Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick - Look Forward Not Far (Part 1)

May 13, 2025 | 27:29

Elevation with Steven Furtick focuses on the strength of God in our everyday struggles.

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Steven Furtick | Steven Furtick - Look Forward Not Far (Part 1) | May 13, 2025

♪ ♪
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>> announcer: up next,
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An encouraging message from
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Pastor steven furtick
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Of elevation church.
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If you're looking to
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Strengthen your faith
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And shift your perspective
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Stay tuned.
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♪ ♪
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>> i think it's important
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>> i think it's important always in your life to have
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Always in your life to have something to look forward to.
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Something to look forward to. it's real dangerous.
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It's real dangerous. if you ever get in a place
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If you ever get in a place where you can't look forward
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Where you can't look forward to anything and feel joy,
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To anything and feel joy, you need to talk to somebody.
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You need to talk to somebody. that's a dangerous place
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That's a dangerous place for you to stay.
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For you to stay. and i don't just mean for
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And i don't just mean for a moment where you're tired,
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A moment where you're tired, or overwhelmed,
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Or overwhelmed, and you just want everybody
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And you just want everybody to leave you alone.
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To leave you alone. but do you ever get to a place
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But do you ever get to a place where there is a prolonged sense
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Where there is a prolonged sense of the postponement of joy?
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Of the postponement of joy? do you know what i mean by
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Do you know what i mean by postponing joy?
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Postponing joy? where you're like,
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Where you're like, "well, i might be
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"well, i might be happy one day,
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Happy one day, but i can't see
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But i can't see anything in my immediate
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Anything in my immediate future that i look forward to."
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Future that i look forward to." that is a dangerous way to live.
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That is a dangerous way to live. now, it doesn't mean that
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Now, it doesn't mean that everything you do everyday
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Everything you do everyday has to be something
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Has to be something that you enjoy, snowflake.
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[laughter]
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But it does mean that
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But it does mean that there ought to be something,
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There ought to be something, even within the most challenging
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Even within the most challenging seasons of your life
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Seasons of your life that you can go,
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That you can go, "i look forward to that."
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"i look forward to that." that's why i want
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That's why i want every married couple
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Every married couple doing date nights.
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Doing date nights. i want you to do it so you can
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I want you to do it so you can look forward to that time
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Look forward to that time and you can understand
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And you can understand that even if we've been
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That even if we've been busy all week, i mean,
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Busy all week, i mean, it doesn't have to
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It doesn't have to an expensive date night.
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An expensive date night. make a sandwich.
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Make a sandwich. but set aside a time
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But set aside a time that you can look forward
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That you can look forward to that you can know, you know,
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To that you can know, you know, especially if you have kids,
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Especially if you have kids, or little kids,
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Or little kids, or something like that,
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Or something like that, set it up where you know,
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Set it up where you know, "okay, we are so busy
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"okay, we are so busy managing the corporation
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Called our kids -- excuse me,
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Called our kids -- excuse me, this terrorist organization...
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[laughter]
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Called our kids,
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Called our kids, that we need a time set aside
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That we need a time set aside that i can look forward
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That i can look forward to connecting with
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To connecting with my girlfriend, my boyfriend,
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My girlfriend, my boyfriend, the one that i used to spend
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The one that i used to spend hours on the phone with.
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Hours on the phone with. and i think that's really
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And i think that's really important that you put something
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Important that you put something that you can look forward to.
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That you can look forward to. even if it's a little thing.
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Even if it's a little thing. that's why i got the fridge
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That's why i got the fridge stocked with fairlife shakes.
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'cause after i've done
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'cause after i've done all my squats,
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All my squats, and all my curls,
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And all my curls, i know there is
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I know there is the taste of artificial
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The taste of artificial sweetener awaiting me.
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[laughter]
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Just something to trigger
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Just something to trigger my tongue to let me know,
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My tongue to let me know, "you did good today.
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"you did good today. well done thou good
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Well done thou good and faithful servant."
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[laughter]
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Again, i'm taking
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Again, i'm taking a moment to set this up
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A moment to set this up because if i don't
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Because if i don't set it up practically,
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Set it up practically, if we jump straight to
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If we jump straight to what paul said from prison,
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What paul said from prison, you will think that this
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You will think that this message only applies
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Message only applies when you're going
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When you're going through the hardest
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Through the hardest situation in your life.
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Situation in your life. but i saw a principle this week
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But i saw a principle this week that was so practical
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That was so practical that it reminded me about
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That it reminded me about something that brennan manning
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Something that brennan manning said in one of his books.
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Said in one of his books. when a man went to visit
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When a man went to visit mother teresa at the house
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Mother teresa at the house of the dying in calcutta.
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Of the dying in calcutta. and this brilliant
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And this brilliant ethicist john kavanaugh
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Ethicist john kavanaugh went to see her
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Went to see her for three months.
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For three months. and on the first day
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And on the first day he met mother teresa.
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He met mother teresa. and the report goes
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And the report goes that he was trying
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That he was trying to figure out what to do
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To figure out what to do with the rest of his life,
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With the rest of his life, and he felt foggy about it.
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And he felt foggy about it. now, stop right here.
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Now, stop right here. you might feel
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You might feel the same way today.
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The same way today. you might not be going
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You might not be going to see mother teresa,
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But you came to
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But you came to elevation church,
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Elevation church, or you clicked on the link,
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Or you clicked on the link, and you're feeling like,
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And you're feeling like, "what do i do with
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"what do i do with the rest of my life?
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The rest of my life? or what do i do
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Or what do i do in this next week?
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In this next week? or what do i even do
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Or what do i even do for my next step?"
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For my next step?" well, mother teresa, upon
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Well, mother teresa, upon meeting the man, said,
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Meeting the man, said, "what can i do for you?
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"what can i do for you? and he said, "i would love
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And he said, "i would love for you to pray for me."
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For you to pray for me." and she said,
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And she said, "what would you like
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"what would you like for me to pray for you?"
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For me to pray for you?" and he said,
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And he said, "pray that god
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"pray that god will give me clarity.
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That god will give me clarity."
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That god will give me clarity." and she said,
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And she said, "i won't do it.
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"i won't do it. i won't do it.
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I won't do it. i have never had clarity."
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I have never had clarity." and he said,
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And he said, "but you always
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"but you always seem to have clarity."
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Seem to have clarity." and mother teresa said,
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And mother teresa said, "i've never had clarity.
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"i've never had clarity. what i've had is trust.
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What i've had is trust. so, i will pray that
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So, i will pray that you will trust in god."
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[applause]
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The apostle paul writing
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The apostle paul writing to church that he founded,
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To church that he founded, which was the first church
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Which was the first church in europe incidentally
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In europe incidentally was founded when he was
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Was founded when he was in prison another time,
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In prison another time, is now writing to span
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Is now writing to span 800 miles from rome
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800 miles from rome where he is sitting,
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Where he is sitting, awaiting a verdict of his
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Awaiting a verdict of his current imprisonment
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Current imprisonment for preaching the gospel
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For preaching the gospel to the church that he loved.
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To the church that he loved. and he's worried about them
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And he's worried about them and burdened for them.
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And burdened for them. euodia and syntyche are arguing.
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Euodia and syntyche are arguing. there seems to be,
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There seems to be, within the philippian church,
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Within the philippian church, a sense that when
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A sense that when the teacher left class,
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The teacher left class, we can do whatever we want.
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We can do whatever we want. he checks in to let them know,
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He checks in to let them know, "i'm proud of you,
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"i'm proud of you, but you need to keep
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Making progress."
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Making progress." and in doing that,
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And in doing that, he shares with them an update
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He shares with them an update about his situation as well.
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About his situation as well. as we are expecting paul
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As we are expecting paul to give the exact details
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To give the exact details of whether or not
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He will be released to
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He will be released to continue to preach the gospel,
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Continue to preach the gospel, or whether he will continue
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Or whether he will continue to be restrained by his chains,
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To be restrained by his chains, he does something very
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He does something very interesting and different.
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Interesting and different. he begins to share with them,
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He begins to share with them, not about the conclusion
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Not about the conclusion of his trial,
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Of his trial, but about the courage
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But about the courage that god has given
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That god has given him to face it.
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Him to face it. y'all missed your
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Y'all missed your chance to say amen.
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Chance to say amen. i've been pastoring
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I've been pastoring this church almost 20 years
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This church almost 20 years and y'all still don't know
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And y'all still don't know when i said something good.
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When i said something good. i don't have to get loud
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I don't have to get loud for it to be good.
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For it to be good. i said, "sometimes god
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I said, "sometimes god won't give you the conclusion,
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Won't give you the conclusion, he will just give you courage."
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He will just give you courage." and the people
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And the people like mother teresa
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Like mother teresa and the apostle paul
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And the apostle paul who are really confident,
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Who are really confident, it's not because they
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It's not because they have so much clarity,
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Have so much clarity, it's not because they always
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It's not because they always know what to do next.
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Know what to do next. it's just that they're
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It's just that they're always focused on what god
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Always focused on what god has called them to do now.
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Has called them to do now. and this is a great
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And this is a great distinction for all of us
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Distinction for all of us who are overwhelmed.
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Who are overwhelmed. from a man who had
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From a man who had every right to be
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Every right to be depressed and despondent,
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Depressed and despondent, for a man who had every right
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For a man who had every right to feel and communicate
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To feel and communicate his sense of total,
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His sense of total, utter despair, comes a book
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Utter despair, comes a book like philippians where he says,
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Like philippians where he says, "yes, i will
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"yes, i will continue to rejoice."
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Why are you rejoicing, "paul?
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Why are you rejoicing, "paul? did you just get good news
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Did you just get good news that they're gonna
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That they're gonna let you out in a week?
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Let you out in a week? why are you rejoicing paul?
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Why are you rejoicing paul? did andy dufresne just
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Did andy dufresne just take a rock hammer and crack
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Take a rock hammer and crack halfway through
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Halfway through the shawshank wall?
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The shawshank wall? is morgan freeman narrating
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Is morgan freeman narrating your last night in prison?
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Your last night in prison? why are you rejoicing?"
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Why are you rejoicing?" he said, "because,"
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He said, "because," everybody say, "because."
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Everybody say, "because." >> congregation: because.
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>> now, one day i want to do
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>> now, one day i want to do a whole series
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A whole series when i get the opportunity
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When i get the opportunity on why you need
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On why you need a better because.
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A better because. a better because.
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A better because. verse 18 please, again,
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He says, "i'll continue
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He says, "i'll continue to rejoice because,"
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To rejoice because," verse 19 -- oh no,
00:06:27.216 --> 00:06:29.085
Verse 19 -- oh no, that's not where he says it,
00:06:29.152 --> 00:06:29.819
That's not where he says it, he says it in verse 18.
00:06:29.886 --> 00:06:31.621
He says it in verse 18. yeah, yeah.
00:06:31.687 --> 00:06:33.122
Yeah, yeah. "and because of this,
00:06:33.189 --> 00:06:33.990
"and because of this, i rejoice."
00:06:34.056 --> 00:06:34.590
I rejoice." there it is.
00:06:34.657 --> 00:06:35.558
There it is. i went too far.
00:06:35.625 --> 00:06:37.493
I went too far. i went too far.
00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:39.061
I went too far. i was looking for that word,
00:06:39.128 --> 00:06:39.896
I was looking for that word, but i went too far.
00:06:39.962 --> 00:06:41.864
But i went too far. i went too far.
00:06:41.931 --> 00:06:42.365
I went too far. i dropped down
00:06:42.432 --> 00:06:42.832
I dropped down to the end of it.
00:06:42.899 --> 00:06:43.900
To the end of it. i went too far.
00:06:43.966 --> 00:06:45.501
I went too far. i meant to show you
00:06:45.568 --> 00:06:46.169
I meant to show you that word "because."
00:06:46.235 --> 00:06:48.371
That word "because." circle "because" back there
00:06:48.438 --> 00:06:49.405
Circle "because" back there for me in the back,
00:06:49.472 --> 00:06:50.039
For me in the back, justin, if you can.
00:06:50.106 --> 00:06:51.140
Justin, if you can. "and because of this i rejoice."
00:06:51.207 --> 00:06:56.412
"and because of this i rejoice." now, whatever your "this"
00:06:56.479 --> 00:06:57.346
Now, whatever your "this" is controls your rejoicing.
00:06:57.413 --> 00:07:01.851
Paul's this was
00:07:01.951 --> 00:07:02.718
Paul's this was the purpose of god,
00:07:02.785 --> 00:07:04.220
The purpose of god, the gospel of jesus christ,
00:07:04.287 --> 00:07:05.888
The gospel of jesus christ, what he was sent to do.
00:07:05.955 --> 00:07:07.723
What he was sent to do. and since that was still
00:07:07.790 --> 00:07:09.125
And since that was still happening and happening
00:07:09.192 --> 00:07:10.460
Happening and happening at an accelerated rate,
00:07:10.526 --> 00:07:12.962
At an accelerated rate, paul said, "i have a cause
00:07:13.029 --> 00:07:14.230
Paul said, "i have a cause to rejoice because my calling
00:07:14.297 --> 00:07:15.598
To rejoice because my calling is being fulfilled."
00:07:15.665 --> 00:07:18.668
Is being fulfilled." if your cause to rejoice
00:07:18.734 --> 00:07:19.969
If your cause to rejoice is your comfort being satisfied,
00:07:20.036 --> 00:07:23.706
Is your comfort being satisfied, then any moment
00:07:23.773 --> 00:07:24.474
Then any moment you are uncomfortable,
00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:25.775
You are uncomfortable, you will not have
00:07:25.842 --> 00:07:26.409
You will not have the ability to rejoice.
00:07:26.476 --> 00:07:29.779
The ability to rejoice. you need a better because.
00:07:29.846 --> 00:07:32.248
You need a better because. some of us need a better because
00:07:32.315 --> 00:07:33.716
Some of us need a better because when we come to worship.
00:07:33.783 --> 00:07:36.118
When we come to worship. some of us only praise god
00:07:36.185 --> 00:07:37.954
Some of us only praise god on the weeks where
00:07:38.020 --> 00:07:39.055
On the weeks where we feel grateful.
00:07:39.121 --> 00:07:40.790
We feel grateful. what a small god you serve
00:07:40.857 --> 00:07:44.060
What a small god you serve that you need a feeling
00:07:44.126 --> 00:07:45.695
That you need a feeling or gratitude to prompt
00:07:45.761 --> 00:07:47.730
Or gratitude to prompt an act of faith called worship.
00:07:47.797 --> 00:07:50.166
An act of faith called worship. you're worshiping a god
00:07:50.233 --> 00:07:51.100
You're worshiping a god you can't see,
00:07:51.167 --> 00:07:52.502
You can't see, you're worshiping a god
00:07:52.568 --> 00:07:53.369
You're worshiping a god who's not made by human hands,
00:07:53.436 --> 00:07:55.838
Who's not made by human hands, you're worshiping a god
00:07:55.905 --> 00:07:56.906
Who does not exist to serve you,
00:07:57.006 --> 00:07:58.741
Who does not exist to serve you, you exist to serve him.
00:07:58.808 --> 00:08:01.344
You exist to serve him. so, if the reason that
00:08:01.410 --> 00:08:02.378
So, if the reason that i worship is tied to the work
00:08:02.445 --> 00:08:04.313
I worship is tied to the work that he does on my behalf
00:08:04.380 --> 00:08:06.749
That he does on my behalf or the wish list that
00:08:06.816 --> 00:08:07.750
Or the wish list that he fulfilled based on
00:08:07.817 --> 00:08:08.751
He fulfilled based on my preferences,
00:08:08.818 --> 00:08:10.353
My preferences, that is a limited lens
00:08:10.419 --> 00:08:12.288
That is a limited lens through which to see
00:08:12.355 --> 00:08:13.656
Through which to see the god that i worship.
00:08:13.723 --> 00:08:16.225
The god that i worship. sometimes, it's good for us
00:08:16.292 --> 00:08:17.460
Sometimes, it's good for us to lift our hands
00:08:17.527 --> 00:08:18.127
To lift our hands because he's great,
00:08:18.194 --> 00:08:20.229
Because he's great, because he's holy,
00:08:20.296 --> 00:08:21.898
Because he's holy, because he's awesome,
00:08:21.964 --> 00:08:23.733
Because he's sovereign,
00:08:23.833 --> 00:08:25.368
Because he's sovereign, because he's god all by himself.
00:08:25.434 --> 00:08:29.505
Because he's god all by himself. because before abraham was,
00:08:29.572 --> 00:08:31.474
Because before abraham was, he was.
00:08:31.541 --> 00:08:32.808
He was. because he is
00:08:32.875 --> 00:08:33.509
Because he is the great i am.
00:08:33.576 --> 00:08:35.311
The great i am. because he is perfect
00:08:35.378 --> 00:08:36.579
Because he is perfect in all of his ways.
00:08:36.646 --> 00:08:38.347
In all of his ways. because i'm created to do it.
00:08:38.414 --> 00:08:40.683
Because i'm created to do it. because i love him,
00:08:40.750 --> 00:08:42.385
Because i love him, because he first loved me.
00:08:42.451 --> 00:08:44.487
Because he first loved me. because he forgave me.
00:08:44.554 --> 00:08:46.155
Because he forgave me. because he sent his son
00:08:46.222 --> 00:08:47.290
Because he sent his son to die for me.
00:08:47.356 --> 00:08:48.658
To die for me. because he gave me
00:08:48.724 --> 00:08:49.325
Because he gave me breath in my lungs.
00:08:49.392 --> 00:08:51.060
Breath in my lungs. because i'm living
00:08:51.127 --> 00:08:51.827
Because i'm living on borrowed breath.
00:08:51.894 --> 00:08:53.429
On borrowed breath. because tomorrow
00:08:53.496 --> 00:08:54.096
Because tomorrow is not promised.
00:08:54.163 --> 00:08:55.698
Is not promised. because god brought me this far.
00:08:55.765 --> 00:08:57.934
Because god brought me this far. and if he never does
00:08:58.000 --> 00:08:58.834
And if he never does anything else,
00:08:58.901 --> 00:08:59.635
Anything else, he's done enough to be
00:08:59.702 --> 00:09:00.770
He's done enough to be worthy of this next one.
00:09:00.836 --> 00:09:02.171
[applause]
00:09:02.438 --> 00:09:09.979
And paul is playing games
00:09:10.279 --> 00:09:13.149
And paul is playing games with the devil in this letter
00:09:13.215 --> 00:09:16.352
With the devil in this letter because at the moment
00:09:16.419 --> 00:09:17.420
Because at the moment that he has every right
00:09:17.486 --> 00:09:18.821
That he has every right to be discouraged, despondent,
00:09:18.888 --> 00:09:21.123
To be discouraged, despondent, and at the dead end of
00:09:21.190 --> 00:09:21.924
And at the dead end of his own despair,
00:09:21.991 --> 00:09:23.326
His own despair, he turns his attention outward
00:09:23.392 --> 00:09:24.994
He turns his attention outward and begins to think
00:09:25.061 --> 00:09:25.962
And begins to think about that church that god
00:09:26.028 --> 00:09:27.263
About that church that god has called him to serve.
00:09:27.330 --> 00:09:30.032
Has called him to serve. he turns his attention out
00:09:30.099 --> 00:09:32.902
He turns his attention out and he begins to focus
00:09:32.969 --> 00:09:33.903
And he begins to focus on their future.
00:09:33.970 --> 00:09:36.706
And it's almost like he's
00:09:36.806 --> 00:09:37.473
And it's almost like he's setting up an appointment.
00:09:37.540 --> 00:09:38.774
Setting up an appointment. walk slow with me here.
00:09:38.841 --> 00:09:40.009
Walk slow with me here. i wanna meet you in this text.
00:09:40.076 --> 00:09:41.344
I wanna meet you in this text. you can see paul who was
00:09:41.410 --> 00:09:42.545
You can see paul who was about 55 years old
00:09:42.612 --> 00:09:44.947
About 55 years old at this point in his life
00:09:45.014 --> 00:09:47.149
At this point in his life saying, "i don't know when,
00:09:47.216 --> 00:09:49.118
But i'll see you again."
00:09:49.218 --> 00:09:50.820
But i'll see you again." what's he doing?
00:09:50.886 --> 00:09:52.154
What's he doing? he's creating a sense
00:09:52.221 --> 00:09:54.223
He's creating a sense of anticipatory joy,
00:09:54.290 --> 00:09:57.627
Of anticipatory joy, even though
00:09:57.693 --> 00:09:58.027
Even though the timeline is uncertain.
00:09:58.094 --> 00:10:01.430
The timeline is uncertain. he doesn't have clarity,
00:10:01.497 --> 00:10:03.899
He doesn't have clarity, but he trusts god.
00:10:03.966 --> 00:10:06.302
But he trusts god. and you can see in
00:10:06.369 --> 00:10:07.103
And you can see in this wrestling match,
00:10:07.169 --> 00:10:09.105
This wrestling match, that is written on the page
00:10:09.171 --> 00:10:10.473
That is written on the page and preserved for us
00:10:10.539 --> 00:10:11.574
And preserved for us through the passage of time.
00:10:11.641 --> 00:10:14.677
Through the passage of time. as paul is wrestling
00:10:14.744 --> 00:10:16.512
As paul is wrestling with his own volition
00:10:16.579 --> 00:10:18.014
With his own volition and will because
00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:18.881
And will because there's so much
00:10:18.948 --> 00:10:19.448
There's so much about the situation
00:10:19.515 --> 00:10:20.416
About the situation that he can't control.
00:10:20.483 --> 00:10:23.219
That he can't control. it's not as if when he says,
00:10:23.285 --> 00:10:25.421
It's not as if when he says, "what shall i choose?"
00:10:25.488 --> 00:10:27.523
"what shall i choose?" he gets a vote in whether
00:10:27.590 --> 00:10:29.158
He gets a vote in whether or not he's executed.
00:10:29.225 --> 00:10:30.826
Or not he's executed. now, just to make sure
00:10:30.893 --> 00:10:31.560
Now, just to make sure you understand the situation,
00:10:31.627 --> 00:10:33.362
You understand the situation, paul is about to be
00:10:33.429 --> 00:10:34.430
Paul is about to be put on trial,
00:10:34.497 --> 00:10:35.598
Put on trial, and they have the power
00:10:35.665 --> 00:10:36.732
And they have the power to decide does he live,
00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:38.100
To decide does he live, or does he die?
00:10:38.167 --> 00:10:39.969
Or does he die? paul does not have
00:10:40.036 --> 00:10:40.670
Paul does not have the power to decode
00:10:40.736 --> 00:10:42.071
The power to decode whether he lives or dies,
00:10:42.138 --> 00:10:44.807
Whether he lives or dies, but he still has the power
00:10:44.874 --> 00:10:46.075
But he still has the power to chose how he lives
00:10:46.142 --> 00:10:47.910
To chose how he lives in the meantime.
00:10:47.977 --> 00:10:50.179
In the meantime. and so, here he is,
00:10:50.246 --> 00:10:51.147
And so, here he is, wrestling with a decision
00:10:51.213 --> 00:10:52.348
Wrestling with a decision that's really not his to make.
00:10:52.415 --> 00:10:54.417
That's really not his to make. and i thought it
00:10:54.483 --> 00:10:54.950
And i thought it was kinda funny.
00:10:55.017 --> 00:10:56.085
Was kinda funny. and maybe there's even
00:10:56.152 --> 00:10:56.719
And maybe there's even a little swagger
00:10:56.786 --> 00:10:57.586
A little swagger on what paul is doing here.
00:10:57.653 --> 00:10:59.321
On what paul is doing here. 'cause he's telling the devil,
00:10:59.388 --> 00:11:01.524
'cause he's telling the devil, "i haven't decided yet.
00:11:01.590 --> 00:11:03.926
"i haven't decided yet. i haven't decided yet
00:11:03.993 --> 00:11:05.261
I haven't decided yet whether i'm gonna let them
00:11:05.327 --> 00:11:06.328
Whether i'm gonna let them kill me so i can just be
00:11:06.395 --> 00:11:07.930
Done with this
00:11:08.030 --> 00:11:08.497
Done with this and go get all
00:11:08.564 --> 00:11:09.131
And go get all my crowns from jesus.
00:11:09.198 --> 00:11:11.267
My crowns from jesus. i haven't decided yet whether
00:11:11.333 --> 00:11:12.735
I haven't decided yet whether i just wanna get out of here
00:11:12.802 --> 00:11:13.836
I just wanna get out of here and see his face.
00:11:13.903 --> 00:11:15.705
And see his face. the one who died for me,
00:11:15.771 --> 00:11:16.772
The one who died for me, the one who knocked me
00:11:16.839 --> 00:11:17.606
The one who knocked me off my horse on
00:11:17.673 --> 00:11:18.340
Off my horse on the damascus road.
00:11:18.407 --> 00:11:19.975
The damascus road. i hadn't decided yet
00:11:20.042 --> 00:11:21.410
I hadn't decided yet whether i wanna be done
00:11:21.477 --> 00:11:22.411
Whether i wanna be done with all these trifling
00:11:22.478 --> 00:11:23.679
With all these trifling pharisees that i used to be
00:11:23.746 --> 00:11:25.114
Pharisees that i used to be one of that keep running
00:11:25.181 --> 00:11:26.882
One of that keep running me from city to city.
00:11:26.949 --> 00:11:28.384
Me from city to city. i hadn't decided yet
00:11:28.451 --> 00:11:29.585
I hadn't decided yet do i want to be done
00:11:29.652 --> 00:11:30.619
Do i want to be done with the storms,
00:11:30.686 --> 00:11:31.654
With the storms, and the shipwrecks,
00:11:31.721 --> 00:11:32.455
And the shipwrecks, and the stonings,
00:11:32.521 --> 00:11:33.222
And the stonings, and just see him
00:11:33.289 --> 00:11:34.323
And just see him and be known as i am known.
00:11:34.390 --> 00:11:36.592
And be known as i am known. i hadn't decided yet
00:11:36.659 --> 00:11:37.860
Do i wanna leave
00:11:37.960 --> 00:11:40.062
Do i wanna leave or do i wanna stay?"
00:11:40.129 --> 00:11:41.130
Or do i wanna stay?" and here's an interesting term.
00:11:41.197 --> 00:11:42.031
And here's an interesting term. he said, "i'm torn
00:11:42.098 --> 00:11:45.901
Between the two."
00:11:46.001 --> 00:11:47.636
Between the two." what a picture,
00:11:47.703 --> 00:11:49.405
What a picture, "i'm torn between the two."
00:11:49.472 --> 00:11:52.141
"i'm torn between the two." recap.
00:11:52.208 --> 00:11:53.142
He's in prison,
00:11:53.242 --> 00:11:54.643
He's in prison, but it came to describing
00:11:54.710 --> 00:11:56.512
But it came to describing his condition, he didn't say,
00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:57.713
His condition, he didn't say, "i'm trapped,"
00:11:57.780 --> 00:12:00.082
"i'm trapped," he said, "i'm torn."
00:12:00.149 --> 00:12:02.551
He said, "i'm torn." two things that happen here,
00:12:02.618 --> 00:12:03.853
Two things that happen here, and i don't know which one
00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:04.620
And i don't know which one god's gonna do yet.
00:12:04.687 --> 00:12:06.856
God's gonna do yet. either my life could be
00:12:06.922 --> 00:12:08.457
Either my life could be over in a matter of weeks,
00:12:08.524 --> 00:12:10.159
Over in a matter of weeks, months, even days,
00:12:10.226 --> 00:12:12.027
Months, even days, and i could be with christ.
00:12:12.094 --> 00:12:13.796
And i could be with christ. or i could stay here
00:12:13.863 --> 00:12:15.464
Or i could stay here and keep serving christ longer.
00:12:15.531 --> 00:12:18.501
And keep serving christ longer. and i'm torn,
00:12:18.567 --> 00:12:20.369
And i'm torn, everybody say it, "i'm torn."
00:12:20.436 --> 00:12:21.637
Everybody say it, "i'm torn." >> congregation: i'm torn.
00:12:21.704 --> 00:12:22.838
>> congregation: i'm torn. >> i'm torn.
00:12:22.905 --> 00:12:23.973
>> i'm torn. for everybody today
00:12:24.039 --> 00:12:25.274
For everybody today who is feeling torn
00:12:25.341 --> 00:12:26.809
Who is feeling torn in an area of your life,
00:12:26.876 --> 00:12:28.577
In an area of your life, let the apostle paul
00:12:28.644 --> 00:12:29.879
Let the apostle paul administer to you
00:12:29.945 --> 00:12:31.147
Administer to you these words of encouragement.
00:12:31.213 --> 00:12:32.915
He says, "if i am to go
00:12:33.015 --> 00:12:34.383
He says, "if i am to go on living in the body,
00:12:34.450 --> 00:12:35.651
On living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor.
00:12:35.718 --> 00:12:36.952
This will mean fruitful labor. yet what shall i choose?
00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:38.287
Yet what shall i choose? i do not know."
00:12:38.354 --> 00:12:42.224
I do not know." and write this down
00:12:42.291 --> 00:12:42.858
And write this down and put it on your mirror,
00:12:42.925 --> 00:12:43.959
And put it on your mirror, it's okay to not know.
00:12:44.026 --> 00:12:47.129
It's okay to not know.
00:12:47.229 --> 00:12:49.431
It's okay to not know. it's okay to not have clarity.
00:12:49.498 --> 00:12:52.234
It's okay to not have clarity. it's okay to not have
00:12:52.301 --> 00:12:53.469
It's okay to not have a five year plan.
00:12:53.536 --> 00:12:55.771
A five year plan. it's okay to not know
00:12:55.838 --> 00:12:57.006
It's okay to not know how you're going to
00:12:57.072 --> 00:12:57.773
How you're going to get out of this exactly.
00:12:57.840 --> 00:12:59.041
Get out of this exactly. it's okay not to know.
00:12:59.108 --> 00:13:01.811
It's okay not to know. if paul who said,
00:13:01.877 --> 00:13:03.412
"and we know that in all things,
00:13:03.512 --> 00:13:05.581
"and we know that in all things, god works together for the good
00:13:05.648 --> 00:13:06.482
God works together for the good of them that love him
00:13:06.549 --> 00:13:07.082
Of them that love him and are called according
00:13:07.149 --> 00:13:07.583
And are called according to his purpose," said,
00:13:07.650 --> 00:13:08.684
To his purpose," said, "i don't know about this one.
00:13:08.751 --> 00:13:11.120
"i don't know about this one. you have i don't know moments
00:13:11.187 --> 00:13:13.489
You have i don't know moments that you have been hiding
00:13:13.556 --> 00:13:14.757
That you have been hiding because you think that somehow
00:13:14.824 --> 00:13:15.791
Because you think that somehow means you don't have faith.
00:13:15.858 --> 00:13:17.860
And it is okay to say,
00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:20.262
And it is okay to say, "i don't know."
00:13:20.329 --> 00:13:22.164
"i don't know." in fact, just say it right now.
00:13:22.231 --> 00:13:23.632
In fact, just say it right now. it'll feel like a hundred
00:13:23.699 --> 00:13:24.333
It'll feel like a hundred pounds lifted off you,
00:13:24.400 --> 00:13:25.234
Pounds lifted off you, say, "i don't know."
00:13:25.301 --> 00:13:25.835
Say, "i don't know." >> congregation: i don't know.
00:13:25.901 --> 00:13:27.336
>> congregation: i don't know. >> you can't say it proper.
00:13:27.403 --> 00:13:28.103
>> you can't say it proper. i do not know.
00:13:28.170 --> 00:13:30.139
I do not know. i have not the information.
00:13:30.206 --> 00:13:31.640
I have not the information. don't say it formal,
00:13:31.707 --> 00:13:32.208
Don't say it formal, just say, "i don't know."
00:13:32.274 --> 00:13:33.676
Just say, "i don't know." >> congregation: i don't know.
00:13:33.742 --> 00:13:35.244
>> congregation: i don't know. >> paul says, "i don't know
00:13:35.311 --> 00:13:36.478
>> paul says, "i don't know which one i want yet.
00:13:36.545 --> 00:13:38.948
Which one i want yet. i kinda wanna get out of here,
00:13:39.014 --> 00:13:41.650
I kinda wanna get out of here, but i kinda think
00:13:41.717 --> 00:13:42.284
But i kinda think i need to stay.
00:13:42.351 --> 00:13:44.520
I need to stay. it would be awesome
00:13:44.587 --> 00:13:45.321
It would be awesome if i never had to deal
00:13:45.387 --> 00:13:47.423
If i never had to deal with the opposition
00:13:47.489 --> 00:13:48.090
With the opposition that i'm dealing with again.
00:13:48.157 --> 00:13:49.258
That i'm dealing with again. it's hard out here
00:13:49.325 --> 00:13:50.993
It's hard out here for a preacher.
00:13:51.060 --> 00:13:52.094
[laughter]
00:13:52.361 --> 00:13:56.498
But i kinda think you need me
00:13:56.932 --> 00:13:58.200
But i kinda think you need me 'cause y'all are fighting
00:13:58.267 --> 00:13:59.001
'cause y'all are fighting back home.
00:13:59.068 --> 00:14:01.537
Back home. i kinda think you need me
00:14:01.604 --> 00:14:02.805
I kinda think you need me because i've heard
00:14:02.872 --> 00:14:03.405
Because i've heard some rumors about you.
00:14:03.472 --> 00:14:05.741
Some rumors about you. and i don't know if
00:14:05.808 --> 00:14:07.643
And i don't know if i wanna get out of here
00:14:07.710 --> 00:14:10.212
I wanna get out of here or if i need to stay
00:14:10.279 --> 00:14:11.013
Or if i need to stay in this for a little while."
00:14:11.080 --> 00:14:12.915
In this for a little while." and he's acting like
00:14:12.982 --> 00:14:14.450
And he's acting like he gets to choose,
00:14:14.516 --> 00:14:15.517
He gets to choose, like he won the coin toss.
00:14:15.584 --> 00:14:17.052
Like he won the coin toss. but nobody's coming to ask him,
00:14:17.119 --> 00:14:19.421
But nobody's coming to ask him, so what is he really
00:14:19.488 --> 00:14:20.356
So what is he really wrestling with?
00:14:20.422 --> 00:14:23.025
Wrestling with? paul is wrestling with
00:14:23.092 --> 00:14:24.793
Paul is wrestling with the tension of looking
00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:27.229
The tension of looking forward into a future
00:14:27.296 --> 00:14:29.164
Forward into a future that is uncertain
00:14:29.231 --> 00:14:30.532
That is uncertain with unwavering
00:14:30.599 --> 00:14:31.600
With unwavering confidence in christ.
00:14:31.667 --> 00:14:34.637
Confidence in christ. everybody in this room
00:14:34.703 --> 00:14:35.537
Everybody in this room is facing the same challenge.
00:14:35.604 --> 00:14:37.907
Is facing the same challenge. your future is not certain
00:14:37.973 --> 00:14:39.675
Your future is not certain and your hope is christ.
00:14:39.742 --> 00:14:42.945
And your hope is christ. i just hit everybody
00:14:43.012 --> 00:14:43.746
I just hit everybody in the room.
00:14:43.812 --> 00:14:44.413
[applause]
00:14:44.680 --> 00:14:45.547
"how do you preach to
00:14:46.649 --> 00:14:47.216
"how do you preach to so many backgrounds of people?
00:14:47.283 --> 00:14:48.784
So many backgrounds of people? and there's rich people,
00:14:48.851 --> 00:14:49.685
And there's rich people, and poor people,
00:14:49.752 --> 00:14:50.486
And poor people, and there's young people,
00:14:50.552 --> 00:14:51.253
And there's young people, and there's old people,
00:14:51.320 --> 00:14:52.087
And there's old people, and there's religious people,
00:14:52.154 --> 00:14:53.555
And there's religious people, and there's people
00:14:53.622 --> 00:14:54.623
And there's people whose eyes look like
00:14:54.690 --> 00:14:55.557
Whose eyes look like they just -- you know,
00:14:55.624 --> 00:14:56.458
They just -- you know, right before
00:14:56.525 --> 00:14:56.926
Right before they came to church,
00:14:56.992 --> 00:14:57.726
They came to church, they make -- some that
00:14:57.793 --> 00:14:59.461
They make -- some that want the holy spirit.
00:14:59.528 --> 00:15:00.129
Want the holy spirit. and how do you preach
00:15:00.195 --> 00:15:01.630
And how do you preach to all those people?"
00:15:01.697 --> 00:15:02.131
To all those people?" because every single one of you,
00:15:02.197 --> 00:15:03.399
Because every single one of you, your future is uncertain
00:15:03.465 --> 00:15:04.333
Your future is uncertain and your hope is christ.
00:15:04.400 --> 00:15:06.702
And your hope is christ. and in this way,
00:15:06.769 --> 00:15:07.536
And in this way, you are no different than paul.
00:15:07.603 --> 00:15:09.872
You are no different than paul. and so, he says,
00:15:09.939 --> 00:15:10.372
"i don't know.
00:15:10.472 --> 00:15:12.608
"i don't know. i'm torn.
00:15:12.675 --> 00:15:14.743
I'm torn. i kinda wanted to see jesus."
00:15:14.810 --> 00:15:18.247
I kinda wanted to see jesus." gonna be nice if this
00:15:18.314 --> 00:15:18.847
Gonna be nice if this was all over.
00:15:18.914 --> 00:15:21.917
Was all over. i guess 'cause i was
00:15:21.984 --> 00:15:22.518
I guess 'cause i was preaching on prison,
00:15:22.584 --> 00:15:23.352
Preaching on prison, i was doing research
00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:24.420
I was doing research and i mentioned
00:15:24.486 --> 00:15:24.954
And i mentioned shawshank redemption,
00:15:25.020 --> 00:15:26.855
Shawshank redemption, and then -- turn off
00:15:26.922 --> 00:15:28.891
And then -- turn off the tv all of you
00:15:28.958 --> 00:15:29.825
The tv all of you that are real religious.
00:15:29.892 --> 00:15:30.926
That are real religious. we watched the green mile
00:15:30.993 --> 00:15:31.694
We watched the green mile this week too with john coffey.
00:15:31.760 --> 00:15:36.498
This week too with john coffey. and the green mile was trippy.
00:15:36.565 --> 00:15:37.766
And the green mile was trippy. i'mma give you a spoiler alert.
00:15:37.833 --> 00:15:38.500
I'mma give you a spoiler alert. the movie is like 40 years old,
00:15:38.567 --> 00:15:40.135
The movie is like 40 years old, so if you hadn't seen it by now,
00:15:40.202 --> 00:15:41.170
So if you hadn't seen it by now, you deserve to have it spoiled.
00:15:41.236 --> 00:15:41.937
[laughter]
00:15:42.271 --> 00:15:43.205
But at the end,
00:15:44.073 --> 00:15:44.773
But at the end, you find out that the man,
00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:47.409
You find out that the man, the prison guard,
00:15:47.476 --> 00:15:48.978
The prison guard, he can't die.
00:15:49.044 --> 00:15:51.313
He can't die. well, he's gonna die
00:15:51.380 --> 00:15:52.047
Well, he's gonna die but he's like 102
00:15:52.114 --> 00:15:53.182
But he's like 102 and he doesn't know how long
00:15:53.248 --> 00:15:53.916
And he doesn't know how long he's gonna have to live,
00:15:53.983 --> 00:15:54.616
He's gonna have to live, and that's the end of the movie,
00:15:54.683 --> 00:15:56.118
And that's the end of the movie, and me and graham are
00:15:56.185 --> 00:15:56.752
And me and graham are watching it together.
00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:57.920
Watching it together. and he goes, "well, that was
00:15:57.987 --> 00:15:58.654
And he goes, "well, that was kinda anticlimactic.
00:15:58.721 --> 00:15:59.722
Kinda anticlimactic. i thought it was
00:15:59.788 --> 00:16:00.222
I thought it was gonna be scary."
00:16:00.289 --> 00:16:01.256
Gonna be scary." i said, "son,
00:16:01.323 --> 00:16:03.258
I said, "son, that is the scariest thing
00:16:03.325 --> 00:16:04.460
That is the scariest thing i have ever seen in a movie.
00:16:04.526 --> 00:16:08.030
I have ever seen in a movie. you don't understand now
00:16:08.097 --> 00:16:09.331
You don't understand now but you will
00:16:09.398 --> 00:16:11.000
But you will that the thought that this
00:16:11.066 --> 00:16:12.534
That the thought that this is gonna go one forever?
00:16:12.601 --> 00:16:14.803
Is gonna go one forever? like this -- i said,
00:16:14.870 --> 00:16:15.537
Like this -- i said, "that sounds cool to
00:16:15.604 --> 00:16:16.105
"that sounds cool to you right now.
00:16:16.171 --> 00:16:17.139
You right now. you're 17, i'm 44.
00:16:17.206 --> 00:16:20.042
You're 17, i'm 44. trust me,
00:16:20.109 --> 00:16:20.776
Trust me, this is a horror movie."
00:16:20.843 --> 00:16:21.844
[laughter]
00:16:22.111 --> 00:16:22.878
That was the scariest scene
00:16:23.979 --> 00:16:25.247
That was the scariest scene i've ever seen in --
00:16:25.314 --> 00:16:26.048
I've ever seen in -- i've never seen anybody jump
00:16:26.115 --> 00:16:27.182
Out the bushes that was scarier,
00:16:27.282 --> 00:16:29.051
Out the bushes that was scarier, i've never seen a chainsaw
00:16:29.118 --> 00:16:30.252
I've never seen a chainsaw that was scarier.
00:16:30.319 --> 00:16:31.320
That was scarier. the fact that,
00:16:31.387 --> 00:16:32.187
The fact that, "i don't know long
00:16:32.254 --> 00:16:33.822
"i don't know long i'mma be here."
00:16:33.889 --> 00:16:34.690
[laughter]
00:16:34.957 --> 00:16:35.691
In fact, they've
00:16:37.126 --> 00:16:38.193
In fact, they've even done studies.
00:16:38.260 --> 00:16:39.695
Even done studies. they did a surgery on people
00:16:39.762 --> 00:16:41.563
They did a surgery on people and they told 'em --
00:16:41.630 --> 00:16:42.164
Now, the surgery
00:16:42.264 --> 00:16:43.365
Now, the surgery after six months,
00:16:43.432 --> 00:16:44.500
After six months, the condition
00:16:44.566 --> 00:16:45.034
The condition might be reversible.
00:16:45.100 --> 00:16:46.835
Might be reversible. and then they did other
00:16:46.902 --> 00:16:47.436
And then they did other people and they said,
00:16:47.503 --> 00:16:48.303
People and they said, "it's not reversible,
00:16:48.370 --> 00:16:49.238
"it's not reversible, you're just gonna
00:16:49.304 --> 00:16:50.039
You're just gonna have to live with this."
00:16:50.105 --> 00:16:51.373
Have to live with this." the people that they told
00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:52.474
The people that they told in six months will check
00:16:52.541 --> 00:16:53.842
In six months will check and it might be reversible,
00:16:53.909 --> 00:16:55.110
And it might be reversible, "you might get better,
00:16:55.177 --> 00:16:55.878
"you might get better, come back in six months,"
00:16:55.944 --> 00:16:57.346
Come back in six months," they were less happy than
00:16:57.413 --> 00:16:59.882
They were less happy than the people who were told,
00:16:59.948 --> 00:17:01.450
The people who were told, "it's this way forever,
00:17:01.517 --> 00:17:02.451
"it's this way forever, get used to it."
00:17:02.518 --> 00:17:04.253
Get used to it." because the people
00:17:04.319 --> 00:17:05.087
Because the people who were told,
00:17:05.154 --> 00:17:05.687
Who were told, "this is how it's going to be,"
00:17:05.754 --> 00:17:07.756
"this is how it's going to be," they began to adapt.
00:17:07.823 --> 00:17:09.858
[applause]
00:17:10.159 --> 00:17:11.693
And when they began to adapt,
00:17:12.428 --> 00:17:14.129
And when they began to adapt, they started to see that,
00:17:14.196 --> 00:17:15.297
They started to see that, "i can live with this.
00:17:15.364 --> 00:17:17.299
"i can live with this. it's not what i wanted,
00:17:17.366 --> 00:17:18.267
It's not what i wanted, but i can live with this.
00:17:18.333 --> 00:17:20.269
But i can live with this. it's not what i asked for,
00:17:20.335 --> 00:17:21.503
It's not what i asked for, but i can live with this.
00:17:21.570 --> 00:17:23.572
But i can live with this. it's not what i would've chosen,
00:17:23.639 --> 00:17:24.973
It's not what i would've chosen, but i can live with this."
00:17:25.040 --> 00:17:27.176
But i can live with this." the people who were told
00:17:27.242 --> 00:17:27.910
The people who were told it might be reversible,
00:17:27.976 --> 00:17:29.711
It might be reversible, they were living in a suspended
00:17:29.778 --> 00:17:31.780
They were living in a suspended state of anticipation
00:17:31.847 --> 00:17:33.482
State of anticipation that it might get better,
00:17:33.549 --> 00:17:35.384
That it might get better, and it might not.
00:17:35.451 --> 00:17:37.119
And it might not. and what was worse than
00:17:37.186 --> 00:17:38.253
And what was worse than the pain they were suffering
00:17:38.320 --> 00:17:40.389
The pain they were suffering was the deferred hope that
00:17:40.456 --> 00:17:41.957
Was the deferred hope that it might get better.
00:17:42.024 --> 00:17:43.892
It might get better. because if you just tell me
00:17:43.959 --> 00:17:45.060
Because if you just tell me this is the way
00:17:45.127 --> 00:17:45.694
This is the way it's going to be,
00:17:45.761 --> 00:17:47.096
It's going to be, then i'll make arrangements
00:17:47.162 --> 00:17:48.230
Then i'll make arrangements around the way that it is.
00:17:48.297 --> 00:17:50.432
Around the way that it is. but to give me the possibility
00:17:50.499 --> 00:17:52.801
But to give me the possibility that it could change,
00:17:52.868 --> 00:17:54.436
That it could change, but i'm not sure when or how
00:17:54.503 --> 00:17:56.371
But i'm not sure when or how it might is the most
00:17:56.438 --> 00:17:57.840
It might is the most painful hope at all.
00:17:57.906 --> 00:18:01.410
Painful hope at all. i wanna talk about
00:18:01.477 --> 00:18:02.144
I wanna talk about the ache of faith
00:18:02.211 --> 00:18:03.445
The ache of faith for a moment.
00:18:03.512 --> 00:18:06.215
I wanna talk about
00:18:06.315 --> 00:18:07.049
I wanna talk about when you know there's
00:18:07.116 --> 00:18:08.183
When you know there's something more in you,
00:18:08.250 --> 00:18:09.685
Something more in you, but it can't express itself
00:18:09.751 --> 00:18:10.886
But it can't express itself because of what's blocking you.
00:18:10.953 --> 00:18:13.122
Because of what's blocking you. i wanna talk about when you know
00:18:13.188 --> 00:18:14.656
I wanna talk about when you know you have love to give,
00:18:14.723 --> 00:18:16.225
You have love to give, but no one to trust
00:18:16.291 --> 00:18:17.593
But no one to trust to give it to.
00:18:17.659 --> 00:18:18.794
To give it to. i wanna talk about
00:18:18.861 --> 00:18:19.595
I wanna talk about the ache of faith today.
00:18:19.661 --> 00:18:21.897
The ache of faith today. when you know that god
00:18:21.964 --> 00:18:22.931
When you know that god brought you through
00:18:22.998 --> 00:18:23.665
Brought you through this for a reason,
00:18:23.732 --> 00:18:24.500
This for a reason, but you can't see
00:18:24.566 --> 00:18:25.601
But you can't see what it is yet.
00:18:25.667 --> 00:18:26.902
What it is yet. paul said,
00:18:26.969 --> 00:18:27.469
Paul said, "i'm torn right now.
00:18:27.536 --> 00:18:29.571
"i'm torn right now. i'm aching in faith right now.
00:18:29.638 --> 00:18:32.141
I'm aching in faith right now. a part of my heart
00:18:32.207 --> 00:18:33.175
Wants to be with you,
00:18:33.275 --> 00:18:34.376
Wants to be with you, but a part of my heart says
00:18:34.443 --> 00:18:35.844
But a part of my heart says this is hard and i don't
00:18:35.911 --> 00:18:37.913
This is hard and i don't know which one is better.
00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:42.584
Know which one is better. on one hand he says,
00:18:42.651 --> 00:18:45.087
On one hand he says, "i think it's better
00:18:45.154 --> 00:18:45.954
"i think it's better to be with christ."
00:18:46.021 --> 00:18:47.623
To be with christ." in fact, he says something
00:18:47.689 --> 00:18:49.191
In fact, he says something interesting in 23,
00:18:49.258 --> 00:18:51.527
"i desire to depart,
00:18:51.627 --> 00:18:54.029
"i desire to depart, i wanna get out of this.
00:18:54.096 --> 00:18:56.165
I wanna get out of this. it's better by far."
00:18:56.231 --> 00:19:01.203
It's better by far." semicolon, "but..."
00:19:01.270 --> 00:19:04.506
[laughter]
00:19:04.873 --> 00:19:06.108
Let's go real slow
00:19:07.176 --> 00:19:08.744
Let's go real slow so everybody can apply this
00:19:08.810 --> 00:19:10.579
So everybody can apply this in their life how they need to.
00:19:10.646 --> 00:19:12.748
In their life how they need to. "it would be better for me if,"
00:19:12.814 --> 00:19:15.083
"it would be better for me if," go back to verse 23,
00:19:15.150 --> 00:19:17.152
Go back to verse 23, "and i'm torn about it,
00:19:17.219 --> 00:19:19.321
"and i'm torn about it, and i think it would be better
00:19:19.388 --> 00:19:20.355
And i think it would be better for me if, by far, but."
00:19:20.422 --> 00:19:27.196
So notice what he's doing.
00:19:27.296 --> 00:19:29.364
So notice what he's doing. he's setting it up
00:19:29.431 --> 00:19:30.499
He's setting it up that my preference would be
00:19:30.566 --> 00:19:32.568
That my preference would be that i go to jesus now
00:19:32.634 --> 00:19:34.503
That i go to jesus now and get my reward.
00:19:34.570 --> 00:19:35.304
And get my reward. and i'm not saying anybody
00:19:35.370 --> 00:19:36.405
And i'm not saying anybody in here just wants to die,
00:19:36.471 --> 00:19:37.873
In here just wants to die, i'm just setting that up
00:19:37.940 --> 00:19:38.540
I'm just setting that up as a metaphor.
00:19:38.607 --> 00:19:39.908
As a metaphor. i would like for this
00:19:39.975 --> 00:19:40.742
I would like for this to be over, but.
00:19:40.809 --> 00:19:45.047
To be over, but. i would like for
00:19:45.113 --> 00:19:45.781
I would like for this to end, but, 24,
00:19:45.847 --> 00:19:51.687
"it is more necessary for you
00:19:51.787 --> 00:19:54.656
"it is more necessary for you that i remain in the body."
00:19:54.723 --> 00:19:59.194
That i remain in the body." 25, "convinced of this,
00:19:59.261 --> 00:19:59.861
25, "convinced of this, i know that i will remain,
00:19:59.928 --> 00:20:02.130
I know that i will remain, and will continue with all
00:20:02.197 --> 00:20:03.165
And will continue with all of you for your progress
00:20:03.232 --> 00:20:04.466
Of you for your progress and joy in the faith."
00:20:04.533 --> 00:20:06.034
And joy in the faith." i wanna do the whole sweeping
00:20:06.101 --> 00:20:07.236
I wanna do the whole sweeping thing again from 23 on.
00:20:07.302 --> 00:20:09.705
Thing again from 23 on. "i desire to depart
00:20:09.771 --> 00:20:12.007
"i desire to depart and be with christ
00:20:12.074 --> 00:20:12.808
And be with christ which is better by far,"
00:20:12.874 --> 00:20:15.110
Which is better by far," so there is something
00:20:15.177 --> 00:20:16.111
So there is something drawing paul, he says,
00:20:16.178 --> 00:20:18.013
Drawing paul, he says, "to live is christ,
00:20:18.080 --> 00:20:18.847
"to live is christ, to die is gain.
00:20:18.914 --> 00:20:20.282
To die is gain. i could just go to heaven.
00:20:20.349 --> 00:20:21.350
I could just go to heaven. that would be easier for me.
00:20:21.416 --> 00:20:23.986
That would be easier for me. it would be easier for me."
00:20:24.052 --> 00:20:26.755
It would be easier for me." 24, "but you need me.
00:20:26.822 --> 00:20:30.993
And this would be easier,
00:20:31.093 --> 00:20:33.528
And this would be easier, but this would be needed.
00:20:33.595 --> 00:20:37.132
But this would be needed. and i'm torn.
00:20:37.199 --> 00:20:39.101
And i'm torn. it would be easier for me
00:20:39.167 --> 00:20:41.303
It would be easier for me just to let go and surrender
00:20:41.370 --> 00:20:42.704
Just to let go and surrender and ask god to take me now,
00:20:42.771 --> 00:20:44.806
And ask god to take me now, but you need me here.
00:20:44.873 --> 00:20:47.109
But you need me here. and because you need me,
00:20:47.175 --> 00:20:49.278
And because you need me, i'm gonna let go of
00:20:49.344 --> 00:20:50.345
I'm gonna let go of what would be easy."
00:20:50.412 --> 00:20:52.848
What would be easy." and paul says, "i'm gonna
00:20:52.914 --> 00:20:54.483
And paul says, "i'm gonna let my purpose pull me."
00:20:54.549 --> 00:20:57.119
[applause]
00:20:57.686 --> 00:20:58.854
Come here graham,
00:20:59.488 --> 00:21:00.088
Come here graham, come here gavin.
00:21:00.155 --> 00:21:02.457
Come here gavin. graham on my left arm
00:21:02.524 --> 00:21:03.492
Right over here,
00:21:03.592 --> 00:21:04.359
Right over here, all the way down the stairs,
00:21:04.426 --> 00:21:05.360
All the way down the stairs, gavin on my right arm.
00:21:05.427 --> 00:21:06.595
Gavin on my right arm. real gentle.
00:21:06.662 --> 00:21:07.329
[laughter]
00:21:07.863 --> 00:21:08.830
Gavin is go be with god,
00:21:09.464 --> 00:21:10.766
Gavin is go be with god, graham is stay here and help us.
00:21:10.832 --> 00:21:12.668
Graham is stay here and help us. pull me a little bit.
00:21:12.734 --> 00:21:15.070
Pull me a little bit. i wanna -- i want --
00:21:15.137 --> 00:21:19.308
I wanna -- i want -- it would be easier
00:21:19.374 --> 00:21:20.909
It would be easier but you need me.
00:21:20.976 --> 00:21:21.877
And at some point during
00:21:21.977 --> 00:21:23.312
And at some point during paul's wrestling match --
00:21:23.378 --> 00:21:24.479
Paul's wrestling match -- 'cause what he's doing here
00:21:24.546 --> 00:21:25.347
'cause what he's doing here is modeling for you
00:21:25.414 --> 00:21:26.381
Is modeling for you what to do when you are caught
00:21:26.448 --> 00:21:27.949
What to do when you are caught in a space where you
00:21:28.016 --> 00:21:29.017
In a space where you don't have clarity,
00:21:29.084 --> 00:21:29.985
Don't have clarity, but you need courage.
00:21:30.052 --> 00:21:33.021
But you need courage. where you don't know
00:21:33.088 --> 00:21:33.522
Where you don't know how to handle this
00:21:33.588 --> 00:21:34.656
How to handle this but you need his help.
00:21:34.723 --> 00:21:36.758
But you need his help. and you can't really figure out
00:21:36.825 --> 00:21:38.060
And you can't really figure out what to set in front of you.
00:21:38.126 --> 00:21:39.428
What to set in front of you. for some of you,
00:21:39.494 --> 00:21:40.529
For some of you, you don't even know
00:21:40.595 --> 00:21:41.463
You don't even know what to look forward to.
00:21:41.530 --> 00:21:43.965
What to look forward to. so, it is difficult
00:21:44.032 --> 00:21:45.300
So, it is difficult to attach faith to a future
00:21:45.367 --> 00:21:48.170
To attach faith to a future that you can't even articulate.
00:21:48.236 --> 00:21:50.272
That you can't even articulate. so, you don't even really know
00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:51.573
So, you don't even really know what you're asking god to do,
00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.941
What you're asking god to do, and it would be easier
00:21:53.008 --> 00:21:54.476
And it would be easier just for you to give up.
00:21:54.543 --> 00:21:56.244
Just for you to give up. but the need started pulling.
00:21:56.311 --> 00:21:58.113
But the need started pulling. now graham, pull me like
00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:58.747
Now graham, pull me like you're stronger than gavin.
00:21:58.814 --> 00:22:00.349
You're stronger than gavin. and at some point,
00:22:00.415 --> 00:22:02.250
And at some point, the need -- keep going.
00:22:02.317 --> 00:22:04.353
The need -- keep going. the need became strong enough
00:22:04.419 --> 00:22:07.889
The need became strong enough to release paul
00:22:07.956 --> 00:22:09.858
To release paul from what he wanted
00:22:09.925 --> 00:22:12.361
From what he wanted so that he could respond
00:22:12.427 --> 00:22:13.628
So that he could respond to what was needed.
00:22:13.695 --> 00:22:14.763
[applause]
00:22:14.996 --> 00:22:15.464
I am teaching the bible
00:22:16.098 --> 00:22:17.699
I am teaching the bible like it's my last day
00:22:17.766 --> 00:22:19.468
Like it's my last day in ballantyne.
00:22:19.534 --> 00:22:20.969
[applause]
00:22:21.269 --> 00:22:21.503
You see what i'm doing?
00:22:22.437 --> 00:22:24.539
You see what i'm doing? i'm pulled by purpose,
00:22:24.606 --> 00:22:25.907
I'm pulled by purpose, so watch this.
00:22:25.974 --> 00:22:27.642
So watch this. come here.
00:22:27.709 --> 00:22:28.810
Come here. one thing is pulling me
00:22:28.877 --> 00:22:29.678
One thing is pulling me to give up.
00:22:29.745 --> 00:22:30.379
To give up. "oh, it would be easier
00:22:30.445 --> 00:22:31.513
"oh, it would be easier to go up to heaven."
00:22:31.580 --> 00:22:32.914
♪ in the sweet ♪
00:22:33.348 --> 00:22:34.316
♪ by and by ♪
00:22:34.383 --> 00:22:35.717
♪ i'll fly away ♪
00:22:35.784 --> 00:22:37.619
♪ oh glory ♪
00:22:37.686 --> 00:22:38.553
But just by time
00:22:38.987 --> 00:22:39.488
But just by time he's ready to fly away,
00:22:39.554 --> 00:22:41.356
He's ready to fly away, something's pulling him back.
00:22:41.423 --> 00:22:43.225
Something's pulling him back. and he said,
00:22:43.291 --> 00:22:43.692
And he said, "this would be easy,
00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:45.527
"this would be easy, but this is what you need."
00:22:45.594 --> 00:22:47.596
And so, at some point
00:22:47.696 --> 00:22:48.930
And so, at some point christians, we gotta decide
00:22:48.997 --> 00:22:51.600
Christians, we gotta decide are we just gonna be
00:22:51.666 --> 00:22:52.434
Are we just gonna be driven by decisions
00:22:52.501 --> 00:22:53.802
Driven by decisions of what's easy
00:22:53.869 --> 00:22:55.604
Of what's easy or are we gonna be
00:22:55.670 --> 00:22:56.238
Or are we gonna be pulled by purpose
00:22:56.304 --> 00:22:57.339
Pulled by purpose into what is necessary?
00:22:57.406 --> 00:22:59.241
>> if you feel like
00:23:00.075 --> 00:23:00.776
>> if you feel like pastor steven was speaking
00:23:00.842 --> 00:23:02.377
Pastor steven was speaking right to you while you were
00:23:02.444 --> 00:23:03.845
Right to you while you were watching this message,
00:23:03.912 --> 00:23:05.147
Watching this message, i wanna invite you to call
00:23:05.213 --> 00:23:06.715
I wanna invite you to call or go online right now
00:23:06.782 --> 00:23:08.350
Or go online right now to request your copy
00:23:08.417 --> 00:23:09.851
To request your copy of today's message.
00:23:09.918 --> 00:23:11.253
Of today's message. it's on dvd and it's part
00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:12.587
It's on dvd and it's part of this brand-new series
00:23:12.654 --> 00:23:14.022
Of this brand-new series that we're calling,
00:23:14.089 --> 00:23:14.923
"fix your focus."
00:23:15.023 --> 00:23:16.324
"fix your focus." and it's available for
00:23:16.391 --> 00:23:17.492
And it's available for your gift of any amount.
00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:19.428
Your gift of any amount. this series is all about
00:23:19.494 --> 00:23:21.396
This series is all about shifting your perspective,
00:23:21.463 --> 00:23:22.898
Shifting your perspective, learning to recognize
00:23:22.964 --> 00:23:24.499
Learning to recognize god's presence and see his hand
00:23:24.566 --> 00:23:26.535
God's presence and see his hand at work in your life
00:23:26.601 --> 00:23:27.903
At work in your life right here, right now.
00:23:27.969 --> 00:23:29.838
Right here, right now. i know sometimes i get caught up
00:23:29.905 --> 00:23:31.940
I know sometimes i get caught up looking too far ahead or
00:23:32.007 --> 00:23:33.909
Looking too far ahead or focusing on what i don't have
00:23:33.975 --> 00:23:35.477
Focusing on what i don't have and i end up missing how god
00:23:35.544 --> 00:23:37.145
And i end up missing how god is moving in the moment.
00:23:37.212 --> 00:23:39.381
Is moving in the moment. but when you fix your focus,
00:23:39.448 --> 00:23:41.383
But when you fix your focus, you start seeing
00:23:41.450 --> 00:23:41.983
You start seeing his faithfulness
00:23:42.050 --> 00:23:43.051
His faithfulness in unexpected ways.
00:23:43.118 --> 00:23:45.120
In unexpected ways. so, call the number on
00:23:45.187 --> 00:23:46.221
So, call the number on your screen or visit us online
00:23:46.288 --> 00:23:48.290
Your screen or visit us online to request your copy of,
00:23:48.356 --> 00:23:50.258
To request your copy of, "fix your focus."
00:23:50.325 --> 00:23:51.426
"fix your focus." this gift not only helps you
00:23:51.493 --> 00:23:53.094
This gift not only helps you stay connected to god's word,
00:23:53.161 --> 00:23:54.663
Stay connected to god's word, but it also helps us get
00:23:54.729 --> 00:23:56.298
But it also helps us get god's word into people's hearts
00:23:56.364 --> 00:23:58.467
God's word into people's hearts all over the world.
00:23:58.533 --> 00:24:00.035
All over the world. so, call or go online right now
00:24:00.101 --> 00:24:02.671
So, call or go online right now and let this message encourage
00:24:02.737 --> 00:24:04.673
And let this message encourage you to shift your focus,
00:24:04.739 --> 00:24:07.075
You to shift your focus, recognize his presence,
00:24:07.142 --> 00:24:09.110
Recognize his presence, and step forward in faith.
00:24:09.177 --> 00:24:10.312
And step forward in faith. we cannot wait to hear from you.
00:24:10.378 --> 00:24:12.013
>> get your copy of,
00:24:13.181 --> 00:24:13.915
"fix your focus," now.
00:24:14.015 --> 00:24:15.150
Call or go online to request
00:24:15.250 --> 00:24:16.351
This exclusive dvd featuring
00:24:16.451 --> 00:24:17.886
Four brand new sermons
00:24:17.986 --> 00:24:19.020
From pastor steven furtick
00:24:19.120 --> 00:24:20.856
That will help you recognize
00:24:20.956 --> 00:24:21.857
God in your present
00:24:21.957 --> 00:24:22.991
And focus on what matters.
00:24:23.091 --> 00:24:24.559
And with your gift
00:24:24.659 --> 00:24:25.160
Of $65 or more,
00:24:25.260 --> 00:24:26.695
You'll also receive
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The best-selling series,
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"taking control of your mind."
00:24:28.630 --> 00:24:29.798
Because while you can't
00:24:29.898 --> 00:24:30.832
Control everything,
00:24:30.932 --> 00:24:31.933
You can control your mind.
00:24:32.033 --> 00:24:33.101
You'll also get
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The digging deeper journal
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Designed to help you process,
00:24:35.170 --> 00:24:36.404
Apply, and live out what god
00:24:36.505 --> 00:24:37.772
Is showing you through
00:24:37.873 --> 00:24:38.573
These sermons.
00:24:38.673 --> 00:24:39.407
Call or go us online now
00:24:39.508 --> 00:24:40.575
To request these resources.
00:24:40.675 --> 00:24:41.843
>> the lord sent
00:24:42.677 --> 00:24:43.311
>> the lord sent a special word for somebody
00:24:43.378 --> 00:24:45.280
A special word for somebody and i can't wait to find out
00:24:45.347 --> 00:24:46.948
And i can't wait to find out who it is that he sent it for.
00:24:47.015 --> 00:24:49.284
♪ ♪
00:24:51.152 --> 00:24:57.492
♪ ♪
00:25:25.687 --> 00:25:27.989
>> ♪ oh my god ♪
00:25:53.181 --> 00:25:54.516
♪ you've sure been ♪
00:25:54.583 --> 00:25:55.917
♪ good to me ♪
00:25:55.984 --> 00:25:58.553
>> ♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:25:59.321 --> 00:26:01.189
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:01.256 --> 00:26:02.357
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:02.424 --> 00:26:04.492
♪ that's why i trust him ♪
00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:06.828
♪ that's why i trust him ♪
00:26:06.895 --> 00:26:08.863
♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:08.930 --> 00:26:10.865
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:10.932 --> 00:26:12.033
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:12.100 --> 00:26:13.735
♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:13.802 --> 00:26:15.670
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:15.737 --> 00:26:16.938
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:17.005 --> 00:26:18.640
♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:18.707 --> 00:26:20.542
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:20.609 --> 00:26:21.876
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:21.943 --> 00:26:24.045
♪ that's why i trust him ♪
00:26:24.112 --> 00:26:26.414
♪ that's why i trust in god ♪
00:26:26.481 --> 00:26:32.420
>> ♪ they that seek him ♪
00:26:32.487 --> 00:26:33.588
♪ lack no good thing ♪
00:26:33.655 --> 00:26:36.324
♪ those who seek jehovah ♪
00:26:36.391 --> 00:26:38.393
♪ lack nothing ♪
00:26:38.460 --> 00:26:40.395
♪ oh-oh ♪
00:26:40.462 --> 00:26:42.163
♪ he will never fail ♪
00:26:42.230 --> 00:26:46.534
♪ oh-oh-oh ♪
00:26:46.601 --> 00:26:51.106
♪ ♪
00:26:56.778 --> 00:27:00.715
♪ he will never fail ♪
00:27:01.583 --> 00:27:06.054
♪ i trust in god ♪
00:27:06.121 --> 00:27:09.658
>> ♪ my savior ♪
00:27:09.724 --> 00:27:11.826
♪ the one ♪
00:27:11.893 --> 00:27:13.795
♪ who will never fail ♪
00:27:13.862 --> 00:27:21.069
♪ he will never fail ♪
00:27:21.136 --> 00:27:25.340
>> ♪ oh i trust in god ♪
00:27:25.407 --> 00:27:28.810
♪ my savior ♪
00:27:28.877 --> 00:27:29.010

Steven Furtick - Look Forward Not Far (Part 1)

May 13, 2025 | 27:29

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