Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick - Look Forward Not Far (Part 1)

April 29, 2026 | 27:29

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

#Faith #Hope #TrustGod #Trials-HardTimes #Believe #Doubt #Praise #Worship #Honor #GlorifyGod #Serving #Jesus #WalkwithGod #StevenFurtick

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Steven Furtick | Steven Furtick - Look Forward Not Far (Part 1) | April 29, 2026

♪ ♪
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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,
00:06:28.206 --> 00:06:30.075
Verse 19 -- oh no, that's not where he says it,
00:06:30.142 --> 00:06:30.809
That's not where he says it, he says it in verse 18.
00:06:30.876 --> 00:06:32.611
He says it in verse 18. yeah, yeah.
00:06:32.677 --> 00:06:34.112
Yeah, yeah. "and because of this,
00:06:34.179 --> 00:06:34.980
"and because of this, i rejoice."
00:06:35.046 --> 00:06:35.580
I rejoice." there it is.
00:06:35.647 --> 00:06:36.548
There it is. i went too far.
00:06:36.615 --> 00:06:38.483
I went too far. i went too far.
00:06:38.550 --> 00:06:40.051
I went too far. i was looking for that word,
00:06:40.118 --> 00:06:40.886
I was looking for that word, but i went too far.
00:06:40.952 --> 00:06:42.854
But i went too far. i went too far.
00:06:42.921 --> 00:06:43.355
I went too far. i dropped down
00:06:43.422 --> 00:06:43.822
I dropped down to the end of it.
00:06:43.889 --> 00:06:44.890
To the end of it. i went too far.
00:06:44.956 --> 00:06:46.491
I went too far. i meant to show you
00:06:46.558 --> 00:06:47.159
I meant to show you that word "because."
00:06:47.225 --> 00:06:49.361
That word "because." circle "because" back there
00:06:49.428 --> 00:06:50.395
Circle "because" back there for me in the back,
00:06:50.462 --> 00:06:51.029
For me in the back, justin, if you can.
00:06:51.096 --> 00:06:52.130
Justin, if you can. "and because of this i rejoice."
00:06:52.197 --> 00:06:57.402
"and because of this i rejoice." now, whatever your "this"
00:06:57.469 --> 00:06:58.336
Now, whatever your "this" is controls your rejoicing.
00:06:58.403 --> 00:07:02.841
Paul's this was
00:07:02.941 --> 00:07:03.708
Paul's this was the purpose of god,
00:07:03.775 --> 00:07:05.210
The purpose of god, the gospel of jesus christ,
00:07:05.277 --> 00:07:06.878
The gospel of jesus christ, what he was sent to do.
00:07:06.945 --> 00:07:08.713
What he was sent to do. and since that was still
00:07:08.780 --> 00:07:10.115
And since that was still happening and happening
00:07:10.182 --> 00:07:11.450
Happening and happening at an accelerated rate,
00:07:11.516 --> 00:07:13.952
At an accelerated rate, paul said, "i have a cause
00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:15.220
Paul said, "i have a cause to rejoice because my calling
00:07:15.287 --> 00:07:16.588
To rejoice because my calling is being fulfilled."
00:07:16.655 --> 00:07:19.658
Is being fulfilled." if your cause to rejoice
00:07:19.724 --> 00:07:20.959
If your cause to rejoice is your comfort being satisfied,
00:07:21.026 --> 00:07:24.696
Is your comfort being satisfied, then any moment
00:07:24.763 --> 00:07:25.464
Then any moment you are uncomfortable,
00:07:25.530 --> 00:07:26.765
You are uncomfortable, you will not have
00:07:26.832 --> 00:07:27.399
You will not have the ability to rejoice.
00:07:27.466 --> 00:07:30.769
The ability to rejoice. you need a better because.
00:07:30.836 --> 00:07:33.238
You need a better because. some of us need a better because
00:07:33.305 --> 00:07:34.706
Some of us need a better because when we come to worship.
00:07:34.773 --> 00:07:37.108
When we come to worship. some of us only praise god
00:07:37.175 --> 00:07:38.944
Some of us only praise god on the weeks where
00:07:39.010 --> 00:07:40.045
On the weeks where we feel grateful.
00:07:40.111 --> 00:07:41.780
We feel grateful. what a small god you serve
00:07:41.847 --> 00:07:45.050
What a small god you serve that you need a feeling
00:07:45.116 --> 00:07:46.685
That you need a feeling or gratitude to prompt
00:07:46.751 --> 00:07:48.720
Or gratitude to prompt an act of faith called worship.
00:07:48.787 --> 00:07:51.156
An act of faith called worship. you're worshiping a god
00:07:51.223 --> 00:07:52.090
You're worshiping a god you can't see,
00:07:52.157 --> 00:07:53.492
You can't see, you're worshiping a god
00:07:53.558 --> 00:07:54.359
You're worshiping a god who's not made by human hands,
00:07:54.426 --> 00:07:56.828
Who's not made by human hands, you're worshiping a god
00:07:56.895 --> 00:07:57.896
Who does not exist to serve you,
00:07:57.996 --> 00:07:59.731
Who does not exist to serve you, you exist to serve him.
00:07:59.798 --> 00:08:02.334
You exist to serve him. so, if the reason that
00:08:02.400 --> 00:08:03.368
So, if the reason that i worship is tied to the work
00:08:03.435 --> 00:08:05.303
I worship is tied to the work that he does on my behalf
00:08:05.370 --> 00:08:07.739
That he does on my behalf or the wish list that
00:08:07.806 --> 00:08:08.740
Or the wish list that he fulfilled based on
00:08:08.807 --> 00:08:09.741
He fulfilled based on my preferences,
00:08:09.808 --> 00:08:11.343
My preferences, that is a limited lens
00:08:11.409 --> 00:08:13.278
That is a limited lens through which to see
00:08:13.345 --> 00:08:14.646
Through which to see the god that i worship.
00:08:14.713 --> 00:08:17.215
The god that i worship. sometimes, it's good for us
00:08:17.282 --> 00:08:18.450
Sometimes, it's good for us to lift our hands
00:08:18.517 --> 00:08:19.117
To lift our hands because he's great,
00:08:19.184 --> 00:08:21.219
Because he's great, because he's holy,
00:08:21.286 --> 00:08:22.888
Because he's holy, because he's awesome,
00:08:22.954 --> 00:08:24.723
Because he's sovereign,
00:08:24.823 --> 00:08:26.358
Because he's sovereign, because he's god all by himself.
00:08:26.424 --> 00:08:30.495
Because he's god all by himself. because before abraham was,
00:08:30.562 --> 00:08:32.464
Because before abraham was, he was.
00:08:32.531 --> 00:08:33.798
He was. because he is
00:08:33.865 --> 00:08:34.499
Because he is the great i am.
00:08:34.566 --> 00:08:36.301
The great i am. because he is perfect
00:08:36.368 --> 00:08:37.569
Because he is perfect in all of his ways.
00:08:37.636 --> 00:08:39.337
In all of his ways. because i'm created to do it.
00:08:39.404 --> 00:08:41.673
Because i'm created to do it. because i love him,
00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:43.375
Because i love him, because he first loved me.
00:08:43.441 --> 00:08:45.477
Because he first loved me. because he forgave me.
00:08:45.544 --> 00:08:47.145
Because he forgave me. because he sent his son
00:08:47.212 --> 00:08:48.280
Because he sent his son to die for me.
00:08:48.346 --> 00:08:49.648
To die for me. because he gave me
00:08:49.714 --> 00:08:50.315
Because he gave me breath in my lungs.
00:08:50.382 --> 00:08:52.050
Breath in my lungs. because i'm living
00:08:52.117 --> 00:08:52.817
Because i'm living on borrowed breath.
00:08:52.884 --> 00:08:54.419
On borrowed breath. because tomorrow
00:08:54.486 --> 00:08:55.086
Because tomorrow is not promised.
00:08:55.153 --> 00:08:56.688
Is not promised. because god brought me this far.
00:08:56.755 --> 00:08:58.924
Because god brought me this far. and if he never does
00:08:58.990 --> 00:08:59.824
And if he never does anything else,
00:08:59.891 --> 00:09:00.625
Anything else, he's done enough to be
00:09:00.692 --> 00:09:01.760
He's done enough to be worthy of this next one.
00:09:01.826 --> 00:09:03.161
[applause]
00:09:03.428 --> 00:09:10.969
And paul is playing games
00:09:11.269 --> 00:09:14.139
And paul is playing games with the devil in this letter
00:09:14.205 --> 00:09:17.342
With the devil in this letter because at the moment
00:09:17.409 --> 00:09:18.410
Because at the moment that he has every right
00:09:18.476 --> 00:09:19.811
That he has every right to be discouraged, despondent,
00:09:19.878 --> 00:09:22.113
To be discouraged, despondent, and at the dead end of
00:09:22.180 --> 00:09:22.914
And at the dead end of his own despair,
00:09:22.981 --> 00:09:24.316
His own despair, he turns his attention outward
00:09:24.382 --> 00:09:25.984
He turns his attention outward and begins to think
00:09:26.051 --> 00:09:26.952
And begins to think about that church that god
00:09:27.018 --> 00:09:28.253
About that church that god has called him to serve.
00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:31.022
Has called him to serve. he turns his attention out
00:09:31.089 --> 00:09:33.892
He turns his attention out and he begins to focus
00:09:33.959 --> 00:09:34.893
And he begins to focus on their future.
00:09:34.960 --> 00:09:37.696
And it's almost like he's
00:09:37.796 --> 00:09:38.463
And it's almost like he's setting up an appointment.
00:09:38.530 --> 00:09:39.764
Setting up an appointment. walk slow with me here.
00:09:39.831 --> 00:09:40.999
Walk slow with me here. i wanna meet you in this text.
00:09:41.066 --> 00:09:42.334
I wanna meet you in this text. you can see paul, who was
00:09:42.400 --> 00:09:43.535
You can see paul, who was about 55 years old
00:09:43.602 --> 00:09:45.937
About 55 years old at this point in his life
00:09:46.004 --> 00:09:48.139
At this point in his life saying, "i don't know when,
00:09:48.206 --> 00:09:50.108
But i'll see you again."
00:09:50.208 --> 00:09:51.810
But i'll see you again." what's he doing?
00:09:51.876 --> 00:09:53.144
What's he doing? he's creating a sense
00:09:53.211 --> 00:09:55.213
He's creating a sense of anticipatory joy,
00:09:55.280 --> 00:09:58.617
Of anticipatory joy, even though
00:09:58.683 --> 00:09:59.017
Even though the timeline is uncertain.
00:09:59.084 --> 00:10:02.420
The timeline is uncertain. he doesn't have clarity,
00:10:02.487 --> 00:10:04.889
He doesn't have clarity, but he trusts god.
00:10:04.956 --> 00:10:07.292
But he trusts god. and you can see in
00:10:07.359 --> 00:10:08.093
And you can see in this wrestling match,
00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:10.095
This wrestling match, that is written on the page
00:10:10.161 --> 00:10:11.463
That is written on the page and preserved for us
00:10:11.529 --> 00:10:12.564
And preserved for us through the passage of time.
00:10:12.631 --> 00:10:15.667
Through the passage of time. as paul is wrestling
00:10:15.734 --> 00:10:17.502
As paul is wrestling with his own volition
00:10:17.569 --> 00:10:19.004
With his own volition and will because
00:10:19.070 --> 00:10:19.871
And will because there's so much
00:10:19.938 --> 00:10:20.438
There's so much about the situation
00:10:20.505 --> 00:10:21.406
About the situation that he can't control.
00:10:21.473 --> 00:10:24.209
That he can't control. it's not as if when he says,
00:10:24.275 --> 00:10:26.411
It's not as if when he says, "what shall i choose?"
00:10:26.478 --> 00:10:28.513
"what shall i choose?" he gets a vote in whether
00:10:28.580 --> 00:10:30.148
He gets a vote in whether or not he's executed.
00:10:30.215 --> 00:10:31.816
Or not he's executed. now, just to make sure
00:10:31.883 --> 00:10:32.550
Now, just to make sure you understand the situation,
00:10:32.617 --> 00:10:34.352
You understand the situation, paul is about to be
00:10:34.419 --> 00:10:35.420
Paul is about to be put on trial,
00:10:35.487 --> 00:10:36.588
Put on trial, and they have the power
00:10:36.655 --> 00:10:37.722
And they have the power to decide does he live,
00:10:37.789 --> 00:10:39.090
To decide does he live, or does he die?
00:10:39.157 --> 00:10:40.959
Or does he die? paul does not have
00:10:41.026 --> 00:10:41.660
Paul does not have the power to decide
00:10:41.726 --> 00:10:43.061
The power to decide whether he lives or dies,
00:10:43.128 --> 00:10:45.797
Whether he lives or dies, but he still has the power
00:10:45.864 --> 00:10:47.065
But he still has the power to chose how he lives
00:10:47.132 --> 00:10:48.900
To chose how he lives in the meantime.
00:10:48.967 --> 00:10:51.169
In the meantime. and so, here he is,
00:10:51.236 --> 00:10:52.137
And so, here he is, wrestling with a decision
00:10:52.203 --> 00:10:53.338
Wrestling with a decision that's really not his to make.
00:10:53.405 --> 00:10:55.407
That's really not his to make. and i thought it
00:10:55.473 --> 00:10:55.940
And i thought it was kinda funny.
00:10:56.007 --> 00:10:57.075
Was kinda funny. and maybe there's even
00:10:57.142 --> 00:10:57.709
And maybe there's even a little swagger
00:10:57.776 --> 00:10:58.576
A little swagger on what paul is doing here.
00:10:58.643 --> 00:11:00.311
On what paul is doing here. 'cause he's telling the devil,
00:11:00.378 --> 00:11:02.514
'cause he's telling the devil, "i haven't decided yet.
00:11:02.580 --> 00:11:04.916
"i haven't decided yet. i haven't decided yet
00:11:04.983 --> 00:11:06.251
I haven't decided yet whether i'm gonna let them
00:11:06.317 --> 00:11:07.318
Whether i'm gonna let them kill me so i can just be
00:11:07.385 --> 00:11:08.920
Done with this
00:11:09.020 --> 00:11:09.487
Done with this and go get all
00:11:09.554 --> 00:11:10.121
And go get all my crowns from jesus.
00:11:10.188 --> 00:11:12.257
My crowns from jesus. i haven't decided yet whether
00:11:12.323 --> 00:11:13.725
I haven't decided yet whether i just wanna get out of here
00:11:13.792 --> 00:11:14.826
I just wanna get out of here and see his face.
00:11:14.893 --> 00:11:16.695
And see his face. the one who died for me,
00:11:16.761 --> 00:11:17.762
The one who died for me, the one who knocked me
00:11:17.829 --> 00:11:18.596
The one who knocked me off my horse on
00:11:18.663 --> 00:11:19.330
Off my horse on the damascus road.
00:11:19.397 --> 00:11:20.965
The damascus road. i hadn't decided yet
00:11:21.032 --> 00:11:22.400
I hadn't decided yet whether i wanna be done
00:11:22.467 --> 00:11:23.401
Whether i wanna be done with all these trifling
00:11:23.468 --> 00:11:24.669
With all these trifling pharisees that i used to be
00:11:24.736 --> 00:11:26.104
Pharisees that i used to be one of that keep running
00:11:26.171 --> 00:11:27.872
One of that keep running me from city to city.
00:11:27.939 --> 00:11:29.374
Me from city to city. i hadn't decided yet
00:11:29.441 --> 00:11:30.575
I hadn't decided yet do i want to be done
00:11:30.642 --> 00:11:31.609
Do i want to be done with the storms,
00:11:31.676 --> 00:11:32.644
With the storms, and the shipwrecks,
00:11:32.711 --> 00:11:33.445
And the shipwrecks, and the stonings,
00:11:33.511 --> 00:11:34.212
And the stonings, and just see him
00:11:34.279 --> 00:11:35.313
And just see him and be known as i am known.
00:11:35.380 --> 00:11:37.582
And be known as i am known. i hadn't decided yet
00:11:37.649 --> 00:11:38.850
Do i wanna leave
00:11:38.950 --> 00:11:41.052
Do i wanna leave or do i wanna stay?"
00:11:41.119 --> 00:11:42.120
Or do i wanna stay?" and here's an interesting term.
00:11:42.187 --> 00:11:43.021
And here's an interesting term. he said, "i'm torn
00:11:43.088 --> 00:11:46.891
Between the two."
00:11:46.991 --> 00:11:48.626
Between the two." what a picture,
00:11:48.693 --> 00:11:50.395
What a picture, "i'm torn between the two."
00:11:50.462 --> 00:11:53.131
"i'm torn between the two." recap.
00:11:53.198 --> 00:11:54.132
He's in prison,
00:11:54.232 --> 00:11:55.633
He's in prison, but it came to describing
00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:57.502
But it came to describing his condition, he didn't say,
00:11:57.569 --> 00:11:58.703
His condition, he didn't say, "i'm trapped,"
00:11:58.770 --> 00:12:01.072
"i'm trapped," he said, "i'm torn."
00:12:01.139 --> 00:12:03.541
He said, "i'm torn." two things that happen here,
00:12:03.608 --> 00:12:04.843
Two things that happen here, and i don't know which one
00:12:04.909 --> 00:12:05.610
And i don't know which one god's gonna do yet.
00:12:05.677 --> 00:12:07.846
God's gonna do yet. either my life could be
00:12:07.912 --> 00:12:09.447
Either my life could be over in a matter of weeks,
00:12:09.514 --> 00:12:11.149
Over in a matter of weeks, months, even days,
00:12:11.216 --> 00:12:13.017
Months, even days, and i could be with christ.
00:12:13.084 --> 00:12:14.786
And i could be with christ. or i could stay here
00:12:14.853 --> 00:12:16.454
Or i could stay here and keep serving christ longer.
00:12:16.521 --> 00:12:19.491
And keep serving christ longer. and i'm torn,
00:12:19.557 --> 00:12:21.359
And i'm torn, everybody say it, "i'm torn."
00:12:21.426 --> 00:12:22.627
Everybody say it, "i'm torn." >> congregation: i'm torn.
00:12:22.694 --> 00:12:23.828
>> congregation: i'm torn. >> i'm torn.
00:12:23.895 --> 00:12:24.963
>> i'm torn. for everybody today
00:12:25.029 --> 00:12:26.264
For everybody today who is feeling torn
00:12:26.331 --> 00:12:27.799
Who is feeling torn in an area of your life,
00:12:27.866 --> 00:12:29.567
In an area of your life, let the apostle paul
00:12:29.634 --> 00:12:30.869
Let the apostle paul administer to you
00:12:30.935 --> 00:12:32.137
Administer to you these words of encouragement.
00:12:32.203 --> 00:12:33.905
He says, "if i am to go
00:12:34.005 --> 00:12:35.373
He says, "if i am to go on living in the body,
00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:36.641
On living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor.
00:12:36.708 --> 00:12:37.942
This will mean fruitful labor. yet what shall i choose?
00:12:38.009 --> 00:12:39.277
Yet what shall i choose? i do not know."
00:12:39.344 --> 00:12:43.214
I do not know." and write this down
00:12:43.281 --> 00:12:43.848
And write this down and put it on your mirror,
00:12:43.915 --> 00:12:44.949
And put it on your mirror, it's okay to not know.
00:12:45.016 --> 00:12:48.119
It's okay to not know.
00:12:48.219 --> 00:12:50.421
It's okay to not know. it's okay to not have clarity.
00:12:50.488 --> 00:12:53.224
It's okay to not have clarity. it's okay to not have
00:12:53.291 --> 00:12:54.459
It's okay to not have a five year plan.
00:12:54.526 --> 00:12:56.761
A five year plan. it's okay to not know
00:12:56.828 --> 00:12:57.996
It's okay to not know how you're going to
00:12:58.062 --> 00:12:58.763
How you're going to get out of this exactly.
00:12:58.830 --> 00:13:00.031
Get out of this exactly. it's okay not to know.
00:13:00.098 --> 00:13:02.801
It's okay not to know. if paul who said,
00:13:02.867 --> 00:13:04.402
"and we know that in all things,
00:13:04.502 --> 00:13:06.571
"and we know that in all things, god works together for the good
00:13:06.638 --> 00:13:07.472
God works together for the good of them that love him
00:13:07.539 --> 00:13:08.072
Of them that love him and are called according
00:13:08.139 --> 00:13:08.573
And are called according to his purpose," said,
00:13:08.640 --> 00:13:09.674
To his purpose," said, "i don't know about this one.
00:13:09.741 --> 00:13:12.110
"i don't know about this one. you have i don't know moments
00:13:12.177 --> 00:13:14.479
You have i don't know moments that you have been hiding
00:13:14.546 --> 00:13:15.747
That you have been hiding because you think that somehow
00:13:15.814 --> 00:13:16.781
Because you think that somehow means you don't have faith.
00:13:16.848 --> 00:13:18.850
And it is okay to say,
00:13:18.950 --> 00:13:21.252
And it is okay to say, "i don't know."
00:13:21.319 --> 00:13:23.154
"i don't know." in fact, just say it right now.
00:13:23.221 --> 00:13:24.622
In fact, just say it right now. it'll feel like a hundred
00:13:24.689 --> 00:13:25.323
It'll feel like a hundred pounds lifted off you,
00:13:25.390 --> 00:13:26.224
Pounds lifted off you, say, "i don't know."
00:13:26.291 --> 00:13:26.825
Say, "i don't know." >> congregation: i don't know.
00:13:26.891 --> 00:13:28.326
>> congregation: i don't know. >> you can't say it proper.
00:13:28.393 --> 00:13:29.093
>> you can't say it proper. i do not know.
00:13:29.160 --> 00:13:31.129
I do not know. i have not the information.
00:13:31.196 --> 00:13:32.630
I have not the information. don't say it formal,
00:13:32.697 --> 00:13:33.198
Don't say it formal, just say, "i don't know."
00:13:33.264 --> 00:13:34.666
Just say, "i don't know." >> congregation: i don't know.
00:13:34.732 --> 00:13:36.234
>> congregation: i don't know. >> paul says, "i don't know
00:13:36.301 --> 00:13:37.468
>> paul says, "i don't know which one i want yet.
00:13:37.535 --> 00:13:39.938
Which one i want yet. i kinda wanna get out of here,
00:13:40.004 --> 00:13:42.640
I kinda wanna get out of here, but i kinda think
00:13:42.707 --> 00:13:43.274
But i kinda think i need to stay.
00:13:43.341 --> 00:13:45.510
I need to stay. it would be awesome
00:13:45.577 --> 00:13:46.311
It would be awesome if i never had to deal
00:13:46.377 --> 00:13:48.413
If i never had to deal with the opposition
00:13:48.479 --> 00:13:49.080
With the opposition that i'm dealing with again.
00:13:49.147 --> 00:13:50.248
That i'm dealing with again. it's hard out here
00:13:50.315 --> 00:13:51.983
It's hard out here for a preacher.
00:13:52.050 --> 00:13:53.084
[laughter]
00:13:53.351 --> 00:13:57.488
But i kinda think you need me
00:13:57.922 --> 00:13:59.190
But i kinda think you need me 'cause y'all are fighting
00:13:59.257 --> 00:13:59.991
'cause y'all are fighting back home.
00:14:00.058 --> 00:14:02.527
Back home. i kinda think you need me
00:14:02.594 --> 00:14:03.795
I kinda think you need me because i've heard
00:14:03.862 --> 00:14:04.395
Because i've heard some rumors about you.
00:14:04.462 --> 00:14:06.731
Some rumors about you. and i don't know if
00:14:06.798 --> 00:14:08.633
And i don't know if i wanna get out of here
00:14:08.700 --> 00:14:11.202
I wanna get out of here or if i need to stay
00:14:11.269 --> 00:14:12.003
Or if i need to stay in this for a little while."
00:14:12.070 --> 00:14:13.905
In this for a little while." and he's acting like
00:14:13.972 --> 00:14:15.440
And he's acting like he gets to choose,
00:14:15.506 --> 00:14:16.507
He gets to choose, like he won the coin toss.
00:14:16.574 --> 00:14:18.042
Like he won the coin toss. but nobody's coming to ask him,
00:14:18.109 --> 00:14:20.411
But nobody's coming to ask him, so what is he really
00:14:20.478 --> 00:14:21.346
So what is he really wrestling with?
00:14:21.412 --> 00:14:24.015
Wrestling with? paul is wrestling with
00:14:24.082 --> 00:14:25.783
Paul is wrestling with the tension of looking
00:14:25.850 --> 00:14:28.219
The tension of looking forward into a future
00:14:28.286 --> 00:14:30.154
Forward into a future that is uncertain
00:14:30.221 --> 00:14:31.522
That is uncertain with unwavering
00:14:31.589 --> 00:14:32.590
With unwavering confidence in christ.
00:14:32.657 --> 00:14:35.627
Confidence in christ. everybody in this room
00:14:35.693 --> 00:14:36.527
Everybody in this room is facing the same challenge.
00:14:36.594 --> 00:14:38.897
Is facing the same challenge. your future is not certain
00:14:38.963 --> 00:14:40.665
Your future is not certain and your hope is christ.
00:14:40.732 --> 00:14:43.935
And your hope is christ. i just hit everybody
00:14:44.002 --> 00:14:44.736
I just hit everybody in the room.
00:14:44.802 --> 00:14:45.403
[applause]
00:14:45.670 --> 00:14:46.537
"how do you preach to
00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:48.206
"how do you preach to so many backgrounds of people?
00:14:48.273 --> 00:14:49.774
So many backgrounds of people? and there's rich people,
00:14:49.841 --> 00:14:50.675
And there's rich people, and poor people,
00:14:50.742 --> 00:14:51.476
And poor people, and there's young people,
00:14:51.542 --> 00:14:52.243
And there's young people, and there's old people,
00:14:52.310 --> 00:14:53.077
And there's old people, and there's religious people,
00:14:53.144 --> 00:14:54.545
And there's religious people, and there's people
00:14:54.612 --> 00:14:55.613
And there's people whose eyes look like
00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:56.547
Whose eyes look like they just -- you know,
00:14:56.614 --> 00:14:57.448
They just -- you know, right before
00:14:57.515 --> 00:14:57.916
Right before they came to church,
00:14:57.982 --> 00:14:58.716
They came to church, they make -- some that
00:14:58.783 --> 00:15:00.451
They make -- some that want the holy spirit.
00:15:00.518 --> 00:15:01.119
Want the holy spirit. and how do you preach
00:15:01.185 --> 00:15:02.620
And how do you preach to all those people?"
00:15:02.687 --> 00:15:03.121
To all those people?" because every single one of you,
00:15:03.187 --> 00:15:04.389
Because every single one of you, your future is uncertain
00:15:04.455 --> 00:15:05.323
Your future is uncertain and your hope is christ.
00:15:05.390 --> 00:15:07.692
And your hope is christ. and in this way,
00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:08.526
And in this way, you are no different than paul.
00:15:08.593 --> 00:15:10.862
You are no different than paul. and so, he says,
00:15:10.929 --> 00:15:11.362
"i don't know.
00:15:11.462 --> 00:15:13.598
"i don't know. i'm torn.
00:15:13.665 --> 00:15:15.733
I'm torn. i kinda wanted to see jesus."
00:15:15.800 --> 00:15:19.237
I kinda wanted to see jesus." gonna be nice if this
00:15:19.304 --> 00:15:19.837
Gonna be nice if this was all over.
00:15:19.904 --> 00:15:22.907
Was all over. i guess 'cause i was
00:15:22.974 --> 00:15:23.508
I guess 'cause i was preaching on prison,
00:15:23.574 --> 00:15:24.342
Preaching on prison, i was doing research
00:15:24.409 --> 00:15:25.410
I was doing research and i mentioned
00:15:25.476 --> 00:15:25.944
And i mentioned shawshank redemption,
00:15:26.010 --> 00:15:27.845
Shawshank redemption, and then -- turn off
00:15:27.912 --> 00:15:29.881
And then -- turn off the tv all of you
00:15:29.948 --> 00:15:30.815
The tv all of you that are real religious.
00:15:30.882 --> 00:15:31.916
That are real religious. we watched the green mile
00:15:31.983 --> 00:15:32.684
We watched the green mile this week too with john coffey.
00:15:32.750 --> 00:15:37.488
This week too with john coffey. and the green mile was trippy.
00:15:37.555 --> 00:15:38.756
And the green mile was trippy. i'mma give you a spoiler alert.
00:15:38.823 --> 00:15:39.490
I'mma give you a spoiler alert. the movie is like 40 years old,
00:15:39.557 --> 00:15:41.125
The movie is like 40 years old, so if you hadn't seen it by now,
00:15:41.192 --> 00:15:42.160
So if you hadn't seen it by now, you deserve to have it spoiled.
00:15:42.226 --> 00:15:42.927
[laughter]
00:15:43.261 --> 00:15:44.195
But at the end,
00:15:45.063 --> 00:15:45.763
But at the end, you find out that the man,
00:15:45.830 --> 00:15:48.399
You find out that the man, the prison guard,
00:15:48.466 --> 00:15:49.968
The prison guard, he can't die.
00:15:50.034 --> 00:15:52.303
He can't die. well, he's gonna die
00:15:52.370 --> 00:15:53.037
Well, he's gonna die but he's like 102
00:15:53.104 --> 00:15:54.172
But he's like 102 and he doesn't know how long
00:15:54.238 --> 00:15:54.906
And he doesn't know how long he's gonna have to live,
00:15:54.973 --> 00:15:55.606
He's gonna have to live, and that's the end of the movie,
00:15:55.673 --> 00:15:57.108
And that's the end of the movie, and me and graham are
00:15:57.175 --> 00:15:57.742
And me and graham are watching it together.
00:15:57.809 --> 00:15:58.910
Watching it together. and he goes, "well, that was
00:15:58.977 --> 00:15:59.644
And he goes, "well, that was kinda anticlimactic.
00:15:59.711 --> 00:16:00.712
Kinda anticlimactic. i thought it was
00:16:00.778 --> 00:16:01.212
I thought it was gonna be scary."
00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:02.246
Gonna be scary." i said, "son,
00:16:02.313 --> 00:16:04.248
I said, "son, that is the scariest thing
00:16:04.315 --> 00:16:05.450
That is the scariest thing i have ever seen in a movie.
00:16:05.516 --> 00:16:09.020
I have ever seen in a movie. you don't understand now
00:16:09.087 --> 00:16:10.321
You don't understand now but you will
00:16:10.388 --> 00:16:11.990
But you will that the thought that this
00:16:12.056 --> 00:16:13.524
That the thought that this is gonna go on forever?
00:16:13.591 --> 00:16:15.793
Is gonna go on forever? like this -- i said,
00:16:15.860 --> 00:16:16.527
Like this -- i said, "that sounds cool to
00:16:16.594 --> 00:16:17.095
"that sounds cool to you right now.
00:16:17.161 --> 00:16:18.129
You right now. you're 17, i'm 44.
00:16:18.196 --> 00:16:21.032
You're 17, i'm 44. trust me,
00:16:21.099 --> 00:16:21.766
Trust me, this is a horror movie."
00:16:21.833 --> 00:16:22.834
[laughter]
00:16:23.101 --> 00:16:23.868
That was the scariest scene
00:16:24.969 --> 00:16:26.237
That was the scariest scene i've ever seen in --
00:16:26.304 --> 00:16:27.038
I've ever seen in -- i've never seen anybody jump
00:16:27.105 --> 00:16:28.172
Out the bushes that was scarier,
00:16:28.272 --> 00:16:30.041
Out the bushes that was scarier, i've never seen a chainsaw
00:16:30.108 --> 00:16:31.242
I've never seen a chainsaw that was scarier.
00:16:31.309 --> 00:16:32.310
That was scarier. the fact that,
00:16:32.377 --> 00:16:33.177
The fact that, "i don't know long
00:16:33.244 --> 00:16:34.812
"i don't know long i'mma be here."
00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:35.680
[laughter]
00:16:35.947 --> 00:16:36.681
In fact, they've
00:16:38.116 --> 00:16:39.183
In fact, they've even done studies.
00:16:39.250 --> 00:16:40.685
Even done studies. they did a surgery on people
00:16:40.752 --> 00:16:42.553
They did a surgery on people and they told 'em --
00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:43.154
Now, the surgery
00:16:43.254 --> 00:16:44.355
Now, the surgery after six months,
00:16:44.422 --> 00:16:45.490
After six months, the condition
00:16:45.556 --> 00:16:46.024
The condition might be reversible.
00:16:46.090 --> 00:16:47.825
Might be reversible. and then they did other
00:16:47.892 --> 00:16:48.426
And then they did other people and they said,
00:16:48.493 --> 00:16:49.293
People and they said, "it's not reversible,
00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:50.228
"it's not reversible, you're just gonna
00:16:50.294 --> 00:16:51.029
You're just gonna have to live with this."
00:16:51.095 --> 00:16:52.363
Have to live with this." the people that they told
00:16:52.430 --> 00:16:53.464
The people that they told in six months will check
00:16:53.531 --> 00:16:54.832
In six months will check and it might be reversible,
00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:56.100
And it might be reversible, "you might get better,
00:16:56.167 --> 00:16:56.868
"you might get better, come back in six months,"
00:16:56.934 --> 00:16:58.336
Come back in six months," they were less happy than
00:16:58.403 --> 00:17:00.872
They were less happy than the people who were told,
00:17:00.938 --> 00:17:02.440
The people who were told, "it's this way forever,
00:17:02.507 --> 00:17:03.441
"it's this way forever, get used to it."
00:17:03.508 --> 00:17:05.243
Get used to it." because the people
00:17:05.309 --> 00:17:06.077
Because the people who were told,
00:17:06.144 --> 00:17:06.677
Who were told, "this is how it's going to be,"
00:17:06.744 --> 00:17:08.746
"this is how it's going to be," they began to adapt.
00:17:08.813 --> 00:17:10.848
[applause]
00:17:11.149 --> 00:17:12.683
And when they began to adapt,
00:17:13.418 --> 00:17:15.119
And when they began to adapt, they started to see that,
00:17:15.186 --> 00:17:16.287
They started to see that, "i can live with this.
00:17:16.354 --> 00:17:18.289
"i can live with this. it's not what i wanted,
00:17:18.356 --> 00:17:19.257
It's not what i wanted, but i can live with this.
00:17:19.323 --> 00:17:21.259
But i can live with this. it's not what i asked for,
00:17:21.325 --> 00:17:22.493
It's not what i asked for, but i can live with this.
00:17:22.560 --> 00:17:24.562
But i can live with this. it's not what i would've chosen,
00:17:24.629 --> 00:17:25.963
It's not what i would've chosen, but i can live with this."
00:17:26.030 --> 00:17:28.166
But i can live with this." the people who were told
00:17:28.232 --> 00:17:28.900
The people who were told it might be reversible,
00:17:28.966 --> 00:17:30.701
It might be reversible, they were living in a suspended
00:17:30.768 --> 00:17:32.770
They were living in a suspended state of anticipation
00:17:32.837 --> 00:17:34.472
State of anticipation that it might get better,
00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:36.374
That it might get better, and it might not.
00:17:36.441 --> 00:17:38.109
And it might not. and what was worse than
00:17:38.176 --> 00:17:39.243
And what was worse than the pain they were suffering
00:17:39.310 --> 00:17:41.379
The pain they were suffering was the deferred hope that
00:17:41.446 --> 00:17:42.947
Was the deferred hope that it might get better.
00:17:43.014 --> 00:17:44.882
It might get better. because if you just tell me
00:17:44.949 --> 00:17:46.050
Because if you just tell me this is the way
00:17:46.117 --> 00:17:46.684
This is the way it's going to be,
00:17:46.751 --> 00:17:48.086
It's going to be, then i'll make arrangements
00:17:48.152 --> 00:17:49.220
Then i'll make arrangements around the way that it is.
00:17:49.287 --> 00:17:51.422
Around the way that it is. but to give me the possibility
00:17:51.489 --> 00:17:53.791
But to give me the possibility that it could change,
00:17:53.858 --> 00:17:55.426
That it could change, but i'm not sure when or how
00:17:55.493 --> 00:17:57.361
But i'm not sure when or how it might is the most
00:17:57.428 --> 00:17:58.830
It might is the most painful hope at all.
00:17:58.896 --> 00:18:02.400
Painful hope at all. i wanna talk about
00:18:02.467 --> 00:18:03.134
I wanna talk about the ache of faith
00:18:03.201 --> 00:18:04.435
The ache of faith for a moment.
00:18:04.502 --> 00:18:07.205
I wanna talk about
00:18:07.305 --> 00:18:08.039
I wanna talk about when you know there's
00:18:08.106 --> 00:18:09.173
When you know there's something more in you,
00:18:09.240 --> 00:18:10.675
Something more in you, but it can't express itself
00:18:10.741 --> 00:18:11.876
But it can't express itself because of what's blocking you.
00:18:11.943 --> 00:18:14.112
Because of what's blocking you. i wanna talk about when you know
00:18:14.178 --> 00:18:15.646
I wanna talk about when you know you have love to give,
00:18:15.713 --> 00:18:17.215
You have love to give, but no one to trust
00:18:17.281 --> 00:18:18.583
But no one to trust to give it to.
00:18:18.649 --> 00:18:19.784
To give it to. i wanna talk about
00:18:19.851 --> 00:18:20.585
I wanna talk about the ache of faith today.
00:18:20.651 --> 00:18:22.887
The ache of faith today. when you know that god
00:18:22.954 --> 00:18:23.921
When you know that god brought you through
00:18:23.988 --> 00:18:24.655
Brought you through this for a reason,
00:18:24.722 --> 00:18:25.490
This for a reason, but you can't see
00:18:25.556 --> 00:18:26.591
But you can't see what it is yet.
00:18:26.657 --> 00:18:27.892
What it is yet. paul said,
00:18:27.959 --> 00:18:28.459
Paul said, "i'm torn right now.
00:18:28.526 --> 00:18:30.561
"i'm torn right now. i'm aching in faith right now.
00:18:30.628 --> 00:18:33.131
I'm aching in faith right now. a part of my heart
00:18:33.197 --> 00:18:34.165
Wants to be with you,
00:18:34.265 --> 00:18:35.366
Wants to be with you, but a part of my heart says
00:18:35.433 --> 00:18:36.834
But a part of my heart says this is hard and i don't
00:18:36.901 --> 00:18:38.903
This is hard and i don't know which one is better.
00:18:38.970 --> 00:18:43.574
Know which one is better. on one hand he says,
00:18:43.641 --> 00:18:46.077
On one hand he says, "i think it's better
00:18:46.144 --> 00:18:46.944
"i think it's better to be with christ."
00:18:47.011 --> 00:18:48.613
To be with christ." in fact, he says something
00:18:48.679 --> 00:18:50.181
In fact, he says something interesting in 23,
00:18:50.248 --> 00:18:52.517
"i desire to depart,
00:18:52.617 --> 00:18:55.019
"i desire to depart, i wanna get out of this.
00:18:55.086 --> 00:18:57.155
I wanna get out of this. it's better by far;"
00:18:57.221 --> 00:19:02.193
It's better by far;" semicolon, "but..."
00:19:02.260 --> 00:19:05.496
[laughter]
00:19:05.863 --> 00:19:07.098
Let's go real slow
00:19:08.166 --> 00:19:09.734
Let's go real slow so everybody can apply this
00:19:09.800 --> 00:19:11.569
So everybody can apply this in their life how they need to.
00:19:11.636 --> 00:19:13.738
In their life how they need to. "it would be better for me if,"
00:19:13.804 --> 00:19:16.073
"it would be better for me if," go back to verse 23,
00:19:16.140 --> 00:19:18.142
Go back to verse 23, "and i'm torn about it,
00:19:18.209 --> 00:19:20.311
"and i'm torn about it, and i think it would be better
00:19:20.378 --> 00:19:21.345
And i think it would be better for me if, by far, but."
00:19:21.412 --> 00:19:28.186
So notice what he's doing.
00:19:28.286 --> 00:19:30.354
So notice what he's doing. he's setting it up
00:19:30.421 --> 00:19:31.489
He's setting it up that my preference would be
00:19:31.556 --> 00:19:33.558
That my preference would be that i go to jesus now
00:19:33.624 --> 00:19:35.493
That i go to jesus now and get my reward.
00:19:35.560 --> 00:19:36.294
And get my reward. and i'm not saying anybody
00:19:36.360 --> 00:19:37.395
And i'm not saying anybody in here just wants to die,
00:19:37.461 --> 00:19:38.863
In here just wants to die, i'm just setting that up
00:19:38.930 --> 00:19:39.530
I'm just setting that up as a metaphor.
00:19:39.597 --> 00:19:40.898
As a metaphor. i would like for this
00:19:40.965 --> 00:19:41.732
I would like for this to be over, but.
00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:46.037
To be over, but. i would like for
00:19:46.103 --> 00:19:46.771
I would like for this to end, but, 24,
00:19:46.837 --> 00:19:52.677
"it is more necessary for you
00:19:52.777 --> 00:19:55.646
"it is more necessary for you that i remain in the body."
00:19:55.713 --> 00:20:00.184
That i remain in the body." 25, "convinced of this,
00:20:00.251 --> 00:20:00.851
25, "convinced of this, i know that i will remain,
00:20:00.918 --> 00:20:03.120
I know that i will remain, and will continue with all
00:20:03.187 --> 00:20:04.155
And will continue with all of you for your progress
00:20:04.222 --> 00:20:05.456
Of you for your progress and joy in the faith."
00:20:05.523 --> 00:20:07.024
And joy in the faith." i wanna do the whole sweeping
00:20:07.091 --> 00:20:08.226
I wanna do the whole sweeping thing again from 23 on.
00:20:08.292 --> 00:20:10.695
Thing again from 23 on. "i desire to depart
00:20:10.761 --> 00:20:12.997
"i desire to depart and be with christ,
00:20:13.064 --> 00:20:13.798
And be with christ, which is better by far,"
00:20:13.864 --> 00:20:16.100
Which is better by far," so there is something
00:20:16.167 --> 00:20:17.101
So there is something drawing paul, he says,
00:20:17.168 --> 00:20:19.003
Drawing paul, he says, "to live is christ,
00:20:19.070 --> 00:20:19.837
"to live is christ, to die is gain.
00:20:19.904 --> 00:20:21.272
To die is gain. i could just go to heaven.
00:20:21.339 --> 00:20:22.340
I could just go to heaven. that would be easier for me.
00:20:22.406 --> 00:20:24.976
That would be easier for me. it would be easier for me."
00:20:25.042 --> 00:20:27.745
It would be easier for me." 24, "but you need me.
00:20:27.812 --> 00:20:31.983
And this would be easier,
00:20:32.083 --> 00:20:34.518
And this would be easier, but this would be needed.
00:20:34.585 --> 00:20:38.122
But this would be needed. and i'm torn.
00:20:38.189 --> 00:20:40.091
And i'm torn. it would be easier for me
00:20:40.157 --> 00:20:42.293
It would be easier for me just to let go and surrender
00:20:42.360 --> 00:20:43.694
Just to let go and surrender and ask god to take me now,
00:20:43.761 --> 00:20:45.796
And ask god to take me now, but you need me here.
00:20:45.863 --> 00:20:48.099
But you need me here. and because you need me,
00:20:48.165 --> 00:20:50.268
And because you need me, i'm gonna let go of
00:20:50.334 --> 00:20:51.335
I'm gonna let go of what would be easy."
00:20:51.402 --> 00:20:53.838
What would be easy." and paul says, "i'm gonna
00:20:53.904 --> 00:20:55.473
And paul says, "i'm gonna let my purpose pull me."
00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:58.109
[applause]
00:20:58.676 --> 00:20:59.844
Come here graham,
00:21:00.478 --> 00:21:01.078
Come here graham, come here gavin.
00:21:01.145 --> 00:21:03.447
Come here gavin. graham on my left arm
00:21:03.514 --> 00:21:04.482
Right over here,
00:21:04.582 --> 00:21:05.349
Right over here, all the way down the stairs,
00:21:05.416 --> 00:21:06.350
All the way down the stairs, gavin on my right arm.
00:21:06.417 --> 00:21:07.585
Gavin on my right arm. real gentle.
00:21:07.652 --> 00:21:08.319
[laughter]
00:21:08.853 --> 00:21:09.820
Gavin is go be with god,
00:21:10.454 --> 00:21:11.756
Gavin is go be with god, graham is stay here and help us.
00:21:11.822 --> 00:21:13.658
Graham is stay here and help us. pull me a little bit.
00:21:13.724 --> 00:21:16.060
Pull me a little bit. i wanna -- i want --
00:21:16.127 --> 00:21:20.298
I wanna -- i want -- it would be easier
00:21:20.364 --> 00:21:21.899
It would be easier but you need me.
00:21:21.966 --> 00:21:22.867
And at some point during
00:21:22.967 --> 00:21:24.302
And at some point during paul's wrestling match --
00:21:24.368 --> 00:21:25.469
Paul's wrestling match -- 'cause what he's doing here
00:21:25.536 --> 00:21:26.337
'cause what he's doing here is modeling for you
00:21:26.404 --> 00:21:27.371
Is modeling for you what to do when you are caught
00:21:27.438 --> 00:21:28.939
What to do when you are caught in a space where you
00:21:29.006 --> 00:21:30.007
In a space where you don't have clarity,
00:21:30.074 --> 00:21:30.975
Don't have clarity, but you need courage.
00:21:31.042 --> 00:21:34.011
But you need courage. where you don't know
00:21:34.078 --> 00:21:34.512
Where you don't know how to handle this
00:21:34.578 --> 00:21:35.646
How to handle this but you need his help.
00:21:35.713 --> 00:21:37.748
But you need his help. and you can't really figure out
00:21:37.815 --> 00:21:39.050
And you can't really figure out what to set in front of you.
00:21:39.116 --> 00:21:40.418
What to set in front of you. for some of you,
00:21:40.484 --> 00:21:41.519
For some of you, you don't even know
00:21:41.585 --> 00:21:42.453
You don't even know what to look forward to.
00:21:42.520 --> 00:21:44.955
What to look forward to. so, it is difficult
00:21:45.022 --> 00:21:46.290
So, it is difficult to attach faith to a future
00:21:46.357 --> 00:21:49.160
To attach faith to a future that you can't even articulate.
00:21:49.226 --> 00:21:51.262
That you can't even articulate. so, you don't even really know
00:21:51.329 --> 00:21:52.563
So, you don't even really know what you're asking god to do,
00:21:52.630 --> 00:21:53.931
What you're asking god to do, and it would be easier
00:21:53.998 --> 00:21:55.466
And it would be easier just for you to give up.
00:21:55.533 --> 00:21:57.234
Just for you to give up. but the need started pulling.
00:21:57.301 --> 00:21:59.103
But the need started pulling. now graham, pull me like
00:21:59.170 --> 00:21:59.737
Now graham, pull me like you're stronger than gavin.
00:21:59.804 --> 00:22:01.339
You're stronger than gavin. and at some point,
00:22:01.405 --> 00:22:03.240
And at some point, the need -- keep going.
00:22:03.307 --> 00:22:05.343
The need -- keep going. the need became strong enough
00:22:05.409 --> 00:22:08.879
The need became strong enough to release paul
00:22:08.946 --> 00:22:10.848
To release paul from what he wanted
00:22:10.915 --> 00:22:13.351
From what he wanted so that he could respond
00:22:13.417 --> 00:22:14.618
So that he could respond to what was needed.
00:22:14.685 --> 00:22:15.753
[applause]
00:22:15.986 --> 00:22:16.454
I am teaching the bible
00:22:17.088 --> 00:22:18.689
I am teaching the bible like it's my last day
00:22:18.756 --> 00:22:20.458
Like it's my last day in ballantyne.
00:22:20.524 --> 00:22:21.959
[applause]
00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:22.493
You see what i'm doing?
00:22:23.427 --> 00:22:25.529
You see what i'm doing? i'm pulled by purpose,
00:22:25.596 --> 00:22:26.897
I'm pulled by purpose, so watch this.
00:22:26.964 --> 00:22:28.632
So watch this. come here.
00:22:28.699 --> 00:22:29.800
Come here. one thing is pulling me
00:22:29.867 --> 00:22:30.668
One thing is pulling me to give up.
00:22:30.735 --> 00:22:31.369
To give up. "oh, it would be easier
00:22:31.435 --> 00:22:32.503
"oh, it would be easier to go up to heaven."
00:22:32.570 --> 00:22:33.904
♪ in the sweet ♪
00:22:34.338 --> 00:22:35.306
♪ by and by ♪
00:22:35.373 --> 00:22:36.707
♪ i'll fly away ♪
00:22:36.774 --> 00:22:38.609
♪ oh glory ♪
00:22:38.676 --> 00:22:39.543
But just by time
00:22:39.977 --> 00:22:40.478
But just by time he's ready to fly away,
00:22:40.544 --> 00:22:42.346
He's ready to fly away, something's pulling him back.
00:22:42.413 --> 00:22:44.215
Something's pulling him back. and he said,
00:22:44.281 --> 00:22:44.682
And he said, "this would be easy,
00:22:44.749 --> 00:22:46.517
"this would be easy, but this is what you need."
00:22:46.584 --> 00:22:48.586
And so, at some point
00:22:48.686 --> 00:22:49.920
And so, at some point christians, we gotta decide
00:22:49.987 --> 00:22:52.590
Christians, we gotta decide are we just gonna be
00:22:52.656 --> 00:22:53.424
Are we just gonna be driven by decisions
00:22:53.491 --> 00:22:54.792
Driven by decisions of what's easy
00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:56.594
Of what's easy or are we gonna be
00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:57.228
Or are we gonna be pulled by purpose
00:22:57.294 --> 00:22:58.329
Pulled by purpose into what is necessary?
00:22:58.396 --> 00:23:00.231
>> if you feel like
00:23:01.065 --> 00:23:01.766
>> if you feel like pastor steven was speaking
00:23:01.832 --> 00:23:03.367
Pastor steven was speaking right to you while you were
00:23:03.434 --> 00:23:04.835
Right to you while you were watching this message,
00:23:04.902 --> 00:23:06.137
Watching this message, i wanna invite you to call
00:23:06.203 --> 00:23:07.705
I wanna invite you to call or go online right now
00:23:07.772 --> 00:23:09.340
Or go online right now to request your copy
00:23:09.407 --> 00:23:10.841
To request your copy of today's message.
00:23:10.908 --> 00:23:12.243
Of today's message. it's on dvd and it's part
00:23:12.309 --> 00:23:13.577
It's on dvd and it's part of this brand-new series
00:23:13.644 --> 00:23:15.012
Of this brand-new series that we're calling,
00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:15.913
"fix your focus."
00:23:16.013 --> 00:23:17.314
"fix your focus." and it's available for
00:23:17.381 --> 00:23:18.482
And it's available for your gift of any amount.
00:23:18.549 --> 00:23:20.418
Your gift of any amount. this series is all about
00:23:20.484 --> 00:23:22.386
This series is all about shifting your perspective,
00:23:22.453 --> 00:23:23.888
Shifting your perspective, learning to recognize
00:23:23.954 --> 00:23:25.489
Learning to recognize god's presence and see his hand
00:23:25.556 --> 00:23:27.525
God's presence and see his hand at work in your life
00:23:27.591 --> 00:23:28.893
At work in your life right here, right now.
00:23:28.959 --> 00:23:30.828
Right here, right now. i know sometimes i get caught up
00:23:30.895 --> 00:23:32.930
I know sometimes i get caught up looking too far ahead or
00:23:32.997 --> 00:23:34.899
Looking too far ahead or focusing on what i don't have
00:23:34.965 --> 00:23:36.467
Focusing on what i don't have and i end up missing how god
00:23:36.534 --> 00:23:38.135
And i end up missing how god is moving in the moment.
00:23:38.202 --> 00:23:40.371
Is moving in the moment. but when you fix your focus,
00:23:40.438 --> 00:23:42.373
But when you fix your focus, you start seeing
00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:42.973
You start seeing his faithfulness
00:23:43.040 --> 00:23:44.041
His faithfulness in unexpected ways.
00:23:44.108 --> 00:23:46.110
In unexpected ways. so, call the number on
00:23:46.177 --> 00:23:47.211
So, call the number on your screen or visit us online
00:23:47.278 --> 00:23:49.280
Your screen or visit us online to request your copy of,
00:23:49.346 --> 00:23:51.248
To request your copy of, "fix your focus."
00:23:51.315 --> 00:23:52.416
"fix your focus." this gift not only helps you
00:23:52.483 --> 00:23:54.084
This gift not only helps you stay connected to god's word,
00:23:54.151 --> 00:23:55.653
Stay connected to god's word, but it also helps us get
00:23:55.719 --> 00:23:57.288
But it also helps us get god's word into people's hearts
00:23:57.354 --> 00:23:59.457
God's word into people's hearts all over the world.
00:23:59.523 --> 00:24:01.025
All over the world. so, call or go online right now
00:24:01.091 --> 00:24:03.661
So, call or go online right now and let this message encourage
00:24:03.727 --> 00:24:05.663
And let this message encourage you to shift your focus,
00:24:05.729 --> 00:24:08.065
You to shift your focus, recognize his presence,
00:24:08.132 --> 00:24:10.100
Recognize his presence, and step forward in faith.
00:24:10.167 --> 00:24:11.302
And step forward in faith. we cannot wait to hear from you.
00:24:11.368 --> 00:24:13.003
>> get your copy of,
00:24:14.171 --> 00:24:14.905
"fix your focus," now.
00:24:15.005 --> 00:24:16.140
Call or go online to request
00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:17.341
This exclusive dvd featuring
00:24:17.441 --> 00:24:18.876
Four brand new sermons
00:24:18.976 --> 00:24:20.010
From pastor steven furtick
00:24:20.110 --> 00:24:21.846
That will help you recognize
00:24:21.946 --> 00:24:22.847
God in your present
00:24:22.947 --> 00:24:23.981
And focus on what matters.
00:24:24.081 --> 00:24:25.549
And with your gift
00:24:25.649 --> 00:24:26.150
Of $65 or more,
00:24:26.250 --> 00:24:27.685
You'll also receive
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The best-selling series,
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"taking control of your mind."
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Because while you can't
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Control everything,
00:24:31.922 --> 00:24:32.923
You can control your mind.
00:24:33.023 --> 00:24:34.091
You'll also get
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The digging deeper journal
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Designed to help you process,
00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:37.394
Apply, and live out what god
00:24:37.495 --> 00:24:38.762
Is showing you through
00:24:38.863 --> 00:24:39.563
These sermons.
00:24:39.663 --> 00:24:40.397
Call or go us online now
00:24:40.498 --> 00:24:41.565
To request these resources.
00:24:41.665 --> 00:24:42.833
>> the lord sent
00:24:43.667 --> 00:24:44.301
>> the lord sent a special word for somebody
00:24:44.368 --> 00:24:46.270
A special word for somebody and i can't wait to find out
00:24:46.337 --> 00:24:47.938
And i can't wait to find out who it is that he sent it for.
00:24:48.005 --> 00:24:50.274
♪ ♪
00:24:52.142 --> 00:24:58.482
♪ ♪
00:25:26.677 --> 00:25:28.979
>> ♪ oh my god ♪
00:25:54.171 --> 00:25:55.506
♪ you've sure been ♪
00:25:55.573 --> 00:25:56.907
♪ good to me ♪
00:25:56.974 --> 00:25:59.543
>> ♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:00.311 --> 00:26:02.179
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:02.246 --> 00:26:03.347
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:03.414 --> 00:26:05.482
♪ that's why i trust him ♪
00:26:05.549 --> 00:26:07.818
♪ that's why i trust him ♪
00:26:07.885 --> 00:26:09.853
♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:11.855
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:11.922 --> 00:26:13.023
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:13.090 --> 00:26:14.725
♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:14.792 --> 00:26:16.660
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:16.727 --> 00:26:17.928
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:17.995 --> 00:26:19.630
♪ i sought the lord ♪
00:26:19.697 --> 00:26:21.532
♪ and he heard ♪
00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:22.866
♪ and he answered ♪
00:26:22.933 --> 00:26:25.035
♪ that's why i trust him ♪
00:26:25.102 --> 00:26:27.404
♪ that's why i trust in god ♪
00:26:27.471 --> 00:26:33.410
>> ♪ they that seek him ♪
00:26:33.477 --> 00:26:34.578
♪ lack no good thing ♪
00:26:34.645 --> 00:26:37.314
♪ those who seek jehovah ♪
00:26:37.381 --> 00:26:39.383
♪ lack nothing ♪
00:26:39.450 --> 00:26:41.385
♪ oh-oh ♪
00:26:41.452 --> 00:26:43.153
♪ he will never fail ♪
00:26:43.220 --> 00:26:47.524
♪ oh-oh-oh ♪
00:26:47.591 --> 00:26:52.096
♪ ♪
00:26:57.768 --> 00:27:01.705
♪ he will never fail ♪
00:27:02.573 --> 00:27:07.044
♪ i trust in god ♪
00:27:07.111 --> 00:27:10.648
>> ♪ my savior ♪
00:27:10.714 --> 00:27:12.816
♪ the one ♪
00:27:12.883 --> 00:27:14.785
♪ who will never fail ♪
00:27:14.852 --> 00:27:22.059
♪ he will never fail ♪
00:27:22.126 --> 00:27:26.330
>> ♪ oh i trust in god ♪
00:27:26.397 --> 00:27:29.800
♪ my savior ♪
00:27:29.867 --> 00:27:29.999

Steven Furtick - Look Forward Not Far (Part 1)

April 29, 2026 | 27:29

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