The acclaimed singer/songwriter shares the hardest moments of his life to show how God stays with us throughout it all.
#inActive
#WordofGod
#PersonalStory
#Singer/Songwriter
#Music
#Heaven
#Praise
#Musician
#Blessing
#Mercy
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Life Today with James Robison | Steven Curtis Chapman - Faithful And True | July 7, 2025
- Announcer: next on life today .
- 00:00:06.396 --> 00:00:08.565
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:00:08.565 --> 00:00:13.269
- Announcer: the most awarded artist
- 00:00:13.269 --> 00:00:15.405
- In christian music history, steven curtis chapman.
- 00:00:15.405 --> 00:00:18.475
- >> i feel like my journey has been that;
- 00:00:18.475 --> 00:00:21.044
- It's been one foot in both, this very broken real world
- 00:00:21.044 --> 00:00:26.049
- But longing for heaven and trying to use the gifts
- 00:00:26.049 --> 00:00:29.919
- That god has given me to point people
- 00:00:29.919 --> 00:00:32.889
- In that direction to share my journey.
- 00:00:32.889 --> 00:00:39.229
- ♪
- 00:00:39.462 --> 00:01:02.752
- Betty: what an awesome
- 00:01:02.852 --> 00:01:03.887
- Betty: what an awesome audience tonight!
- 00:01:03.953 --> 00:01:05.555
- Betty: what an awesome audience tonight! welcome to life today !
- 00:01:05.622 --> 00:01:06.823
- Audience tonight! welcome to life today ! thank you so much
- 00:01:06.890 --> 00:01:07.924
- Welcome to life today ! thank you so much for joining us.
- 00:01:07.991 --> 00:01:09.025
- Thank you so much for joining us. i'm betty and this is james.
- 00:01:09.092 --> 00:01:10.693
- For joining us. i'm betty and this is james. james: they came
- 00:01:10.760 --> 00:01:11.761
- I'm betty and this is james. james: they came to hear me sing.
- 00:01:11.828 --> 00:01:12.962
- James: they came to hear me sing. i'm so good.
- 00:01:13.029 --> 00:01:14.264
- Betty: i don't think so.
- 00:01:14.364 --> 00:01:15.598
- Betty: i don't think so. james: see we've got a guy
- 00:01:15.665 --> 00:01:16.833
- Betty: i don't think so. james: see we've got a guy that's won more grammys
- 00:01:16.900 --> 00:01:17.834
- James: see we've got a guy that's won more grammys than anybody.
- 00:01:17.901 --> 00:01:18.968
- That's won more grammys than anybody. betty: that's not you.
- 00:01:19.035 --> 00:01:20.370
- Than anybody. betty: that's not you. james: no.
- 00:01:20.436 --> 00:01:21.571
- Betty: that's not you. james: no. [laughter]
- 00:01:21.638 --> 00:01:22.872
- James: no. [laughter] why do you make fun
- 00:01:22.939 --> 00:01:24.040
- [laughter] why do you make fun of my singing?
- 00:01:24.107 --> 00:01:25.275
- Why do you make fun of my singing? betty: sometimes truth hurts.
- 00:01:25.341 --> 00:01:26.442
- Of my singing? betty: sometimes truth hurts. [laughter]
- 00:01:26.509 --> 00:01:29.546
- Betty: sometimes truth hurts. [laughter] james: let me set you back.
- 00:01:29.612 --> 00:01:31.347
- [laughter] james: let me set you back. when we get to heaven,
- 00:01:31.414 --> 00:01:32.782
- James: let me set you back. when we get to heaven, you're going to listen
- 00:01:32.849 --> 00:01:33.850
- When we get to heaven, you're going to listen to me sing the first year
- 00:01:33.917 --> 00:01:35.051
- You're going to listen to me sing the first year because i'm flat going to
- 00:01:35.118 --> 00:01:36.152
- To me sing the first year because i'm flat going to be able to sing in heaven.
- 00:01:36.219 --> 00:01:37.253
- Because i'm flat going to be able to sing in heaven. do you believe that?
- 00:01:37.320 --> 00:01:38.521
- Be able to sing in heaven. do you believe that? betty: yeah. i'm trying to.
- 00:01:38.588 --> 00:01:40.089
- Do you believe that? betty: yeah. i'm trying to. [laughter]
- 00:01:40.156 --> 00:01:41.357
- Betty: yeah. i'm trying to. [laughter] james: it's maybe too big
- 00:01:41.424 --> 00:01:42.492
- [laughter] james: it's maybe too big of a miracle.
- 00:01:42.559 --> 00:01:43.626
- James: it's maybe too big of a miracle. steven: still hard to imagine.
- 00:01:43.693 --> 00:01:44.861
- Of a miracle. steven: still hard to imagine. james: welcome steven curtis
- 00:01:44.928 --> 00:01:46.262
- Steven: still hard to imagine. james: welcome steven curtis chapman to life today .
- 00:01:46.329 --> 00:01:47.830
- James: welcome steven curtis chapman to life today . [cheers & applause]
- 00:01:47.897 --> 00:01:53.937
- Chapman to life today . [cheers & applause] i'm going to turn
- 00:01:54.003 --> 00:01:55.138
- [cheers & applause] i'm going to turn this out here.
- 00:01:55.205 --> 00:01:56.139
- I'm going to turn this out here. i want one of the cameras
- 00:01:56.206 --> 00:01:57.173
- This out here. i want one of the cameras to come in and let me see
- 00:01:57.240 --> 00:01:58.541
- I want one of the cameras to come in and let me see pretty tight here;
- 00:01:58.608 --> 00:01:59.709
- To come in and let me see pretty tight here; get a camera that can
- 00:01:59.776 --> 00:02:00.777
- Pretty tight here; get a camera that can come on in on him.
- 00:02:00.843 --> 00:02:02.312
- Get a camera that can come on in on him. now here's what i told him
- 00:02:02.378 --> 00:02:03.546
- Come on in on him. now here's what i told him when i held it up.
- 00:02:03.613 --> 00:02:04.714
- Now here's what i told him when i held it up. we had dinner before
- 00:02:04.781 --> 00:02:05.848
- When i held it up. we had dinner before we came out.
- 00:02:05.915 --> 00:02:06.983
- We had dinner before we came out. you may be watching this
- 00:02:07.050 --> 00:02:08.051
- We came out. you may be watching this early in the morning,
- 00:02:08.117 --> 00:02:09.118
- You may be watching this early in the morning, you may still have
- 00:02:09.185 --> 00:02:10.186
- Early in the morning, you may still have on your pajamas.
- 00:02:10.253 --> 00:02:11.254
- You may still have on your pajamas. a lot of people say,
- 00:02:11.321 --> 00:02:12.288
- On your pajamas. a lot of people say, "i'm glad i can see you --
- 00:02:12.355 --> 00:02:13.323
- A lot of people say, "i'm glad i can see you -- glad you can't see me."
- 00:02:13.389 --> 00:02:14.357
- "i'm glad i can see you -- glad you can't see me." you can watch us through
- 00:02:14.424 --> 00:02:15.391
- Glad you can't see me." you can watch us through the day. but we tape in
- 00:02:15.458 --> 00:02:16.459
- You can watch us through the day. but we tape in the evening.
- 00:02:16.526 --> 00:02:17.527
- The day. but we tape in the evening. but i'm saying to steven and
- 00:02:17.594 --> 00:02:19.629
- The evening. but i'm saying to steven and the group that was with us,
- 00:02:19.696 --> 00:02:20.663
- But i'm saying to steven and the group that was with us, franklin graham happened
- 00:02:20.730 --> 00:02:21.731
- The group that was with us, franklin graham happened to be there with us,
- 00:02:21.798 --> 00:02:23.233
- Franklin graham happened to be there with us, and i said, "i see glory.
- 00:02:23.299 --> 00:02:25.201
- To be there with us, and i said, "i see glory. i see the glory of god
- 00:02:25.268 --> 00:02:28.171
- And i said, "i see glory. i see the glory of god on a father."
- 00:02:28.238 --> 00:02:29.305
- I see the glory of god on a father." a father that lost a child.
- 00:02:29.372 --> 00:02:32.909
- On a father." a father that lost a child. and this is the story;
- 00:02:32.976 --> 00:02:34.143
- A father that lost a child. and this is the story; this is his story,
- 00:02:34.210 --> 00:02:35.545
- And this is the story; this is his story, the lord's story in him,
- 00:02:35.612 --> 00:02:37.113
- This is his story, the lord's story in him, "between heaven
- 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:38.481
- The lord's story in him, "between heaven and the real world."
- 00:02:38.548 --> 00:02:39.983
- "between heaven and the real world." i got to hear him tell me
- 00:02:40.049 --> 00:02:43.052
- And the real world." i got to hear him tell me about "the real world."
- 00:02:43.119 --> 00:02:44.220
- I got to hear him tell me about "the real world." steven, what are you
- 00:02:44.287 --> 00:02:45.521
- About "the real world." steven, what are you saying here "between heaven
- 00:02:45.588 --> 00:02:48.758
- Steven, what are you saying here "between heaven and the real world"?
- 00:02:48.825 --> 00:02:49.926
- Saying here "between heaven and the real world"? what does that mean to you
- 00:02:49.993 --> 00:02:51.361
- Steven: well...
- 00:02:52.695 --> 00:02:54.664
- Steven: well... it's good to be back
- 00:02:54.731 --> 00:02:55.765
- It's good to be back with you guys.
- 00:02:55.832 --> 00:02:57.066
- With you guys. thank you for what you do.
- 00:02:57.133 --> 00:02:59.769
- Thank you for what you do. you will appreciate this
- 00:02:59.836 --> 00:03:01.571
- Amazing examples of people
- 00:03:05.408 --> 00:03:07.577
- Amazing examples of people who have been committed
- 00:03:07.644 --> 00:03:08.911
- Amazing examples of people who have been committed with your life and with
- 00:03:08.978 --> 00:03:10.046
- Who have been committed with your life and with the gifts that god has
- 00:03:10.113 --> 00:03:11.214
- With your life and with the gifts that god has entrusted you to try to bring
- 00:03:11.281 --> 00:03:14.651
- The gifts that god has entrusted you to try to bring god's presence and reality
- 00:03:14.717 --> 00:03:18.955
- Entrusted you to try to bring god's presence and reality into the real world
- 00:03:19.022 --> 00:03:20.690
- God's presence and reality into the real world where people are living,
- 00:03:20.757 --> 00:03:21.991
- Into the real world where people are living, where you're living,
- 00:03:22.058 --> 00:03:23.059
- Where people are living, where you're living, where we're living.
- 00:03:23.126 --> 00:03:24.827
- Where you're living, where we're living. i have for as long as i can
- 00:03:24.894 --> 00:03:26.896
- Where we're living. i have for as long as i can remember, that's what
- 00:03:26.963 --> 00:03:28.798
- I have for as long as i can remember, that's what i've wanted to do with
- 00:03:28.865 --> 00:03:30.300
- Remember, that's what i've wanted to do with the gifts that god's given me,
- 00:03:30.366 --> 00:03:32.435
- I've wanted to do with the gifts that god's given me, writing songs
- 00:03:32.502 --> 00:03:33.770
- The gifts that god's given me, writing songs and playing music.
- 00:03:33.836 --> 00:03:35.705
- Writing songs and playing music. the first song i wrote
- 00:03:35.772 --> 00:03:37.740
- And playing music. the first song i wrote i was 15-16 years old.
- 00:03:37.807 --> 00:03:39.542
- The first song i wrote i was 15-16 years old. i tell the story
- 00:03:39.609 --> 00:03:40.710
- I was 15-16 years old. i tell the story about growing up
- 00:03:40.777 --> 00:03:41.878
- I tell the story about growing up in paducah, kentucky
- 00:03:41.944 --> 00:03:43.479
- About growing up in paducah, kentucky in a family that didn't
- 00:03:43.546 --> 00:03:46.249
- In paducah, kentucky in a family that didn't -- we grew up in the buckle
- 00:03:46.316 --> 00:03:47.483
- In a family that didn't -- we grew up in the buckle of the bible belt
- 00:03:47.550 --> 00:03:48.651
- -- we grew up in the buckle of the bible belt so we didn't -- my parents
- 00:03:48.718 --> 00:03:50.053
- Of the bible belt so we didn't -- my parents grew up in church but
- 00:03:50.119 --> 00:03:51.254
- So we didn't -- my parents grew up in church but they weren't walking
- 00:03:51.321 --> 00:03:52.355
- Grew up in church but they weren't walking with the lord.
- 00:03:52.422 --> 00:03:53.423
- They weren't walking with the lord. i get to share just
- 00:03:53.489 --> 00:03:54.457
- With the lord. i get to share just a transformation that took
- 00:03:54.524 --> 00:03:55.458
- I get to share just a transformation that took place in my family's life
- 00:03:55.525 --> 00:03:57.427
- A transformation that took place in my family's life and watching god really
- 00:03:57.493 --> 00:04:00.096
- Place in my family's life and watching god really transform and change
- 00:04:00.163 --> 00:04:01.297
- And watching god really transform and change my parents; watching us
- 00:04:01.364 --> 00:04:03.299
- Transform and change my parents; watching us go from a family that were
- 00:04:03.366 --> 00:04:05.568
- My parents; watching us go from a family that were a lot of trouble,
- 00:04:05.635 --> 00:04:07.036
- Go from a family that were a lot of trouble, a lot of struggles to just
- 00:04:07.103 --> 00:04:08.571
- A lot of trouble, a lot of struggles to just my dad who didn't have
- 00:04:08.638 --> 00:04:09.706
- A lot of struggles to just my dad who didn't have a father, whenever those
- 00:04:09.772 --> 00:04:11.074
- My dad who didn't have a father, whenever those troubles would come, we would
- 00:04:11.140 --> 00:04:12.375
- A father, whenever those troubles would come, we would end up on our knees together
- 00:04:12.442 --> 00:04:13.810
- Troubles would come, we would end up on our knees together and i'd hear my dad pray,
- 00:04:13.876 --> 00:04:14.877
- End up on our knees together and i'd hear my dad pray, "god, i don't know how
- 00:04:14.944 --> 00:04:16.012
- And i'd hear my dad pray, "god, i don't know how to do this but i know
- 00:04:16.079 --> 00:04:17.046
- "god, i don't know how to do this but i know you can give me wisdom.
- 00:04:17.113 --> 00:04:18.214
- To do this but i know you can give me wisdom. you're the father
- 00:04:18.281 --> 00:04:19.649
- You can give me wisdom. you're the father to all fathers.
- 00:04:19.716 --> 00:04:20.883
- You're the father to all fathers. you can show me
- 00:04:20.950 --> 00:04:21.951
- To all fathers. you can show me how to do this."
- 00:04:22.018 --> 00:04:23.052
- You can show me how to do this." james: how old were you
- 00:04:23.119 --> 00:04:24.253
- How to do this." james: how old were you when you started having
- 00:04:24.320 --> 00:04:25.254
- James: how old were you when you started having that connection?
- 00:04:25.321 --> 00:04:27.156
- When you started having that connection? steven: i was 7-8 years old.
- 00:04:27.223 --> 00:04:28.658
- That connection? steven: i was 7-8 years old. but i started writing songs
- 00:04:28.725 --> 00:04:29.959
- Steven: i was 7-8 years old. but i started writing songs and i realized early on
- 00:04:30.026 --> 00:04:31.461
- But i started writing songs and i realized early on that god -- people would
- 00:04:31.527 --> 00:04:33.096
- And i realized early on that god -- people would tell me, "god's given you
- 00:04:33.162 --> 00:04:34.397
- That god -- people would tell me, "god's given you a talent, given you a gift."
- 00:04:34.464 --> 00:04:36.866
- Tell me, "god's given you a talent, given you a gift." james: was it the writing
- 00:04:36.933 --> 00:04:37.967
- A talent, given you a gift." james: was it the writing then at first?
- 00:04:38.034 --> 00:04:38.968
- James: was it the writing then at first? steven: at first it was
- 00:04:39.035 --> 00:04:40.036
- Then at first? steven: at first it was just singing.
- 00:04:40.103 --> 00:04:41.170
- Steven: at first it was just singing. i sang with my family;
- 00:04:41.237 --> 00:04:42.171
- Just singing. i sang with my family; i grew up singing in church
- 00:04:42.238 --> 00:04:43.306
- I sang with my family; i grew up singing in church with my family.
- 00:04:43.373 --> 00:04:44.640
- I grew up singing in church with my family. but i think even then
- 00:04:44.707 --> 00:04:46.042
- With my family. but i think even then i began to see even as
- 00:04:46.109 --> 00:04:47.543
- But i think even then i began to see even as a little boy the impact,
- 00:04:47.610 --> 00:04:49.912
- I began to see even as a little boy the impact, the change in the real world
- 00:04:49.979 --> 00:04:52.682
- A little boy the impact, the change in the real world that i lived in that had
- 00:04:52.749 --> 00:04:53.883
- The change in the real world that i lived in that had a lot of friction and a lot of
- 00:04:53.950 --> 00:04:56.786
- That i lived in that had a lot of friction and a lot of -- they were fighting
- 00:04:56.853 --> 00:04:57.887
- A lot of friction and a lot of -- they were fighting and arguing but i began
- 00:04:57.954 --> 00:04:59.322
- -- they were fighting and arguing but i began to see when god's word was
- 00:04:59.389 --> 00:05:01.224
- And arguing but i began to see when god's word was brought in, when there was
- 00:05:01.290 --> 00:05:03.593
- To see when god's word was brought in, when there was prayer and when seeking god
- 00:05:03.659 --> 00:05:05.628
- Brought in, when there was prayer and when seeking god was brought into the middle
- 00:05:05.695 --> 00:05:06.829
- Prayer and when seeking god was brought into the middle of that it brought peace
- 00:05:06.896 --> 00:05:08.431
- Was brought into the middle of that it brought peace into the chaos,
- 00:05:08.498 --> 00:05:09.665
- Of that it brought peace into the chaos, it brought purpose into
- 00:05:09.732 --> 00:05:11.000
- Into the chaos, it brought purpose into this kind of craziness that
- 00:05:11.067 --> 00:05:12.301
- It brought purpose into this kind of craziness that was going on in my family.
- 00:05:12.368 --> 00:05:13.736
- This kind of craziness that was going on in my family. that began to mark me
- 00:05:13.803 --> 00:05:15.037
- Was going on in my family. that began to mark me even as a young man.
- 00:05:15.104 --> 00:05:16.739
- That began to mark me even as a young man. i began to write songs
- 00:05:16.806 --> 00:05:18.040
- Even as a young man. i began to write songs really with a prayer;
- 00:05:18.107 --> 00:05:20.009
- I began to write songs really with a prayer; that i would understand
- 00:05:20.076 --> 00:05:21.377
- Really with a prayer; that i would understand as time went on that it was
- 00:05:21.444 --> 00:05:22.678
- That i would understand as time went on that it was this desire to come to know
- 00:05:22.745 --> 00:05:23.980
- As time went on that it was this desire to come to know who god is and then
- 00:05:24.046 --> 00:05:25.181
- This desire to come to know who god is and then to make him known with
- 00:05:25.248 --> 00:05:26.783
- Who god is and then to make him known with the gifts he had given me.
- 00:05:26.849 --> 00:05:28.985
- And it's been an amazing,
- 00:05:31.354 --> 00:05:32.622
- And it's been an amazing, amazing journey and i began
- 00:05:32.688 --> 00:05:34.056
- Amazing journey and i began to look back on it and see
- 00:05:34.123 --> 00:05:35.992
- To look back on it and see that throughout my life
- 00:05:36.058 --> 00:05:38.528
- A man that i know you are
- 00:05:40.930 --> 00:05:42.698
- A man that i know you are dear friends with as well,
- 00:05:42.765 --> 00:05:43.900
- A man that i know you are dear friends with as well, chuck colson, who had
- 00:05:43.966 --> 00:05:45.067
- Dear friends with as well, chuck colson, who had such an impact in the lives
- 00:05:45.134 --> 00:05:46.402
- Chuck colson, who had such an impact in the lives of so many people.
- 00:05:46.469 --> 00:05:48.471
- Such an impact in the lives of so many people. i got to go into prisons,
- 00:05:48.538 --> 00:05:50.239
- Of so many people. i got to go into prisons, into death row cell blocks
- 00:05:50.306 --> 00:05:51.808
- I got to go into prisons, into death row cell blocks with him and minister
- 00:05:51.874 --> 00:05:53.075
- I had a chance to go
- 00:05:54.310 --> 00:05:55.378
- I had a chance to go to the jungles of ecuador
- 00:05:55.445 --> 00:05:56.512
- To the jungles of ecuador where jim elliot
- 00:05:56.579 --> 00:05:57.980
- Where jim elliot and nate saint and those men
- 00:05:58.047 --> 00:05:59.649
- And nate saint and those men were martyred and killed
- 00:05:59.715 --> 00:06:01.117
- Were martyred and killed trying to take the gospel.
- 00:06:01.184 --> 00:06:02.685
- These places in my journey
- 00:06:04.287 --> 00:06:07.690
- These places in my journey in my life that were
- 00:06:07.757 --> 00:06:09.325
- These places in my journey in my life that were very much the real world
- 00:06:09.392 --> 00:06:10.660
- In my life that were very much the real world of brokenness and pain.
- 00:06:10.726 --> 00:06:12.628
- Very much the real world of brokenness and pain. and yet, in those places
- 00:06:12.695 --> 00:06:14.363
- Of brokenness and pain. and yet, in those places see how incredibly
- 00:06:14.430 --> 00:06:16.165
- And yet, in those places see how incredibly god had shown up
- 00:06:16.232 --> 00:06:18.968
- See how incredibly god had shown up in such a profound way.
- 00:06:19.035 --> 00:06:20.870
- God had shown up in such a profound way. i feel like my journey
- 00:06:20.937 --> 00:06:22.238
- In such a profound way. i feel like my journey has kind of been that.
- 00:06:22.305 --> 00:06:23.539
- I feel like my journey has kind of been that. it's been one foot in both
- 00:06:23.606 --> 00:06:25.808
- Has kind of been that. it's been one foot in both this very broken real world
- 00:06:25.875 --> 00:06:29.111
- It's been one foot in both this very broken real world but longing for heaven
- 00:06:29.178 --> 00:06:30.847
- This very broken real world but longing for heaven and trying to use the gifts
- 00:06:30.913 --> 00:06:32.415
- But longing for heaven and trying to use the gifts that god's given me to point
- 00:06:32.482 --> 00:06:34.484
- And trying to use the gifts that god's given me to point people in that direction,
- 00:06:34.550 --> 00:06:35.952
- That god's given me to point people in that direction, to share my journey, realizing
- 00:06:36.018 --> 00:06:39.121
- People in that direction, to share my journey, realizing that there is a whole lot
- 00:06:39.188 --> 00:06:40.423
- To share my journey, realizing that there is a whole lot that's really unfixable.
- 00:06:40.490 --> 00:06:41.757
- That there is a whole lot that's really unfixable. i wanted to call the book
- 00:06:41.824 --> 00:06:43.125
- That's really unfixable. i wanted to call the book unfixable, actually when
- 00:06:43.192 --> 00:06:44.393
- I wanted to call the book unfixable, actually when i started because i feel
- 00:06:44.460 --> 00:06:45.628
- Unfixable, actually when i started because i feel like so much of my story
- 00:06:45.695 --> 00:06:46.796
- I started because i feel like so much of my story i began to realize, even as
- 00:06:46.863 --> 00:06:48.931
- Like so much of my story i began to realize, even as i was born into my family,
- 00:06:48.998 --> 00:06:53.135
- I began to realize, even as i was born into my family, my mom and dad were at
- 00:06:53.202 --> 00:06:54.370
- I was born into my family, my mom and dad were at a place and i share a lot
- 00:06:54.437 --> 00:06:55.605
- My mom and dad were at a place and i share a lot about this, to really --
- 00:06:55.671 --> 00:06:57.473
- A place and i share a lot about this, to really -- about to decide to give up
- 00:06:57.540 --> 00:06:58.941
- About this, to really -- about to decide to give up on their marriage.
- 00:06:59.008 --> 00:07:00.276
- About to decide to give up on their marriage. it was just not working
- 00:07:00.343 --> 00:07:01.944
- On their marriage. it was just not working and my older brother was born
- 00:07:02.011 --> 00:07:06.382
- It was just not working and my older brother was born and they made this really
- 00:07:06.449 --> 00:07:07.817
- And my older brother was born and they made this really strange decision to either,
- 00:07:07.884 --> 00:07:09.485
- And they made this really strange decision to either, they said, "i think we should
- 00:07:09.552 --> 00:07:10.887
- Strange decision to either, they said, "i think we should either get a divorce
- 00:07:10.953 --> 00:07:12.054
- They said, "i think we should either get a divorce or what if we have
- 00:07:12.121 --> 00:07:13.389
- Either get a divorce or what if we have another child?
- 00:07:13.456 --> 00:07:15.992
- Or what if we have another child? and maybe that will
- 00:07:16.058 --> 00:07:17.493
- Another child? and maybe that will help fix this."
- 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:19.295
- And maybe that will help fix this." james: you were that fix?
- 00:07:19.362 --> 00:07:20.596
- Help fix this." james: you were that fix? steven: i was born
- 00:07:20.663 --> 00:07:21.831
- James: you were that fix? steven: i was born into that situation.
- 00:07:21.898 --> 00:07:23.032
- Steven: i was born into that situation. i kind of came riding in.
- 00:07:23.099 --> 00:07:24.166
- Into that situation. i kind of came riding in. literally! and obviously,
- 00:07:24.233 --> 00:07:25.535
- I kind of came riding in. literally! and obviously, that's very much
- 00:07:25.601 --> 00:07:26.802
- Literally! and obviously, that's very much a double-edged sword because
- 00:07:26.869 --> 00:07:27.970
- That's very much a double-edged sword because i would realize throughout
- 00:07:28.037 --> 00:07:29.238
- A double-edged sword because i would realize throughout my life that a whole lot
- 00:07:29.305 --> 00:07:30.706
- I would realize throughout my life that a whole lot of my struggles have been
- 00:07:30.773 --> 00:07:31.941
- My life that a whole lot of my struggles have been trying to fix everything
- 00:07:32.008 --> 00:07:33.175
- Of my struggles have been trying to fix everything that's broken in the world
- 00:07:33.242 --> 00:07:34.610
- Trying to fix everything that's broken in the world and having to constantly
- 00:07:34.677 --> 00:07:35.878
- That's broken in the world and having to constantly realize that only god
- 00:07:35.945 --> 00:07:39.048
- And having to constantly realize that only god can do that.
- 00:07:39.115 --> 00:07:41.250
- Realize that only god can do that. as i have gone on
- 00:07:41.317 --> 00:07:42.852
- Can do that. as i have gone on in my journey, ultimately
- 00:07:42.919 --> 00:07:45.922
- As i have gone on in my journey, ultimately and we were together talking
- 00:07:45.988 --> 00:07:47.356
- In my journey, ultimately and we were together talking about this, the last time
- 00:07:47.423 --> 00:07:48.758
- And we were together talking about this, the last time we were together,
- 00:07:48.824 --> 00:07:50.126
- About this, the last time we were together, and you guys since we were
- 00:07:50.192 --> 00:07:51.394
- We were together, and you guys since we were together have walked
- 00:07:51.460 --> 00:07:52.628
- And you guys since we were together have walked this road as well with
- 00:07:52.695 --> 00:07:53.963
- Together have walked this road as well with the ultimate unfixable
- 00:07:54.030 --> 00:07:55.431
- This road as well with the ultimate unfixable in my life and the ultimate
- 00:07:55.498 --> 00:07:57.400
- The ultimate unfixable in my life and the ultimate place of having to trust god
- 00:07:57.466 --> 00:07:59.035
- In my life and the ultimate place of having to trust god with brokenness was losing
- 00:07:59.101 --> 00:08:00.770
- Place of having to trust god with brokenness was losing our little girl maria
- 00:08:00.836 --> 00:08:02.939
- With brokenness was losing our little girl maria and how that, as well as
- 00:08:03.005 --> 00:08:06.809
- Our little girl maria and how that, as well as many other chapters
- 00:08:06.876 --> 00:08:08.177
- And how that, as well as many other chapters in my personal story
- 00:08:08.244 --> 00:08:09.545
- Many other chapters in my personal story have brought me to a place
- 00:08:09.612 --> 00:08:11.047
- In my personal story have brought me to a place to realize that the most
- 00:08:11.113 --> 00:08:12.315
- Have brought me to a place to realize that the most profound places that
- 00:08:12.381 --> 00:08:13.583
- To realize that the most profound places that god's shown up in my life
- 00:08:13.649 --> 00:08:14.884
- Profound places that god's shown up in my life have been those places where
- 00:08:14.951 --> 00:08:16.118
- God's shown up in my life have been those places where i can't fix it and i have to
- 00:08:16.185 --> 00:08:18.421
- Have been those places where i can't fix it and i have to -- it's almost like
- 00:08:18.487 --> 00:08:19.655
- I can't fix it and i have to -- it's almost like my pastor says we don't really
- 00:08:19.722 --> 00:08:20.856
- -- it's almost like my pastor says we don't really ever cry abba father until
- 00:08:20.923 --> 00:08:22.158
- My pastor says we don't really ever cry abba father until we first cry "uncle!"
- 00:08:22.224 --> 00:08:23.826
- Ever cry abba father until we first cry "uncle!" until we're at a point
- 00:08:23.893 --> 00:08:25.127
- We first cry "uncle!" until we're at a point where we have to just say,
- 00:08:25.194 --> 00:08:26.862
- Until we're at a point where we have to just say, "god, i give up.
- 00:08:26.929 --> 00:08:28.130
- Where we have to just say, "god, i give up. i can't do this.
- 00:08:28.197 --> 00:08:29.465
- "god, i give up. i can't do this. i need you."
- 00:08:29.532 --> 00:08:30.933
- I can't do this. i need you." but it was standing
- 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:34.070
- I need you." but it was standing in vanderbilt hospital,
- 00:08:34.136 --> 00:08:36.172
- But it was standing in vanderbilt hospital, having heard the news
- 00:08:36.238 --> 00:08:37.607
- In vanderbilt hospital, having heard the news that our little girl had gone
- 00:08:37.673 --> 00:08:39.308
- Having heard the news that our little girl had gone to be with jesus.
- 00:08:39.375 --> 00:08:41.177
- That our little girl had gone to be with jesus. and i never really shared this
- 00:08:41.243 --> 00:08:43.112
- To be with jesus. and i never really shared this and i share in detail
- 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:44.447
- And i never really shared this and i share in detail in the book of that experience
- 00:08:44.513 --> 00:08:46.782
- And i share in detail in the book of that experience of standing in the most...
- 00:08:46.849 --> 00:08:49.885
- In the book of that experience of standing in the most... darkest place i would have
- 00:08:49.952 --> 00:08:51.754
- Of standing in the most... darkest place i would have never even imagined standing,
- 00:08:51.821 --> 00:08:54.190
- Darkest place i would have never even imagined standing, with my wife with me,
- 00:08:54.256 --> 00:08:56.092
- My little girl started
- 00:08:57.259 --> 00:08:58.227
- My little girl started breathing again.
- 00:08:58.294 --> 00:08:59.295
- Breathing again. that's when i went in.
- 00:08:59.362 --> 00:09:00.763
- That's when i went in. i knew the news was probably
- 00:09:00.830 --> 00:09:02.064
- I knew the news was probably not going to be good.
- 00:09:02.131 --> 00:09:03.366
- Not going to be good. i was determined to go in
- 00:09:03.432 --> 00:09:04.500
- I was determined to go in and pray until they dragged me
- 00:09:04.567 --> 00:09:05.701
- I'm not leaving until
- 00:09:07.069 --> 00:09:08.437
- I'm not leaving until god gives our little girl
- 00:09:08.504 --> 00:09:09.872
- I'm not leaving until god gives our little girl back to us.
- 00:09:09.939 --> 00:09:12.308
- God gives our little girl back to us. and as my wife put her hand
- 00:09:12.375 --> 00:09:13.743
- Back to us. and as my wife put her hand on my back and said,
- 00:09:13.809 --> 00:09:14.944
- And as my wife put her hand on my back and said, "sweetheart," just whispered
- 00:09:15.011 --> 00:09:16.379
- On my back and said, "sweetheart," just whispered to me that "i think
- 00:09:16.445 --> 00:09:17.880
- "sweetheart," just whispered to me that "i think she is with jesus and
- 00:09:17.947 --> 00:09:19.081
- To me that "i think she is with jesus and we need to let her go."
- 00:09:19.148 --> 00:09:23.219
- She is with jesus and we need to let her go." as clearly as we're sitting
- 00:09:23.285 --> 00:09:24.520
- We need to let her go." as clearly as we're sitting here talking right now,
- 00:09:24.587 --> 00:09:27.690
- As clearly as we're sitting here talking right now, i was standing at
- 00:09:27.757 --> 00:09:29.458
- Here talking right now, i was standing at the door of eternity.
- 00:09:29.525 --> 00:09:30.960
- I was standing at the door of eternity. it is absolutely real
- 00:09:31.027 --> 00:09:32.995
- The door of eternity. it is absolutely real and i even spoke to all
- 00:09:33.062 --> 00:09:34.964
- It is absolutely real and i even spoke to all the doctors, and not because
- 00:09:35.031 --> 00:09:37.667
- And i even spoke to all the doctors, and not because i felt like it was a moment
- 00:09:37.733 --> 00:09:39.035
- The doctors, and not because i felt like it was a moment for me to make a statement
- 00:09:39.101 --> 00:09:40.503
- I felt like it was a moment for me to make a statement or be a strong christian,
- 00:09:40.569 --> 00:09:43.673
- For me to make a statement or be a strong christian, it was the first thing
- 00:09:43.739 --> 00:09:45.074
- Or be a strong christian, it was the first thing that came out of me was,
- 00:09:45.141 --> 00:09:47.176
- It was the first thing that came out of me was, "you stand here often
- 00:09:47.243 --> 00:09:49.178
- That came out of me was, "you stand here often as doctors and surgeons and
- 00:09:49.245 --> 00:09:50.446
- "you stand here often as doctors and surgeons and people who experience this,
- 00:09:50.513 --> 00:09:52.615
- As doctors and surgeons and people who experience this, and i hope you don't miss
- 00:09:52.682 --> 00:09:54.483
- People who experience this, and i hope you don't miss the reality of where
- 00:09:54.550 --> 00:09:56.218
- And i hope you don't miss the reality of where you're standing.
- 00:09:56.285 --> 00:09:57.420
- The reality of where you're standing. we're standing at
- 00:09:57.486 --> 00:09:58.487
- You're standing. we're standing at the threshold, the door
- 00:09:58.554 --> 00:09:59.555
- We're standing at the threshold, the door of heaven, eternity.
- 00:09:59.622 --> 00:10:00.656
- The threshold, the door of heaven, eternity. it's what we were
- 00:10:00.723 --> 00:10:01.724
- Of heaven, eternity. it's what we were all made for, it's what
- 00:10:01.791 --> 00:10:02.792
- It's what we were all made for, it's what god created us for.
- 00:10:02.858 --> 00:10:03.859
- All made for, it's what god created us for. we're all going to stand
- 00:10:03.926 --> 00:10:04.927
- God created us for. we're all going to stand at this place and my hope
- 00:10:04.994 --> 00:10:05.995
- We're all going to stand at this place and my hope is that you would know
- 00:10:06.062 --> 00:10:07.063
- At this place and my hope is that you would know the one who gives me and
- 00:10:07.129 --> 00:10:08.297
- Is that you would know the one who gives me and my wife hope to know that
- 00:10:08.364 --> 00:10:09.732
- The one who gives me and my wife hope to know that this story is not over yet.
- 00:10:09.799 --> 00:10:11.567
- My wife hope to know that this story is not over yet. the story is not over yet."
- 00:10:11.634 --> 00:10:14.537
- A child or a loved one like
- 00:10:16.839 --> 00:10:18.541
- A child or a loved one like that, it does make heaven
- 00:10:18.607 --> 00:10:20.309
- That, it does make heaven more precious to you.
- 00:10:20.376 --> 00:10:22.111
- More precious to you. but i feel like at the
- 00:10:22.178 --> 00:10:23.412
- But i feel like at the same time god says,
- 00:10:23.479 --> 00:10:24.947
- Same time god says, "i want to bring heaven
- 00:10:25.014 --> 00:10:26.015
- As an example.
- 00:10:28.084 --> 00:10:29.085
- As an example. you're my child and as
- 00:10:29.151 --> 00:10:31.087
- As an example. you're my child and as a charge to you as my child,
- 00:10:31.153 --> 00:10:33.022
- You're my child and as a charge to you as my child, i want heaven to live in you
- 00:10:33.089 --> 00:10:35.491
- A charge to you as my child, i want heaven to live in you that it might flow over
- 00:10:35.558 --> 00:10:37.326
- I want heaven to live in you that it might flow over to others so that they will
- 00:10:37.393 --> 00:10:38.761
- That it might flow over to others so that they will receive jesus themselves."
- 00:10:38.828 --> 00:10:41.464
- To others so that they will receive jesus themselves." james: wow!
- 00:10:41.530 --> 00:10:43.165
- Receive jesus themselves." james: wow! well, tell us about the song
- 00:10:43.232 --> 00:10:44.400
- James: wow! well, tell us about the song you're going to sing.
- 00:10:44.467 --> 00:10:45.968
- Well, tell us about the song you're going to sing. steven: well, i've written
- 00:10:46.035 --> 00:10:47.837
- You're going to sing. steven: well, i've written a lot of them over the years
- 00:10:47.903 --> 00:10:49.605
- Steven: well, i've written a lot of them over the years but a lot of people have
- 00:10:49.672 --> 00:10:51.006
- A lot of them over the years but a lot of people have asked me over the years,
- 00:10:51.073 --> 00:10:52.775
- But a lot of people have asked me over the years, "what's your favorite song?"
- 00:10:52.842 --> 00:10:54.477
- Asked me over the years, "what's your favorite song?" that's a common question.
- 00:10:54.543 --> 00:10:55.878
- "what's your favorite song?" that's a common question. i really can't answer that
- 00:10:55.945 --> 00:10:57.046
- That's a common question. i really can't answer that because they come from
- 00:10:57.113 --> 00:10:58.214
- I really can't answer that because they come from all the different little
- 00:10:58.280 --> 00:10:59.348
- Because they come from all the different little moments and chapters.
- 00:10:59.415 --> 00:11:01.784
- All the different little moments and chapters. my family and my precious
- 00:11:01.851 --> 00:11:03.786
- Moments and chapters. my family and my precious bride, mary beth, who by
- 00:11:03.853 --> 00:11:05.588
- My family and my precious bride, mary beth, who by the grace of god, we're
- 00:11:05.654 --> 00:11:07.223
- Bride, mary beth, who by the grace of god, we're 32 years and going strong.
- 00:11:07.289 --> 00:11:12.328
- The grace of god, we're 32 years and going strong. but there is one song
- 00:11:12.394 --> 00:11:13.829
- 32 years and going strong. but there is one song that i've always said well,
- 00:11:13.896 --> 00:11:15.197
- But there is one song that i've always said well, i'll put it like this.
- 00:11:15.264 --> 00:11:16.499
- That i've always said well, i'll put it like this. if i had just enough breath
- 00:11:16.565 --> 00:11:18.167
- I'll put it like this. if i had just enough breath left in my lungs,
- 00:11:18.234 --> 00:11:20.269
- If i had just enough breath left in my lungs, if i was told, okay you can
- 00:11:20.336 --> 00:11:21.537
- Left in my lungs, if i was told, okay you can sing one more song; of all
- 00:11:21.604 --> 00:11:22.872
- If i was told, okay you can sing one more song; of all the ones you've written,
- 00:11:22.938 --> 00:11:24.240
- Sing one more song; of all the ones you've written, what would it be?
- 00:11:24.306 --> 00:11:25.608
- The ones you've written, what would it be? it's a song immediately
- 00:11:25.674 --> 00:11:27.109
- What would it be? it's a song immediately i could answer that with
- 00:11:27.176 --> 00:11:28.410
- It's a song immediately i could answer that with a song that i wrote,
- 00:11:28.477 --> 00:11:30.012
- I could answer that with a song that i wrote, it was on my very first album
- 00:11:30.079 --> 00:11:31.447
- A song that i wrote, it was on my very first album interestingly enough,
- 00:11:31.514 --> 00:11:33.282
- It was on my very first album interestingly enough, and it's just carried
- 00:11:33.349 --> 00:11:34.483
- Interestingly enough, and it's just carried all through the years
- 00:11:34.550 --> 00:11:35.651
- And it's just carried all through the years that just simply says:
- 00:11:35.718 --> 00:11:37.052
- All through the years that just simply says: my redeemer is faithful
- 00:11:37.119 --> 00:11:38.954
- That just simply says: my redeemer is faithful and true.
- 00:11:39.021 --> 00:11:40.556
- My redeemer is faithful and true. james: y'all want to hear him
- 00:11:40.623 --> 00:11:41.791
- And true. james: y'all want to hear him sing that about
- 00:11:41.857 --> 00:11:43.092
- James: y'all want to hear him sing that about the faithful and true?
- 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:45.828
- ♪ as i look back on this road i've travelled ♪
- 00:12:04.246 --> 00:12:10.519
- ♪ i see so many times he's carried me through ♪
- 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:16.859
- ♪ and if there's one thing that i've learned in my life ♪
- 00:12:16.859 --> 00:12:22.665
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:12:22.665 --> 00:12:28.804
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:12:29.705 --> 00:12:36.378
- ♪ and everything he has said he will do ♪
- 00:12:36.378 --> 00:12:42.685
- ♪ and every morning his mercies are new ♪
- 00:12:42.685 --> 00:12:50.192
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:12:50.192 --> 00:12:59.869
- ♪ my heart rejoices when i read the promise ♪
- 00:13:00.870 --> 00:13:07.643
- ♪ that there's a place that i'm preparing for you ♪
- 00:13:07.643 --> 00:13:13.883
- ♪ i know some day i'll see my lord face to face ♪
- 00:13:13.883 --> 00:13:19.722
- ♪ 'cause my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:13:19.722 --> 00:13:25.628
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:13:26.528 --> 00:13:32.835
- ♪ and everything he has said he will do ♪
- 00:13:32.835 --> 00:13:39.275
- ♪ and every morning his mercies are new ♪
- 00:13:39.275 --> 00:13:46.982
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:13:46.982 --> 00:13:52.721
- ♪ and in every situation he's proved his love for me ♪
- 00:13:53.889 --> 00:14:00.496
- ♪ when i lack the understanding ♪
- 00:14:00.496 --> 00:14:04.199
- ♪ he gives more grace to me ♪
- 00:14:04.199 --> 00:14:11.240
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:14:12.141 --> 00:14:18.614
- ♪ and everything he has said he will do ♪
- 00:14:18.614 --> 00:14:25.321
- ♪ and every morning his mercies are new ♪
- 00:14:25.321 --> 00:14:33.228
- ♪ my redeemer is faithful and true ♪
- 00:14:33.228 --> 00:14:40.736
- ♪ jesus is faithful and true ♪
- 00:14:41.537 --> 00:14:56.418
- [cheers and applause]
- 00:14:56.986 --> 00:15:02.725
- James: how true.
- 00:15:02.791 --> 00:15:04.793
- James: how true. absolute truth!
- 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:08.630
- James: how true. absolute truth! i think that this is just
- 00:15:08.697 --> 00:15:10.132
- Absolute truth! i think that this is just phenomenal; your story is.
- 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:12.601
- I think that this is just phenomenal; your story is. what do you want to happen?
- 00:15:12.668 --> 00:15:14.069
- Phenomenal; your story is. what do you want to happen? if you could say a simple
- 00:15:14.136 --> 00:15:15.170
- What do you want to happen? if you could say a simple thing, people get the book,
- 00:15:15.237 --> 00:15:16.638
- And you can get it online,
- 00:15:16.739 --> 00:15:17.773
- And you can get it online, you can get it in
- 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:18.841
- And you can get it online, you can get it in the bookstores now --
- 00:15:18.907 --> 00:15:19.942
- You can get it in the bookstores now -- go get it --
- 00:15:20.009 --> 00:15:21.110
- The bookstores now -- go get it -- what do you hope happens
- 00:15:21.176 --> 00:15:22.311
- Steven: well, my life has
- 00:15:23.712 --> 00:15:27.182
- Steven: well, my life has been marked -- my life
- 00:15:27.249 --> 00:15:28.517
- Been marked -- my life of faith has been marked
- 00:15:28.584 --> 00:15:30.019
- The stories of followers
- 00:15:33.222 --> 00:15:35.090
- The stories of followers of jesus, scripture
- 00:15:35.157 --> 00:15:36.759
- The stories of followers of jesus, scripture throughout and i'm so thankful
- 00:15:36.825 --> 00:15:38.394
- Of jesus, scripture throughout and i'm so thankful that god didn't edit out
- 00:15:38.460 --> 00:15:40.029
- Throughout and i'm so thankful that god didn't edit out the messy parts
- 00:15:40.095 --> 00:15:41.463
- That god didn't edit out the messy parts and the ugly parts,
- 00:15:41.530 --> 00:15:42.898
- The messy parts and the ugly parts, the man after god's own heart,
- 00:15:42.965 --> 00:15:44.266
- And the ugly parts, the man after god's own heart, david that's a scoundrel
- 00:15:44.333 --> 00:15:47.736
- The man after god's own heart, david that's a scoundrel -- you read through the story
- 00:15:47.803 --> 00:15:49.905
- David that's a scoundrel -- you read through the story and there's so much hope
- 00:15:49.972 --> 00:15:51.140
- -- you read through the story and there's so much hope in that and i'm so thankful
- 00:15:51.206 --> 00:15:52.508
- And there's so much hope in that and i'm so thankful god didn't --
- 00:15:52.574 --> 00:15:53.675
- In that and i'm so thankful god didn't -- well, we're going to edit out
- 00:15:53.742 --> 00:15:54.743
- God didn't -- well, we're going to edit out those parts so you only get
- 00:15:54.810 --> 00:15:55.811
- Well, we're going to edit out those parts so you only get to see the glowing moments.
- 00:15:55.878 --> 00:15:58.247
- Those parts so you only get to see the glowing moments. my hope in sharing this story,
- 00:15:58.313 --> 00:15:59.748
- To see the glowing moments. my hope in sharing this story, because i wrestled a lot
- 00:15:59.815 --> 00:16:00.916
- My hope in sharing this story, because i wrestled a lot with it because i would think,
- 00:16:00.983 --> 00:16:02.818
- Because i wrestled a lot with it because i would think, well, how would i want
- 00:16:02.885 --> 00:16:04.119
- With it because i would think, well, how would i want to invite people into this
- 00:16:04.186 --> 00:16:05.587
- Well, how would i want to invite people into this and ask them to take
- 00:16:05.654 --> 00:16:06.622
- To invite people into this and ask them to take the time to sit down and
- 00:16:06.688 --> 00:16:07.823
- And ask them to take the time to sit down and read this if i'm just going
- 00:16:07.890 --> 00:16:08.957
- The time to sit down and read this if i'm just going to tell them some stories?
- 00:16:09.024 --> 00:16:10.459
- To take that journey?
- 00:16:12.027 --> 00:16:13.529
- To take that journey? it's because step after step
- 00:16:13.595 --> 00:16:17.166
- It's because step after step god has proven that he is
- 00:16:17.232 --> 00:16:18.600
- And with me.
- 00:16:21.870 --> 00:16:23.105
- And with me. i wouldn't be sitting here
- 00:16:23.172 --> 00:16:24.239
- And with me. i wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation,
- 00:16:24.306 --> 00:16:25.941
- I wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation, there is no way i could sing
- 00:16:26.008 --> 00:16:27.142
- Having this conversation, there is no way i could sing that song were it not
- 00:16:27.209 --> 00:16:29.078
- There is no way i could sing that song were it not for the grace of god --
- 00:16:29.144 --> 00:16:30.412
- That song were it not for the grace of god -- every breath, every step.
- 00:16:30.479 --> 00:16:31.847
- For the grace of god -- every breath, every step. and hopefully, by taking
- 00:16:31.914 --> 00:16:33.415
- Every breath, every step. and hopefully, by taking that journey, sharing those
- 00:16:33.482 --> 00:16:36.919
- And hopefully, by taking that journey, sharing those amazing mountains beyond
- 00:16:36.985 --> 00:16:38.087
- That journey, sharing those amazing mountains beyond anything i ever imagined,
- 00:16:38.153 --> 00:16:39.321
- Amazing mountains beyond anything i ever imagined, that god does more than
- 00:16:39.388 --> 00:16:40.355
- Anything i ever imagined, that god does more than we ask or imagine.
- 00:16:40.422 --> 00:16:41.457
- That god does more than we ask or imagine. how does a kid from paducah,
- 00:16:41.523 --> 00:16:42.658
- We ask or imagine. how does a kid from paducah, kentucky get to play
- 00:16:42.724 --> 00:16:43.759
- How does a kid from paducah, kentucky get to play on the stage at carnegie hall
- 00:16:43.826 --> 00:16:45.027
- Kentucky get to play on the stage at carnegie hall -- besides practice, practice,
- 00:16:45.094 --> 00:16:46.261
- On the stage at carnegie hall -- besides practice, practice, practice, like the joke goes.
- 00:16:46.328 --> 00:16:48.030
- -- besides practice, practice, practice, like the joke goes. but by the grace of god.
- 00:16:48.097 --> 00:16:49.364
- Practice, like the joke goes. but by the grace of god. but then to walk through
- 00:16:49.431 --> 00:16:51.133
- But by the grace of god. but then to walk through the darkest valleys and
- 00:16:51.200 --> 00:16:53.202
- But then to walk through the darkest valleys and to be able to tell here's how
- 00:16:53.268 --> 00:16:55.037
- The darkest valleys and to be able to tell here's how god carried me and
- 00:16:55.104 --> 00:16:57.773
- To be able to tell here's how god carried me and carried my family and i.
- 00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:59.641
- God carried me and carried my family and i. this is the only reason
- 00:16:59.708 --> 00:17:01.043
- Carried my family and i. this is the only reason i could share this story.
- 00:17:01.110 --> 00:17:02.277
- This is the only reason i could share this story. my hope is those watching,
- 00:17:02.344 --> 00:17:03.445
- I could share this story. my hope is those watching, those that will read it
- 00:17:03.512 --> 00:17:05.214
- My hope is those watching, those that will read it will find themselves in
- 00:17:05.280 --> 00:17:06.515
- Those that will read it will find themselves in those pages and say, "if god
- 00:17:06.582 --> 00:17:07.683
- Will find themselves in those pages and say, "if god is faithful in that part
- 00:17:07.749 --> 00:17:09.685
- Those pages and say, "if god is faithful in that part of his story, then god can
- 00:17:09.751 --> 00:17:11.320
- Is faithful in that part of his story, then god can be faithful in this chapter
- 00:17:11.386 --> 00:17:13.021
- Of his story, then god can be faithful in this chapter of my story."
- 00:17:13.088 --> 00:17:14.690
- Be faithful in this chapter of my story." james: you want to say thanks
- 00:17:14.756 --> 00:17:15.824
- Of my story." james: you want to say thanks to god for the way
- 00:17:15.891 --> 00:17:17.626
- James: you want to say thanks to god for the way he's worked through steven?
- 00:17:17.693 --> 00:17:19.394
- To god for the way he's worked through steven? thanks for blessing us.
- 00:17:19.461 --> 00:17:21.263
- He's worked through steven? thanks for blessing us. [applause]
- 00:17:21.330 --> 00:17:23.499
- Thanks for blessing us. [applause] you really have blessed us.
- 00:17:23.565 --> 00:17:24.867
- [applause] you really have blessed us. steven, we're going to do
- 00:17:24.933 --> 00:17:26.001
- You really have blessed us. steven, we're going to do something that blesses people
- 00:17:26.068 --> 00:17:27.102
- Steven, we're going to do something that blesses people beyond words.
- 00:17:27.169 --> 00:17:29.071
- Something that blesses people beyond words. i don't hesitate
- 00:17:29.138 --> 00:17:30.372
- Beyond words. i don't hesitate to ask you to help.
- 00:17:30.439 --> 00:17:32.207
- I don't hesitate to ask you to help. let me show you what
- 00:17:32.274 --> 00:17:34.810
- To ask you to help. let me show you what your availability to god
- 00:17:34.877 --> 00:17:37.713
- Let me show you what your availability to god to become a miracle
- 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:38.947
- Your availability to god to become a miracle in somebody's life --
- 00:17:39.014 --> 00:17:40.048
- To become a miracle in somebody's life -- you never thought you could be
- 00:17:40.115 --> 00:17:41.216
- In somebody's life -- you never thought you could be like a new testament miracle.
- 00:17:41.283 --> 00:17:42.484
- You never thought you could be like a new testament miracle. you can be.
- 00:17:42.551 --> 00:17:44.052
- Like a new testament miracle. you can be. you can be the answer
- 00:17:44.119 --> 00:17:46.622
- You can be. you can be the answer to many mothers' prayer
- 00:17:46.688 --> 00:17:48.557
- Now, we've drilled,
- 00:17:49.992 --> 00:17:51.126
- With your help,
- 00:17:51.193 --> 00:17:52.227
- Thousands of wells.
- 00:17:52.294 --> 00:17:53.228
- The wells still average $4800.
- 00:17:53.295 --> 00:17:58.767
- Can you give a well?
- 00:17:58.834 --> 00:18:00.636
- So we're asking god,
- 00:18:00.702 --> 00:18:02.704
- God raise up people
- 00:18:02.771 --> 00:18:03.906
- Who are able to drill a well
- 00:18:03.972 --> 00:18:05.140
- And they'll take joy
- 00:18:05.207 --> 00:18:06.308
- In doing it.
- 00:18:06.375 --> 00:18:07.609
- Raise up people
- 00:18:07.676 --> 00:18:08.911
- Who will give $1200
- 00:18:08.977 --> 00:18:10.112
- And then pray,
- 00:18:10.179 --> 00:18:11.213
- "god give us three more
- 00:18:11.280 --> 00:18:12.314
- To join me"
- 00:18:12.381 --> 00:18:13.415
- -- $2400 and pray one will.
- 00:18:13.482 --> 00:18:14.616
- But here's what i want you
- 00:18:14.683 --> 00:18:15.884
- To understand: $48, betty,
- 00:18:15.951 --> 00:18:19.021
- Has been the main gift
- 00:18:19.087 --> 00:18:20.422
- That comes in to drill wells.
- 00:18:20.489 --> 00:18:21.990
- Which drills water wells
- 00:18:22.057 --> 00:18:24.059
- To take care
- 00:18:24.126 --> 00:18:25.494
- Of ten people for $48 --
- 00:18:25.561 --> 00:18:29.264
- $144 -- 30.
- 00:18:29.331 --> 00:18:31.366
- So there is a level
- 00:18:31.433 --> 00:18:32.801
- At which everyone watching
- 00:18:32.868 --> 00:18:34.036
- Can participate.
- 00:18:34.102 --> 00:18:35.204
- And you can be the answer
- 00:18:35.270 --> 00:18:36.505
- To a mother's prayer,
- 00:18:36.572 --> 00:18:37.706
- Her heart cry,
- 00:18:37.773 --> 00:18:39.041
- To a healthy future
- 00:18:39.107 --> 00:18:40.842
- For her children.
- 00:18:40.909 --> 00:18:42.244
- Right now go on the website,
- 00:18:42.311 --> 00:18:44.846
- Take your bankcard,
- 00:18:44.913 --> 00:18:46.415
- Use it like a check.
- 00:18:46.481 --> 00:18:47.783
- You should always
- 00:18:47.849 --> 00:18:49.084
- Use them that way.
- 00:18:49.151 --> 00:18:50.252
- Or you can dial the number.
- 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:52.487
- Many people are calling in
- 00:18:52.554 --> 00:18:53.522
- Right now to pray.
- 00:18:53.589 --> 00:18:54.556
- While they're calling,
- 00:18:54.623 --> 00:18:55.791
- You can call and be
- 00:18:55.857 --> 00:18:56.892
- An answer to prayer.
- 00:18:56.959 --> 00:18:57.960
- Here's the gift
- 00:18:58.026 --> 00:18:59.027
- And tell us what
- 00:18:59.094 --> 00:19:00.028
- You're putting in the mail.
- 00:19:00.095 --> 00:19:01.029
- If you write a check,
- 00:19:01.096 --> 00:19:02.030
- Make it to life
- 00:19:02.097 --> 00:19:03.065
- But let us know.
- 00:19:03.131 --> 00:19:04.099
- Call and use your bankcard,
- 00:19:04.166 --> 00:19:05.200
- Go on the website
- 00:19:05.267 --> 00:19:06.268
- And use it.
- 00:19:06.335 --> 00:19:08.036
- If you mail a check,
- 00:19:08.103 --> 00:19:09.104
- Tell us what you're sending.
- 00:19:09.171 --> 00:19:10.205
- We have some gifts for you
- 00:19:10.272 --> 00:19:12.107
- That i believe will be
- 00:19:12.174 --> 00:19:13.375
- A tremendous blessing to you.
- 00:19:13.442 --> 00:19:16.044
- Please now, make that call,
- 00:19:16.111 --> 00:19:18.413
- Make that gift.
- 00:19:18.480 --> 00:19:20.382
- Every day, thousands of lives are lost
- 00:19:21.416 --> 00:19:23.585
- To waterborne disease,
- 00:19:23.585 --> 00:19:25.654
- And nearly half of those are children
- 00:19:25.654 --> 00:19:27.656
- Under the age of five.
- 00:19:27.656 --> 00:19:29.691
- Through mission: water for life
- 00:19:29.691 --> 00:19:31.793
- You can give mothers hope and children a future
- 00:19:31.793 --> 00:19:34.029
- As we provide clean, life-giving water
- 00:19:34.029 --> 00:19:36.365
- For thousands of children and their families
- 00:19:36.365 --> 00:19:38.900
- Before it's too late.
- 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:40.902
- With your gift today, you can help drill
- 00:19:40.902 --> 00:19:42.971
- And establish 350 water wells this year.
- 00:19:42.971 --> 00:19:45.741
- Your gift of $24
- 00:19:45.741 --> 00:19:47.809
- Will help provide clean water for five children.
- 00:19:47.809 --> 00:19:50.078
- A gift of $48 will help provide for ten.
- 00:19:50.078 --> 00:19:52.648
- And $144 will help provide
- 00:19:52.648 --> 00:19:55.183
- Life-giving water for 30 people
- 00:19:55.183 --> 00:19:57.185
- For a lifetime.
- 00:19:57.185 --> 00:19:59.221
- With a gift of any amount,
- 00:19:59.221 --> 00:20:01.256
- We'll send you, prayers for my physical health,
- 00:20:01.256 --> 00:20:03.325
- A bible-based collection of 52 prayers designed
- 00:20:03.325 --> 00:20:05.427
- To bring strength, healing, and renewal to every area of your body
- 00:20:05.427 --> 00:20:09.231
- Covering a wide range of physical needs.
- 00:20:09.231 --> 00:20:11.300
- This beautifully crafted book encourages
- 00:20:11.300 --> 00:20:13.368
- Intimate conversations with god.
- 00:20:13.368 --> 00:20:15.937
- With a gift of $100 or more,
- 00:20:15.937 --> 00:20:18.073
- You may request the "armor of god" tumbler set.
- 00:20:18.073 --> 00:20:20.842
- These two 20-ounce stainless steel tumblers
- 00:20:20.842 --> 00:20:23.111
- Each inscribed with ephesians 6:11
- 00:20:23.111 --> 00:20:25.347
- Are a practical and meaningful way
- 00:20:25.347 --> 00:20:27.416
- To carry a reminder of god's strength
- 00:20:27.416 --> 00:20:29.484
- And protection throughout your day.
- 00:20:29.484 --> 00:20:31.653
- Finally, please consider a gift of $1200
- 00:20:31.653 --> 00:20:34.389
- To help provide water for 250 people
- 00:20:34.389 --> 00:20:37.025
- Or a gift of $4800
- 00:20:37.025 --> 00:20:39.027
- To help sponsor a complete well,
- 00:20:39.027 --> 00:20:41.063
- And request our inspiring bronze sculpture,
- 00:20:41.063 --> 00:20:43.365
- "lion of judah."
- 00:20:43.365 --> 00:20:45.434
- Please call, write, or make your gift online today!
- 00:20:45.434 --> 00:20:51.940
- James: its sure joy to hold
- 00:20:52.040 --> 00:20:54.743
- James: its sure joy to hold this up, this amazing story.
- 00:20:54.810 --> 00:20:59.915
- James: its sure joy to hold this up, this amazing story. steven, both of our journeys
- 00:20:59.981 --> 00:21:01.850
- This up, this amazing story. steven, both of our journeys have inspired other people
- 00:21:01.917 --> 00:21:03.251
- Steven, both of our journeys have inspired other people to begin to live amazed.
- 00:21:03.318 --> 00:21:04.920
- Have inspired other people to begin to live amazed. that's when jesus sent
- 00:21:04.986 --> 00:21:06.221
- To begin to live amazed. that's when jesus sent another of the same kind,
- 00:21:06.288 --> 00:21:07.756
- That's when jesus sent another of the same kind, you can all live amazed.
- 00:21:07.823 --> 00:21:08.957
- Another of the same kind, you can all live amazed. "you can be full of me.
- 00:21:09.024 --> 00:21:11.059
- You can all live amazed. "you can be full of me. the one you've had here
- 00:21:11.126 --> 00:21:12.361
- "you can be full of me. the one you've had here in the body now lives in you."
- 00:21:12.427 --> 00:21:14.229
- The one you've had here in the body now lives in you." you have no idea what
- 00:21:14.296 --> 00:21:15.630
- In the body now lives in you." you have no idea what god can do with you.
- 00:21:15.697 --> 00:21:16.898
- You have no idea what god can do with you. this story -- by the way,
- 00:21:16.965 --> 00:21:19.334
- God can do with you. this story -- by the way, and this is big.
- 00:21:19.401 --> 00:21:20.635
- This story -- by the way, and this is big. this is a big book.
- 00:21:20.702 --> 00:21:21.737
- And this is big. this is a big book. i don't think your publisher's
- 00:21:21.803 --> 00:21:22.838
- This is a big book. i don't think your publisher's giving it away.
- 00:21:22.904 --> 00:21:24.406
- I don't think your publisher's giving it away. why don't you encourage
- 00:21:24.473 --> 00:21:25.607
- Giving it away. why don't you encourage your friends to go get one
- 00:21:25.674 --> 00:21:26.708
- Why don't you encourage your friends to go get one online or in the bookstores;
- 00:21:26.775 --> 00:21:27.809
- Your friends to go get one online or in the bookstores; will you?
- 00:21:27.876 --> 00:21:28.944
- Online or in the bookstores; will you? join me saying thanks to god
- 00:21:29.010 --> 00:21:30.212
- Will you? join me saying thanks to god for steven curtis.
- 00:21:30.278 --> 00:21:32.748
- Join me saying thanks to god for steven curtis. [applause]
- 00:21:32.814 --> 00:21:36.351
- Kyle: fulfilling purpose
- 00:21:42.624 --> 00:21:44.025
- Kyle: fulfilling purpose is a hot topic these days.
- 00:21:44.092 --> 00:21:45.360
- Is a hot topic these days. you can find
- 00:21:45.427 --> 00:21:46.661
- You can find countless books, sermons,
- 00:21:46.728 --> 00:21:47.929
- Countless books, sermons, conferences, and courses
- 00:21:47.996 --> 00:21:49.097
- Conferences, and courses that sell the steps to it.
- 00:21:49.164 --> 00:21:51.032
- That god has specific plans
- 00:21:52.334 --> 00:21:53.502
- That god has specific plans for specific people,
- 00:21:53.568 --> 00:21:55.537
- That god has specific plans for specific people, it's also clear
- 00:21:55.604 --> 00:21:56.738
- For specific people, it's also clear that god's plans
- 00:21:56.805 --> 00:21:58.106
- It's also clear that god's plans are fulfilled naturally
- 00:21:58.173 --> 00:21:59.708
- That god's plans are fulfilled naturally as someone remains true
- 00:21:59.775 --> 00:22:00.976
- Are fulfilled naturally as someone remains true to themselves.
- 00:22:01.042 --> 00:22:02.344
- As someone remains true to themselves. you see, our differences
- 00:22:02.411 --> 00:22:03.578
- To themselves. you see, our differences orient us toward our purpose.
- 00:22:03.645 --> 00:22:05.514
- You see, our differences orient us toward our purpose. plus, as the bible assures,
- 00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:07.949
- Orient us toward our purpose. plus, as the bible assures, god directs our steps.
- 00:22:08.016 --> 00:22:10.018
- Plus, as the bible assures, god directs our steps. this means that purpose
- 00:22:10.085 --> 00:22:11.386
- God directs our steps. this means that purpose just happens.
- 00:22:11.453 --> 00:22:13.388
- This means that purpose just happens. let me show you.
- 00:22:13.455 --> 00:22:14.756
- Just happens. let me show you. first, your differences
- 00:22:14.823 --> 00:22:16.925
- Let me show you. first, your differences lead you to others like you.
- 00:22:16.992 --> 00:22:19.127
- First, your differences lead you to others like you. that's what happened
- 00:22:19.194 --> 00:22:20.362
- Lead you to others like you. that's what happened with matthew.
- 00:22:20.429 --> 00:22:21.596
- That's what happened with matthew. he was a jewish tax collector.
- 00:22:21.663 --> 00:22:23.398
- With matthew. he was a jewish tax collector. and those two identities,
- 00:22:23.465 --> 00:22:24.599
- He was a jewish tax collector. and those two identities, jewish and tax collector,
- 00:22:24.666 --> 00:22:26.034
- And those two identities, jewish and tax collector, weren't supposed
- 00:22:26.101 --> 00:22:27.068
- Jewish and tax collector, weren't supposed to go together.
- 00:22:27.135 --> 00:22:28.303
- Weren't supposed to go together. to be one was to be
- 00:22:28.370 --> 00:22:29.404
- To go together. to be one was to be a traitor and a cheater,
- 00:22:29.471 --> 00:22:30.605
- To be one was to be a traitor and a cheater, a sinner of the highest order.
- 00:22:30.672 --> 00:22:33.442
- A traitor and a cheater, a sinner of the highest order. matthew wasn't hiding
- 00:22:33.508 --> 00:22:35.477
- A sinner of the highest order. matthew wasn't hiding his profession
- 00:22:35.544 --> 00:22:36.845
- Matthew wasn't hiding his profession when jesus recruited him
- 00:22:36.912 --> 00:22:38.079
- His profession when jesus recruited him to be one of his disciples.
- 00:22:38.146 --> 00:22:39.781
- When jesus recruited him to be one of his disciples. no, he was in
- 00:22:39.848 --> 00:22:41.349
- To be one of his disciples. no, he was in the middle of it.
- 00:22:41.416 --> 00:22:42.751
- No, he was in the middle of it. but, what the religious saw
- 00:22:42.818 --> 00:22:44.052
- The middle of it. but, what the religious saw as a scandal,
- 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:45.854
- But, what the religious saw as a scandal, jesus saw as an opportunity.
- 00:22:45.921 --> 00:22:48.023
- As a scandal, jesus saw as an opportunity. now, i don't believe that god
- 00:22:48.089 --> 00:22:50.125
- Jesus saw as an opportunity. now, i don't believe that god created matthew as a cheat,
- 00:22:50.192 --> 00:22:51.993
- Now, i don't believe that god created matthew as a cheat, in the same way
- 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:53.261
- Created matthew as a cheat, in the same way i don't believe
- 00:22:53.328 --> 00:22:54.563
- In the same way i don't believe that god creates anyone
- 00:22:54.629 --> 00:22:55.797
- I don't believe that god creates anyone for any sinful profession.
- 00:22:55.864 --> 00:22:57.365
- That god creates anyone for any sinful profession. but matthew is a great example
- 00:22:57.432 --> 00:22:59.234
- For any sinful profession. but matthew is a great example of how god repurposes
- 00:22:59.301 --> 00:23:01.269
- But matthew is a great example of how god repurposes someone's past
- 00:23:01.336 --> 00:23:02.604
- Of how god repurposes someone's past to relate his goodness
- 00:23:02.671 --> 00:23:03.872
- Someone's past to relate his goodness to others who have
- 00:23:03.939 --> 00:23:05.073
- To relate his goodness to others who have a similar story.
- 00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:06.775
- To others who have a similar story. that's the first of many ways
- 00:23:06.842 --> 00:23:08.009
- A similar story. that's the first of many ways that god used him.
- 00:23:08.076 --> 00:23:09.611
- That's the first of many ways that god used him. after being chosen,
- 00:23:09.678 --> 00:23:11.046
- That god used him. after being chosen, matthew immediately
- 00:23:11.112 --> 00:23:12.380
- After being chosen, matthew immediately invited jesus
- 00:23:12.447 --> 00:23:13.615
- Matthew immediately invited jesus to a dinner party
- 00:23:13.682 --> 00:23:14.850
- Invited jesus to a dinner party where many tax collectors
- 00:23:14.916 --> 00:23:16.084
- To a dinner party where many tax collectors and sinners
- 00:23:16.151 --> 00:23:17.419
- Where many tax collectors and sinners were introduced to him.
- 00:23:17.486 --> 00:23:19.154
- And sinners were introduced to him. your story has the same power
- 00:23:19.221 --> 00:23:21.957
- Were introduced to him. your story has the same power to introduce people
- 00:23:22.023 --> 00:23:23.225
- Your story has the same power to introduce people to the loving goodness of god.
- 00:23:23.291 --> 00:23:25.393
- To introduce people to the loving goodness of god. that's him working
- 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:26.728
- To the loving goodness of god. that's him working with human nature.
- 00:23:26.795 --> 00:23:28.096
- That's him working with human nature. we naturally attract
- 00:23:28.163 --> 00:23:29.331
- With human nature. we naturally attract and relate to others like us.
- 00:23:29.397 --> 00:23:31.633
- We naturally attract and relate to others like us. your differences also
- 00:23:31.700 --> 00:23:33.435
- And relate to others like us. your differences also have a way of taking you
- 00:23:33.502 --> 00:23:35.337
- Your differences also have a way of taking you where god wants you.
- 00:23:35.403 --> 00:23:37.038
- Have a way of taking you where god wants you. consider the apostle paul.
- 00:23:37.105 --> 00:23:38.773
- Where god wants you. consider the apostle paul. zealous is how
- 00:23:38.840 --> 00:23:40.075
- Consider the apostle paul. zealous is how he described himself.
- 00:23:40.141 --> 00:23:41.343
- Zealous is how he described himself. after his dramatic conversion
- 00:23:41.409 --> 00:23:42.711
- He described himself. after his dramatic conversion from persecutor to christian,
- 00:23:42.777 --> 00:23:44.446
- After his dramatic conversion from persecutor to christian, his life changed profoundly.
- 00:23:44.513 --> 00:23:46.047
- From persecutor to christian, his life changed profoundly. yes!
- 00:23:46.114 --> 00:23:47.315
- His life changed profoundly. yes! his thinking changed.
- 00:23:47.382 --> 00:23:48.884
- Yes! his thinking changed. his desires changed.
- 00:23:48.950 --> 00:23:50.318
- His thinking changed. his desires changed. his attitude changed.
- 00:23:50.385 --> 00:23:52.587
- His desires changed. his attitude changed. but his over-the-top
- 00:23:52.654 --> 00:23:53.989
- His attitude changed. but his over-the-top personality didn't,
- 00:23:54.055 --> 00:23:55.390
- But his over-the-top personality didn't, and for good reason.
- 00:23:55.457 --> 00:23:57.058
- Personality didn't, and for good reason. part of it
- 00:23:57.125 --> 00:23:58.193
- And for good reason. part of it was paul's stubbornness
- 00:23:58.260 --> 00:23:59.561
- Part of it was paul's stubbornness that caused him to focus
- 00:23:59.628 --> 00:24:00.896
- Was paul's stubbornness that caused him to focus his efforts on the gentiles
- 00:24:00.962 --> 00:24:02.197
- That caused him to focus his efforts on the gentiles rather than the jews.
- 00:24:02.264 --> 00:24:03.398
- How uniquely suited
- 00:24:04.766 --> 00:24:06.935
- How uniquely suited he was to reach them
- 00:24:07.002 --> 00:24:08.503
- He was to reach them all along.
- 00:24:08.570 --> 00:24:10.272
- All along. you see,
- 00:24:10.338 --> 00:24:11.473
- You see, as a mosaic law scholar
- 00:24:11.540 --> 00:24:12.841
- As a mosaic law scholar who was classically
- 00:24:12.908 --> 00:24:14.242
- Paul was gifted
- 00:24:15.677 --> 00:24:16.945
- Paul was gifted to teach scripture in a way
- 00:24:17.012 --> 00:24:18.046
- Paul was gifted to teach scripture in a way that greeks could understand.
- 00:24:18.113 --> 00:24:20.782
- To teach scripture in a way that greeks could understand. his background also gave him
- 00:24:20.849 --> 00:24:22.117
- That greeks could understand. his background also gave him roman citizenship
- 00:24:22.183 --> 00:24:23.285
- His background also gave him roman citizenship which opened many doors
- 00:24:23.351 --> 00:24:24.653
- Roman citizenship which opened many doors in that world.
- 00:24:24.719 --> 00:24:26.154
- Which opened many doors in that world. so, do you see?
- 00:24:26.221 --> 00:24:27.889
- In that world. so, do you see? god used every aspect
- 00:24:27.956 --> 00:24:31.026
- So, do you see? god used every aspect of paul's life,
- 00:24:31.092 --> 00:24:32.327
- God used every aspect of paul's life, even his rough edges,
- 00:24:32.394 --> 00:24:34.029
- Of paul's life, even his rough edges, to accomplish
- 00:24:34.095 --> 00:24:35.297
- Even his rough edges, to accomplish what he was born to do.
- 00:24:35.363 --> 00:24:36.898
- To accomplish what he was born to do. god will do the same with you.
- 00:24:36.965 --> 00:24:38.567
- What he was born to do. god will do the same with you. your personality,
- 00:24:38.633 --> 00:24:40.268
- God will do the same with you. your personality, your pedigree,
- 00:24:40.335 --> 00:24:41.603
- Your personality, your pedigree, your style, your story:
- 00:24:41.670 --> 00:24:43.638
- Your pedigree, your style, your story: they all play a role
- 00:24:43.705 --> 00:24:45.140
- Your style, your story: they all play a role in your plan.
- 00:24:45.206 --> 00:24:46.441
- They all play a role in your plan. together they have
- 00:24:46.508 --> 00:24:47.676
- In your plan. together they have a unique power to reflect god
- 00:24:47.742 --> 00:24:49.010
- Together they have a unique power to reflect god to people who need to see him.
- 00:24:49.077 --> 00:24:51.079
- A unique power to reflect god to people who need to see him. that's incredible purpose.
- 00:24:51.146 --> 00:24:53.515
- To people who need to see him. that's incredible purpose. but i propose that there is
- 00:24:53.582 --> 00:24:55.483
- That's incredible purpose. but i propose that there is at least one more way
- 00:24:55.550 --> 00:24:57.385
- But i propose that there is at least one more way god might use
- 00:24:57.452 --> 00:24:58.787
- At least one more way god might use your differences,
- 00:24:58.853 --> 00:25:00.088
- God might use your differences, and that's to shock people.
- 00:25:00.155 --> 00:25:01.790
- Your differences, and that's to shock people. allow me to explain:
- 00:25:01.856 --> 00:25:03.892
- And that's to shock people. allow me to explain: religious people
- 00:25:03.959 --> 00:25:05.527
- Allow me to explain: religious people tend to believe that they
- 00:25:05.594 --> 00:25:06.795
- Religious people tend to believe that they have god figured out.
- 00:25:06.861 --> 00:25:08.330
- Tend to believe that they have god figured out. many are so sure
- 00:25:08.396 --> 00:25:09.631
- Have god figured out. many are so sure about who he'll use
- 00:25:09.698 --> 00:25:10.865
- Many are so sure about who he'll use and who he won't:
- 00:25:10.932 --> 00:25:12.067
- About who he'll use and who he won't: who's in and who's out.
- 00:25:12.133 --> 00:25:13.635
- And who he won't: who's in and who's out. it seems that god
- 00:25:13.702 --> 00:25:14.936
- Who's in and who's out. it seems that god enjoys shattering
- 00:25:15.003 --> 00:25:16.338
- It seems that god enjoys shattering their expectations though.
- 00:25:16.404 --> 00:25:17.772
- Enjoys shattering their expectations though. the apostle paul's
- 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:19.140
- Their expectations though. the apostle paul's young missionary partner,
- 00:25:19.207 --> 00:25:20.442
- The apostle paul's young missionary partner, timothy,
- 00:25:20.508 --> 00:25:21.676
- Young missionary partner, timothy, he's my favorite
- 00:25:21.743 --> 00:25:23.044
- Timothy, he's my favorite example of this.
- 00:25:23.111 --> 00:25:24.279
- He's my favorite example of this. do you know timothy's story?
- 00:25:24.346 --> 00:25:25.614
- Example of this. do you know timothy's story? he helped paul reach
- 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.881
- Do you know timothy's story? he helped paul reach the gentiles in a huge way.
- 00:25:26.948 --> 00:25:28.183
- He helped paul reach the gentiles in a huge way. yet, many would have
- 00:25:28.249 --> 00:25:29.618
- The gentiles in a huge way. yet, many would have never considered him
- 00:25:29.684 --> 00:25:31.219
- Yet, many would have never considered him qualified to do so,
- 00:25:31.286 --> 00:25:33.254
- Never considered him qualified to do so, because of the way
- 00:25:33.321 --> 00:25:34.522
- Qualified to do so, because of the way he was born.
- 00:25:34.589 --> 00:25:35.657
- Because of the way he was born. his mother was jewish
- 00:25:35.724 --> 00:25:37.025
- He was born. his mother was jewish and his father was greek,
- 00:25:37.092 --> 00:25:38.093
- His mother was jewish and his father was greek, and that was a big no-no
- 00:25:38.159 --> 00:25:39.294
- And his father was greek, and that was a big no-no in those days.
- 00:25:39.361 --> 00:25:40.695
- And that was a big no-no in those days. religious rules barred him
- 00:25:40.762 --> 00:25:41.763
- In those days. religious rules barred him from many things,
- 00:25:41.830 --> 00:25:42.897
- Religious rules barred him from many things, like being educated
- 00:25:42.964 --> 00:25:44.065
- From many things, like being educated with other jewish boys
- 00:25:44.132 --> 00:25:45.200
- Like being educated with other jewish boys and participating
- 00:25:45.266 --> 00:25:46.501
- With other jewish boys and participating in jewish festivals.
- 00:25:46.568 --> 00:25:47.802
- And participating in jewish festivals. he was different.
- 00:25:47.869 --> 00:25:49.437
- In jewish festivals. he was different. human wisdom
- 00:25:49.504 --> 00:25:50.872
- He was different. human wisdom would have suggested
- 00:25:50.939 --> 00:25:52.307
- Human wisdom would have suggested a more mainstream candidate
- 00:25:52.374 --> 00:25:54.743
- Would have suggested a more mainstream candidate to help paul.
- 00:25:54.809 --> 00:25:56.544
- A more mainstream candidate to help paul. but god had a different idea.
- 00:25:56.611 --> 00:25:58.780
- To help paul. but god had a different idea. at a time when people
- 00:25:58.847 --> 00:25:59.948
- But god had a different idea. at a time when people were still arguing over food
- 00:26:00.015 --> 00:26:01.016
- At a time when people were still arguing over food and ceremonial laws,
- 00:26:01.082 --> 00:26:02.851
- Were still arguing over food and ceremonial laws, god chose someone
- 00:26:02.917 --> 00:26:04.386
- And ceremonial laws, god chose someone whose very existence
- 00:26:04.452 --> 00:26:05.720
- God chose someone whose very existence broke their rules.
- 00:26:05.787 --> 00:26:07.422
- Whose very existence broke their rules. god used timothy
- 00:26:07.489 --> 00:26:09.057
- Broke their rules. god used timothy to advance the church.
- 00:26:09.124 --> 00:26:11.426
- God used timothy to advance the church. friend, your differences
- 00:26:11.493 --> 00:26:14.663
- To advance the church. friend, your differences could be part of god's plan
- 00:26:14.729 --> 00:26:16.464
- Friend, your differences could be part of god's plan to do the same today.
- 00:26:16.531 --> 00:26:18.366
- Could be part of god's plan to do the same today. consider that you are molded
- 00:26:18.433 --> 00:26:19.634
- To do the same today. consider that you are molded to break a mold.
- 00:26:19.701 --> 00:26:20.935
- Consider that you are molded to break a mold. maybe, just maybe,
- 00:26:21.002 --> 00:26:23.138
- To break a mold. maybe, just maybe, your life was meant
- 00:26:23.204 --> 00:26:24.372
- Maybe, just maybe, your life was meant to express how god chooses
- 00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:25.540
- Your life was meant to express how god chooses and uses people
- 00:26:25.607 --> 00:26:26.641
- To express how god chooses and uses people that people never think
- 00:26:26.708 --> 00:26:27.776
- And uses people that people never think he would.
- 00:26:27.842 --> 00:26:29.010
- That people never think he would. that's huge purpose.
- 00:26:29.077 --> 00:26:30.178
- He would. that's huge purpose. whatever the case,
- 00:26:30.245 --> 00:26:31.546
- That's huge purpose. whatever the case, this is certain,
- 00:26:31.613 --> 00:26:33.515
- Whatever the case, this is certain, you were designed
- 00:26:33.581 --> 00:26:34.949
- This is certain, you were designed to be different.
- 00:26:35.016 --> 00:26:36.384
- You were designed to be different. embrace that.
- 00:26:36.451 --> 00:26:37.752
- To be different. embrace that. being your authentic,
- 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:39.087
- Embrace that. being your authentic, god-made self
- 00:26:39.154 --> 00:26:40.655
- Being your authentic, god-made self naturally takes you
- 00:26:40.722 --> 00:26:42.123
- God-made self naturally takes you where striving never could.
- 00:26:42.190 --> 00:26:44.092
- Through life planning services,
- 00:26:47.395 --> 00:26:49.831
- We offer estate planning and giving solutions
- 00:26:49.831 --> 00:26:52.167
- That provide tax advantages, income, and the satisfaction
- 00:26:52.167 --> 00:26:55.403
- Of supporting a cause close to your heart!
- 00:26:55.403 --> 00:26:57.872
- Visit life planning services today!
- 00:26:57.872 --> 00:27:02.010
- >> we're not sinners because we sin.
- 00:27:02.877 --> 00:27:05.880
- We're sinners because adam sinned.
- 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:08.283
- Joseph prince! tomorrow on life today!
- 00:27:08.283 --> 00:27:13.121
- Life today is made possible by the supporters of life outreach international.
- 00:27:13.121 --> 00:27:16.624
- Your gift will be used exclusively for the exempt purposes of life.
- 00:27:16.624 --> 00:27:19.728
- The ministry features specific outreaches
- 00:27:19.728 --> 00:27:21.796
- As examples of the programs it supports and conducts.
- 00:27:21.796 --> 00:27:23.865
- Gifts are considered to be without restriction
- 00:27:23.865 --> 00:27:25.934
- As to use unless explicitly stipulated by the donor.
- 00:27:25.934 --> 00:27:28.069
- The ministry is a member of the ecfa.
- 00:27:28.069 --> 00:27:28.069