to wrestle with your community this week. Just with your community this week. Just with your community this week. Just think about think about think about what could Jesus ask you to do for the what could Jesus ask you to do for the what could Jesus ask you to do for the sake of the gospel that would be sake of the gospel that would be sake of the gospel that would be that you don't know if you could say yes that you don't know if you could say yes that you don't know if you could say yes to it.

to it. to it. Maybe just shrink it down to a smaller Maybe just shrink it down to a smaller Maybe just shrink it down to a smaller size. size. size. What about sharing the gospel with a What about sharing the gospel with a What about sharing the gospel with a co-worker or neighbor? co-worker or neighbor? co-worker or neighbor? What about forgiving someone who has What about forgiving someone who has What about forgiving someone who has hurt you? hurt you? hurt you? What about saying no to some good things What about saying no to some good things What about saying no to some good things to have more time to invest in your to have more time to invest in your to have more time to invest in your family, friends, or family, friends, or family, friends, or the church. Normal Christianity is an the church. Normal Christianity is an the church. Normal Christianity is an anchors up Christianity. anchors up Christianity. anchors up Christianity. I was talking to my friend to a friend I was talking to my friend to a friend I was talking to my friend to a friend of mine not too long ago who had gotten of mine not too long ago who had gotten of mine not too long ago who had gotten a new boat and he was just talking about a new boat and he was just talking about a new boat and he was just talking about the the difficulty he was experiencing the the difficulty he was experiencing the the difficulty he was experiencing in figuring out how to truly drop and in figuring out how to truly drop and in figuring out how to truly drop and set the anchor. The reason that you drop set the anchor. The reason that you drop set the anchor. The reason that you drop and set the anchor is so that you know, and set the anchor is so that you know, and set the anchor is so that you know, the family can get out and swim and the the family can get out and swim and the the family can get out and swim and the boat doesn't just drift away. boat doesn't just drift away. boat doesn't just drift away. But he was struggling to get the anchor But he was struggling to get the anchor But he was struggling to get the anchor dropped and also set so that it wouldn't dropped and also set so that it wouldn't dropped and also set so that it wouldn't move. move. move. That's normal Christianity. Normal That's normal Christianity. Normal That's normal Christianity. Normal Christianity is a Christianity where you Christianity is a Christianity where you Christianity is a Christianity where you have trouble dropping and setting the have trouble dropping and setting the have trouble dropping and setting the anchor.

anchor. anchor. To where you're unwilling or unable to To where you're unwilling or unable to To where you're unwilling or unable to move when Christ asks you to move. We move when Christ asks you to move. We move when Christ asks you to move. We always want to have trouble with the always want to have trouble with the always want to have trouble with the anchors in our lives that could keep us anchors in our lives that could keep us anchors in our lives that could keep us back from a resounding yes to the Lord. back from a resounding yes to the Lord. back from a resounding yes to the Lord. And I'm so encouraged by so many people And I'm so encouraged by so many people And I'm so encouraged by so many people in this church that live with their in this church that live with their in this church that live with their sails up. sails up. sails up. I think about people who have left I think about people who have left I think about people who have left incredible jobs, taken ridiculous pay incredible jobs, taken ridiculous pay incredible jobs, taken ridiculous pay cuts because of what God was calling cuts because of what God was calling cuts because of what God was calling them to to leverage their life for the them to to leverage their life for the them to to leverage their life for the sake of the gospel. I think about people sake of the gospel. I think about people sake of the gospel. I think about people who have fostered or adopted. I think who have fostered or adopted. I think who have fostered or adopted. I think about those in our church family that about those in our church family that about those in our church family that have sensed the call to leave Dallas and have sensed the call to leave Dallas and have sensed the call to leave Dallas and to go to places where their lives are at to go to places where their lives are at to go to places where their lives are at risk because they feel like God has risk because they feel like God has risk because they feel like God has called them to take the gospel to those called them to take the gospel to those called them to take the gospel to those who have never heard it before. Look, I who have never heard it before. Look, I who have never heard it before. Look, I just want to invite you in. Look, we reject American Christianity Look, we reject American Christianity here at Watermark.

here at Watermark. here at Watermark. We reject the notion that this type of We reject the notion that this type of We reject the notion that this type of Christianity is radical. No, it's Christianity is radical. No, it's Christianity is radical. No, it's normal. normal. normal. Look, if you want to experience joy, Look, if you want to experience joy, Look, if you want to experience joy, the most joyful people the most joyful people the most joyful people are the people who have come to a are the people who have come to a are the people who have come to a a time in their life where they have a time in their life where they have a time in their life where they have gotten on their knees and they've just gotten on their knees and they've just gotten on their knees and they've just said, "My life is yours. I will go said, "My life is yours. I will go said, "My life is yours. I will go wherever you want me to go. I will do wherever you want me to go. I will do wherever you want me to go. I will do whatever you want me to do." So, I just whatever you want me to do." So, I just whatever you want me to do." So, I just want to encourage you this week. That want to encourage you this week. That want to encourage you this week. That prayer might feel incredibly dangerous. prayer might feel incredibly dangerous. prayer might feel incredibly dangerous. I'm just telling you there's joy I'm just telling you there's joy I'm just telling you there's joy waiting. waiting. waiting. Cuz remember the one you're praying it Cuz remember the one you're praying it Cuz remember the one you're praying it to. to. to. This is the one that left heaven and This is the one that left heaven and This is the one that left heaven and came to earth for you. This is the one came to earth for you. This is the one came to earth for you. This is the one who laid down his life for you. This is who laid down his life for you. This is who laid down his life for you. This is the one who conquered sin and death for the one who conquered sin and death for the one who conquered sin and death for you. And so, you know he cares. You know you. And so, you know he cares. You know you. And so, you know he cares. You know he has your best in mind. he has your best in mind. he has your best in mind. And he holds all things together. Surely And he holds all things together. Surely And he holds all things together. Surely he holds your life together. he holds your life together. he holds your life together. The third thing that we see with The third thing that we see with The third thing that we see with Priscilla and Aquila is that they were Priscilla and Aquila is that they were Priscilla and Aquila is that they were all in with the church.

all in with the church. all in with the church. You know what's interesting is they move You know what's interesting is they move You know what's interesting is they move from Corinth to Ephesus with Paul. But from Corinth to Ephesus with Paul. But from Corinth to Ephesus with Paul. But you know what Paul ends up doing? Paul you know what Paul ends up doing? Paul you know what Paul ends up doing? Paul ends up leaving Ephesus. ends up leaving Ephesus. ends up leaving Ephesus. And so, Priscilla and Aquila have And so, Priscilla and Aquila have And so, Priscilla and Aquila have relocated with Paul. Paul has left relocated with Paul. Paul has left relocated with Paul. Paul has left Ephesus. What did Priscilla and Aquila Ephesus. What did Priscilla and Aquila Ephesus. What did Priscilla and Aquila do? do? do? And they anchor down in Ephesus. And they anchor down in Ephesus. And they anchor down in Ephesus. And they host the church in their home. And they host the church in their home. And they host the church in their home. First Corinthians 16:19 says the First Corinthians 16:19 says the First Corinthians 16:19 says the churches of Asia send you greetings. churches of Asia send you greetings. churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca together with the Aquila and Prisca together with the Aquila and Prisca together with the church in their house. You know what's interesting is if you You know what's interesting is if you were to go and read Acts 20, you know were to go and read Acts 20, you know were to go and read Acts 20, you know what you see? You see that there are what you see? You see that there are what you see? You see that there are elders in the church in Ephesus. elders in the church in Ephesus. elders in the church in Ephesus. And yet Priscilla and Aquila And yet Priscilla and Aquila And yet Priscilla and Aquila play a key role in the church being able play a key role in the church being able play a key role in the church being able to gather. They were all about the church. They They were all about the church. They ordered their lives ordered their lives ordered their lives around the church. gain agreement on alignment on here at gain agreement on alignment on here at Watermark.

Watermark. Watermark. Is that there is not a divide between Is that there is not a divide between Is that there is not a divide between church staff and church members? Every church staff and church members? Every church staff and church members? Every church staff is a church member. They church staff is a church member. They church staff is a church member. They have to go through membership. have to go through membership. have to go through membership. We're all members together, but there's We're all members together, but there's We're all members together, but there's not a divide between professional not a divide between professional not a divide between professional Christians and just you guys. Christians and just you guys. Christians and just you guys. I'll explain it this way. I'll explain it this way. I'll explain it this way. I might have mentioned before I went to I might have mentioned before I went to I might have mentioned before I went to Texas A&M University for college. Texas A&M University for college. Texas A&M University for college. I know that drives some of y'all crazy I know that drives some of y'all crazy I know that drives some of y'all crazy that I mention it. Look, hey, I love so that I mention it. Look, hey, I love so that I mention it. Look, hey, I love so many universities, not all universities, many universities, not all universities, many universities, not all universities, but I do love so many but I do love so many but I do love so many that y'all went to. that y'all went to. that y'all went to. Insert your name, whatever, wherever you Insert your name, whatever, wherever you Insert your name, whatever, wherever you went. It's great. Good for you. But one of the traditions at A&M is that But one of the traditions at A&M is that the student body stands for the entire the student body stands for the entire the student body stands for the entire football game. The whole time they football game. The whole time they football game. The whole time they stand. And there's a story behind it. stand. And there's a story behind it. stand. And there's a story behind it. Follow me on this, okay? This isn't I'm Follow me on this, okay? This isn't I'm Follow me on this, okay? This isn't I'm not trying to brainwash anyone into not trying to brainwash anyone into not trying to brainwash anyone into loving A&M. I'm just stating a reality loving A&M. I'm just stating a reality loving A&M. I'm just stating a reality of a tradition, okay?

The The student body is called the 12th The The student body is called the 12th Man. And the student body stands for the Man. And the student body stands for the Man. And the student body stands for the entire game. There's a story behind it, entire game. There's a story behind it, entire game. There's a story behind it, but the student body standing represents but the student body standing represents but the student body standing represents that every single person standing is that every single person standing is that every single person standing is ready at any moment to go into the game ready at any moment to go into the game ready at any moment to go into the game if called upon. if called upon. if called upon. Now, Now, Now, here's the reality. Mike Elko, Mike Elko, >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> the head coach for the Texas A&M >> the head coach for the Texas A&M >> the head coach for the Texas A&M football team, does not want anyone football team, does not want anyone football team, does not want anyone standing in the stands in the game. standing in the stands in the game. standing in the stands in the game. That's the reality. That's the reality. That's the reality. Like he has his couple dozen Like he has his couple dozen Like he has his couple dozen professionals professionals professionals that he has entrusted and scholarship to that he has entrusted and scholarship to that he has entrusted and scholarship to show up and do the work while the other show up and do the work while the other show up and do the work while the other 100,000 watch. 100,000 watch. 100,000 watch. There's a clear divide. There's a clear divide. There's a clear divide. Out of the 100,000 people in the stands, Out of the 100,000 people in the stands, Out of the 100,000 people in the stands, a couple dozen do the work and the rest a couple dozen do the work and the rest a couple dozen do the work and the rest watch. watch. watch. That divide does not exist in the That divide does not exist in the That divide does not exist in the church.

church. church. It doesn't exist. Jesus Christ is the It doesn't exist. Jesus Christ is the It doesn't exist. Jesus Christ is the head coach, I'm not, the elders aren't. head coach, I'm not, the elders aren't. head coach, I'm not, the elders aren't. The head coach is Jesus and he expects The head coach is Jesus and he expects The head coach is Jesus and he expects everyone on the field. everyone on the field. everyone on the field. Everyone playing their part. Everyone playing their part. Everyone playing their part. There is not this major divide between There is not this major divide between There is not this major divide between professional and laity. professional and laity. professional and laity. Have the elders been given a very Have the elders been given a very Have the elders been given a very specific responsibility? Absolutely, and specific responsibility? Absolutely, and specific responsibility? Absolutely, and we take our responsibility seriously, we take our responsibility seriously, we take our responsibility seriously, but one of our greatest responsibilities but one of our greatest responsibilities but one of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring that everyone on the team is is ensuring that everyone on the team is is ensuring that everyone on the team is in the game. in the game. in the game. We have been been called We have been been called We have been been called to to do ministry to you. We've been to to do ministry to you. We've been to to do ministry to you. We've been called to do ministry through you, to called to do ministry through you, to called to do ministry through you, to empower you, for every member to view empower you, for every member to view empower you, for every member to view themselves as a minister of the gospel. themselves as a minister of the gospel. themselves as a minister of the gospel. And this is actually rooted in a And this is actually rooted in a And this is actually rooted in a biblical concept known as the priesthood biblical concept known as the priesthood biblical concept known as the priesthood of the believer. of the believer. of the believer. When I say priesthood of the believer, When I say priesthood of the believer, When I say priesthood of the believer, what comes to mind? Do you have any idea what comes to mind? Do you have any idea what comes to mind? Do you have any idea what I'm talking about?

what I'm talking about? what I'm talking about? It's such an important It's such an important It's such an important aspect of our identity. 1 Peter 2:9 aspect of our identity. 1 Peter 2:9 aspect of our identity. 1 Peter 2:9 says, "You are a chosen race, a royal says, "You are a chosen race, a royal says, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood." That's who we are as the priesthood." That's who we are as the priesthood." That's who we are as the church. We're This is our identity. church. We're This is our identity. church. We're This is our identity. Identity determines activity. We are a Identity determines activity. We are a Identity determines activity. We are a royal priesthood. So, here's what I want royal priesthood. So, here's what I want royal priesthood. So, here's what I want you to realize. When Christ went to the you to realize. When Christ went to the you to realize. When Christ went to the cross, cross, cross, he went as a priest. He was offering a he went as a priest. He was offering a he went as a priest. He was offering a sacrifice for your sin and mine. And sacrifice for your sin and mine. And sacrifice for your sin and mine. And through his priestly activity, he has through his priestly activity, he has through his priestly activity, he has secured a new identity for everyone here secured a new identity for everyone here secured a new identity for everyone here in that you in fact are now a priest. in that you in fact are now a priest. in that you in fact are now a priest. Have you ever thought about yourself as Have you ever thought about yourself as Have you ever thought about yourself as a priest? a priest? a priest? Not by ordination, but by redemption. Not by ordination, but by redemption. Not by ordination, but by redemption. So, just look to the person who's next So, just look to the person who's next So, just look to the person who's next to you and say, "Hey, did you know to you and say, "Hey, did you know to you and say, "Hey, did you know you're a priest?" Just do that real you're a priest?" Just do that real you're a priest?" Just do that real quick. "Hey, did you know you're a quick. "Hey, did you know you're a quick. "Hey, did you know you're a priest?" priest?" priest?" You're a priest. And you can just say out loud, say, "I'm And you can just say out loud, say, "I'm a priest." a priest." a priest." Isn't that crazy?

Isn't that crazy? Isn't that crazy? You didn't know it, You didn't know it, You didn't know it, but you're a priest. but you're a priest. but you're a priest. It's crazy stuff. It's crazy stuff. It's crazy stuff. What does it mean that you're a priest? Means three very clear things. Number Means three very clear things. Number one, one, one, as a priest, you have direct access to as a priest, you have direct access to as a priest, you have direct access to God. Like, you can just march right into God. Like, you can just march right into God. Like, you can just march right into the holy of holies. You can boldly the holy of holies. You can boldly the holy of holies. You can boldly approach the throne of grace. Isn't that approach the throne of grace. Isn't that approach the throne of grace. Isn't that incredible news? incredible news? incredible news? Like, when we gather on Sundays, what do Like, when we gather on Sundays, what do Like, when we gather on Sundays, what do you think we're doing? you think we're doing? you think we're doing? We are walking straight into the holy of We are walking straight into the holy of We are walking straight into the holy of holies, straight up to the throne of holies, straight up to the throne of holies, straight up to the throne of God, and we are encountering his God, and we are encountering his God, and we are encountering his presence because Christ, our high presence because Christ, our high presence because Christ, our high priest, has secured our direct access. priest, has secured our direct access. priest, has secured our direct access. That's what we get to do as priests. That's what we get to do as priests. That's what we get to do as priests. That's why this this That's why this this That's why this this church attendance 1.3 times a month is church attendance 1.3 times a month is church attendance 1.3 times a month is crazy. No, we're all in. No, we're all in. We We come back to town early for church We We come back to town early for church We We come back to town early for church on Sundays, not because we're religious on Sundays, not because we're religious on Sundays, not because we're religious people, but because we have direct people, but because we have direct people, but because we have direct access. And yeah, we can enter the access. And yeah, we can enter the access. And yeah, we can enter the throne room on our own, and we should do throne room on our own, and we should do throne room on our own, and we should do that every day of the week, but we can that every day of the week, but we can that every day of the week, but we can walk in together, walk in together, walk in together, which is incredible.

which is incredible. which is incredible. Reject this individualistic American Reject this individualistic American Reject this individualistic American Christianity that is such a distorted Christianity that is such a distorted Christianity that is such a distorted reality. reality. reality. Normal Christianity is the church, the Normal Christianity is the church, the Normal Christianity is the church, the collective priesthood, all the priests collective priesthood, all the priests collective priesthood, all the priests walking into the throne room together. walking into the throne room together. walking into the throne room together. We have direct access. We also it means We have direct access. We also it means We have direct access. We also it means daily sacrifice. Romans 12:1. Maybe you've memorized this Romans 12:1. Maybe you've memorized this verse, but you've never seen it through verse, but you've never seen it through verse, but you've never seen it through the lens of being a priest. Paul says, the lens of being a priest. Paul says, the lens of being a priest. Paul says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your the mercies of God to present your the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, acceptable to God, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This which is your spiritual worship." This which is your spiritual worship." This is what we do as priests. We offer is what we do as priests. We offer is what we do as priests. We offer everything to God. Christ offered everything to God. Christ offered everything to God. Christ offered everything for us. We offer ourselves to everything for us. We offer ourselves to everything for us. We offer ourselves to God, our thoughts, our words, our God, our thoughts, our words, our God, our thoughts, our words, our decisions, our aspirations, our decisions, our aspirations, our decisions, our aspirations, our appetites, appetites, appetites, our conversations, our talents, our our conversations, our talents, our our conversations, our talents, our gifts, gifts, gifts, our actions. They're all to be presented our actions. They're all to be presented our actions. They're all to be presented to Christ. Nothing is to be withheld to Christ. Nothing is to be withheld to Christ. Nothing is to be withheld from him.

Part of being a real royal priesthood is Part of being a real royal priesthood is as us as us as us offering our time and our treasure, our offering our time and our treasure, our offering our time and our treasure, our talents right here talents right here talents right here to the body of Christ. Third, being a royal priest priesthood Third, being a royal priest priesthood means outward proclamation. First Peter means outward proclamation. First Peter means outward proclamation. First Peter 2:9 says we're a priest royal 2:9 says we're a priest royal 2:9 says we're a priest royal priesthood. Why? priesthood. Why? priesthood. Why? That you may proclaim the excellencies That you may proclaim the excellencies That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness of him who called you out of darkness of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. The priesthood into his marvelous light. The priesthood into his marvelous light. The priesthood exists to declare and proclaim the exists to declare and proclaim the exists to declare and proclaim the excellencies of Christ. We proclaim excellencies of Christ. We proclaim excellencies of Christ. We proclaim Christ's excellencies to one another and Christ's excellencies to one another and Christ's excellencies to one another and to an unbelieving world. So, what's the to an unbelieving world. So, what's the to an unbelieving world. So, what's the point? If you're a priest, get on the point? If you're a priest, get on the point? If you're a priest, get on the field. field. field. Stop watching. Stop watching. Stop watching. Look, you need to know the elders and I Look, you need to know the elders and I Look, you need to know the elders and I like we don't measure success by like we don't measure success by like we don't measure success by attendance. attendance. attendance. Attendance we could snap a picture of Attendance we could snap a picture of Attendance we could snap a picture of this room right now. By the way, hello this room right now. By the way, hello this room right now. By the way, hello to everyone in overflow in the chapel to everyone in overflow in the chapel to everyone in overflow in the chapel right now. Isn't that incredible? We're right now. Isn't that incredible? We're right now. Isn't that incredible? We're in overflow this morning. in overflow this morning. in overflow this morning. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I appreciate you celebrating that. It >> I appreciate you celebrating that. It >> I appreciate you celebrating that. It kind of goes against my point.

Cuz here's the reality. We could snap a Cuz here's the reality. We could snap a picture of this and we could be like, picture of this and we could be like, picture of this and we could be like, "Do you know how many people we had at "Do you know how many people we had at "Do you know how many people we had at church on Sunday?" church on Sunday?" church on Sunday?" Look at it. Attendance only tells you Look at it. Attendance only tells you Look at it. Attendance only tells you how many people showed up. how many people showed up. how many people showed up. Doesn't tell you at all Doesn't tell you at all Doesn't tell you at all who left here changed. who left here changed. who left here changed. If everyone slept If everyone slept If everyone slept through this message, through this message, through this message, I know some of y'all listen with your I know some of y'all listen with your I know some of y'all listen with your eyes closed. I get it. Like is that a win? Like is that a win? For thousands of people to be here For thousands of people to be here For thousands of people to be here sleeping? sleeping? sleeping? No, it's not a win. No, it's not a win. No, it's not a win. What's success? Success is you realizing What's success? Success is you realizing What's success? Success is you realizing I'm a priest. I'm a priest. I'm a priest. That's my identity. That's my identity. That's my identity. And my identity determines my activity. And my identity determines my activity. And my identity determines my activity. Why would you just attend Why would you just attend Why would you just attend when you have direct access? Part of when you have direct access? Part of when you have direct access? Part of being a priest is offering daily being a priest is offering daily being a priest is offering daily sacrifice. It's outward proclamation. sacrifice. It's outward proclamation. sacrifice. It's outward proclamation. Declaring Christ to one another. Declaring Christ to one another. Declaring Christ to one another. Get in the game.

Get in the game. Get in the game. Jesus has saved you into his presence to Jesus has saved you into his presence to Jesus has saved you into his presence to offer yourself completely and to declare offer yourself completely and to declare offer yourself completely and to declare his excellencies with your fellow his excellencies with your fellow his excellencies with your fellow priests. priests. priests. And before I move on to the last one, And before I move on to the last one, And before I move on to the last one, just real quick. I just want to point out, I don't know I just want to point out, I don't know if you noticed it, but Priscilla is if you noticed it, but Priscilla is if you noticed it, but Priscilla is usually mentioned before Aquila, which usually mentioned before Aquila, which usually mentioned before Aquila, which is interesting is interesting is interesting because Priscilla is the wife and the because Priscilla is the wife and the because Priscilla is the wife and the norm in the first century was for the norm in the first century was for the norm in the first century was for the man's name to be mentioned first. The man's name to be mentioned first. The man's name to be mentioned first. The fact that Priscilla's name is mentioned fact that Priscilla's name is mentioned fact that Priscilla's name is mentioned before Aquila's name before Aquila's name before Aquila's name is an indication that Paul viewed is an indication that Paul viewed is an indication that Paul viewed Priscilla's contribution Priscilla's contribution Priscilla's contribution as very significant. That was one of the as very significant. That was one of the as very significant. That was one of the ways that Paul communicated the ways that Paul communicated the ways that Paul communicated the significance of Priscilla's significance of Priscilla's significance of Priscilla's contribution. She wasn't just Aquila's contribution. She wasn't just Aquila's contribution. She wasn't just Aquila's wife. wife. wife. It wasn't just Aquila was really doing It wasn't just Aquila was really doing It wasn't just Aquila was really doing the ministry and then Priscilla is just the ministry and then Priscilla is just the ministry and then Priscilla is just a support. No, she was a key player in a support. No, she was a key player in a support. No, she was a key player in God's kingdom work. God's kingdom work. God's kingdom work. In fact, what you're about to see is In fact, what you're about to see is In fact, what you're about to see is Priscilla played an important role in Priscilla played an important role in Priscilla played an important role in discipling a man alongside her husband.

discipling a man alongside her husband. discipling a man alongside her husband. So, let me just make sure this is So, let me just make sure this is So, let me just make sure this is abundantly clear here at Watermark. abundantly clear here at Watermark. abundantly clear here at Watermark. Women Women Women in the room, you're priests, too. in the room, you're priests, too. in the room, you're priests, too. Like not JV priests. Like not JV priests. Like not JV priests. You're priests. You're priests. You're priests. And you are an important part of the And you are an important part of the And you are an important part of the royal priesthood here at Watermark. And royal priesthood here at Watermark. And royal priesthood here at Watermark. And I just want to say this to some of you I just want to say this to some of you I just want to say this to some of you in the room. It is not unbiblical to be in the room. It is not unbiblical to be in the room. It is not unbiblical to be a strong, driven, ambitious woman. a strong, driven, ambitious woman. a strong, driven, ambitious woman. Priestly living Priestly living Priestly living fully surrendered to Jesus takes fully surrendered to Jesus takes fully surrendered to Jesus takes different forms. But Barna put out a study indicating But Barna put out a study indicating that women attendance at church is that women attendance at church is that women attendance at church is declining. So, I just want to make sure you hear me So, I just want to make sure you hear me say you don't have to go outside the say you don't have to go outside the say you don't have to go outside the church to maximize your impact for the church to maximize your impact for the church to maximize your impact for the kingdom of God. We need you here. The final thing that we see Priscilla The final thing that we see Priscilla and Aquila doing is they made disciples. and Aquila doing is they made disciples. and Aquila doing is they made disciples. They made disciples.

They made disciples. They made disciples. This guy, Apollos, he he comes to the This guy, Apollos, he he comes to the This guy, Apollos, he he comes to the church and like Apollos is skilled. church and like Apollos is skilled. church and like Apollos is skilled. He loves Jesus. He's passionately He loves Jesus. He's passionately He loves Jesus. He's passionately talking about Jesus. talking about Jesus. talking about Jesus. But listen to verse 26. Says he began to But listen to verse 26. Says he began to But listen to verse 26. Says he began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but speak boldly in the synagogue, but speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they they they took him aside and explained to him the took him aside and explained to him the took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. way of God more accurately. way of God more accurately. That interestingly notice some That interestingly notice some That interestingly notice some deficiencies deficiencies deficiencies in Apollos' beliefs. And what do they in Apollos' beliefs. And what do they in Apollos' beliefs. And what do they do? They take him aside. They don't do? They take him aside. They don't do? They take him aside. They don't correct him publicly and embarrass him. correct him publicly and embarrass him. correct him publicly and embarrass him. They pull him aside and they help him They pull him aside and they help him They pull him aside and they help him grow. grow. grow. And if you were to track with Apollos, And if you were to track with Apollos, And if you were to track with Apollos, if you were to go and read 1 if you were to go and read 1 if you were to go and read 1 Corinthians, you see Apollos mentioned a Corinthians, you see Apollos mentioned a Corinthians, you see Apollos mentioned a lot. lot. lot. He went to Corinth. Who had been in He went to Corinth. Who had been in He went to Corinth. Who had been in Corinth previously? Corinth previously? Corinth previously? Priscilla and Aquila. Priscilla and Aquila. Priscilla and Aquila. So most likely Priscilla and Aquila told So most likely Priscilla and Aquila told So most likely Priscilla and Aquila told Apollos about Corinth and actually Apollos about Corinth and actually Apollos about Corinth and actually stoked his desire to go and make an stoked his desire to go and make an stoked his desire to go and make an impact in Corinth. And so if you go and impact in Corinth. And so if you go and impact in Corinth. And so if you go and read 1 Corinthians, you know what?

read 1 Corinthians, you know what? read 1 Corinthians, you know what? People are so People are so People are so amazed by Apollos that they're actually amazed by Apollos that they're actually amazed by Apollos that they're actually name-dropping him more than Paul and name-dropping him more than Paul and name-dropping him more than Paul and it's causing issues. it's causing issues. it's causing issues. Because of what an impact Because of what an impact Because of what an impact he has for the sake of the gospel. And Priscilla and Aquila played a key And Priscilla and Aquila played a key role in his impact because of the way role in his impact because of the way role in his impact because of the way they discipled him. they discipled him. they discipled him. They made disciples. Look, I'm just They made disciples. Look, I'm just They made disciples. Look, I'm just telling you, the normal Christian life telling you, the normal Christian life telling you, the normal Christian life is a life where you disciple others. is a life where you disciple others. is a life where you disciple others. You get discipled and you make You get discipled and you make You get discipled and you make disciples. If you want to experience joy, I'm just If you want to experience joy, I'm just telling you, make disciples. That's what telling you, make disciples. That's what telling you, make disciples. That's what we're about here. If you want to know we're about here. If you want to know we're about here. If you want to know what we're about, it is plastered on the what we're about, it is plastered on the what we're about, it is plastered on the walls right on the other side of that walls right on the other side of that walls right on the other side of that wall. Abiding in Jesus, we are making wall. Abiding in Jesus, we are making wall. Abiding in Jesus, we are making disciples together. That's what we're disciples together. That's what we're disciples together. That's what we're about here. We are about making about here. We are about making about here. We are about making disciples. And so my question for you is, is there And so my question for you is, is there at least one person in your life that at least one person in your life that at least one person in your life that you are helping know Jesus and become you are helping know Jesus and become you are helping know Jesus and become more like him?

more like him? more like him? If not, If not, If not, I I I I'm not mad at you. I I'm more like I I'm not mad at you. I I'm more like I I'm not mad at you. I I'm more like I just want to tell you you're missing just want to tell you you're missing just want to tell you you're missing out. out. out. You've been made to make disciples. You've been made to make disciples. You've been made to make disciples. Christ has saved you to become one of Christ has saved you to become one of Christ has saved you to become one of his disciples so that you can make his disciples so that you can make his disciples so that you can make disciples. disciples. disciples. I think about watching one of my boys I think about watching one of my boys I think about watching one of my boys learn how to ride a bike. It took him a learn how to ride a bike. It took him a learn how to ride a bike. It took him a little bit longer than others because he little bit longer than others because he little bit longer than others because he has some some balance issues. has some some balance issues. has some some balance issues. And yet we worked at it. And yet we worked at it. And yet we worked at it. And like we really worked. We went to And like we really worked. We went to And like we really worked. We went to this open parking lot and man, we just this open parking lot and man, we just this open parking lot and man, we just worked and worked. And I'm just telling worked and worked. And I'm just telling worked and worked. And I'm just telling you, when I saw him finally riding, if you, when I saw him finally riding, if you, when I saw him finally riding, if you've ever experienced that, you've ever experienced that, you've ever experienced that, like something inside of you is just like something inside of you is just like something inside of you is just like, mhm, you know, it's just like you like, mhm, you know, it's just like you like, mhm, you know, it's just like you it's kind of you want to fist pump, it's kind of you want to fist pump, it's kind of you want to fist pump, you're full of like excitement and joy you're full of like excitement and joy you're full of like excitement and joy and you can almost tear up because and you can almost tear up because and you can almost tear up because what you just you see progress, you see what you just you see progress, you see what you just you see progress, you see growth. You think about seeing a kid take his You think about seeing a kid take his first steps and what it will do for you.

Now we're just talking about someone Now we're just talking about someone taking steps or riding a bike. Imagine being used by God to Imagine being used by God to and getting to watch a marriage heal. and getting to watch a marriage heal. and getting to watch a marriage heal. Imagine getting to watch a child in our Imagine getting to watch a child in our Imagine getting to watch a child in our kids ministry under your leadership kids ministry under your leadership kids ministry under your leadership grasp the gospel for the first time like grasp the gospel for the first time like grasp the gospel for the first time like you get to watch it make sense for the you get to watch it make sense for the you get to watch it make sense for the first time. Imagine getting to be used first time. Imagine getting to be used first time. Imagine getting to be used by God and getting to watch someone by God and getting to watch someone by God and getting to watch someone break free from addiction. Imagine being break free from addiction. Imagine being break free from addiction. Imagine being used by God and getting to watch a high used by God and getting to watch a high used by God and getting to watch a high school student experience the joy of school student experience the joy of school student experience the joy of sharing their faith. Imagine watching sharing their faith. Imagine watching sharing their faith. Imagine watching someone reorient their entire company someone reorient their entire company someone reorient their entire company around glorifying Jesus. around glorifying Jesus. around glorifying Jesus. This is what you get to be a part of. This is what you get to be a part of. This is what you get to be a part of. Get in the game. Make disciples. Get in the game. Make disciples. Get in the game. Make disciples. The reason a lot of people in this The reason a lot of people in this The reason a lot of people in this church don't make disciples, it's for church don't make disciples, it's for church don't make disciples, it's for one of a few reasons. One, you don't one of a few reasons. One, you don't one of a few reasons. One, you don't want to. want to. want to. And if you don't want to, I would just And if you don't want to, I would just And if you don't want to, I would just say I mean, what I that I don't know what to I mean, what I that I don't know what to do with that.

do with that. do with that. What does Jesus say in Matthew 28? Says, What does Jesus say in Matthew 28? Says, What does Jesus say in Matthew 28? Says, "Go and make disciples." That's the "Go and make disciples." That's the "Go and make disciples." That's the call. call. call. People don't want to. People don't want to. People don't want to. Number two, people don't have time to. Number two, people don't have time to. Number two, people don't have time to. You want to, but you don't have time to. You want to, but you don't have time to. You want to, but you don't have time to. And so, I would just say, "Man, you ask And so, I would just say, "Man, you ask And so, I would just say, "Man, you ask God, what does it look like in this God, what does it look like in this God, what does it look like in this season?" Maybe it's a once a month once season?" Maybe it's a once a month once season?" Maybe it's a once a month once a month investment. I don't know. a month investment. I don't know. a month investment. I don't know. But uh ask God to clarify time. It might But uh ask God to clarify time. It might But uh ask God to clarify time. It might be that you're saying yes to some things be that you're saying yes to some things be that you're saying yes to some things that you think are non-negotiable and that you think are non-negotiable and that you think are non-negotiable and those commitments might need to be those commitments might need to be those commitments might need to be renegotiated. Or number three, people don't make Or number three, people don't make disciples cuz they don't know how to. disciples cuz they don't know how to. disciples cuz they don't know how to. And I'd just say we're committed to And I'd just say we're committed to And I'd just say we're committed to helping you with that. helping you with that. helping you with that. You can jump into serving and leading in You can jump into serving and leading in You can jump into serving and leading in any of our ministries and you've got any of our ministries and you've got any of our ministries and you've got leaders who will help you make leaders who will help you make leaders who will help you make disciples. And I'll just tell you, I was disciples. And I'll just tell you, I was disciples. And I'll just tell you, I was talking with uh some of our kids talking with uh some of our kids talking with uh some of our kids directors this week and they are thin on directors this week and they are thin on directors this week and they are thin on leaders. And I just hear that and look, leaders. And I just hear that and look, leaders. And I just hear that and look, I'm just going to tell you, church I'm just going to tell you, church I'm just going to tell you, church family, I long for the day when our when family, I long for the day when our when family, I long for the day when our when there is never a lack of leaders because there is never a lack of leaders because there is never a lack of leaders because people are pounding down the doors people are pounding down the doors people are pounding down the doors wanting to raise up and disciple the wanting to raise up and disciple the wanting to raise up and disciple the next generation. It's never babysitting.

next generation. It's never babysitting. next generation. It's never babysitting. Like you were helping people take a step Like you were helping people take a step Like you were helping people take a step with Jesus. This week I had lunch with a with Jesus. This week I had lunch with a with Jesus. This week I had lunch with a guy named Kent Lawrence. guy named Kent Lawrence. guy named Kent Lawrence. Kent Lawrence was a guy who discipled me Kent Lawrence was a guy who discipled me Kent Lawrence was a guy who discipled me when I was in junior high. when I was in junior high. when I was in junior high. It was just a chance for me to get with It was just a chance for me to get with It was just a chance for me to get with him and buy him lunch and say, "This is him and buy him lunch and say, "This is him and buy him lunch and say, "This is a thank you for investing in my life. a thank you for investing in my life. a thank you for investing in my life. I'll never forget him." I'll never forget him." I'll never forget him." I'll never forget Billy Miller and Josh I'll never forget Billy Miller and Josh I'll never forget Billy Miller and Josh Wimberly and Brian Mountjoy and Brian Wimberly and Brian Mountjoy and Brian Wimberly and Brian Mountjoy and Brian Fischer and Brad Thomas and Greg Mott Fischer and Brad Thomas and Greg Mott Fischer and Brad Thomas and Greg Mott all these people Reese Graves. Many of whom are just Many of whom are just guys with a normal 8:00 to 5:00 who've just said, "Look, I who've just said, "Look, I I understand my calling is to make I understand my calling is to make I understand my calling is to make disciples." disciples." disciples." And so I just want to invite you get in And so I just want to invite you get in And so I just want to invite you get in get in the game. get in the game. get in the game. I'll close by saying this. I'll close by saying this. I'll close by saying this. You know, my journey with the gym that You know, my journey with the gym that You know, my journey with the gym that started a couple years ago. The reason started a couple years ago. The reason started a couple years ago. The reason it started was honestly because I was it started was honestly because I was it started was honestly because I was talking with a friend and I was just talking with a friend and I was just talking with a friend and I was just like, "Man, something needs to change."

like, "Man, something needs to change." like, "Man, something needs to change." And he was like, "You know what? That And he was like, "You know what? That And he was like, "You know what? That you should try this type of gym." It just started with a friend It just started with a friend saying, "You should just try this." saying, "You should just try this." saying, "You should just try this." And so I just want to encourage you And so I just want to encourage you And so I just want to encourage you today. Would you allow Priscilla and today. Would you allow Priscilla and today. Would you allow Priscilla and Aquila who are Aquila who are Aquila who are brother a brother and sister in Christ brother a brother and sister in Christ brother a brother and sister in Christ who have gone before you and me, just who have gone before you and me, just who have gone before you and me, just normal people with a normal 8:00 to 5:00 normal people with a normal 8:00 to 5:00 normal people with a normal 8:00 to 5:00 as tentmakers, would you allow them to as tentmakers, would you allow them to as tentmakers, would you allow them to be friends to you this morning who just be friends to you this morning who just be friends to you this morning who just say, "Would you give it a try? Would you say, "Would you give it a try? Would you say, "Would you give it a try? Would you give the normal Christian life a try? Would you go on mission together Would you go on mission together in your marriage? in your marriage? in your marriage? Would you go all in with the church? Would you raise your sails? Would you Would you raise your sails? Would you raise up your anchors? Would you just raise up your anchors? Would you just raise up your anchors? Would you just put your life before Jesus and say, put your life before Jesus and say, put your life before Jesus and say, "It's yours anyway. Wherever you want me "It's yours anyway. Wherever you want me "It's yours anyway. Wherever you want me to go, whatever you want me to do, I'm to go, whatever you want me to do, I'm to go, whatever you want me to do, I'm in." in." in." Would you make disciples? Would you make disciples? Would you make disciples? Why? Because there's joy waiting for Why? Because there's joy waiting for Why? Because there's joy waiting for you. Jesus said, "I came that you might you. Jesus said, "I came that you might you. Jesus said, "I came that you might have life and have it to the full."

I pray that you would step into it I pray that you would step into it today. today. today. Lord Jesus, that's my hope and prayer Lord Jesus, that's my hope and prayer Lord Jesus, that's my hope and prayer for all of us. Pray that every single person in this Pray that every single person in this room room room would take a step with you. God, if would take a step with you. God, if would take a step with you. God, if there's anyone in this room who doesn't there's anyone in this room who doesn't there's anyone in this room who doesn't know you in a personal way, then I pray right now they would then I pray right now they would invite you into their lives. And if invite you into their lives. And if invite you into their lives. And if that's you, you can just pray with me. that's you, you can just pray with me. that's you, you can just pray with me. You can say, "Lord Jesus, would you come You can say, "Lord Jesus, would you come You can say, "Lord Jesus, would you come into my life today? Thank you that you died on the cross for Thank you that you died on the cross for me. me. me. Thank you that you rose from the dead Thank you that you rose from the dead Thank you that you rose from the dead for me. for me. for me. Would you come into my life? Would you come into my life? Would you come into my life? Would you forgive me of my sins? Would you forgive me of my sins? Would you forgive me of my sins? Would you lead me into [music] a new Would you lead me into [music] a new Would you lead me into [music] a new life? And wherever you're at right now, maybe And wherever you're at right now, maybe you just need to pray, "God, have your you just need to pray, "God, have your you just need to pray, "God, have your way in my life. You can do I'll go way in my life. You can do I'll go way in my life. You can do I'll go wherever you want. I'll do whatever you wherever you want. I'll do whatever you wherever you want. I'll do whatever you want." want." want." Maybe you just need to surrender your Maybe you just need to surrender your Maybe you just need to surrender your marriage to him.

Maybe you just need to ask him, "Who Maybe you just need to ask him, "Who does he want you to invest in?" does he want you to invest in?" does he want you to invest in?" But do business with the Lord. God, we want to be your church. We just God, we want to be your church. We just >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We reject American Christianity. We >> We reject American Christianity. We >> We reject American Christianity. We embrace normal biblical Christianity. embrace normal biblical Christianity. embrace normal biblical Christianity. We want to be a mission with you. We We want to be a mission with you. We We want to be a mission with you. We love you, God.