1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,340 Oftentimes, we have this question or this debate 2 00:00:04,340 --> 00:00:07,640 about whether or not the place that we find ourselves 3 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:11,320 is truly a safe space to be. 4 00:00:11,320 --> 00:00:15,720 Now, I wonder what for you is a place 5 00:00:15,720 --> 00:00:19,200 that you feel is safe in your life? 6 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:21,080 Whether it might be your house, 7 00:00:21,080 --> 00:00:24,360 the place that you have a bedroom or a study 8 00:00:24,360 --> 00:00:26,640 or someplace in the backyard, 9 00:00:26,640 --> 00:00:28,620 or maybe if you've got a bunch of screaming kids, 10 00:00:28,620 --> 00:00:31,640 a car in the driveway to try to step out from there, 11 00:00:31,640 --> 00:00:33,360 or maybe those kids still find you 12 00:00:33,360 --> 00:00:35,160 and you have to go to the local coffee shop, 13 00:00:35,160 --> 00:00:36,920 whatever it might be, 14 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:41,440 or even one would hope the church itself. 15 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:43,880 That it's always important to find a safe space 16 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:45,040 that you can be. 17 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:47,360 And fortunately, I have found a place 18 00:00:47,360 --> 00:00:49,440 that I believe is a safe space 19 00:00:49,440 --> 00:00:52,400 where I feel I can relax and enjoy things 20 00:00:52,400 --> 00:00:54,280 and be able to finally unwind, 21 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:56,400 and that place is Ireland. 22 00:00:56,400 --> 00:00:59,360 So I've decided I need to go to Ireland every month 23 00:00:59,360 --> 00:01:01,000 for my mental health. 24 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:02,200 It's gonna be very, very important, 25 00:01:02,200 --> 00:01:05,060 the green grass, the music, the food, everything else. 26 00:01:05,060 --> 00:01:07,440 So I've decided that I'm going to declare Ireland 27 00:01:07,440 --> 00:01:09,800 my emotional support country. 28 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:11,760 And because emotional support animals 29 00:01:11,760 --> 00:01:13,620 can ride with you for free on the plane, 30 00:01:13,620 --> 00:01:15,600 therefore, I should be able to ride 31 00:01:15,600 --> 00:01:18,000 to Ireland and back for free once a month. 32 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:19,800 I've decided this. 33 00:01:19,800 --> 00:01:22,920 For some reason, the airlines have not quite approved it yet. 34 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:24,360 I'm gonna work with the ACLU. 35 00:01:24,360 --> 00:01:26,160 I'm sure it's happening very, very soon. 36 00:01:26,160 --> 00:01:27,680 It'll be great. 37 00:01:27,680 --> 00:01:29,840 But you see, the thing is, is that it's always important 38 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:31,540 to be able to know that there is a place 39 00:01:31,540 --> 00:01:34,800 that you can be able to let things go, 40 00:01:34,800 --> 00:01:36,800 be able to relax, unwind, 41 00:01:36,800 --> 00:01:40,940 but also to feel that you're safe being who you are. 42 00:01:40,940 --> 00:01:45,000 More than that, though, is it's not always just the space. 43 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:49,000 It's also a question about the people that are there. 44 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:52,920 And are the people that are there accepting of you 45 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:54,840 while you're there? 46 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:56,880 I find it interesting. 47 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:59,120 I'll be looking online at different people posting. 48 00:01:59,120 --> 00:02:01,120 One of the things that I see a lot 49 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:04,020 is whenever I see, hey, I was supposed to go 50 00:02:04,020 --> 00:02:08,240 to a party last night, I managed to get out of it, 51 00:02:08,240 --> 00:02:13,240 phew, or I was invited by some people to go to this place. 52 00:02:13,920 --> 00:02:16,480 I managed to tell them that I was too busy. 53 00:02:16,480 --> 00:02:19,600 I really narrowly missed one right there. 54 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:21,000 Oh my goodness. 55 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:22,120 And why is that? 56 00:02:22,120 --> 00:02:24,000 Because oftentimes, if you think about it, 57 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:27,600 when people think of what is their safe space away, 58 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:30,480 how often is it that it's someplace 59 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:33,520 where we're away from everybody else? 60 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:35,720 How often is it that the place that we're trying 61 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:38,600 to get away and be ourselves 62 00:02:38,600 --> 00:02:40,500 is a space where nobody else can be? 63 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:45,280 Because oftentimes, when we're around other people, 64 00:02:45,280 --> 00:02:48,580 how often do we feel like we can't really relax 65 00:02:48,580 --> 00:02:50,360 and be ourselves? 66 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:54,320 How often is it that we try to open up or share things 67 00:02:54,320 --> 00:02:58,680 and immediately we wonder if they're already judging us? 68 00:03:00,200 --> 00:03:03,640 But now imagine a place where you're always allowed 69 00:03:03,640 --> 00:03:06,600 to be there, but when you're there, 70 00:03:06,600 --> 00:03:08,700 you always feel a little bit on edge. 71 00:03:09,920 --> 00:03:12,680 Because you're always wondering at what point 72 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:15,280 you're gonna say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, 73 00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:18,920 something's going to slip, and then no longer 74 00:03:18,920 --> 00:03:21,680 do you feel like you're accepted there anymore. 75 00:03:23,240 --> 00:03:24,800 There have been any number of times 76 00:03:24,800 --> 00:03:27,480 that I know I've been in conversations with somebody 77 00:03:27,480 --> 00:03:29,600 and they'll say something and I'm like, 78 00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:31,280 that doesn't sound right. 79 00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:33,480 I know that that doesn't, and I'll say, 80 00:03:33,480 --> 00:03:36,040 well I disagree with that, I see something different, 81 00:03:36,040 --> 00:03:39,320 and immediately, like that, they'll turn on you. 82 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:43,400 And that just because you didn't see it 83 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:46,320 or say it the same way, that all of a sudden 84 00:03:46,320 --> 00:03:48,680 they're angry at you and you don't even know 85 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:51,240 if you're even allowed to be their friend anymore. 86 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:55,640 The thing is, is that when we think of a safe space, 87 00:03:55,640 --> 00:03:57,560 is that it's not just the physical location, 88 00:03:57,560 --> 00:04:00,440 it's also a question about who's there. 89 00:04:01,360 --> 00:04:03,360 And you see, that's also what we need to pause 90 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:06,320 whenever we're asking about the presence of God. 91 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:10,600 God's presence, is it safe? 92 00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:13,680 See, we've been talking as we look at Hebrews, 93 00:04:13,680 --> 00:04:17,000 and we've been thinking about the tabernacle of God. 94 00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:20,000 And as we think about the tabernacle, 95 00:04:20,000 --> 00:04:21,480 what we were taught about it, 96 00:04:21,480 --> 00:04:24,160 is that we were understanding these two different rooms, 97 00:04:24,160 --> 00:04:25,760 these two different spaces. 98 00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:29,240 And the front part, well you can go and put the bread there 99 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,640 and light the candles and you have some incense 100 00:04:31,640 --> 00:04:34,840 that makes everything smell really, really great, 101 00:04:34,840 --> 00:04:39,840 that back room, that one place, or once a year, 102 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:42,880 someone has to go in there and make the sacrifice. 103 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:47,480 That place was not always safe. 104 00:04:47,480 --> 00:04:48,520 See, that's the thing about it, 105 00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:51,040 is that they would have to tie a rope 106 00:04:51,040 --> 00:04:53,800 around the high priest's ankle 107 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:56,000 and have little bells on that rope. 108 00:04:56,000 --> 00:05:00,440 Because if at any point the bells stopped jingling, 109 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:03,120 then they knew that somehow 110 00:05:03,120 --> 00:05:06,040 that high priest had done something wrong. 111 00:05:06,040 --> 00:05:08,560 The sacrifice wasn't quite right. 112 00:05:08,560 --> 00:05:13,160 Something was wrong and that he was no longer with them. 113 00:05:13,160 --> 00:05:16,160 And the rope was because they'd have to drag him back out. 114 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:21,400 The thing about it is that they saw the presence of God 115 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:23,240 as something to be frightened, 116 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:26,200 sacrifice after sacrifice year after year. 117 00:05:26,200 --> 00:05:30,200 But is this, the one, is this going to be enough? 118 00:05:31,640 --> 00:05:34,320 And are we really safe with this God? 119 00:05:34,320 --> 00:05:37,080 But the thing about that is that God wants us 120 00:05:37,080 --> 00:05:39,840 to be safe in His sanctuary. 121 00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:42,320 God wants it to be a place for all people. 122 00:05:42,320 --> 00:05:45,320 So that's the thing about what God has done, 123 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:47,880 is that God giving His Son on the cross 124 00:05:47,880 --> 00:05:52,040 is to provide that safe space for all people. 125 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:55,640 Is that God is making sure it is the one perfect sacrifice? 126 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:57,760 It covers everything. 127 00:05:57,760 --> 00:06:01,200 You're not frightened to be in the presence of God anymore. 128 00:06:01,200 --> 00:06:06,200 But the question is, do we do the same? 129 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:10,160 Do we make sure that the sanctuary of God 130 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:12,720 is a safe space for everyone? 131 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:16,000 People come here, they need Jesus, 132 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:18,040 but when they come here, 133 00:06:18,040 --> 00:06:22,040 do we try to hurt them the moment 134 00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:24,200 we realize they're not like us? 135 00:06:25,800 --> 00:06:30,800 MLK said that Sunday morning is the most segregated day 136 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:34,160 of the week in America. 137 00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:38,480 Because we make sure that we've found people 138 00:06:38,480 --> 00:06:40,440 that are the most like ourselves. 139 00:06:41,920 --> 00:06:45,320 The thing is, is that whenever we think about 140 00:06:45,320 --> 00:06:49,760 being in this place, being in the presence of God, 141 00:06:49,760 --> 00:06:51,960 and we wonder if we're safe, 142 00:06:51,960 --> 00:06:54,040 the question is no longer about whether or not 143 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:55,760 it's safe because of God. 144 00:06:55,760 --> 00:07:00,760 The question is, is it still safe because of us? 145 00:07:01,640 --> 00:07:04,360 See, the thing is, is asking this question 146 00:07:04,360 --> 00:07:09,360 of who is truly your safe space? 147 00:07:09,640 --> 00:07:12,720 Not just where is your safe space, 148 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:17,720 but asking the question of who is your safe space? 149 00:07:18,320 --> 00:07:22,520 And that's the thing about this, is are we people 150 00:07:22,520 --> 00:07:27,520 who that others can be honest with, to be open with? 151 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:30,920 Because the world out there, they do not abide 152 00:07:30,920 --> 00:07:33,000 by the things that God would desire, 153 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:34,960 but the second that they come here, 154 00:07:35,880 --> 00:07:38,680 do they feel that they have a place here? 155 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:40,120 Do they feel like they have a place 156 00:07:40,120 --> 00:07:42,360 where they can be open and honest about the fact 157 00:07:42,360 --> 00:07:46,040 that they do go through things that maybe we understand, 158 00:07:46,040 --> 00:07:48,320 or maybe they go through things that we don't? 159 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:52,560 Does it even matter? 160 00:07:52,560 --> 00:07:55,800 Would they still be welcome here? 161 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:58,920 But more than that, is a place where we're willing 162 00:07:58,920 --> 00:08:00,480 to be honest with them too. 163 00:08:02,040 --> 00:08:05,320 Is this a place where people are so afraid 164 00:08:05,320 --> 00:08:08,000 that if they end up revealing what they're really going 165 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:11,920 through that no one would accept them anymore? 166 00:08:12,880 --> 00:08:16,440 Do you feel that this is a place 167 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:19,160 that if people knew what you were really going through, 168 00:08:19,160 --> 00:08:21,440 that they wouldn't actually accept you anymore? 169 00:08:22,400 --> 00:08:23,640 See, that's the thing about this, 170 00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:28,080 is that this place is meant to be a place of safety, 171 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:31,480 not because we stop changing or growing, 172 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:34,640 but because it's only a place that we can grow 173 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:36,840 if it is a safe space. 174 00:08:36,840 --> 00:08:39,720 That's the whole point of mercy and grace. 175 00:08:39,720 --> 00:08:44,720 You cannot grow as a person without knowing the safety 176 00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:49,040 and comfort of the mercy and grace of God. 177 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:50,640 Because if you don't know that, 178 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:52,640 if you don't see that and experience it, 179 00:08:52,640 --> 00:08:55,160 then you're always going to be trying to hide 180 00:08:55,160 --> 00:08:57,640 a part of yourself. 181 00:08:57,640 --> 00:09:01,000 There will always be a part that you don't want to admit 182 00:09:01,000 --> 00:09:03,880 that you may be struggling with. 183 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:06,320 How many times is it that we have to admit 184 00:09:06,320 --> 00:09:08,920 that we're dealing with things emotionally, 185 00:09:08,920 --> 00:09:12,120 psychologically, physically, mentally, all these things, 186 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:16,280 and we try our best to make sure that people don't see it 187 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:18,760 and people don't hear it or know it, 188 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:20,280 because we're afraid as soon as we do, 189 00:09:20,280 --> 00:09:22,020 we might lose everything. 190 00:09:22,020 --> 00:09:23,560 We might lose our friendships. 191 00:09:23,560 --> 00:09:26,280 We might lose the people that we think 192 00:09:26,280 --> 00:09:28,120 are the ones that we want to impress. 193 00:09:29,880 --> 00:09:32,500 But you see, once we know that this is a place 194 00:09:32,500 --> 00:09:35,760 of safety and compassion, 195 00:09:35,760 --> 00:09:40,020 that is when we can truly become better and grow. 196 00:09:40,020 --> 00:09:42,340 That is when we can actually hear God's word 197 00:09:42,340 --> 00:09:45,700 and know what things we need to change. 198 00:09:45,700 --> 00:09:49,460 If we don't start with knowing that no matter what may be, 199 00:09:49,460 --> 00:09:51,900 this is the place we belong, 200 00:09:51,900 --> 00:09:55,060 then we'll never be able to truly face the things 201 00:09:55,060 --> 00:09:57,100 that we need to grow through. 202 00:09:57,100 --> 00:09:59,740 And that's the thing about the perfect sacrifice, 203 00:09:59,740 --> 00:10:02,380 is that that high priest is walking in there 204 00:10:02,380 --> 00:10:06,140 so scared and making sure that everything is covered. 205 00:10:06,140 --> 00:10:11,140 But the perfect sacrifice of Christ is saying, 206 00:10:11,140 --> 00:10:14,260 you can truly be open and honest, 207 00:10:14,260 --> 00:10:16,060 because this is where you belong. 208 00:10:17,700 --> 00:10:20,100 That's also the thing that we need to understand 209 00:10:20,100 --> 00:10:22,580 about gathering together. 210 00:10:22,580 --> 00:10:25,420 It's said in Hebrews that people were neglecting 211 00:10:25,420 --> 00:10:27,820 the need to gather together. 212 00:10:27,820 --> 00:10:29,380 They were neglecting that time. 213 00:10:29,380 --> 00:10:30,960 Let's be honest. 214 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:34,620 How often is it that we just kind of push that off 215 00:10:34,620 --> 00:10:37,460 to the side, we get busy with things, we really, really do. 216 00:10:39,380 --> 00:10:40,900 Or even more than that, 217 00:10:40,900 --> 00:10:43,900 is that sometimes we think that just spending the time 218 00:10:43,900 --> 00:10:47,380 with each other, that that's all that's really needed. 219 00:10:47,380 --> 00:10:50,260 How many of us are here making sure 220 00:10:50,260 --> 00:10:52,020 that we've spent our time in worship, 221 00:10:52,020 --> 00:10:53,780 and then, well, we're done. 222 00:10:53,780 --> 00:10:56,180 We're gonna go back into our life, everything's fine. 223 00:10:56,180 --> 00:11:00,660 We put in our Jesus hour, good, Jesus hour and five minutes 224 00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:04,100 if that preacher talked way too long, and whatever it may be, 225 00:11:04,100 --> 00:11:06,700 and then we're just like, okay, now back to life. 226 00:11:08,060 --> 00:11:10,260 Instead of realizing the time that's needed 227 00:11:10,260 --> 00:11:12,640 for us to gather with other believers, 228 00:11:12,640 --> 00:11:15,460 to talk through what we're reading in the Word of God, 229 00:11:15,460 --> 00:11:18,440 to ask each other, what am I missing? 230 00:11:19,700 --> 00:11:22,740 What have I not seen that I need to face? 231 00:11:22,740 --> 00:11:23,580 Would you pray with me? 232 00:11:23,580 --> 00:11:26,540 Would you live life alongside me? 233 00:11:27,500 --> 00:11:29,140 Or to serve people, to care for them, 234 00:11:29,140 --> 00:11:31,780 to be there when they need you? 235 00:11:31,780 --> 00:11:34,940 Y'all, we put on some great different events, 236 00:11:34,940 --> 00:11:38,100 and y'all cook some amazing food, okay? 237 00:11:38,100 --> 00:11:39,340 I really love it. 238 00:11:39,340 --> 00:11:42,460 I had some cherry colerjol the other day. 239 00:11:42,460 --> 00:11:45,060 Oh my gosh, it's still haunting my dreams. 240 00:11:45,060 --> 00:11:48,780 That was amazing, and the shrimp, oh my goodness, 241 00:11:48,780 --> 00:11:51,060 cannot even, okay? 242 00:11:51,060 --> 00:11:52,860 We've got some great gatherings, 243 00:11:54,180 --> 00:11:57,900 but if the time we spend together is not to wrestle 244 00:11:57,900 --> 00:12:01,380 and to grow and to become more of what God desires 245 00:12:01,380 --> 00:12:02,740 and we've missed the point, 246 00:12:05,300 --> 00:12:09,980 if we're not spending the time to truly challenge each other 247 00:12:09,980 --> 00:12:11,540 with love and compassion, 248 00:12:12,620 --> 00:12:15,360 but also to be challenged ourselves, 249 00:12:16,460 --> 00:12:18,260 then we've missed out on a huge part. 250 00:12:19,420 --> 00:12:22,620 Y'all, we do not always do things 251 00:12:22,620 --> 00:12:23,860 the way we're supposed to, 252 00:12:25,260 --> 00:12:27,860 but the thing that we're meant to do is to continue 253 00:12:27,860 --> 00:12:29,820 to bring out the best in each other, 254 00:12:29,820 --> 00:12:32,500 not because everything's easy, 255 00:12:32,500 --> 00:12:34,100 and not because we're trying to pretend 256 00:12:34,100 --> 00:12:36,900 that people are perfect or everything's great, 257 00:12:38,060 --> 00:12:41,580 but because we're willing to look at whatever it is, 258 00:12:41,580 --> 00:12:43,460 we're willing to deal with it together, 259 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,300 because then that asks the question, 260 00:12:47,300 --> 00:12:50,780 are you a safe space? 261 00:12:50,780 --> 00:12:53,020 Not just where are the safe spaces 262 00:12:53,020 --> 00:12:56,740 or who else is a safe space, are you? 263 00:12:56,740 --> 00:12:59,380 Are you a place of compassion, 264 00:12:59,380 --> 00:13:02,940 of mercy, of understanding somebody who's able to listen? 265 00:13:02,940 --> 00:13:05,700 Not listening because you're jumping at the chance 266 00:13:05,700 --> 00:13:08,100 to try to fix people, 267 00:13:08,100 --> 00:13:11,060 but listening because you need them to know that they matter 268 00:13:12,540 --> 00:13:15,420 and to know that they're truly welcome, 269 00:13:16,860 --> 00:13:19,740 but the thing is with that is that oftentimes 270 00:13:19,740 --> 00:13:24,740 we react so poorly because we're afraid. 271 00:13:26,340 --> 00:13:28,780 We react and we try to push 272 00:13:28,780 --> 00:13:33,780 and we try to deal with things with anger, frustration, 273 00:13:34,100 --> 00:13:36,140 sometimes because we're afraid of things 274 00:13:36,140 --> 00:13:37,980 that we don't wanna face ourselves, 275 00:13:39,260 --> 00:13:41,060 but if we are in a place that we know 276 00:13:41,060 --> 00:13:42,940 we can be open and honest, 277 00:13:43,820 --> 00:13:46,860 then how much better can we deal with the issues 278 00:13:46,860 --> 00:13:48,380 that we're struggling with 279 00:13:48,380 --> 00:13:51,600 and how much more can we help others to do the same? 280 00:13:52,740 --> 00:13:53,900 See, that's the thing. 281 00:13:55,060 --> 00:13:57,220 This is not meant to be another club. 282 00:13:57,220 --> 00:14:00,820 This is not just a place that we go where we come in 283 00:14:00,820 --> 00:14:04,100 and we go out and we're the same from day to day. 284 00:14:04,100 --> 00:14:07,100 It's supposed to be something where we're meant to try more 285 00:14:07,100 --> 00:14:09,020 and to become more, 286 00:14:09,020 --> 00:14:12,900 but it's not because we've managed to cover it all up. 287 00:14:12,900 --> 00:14:16,460 It's not because we've managed to look perfect, 288 00:14:16,460 --> 00:14:19,100 but because of what God is doing in our hearts, 289 00:14:19,100 --> 00:14:20,340 in our minds. 290 00:14:21,140 --> 00:14:25,420 The sacrifices, they weren't changing people. 291 00:14:25,420 --> 00:14:28,420 They were just covering it over, 292 00:14:28,420 --> 00:14:31,380 but we in Christ Jesus, 293 00:14:31,380 --> 00:14:34,820 we're truly meant to be changed inside, 294 00:14:35,820 --> 00:14:37,500 so that the things that we're struggling with, 295 00:14:37,500 --> 00:14:40,300 but the ways that we also meet things, 296 00:14:40,300 --> 00:14:43,700 and we're not always merciful the way we need to be, 297 00:14:43,700 --> 00:14:46,740 we're meant to be changed by that. 298 00:14:46,740 --> 00:14:51,180 See, God is sending His Spirit as we read and grow together 299 00:14:51,180 --> 00:14:52,740 so that we can change, 300 00:14:52,740 --> 00:14:54,060 not because we're afraid, 301 00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:57,180 but because we're in the safest space to do so, 302 00:14:57,180 --> 00:14:58,340 the arms of God. 303 00:14:59,300 --> 00:15:02,140 You know, we promote to you all the opportunities 304 00:15:02,140 --> 00:15:03,900 that there are to be engaged, 305 00:15:05,300 --> 00:15:08,860 but if we don't do so with God's word 306 00:15:08,860 --> 00:15:11,020 and coming back to His Spirit, 307 00:15:11,020 --> 00:15:14,100 then nothing about us will ever be different. 308 00:15:15,220 --> 00:15:17,940 So that's my question to you. 309 00:15:17,940 --> 00:15:22,940 Are you willing to become what God has wanted you to be? 310 00:15:24,180 --> 00:15:27,700 Because forgiveness and forgetting the sins, 311 00:15:27,700 --> 00:15:30,540 it's not because we just pretend that they're not there, 312 00:15:30,540 --> 00:15:34,540 but it's also because God is changing us each and every day. 313 00:15:35,340 --> 00:15:38,220 Not because now we've got it figured out, 314 00:15:38,220 --> 00:15:40,700 but because each day we're continuing to lead 315 00:15:40,700 --> 00:15:42,220 where He is guiding us. 316 00:15:43,420 --> 00:15:46,300 Because our safe space, it's not out of ignorance 317 00:15:46,300 --> 00:15:49,540 or pretending, it's out of a peace 318 00:15:49,540 --> 00:15:51,980 of knowing that we are welcomed. 319 00:15:51,980 --> 00:15:54,740 So that when the day of the Lord comes, 320 00:15:54,740 --> 00:15:58,260 the point is not just to say that God is gonna fix it, 321 00:15:58,260 --> 00:16:00,540 or to avoid fear, 322 00:16:00,540 --> 00:16:03,940 but rather to take joy in being safe 323 00:16:03,940 --> 00:16:06,380 and being safe for others. 324 00:16:07,620 --> 00:16:10,020 We've seen what the church can do 325 00:16:10,020 --> 00:16:12,980 whenever it lets the worst side come out. 326 00:16:12,980 --> 00:16:16,380 My hope and prayer is that we can be the example 327 00:16:16,380 --> 00:16:18,660 of what the church is meant to be. 328 00:16:18,660 --> 00:16:22,660 A place where we know we can grow and serve 329 00:16:22,660 --> 00:16:26,660 because we are welcomed and loved and forgiven, 330 00:16:26,660 --> 00:16:29,100 because that's the only way that any of us 331 00:16:29,100 --> 00:16:31,860 can truly change for the better. 332 00:16:31,860 --> 00:16:34,180 May God continue to lead us and guide us 333 00:16:34,180 --> 00:16:38,100 as we confess our faith to gay and forevermore. 334 00:16:38,100 --> 00:16:43,100 Amen.