Rooted and Ready | Dr. Lekesha Attuquayefio

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Ah, yes. Yes. Yes. Okay. It's young adult week. It's young adult week. It's young adult Sunday. Y'all move. Y'all get off. Just don't go Y'all move. Y'all get off. Just don't go on somewhere now. on somewhere now. on somewhere now. That's how my grandma used to say it. That's how my grandma used to say it. That's how my grandma used to say it. Listen, first of all, we always do this, Listen, first of all, we always do this, Listen, first of all, we always do this, but I sincerely mean it [music] again but I sincerely mean it [music] again but I sincerely mean it [music] again after 14 years of being on staff and sh after 14 years of being on staff and sh after 14 years of being on staff and sh like 17 or so being a member. I want to like 17 or so being a member. I want to like 17 or so being a member. I want to thank God for one I call truly a big thank God for one I call truly a big thank God for one I call truly a big brother. I knew him first [music] just brother. I knew him first [music] just brother. I knew him first [music] just as a colleague of ministry when he first as a colleague of ministry when he first as a colleague of ministry when he first started as associate pastor [music] and started as associate pastor [music] and started as associate pastor [music] and then became senior pastor and then my then became senior pastor and then my then became senior pastor and then my pastor. Would you help me thank God for pastor. Would you help me thank God for pastor. Would you help me thank God for the Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby.

the Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. the Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] We were both young adults when we we We were both young adults when we we We were both young adults when we we were young adults. [laughter] were young adults. [laughter] were young adults. [laughter] We were young adults when we met. We were young adults when we met. We were young adults when we met. Um, and I thank God for our senior young Um, and I thank God for our senior young Um, and I thank God for our senior young adult of the staff, the executive adult of the staff, the executive adult of the staff, the executive pastor, [laughter] [music] [music] the Reverend Dr. Alexander Johnson. And the Reverend Dr. Alexander Johnson. And the Reverend Dr. Alexander Johnson. And I really mean that. I am grateful for I really mean that. I am grateful for I really mean that. I am grateful for knowing him and seeing him from the time knowing him and seeing him from the time knowing him and seeing him from the time he was an intern [music] he was an intern [music] he was an intern [music] um, many years ago. um, many years ago. um, many years ago. Love you, man. Love you, man. Love you, man. and to all of the clergy that I am and to all of the clergy that I am and to all of the clergy that I am privileged to serve with [music] and privileged to serve with [music] and privileged to serve with [music] and blessed by sincerely blessed by your blessed by sincerely blessed by your blessed by sincerely blessed by your ministry and I do watch and appreciate ministry and I do watch and appreciate ministry and I do watch and appreciate everything you do. Uh I have to shout everything you do. Uh I have to shout everything you do. Uh I have to shout out all of the young adult executive out all of the young adult executive out all of the young adult executive counsel not only those who are present counsel not only those who are present counsel not only those who are present now those folks over there wave your now those folks over there wave your now those folks over there wave your hands and the young adult week hands and the young adult week hands and the young adult week planning team leaders planning team leaders planning team leaders some of them are in the choir. have some of them are in the choir. have some of them are in the choir. have you're part of the planning team. Wave you're part of the planning team. Wave you're part of the planning team. Wave your hands. God bless you. These people your hands. God bless you. These people your hands. God bless you. These people put together, prayed, prayed, prayed put together, prayed, prayed, prayed put together, prayed, prayed, prayed over months, served over months, and over months, served over months, and over months, served over months, and helped us to have a wonderful week. And helped us to have a wonderful week. And helped us to have a wonderful week. And not just the people, the young adults not just the people, the young adults not just the people, the young adults who served now, but there are so many who served now, but there are so many who served now, but there are so many who have served in years past.

who have served in years past. who have served in years past. I am [music] grateful. I am [music] grateful. I am [music] grateful. Part of what I do here is a lot lighter Part of what I do here is a lot lighter Part of what I do here is a lot lighter because I have the joy, the privilege of because I have the joy, the privilege of because I have the joy, the privilege of serving with some awesome young adults. serving with some awesome young adults. serving with some awesome young adults. And I mean that. Um, truth be told, I And I mean that. Um, truth be told, I And I mean that. Um, truth be told, I don't say this in a bragging way. I'm don't say this in a bragging way. I'm don't say this in a bragging way. I'm just being honest as I see it, okay? I just being honest as I see it, okay? I just being honest as I see it, okay? I get to serve the best people of Wheeler. get to serve the best people of Wheeler. get to serve the best people of Wheeler. [laughter] All of Wheeler is fabulous. Now, don't All of Wheeler is fabulous. Now, don't get me wrong, but I just believe get me wrong, but I just believe get me wrong, but I just believe that some of the best are young adults. that some of the best are young adults. that some of the best are young adults. That's just me. Now, I know some of them That's just me. Now, I know some of them That's just me. Now, I know some of them got something else to say. I know they got something else to say. I know they got something else to say. I know they over there talking. They They're over there talking. They They're over there talking. They They're muttering about it right now. muttering about it right now. muttering about it right now. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> But I'm just saying since I got the mic, >> But I'm just saying since I got the mic, >> But I'm just saying since I got the mic, I think [music] I served some of the I think [music] I served some of the I think [music] I served some of the best of the best. Amen. best of the best. Amen. best of the best. Amen. And I sincerely mean that. They make my And I sincerely mean that. They make my And I sincerely mean that. They make my joy full. joy full. joy full. Let's go to the word of God. You've Let's go to the word of God. You've Let's go to the word of God. You've already heard it from one of our young already heard it from one of our young already heard it from one of our young adults. I'm actually not going to read adults. I'm actually not going to read adults. I'm actually not going to read the whole passage. So, I'mma tell you the whole passage. So, I'mma tell you the whole passage. So, I'mma tell you now, you can take your seat.

now, you can take your seat. now, you can take your seat. Y'all been standing and shouting so Y'all been standing and shouting so Y'all been standing and shouting so long. Some of y'all like, "Woo!" long. Some of y'all like, "Woo!" long. Some of y'all like, "Woo!" But he's still worthy now. Amen. Amen. I am going to I am going to I am going to be a little bit daring today. be a little bit daring today. be a little bit daring today. It's slightly in some Well, let me say It's slightly in some Well, let me say It's slightly in some Well, let me say this again to the pastors and um family. this again to the pastors and um family. this again to the pastors and um family. Yay. Hey y'all. Duly Wes, hey, y'all Yay. Hey y'all. Duly Wes, hey, y'all Yay. Hey y'all. Duly Wes, hey, y'all still smiling, girl. I know. It's good, still smiling, girl. I know. It's good, still smiling, girl. I know. It's good, ain't it? God bless you. And to Pastor ain't it? God bless you. And to Pastor ain't it? God bless you. And to Pastor Dre, thank you, lady. Thank you, doctor. Dre, thank you, lady. Thank you, doctor. Dre, thank you, lady. Thank you, doctor. Yes. Thank you. And to all of those who Yes. Thank you. And to all of those who Yes. Thank you. And to all of those who are guests. I'm sorry y'all came today. are guests. I'm sorry y'all came today. are guests. I'm sorry y'all came today. Pastor K's been not preaching. But you Pastor K's been not preaching. But you Pastor K's been not preaching. But you know what? [music] You know, it happens like that sometime. You know, it happens like that sometime. You know, you just got to go with it, You know, you just got to go with it, You know, you just got to go with it, right? right? right? Um ah but the word of the Lord is still Um ah but the word of the Lord is still Um ah but the word of the Lord is still rich. rich. rich. >> Hallelujah. I'm going to be a little >> Hallelujah. I'm going to be a little >> Hallelujah. I'm going to be a little daring today and preach daring today and preach daring today and preach in a way that some may not feel is in a way that some may not feel is in a way that some may not feel is appropriate, but I am so convicted is appropriate, but I am so convicted is appropriate, but I am so convicted is just right for now.

just right for now. just right for now. >> If you don't mind and please pardon, >> If you don't mind and please pardon, >> If you don't mind and please pardon, there will be a bit of a personal, there will be a bit of a personal, there will be a bit of a personal, transparent, maybe even a bit vulnerable transparent, maybe even a bit vulnerable transparent, maybe even a bit vulnerable position I come from. because now that I position I come from. because now that I position I come from. because now that I am not a young [laughter] good adult am not a young [laughter] good adult am not a young [laughter] good adult anymore, anymore, anymore, still young at heart still young at heart still young at heart and uh believe that because I've lived and uh believe that because I've lived and uh believe that because I've lived through most of that life in that through most of that life in that through most of that life in that season, I remember so well. And to be season, I remember so well. And to be season, I remember so well. And to be truthful, many of us who are not in the truthful, many of us who are not in the truthful, many of us who are not in the young adult stage chronologically young adult stage chronologically young adult stage chronologically still experience many of the issues still experience many of the issues still experience many of the issues even as we continue our journey. So I even as we continue our journey. So I even as we continue our journey. So I still want to preach from the subject still want to preach from the subject still want to preach from the subject rooted and ready our theme for this rooted and ready our theme for this rooted and ready our theme for this young adult week. And as you've heard, young adult week. And as you've heard, young adult week. And as you've heard, we come from Ephesians chapter 3. But if we come from Ephesians chapter 3. But if we come from Ephesians chapter 3. But if you don't mind, I want to go back. you don't mind, I want to go back. you don't mind, I want to go back. [laughter] If you don't mind, I'm just going to If you don't mind, I'm just going to share a little memory. It's a true share a little memory. It's a true share a little memory. It's a true story, y'all. Now, let me say from the story, y'all. Now, let me say from the story, y'all. Now, let me say from the jump. I am not jump. I am not jump. I am not endorsing what happened. I'm just endorsing what happened. I'm just endorsing what happened. I'm just telling you.

telling you. telling you. They say that confession is good for the They say that confession is good for the They say that confession is good for the soul, but maybe bad for the reputation. soul, but maybe bad for the reputation. soul, but maybe bad for the reputation. Well, I'm going to be honest because it Well, I'm going to be honest because it Well, I'm going to be honest because it was about my seventh grade year. I was was about my seventh grade year. I was was about my seventh grade year. I was riding the school brush and not a lot riding the school brush and not a lot riding the school brush and not a lot not of people know this because every not of people know this because every not of people know this because every now and then folks mistakenly believe now and then folks mistakenly believe now and then folks mistakenly believe because I am so privileged to work at because I am so privileged to work at because I am so privileged to work at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and I the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and I the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and I get the privilege of sitting on this get the privilege of sitting on this get the privilege of sitting on this platform with all of these distinguished platform with all of these distinguished platform with all of these distinguished people that you know I might be super people that you know I might be super people that you know I might be super refined and extra but truth be told I refined and extra but truth be told I refined and extra but truth be told I really am from the hood really am from the hood really am from the hood and I didn't know it was the hood until and I didn't know it was the hood until and I didn't know it was the hood until I got older. Anybody can understand I got older. Anybody can understand I got older. Anybody can understand that. Like you just grew up there. So that. Like you just grew up there. So that. Like you just grew up there. So you didn't know that other people you didn't know that other people you didn't know that other people thought it was the hood cuz it's just, thought it was the hood cuz it's just, thought it was the hood cuz it's just, you know, puking with my friends. you know, puking with my friends. you know, puking with my friends. I knew na na and fato and so these are I knew na na and fato and so these are I knew na na and fato and so these are real people. Names we call them. So I I real people. Names we call them. So I I real people. Names we call them. So I I that's just what I knew. We rode the that's just what I knew. We rode the that's just what I knew. We rode the school bus. Dick dling. This names school bus. Dick dling. This names school bus. Dick dling. This names changed now, but if you've heard of changed now, but if you've heard of changed now, but if you've heard of about it, it had a reputation back in about it, it had a reputation back in about it, it had a reputation back in the day. And so about in the seventh the day. And so about in the seventh the day. And so about in the seventh grade, I was riding the school bus with grade, I was riding the school bus with grade, I was riding the school bus with my younger brother. I have two, but the my younger brother. I have two, but the my younger brother. I have two, but the older of the two was with me and he was older of the two was with me and he was older of the two was with me and he was one year younger. But there was nothing one year younger. But there was nothing one year younger. But there was nothing special about this day special about this day special about this day except for the some reason there was except for the some reason there was except for the some reason there was this eighth grade girl. She was picking this eighth grade girl. She was picking this eighth grade girl. She was picking on me.

on me. on me. Not really. I mean, I don't recall why. Not really. I mean, I don't recall why. Not really. I mean, I don't recall why. I do remember vividly that I felt like I I do remember vividly that I felt like I I do remember vividly that I felt like I had to just stand and speak up for had to just stand and speak up for had to just stand and speak up for myself. Well, because she was older, a myself. Well, because she was older, a myself. Well, because she was older, a little bigger, much louder, she did not little bigger, much louder, she did not little bigger, much louder, she did not appreciate it. All the kids on the bus appreciate it. All the kids on the bus appreciate it. All the kids on the bus instigated. You know how they used to instigated. You know how they used to instigated. You know how they used to do. And before I knew it, the situation do. And before I knew it, the situation do. And before I knew it, the situation had escalated and her rage at me had escalated and her rage at me had escalated and her rage at me standing up for myself, mixed with her standing up for myself, mixed with her standing up for myself, mixed with her pride, resulted in a real threat. She pride, resulted in a real threat. She pride, resulted in a real threat. She hurled insults and spewed threats that hurled insults and spewed threats that hurled insults and spewed threats that she fully intended to make good on. When she fully intended to make good on. When she fully intended to make good on. When we got off the bus, I had just a few we got off the bus, I had just a few we got off the bus, I had just a few minutes to decide what I would do. The minutes to decide what I would do. The minutes to decide what I would do. The sounds on the bus grew louder and louder sounds on the bus grew louder and louder sounds on the bus grew louder and louder as the others who were excited. as the others who were excited. as the others who were excited. I'll never forget one girl was passing I'll never forget one girl was passing I'll never forget one girl was passing me on the bus and she said, "Come on, me on the bus and she said, "Come on, me on the bus and she said, "Come on, let's go on get this bow whipping over let's go on get this bow whipping over let's go on get this bow whipping over with." with." with." She was talking to me.

She was talking to me. She was talking to me. I could see the younger version of I could see the younger version of I could see the younger version of myself right now very clearly. I myself right now very clearly. I myself right now very clearly. I remember I had on a little denim skirt remember I had on a little denim skirt remember I had on a little denim skirt and a white shirt that had neon colors and a white shirt that had neon colors and a white shirt that had neon colors on the front. Remember? Uh-huh. Uh-huh. And I also recall that my younger And I also recall that my younger And I also recall that my younger brother got off the bus, but he ran brother got off the bus, but he ran brother got off the bus, but he ran home. home. home. I was left by myself, unuckling around I was left by myself, unuckling around I was left by myself, unuckling around me and my adversary as she did the me and my adversary as she did the me and my adversary as she did the iconic universal demonstration that she iconic universal demonstration that she iconic universal demonstration that she was serious and ready to handle me. Now, at first, I just stood there and I Now, at first, I just stood there and I watched her move around and the cheers watched her move around and the cheers watched her move around and the cheers and the egging on from the onlookers. and the egging on from the onlookers. and the egging on from the onlookers. They were hoping to see a real fight. I They were hoping to see a real fight. I They were hoping to see a real fight. I will never forget one boy from the will never forget one boy from the will never forget one boy from the neighborhood. He he was over the crowd neighborhood. He he was over the crowd neighborhood. He he was over the crowd yelling and laughing and and this is yelling and laughing and and this is yelling and laughing and and this is what he yelled at. I'll never forget what he yelled at. I'll never forget what he yelled at. I'll never forget this. He said, "Yeah, I got I got five this. He said, "Yeah, I got I got five this. He said, "Yeah, I got I got five on Kesha and 10 on TT."

the long shot, the underdog. the long shot, the underdog. Did I tell you she was older and bigger Did I tell you she was older and bigger Did I tell you she was older and bigger and louder? and louder? and louder? She was boisterous. And I stood still She was boisterous. And I stood still She was boisterous. And I stood still until she got close to me. And I was until she got close to me. And I was until she got close to me. And I was quiet, standing in my own space, just quiet, standing in my own space, just quiet, standing in my own space, just observing, but pondering and thinking observing, but pondering and thinking observing, but pondering and thinking until she entered my space. And I backed until she entered my space. And I backed until she entered my space. And I backed up a little bit. And I remember planting up a little bit. And I remember planting up a little bit. And I remember planting my feet and I took a stance. It was on. my feet and I took a stance. It was on. my feet and I took a stance. It was on. Now, Now, Now, true story. And my posture changed and true story. And my posture changed and true story. And my posture changed and it communicated that I was preparing to it communicated that I was preparing to it communicated that I was preparing to do something which only made her get do something which only made her get do something which only made her get louder and so did the crowd. Once again, louder and so did the crowd. Once again, louder and so did the crowd. Once again, she came up a little too close. And in she came up a little too close. And in she came up a little too close. And in that moment, it did not matter anymore that moment, it did not matter anymore that moment, it did not matter anymore that I was wearing a little denim skirt that I was wearing a little denim skirt that I was wearing a little denim skirt with that white shirt and them night with that white shirt and them night with that white shirt and them night neon colors on it because I was a long neon colors on it because I was a long neon colors on it because I was a long shot or it didn't matter that I was shot or it didn't matter that I was shot or it didn't matter that I was alone or most of the crowd was cheering alone or most of the crowd was cheering alone or most of the crowd was cheering for her and waiting to see if I could for her and waiting to see if I could for her and waiting to see if I could really defend myself. The only thing really defend myself. The only thing really defend myself. The only thing that came to my mind was that she was that came to my mind was that she was that came to my mind was that she was too close and she could do me harm too close and she could do me harm too close and she could do me harm before I got to her. So, I wasn't going before I got to her. So, I wasn't going before I got to her. So, I wasn't going to let that happen.

to let that happen. to let that happen. Didn't Didn't Didn't matter to me that I was the long shot matter to me that I was the long shot matter to me that I was the long shot because I didn't have all the fancy because I didn't have all the fancy because I didn't have all the fancy clothes she had and the name bag name clothes she had and the name bag name clothes she had and the name bag name brand bag she could carry. Didn't matter brand bag she could carry. Didn't matter brand bag she could carry. Didn't matter to me if she was more popular and all to me if she was more popular and all to me if she was more popular and all the people on the school bus thought the people on the school bus thought the people on the school bus thought that she was the top one and she was that she was the top one and she was that she was the top one and she was loud and she kind of made me feel a loud and she kind of made me feel a loud and she kind of made me feel a little small. I just knew she entered little small. I just knew she entered little small. I just knew she entered into my space and at that moment I had into my space and at that moment I had into my space and at that moment I had to do something to brace myself and get to do something to brace myself and get to do something to brace myself and get my feet ready and get planted. my feet ready and get planted. my feet ready and get planted. So, so, so I could be ready and and not So, so, so I could be ready and and not So, so, so I could be ready and and not let her get too close in case something let her get too close in case something let her get too close in case something was going on. And just in that moment, was going on. And just in that moment, was going on. And just in that moment, well, well, before I tell you what well, well, before I tell you what well, well, before I tell you what happened, I just knew I had to get some courage I just knew I had to get some courage and strength from deep, deep within. and strength from deep, deep within. and strength from deep, deep within. And I want to say to you that sometimes And I want to say to you that sometimes And I want to say to you that sometimes life life life can deal with us in the same way because can deal with us in the same way because can deal with us in the same way because we're not born on the right side of the we're not born on the right side of the we're not born on the right side of the tracks.

tracks. tracks. >> We don't come from places of privilege. >> We don't come from places of privilege. >> We don't come from places of privilege. And guess what? Even if you do, there's And guess what? Even if you do, there's And guess what? Even if you do, there's always a moment in life that somebody is always a moment in life that somebody is always a moment in life that somebody is going to try to remind you you're not going to try to remind you you're not going to try to remind you you're not all of that. all of that. all of that. Whether it's the society we live in and Whether it's the society we live in and Whether it's the society we live in and the government that tries to enforce the government that tries to enforce the government that tries to enforce rules and create laws that suggest it, rules and create laws that suggest it, rules and create laws that suggest it, or whether we just have to deal with the or whether we just have to deal with the or whether we just have to deal with the nagging, boisterous voice of the enemy, nagging, boisterous voice of the enemy, nagging, boisterous voice of the enemy, constantly reminding us of what we did constantly reminding us of what we did constantly reminding us of what we did last year and how we don't measure up last year and how we don't measure up last year and how we don't measure up right now. right now. right now. I would think that Paul is writing to a I would think that Paul is writing to a I would think that Paul is writing to a people in Ephesus from his own personal people in Ephesus from his own personal people in Ephesus from his own personal experience. And I found some of my own experience. And I found some of my own experience. And I found some of my own here. A people that had become to here. A people that had become to here. A people that had become to believe in God and have faith through believe in God and have faith through believe in God and have faith through the Lord Jesus Christ. But there was the Lord Jesus Christ. But there was the Lord Jesus Christ. But there was this mixture in Ephesus. You see, a lot this mixture in Ephesus. You see, a lot this mixture in Ephesus. You see, a lot of the original the the the Jewish of the original the the the Jewish of the original the the the Jewish people who truly were of the nation of people who truly were of the nation of people who truly were of the nation of Israel, descendants and and those who Israel, descendants and and those who Israel, descendants and and those who inherited the plan of salvation because inherited the plan of salvation because inherited the plan of salvation because they were Jewish by nature, by blood, they were Jewish by nature, by blood, they were Jewish by nature, by blood, began to have this onslaught, this began to have this onslaught, this began to have this onslaught, this flooding of Gentile believers to come to flooding of Gentile believers to come to flooding of Gentile believers to come to the faith. And there was a tension that the faith. And there was a tension that the faith. And there was a tension that Paul had to address because some of the Paul had to address because some of the Paul had to address because some of the Jewish believers made those who were Jewish believers made those who were Jewish believers made those who were Gentiles feel like they were maybe Gentiles feel like they were maybe Gentiles feel like they were maybe secondass citizens.

secondass citizens. secondass citizens. You have to be circumcised. You have to be circumcised. You have to be circumcised. you you you you all right, but you're you you you you all right, but you're you you you you all right, but you're not like us. Kind of like that loud not like us. Kind of like that loud not like us. Kind of like that loud voice when I was a girl. And if you're voice when I was a girl. And if you're voice when I was a girl. And if you're not careful, you can feel a little not careful, you can feel a little not careful, you can feel a little intimidated by the things that people intimidated by the things that people intimidated by the things that people throw at you because you don't look like throw at you because you don't look like throw at you because you don't look like a certain crowd. You don't dress like a a certain crowd. You don't dress like a a certain crowd. You don't dress like a certain crowd. You don't have the certain crowd. You don't have the certain crowd. You don't have the pedigree or the prestige of a certain pedigree or the prestige of a certain pedigree or the prestige of a certain people. people. people. Young adults face this all the time Young adults face this all the time Young adults face this all the time because right when you're trying to because right when you're trying to because right when you're trying to measure up and find your own way, you measure up and find your own way, you measure up and find your own way, you come from under your parents covering come from under your parents covering come from under your parents covering and now you have to stand and pay your and now you have to stand and pay your and now you have to stand and pay your own real bills. >> You may not have someone who has been >> You may not have someone who has been that mentor to open many doors for you, that mentor to open many doors for you, that mentor to open many doors for you, but you've got to press your way because but you've got to press your way because but you've got to press your way because you're the first one really trying to you're the first one really trying to you're the first one really trying to live saved and be of the of the line of live saved and be of the of the line of live saved and be of the of the line of God in your land in your bloodline. God in your land in your bloodline. God in your land in your bloodline. You didn't grow up with the blessing of You didn't grow up with the blessing of You didn't grow up with the blessing of having a wheeler avenue and some people having a wheeler avenue and some people having a wheeler avenue and some people to guide you in the right way. And so to guide you in the right way. And so to guide you in the right way. And so you get in a place where they know all you get in a place where they know all you get in a place where they know all the books of the Bible and they can the books of the Bible and they can the books of the Bible and they can quote all these scriptures. And you quote all these scriptures. And you quote all these scriptures. And you might feel overwhelmed if the enemy is might feel overwhelmed if the enemy is might feel overwhelmed if the enemy is speaking to you about how you don't speaking to you about how you don't speaking to you about how you don't measure up. But wait, wait, wait, hold measure up. But wait, wait, wait, hold measure up. But wait, wait, wait, hold on a minute.

on a minute. on a minute. Who we are is not based on our Who we are is not based on our Who we are is not based on our biological lineage biological lineage biological lineage >> or what we have in the natural. >> or what we have in the natural. >> or what we have in the natural. It is truly based on who we are in It is truly based on who we are in It is truly based on who we are in Christ. And so I want to leave with you Christ. And so I want to leave with you Christ. And so I want to leave with you just a few things that I found in this just a few things that I found in this just a few things that I found in this passage I could identify with. And I passage I could identify with. And I passage I could identify with. And I hope that not just young adults but even hope that not just young adults but even hope that not just young adults but even our maybe young in the faith because you our maybe young in the faith because you our maybe young in the faith because you may be 25 or you may be 52. may be 25 or you may be 52. may be 25 or you may be 52. We still have to find ourselves in this We still have to find ourselves in this We still have to find ourselves in this text much like Paul who was also at one text much like Paul who was also at one text much like Paul who was also at one time not really credible. Remember that time not really credible. Remember that time not really credible. Remember that he was one who persecuted the church. he was one who persecuted the church. he was one who persecuted the church. >> He went around looking and seeking for >> He went around looking and seeking for >> He went around looking and seeking for believers to have them arrested. And believers to have them arrested. And believers to have them arrested. And then the Lord then the Lord then the Lord gave him a revelation. gave him a revelation. gave him a revelation. >> Then the Lord called him out. Then the >> Then the Lord called him out. Then the >> Then the Lord called him out. Then the Lord knocked him from his beast. Then Lord knocked him from his beast. Then Lord knocked him from his beast. Then the Lord changed his mind. Then the Lord the Lord changed his mind. Then the Lord the Lord changed his mind. Then the Lord changed his nature and gave him a new changed his nature and gave him a new changed his nature and gave him a new assignment. And so the first thing I assignment. And so the first thing I assignment. And so the first thing I want you to see in this text as we read want you to see in this text as we read want you to see in this text as we read it, follow along in your Bibles if you it, follow along in your Bibles if you it, follow along in your Bibles if you don't mind. Paul says, beginning in don't mind. Paul says, beginning in don't mind. Paul says, beginning in verse 7 all the way to verse 12, I see verse 7 all the way to verse 12, I see verse 7 all the way to verse 12, I see that if we're going to live a rooted and that if we're going to live a rooted and that if we're going to live a rooted and ready life prepared for all that God has ready life prepared for all that God has ready life prepared for all that God has for us, we have to be rooted in a for us, we have to be rooted in a for us, we have to be rooted in a predestined identity that is in Christ.

predestined identity that is in Christ. predestined identity that is in Christ. Even from chapter one, Paul says, Even from chapter one, Paul says, Even from chapter one, Paul says, listen, he's writing to a people who listen, he's writing to a people who listen, he's writing to a people who were chosen in him and predestined in were chosen in him and predestined in were chosen in him and predestined in love in him. I want you to know it love in him. I want you to know it love in him. I want you to know it doesn't matter what you look like, where doesn't matter what you look like, where doesn't matter what you look like, where you come from, even if it's from the you come from, even if it's from the you come from, even if it's from the hood, God chose you before the hood, God chose you before the hood, God chose you before the foundations of the world. I mean, that foundations of the world. I mean, that foundations of the world. I mean, that means before your mama met your daddy, means before your mama met your daddy, means before your mama met your daddy, before they changed paper numbers, you before they changed paper numbers, you before they changed paper numbers, you know, when they used to write it on a know, when they used to write it on a know, when they used to write it on a little card. little card. little card. You got IG and and and DMs now, but You got IG and and and DMs now, but You got IG and and and DMs now, but before they knew what was coming, God before they knew what was coming, God before they knew what was coming, God knew you were coming. knew you were coming. knew you were coming. >> I don't care if you were born like I was >> I don't care if you were born like I was >> I don't care if you were born like I was >> and it was at the wedding. Ah, God has a purpose. And what was out Ah, God has a purpose. And what was out of time in man's time was on time in of time in man's time was on time in of time in man's time was on time in God's time. God's time. God's time. Do I have to say it another way? Do I have to say it another way? Do I have to say it another way? Somebody else may not have planned or Somebody else may not have planned or Somebody else may not have planned or prepared for you, but God had a prepared for you, but God had a prepared for you, but God had a predestined plan and purpose for your predestined plan and purpose for your predestined plan and purpose for your whole life.

>> But your identity has to be rooted in >> But your identity has to be rooted in Christ. Christ. Christ. >> At least nine to 10 times. We see that >> At least nine to 10 times. We see that >> At least nine to 10 times. We see that not only in chapter one but even in this not only in chapter one but even in this not only in chapter one but even in this chapter Paul cons constantly says in him chapter Paul cons constantly says in him chapter Paul cons constantly says in him in Christ because that is where we get in Christ because that is where we get in Christ because that is where we get our identity. Young adults and older our identity. Young adults and older our identity. Young adults and older adults don't get it twisted. The world adults don't get it twisted. The world adults don't get it twisted. The world may give you many modes and methods and may give you many modes and methods and may give you many modes and methods and images most of which we know are images most of which we know are images most of which we know are filtered. filtered. filtered. Ah, but if you look into the wonderful Ah, but if you look into the wonderful Ah, but if you look into the wonderful law of Christ, if you look into the law of Christ, if you look into the law of Christ, if you look into the wonderful mirror that is in the word, wonderful mirror that is in the word, wonderful mirror that is in the word, you will see that God has always had a you will see that God has always had a you will see that God has always had a plan for you. And it does not mean you plan for you. And it does not mean you plan for you. And it does not mean you have to be conformed to the ways and the have to be conformed to the ways and the have to be conformed to the ways and the patterns of this world. But your patterns of this world. But your patterns of this world. But your identity can be shaped and molded by identity can be shaped and molded by identity can be shaped and molded by what God purposed for you. So don't look what God purposed for you. So don't look what God purposed for you. So don't look to Instagram or any other gram. Look to to Instagram or any other gram. Look to to Instagram or any other gram. Look to the one who has already designed for you the one who has already designed for you the one who has already designed for you and predestined for you a future that is and predestined for you a future that is and predestined for you a future that is bright and wonderful. Your identity is bright and wonderful. Your identity is bright and wonderful. Your identity is in Christ. Your identity is in Christ.

in Christ. Your identity is in Christ. in Christ. Your identity is in Christ. It doesn't matter who says that you It doesn't matter who says that you It doesn't matter who says that you qualify. It doesn't matter who says that qualify. It doesn't matter who says that qualify. It doesn't matter who says that you are chosen or not. It doesn't matter you are chosen or not. It doesn't matter you are chosen or not. It doesn't matter whose company you can keep and who whose company you can keep and who whose company you can keep and who rejects you. Your identity is in Christ. rejects you. Your identity is in Christ. rejects you. Your identity is in Christ. When you're trying to figure out who you When you're trying to figure out who you When you're trying to figure out who you want to be and what you want to do with want to be and what you want to do with want to be and what you want to do with your life, it doesn't matter who says your life, it doesn't matter who says your life, it doesn't matter who says that you have the best education or the that you have the best education or the that you have the best education or the right education, whether you have the right education, whether you have the right education, whether you have the best polished performance or whether you best polished performance or whether you best polished performance or whether you are still trying to struggle and get it are still trying to struggle and get it are still trying to struggle and get it together. Your identity and your value together. Your identity and your value together. Your identity and your value is in Christ. is in Christ. is in Christ. [applause] [applause] [applause] Paul says here, he's the least of the Paul says here, he's the least of the Paul says here, he's the least of the saints. what I know about myself and saints. what I know about myself and saints. what I know about myself and what others may say about me sometimes what others may say about me sometimes what others may say about me sometimes doesn't even line up with what God says doesn't even line up with what God says doesn't even line up with what God says about me. You cannot talk yourself out about me. You cannot talk yourself out about me. You cannot talk yourself out of God's provision and plan for your of God's provision and plan for your of God's provision and plan for your life. You cannot sway yourself out of life. You cannot sway yourself out of life. You cannot sway yourself out of God's purpose and plan for your life. God's purpose and plan for your life. God's purpose and plan for your life. Paul says though I am the least of the Paul says though I am the least of the Paul says though I am the least of the saints, the least of God's people saints, the least of God's people saints, the least of God's people because he remembers where he came from, because he remembers where he came from, because he remembers where he came from, but he also knows what God is doing by but he also knows what God is doing by but he also knows what God is doing by the grace of God. He said he was given the grace of God. He said he was given the grace of God. He said he was given an assignment. So, it doesn't matter an assignment. So, it doesn't matter an assignment. So, it doesn't matter what your past is or what you're what your past is or what you're what your past is or what you're struggling with right now. God's grace struggling with right now. God's grace struggling with right now. God's grace is still over your life. God's grace, is still over your life. God's grace, is still over your life. God's grace, God's grace, God's unmmerited favor. You God's grace, God's unmmerited favor. You God's grace, God's unmmerited favor. You didn't qualify for it. You weren't even didn't qualify for it. You weren't even didn't qualify for it. You weren't even born into it. You were born again.

born into it. You were born again. born into it. You were born again. And being born again means you've got And being born again means you've got And being born again means you've got access to some things you didn't have in access to some things you didn't have in access to some things you didn't have in the beginning. And that means your the beginning. And that means your the beginning. And that means your identity, your worth, your value is in identity, your worth, your value is in identity, your worth, your value is in Christ. Christ. Christ. I want to keep on saying it because the I want to keep on saying it because the I want to keep on saying it because the world would try to convince you that you world would try to convince you that you world would try to convince you that you have to perform have to perform have to perform >> and produce. >> and produce. >> and produce. And some of us type A busybody And some of us type A busybody And some of us type A busybody personalities who get our value from personalities who get our value from personalities who get our value from what we can do and how much we can show what we can do and how much we can show what we can do and how much we can show off. It doesn't matter the color of the off. It doesn't matter the color of the off. It doesn't matter the color of the bottom of your shoes. It doesn't matter bottom of your shoes. It doesn't matter bottom of your shoes. It doesn't matter what the name is or the label of your what the name is or the label of your what the name is or the label of your clothes or the bag that you carry. Your clothes or the bag that you carry. Your clothes or the bag that you carry. Your identity is in Christ. identity is in Christ. identity is in Christ. [applause] Paul says, "I was given grace, Paul says, "I was given grace, unmmerited favor according to the unmmerited favor according to the unmmerited favor according to the working of God's power, not my own power working of God's power, not my own power working of God's power, not my own power to network and to climb the corporate to network and to climb the corporate to network and to climb the corporate ladder. Not my own power to get into the ladder. Not my own power to get into the ladder. Not my own power to get into the who's who of society. not my own power who's who of society. not my own power who's who of society. not my own power to try to present myself like I'm to try to present myself like I'm to try to present myself like I'm somebody polished and alltogether. It somebody polished and alltogether. It somebody polished and alltogether. It was by the power of God because of the was by the power of God because of the was by the power of God because of the grace of God that I am who I am. And it grace of God that I am who I am. And it grace of God that I am who I am. And it is in Christ.

is in Christ. is in Christ. [applause] [applause] [applause] [cheering] >> When you know who you are and whose you >> When you know who you are and whose you are, are, are, >> what kind of power is working on the >> what kind of power is working on the >> what kind of power is working on the inside to transform you into who God inside to transform you into who God inside to transform you into who God wants you to be. I tell you, you can be wants you to be. I tell you, you can be wants you to be. I tell you, you can be 25 or 52. Every now and then, life will 25 or 52. Every now and then, life will 25 or 52. Every now and then, life will bring some things in your vicinity, in bring some things in your vicinity, in bring some things in your vicinity, in your reality, that you have to remind your reality, that you have to remind your reality, that you have to remind that you have to stay rooted in your that you have to stay rooted in your that you have to stay rooted in your identity in Christ, cuz you can get on identity in Christ, cuz you can get on identity in Christ, cuz you can get on up there and have a few coins. up there and have a few coins. up there and have a few coins. You can climb the corporate ladder or You can climb the corporate ladder or You can climb the corporate ladder or establish your own business or become an establish your own business or become an establish your own business or become an influencer. But if you influencing everybody and But if you influencing everybody and ain't nobody getting saved. If you ain't nobody getting saved. If you ain't nobody getting saved. If you shifting the atmosphere and ain't nobody shifting the atmosphere and ain't nobody shifting the atmosphere and ain't nobody getting delivered. If if you've got some getting delivered. If if you've got some getting delivered. If if you've got some power to get on a platform but ain't power to get on a platform but ain't power to get on a platform but ain't nobody getting purged [screaming] nobody getting purged [screaming] nobody getting purged [screaming] on the inside. I'm telling you the power on the inside. I'm telling you the power on the inside. I'm telling you the power is in Christ. [cheering] >> What is my purpose?

>> What is my purpose? >> Is this what God wants me to do? >> Is this what God wants me to do? >> Is this what God wants me to do? >> What are my gifts? What is my >> What are my gifts? What is my >> What are my gifts? What is my assignment? Lord, how long will I have assignment? Lord, how long will I have assignment? Lord, how long will I have to wait until it's revealed? I've been to wait until it's revealed? I've been to wait until it's revealed? I've been waiting on you for a long time. Paul has waiting on you for a long time. Paul has waiting on you for a long time. Paul has all of this in there because he says, all of this in there because he says, all of this in there because he says, "I'm the least of the saints. Grace was "I'm the least of the saints. Grace was "I'm the least of the saints. Grace was given me by the power of God's work in given me by the power of God's work in given me by the power of God's work in me." And then he says it's to preach to me." And then he says it's to preach to me." And then he says it's to preach to the Gentiles. He knows his assignment. the Gentiles. He knows his assignment. the Gentiles. He knows his assignment. And that's why your identity has to be And that's why your identity has to be And that's why your identity has to be in Christ because only he knows what he in Christ because only he knows what he in Christ because only he knows what he put in you to get out of you to work for put in you to get out of you to work for put in you to get out of you to work for his glory. Because only what you do for his glory. Because only what you do for his glory. Because only what you do for Christ will last. I know you can sign Christ will last. I know you can sign Christ will last. I know you can sign somebody else's check, but only what you somebody else's check, but only what you somebody else's check, but only what you do for Christ will last. I know they do for Christ will last. I know they do for Christ will last. I know they call on you to do a whole lot of things call on you to do a whole lot of things call on you to do a whole lot of things cuz you're the go-to person. You can cuz you're the go-to person. You can cuz you're the go-to person. You can make it happen, but only what you do for make it happen, but only what you do for make it happen, but only what you do for Christ will laugh. I know a few folk Christ will laugh. I know a few folk Christ will laugh. I know a few folk know your name, but only what you do for know your name, but only what you do for know your name, but only what you do for Christ Christ Christ will last.

Our identity, it has to be rooted in the Our identity, it has to be rooted in the predestined predestined predestined identity and plans of God. So like Paul, identity and plans of God. So like Paul, identity and plans of God. So like Paul, I had to get back to that when I was on I had to get back to that when I was on I had to get back to that when I was on that that that bus stop. cuz I was the long shot. cuz I was the long shot. >> I was the underdog. [laughter] >> I was the underdog. [laughter] >> I was the underdog. [laughter] They had more po popularity. They were They had more po popularity. They were They had more po popularity. They were louder. They were stronger. But but I louder. They were stronger. But but I louder. They were stronger. But but I had to remember and ground myself >> and who I am in >> and who I am in >> Christ. Stay rooted in a predestined identity. I Stay rooted in a predestined identity. I want you to go with God's grace want you to go with God's grace want you to go with God's grace according to God's power, not your according to God's power, not your according to God's power, not your power. And know that as you stay rooted power. And know that as you stay rooted power. And know that as you stay rooted in Christ, in Christ, in Christ, >> you'll see a difference in your life. >> you'll see a difference in your life. >> you'll see a difference in your life. >> You'll be able to stand the test, the >> You'll be able to stand the test, the >> You'll be able to stand the test, the trials that not only come externally, trials that not only come externally, trials that not only come externally, but sometimes the biggest adversary and but sometimes the biggest adversary and but sometimes the biggest adversary and enemy is the one that's in a me.

>> Oh, y'all don't want to hear me. >> Oh, y'all don't want to hear me. Sometimes I don't need anybody else to Sometimes I don't need anybody else to Sometimes I don't need anybody else to put me down cuz I know some of y'all put me down cuz I know some of y'all put me down cuz I know some of y'all deal with insecurity and imposttor deal with insecurity and imposttor deal with insecurity and imposttor syndrome and all of the things that you syndrome and all of the things that you syndrome and all of the things that you think about yourself that are wrong and think about yourself that are wrong and think about yourself that are wrong and you pick yourself apart when you look in you pick yourself apart when you look in you pick yourself apart when you look in the mirror and compare yourself to the mirror and compare yourself to the mirror and compare yourself to somebody else. But I'm telling you that somebody else. But I'm telling you that somebody else. But I'm telling you that I'm going to trust and you've got to I'm going to trust and you've got to I'm going to trust and you've got to trust. We've got to trust in God's power trust. We've got to trust in God's power trust. We've got to trust in God's power at work within us. And that's by the at work within us. And that's by the at work within us. And that's by the grace of God. grace of God. grace of God. My identity is not even in what I see. My identity is not even in what I see. My identity is not even in what I see. It's God doing such a profound and It's God doing such a profound and It's God doing such a profound and phenomenal work. And Paul says, listen, phenomenal work. And Paul says, listen, phenomenal work. And Paul says, listen, this is what's happening in the church. this is what's happening in the church. this is what's happening in the church. because there was a mystery that was not because there was a mystery that was not because there was a mystery that was not revealed until God decided that the revealed until God decided that the revealed until God decided that the fullness of time had come and he was fullness of time had come and he was fullness of time had come and he was preaching and teaching about it that we preaching and teaching about it that we preaching and teaching about it that we can see and understand that God was can see and understand that God was can see and understand that God was always causing this enmity between always causing this enmity between always causing this enmity between remember I told you the Jews and the remember I told you the Jews and the remember I told you the Jews and the Gentiles saying I'm going to bring these Gentiles saying I'm going to bring these Gentiles saying I'm going to bring these two together and I'm going to make one two together and I'm going to make one two together and I'm going to make one new household of faith new household of faith new household of faith >> so you all can't look down on these >> y'all want me to come for you >> y'all want me to come for you >> all All right. Woo. I'm glad we shouted >> all All right. Woo. I'm glad we shouted >> all All right. Woo. I'm glad we shouted earlier.

earlier. earlier. So, you can't look down on people who So, you can't look down on people who So, you can't look down on people who haven't been at Wheeler for 40 years. haven't been at Wheeler for 40 years. haven't been at Wheeler for 40 years. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [applause] You can't look down on folk because they You can't look down on folk because they happen to sit in your seat. [cheering] We are one body, one family, one We are one body, one family, one household. household. household. And so there are no big I's and little And so there are no big I's and little And so there are no big I's and little U's. >> There's one body. And God is doing a >> There's one body. And God is doing a great work in all of us. And this was to great work in all of us. And this was to great work in all of us. And this was to demonstrate something that God's power demonstrate something that God's power demonstrate something that God's power could be at work to mix and to blend and could be at work to mix and to blend and could be at work to mix and to blend and to bring unity into one new people who to bring unity into one new people who to bring unity into one new people who would represent him in the earth and would represent him in the earth and would represent him in the earth and declare his glory and be a place where declare his glory and be a place where declare his glory and be a place where he would dwell and abide by his spirit. >> So what if you are the long shot or the >> So what if you are the long shot or the underdog, seemingly the least underdog, seemingly the least underdog, seemingly the least appreciated? What what what what you appreciated? What what what what you appreciated? What what what what you used to be and what you used to do does used to be and what you used to do does used to be and what you used to do does not matter. In Christ, we are new not matter. In Christ, we are new not matter. In Christ, we are new creations. The old has passed away. All creations. The old has passed away. All creations. The old has passed away. All things have become new. The old me has things have become new. The old me has things have become new. The old me has been crucified with Christ.

been crucified with Christ. been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live yet not I, but Nevertheless, I live yet not I, but Nevertheless, I live yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I Christ lives in me. And the life that I Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live, I live by faith now live, I live by faith now live, I live by faith >> in the son of God who loved me and gave >> in the son of God who loved me and gave >> in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. Our identity is in himself for me. Our identity is in himself for me. Our identity is in Christ. And not only do we have to have Christ. And not only do we have to have Christ. And not only do we have to have this firm foundation of the power of a this firm foundation of the power of a this firm foundation of the power of a predestined identity, but we have to be predestined identity, but we have to be predestined identity, but we have to be rooted in the power of intercession. rooted in the power of intercession. rooted in the power of intercession. >> Now that Paul knows who he is and he's >> Now that Paul knows who he is and he's >> Now that Paul knows who he is and he's reminding us of who we are. He then goes reminding us of who we are. He then goes reminding us of who we are. He then goes on in verse 14, he said, "For this on in verse 14, he said, "For this on in verse 14, he said, "For this reason, I have this mystery. I want you reason, I have this mystery. I want you reason, I have this mystery. I want you to understand some things. Don't be to understand some things. Don't be to understand some things. Don't be don't be pressed because of my don't be pressed because of my don't be pressed because of my tribulation or what I've gone through. I tribulation or what I've gone through. I tribulation or what I've gone through. I kneel this reason. I kneel before the kneel this reason. I kneel before the kneel this reason. I kneel before the father. father. father. And he's praying two things. And I want And he's praying two things. And I want And he's praying two things. And I want you to know that in this this place of you to know that in this this place of you to know that in this this place of intercession, Paul's saying, "I'm intercession, Paul's saying, "I'm intercession, Paul's saying, "I'm praying for you." praying for you." praying for you." >> But he's praying for people while he's >> But he's praying for people while he's >> But he's praying for people while he's in prison. This this this epistle, this letter to This this this epistle, this letter to the Ephesian church, he's writing it the Ephesian church, he's writing it the Ephesian church, he's writing it while he's in chains, while he's in while he's in chains, while he's in while he's in chains, while he's in prison. He's on house arrest. And I prison. He's on house arrest. And I prison. He's on house arrest. And I wonder if we can relate just a little wonder if we can relate just a little wonder if we can relate just a little bit in how Paul is showing us who we bit in how Paul is showing us who we bit in how Paul is showing us who we need to be because while we're going need to be because while we're going need to be because while we're going through our go through, it doesn't mean through our go through, it doesn't mean through our go through, it doesn't mean we have to stop praying and in we have to stop praying and in we have to stop praying and in particular pray for somebody else.

particular pray for somebody else. particular pray for somebody else. [applause] [applause] [applause] I know we love to praise here, but the I know we love to praise here, but the I know we love to praise here, but the mark of your spiritual maturity is not mark of your spiritual maturity is not mark of your spiritual maturity is not how fast you run or how high you jump or how fast you run or how high you jump or how fast you run or how high you jump or how loud you shout, but when you're in how loud you shout, but when you're in how loud you shout, but when you're in the middle of your own mess, can you the middle of your own mess, can you the middle of your own mess, can you still remember somebody else? Can you still remember somebody else? Can you still remember somebody else? Can you remember to pray [cheering] remember to pray [cheering] remember to pray [cheering] not only for your situation, but can you not only for your situation, but can you not only for your situation, but can you call on somebody else's name? Can you call on somebody else's name? Can you call on somebody else's name? Can you still watch and look out for somebody still watch and look out for somebody still watch and look out for somebody else? I may be confined in my situation else? I may be confined in my situation else? I may be confined in my situation when I don't have a job. Can I still when I don't have a job. Can I still when I don't have a job. Can I still pray for you to have a job? [applause] While I'm praying and waiting on my boo, While I'm praying and waiting on my boo, can I still celebrate when you get can I still celebrate when you get can I still celebrate when you get engaged? >> When I'm still trying to discern God's >> When I'm still trying to discern God's purpose and assignment for my life, can purpose and assignment for my life, can purpose and assignment for my life, can I rejoice with how God begins to stir up I rejoice with how God begins to stir up I rejoice with how God begins to stir up the gift in you and elevate you and the gift in you and elevate you and the gift in you and elevate you and expand and [screaming] enlarge your expand and [screaming] enlarge your expand and [screaming] enlarge your territory?

territory? territory? [applause] We have to be rooted in the power of We have to be rooted in the power of intercession. intercession. intercession. Not only is Paul telling us to pray, but Not only is Paul telling us to pray, but Not only is Paul telling us to pray, but listen, I I was reading through this and listen, I I was reading through this and listen, I I was reading through this and it's one of the most beautiful prayers it's one of the most beautiful prayers it's one of the most beautiful prayers that I think is relevant today because that I think is relevant today because that I think is relevant today because he first says, "I want to pray that you he first says, "I want to pray that you he first says, "I want to pray that you are strengthened with power through his are strengthened with power through his are strengthened with power through his spirit in your inner being that Christ spirit in your inner being that Christ spirit in your inner being that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." may dwell in your hearts through faith." may dwell in your hearts through faith." [snorts] Paul prayed for the Ephesians [snorts] Paul prayed for the Ephesians [snorts] Paul prayed for the Ephesians and this is a living prayer for us. You and this is a living prayer for us. You and this is a living prayer for us. You see, we are on both sides of this thing. see, we are on both sides of this thing. see, we are on both sides of this thing. I know somebody can hear. You can I know somebody can hear. You can I know somebody can hear. You can testify. Somebody prayed for me. testify. Somebody prayed for me. testify. Somebody prayed for me. >> Ah, come on. Give God praise for >> Ah, come on. Give God praise for >> Ah, come on. Give God praise for somebody praying. Oh, yes, Lord. somebody praying. Oh, yes, Lord. somebody praying. Oh, yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. I Somebody pray Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. I Somebody pray Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. I Somebody pray for me. I I I might not be here right for me. I I I might not be here right for me. I I I might not be here right now. now. now. [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] >> If it hadn't been for somebody praying >> If it hadn't been for somebody praying >> If it hadn't been for somebody praying for me, they had me on their mind. They for me, they had me on their mind. They for me, they had me on their mind. They took a little time to pray for me. I'm took a little time to pray for me. I'm took a little time to pray for me. I'm so glad. Woo! They prayed. Can I so glad. Woo! They prayed. Can I so glad. Woo! They prayed. Can I testify? I had somebody praying for me.

testify? I had somebody praying for me. testify? I had somebody praying for me. I I've had a lot of people praying, but I I've had a lot of people praying, but I I've had a lot of people praying, but I always like to acknowledge my praying I always like to acknowledge my praying I always like to acknowledge my praying grandmother. >> I I love to acknowledge her because I >> I I love to acknowledge her because I remember growing up going to spend the remember growing up going to spend the remember growing up going to spend the night. remember we used to call it I'mma night. remember we used to call it I'mma night. remember we used to call it I'mma spend a night in my granny's house and spend a night in my granny's house and spend a night in my granny's house and she had a routine she had a routine she had a routine literally every day at 12:00 literally every day at 12:00 literally every day at 12:00 she'd get her big old Bible she'd get her big old Bible she'd get her big old Bible >> in her lap and she'd sit in front of the >> in her lap and she'd sit in front of the >> in her lap and she'd sit in front of the TV with her stories on TV with her stories on TV with her stories on >> 12:00 she'd read her scripture >> 12:00 she'd read her scripture >> 12:00 she'd read her scripture and I'm talking about a woman who did and I'm talking about a woman who did and I'm talking about a woman who did not know how to read in her youth not know how to read in her youth not know how to read in her youth >> but learn how to read through reading >> but learn how to read through reading >> but learn how to read through reading the scripture and going to church. the scripture and going to church. the scripture and going to church. [applause] And she'd read her Bible and then she And she'd read her Bible and then she would go into her bedroom and her window would go into her bedroom and her window would go into her bedroom and her window was right right at the place of the was right right at the place of the was right right at the place of the outside the the the yard where we could outside the the the yard where we could outside the the the yard where we could play in the yard and her window if it play in the yard and her window if it play in the yard and her window if it was up. We could hear her praying.

was up. We could hear her praying. was up. We could hear her praying. We could hear her praying and calling on We could hear her praying and calling on We could hear her praying and calling on God for her family and her church and God for her family and her church and God for her family and her church and and her pastor and and people all over and her pastor and and people all over and her pastor and and people all over the world. And and she knelt by her bed. the world. And and she knelt by her bed. the world. And and she knelt by her bed. I'm telling you, we could hear her voice I'm telling you, we could hear her voice I'm telling you, we could hear her voice ringing out and whenever I was with her, ringing out and whenever I was with her, ringing out and whenever I was with her, I would hear her praying. And when we I would hear her praying. And when we I would hear her praying. And when we were at church, were at church, were at church, >> she was on the uh pastor's aid circle. >> Wore a white suit. Y'all remember >> Wore a white suit. Y'all remember the nurse's uniform, and she had a white the nurse's uniform, and she had a white the nurse's uniform, and she had a white hat. hat. hat. Didn't get beyond junior high, but she Didn't get beyond junior high, but she Didn't get beyond junior high, but she was a nurse was a nurse was a nurse in the house of the Lord. And when she went to glory, they buried And when she went to glory, they buried her in the uniform cuz she was faithful her in the uniform cuz she was faithful her in the uniform cuz she was faithful until she couldn't go anymore. And she until she couldn't go anymore. And she until she couldn't go anymore. And she prayed until she couldn't pray anymore. prayed until she couldn't pray anymore. prayed until she couldn't pray anymore. But I'm going tell you, I still hear her But I'm going tell you, I still hear her But I'm going tell you, I still hear her every now and then. She burst out in the every now and then. She burst out in the every now and then. She burst out in the middle of one of those sessions in the middle of one of those sessions in the middle of one of those sessions in the church. And all I knew, she was still church. And all I knew, she was still church. And all I knew, she was still crying out to God. And she'd call out to crying out to God. And she'd call out to crying out to God. And she'd call out to the Lord.

>> I'd hear her singing. I'd hear her >> I'd hear her singing. I'd hear her shouting. I'd hear her praying shouting. I'd hear her praying shouting. I'd hear her praying and I didn't know what it meant in that and I didn't know what it meant in that and I didn't know what it meant in that moment when she would say it. moment when she would say it. moment when she would say it. >> I didn't know and I didn't understand, >> I didn't know and I didn't understand, >> I didn't know and I didn't understand, but as I grew older, I understood what but as I grew older, I understood what but as I grew older, I understood what it meant when she would say it. it meant when she would say it. it meant when she would say it. >> I love the [screaming] Lord. [cheering] >> I love the [screaming] Lord. [cheering] >> I love the [screaming] Lord. [cheering] >> He heard my cry. This is a prayer. This is a prayer. >> The [screaming] >> He heard. >> He heard. >> Have you ever had to cry out to it? >> Have you ever had to cry out to it? >> Have you ever had to cry out to it? >> My >> My >> My And he heard the prophet As long as As long as >> this is the part

long. [screaming] This is it. This is long. [screaming] This is it. This is it. As long as I live. it. As long as I live. it. As long as I live. >> As long as I live. While trouble rise >> As long as I live. While trouble rise >> As long as I live. While trouble rise along, >> This what I'mma do. >> This what I'mma do. >> Hasten to his throne. >> Hasten to his throne. >> Hasten to his throne. >> That's what I'mma do. I didn't know what it meant when I was a I didn't know what it meant when I was a child. I didn't know what hasten meant thr.

thr. >> Hallelujah. [applause] I'll hasten to his throne. I'mma hurry I'll hasten to his throne. I'mma hurry up and call on his name. I won't be up and call on his name. I won't be up and call on his name. I won't be ashamed. ashamed. ashamed. I'll cry out [screaming] to the Lord cuz I'll cry out [screaming] to the Lord cuz I'll cry out [screaming] to the Lord cuz he heard my cry. he heard my cry. he heard my cry. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Ah, thank you, Granny, for reminding me >> Ah, thank you, Granny, for reminding me >> Ah, thank you, Granny, for reminding me >> that I've got to stay rooted in the >> that I've got to stay rooted in the >> that I've got to stay rooted in the power power power of intercession of intercession of intercession >> cuz I've benefited from somebody praying >> cuz I've benefited from somebody praying >> cuz I've benefited from somebody praying for me. [cheering] for me. [cheering] for me. [cheering] >> That's why I've got to pray for somebody >> That's why I've got to pray for somebody >> That's why I've got to pray for somebody else. If we going to grow up and bear else. If we going to grow up and bear else. If we going to grow up and bear fruit, if we're going to up and be fruit, if we're going to up and be fruit, if we're going to up and be trees, trees, trees, oh my God, maybe we going to bend, but oh my God, maybe we going to bend, but oh my God, maybe we going to bend, but we won't break. [cheering] we won't break. [cheering] we won't break. [cheering] [applause] [applause] [applause] >> We got to have some depth >> We got to have some depth >> We got to have some depth in our prayer lives. in our prayer lives. in our prayer lives. >> So he says, for this reason I kneel. And >> So he says, for this reason I kneel. And >> So he says, for this reason I kneel. And he's praying to strengthen us by the he's praying to strengthen us by the he's praying to strengthen us by the power through his spirit in the power through his spirit in the power through his spirit in the innermost being. And now that I have the innermost being. And now that I have the innermost being. And now that I have the privilege of growing up and maturing in privilege of growing up and maturing in privilege of growing up and maturing in these other years, these other years, these other years, the evidence of God's blessing in my the evidence of God's blessing in my the evidence of God's blessing in my life is that I get the privilege of life is that I get the privilege of life is that I get the privilege of praying for some people.

praying for some people. praying for some people. I get the honor when I was waiting on I get the honor when I was waiting on I get the honor when I was waiting on God to bless me, I get to pray and God to bless me, I get to pray and God to bless me, I get to pray and celebrate with somebody else. I'm celebrate with somebody else. I'm celebrate with somebody else. I'm telling you that staying rooted will telling you that staying rooted will telling you that staying rooted will help you celebrate when others are help you celebrate when others are help you celebrate when others are celebrating because it won't be too celebrating because it won't be too celebrating because it won't be too long, single woman, before the Lord will long, single woman, before the Lord will long, single woman, before the Lord will take care of you. [applause] I'm a witness. I'm a witness. I'm a witness. I'm a witness. It pays to wait on him. [cheering] It pays to wait on him. [cheering] It pays to wait on him. [cheering] >> It pays to wait on him. >> It pays to wait on him. >> It pays to wait on him. >> He's worth the wait. [cheering] >> He's worth the wait. [cheering] >> He's worth the wait. [cheering] >> [applause] >> When I was four years in between jobs, >> When I was four years in between jobs, working from home, not making what I was working from home, not making what I was working from home, not making what I was used to, it pays to wait on him.

came to a place. This ain't on my came to a place. This ain't on my manuscript, but I want to help somebody manuscript, but I want to help somebody manuscript, but I want to help somebody pray and keep praying and serving pray and keep praying and serving pray and keep praying and serving because because because >> I didn't know it was going to take four >> I didn't know it was going to take four >> I didn't know it was going to take four years for me to be established. years for me to be established. years for me to be established. >> I didn't know it was going to take four >> I didn't know it was going to take four >> I didn't know it was going to take four years and ending up on a Lonear card and years and ending up on a Lonear card and years and ending up on a Lonear card and needing assistance to keep my house needing assistance to keep my house needing assistance to keep my house because I had just gotten the house because I had just gotten the house because I had just gotten the house seven months before I was terminated. seven months before I was terminated. seven months before I was terminated. Oh, wait. I'm sorry. Let me put it in Oh, wait. I'm sorry. Let me put it in Oh, wait. I'm sorry. Let me put it in the right language. before God released the right language. before God released the right language. before God released me. [cheering] me. [cheering] me. [cheering] [applause] I'm trying to help somebody I'm trying to help somebody [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] cuz a shift that you've been needing and cuz a shift that you've been needing and cuz a shift that you've been needing and praying for. But if God is going to praying for. But if God is going to praying for. But if God is going to allow it to happen in unconventional allow it to happen in unconventional allow it to happen in unconventional ways, but you got to learn how to pray ways, but you got to learn how to pray ways, but you got to learn how to pray and stay rooted where [laughter] God has and stay rooted where [laughter] God has and stay rooted where [laughter] God has you. Because when he turns the table, I you. Because when he turns the table, I you. Because when he turns the table, I didn't know a Wheel of a was on God's didn't know a Wheel of a was on God's didn't know a Wheel of a was on God's mind. mind. mind. >> [cheering] >> And Pastor Cosby can tell you, I >> And Pastor Cosby can tell you, I remember clearly the day he was talking remember clearly the day he was talking remember clearly the day he was talking with me about the position. I was with me about the position. I was with me about the position. I was skeptical, >> So I'm not just concerned about myself.

>> So I'm not just concerned about myself. Paul says, I am praying for you. The Paul says, I am praying for you. The Paul says, I am praying for you. The first part of that prayer is just simply first part of that prayer is just simply first part of that prayer is just simply that again that you may be strengthened that again that you may be strengthened that again that you may be strengthened with power through his spirit in your with power through his spirit in your with power through his spirit in your innermost being. Can I preach? I'm I innermost being. Can I preach? I'm I innermost being. Can I preach? I'm I feel like I'm teaching and preaching feel like I'm teaching and preaching feel like I'm teaching and preaching here. And then in verse 17, there's the here. And then in verse 17, there's the here. And then in verse 17, there's the other part of that request and I want other part of that request and I want other part of that request and I want you to be ready because this prayer is you to be ready because this prayer is you to be ready because this prayer is going to help you to be ready for the going to help you to be ready for the going to help you to be ready for the power of spiritual intimacy. power of spiritual intimacy. power of spiritual intimacy. Woo! My time's almost up, Woo! My time's almost up, Woo! My time's almost up, >> being rooted and established in love. He >> being rooted and established in love. He >> being rooted and established in love. He wants you to have power with all the wants you to have power with all the wants you to have power with all the saints to grasp what is too awesome to saints to grasp what is too awesome to saints to grasp what is too awesome to understand. That is how wide and long understand. That is how wide and long understand. That is how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is. and high and deep the love of Christ is. and high and deep the love of Christ is. Paul says, I want you to know which Paul says, I want you to know which Paul says, I want you to know which really is unknowable. really is unknowable. really is unknowable. >> I want you to be able to comprehend and >> I want you to be able to comprehend and >> I want you to be able to comprehend and grasp what is really beyond us to grasp what is really beyond us to grasp what is really beyond us to comprehend and grasp. It's not just with comprehend and grasp. It's not just with comprehend and grasp. It's not just with your intellectual mind or your insight your intellectual mind or your insight your intellectual mind or your insight by natural means. I want to stimulate by natural means. I want to stimulate by natural means. I want to stimulate your minds, but I want you to know this your minds, but I want you to know this your minds, but I want you to know this experientially. See, you can go to experientially. See, you can go to experientially. See, you can go to college and you can pass all of your college and you can pass all of your college and you can pass all of your medical exams, sir, but you can be an medical exams, sir, but you can be an medical exams, sir, but you can be an OBGYn, but you'll never know what it is OBGYn, but you'll never know what it is OBGYn, but you'll never know what it is to birth a baby. [cheering] God said, Paul says, I want to talk God said, Paul says, I want to talk about the power of this love that will about the power of this love that will about the power of this love that will be in you. Because Christ dwells in you be in you. Because Christ dwells in you be in you. Because Christ dwells in you and you dwell in Christ, there's a love and you dwell in Christ, there's a love and you dwell in Christ, there's a love that will lift you and fill you to the that will lift you and fill you to the that will lift you and fill you to the measure that you'll be filled with all measure that you'll be filled with all measure that you'll be filled with all the fullness of God. And being filled the fullness of God. And being filled the fullness of God. And being filled with this love will transform your life.

with this love will transform your life. with this love will transform your life. It's not just a knowledge and an It's not just a knowledge and an It's not just a knowledge and an intellectual ascent to know the love of intellectual ascent to know the love of intellectual ascent to know the love of God. It is an experience that consumes God. It is an experience that consumes God. It is an experience that consumes you. It is a love that overtakes you. It you. It is a love that overtakes you. It you. It is a love that overtakes you. It is a love that constrains you. It is a is a love that constrains you. It is a is a love that constrains you. It is a love that changes you. Because when you love that changes you. Because when you love that changes you. Because when you want to do wrong, it make you do right. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> The love of God that pulls us in and >> The love of God that pulls us in and >> The love of God that pulls us in and reminds us that we are not our own. We reminds us that we are not our own. We reminds us that we are not our own. We were bought with a price. And it's a were bought with a price. And it's a were bought with a price. And it's a love that reminds us that God didn't love that reminds us that God didn't love that reminds us that God didn't wait until we got a clue to get it all wait until we got a clue to get it all wait until we got a clue to get it all right. He loved us and demonstrated it right. He loved us and demonstrated it right. He loved us and demonstrated it while we were yet in our sin. Christ while we were yet in our sin. Christ while we were yet in our sin. Christ died for us. And so this love pulls us died for us. And so this love pulls us died for us. And so this love pulls us in in in and changes our nature and changes our nature and changes our nature like a good good good strong wine. Make you walk a little different. Make you walk a little different. Make your talk a little different. I Make your talk a little different. I Make your talk a little different. I know some of y'all think Beyonce got it know some of y'all think Beyonce got it know some of y'all think Beyonce got it with drunken love. But I want to tell with drunken love. But I want to tell with drunken love. But I want to tell you about a love you about a love you about a love that'll that'll change the way you see that'll that'll change the way you see that'll that'll change the way you see life and change the way you look at life and change the way you look at life and change the way you look at people and change the way you see people and change the way you see people and change the way you see yourself and change the way you walk and yourself and change the way you walk and yourself and change the way you walk and change the way you talk and change the change the way you talk and change the change the way you talk and change the way you hold your head up cuz I have way you hold your head up cuz I have way you hold your head up cuz I have value and I know my identity and the value and I know my identity and the value and I know my identity and the love of God has given me something to love of God has given me something to love of God has given me something to live for. That's why suicide is not an live for. That's why suicide is not an live for. That's why suicide is not an option. That's why quitting is not an option. That's why quitting is not an option. That's why quitting is not an option. That's why what the enemy says

option. That's why what the enemy says option. That's why what the enemy says is always going to be a lie from the pit is always going to be a lie from the pit is always going to be a lie from the pit of hell. That's why I've got to believe of hell. That's why I've got to believe of hell. That's why I've got to believe that I am somebody. that I am somebody. that I am somebody. [applause] [applause] [applause] And when I stay rooted right there in And when I stay rooted right there in And when I stay rooted right there in that love, that love is fully and that love, that love is fully and that love, that love is fully and filling my life, giving me a power I've filling my life, giving me a power I've filling my life, giving me a power I've never known. That's how I can be, as never known. That's how I can be, as never known. That's how I can be, as Paul said, ready for an immeasurably Paul said, ready for an immeasurably Paul said, ready for an immeasurably intensified life. intensified life. intensified life. You see once he got through all of that You see once he got through all of that You see once he got through all of that talking about I don't want you to miss talking about I don't want you to miss talking about I don't want you to miss it. He says this scripture that we love it. He says this scripture that we love it. He says this scripture that we love to quote now unto him to quote now unto him to quote now unto him >> who is able to do exceeding >> who is able to do exceeding >> who is able to do exceeding abundantly. Some translations say abundantly. Some translations say abundantly. Some translations say immeasurably more immeasurably more immeasurably more than all you ask or think according to than all you ask or think according to than all you ask or think according to the power the power the power that is at work within you. that is at work within you. that is at work within you. Before I take my seat for young adults Before I take my seat for young adults Before I take my seat for young adults and older ones, I want you to know that and older ones, I want you to know that and older ones, I want you to know that being rooted is more than just for your being rooted is more than just for your being rooted is more than just for your sake. God is doing something in the sake. God is doing something in the sake. God is doing something in the church like he started over 60 years ago church like he started over 60 years ago church like he started over 60 years ago when he started this church with a few when he started this church with a few when he started this church with a few young adults who believed that they knew young adults who believed that they knew young adults who believed that they knew their identity in Christ. They were their identity in Christ. They were their identity in Christ. They were connected and praying for one another.

connected and praying for one another. connected and praying for one another. They wanted to know was what was They wanted to know was what was They wanted to know was what was unknowable. But that love, it changed unknowable. But that love, it changed unknowable. But that love, it changed the way they saw themselves and this the way they saw themselves and this the way they saw themselves and this community in a time when there was community in a time when there was community in a time when there was segregation. They didn't allow society segregation. They didn't allow society segregation. They didn't allow society to tell them who they could be, where to tell them who they could be, where to tell them who they could be, where they could go, what they could have, they could go, what they could have, they could go, what they could have, what they could think, what they could what they could think, what they could what they could think, what they could do. They allowed God to give them a sure do. They allowed God to give them a sure do. They allowed God to give them a sure foundation. And so they steadied foundation. And so they steadied foundation. And so they steadied themselves and planted to fight a good themselves and planted to fight a good themselves and planted to fight a good fight of faith and establish a church fight of faith and establish a church fight of faith and establish a church now unto him who is able to build all of now unto him who is able to build all of now unto him who is able to build all of this and do immeasurably more than they this and do immeasurably more than they this and do immeasurably more than they could have ever asked or imagined. could have ever asked or imagined. could have ever asked or imagined. You are living in some prayers that You are living in some prayers that You are living in some prayers that people prayed before some of you were people prayed before some of you were people prayed before some of you were ever born. You are resting in some pews ever born. You are resting in some pews ever born. You are resting in some pews that they didn't know would come, but that they didn't know would come, but that they didn't know would come, but God knew all along. You are part of a God knew all along. You are part of a God knew all along. You are part of a legacy and inheritance that God legacy and inheritance that God legacy and inheritance that God established before you ever heard of a established before you ever heard of a established before you ever heard of a Weaver Avenue. Now what you going to do?

Weaver Avenue. Now what you going to do? Weaver Avenue. Now what you going to do? [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [applause] >> Young adults, it's your turn now. Who's >> Young adults, it's your turn now. Who's got next? What [screaming] are you going got next? What [screaming] are you going got next? What [screaming] are you going to do? [cheering] to do? [cheering] to do? [cheering] I want to charge you to be the ones who I want to charge you to be the ones who I want to charge you to be the ones who will stay rooted as God has planted you will stay rooted as God has planted you will stay rooted as God has planted you and understand you need community. and understand you need community. and understand you need community. You've got to get in this word and pray. You've got to get in this word and pray. You've got to get in this word and pray. You've got to get the word in you so you You've got to get the word in you so you You've got to get the word in you so you can live the fullness of what God has can live the fullness of what God has can live the fullness of what God has called you to. And when you do that, God called you to. And when you do that, God called you to. And when you do that, God says, "I've got more than you could have says, "I've got more than you could have says, "I've got more than you could have ever imagined." cuz there's some power ever imagined." cuz there's some power ever imagined." cuz there's some power working in you that God wants to put on working in you that God wants to put on working in you that God wants to put on display at least three times in the display at least three times in the display at least three times in the text. We see this word power and I want text. We see this word power and I want text. We see this word power and I want you to understand it's the dunamis of you to understand it's the dunamis of you to understand it's the dunamis of God. It's the energy working power of God. It's the energy working power of God. It's the energy working power of God. It's the something else on the God. It's the something else on the God. It's the something else on the inside when you don't feel like going on inside when you don't feel like going on inside when you don't feel like going on and God gives you a a second win. It's and God gives you a a second win. It's and God gives you a a second win. It's that thing on the inside that says, that thing on the inside that says, that thing on the inside that says, "Keep showing up." And I don't care what "Keep showing up." And I don't care what "Keep showing up." And I don't care what you have to face and what comes over you you have to face and what comes over you you have to face and what comes over you and what you have to go through, God and what you have to go through, God and what you have to go through, God says, "I've got some power on the inside says, "I've got some power on the inside says, "I've got some power on the inside of you."

>> and I took my stance, >> and I took my stance, >> I didn't know what was going to happen. >> I didn't know what was going to happen. >> I didn't know what was going to happen. All I could do is just imagine that she All I could do is just imagine that she All I could do is just imagine that she was too close in my space was too close in my space was too close in my space >> and I didn't want her to hit me first. >> and I didn't want her to hit me first. >> and I didn't want her to hit me first. >> And something on the inside, >> And something on the inside, >> And something on the inside, >> there was an energy and a courage and >> there was an energy and a courage and >> there was an energy and a courage and some power that started rising up. And some power that started rising up. And some power that started rising up. And all I knew was that before before I all I knew was that before before I all I knew was that before before I could blink my eyes, my my hand happened could blink my eyes, my my hand happened could blink my eyes, my my hand happened to swing back and it landed on her to swing back and it landed on her to swing back and it landed on her forehead. forehead. forehead. >> [applause] >> I I was the underdog. >> I I was the underdog. Them little black kids at TSU. Them little black kids at TSU. Them little black kids at TSU. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] Nobody thought too much of me. I got Nobody thought too much of me. I got Nobody thought too much of me. I got five on Kha and 10 on T. five on Kha and 10 on T. five on Kha and 10 on T. The odds were against me. The odds were against me. The odds were against me. I didn't come up in the best part of the I didn't come up in the best part of the I didn't come up in the best part of the neighborhoods. I didn't have a a a whole neighborhoods. I didn't have a a a whole neighborhoods. I didn't have a a a whole family. My parents divorced later and family. My parents divorced later and family. My parents divorced later and and and I was at the wedding, you see, and and I was at the wedding, you see, and and I was at the wedding, you see, and and I didn't have the name brand and and I didn't have the name brand and and I didn't have the name brand this and and I wasn't educated at the this and and I wasn't educated at the this and and I wasn't educated at the prestigious institutions, but but God prestigious institutions, but but God prestigious institutions, but but God planted me and God rooted me and God planted me and God rooted me and God planted me and God rooted me and God gave me some praying people in my life.

gave me some praying people in my life. gave me some praying people in my life. And I learned how to call on his name And I learned how to call on his name And I learned how to call on his name for myself and something on the inside for myself and something on the inside for myself and something on the inside started to show up on the outside and it started to show up on the outside and it started to show up on the outside and it taught me how to fight. taught me how to fight. taught me how to fight. >> And I'm not endorsing fighting. I'm just >> And I'm not endorsing fighting. I'm just >> And I'm not endorsing fighting. I'm just saying when you planted and you know who saying when you planted and you know who saying when you planted and you know who you are. Hey, when you know that your you are. Hey, when you know that your you are. Hey, when you know that your roots go deep, it doesn't matter what roots go deep, it doesn't matter what roots go deep, it doesn't matter what the enemy says, come on with it. the enemy says, come on with it. the enemy says, come on with it. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Take your best shot cuz something down >> Take your best shot cuz something down >> Take your best shot cuz something down within says God can do exceeding within says God can do exceeding within says God can do exceeding abundantly above [screaming] all I can abundantly above [screaming] all I can abundantly above [screaming] all I can ask or think according to ask or think according to ask or think according to the power [screaming] the power [screaming] the power [screaming] that is at work within me. that is at work within me. that is at work within me. And so when I swung And so when I swung And so when I swung a not rose and all the friends and all the people and all the friends and all the people that were cheering for TJ said, "Ooh."

And the next thing I know, people gather And the next thing I know, people gather around her to pull us apart. Cuz you around her to pull us apart. Cuz you around her to pull us apart. Cuz you know, in a frenzy of swings, you know, in a frenzy of swings, you know, in a frenzy of swings, you remember back in the day, you you land remember back in the day, you you land remember back in the day, you you land the first lick and then they get upset the first lick and then they get upset the first lick and then they get upset and then all of a sudden it [cheering] And they pulled her away when they saw And they pulled her away when they saw that swelling come up. that swelling come up. that swelling come up. And then all of a sudden, all I knew is And then all of a sudden, all I knew is And then all of a sudden, all I knew is I had time to think. I had time to think. I had time to think. >> I got my stuff and I went home. >> I got my stuff and I went home. >> I got my stuff and I went home. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [applause] And guess what? And guess what? When God give you the victory, when God When God give you the victory, when God When God give you the victory, when God gives you the strength, when God gives gives you the strength, when God gives gives you the strength, when God gives you the courage, when God stands up in you the courage, when God stands up in you the courage, when God stands up in you, when God does what God wants to do you, when God does what God wants to do you, when God does what God wants to do to give you what you need [screaming] to to give you what you need [screaming] to to give you what you need [screaming] to overcome, you take your victory, baby, overcome, you take your victory, baby, overcome, you take your victory, baby, and you run. [cheering] and you run. [cheering] and you run. [cheering] [applause] My God, [music]

My God, [music] victory is mine. victory is mine. victory is mine. Victory is mine. Victory is mine. Victory is mine. Victory [music] today. Come on. It's the victorious in the Come on. It's the victorious in the Lord. Victory. Lord. Victory. Lord. Victory. Hallelujah. [music] it. it. [music] [music] [music] >> Come on. When you're rooted, you can >> Come on. When you're rooted, you can >> Come on. When you're rooted, you can sing it like this. sing it like this. sing it like this. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> And right now I need somebody I need somebody right now [music] that passes all understand [music] that passes all understand [music] today. [music] think you got hands that work [music] think you got hands that work for you.

>> [music] >> [music] >> I see in the sanctuary everybody. >> I see in the sanctuary everybody. >> I see in the sanctuary everybody. Victory. [music] Victory is mine. Victory. [music] Victory is mine. Victory. [music] Victory is mine. Victory [music] Victory [music] Victory [music] is mine. is mine. is mine. >> Victory >> Victory >> Victory right now. >> [music] >> [music] >> behind Well, what a delight it is [music] Well, what a delight it is [music] to experience the victory that comes to experience the victory that comes to experience the victory that comes from being rooted and ready in Christ from being rooted and ready in Christ from being rooted and ready in Christ Jesus. I'm so excited that each of us Jesus. I'm so excited that each of us Jesus. I'm so excited that each of us has [music] the opportunity to be has [music] the opportunity to be has [music] the opportunity to be reminded reminded reminded that when you get the victory, it's time that when you get the victory, it's time that when you get the victory, it's time to take a victory lap. run shine and to take a victory lap. run shine and to take a victory lap. run shine and tell everybody about the victory that tell everybody about the victory that tell everybody about the victory that God has given to you in Christ Jesus. God has given to you in Christ Jesus. God has given to you in Christ Jesus. Somebody today needs to experience Somebody today needs to experience Somebody today needs to experience [music] that victory. The Austin are [music] that victory. The Austin are [music] that victory. The Austin are going to come stand with me here in the going to come stand with me here in the going to come stand with me here in the cathedral. Others are standing in the cathedral. Others are standing in the cathedral. Others are standing in the sanctuary with the Reverend Roberts. And sanctuary with the Reverend Roberts. And sanctuary with the Reverend Roberts. And all of us are doing the exact [music] all of us are doing the exact [music] all of us are doing the exact [music] same thing, extending an invitation to same thing, extending an invitation to same thing, extending an invitation to each one who says, "I need that victory.

each one who says, "I need that victory. each one who says, "I need that victory. I've experienced entirely [music] too I've experienced entirely [music] too I've experienced entirely [music] too much defeat in this life. And I want to much defeat in this life. And I want to much defeat in this life. And I want to experience the victory, the joy, the experience the victory, the joy, the experience the victory, the joy, the peace, the happiness that comes from peace, the happiness that comes from peace, the happiness that comes from being rooted and ready in Christ Jesus. being rooted and ready in Christ Jesus. being rooted and ready in Christ Jesus. If you're here on this Sunday morning, If you're here on this Sunday morning, If you're here on this Sunday morning, then now is the afternoon. And you say, then now is the afternoon. And you say, then now is the afternoon. And you say, "Pastor, that's me. I need to be a part "Pastor, that's me. I need to be a part "Pastor, that's me. I need to be a part of this family of faith. I need to be a of this family of faith. I need to be a of this family of faith. I need to be a part of this family of fellowship called part of this family of fellowship called part of this family of fellowship called Wheeler Avenue." If that's you, my dear Wheeler Avenue." If that's you, my dear Wheeler Avenue." If that's you, my dear friend, come from wherever you are right friend, come from wherever you are right friend, come from wherever you are right now and say yes to an experience with now and say yes to an experience with now and say yes to an experience with God through Jesus Christ that allows you God through Jesus Christ that allows you God through Jesus Christ that allows you to have a victory lap every single day to have a victory lap every single day to have a victory lap every single day of your life. They're coming down the of your life. They're coming down the of your life. They're coming down the center aisle. You ought to thank God for center aisle. You ought to thank God for center aisle. You ought to thank God for them while they're walking. God bless them while they're walking. God bless them while they're walking. God bless you. Here come more down the center you. Here come more down the center you. Here come more down the center aisle. You ought to celebrate. Come on aisle. You ought to celebrate. Come on aisle. You ought to celebrate. Come on and thank God for them. God [music] and thank God for them. God [music] and thank God for them. God [music] bless you, dear friends. Praise the bless you, dear friends. Praise the bless you, dear friends. Praise the Lord. Bring them from the front row. Lord. Bring them from the front row. Lord. Bring them from the front row. Come on. Come on. Everybody [music] say, look at them coming. They're coming. look at them coming. They're coming. They're coming. [music] Come on. Come They're coming. [music] Come on. Come They're coming. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on.

right [music] now. right [music] now. Stay right there. Stay right there. Stay right there. Stay right there. Stay right there. Stay right there. Victory. Victory. Victory. Victory. Victory. Victory. Come on, children of God. Come on. Come on, children of God. Come on. Come on, children of God. Come on. [music] [music] [music] Come from the balcony. Come from this Come from the balcony. Come from this Come from the balcony. Come from this first floor. Start walking in the first floor. Start walking in the first floor. Start walking in the sanctuary today. Become victorious sanctuary today. Become victorious sanctuary today. Become victorious [music] in Christ. Thank God for the [music] in Christ. Thank God for the [music] in Christ. Thank God for the word. Thank God for these witnesses word. Thank God for these witnesses word. Thank God for these witnesses [music] to the world. [music] to the world. [music] to the world. Victory. Victory. Say Say right now somebody with the joy of the Lord sing somebody with the joy of the Lord sing [music] [music] [music] You left those hands together.

>> Everybody, [music] >> Everybody, [music] victory. victory. victory. Victory. Victory. Victory. >> Victory is mine. Victory [music] >> Victory is mine. Victory [music] >> Victory is mine. Victory [music] is mine. is mine. is mine. >> Victory is victory. >> Take that victory out. >> Take that victory out. [music] >> But if you got it, act like they're >> But if you got it, act like they're still coming. Come on, sis. If you got still coming. Come on, sis. If you got still coming. Come on, sis. If you got it, show some sign. it, show some sign. it, show some sign. Where are the victorious saints in this Where are the victorious saints in this Where are the victorious saints in this house? Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Now listen, I just I thank God for this Now listen, I just I thank God for this Now listen, I just I thank God for this harvest of souls, but just in case harvest of souls, but just in case harvest of souls, but just in case somebody needs to still make a decision, somebody needs to still make a decision, somebody needs to still make a decision, if you need to be down here, I know we if you need to be down here, I know we if you need to be down here, I know we were caught up in the frenzy of the were caught up in the frenzy of the were caught up in the frenzy of the moment, but if you need to make a moment, but if you need to make a moment, but if you need to make a decision for Jesus Christ this decision for Jesus Christ this decision for Jesus Christ this afternoon, I want you to come right now afternoon, I want you to come right now afternoon, I want you to come right now >> and say yes to the Lord Jesus. He's >> and say yes to the Lord Jesus. He's >> and say yes to the Lord Jesus. He's already said yes to you. He did that on already said yes to you. He did that on already said yes to you. He did that on a Friday afternoon a Friday afternoon a Friday afternoon >> when he died in our place so we might be >> when he died in our place so we might be >> when he died in our place so we might be saved. He's already said yes to you. It saved. He's already said yes to you. It saved. He's already said yes to you. It doesn't matter who you are, what you've doesn't matter who you are, what you've doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, where you've come from. None of done, where you've come from. None of done, where you've come from. None of that matters.

that matters. that matters. All that matters is you say yes to him. All that matters is you say yes to him. All that matters is you say yes to him. You say, "Pastor, I've said yes to him, You say, "Pastor, I've said yes to him, You say, "Pastor, I've said yes to him, but I need a church, and I I've been but I need a church, and I I've been but I need a church, and I I've been trying to wait for another Sunday, trying to wait for another Sunday, trying to wait for another Sunday, another opportunity. I thought you were another opportunity. I thought you were another opportunity. I thought you were going to preach today, but no, no. You going to preach today, but no, no. You going to preach today, but no, no. You needed to hear what Dr. A had to say needed to hear what Dr. A had to say needed to hear what Dr. A had to say today, and you need to come on and get today, and you need to come on and get today, and you need to come on and get rooted this afternoon. [applause] You rooted this afternoon. [applause] You rooted this afternoon. [applause] You need to come on, get rooted this need to come on, get rooted this need to come on, get rooted this afternoon. Is there another If you're in afternoon. Is there another If you're in afternoon. Is there another If you're in the sanctuary, start moving toward Doc the sanctuary, start moving toward Doc the sanctuary, start moving toward Doc uh Reverend Dr. Roberts. I'm moving uh Reverend Dr. Roberts. I'm moving uh Reverend Dr. Roberts. I'm moving toward Reverend Roberts. They're all toward Reverend Roberts. They're all toward Reverend Roberts. They're all waiting for you to express your hope in waiting for you to express your hope in waiting for you to express your hope in Jesus Christ and your faith in the one Jesus Christ and your faith in the one Jesus Christ and your faith in the one who died to set you free. Is there who died to set you free. Is there who died to set you free. Is there another? Is there another? another? Is there another? another? Is there another? Is there another? If you're saved and Is there another? If you're saved and Is there another? If you're saved and you know you're saved, shout, you know you're saved, shout, you know you're saved, shout, "Hallelujah." "Hallelujah." "Hallelujah." >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> If you're a member of a church and >> If you're a member of a church and >> If you're a member of a church and you're growing where you're going, say, you're growing where you're going, say, you're growing where you're going, say, "Thank you, Jesus." "Thank you, Jesus." "Thank you, Jesus." >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> If you live in the greater Houston area >> If you live in the greater Houston area >> If you live in the greater Houston area and you couldn't say hallelujah or thank and you couldn't say hallelujah or thank and you couldn't say hallelujah or thank you, Jesus, come here right now. Come you, Jesus, come here right now. Come you, Jesus, come here right now. Come here. I ain't playing with you. Come here. I ain't playing with you. Come here. I ain't playing with you. Come here. here. here. Come here. Is there another? Is there Come here. Is there another? Is there Come here. Is there another? Is there another? another? another? Is there Is there Is there Come on. There they come. God bless you.

Come on. There they come. God bless you. Come on. There they come. God bless you. God bless you. [applause] God bless you. [applause] God bless you. [applause] Praise the Lord for your response to Praise the Lord for your response to Praise the Lord for your response to this invitation. [music] this invitation. [music] this invitation. [music] Praise the Lord for your response. Is Praise the Lord for your response. Is Praise the Lord for your response. Is there another? Is there another? God there another? Is there another? God there another? Is there another? God bless you. Thank God for you. Thank you bless you. Thank God for you. Thank you bless you. Thank God for you. Thank you for walking her down. for walking her down. for walking her down. Well, come on and celebrate these Well, come on and celebrate these Well, come on and celebrate these precious people who have come this precious people who have come this precious people who have come this afternoon. afternoon. afternoon. Amen. God bless you. Welcome, welcome, Amen. God bless you. Welcome, welcome, Amen. God bless you. Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome to your new church welcome, welcome to your new church welcome, welcome to your new church home. We're so glad that you are here. home. We're so glad that you are here. home. We're so glad that you are here. We're so excited that out of all the We're so excited that out of all the We're so excited that out of all the places where God could have sent you to places where God could have sent you to places where God could have sent you to either commence or continue your [music] either commence or continue your [music] either commence or continue your [music] Christian journey, he sent you to Christian journey, he sent you to Christian journey, he sent you to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Here Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Here Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Here comes another. God bless you. Keep comes another. God bless you. Keep comes another. God bless you. Keep walking them down, sis. You walking them walking them down, sis. You walking them walking them down, sis. You walking them all down today. I thank God for you. all down today. I thank God for you. all down today. I thank God for you. I praise God for you for this decision I praise God for you for this decision I praise God for you for this decision that you've made and I look forward to that you've made and I look forward to that you've made and I look forward to the decisions that you'll make going the decisions that you'll make going the decisions that you'll make going forward as you continue your Christian forward as you continue your Christian forward as you continue your Christian journey of disciplehip. On behalf of our journey of disciplehip. On behalf of our journey of disciplehip. On behalf of our entire family known [music] as the entire family known [music] as the entire family known [music] as the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church congregation, I say to each one of you, congregation, I say to each one of you, congregation, I say to each one of you, welcome to Wheeler Avenue. I'm excited welcome to Wheeler Avenue. I'm excited welcome to Wheeler Avenue. I'm excited to be your pastor, but I'm not the only to be your pastor, but I'm not the only to be your pastor, but I'm not the only one excited. Watch the excitement of the one excited. Watch the excitement of the one excited. Watch the excitement of the rest of your church this afternoon.

rest of your church this afternoon. rest of your church this afternoon. [applause] [applause] [applause] Amen. We're glad you're here. Glad Amen. We're glad you're here. Glad Amen. We're glad you're here. Glad you're here. Deacon Dwight Austin, raise you're here. Deacon Dwight Austin, raise you're here. Deacon Dwight Austin, raise your hand. That gentleman has been your hand. That gentleman has been your hand. That gentleman has been around Wheeler Avenue a long time. He around Wheeler Avenue a long time. He around Wheeler Avenue a long time. He knows a whole lot about us. Will you knows a whole lot about us. Will you knows a whole lot about us. Will you follow him, please? And he and other follow him, please? And he and other follow him, please? And he and other members of our new new member intake members of our new new member intake members of our new new member intake ministry are going to share some ministry are going to share some ministry are going to share some information with you. Deacon Austin is information with you. Deacon Austin is information with you. Deacon Austin is going to make sure everybody gets there going to make sure everybody gets there going to make sure everybody gets there safe and sound. And we're going to safe and sound. And we're going to safe and sound. And we're going to celebrate with you as you make your way. celebrate with you as you make your way. celebrate with you as you make your way. You clean it. God bless you. Come on and You clean it. God bless you. Come on and You clean it. God bless you. Come on and celebrate our newest [music] members. celebrate our newest [music] members. celebrate our newest [music] members. Yep. Yep. >> [music] >> [music] >> Y yeah. >> Y yeah. >> Y yeah. This what we do at church. This is This what we do at church. This is This what we do at church. This is [music] how we roll. [music] how we roll. [music] how we roll. Every victorious believer says victory. Every victorious believer says victory. Every victorious believer says victory. Victory is [music] Victory is [music] Victory is [music] victory. >> Will you help me thank God for our young >> Will you help me thank God for our young adult minister, the Reverend Dr. Lisha adult minister, the Reverend Dr. Lisha adult minister, the Reverend Dr. Lisha Renequio? [cheering] Amen. [music] Thank you, ma'am, for Amen. [music] Thank you, ma'am, for using the gifts that God has given to using the gifts that God has given to using the gifts that God has given to you to bless our church. Not just today, you to bless our church. Not just today, you to bless our church. Not just today, but every time you use those ministry but every time you use those ministry but every time you use those ministry gifts before the people of God. [music] gifts before the people of God. [music] gifts before the people of God. [music] We appreciate you. We honor you and the We appreciate you. We honor you and the We appreciate you. We honor you and the thousands of young adults at Wheeler thousands of young adults at Wheeler thousands of young adults at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church are grateful for

Avenue Baptist Church are grateful for Avenue Baptist Church are grateful for your service and ministry along with the your service and ministry along with the your service and ministry along with the rest of us as well. [music] To God be rest of us as well. [music] To God be rest of us as well. [music] To God be the glory. Listen, we've got one more the glory. Listen, we've got one more the glory. Listen, we've got one more service in our worship day. The Reverend service in our worship day. The Reverend service in our worship day. The Reverend Arthur, I'm sorry, the Reverend Isaiah Arthur, I'm sorry, the Reverend Isaiah Arthur, I'm sorry, the Reverend Isaiah Carter, uh, who is a new medical doctor. Carter, uh, who is a new medical doctor. Carter, uh, who is a new medical doctor. He just became a medical doctor and he's He just became a medical doctor and he's He just became a medical doctor and he's a preacher. He'll be preaching at the a preacher. He'll be preaching at the a preacher. He'll be preaching at the third service. Is Isaiah here? He's not third service. Is Isaiah here? He's not third service. Is Isaiah here? He's not here. He's somewhere getting consecrated here. He's somewhere getting consecrated here. He's somewhere getting consecrated and uh and we want him to be ready for and uh and we want him to be ready for and uh and we want him to be ready for his assignment at the 1:00 hour. We're his assignment at the 1:00 hour. We're his assignment at the 1:00 hour. We're so grateful for this wonderful week uh so grateful for this wonderful week uh so grateful for this wonderful week uh of young adult activity and we celebrate of young adult activity and we celebrate of young adult activity and we celebrate all that has taken [music] place and all that has taken [music] place and all that has taken [music] place and this culmination on this Sunday this culmination on this Sunday this culmination on this Sunday afternoon and then into the 1:00 hour as afternoon and then into the 1:00 hour as afternoon and then into the 1:00 hour as well. Look forward to all that happens well. Look forward to all that happens well. Look forward to all that happens [music] this week. You've heard all of [music] this week. You've heard all of [music] this week. You've heard all of the announcements. If you can't remember the announcements. If you can't remember the announcements. If you can't remember them, go on the website and we look them, go on the website and we look them, go on the website and we look forward to seeing you throughout the forward to seeing you throughout the forward to seeing you throughout the week. Now listen. [music] The Lord bless week. Now listen. [music] The Lord bless week. Now listen. [music] The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face you and keep you. The Lord make his face you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto to shine upon you and be gracious unto to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift the light of his you. The Lord lift the light of his you. The Lord lift the light of his countenance upon you and give you his countenance upon you and give you his countenance upon you and give you his peace in your going out and in your peace in your going out and in your peace in your going out and in your coming in your labor and in your coming in your labor and in your coming in your labor and in your leisure. In your joy [music] leisure. In your joy [music] leisure. In your joy [music] as well as in your sorrow, in your as well as in your sorrow, in your as well as in your sorrow, in your laughter, and likewise in your tears laughter, and likewise in your tears laughter, and likewise in your tears until [music] that day when we meet the until [music] that day when we meet the until [music] that day when we meet the Lord face to face and cry, "Holy, holy, Lord face to face and cry, "Holy, holy, Lord face to face and cry, "Holy, holy, holy to the Lord of hosts." Till that holy to the Lord of hosts." Till that holy to the Lord of hosts." Till that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in day, my brothers, my sisters, go in day, my brothers, my sisters, go in peace. Go in love. Go in joy. [music] peace. Go in love. Go in joy. [music] peace. Go in love. Go in joy. [music] May the very God of peace, love, and joy May the very God of peace, love, and joy May the very God of peace, love, and joy go with you now and forever more in go with you now and forever more in go with you now and forever more in Jesus name. Amen. God bless you. Have a

Jesus name. Amen. God bless you. Have a Jesus name. Amen. God bless you. Have a great week. [music] great week. [music] great week. [music] Leading from the rear of the cathedral Leading from the rear of the cathedral Leading from the rear of the cathedral first, those in the front of the first, those in the front of the first, those in the front of the cathedral, just stay and talk to each cathedral, just stay and talk to each cathedral, just stay and talk to each other for a minute. [music] [music] Heat