1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:02,360 Well, hello, crossing church. How are you doing this? 2 00:00:02,360 --> 00:00:06,040 Fine. Day It is so good to see you in 3 00:00:06,040 --> 00:00:08,000 the House of the. Lord with the people of the 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:11,640 Lord, and it's going to. Have an impact on your whole. 5 00:00:11,640 --> 00:00:14,000 Week The fact that you've. Been here, that you've invested 6 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:18,680 this time, God is going to redeem that time and he is going 7 00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:22,000 to. Just bless you with it, fill you 8 00:00:22,000 --> 00:00:23,840 up with good things, because that's just the way. 9 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:27,440 He is. And man, I'm thankful to be 10 00:00:27,440 --> 00:00:28,400 here. With you. 11 00:00:28,990 --> 00:00:31,950 Be able to speak to you. From God's word particularly. 12 00:00:31,950 --> 00:00:37,470 Romans before I do that. Last year, Allison and I did a 13 00:00:37,470 --> 00:00:40,350 marriage retreat. And I think we did. 14 00:00:40,350 --> 00:00:43,830 Three in the fall and we did three in the spring and they 15 00:00:43,830 --> 00:00:46,350 were full and so we're doing three more this. 16 00:00:46,350 --> 00:00:48,950 Fall and if you'd like to be a part of that now. 17 00:00:49,070 --> 00:00:50,950 Listen, if you've been married a few months, it's great. 18 00:00:50,950 --> 00:00:52,470 If you've been married 40 years, it's. 19 00:00:52,470 --> 00:00:55,870 Great, because you need tools like we don't want to. 20 00:00:55,870 --> 00:00:58,230 Just a good marriage. We don't even want a great 21 00:00:58,230 --> 00:01:00,190 marriage. You want, like, the very best 22 00:01:00,910 --> 00:01:03,150 marriage that we can? Have and that's what you need. 23 00:01:03,150 --> 00:01:05,470 You need. Good practical tools to be able 24 00:01:05,830 --> 00:01:07,870 to. Experience that and time with. 25 00:01:07,870 --> 00:01:11,430 Each other to explore. That and there's always room for 26 00:01:11,430 --> 00:01:13,350 improvement. Just ask my wife. 27 00:01:13,350 --> 00:01:16,030 There's plenty of room for improvement and. 28 00:01:16,350 --> 00:01:19,430 And we would really enjoy. I don't know. 29 00:01:19,430 --> 00:01:20,830 OK. That it will. 30 00:01:20,910 --> 00:01:23,990 Stop that right now. It was listening. 31 00:01:23,990 --> 00:01:25,790 To me and recording me this kind of weird. 32 00:01:25,790 --> 00:01:29,020 What's going on? With technology today, and if 33 00:01:29,020 --> 00:01:32,380 you're worried about it being at a camp, don't. 34 00:01:32,380 --> 00:01:35,100 Because our marriage. Retreat center is second to 35 00:01:35,100 --> 00:01:36,900 none. I mean, it's like a Marriott. 36 00:01:36,900 --> 00:01:39,540 It's very, very. Nice and you'll really. 37 00:01:39,540 --> 00:01:41,260 Enjoy it. We have great food. 38 00:01:41,500 --> 00:01:44,820 We don't want anything to distract you from what God will 39 00:01:44,820 --> 00:01:45,860 be. Doing in your. 40 00:01:45,860 --> 00:01:49,100 Life so and in your. So really want to encourage you. 41 00:01:49,100 --> 00:01:50,500 To do that you just get on the Q. 42 00:01:50,500 --> 00:01:53,560 R code. That at all of our locations 43 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:55,520 that'd be probably. Where in front of you. 44 00:01:55,520 --> 00:01:58,800 Where your the chairs are. Just scan that and it'll. 45 00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:02,280 Tell you the dates. And get signed up for it. 46 00:02:02,280 --> 00:02:03,720 Why I'm saying that I want to welcome. 47 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:07,720 All of us that are joining from all eleven of our locations, 48 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:10,479 we're so thankful for you if you're inside or online. 49 00:02:10,960 --> 00:02:13,920 We're thankful for you as well, and we can be. 50 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:18,160 One body in Christ, now Romans, is an. 51 00:02:18,160 --> 00:02:22,270 Incredible book, isn't it? I mean, it's incredible. 52 00:02:22,270 --> 00:02:24,750 It's deep. It's strong. 53 00:02:24,750 --> 00:02:26,710 It's. Strong medicine. 54 00:02:26,710 --> 00:02:28,750 It's red meat for the soul, I mean. 55 00:02:28,750 --> 00:02:32,230 Really, really important stuff. There to understand the 56 00:02:32,230 --> 00:02:36,470 mysteries of God and they they're revealed in the book of 57 00:02:36,470 --> 00:02:40,990 Romans and and up to this. Point We've been learning a lot. 58 00:02:42,230 --> 00:02:43,710 God's been. Revealing a lot. 59 00:02:43,710 --> 00:02:46,110 We've been learning a lot, but there's going to come a time, 60 00:02:46,790 --> 00:02:49,590 and that time begins in Romans 12. 61 00:02:50,310 --> 00:02:51,870 Where there needs. To be a response. 62 00:02:52,710 --> 00:02:55,430 We know this about God, that he always initiates. 63 00:02:55,430 --> 00:02:58,750 He's always the one who takes. The first step, or maybe a lot 64 00:02:58,750 --> 00:03:01,670 of first steps, but he never does that. 65 00:03:01,990 --> 00:03:05,710 Without looking for a response, A love response. 66 00:03:06,070 --> 00:03:08,670 The I love you, too. He's always the one. 67 00:03:08,790 --> 00:03:13,750 Who initiates but then he? Wants us to respond to him and 68 00:03:13,750 --> 00:03:18,790 Romans. 12 spells. Out that response you remember. 69 00:03:18,790 --> 00:03:21,850 When Jesus was. Was teaching in the Sermon on 70 00:03:21,850 --> 00:03:25,330 the Mount, and it's in Matthew 5-6 and seven against the very 71 00:03:25,330 --> 00:03:30,770 end of that compelling sermon. And he says a person who 72 00:03:30,770 --> 00:03:33,810 listens. To my words and puts them into. 73 00:03:33,810 --> 00:03:37,530 Practice will be like. Someone who builds his house on 74 00:03:37,530 --> 00:03:41,930 a rock and then he says a person who hears my words and does not 75 00:03:41,930 --> 00:03:44,370 put them into practice. Will be like someone who. 76 00:03:44,370 --> 00:03:47,770 Builds his house on the sand, and then he talks. 77 00:03:47,770 --> 00:03:50,590 About the results of that. And so. 78 00:03:50,950 --> 00:03:53,670 Jesus himself is saying it's not just about. 79 00:03:53,670 --> 00:03:56,310 What you learn not just to hear these words of his. 80 00:03:56,590 --> 00:03:58,190 But then to put. Them into practice. 81 00:03:58,190 --> 00:03:59,470 You need to put them into practice. 82 00:03:59,470 --> 00:04:00,910 And so that's what we're going to. 83 00:04:00,910 --> 00:04:02,790 Do, and there's three ways we're going to do it. 84 00:04:03,550 --> 00:04:07,310 So the 1st way we put God's. Words into practice is 85 00:04:07,310 --> 00:04:11,150 vertically it's we need to understand where we are in our 86 00:04:11,150 --> 00:04:15,870 relationship to God and how we relate to Him. 87 00:04:16,420 --> 00:04:18,899 And what is expectations? Are vertically in this 88 00:04:18,899 --> 00:04:21,260 relationship. Then we want to move. 89 00:04:21,420 --> 00:04:25,860 From that to horizontally to the people around us. 90 00:04:26,140 --> 00:04:29,220 Our brothers and sisters in Christ, the people of the world. 91 00:04:29,220 --> 00:04:32,580 Who don't know Jesus Christ? How do we relate to people? 92 00:04:32,580 --> 00:04:37,020 Horizontally and then thirdly the. 3rd way we're going to. 93 00:04:37,020 --> 00:04:39,780 Look is inwardly and this is the hardest one. 94 00:04:41,020 --> 00:04:42,260 None of us really want to do that. 95 00:04:42,260 --> 00:04:44,100 We don't really want to look inwardly. 96 00:04:44,220 --> 00:04:48,660 We don't want to know that. Truth, but in Romans 12, all 97 00:04:48,660 --> 00:04:50,380 three of those. Things are going to become 98 00:04:50,780 --> 00:04:53,820 apparent to us. So we're going to begin. 99 00:04:53,820 --> 00:04:56,460 With upward and to do. That let's go to. 100 00:04:56,460 --> 00:04:59,860 Romans chapter 12 and we're going to read verses one and 101 00:04:59,860 --> 00:05:02,540 two. This is what it says. 102 00:05:02,940 --> 00:05:06,980 Therefore I urge you, brothers. And sisters in view of God's. 103 00:05:07,420 --> 00:05:11,990 Remember that phrase in view of God's mercy to offer your. 104 00:05:11,990 --> 00:05:16,750 Bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. 105 00:05:17,150 --> 00:05:21,270 This is your true and. Proper worship do not conform to 106 00:05:21,270 --> 00:05:24,950 the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing 107 00:05:24,950 --> 00:05:27,870 of your mind. Then you will be able to test 108 00:05:27,870 --> 00:05:29,550 and. Approve what God's will is his 109 00:05:29,550 --> 00:05:33,030 good, pleasing and. Perfect, Will. 110 00:05:33,030 --> 00:05:37,790 Now there's a lot in those two verses, two small verses, but so 111 00:05:37,790 --> 00:05:40,960 much there. So the first thing that we're 112 00:05:41,080 --> 00:05:42,600 that I see. That jumps out to me. 113 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:45,160 Off the page is that I'm. Supposed to be a living. 114 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:46,920 Now there's something I know about. 115 00:05:46,920 --> 00:05:51,880 Sacrifices biblically, like when you talk about a. 116 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:55,400 Sacrifice in the Bible that usually involves. 117 00:05:56,600 --> 00:06:00,840 What death. That's exactly right. 118 00:06:00,840 --> 00:06:02,080 I heard it. Death. 119 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:05,720 It involves death like. Oh, great, you know. 120 00:06:06,430 --> 00:06:08,870 I'm supposed to be a sacrifice. Aren't you glad he put? 121 00:06:08,870 --> 00:06:09,910 That other word in. Front of it. 122 00:06:10,630 --> 00:06:16,030 Like living sacrifice. Does that really make sense? 123 00:06:12,870 --> 00:06:17,030 Yeah, it's almost like an. How I become? 124 00:06:17,190 --> 00:06:20,270 A living sacrifice. Well, Paul in one of his letters 125 00:06:20,270 --> 00:06:24,870 explained that he said I am crucified with Christ. 126 00:06:24,870 --> 00:06:27,630 It is no longer I. Who live but Christ. 127 00:06:27,630 --> 00:06:30,710 Who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I. 128 00:06:30,710 --> 00:06:33,830 Live to God Who? Loved me and gave himself for 129 00:06:33,830 --> 00:06:35,420 me. So. 130 00:06:35,540 --> 00:06:37,220 That's what I'm. Supposed to do a living 131 00:06:37,220 --> 00:06:42,020 sacrifice is taking. Is a person taking their own 132 00:06:42,020 --> 00:06:44,060 hopes, dreams? Desires, and they're laying 133 00:06:44,060 --> 00:06:45,980 them. Aside so that they can 134 00:06:45,980 --> 00:06:49,340 concentrate on the things that. God wants for them and the 135 00:06:49,340 --> 00:06:52,380 things that God's leading them to, and that is always A. 136 00:06:52,380 --> 00:06:57,540 Good trade, because that's God's upper story and the upper. 137 00:06:57,540 --> 00:07:00,180 Story is an incredible. It's the lower story. 138 00:07:00,750 --> 00:07:02,630 Where all of the. Problems and the pain and the 139 00:07:02,630 --> 00:07:06,870 challenges are and that's where we're making our own decisions, 140 00:07:07,390 --> 00:07:09,830 so I want to. Be a living sacrifice. 141 00:07:10,990 --> 00:07:15,270 And then it says that. Phrase in view of God's mercy. 142 00:07:16,950 --> 00:07:22,430 Have you viewed God's mercy like the 1st 11 chapters of Romans 143 00:07:22,430 --> 00:07:25,960 Really helps us to view. God's mercy. 144 00:07:25,960 --> 00:07:28,640 Like, maybe it should be a question like mercy for what? 145 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:30,880 What do I need mercy for? Well, by the way. 146 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:36,360 That's a really long list, and going through the first part of 147 00:07:36,360 --> 00:07:39,400 Hebrews, you begin to get a. Flavor of it, and I'll just give 148 00:07:39,400 --> 00:07:45,720 you a few right Like you need mercy for being so sinful for 149 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:49,680 being without. Excuse have mercy God for 150 00:07:49,680 --> 00:07:52,680 trading God in for shameful things. 151 00:07:52,680 --> 00:07:56,500 I've done that. And you've done that for 152 00:07:56,500 --> 00:08:00,060 approving of others who do. Those things I've done that for 153 00:08:00,220 --> 00:08:02,340 condemning others we think we're. 154 00:08:02,340 --> 00:08:07,340 Better than when we do the very same things they do for being 155 00:08:07,340 --> 00:08:12,380 stubborn, for being unrepentant, for falling short, for boasting. 156 00:08:12,380 --> 00:08:14,900 When I really. Have nothing to boast about for 157 00:08:14,900 --> 00:08:19,020 not caring about what? Jesus did for me for being just 158 00:08:19,020 --> 00:08:22,960 another part of the problem for acting like slaves to sin. 159 00:08:23,200 --> 00:08:27,560 Even when we've been delivered from that slavery for knowing 160 00:08:27,560 --> 00:08:32,120 it's wrong, when I do wrong things and still doing them for 161 00:08:32,120 --> 00:08:36,080 being so inconsistent and realizing that. 162 00:08:36,159 --> 00:08:40,919 All of us are in the same boat, and that judgment is coming. 163 00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:45,480 Do I need mercy in view of? Do I need? 164 00:08:45,480 --> 00:08:48,960 It yes, I need it, and so do you. 165 00:08:49,920 --> 00:08:52,040 I mean, think about this. I'm up here standing behind a 166 00:08:52,040 --> 00:08:55,240 pulpit, looking so important, talking to thousands of people. 167 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:56,880 And I'm dealing with the very same stuff you're. 168 00:08:56,880 --> 00:09:03,160 Dealing with I'm as inconsistent as you are, we're all just 169 00:09:03,160 --> 00:09:08,040 broken, and we need somebody to give us mercy. 170 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:14,240 All of us do. So what does this Mercy look 171 00:09:14,240 --> 00:09:17,000 like? Well, that's a longer list. 172 00:09:18,400 --> 00:09:20,880 It might be a long list of all the things I'm guilty of. 173 00:09:21,240 --> 00:09:25,200 All the things that I do that I or or I fail to do, but this is 174 00:09:25,200 --> 00:09:28,560 a better list. This is what it looks like. 175 00:09:28,880 --> 00:09:31,960 It looks like God taking. The initiative to repair the 176 00:09:31,960 --> 00:09:34,280 broken relationship with Jesus even. 177 00:09:34,280 --> 00:09:37,080 When I didn't care. Do you know what I call that? 178 00:09:37,360 --> 00:09:39,560 Good news everybody. Say that with me, will you? 179 00:09:40,220 --> 00:09:41,260 Good news? Oh. 180 00:09:41,260 --> 00:09:42,820 Yeah, we need some of that, right? 181 00:09:43,260 --> 00:09:45,660 It looks like we can live in a but. 182 00:09:45,660 --> 00:09:47,780 Now reality, do you remember that from earlier in? 183 00:09:47,780 --> 00:09:51,620 Romans like I was this and I was this and I was, but now I'm 184 00:09:51,620 --> 00:09:54,580 this. You know, like the the old hymn 185 00:09:54,820 --> 00:09:57,980 I was, I once was. Blind but now. 186 00:09:58,540 --> 00:10:00,300 I see. Yeah. 187 00:10:00,300 --> 00:10:03,140 I. Live in a but now reality? 188 00:10:03,620 --> 00:10:07,450 That's awesome. It it it it that's. 189 00:10:07,450 --> 00:10:14,250 Good news, it looks like Jesus gives us this grace for free and 190 00:10:14,250 --> 00:10:18,210 redeems us we have. Nothing to return to him. 191 00:10:19,090 --> 00:10:22,290 That's good news. It looks like Jesus has opened 192 00:10:22,290 --> 00:10:25,010 the gates of grace to literally everybody. 193 00:10:26,410 --> 00:10:28,450 Everybody. Can receive his grace, that's. 194 00:10:28,690 --> 00:10:31,210 Good news, it looks. Like Jesus paid it. 195 00:10:31,210 --> 00:10:34,130 All can I get a? That's good news. 196 00:10:35,630 --> 00:10:38,390 Wow, looks like we have peace. With God. 197 00:10:38,870 --> 00:10:42,790 Good news, it looks like we're safe from God's wrath. 198 00:10:42,990 --> 00:10:46,350 Good news, It looks like through Jesus we have more grace than we 199 00:10:46,350 --> 00:10:49,030 will ever. Need good news? 200 00:10:49,190 --> 00:10:52,430 Looks like my condemnation is. That I I've been given abundant 201 00:10:52,430 --> 00:10:53,990 life. That I'm adopted into God's. 202 00:10:53,990 --> 00:10:57,690 Family, that I'm his child, that God's going to work everything 203 00:10:57,690 --> 00:11:00,410 out. That he has a plan and I'm part 204 00:11:00,610 --> 00:11:02,930 of that. Plan that I've been predestined 205 00:11:03,090 --> 00:11:05,530 and called. And justified and will be 206 00:11:05,530 --> 00:11:07,970 glorified. And who can be against me? 207 00:11:07,970 --> 00:11:11,050 And who can separate me? And death holds no sway on me, 208 00:11:11,050 --> 00:11:14,130 and hardship cannot defeat me. And there's no created thing 209 00:11:14,130 --> 00:11:17,490 that can separate me from God's love because of Jesus. 210 00:11:17,730 --> 00:11:22,340 That is good news. Is that news everybody? 211 00:11:22,340 --> 00:11:25,060 Needs to know. Is that news that everybody 212 00:11:25,060 --> 00:11:30,020 needs to embrace? Certainly that's just verse. 213 00:11:30,020 --> 00:11:34,660 One people, that is verse, one verse. 214 00:11:34,660 --> 00:11:38,860 Two says no longer conform yourself to the pattern of this 215 00:11:38,860 --> 00:11:40,620 world. But be transformed by the 216 00:11:40,620 --> 00:11:44,300 renewing of your mind, not confirmation conformation. 217 00:11:45,900 --> 00:11:50,120 And we all want people to like us, right? 218 00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:52,520 Nobody wants people not to. Like us. 219 00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:54,640 And so there's this natural desire inside of. 220 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:58,800 All of us to be conformed to. Be like everybody else so that 221 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:01,520 everybody else feels. Comfortable around us, But the 222 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:05,520 Apostle Paul says no, don't be conformed. 223 00:12:05,520 --> 00:12:08,720 To the pattern of this. Don't be like everybody else in 224 00:12:08,720 --> 00:12:11,960 the world instead. Be transformed by the renewing 225 00:12:11,960 --> 00:12:14,670 of your mind and. The way that that is. 226 00:12:14,670 --> 00:12:17,270 Designed in its original language and we. 227 00:12:17,270 --> 00:12:20,230 Also see it in the English language is really powerful 228 00:12:21,550 --> 00:12:24,670 because there is. Nobody listening to my voice 229 00:12:24,670 --> 00:12:30,950 right now that has the power to transform no one. 230 00:12:32,510 --> 00:12:34,630 We live in a world. Today, where everybody's trying 231 00:12:34,630 --> 00:12:39,550 to transform but there is nobody that can do that on their own. 232 00:12:39,710 --> 00:12:41,430 There's only one person who has this power. 233 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:45,800 And that is. God Himself through the Holy 234 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:51,520 Spirit and that's why the. Grammar of the sentence is so 235 00:12:51,520 --> 00:12:55,280 important, it says be transformed by the renewing of 236 00:12:55,280 --> 00:12:58,680 your mind, which means you. Can't do this by yourself, but 237 00:12:58,680 --> 00:13:00,920 that's okay. Because the one who has the. 238 00:13:00,920 --> 00:13:07,000 Power to transform is in you and he will accomplish it so even 239 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:09,680 though I fall so far short vertically. 240 00:13:10,260 --> 00:13:13,020 With God I. Have this knowledge in this 241 00:13:13,180 --> 00:13:16,180 promise that because the Holy Spirit is living in me, because 242 00:13:16,180 --> 00:13:18,140 He's living in you. Is that I know that. 243 00:13:18,140 --> 00:13:22,700 He can do this. Work in me of transformation and 244 00:13:22,700 --> 00:13:25,780 my mind can be different. It can be renewed. 245 00:13:28,300 --> 00:13:31,420 And then it talks about proving what God's will is, His good 246 00:13:31,420 --> 00:13:34,060 perfect will. And you know what this is? 247 00:13:34,100 --> 00:13:36,140 This Is Us. Coming into alignment with the 248 00:13:36,140 --> 00:13:39,190 upper story. This Is Us saying I'm not going 249 00:13:39,190 --> 00:13:40,630 to. Live down here in this lower 250 00:13:40,630 --> 00:13:42,670 story anymore. I'm going to keep my eyes. 251 00:13:42,670 --> 00:13:45,590 Up and I'm going to look at the. Upper story, because that's 252 00:13:45,590 --> 00:13:47,590 where all the good things are, that's where. 253 00:13:47,590 --> 00:13:51,110 God is. I'm coming into alignment with 254 00:13:51,110 --> 00:13:53,670 that upper. Story So this. 255 00:13:53,670 --> 00:13:56,950 Is how I fight my battles. This is how I worship. 256 00:13:57,550 --> 00:14:03,390 This is how I prove who he is. That's my. 257 00:14:03,390 --> 00:14:06,870 Vertical relationship, but then it moves. 258 00:14:06,870 --> 00:14:11,290 From there to outwardly or horizontally. 259 00:14:11,290 --> 00:14:14,250 So you move from the. Vertical to the horizontal so. 260 00:14:14,290 --> 00:14:16,970 If all that's going on vertically, how does that affect 261 00:14:17,210 --> 00:14:20,810 my outward reality? You remember when Jesus? 262 00:14:20,810 --> 00:14:23,250 Was asked by a lawyer. What's the greatest commandment? 263 00:14:24,530 --> 00:14:27,090 And this is what he said. He said to love the Lord your 264 00:14:27,090 --> 00:14:29,090 God with all your heart. Soul, mind and strength. 265 00:14:29,890 --> 00:14:32,450 And the second is like unto it, which means it's really kind of 266 00:14:32,450 --> 00:14:35,130 1A and 1B to love your neighbor as. 267 00:14:35,130 --> 00:14:39,200 Yourself, right? Means those two things can't 268 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:41,280 really be. They go together. 269 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:44,920 How can I love God? And not love my neighbor. 270 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:49,840 How can I love my neighbor adequately without being 271 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:51,520 empowered? With a love for God. 272 00:14:51,600 --> 00:14:54,360 And from God. Both of those things were 273 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,440 together. As a matter of fact, Jesus said 274 00:14:56,600 --> 00:15:00,160 all of the law and all of the prophets are summed up. 275 00:15:00,520 --> 00:15:04,520 In this one statement, well, that's pretty powerful. 276 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:08,400 So how do I do that? How do I accomplish? 277 00:15:08,400 --> 00:15:10,440 That well? It's in the third verse. 278 00:15:11,080 --> 00:15:14,360 Let's read it together. It says for by the grace given. 279 00:15:14,360 --> 00:15:19,000 Me, I say to everyone of you, do not think of yourself more 280 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:23,400 highly than you ought, but rather think of. 281 00:15:23,400 --> 00:15:26,520 Yourself with sober judgment in accordance. 282 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:29,760 With the faith God has distributed to each of you. 283 00:15:30,480 --> 00:15:34,600 Now that's just a nice way of saying you need humility. 284 00:15:34,600 --> 00:15:38,090 I need humility. Don't think more. 285 00:15:38,090 --> 00:15:41,090 Highly of yourself than you ought, but with sober. 286 00:15:41,610 --> 00:15:45,890 That's humility. And that's where our outward. 287 00:15:45,890 --> 00:15:49,890 Relationships really need to begin with an attitude of 288 00:15:49,890 --> 00:15:53,570 humility. I have to have humility to 289 00:15:53,570 --> 00:15:58,450 understand that I am just a part of God's. 290 00:15:58,450 --> 00:16:02,370 Incredible plan to bring his. Lost children home Now I fit 291 00:16:02,370 --> 00:16:03,210 into. That plan. 292 00:16:04,030 --> 00:16:08,070 And you fit into that plan, but you aren't the whole plan and I 293 00:16:08,070 --> 00:16:10,510 think sometimes. We kind of get this in our head 294 00:16:10,830 --> 00:16:13,310 that we are the. We're the whole plan. 295 00:16:14,030 --> 00:16:15,710 No, we're just. Part of that. 296 00:16:15,990 --> 00:16:20,750 Whole plan Now this is a great weekend for Allison and I 297 00:16:20,750 --> 00:16:22,750 because. This weekend we're celebrating 298 00:16:23,190 --> 00:16:26,070 our. 25th anniversary this. Weekend of being at the 299 00:16:26,070 --> 00:16:27,950 Crossing. This is exactly 25. 300 00:16:27,950 --> 00:16:31,630 Years this weekend. Praise God for that. 301 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:39,200 And when we came here and those who were. 302 00:16:39,200 --> 00:16:41,040 Here at that time can attest to this we. 303 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:44,480 Had no idea what. God was up to and we had no idea 304 00:16:44,720 --> 00:16:50,400 how we would fit into that. But you and I and others that 305 00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:54,480 have gone before us, we have witnessed incredible things that 306 00:16:54,520 --> 00:16:59,160 only God. Could do and the beautiful. 307 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:01,480 Thing is. That he would do all. 308 00:17:01,480 --> 00:17:03,920 Those things. And choose us. 309 00:17:04,319 --> 00:17:09,119 To be a part to take us along. With him to experience that 310 00:17:09,119 --> 00:17:12,680 wonderful ride, let me just tell. 311 00:17:12,680 --> 00:17:16,599 You how wonderful it is. I was doing some numbers on 312 00:17:16,599 --> 00:17:22,800 Monday at home and since 2000 and. 6:00 So we. 313 00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:25,280 Came in 1998. That's 25 years in August. 314 00:17:25,280 --> 00:17:29,640 The 90. 8 and. I don't have the numbers from 315 00:17:29,640 --> 00:17:36,240 9899, 2002, 1001, two. 3-4 and five but from 2006 till. 316 00:17:36,680 --> 00:17:47,120 The end of 2022, we've baptized 10,000 people. 10,000 people. 317 00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:56,360 Not just OK, how'd that happen? How in the world did that 318 00:17:56,360 --> 00:17:58,560 happen? Because, you know you're not 319 00:17:58,560 --> 00:18:00,280 that good. And I'm not. 320 00:18:00,280 --> 00:18:02,440 That good? And this church is not that 321 00:18:02,440 --> 00:18:04,200 good. I mean, we're all a bunch of 322 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:09,880 messed up people, right? How in the world could that 323 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:11,880 number, and it's actually a larger? 324 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:14,680 Number than that, how could that even be true? 325 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:20,080 Do you think for one minute that any of us should get any credit 326 00:18:20,080 --> 00:18:23,150 for a number like that? Absolutely not. 327 00:18:23,350 --> 00:18:26,710 There were countless listen opportunities, relationships, 328 00:18:26,710 --> 00:18:31,190 conversations, circumstances, ministries and the roads that 329 00:18:31,190 --> 00:18:36,030 God had plowed for years that people have been praying for for 330 00:18:36,030 --> 00:18:41,150 years to make that happen. But it was everyone. 331 00:18:41,150 --> 00:18:45,230 Operating as the body of Christ doing their part. 332 00:18:53,890 --> 00:18:48,030 Amen. And ultimately, it was all Jesus 333 00:18:48,190 --> 00:18:50,950 and Jesus only who should receive the glory. 334 00:18:55,810 --> 00:18:59,770 But we are His body and he works through us. 335 00:18:59,770 --> 00:19:02,370 That's what it says in verses 4 to 8. 336 00:19:02,730 --> 00:19:06,970 For just as each of us has. One body with many members, and 337 00:19:06,970 --> 00:19:10,010 these members do not all have the same functions. 338 00:19:10,010 --> 00:19:14,250 So in Christ. We though many form one body and 339 00:19:14,250 --> 00:19:16,210 each member belongs to all the others. 340 00:19:16,410 --> 00:19:18,490 We have different gifts according to the. 341 00:19:18,490 --> 00:19:22,390 Grace given to each of us. And if your gift is prophesying, 342 00:19:22,630 --> 00:19:24,790 then prophesy in accordance with your faith. 343 00:19:25,230 --> 00:19:28,670 If it is serving then serve. It if it is teaching, then teach 344 00:19:28,870 --> 00:19:31,030 if it is to encourage. Then give encouragement. 345 00:19:31,470 --> 00:19:33,910 If it is giving, then give generously. 346 00:19:34,470 --> 00:19:36,550 If it is to lead, do it diligently. 347 00:19:37,110 --> 00:19:40,430 If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 348 00:19:41,950 --> 00:19:46,190 That's how it works. You see, this is what. 349 00:19:46,190 --> 00:19:48,710 We were meant for this is what we were designed. 350 00:19:49,910 --> 00:19:55,070 And listen to me here we. Not only belong to God, we 351 00:19:55,070 --> 00:20:01,710 belong to each other, and we are empowered by God to accomplish 352 00:20:01,710 --> 00:20:04,230 far more. Together than we could ever. 353 00:20:04,230 --> 00:20:06,590 Accomplish apart. That's one of the core. 354 00:20:06,590 --> 00:20:09,150 Values at the at the crossing to understand. 355 00:20:09,150 --> 00:20:11,750 That we always accomplish more together than we could. 356 00:20:11,790 --> 00:20:17,870 Ever accomplish apart. Now I know that there are people 357 00:20:18,520 --> 00:20:20,600 who don't think that they need to be part of a body. 358 00:20:20,600 --> 00:20:23,320 Or a church to be what God wants. 359 00:20:23,320 --> 00:20:25,600 Them to be. But listen to me, they're wrong. 360 00:20:27,120 --> 00:20:30,680 And I know what how some people can get spun out because of. 361 00:20:30,680 --> 00:20:34,600 Quote UN quote the Church. But listen, the problem with 362 00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:38,400 churches isn't the church. The problem with churches are 363 00:20:38,400 --> 00:20:44,640 the people in them, and you're one of them, right? 364 00:20:44,640 --> 00:20:46,640 Because the church is full of messed up people. 365 00:20:46,920 --> 00:20:49,320 And you're a messed up person and everybody else is a messed 366 00:20:49,320 --> 00:20:51,840 up person and we get frustrated with messed up people. 367 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:53,960 I don't know why, because we're you're messed up. 368 00:20:55,200 --> 00:20:57,280 We're all messed up people and we go, I don't like that church 369 00:20:57,280 --> 00:20:59,840 because you know. It it didn't do anything. 370 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:04,160 They did right. But hey, you're in the same 371 00:21:04,160 --> 00:21:05,480 thing. You've done the same thing. 372 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:09,320 I've done the same thing. We need each other. 373 00:21:09,320 --> 00:21:10,960 We operate as a. Body because you're let. 374 00:21:11,240 --> 00:21:13,080 Me Tell you something, I'm 63 years old. 375 00:21:14,200 --> 00:21:16,720 Is everything in total. Cooperation right now in my 376 00:21:16,720 --> 00:21:23,560 body. The short answer to that is no. 377 00:21:25,320 --> 00:21:26,640 I was talking to Clayton. Last week. 378 00:21:26,640 --> 00:21:28,880 And he goes, man, this being over 40, I go, you don't know. 379 00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:32,320 Anything, man. Dude. 380 00:21:33,080 --> 00:21:35,880 Yeah, it doesn't mean the whole body is always cooperating like 381 00:21:35,880 --> 00:21:40,560 it ought to, but we were designed to operate as a body 382 00:21:40,640 --> 00:21:45,690 together. Do we? 383 00:21:45,890 --> 00:21:50,450 Do we? Have that inside of us, you see, 384 00:21:50,530 --> 00:21:53,330 John said. We can't say we love God who. 385 00:21:53,330 --> 00:21:56,450 We've never seen unless we love the people around us whom we 386 00:21:56,450 --> 00:22:00,130 have seen so. There has to be this horizontal 387 00:22:00,330 --> 00:22:02,490 and the horizontal. Empowers the vertical, and the 388 00:22:02,490 --> 00:22:04,250 vertical empowers the horizontal. 389 00:22:04,250 --> 00:22:07,330 But now we get to the final one, and it's the one I'm kind of 390 00:22:07,330 --> 00:22:11,830 dreading, and that's the inward one, because the Holy Spirit, 391 00:22:11,830 --> 00:22:14,150 through the words of Paul, places us. 392 00:22:14,350 --> 00:22:18,510 In front of the mirror and says it's time to look inward. 393 00:22:18,950 --> 00:22:21,110 I don't know about you, but mirrors are my enemy. 394 00:22:22,310 --> 00:22:25,990 Are mirrors your enemy? I have a full length. 395 00:22:25,990 --> 00:22:28,110 Mirror In our bedroom we have a full length mirror I. 396 00:22:28,110 --> 00:22:32,630 Avoid it, I avoid. That mirror like like there was 397 00:22:32,630 --> 00:22:36,430 a time I would look in the mirror and I go okay and now I 398 00:22:36,430 --> 00:22:39,790 only want to look there. What is the problem with looking 399 00:22:39,790 --> 00:22:41,570 in the mirror? But what it's? 400 00:22:41,570 --> 00:22:43,610 Something inside your brain. Something inside my brain. 401 00:22:44,050 --> 00:22:46,450 Is it true that when you look in the mirror, what you? 402 00:22:46,450 --> 00:22:48,650 See are all the things that are wrong. 403 00:22:52,810 --> 00:22:54,210 That's why we don't want to look in the mirror. 404 00:22:54,210 --> 00:22:56,050 At least that's why I don't want to, because I don't want to be 405 00:22:56,050 --> 00:22:59,050 reminded of all the things. That are wrong and we live. 406 00:22:59,050 --> 00:23:01,370 In this society today where it's like, well, you got your. 407 00:23:01,730 --> 00:23:02,850 And I've got my truth. But. 408 00:23:03,090 --> 00:23:06,610 You know what the mirror does? It's just the truth. 409 00:23:09,470 --> 00:23:11,350 But the mirror? Is not the worst thing that's in 410 00:23:11,350 --> 00:23:13,150 your house. There's something worse that's 411 00:23:13,150 --> 00:23:17,070 more against you than your mirror, and that is the scales. 412 00:23:17,110 --> 00:23:22,470 Amen. The scales are way way. 413 00:23:22,470 --> 00:23:26,630 Worse than the mirror, How many of you? 414 00:23:28,910 --> 00:23:30,270 How many of you have? Scales at home. 415 00:23:30,270 --> 00:23:32,470 But then when you go to the doctor's office, you always 416 00:23:32,470 --> 00:23:34,990 weigh more at the doctor's office that you do on your 417 00:23:34,990 --> 00:23:38,590 scales at home. What is wrong? 418 00:23:40,470 --> 00:23:41,590 It's terrible. I was. 419 00:23:41,590 --> 00:23:42,830 Just at the doctor. Not too long. 420 00:23:42,830 --> 00:23:47,070 Ago and they had these scales and it was like, it wasn't like. 421 00:23:47,070 --> 00:23:49,350 Scales normally I guess. It's for like some people would 422 00:23:49,350 --> 00:23:51,870 be in a wheelchair that could get up there on scales, but it 423 00:23:51,870 --> 00:23:54,430 was like. A truck is it was like going to 424 00:23:54,430 --> 00:23:57,670 the to the weigh station, you know, it's like. 425 00:23:58,030 --> 00:23:59,670 Really. Like literally like should I 426 00:23:59,830 --> 00:24:01,870 should I should I do this backward? 427 00:24:01,870 --> 00:24:07,150 And go beep beep beep. So I got on the scale. 428 00:24:07,760 --> 00:24:10,800 And you know, it's like. It's like it's reading your 429 00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:12,000 fortune, you know? It's like this thing. 430 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:14,440 You're just waiting, you know? It's doing this like, blinkly. 431 00:24:14,440 --> 00:24:17,080 Blinkly blink and then it's going to tell you the truth. 432 00:24:18,160 --> 00:24:20,000 The truth. You don't want to deal with. 433 00:24:21,360 --> 00:24:23,080 And then? And then it told me the truth. 434 00:24:23,080 --> 00:24:25,480 But listen, this was the scale was incredible. 435 00:24:25,920 --> 00:24:32,400 It was in kilos. And I don't know how to convert 436 00:24:32,400 --> 00:24:35,680 kilos into pounds. And I saw the number. 437 00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:38,200 And I go I haven't weighed that little since junior high. 438 00:24:38,360 --> 00:24:43,200 This is great. That's absolutely true. 439 00:24:45,560 --> 00:24:51,040 I don't like that but. You know that's the reality, so 440 00:24:51,480 --> 00:24:56,480 you get to verse. Nine in Romans 12, and he starts 441 00:24:57,160 --> 00:25:00,040 hitting you with the truth. Hitting me with the truth. 442 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:05,110 And every one of these. Is worse than the scales. 443 00:25:05,790 --> 00:25:11,070 Every one of these is worse than a mirror. 1st when he says his 444 00:25:11,070 --> 00:25:18,190 love must be sincere, must be. I mean, we throw that. 445 00:25:18,190 --> 00:25:19,670 Word love around a lot, don't we? 446 00:25:19,670 --> 00:25:21,150 Well, I love that and I love this. 447 00:25:21,150 --> 00:25:22,270 And Oh yeah, I love those people. 448 00:25:22,270 --> 00:25:23,470 Are those people? Yeah. 449 00:25:27,070 --> 00:25:30,470 But is it? Sincere man. 450 00:25:30,470 --> 00:25:33,540 A lot of times I'll throw that word around and I'm not being 451 00:25:33,540 --> 00:25:36,300 sincere with it at all. I bet that's the truth with you 452 00:25:36,340 --> 00:25:38,980 as well. Then it says hate what is evil 453 00:25:40,060 --> 00:25:41,340 You. Know, there's a lot of times I 454 00:25:41,340 --> 00:25:47,220 don't necessarily hate. Maybe I just don't. 455 00:25:42,380 --> 00:25:44,780 Maybe I dislike it, but I don't. I mean, it's a strong word. 456 00:25:47,220 --> 00:25:49,020 Like it? Maybe I don't even have, like, 457 00:25:49,020 --> 00:25:50,860 an opinion. Maybe I just tolerate it. 458 00:25:51,340 --> 00:25:56,100 Maybe I'm actually kind of leaning into things like that. 459 00:25:57,220 --> 00:26:01,660 Evil things, it says. Cling to what is good. 460 00:26:05,390 --> 00:26:08,550 We live in a society. Today that makes makes fun of 461 00:26:08,550 --> 00:26:13,030 what is good. Am I clean to it? 462 00:26:13,070 --> 00:26:15,230 Am I throwing my arms around and say I'm not going? 463 00:26:15,230 --> 00:26:17,590 To let go. Of the things that are good, 464 00:26:17,830 --> 00:26:20,310 it's just be devoted to one another in love. 465 00:26:20,350 --> 00:26:25,950 Well, you know, devoted. That's a strong word. 466 00:26:27,470 --> 00:26:29,630 Would I? Would I say I'm devoted to 467 00:26:29,670 --> 00:26:31,670 others? With my love. 468 00:26:32,020 --> 00:26:35,620 Just honor one others above yourselves. 469 00:26:38,020 --> 00:26:41,380 Do I do that? Do I do? 470 00:26:41,380 --> 00:26:45,860 That all the time never be lacking in zeal, but keep your 471 00:26:45,860 --> 00:26:50,540 spiritual fervor. Do I ever lack passion for God? 472 00:26:52,380 --> 00:26:56,420 Do you? Are you phoning it in sometimes 473 00:26:56,420 --> 00:27:00,460 like I do. Then it says, Am I joyful in 474 00:27:00,460 --> 00:27:04,360 hope? If that's true, somebody needs 475 00:27:04,360 --> 00:27:07,920 to tell my face that, because sometimes I don't look very 476 00:27:07,920 --> 00:27:11,400 joyful and I don't look very hopeful a lot of times. 477 00:27:11,400 --> 00:27:16,480 Actually, am I patient in affliction or am I saying? 478 00:27:16,480 --> 00:27:18,280 God, why is this happening to me? 479 00:27:20,640 --> 00:27:28,360 Am I faithful in prayer? Am I generous with those who are 480 00:27:28,360 --> 00:27:33,920 in need? Is my home open and available? 481 00:27:34,080 --> 00:27:38,640 My practicing hospitality? Do I return blessing when I'm 482 00:27:38,640 --> 00:27:44,640 attacked? Do I match emotions with others? 483 00:27:45,040 --> 00:27:47,920 But do I weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who 484 00:27:47,920 --> 00:27:50,160 rejoice? OK, stop. 485 00:27:50,280 --> 00:27:52,840 I just need to stop. There's more on that list, but I 486 00:27:52,840 --> 00:27:55,200 just need to stop because the truth is I'm. 487 00:27:55,200 --> 00:28:01,600 Failing at every single one of these things, and I bet you are. 488 00:28:01,920 --> 00:28:09,400 But then I remember Romans chapter 3 where Paul said for 489 00:28:09,400 --> 00:28:14,360 all have. Sinned and fall short of the 490 00:28:14,360 --> 00:28:17,360 glory of God. Past tense all have sinned, you 491 00:28:17,360 --> 00:28:20,800 know and fall short. Present tense, present active, 492 00:28:20,800 --> 00:28:23,880 indicative. Right now, listen, I'm up here. 493 00:28:24,120 --> 00:28:26,040 I'm preaching to you. Right out of the word of God and 494 00:28:26,040 --> 00:28:26,640 hold it. Right here. 495 00:28:26,640 --> 00:28:27,680 And read it right out of the book. 496 00:28:28,510 --> 00:28:31,310 And I'm falling short. Even as I do this right now, I'm 497 00:28:31,310 --> 00:28:32,350 falling short. And you? 498 00:28:32,350 --> 00:28:35,310 Certainly are where you are. Right now we are all falling 499 00:28:35,310 --> 00:28:37,310 short. And The thing is, God knows that 500 00:28:37,310 --> 00:28:39,190 about you. And that's. 501 00:28:39,190 --> 00:28:44,430 The thing about the love of God. Is that he knows who you are and 502 00:28:44,430 --> 00:28:50,310 still loves you anyway, but he loves you enough to not leave 503 00:28:50,310 --> 00:28:54,830 you that way. That he will challenge you. 504 00:28:54,830 --> 00:28:58,150 He will put you in front of the. Mirror and he'll say, Come on 505 00:28:58,150 --> 00:29:00,150 now, take. A hard look at yourself what 506 00:29:00,150 --> 00:29:01,590 needs to. Happen and you know it. 507 00:29:01,830 --> 00:29:05,310 You know, we come to decision times at the crossing and we. 508 00:29:05,310 --> 00:29:08,590 Pray and and that's still. Small voice starts talking to 509 00:29:08,590 --> 00:29:11,030 you, right? Like, how about this? 510 00:29:11,830 --> 00:29:13,350 We need to do something with this. 511 00:29:14,190 --> 00:29:17,670 Let's, let's let's. Work on this one today, because 512 00:29:17,670 --> 00:29:18,870 that's God. Loving you and. 513 00:29:18,870 --> 00:29:22,870 He's loving me that. Way and it shows me. 514 00:29:24,040 --> 00:29:32,440 I need his mercy. I can't get by without both. 515 00:29:25,360 --> 00:29:29,360 I still need his mercy, and I desperately need his. 516 00:29:32,440 --> 00:29:36,840 His mercy and His grace. Now the. 517 00:29:36,840 --> 00:29:43,360 Chapter ends with Romans 12/21 and it says do not be overcome 518 00:29:43,360 --> 00:29:47,240 by evil but overcome evil with good. 519 00:29:54,510 --> 00:29:58,990 So I get on my Twitter feed and I start reading. 520 00:30:01,230 --> 00:30:03,030 And it's. Showing me a picture of the 521 00:30:03,030 --> 00:30:07,470 state of the world. State of America, State of 522 00:30:07,470 --> 00:30:11,590 Politics, State of basically everything. 523 00:30:13,350 --> 00:30:16,390 And and what do I see? I just see evil. 524 00:30:17,710 --> 00:30:20,270 I just see. Evil and more evil and more 525 00:30:20,270 --> 00:30:24,380 evil. Do you see that? 526 00:30:25,740 --> 00:30:37,980 And then it affects me. Affects my attitude. 527 00:30:34,540 --> 00:30:39,580 It affects me, affects my. Affects my outlook. 528 00:30:40,180 --> 00:30:45,980 Takes away my joy. Reigns on My hope, right? 529 00:30:47,060 --> 00:30:52,650 What does it say there? Do not be overcome by evil. 530 00:30:54,210 --> 00:30:57,450 I'm blowing it right there. Maybe I should just shut that 531 00:30:57,450 --> 00:31:00,930 feed off? I'm blowing it right there, but 532 00:31:00,930 --> 00:31:05,370 then it says what I should. Do instead of letting evil. 533 00:31:05,370 --> 00:31:09,010 Overcome me, I should overcome evil with good. 534 00:31:09,970 --> 00:31:13,130 How do I do that? There's so much evil in this 535 00:31:13,130 --> 00:31:15,810 world, God. How do I do that? 536 00:31:21,050 --> 00:31:23,530 You know when we band together as brothers and sisters in 537 00:31:23,530 --> 00:31:28,010 Christ, and then we reach. Out into our communities, reach 538 00:31:28,010 --> 00:31:31,250 out into our relationships, family. 539 00:31:31,250 --> 00:31:32,930 And friends. And we start talking about 540 00:31:33,050 --> 00:31:35,330 Jesus. We start talking about life. 541 00:31:36,130 --> 00:31:38,090 You realize what's happening, don't you? 542 00:31:39,610 --> 00:31:42,050 You're overcoming evil with good. 543 00:31:43,730 --> 00:31:46,130 You may remember the story of the rich young ruler that came 544 00:31:46,130 --> 00:31:47,010 to Jesus. And he. 545 00:31:47,490 --> 00:31:49,610 And when he approached him, he said, good master. 546 00:31:49,970 --> 00:31:52,090 And then Jesus stopped him right there, and he goes, Why do you 547 00:31:52,090 --> 00:31:53,770 call me? There's no one good but God 548 00:31:53,770 --> 00:31:56,610 alone. What he was actually saying was 549 00:31:56,610 --> 00:31:58,810 what? Yeah, you're right. 550 00:31:58,810 --> 00:32:01,330 I am good and it and it's because I'm God. 551 00:32:04,730 --> 00:32:10,770 Is there anything that can turn evil away, that can dispel the 552 00:32:10,770 --> 00:32:13,770 darkness, that can break the whole that? 553 00:32:13,770 --> 00:32:18,490 Satan has on this world, but a world hearing the good news of 554 00:32:18,490 --> 00:32:21,410 who Jesus is. And then that. 555 00:32:21,410 --> 00:32:27,130 Way evil is overcome with good. And that's a message you've got. 556 00:32:27,490 --> 00:32:29,970 And that's a message that I've got today. 557 00:32:31,410 --> 00:32:34,290 Yeah, I I failed this miserably but. 558 00:32:34,330 --> 00:32:38,890 Listen to me, Jesus doesn't. He's never has and he never 559 00:32:38,890 --> 00:32:41,450 will. He was so good that he was able 560 00:32:41,450 --> 00:32:45,770 to come overcome all evil. In one event, in one moment. 561 00:32:46,130 --> 00:32:51,470 Jesus put death to sin. And and and to death itself. 562 00:32:51,870 --> 00:32:55,310 And brought life to all who would receive him by faith. 563 00:32:55,750 --> 00:32:59,950 And he turned a world full of failures into a family of 564 00:32:59,950 --> 00:33:03,630 conquerors. Now there's a lot of evil to. 565 00:33:03,630 --> 00:33:08,230 Overcome in this world with good and that means there's lots of 566 00:33:08,230 --> 00:33:12,910 work to do. And God needs his body working 567 00:33:12,910 --> 00:33:16,600 together more. Now than ever before, let me ask 568 00:33:16,600 --> 00:33:17,720 you a question. You think there's? 569 00:33:17,720 --> 00:33:20,200 Another 10,000 out there that need. 570 00:33:20,200 --> 00:33:23,320 To come into an intimate. Personal Relationship with Jesus 571 00:33:23,320 --> 00:33:26,000 Christ and Can You Be Part? Of that plan to make. 572 00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:31,120 That happen, It's been over 16 years since there's been a 573 00:33:31,120 --> 00:33:34,320 weekend at the crossing where we didn't witness a baptism. 574 00:33:34,560 --> 00:33:39,440 Over. 16 years and in 16 years from now I'm going to be 79 575 00:33:39,600 --> 00:33:42,080 years old. And I won't be bleeding. 576 00:33:42,080 --> 00:33:44,680 Anything probably you know? When I come up here, if I'm 577 00:33:44,680 --> 00:33:48,050 still alive. But I I tell you what I would 578 00:33:48,050 --> 00:33:53,410 like for somebody standing on this stage to say it's been 32 579 00:33:53,410 --> 00:33:57,010 years since we didn't have a weekend where. 580 00:33:57,010 --> 00:34:00,410 Somebody was given his life. Or her life to Jesus Christ? 581 00:34:00,410 --> 00:34:04,090 Being buried and raised to walk in newness of life. 582 00:34:04,090 --> 00:34:05,850 I want you to think about that as we. 583 00:34:05,850 --> 00:34:13,900 Move to a time of decision. Praise the Lord, but listen. 584 00:34:14,020 --> 00:34:16,580 There's people in this room right now who don't have an 585 00:34:16,580 --> 00:34:19,139 intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 586 00:34:19,139 --> 00:34:20,699 And I'm not talking about religion. 587 00:34:22,219 --> 00:34:26,100 You may be all very religious. I'm not talking about pedigree. 588 00:34:26,580 --> 00:34:28,860 You may be related to a lot. Of people who had a lot of 589 00:34:28,860 --> 00:34:30,980 religion. I'm just talking about you. 590 00:34:33,020 --> 00:34:34,500 Just talking about you. You. 591 00:34:34,820 --> 00:34:42,409 Just you. When God looks at you, you only 592 00:34:42,409 --> 00:34:46,020 sees he sees a little lost child. 593 00:34:53,139 --> 00:34:57,220 When I was a kid, malls were a big deal. 594 00:34:57,260 --> 00:35:00,100 They're starting to go away now, but malls used. 595 00:35:00,100 --> 00:35:01,660 To be a big deal. And there's a lot of things to 596 00:35:01,660 --> 00:35:03,780 see in the mall. Boy, if you're a little kid, a 597 00:35:04,220 --> 00:35:06,460 lot of. Distractions in the mall and I 598 00:35:06,460 --> 00:35:09,460 remember my mom and dad said, listen, if you ever. 599 00:35:09,460 --> 00:35:12,500 Get separated from us. What do you do? 600 00:35:14,060 --> 00:35:16,020 They said. Stand right where you are. 601 00:35:16,820 --> 00:35:20,150 We'll find you. You just stay right where you 602 00:35:20,150 --> 00:35:23,110 are. Don't move and we'll find you. 603 00:35:27,190 --> 00:35:29,430 I don't care how far you have strayed away. 604 00:35:30,110 --> 00:35:34,870 From God, I don't care how lost you are. 605 00:35:34,870 --> 00:35:38,750 I don't know if you spell that with all capital letters, but 606 00:35:38,750 --> 00:35:40,070 you just stay right where you are. 607 00:35:41,030 --> 00:35:48,000 Right now, in this moment, because he will find you and 608 00:35:48,000 --> 00:35:51,560 he's been looking. For you like that father and 609 00:35:51,560 --> 00:35:54,240 the. Prodigal son who recognized his 610 00:35:54,240 --> 00:35:56,240 son. Even though he was nearly 611 00:35:56,240 --> 00:35:59,080 starved to death and disheveled coming over that hill. 612 00:36:00,400 --> 00:36:05,920 And he ran to him. There's a spot right over there, 613 00:36:05,920 --> 00:36:08,480 hallowed ground right over there by that baptistry. 614 00:36:08,480 --> 00:36:12,920 And there'll be somebody. Over there, if you've never made 615 00:36:13,200 --> 00:36:15,760 a decision to have an intimate, personal relationship of crap 616 00:36:15,760 --> 00:36:19,140 with Christ, the water's warm. We got a change of clothes. 617 00:36:19,300 --> 00:36:20,980 You may look. Weird when you come up out of 618 00:36:20,980 --> 00:36:23,380 the water for a little bit, but we've got blow dryers. 619 00:36:23,380 --> 00:36:25,100 And curling irons and everything else you need. 620 00:36:27,980 --> 00:36:31,300 Take a step. Take a step for Jesus. 621 00:36:31,300 --> 00:36:33,140 Christ, right now. He's right here, right now. 622 00:36:33,340 --> 00:36:36,180 You're right here, right now. This is the time. 623 00:36:40,020 --> 00:36:43,820 Simon Peter, early in the book of Acts, concluded a ceremony. 624 00:36:43,820 --> 00:36:47,770 Says Now is the appointed time. Today is the day of salvation. 625 00:36:48,130 --> 00:36:51,290 Stop kicking the. Tires and light the fires, for 626 00:36:51,290 --> 00:36:55,010 goodness sake. It's time if you're here today 627 00:36:55,010 --> 00:36:57,530 and you already have a relationship with Jesus Christ. 628 00:36:58,650 --> 00:37:02,250 That doesn't mean that you're not hurt, that you're not 629 00:37:02,250 --> 00:37:04,810 struggling. And you're still trying to 630 00:37:04,810 --> 00:37:07,450 manage things on your own, and that's why these steps are here. 631 00:37:07,850 --> 00:37:11,570 Not for me to walk down them, but to for you to kneel before 632 00:37:11,570 --> 00:37:13,730 them. Spend time with the Lord, just 633 00:37:13,730 --> 00:37:16,940 you and him. Or maybe you and your spouse and 634 00:37:16,940 --> 00:37:19,260 him. Or maybe you and your small 635 00:37:19,260 --> 00:37:22,700 group and him every single week at the crossing at all eleven of 636 00:37:22,700 --> 00:37:28,900 our locations. And I guarantee you, when we're 637 00:37:28,900 --> 00:37:33,540 done praying, God's lifting us back up and we feel better than. 638 00:37:23,740 --> 00:37:25,500 This area is always full of people. 639 00:37:33,540 --> 00:37:36,660 When we went down, because only God can do that, that's. 640 00:37:36,980 --> 00:37:43,180 Transformation. And you're invited right now to 641 00:37:43,180 --> 00:37:45,150 come up here and do some business. 642 00:37:45,150 --> 00:37:48,030 With God and be reminded of who he is. 643 00:37:48,030 --> 00:37:51,390 Bring yourself back into alignment with the upper story. 644 00:37:52,550 --> 00:37:54,790 Would you stand with me? We're going to pray Heavenly 645 00:37:54,790 --> 00:37:58,710 Father in Jesus name. Take this moment, this this. 646 00:37:58,830 --> 00:38:02,550 Hallowed moment, This sacred moment that you're protecting 647 00:38:02,550 --> 00:38:06,310 with your angels right now. And I. 648 00:38:06,310 --> 00:38:09,390 Pray Father, you would do. A great and mighty thing in 649 00:38:09,390 --> 00:38:12,150 someone's life. Whether that's to come into a 650 00:38:12,150 --> 00:38:14,150 relationship with you and father, I know it. 651 00:38:14,710 --> 00:38:17,750 When we go down that water come up out of that water. 652 00:38:17,750 --> 00:38:19,670 There's a lot of applause in this room. 653 00:38:20,670 --> 00:38:22,990 But it is nothing compared to the. 654 00:38:22,990 --> 00:38:27,550 Applause of heaven because that. Applause, the applause of 655 00:38:27,550 --> 00:38:31,390 angels. Shakes the foundations of heaven 656 00:38:31,390 --> 00:38:34,870 itself. We want to join in that 657 00:38:34,870 --> 00:38:40,030 celebration and for those of us. Father that are carrying 658 00:38:40,030 --> 00:38:44,320 burdens. Help us to be reminded that 659 00:38:44,360 --> 00:38:48,600 Jesus paid it all and we can lay our. 660 00:38:48,600 --> 00:38:53,520 Burdens down, and we can give them to the shepherd of our 661 00:38:53,520 --> 00:38:56,600 souls. Take this moment, make it yours. 662 00:38:57,600 --> 00:39:00,760 Help us to have courage to move in Jesus name. 663 00:39:01,600 --> 00:39:01,960 Amen.