Josh Shook: Moving From Casual to Committed

Well, I'm Pastor Josh. I'm so thankful Well, I'm Pastor Josh. I'm so thankful to be sharing from God's word with you to be sharing from God's word with you to be sharing from God's word with you today. And we're continuing this series today. And we're continuing this series today. And we're continuing this series called World Cup Faith. And you know, called World Cup Faith. And you know, called World Cup Faith. And you know, the World Cup means something different the World Cup means something different the World Cup means something different to everyone, especially here in the US. to everyone, especially here in the US. to everyone, especially here in the US. For as much as soccer has grown in For as much as soccer has grown in For as much as soccer has grown in popularity here, it still feels like as popularity here, it still feels like as popularity here, it still feels like as a country, we haven't fully committed to a country, we haven't fully committed to a country, we haven't fully committed to it yet, right? You know, for many it yet, right? You know, for many it yet, right? You know, for many Americans with soccer, our attention es Americans with soccer, our attention es Americans with soccer, our attention es and flows. It's only every so often when and flows. It's only every so often when and flows. It's only every so often when something kind of shows up on our radar, something kind of shows up on our radar, something kind of shows up on our radar, like Messi, the greatest soccer player like Messi, the greatest soccer player like Messi, the greatest soccer player of all time, signs with Miami or when a of all time, signs with Miami or when a of all time, signs with Miami or when a new season of Ted Lasso comes out or of new season of Ted Lasso comes out or of new season of Ted Lasso comes out or of course when the World Cup rolls around course when the World Cup rolls around course when the World Cup rolls around every four years. Now, I fully admit every four years. Now, I fully admit every four years. Now, I fully admit that I am what you would call a fair that I am what you would call a fair that I am what you would call a fair weather soccer fan. And to illustrate weather soccer fan. And to illustrate weather soccer fan. And to illustrate that, I want to tell you about this hat. that, I want to tell you about this hat. that, I want to tell you about this hat. Now, some of you may recognize the logo Now, some of you may recognize the logo Now, some of you may recognize the logo on this hat and some of you may not, but on this hat and some of you may not, but on this hat and some of you may not, but this logo is the logo of Club America, this logo is the logo of Club America, this logo is the logo of Club America, the greatest team in Mexican football the greatest team in Mexican football the greatest team in Mexican football history. Now, that's right. Now, half of history. Now, that's right. Now, half of history. Now, that's right. Now, half of you were like, I don't get it. Club you were like, I don't get it. Club you were like, I don't get it. Club America, why is it in Mexico? And the America, why is it in Mexico? And the America, why is it in Mexico? And the other half of you are probably other half of you are probably other half of you are probably Guadlahare fans and you're a little Guadlahare fans and you're a little Guadlahare fans and you're a little upset by what I just said. And I the upset by what I just said. And I the upset by what I just said. And I the first time I wore this hat to rehearsal, first time I wore this hat to rehearsal, first time I wore this hat to rehearsal, Carlos, one of our incredible sound Carlos, one of our incredible sound Carlos, one of our incredible sound engineers here, just looks at me and engineers here, just looks at me and engineers here, just looks at me and goes, "Whoa, where'd you get that hat?"

goes, "Whoa, where'd you get that hat?" goes, "Whoa, where'd you get that hat?" I was like, "What? This hat?" And he I was like, "What? This hat?" And he I was like, "What? This hat?" And he goes, and bear in mind, I had never seen goes, and bear in mind, I had never seen goes, and bear in mind, I had never seen Carlos this excited or intense about Carlos this excited or intense about Carlos this excited or intense about anything. Okay. And so I was like, "Oh, anything. Okay. And so I was like, "Oh, anything. Okay. And so I was like, "Oh, this hat?" He goes, "That's my team. this hat?" He goes, "That's my team. this hat?" He goes, "That's my team. That's our team. You know, Cup That's our team. You know, Cup That's our team. You know, Cup American." I was like, "Yeah, totally. American." I was like, "Yeah, totally. American." I was like, "Yeah, totally. Of course, guys. I got this hat at a Of course, guys. I got this hat at a Of course, guys. I got this hat at a Dick Sporting Goods. I have no idea when Dick Sporting Goods. I have no idea when Dick Sporting Goods. I have no idea when I when Carlos saw me in that who Club I when Carlos saw me in that who Club I when Carlos saw me in that who Club America was. I just thought it was a America was. I just thought it was a America was. I just thought it was a cool hat. And I still know nothing about cool hat. And I still know nothing about cool hat. And I still know nothing about Mexican football really, but Carlos and Mexican football really, but Carlos and Mexican football really, but Carlos and Albert, our bass player, they're Albert, our bass player, they're Albert, our bass player, they're teaching me. And you know, as an ongoing teaching me. And you know, as an ongoing teaching me. And you know, as an ongoing joke, after a Club America wins a match, joke, after a Club America wins a match, joke, after a Club America wins a match, I might come in and go, "Hey, we did I might come in and go, "Hey, we did I might come in and go, "Hey, we did pretty good last night, huh?" Right? I pretty good last night, huh?" Right? I pretty good last night, huh?" Right? I just want to be a part of it. But I'm a just want to be a part of it. But I'm a just want to be a part of it. But I'm a casual fan. I'm just wearing the hat. casual fan. I'm just wearing the hat. casual fan. I'm just wearing the hat. And and it's the same with the World And and it's the same with the World And and it's the same with the World Cup. I mean, every four years I go to Cup. I mean, every four years I go to Cup. I mean, every four years I go to Pastor Mark Miller, who is one of the Pastor Mark Miller, who is one of the Pastor Mark Miller, who is one of the people on our staff who was actually people on our staff who was actually people on our staff who was actually really good at soccer and has played at really good at soccer and has played at really good at soccer and has played at a high level and is passionate about it. a high level and is passionate about it. a high level and is passionate about it. And I'm I'm like, "Okay, so Mark, how And I'm I'm like, "Okay, so Mark, how And I'm I'm like, "Okay, so Mark, how does offsides work again?" Because I does offsides work again?" Because I does offsides work again?" Because I don't get it. It changes every time.

don't get it. It changes every time. don't get it. It changes every time. You know, that's the extent of my fandom You know, that's the extent of my fandom You know, that's the extent of my fandom for soccer. And so, when it came to the for soccer. And so, when it came to the for soccer. And so, when it came to the US playing this year, I wasn't I'm all US playing this year, I wasn't I'm all US playing this year, I wasn't I'm all about Team USA. I'm excited about Team about Team USA. I'm excited about Team about Team USA. I'm excited about Team USA, but I couldn't really be that USA, but I couldn't really be that USA, but I couldn't really be that disappointed because I really didn't disappointed because I really didn't disappointed because I really didn't care that much. care that much. care that much. And so when I I was watching the World And so when I I was watching the World And so when I I was watching the World Cup and then I saw the Mexican football Cup and then I saw the Mexican football Cup and then I saw the Mexican football fans, if you guys have seen anything, fans, if you guys have seen anything, fans, if you guys have seen anything, right, it's nuts. It's crazy. So Mexico right, it's nuts. It's crazy. So Mexico right, it's nuts. It's crazy. So Mexico made it to the knockout round. All made it to the knockout round. All made it to the knockout round. All right. And in Mexico City, they were right. And in Mexico City, they were right. And in Mexico City, they were going to play England. And the night going to play England. And the night going to play England. And the night before the I mean if you don't know before the I mean if you don't know before the I mean if you don't know anything and Albert and Carlos are anything and Albert and Carlos are anything and Albert and Carlos are showing me Mexican football fans are showing me Mexican football fans are showing me Mexican football fans are committed. All right. So these fans in committed. All right. So these fans in committed. All right. So these fans in Mexico City they camped out outside of Mexico City they camped out outside of Mexico City they camped out outside of the hotel where the English team was the hotel where the English team was the hotel where the English team was staying. First of all they found out staying. First of all they found out staying. First of all they found out where they were staying. That's a little where they were staying. That's a little where they were staying. That's a little creepy. And then they camped out outside creepy. And then they camped out outside creepy. And then they camped out outside of it and they played music through of it and they played music through of it and they played music through loudspeakers. They launched fireworks, loudspeakers. They launched fireworks, loudspeakers. They launched fireworks, crashed symbols, just screamed. Anything crashed symbols, just screamed. Anything crashed symbols, just screamed. Anything to keep the English players from getting to keep the English players from getting to keep the English players from getting a good night's sleep before the match.

a good night's sleep before the match. a good night's sleep before the match. Just watch this. That's insane. That's insane. >> Like that's nuts. I can't imagine >> Like that's nuts. I can't imagine >> Like that's nuts. I can't imagine personally being that passionate about personally being that passionate about personally being that passionate about anything. All right, you know, that anything. All right, you know, that anything. All right, you know, that passionate about a game. But if I can be passionate about a game. But if I can be passionate about a game. But if I can be honest with you, there's also a part of honest with you, there's also a part of honest with you, there's also a part of me that was a little jealous of those me that was a little jealous of those me that was a little jealous of those fans in Mexico. You know, they they were fans in Mexico. You know, they they were fans in Mexico. You know, they they were all in. In their minds, they were just all in. In their minds, they were just all in. In their minds, they were just as obligated to contribute to a team as obligated to contribute to a team as obligated to contribute to a team victory as anyone on the field. It's victory as anyone on the field. It's victory as anyone on the field. It's like, "All right, you guys players, like, "All right, you guys players, like, "All right, you guys players, y'all practice during the day. We'll y'all practice during the day. We'll y'all practice during the day. We'll take the night shift, okay?" you know, take the night shift, okay?" you know, take the night shift, okay?" you know, we're going to harass the other team and we're going to harass the other team and we're going to harass the other team and give you plausible legal deniability.

give you plausible legal deniability. give you plausible legal deniability. All right, ready? Break. We're in this All right, ready? Break. We're in this All right, ready? Break. We're in this together. It's nuts that level of together. It's nuts that level of together. It's nuts that level of commitment. They were convinced that commitment. They were convinced that commitment. They were convinced that they had a part to play. I mean, it they had a part to play. I mean, it they had a part to play. I mean, it makes when you think about it, the whole makes when you think about it, the whole makes when you think about it, the whole Aggie 12th man thing look a little tame, Aggie 12th man thing look a little tame, Aggie 12th man thing look a little tame, right? right? right? It's like, oh, that's cool. You guys It's like, oh, that's cool. You guys It's like, oh, that's cool. You guys don't sit down during your football don't sit down during your football don't sit down during your football games. Yeah, we don't sleep the night games. Yeah, we don't sleep the night games. Yeah, we don't sleep the night before ours, and neither does our before ours, and neither does our before ours, and neither does our opponent. opponent. opponent. Sorry if you went to&m. I just that was Sorry if you went to&m. I just that was Sorry if you went to&m. I just that was mainly for my brother-in-law. Give him a mainly for my brother-in-law. Give him a mainly for my brother-in-law. Give him a hard time. But of course, faith is so hard time. But of course, faith is so hard time. But of course, faith is so much more important than a game. But much more important than a game. But much more important than a game. But when it comes to faith, there are so when it comes to faith, there are so when it comes to faith, there are so many Christians many Christians many Christians who have a casual faith. They're like who have a casual faith. They're like who have a casual faith. They're like me. They just they just wear the hat. It me. They just they just wear the hat. It me. They just they just wear the hat. It doesn't give them meaning. It makes no doesn't give them meaning. It makes no doesn't give them meaning. It makes no difference in their lives. And it difference in their lives. And it difference in their lives. And it doesn't bring them joy. But God wants doesn't bring them joy. But God wants doesn't bring them joy. But God wants you to have a committed faith because you to have a committed faith because you to have a committed faith because that's the only faith that's lets us that's the only faith that's lets us that's the only faith that's lets us experience the joy, purpose, and experience the joy, purpose, and experience the joy, purpose, and fulfillment that is promised to us in fulfillment that is promised to us in fulfillment that is promised to us in Christ Jesus. See, God is doing Christ Jesus. See, God is doing Christ Jesus. See, God is doing something new here at Woodland's Church.

something new here at Woodland's Church. something new here at Woodland's Church. And I'm so excited about it. I want you And I'm so excited about it. I want you And I'm so excited about it. I want you to know about it. I don't fully to know about it. I don't fully to know about it. I don't fully understand it, but in every area of understand it, but in every area of understand it, but in every area of ministry, I just see the Holy Spirit ministry, I just see the Holy Spirit ministry, I just see the Holy Spirit moving. He's breaking these chains that moving. He's breaking these chains that moving. He's breaking these chains that keep us isolated. And I see it in our keep us isolated. And I see it in our keep us isolated. And I see it in our life groups. I see it in Woodland's life groups. I see it in Woodland's life groups. I see it in Woodland's worship. I see it in our kids ministry, worship. I see it in our kids ministry, worship. I see it in our kids ministry, our student ministry. I mean, in the our student ministry. I mean, in the our student ministry. I mean, in the sports ministry that Pastor Jordan sports ministry that Pastor Jordan sports ministry that Pastor Jordan talked about last week, there's just talked about last week, there's just talked about last week, there's just this authentic desire for change and this authentic desire for change and this authentic desire for change and life change, this excitement. And I've life change, this excitement. And I've life change, this excitement. And I've never felt more connected to my church never felt more connected to my church never felt more connected to my church family. Y'all are helping me grow in family. Y'all are helping me grow in family. Y'all are helping me grow in Christ like never before because I'm Christ like never before because I'm Christ like never before because I'm being challenged and encouraged. being challenged and encouraged. being challenged and encouraged. God is revealing areas in my life where God is revealing areas in my life where God is revealing areas in my life where I have a casual faith I have a casual faith I have a casual faith and and and this fair weather faith and he is this fair weather faith and he is this fair weather faith and he is showing me the joy and purpose that is showing me the joy and purpose that is showing me the joy and purpose that is found in the community. So I can't wait found in the community. So I can't wait found in the community. So I can't wait to see what God is going to do in this to see what God is going to do in this to see what God is going to do in this season of Woodlands Church. That's also season of Woodlands Church. That's also season of Woodlands Church. That's also why I'm so excited about this message.

why I'm so excited about this message. why I'm so excited about this message. Like I said, we're in this series called Like I said, we're in this series called Like I said, we're in this series called World Cup Faith. And a World Cup faith World Cup Faith. And a World Cup faith World Cup Faith. And a World Cup faith is a committed faith. It's a committed is a committed faith. It's a committed is a committed faith. It's a committed faith. Jesus came so that we would know faith. Jesus came so that we would know faith. Jesus came so that we would know God and that we could experience life in God and that we could experience life in God and that we could experience life in all its fullness. all its fullness. all its fullness. But there's a big difference between a But there's a big difference between a But there's a big difference between a full schedule and a full life. A full schedule and a full life. A full schedule and a full life. A purposeful, fulfilling life comes from purposeful, fulfilling life comes from purposeful, fulfilling life comes from having a committed faith in Christ. And having a committed faith in Christ. And having a committed faith in Christ. And that's what we're going to talk about that's what we're going to talk about that's what we're going to talk about today. So would you stand in honor of today. So would you stand in honor of today. So would you stand in honor of God's word? And we This is one of the God's word? And we This is one of the God's word? And we This is one of the things that we do here at Woodlands things that we do here at Woodlands things that we do here at Woodlands Church. There's nothing particularly Church. There's nothing particularly Church. There's nothing particularly special about it. It's just the special about it. It's just the special about it. It's just the acknowledgement that God, we need a acknowledgement that God, we need a acknowledgement that God, we need a revelation from your word. It doesn't revelation from your word. It doesn't revelation from your word. It doesn't matter what I think. It doesn't matter matter what I think. It doesn't matter matter what I think. It doesn't matter what I say. Your word is the way and the what I say. Your word is the way and the what I say. Your word is the way and the truth and the life. Jesus, that's who he truth and the life. Jesus, that's who he truth and the life. Jesus, that's who he is. So God, we want to look to you and is. So God, we want to look to you and is. So God, we want to look to you and what your word says. what your word says. what your word says. So in this passage we're reading is John So in this passage we're reading is John So in this passage we're reading is John 11 1-7 and then verses 11- 26. Now a man 11 1-7 and then verses 11- 26. Now a man 11 1-7 and then verses 11- 26. Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from named Lazarus was sick. He was from named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her Bethany, the village of Mary and her Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary whose brother sister Martha. This Mary whose brother sister Martha. This Mary whose brother Lazarus now lay sick was the same one Lazarus now lay sick was the same one Lazarus now lay sick was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hand. So the sisters his feet with her hand. So the sisters his feet with her hand. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in said, "This sickness will not end in said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that death. No, it is for God's glory so that death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's son may be glorified through him."

God's son may be glorified through him." God's son may be glorified through him." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two was sick, he stayed where he was two was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. Then he said to his more days. Then he said to his more days. Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. But Mary she went out to meet him. But Mary she went out to meet him. But Mary stayed at home. Lord, Martha said to stayed at home. Lord, Martha said to stayed at home. Lord, Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here, my brother Jesus, "If you had been here, my brother Jesus, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that would not have died. But I know that would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you even now God will give you whatever you even now God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I will rise again." Martha answered, "I will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the know he will rise again in the know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus resurrection at the last day." Jesus resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and said to her, "I am the resurrection and said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will the life. He who believes in me will the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies. And whoever live even though he dies. And whoever live even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. lives and believes in me will never die. lives and believes in me will never die. Would you bow your heads and pray with Would you bow your heads and pray with Would you bow your heads and pray with me? Dear God, I just thank you for your me? Dear God, I just thank you for your me? Dear God, I just thank you for your word. And I ask that you would just give word. And I ask that you would just give word. And I ask that you would just give us a fresh revelation from your word, us a fresh revelation from your word, us a fresh revelation from your word, Lord, that we would have a committed Lord, that we would have a committed Lord, that we would have a committed faith. That we would move from a casual faith. That we would move from a casual faith. That we would move from a casual to committed faith. to committed faith. to committed faith. And I ask that you would just give me And I ask that you would just give me And I ask that you would just give me the words to say, the courage to say the words to say, the courage to say the words to say, the courage to say them. Lord, if anything I say is not of them. Lord, if anything I say is not of them. Lord, if anything I say is not of you, I ask that everyone would forget you, I ask that everyone would forget you, I ask that everyone would forget it. only your word will remain and we it. only your word will remain and we it. only your word will remain and we just so thankful for the gift of your just so thankful for the gift of your just so thankful for the gift of your word. We pray. Amen. You may be seated.

word. We pray. Amen. You may be seated. word. We pray. Amen. You may be seated. So from this miracle, we're going to see So from this miracle, we're going to see So from this miracle, we're going to see three things that a committed faith three things that a committed faith three things that a committed faith produces in our life. The first one is a produces in our life. The first one is a produces in our life. The first one is a relationship, a personal relationship. relationship, a personal relationship. relationship, a personal relationship. See, the first thing that Mary and See, the first thing that Mary and See, the first thing that Mary and Martha do when they find out that Martha do when they find out that Martha do when they find out that Lazarus, their brother, is sick is that Lazarus, their brother, is sick is that Lazarus, their brother, is sick is that they call on Christ. And that's the they call on Christ. And that's the they call on Christ. And that's the first thing that we need to remember if first thing that we need to remember if first thing that we need to remember if we want to move from a casual faith to a we want to move from a casual faith to a we want to move from a casual faith to a committed faith. Christ has to be the committed faith. Christ has to be the committed faith. Christ has to be the first person that we call upon. It's first person that we call upon. It's first person that we call upon. It's personal. It starts with the personal. It starts with the personal. It starts with the relationship. God doesn't just want you relationship. God doesn't just want you relationship. God doesn't just want you to know about him. to know about him. to know about him. He wants you to know him. He wants to be He wants you to know him. He wants to be He wants you to know him. He wants to be the first person that you go to in the the first person that you go to in the the first person that you go to in the highs and the lows. When we're in need, highs and the lows. When we're in need, highs and the lows. When we're in need, we go to Jesus because the Bible tells we go to Jesus because the Bible tells we go to Jesus because the Bible tells us that his grace is sufficient for us. us that his grace is sufficient for us. us that his grace is sufficient for us. And really, we're in need all the time. And really, we're in need all the time. And really, we're in need all the time. We just don't recognize it, right? We We just don't recognize it, right? We We just don't recognize it, right? We just don't turn to him as often as we just don't turn to him as often as we just don't turn to him as often as we should. I mean, how often do we think, should. I mean, how often do we think, should. I mean, how often do we think, well, man, the only thing we can do now well, man, the only thing we can do now well, man, the only thing we can do now is pray? Like, man, it is hopeless now.

is pray? Like, man, it is hopeless now. is pray? Like, man, it is hopeless now. We have exhausted every other human We have exhausted every other human We have exhausted every other human option, and now it's just up to God. option, and now it's just up to God. option, and now it's just up to God. We've tried everything else. We've We've tried everything else. We've We've tried everything else. We've looked at everything else. We've looked at everything else. We've looked at everything else. We've exhausted every other option. I mean, exhausted every other option. I mean, exhausted every other option. I mean, you could just see the look on the you could just see the look on the you could just see the look on the Argentinian fans faces, you know, and it Argentinian fans faces, you know, and it Argentinian fans faces, you know, and it would see them praying in the 85th would see them praying in the 85th would see them praying in the 85th minute of the semi-final against minute of the semi-final against minute of the semi-final against England. It was like, Lord, Messi has England. It was like, Lord, Messi has England. It was like, Lord, Messi has done all he can and you might have to done all he can and you might have to done all he can and you might have to get involved. get involved. get involved. It's like that's when they started It's like that's when they started It's like that's when they started praying. praying. praying. When things actually look desperate, When things actually look desperate, When things actually look desperate, we look to everything else before we we look to everything else before we we look to everything else before we look to God. When in reality, the very look to God. When in reality, the very look to God. When in reality, the very first thing we should do is pray. Many first thing we should do is pray. Many first thing we should do is pray. Many of us only recognize our need for God of us only recognize our need for God of us only recognize our need for God during big moments in our lives. During during big moments in our lives. During during big moments in our lives. During those big moments, it's kind of like my those big moments, it's kind of like my those big moments, it's kind of like my interest in soccer, how it es and flows interest in soccer, how it es and flows interest in soccer, how it es and flows every four years and it just coincides every four years and it just coincides every four years and it just coincides with this global tournament when with this global tournament when with this global tournament when everyone else is excited about it. I everyone else is excited about it. I everyone else is excited about it. I mean, maybe God worked a miracle in your mean, maybe God worked a miracle in your mean, maybe God worked a miracle in your life at one point or when you first life at one point or when you first life at one point or when you first encountered him, it was an emotional, encountered him, it was an emotional, encountered him, it was an emotional, life-changing experience. Maybe you grew life-changing experience. Maybe you grew life-changing experience. Maybe you grew up here at Woodlands Church and you gave up here at Woodlands Church and you gave up here at Woodlands Church and you gave your life to Christ as a student at one your life to Christ as a student at one your life to Christ as a student at one of our high school camps and it was such of our high school camps and it was such of our high school camps and it was such an amazing experience. Or or or you got an amazing experience. Or or or you got an amazing experience. Or or or you got married or you have your first child and married or you have your first child and married or you have your first child and all of a sudden you're just overwhelmed all of a sudden you're just overwhelmed all of a sudden you're just overwhelmed with this sense of I am so unqualified with this sense of I am so unqualified with this sense of I am so unqualified for this. You know, God, I need your for this. You know, God, I need your for this. You know, God, I need your help. Like, oh wow, I have people help. Like, oh wow, I have people help. Like, oh wow, I have people depending on me now. I am not good at

depending on me now. I am not good at depending on me now. I am not good at putting their needs before my own. I see putting their needs before my own. I see putting their needs before my own. I see this a lot. It's like, "Oh, wow. Now this a lot. It's like, "Oh, wow. Now this a lot. It's like, "Oh, wow. Now that I have responsibility, I got to get that I have responsibility, I got to get that I have responsibility, I got to get my act together." It's like, "Family, we my act together." It's like, "Family, we my act together." It's like, "Family, we need to be in church, y'all. We need need to be in church, y'all. We need need to be in church, y'all. We need Jesus. Let's go." Jesus. Let's go." Jesus. Let's go." Or it's the big painful moments in our Or it's the big painful moments in our Or it's the big painful moments in our lives, you know, when we hit rock lives, you know, when we hit rock lives, you know, when we hit rock bottom, and that's when we recognize our bottom, and that's when we recognize our bottom, and that's when we recognize our need. It could be an illness, an injury, need. It could be an illness, an injury, need. It could be an illness, an injury, an intervention. Maybe it's the death of an intervention. Maybe it's the death of an intervention. Maybe it's the death of a loved one, or the end of a a loved one, or the end of a a loved one, or the end of a relationship, or a career. But you find relationship, or a career. But you find relationship, or a career. But you find yourself looking to God because the need yourself looking to God because the need yourself looking to God because the need is that overwhelming. It's an emergency. is that overwhelming. It's an emergency. is that overwhelming. It's an emergency. The situation is dire. The situation is dire. The situation is dire. And for many of us, that's when we first And for many of us, that's when we first And for many of us, that's when we first experience Jesus. It's in those moments, experience Jesus. It's in those moments, experience Jesus. It's in those moments, those big moments, we start praying. those big moments, we start praying. those big moments, we start praying. Maybe we start reading God's word. Maybe Maybe we start reading God's word. Maybe Maybe we start reading God's word. Maybe you start going to church. It might be you start going to church. It might be you start going to church. It might be the season, a season that feels so full the season, a season that feels so full the season, a season that feels so full of meaning. And maybe it was incredibly of meaning. And maybe it was incredibly of meaning. And maybe it was incredibly emotional or exciting. God gets a hold emotional or exciting. God gets a hold emotional or exciting. God gets a hold of your heart in a big way.

of your heart in a big way. of your heart in a big way. But often times after the moment passes But often times after the moment passes But often times after the moment passes and the emotions fade and everyday life and the emotions fade and everyday life and the emotions fade and everyday life goes on, goes on, goes on, our need suddenly doesn't seem as great our need suddenly doesn't seem as great our need suddenly doesn't seem as great as it did in that big moment. You know, as it did in that big moment. You know, as it did in that big moment. You know, it's not that we necessarily stop it's not that we necessarily stop it's not that we necessarily stop thinking that God is big enough to meet thinking that God is big enough to meet thinking that God is big enough to meet our needs. It's that we forget how great our needs. It's that we forget how great our needs. It's that we forget how great our need for God truly is. our need for God truly is. our need for God truly is. I stop recognizing just how much I need I stop recognizing just how much I need I stop recognizing just how much I need God every single moment of every day. God every single moment of every day. God every single moment of every day. And I go back to just trying to maintain And I go back to just trying to maintain And I go back to just trying to maintain the status quo, you know? I just want to the status quo, you know? I just want to the status quo, you know? I just want to get through this full schedule that I get through this full schedule that I get through this full schedule that I have. I just want to get through the have. I just want to get through the have. I just want to get through the day. It's okay, God. The emergency has day. It's okay, God. The emergency has day. It's okay, God. The emergency has passed and now I you know what? I feel passed and now I you know what? I feel passed and now I you know what? I feel like I can I have some breathing room like I can I have some breathing room like I can I have some breathing room now. I can manage things a little more. now. I can manage things a little more. now. I can manage things a little more. And we stop relying on it. And we stop relying on it. And we stop relying on it. And that's why it's so important that And that's why it's so important that And that's why it's so important that you need to be surrounded by people who you need to be surrounded by people who you need to be surrounded by people who encourage you to go to God constantly. encourage you to go to God constantly. encourage you to go to God constantly. You know, I can be so forgetful. I You know, I can be so forgetful. I You know, I can be so forgetful. I procrastinate. Um, I have a short procrastinate. Um, I have a short procrastinate. Um, I have a short attention span. I won't even tell you attention span. I won't even tell you attention span. I won't even tell you how many unread messages and emails I how many unread messages and emails I how many unread messages and emails I have on my phone because I don't want to have on my phone because I don't want to have on my phone because I don't want to stress out the type A people here. But I stress out the type A people here. But I stress out the type A people here. But I try to go to God as often as I can. And try to go to God as often as I can. And try to go to God as often as I can. And and and it's just I encourage you, make and and it's just I encourage you, make and and it's just I encourage you, make it so practical. Ask God for wisdom. Ask it so practical. Ask God for wisdom. Ask it so practical. Ask God for wisdom. Ask him for wisdom on the way to work. Ask him for wisdom on the way to work. Ask him for wisdom on the way to work. Ask him for wisdom in your relationships.

him for wisdom in your relationships. him for wisdom in your relationships. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you Ask the Holy Spirit to show you Ask the Holy Spirit to show you opportunities to be Jesus to someone. opportunities to be Jesus to someone. opportunities to be Jesus to someone. You ask the Lord to help you see people You ask the Lord to help you see people You ask the Lord to help you see people the way that he sees them. And when you the way that he sees them. And when you the way that he sees them. And when you come home for this is me when I come come home for this is me when I come come home for this is me when I come home from work sometimes, and I'm just home from work sometimes, and I'm just home from work sometimes, and I'm just exhausted and I've got four kids, all exhausted and I've got four kids, all exhausted and I've got four kids, all under eight, and it's like, "Okay, Lord, under eight, and it's like, "Okay, Lord, under eight, and it's like, "Okay, Lord, please love my kids through me today please love my kids through me today please love my kids through me today because I don't got it in me. I got because I don't got it in me. I got because I don't got it in me. I got nothing in the tank. I love them, but nothing in the tank. I love them, but nothing in the tank. I love them, but it's not I'm not going to show up very it's not I'm not going to show up very it's not I'm not going to show up very well. I need you to come through for me. well. I need you to come through for me. well. I need you to come through for me. Don't feel guilty about your needs or Don't feel guilty about your needs or Don't feel guilty about your needs or that you forget how big they are. that you forget how big they are. that you forget how big they are. If you ever feel guilty about forgetting If you ever feel guilty about forgetting If you ever feel guilty about forgetting your need for God, just look at the Old your need for God, just look at the Old your need for God, just look at the Old Testament. You'll be so encouraged. The Testament. You'll be so encouraged. The Testament. You'll be so encouraged. The Israelites would see God answer prayer Israelites would see God answer prayer Israelites would see God answer prayer after prayer, perform miracle after after prayer, perform miracle after after prayer, perform miracle after miracle. He led the Israelites out of miracle. He led the Israelites out of miracle. He led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into the promised slavery in Egypt and into the promised slavery in Egypt and into the promised land. But in between there was this land. But in between there was this land. But in between there was this desert. And it didn't take them long to desert. And it didn't take them long to desert. And it didn't take them long to forget where they had come from and to forget where they had come from and to forget where they had come from and to forget where they were heading. And they forget where they were heading. And they forget where they were heading. And they were just in the desert and they were were just in the desert and they were were just in the desert and they were saying, "Okay, this is awful, Lord. We saying, "Okay, this is awful, Lord. We saying, "Okay, this is awful, Lord. We saw you perform miracles to get us out saw you perform miracles to get us out saw you perform miracles to get us out of slavery, but we would be better off of slavery, but we would be better off of slavery, but we would be better off being slaves in Egypt. You know, we being slaves in Egypt. You know, we being slaves in Egypt. You know, we would be better off if we that's if we would be better off if we that's if we would be better off if we that's if we you just never got involved."

you just never got involved." you just never got involved." But God was so patient with them and he But God was so patient with them and he But God was so patient with them and he is so patient with you. Don't forget is so patient with you. Don't forget is so patient with you. Don't forget that he is leading you to a place of that he is leading you to a place of that he is leading you to a place of purpose. And don't forget what he has purpose. And don't forget what he has purpose. And don't forget what he has delivered you from. Don't forget that he is big enough to Don't forget that he is big enough to meet any need that you encounter. Any meet any need that you encounter. Any meet any need that you encounter. Any need that you encounter between what he need that you encounter between what he need that you encounter between what he has delivered you from and for the place has delivered you from and for the place has delivered you from and for the place of purpose that he is leading you of purpose that he is leading you of purpose that he is leading you towards. The more you come to him with towards. The more you come to him with towards. The more you come to him with every need, the more you'll know that he every need, the more you'll know that he every need, the more you'll know that he is with you in every single moment. And is with you in every single moment. And is with you in every single moment. And there is nothing that will change your there is nothing that will change your there is nothing that will change your life more than just the awareness of the life more than just the awareness of the life more than just the awareness of the consistent presence of God. Just how consistent presence of God. Just how consistent presence of God. Just how close he is to you at all times. And close he is to you at all times. And close he is to you at all times. And that's because as you are aware of his that's because as you are aware of his that's because as you are aware of his presence, God starts to reveal his plans presence, God starts to reveal his plans presence, God starts to reveal his plans and purposes in your life. He wants to and purposes in your life. He wants to and purposes in your life. He wants to give you a personal revelation. That's give you a personal revelation. That's give you a personal revelation. That's the next component of a committed faith. the next component of a committed faith. the next component of a committed faith. You need a committed relationship, a You need a committed relationship, a You need a committed relationship, a personal relationship. But God knows personal relationship. But God knows personal relationship. But God knows that you also need a personal that you also need a personal that you also need a personal revelation.

revelation. revelation. So let's look back at this miracle in So let's look back at this miracle in So let's look back at this miracle in verses 14 and 15 of John 11. So then verses 14 and 15 of John 11. So then verses 14 and 15 of John 11. So then Christ told them plainly, Lazarus is Christ told them plainly, Lazarus is Christ told them plainly, Lazarus is dead and for your sake I am glad I was dead and for your sake I am glad I was dead and for your sake I am glad I was not there so that you may believe but not there so that you may believe but not there so that you may believe but let us go to him. Notice how Jesus said let us go to him. Notice how Jesus said let us go to him. Notice how Jesus said for your sake. For your sake. I believe for your sake. For your sake. I believe for your sake. For your sake. I believe Jesus wants to give every Christ Jesus wants to give every Christ Jesus wants to give every Christ follower a personal revelation. He wants follower a personal revelation. He wants follower a personal revelation. He wants to show you something. He wants to to show you something. He wants to to show you something. He wants to reveal to you that he has a purpose and reveal to you that he has a purpose and reveal to you that he has a purpose and a plan for your life. And his purpose in a plan for your life. And his purpose in a plan for your life. And his purpose in this was to build the disciples faith. this was to build the disciples faith. this was to build the disciples faith. He said, "It's for your sake that you're He said, "It's for your sake that you're He said, "It's for your sake that you're going to see this miracle. I'm doing going to see this miracle. I'm doing going to see this miracle. I'm doing this for your sake. I'm going to give this for your sake. I'm going to give this for your sake. I'm going to give you a little revelation here. I have a you a little revelation here. I have a you a little revelation here. I have a plan and a purpose for you personally, plan and a purpose for you personally, plan and a purpose for you personally, and there is no need that is too great. and there is no need that is too great. and there is no need that is too great. See, God has a personal plan for you, See, God has a personal plan for you, See, God has a personal plan for you, and he's going to reveal it in the most and he's going to reveal it in the most and he's going to reveal it in the most unexpected places. Just look at verses unexpected places. Just look at verses unexpected places. Just look at verses five and six where it says, "Jesus loved five and six where it says, "Jesus loved five and six where it says, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days." I stayed where he was two more days." I stayed where he was two more days." I mean, this is so interesting because mean, this is so interesting because mean, this is so interesting because when Jesus finds out that Lazarus is when Jesus finds out that Lazarus is when Jesus finds out that Lazarus is sick, he doesn't go to him immediately.

sick, he doesn't go to him immediately. sick, he doesn't go to him immediately. He intentionally, purposefully delays He intentionally, purposefully delays He intentionally, purposefully delays for two days until he's dead. And then for two days until he's dead. And then for two days until he's dead. And then he says, "There's a purpose in the he says, "There's a purpose in the he says, "There's a purpose in the delay. There's a purpose in the delay. delay. There's a purpose in the delay. delay. There's a purpose in the delay. There's a purpose in the dead end. It's There's a purpose in the dead end. It's There's a purpose in the dead end. It's one thing to heal a sick man. It's one thing to heal a sick man. It's one thing to heal a sick man. It's another thing to raise a man from the another thing to raise a man from the another thing to raise a man from the dead." See, this miracle, it's going to dead." See, this miracle, it's going to dead." See, this miracle, it's going to glorify my father in heaven, he says, glorify my father in heaven, he says, glorify my father in heaven, he says, and it's going to build your faith. and it's going to build your faith. and it's going to build your faith. There's a purpose in the pain. I promise There's a purpose in the pain. I promise There's a purpose in the pain. I promise you. And that's a revelation that every you. And that's a revelation that every you. And that's a revelation that every one of us needs here today because every one of us needs here today because every one of us needs here today because every one of us go through pain and heartache one of us go through pain and heartache one of us go through pain and heartache and brokenness. and brokenness. and brokenness. Now, when we get to heaven, there's not Now, when we get to heaven, there's not Now, when we get to heaven, there's not going to be any more hurt or problems or going to be any more hurt or problems or going to be any more hurt or problems or pain. And that'll be awesome. That'll be pain. And that'll be awesome. That'll be pain. And that'll be awesome. That'll be amazing. But here, there's there's going amazing. But here, there's there's going amazing. But here, there's there's going to be problems. There's going to be to be problems. There's going to be to be problems. There's going to be pain. Don't let anyone ever tell you pain. Don't let anyone ever tell you pain. Don't let anyone ever tell you that if you're a Christ follower, all that if you're a Christ follower, all that if you're a Christ follower, all your problems go away. You know, don't your problems go away. You know, don't your problems go away. You know, don't let anyone tell you that you're going to let anyone tell you that you're going to let anyone tell you that you're going to have pain and problems here. I hate to have pain and problems here. I hate to have pain and problems here. I hate to break it to you. The great news is there break it to you. The great news is there break it to you. The great news is there is purpose in the pain. There's a is purpose in the pain. There's a is purpose in the pain. There's a purpose in my pain. That's a personal purpose in my pain. That's a personal purpose in my pain. That's a personal revelation from God's word to us through revelation from God's word to us through revelation from God's word to us through this miracle. And some of you are this miracle. And some of you are this miracle. And some of you are hurting deeply right now. You know, your hurting deeply right now. You know, your hurting deeply right now. You know, your heart is broken. You're wounded. You're heart is broken. You're wounded. You're heart is broken. You're wounded. You're bleeding. And it's really hard for you bleeding. And it's really hard for you bleeding. And it's really hard for you to see any purpose in the pain that to see any purpose in the pain that to see any purpose in the pain that you're in, in the hurt or loss that you're in, in the hurt or loss that you're in, in the hurt or loss that you're going through.

you're going through. you're going through. You don't have a clue what God is up to. You don't have a clue what God is up to. You don't have a clue what God is up to. But I want you to know that he never But I want you to know that he never But I want you to know that he never wastes a sorrow. He never wastes a hurt. wastes a sorrow. He never wastes a hurt. wastes a sorrow. He never wastes a hurt. And there is no delay or dead end that And there is no delay or dead end that And there is no delay or dead end that can destroy God's purpose in your life. can destroy God's purpose in your life. can destroy God's purpose in your life. Even when we can't see it or understand Even when we can't see it or understand Even when we can't see it or understand it. And some of you are going through a it. And some of you are going through a it. And some of you are going through a delay right now. You know, a t a a delay right now. You know, a t a a delay right now. You know, a t a a waiting time. You're in the waiting room waiting time. You're in the waiting room waiting time. You're in the waiting room of life and it's difficult. of life and it's difficult. of life and it's difficult. But know that God has a plan. You know, But know that God has a plan. You know, But know that God has a plan. You know, sometimes when I think that I'm waiting sometimes when I think that I'm waiting sometimes when I think that I'm waiting on God, he's actually waiting on me. on God, he's actually waiting on me. on God, he's actually waiting on me. He's waiting for me to get my heart He's waiting for me to get my heart He's waiting for me to get my heart right or he's waiting for my character right or he's waiting for my character right or he's waiting for my character to match my calling. to match my calling. to match my calling. But there's always a purpose in the But there's always a purpose in the But there's always a purpose in the delay. delay. delay. I believe that for many of you here I believe that for many of you here I believe that for many of you here today, the personal revelation God wants today, the personal revelation God wants today, the personal revelation God wants to show you will be found in your pain. to show you will be found in your pain. to show you will be found in your pain. He wants you to know that truly nothing He wants you to know that truly nothing He wants you to know that truly nothing is impossible for him. He is the God. He is impossible for him. He is the God. He is impossible for him. He is the God. He Jesus, he can turn water into wine. He Jesus, he can turn water into wine. He Jesus, he can turn water into wine. He can pull purpose from your pain. He can pull purpose from your pain. He can pull purpose from your pain. He wants you to know that Romans 8:38 is wants you to know that Romans 8:38 is wants you to know that Romans 8:38 is true. That in all things, good and bad, true. That in all things, good and bad, true. That in all things, good and bad, easy and hard, in all things, he really easy and hard, in all things, he really easy and hard, in all things, he really does work for the good of those who love does work for the good of those who love does work for the good of those who love him. And he wants to show you firsthand, him. And he wants to show you firsthand, him. And he wants to show you firsthand, even in the waiting, there is purpose.

even in the waiting, there is purpose. even in the waiting, there is purpose. There's always a purpose when you get to There's always a purpose when you get to There's always a purpose when you get to the dead end. In fact, dead ends are the dead end. In fact, dead ends are the dead end. In fact, dead ends are where God's miracles take place. You where God's miracles take place. You where God's miracles take place. You know, death is a prerequisite for know, death is a prerequisite for know, death is a prerequisite for resurrection. A dead end always comes resurrection. A dead end always comes resurrection. A dead end always comes before deliverance. before deliverance. before deliverance. So, if you're at a dead end today, So, if you're at a dead end today, So, if you're at a dead end today, you're right where you need to be. you're right where you need to be. you're right where you need to be. But maybe the greatest revelation in But maybe the greatest revelation in But maybe the greatest revelation in this story is that God cares. It's that this story is that God cares. It's that this story is that God cares. It's that God cares. God cares. And we know this God cares. God cares. And we know this God cares. God cares. And we know this from this passage because when Jesus from this passage because when Jesus from this passage because when Jesus sees Mary and Martha grieving, even sees Mary and Martha grieving, even sees Mary and Martha grieving, even though he knows that he's going to raise though he knows that he's going to raise though he knows that he's going to raise Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus from the dead, Lazarus from the dead, he sees their brokenness. He sees their he sees their brokenness. He sees their he sees their brokenness. He sees their pain. The pain that is caused by that pain. The pain that is caused by that pain. The pain that is caused by that separation of death and his heart separation of death and his heart separation of death and his heart breaks. And we see the shortest, but breaks. And we see the shortest, but breaks. And we see the shortest, but maybe the most profound verse in all of maybe the most profound verse in all of maybe the most profound verse in all of scripture is John 11:35. Jesus wept. scripture is John 11:35. Jesus wept. scripture is John 11:35. Jesus wept. I want all of you to memorize that this I want all of you to memorize that this I want all of you to memorize that this week. All right? And if you say, "I week. All right? And if you say, "I week. All right? And if you say, "I can't memorize scripture." It's like, can't memorize scripture." It's like, can't memorize scripture." It's like, "If you can't memorize that, we can't "If you can't memorize that, we can't "If you can't memorize that, we can't help you. We've done all we can."

Jesus wept even though he knew he was Jesus wept even though he knew he was bringing Lazarus back from the dead. bringing Lazarus back from the dead. bringing Lazarus back from the dead. When their hearts were broken, his heart When their hearts were broken, his heart When their hearts were broken, his heart was broken with. And when your heart is was broken with. And when your heart is was broken with. And when your heart is broken, God's heart breaks with yours. broken, God's heart breaks with yours. broken, God's heart breaks with yours. When you cry, God cries. The things that When you cry, God cries. The things that When you cry, God cries. The things that you care about, God cares about because you care about, God cares about because you care about, God cares about because he cares about you. he cares about you. he cares about you. When you're wounded, God is wounded. When you're wounded, God is wounded. When you're wounded, God is wounded. When your heart has been ripped out, When your heart has been ripped out, When your heart has been ripped out, God's heart is ripped out. God's heart is ripped out. God's heart is ripped out. He loves you that much. He loves you that much. He loves you that much. God cares. That's a revelation that God cares. That's a revelation that God cares. That's a revelation that makes all the difference in the world. makes all the difference in the world. makes all the difference in the world. Because that's the thing that we really Because that's the thing that we really Because that's the thing that we really want to know if we're being honest with want to know if we're being honest with want to know if we're being honest with ourselves. Does God care? It's God. Are ourselves. Does God care? It's God. Are ourselves. Does God care? It's God. Are you really there? And if you are, do you you really there? And if you are, do you you really there? And if you are, do you actually care? Do you care? actually care? Do you care? actually care? Do you care? And the answer is yes. He cares. But not And the answer is yes. He cares. But not And the answer is yes. He cares. But not only does he care, he has the power to only does he care, he has the power to only does he care, he has the power to do something about it. And that brings do something about it. And that brings do something about it. And that brings me to the third word that describes a me to the third word that describes a me to the third word that describes a committed faith. And that's committed faith. And that's committed faith. And that's resurrection. Resurrection. Committed resurrection. Resurrection. Committed resurrection. Resurrection. Committed faith involves a personal revelation. I faith involves a personal revelation. I faith involves a personal revelation. I mean a personal relationship, a personal mean a personal relationship, a personal mean a personal relationship, a personal revelation, and a personal resurrection.

revelation, and a personal resurrection. revelation, and a personal resurrection. In verse 38 and 39, it says, "Jesus once In verse 38 and 39, it says, "Jesus once In verse 38 and 39, it says, "Jesus once more deeply moved came to the tomb. It more deeply moved came to the tomb. It more deeply moved came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the was a cave with a stone laid across the was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. Take away the stone, he said. entrance. Take away the stone, he said. entrance. Take away the stone, he said. But Lord, said Martha, the sister of the But Lord, said Martha, the sister of the But Lord, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, by this time there is a bad dead man, by this time there is a bad dead man, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there for four odor, for he has been there for four odor, for he has been there for four days. days. days. So Martha says, Jesus, I know what So Martha says, Jesus, I know what So Martha says, Jesus, I know what you're trying to do here, but I want to you're trying to do here, but I want to you're trying to do here, but I want to give you fair warning. You know, I I give you fair warning. You know, I I give you fair warning. You know, I I just want you to be really sure because just want you to be really sure because just want you to be really sure because he's been dead for days. I just want you he's been dead for days. I just want you he's been dead for days. I just want you to make sure that you have the most to make sure that you have the most to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information. All right? If up-to-date information. All right? If up-to-date information. All right? If you open that cave up, if we open it up you open that cave up, if we open it up you open that cave up, if we open it up and we roll away that stone, it's going and we roll away that stone, it's going and we roll away that stone, it's going to it's going to stink. It's going to to it's going to stink. It's going to to it's going to stink. It's going to smell bad. It's going to be smell bad. It's going to be smell bad. It's going to be overwhelming. overwhelming. overwhelming. And you see, I think Jesus appreciated And you see, I think Jesus appreciated And you see, I think Jesus appreciated Martha saying that because she was just Martha saying that because she was just Martha saying that because she was just being honest about the situation. She being honest about the situation. She being honest about the situation. She wasn't trying to act like everything is wasn't trying to act like everything is wasn't trying to act like everything is great. She wasn't trying to great. She wasn't trying to great. She wasn't trying to act like she knew exactly what. She was act like she knew exactly what. She was act like she knew exactly what. She was just saying, "It's bad. He's dead. He's just saying, "It's bad. He's dead. He's just saying, "It's bad. He's dead. He's been dead for four days. It's going to been dead for four days. It's going to been dead for four days. It's going to sting.

sting. sting. But to experience personal resurrection, But to experience personal resurrection, But to experience personal resurrection, you have to stop hiding your brokenness. you have to stop hiding your brokenness. you have to stop hiding your brokenness. You have to stop pretending that you've You have to stop pretending that you've You have to stop pretending that you've got it all together. If you're got it all together. If you're got it all together. If you're struggling with something and you want struggling with something and you want struggling with something and you want to experience resurrection, you can't to experience resurrection, you can't to experience resurrection, you can't just act like everything is okay. just act like everything is okay. just act like everything is okay. Don't hide or ignore whatever Don't hide or ignore whatever Don't hide or ignore whatever brokenness, mess, and sin, addiction, brokenness, mess, and sin, addiction, brokenness, mess, and sin, addiction, whatever it is is in your life. Don't whatever it is is in your life. Don't whatever it is is in your life. Don't cheapen God's grace by acting like it's cheapen God's grace by acting like it's cheapen God's grace by acting like it's not a big deal and that somehow it's not a big deal and that somehow it's not a big deal and that somehow it's manageable. manageable. manageable. No. If you want to experience the power No. If you want to experience the power No. If you want to experience the power of the resurrection in your life, you of the resurrection in your life, you of the resurrection in your life, you have to drop the facade. You have to have to drop the facade. You have to have to drop the facade. You have to remove the stone blocking the tomb. You remove the stone blocking the tomb. You remove the stone blocking the tomb. You just have to admit it to God and say, just have to admit it to God and say, just have to admit it to God and say, "Okay, God, I'm opening up the tomb, but "Okay, God, I'm opening up the tomb, but "Okay, God, I'm opening up the tomb, but fair warning, there's some nasty stuff fair warning, there's some nasty stuff fair warning, there's some nasty stuff in my life. It's not going to smell in my life. It's not going to smell in my life. It's not going to smell great." great." great." Don't let the fear of embarrassment or Don't let the fear of embarrassment or Don't let the fear of embarrassment or shame keep you from experiencing the shame keep you from experiencing the shame keep you from experiencing the resurrection power of Christ. See, only resurrection power of Christ. See, only resurrection power of Christ. See, only God can heal broken hearts and resurrect God can heal broken hearts and resurrect God can heal broken hearts and resurrect dying faith, but I have to roll back the dying faith, but I have to roll back the dying faith, but I have to roll back the stone. I have to admit that I'm the one stone. I have to admit that I'm the one stone. I have to admit that I'm the one who needs resurrection. It's not that I who needs resurrection. It's not that I who needs resurrection. It's not that I just need a little bit of remodeling.

just need a little bit of remodeling. just need a little bit of remodeling. It's not just I'm mostly a good person. It's not just I'm mostly a good person. It's not just I'm mostly a good person. There's just a few habits that are a There's just a few habits that are a There's just a few habits that are a little out of whack. No, I need a full little out of whack. No, I need a full little out of whack. No, I need a full restoration. I need resurrection. restoration. I need resurrection. restoration. I need resurrection. You need resurrection. You need resurrection. You need resurrection. And it is clearly offered to us. But we And it is clearly offered to us. But we And it is clearly offered to us. But we have to admit our struggles and our have to admit our struggles and our have to admit our struggles and our brokenness and our sin before we can brokenness and our sin before we can brokenness and our sin before we can experience it. The only people who ex experience it. The only people who ex experience it. The only people who ex who receive forgiveness are those who who receive forgiveness are those who who receive forgiveness are those who admit they need it. And the only people admit they need it. And the only people admit they need it. And the only people who receive resurrection in their hopes, who receive resurrection in their hopes, who receive resurrection in their hopes, in their dreams, in their relationships in their dreams, in their relationships in their dreams, in their relationships are those who admit they need it. are those who admit they need it. are those who admit they need it. And maybe some of you need to roll back And maybe some of you need to roll back And maybe some of you need to roll back the stone a little bit on your marriage the stone a little bit on your marriage the stone a little bit on your marriage and just say, "Hey God, I admit it. My and just say, "Hey God, I admit it. My and just say, "Hey God, I admit it. My parent is dead unless you do something, parent is dead unless you do something, parent is dead unless you do something, you know, unless you come in and bring you know, unless you come in and bring you know, unless you come in and bring about resurrection. But I'll tell you about resurrection. But I'll tell you about resurrection. But I'll tell you what, God, I'm going to stop hiding it. what, God, I'm going to stop hiding it. what, God, I'm going to stop hiding it. I'm gonna stop hiding it. Some of you I'm gonna stop hiding it. Some of you I'm gonna stop hiding it. Some of you need to roll the stone back today and need to roll the stone back today and need to roll the stone back today and say, "God, look, this person I care say, "God, look, this person I care say, "God, look, this person I care about, this situation, I've tried about, this situation, I've tried about, this situation, I've tried everything to change that person that I everything to change that person that I everything to change that person that I love so much, and I just have to admit love so much, and I just have to admit love so much, and I just have to admit totally, totally, totally, this is dead. You know, I can't change this is dead. You know, I can't change this is dead. You know, I can't change any of this. I'm not in control of any any of this. I'm not in control of any any of this. I'm not in control of any of this. I have to give it to you.

of this. I have to give it to you. of this. I have to give it to you. You're going to have to work a miracle. You're going to have to work a miracle. You're going to have to work a miracle. God, this problem, this burden, it is God, this problem, this burden, it is God, this problem, this burden, it is crushing me and I cannot solve it. And I crushing me and I cannot solve it. And I crushing me and I cannot solve it. And I just have to admit that it's dead unless just have to admit that it's dead unless just have to admit that it's dead unless you perform a miracle. You need to bring you perform a miracle. You need to bring you perform a miracle. You need to bring about resurrection. about resurrection. about resurrection. This dream is dead, God. I thought it This dream is dead, God. I thought it This dream is dead, God. I thought it was from you, but now it's dead. And so was from you, but now it's dead. And so was from you, but now it's dead. And so I I have to roll the stone back. And you I I have to roll the stone back. And you I I have to roll the stone back. And you can just see, God, it's like, yep, no, can just see, God, it's like, yep, no, can just see, God, it's like, yep, no, it's dead. It smells. It's It's dead. it's dead. It smells. It's It's dead. it's dead. It smells. It's It's dead. Unless you work a miracle. Unless you work a miracle. Unless you work a miracle. I think the biggest thing that prevents I think the biggest thing that prevents I think the biggest thing that prevents us from experiencing a miracle is just us from experiencing a miracle is just us from experiencing a miracle is just admitting that we admitting that we admitting that we Well, they admitted that they needed. Well, they admitted that they needed. Well, they admitted that they needed. And after you reveal the brokenness, you And after you reveal the brokenness, you And after you reveal the brokenness, you can turn to the healer. And that's can turn to the healer. And that's can turn to the healer. And that's exactly what they did. They turned to exactly what they did. They turned to exactly what they did. They turned to the healer. Jesus said, "Roll back the the healer. Jesus said, "Roll back the the healer. Jesus said, "Roll back the stone." stone." stone." And I love that Jesus asked them to do And I love that Jesus asked them to do And I love that Jesus asked them to do it. It wasn't just about revealing it. It wasn't just about revealing it. It wasn't just about revealing the death and the decay, the truth of the death and the decay, the truth of the death and the decay, the truth of how bad it was. It wasn't just revealing how bad it was. It wasn't just revealing how bad it was. It wasn't just revealing the truth of how bad it was. It was the truth of how bad it was. It was the truth of how bad it was. It was about taking a step of faith. And some about taking a step of faith. And some about taking a step of faith. And some of you need to be the ones roll the of you need to be the ones roll the of you need to be the ones roll the stone back just a little bit and say, stone back just a little bit and say, stone back just a little bit and say, "God, I don't know that I really believe "God, I don't know that I really believe "God, I don't know that I really believe you. I told you it doesn't smell great, you. I told you it doesn't smell great, you. I told you it doesn't smell great, but okay. I trust you and I'm just going but okay. I trust you and I'm just going but okay. I trust you and I'm just going to roll this stone back just a little to roll this stone back just a little to roll this stone back just a little bit. You know, I want to give you an bit. You know, I want to give you an bit. You know, I want to give you an opportunity to work a miracle.

opportunity to work a miracle. opportunity to work a miracle. I I want to shed a little bit of light I I want to shed a little bit of light I I want to shed a little bit of light of hope into this situation, this of hope into this situation, this of hope into this situation, this situation where it seems hopeless. I situation where it seems hopeless. I situation where it seems hopeless. I just roll the stone back." You see, just roll the stone back." You see, just roll the stone back." You see, God's the one that resurrects. God is God's the one that resurrects. God is God's the one that resurrects. God is the one that works miracles, but he the one that works miracles, but he the one that works miracles, but he wants you to take that step of faith to wants you to take that step of faith to wants you to take that step of faith to say, you know what, I believe it. say, you know what, I believe it. say, you know what, I believe it. And I'm glad he doesn't require perfect And I'm glad he doesn't require perfect And I'm glad he doesn't require perfect faith. It says in verse 40, faith. It says in verse 40, faith. It says in verse 40, then Jesus said, did I not tell you that then Jesus said, did I not tell you that then Jesus said, did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory if you believed, you would see the glory if you believed, you would see the glory of God? of God? of God? And that word believe means to place And that word believe means to place And that word believe means to place your life upon. It doesn't say place your life upon. It doesn't say place your life upon. It doesn't say place your perfect faith upon. You know, you your perfect faith upon. You know, you your perfect faith upon. You know, you just the ordinary and perfect faith that just the ordinary and perfect faith that just the ordinary and perfect faith that you have and you place it on him. It's you have and you place it on him. It's you have and you place it on him. It's just like what Pastor Jordan talked just like what Pastor Jordan talked just like what Pastor Jordan talked about last week. It's about where are about last week. It's about where are about last week. It's about where are you putting your faith. you putting your faith. you putting your faith. It's God, I'm going to roll back the It's God, I'm going to roll back the It's God, I'm going to roll back the stone just a little. I'm going to trust stone just a little. I'm going to trust stone just a little. I'm going to trust you as much as I can. Even though I I'm you as much as I can. Even though I I'm you as much as I can. Even though I I'm not totally sure. I believe God, but not totally sure. I believe God, but not totally sure. I believe God, but help my unbelief. I roll the stone back help my unbelief. I roll the stone back help my unbelief. I roll the stone back and let a little light of hope in. I'm and let a little light of hope in. I'm and let a little light of hope in. I'm telling you, just give God a little telling you, just give God a little telling you, just give God a little opportunity. That's all that he needs to opportunity. That's all that he needs to opportunity. That's all that he needs to take that little bit of faith that you take that little bit of faith that you take that little bit of faith that you have and place it totally on him. A have and place it totally on him. A have and place it totally on him. A little bit of extraordinary faith little bit of extraordinary faith little bit of extraordinary faith placed in the hands of an extraordinary placed in the hands of an extraordinary placed in the hands of an extraordinary God can turn into an extraordinary God can turn into an extraordinary God can turn into an extraordinary miracle. And that's exactly what miracle. And that's exactly what miracle. And that's exactly what happens. Look in verse 41 and 44.

happens. Look in verse 41 and 44. happens. Look in verse 41 and 44. And so they took away the stone. Then And so they took away the stone. Then And so they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew thank you that you have heard me. I knew thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me. But I said this that you always hear me. But I said this that you always hear me. But I said this for the benefit of the people standing for the benefit of the people standing for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you here, that they may believe that you here, that they may believe that you sent me. When he had said this, Jesus sent me. When he had said this, Jesus sent me. When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The dead man came out, his hands out." The dead man came out, his hands out." The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and feet wrapped with strips of linen and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. And Jesus and a cloth around his face. And Jesus and a cloth around his face. And Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave said to them, "Take off the grave said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." clothes and let him go." clothes and let him go." I love this picture if you can just see I love this picture if you can just see I love this picture if you can just see it. This guy has been dead for four days it. This guy has been dead for four days it. This guy has been dead for four days and he comes stumbling out of the tomb, and he comes stumbling out of the tomb, and he comes stumbling out of the tomb, you know, wrapped in linens, looking you know, wrapped in linens, looking you know, wrapped in linens, looking like a mummy. It says his face was like a mummy. It says his face was like a mummy. It says his face was wrapped in a cloth. He couldn't see. And wrapped in a cloth. He couldn't see. And wrapped in a cloth. He couldn't see. And everyone is just kind of standing there everyone is just kind of standing there everyone is just kind of standing there like, "What's happening?" And Jesus is like, "What's happening?" And Jesus is like, "What's happening?" And Jesus is the one who says, the one who says, the one who says, "You guys just going to stand there? "You guys just going to stand there? "You guys just going to stand there? Some go help him." You know, he's Some go help him." You know, he's Some go help him." You know, he's tripping over himself. What are you tripping over himself. What are you tripping over himself. What are you doing? doing? doing? Now, this is so powerful if you think Now, this is so powerful if you think Now, this is so powerful if you think about it because of course Jesus Christ about it because of course Jesus Christ about it because of course Jesus Christ is the only one who can resurrect, but is the only one who can resurrect, but is the only one who can resurrect, but He commands his disciples to help He commands his disciples to help He commands his disciples to help Lazarus out of his grave clothes. Only Lazarus out of his grave clothes. Only Lazarus out of his grave clothes. Only Jesus Christ can change lives. But when Jesus Christ can change lives. But when Jesus Christ can change lives. But when he begins to change our life, we still he begins to change our life, we still he begins to change our life, we still have some of our grave clothes on. You have some of our grave clothes on. You have some of our grave clothes on. You know, those old habits, those old know, those old habits, those old know, those old habits, those old patterns, those old ways of thinking, patterns, those old ways of thinking, patterns, those old ways of thinking, our mind needs to be what the Bible our mind needs to be what the Bible our mind needs to be what the Bible calls renewed. We We need to help. We calls renewed. We We need to help. We calls renewed. We We need to help. We need help from other Christ uh other need help from other Christ uh other need help from other Christ uh other Christians to take the gray clothes off.

Christians to take the gray clothes off. Christians to take the gray clothes off. We need help from other Christ We need help from other Christ We need help from other Christ followers. We need others around us. It followers. We need others around us. It followers. We need others around us. It doesn't matter if they don't have it all doesn't matter if they don't have it all doesn't matter if they don't have it all together, but we're all headed in the together, but we're all headed in the together, but we're all headed in the right direction. You need a healing right direction. You need a healing right direction. You need a healing community to connect with so that you community to connect with so that you community to connect with so that you can experience healing so that you can can experience healing so that you can can experience healing so that you can live in the victory that the power of live in the victory that the power of live in the victory that the power of the resurrection has given you in your the resurrection has given you in your the resurrection has given you in your life. life. life. You you got to have some people to help You you got to have some people to help You you got to have some people to help you take the grave clothes off. And you take the grave clothes off. And you take the grave clothes off. And that's why you need a life group. I that's why you need a life group. I that's why you need a life group. I mean, Jesus says, "I'm the resurrection mean, Jesus says, "I'm the resurrection mean, Jesus says, "I'm the resurrection and the life." But you need some help and the life." But you need some help and the life." But you need some help taking off those grave clothes. That's taking off those grave clothes. That's taking off those grave clothes. That's why I'm so thankful for my life group. why I'm so thankful for my life group. why I'm so thankful for my life group. I'm so thankful for the people that I I'm so thankful for the people that I I'm so thankful for the people that I serve with. I'm so thankful for you, serve with. I'm so thankful for you, serve with. I'm so thankful for you, church, because there are times in my church, because there are times in my church, because there are times in my life where I need people speaking to me life where I need people speaking to me life where I need people speaking to me and saying, "Josh, what are you doing? and saying, "Josh, what are you doing? and saying, "Josh, what are you doing? You're putting those gray clothes that You're putting those gray clothes that You're putting those gray clothes that we took off back on again." I'm like, we took off back on again." I'm like, we took off back on again." I'm like, "Oh, that's right. I didn't recognize "Oh, that's right. I didn't recognize "Oh, that's right. I didn't recognize it." I need that in my life. it." I need that in my life. it." I need that in my life. And I need that in my church family And I need that in my church family And I need that in my church family because the stakes are too high. And we because the stakes are too high. And we because the stakes are too high. And we are all about taking grave clothes off are all about taking grave clothes off are all about taking grave clothes off here at Woodland's Church. here at Woodland's Church. here at Woodland's Church. You know, we are all about that. That's You know, we are all about that. That's You know, we are all about that. That's what we do. This is our one and only what we do. This is our one and only what we do. This is our one and only life. And I don't want to just be a life. And I don't want to just be a life. And I don't want to just be a passionate fan. I don't want to just passionate fan. I don't want to just passionate fan. I don't want to just wear the hat.

wear the hat. wear the hat. I want to be on the field. I want to be I want to be on the field. I want to be I want to be on the field. I want to be in the game. And once you've gotten your in the game. And once you've gotten your in the game. And once you've gotten your grave clothes off and you're not grave clothes off and you're not grave clothes off and you're not tripping over yourself, we need you to tripping over yourself, we need you to tripping over yourself, we need you to help other people with theirs. You can't help other people with theirs. You can't help other people with theirs. You can't experience the fullness of the Christian experience the fullness of the Christian experience the fullness of the Christian life if you stop at the sideline. That's life if you stop at the sideline. That's life if you stop at the sideline. That's casual faith. casual faith. casual faith. You know, we don't need you saying, You know, we don't need you saying, You know, we don't need you saying, "Okay, I got my grave clothes off and "Okay, I got my grave clothes off and "Okay, I got my grave clothes off and now I'm just looking. Hey, there's this now I'm just looking. Hey, there's this now I'm just looking. Hey, there's this guy tripping over himself over here. Y guy tripping over himself over here. Y guy tripping over himself over here. Y pastors might need to do something about pastors might need to do something about pastors might need to do something about it. No, that Jesus just said that's your it. No, that Jesus just said that's your it. No, that Jesus just said that's your job. That's our job. That's all of our job. That's our job. That's all of our job. That's our job. That's all of our job. Jesus is resurrecting lives, job. Jesus is resurrecting lives, job. Jesus is resurrecting lives, marriages, relationships here at marriages, relationships here at marriages, relationships here at Woodland's Church. And we need your help Woodland's Church. And we need your help Woodland's Church. And we need your help getting people out of their grave getting people out of their grave getting people out of their grave clothes. clothes. clothes. He He wasn't too picky about who helped He He wasn't too picky about who helped He He wasn't too picky about who helped Lazarus. And I guarantee you that that Lazarus. And I guarantee you that that Lazarus. And I guarantee you that that was the first time they had ever helped was the first time they had ever helped was the first time they had ever helped someone out of grave clothes, especially someone out of grave clothes, especially someone out of grave clothes, especially a guy who had just been dead. It's not a guy who had just been dead. It's not a guy who had just been dead. It's not about getting comfortable. about getting comfortable. about getting comfortable. It's about getting your hands dirty. It's about getting your hands dirty. It's about getting your hands dirty. It's about getting in the game. It's It's about getting in the game. It's It's about getting in the game. It's about, man, don't just wear the hat. Get about, man, don't just wear the hat. Get about, man, don't just wear the hat. Get on the field.

on the field. on the field. Today, the word passion gets thrown Today, the word passion gets thrown Today, the word passion gets thrown around a lot. And we hear find your around a lot. And we hear find your around a lot. And we hear find your passion. Do what you're passionate passion. Do what you're passionate passion. Do what you're passionate about. That's what's fulfilling. And we about. That's what's fulfilling. And we about. That's what's fulfilling. And we start to confuse, and it comes from a start to confuse, and it comes from a start to confuse, and it comes from a good place. And it's there's some truth good place. And it's there's some truth good place. And it's there's some truth in it. But we start to confuse our in it. But we start to confuse our in it. But we start to confuse our passion for something that we just love passion for something that we just love passion for something that we just love or enjoy or that is easy. or enjoy or that is easy. or enjoy or that is easy. And there are components of that that And there are components of that that And there are components of that that are true. It can obviously be something are true. It can obviously be something are true. It can obviously be something we love or enjoy. But we forget that the we love or enjoy. But we forget that the we love or enjoy. But we forget that the word passion, that's just the Latin word word passion, that's just the Latin word word passion, that's just the Latin word for pain. That's all it is. That's why for pain. That's all it is. That's why for pain. That's all it is. That's why it's called the passion of the Christ. it's called the passion of the Christ. it's called the passion of the Christ. You know, he wasn't just willing to get You know, he wasn't just willing to get You know, he wasn't just willing to get uncomfortable for you. No, he loved you uncomfortable for you. No, he loved you uncomfortable for you. No, he loved you to the greatest extent that he would go to the greatest extent that he would go to the greatest extent that he would go to the greatest pain imaginable because to the greatest pain imaginable because to the greatest pain imaginable because he was that passionate about you. He he was that passionate about you. He he was that passionate about you. He loved you that much. loved you that much. loved you that much. And man, at Woodland's Church, you guys And man, at Woodland's Church, you guys And man, at Woodland's Church, you guys go all out for people. You are go all out for people. You are go all out for people. You are passionate about people. And I'm so passionate about people. And I'm so passionate about people. And I'm so humbled and proud to be a part of this humbled and proud to be a part of this humbled and proud to be a part of this church. I mean, you just saw the video church. I mean, you just saw the video church. I mean, you just saw the video for BBS this week. It was amazing. There for BBS this week. It was amazing. There for BBS this week. It was amazing. There was over 2,200 kids in this room. Just was over 2,200 kids in this room. Just was over 2,200 kids in this room. Just wild. And 450 volunteers. It's one of my wild. And 450 volunteers. It's one of my wild. And 450 volunteers. It's one of my favorite things we do as a church favorite things we do as a church favorite things we do as a church because it's all hands- on deck. You because it's all hands- on deck. You because it's all hands- on deck. You know, it's like the whole no one's know, it's like the whole no one's know, it's like the whole no one's bigger than the program thing. Like bigger than the program thing. Like bigger than the program thing. Like Pastor Andrew, one of our worship Pastor Andrew, one of our worship Pastor Andrew, one of our worship pastors, he's doing skits for pastors, he's doing skits for pastors, he's doing skits for preschoolers. You know, we have all of preschoolers. You know, we have all of preschoolers. You know, we have all of our pastors running around wrangling our pastors running around wrangling our pastors running around wrangling kids and it doesn't matter what your job kids and it doesn't matter what your job kids and it doesn't matter what your job title is or what you do. It's like, man, title is or what you do. It's like, man, title is or what you do. It's like, man, all hands on deck. Let's go.

all hands on deck. Let's go. all hands on deck. Let's go. And it's so unifying and we get to be a And it's so unifying and we get to be a And it's so unifying and we get to be a part of what God's doing because we're part of what God's doing because we're part of what God's doing because we're all united and just, okay, God, we're all united and just, okay, God, we're all united and just, okay, God, we're going to love people. We're going to going to love people. We're going to going to love people. We're going to love these families who are represented love these families who are represented love these families who are represented by these kids. We're going to love on by these kids. We're going to love on by these kids. We're going to love on these kids. We're going to share Christ these kids. We're going to share Christ these kids. We're going to share Christ with them. you know, where where do what with them. you know, where where do what with them. you know, where where do what do you need? What do you need? Where's do you need? What do you need? Where's do you need? What do you need? Where's my where do I jump in? And it was so my where do I jump in? And it was so my where do I jump in? And it was so humbling to see so many parents and humbling to see so many parents and humbling to see so many parents and volunteers just taking time out of their volunteers just taking time out of their volunteers just taking time out of their day, taking time off work just to be day, taking time off work just to be day, taking time off work just to be here for that. And then everybody was here for that. And then everybody was here for that. And then everybody was tearing down the sets and everything tearing down the sets and everything tearing down the sets and everything because at our campuses they have BBS because at our campuses they have BBS because at our campuses they have BBS this week. And so it's like, all right, this week. And so it's like, all right, this week. And so it's like, all right, we got to take this to Atascacita. We we got to take this to Atascacita. We we got to take this to Atascacita. We got to take this to East River downtown. got to take this to East River downtown. got to take this to East River downtown. It's it's just amazing. And Let me tell you though, as anyone And Let me tell you though, as anyone who was here, just because it was who was here, just because it was who was here, just because it was amazing feeling, it wasn't easy. amazing feeling, it wasn't easy. amazing feeling, it wasn't easy. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] We were all exhausted afterwards, but it was so rewarding and fulfilling. but it was so rewarding and fulfilling. As a Christ follower, As a Christ follower, As a Christ follower, it's not that you'll never have any it's not that you'll never have any it's not that you'll never have any pain.

pain. pain. It's not that you'll never go through It's not that you'll never go through It's not that you'll never go through any loss or that you won't have any any loss or that you won't have any any loss or that you won't have any hurt. There'll be times when we all go hurt. There'll be times when we all go hurt. There'll be times when we all go through pain and hurt and problems. through pain and hurt and problems. through pain and hurt and problems. for grief, for grief, for grief, but remember that he is the resurrection but remember that he is the resurrection but remember that he is the resurrection and the life. He is the one that can see and the life. He is the one that can see and the life. He is the one that can see us through no matter what we go through. us through no matter what we go through. us through no matter what we go through. You know, years ago, we made a giant You know, years ago, we made a giant You know, years ago, we made a giant styrofoam tomb on stage for our Easter styrofoam tomb on stage for our Easter styrofoam tomb on stage for our Easter service at church. And I even forget service at church. And I even forget service at church. And I even forget which song we did, but during the climax which song we did, but during the climax which song we did, but during the climax of the service, this really powerful of the service, this really powerful of the service, this really powerful song, I think there was a choir and song, I think there was a choir and song, I think there was a choir and stuff, this styrofoam, and it looked stuff, this styrofoam, and it looked stuff, this styrofoam, and it looked real. This styrofoam stone, just giant real. This styrofoam stone, just giant real. This styrofoam stone, just giant stone rolled away and light shone out of stone rolled away and light shone out of stone rolled away and light shone out of the tomb. And the crescendo of this the tomb. And the crescendo of this the tomb. And the crescendo of this song, one of our tech guys named Steve song, one of our tech guys named Steve song, one of our tech guys named Steve walked out as Jesus. walked out as Jesus. walked out as Jesus. He just had long hair. That's why we He just had long hair. That's why we He just had long hair. That's why we picked him. And and and it was such a picked him. And and and it was such a picked him. And and and it was such a powerful, incredible moment. powerful, incredible moment. powerful, incredible moment. And then we realized though in the first And then we realized though in the first And then we realized though in the first service, it was like, dang, we didn't service, it was like, dang, we didn't service, it was like, dang, we didn't tell Steve what to do after he came out tell Steve what to do after he came out tell Steve what to do after he came out of the tomb.

of the tomb. of the tomb. And so we realized that as he's waving And so we realized that as he's waving And so we realized that as he's waving and everything's kind of coming down and and everything's kind of coming down and and everything's kind of coming down and the symbols are shimmering and stuff and the symbols are shimmering and stuff and the symbols are shimmering and stuff and he just kind of goes he just kind of goes he just kind of goes and just goes right back in the tomb and and just goes right back in the tomb and and just goes right back in the tomb and then it just shut and the lights all then it just shut and the lights all then it just shut and the lights all went off and it was like I don't know if went off and it was like I don't know if went off and it was like I don't know if that was the best visual, you know, for that was the best visual, you know, for that was the best visual, you know, for Easter. So for the next service, we had him walk So for the next service, we had him walk off. off. off. But guys, let me tell you, I'm so glad But guys, let me tell you, I'm so glad But guys, let me tell you, I'm so glad that we have a Jesus who doesn't come that we have a Jesus who doesn't come that we have a Jesus who doesn't come out of the tomb, who doesn't when you out of the tomb, who doesn't when you out of the tomb, who doesn't when you go, "Okay, God, I trust you. I'm just go, "Okay, God, I trust you. I'm just go, "Okay, God, I trust you. I'm just opening it up a little bit." And he opening it up a little bit." And he opening it up a little bit." And he goes, "Whoa, you were right, man. That I goes, "Whoa, you were right, man. That I goes, "Whoa, you were right, man. That I didn't sign up for that. That is that didn't sign up for that. That is that didn't sign up for that. That is that does stink pretty bad. That's more than does stink pretty bad. That's more than does stink pretty bad. That's more than I sign signed up for. I'm going to go I sign signed up for. I'm going to go I sign signed up for. I'm going to go back to the tomb. I'm going back. I'm back to the tomb. I'm going back. I'm back to the tomb. I'm going back. I'm out. out. out. I'm so thankful that he comes right into I'm so thankful that he comes right into I'm so thankful that he comes right into the middle of our mess and he says, the middle of our mess and he says, the middle of our mess and he says, "Yeah, I'm here. I'm here in every "Yeah, I'm here. I'm here in every "Yeah, I'm here. I'm here in every season. I'm here in every season of your season. I'm here in every season of your season. I'm here in every season of your life." Sometimes you can't see that life." Sometimes you can't see that life." Sometimes you can't see that because it's the winter, but spring is because it's the winter, but spring is because it's the winter, but spring is on the way. I promise you, no matter on the way. I promise you, no matter on the way. I promise you, no matter what, you can act with purpose when the what, you can act with purpose when the what, you can act with purpose when the odds are long because no matter what the odds are long because no matter what the odds are long because no matter what the score looks like, the cross has the score looks like, the cross has the score looks like, the cross has the final word.

final word. final word. And that means that we can have a And that means that we can have a And that means that we can have a confident faith. confident faith. confident faith. Would you bow your heads and pray with Would you bow your heads and pray with Would you bow your heads and pray with me? me? me? God, we thank you that you're alive to God, we thank you that you're alive to God, we thank you that you're alive to make all the difference in our life. make all the difference in our life. make all the difference in our life. God, we thank you that God, we thank you that God, we thank you that because of Jesus, we can be confident in because of Jesus, we can be confident in because of Jesus, we can be confident in our faith. And I do ask, Lord, that you our faith. And I do ask, Lord, that you our faith. And I do ask, Lord, that you would just remind us of your presence would just remind us of your presence would just remind us of your presence every moment. every moment. every moment. That you would reveal to us. That you That you would reveal to us. That you That you would reveal to us. That you would give us each and every person who would give us each and every person who would give us each and every person who can hear my voice just a personal can hear my voice just a personal can hear my voice just a personal revelation, Lord. whether it's through revelation, Lord. whether it's through revelation, Lord. whether it's through their pain their pain their pain in the most unexpected places so they in the most unexpected places so they in the most unexpected places so they know you are close that you love them know you are close that you love them know you are close that you love them that you care that you care that you care and for all of us Lord I ask for that and for all of us Lord I ask for that and for all of us Lord I ask for that personal revelation in our lives personal revelation in our lives personal revelation in our lives that revelation of knowing that not only that revelation of knowing that not only that revelation of knowing that not only are you close but you care so deeply and are you close but you care so deeply and are you close but you care so deeply and that you want to resurrect Lord the that you want to resurrect Lord the that you want to resurrect Lord the parts of our lives that seem dead the parts of our lives that seem dead the parts of our lives that seem dead the parts that we're ashamed of parts that we're ashamed of parts that we're ashamed of Lord Lord, that we would have the faith Lord Lord, that we would have the faith Lord Lord, that we would have the faith just to crack open the tomb a little bit just to crack open the tomb a little bit just to crack open the tomb a little bit and shine some hope in and that you and shine some hope in and that you and shine some hope in and that you would do a miracle, Lord, resurrection would do a miracle, Lord, resurrection would do a miracle, Lord, resurrection miracle in our lives. And that my miracle in our lives. And that my miracle in our lives. And that my personal prayer is that everyone here, personal prayer is that everyone here, personal prayer is that everyone here, Lord, as they do that, they would just Lord, as they do that, they would just Lord, as they do that, they would just be overwhelmed with the realization that be overwhelmed with the realization that be overwhelmed with the realization that their church family is here to take their church family is here to take their church family is here to take those grave clothes off them. Man, we're those grave clothes off them. Man, we're those grave clothes off them. Man, we're ready. We want to celebrate with them.

ready. We want to celebrate with them. ready. We want to celebrate with them. God, you are resurrecting lives, [music] God, you are resurrecting lives, [music] God, you are resurrecting lives, [music] relationships, marriages, families here relationships, marriages, families here relationships, marriages, families here at Woodlands Church. And we just ask at Woodlands Church. And we just ask at Woodlands Church. And we just ask you, Holy Spirit, that you would come you, Holy Spirit, that you would come you, Holy Spirit, that you would come and have your way here. and have your way here. and have your way here. Give us the courage to put whatever Give us the courage to put whatever Give us the courage to put whatever little faith we have little faith we have little faith we have on the only one who can perform here. on the only one who can perform here. on the only one who can perform here. And Lord, if there's anyone here who And Lord, if there's anyone here who And Lord, if there's anyone here who hasn't accepted you as their Lord and hasn't accepted you as their Lord and hasn't accepted you as their Lord and Savior, I just ask that they would say Savior, I just ask that they would say Savior, I just ask that they would say this prayer. Maybe that's the this prayer. Maybe that's the this prayer. Maybe that's the revelation, Lord, the resurrection they revelation, Lord, the resurrection they revelation, Lord, the resurrection they need today. They would say, "Lord, okay, I've never admitted it before, but I am I've never admitted it before, but I am now. I'm going to pull back the stone. now. I'm going to pull back the stone. now. I'm going to pull back the stone. I admit that I need a miracle. I need a I admit that I need a miracle. I need a I admit that I need a miracle. I need a resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. I admit that there are things in my life I admit that there are things in my life I admit that there are things in my life that don't smell great, and I'm tired of that don't smell great, and I'm tired of that don't smell great, and I'm tired of hiding it or faking it or trying to hiding it or faking it or trying to hiding it or faking it or trying to figure it out on my own. I'm tired of figure it out on my own. I'm tired of figure it out on my own. I'm tired of managing it. God, I need you, Jesus managing it. God, I need you, Jesus managing it. God, I need you, Jesus Christ. I believe God that you sent your Christ. I believe God that you sent your Christ. I believe God that you sent your son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. That he took the weight of my my sins. That he took the weight of my my sins. That he took the weight of my sin, the punishment for my sin, sin, the punishment for my sin, sin, the punishment for my sin, and that he rose again on the third day.

and that he rose again on the third day. and that he rose again on the third day. And because of that, I am forgiven and I And because of that, I am forgiven and I And because of that, I am forgiven and I have a future in heaven one day. But I have a future in heaven one day. But I have a future in heaven one day. But I also have hope here, Lord. That I'm a also have hope here, Lord. That I'm a also have hope here, Lord. That I'm a new creation here, Lord. Thank you. come into my life and Lord. Thank you. come into my life and help me grow as a Christ follower. Lord, we thank you for the gift of your Lord, we thank you for the gift of your word and we thank you word and we thank you word and we thank you for the life change that we get to see for the life change that we get to see for the life change that we get to see day in and day out here. In your mighty day in and day out here. In your mighty day in and day out here. In your mighty name we pray. Amen. Love you church name we pray. Amen. Love you church name we pray. Amen. Love you church family.