1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,440 Welcome to Hub City Vineyard. 2 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:23,060 To get connected or to give online, go to connect.hcv.church or give.hcv.church. 3 00:00:23,060 --> 00:00:27,360 If at any point during this message you feel called to make a change in your life, text 4 00:00:27,360 --> 00:00:30,640 change me to 970-00. 5 00:00:30,640 --> 00:00:32,360 Thank you and enjoy the message. 6 00:00:32,360 --> 00:01:00,200 Welcome to the Vineyard. 7 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:07,200 And see what we are going to learn today is that God wants us to celebrate and party. 8 00:01:07,200 --> 00:01:08,520 Right? 9 00:01:08,520 --> 00:01:11,680 Like some people are just like, what is going on here? 10 00:01:11,680 --> 00:01:12,680 What is happening? 11 00:01:12,680 --> 00:01:14,680 This is a little outside of my box. 12 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:18,820 But don't worry, I am the pastor. 13 00:01:18,820 --> 00:01:25,980 And have been so for the last 13 years. 14 00:01:25,980 --> 00:01:31,240 And I must add that I have never been more excited about sharing this simple truth with 15 00:01:31,240 --> 00:01:32,240 all of you today. 16 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:39,000 Because see as people, we have a tendency to live separate lives. 17 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:43,440 See we compartmentalize our life and live in boxes. 18 00:01:43,440 --> 00:01:49,520 Meaning we tend to act certain ways and do things based on how we feel and what we feel 19 00:01:49,520 --> 00:01:54,080 is appropriate as to who we are around and where we are. 20 00:01:54,080 --> 00:02:00,160 So I do certain things with these people certain ways and well when I am at church, I have 21 00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:07,080 got to be proper, I have got to put on my mask and things are different. 22 00:02:07,080 --> 00:02:09,160 Like we are having a party here. 23 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:15,120 This Sunday we are just simply having a party and see some people feel there is no place 24 00:02:15,120 --> 00:02:22,000 for celebration, excitement, dancing, fun at church. 25 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:27,620 And see people feel what happens at parties here on earth have no place or do not apply 26 00:02:27,620 --> 00:02:29,560 to God. 27 00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:34,400 While other people feel that what happens at parties here on earth is so much more cooler 28 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:41,220 or fun than what they could ever experience while connecting with God. 29 00:02:41,220 --> 00:02:46,420 And see in both circumstances we have it completely wrong. 30 00:02:46,420 --> 00:02:48,640 It's upside down in fact. 31 00:02:48,640 --> 00:02:53,320 God is a God who values celebration. 32 00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:59,360 And if you think God is too serious to value a party, just look at the life of Jesus. 33 00:02:59,360 --> 00:03:05,680 If you think that having people over might be messy or loud or confusing, remember that 34 00:03:05,680 --> 00:03:09,280 is exactly how Jesus lived his life. 35 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:13,160 Jesus knows the power of parties. 36 00:03:13,160 --> 00:03:20,520 In fact, if you strip parties from the accounts of Jesus' life, if you strip parties from 37 00:03:20,520 --> 00:03:27,720 the accounts and stories that Jesus tells about God's kingdom, a lot would be missing. 38 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:32,440 It would be like just scratching out part of the New Testament saying it is not even 39 00:03:32,440 --> 00:03:34,280 there. 40 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:39,680 If Jesus was not teaching about a party or celebrating at a party, quite often he was 41 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:45,120 walking towards one or walking away from one. 42 00:03:45,120 --> 00:03:49,480 Jesus created a huge controversy in fact in the way he partied. 43 00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:55,320 And I believe that Jesus is saying to us, you can't live out a message of joy, hope 44 00:03:55,320 --> 00:04:02,600 and love without fun and in the midst of being a mess. 45 00:04:02,600 --> 00:04:06,620 We can't fear the messiness. 46 00:04:06,620 --> 00:04:12,880 We have to fear being too religious that we don't even truly know what it means to love 47 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:14,880 our neighbors. 48 00:04:14,880 --> 00:04:19,400 See this morning we continue our current series, Why Don't You Be My Neighbor? 49 00:04:19,400 --> 00:04:23,960 And we are simply going to break down an encounter between Jesus and a tax collector that leads 50 00:04:23,960 --> 00:04:26,960 to an invitation to a party. 51 00:04:26,960 --> 00:04:29,320 Which brings us to our first thought today. 52 00:04:29,320 --> 00:04:35,320 You see Jesus, he sees beyond current choices and mistakes. 53 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:41,400 Luke chapter 5 verses 27 to 28 says later as Jesus left the town he saw a tax collector 54 00:04:41,400 --> 00:04:45,560 named Levi sitting at his tax collectors booth. 55 00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:49,480 Follow me and be my disciple Jesus said to him. 56 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:53,280 So Levi got up, left everything and followed him. 57 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:59,560 Now some of you, you may know that Levi also went by the name Matthew and this encounter 58 00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:03,200 is also recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. 59 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:10,680 Because this very person Levi also known as Matthew wrote the gospel of Mark. 60 00:05:10,680 --> 00:05:15,400 And see this man he had two different names for two different cultures. 61 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:24,200 Meaning Levi was his Jewish name and his family would have known him as Levi son of Alpheus. 62 00:05:24,200 --> 00:05:29,600 We must remember that Levi of course was a tax collector and very unpopular individual 63 00:05:29,600 --> 00:05:31,320 in his day. 64 00:05:31,320 --> 00:05:36,640 Matthew was the name Levi used within the Greek culture where he worked as an independent 65 00:05:36,640 --> 00:05:40,400 contractor with the Roman government. 66 00:05:40,400 --> 00:05:47,240 And see not only was Levi unpopular he was hated, despised, a traitor within the Jewish 67 00:05:47,240 --> 00:05:52,360 culture because we have to remember that at that time the Jews were living under Roman 68 00:05:52,360 --> 00:05:54,120 oppression. 69 00:05:54,120 --> 00:06:00,640 And Rome would have tax collectors collect the tax from the Jewish people. 70 00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:04,280 Levi was the man of course that collected these taxes. 71 00:06:04,280 --> 00:06:09,560 And Rome as for a certain amount of tax to be collected for the state the tax collector 72 00:06:09,560 --> 00:06:15,240 had the freedom to set how much money they would collect from the people and above what 73 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:20,160 was required for Rome the rest they kept for themselves. 74 00:06:20,160 --> 00:06:23,560 Therefore tax collectors were viewed as thieves. 75 00:06:23,560 --> 00:06:28,240 They were defiled because of their contact with the Gentiles those outside the Jewish 76 00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:29,680 culture. 77 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:35,600 They were not permitted in the synagogue or in any worship setting whatsoever. 78 00:06:35,600 --> 00:06:37,440 They were complete outsiders. 79 00:06:37,440 --> 00:06:39,540 So think about it. 80 00:06:39,540 --> 00:06:43,960 This man had two different identities. 81 00:06:43,960 --> 00:06:52,040 And if you really look hard at yourself quite often within our culture this happens at church. 82 00:06:52,040 --> 00:06:55,620 People lived two completely different lives. 83 00:06:55,620 --> 00:07:00,380 One during the week Monday through Saturday one on Sunday. 84 00:07:00,380 --> 00:07:04,440 But Jesus saw him. 85 00:07:04,440 --> 00:07:08,600 And when we read saw him we think oh he kind of just looked at him he made eye contact with 86 00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:09,600 him. 87 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:14,120 But the word seen in Greek means to look at or to contemplate. 88 00:07:14,120 --> 00:07:16,000 See Jesus didn't just notice Levi. 89 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:18,480 He just didn't walk by with a glance. 90 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:30,520 No he saw who he was who he was called to be and who he could become. 91 00:07:30,520 --> 00:07:34,580 Other than that Levi was a tax collector we know very little about this man or the life 92 00:07:34,580 --> 00:07:36,920 that he was living. 93 00:07:36,920 --> 00:07:43,840 But we do know that Jesus had a call on his life that God had a call on his life. 94 00:07:43,840 --> 00:07:48,640 And for Levi this would be the greatest invitation that he had ever received in his life. 95 00:07:48,640 --> 00:07:49,640 I mean think about it. 96 00:07:49,640 --> 00:07:51,840 Here you have Jesus. 97 00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:53,740 You know some people consider him a rabbi. 98 00:07:53,740 --> 00:07:58,880 Some people consider him just an incredible teacher. 99 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:01,640 Other people mention the word Messiah. 100 00:08:01,640 --> 00:08:06,440 And everywhere Jesus went there was miracles and healings and just these teachings that 101 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:09,720 just everybody was in awe of. 102 00:08:09,720 --> 00:08:14,320 And then suddenly he looks at this man named Levi who had just forgotten an outcast an 103 00:08:14,320 --> 00:08:15,320 outsider. 104 00:08:15,320 --> 00:08:16,320 He couldn't be around anybody. 105 00:08:16,320 --> 00:08:19,320 He was living two totally different lives. 106 00:08:19,320 --> 00:08:22,940 And he gets invited to the party. 107 00:08:22,940 --> 00:08:27,240 See Jesus sees beyond current choices and mistakes and the same is true for you and 108 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:28,240 me. 109 00:08:28,240 --> 00:08:32,680 Philippians 1 6 and I am certain that God who began a good work within you will continue 110 00:08:32,680 --> 00:08:37,440 his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. 111 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:40,000 We're a work in progress. 112 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:42,200 We're never going to be perfect. 113 00:08:42,200 --> 00:08:43,200 We're going to make mistakes. 114 00:08:43,200 --> 00:08:44,880 We're going to say the wrong words. 115 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:50,740 But we must remain focused on Jesus daily. 116 00:08:50,740 --> 00:08:51,840 We need to go to him. 117 00:08:51,840 --> 00:08:56,320 We need to look to him for grace and forgiveness because 1 John 1 8 through 9 says if we claim 118 00:08:56,320 --> 00:09:00,780 we have no sin we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 119 00:09:00,780 --> 00:09:06,640 But if we confess he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all 120 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:14,200 wickedness friends Jesus sees beyond your habits your hang ups your hook ups your mistakes 121 00:09:14,200 --> 00:09:17,480 he sees beyond them which leads us to our second thought. 122 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:22,560 God calls people to celebrate and enjoy life. 123 00:09:22,560 --> 00:09:28,080 Luke 5 29 to 30 later Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor 124 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:33,200 and many of Levi's fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. 125 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:39,300 So notice the first thing that Levi did after leaving everything remember Levi left everything. 126 00:09:39,300 --> 00:09:43,840 He literally got up from his tax collectors booth left it all behind and followed Jesus 127 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:48,560 and he says I need my friends in on this. 128 00:09:48,560 --> 00:09:50,560 He wanted to invite them in. 129 00:09:50,560 --> 00:09:54,880 He wanted to celebrate the person that he had just met. 130 00:09:54,880 --> 00:09:55,880 The opportunity. 131 00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:57,160 He didn't want to leave. 132 00:09:57,160 --> 00:10:03,000 He didn't want to follow Jesus without his friends getting in on it. 133 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:10,560 But the Pharisees and the teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus disciples. 134 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:15,920 Why do you eat and drink with such scum? 135 00:10:15,920 --> 00:10:21,440 See the Pharisees felt that no one should be having this much fun. 136 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:26,880 There is no way this could be the Messiah because he is attending this party with scum. 137 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:32,900 He is having fun and celebrating life and see here is the problem. 138 00:10:32,900 --> 00:10:41,600 The Pharisees had forgotten in becoming religious that God actually enjoyed parties and celebrations. 139 00:10:41,600 --> 00:10:44,800 They had forgotten it. 140 00:10:44,800 --> 00:10:48,320 And for many of us let's be honest we feel the same way. 141 00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:54,120 For many of us we envision God as this cranky policeman whose primary interest is to keep 142 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:56,360 us in check. 143 00:10:56,360 --> 00:11:00,520 To make sure that we are walking and living the right way. 144 00:11:00,520 --> 00:11:07,040 But if you look into the Bible the Old Testament you discover a God that is quite the opposite. 145 00:11:07,040 --> 00:11:12,160 In fact you will discover a God who is all about celebration. 146 00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:17,400 He is all about hey let's fire up the grill, crank up the music, invite the whole neighborhood 147 00:11:17,400 --> 00:11:18,400 for a bash. 148 00:11:18,400 --> 00:11:19,400 How do I know that? 149 00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:22,320 Well look at Exodus 12, 14. 150 00:11:22,320 --> 00:11:24,480 This will be a memorial day for you. 151 00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:30,800 You will celebrate it as a festival to God down through the generations. 152 00:11:30,800 --> 00:11:36,440 A fixed festival celebration to be observed always. 153 00:11:36,440 --> 00:11:41,320 See in the Old Testament God established seven major festivals. 154 00:11:41,320 --> 00:11:45,840 Those festivals were Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, the Feast of Pentecost, 155 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:50,440 the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. 156 00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:54,720 And these were Israel's block parties. 157 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:57,760 The people all came together and they celebrated God. 158 00:11:57,760 --> 00:12:02,000 They remembered what He had done and how they had helped Him. 159 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:07,400 And within that celebration the people would bring the best food, the best drink, and they 160 00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:10,400 invited everyone to be a part. 161 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:16,240 The annual festivals were a time of rejoicing, singing, celebrating. 162 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:17,680 Look at Numbers 10, 10. 163 00:12:17,680 --> 00:12:21,160 Glow the trumpets in times of gladness. 164 00:12:21,160 --> 00:12:26,280 Sounding them at your annual festivals at the beginning of each month. 165 00:12:26,280 --> 00:12:30,200 I mean it's like these parties, these block parties, these celebrations, they went on 166 00:12:30,200 --> 00:12:31,200 for weeks. 167 00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:36,440 And it was all about singing and song and celebration. 168 00:12:36,440 --> 00:12:37,540 Why? 169 00:12:37,540 --> 00:12:41,000 Because God's creation is not about misery. 170 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:44,200 It's not. 171 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:50,640 God's kingdom is called for celebration and God invites us to celebrate what He has given 172 00:12:50,640 --> 00:12:52,800 us each and every day. 173 00:12:52,800 --> 00:12:58,040 We need to just simply celebrate the gift of life. 174 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:03,960 I mean the people of Israel's national life was to be characterized, summed up, they were 175 00:13:03,960 --> 00:13:08,960 known for a continual celebration of God. 176 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:16,080 They rejoiced in victories as when David returned from defeating the Philistine, 1 Samuel 18 177 00:13:16,080 --> 00:13:20,160 6 says, when the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed 178 00:13:20,160 --> 00:13:24,200 the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. 179 00:13:24,200 --> 00:13:29,000 They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals. 180 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:34,040 I mean does this reflect your life every day? 181 00:13:34,040 --> 00:13:37,360 Do we celebrate all that God has given us? 182 00:13:37,360 --> 00:13:42,760 We know our houses, our homes, the food that we have, the cars that we drive. 183 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:47,560 Do we celebrate the children that we have, the families that we have, the health that 184 00:13:47,560 --> 00:13:49,360 we have? 185 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:54,140 It's all calls for celebration because God is the one who gives it. 186 00:13:54,140 --> 00:13:59,080 But unfortunately within our culture, our third thought, life should not be defined 187 00:13:59,080 --> 00:14:01,400 by disappointments. 188 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:03,800 Luke 5, 31 to 32. 189 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:08,800 One of the Pharisees had just called out Jesus said, what are you doing? 190 00:14:08,800 --> 00:14:11,480 Partying and celebrating with this scum. 191 00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:16,080 Jesus answered, he said, healthy people don't need a doctor, sick people do. 192 00:14:16,080 --> 00:14:21,200 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are 193 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:24,840 sinners and need to repent. 194 00:14:24,840 --> 00:14:29,680 And friends if you're anything like me, we become so focused on our disappointments and 195 00:14:29,680 --> 00:14:30,940 frustrations. 196 00:14:30,940 --> 00:14:33,900 It steals our joy. 197 00:14:33,900 --> 00:14:35,200 It steals our joy. 198 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:36,760 It robs our joy. 199 00:14:36,760 --> 00:14:39,200 I mean I'll be honest with you. 200 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:44,360 Here we are celebrating in South High and again just being honest, I've never been more 201 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:47,280 excited for a Sunday morning than this Sunday morning. 202 00:14:47,280 --> 00:14:50,040 And we don't even have a building. 203 00:14:50,040 --> 00:14:52,720 Like we don't. 204 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:55,600 And week after week I ask, well when are we going to start? 205 00:14:55,600 --> 00:14:56,600 When's it going to happen? 206 00:14:56,600 --> 00:15:03,080 And week after week I just feel like the answer is, oh we are close. 207 00:15:03,080 --> 00:15:07,240 And I cannot tell you how frustrated I am. 208 00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:09,360 And it steals my joy. 209 00:15:09,360 --> 00:15:10,360 It steals my joy. 210 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:15,600 And then I become angry and then I think about the permit people in the county and I'm like 211 00:15:15,600 --> 00:15:18,000 am I speaking positive about the county? 212 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:19,800 No, never. 213 00:15:19,800 --> 00:15:24,760 I'll be honest, every time I tell the story about Washington County I have nothing positive 214 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:26,680 to say. 215 00:15:26,680 --> 00:15:27,680 But I live here. 216 00:15:27,680 --> 00:15:28,680 I should. 217 00:15:28,680 --> 00:15:36,760 And that's just, again that's an example of the enemy stealing my joy. 218 00:15:36,760 --> 00:15:39,080 And I was encouraged. 219 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:44,360 I was sent a text last week by Chris Rudisill and he was connecting to God in worship and 220 00:15:44,360 --> 00:15:48,160 he was talking to people and God whispered in his ear, we believe that God speaks to 221 00:15:48,160 --> 00:15:49,160 us today. 222 00:15:49,160 --> 00:15:50,160 He can speak to any of you today. 223 00:15:50,160 --> 00:15:53,120 He sent me a little message and he said, I heard this from God today. 224 00:15:53,120 --> 00:15:58,280 He said, South High is not a holdover until the new building is complete. 225 00:15:58,280 --> 00:16:05,720 It is where God has placed us to reach His people. 226 00:16:05,720 --> 00:16:08,320 And I believe that now. 227 00:16:08,320 --> 00:16:10,160 And I believe that now. 228 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:15,840 And see we have to realize the next time you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, defeated, 229 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:20,980 disappointed, just remember Jesus understood the same feelings. 230 00:16:20,980 --> 00:16:25,640 And not only did he understand them but he experienced so much more. 231 00:16:25,640 --> 00:16:31,280 Look at Isaiah 53, 3-4 which is a prophetic writing about what Jesus will experience. 232 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:33,840 He was despised and rejected. 233 00:16:33,840 --> 00:16:37,480 A man of sorrows acquainted with deepest grief. 234 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:40,660 We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. 235 00:16:40,660 --> 00:16:43,080 He was despised. 236 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:44,760 And we did not care. 237 00:16:44,760 --> 00:16:47,920 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried. 238 00:16:47,920 --> 00:16:52,360 Our mistakes, our sins, our frustrations, our anger. 239 00:16:52,360 --> 00:16:57,680 It was our sorrows that weighed him down. 240 00:16:57,680 --> 00:17:00,240 And we got his troubles. 241 00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:01,400 We are a punishment from God. 242 00:17:01,400 --> 00:17:03,160 A punishment for our sins. 243 00:17:03,160 --> 00:17:04,320 Does that make sense? 244 00:17:04,320 --> 00:17:09,200 Like Jesus took on and understood our frustrations and our anger. 245 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:14,880 He understands it but yet through it all he was nothing but joyful. 246 00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:16,760 Hebrews 12. 247 00:17:16,760 --> 00:17:21,920 Because of the joy awaiting him, now notice that he was focused on the joy of the kingdom. 248 00:17:21,920 --> 00:17:25,460 He endured the cross disregarding its shame. 249 00:17:25,460 --> 00:17:29,840 Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 250 00:17:29,840 --> 00:17:33,280 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people. 251 00:17:33,280 --> 00:17:36,600 Then you won't become weary and ever give up. 252 00:17:36,600 --> 00:17:41,520 I mean what promise of hope that all of us have. 253 00:17:41,520 --> 00:17:46,440 Jesus does not want us to focus on the future joy of heaven. 254 00:17:46,440 --> 00:17:48,880 He doesn't want to think I just can't wait until I get there. 255 00:17:48,880 --> 00:17:50,600 It's going to be a great celebration. 256 00:17:50,600 --> 00:17:51,600 No more crying. 257 00:17:51,600 --> 00:17:52,600 No more. 258 00:17:52,600 --> 00:17:53,600 No more. 259 00:17:53,600 --> 00:17:58,800 No he wants that joy right now to explode within us. 260 00:17:58,800 --> 00:18:01,240 Because our fourth thought this morning. 261 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:04,040 God's kingdom is a party. 262 00:18:04,040 --> 00:18:05,480 God's kingdom is a party. 263 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:06,480 Luke 5.29. 264 00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:10,480 Levi gave a large dinner party at his home for Jesus. 265 00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:16,760 He was there, taxman and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner. 266 00:18:16,760 --> 00:18:19,760 And remember this party who was it for? 267 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:22,440 Was it for Levi and his change in life he had? 268 00:18:22,440 --> 00:18:24,320 It was for Jesus. 269 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:29,520 Levi wanted all of his friends to meet this man that changed his life. 270 00:18:29,520 --> 00:18:34,000 He said come you've got to meet this guy. 271 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:38,320 Listen to Jesus' teaching on God's kingdom in Matthew 22. 272 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:43,120 The kingdom of heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding 273 00:18:43,120 --> 00:18:45,280 feast for his son. 274 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:48,280 And a great wedding feast in Jewish culture. 275 00:18:48,280 --> 00:18:50,960 Let me paint a picture for you. 276 00:18:50,960 --> 00:18:57,840 A great wedding feast in Jewish culture is not a drive up wedding chapel in Las Vegas. 277 00:18:57,840 --> 00:19:00,560 Like it doesn't just happen real quick. 278 00:19:00,560 --> 00:19:03,920 Wedding feast in Jewish culture lasted for days. 279 00:19:03,920 --> 00:19:13,280 I mean remember Jesus' first miracle recorded in John's gospel was turning water into wine 280 00:19:13,280 --> 00:19:16,960 at the wedding at Canaan Galley. 281 00:19:16,960 --> 00:19:22,960 Jesus is saying that everything he brings to earth for you and me, forgiveness, grace, 282 00:19:22,960 --> 00:19:25,680 mercy, joy, it's like a party. 283 00:19:25,680 --> 00:19:31,400 It's like a party that continues on as people celebrate God's goodness. 284 00:19:31,400 --> 00:19:36,160 God's kingdom breaks into our world, into our everyday lives. 285 00:19:36,160 --> 00:19:37,160 And friends it's a party. 286 00:19:37,160 --> 00:19:39,480 And you say well Chris how is it a party? 287 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:40,480 Look at John 15. 288 00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:44,320 I have told you these things that you may be filled with my joy. 289 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:47,680 Yes your joy will overflow. 290 00:19:47,680 --> 00:19:53,200 Jesus never called this going to church. 291 00:19:53,200 --> 00:19:54,200 Everyone hear that? 292 00:19:54,200 --> 00:19:58,480 Like Jesus never referenced what we're doing here as going to church. 293 00:19:58,480 --> 00:20:01,160 Like that's something that we made up. 294 00:20:01,160 --> 00:20:02,940 That's something that you and I made up. 295 00:20:02,940 --> 00:20:06,000 He didn't use that terminology. 296 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:10,000 And see we have reduced God's kingdom to going to church. 297 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:11,560 Let's just go to church. 298 00:20:11,560 --> 00:20:15,960 And if something more important or more fun comes up we're going to tend not to go to 299 00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:16,960 church. 300 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:20,160 True or false? 301 00:20:20,160 --> 00:20:27,360 That's because we've stripped the fun out of what God's kingdom is all about. 302 00:20:27,360 --> 00:20:31,960 You know Friday night I went to a football game. 303 00:20:31,960 --> 00:20:33,600 And it was a big football game. 304 00:20:33,600 --> 00:20:36,000 Friday night lights. 305 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:43,560 And we drove down to Maryland and we went to the game and this stadium was packed. 306 00:20:43,560 --> 00:20:48,360 I mean we're talking 60,000 people. 307 00:20:48,360 --> 00:20:50,240 Every seat full. 308 00:20:50,240 --> 00:20:51,440 People mad at each other. 309 00:20:51,440 --> 00:20:52,440 Yelling at each other. 310 00:20:52,440 --> 00:20:53,440 Screaming at each other. 311 00:20:53,440 --> 00:20:59,400 Once they got in the stadium everything was just okay. 312 00:20:59,400 --> 00:21:03,680 In a matter of five minutes the party was over. 313 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:05,920 Does that make sense? 314 00:21:05,920 --> 00:21:07,520 Like the party was over. 315 00:21:07,520 --> 00:21:11,800 By half time half the stadium was empty. 316 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:17,140 Everyone just left because there was no joy to the game. 317 00:21:17,140 --> 00:21:20,560 And see the same happens with you and me. 318 00:21:20,560 --> 00:21:25,640 We put things in front of church because we think those things are more fun and exciting. 319 00:21:25,640 --> 00:21:28,320 Well this party is what it's all about. 320 00:21:28,320 --> 00:21:29,320 No. 321 00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:33,640 There's nothing better than God's party. 322 00:21:33,640 --> 00:21:37,280 And we need to re-orchestrate our thinking. 323 00:21:37,280 --> 00:21:40,600 It's not about going to church. 324 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:43,560 It's about celebrating all that God is doing. 325 00:21:43,560 --> 00:21:44,560 Think about Levi. 326 00:21:44,560 --> 00:21:47,440 He goes, come and celebrate life with me. 327 00:21:47,440 --> 00:21:53,960 The religious leaders, the Pharisees, they struggled with this concept because they viewed 328 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:58,160 their relationship with God as getting smaller not bigger. 329 00:21:58,160 --> 00:22:00,640 They didn't want God's kingdom to be bigger. 330 00:22:00,640 --> 00:22:03,160 They wanted it to be smaller. 331 00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:10,840 Well only these people can come into God's synagogue or temple or God's house. 332 00:22:10,840 --> 00:22:11,880 They have to be free of sin. 333 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:12,880 They have to look like me. 334 00:22:12,880 --> 00:22:14,080 They have to dress like me. 335 00:22:14,080 --> 00:22:16,960 They have to be just like everybody else. 336 00:22:16,960 --> 00:22:22,680 You see God is calling you and me not to become like those religious leaders. 337 00:22:22,680 --> 00:22:28,640 Not to become so strict and religious that we begin to decide who's in or out. 338 00:22:28,640 --> 00:22:30,120 Well I know they're in heaven. 339 00:22:30,120 --> 00:22:31,120 They're okay. 340 00:22:31,120 --> 00:22:32,120 They're doing the right thing. 341 00:22:32,120 --> 00:22:35,240 And I'm not inviting that person. 342 00:22:35,240 --> 00:22:41,360 Like I was having a conversation with someone, counseling them and sharing about Jesus. 343 00:22:41,360 --> 00:22:45,120 They wanted to meet with me and they were like, yeah I haven't been to your church yet 344 00:22:45,120 --> 00:22:48,680 because the person that invited me said, oh I don't want you to come. 345 00:22:48,680 --> 00:22:49,680 You're not ready. 346 00:22:49,680 --> 00:22:53,600 You don't believe. 347 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:57,960 I looked back at them and said, no we want you there. 348 00:22:57,960 --> 00:23:02,000 I'm the pastor and I don't care what you believe. 349 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:05,880 But I know what I believe and I know what God wants and you're called to be in one of 350 00:23:05,880 --> 00:23:06,880 those seats. 351 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:12,000 But that's the way we get when we don't look at God's kingdom as being a party but as being 352 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:15,440 to, oh that's just the place that I'm going to go to on Sunday. 353 00:23:15,440 --> 00:23:20,360 Feel better and it's just going to help me get through the week. 354 00:23:20,360 --> 00:23:23,760 God is inviting us to join His party. 355 00:23:23,760 --> 00:23:25,840 And it should be a party like no other. 356 00:23:25,840 --> 00:23:26,840 And what does it look like? 357 00:23:26,840 --> 00:23:29,680 There's four simple ways that we join in God's party. 358 00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:30,940 And the first is this. 359 00:23:30,940 --> 00:23:34,560 We all need to be expansive. 360 00:23:34,560 --> 00:23:35,560 Luke 5, 29. 361 00:23:35,560 --> 00:23:40,000 Levi gave a large dinner party at his home for Jesus. 362 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:41,000 Everybody was there. 363 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:43,320 Does everyone hear that? 364 00:23:43,320 --> 00:23:45,320 Everybody was there. 365 00:23:45,320 --> 00:23:48,520 Taxmen and other disreputable characters as guests. 366 00:23:48,520 --> 00:23:49,960 Now notice what it says. 367 00:23:49,960 --> 00:23:51,760 It says as guests. 368 00:23:51,760 --> 00:23:54,440 It doesn't say oh they were just on the outside looking in. 369 00:23:54,440 --> 00:23:55,960 They were peeking through a window. 370 00:23:55,960 --> 00:23:59,320 They were guests at the table. 371 00:23:59,320 --> 00:24:00,440 Galatians 3, 8. 372 00:24:00,440 --> 00:24:05,360 What's more, the scriptures look forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles 373 00:24:05,360 --> 00:24:08,180 right in His sight because of their faith. 374 00:24:08,180 --> 00:24:12,200 God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago in the Old Testament. 375 00:24:12,200 --> 00:24:17,040 All nations will be blessed through you. 376 00:24:17,040 --> 00:24:19,000 All nations will be blessed through you. 377 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:21,700 Friends we need to be expansive. 378 00:24:21,700 --> 00:24:27,440 We need to realize that God's kingdom is for everyone and we have to be willing to open 379 00:24:27,440 --> 00:24:30,600 the doors and let them come in. 380 00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:32,760 I want to share with you just two quick. 381 00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:34,600 I received these emails this week. 382 00:24:34,600 --> 00:24:37,880 Just two testimonies about what God is doing in people's lives. 383 00:24:37,880 --> 00:24:44,840 I left the individual's names out just because that's just being the right thing to do. 384 00:24:44,840 --> 00:24:50,280 But I just want you to hear what God is doing in our community of faith. 385 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:54,520 I don't know how to thank you or put into words the impact that you and HCV have had 386 00:24:54,520 --> 00:24:56,060 on my life. 387 00:24:56,060 --> 00:24:59,160 I was a heroin addict and couldn't stay clean. 388 00:24:59,160 --> 00:25:03,400 I came into church and reconnected with God and my life has changed so much. 389 00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:07,960 I just prayed and tried to do everything that you suggested and counted down the days to 390 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:09,700 church again. 391 00:25:09,700 --> 00:25:13,400 It was the only hope I could find some weeks. 392 00:25:13,400 --> 00:25:19,820 And I will continue to come and pray and hopefully someday soon I can help other addicts. 393 00:25:19,820 --> 00:25:24,160 I don't know if I'm saying the right thing but you said pastoring was lonely. 394 00:25:24,160 --> 00:25:26,040 I hope you're never lonely. 395 00:25:26,040 --> 00:25:30,660 I don't have a house yet or a car and I can't invite you to dinner. 396 00:25:30,660 --> 00:25:34,080 I really don't want a lot of people to know my past but I want you to know you saved my 397 00:25:34,080 --> 00:25:41,200 life. 398 00:25:41,200 --> 00:25:43,240 Now I hear it out there's more. 399 00:25:43,240 --> 00:25:45,280 I am so grateful. 400 00:25:45,280 --> 00:25:47,520 I have a decent job now. 401 00:25:47,520 --> 00:25:52,560 I have money saved towards a car and I've reconnected with my family. 402 00:25:52,560 --> 00:25:53,560 Thank you so much. 403 00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:58,560 I feel like it's not enough but thank you. 404 00:25:58,560 --> 00:25:59,560 That's right. 405 00:25:59,560 --> 00:26:01,920 That's not my words. 406 00:26:01,920 --> 00:26:04,040 Now listen to this one. 407 00:26:04,040 --> 00:26:08,520 This year has been by far the hardest year of both my wife and I's life. 408 00:26:08,520 --> 00:26:11,560 In January my wife lost her mother to suicide. 409 00:26:11,560 --> 00:26:14,280 Our life instantly went into a tailspin. 410 00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:17,160 The questions, the sadness, the anger filled our hearts. 411 00:26:17,160 --> 00:26:20,880 I was afraid my wife would never be the same. 412 00:26:20,880 --> 00:26:26,160 My wife and I were both raised in strict Catholic homes but found ourselves far from the church. 413 00:26:26,160 --> 00:26:28,240 We had no sense of community. 414 00:26:28,240 --> 00:26:33,200 With the stigma of suicide we felt out of place at our church. 415 00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:37,740 We are encouraged to attend HTV by my sister and brother-in-law and many times throughout 416 00:26:37,740 --> 00:26:44,160 the years I attended only a few of my niece's dedications. 417 00:26:44,160 --> 00:26:48,520 One day while I was driving a wave came over me and I can only explain it was someone telling 418 00:26:48,520 --> 00:26:51,020 me I needed to come home. 419 00:26:51,020 --> 00:26:56,580 I started to tear up and I knew then I was being called back to church, back to the Hub 420 00:26:56,580 --> 00:26:57,920 City Vineyard. 421 00:26:57,920 --> 00:27:02,600 I called my wife and asked her if she would be okay if we attended that Sunday service 422 00:27:02,600 --> 00:27:04,680 at HTV. 423 00:27:04,680 --> 00:27:08,480 That week we both wept when we got back to our vehicles. 424 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:11,540 Every word you said resonated with both of us. 425 00:27:11,540 --> 00:27:13,300 It was a wow moment. 426 00:27:13,300 --> 00:27:15,240 Our lives have changed since that day. 427 00:27:15,240 --> 00:27:21,860 Our faith is stronger, our marriage is stronger than it has been in years. 428 00:27:21,860 --> 00:27:25,840 And with great sadness and many reminders of what happened in January we were both the 429 00:27:25,840 --> 00:27:30,920 happiest with ourselves than we have ever been in our lives. 430 00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:36,280 We are both better people because of God, you and the HTV community. 431 00:27:36,280 --> 00:27:42,400 Though many things are different now we have the word of God and HTV to thank for getting 432 00:27:42,400 --> 00:27:44,400 us out of the darkness. 433 00:27:44,400 --> 00:27:46,480 So from the bottom of my heart I thank you. 434 00:27:46,480 --> 00:27:49,520 If you are ever available for some mission barbecue let me know. 435 00:27:49,520 --> 00:27:58,240 I will take you to lunch. 436 00:27:58,240 --> 00:28:03,260 I think you all know what my answer to that was. 437 00:28:03,260 --> 00:28:07,560 Friends we have to become expansive. 438 00:28:07,560 --> 00:28:13,600 Some people, listen, some people considered Levi's friends scum. 439 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:19,800 And let's be honest there are people in our community that look different than us, different 440 00:28:19,800 --> 00:28:25,840 cultures, different genders, different economic standings, different political affiliations. 441 00:28:25,840 --> 00:28:32,760 Some are Steelers fans. 442 00:28:32,760 --> 00:28:40,480 But God's kingdom is expansive and includes everyone. 443 00:28:40,480 --> 00:28:43,000 Listen to Revelation 7. 444 00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:47,120 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count from every nation and tribe and people 445 00:28:47,120 --> 00:28:51,040 and language standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. 446 00:28:51,040 --> 00:28:54,800 They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands and they were 447 00:28:54,800 --> 00:28:58,520 shouting with a great roar. 448 00:28:58,520 --> 00:29:03,180 We have to become open to being expansive. 449 00:29:03,180 --> 00:29:09,480 We have to invite people from all cultures, right, from all over the world into our community 450 00:29:09,480 --> 00:29:13,500 of faith because that's what reflects God's heart. 451 00:29:13,500 --> 00:29:15,320 That is God's kingdom. 452 00:29:15,320 --> 00:29:16,560 Right? 453 00:29:16,560 --> 00:29:22,360 God's kingdom is not a middle class white American. 454 00:29:22,360 --> 00:29:28,520 It's an expansive community of all tribes, all races, all ages, all genders. 455 00:29:28,520 --> 00:29:31,480 And guys we need to invite them in. 456 00:29:31,480 --> 00:29:38,240 We need to be open to what God is doing in our midst which moves us to our next step. 457 00:29:38,240 --> 00:29:40,320 We have to be centered. 458 00:29:40,320 --> 00:29:47,600 Luke 5, 29 to 30 later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. 459 00:29:47,600 --> 00:29:50,440 Jesus was the guest of honor. 460 00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:54,440 Levi was focused on Jesus. 461 00:29:54,440 --> 00:29:55,720 Think about it. 462 00:29:55,720 --> 00:29:58,380 Levi dropped everything. 463 00:29:58,380 --> 00:30:01,720 He left everything behind and this was a wealthy man. 464 00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:07,420 Probably one of the more wealthy, right, within the Jewish culture because he was stealing 465 00:30:07,420 --> 00:30:09,280 from his own people. 466 00:30:09,280 --> 00:30:12,320 He dropped everything and he followed Jesus. 467 00:30:12,320 --> 00:30:16,240 Jesus became the most important thing in his life and if we're honest we have a lot of 468 00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:20,800 other things in our lives that's more important than Jesus. 469 00:30:20,800 --> 00:30:27,560 When Jesus is the most important thing in our life we want to share it with our friends. 470 00:30:27,560 --> 00:30:28,560 Now hear me out. 471 00:30:28,560 --> 00:30:31,520 I thought about it as I was reading through the text this week. 472 00:30:31,520 --> 00:30:36,040 I guarantee you all of Levi's friends didn't show up. 473 00:30:36,040 --> 00:30:37,400 I guarantee you. 474 00:30:37,400 --> 00:30:42,880 I bet he invited every one of the people that he knew that was close with. 475 00:30:42,880 --> 00:30:45,760 I can guarantee you not all of them showed up. 476 00:30:45,760 --> 00:30:48,360 Some were too busy. 477 00:30:48,360 --> 00:30:50,600 Some were not interested. 478 00:30:50,600 --> 00:30:55,040 Or dare I say some were critical and negative and made fun of him. 479 00:30:55,040 --> 00:30:56,040 He's not the Messiah. 480 00:30:56,040 --> 00:30:58,800 I don't need to meet him. 481 00:30:58,800 --> 00:31:02,400 But he still had the party. 482 00:31:02,400 --> 00:31:04,160 He still had it. 483 00:31:04,160 --> 00:31:06,200 He didn't get frustrated and he didn't beat himself up. 484 00:31:06,200 --> 00:31:07,840 He said, no come. 485 00:31:07,840 --> 00:31:09,460 We're going to have a party like no other. 486 00:31:09,460 --> 00:31:14,600 But the Pharisees, the teachers of religious law, they complain bitterly to Jesus. 487 00:31:14,600 --> 00:31:15,920 Why does he eat with such scum? 488 00:31:15,920 --> 00:31:21,120 And see we have to avoid becoming bounded to a set of rules or regulations. 489 00:31:21,120 --> 00:31:23,900 Well this is what you do in church and that's it. 490 00:31:23,900 --> 00:31:25,920 You can't have panda games. 491 00:31:25,920 --> 00:31:28,800 What do you mean? 492 00:31:28,800 --> 00:31:32,160 You can't have beach balls bouncing around or a wave. 493 00:31:32,160 --> 00:31:35,400 A DJ in the lobby. 494 00:31:35,400 --> 00:31:36,760 Sinners. 495 00:31:36,760 --> 00:31:38,800 Scum. 496 00:31:38,800 --> 00:31:43,960 But that's what's happening today. 497 00:31:43,960 --> 00:31:49,920 There are people in our community that will say that about me and about you because you 498 00:31:49,920 --> 00:31:52,880 come to this community of faith. 499 00:31:52,880 --> 00:31:55,120 Well that's not God. 500 00:31:55,120 --> 00:31:56,360 How does God have fun? 501 00:31:56,360 --> 00:32:02,120 How does God, no it's got to be, you've got to be strict. 502 00:32:02,120 --> 00:32:05,080 And the text is clear. 503 00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:06,080 That's just religion. 504 00:32:06,080 --> 00:32:09,680 It's the religious leaders. 505 00:32:09,680 --> 00:32:14,360 The religious leaders, they allowed their view of God and His kingdom to become smaller and 506 00:32:14,360 --> 00:32:20,640 isolated so that everyone that was included in God's kingdom looked, talked, and acted 507 00:32:20,640 --> 00:32:21,640 like them. 508 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:24,840 That's what happened. 509 00:32:24,840 --> 00:32:29,840 And if we're not careful, we can do the same and that's just not from God. 510 00:32:29,840 --> 00:32:33,240 We have to remain focused on Jesus and allow Him to be the center of who we are and what 511 00:32:33,240 --> 00:32:34,240 we do. 512 00:32:34,240 --> 00:32:35,480 Look at Colossians 3. 513 00:32:35,480 --> 00:32:40,200 Don't shuffle along eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. 514 00:32:40,200 --> 00:32:41,400 Look up. 515 00:32:41,400 --> 00:32:44,200 Be alert to what is going on around Christ. 516 00:32:44,200 --> 00:32:46,340 That's where the action is. 517 00:32:46,340 --> 00:32:49,300 See things from His perspective. 518 00:32:49,300 --> 00:32:51,440 And what is God's perspective? 519 00:32:51,440 --> 00:32:53,400 Let's have a party. 520 00:32:53,400 --> 00:32:55,440 Let's invite people in. 521 00:32:55,440 --> 00:33:00,800 And when we seek His kingdom, seek the kingdom above all else and live righteously, He will 522 00:33:00,800 --> 00:33:03,720 give you everything you need. 523 00:33:03,720 --> 00:33:12,520 I mean, we have all the fun and excitement of a party without the headache of a hangover. 524 00:33:12,520 --> 00:33:13,520 It's true. 525 00:33:13,520 --> 00:33:20,520 I mean, in the book of Acts, we so soon forget that the early followers, when they were filled 526 00:33:20,520 --> 00:33:26,440 with the Spirit, they were accused of being drunk because they were joyful. 527 00:33:26,440 --> 00:33:27,660 They were celebrating. 528 00:33:27,660 --> 00:33:29,800 They were partying. 529 00:33:29,800 --> 00:33:32,200 So that challenges us to number three. 530 00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:33,200 So remember, what do we have to do? 531 00:33:33,200 --> 00:33:35,880 Be expansive. 532 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:37,440 Be centered. 533 00:33:37,440 --> 00:33:39,200 We have to be inviting. 534 00:33:39,200 --> 00:33:43,200 Levi gave a large dinner party at his home for Jesus. 535 00:33:43,200 --> 00:33:44,200 Right? 536 00:33:44,200 --> 00:33:46,360 Think about that statement. 537 00:33:46,360 --> 00:33:51,840 He was there. 538 00:33:51,840 --> 00:33:56,760 There are a lot of people in our tri-state area that are not connected to a community 539 00:33:56,760 --> 00:33:58,360 of faith. 540 00:33:58,360 --> 00:34:04,820 Recent statistics say that only 31% of Maryland residents recently polled attend a church. 541 00:34:04,820 --> 00:34:09,120 So I added some numbers because, of course, we reached West Virginia and Pennsylvania. 542 00:34:09,120 --> 00:34:15,320 So that means that there are roughly 122,500 people in the tri-state area not in a church 543 00:34:15,320 --> 00:34:18,360 this morning. 544 00:34:18,360 --> 00:34:22,400 That's a lot of people. 545 00:34:22,400 --> 00:34:25,880 Chances are, you know a few. 546 00:34:25,880 --> 00:34:29,040 True or false? 547 00:34:29,040 --> 00:34:31,840 God wants them to be a part of his family. 548 00:34:31,840 --> 00:34:34,840 And he wants you to go and get them. 549 00:34:34,840 --> 00:34:36,360 And you say, well, Chris, why would I do that? 550 00:34:36,360 --> 00:34:37,360 Why would I invite them? 551 00:34:37,360 --> 00:34:40,560 Did you hear those testimonies? 552 00:34:40,560 --> 00:34:41,560 That's not me. 553 00:34:41,560 --> 00:34:42,560 That's not Red. 554 00:34:42,560 --> 00:34:44,520 That's not the worship team. 555 00:34:44,520 --> 00:34:46,200 That's not the welcome team. 556 00:34:46,200 --> 00:34:48,720 That's God. 557 00:34:48,720 --> 00:34:51,460 And that is what he is doing in our community of faith. 558 00:34:51,460 --> 00:34:54,160 Why wouldn't we want to celebrate that? 559 00:34:54,160 --> 00:34:56,760 Why wouldn't we want more people to be in on that? 560 00:34:56,760 --> 00:35:01,280 After all, in Luke 14 it says, the servant returned and told his master what they had 561 00:35:01,280 --> 00:35:02,280 said. 562 00:35:02,280 --> 00:35:04,120 His master was furious. 563 00:35:04,120 --> 00:35:06,280 Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town. 564 00:35:06,280 --> 00:35:09,100 Invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. 565 00:35:09,100 --> 00:35:11,560 But there was still more room. 566 00:35:11,560 --> 00:35:13,880 God said go out into the country. 567 00:35:13,880 --> 00:35:20,480 Go out into the lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come. 568 00:35:20,480 --> 00:35:22,880 And what were they coming to? 569 00:35:22,880 --> 00:35:25,120 They were coming to a party. 570 00:35:25,120 --> 00:35:28,920 They were coming to a celebration like no other. 571 00:35:28,920 --> 00:35:34,440 And when it says they are urged, anyone you find, that means that we practice hospitality. 572 00:35:34,440 --> 00:35:38,720 Romans 12, always be eager to practice hospitality. 573 00:35:38,720 --> 00:35:40,480 Always be eager. 574 00:35:40,480 --> 00:35:46,240 But we have to remember friends that we are called, our fourth and final one, to celebrate. 575 00:35:46,240 --> 00:35:49,020 We are called to celebrate. 576 00:35:49,020 --> 00:35:52,840 This whole Jesus thing is fun and exciting and inclusive. 577 00:35:52,840 --> 00:35:56,360 We are called to be overflowing with joy. 578 00:35:56,360 --> 00:36:00,960 Psalm 145, your all inspiring deeds will be on every tongue. 579 00:36:00,960 --> 00:36:03,600 I will proclaim your greatness. 580 00:36:03,600 --> 00:36:06,080 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness. 581 00:36:06,080 --> 00:36:09,640 They will sing with joy about your righteousness. 582 00:36:09,640 --> 00:36:14,600 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry, and filled with an unfailing 583 00:36:14,600 --> 00:36:16,040 love. 584 00:36:16,040 --> 00:36:24,680 Remember, when we celebrate, God desires that we express our love to Him in what? 585 00:36:24,680 --> 00:36:25,680 In joy. 586 00:36:25,680 --> 00:36:27,600 With our entire being. 587 00:36:27,600 --> 00:36:33,600 He says allow your body to reflect what your heart is doing, your excitement, your passion. 588 00:36:33,600 --> 00:36:37,920 First Peter 1, you never saw Him, yet you love Him. 589 00:36:37,920 --> 00:36:42,840 You still don't see Him, yet you trust Him with laughter and singing. 590 00:36:42,840 --> 00:36:47,640 Because you kept on believing you'll get what you're looking forward to, total salvation. 591 00:36:47,640 --> 00:36:54,440 With laughter, with singing, with clapping, with trumpets, with cymbals, with tambourines, 592 00:36:54,440 --> 00:36:58,580 with drums, with voices, with everything we got. 593 00:36:58,580 --> 00:37:00,480 We are called to what? 594 00:37:00,480 --> 00:37:03,600 We're called to celebrate. 595 00:37:03,600 --> 00:37:08,120 Now before we get into it, before we close, I've been praying all week for you and I just 596 00:37:08,120 --> 00:37:11,960 felt like God took me back to that part of there's going to be so many people here that 597 00:37:11,960 --> 00:37:16,720 are going to walk into this place and you're going to be disappointed, frustrated, upset, 598 00:37:16,720 --> 00:37:20,360 angry, just where you are in life. 599 00:37:20,360 --> 00:37:24,320 Maybe you made a bad decision, a bad choice, maybe you just had a breakup, maybe you lost 600 00:37:24,320 --> 00:37:29,120 your job, I have no idea, but you are going to come into this place feeling that way. 601 00:37:29,120 --> 00:37:32,200 And God is challenging me to challenge you to say this. 602 00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:36,880 He's going to supernaturally change that feeling through your worship. 603 00:37:36,880 --> 00:37:42,320 Not through my prayer, but through you celebrating what God is doing in our midst. 604 00:37:42,320 --> 00:37:44,440 He's going to supernaturally change your life. 605 00:37:44,440 --> 00:37:46,680 Do you believe that? 606 00:37:46,680 --> 00:37:50,720 Because this is a party. 607 00:37:50,720 --> 00:37:54,200 And we need to radically change how we view church. 608 00:37:54,200 --> 00:37:56,160 We don't go to church. 609 00:37:56,160 --> 00:37:59,960 We show up, have fun, celebrate and party. 610 00:37:59,960 --> 00:38:02,320 Until you celebrate with me this morning. 611 00:38:02,320 --> 00:38:05,400 Alright, let's stand to our feet. 612 00:38:05,400 --> 00:38:09,240 Let's sing like we've never sung before and I want to challenge some of you. 613 00:38:09,240 --> 00:38:11,320 You need to win. 614 00:38:11,320 --> 00:38:12,520 This is all this means. 615 00:38:12,520 --> 00:38:14,280 I'm winning God. 616 00:38:14,280 --> 00:38:18,080 I am winning today and celebrating what you're doing in my life. 617 00:38:18,080 --> 00:38:21,080 There's no impossible. 618 00:38:21,080 --> 00:38:26,400 I believe that you are working now. 619 00:38:26,400 --> 00:38:30,320 Pour it out. 620 00:38:30,320 --> 00:38:57,320 Oh pour it out.