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 --> 00:00:30,840 change me to 970-00. 5 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:32,920 Thank you and enjoy the message. 6 00:00:32,920 --> 00:00:37,920 This morning we're actually concluding our October series called The Build Back. 7 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:41,920 We've been looking at an incredible story about an ordinary guy. 8 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:44,080 Everyone say ordinary guy. 9 00:00:44,080 --> 00:00:49,480 And please remember those two words because we'll be discussing another ordinary guy later 10 00:00:49,480 --> 00:00:51,100 in this talk. 11 00:00:51,100 --> 00:00:56,180 An ordinary guy named Nehemiah who does an incredible work. 12 00:00:56,180 --> 00:00:58,560 And here's what I know about you today. 13 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:02,740 I want every single one of you to hear this. 14 00:01:02,740 --> 00:01:05,400 You are not a mistake. 15 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:08,180 You are not an accident. 16 00:01:08,180 --> 00:01:11,080 You are here by God's grace. 17 00:01:11,080 --> 00:01:14,940 And God knew exactly what He was doing when He created you. 18 00:01:14,940 --> 00:01:17,200 He formed you in your mother's womb. 19 00:01:17,200 --> 00:01:24,860 He gave you gifts, passions, desires and talents to do things that will change and impact this 20 00:01:24,860 --> 00:01:26,160 very world. 21 00:01:26,160 --> 00:01:33,000 And today I believe the Spirit of God is going to speak to many of us, stir us, shake us, 22 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:39,940 move us, convict us, inspire us to do a good work for the Kingdom of God. 23 00:01:39,940 --> 00:01:46,340 And I believe that every single one of us watching online here with us this morning 24 00:01:46,340 --> 00:01:50,560 is called to make an eternal difference for God's Kingdom. 25 00:01:50,560 --> 00:01:56,400 So back to Nehemiah, if you missed one of our last three weeks, who was he? 26 00:01:56,400 --> 00:01:59,060 Nehemiah was an ordinary guy from the Old Testament. 27 00:01:59,060 --> 00:02:00,380 He was not a prophet. 28 00:02:00,380 --> 00:02:01,700 He wasn't a pastor. 29 00:02:01,700 --> 00:02:02,920 He wasn't a king. 30 00:02:02,920 --> 00:02:04,580 He was not a warrior. 31 00:02:04,580 --> 00:02:07,500 He wasn't even a building contractor. 32 00:02:07,500 --> 00:02:13,880 He was a regular guy who was serving King Artaxerxes of Persia in a role known as a 33 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:15,080 cup bearer. 34 00:02:15,080 --> 00:02:20,220 He was kind of like a consultant or a servant or an advisor to the King. 35 00:02:20,220 --> 00:02:26,580 We learned that in the year 587 BC under the reign of evil King Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonians 36 00:02:26,580 --> 00:02:34,580 came in and completely destroyed Judah, crushed the temple, burned the gates to the city and 37 00:02:34,580 --> 00:02:36,940 left it in total ruins. 38 00:02:36,940 --> 00:02:43,300 Literally thousands and thousands of Jewish people were taken into captivity. 39 00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:48,600 Decades passed and no one could seem to rebuild the city. 40 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:50,500 The walls were destroyed. 41 00:02:50,500 --> 00:02:56,320 Then one day Nehemiah's brother traveled to see Nehemiah and told him about the struggles 42 00:02:56,320 --> 00:03:00,580 of his people and Nehemiah's heart broke. 43 00:03:00,580 --> 00:03:02,860 And he wept for his people. 44 00:03:02,860 --> 00:03:06,500 He was broken on the inside because the people were vulnerable. 45 00:03:06,500 --> 00:03:12,860 They had no leadership, no direction and Nehemiah started seeking the heart of God. 46 00:03:12,860 --> 00:03:18,380 I challenged everyone in week two that over and over again Nehemiah would pray throughout 47 00:03:18,380 --> 00:03:19,380 the book. 48 00:03:19,380 --> 00:03:25,020 You see 12 different times recorded in the scriptures that he prays and he seeks God 49 00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:26,980 with all of his heart. 50 00:03:26,980 --> 00:03:32,780 And as he prays he goes before the King and he has permission to leave his job and travel 51 00:03:32,780 --> 00:03:36,820 back to his homeland to assess the situation. 52 00:03:36,820 --> 00:03:42,900 Nehemiah wanted to assemble a group of people that believed that God could lead them to 53 00:03:42,900 --> 00:03:44,820 rebuild the wall. 54 00:03:44,820 --> 00:03:50,300 At first things were sketchy but eventually they started to make progress. 55 00:03:50,300 --> 00:03:55,100 But we all know and we learned last week when Jess shared that as soon as you start to make 56 00:03:55,100 --> 00:04:02,000 spiritual progress, as a good work begins the opposition will come your way. 57 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:07,900 The moment you start creating spiritual movement and spiritual momentum and you are getting 58 00:04:07,900 --> 00:04:14,300 closer to Jesus and you are desiring the things of God, your spiritual enemy will show up 59 00:04:14,300 --> 00:04:20,540 and try to resist and fight against the very good work that God has put in your heart. 60 00:04:20,540 --> 00:04:24,060 And all of that introduction leads us to our first thought this morning. 61 00:04:24,060 --> 00:04:29,860 See if our enemy can't defeat us, which he can't because we all know that in the end 62 00:04:29,860 --> 00:04:37,900 God wins, he will unfortunately distract us and he will get us off course. 63 00:04:37,900 --> 00:04:44,420 He will do whatever he can to take your eyes off the mission, to take your eyes off your 64 00:04:44,420 --> 00:04:50,940 calling, to take your eyes off your purpose and distract you from God's kingdom. 65 00:04:50,940 --> 00:04:54,700 And this is exactly what happened in this story with Nehemiah. 66 00:04:54,700 --> 00:05:00,860 The wall started to go up and then the enemies, Sambalai, Tobiah and a guy named Gesham. 67 00:05:00,860 --> 00:05:02,220 Everyone say Gesham. 68 00:05:02,220 --> 00:05:04,220 Doesn't that sound like a villain? 69 00:05:04,220 --> 00:05:10,020 I mean that's like a villain name, Gesham shows up and they try to distract Nehemiah 70 00:05:10,020 --> 00:05:13,060 off of his calling away from the job. 71 00:05:13,060 --> 00:05:19,340 Nehemiah chapter 6 verses 1 through 3, Sambalai, Tobiah, Gesham the Arab and the rest of our 72 00:05:19,340 --> 00:05:25,300 enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained. 73 00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:30,420 Though we had not yet set up the doors and the gates, so Sambalai and Gesham sent a message 74 00:05:30,420 --> 00:05:35,480 asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. 75 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:40,700 But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to 76 00:05:40,700 --> 00:05:41,700 them. 77 00:05:41,700 --> 00:05:44,580 I am engaged in a great work. 78 00:05:44,580 --> 00:05:47,380 Now notice, I'm going to pause there for a second. 79 00:05:47,380 --> 00:05:52,980 Nehemiah shifts his verbiage, it's no longer just a good work of rebuilding the wall, it's 80 00:05:52,980 --> 00:05:58,300 now a great work because they're almost finished. 81 00:05:58,300 --> 00:06:02,500 I am engaged in a great work so I can't come. 82 00:06:02,500 --> 00:06:06,540 Why should I stop working to come and meet with you? 83 00:06:06,540 --> 00:06:13,140 And what's interesting to me is to think of how some of us today, right, in our context 84 00:06:13,140 --> 00:06:19,260 might have translated that opportunity to meet with the enemies as a good thing. 85 00:06:19,260 --> 00:06:24,780 We might think, well they hate me, they're judging me, they don't like what I'm doing, 86 00:06:24,780 --> 00:06:29,880 this is an opportunity to win over my critics, to win them to my side. 87 00:06:29,880 --> 00:06:34,220 This is an opportunity to go and expand by influence. 88 00:06:34,220 --> 00:06:38,220 This is an opportunity for me to build my brand. 89 00:06:38,220 --> 00:06:43,540 Or maybe it's an opportunity for me to reach more people and establish and build up my 90 00:06:43,540 --> 00:06:44,580 name. 91 00:06:44,580 --> 00:06:51,420 The problem is, when we often think it's an opportunity, God calls it distraction. 92 00:06:51,420 --> 00:06:56,540 What we often think of as an opportunity, God calls it distraction. 93 00:06:56,540 --> 00:07:02,540 We look at it and we think this is an opportunity, we reach more people, we gain more traction. 94 00:07:02,540 --> 00:07:08,660 When in reality, it's a distraction from the enemy trying to get us off course of the very 95 00:07:08,660 --> 00:07:11,340 purpose that we've been created to do. 96 00:07:11,340 --> 00:07:14,620 The enemies, they say, please come and meet with us. 97 00:07:14,620 --> 00:07:16,420 I mean, they're even polite. 98 00:07:16,420 --> 00:07:20,940 Nehemiah, please come and meet with us, we're trying to distract you. 99 00:07:20,940 --> 00:07:25,420 But the enemies, the critics, they ask Nehemiah for a meeting. 100 00:07:25,420 --> 00:07:26,420 How does he respond? 101 00:07:26,420 --> 00:07:28,540 He says, no. 102 00:07:28,540 --> 00:07:30,100 He rejected the meeting. 103 00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:31,100 Why? 104 00:07:31,100 --> 00:07:35,060 So he could stay on task and keep building the wall. 105 00:07:35,060 --> 00:07:36,980 Nehemiah, will you meet with us? 106 00:07:36,980 --> 00:07:37,980 No. 107 00:07:37,980 --> 00:07:39,540 Nehemiah, can we have this meeting? 108 00:07:39,540 --> 00:07:40,540 No. 109 00:07:40,540 --> 00:07:45,340 Nehemiah, we want to talk to you about your philosophy and help you see another way. 110 00:07:45,340 --> 00:07:50,240 And he constantly says, no, no, no. 111 00:07:50,240 --> 00:07:54,100 One of the most strategic skills that you and I can develop in order to do what God 112 00:07:54,100 --> 00:08:02,260 has called us to do and to stay strong and to avoid distraction is learn the word no. 113 00:08:02,260 --> 00:08:07,100 But yet so often, because we're in a relationship with Jesus, because we want to impact and 114 00:08:07,100 --> 00:08:12,500 change the world, because we want to see people reached and their lives changed and people 115 00:08:12,500 --> 00:08:18,100 set free, we're constantly saying yes, yes, yes. 116 00:08:18,100 --> 00:08:23,140 But if you're going to grow in your relationship with God and you're going to pursue His passion 117 00:08:23,140 --> 00:08:30,940 for your life, which we all have a calling, then we have to grow in our nose and begin 118 00:08:30,940 --> 00:08:34,740 to say yes, less, more, and more. 119 00:08:34,740 --> 00:08:36,660 And you say, why, Chris? 120 00:08:36,660 --> 00:08:38,380 Why can't I say yes to everything? 121 00:08:38,380 --> 00:08:43,980 Because saying yes to everything distracts you from the very purpose that God has called 122 00:08:43,980 --> 00:08:45,220 you to do. 123 00:08:45,220 --> 00:08:47,580 We have to learn to say no. 124 00:08:47,580 --> 00:08:50,100 Can we all say no together? 125 00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:53,300 I didn't even say three yet. 126 00:08:53,300 --> 00:08:56,740 Bill Johns. 127 00:08:56,740 --> 00:09:02,020 One, two, three. 128 00:09:02,020 --> 00:09:03,020 Thank you. 129 00:09:03,020 --> 00:09:04,260 That's very good. 130 00:09:04,260 --> 00:09:08,020 Now listen, when you say no, you don't yell. 131 00:09:08,020 --> 00:09:10,400 You don't make an angry face. 132 00:09:10,400 --> 00:09:16,940 You just look at the person, smile with your head not nicely tilted to the side and just 133 00:09:16,940 --> 00:09:19,460 no. 134 00:09:19,460 --> 00:09:22,960 When someone asks you for a meeting, hey, can we get together? 135 00:09:22,960 --> 00:09:24,980 Can we do lunch? 136 00:09:24,980 --> 00:09:25,980 No. 137 00:09:25,980 --> 00:09:31,540 See, as our community of faith grows, I have more and more people that want to meet with 138 00:09:31,540 --> 00:09:32,540 me. 139 00:09:32,540 --> 00:09:33,540 And I love to have lunch. 140 00:09:33,540 --> 00:09:34,940 I love to have coffee. 141 00:09:34,940 --> 00:09:36,780 I love to meet with you. 142 00:09:36,780 --> 00:09:41,540 But what people don't like to hear is when they say, hey, Chris, I have this great idea. 143 00:09:41,540 --> 00:09:43,460 I think the church should do it. 144 00:09:43,460 --> 00:09:45,300 Let's get behind this idea. 145 00:09:45,300 --> 00:09:46,420 Let's go for it. 146 00:09:46,420 --> 00:09:47,420 Will you start it? 147 00:09:47,420 --> 00:09:50,500 And I say, no. 148 00:09:50,500 --> 00:09:54,380 Then they're mad at me because I said no because they think I'm telling them they can't do 149 00:09:54,380 --> 00:09:59,660 it when in reality I'm going to look back at them and say, no, you do it. 150 00:09:59,660 --> 00:10:04,140 Because if God's calling you to do it, you're called to do it, not me. 151 00:10:04,140 --> 00:10:05,660 Will the church support you? 152 00:10:05,660 --> 00:10:06,660 Absolutely. 153 00:10:06,660 --> 00:10:07,980 Will the church pray for you? 154 00:10:07,980 --> 00:10:08,980 Absolutely. 155 00:10:08,980 --> 00:10:13,820 Will the church help to fund you? 156 00:10:13,820 --> 00:10:15,860 Probably. 157 00:10:15,860 --> 00:10:20,820 I know our accountant's in here somewhere, so that's why I said probably. 158 00:10:20,820 --> 00:10:23,780 I can't say yes to everything. 159 00:10:23,780 --> 00:10:25,900 But don't expect me to do it for you. 160 00:10:25,900 --> 00:10:29,020 The answer is going to be no. 161 00:10:29,020 --> 00:10:32,740 Because I'm doing what God has called me to do. 162 00:10:32,740 --> 00:10:37,740 And for those of you that think that it's wrong to say no, Jesus said no. 163 00:10:37,740 --> 00:10:39,540 There'd be crowds of people. 164 00:10:39,540 --> 00:10:43,260 He'd heal a lot of them and then he'd say, hey, I'm done for the day. 165 00:10:43,260 --> 00:10:45,140 And he would walk away. 166 00:10:45,140 --> 00:10:46,620 He wasn't being mean. 167 00:10:46,620 --> 00:10:49,420 He was being wise. 168 00:10:49,420 --> 00:10:51,220 Because that's how the Spirit was leading him. 169 00:10:51,220 --> 00:10:52,860 Look at Mark chapter 1. 170 00:10:52,860 --> 00:10:58,300 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up, went out to an isolated place to pray. 171 00:10:58,300 --> 00:11:00,780 Later Simon and the others went out to find him. 172 00:11:00,780 --> 00:11:05,860 When they found him, they said, everyone is looking for you. 173 00:11:05,860 --> 00:11:11,380 But Jesus replied, notice, we must go on to the other towns as well and I will preach 174 00:11:11,380 --> 00:11:12,460 to them too. 175 00:11:12,460 --> 00:11:13,460 That is why I came. 176 00:11:13,460 --> 00:11:16,980 He said, it doesn't matter that everyone wanted to see me. 177 00:11:16,980 --> 00:11:19,140 No, I will not see them. 178 00:11:19,140 --> 00:11:20,740 We are moving on. 179 00:11:20,740 --> 00:11:27,340 I would argue that perhaps there's never been an easier time to be distracted in the history 180 00:11:27,340 --> 00:11:30,220 of the world than it is today. 181 00:11:30,220 --> 00:11:34,100 Because see, it's not just that people will distract us. 182 00:11:34,100 --> 00:11:37,540 Our stuff will distract us, which leads us to our next song. 183 00:11:37,540 --> 00:11:42,540 See, our world is full of distractions. 184 00:11:42,540 --> 00:11:44,140 Disruptions are everywhere. 185 00:11:44,140 --> 00:11:50,300 Our world is now a constant feed of information and entertainment. 186 00:11:50,300 --> 00:11:54,620 We carry around phones in our pockets everywhere we go. 187 00:11:54,620 --> 00:12:02,460 We connect to the internet at just about anywhere and we're bombarded by advertisements on nearly 188 00:12:02,460 --> 00:12:06,220 every flat level surface that's out there. 189 00:12:06,220 --> 00:12:09,140 As you're driving you're going to see advertisements. 190 00:12:09,140 --> 00:12:15,420 As you're driving your car, your phone dings and bings and there's this constant reminder 191 00:12:15,420 --> 00:12:18,620 that your phone is alive. 192 00:12:18,620 --> 00:12:28,540 And we have got to learn that for 24 hours a day there's a news cycle given to us. 193 00:12:28,540 --> 00:12:35,100 For 24 hours a day there's an updated streaming service that we are constantly being drawn 194 00:12:35,100 --> 00:12:36,100 to. 195 00:12:36,100 --> 00:12:38,460 We're bombarded with distractions. 196 00:12:38,460 --> 00:12:44,640 And every bit of information that enters my mind, enters our minds has one goal, to gain 197 00:12:44,640 --> 00:12:48,100 control of our attention and our resources. 198 00:12:48,100 --> 00:12:50,180 They want us to buy stuff. 199 00:12:50,180 --> 00:12:56,500 And with so much information battling for space in our minds, it's no wonder our attention 200 00:12:56,500 --> 00:12:59,080 spans have been steadily shrinking. 201 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:00,080 Check this out. 202 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:06,020 According to some recent studies, our attention span is now less than that of an ordinary 203 00:13:06,020 --> 00:13:09,660 goldfish. 204 00:13:09,660 --> 00:13:17,900 The average attention span for the ill-focused goldfish is nine seconds. 205 00:13:17,900 --> 00:13:19,180 Nine seconds. 206 00:13:19,180 --> 00:13:24,180 But according to a new study from Microsoft Corporation, the very people that are feeding 207 00:13:24,180 --> 00:13:31,100 all these distractions to us, the average person in the US now generally loses concentration 208 00:13:31,100 --> 00:13:35,180 after only eight seconds. 209 00:13:35,180 --> 00:13:41,820 Seeing the effects of an increasingly digital lifestyle on the brain. 210 00:13:41,820 --> 00:13:46,000 Basically our whole culture is now ADD. 211 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:47,580 The entire culture. 212 00:13:47,580 --> 00:13:51,080 The information age is literally rewiring our brains. 213 00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:52,660 And here's the worst part, church. 214 00:13:52,660 --> 00:13:54,680 We're letting them do it to us. 215 00:13:54,680 --> 00:13:56,300 We're choosing to engage. 216 00:13:56,300 --> 00:13:58,180 We're choosing to carry the phones. 217 00:13:58,180 --> 00:13:59,700 We're not turning them off. 218 00:13:59,700 --> 00:14:07,060 We're allowing notifications to constantly go off about posts and updates and dances 219 00:14:07,060 --> 00:14:09,460 and clothes that are coming out. 220 00:14:09,460 --> 00:14:12,740 It's just constant. 221 00:14:12,740 --> 00:14:15,140 That is a problem. 222 00:14:15,140 --> 00:14:18,740 And notice what we see in Nehemiah 6, 4 through 6. 223 00:14:18,740 --> 00:14:23,980 Four times they sent the same message and each time I gave the same reply, remember 224 00:14:23,980 --> 00:14:26,140 he was constantly saying no. 225 00:14:26,140 --> 00:14:30,940 The fifth time San-Balé's servant came with an open letter in his hand and this is what 226 00:14:30,940 --> 00:14:31,940 it said. 227 00:14:31,940 --> 00:14:38,900 There is a rumor among the surrounding nations that Gesham tells me it is true. 228 00:14:38,900 --> 00:14:43,340 That you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you're building the wall. 229 00:14:43,340 --> 00:14:47,340 According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 230 00:14:47,340 --> 00:14:48,580 There's a rumor. 231 00:14:48,580 --> 00:14:49,780 Right? 232 00:14:49,780 --> 00:14:53,140 Here's the reality about rumors. 233 00:14:53,140 --> 00:14:55,420 Rumors in our day and age. 234 00:14:55,420 --> 00:14:57,500 Where do they come from? 235 00:14:57,500 --> 00:14:58,880 Social media. 236 00:14:58,880 --> 00:15:05,540 Because everyone has the freedom to type anything they want about anyone that they want without 237 00:15:05,540 --> 00:15:09,580 face to face contact and there is no accountability. 238 00:15:09,580 --> 00:15:12,940 And it's just out there for the world to see. 239 00:15:12,940 --> 00:15:14,860 But here's the reality. 240 00:15:14,860 --> 00:15:17,460 Don't let that pull you down. 241 00:15:17,460 --> 00:15:22,060 I hope you'll understand that you're never going to do great things for God if you're 242 00:15:22,060 --> 00:15:26,660 distracted by small minded people. 243 00:15:26,660 --> 00:15:31,980 Small minded people that just want to blast and get attention on social media but not 244 00:15:31,980 --> 00:15:33,760 be held accountable. 245 00:15:33,760 --> 00:15:35,700 But it's not just social media. 246 00:15:35,700 --> 00:15:37,260 It's not just phones. 247 00:15:37,260 --> 00:15:43,180 The larger distractions in life keep us from realizing the life God calls us to live. 248 00:15:43,180 --> 00:15:47,000 A life focused on making a difference for the kingdom of God. 249 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:53,980 For example, there's the distraction of constantly pursuing the promotion, the career, the business 250 00:15:53,980 --> 00:15:54,980 opportunities. 251 00:15:54,980 --> 00:16:00,540 Friends, that can distract us from using our talents to serve the community. 252 00:16:00,540 --> 00:16:07,900 The distraction of maintaining a large and perfectly landscaped home. 253 00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:08,980 We want it. 254 00:16:08,980 --> 00:16:09,980 We desire it. 255 00:16:09,980 --> 00:16:13,060 I believe in taking care of what God has given us. 256 00:16:13,060 --> 00:16:17,620 But here's the reality, if we focus on it too much, we forget about the people living 257 00:16:17,620 --> 00:16:19,940 inside of it. 258 00:16:19,940 --> 00:16:27,340 The urge to check up on our social media fields steals more time away from us to have personal 259 00:16:27,340 --> 00:16:29,520 one on one contact with others. 260 00:16:29,520 --> 00:16:36,740 The opportunity to spend money on newer and trendier stuff keeps us from using it to accomplish 261 00:16:36,740 --> 00:16:39,620 greater good in our world. 262 00:16:39,620 --> 00:16:45,780 In each case, these distractions keep us from accomplishing a greater significance in our 263 00:16:45,780 --> 00:16:48,180 very own lives. 264 00:16:48,180 --> 00:16:55,860 These are the distractions that cause irreversible harm to us and to our families. 265 00:16:55,860 --> 00:16:58,700 Luke chapter 10 verses 38 to 41. 266 00:16:58,700 --> 00:17:04,060 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village 267 00:17:04,060 --> 00:17:07,580 where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 268 00:17:07,580 --> 00:17:13,300 Her sister Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he taught, but Martha was distracted 269 00:17:13,300 --> 00:17:15,700 by the big dinner she was preparing. 270 00:17:15,700 --> 00:17:20,340 She came to Jesus and said, Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just 271 00:17:20,340 --> 00:17:22,540 sits here while I do all the work? 272 00:17:22,540 --> 00:17:26,060 Tell her to come and help me. 273 00:17:26,060 --> 00:17:31,020 But the Lord said to her, my dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details. 274 00:17:31,020 --> 00:17:32,020 Right? 275 00:17:32,020 --> 00:17:40,660 The house, the home, the dinners, the yard work, the new car, making it shine, the new 276 00:17:40,660 --> 00:17:44,620 phone that has to have all the bells and whistles. 277 00:17:44,620 --> 00:17:45,620 Right? 278 00:17:45,620 --> 00:17:50,940 We, as a result, are lured away from the true significance in our lives. 279 00:17:50,940 --> 00:17:57,380 Jesus challenges Martha, right, that Mary had chosen wisely, that she sat at Jesus's 280 00:17:57,380 --> 00:18:00,120 feet and was receiving his teaching. 281 00:18:00,120 --> 00:18:04,580 She was focused on the eternal, not the temporary. 282 00:18:04,580 --> 00:18:06,660 And here's the reality. 283 00:18:06,660 --> 00:18:10,020 Often our lives go unevaluated. 284 00:18:10,020 --> 00:18:12,420 And that's what this talk is all about today. 285 00:18:12,420 --> 00:18:16,900 It's about evaluating your heart to see where you are. 286 00:18:16,900 --> 00:18:22,540 Because when we don't evaluate our hearts, then the true significance just drifts by. 287 00:18:22,540 --> 00:18:29,060 Socrates famously wrote, the unexamined life is not worth living. 288 00:18:29,060 --> 00:18:35,540 So this morning, we're going to do some self-examination, which leads us to our next talk. 289 00:18:35,540 --> 00:18:42,980 Don't miss the life Jesus has for you because you're distracted by the life you created. 290 00:18:42,980 --> 00:18:48,180 Don't miss the life Jesus has for you because you're distracted by the life you created. 291 00:18:48,180 --> 00:18:52,440 We currently live in a culture of entitlement. 292 00:18:52,440 --> 00:18:57,980 Many people today believe they deserve special treatment, privileges, without putting in 293 00:18:57,980 --> 00:18:59,420 any effort, right? 294 00:18:59,420 --> 00:19:03,740 We often see and hear people say, you owe me. 295 00:19:03,740 --> 00:19:09,260 And they live with this attitude and feel that society and schools and businesses and 296 00:19:09,260 --> 00:19:15,940 companies should provide for them because of who they are rather than what they are 297 00:19:15,940 --> 00:19:17,020 doing. 298 00:19:17,020 --> 00:19:24,060 This is now manifested into unreasonable expectations and the lack of accountability. 299 00:19:24,060 --> 00:19:25,660 This needs to change. 300 00:19:25,660 --> 00:19:29,500 Nehemiah, he had to fight against this entitled spirit. 301 00:19:29,500 --> 00:19:33,020 And we read this in Nehemiah 6, 10 through 13. 302 00:19:33,020 --> 00:19:39,100 Later, I went to visit Shemiah, son of Deliah and grandson of Mahetabel, who was confined 303 00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:40,600 to his home. 304 00:19:40,600 --> 00:19:44,860 He said, let us meet together inside the temple of God. 305 00:19:44,860 --> 00:19:46,180 Both the doors shut. 306 00:19:46,180 --> 00:19:48,700 Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight. 307 00:19:48,700 --> 00:19:50,460 Now let's just pause there a second. 308 00:19:50,460 --> 00:19:56,540 What's interesting is that Nehemiah actually had the authority to go into the temple. 309 00:19:56,540 --> 00:20:02,780 But if he was doing it for personal gain and not for God's glory and bringing glory to 310 00:20:02,780 --> 00:20:06,060 God, he would have been abusing his power. 311 00:20:06,060 --> 00:20:10,940 He'd actually be sinning against God and he would lose all credibility with the people 312 00:20:10,940 --> 00:20:12,260 that he was leading. 313 00:20:12,260 --> 00:20:14,100 So notice what Nehemiah says. 314 00:20:14,100 --> 00:20:18,580 But Nehemiah replied, should someone in my position run from danger? 315 00:20:18,580 --> 00:20:22,100 Should someone in my position enter the temple to save his life? 316 00:20:22,100 --> 00:20:24,580 No, I won't do it. 317 00:20:24,580 --> 00:20:29,620 I realized that God had not spoken to him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against 318 00:20:29,620 --> 00:20:32,940 me because Tobiah and Sanbele had hired him. 319 00:20:32,940 --> 00:20:36,660 They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. 320 00:20:36,660 --> 00:20:39,540 Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me. 321 00:20:39,540 --> 00:20:44,140 So what Nehemiah is saying is, this isn't about me. 322 00:20:44,140 --> 00:20:47,940 What we started is all about God. 323 00:20:47,940 --> 00:20:51,940 It's about what God wants to do in rebuilding the wall. 324 00:20:51,940 --> 00:20:55,180 Nehemiah didn't come to make a name for himself. 325 00:20:55,180 --> 00:20:56,180 What did he do? 326 00:20:56,180 --> 00:21:02,380 He came to live out his mission and he was not allowing the distractions to get in his 327 00:21:02,380 --> 00:21:03,620 way. 328 00:21:03,620 --> 00:21:10,580 Any diversion, any distraction, any temptation to do anything else, he says, I'm not gonna 329 00:21:10,580 --> 00:21:11,580 do it. 330 00:21:11,580 --> 00:21:18,460 He's saying no to everything that's pulling him away from God's purpose in his life. 331 00:21:18,460 --> 00:21:24,380 I believe because we live in the United States, we have to guard against the spirit of entitlement. 332 00:21:24,380 --> 00:21:26,300 Friends, we're blessed. 333 00:21:26,300 --> 00:21:27,700 We're rich. 334 00:21:27,700 --> 00:21:34,420 Are we willing to say, I'm gonna press on to win the prize as Paul challenges us to 335 00:21:34,420 --> 00:21:35,420 do? 336 00:21:35,420 --> 00:21:43,060 I'm gonna focus on the kingdom and do what's best for that call that God has on my life. 337 00:21:43,060 --> 00:21:44,460 Now remember what I said. 338 00:21:44,460 --> 00:21:47,200 It's not just Nehemiah that was an ordinary guy. 339 00:21:47,200 --> 00:21:51,180 We see it in the life of another ordinary man named Peter. 340 00:21:51,180 --> 00:21:56,020 So we're gonna go to Luke chapter five and we're gonna read here where Peter was called 341 00:21:56,020 --> 00:21:58,340 into following Jesus. 342 00:21:58,340 --> 00:22:02,420 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed 343 00:22:02,420 --> 00:22:05,380 in on him to listen to the word of God. 344 00:22:05,380 --> 00:22:10,300 He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge for fishermen had left them and were 345 00:22:10,300 --> 00:22:12,220 washing their nets. 346 00:22:12,220 --> 00:22:16,820 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out onto the 347 00:22:16,820 --> 00:22:17,820 water. 348 00:22:17,820 --> 00:22:19,580 Now notice, Jesus didn't ask for permission. 349 00:22:19,580 --> 00:22:21,220 He just hopped in the boat. 350 00:22:21,220 --> 00:22:22,940 He said, hey, get me out on the water. 351 00:22:22,940 --> 00:22:24,120 Why did he want to do that? 352 00:22:24,120 --> 00:22:29,260 Because when he goes out on the water and he shares the good news, his words reflect 353 00:22:29,260 --> 00:22:36,660 off the water and then bounce off the hills so that large crowds of people can hear it. 354 00:22:36,660 --> 00:22:41,180 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, now go out where it isn't deeper and 355 00:22:41,180 --> 00:22:43,620 let down your nets to catch some fish. 356 00:22:43,620 --> 00:22:47,900 Master Simon replied, we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. 357 00:22:47,900 --> 00:22:50,100 So here's Peter second guessing Jesus. 358 00:22:50,100 --> 00:22:53,420 He's saying, he's a carpenter. 359 00:22:53,420 --> 00:22:54,420 This guy works with wood. 360 00:22:54,420 --> 00:22:56,580 He knows nothing about fishing. 361 00:22:56,580 --> 00:22:59,160 Why would I go out deeper? 362 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:02,180 And this time their nets were, oh sorry, I skipped. 363 00:23:02,180 --> 00:23:03,380 We worked hard last night. 364 00:23:03,380 --> 00:23:06,100 But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again. 365 00:23:06,100 --> 00:23:10,820 So even though he questioned, he still responded and went. 366 00:23:10,820 --> 00:23:14,060 This time their nets were so full of fish, they began to tear. 367 00:23:14,060 --> 00:23:18,460 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat and soon both boats were filled 368 00:23:18,460 --> 00:23:20,760 with fish on the verge of sinking. 369 00:23:20,760 --> 00:23:25,940 When Simon and Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, 370 00:23:25,940 --> 00:23:27,060 Lord, please leave me. 371 00:23:27,060 --> 00:23:32,140 I'm a sinful man, for he was awestruck by the number of fish that he had caught, as 372 00:23:32,140 --> 00:23:33,540 were the others. 373 00:23:33,540 --> 00:23:37,460 His partner, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. 374 00:23:37,460 --> 00:23:41,440 Jesus replied to Simon, don't be afraid. 375 00:23:41,440 --> 00:23:43,780 From now on, you'll be fishing for people. 376 00:23:43,780 --> 00:23:46,020 And here's the part I want you to see. 377 00:23:46,020 --> 00:23:54,500 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. 378 00:23:54,500 --> 00:24:00,060 Peter leaves everything and follows Jesus. 379 00:24:00,060 --> 00:24:01,380 And the same goes for us. 380 00:24:01,380 --> 00:24:07,220 See, friends, we can be distracted by the life we have created. 381 00:24:07,220 --> 00:24:09,340 Jesus promises what? 382 00:24:09,340 --> 00:24:10,580 Abundance. 383 00:24:10,580 --> 00:24:15,700 But so often we settle for less than and it looks like this. 384 00:24:15,700 --> 00:24:20,060 This ladder represents the kingdom of God. 385 00:24:20,060 --> 00:24:25,380 This ladder represents the life that we have created. 386 00:24:25,380 --> 00:24:31,020 And if you think about the life that we have created, it all starts at five years old. 387 00:24:31,020 --> 00:24:33,040 We get schooling. 388 00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:34,420 We learn. 389 00:24:34,420 --> 00:24:36,220 We go to high school. 390 00:24:36,220 --> 00:24:37,380 We graduate. 391 00:24:37,380 --> 00:24:38,580 We get a job. 392 00:24:38,580 --> 00:24:40,580 We start earning money. 393 00:24:40,580 --> 00:24:43,680 As we earn money, we fall in love. 394 00:24:43,680 --> 00:24:44,940 We get married. 395 00:24:44,940 --> 00:24:46,460 We start a family. 396 00:24:46,460 --> 00:24:49,180 We buy cars. 397 00:24:49,180 --> 00:24:53,100 We now have a mortgage and a home to pay for. 398 00:24:53,100 --> 00:24:55,200 And what have we created? 399 00:24:55,200 --> 00:25:00,820 We have created a life that tells us that we're successful. 400 00:25:00,820 --> 00:25:03,060 But my question to you is this. 401 00:25:03,060 --> 00:25:10,220 Do we often sacrifice and are we distracted with this life that we forget about the calling 402 00:25:10,220 --> 00:25:14,100 that God has on us for the kingdom of God? 403 00:25:14,100 --> 00:25:20,140 Because quite often as we struggle to pay our bills, as we struggle to learn more, as 404 00:25:20,140 --> 00:25:27,040 we want that promotion, we constantly focus on the life we create. 405 00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:30,180 Now think about Peter, right? 406 00:25:30,180 --> 00:25:35,740 Peter had just brought in the haul of his life. 407 00:25:35,740 --> 00:25:37,400 Two boats of fish. 408 00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:42,500 The boats were nearly sinking, right? 409 00:25:42,500 --> 00:25:46,700 Peter could have started his own fishing business. 410 00:25:46,700 --> 00:25:49,780 Those fish equals dollars. 411 00:25:49,780 --> 00:25:51,380 He would have been wealthy. 412 00:25:51,380 --> 00:25:53,100 He would have been rich. 413 00:25:53,100 --> 00:25:55,880 But what did he choose to do? 414 00:25:55,880 --> 00:25:58,980 He walked away. 415 00:25:58,980 --> 00:26:01,180 He followed. 416 00:26:01,180 --> 00:26:03,260 Now Peter could have said no. 417 00:26:03,260 --> 00:26:06,820 He could have said, I'm not going to follow you, Jesus. 418 00:26:06,820 --> 00:26:12,220 And then he would have had a story about his encounter with Jesus that left him a very 419 00:26:12,220 --> 00:26:14,220 profitable business. 420 00:26:14,220 --> 00:26:17,340 But God calls us to so much more. 421 00:26:17,340 --> 00:26:22,780 And unfortunately for many people, you know what happens, especially within our culture, 422 00:26:22,780 --> 00:26:25,000 they start a journey with Jesus. 423 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:26,980 They meet him for the first time. 424 00:26:26,980 --> 00:26:28,820 They're on fire for God. 425 00:26:28,820 --> 00:26:30,220 They love God. 426 00:26:30,220 --> 00:26:31,600 They start to pray. 427 00:26:31,600 --> 00:26:33,180 They get baptized. 428 00:26:33,180 --> 00:26:36,660 And then suddenly they go back to school. 429 00:26:36,660 --> 00:26:40,660 And as they go back to school, they want to get that promotion. 430 00:26:40,660 --> 00:26:43,300 Not only do they get that promotion, they get a new job. 431 00:26:43,300 --> 00:26:47,860 And as they get a new job, they begin to climb the ladder. 432 00:26:47,860 --> 00:26:52,700 And as they climb the ladder, they begin to be distracted by what? 433 00:26:52,700 --> 00:26:55,980 What they're doing and what they're creating for themselves. 434 00:26:55,980 --> 00:27:00,740 But then Sunday comes along and they think, oh, it's about Jesus. 435 00:27:00,740 --> 00:27:04,620 So they get their foot back in the kingdom of God. 436 00:27:04,620 --> 00:27:08,140 And then suddenly they're on two different ladders. 437 00:27:08,140 --> 00:27:11,620 They've created for themselves a decision. 438 00:27:11,620 --> 00:27:14,340 Do we pursue God with everything? 439 00:27:14,340 --> 00:27:20,700 Or do we continue to focus on this life that we've created for ourselves and are distracted 440 00:27:20,700 --> 00:27:23,940 by the kingdom of God? 441 00:27:23,940 --> 00:27:28,500 God desires that we focus on his kingdom. 442 00:27:28,500 --> 00:27:31,140 So my question to you this morning is this. 443 00:27:31,140 --> 00:27:34,520 Do you have your foot in two kingdoms? 444 00:27:34,520 --> 00:27:39,740 Because if you do, that's the struggle that God's challenging you to change. 445 00:27:39,740 --> 00:27:41,320 Where are your priorities? 446 00:27:41,320 --> 00:27:42,860 Where are your distractions? 447 00:27:42,860 --> 00:27:44,220 Is it in your pocket? 448 00:27:44,220 --> 00:27:46,040 Is it about the money in your pocket? 449 00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:48,680 Is it about the credit cards you have to pay off? 450 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:52,040 What are you currently being distracted by? 451 00:27:52,040 --> 00:27:56,820 Because if your foot is in both worlds, Jesus is inviting us to go all in. 452 00:27:56,820 --> 00:28:01,820 Because the last time I checked, he promises abundance. 453 00:28:01,820 --> 00:28:05,700 When we go all in with him, he promises nothing but abundance. 454 00:28:05,700 --> 00:28:07,480 Is it gonna be easy? 455 00:28:07,480 --> 00:28:09,060 Of course not. 456 00:28:09,060 --> 00:28:15,340 But it's so much more than the temporary struggles and promises of this world. 457 00:28:15,340 --> 00:28:16,860 Peter went all in. 458 00:28:16,860 --> 00:28:22,700 And for three years, he experienced life change that comes with following Jesus. 459 00:28:22,700 --> 00:28:23,700 Think about it. 460 00:28:23,700 --> 00:28:25,300 He walked on water. 461 00:28:25,300 --> 00:28:30,960 He was on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured and literally became God. 462 00:28:30,960 --> 00:28:33,180 He preached a sermon about God's grace. 463 00:28:33,180 --> 00:28:38,060 And 3,000 people believed that day and the church was born. 464 00:28:38,060 --> 00:28:44,380 The point, the abundance Jesus promises is so much better than this life that we've built 465 00:28:44,380 --> 00:28:46,340 for ourselves. 466 00:28:46,340 --> 00:28:49,060 Which leads us to our final thought. 467 00:28:49,060 --> 00:28:54,660 Growth comes from daily decisions, not monumental moments. 468 00:28:54,660 --> 00:29:01,660 Now notice how Nehemiah responds to his critics in the temptation to engage and be distracted. 469 00:29:01,660 --> 00:29:04,020 Nehemiah 6, 3, 8 and 14 to 15. 470 00:29:04,020 --> 00:29:06,980 So I replied by sending this message to them. 471 00:29:06,980 --> 00:29:10,460 I'm engaged in a great work so I can't come. 472 00:29:10,460 --> 00:29:14,260 Why should I stop working to come and meet with you? 473 00:29:14,260 --> 00:29:18,700 I replied, verse 8, there is no truth in any part of your story. 474 00:29:18,700 --> 00:29:20,820 You're making the whole thing up. 475 00:29:20,820 --> 00:29:22,460 You're making the whole thing up. 476 00:29:22,460 --> 00:29:24,740 You're making the whole thing up. 477 00:29:24,740 --> 00:29:27,340 He calls out the rumor. 478 00:29:27,340 --> 00:29:32,980 Remember, notice this prayer my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sambalai have 479 00:29:32,980 --> 00:29:37,580 done and remember the die of the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to 480 00:29:37,580 --> 00:29:38,860 intimidate me. 481 00:29:38,860 --> 00:29:46,060 So on October 2nd the wall was finished just 52 days after we had begun. 482 00:29:46,060 --> 00:29:52,100 Nehemiah realized that rebuilding the wall is what God created him to do. 483 00:29:52,100 --> 00:29:57,500 God put him in the exact place at the right time with the right king to grant him the 484 00:29:57,500 --> 00:30:02,900 provision to do the right purpose to go back and inspire the people. 485 00:30:02,900 --> 00:30:08,180 This isn't just a good work, it's a great work. 486 00:30:08,180 --> 00:30:13,420 And Nehemiah challenges his haters, his doubters, the critics and he says, I'm doing a great 487 00:30:13,420 --> 00:30:14,420 work. 488 00:30:14,420 --> 00:30:21,020 I'm not coming down off of God's mountain, off of the calling that God has for me. 489 00:30:21,020 --> 00:30:26,700 Third criticism will not deter me from doing the work that God has created me to do. 490 00:30:26,700 --> 00:30:28,300 And here's the reality. 491 00:30:28,300 --> 00:30:31,940 Nehemiah wasn't doing something to impress others. 492 00:30:31,940 --> 00:30:34,860 He was doing something important. 493 00:30:34,860 --> 00:30:39,100 He was doing what he was called to do, not trying to be popular. 494 00:30:39,100 --> 00:30:42,140 He was simply living out his purpose. 495 00:30:42,140 --> 00:30:50,260 This happens with daily decisions of saying no to the distractions in this life. 496 00:30:50,260 --> 00:30:53,460 Nehemiah was constantly saying, no, I won't visit. 497 00:30:53,460 --> 00:30:55,460 No that rumor is not true. 498 00:30:55,460 --> 00:30:58,900 No I will not be torn down by those haters. 499 00:30:58,900 --> 00:31:06,380 Now Peter, he wrote a letter now called Second Peter near the end of his life and he's reflecting 500 00:31:06,380 --> 00:31:10,660 on the promises of God that he experienced throughout his life. 501 00:31:10,660 --> 00:31:13,060 How God was faithful to him. 502 00:31:13,060 --> 00:31:16,980 And this is how Peter tells us to grow our faith. 503 00:31:16,980 --> 00:31:20,100 Listen to his words, Second Peter 1, 5 through 8. 504 00:31:20,100 --> 00:31:24,980 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. 505 00:31:24,980 --> 00:31:30,420 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence and moral excellence with 506 00:31:30,420 --> 00:31:35,500 knowledge and knowledge with self-control and self-control with patient endurance and 507 00:31:35,500 --> 00:31:41,140 patient endurance with godliness and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection 508 00:31:41,140 --> 00:31:43,660 with the love of everyone. 509 00:31:43,660 --> 00:31:48,700 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of 510 00:31:48,700 --> 00:31:50,780 our Lord Jesus Christ. 511 00:31:50,780 --> 00:31:55,980 So Peter, he's talking about how we grow our faith. 512 00:31:55,980 --> 00:32:03,540 And notice, not one time does he mention one of the monumental moments he experienced. 513 00:32:03,540 --> 00:32:09,740 He doesn't say, in order to grow your faith, you gotta walk on water, start trying. 514 00:32:09,740 --> 00:32:15,460 He doesn't say, in order to grow your faith, you need to share a message and see 3,000 515 00:32:15,460 --> 00:32:17,640 people choose to follow Jesus. 516 00:32:17,640 --> 00:32:20,500 He doesn't talk about any of those experiences. 517 00:32:20,500 --> 00:32:22,180 What does he tell us to do? 518 00:32:22,180 --> 00:32:29,260 He says make daily choices of moral excellence, patient endurance, self-control, godliness, 519 00:32:29,260 --> 00:32:30,580 compassion. 520 00:32:30,580 --> 00:32:34,520 That church is how you grow your faith. 521 00:32:34,520 --> 00:32:40,900 These daily decisions make us more and more and more like Jesus. 522 00:32:40,900 --> 00:32:44,300 Now does that mean we should not desire special encounters with God? 523 00:32:44,300 --> 00:32:45,700 Of course not. 524 00:32:45,700 --> 00:32:47,300 We should always want more. 525 00:32:47,300 --> 00:32:49,300 We should always desire more. 526 00:32:49,300 --> 00:32:55,100 But true life change comes from the daily decisions that happen in our life when no 527 00:32:55,100 --> 00:32:56,100 one's watching. 528 00:32:56,100 --> 00:32:58,460 So I want to encourage you. 529 00:32:58,460 --> 00:33:05,180 Stop comparing yourselves to others and allow God to use you daily in the lives of people 530 00:33:05,180 --> 00:33:08,100 in your sphere of influence. 531 00:33:08,100 --> 00:33:13,940 Growth comes from daily decisions of following Jesus one step at a time. 532 00:33:13,940 --> 00:33:15,620 Now tell me if this is true or false. 533 00:33:15,620 --> 00:33:17,540 Now I'm going to move this ladder a little bit. 534 00:33:17,540 --> 00:33:20,100 Okay, I'm going to try a stunt. 535 00:33:20,100 --> 00:33:22,220 So bear with me. 536 00:33:22,220 --> 00:33:24,060 You guys ready? 537 00:33:24,060 --> 00:33:25,480 Okay. 538 00:33:25,480 --> 00:33:28,900 Is this how you climb a ladder? 539 00:33:28,900 --> 00:33:35,340 Man, I only got to the second step. 540 00:33:35,340 --> 00:33:37,420 I wanted to get up here. 541 00:33:37,420 --> 00:33:40,300 Gosh, it's so bad. 542 00:33:40,300 --> 00:33:41,820 Is that how you climb a ladder? 543 00:33:41,820 --> 00:33:43,820 Of course not. 544 00:33:43,820 --> 00:33:51,980 You don't climb a ladder by jumping and skipping over the work. 545 00:33:51,980 --> 00:34:03,140 You make daily decisions saying no to distractions, no to temptation, no to entitlement. 546 00:34:03,140 --> 00:34:05,460 Yes to Jesus. 547 00:34:05,460 --> 00:34:06,980 Yes to prayer. 548 00:34:06,980 --> 00:34:08,640 Yes to the Bible. 549 00:34:08,640 --> 00:34:10,460 Yes to serving others. 550 00:34:10,460 --> 00:34:13,100 Yes to community in the church. 551 00:34:13,100 --> 00:34:14,100 Yes. 552 00:34:14,100 --> 00:34:15,100 Yes. 553 00:34:15,100 --> 00:34:16,100 Yes to worship. 554 00:34:16,100 --> 00:34:18,940 Yes to the miraculous. 555 00:34:18,940 --> 00:34:19,940 Yes to healings. 556 00:34:19,940 --> 00:34:30,140 Yes, I want to hear the Holy Spirit speak to me and I'm way, way high. 557 00:34:30,140 --> 00:34:32,900 But here's the point. 558 00:34:32,900 --> 00:34:36,180 This is where God wants us. 559 00:34:36,180 --> 00:34:43,500 God wants us on the mountaintop where our light shines before others so they may see 560 00:34:43,500 --> 00:34:47,100 your good works and glorify who? 561 00:34:47,100 --> 00:34:48,700 God. 562 00:34:48,700 --> 00:34:53,220 Are you willing to say no to temptation? 563 00:34:53,220 --> 00:34:55,180 No to distractions? 564 00:34:55,180 --> 00:34:57,260 No to sin? 565 00:34:57,260 --> 00:35:04,140 No to those people that want to suck your life and suck your time? 566 00:35:04,140 --> 00:35:05,340 No. 567 00:35:05,340 --> 00:35:06,620 No. 568 00:35:06,620 --> 00:35:07,780 No. 569 00:35:07,780 --> 00:35:23,620 As you make daily steps and take daily steps of life choices, right? 570 00:35:23,620 --> 00:35:27,500 Moral excellence, godliness, self-control. 571 00:35:27,500 --> 00:35:34,900 As we do those things, we get closer and closer and closer to Jesus, which leads us to what 572 00:35:34,900 --> 00:35:37,020 would be our action steps. 573 00:35:37,020 --> 00:35:39,500 Growth changes our perspective. 574 00:35:39,500 --> 00:35:40,860 But here's the reality. 575 00:35:40,860 --> 00:35:47,460 I don't want to give you action steps because I just gave them to you. 576 00:35:47,460 --> 00:35:54,060 The first step, if you want an action step in beginning a relationship with Jesus that 577 00:35:54,060 --> 00:36:02,060 focuses on the kingdom is being thankful for all that God has done in your life currently. 578 00:36:02,060 --> 00:36:06,140 It all starts with giving thanks. 579 00:36:06,140 --> 00:36:07,460 Are we perfect? 580 00:36:07,460 --> 00:36:08,940 Have we arrived? 581 00:36:08,940 --> 00:36:09,940 No. 582 00:36:09,940 --> 00:36:15,260 But think about all that he has done in your life up to this point and how he's changed 583 00:36:15,260 --> 00:36:18,740 you from yesterday to today. 584 00:36:18,740 --> 00:36:29,060 See, I believe that if we pray this daily prayer every day, we'll become more like Jesus. 585 00:36:29,060 --> 00:36:30,660 Feet hits the ground. 586 00:36:30,660 --> 00:36:36,180 Jesus, show me the next step you want me to take in following you today. 587 00:36:36,180 --> 00:36:39,060 What if that became our simple prayer? 588 00:36:39,060 --> 00:36:43,300 Jesus, show me the next step to take in following you today. 589 00:36:43,300 --> 00:36:46,820 And it's going to be different for all of us. 590 00:36:46,820 --> 00:36:51,260 And that's okay because we're all at different points in our relationship with Jesus. 591 00:36:51,260 --> 00:36:53,980 For some of you, it's like take a risk and pray for someone. 592 00:36:53,980 --> 00:36:57,020 For some of you, it's like, no, take a card. 593 00:36:57,020 --> 00:37:02,580 You work with 20 people that are desiring Jesus, invite them to our community of faith. 594 00:37:02,580 --> 00:37:07,220 For some of you, it's, no, get involved in a community outreach so that you're not so 595 00:37:07,220 --> 00:37:12,220 embarrassed about your faith and you realize that a relationship with Jesus is much more 596 00:37:12,220 --> 00:37:17,860 important than what our society tells about you. 597 00:37:17,860 --> 00:37:23,080 It's a choice, but it all starts with self-reflection. 598 00:37:23,080 --> 00:37:31,540 So what I did was I took Peter's seven steps of growth and I have a question for each one. 599 00:37:31,540 --> 00:37:35,860 I'm going to slowly read each question for you. 600 00:37:35,860 --> 00:37:42,060 And what I would like you to do as we close is to reflect on where you are in your relationship 601 00:37:42,060 --> 00:37:43,460 with God. 602 00:37:43,460 --> 00:37:46,820 Number one, moral excellence. 603 00:37:46,820 --> 00:37:51,220 Second Peter 1, 5, in view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. 604 00:37:51,220 --> 00:37:52,220 Be thankful. 605 00:37:52,220 --> 00:37:56,940 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence. 606 00:37:56,940 --> 00:38:00,540 What is moral excellence? 607 00:38:00,540 --> 00:38:03,060 What are you known for? 608 00:38:03,060 --> 00:38:09,180 When people see you coming into our community of faith, into your workplace, into your schools, 609 00:38:09,180 --> 00:38:11,140 what do they say about you? 610 00:38:11,140 --> 00:38:14,980 What are you known for? 611 00:38:14,980 --> 00:38:23,980 And if you don't like what you're known for, get off your own ladder and start pursuing 612 00:38:23,980 --> 00:38:26,340 the kingdom. 613 00:38:26,340 --> 00:38:29,140 Number two, knowledge. 614 00:38:29,140 --> 00:38:32,500 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. 615 00:38:32,500 --> 00:38:36,780 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence and moral excellence with 616 00:38:36,780 --> 00:38:39,580 knowledge. 617 00:38:39,580 --> 00:38:48,260 Ask yourself this morning, do you daily make wise choices about what you watch, what you 618 00:38:48,260 --> 00:38:58,500 listen to, what you eat, who you're spending time with, what you're putting into your body? 619 00:38:58,500 --> 00:39:02,580 Do you daily make wise choices? 620 00:39:02,580 --> 00:39:10,360 Number three, self-control, and knowledge with self-control. 621 00:39:10,360 --> 00:39:19,560 Ask yourself, if you're not controlling yourself, who or what is? 622 00:39:19,560 --> 00:39:21,500 Is it your career? 623 00:39:21,500 --> 00:39:24,260 Is it TikTok? 624 00:39:24,260 --> 00:39:30,700 Is it your money, your stuff, or does Jesus have your heart? 625 00:39:30,700 --> 00:39:40,380 Number four, patience and knowledge of self-control and self-control with patient endurance. 626 00:39:40,380 --> 00:39:45,260 Ask yourself, how do you respond when interrupted? 627 00:39:45,260 --> 00:39:48,580 Do you get a scow? 628 00:39:48,580 --> 00:39:57,820 Are you angry, frustrated, upset, or are you patient? 629 00:39:57,820 --> 00:40:03,740 Number five, godliness and self-control with patient endurance and patient endurance with 630 00:40:03,740 --> 00:40:07,120 godliness. 631 00:40:07,120 --> 00:40:10,020 What area of your life are you controlling? 632 00:40:10,020 --> 00:40:17,580 Because remember, when we're in control of our own world, we're climbing what we built 633 00:40:17,580 --> 00:40:20,100 and we think we are the God. 634 00:40:20,100 --> 00:40:25,620 Jesus says, no, it's about Him. 635 00:40:25,620 --> 00:40:31,700 Number six, affection and godliness with brotherly affection. 636 00:40:31,700 --> 00:40:36,880 Ask yourself, are you kind to others even when it's difficult? 637 00:40:36,880 --> 00:40:47,540 You know, when you see that person coming? 638 00:40:47,540 --> 00:40:49,780 And one final question. 639 00:40:49,780 --> 00:40:51,940 Love. 640 00:40:51,940 --> 00:40:56,980 And brotherly affection with love for everyone. 641 00:40:56,980 --> 00:41:04,340 Do you have a genuine heart of compassion toward others? 642 00:41:04,340 --> 00:41:08,780 Do you care where people will spend eternity? 643 00:41:08,780 --> 00:41:14,940 Do you care that people are broken and hurting and lost? 644 00:41:14,940 --> 00:41:22,220 Do you care about the homeless and the addicted and the abused? 645 00:41:22,220 --> 00:41:30,900 See, this self-reflection are the daily moments that God challenges us with that no one knows 646 00:41:30,900 --> 00:41:36,540 about, but it's how we grow closer to Him. 647 00:41:36,540 --> 00:41:39,980 And that's what matters in this life. 648 00:41:39,980 --> 00:41:43,820 Peter says it this way in his final words to the church, to you and I. 649 00:41:43,820 --> 00:41:47,020 Second Peter 3, 17 to 18. 650 00:41:47,020 --> 00:41:50,460 You already know these things, dear friends. 651 00:41:50,460 --> 00:41:51,460 So be on guard. 652 00:41:51,460 --> 00:41:56,940 Then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure 653 00:41:56,940 --> 00:41:57,940 footing. 654 00:41:57,940 --> 00:42:05,500 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 655 00:42:05,500 --> 00:42:08,260 Because that's where abundance comes from. 656 00:42:08,260 --> 00:42:14,220 You know, I just wanted to share, I share with our first gathering that I kind of had 657 00:42:14,220 --> 00:42:16,100 an overwhelming week. 658 00:42:16,100 --> 00:42:24,940 For those of you that think that I just share and teach on Sundays, it's not a reality. 659 00:42:24,940 --> 00:42:29,100 I share with the staff on Tuesday and staff meeting that I'm kind of intimidated by this 660 00:42:29,100 --> 00:42:34,180 week because of all that's going to happen. 661 00:42:34,180 --> 00:42:38,660 I wasn't going to be in the office much because I had to prepare. 662 00:42:38,660 --> 00:42:43,740 Not only did I have to prepare for this Sunday to share with you and talk about ladders and 663 00:42:43,740 --> 00:42:44,740 life change. 664 00:42:44,740 --> 00:42:49,780 I had two celebrations of life I had to prepare for in the same day. 665 00:42:49,780 --> 00:42:58,220 One at 11 for a young man that died way too young and one at one o'clock for a grandmother 666 00:42:58,220 --> 00:43:05,980 and mom that passed away just three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. 667 00:43:05,980 --> 00:43:15,500 And I tell you what, at three o'clock on Thursday afternoon, after sharing those two celebrations 668 00:43:15,500 --> 00:43:23,180 of life, I was in tears driving to the grave site. 669 00:43:23,180 --> 00:43:32,060 And all I could think of was texting all my kids that I love them because that's all that 670 00:43:32,060 --> 00:43:35,400 matters. 671 00:43:35,400 --> 00:43:37,060 That's all that matters in this life. 672 00:43:37,060 --> 00:43:38,980 It's not the cars we drive. 673 00:43:38,980 --> 00:43:40,860 It's not the jewelry we wear. 674 00:43:40,860 --> 00:43:42,980 It's not the clothes we wear. 675 00:43:42,980 --> 00:43:52,460 It's not the houses we have or the boats that we want or the fun getaways that we can get. 676 00:43:52,460 --> 00:43:58,180 It's about relationships with Jesus and other people. 677 00:43:58,180 --> 00:44:03,580 And the more we desire them and the more we pursue them, friends, the more life change 678 00:44:03,580 --> 00:44:09,660 we will experience in our own lives and in the lives of others. 679 00:44:09,660 --> 00:44:17,700 God has called our community of faith to be a catalyst church in what I believe is the 680 00:44:17,700 --> 00:44:20,140 entire East Coast. 681 00:44:20,140 --> 00:44:26,460 Because as we pray and we step out and we share and we see people's lives changed and 682 00:44:26,460 --> 00:44:32,300 transformed in healings and miracles, it spreads from here to other churches in our community, 683 00:44:32,300 --> 00:44:37,020 to other churches in our states, to other churches up and down the East Coast. 684 00:44:37,020 --> 00:44:39,140 It all starts with us. 685 00:44:39,140 --> 00:44:41,180 That's what God's calling us to. 686 00:44:41,180 --> 00:44:45,340 And you say, Chris, how do you know that? 687 00:44:45,340 --> 00:44:47,340 Look around. 688 00:44:47,340 --> 00:44:50,020 There's hundreds of people baptized every year. 689 00:44:50,020 --> 00:44:54,900 There's people set free and healed every Sunday morning. 690 00:44:54,900 --> 00:45:00,100 There's people that give their lives to Jesus every single week. 691 00:45:00,100 --> 00:45:05,380 Lives are being changed and God is inviting you to be a part of it. 692 00:45:05,380 --> 00:45:12,300 Will you focus on what is important and take that step of faith and step out in the calling 693 00:45:12,300 --> 00:45:14,300 that he has for you? 694 00:45:14,300 --> 00:45:18,580 Will you stand with me? 695 00:45:18,580 --> 00:45:27,340 I'm going to pray a simple prayer over all of us because here's the reality. 696 00:45:27,340 --> 00:45:33,420 As I was preparing for this talk this week, I'm distracted just like you. 697 00:45:33,420 --> 00:45:44,780 We're all distracted because we're bombarded with news, what we need to buy, where we need 698 00:45:44,780 --> 00:45:48,580 to go, every single second. 699 00:45:48,580 --> 00:45:52,860 And until we learn to turn it off and shut it down and put it away, we're not going to 700 00:45:52,860 --> 00:45:55,380 be our best for God's kingdom. 701 00:45:55,380 --> 00:45:58,060 And he is inviting us into so much more. 702 00:45:58,060 --> 00:45:59,060 What is it again? 703 00:45:59,060 --> 00:46:02,060 An abundant life. 704 00:46:02,060 --> 00:46:05,700 And that's what I want for all of you. 705 00:46:05,700 --> 00:46:11,420 So I'm going to pray against any distraction in your life and here's your choice. 706 00:46:11,420 --> 00:46:16,300 You can choose to receive it or you can choose to keep a hold of it. 707 00:46:16,300 --> 00:46:22,900 But if you choose to keep a hold of it, then you're going to remain distracted with your 708 00:46:22,900 --> 00:46:27,300 own world, with your own life that you're building and creating. 709 00:46:27,300 --> 00:46:28,840 So Holy Spirit come. 710 00:46:28,840 --> 00:46:30,980 I pray for this community of faith, God. 711 00:46:30,980 --> 00:46:32,660 I'm thankful for them. 712 00:46:32,660 --> 00:46:33,660 They're serving hearts. 713 00:46:33,660 --> 00:46:35,300 They're giving attitudes, God. 714 00:46:35,300 --> 00:46:39,660 I just pray against distractions in Jesus' name. 715 00:46:39,660 --> 00:46:42,700 I silence the enemy in Jesus' name. 716 00:46:42,700 --> 00:46:44,420 There'll be no more lies. 717 00:46:44,420 --> 00:46:45,540 There'll be no more deceit. 718 00:46:45,540 --> 00:46:49,460 There'll be no more stealing in Jesus' name. 719 00:46:49,460 --> 00:46:54,340 I pray for a balance with these smartphones that you've given us. 720 00:46:54,340 --> 00:46:58,100 That we use them for your glory, not for our glory. 721 00:46:58,100 --> 00:47:02,980 That we're not distracted and pulled away from the people that are all around us hurting 722 00:47:02,980 --> 00:47:06,060 and desiring more of you. 723 00:47:06,060 --> 00:47:12,780 Help us to remain focused on the call to God that we would press on, press on, and win 724 00:47:12,780 --> 00:47:15,780 the prize that you're calling us to. 725 00:47:15,780 --> 00:47:21,740 That we no longer have one foot in our world and one foot in the kingdom, but that we're 726 00:47:21,740 --> 00:47:27,580 all in, sold out, everything for you in Jesus' name. 727 00:47:27,580 --> 00:47:30,540 There's no impossible. 728 00:47:30,540 --> 00:47:38,940 I believe that you are working now to pour it out. 729 00:47:38,940 --> 00:48:01,300 Oh, pour it out.