WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.225 --> 00:00:02.765 Hey, hope so. 2 00:00:02.765 --> 00:00:05.925 Good to see you. Would you to your, you joining 3 00:00:41.965 --> 00:00:45.565 ing your name in the dark and everything, 4 00:00:47.145 --> 00:00:47.685 We Sing 5 00:01:41.795 --> 00:01:43.965 that inside 6 00:02:00.555 --> 00:02:02.245 Fall you. 7 00:02:28.515 --> 00:02:28.805 This 8 00:02:28.805 --> 00:02:30.525 Is what living looks like. 9 00:02:31.155 --> 00:02:33.365 This is what freedom feels like. 10 00:02:33.955 --> 00:02:37.685 This is what heaven sounds like. We praise you. 11 00:02:38.025 --> 00:02:41.765 We praise you. This is what living looks like. 12 00:02:42.315 --> 00:02:44.365 This is what freedom feels like. 13 00:02:44.915 --> 00:02:47.285 This is what heaven sounds like. 14 00:02:47.705 --> 00:02:50.245 We, you 15 00:02:51.395 --> 00:02:52.395 What? 16 00:02:53.635 --> 00:02:54.805 This, What? Freedom. 17 00:02:55.555 --> 00:02:57.205 Like this. What? 18 00:02:59.185 --> 00:03:01.125 We praise you, we praise. 19 00:03:02.075 --> 00:03:06.085 This is what looks like. This is what? Freedom. 20 00:03:06.915 --> 00:03:09.925 Like this. What? Like 21 00:04:23.175 --> 00:04:24.765 let's give him a shot of praise this morning. 22 00:04:29.255 --> 00:04:30.925 Hallelujah. Y'all look good today. 23 00:04:31.425 --> 00:04:32.845 It is good to see you in the house. 24 00:04:33.025 --> 00:04:35.365 Hey, why don't you turn to two or three people? 25 00:04:35.445 --> 00:04:37.525 I know you might have to go out of your seat 26 00:04:37.545 --> 00:04:39.605 or find somebody, but find somebody 27 00:04:39.745 --> 00:04:42.725 and welcome them to Hope Community Church. 28 00:04:58.115 --> 00:05:00.125 Some of you're doing too good of a job. All right? 29 00:05:00.145 --> 00:05:02.085 All right. Bring it back. Bring it back. Find your seat. 30 00:05:03.215 --> 00:05:06.205 Psalm chapter 96, starting in verse one. 31 00:05:06.625 --> 00:05:09.685 It says this, oh, sing to the Lord a new psalm. 32 00:05:10.685 --> 00:05:12.125 Sing to the Lord all the earth. 33 00:05:12.685 --> 00:05:15.605 Sing to the Lord, bless his name, tell 34 00:05:15.605 --> 00:05:18.205 of his salvation from day to day. 35 00:05:19.115 --> 00:05:21.205 Declare his glory among the nations. 36 00:05:21.225 --> 00:05:24.325 His marvelous works among all the peoples. 37 00:05:24.865 --> 00:05:27.565 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. 38 00:05:27.955 --> 00:05:32.405 He's to be feared above all gods for all the gods 39 00:05:32.425 --> 00:05:35.125 of the peoples are worthless idols. 40 00:05:35.865 --> 00:05:38.685 But the Lord made the heavens, splendor 41 00:05:38.685 --> 00:05:40.165 and majesty are before him. 42 00:05:40.725 --> 00:05:43.245 Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 43 00:05:43.875 --> 00:05:47.085 Ascribe to the Lord o families of the peoples. 44 00:05:47.355 --> 00:05:50.445 Ascribe to the Lord. Glory and strength. 45 00:05:50.795 --> 00:05:52.405 Ascribe to the Lord the glory. 46 00:05:52.625 --> 00:05:56.965 Do his name bring an offering and come into his courts. 47 00:05:57.555 --> 00:06:02.165 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness, tremble 48 00:06:02.165 --> 00:06:04.125 before Him all the earth. 49 00:06:04.675 --> 00:06:06.845 Come on. Can we, can we give the Lord some praise 50 00:06:06.865 --> 00:06:07.885 for his word today? 51 00:06:09.145 --> 00:06:12.965 We have come to bless the mighty matchless name of the Lord. 52 00:06:14.135 --> 00:06:18.205 Every voice in this place lock in. Come on. 53 00:06:20.715 --> 00:06:24.965 Momster those who onto him, who place their hope 54 00:06:25.145 --> 00:06:27.685 and confidence in Jesus, 55 00:06:29.145 --> 00:06:30.485 he won't forsake 56 00:06:34.255 --> 00:06:38.165 those, those who see his face, who bend their knee. 57 00:06:38.345 --> 00:06:42.845 And Jesus, they, 58 00:07:06.105 --> 00:07:06.325 he 59 00:07:17.455 --> 00:07:20.405 those who walk him whose hearts 60 00:07:31.745 --> 00:07:31.965 die 61 00:07:36.855 --> 00:07:37.205 Jesus. 62 00:07:38.865 --> 00:07:39.865 And, 63 00:07:49.705 --> 00:07:49.925 And 64 00:08:46.555 --> 00:08:50.665 Bless God in the fields of blessed God, 65 00:08:50.765 --> 00:08:55.445 in the darkest, I bless 66 00:08:55.555 --> 00:08:59.125 your name, bless God, when my empty, 67 00:08:59.775 --> 00:09:03.445 bless God, that me bless 68 00:09:04.615 --> 00:09:08.285 God's every chance I 69 00:09:09.575 --> 00:09:13.445 bless God, bless let 70 00:09:14.785 --> 00:09:17.965 are falling because he goes 71 00:09:18.145 --> 00:09:21.005 before me every chance I get. 72 00:09:21.525 --> 00:09:25.325 I bless your name, God, the victory 73 00:09:27.355 --> 00:09:31.965 he's always with, he always worthy 74 00:09:32.655 --> 00:09:34.165 every chance I get. 75 00:09:34.815 --> 00:09:35.965 Bless your name, 76 00:09:39.255 --> 00:09:41.725 every bless 77 00:09:42.715 --> 00:09:43.715 Name. 78 00:09:48.155 --> 00:09:49.155 Come on. And 79 00:09:56.305 --> 00:09:57.405 If You love, 80 00:10:02.065 --> 00:10:02.285 And 81 00:10:22.625 --> 00:10:24.805 If you've known His, 82 00:10:34.745 --> 00:10:34.965 He 83 00:12:04.765 --> 00:12:09.265 And you deserve 84 00:12:23.835 --> 00:12:28.135 it all, come on church, 85 00:12:28.605 --> 00:12:29.605 Join together. 86 00:12:53.675 --> 00:12:54.815 Mom Declared in this place. 87 00:12:55.435 --> 00:12:55.655 You 88 00:13:14.125 --> 00:13:14.345 all. 89 00:13:28.545 --> 00:13:29.545 Yes, you, 90 00:13:56.355 --> 00:13:57.895 We lift our praises to you. 91 00:13:59.755 --> 00:14:01.375 We lift our voices and our hearts 92 00:14:01.375 --> 00:14:02.375 To you. Jesus. 93 00:14:02.375 --> 00:14:02.775 Come 94 00:14:02.835 --> 00:14:07.175 On day and night, Day, night 95 00:14:07.275 --> 00:14:08.775 and Inc. 96 00:14:11.995 --> 00:14:15.535 Day, Inc. 97 00:15:05.795 --> 00:15:06.085 Come 98 00:15:06.085 --> 00:15:07.085 On church. You, 99 00:15:07.085 --> 00:15:08.025 100 00:15:14.865 --> 00:15:19.405 You all 101 00:15:19.405 --> 00:15:22.045 things you deserve. 102 00:16:08.385 --> 00:16:10.145 I wanna sing that chorus one more time together, 103 00:16:20.215 --> 00:16:20.715 all the voices, 104 00:16:21.415 --> 00:16:21.635 You 105 00:16:59.775 --> 00:17:00.355 and to 106 00:17:04.255 --> 00:17:05.235 you deserve 107 00:17:05.495 --> 00:17:10.475 it. Come 108 00:17:10.475 --> 00:17:11.795 On, give him praise in this place. 109 00:17:19.155 --> 00:17:24.085 Lord, you are worthy of all the praise of all the honor 110 00:17:24.085 --> 00:17:25.645 that we could ever give you. 111 00:17:25.995 --> 00:17:30.365 There's no amount of praise that we could give that would 112 00:17:31.025 --> 00:17:33.245 be due to you, but we give you our best. 113 00:17:35.865 --> 00:17:39.045 Now we are ready for your word. Your word is spirit. 114 00:17:40.235 --> 00:17:43.285 Your word is life. We are ready for it. 115 00:17:44.665 --> 00:17:48.525 So speak to us, Lord, we commit the rest of this time 116 00:17:48.525 --> 00:17:51.245 that we have together to you be glorified. 117 00:17:51.345 --> 00:17:55.965 And in Jesus' name we pray. Let the church of God say amen. 118 00:17:56.395 --> 00:17:59.205 Amen and amen. Hallelujah. You may be seated. 119 00:18:01.395 --> 00:18:03.765 Amen. Amen. 120 00:18:05.595 --> 00:18:08.565 What amazing time of worship together. This has been so far. 121 00:18:10.015 --> 00:18:12.005 Hallelujah. My name is Jean 122 00:18:12.265 --> 00:18:14.405 and I'm the campus pastor at Northwest Kerry. 123 00:18:14.465 --> 00:18:16.485 And I just wanna say welcome to all of you 124 00:18:16.945 --> 00:18:18.245 and it's great to see you. 125 00:18:18.545 --> 00:18:21.045 Uh, welcome to those of you who are online as well. 126 00:18:21.175 --> 00:18:22.485 We're thankful that you're here joining us. 127 00:18:23.385 --> 00:18:26.125 Um, I wanna extend a special welcome to those of you 128 00:18:26.125 --> 00:18:27.765 who are new or here for the first time. 129 00:18:28.025 --> 00:18:30.285 Uh, and just say thank you so much for taking the time out 130 00:18:30.285 --> 00:18:32.325 to join with us, uh, in this moment. 131 00:18:32.465 --> 00:18:35.045 Uh, we're so thankful, uh, to have you here with us 132 00:18:35.345 --> 00:18:36.885 and we actually would love to meet you. 133 00:18:37.105 --> 00:18:39.485 Uh, we have an area outside these doors called Next steps, 134 00:18:39.585 --> 00:18:41.765 uh, where you can go and meet someone after service. 135 00:18:41.825 --> 00:18:43.845 But it's also a place where, um, you know, 136 00:18:43.865 --> 00:18:45.725 if you have questions about, uh, 137 00:18:45.725 --> 00:18:47.005 some ministries here at Hope 138 00:18:47.005 --> 00:18:49.965 or you want to get connected, uh, it's a great place to do 139 00:18:49.965 --> 00:18:51.125 that as well. 140 00:18:51.545 --> 00:18:54.965 Uh, you know, and fall is quickly approaching 141 00:18:55.185 --> 00:18:57.325 and, uh, as as that happens, 142 00:18:57.375 --> 00:18:59.485 we're gonna get back into our routines and settle in. 143 00:18:59.665 --> 00:19:01.925 And, uh, it's time to maybe ask the question, 144 00:19:02.465 --> 00:19:03.685 uh, what are we doing? 145 00:19:03.865 --> 00:19:05.485 Or what is something that we could do 146 00:19:05.625 --> 00:19:07.605 to grow in our faith personally? 147 00:19:08.025 --> 00:19:10.725 And I say that because, uh, as the fall comes, 148 00:19:10.785 --> 00:19:13.365 we actually start our fall classes, uh, 149 00:19:13.385 --> 00:19:15.645 and we have a lot of different classes to choose from. 150 00:19:15.645 --> 00:19:17.645 First one that comes to mind is reengage. 151 00:19:17.795 --> 00:19:19.125 It's actually our marriage class. 152 00:19:19.705 --> 00:19:23.445 Uh, it's, it's for, uh, all stages of marriage, you know, 153 00:19:23.505 --> 00:19:27.645 uh, my wife came to me and said, Hey, I wanna do reengage. 154 00:19:28.105 --> 00:19:30.125 And I was like, well, our marriage is is great. 155 00:19:30.125 --> 00:19:32.805 And she's like, well, it could be better. And she won. 156 00:19:32.905 --> 00:19:34.445 And, and we went to reengage. 157 00:19:34.625 --> 00:19:35.565 No, it was really, really great. 158 00:19:35.565 --> 00:19:36.605 It was a great place to connect. 159 00:19:36.745 --> 00:19:39.725 Uh, it was a really great, great place to just grow together 160 00:19:39.725 --> 00:19:41.285 with a new group of people 161 00:19:41.305 --> 00:19:42.525 and we made some great friends there. 162 00:19:42.525 --> 00:19:44.965 So I would encourage you, if you're married, uh, to go to 163 00:19:44.965 --> 00:19:46.765 that class that you would get a lot out of it. 164 00:19:46.985 --> 00:19:48.965 We also have a class called Hope for Parents. 165 00:19:49.425 --> 00:19:50.485 Um, yeah, that's a place 166 00:19:50.485 --> 00:19:52.765 where maybe you could get some new strategies as, uh, 167 00:19:52.765 --> 00:19:55.005 you know, you go into the school year and meet some people. 168 00:19:55.345 --> 00:19:58.445 Uh, we have, um, we have a divorce care class. 169 00:19:58.825 --> 00:20:00.965 We also have grieving, uh, with Hope. 170 00:20:01.265 --> 00:20:03.605 Uh, maybe you have been through some really hard things 171 00:20:03.745 --> 00:20:06.285 and you just want to be with some folks that have, uh, been 172 00:20:06.285 --> 00:20:07.285 through some hard things as well. 173 00:20:07.685 --> 00:20:09.885 I would encourage you, uh, to go to that class. 174 00:20:10.385 --> 00:20:13.645 Um, and as we, uh, get into, uh, get ready 175 00:20:13.645 --> 00:20:14.805 to go into the message, uh, 176 00:20:14.805 --> 00:20:17.405 we actually have a powerful story, um, 177 00:20:17.675 --> 00:20:18.885 that we want to share with you. 178 00:20:19.305 --> 00:20:21.725 And, and it's a powerful story of, of what it looks like 179 00:20:21.725 --> 00:20:23.285 to take a next step and what can happen. 180 00:20:23.745 --> 00:20:25.445 And, you know, for you, maybe your next 181 00:20:25.445 --> 00:20:26.685 step is taking a class. 182 00:20:27.105 --> 00:20:29.805 Uh, maybe your next step is getting into a small group, 183 00:20:29.865 --> 00:20:31.485 or maybe it's serving or giving. 184 00:20:31.985 --> 00:20:33.685 Um, and I, I just, I wanna share this 185 00:20:33.685 --> 00:20:35.325 story, uh, with you view. 186 00:20:41.325 --> 00:20:43.725 I grew up Catholic and I felt like it was a checklist, 187 00:20:44.205 --> 00:20:45.885 religion where every time I checked a box, 188 00:20:46.165 --> 00:20:47.805 I was welcomed more and more into the church. 189 00:20:48.165 --> 00:20:51.165 I didn't feel welcomed at all on a Sunday morning. 190 00:20:51.165 --> 00:20:52.685 Nobody really talked to each other. 191 00:20:53.045 --> 00:20:54.645 I grew up in a very abusive household 192 00:20:54.645 --> 00:20:55.765 with a very abusive mother. 193 00:20:55.905 --> 00:20:57.565 And I was told to always obey my mother 194 00:20:57.565 --> 00:20:58.885 and father no matter what. 195 00:20:59.065 --> 00:21:02.685 But since I was abused very often, daily, 196 00:21:03.645 --> 00:21:05.645 I started to disobey my mother. 197 00:21:06.225 --> 00:21:09.765 So then I moved down here to North Carolina, hop on a plane 198 00:21:09.765 --> 00:21:11.365 with one suitcase, and I surround myself 199 00:21:11.365 --> 00:21:12.645 by people that don't believe in God. 200 00:21:12.745 --> 00:21:15.685 So there was no push to become a Christian 201 00:21:15.785 --> 00:21:17.045 or go back to church. 202 00:21:17.225 --> 00:21:18.885 You have a daughter, she gets sick 203 00:21:19.305 --> 00:21:20.525 and I become even angrier. 204 00:21:20.665 --> 00:21:23.645 And during that time, my husband kept praying. 205 00:21:24.025 --> 00:21:27.445 He kept worshiping, he kept playing music on the radio 206 00:21:27.585 --> 00:21:28.765 or music on the phones. 207 00:21:28.905 --> 00:21:31.085 And it was just, I'd roll my eyes. 208 00:21:31.465 --> 00:21:32.845 One day my daughter looked at me 209 00:21:32.845 --> 00:21:34.245 and she said, mommy, can you help me? 210 00:21:34.525 --> 00:21:35.765 I don't feel good. Can you help me? 211 00:21:36.105 --> 00:21:38.885 And in that moment I realized that I wasn't able 212 00:21:38.885 --> 00:21:40.525 to help her, but I knew somebody that could. 213 00:21:40.985 --> 00:21:42.685 And I started to pray. 214 00:21:42.825 --> 00:21:44.965 In that moment, I surrendered myself 215 00:21:45.185 --> 00:21:47.045 and I said, God, it's in your hands. 216 00:21:47.385 --> 00:21:48.965 My daughter needed another surgery. 217 00:21:49.385 --> 00:21:51.405 She had to get another tube put in her stomach. 218 00:21:51.425 --> 00:21:52.805 So she has two tubes in her stomach. 219 00:21:53.025 --> 00:21:56.685 Now, she was not able to attend kindergarten last year. 220 00:21:56.905 --> 00:21:59.525 We had to unfortunately remove her from school. 221 00:21:59.665 --> 00:22:01.765 But now she gets to go back to kindergarten, 222 00:22:02.155 --> 00:22:04.685 redo kindergarten, and she's in competitive cheer 223 00:22:04.755 --> 00:22:05.965 with two tubes in her stomach. 224 00:22:06.385 --> 00:22:07.925 So I feel like he did heal her. 225 00:22:07.945 --> 00:22:09.845 It just might have not have been the way that I wanted him 226 00:22:09.845 --> 00:22:12.005 to heal her, but he healed her enough to be a kid again. 227 00:22:12.445 --> 00:22:15.605 I start to slowly grow my faith again. 228 00:22:15.825 --> 00:22:19.005 And then we had another daughter who went into the nicu. 229 00:22:19.265 --> 00:22:22.085 And at the time I had more faith than I 230 00:22:22.085 --> 00:22:23.125 did the first time around. 231 00:22:23.305 --> 00:22:25.565 And her being in the nicu, my emotions were everywhere. 232 00:22:25.965 --> 00:22:29.125 I didn't know where to turn, who to talk to, what to do. 233 00:22:29.455 --> 00:22:30.765 There was a lot of prayers. 234 00:22:30.985 --> 00:22:32.965 My husband wasn't able to be up there a lot with me. 235 00:22:33.025 --> 00:22:34.445 So it was me on my own with God. 236 00:22:34.625 --> 00:22:36.725 And I feel like that was really the time where I was able 237 00:22:36.745 --> 00:22:39.885 to say, okay, it's you and I, I'm gonna trust you. 238 00:22:40.095 --> 00:22:41.805 There was a sense of peace over me 239 00:22:41.815 --> 00:22:44.405 where I felt like I didn't have to be Mama Bear. 240 00:22:44.405 --> 00:22:46.325 24 7, we found hope. 241 00:22:46.605 --> 00:22:48.885 I started volunteering with several different ministries. 242 00:22:49.325 --> 00:22:50.845 I was able to form connections 243 00:22:50.845 --> 00:22:53.405 with people on a deeper level than I was outside of church. 244 00:22:53.745 --> 00:22:55.765 And then one day at three o'clock in the morning, 245 00:22:55.925 --> 00:22:57.605 I decided I needed to get baptized, 246 00:22:57.665 --> 00:22:59.485 but I needed to do it when I was pregnant. 247 00:23:00.025 --> 00:23:03.565 My pregnancy has caused a lot of fear this time around 248 00:23:04.385 --> 00:23:06.445 and I felt like I was spiraling back down 249 00:23:06.665 --> 00:23:07.965 and I had lost my way. 250 00:23:08.185 --> 00:23:10.725 And I wanted to surrender and say, it's you 251 00:23:10.725 --> 00:23:13.685 and I we're going into this operating room in a couple weeks 252 00:23:14.005 --> 00:23:16.405 together and that I'm not doing this alone. 253 00:23:16.765 --> 00:23:19.325 I got baptized, pregnant, I got baptized. 254 00:23:20.065 --> 00:23:22.125 And um, but I'm not gonna lie, 255 00:23:22.185 --> 00:23:23.405 I'm in the thick of it right now. 256 00:23:23.515 --> 00:23:24.965 It's very, very difficult. 257 00:23:25.465 --> 00:23:28.445 But I feel like now that I have made the choice 258 00:23:28.445 --> 00:23:29.885 to be baptized and I've made the choice 259 00:23:29.905 --> 00:23:31.485 to grow my relationship closer to God, 260 00:23:31.545 --> 00:23:33.005 I'm opening a Bible more. 261 00:23:33.185 --> 00:23:34.645 I'm reading the Bible, 262 00:23:34.825 --> 00:23:37.125 I'm looking up verses I'm becoming closer to God, 263 00:23:37.305 --> 00:23:38.565 way more than I would've before, 264 00:23:38.665 --> 00:23:41.565 but the enemy is still coming after me more and more now. 265 00:23:41.625 --> 00:23:44.565 But I'm making a choice every day to wake up and trust God. 266 00:23:54.455 --> 00:23:56.695 A great story. What's going on? Whole family. 267 00:23:57.355 --> 00:24:00.095 Uh, if you don't know, we are in a series right now 268 00:24:00.095 --> 00:24:01.615 that we are calling image bearers. 269 00:24:01.995 --> 00:24:04.575 Uh, which Aaron Nelson has done such a phenomenal 270 00:24:04.575 --> 00:24:05.695 job of kicking us off. 271 00:24:05.695 --> 00:24:06.775 Can yeah. Let Aaron know. 272 00:24:07.435 --> 00:24:08.775 I'm sure he is watching at one 273 00:24:08.775 --> 00:24:10.655 of our campuses, uh, right now. 274 00:24:10.675 --> 00:24:12.735 But you are not gonna hear from me in week three. 275 00:24:12.835 --> 00:24:13.735 I'm just up here really to 276 00:24:13.735 --> 00:24:14.735 let you know who you're gonna hear from. 277 00:24:14.755 --> 00:24:16.935 We thought this week, since we're talking about our image 278 00:24:17.035 --> 00:24:21.215 bearer, the image that we are to bear as worshipers of God, 279 00:24:21.355 --> 00:24:22.815 why not have one 280 00:24:22.815 --> 00:24:24.695 of our worship pastors come out and share with you? 281 00:24:24.695 --> 00:24:26.175 And so this week you're gonna hear from Rob Jones. 282 00:24:26.175 --> 00:24:27.415 You have a minute the clap for him in a moment. 283 00:24:27.415 --> 00:24:30.415 Just hold on a second. Uh, but man, you know, every now 284 00:24:30.415 --> 00:24:31.815 and then you meet somebody and you're like, 285 00:24:32.815 --> 00:24:33.855 I think I like this guy. 286 00:24:34.555 --> 00:24:37.695 Uh, he's a man's man. Alright? He's got a big beard, okay? 287 00:24:37.715 --> 00:24:40.775 So kind of partial to that. Uh, he drives a truck. 288 00:24:41.245 --> 00:24:42.455 This guy lives on a farm. 289 00:24:42.515 --> 00:24:45.135 He farms the land, he hunts, he fishes. 290 00:24:46.035 --> 00:24:48.055 He doesn't fish as good as I do, but he does fish. 291 00:24:48.635 --> 00:24:51.055 And recently he's actually got into Juujitsu. 292 00:24:51.055 --> 00:24:52.575 So we have a lot of fun talking about that. 293 00:24:52.595 --> 00:24:55.495 But more than that, this is a guy when, when you talk 294 00:24:55.495 --> 00:24:57.455 to his family, when you hear him talk about his wife, 295 00:24:58.245 --> 00:24:59.895 this is a guy that loves his family. 296 00:24:59.915 --> 00:25:03.215 In fact, I was just talking to his daughter Jackson before, 297 00:25:03.215 --> 00:25:04.615 and I said, man, you're here tonight to, 298 00:25:04.635 --> 00:25:05.735 to be here to hear your dad. 299 00:25:05.735 --> 00:25:07.655 And she said, man, I wouldn't miss it. 300 00:25:08.115 --> 00:25:10.015 And so you just know this guy has a connection 301 00:25:10.015 --> 00:25:11.255 with his family, but above all 302 00:25:11.255 --> 00:25:14.455 that he has an affection for God's word. 303 00:25:14.455 --> 00:25:15.615 This guy is a pastor 304 00:25:15.795 --> 00:25:19.815 and he has an anointing on his life, uh, to point people 305 00:25:19.835 --> 00:25:21.215 to the word of God, to point people 306 00:25:21.235 --> 00:25:22.615 to the truths of who God is. 307 00:25:22.755 --> 00:25:25.095 And so before he comes out, I'm just gonna pray for him 308 00:25:25.195 --> 00:25:27.095 and I'm gonna invite you into praying with me. 309 00:25:27.095 --> 00:25:30.175 Father, I wanna pray right now in this moment, uh, 310 00:25:30.175 --> 00:25:34.015 there is something that happens when your people 311 00:25:34.045 --> 00:25:37.655 that you created to be image bearers of you, um, 312 00:25:38.005 --> 00:25:39.815 rightly recognize who you are 313 00:25:39.875 --> 00:25:41.135 and who we are In light of that. 314 00:25:42.075 --> 00:25:45.375 And right now we're in this series going to your word 315 00:25:45.395 --> 00:25:48.815 to unpack who we are in light of who you are 316 00:25:49.475 --> 00:25:50.815 and who you created us to be. 317 00:25:50.815 --> 00:25:52.895 And I pray right now for Rob as he comes out here 318 00:25:52.895 --> 00:25:53.895 and as he opens your word. 319 00:25:53.895 --> 00:25:55.735 Lord, I wanna pray for any man or woman 320 00:25:55.755 --> 00:25:58.975 or student who maybe is at one of our campuses right now 321 00:25:58.995 --> 00:26:00.695 who might be in the room right now who thought, you know 322 00:26:00.695 --> 00:26:02.615 what, I'm gonna give this Jesus thing. 323 00:26:02.835 --> 00:26:05.575 One more try. Father, I pray 324 00:26:05.575 --> 00:26:06.615 that they would know in this moment 325 00:26:06.645 --> 00:26:08.655 that your spirit is here to bring comfort. 326 00:26:09.765 --> 00:26:11.975 Lord, I pray that truth would be elevated 327 00:26:12.115 --> 00:26:15.175 and that all of our lives would be changed as a result. 328 00:26:15.325 --> 00:26:16.495 Lord, we love you and we pray 329 00:26:16.495 --> 00:26:18.335 and ask these things in Jesus' name. 330 00:26:18.335 --> 00:26:20.415 And everyone said, amen. 331 00:26:20.475 --> 00:26:23.695 So if you would please put your hands together, big a hope, 332 00:26:23.695 --> 00:26:26.215 welcome to my friend Pastor Bob Jones. 333 00:26:31.675 --> 00:26:34.535 Man, oh man, I'm excited to hear myself 334 00:26:34.535 --> 00:26:35.575 after an intro like that. 335 00:26:35.935 --> 00:26:39.875 Goodness. Uh, I want to start us with kind 336 00:26:39.875 --> 00:26:41.275 of a serious question if that's okay. 337 00:26:41.855 --> 00:26:44.045 So I want everyone kinda lean in as I ask you this question. 338 00:26:44.385 --> 00:26:47.965 Um, how many hours this week 339 00:26:49.465 --> 00:26:51.085 did you doom scroll on social media? 340 00:26:52.185 --> 00:26:53.405 You can be honest. I'm not gonna tell you 341 00:26:53.405 --> 00:26:54.445 my answer, but you can be honest. 342 00:26:54.445 --> 00:26:56.165 But this is like your confession time, not mine. 343 00:26:56.585 --> 00:26:58.725 If I'm honest. I spend more time kind of on YouTube. 344 00:26:58.865 --> 00:27:02.285 Any DIYers in the house, any DIYs at other campuses? 345 00:27:02.405 --> 00:27:03.845 I mean, I would rather, 346 00:27:04.285 --> 00:27:06.965 I know I could pay a guy like 50 bucks to come fix the thing 347 00:27:06.965 --> 00:27:09.285 that I wanna know, but I'd rather spend 12 hours, 348 00:27:09.315 --> 00:27:11.125 have someone teach me on YouTube how to do it, 349 00:27:11.255 --> 00:27:14.045 spend 400 bucks in materials and tools and still mess it up. 350 00:27:14.045 --> 00:27:16.925 That's kinda like my thing. That's the thing I enjoy to do. 351 00:27:17.225 --> 00:27:19.405 Uh, you know, there's other easier, you know, 352 00:27:19.435 --> 00:27:20.565 like, what'd you do this week? 353 00:27:20.565 --> 00:27:21.765 How many hours did you spend working? 354 00:27:22.225 --> 00:27:23.165 You can probably answer that one. How 355 00:27:23.165 --> 00:27:23.965 many hours did you spend working? 356 00:27:24.425 --> 00:27:26.525 How many hours did you get of rest, sleep? 357 00:27:27.705 --> 00:27:30.045 Uh, you know, around my house, one of the things that's, 358 00:27:30.045 --> 00:27:31.245 you know, kind of a high number 359 00:27:31.355 --> 00:27:33.485 that shocks most people is we spend, uh, 360 00:27:33.745 --> 00:27:34.965 the Saturdays at, at the farm. 361 00:27:34.965 --> 00:27:37.565 We watch the UFC and that's six hours. 362 00:27:37.795 --> 00:27:39.485 Then we spend watching the UFC 363 00:27:39.485 --> 00:27:41.325 and then we'll watch like post-fight commentaries. 364 00:27:41.625 --> 00:27:43.365 And then my wife is like sending me like, Hey, 365 00:27:43.365 --> 00:27:45.325 did you see this fighter hurt his his wrist? 366 00:27:45.325 --> 00:27:47.445 We spent a lot of hours doing that. 367 00:27:47.705 --> 00:27:50.285 Um, so you might all have your things, 368 00:27:50.285 --> 00:27:52.525 but the, the real question, my serious question if you will, 369 00:27:52.865 --> 00:27:56.725 uh, today is how many hours this week did 370 00:27:57.625 --> 00:27:58.845 you worship? 371 00:28:00.255 --> 00:28:03.235 How many hours this week did you worship? 372 00:28:04.295 --> 00:28:06.355 Now if you attend church at all, 373 00:28:06.495 --> 00:28:09.115 you probably at least are like, well, I had at least an hour 374 00:28:09.625 --> 00:28:10.955 last Sunday, right? 375 00:28:11.115 --> 00:28:12.315 I had at, I had at least an hour 376 00:28:12.315 --> 00:28:14.155 that I can guarantee you that I worship. 377 00:28:14.175 --> 00:28:16.235 If you have kids and you're trying to get them ready 378 00:28:16.235 --> 00:28:18.595 for church, that's like a holy opportunity in of itself. 379 00:28:18.775 --> 00:28:20.315 So we're gonna give you an hour plus a mulligan. 380 00:28:20.315 --> 00:28:22.555 So maybe two hours a week you can say that you worship. 381 00:28:22.655 --> 00:28:24.915 But I want to challenge us today in the, in 382 00:28:24.915 --> 00:28:28.155 that very principle of thinking of worship as Sunday, 383 00:28:29.695 --> 00:28:31.875 the scholar, GK Beal says it like this. 384 00:28:32.065 --> 00:28:35.275 It's a fundamental truth about human nature. 385 00:28:35.755 --> 00:28:39.035 Whatever captures our devotion will shape our character, 386 00:28:39.495 --> 00:28:42.675 our priorities and our very identity. 387 00:28:43.215 --> 00:28:45.555 If we worship God, we become more like him. 388 00:28:46.095 --> 00:28:47.435 If we worship anything else, 389 00:28:48.015 --> 00:28:50.475 we become distorted versions of ourselves. 390 00:28:51.615 --> 00:28:55.715 He goes on later to say that we resemble what we revere, 391 00:28:56.835 --> 00:28:58.495 we resemble what we revere. 392 00:28:58.495 --> 00:29:02.695 So let me ask you today, what do you revere? 393 00:29:04.015 --> 00:29:07.675 The word worship comes from the old English word worth 394 00:29:08.745 --> 00:29:11.155 declaring worth of something or someone. 395 00:29:12.015 --> 00:29:14.795 But biblical worship goes far deeper than simply 396 00:29:14.985 --> 00:29:16.715 declaring the worth of God. 397 00:29:16.825 --> 00:29:19.755 It's about surrendering our entire lives to 398 00:29:19.755 --> 00:29:23.915 that very worthiness, knowing that in doing so we become 399 00:29:24.015 --> 00:29:25.195 who we were created to be. 400 00:29:26.605 --> 00:29:29.225 And so if we understand at the outset of our time together 401 00:29:29.535 --> 00:29:32.745 that worship is fundamental to the human experience, 402 00:29:33.125 --> 00:29:35.185 we all do it all the time. 403 00:29:36.015 --> 00:29:38.105 Have you ever heard the expression you are 404 00:29:38.105 --> 00:29:40.385 what you love, you are what you love. 405 00:29:40.485 --> 00:29:43.245 It could easily be said that you are what you worship 406 00:29:43.245 --> 00:29:46.885 because what you worship is what you love. 407 00:29:49.345 --> 00:29:51.045 GK Beal goes on to say some other things, 408 00:29:51.065 --> 00:29:53.005 but what I thought was pretty interesting about his idea 409 00:29:53.005 --> 00:29:56.765 of we resemble about what we revere, what we re reveal 410 00:29:57.415 --> 00:30:00.365 shows in us a true reality of our identity. 411 00:30:00.895 --> 00:30:02.405 Think about the power of this statement. 412 00:30:02.435 --> 00:30:05.405 When we revere that is when we give ultimate affection 413 00:30:05.405 --> 00:30:09.885 to the God of the Bible, we become restored in our identity. 414 00:30:09.985 --> 00:30:13.165 We become more like him, more loving, just 415 00:30:13.685 --> 00:30:14.805 merciful faithful. 416 00:30:14.805 --> 00:30:19.765 We are restored to our original design as image bearers 417 00:30:20.025 --> 00:30:22.125 who reflect his character. 418 00:30:22.705 --> 00:30:27.485 But when we revere false gods money, 419 00:30:28.035 --> 00:30:31.165 success, comfort, power, even good things, maybe it's our, 420 00:30:31.305 --> 00:30:35.125 our children, when we revere something other than God, 421 00:30:35.125 --> 00:30:38.965 what he calls false gods, we ourselves are ruined. 422 00:30:39.975 --> 00:30:42.955 We do not become more human. We become less human. 423 00:30:43.975 --> 00:30:47.595 We become distorted reflections of whatever idols 424 00:30:47.595 --> 00:30:49.195 that have captured our heart. 425 00:30:49.375 --> 00:30:52.755 If you worship money, you become greedy and cold. 426 00:30:53.175 --> 00:30:57.235 If you worship success, you become prideful and ruthless. 427 00:30:57.295 --> 00:31:01.275 If you worship even comfort, you become selfish and lazy. 428 00:31:02.295 --> 00:31:06.875 And this is where each of us find ourselves today. 429 00:31:07.935 --> 00:31:10.915 We are all in need of a right understanding of true worship. 430 00:31:10.935 --> 00:31:14.035 And let's be real. It's not just the songs we sing 431 00:31:14.055 --> 00:31:15.395 or the gatherings we attend, 432 00:31:16.055 --> 00:31:19.255 but it is what God desires of his people. 433 00:31:20.875 --> 00:31:22.495 And it's pretty interesting that we kind 434 00:31:22.495 --> 00:31:25.575 of do live in a time where at least inside of the church, 435 00:31:26.035 --> 00:31:28.455 the the idea of worship has become a source 436 00:31:28.455 --> 00:31:30.615 of division instead of unity. 437 00:31:31.635 --> 00:31:33.655 And let's be real. We, we all have our own preferences. 438 00:31:33.745 --> 00:31:35.135 We're all individuals. We all have. 439 00:31:35.165 --> 00:31:36.975 Like, if you could think about it, think about it right now. 440 00:31:36.995 --> 00:31:39.055 If you could put together a worship service 441 00:31:39.605 --> 00:31:41.655 with your preferences, think about what that is. 442 00:31:43.135 --> 00:31:48.125 Everyone has an answer to that. Some people desire 443 00:31:48.555 --> 00:31:51.885 traditional hymns or contemporary worship songs. 444 00:31:52.315 --> 00:31:55.365 Some like liturgy, others prefer spontaneous expressions, 445 00:31:55.835 --> 00:31:58.365 some value quiet reverence while others embrace 446 00:31:58.505 --> 00:31:59.525 joyful celebration. 447 00:31:59.865 --> 00:32:02.645 But what if we're asking the wrong question? 448 00:32:03.915 --> 00:32:06.645 What if instead of asking how should we worship, 449 00:32:07.665 --> 00:32:10.485 we ask the question, what kind 450 00:32:10.485 --> 00:32:12.965 of worship does God seek? 451 00:32:13.965 --> 00:32:15.305 And the good news for you 452 00:32:15.845 --> 00:32:18.225 and for me is we can go straight to Jesus. 453 00:32:18.585 --> 00:32:20.185 'cause he gives us the answer. 454 00:32:20.185 --> 00:32:21.625 We can go to John chapter four. 455 00:32:22.485 --> 00:32:25.625 We find Jesus sitting at a well with a Samaritan woman. 456 00:32:25.625 --> 00:32:27.065 They're having a conversation about a lot of things, 457 00:32:27.085 --> 00:32:29.465 but at one point the woman says, Hey, listen, 458 00:32:30.045 --> 00:32:31.345 my forefather say we should 459 00:32:31.345 --> 00:32:32.585 worship on the mountain over here. 460 00:32:32.605 --> 00:32:34.905 But you know, your folks say we should worship in Jerusalem. 461 00:32:35.125 --> 00:32:38.425 And Jesus says this to her in John chapter four, 462 00:32:38.425 --> 00:32:41.525 verse 23, I wanna do a quick shout out. 463 00:32:41.525 --> 00:32:43.645 My wife got me a big letter Bible so I can actually read it. 464 00:32:43.645 --> 00:32:47.445 So this is great. Uh, John chapter four, verse 23. 465 00:32:47.865 --> 00:32:49.125 But the hour is coming 466 00:32:49.625 --> 00:32:54.085 and is now here when true worshipers will worship the Father 467 00:32:54.265 --> 00:32:56.085 in spirit and in truth, 468 00:32:56.865 --> 00:32:59.685 for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 469 00:33:00.345 --> 00:33:02.245 God is spirit and those 470 00:33:02.305 --> 00:33:05.285 who worship him must worship in spirit 471 00:33:06.465 --> 00:33:11.445 and in truth, Jesus did not mention musical style, 472 00:33:12.115 --> 00:33:13.285 liturgy or format. 473 00:33:13.545 --> 00:33:17.405 He identified the two essential elements that makes worship 474 00:33:18.035 --> 00:33:19.805 real and that is spirit 475 00:33:20.545 --> 00:33:23.605 and truth, truth and spirit. 476 00:33:25.965 --> 00:33:27.585 Now I wanna be clear at the outset, 477 00:33:27.585 --> 00:33:28.665 we need a fundamental basis 478 00:33:28.965 --> 00:33:31.025 before we can engage with this topic. 479 00:33:31.725 --> 00:33:35.185 And this is it. We worship God on his 480 00:33:35.185 --> 00:33:36.865 terms and not our terms. 481 00:33:37.005 --> 00:33:38.465 We don't get to define worship. 482 00:33:39.365 --> 00:33:42.705 God does we worship God on his terms 483 00:33:43.205 --> 00:33:46.545 and what he desires and how he wants it to look. 484 00:33:46.605 --> 00:33:50.145 So let's explore spirit and truth and truth and worship. 485 00:33:50.165 --> 00:33:52.345 And so the first thing I wanna talk about today is 486 00:33:52.345 --> 00:33:56.465 that worship must be grounded in truth. 487 00:33:57.365 --> 00:34:00.625 The Father is seeking worshipers who worship in truth. 488 00:34:02.125 --> 00:34:04.705 In fact, just a few chapters later in chapter 14, 489 00:34:04.765 --> 00:34:06.305 we find out that truth has a name. 490 00:34:06.725 --> 00:34:11.415 His name is Jesus. In chapter 14, Jesus says, I'm the way, 491 00:34:11.475 --> 00:34:13.095 the truth and the life. 492 00:34:13.155 --> 00:34:15.775 And I wanna ask you, are you grounded in the truth? 493 00:34:15.835 --> 00:34:18.055 If you don't know this, Jesus we're talking about today is a 494 00:34:18.055 --> 00:34:19.895 good day to get to know him. 495 00:34:20.795 --> 00:34:22.775 But what this means to be grounded in truth 496 00:34:22.875 --> 00:34:26.175 for our worship means it must be based in an accurate 497 00:34:26.175 --> 00:34:29.095 knowledge of who God is and what he has done 498 00:34:29.435 --> 00:34:33.455 and not just feelings, preferences, or assumptions. 499 00:34:34.955 --> 00:34:36.415 As I was reflecting on this, I thought 500 00:34:36.415 --> 00:34:38.615 of the prophet Isaiah in chapter six. 501 00:34:38.955 --> 00:34:40.535 He has an encounter with the God 502 00:34:40.535 --> 00:34:42.015 of the universe inside the temple. 503 00:34:42.515 --> 00:34:44.415 And immediately he responds. 504 00:34:44.435 --> 00:34:47.855 The first thing he notices is God's otherness, 505 00:34:49.025 --> 00:34:50.415 God's holiness. 506 00:34:51.155 --> 00:34:54.895 Isaiah erupts into praise saying, holy, holy, 507 00:34:55.205 --> 00:34:57.535 holy is the Lord God Almighty. 508 00:34:57.535 --> 00:34:59.815 The whole earth is full of his glory. 509 00:35:00.445 --> 00:35:04.335 This revelation of God's character produces immediate 510 00:35:04.665 --> 00:35:06.215 revelation of worship 511 00:35:06.835 --> 00:35:11.575 and in Isaiah, an immediate awareness of his own sinfulness. 512 00:35:11.705 --> 00:35:14.735 We'll get to that in a second. So true worship begins 513 00:35:14.735 --> 00:35:16.415 with a true knowledge of God. 514 00:35:16.835 --> 00:35:19.695 We cannot properly honor someone we don't truly know. 515 00:35:20.145 --> 00:35:22.615 Lemme tell you this, if your understanding 516 00:35:22.675 --> 00:35:26.135 of God is shallow, I promise you, I'm sorry to let you know, 517 00:35:26.135 --> 00:35:27.855 but your worship is shallow. 518 00:35:29.555 --> 00:35:33.135 If your idea of God is distorted, here's a reality check. 519 00:35:33.525 --> 00:35:36.935 Your worship is distorted. 520 00:35:37.595 --> 00:35:41.925 This is why scripture is so critical to the life 521 00:35:42.185 --> 00:35:44.205 of a true worshiper. 522 00:35:44.205 --> 00:35:45.565 You'll hear us say around here all the time, 523 00:35:45.585 --> 00:35:47.845 we wanna be a wildly biblical church. 524 00:35:48.585 --> 00:35:50.965 The reason is because the Bible reveals the character 525 00:35:50.965 --> 00:35:54.565 of God, his holiness, his love, his justice, his mercy, 526 00:35:54.985 --> 00:35:56.605 his sovereignty, his faithfulness. 527 00:35:56.905 --> 00:36:00.765 And every attribute we learn about God should, 528 00:36:00.785 --> 00:36:04.725 and I promise you will deepen your worship. 529 00:36:06.345 --> 00:36:09.645 But here's the problem, image bearer, what we tend to do 530 00:36:10.425 --> 00:36:13.085 is we make God in our image 531 00:36:13.625 --> 00:36:16.605 rather than understanding ourselves in his, 532 00:36:17.825 --> 00:36:19.605 we emphasize the parts of God 533 00:36:19.605 --> 00:36:22.885 that make us comfortable while ignoring altogether, those 534 00:36:22.915 --> 00:36:24.085 that seem to challenge us. 535 00:36:25.145 --> 00:36:28.845 We worship a God who's all loving but never holy. 536 00:36:29.945 --> 00:36:34.055 We worship a God who's all powerful but never personal. 537 00:36:35.195 --> 00:36:37.735 We worship a God that is made in our image 538 00:36:38.915 --> 00:36:43.855 and not the God who made us in his worship. 539 00:36:44.635 --> 00:36:48.535 In truth, it means embracing the full revelation of God. 540 00:36:48.535 --> 00:36:52.575 We find in scripture it means worshiping God as he truly is 541 00:36:52.635 --> 00:36:55.055 and not as we wish or imagine him to be. 542 00:36:55.075 --> 00:36:59.015 We worship God on his terms and not our own. 543 00:37:00.055 --> 00:37:02.215 A good way to think of it is it's worship surrendered, 544 00:37:02.235 --> 00:37:05.215 not worship, preferred we worship God on his term. 545 00:37:06.345 --> 00:37:07.805 And so yes, this does mean 546 00:37:08.155 --> 00:37:11.645 that worship should reflect theological accuracy. 547 00:37:12.635 --> 00:37:14.895 The songs we sing, the prayers we pray, 548 00:37:14.955 --> 00:37:17.855 the words we speak should align with biblical truths. 549 00:37:17.865 --> 00:37:20.415 We're not just merely expressing our feelings, 550 00:37:20.415 --> 00:37:21.455 but we are proclaiming 551 00:37:21.835 --> 00:37:24.615 and celebrating objective truths about the 552 00:37:24.715 --> 00:37:25.935 God of the universe. 553 00:37:26.715 --> 00:37:28.775 And this is why doctrine matters. 554 00:37:28.775 --> 00:37:32.455 That's why we spent so much time trying to teach us together 555 00:37:32.685 --> 00:37:34.735 that good doctrine leads to Godly living. 556 00:37:34.735 --> 00:37:37.695 Because how you think about God really matters 557 00:37:37.835 --> 00:37:40.895 and consider how this transforms our corporate worship. 558 00:37:42.005 --> 00:37:43.175 When we sing the song, uh, one 559 00:37:43.175 --> 00:37:45.335 of my favorite songs is How Great the Art 560 00:37:45.335 --> 00:37:46.495 Y'all know the song, how Great the Art. 561 00:37:47.165 --> 00:37:48.495 What I love about Thou song is 562 00:37:48.495 --> 00:37:51.335 that the melody in the chorus then sings 563 00:37:51.515 --> 00:37:55.935 My soul, my savior God, 564 00:37:56.595 --> 00:38:00.295 to the how great thou, 565 00:38:02.275 --> 00:38:04.055 how great thou 566 00:38:04.455 --> 00:38:05.855 I love that melody, 567 00:38:06.435 --> 00:38:08.855 but more so than just a beautiful melody, 568 00:38:09.235 --> 00:38:11.775 we are declaring the truth of God's greatness 569 00:38:11.995 --> 00:38:14.935 as revealed in creation and redemption. 570 00:38:15.845 --> 00:38:19.375 When we recite the Lord's Prayer, we align our hearts 571 00:38:19.375 --> 00:38:21.895 to the biblical truths of not only God's character 572 00:38:21.895 --> 00:38:25.015 but our relationship to him as God the Father. 573 00:38:26.705 --> 00:38:31.045 But true worship, it goes much deeper than just 574 00:38:31.045 --> 00:38:32.445 correct theology. 575 00:38:33.585 --> 00:38:36.565 It means worship flows from a genuine understanding 576 00:38:36.705 --> 00:38:38.685 and not just a mere familiarity. 577 00:38:39.465 --> 00:38:42.285 It means you have wrestled with God 578 00:38:42.985 --> 00:38:45.845 and you have been changed by what you have discovered. 579 00:38:46.865 --> 00:38:50.165 So yes, this requires intentional study of God's word. 580 00:38:50.185 --> 00:38:53.605 And here's why. You cannot worship deeply 581 00:38:53.875 --> 00:38:55.405 what you know superficially. 582 00:38:57.345 --> 00:39:01.365 You cannot worship deeply, truly 583 00:39:02.035 --> 00:39:03.765 what you know superficially. 584 00:39:04.865 --> 00:39:06.965 The more you understand of God's character 585 00:39:06.965 --> 00:39:09.605 through scripture, the richer your worship becomes. 586 00:39:09.635 --> 00:39:13.325 Because a God who seems distant becomes personal. 587 00:39:14.805 --> 00:39:17.605 A God who seems harsh, becomes compassionate, 588 00:39:18.385 --> 00:39:21.325 and a God who seems weak becomes all powerful. 589 00:39:21.825 --> 00:39:24.325 And this is where the identity piece connects back in. 590 00:39:24.555 --> 00:39:26.205 When we go back to Isaiah chapter six, 591 00:39:26.225 --> 00:39:27.725 he sees God in the temple. 592 00:39:27.725 --> 00:39:30.445 He sees God's holiness. He responds, holy, holy, holy. 593 00:39:30.985 --> 00:39:32.365 But he's dramatically 594 00:39:32.745 --> 00:39:35.045 and immediately thrust into the reality 595 00:39:35.105 --> 00:39:37.085 of his own sinfulness. 596 00:39:37.785 --> 00:39:39.925 He immediately understood his identity 597 00:39:40.385 --> 00:39:43.725 as a sinful being in need of grace. 598 00:39:46.235 --> 00:39:48.165 That scholar, GK Beal, he puts it like this, 599 00:39:49.345 --> 00:39:51.085 we don't just worship God 600 00:39:51.105 --> 00:39:53.045 and then go about our lives unchanged. 601 00:39:53.225 --> 00:39:56.085 The act of worship fundamentally transforms us. 602 00:39:57.075 --> 00:39:59.645 When we worship the true God revealed in scripture, 603 00:40:00.025 --> 00:40:03.565 we gradually become more like Him reflecting his character, 604 00:40:04.065 --> 00:40:05.805 his priorities, and his heart. 605 00:40:06.745 --> 00:40:10.365 But when our worship is directed towards false guides, 606 00:40:10.705 --> 00:40:14.045 we become distorted reflections of our idols. 607 00:40:15.705 --> 00:40:18.995 True worship also means being honest 608 00:40:19.645 --> 00:40:20.875 about ourselves. 609 00:40:22.255 --> 00:40:25.075 Uh, there's a hymn I like, it's called, uh, come Thou Fout. 610 00:40:25.415 --> 00:40:28.235 And when anybody know that one come Thou Fuqua, 611 00:40:28.275 --> 00:40:29.555 I know y'all know the song come that F out. 612 00:40:29.555 --> 00:40:32.355 We sing that one a lot. Come that F There's a verse in 613 00:40:32.355 --> 00:40:33.835 that song that says, oh, to grace, 614 00:40:34.255 --> 00:40:38.195 how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be 615 00:40:38.895 --> 00:40:42.195 let thy goodness like a Fedor bind my wondering 616 00:40:42.325 --> 00:40:43.555 heart to thee. 617 00:40:43.695 --> 00:40:45.035 And there's no cowboys in the room. 618 00:40:45.195 --> 00:40:48.275 A Fedor literally means a rope tied around a post. 619 00:40:48.425 --> 00:40:50.275 What an honest lyric to sing in church. 620 00:40:50.935 --> 00:40:52.475 God, I'm prone to wonder, I note it. 621 00:40:52.475 --> 00:40:54.635 So in your goodness, would you bind me 622 00:40:54.635 --> 00:40:56.635 to you like a rope wrapped around a post? 623 00:40:58.345 --> 00:41:00.845 We serve a God who will meet you in that place 624 00:41:01.235 --> 00:41:02.965 because my fear for some of us is 625 00:41:02.965 --> 00:41:04.365 that we can just enter into church 626 00:41:04.365 --> 00:41:08.285 and do the religious thing we need to put on a performance. 627 00:41:08.905 --> 00:41:11.965 But we serve a God, this God that we can learn in truth 628 00:41:11.965 --> 00:41:13.005 through God's Word. 629 00:41:13.665 --> 00:41:16.285 We can come before that very God true about where we are, 630 00:41:16.705 --> 00:41:18.045 and he will meet us in that place. 631 00:41:19.185 --> 00:41:21.005 So worship must be grounded in truth. 632 00:41:22.565 --> 00:41:25.565 Secondly, worship must be empowered by the spirit. 633 00:41:25.655 --> 00:41:27.125 Truth alone isn't enough, y'all. 634 00:41:28.085 --> 00:41:29.745 Now here's the, here's the deal. Let's be real. 635 00:41:30.565 --> 00:41:32.825 If truth was tripping up, half of us 636 00:41:33.585 --> 00:41:35.925 spirit is gonna trip up the other half. 637 00:41:36.745 --> 00:41:40.805 And here's why. Spiritual realities cannot, 638 00:41:41.525 --> 00:41:44.125 I shouldn't say cannot, but they should not be 639 00:41:44.125 --> 00:41:45.685 manufactured or manipulated. 640 00:41:45.685 --> 00:41:47.525 They can only be received. 641 00:41:48.715 --> 00:41:49.855 I'm gonna let that sit for one second. 642 00:41:51.055 --> 00:41:53.455 Spiritual encounters cannot be manufactured or manipulated. 643 00:41:53.455 --> 00:41:55.375 They can only be received. 644 00:41:56.515 --> 00:41:59.255 And what that looks like practically is worship is not meant 645 00:41:59.255 --> 00:42:00.375 to be performed for others. 646 00:42:00.985 --> 00:42:01.975 We're not trying to create 647 00:42:01.975 --> 00:42:03.495 experiences through our own efforts. 648 00:42:03.955 --> 00:42:06.095 We are depending completely on the Holy Spirit 649 00:42:06.315 --> 00:42:10.495 to make our worship genuine and acceptable to God. 650 00:42:11.635 --> 00:42:13.495 The Holy Spirit is the one 651 00:42:13.515 --> 00:42:16.055 who takes our feeble attempts at worship 652 00:42:16.435 --> 00:42:18.495 and makes them acceptable to God. 653 00:42:18.805 --> 00:42:21.655 It's without the spirit that our 654 00:42:22.245 --> 00:42:23.895 even theologically correct. 655 00:42:23.895 --> 00:42:28.735 Worship just becomes religious ritual without 656 00:42:29.275 --> 00:42:30.695 the work of the spirit. 657 00:42:31.485 --> 00:42:35.415 Even theologically correct worship is just 658 00:42:36.175 --> 00:42:37.335 religious ritual. 659 00:42:38.885 --> 00:42:41.375 Paul who is writing to the Philippians, he, 660 00:42:41.595 --> 00:42:43.095 he says, it is us. 661 00:42:43.475 --> 00:42:46.655 We who serve God by his spirit, 662 00:42:47.355 --> 00:42:48.735 who boast in Christ Jesus 663 00:42:48.835 --> 00:42:50.855 and put no confidence in the flesh. 664 00:42:51.365 --> 00:42:55.095 True worship is service by 665 00:42:55.715 --> 00:42:58.495 his spirit and not human ability. 666 00:42:58.715 --> 00:43:01.775 So what does this look like? It means recognizing 667 00:43:01.775 --> 00:43:05.255 that genuine spiritual encounters cannot be programmed 668 00:43:05.795 --> 00:43:07.415 and cannot be produced. 669 00:43:09.655 --> 00:43:12.075 We can create atmospheres, we can use technology. 670 00:43:12.085 --> 00:43:13.435 We're using technology today. 671 00:43:13.525 --> 00:43:15.155 Right now I'm talking to all 672 00:43:15.155 --> 00:43:16.875 of our campuses because of technology. 673 00:43:16.895 --> 00:43:20.355 We can use technology, we can craft moving experiences. 674 00:43:20.455 --> 00:43:23.915 But the thing we cannot do is create the presence of God. 675 00:43:24.585 --> 00:43:28.235 Only the Holy Spirit can do that. 676 00:43:30.295 --> 00:43:32.435 Now, this doesn't mean we just sit passively by 677 00:43:32.435 --> 00:43:33.555 and wait for something to happen. 678 00:43:33.975 --> 00:43:35.395 The Spirit is still at work. 679 00:43:35.745 --> 00:43:37.435 He's at work through our preparation, 680 00:43:37.615 --> 00:43:39.435 our hearts, our participation. 681 00:43:40.015 --> 00:43:42.875 But it does mean that we acknowledge our complete dependence 682 00:43:43.945 --> 00:43:47.925 on him to make our worship spiritually authentic. 683 00:43:49.405 --> 00:43:53.505 Spirit empowered worship. It can be quiet and contemplative. 684 00:43:54.525 --> 00:43:56.425 It can be exuberant and joyful. 685 00:43:57.445 --> 00:43:58.985 It might follow a familiar pattern. 686 00:43:59.965 --> 00:44:01.465 It might even break new ground. 687 00:44:02.085 --> 00:44:06.065 The key, listen to this, the key is not external form, 688 00:44:06.325 --> 00:44:07.745 but internal reality. 689 00:44:09.485 --> 00:44:11.465 The key is not external form, 690 00:44:11.525 --> 00:44:14.585 but internal reality is the Holy Spirit 691 00:44:14.655 --> 00:44:16.505 leading and empowering. 692 00:44:16.575 --> 00:44:21.175 What has happened, Paul does give instruction 693 00:44:21.235 --> 00:44:24.375 for spirit led worship in one Corinthians 14. 694 00:44:24.435 --> 00:44:26.735 He doesn't forbid any of the supernatural things 695 00:44:26.735 --> 00:44:28.535 that could happen through the power of the Holy Spirit, 696 00:44:28.595 --> 00:44:31.845 but he does insist that they must be exercised in ways 697 00:44:31.875 --> 00:44:33.165 that build up the church 698 00:44:33.785 --> 00:44:37.005 and reflect God's character in order and not chaos. 699 00:44:38.665 --> 00:44:40.965 The truth is the Holy Spirit never contradicts scripture, 700 00:44:42.175 --> 00:44:43.565 never promotes disorder, 701 00:44:44.265 --> 00:44:46.965 and never draws attention to himself rather than Christ. 702 00:44:48.035 --> 00:44:50.405 When the spirit is truly at work, 703 00:44:50.945 --> 00:44:54.605 people leave more aware of God's greatness 704 00:44:54.945 --> 00:44:56.845 and they're not impressed by a service. 705 00:44:59.225 --> 00:45:01.365 So someone at another campus better give me an amen. 706 00:45:01.675 --> 00:45:03.325 When the spirit of God is at work 707 00:45:03.325 --> 00:45:04.645 and worship, you're talking about 708 00:45:04.645 --> 00:45:07.005 how great God is when you leave and not how awesome 709 00:45:07.025 --> 00:45:08.685 and talented people are at church. 710 00:45:08.685 --> 00:45:10.125 And that's the thing that's kind of rubbed me. 711 00:45:10.225 --> 00:45:12.165 So this is the pride of Christ. 712 00:45:12.225 --> 00:45:13.405 And sometimes we leave church 713 00:45:13.545 --> 00:45:14.805 and we're, we're talking like we just went 714 00:45:14.805 --> 00:45:16.485 and saw a Quentin Tarantino movie, man. 715 00:45:16.485 --> 00:45:17.765 It's kind of, you know, it was all right, kind 716 00:45:17.765 --> 00:45:20.485 of dragged on, you know, didn't really know the punchline. 717 00:45:20.705 --> 00:45:22.245 And if you've been around this part since Easter, 718 00:45:22.275 --> 00:45:23.325 it's been apparent that we are 719 00:45:23.325 --> 00:45:24.765 making a declarative statement. 720 00:45:24.765 --> 00:45:27.605 That Jesus Christ is the hero. He's the star. 721 00:45:27.875 --> 00:45:29.965 He's why we're here. And so our worship is 722 00:45:29.965 --> 00:45:31.365 to him and led by Him. 723 00:45:31.665 --> 00:45:33.365 And when the spirit is at work, 724 00:45:33.425 --> 00:45:34.765 you won't leave talking about us. 725 00:45:35.905 --> 00:45:38.485 You're gonna be leaving talking about him. 726 00:45:40.145 --> 00:45:44.205 Now, this will require cultivating a sensitivity 727 00:45:45.385 --> 00:45:46.885 to the spirit's leading. 728 00:45:47.585 --> 00:45:50.005 How do we do that? We do it through prayer, 729 00:45:51.115 --> 00:45:54.345 through prayer, through prayer. 730 00:45:55.485 --> 00:45:58.425 We pray 'cause it matters. Y'all get on your knees and pray. 731 00:45:58.995 --> 00:46:01.585 Study scripture become spiritually mature. 732 00:46:01.585 --> 00:46:03.585 And this is what a spiritually mature person looks like 733 00:46:04.715 --> 00:46:06.125 when they come to worship. 734 00:46:06.355 --> 00:46:09.485 They've, they've prepared their hearts to worship. 735 00:46:10.155 --> 00:46:12.245 They don't come to get stirred up so they can worship. 736 00:46:12.825 --> 00:46:15.445 Um, spiritually mature person will show up prepared 737 00:46:15.715 --> 00:46:17.765 with a prepared heart having dealt with sin. 738 00:46:18.065 --> 00:46:21.125 And then they are open to however God may wanna move. 739 00:46:21.315 --> 00:46:25.085 That is worship that is led by spirit. 740 00:46:25.995 --> 00:46:28.845 Worship requires biblical balance. 741 00:46:28.985 --> 00:46:30.805 We got spirit, we got truth. 742 00:46:30.905 --> 00:46:32.885 But we need to see them in balance. 743 00:46:33.105 --> 00:46:36.085 And what that looks like is we need to avoid extremes 744 00:46:36.085 --> 00:46:37.485 where we elevate one aspect 745 00:46:37.485 --> 00:46:39.485 of worship while neglecting others altogether. 746 00:46:39.505 --> 00:46:42.285 I'm gonna give very quick and general examples. 747 00:46:42.465 --> 00:46:44.245 I'm not speaking about anyone directly, 748 00:46:45.025 --> 00:46:48.565 but these are my general exam examples of unbalance. 749 00:46:49.235 --> 00:46:52.845 Some churches will choose to emphasize emotional expression, 750 00:46:53.825 --> 00:46:55.805 but lack biblical substance. 751 00:46:56.235 --> 00:46:57.405 They have a lot of feel, 752 00:46:58.225 --> 00:47:02.405 but little truth, others will stress 753 00:47:02.405 --> 00:47:03.805 theological accuracy. 754 00:47:04.085 --> 00:47:07.365 Accuracy, it's a fancy word for me, theological accuracy. 755 00:47:08.065 --> 00:47:11.685 But quench the spiritual vitality they have, right? 756 00:47:11.705 --> 00:47:14.045 The doctrine, but they don't have a spiritual life. 757 00:47:15.595 --> 00:47:16.685 Some focus on tradition 758 00:47:16.685 --> 00:47:19.605 and order while others embrace chaos in the name of freedom. 759 00:47:19.705 --> 00:47:22.885 But scripture calls all of us to approach worship 760 00:47:23.155 --> 00:47:27.015 with balance, Paul again in Corinthians 14. 761 00:47:27.075 --> 00:47:29.845 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 762 00:47:30.265 --> 00:47:31.925 Now, does this mean that we, we need to be rigid, 763 00:47:31.935 --> 00:47:33.245 legalistic, formulaic? 764 00:47:33.465 --> 00:47:35.725 No. But it does mean we should be thoughtful, 765 00:47:36.215 --> 00:47:38.525 purposeful in our worship, we have worship 766 00:47:38.595 --> 00:47:41.245 that reflects God's character both creatively 767 00:47:41.585 --> 00:47:42.725 and with consistency. 768 00:47:43.925 --> 00:47:46.765 Biblical balance means we can appreciate different styles 769 00:47:46.765 --> 00:47:50.045 and expression as long as they honor biblical principles, 770 00:47:51.075 --> 00:47:53.565 ancient hymns and contemporary songs, which 771 00:47:53.585 --> 00:47:55.325 by the way is 95% 772 00:47:55.325 --> 00:47:58.245 of the conversations I have on a Sunday morning in a 773 00:47:58.245 --> 00:47:59.405 lobby somewhere in the triangle. 774 00:48:01.075 --> 00:48:04.645 Ancient hymns and contemporary songs both can glorify God. 775 00:48:06.335 --> 00:48:07.525 Liturgical traditions 776 00:48:07.545 --> 00:48:10.365 and spontaneous expressions can both be spirit led 777 00:48:11.495 --> 00:48:14.765 quiet meditation and joyful celebration can both be worship 778 00:48:14.825 --> 00:48:15.885 in truth and in spirit. 779 00:48:16.905 --> 00:48:19.325 The key is that everything must be done to God's glory. 780 00:48:19.425 --> 00:48:22.285 And for the edification of the church, not 781 00:48:22.285 --> 00:48:26.125 for personal preference and not for cultural accommodation, 782 00:48:26.145 --> 00:48:27.965 we must ask, does this honor God? 783 00:48:28.715 --> 00:48:30.485 Does this build up the body of Christ? 784 00:48:31.105 --> 00:48:32.405 And does this align with scripture? 785 00:48:34.105 --> 00:48:36.365 CS Lewis, the great author of the Chronicles of Narnia, 786 00:48:36.365 --> 00:48:37.565 which we watch a lot in my house, 787 00:48:38.465 --> 00:48:40.405 has a great observation about worship. 788 00:48:40.405 --> 00:48:43.965 Worship serves two purposes, glorification and edification. 789 00:48:44.645 --> 00:48:47.245 Glorification meaning we magnify God's 790 00:48:47.245 --> 00:48:48.365 greatness and worthiness. 791 00:48:48.425 --> 00:48:50.965 In other words, we make much, we make a big deal about God. 792 00:48:50.965 --> 00:48:52.485 It's a big deal to, to worship him. 793 00:48:53.065 --> 00:48:54.085 So that's glorification 794 00:48:54.145 --> 00:48:56.325 and edification, which means we build 795 00:48:56.325 --> 00:48:57.365 up one another in the faith. 796 00:48:57.425 --> 00:49:00.725 Our worship strengthens and encourages the body of Christ. 797 00:49:02.315 --> 00:49:05.445 True worship achieves both of these aims simultaneously. 798 00:49:06.415 --> 00:49:08.805 We're not choosing between honoring God 799 00:49:09.065 --> 00:49:10.285 and edifying each other. 800 00:49:10.865 --> 00:49:12.925 If we truly worship a balanced approach, 801 00:49:12.945 --> 00:49:14.685 we will do both at the same time. 802 00:49:15.265 --> 00:49:16.685 So yes, a balanced approach 803 00:49:16.745 --> 00:49:19.325 to this sometimes means you need to step outta your comfort zone. 804 00:49:19.955 --> 00:49:21.765 Traditional worship might need 805 00:49:21.765 --> 00:49:23.085 to embrace a fresh expression. 806 00:49:24.055 --> 00:49:25.765 Maybe it connects with someone who's different than you, 807 00:49:25.785 --> 00:49:29.565 or even the younger generation, contemporary worship cats. 808 00:49:29.585 --> 00:49:31.245 You might need to rediscover the rich 809 00:49:31.855 --> 00:49:34.125 historical tri Christian traditions 810 00:49:34.345 --> 00:49:36.085 and the value they bring even today. 811 00:49:36.145 --> 00:49:39.725 But most importantly, biblical balance keeps the focus on 812 00:49:39.905 --> 00:49:41.565 God rather than ourselves. 813 00:49:41.945 --> 00:49:43.685 The trick here is worship ain't about 814 00:49:43.685 --> 00:49:46.085 you if you didn't know it isn't. 815 00:49:46.085 --> 00:49:47.205 It's about God. 816 00:49:47.725 --> 00:49:49.325 Biblical balance keeps the focus on 817 00:49:49.425 --> 00:49:50.605 God rather than ourselves. 818 00:49:50.995 --> 00:49:52.765 Worship's not about what we get out of it, 819 00:49:52.765 --> 00:49:53.925 it's about what we bring to it. 820 00:49:54.465 --> 00:49:55.645 And it's not about how we feel 821 00:49:55.665 --> 00:49:56.805 and the reason it's really important 822 00:49:56.805 --> 00:49:58.605 because it's not about how we feel. 823 00:49:58.795 --> 00:50:03.045 It's because life isn't always easy. Is that fair? Do we? 824 00:50:03.225 --> 00:50:04.645 Unless all y'all got a different life than 825 00:50:04.645 --> 00:50:05.685 I got, life isn't always easy. 826 00:50:06.265 --> 00:50:10.165 So sometimes I don't feel like worshiping. 827 00:50:10.985 --> 00:50:12.965 So that's why we don't base what we choose to do 828 00:50:13.505 --> 00:50:14.525 off how we feel. 829 00:50:15.035 --> 00:50:16.805 Worship is not about how I feel, 830 00:50:17.025 --> 00:50:21.165 but it's about honoring the one who is worthy of all honor. 831 00:50:23.105 --> 00:50:24.145 I got one more for you. 832 00:50:24.895 --> 00:50:27.845 Worship is a way of life, not just an event. 833 00:50:29.815 --> 00:50:31.345 This can be challenging for us 834 00:50:31.535 --> 00:50:33.825 because we view worship as a time 835 00:50:33.825 --> 00:50:35.505 that we go to and that we leave. 836 00:50:35.895 --> 00:50:37.225 It's the Sunday morning gathering. 837 00:50:38.175 --> 00:50:40.155 But Paul again in Romans gives us a challenge. 838 00:50:40.155 --> 00:50:43.195 Therefore brothers, I challenge you, urge you, encourage you 839 00:50:47.205 --> 00:50:50.145 In view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies 840 00:50:50.245 --> 00:50:54.185 as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. 841 00:50:54.655 --> 00:50:57.185 This is your true and proper worship. 842 00:50:57.485 --> 00:51:00.385 Our true and proper worship is not the songs, 843 00:51:00.495 --> 00:51:02.745 it's not the gatherings, it's the offering 844 00:51:02.745 --> 00:51:04.545 of our entire lives. 845 00:51:06.095 --> 00:51:10.225 Your work, your work becomes worship when you do 846 00:51:10.225 --> 00:51:12.745 with excellence and integrity as unto the Lord. 847 00:51:14.055 --> 00:51:17.425 Your finances, yes, your finances 848 00:51:18.555 --> 00:51:20.695 become worship when you manage them 849 00:51:21.395 --> 00:51:24.495 and are generous with them as stewards of God's resources. 850 00:51:25.085 --> 00:51:28.895 Your relationships become worship when you love, forgive 851 00:51:29.195 --> 00:51:31.655 and serve others as Christ has loved you. 852 00:51:31.805 --> 00:51:34.535 When you pull a trailer on a Sunday morning at five 30 853 00:51:34.795 --> 00:51:37.295 to one campus, even though you attend another campus so 854 00:51:37.295 --> 00:51:39.535 that a gym can be turned into a place to share hope 855 00:51:39.675 --> 00:51:42.495 for young people, that is worship. 856 00:51:42.635 --> 00:51:45.695 And what I love about it is that the most mundane things, 857 00:51:46.955 --> 00:51:49.175 or should I say, the seemingly mundane things 858 00:51:49.835 --> 00:51:52.895 can become moments of worship them. 859 00:51:52.925 --> 00:51:54.775 Pile of dishes that are in the house that no one wants 860 00:51:54.775 --> 00:51:58.065 to touch them, pile of dishes, cleaning those dishes, 861 00:51:58.405 --> 00:52:00.505 become service to the Lord. 862 00:52:02.105 --> 00:52:05.105 I don't know if any husbands have ever come home from a long 863 00:52:05.105 --> 00:52:06.985 day of work and you, you get in the house 864 00:52:07.285 --> 00:52:09.265 and your wife has that look on her face that says, 865 00:52:09.265 --> 00:52:10.745 if one more person talks to me 866 00:52:10.965 --> 00:52:13.625 or touches me, it's on you ever. 867 00:52:13.625 --> 00:52:15.025 You ever have that moment. And 868 00:52:15.025 --> 00:52:16.905 what you do is you give a mommy minute. 869 00:52:16.905 --> 00:52:17.825 Well, I dunno what y'all call, that's what we 870 00:52:17.825 --> 00:52:18.305 call it, my house. 871 00:52:18.305 --> 00:52:19.505 It's called a mommy minute. And 872 00:52:19.505 --> 00:52:21.545 what a mommy minute means is like no one talk to mommy. 873 00:52:21.575 --> 00:52:23.345 Mommy's gonna have the rest of the night to herself 874 00:52:23.405 --> 00:52:24.985 and daddy's here and we'll see her in the morning. 875 00:52:25.375 --> 00:52:29.665 That is an opportunity of worship in service to God. 876 00:52:29.695 --> 00:52:33.305 When you're raising and loving, I got an amen from my wife. 877 00:52:33.645 --> 00:52:36.985 Ooh boy, let me add a couple minutes to the clock. 878 00:52:37.325 --> 00:52:40.545 Um, when you're raising those children 879 00:52:42.255 --> 00:52:45.545 that sometimes frustrate you, sometimes hurt your feelings, 880 00:52:46.845 --> 00:52:49.825 you're tending to the precious gifts of God when you study, 881 00:52:50.285 --> 00:52:52.385 you're stewarding the mind that God gave you. 882 00:52:52.385 --> 00:52:55.105 When you exercise, you're caring for the body. 883 00:52:55.105 --> 00:52:56.305 That is his temple. 884 00:52:57.255 --> 00:53:01.305 What this is is a whole life approach to worship, 885 00:53:02.775 --> 00:53:04.655 a whole life approach to worship. 886 00:53:04.805 --> 00:53:06.095 This transforms everything. 887 00:53:06.635 --> 00:53:08.375 It means we can't compartmentalize our faith. 888 00:53:09.155 --> 00:53:13.095 You can't sing. I surrender all on Sunday 889 00:53:13.155 --> 00:53:15.175 and then live selfishly Monday through Saturday. 890 00:53:18.295 --> 00:53:21.355 Our corporate worship and our daily life must align. 891 00:53:22.775 --> 00:53:24.595 And what I love about this understanding is it 892 00:53:24.595 --> 00:53:26.005 elevates the ordinary life. 893 00:53:26.195 --> 00:53:28.805 Hear this, the ordinary life gets raised 894 00:53:28.945 --> 00:53:30.765 to sacred significance. 895 00:53:31.585 --> 00:53:33.005 And you don't have to be in full-time 896 00:53:33.325 --> 00:53:34.725 ministry to live a life of worship. 897 00:53:34.985 --> 00:53:36.285 And I'm not gonna speak for all 898 00:53:36.285 --> 00:53:37.925 of the other pastors, I'll just speak for myself. 899 00:53:38.155 --> 00:53:41.185 I'll take prayer because the hangup for me can be 900 00:53:41.185 --> 00:53:44.385 because I make my livelihood putting on worship. 901 00:53:45.325 --> 00:53:47.465 And the shortcoming for me could be, I think I've done it 902 00:53:48.015 --> 00:53:49.545 because I worked my nine to five. 903 00:53:50.065 --> 00:53:51.065 I mean, y'all call me at like seven 904 00:53:51.065 --> 00:53:52.265 o'clock at night, so my nine to whatever. 905 00:53:52.325 --> 00:53:54.825 But so I'll take prayer 906 00:53:54.825 --> 00:53:56.825 because that's, that's just me doing a job. 907 00:53:57.125 --> 00:54:00.665 That's not a whole life worship, whole life worship. 908 00:54:00.735 --> 00:54:03.465 It's not just a full-time vocational ministry. 909 00:54:03.465 --> 00:54:07.225 What this means for every believer in every occupation 910 00:54:07.485 --> 00:54:10.225 and every season of life can offer their daily 911 00:54:10.275 --> 00:54:11.545 activities as worship. 912 00:54:13.455 --> 00:54:15.625 This means our worship should flow from 913 00:54:16.685 --> 00:54:17.985 and to daily worship. 914 00:54:18.085 --> 00:54:20.745 So when we get together, when we gather, when the family 915 00:54:20.845 --> 00:54:22.665 of family's hanging out, being ruckus, 916 00:54:23.045 --> 00:54:24.545 the worship should flow to that. 917 00:54:24.885 --> 00:54:28.265 And from that back to our individual lives, we bring 918 00:54:28.265 --> 00:54:29.905 that individual worship into 919 00:54:29.905 --> 00:54:32.425 what we call the corporate gathering, the family families. 920 00:54:32.425 --> 00:54:34.025 We bring that individual worship in 921 00:54:34.765 --> 00:54:36.505 and we continue to worship back out as we go 922 00:54:36.505 --> 00:54:38.185 and live out our daily lives. 923 00:54:39.045 --> 00:54:42.705 You can think of it as daily devotion lived out 924 00:54:43.285 --> 00:54:44.745 or daily devotion lived out loud. 925 00:54:45.175 --> 00:54:47.825 It's not just the quiet times in the morning, it's devotion. 926 00:54:48.525 --> 00:54:50.305 All the live long day. 927 00:54:51.975 --> 00:54:53.935 Consider how this perspective can transform 928 00:54:54.125 --> 00:54:55.335 your Monday morning meetings. 929 00:54:55.995 --> 00:54:58.335 You're not leaving the sacred to head to the secular. 930 00:54:58.915 --> 00:55:00.775 You're simply taking worship into the world. 931 00:55:00.845 --> 00:55:03.255 Your workplace becomes a mission field. 932 00:55:03.485 --> 00:55:05.375 Your family becomes your first ministry. 933 00:55:05.375 --> 00:55:07.815 Your community becomes the places of service. 934 00:55:08.365 --> 00:55:11.295 This requires intentionality. I'm I'm sure of it. 935 00:55:11.635 --> 00:55:14.775 You must consciously choose to see every aspect of your life 936 00:55:14.775 --> 00:55:16.775 through the lens of worship. 937 00:55:17.115 --> 00:55:18.695 You must regularly ask yourself, 938 00:55:18.955 --> 00:55:21.215 is this situation, is this trial? 939 00:55:21.715 --> 00:55:26.135 Is this moment an opportunity to glorify 940 00:55:26.395 --> 00:55:28.535 and bring glory to God? 941 00:55:29.515 --> 00:55:30.575 And I'll give you one caution. 942 00:55:31.435 --> 00:55:35.935 If your private life doesn't match your corporate worship, 943 00:55:36.835 --> 00:55:40.855 you are living a divided existence that neither honors God 944 00:55:41.275 --> 00:55:44.615 or yourself, don't compartmentalize your faith. 945 00:55:45.665 --> 00:55:49.035 Worship is a whole life experience. 946 00:55:50.315 --> 00:55:51.955 I wanna read where we started and then I got four 947 00:55:52.115 --> 00:55:54.235 encouragement for you back in John 948 00:55:55.065 --> 00:55:57.595 chapter four, verse 23. 949 00:55:58.825 --> 00:56:00.045 But the hour is coming 950 00:56:00.265 --> 00:56:04.005 and is now here when true worshipers will worship the Father 951 00:56:04.065 --> 00:56:05.605 in spirit and in truth, 952 00:56:06.025 --> 00:56:08.845 for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 953 00:56:09.585 --> 00:56:13.685 God is spirit and those who worship must worship in spirit 954 00:56:13.905 --> 00:56:18.755 and in truth, the Father is seeking worshipers 955 00:56:18.755 --> 00:56:20.315 who will worship in spirit 956 00:56:21.535 --> 00:56:26.365 and in truth, truth, spirit, and in truth. 957 00:56:27.455 --> 00:56:29.725 Truth meaning we know the God of the Bible 958 00:56:30.465 --> 00:56:32.985 and that we depend on the spirit. 959 00:56:33.835 --> 00:56:37.145 Lemme give you four encouragement as we end our time today. 960 00:56:38.625 --> 00:56:42.525 My first encouragement to you is commit to knowing 961 00:56:43.505 --> 00:56:44.725 God through his word. 962 00:56:46.485 --> 00:56:48.345 That's probably gonna be a little bit of a sacrifice. 963 00:56:48.855 --> 00:56:50.305 Worship equals sacrifice. 964 00:56:50.855 --> 00:56:53.345 Make studying scripture a priority so 965 00:56:53.345 --> 00:56:57.705 that your worship is grounded in the true God of the Bible. 966 00:56:58.075 --> 00:57:00.225 Let's worship him as he truly is. 967 00:57:02.365 --> 00:57:06.465 Second, let all of us begin to cultivate a sensitivity, 968 00:57:06.625 --> 00:57:08.745 a dependence on the Holy Spirit 969 00:57:09.685 --> 00:57:11.545 and what that can look like through your life of prayer, 970 00:57:11.655 --> 00:57:12.705 through bible study. 971 00:57:13.235 --> 00:57:15.105 Y'all church, where's the camera? This one right here. 972 00:57:15.565 --> 00:57:18.825 Hey, show up to church, prepare to worship. 973 00:57:20.135 --> 00:57:22.625 Call on the Holy Spirit every single day 974 00:57:22.685 --> 00:57:25.465 and show up with worship to offer, not 975 00:57:25.465 --> 00:57:26.625 to get yourself stirred up in, 976 00:57:26.775 --> 00:57:28.865 cultivate a dependence on the Holy Spirit. 977 00:57:29.415 --> 00:57:32.305 That way you can know when an authentic 978 00:57:33.305 --> 00:57:34.465 spiritual encounter is happening. 979 00:57:35.595 --> 00:57:37.545 Third, let's embrace biblical balance. 980 00:57:38.005 --> 00:57:40.505 We want to glorify God and edify each other. 981 00:57:41.645 --> 00:57:43.145 We can be open to different expressions 982 00:57:43.145 --> 00:57:45.865 of worship while maintaining a focus on God's glory 983 00:57:45.925 --> 00:57:47.625 and building up of his people. 984 00:57:48.725 --> 00:57:52.385 And fourth, most importantly, I believe, integrate worship 985 00:57:52.975 --> 00:57:54.385 into daily life. 986 00:57:54.765 --> 00:57:58.785 You must begin to see every activity, every relationship, 987 00:57:58.955 --> 00:58:03.385 every responsibility as an opportunity to honor God 988 00:58:03.845 --> 00:58:06.985 who so loved the world that he gave his only son, 989 00:58:07.135 --> 00:58:09.945 that whoever would believe in him would not perish, 990 00:58:10.165 --> 00:58:11.985 but have eternal life. 991 00:58:12.205 --> 00:58:15.065 The kind of worshipers the God 992 00:58:15.245 --> 00:58:18.305 of heaven is seeking is not about your 993 00:58:18.355 --> 00:58:19.945 style or your preferences. 994 00:58:20.405 --> 00:58:23.265 He wants worshipers who will worship in spirit 995 00:58:23.925 --> 00:58:27.785 and in truth, it's not about perfection, 996 00:58:27.855 --> 00:58:28.985 it's about authenticity. 997 00:58:30.775 --> 00:58:31.905 It's not about performance. 998 00:58:34.495 --> 00:58:35.665 It's about the heart 999 00:58:35.725 --> 00:58:38.705 of an image bearer responding to their creator. 1000 00:58:40.845 --> 00:58:42.545 You were made for this. 1001 00:58:44.485 --> 00:58:46.505 You were created to be a worshiper. 1002 00:58:48.125 --> 00:58:50.105 Who are you worshiping? 1003 00:58:51.695 --> 00:58:54.345 This is your true identity to be a worshiper. 1004 00:58:55.525 --> 00:58:57.385 And when you worship God in spirit 1005 00:58:57.525 --> 00:59:00.625 and in truth, you're not doing something religious. 1006 00:59:00.765 --> 00:59:04.345 You are being who you are always meant to be. 1007 00:59:07.205 --> 00:59:08.545 So let's end how we begin. 1008 00:59:10.305 --> 00:59:11.945 I asked you as we started our time together, 1009 00:59:13.085 --> 00:59:15.945 how many hours did you worship this week? 1010 00:59:17.285 --> 00:59:21.025 Now let me ask you, how many hours will 1011 00:59:21.545 --> 00:59:22.965 you worship this week? 1012 00:59:23.455 --> 00:59:26.885 Let's pray. Father of mercy 1013 00:59:27.185 --> 00:59:30.925 and grace, we thank you that we can come before you 1014 00:59:30.925 --> 00:59:33.725 because of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 1015 00:59:35.355 --> 00:59:38.485 Lord, we want to be a people of family 1016 00:59:40.185 --> 00:59:44.805 who worships you in truth, who's wildly biblical 1017 00:59:46.985 --> 00:59:49.085 And who is spirit led. 1018 00:59:50.315 --> 00:59:51.925 Lord, I pray that you would convict 1019 00:59:52.265 --> 00:59:54.605 and call all of us to live this way. 1020 00:59:54.705 --> 00:59:58.285 In Jesus' name, amen. Hope, community church, I love you. 1021 01:00:05.385 --> 01:00:08.325 Can we lift up a shadow? Praise to God. Yeah. 1022 01:00:13.555 --> 01:00:15.445 What a powerful word. Thank you, Rob. 1023 01:00:17.865 --> 01:00:22.605 You know, we've seen God moving in, um, some amazing ways, 1024 01:00:23.105 --> 01:00:24.845 uh, through our church and in our church. 1025 01:00:25.745 --> 01:00:28.605 Um, and we want to, we wanna have a night where we, 1026 01:00:28.745 --> 01:00:32.285 we praise him, uh, together, uh, all as one campus. 1027 01:00:32.545 --> 01:00:35.925 And, uh, during this time, we're actually gonna, uh, have, 1028 01:00:35.985 --> 01:00:38.525 uh, a vision night where all of our campuses come, 1029 01:00:38.525 --> 01:00:40.165 come together here at the Raleigh campus. 1030 01:00:40.555 --> 01:00:44.645 It's going to be August 10th at, uh, 5:00 PM And we want all 1031 01:00:44.645 --> 01:00:46.085 of our campuses to join in on this. 1032 01:00:46.095 --> 01:00:47.525 We're gonna hear from Jason Gore, 1033 01:00:47.745 --> 01:00:49.445 our lead pastor and some of our elders. 1034 01:00:49.505 --> 01:00:50.805 Um, you know how we 1035 01:00:51.025 --> 01:00:52.885 as a church are gonna live out the mission 1036 01:00:52.885 --> 01:00:55.245 and vision that God has put before us. 1037 01:00:55.345 --> 01:00:58.845 And so we would love to have you there, uh, for that. 1038 01:00:58.845 --> 01:01:00.725 And we want you to RSVP as well. 1039 01:01:00.745 --> 01:01:05.085 You can actually text vision to 7 2 9 8 9, uh, 1040 01:01:05.225 --> 01:01:06.765 and RSVP there. 1041 01:01:07.025 --> 01:01:08.045 Uh, we'd love to see you. 1042 01:01:08.045 --> 01:01:09.565 We can't wait for it this coming Sunday. 1043 01:01:10.185 --> 01:01:12.885 Um, and then also a reminder, next, 1044 01:01:12.985 --> 01:01:14.925 or actually Thursday the 21st, 1045 01:01:15.225 --> 01:01:16.965 not next Thursday, Thursday the 21st. 1046 01:01:17.415 --> 01:01:21.085 We're not going to have service here on Thursday night. 1047 01:01:21.135 --> 01:01:24.445 We're actually going to, uh, be inviting in NC State Crew 1048 01:01:24.625 --> 01:01:26.605 and they're gonna come in and have a worship night here. 1049 01:01:26.605 --> 01:01:29.325 So you can attend on Sunday morning or you can watch online. 1050 01:01:29.825 --> 01:01:32.565 Uh, we're super thankful that, uh, we got to worship, uh, 1051 01:01:32.565 --> 01:01:35.525 with you today and we look forward to seeing you next week. 1052 01:01:36.155 --> 01:01:36.845 Have a great night.