1 00:00:00,915 --> 00:00:02,572 - My Celebrate family, 2 00:00:02,572 --> 00:00:03,655 happy Easter. 3 00:00:04,667 --> 00:00:08,235 Like wow, I can't believe we're already here 4 00:00:08,235 --> 00:00:11,488 and who would ever thought we'd be sharing this day 5 00:00:11,488 --> 00:00:12,871 this way? 6 00:00:12,871 --> 00:00:15,670 But here we are, and He's still alive. 7 00:00:15,670 --> 00:00:18,327 He's on his throne, high and lifted up. 8 00:00:18,327 --> 00:00:21,072 My friends, He has risen. 9 00:00:21,072 --> 00:00:22,458 Amen? 10 00:00:22,458 --> 00:00:25,661 Now, for all of you who are guests, welcome. 11 00:00:25,661 --> 00:00:27,676 I'm so grateful you're joining us. 12 00:00:27,676 --> 00:00:29,389 You know, I hope that you would take time 13 00:00:29,389 --> 00:00:30,934 to check out or webpage. 14 00:00:30,934 --> 00:00:33,192 You see, if you're looking for a church home, 15 00:00:33,192 --> 00:00:35,000 we'd love to be that home. 16 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:36,946 And you could learn a lot about who we are 17 00:00:36,946 --> 00:00:40,433 and why we love this church by simply going there. 18 00:00:40,433 --> 00:00:43,279 If you're looking for a personal word of encouragement, 19 00:00:43,279 --> 00:00:46,124 I'd love for you to join me on my personal Twitter, 20 00:00:46,124 --> 00:00:49,059 Facebook, or Instagram accounts. 21 00:00:49,059 --> 00:00:51,183 Now, for those Celebrate, listen, 22 00:00:51,183 --> 00:00:55,721 we've updated our webpage with God's latest work in Liberia. 23 00:00:55,721 --> 00:00:57,935 I hope you'll check it out as well as pray for them, 24 00:00:57,935 --> 00:01:02,147 especially during this unprecedented time in history. 25 00:01:02,147 --> 00:01:04,723 Well, my friends, here we are. 26 00:01:04,723 --> 00:01:09,226 Easter, the greatest life-changing event in all of history 27 00:01:09,226 --> 00:01:11,475 and I have to tell you, I'm so passionate 28 00:01:11,475 --> 00:01:14,157 about this weekend's message and I'm trusting 29 00:01:14,157 --> 00:01:16,873 that God is gonna speak, touch lives 30 00:01:16,873 --> 00:01:19,162 in the most amazing of ways. 31 00:01:19,162 --> 00:01:20,593 So let's get into it. 32 00:01:20,593 --> 00:01:23,450 I've asked several of my friends to greet you this weekend 33 00:01:23,450 --> 00:01:26,340 and my hope is that in light of this pandemic, 34 00:01:26,340 --> 00:01:29,696 and the way we are celebrating his resurrection this year, 35 00:01:29,696 --> 00:01:32,174 they're gonna add to making it special for you, 36 00:01:32,174 --> 00:01:33,741 as well as meaningful. 37 00:01:33,741 --> 00:01:35,719 - Hey, Celebrate, it's Joseph Clarke 38 00:01:35,719 --> 00:01:38,096 and we have a reason to celebrate. 39 00:01:38,096 --> 00:01:39,830 Christ has risen. 40 00:01:39,830 --> 00:01:41,016 Hallelujah! 41 00:01:41,016 --> 00:01:43,331 - Hey, Celebrate, this is Eric Alexander 42 00:01:43,331 --> 00:01:44,739 in Vale, Colorado. 43 00:01:44,739 --> 00:01:47,191 It's been a little while since I've been with you 44 00:01:47,191 --> 00:01:49,012 but I wanted to take this opportunity 45 00:01:49,012 --> 00:01:51,812 and just wish you a very happy Easter. 46 00:01:51,812 --> 00:01:53,564 - Hello, Celebrate, it's Rodney McGruder 47 00:01:53,564 --> 00:01:56,617 of the Los Angeles Clippers wish you all a happy Easter. 48 00:01:56,617 --> 00:01:58,825 - Hey, Celebrate, Phil Joel here 49 00:01:58,825 --> 00:02:01,367 wish you a happy and safe Easter. 50 00:02:01,367 --> 00:02:04,470 - Hello, Celebrate, this is Coach Jim Caldwell, 51 00:02:04,470 --> 00:02:05,513 happy Easter. 52 00:02:05,513 --> 00:02:06,830 - Hello, Celebrate. 53 00:02:06,830 --> 00:02:11,830 This is Josh McDowell wishing you a happy, fulfilled Easter. 54 00:02:11,950 --> 00:02:13,082 He is risen. 55 00:02:13,082 --> 00:02:13,915 - Hey, Celebrate. 56 00:02:13,915 --> 00:02:16,716 This is Marcus Lee wishing you guys a happy Easter. 57 00:02:16,716 --> 00:02:17,892 - Hello, Celebrate. 58 00:02:17,892 --> 00:02:20,772 This is John Elefante from Nashville, Tennessee 59 00:02:20,772 --> 00:02:23,000 wishing you all a very happy Easter. 60 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:24,982 - Hello, Celebrate. 61 00:02:24,982 --> 00:02:29,337 This is Jessica Obilom wishing you a happy, happy Easter. 62 00:02:29,337 --> 00:02:30,457 - Hello, Celebrate. 63 00:02:30,457 --> 00:02:32,429 This is Mary D'Argenis wishing all of you 64 00:02:32,429 --> 00:02:34,467 a very happy Easter. 65 00:02:34,467 --> 00:02:37,072 - Hello everyone at Celebrate, this is Randy Hartley. 66 00:02:37,072 --> 00:02:39,060 I wanna wish you a very happy Easter. 67 00:02:39,060 --> 00:02:41,842 - Hey, what's going on Pastor Keith and Celebrate Church? 68 00:02:41,842 --> 00:02:45,405 This is Bryan Schwartz, former NFL middle linebacker 69 00:02:45,405 --> 00:02:47,107 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. 70 00:02:47,107 --> 00:02:49,180 Come on, man, we are coming up 71 00:02:49,180 --> 00:02:52,674 on one of the most important days in all of human history, 72 00:02:52,674 --> 00:02:57,082 the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection. 73 00:02:57,082 --> 00:02:58,396 - Hello, Celebrate. 74 00:02:58,396 --> 00:03:00,580 This is Jim Garlow from San Diego, 75 00:03:00,580 --> 00:03:04,429 wishing you a most blessed resurrection day. 76 00:03:04,429 --> 00:03:06,400 - Hey, Celebrate, it's Jessica from Resound 77 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:08,687 and I'm wishing you a happy Easter. 78 00:03:08,687 --> 00:03:10,208 - Hey, what's going on, Celebrate? 79 00:03:10,208 --> 00:03:13,370 This is Brian Ivie wishing you all a very happy Easter. 80 00:03:13,370 --> 00:03:16,984 - This is Coach Ron Brown wishing you a happy Easter. 81 00:03:16,984 --> 00:03:18,125 - Hello, Celebrate. 82 00:03:18,125 --> 00:03:21,969 This is Greg Vail wishing you guys a amazing Easter. 83 00:03:21,969 --> 00:03:23,097 Happy Easter! 84 00:03:23,097 --> 00:03:25,629 - Hello to all the saints at Celebrate. 85 00:03:25,629 --> 00:03:30,150 This is Joe Battaglia wishing you all a very happy Easter. 86 00:03:30,150 --> 00:03:31,168 - Hello, Celebrate. 87 00:03:31,168 --> 00:03:33,184 This is John and Stephanie Lawry. 88 00:03:33,184 --> 00:03:34,017 - Wishing you. 89 00:03:34,017 --> 00:03:35,446 - [Both] A happy Easter. 90 00:03:35,446 --> 00:03:36,422 - Hello, Celebrate. 91 00:03:36,422 --> 00:03:38,391 This is Tom Holladay from Saddleback Church 92 00:03:38,391 --> 00:03:39,993 wishing you happy Easter. 93 00:03:39,993 --> 00:03:41,348 - Good morning, Celebrate. 94 00:03:41,348 --> 00:03:42,883 It's Tremaine Jackson. 95 00:03:42,883 --> 00:03:46,367 I just want to wish you guys a very, very happy Easter. 96 00:03:46,367 --> 00:03:47,287 - Hello, Celebrate. 97 00:03:47,287 --> 00:03:49,962 This is Jaime Barnes down in Celebration, Florida, 98 00:03:49,962 --> 00:03:51,766 wishing you a very happy Easter. 99 00:03:51,766 --> 00:03:54,075 - Hi, Celebrate, my family. 100 00:03:54,075 --> 00:03:57,645 This is John Schlitt and I wanna wish you a happy Easter. 101 00:03:57,645 --> 00:03:58,854 - Hello, Celebrate. 102 00:03:58,854 --> 00:04:02,641 This is Roddy Chong wishing you all a happy Easter. 103 00:04:02,641 --> 00:04:04,182 - Hey, Celebrate Church. 104 00:04:04,182 --> 00:04:06,337 Happy Easter from Mayor Paul Tenhaken 105 00:04:06,337 --> 00:04:08,215 and from. - Nora Tenhaken. 106 00:04:08,215 --> 00:04:10,160 - Hi, this is Bob Hartman from Petra 107 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:11,923 and this is my wife Kim. 108 00:04:11,923 --> 00:04:16,258 We wanna wish Celebrate a very happy and safe Easter. 109 00:04:16,258 --> 00:04:17,756 - Hey, Celebrate Church. 110 00:04:17,756 --> 00:04:19,266 It's Mack Brock here. 111 00:04:19,266 --> 00:04:22,233 I am in Charlotte, North Carolina. 112 00:04:22,233 --> 00:04:24,217 But just wanted to hop on here really quick 113 00:04:24,217 --> 00:04:26,176 and wish you guys, your whole church, 114 00:04:26,176 --> 00:04:29,682 Pastor Keith, the whole team a happy Easter. 115 00:04:29,682 --> 00:04:32,215 - Happy Easter, Celebrate Church. 116 00:04:32,215 --> 00:04:34,700 So excited to rejoice with you 117 00:04:34,700 --> 00:04:36,454 on the resurrection of Jesus 118 00:04:36,454 --> 00:04:38,631 and we're all doing Easter from home 119 00:04:38,631 --> 00:04:41,544 so this is a welcome from 12Stone Church 120 00:04:41,544 --> 00:04:43,219 in Atlanta, Georgia. 121 00:04:43,219 --> 00:04:46,540 Love your Pastor Keith and Kay, 122 00:04:46,540 --> 00:04:49,204 what a great family, what a great church. 123 00:04:49,204 --> 00:04:52,092 Hope this is a great day for you. 124 00:04:52,092 --> 00:04:54,941 (slow soft music) 125 00:04:54,941 --> 00:04:57,858 ("God of Revival") 126 00:05:08,372 --> 00:05:11,812 ♪ We've seen what You can do ♪ 127 00:05:11,812 --> 00:05:15,196 ♪ Oh, God of wonders ♪ 128 00:05:15,196 --> 00:05:20,196 ♪ Your power has no end ♪ 129 00:05:21,567 --> 00:05:25,101 ♪ The things You've done before ♪ 130 00:05:25,101 --> 00:05:28,572 ♪ In greater measure ♪ 131 00:05:28,572 --> 00:05:32,661 ♪ You will do again ♪ 132 00:05:32,661 --> 00:05:37,578 ♪ 'Cause there's no prison wall You can't break through ♪ 133 00:05:37,578 --> 00:05:40,999 ♪ No mountain You can't move ♪ 134 00:05:40,999 --> 00:05:45,984 ♪ All things are possible ♪ 135 00:05:45,984 --> 00:05:50,945 ♪ There's no broken body You can't raise ♪ 136 00:05:50,945 --> 00:05:54,305 ♪ No soul that You can't save ♪ 137 00:05:54,305 --> 00:05:59,111 ♪ All things are possible ♪ 138 00:05:59,111 --> 00:06:01,944 ♪ The darkest night ♪ 139 00:06:01,944 --> 00:06:05,164 ♪ You can light it up ♪ 140 00:06:05,164 --> 00:06:08,334 ♪ You can light it up ♪ 141 00:06:08,334 --> 00:06:12,554 ♪ The God of revival ♪ 142 00:06:12,554 --> 00:06:15,165 ♪ Let hope arise ♪ 143 00:06:15,165 --> 00:06:18,401 ♪ Death is overcome ♪ 144 00:06:18,401 --> 00:06:21,869 ♪ You've already won ♪ 145 00:06:21,869 --> 00:06:26,869 ♪ God of revival ♪ 146 00:06:28,307 --> 00:06:31,685 ♪ You rose in victory ♪ 147 00:06:31,685 --> 00:06:35,017 ♪ And now You're seated ♪ 148 00:06:35,017 --> 00:06:40,017 ♪ Forever on the throne ♪ 149 00:06:41,603 --> 00:06:45,011 ♪ So why should my heart fear ♪ 150 00:06:45,011 --> 00:06:48,321 ♪ What You've defeated ♪ 151 00:06:48,321 --> 00:06:52,567 ♪ I will trust You alone ♪ 152 00:06:52,567 --> 00:06:57,567 ♪ 'Cause there's no prison wall You can't break through ♪ 153 00:06:57,674 --> 00:07:00,977 ♪ No mountain You can't move ♪ 154 00:07:00,977 --> 00:07:05,973 ♪ All things are possible ♪ 155 00:07:05,973 --> 00:07:10,925 ♪ There's no broken body you can't raise ♪ 156 00:07:10,925 --> 00:07:14,343 ♪ No soul that You can't save ♪ 157 00:07:14,343 --> 00:07:19,343 ♪ All things are possible ♪ 158 00:07:19,369 --> 00:07:22,022 ♪ The darkest night ♪ 159 00:07:22,022 --> 00:07:25,072 ♪ You can light it up ♪ 160 00:07:25,072 --> 00:07:28,454 ♪ You can light it up ♪ 161 00:07:28,454 --> 00:07:32,579 ♪ God of revival ♪ 162 00:07:32,579 --> 00:07:35,205 ♪ Let hope arise ♪ 163 00:07:35,205 --> 00:07:38,504 ♪ Death is overcome ♪ 164 00:07:38,504 --> 00:07:41,847 ♪ You've already won ♪ 165 00:07:41,847 --> 00:07:44,597 ♪ God of revival ♪ 166 00:07:55,231 --> 00:07:57,814 - Lord, let this be our prayer, 167 00:07:59,207 --> 00:08:01,124 let this be our praise. 168 00:08:02,342 --> 00:08:05,748 It seems that we are in the darkest times, 169 00:08:05,748 --> 00:08:08,165 the darkest of days, but You, 170 00:08:09,993 --> 00:08:11,552 but You came. 171 00:08:11,552 --> 00:08:14,550 When all seemed lost, You came. 172 00:08:14,550 --> 00:08:17,633 When all seemed broken, You overcame. 173 00:08:18,562 --> 00:08:22,796 You took it to the cross and broke every chain. 174 00:08:22,796 --> 00:08:25,046 So what do we have to fear? 175 00:08:26,675 --> 00:08:28,567 Because if You conquered death, 176 00:08:28,567 --> 00:08:32,606 then You can conquer everything that is here. 177 00:08:32,606 --> 00:08:34,841 So we pray for an awakening, 178 00:08:34,841 --> 00:08:37,998 the time has come for a revival. 179 00:08:37,998 --> 00:08:39,969 So we call out to Your name. 180 00:08:39,969 --> 00:08:42,213 We pray and seek Your face. 181 00:08:42,213 --> 00:08:45,312 We turn from all wicked ways. 182 00:08:45,312 --> 00:08:47,578 We ask for forgiveness. 183 00:08:47,578 --> 00:08:49,900 So God, will You forgive? 184 00:08:49,900 --> 00:08:51,427 Will You restore? 185 00:08:51,427 --> 00:08:52,932 Will You awaken? 186 00:08:52,932 --> 00:08:54,197 Will You renew? 187 00:08:54,197 --> 00:08:55,542 Will You heal? 188 00:08:55,542 --> 00:08:56,844 Will You protect? 189 00:08:56,844 --> 00:08:58,261 Will You conquer? 190 00:08:59,204 --> 00:09:02,978 Will You light us up to be a light unto Your world? 191 00:09:02,978 --> 00:09:07,292 Because without You, without You we are nothing. 192 00:09:07,292 --> 00:09:09,256 So come, Lord, come. 193 00:09:09,256 --> 00:09:10,874 Come awaken Your people. 194 00:09:10,874 --> 00:09:12,635 Come awaken Your cities. 195 00:09:12,635 --> 00:09:14,362 Come awaken the nation. 196 00:09:14,362 --> 00:09:16,195 Come awaken the world. 197 00:09:17,907 --> 00:09:21,278 ♪ Come awaken Your people ♪ 198 00:09:21,278 --> 00:09:25,001 ♪ Come awaken the city ♪ 199 00:09:25,001 --> 00:09:30,001 ♪ Oh God of revival, pour it out, pour it out ♪ 200 00:09:31,105 --> 00:09:34,479 ♪ Every stronghold will crumble ♪ 201 00:09:34,479 --> 00:09:38,162 ♪ Hear the chains hit the ground ♪ 202 00:09:38,162 --> 00:09:43,162 ♪ Oh God of revival, pour it out, pour it out ♪ 203 00:09:45,673 --> 00:09:48,424 ♪ The darkest night ♪ 204 00:09:48,424 --> 00:09:51,609 ♪ You can light it up ♪ 205 00:09:51,609 --> 00:09:54,892 ♪ You can light it up ♪ 206 00:09:54,892 --> 00:09:59,001 ♪ Oh, God of revival ♪ 207 00:09:59,001 --> 00:10:01,661 ♪ Let hope arise ♪ 208 00:10:01,661 --> 00:10:04,987 ♪ Death is overcome ♪ 209 00:10:04,987 --> 00:10:08,214 ♪ You've already won ♪ 210 00:10:08,214 --> 00:10:13,214 ♪ God of revival ♪ 211 00:10:14,520 --> 00:10:17,835 ♪ Come awaken Your people ♪ 212 00:10:17,835 --> 00:10:21,597 ♪ Come awaken the city ♪ 213 00:10:21,597 --> 00:10:26,597 ♪ Oh God of revival, pour it out, pour it out ♪ 214 00:10:27,857 --> 00:10:31,262 ♪ Every stronghold will crumble ♪ 215 00:10:31,262 --> 00:10:34,861 ♪ Hear the chains hit the ground ♪ 216 00:10:34,861 --> 00:10:39,861 ♪ Oh God of revival, pour it out, pour it out ♪ 217 00:11:06,063 --> 00:11:08,189 - I'm excited about this message 218 00:11:08,189 --> 00:11:11,709 because the message of Easter is a game-changer. 219 00:11:11,709 --> 00:11:14,201 You see, as we face these challenging events, 220 00:11:14,201 --> 00:11:17,126 it's a great time to fully understand Easter 221 00:11:17,126 --> 00:11:18,839 and what it's all about. 222 00:11:18,839 --> 00:11:20,969 You see, Jesus took the greatest of tragedy 223 00:11:20,969 --> 00:11:23,666 and He turned it into the greatest of triumph 224 00:11:23,666 --> 00:11:26,961 and that victory changed everything. 225 00:11:26,961 --> 00:11:29,420 And so take our your notes along with your Bible 226 00:11:29,420 --> 00:11:31,467 and let's get into it. 227 00:11:31,467 --> 00:11:34,335 Our worship team is gonna set this up. 228 00:11:34,335 --> 00:11:36,923 ♪ If you've been walking the same old road ♪ 229 00:11:36,923 --> 00:11:40,280 ♪ For miles and miles ♪ 230 00:11:40,280 --> 00:11:42,901 ♪ If you've been hearing the same old voice ♪ 231 00:11:42,901 --> 00:11:46,936 ♪ Tell the same old lies ♪ 232 00:11:46,936 --> 00:11:51,936 ♪ If you're trying to fill the same old holes inside ♪ 233 00:11:52,373 --> 00:11:55,339 ♪ There's a better life ♪ 234 00:11:55,339 --> 00:11:58,756 ♪ There's a better life ♪ 235 00:11:58,756 --> 00:12:01,427 ♪ If you've got pain ♪ 236 00:12:01,427 --> 00:12:04,821 ♪ He's a pain taker ♪ 237 00:12:04,821 --> 00:12:07,778 ♪ If you feel lost ♪ 238 00:12:07,778 --> 00:12:11,060 ♪ He's a way maker ♪ 239 00:12:11,060 --> 00:12:14,669 ♪ If you need freedom or saving ♪ 240 00:12:14,669 --> 00:12:17,292 ♪ He's a prison-shaking Savior ♪ 241 00:12:17,292 --> 00:12:20,026 ♪ If you've got chains ♪ 242 00:12:20,026 --> 00:12:25,026 ♪ He's a chain breaker ♪ 243 00:12:26,345 --> 00:12:29,290 ♪ Now we've all searched for the light of day ♪ 244 00:12:29,290 --> 00:12:32,634 ♪ In the dead of night ♪ 245 00:12:32,634 --> 00:12:37,634 ♪ We've all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight ♪ 246 00:12:38,998 --> 00:12:43,998 ♪ We've all run to things we know just ain't right ♪ 247 00:12:44,530 --> 00:12:47,666 ♪ And there's a better life ♪ 248 00:12:47,666 --> 00:12:51,025 ♪ There's a better life ♪ 249 00:12:51,025 --> 00:12:53,805 ♪ If you've got pain ♪ 250 00:12:53,805 --> 00:12:57,264 ♪ He's a pain taker ♪ 251 00:12:57,264 --> 00:12:59,963 ♪ If you feel lost ♪ 252 00:12:59,963 --> 00:13:03,341 ♪ He's a way maker ♪ 253 00:13:03,341 --> 00:13:06,984 ♪ If you need freedom or saving ♪ 254 00:13:06,984 --> 00:13:09,539 ♪ He's a prison-shaking Savior ♪ 255 00:13:09,539 --> 00:13:12,361 ♪ If you've got chains ♪ 256 00:13:12,361 --> 00:13:17,361 ♪ He's a chain breaker ♪ 257 00:13:20,246 --> 00:13:23,360 ♪ If you believe it ♪ 258 00:13:23,360 --> 00:13:26,352 ♪ If you receive it ♪ 259 00:13:26,352 --> 00:13:28,356 ♪ If you can feel it ♪ 260 00:13:28,356 --> 00:13:32,493 ♪ Somebody testify ♪ 261 00:13:32,493 --> 00:13:35,529 ♪ If you believe it ♪ 262 00:13:35,529 --> 00:13:38,688 ♪ If you receive it ♪ 263 00:13:38,688 --> 00:13:40,625 ♪ If you can feel it ♪ 264 00:13:40,625 --> 00:13:44,846 ♪ Somebody testify, testify ♪ 265 00:13:44,846 --> 00:13:47,899 ♪ If you believe it ♪ 266 00:13:47,899 --> 00:13:50,980 ♪ If you receive it ♪ 267 00:13:50,980 --> 00:13:52,873 ♪ If you can feel it ♪ 268 00:13:52,873 --> 00:13:55,608 ♪ Somebody testify ♪ 269 00:13:55,608 --> 00:13:58,438 ♪ If you've got pain ♪ 270 00:13:58,438 --> 00:14:01,749 ♪ He's a pain taker ♪ 271 00:14:01,749 --> 00:14:04,657 ♪ If you feel lost ♪ 272 00:14:04,657 --> 00:14:07,892 ♪ He's a way maker ♪ 273 00:14:07,892 --> 00:14:11,456 ♪ If you need freedom or saving ♪ 274 00:14:11,456 --> 00:14:14,040 ♪ He's a prison-shaking Savior ♪ 275 00:14:14,040 --> 00:14:16,997 ♪ If you've got chains ♪ 276 00:14:16,997 --> 00:14:19,797 ♪ He's a chain breaker ♪ 277 00:14:19,797 --> 00:14:23,890 ♪ Oh, if you need freedom or saving ♪ 278 00:14:23,890 --> 00:14:26,355 ♪ He's a prison-shaking Savior ♪ 279 00:14:26,355 --> 00:14:29,311 ♪ If you've got chains ♪ 280 00:14:29,311 --> 00:14:32,561 ♪ He's a chain breaker ♪ 281 00:14:42,157 --> 00:14:44,981 - Happy Easter everyone. 282 00:14:44,981 --> 00:14:47,368 I gotta tell you a story I think you're gonna love. 283 00:14:47,368 --> 00:14:49,438 It's about little Johnny and his mother, 284 00:14:49,438 --> 00:14:52,619 they were out shopping and they ran into their preacher, 285 00:14:52,619 --> 00:14:53,903 they ran into their pastor. 286 00:14:53,903 --> 00:14:55,139 You ready for this? 287 00:14:55,139 --> 00:14:58,455 The pastor smiled and got down at Johnny's level 288 00:14:58,455 --> 00:15:00,492 and looked at him and smiled and said, 289 00:15:00,492 --> 00:15:02,799 "So, what are you up to today, Johnny?" 290 00:15:02,799 --> 00:15:05,698 "Oh, Mom and I, we're just getting ready for Easter." 291 00:15:05,698 --> 00:15:08,543 The pastor thought for a moment, what an opportunity. 292 00:15:08,543 --> 00:15:11,892 So he looked Johnny in the eye and he said, "Really? 293 00:15:11,892 --> 00:15:13,195 "Really, Johnny? 294 00:15:13,195 --> 00:15:15,387 "So what is Easter really all about anyway? 295 00:15:15,387 --> 00:15:18,052 "I mean, do you know what happened?" 296 00:15:18,052 --> 00:15:20,080 Little Johnny looked at the pastor 297 00:15:20,080 --> 00:15:21,849 and he was somewhat offended. 298 00:15:21,849 --> 00:15:24,686 "Well of course I do," he said. 299 00:15:24,686 --> 00:15:26,933 "Easter is when they nailed Jesus to a cross 300 00:15:26,933 --> 00:15:29,375 "and He died for our sins. 301 00:15:29,375 --> 00:15:31,055 "Then they put Him in a grave 302 00:15:31,055 --> 00:15:33,330 "and put a big rock in front of it. 303 00:15:33,330 --> 00:15:36,643 "But three days after, Jesus got out of that grave 304 00:15:36,643 --> 00:15:39,670 "and He rose from the dead." 305 00:15:39,670 --> 00:15:41,841 The pastor was impressed. 306 00:15:41,841 --> 00:15:44,285 But then Johnny added one more thing. 307 00:15:44,285 --> 00:15:46,202 "And when Jesus stepped out of that grave that day, 308 00:15:46,202 --> 00:15:49,210 "He looked around, because if He sees his shadow, 309 00:15:49,210 --> 00:15:51,395 "there'll be six more weeks of winter." 310 00:15:51,395 --> 00:15:53,607 (group laughing) 311 00:15:53,607 --> 00:15:55,751 (laughs) I love that story. 312 00:15:55,751 --> 00:15:59,834 You know, U.S. News & World Report began in 1933. 313 00:16:01,867 --> 00:16:04,790 It's an America media company that publishes news, 314 00:16:04,790 --> 00:16:08,957 consumer advice, analysis of global economy, and of health. 315 00:16:08,957 --> 00:16:13,594 Well today, it's primarily a web-based program, 316 00:16:13,594 --> 00:16:15,040 but when it was a magazine, 317 00:16:15,040 --> 00:16:19,397 it had a section entitled "News You Can Use", 318 00:16:19,397 --> 00:16:22,251 which obviously implies that there's some news 319 00:16:22,251 --> 00:16:25,028 of which we do not wanna use, 320 00:16:25,028 --> 00:16:28,630 and may I add, some news we need to leave alone. 321 00:16:28,630 --> 00:16:29,783 Now why do I say this? 322 00:16:29,783 --> 00:16:33,122 Because in the wave of this fear that's going on right now, 323 00:16:33,122 --> 00:16:37,271 I think there's a lot of Johnny's out there. 324 00:16:37,271 --> 00:16:39,073 I think there is. 325 00:16:39,073 --> 00:16:41,577 People giving a lot of analysis, 326 00:16:41,577 --> 00:16:44,360 a lot of advice and opinion. 327 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:45,904 But you know what I think? 328 00:16:45,904 --> 00:16:49,389 I think some of it's not recommended. 329 00:16:49,389 --> 00:16:53,746 In fact, I think some of it needs to be completely ignored. 330 00:16:53,746 --> 00:16:55,941 But I think it's adding, if you will, 331 00:16:55,941 --> 00:16:58,596 I think it's adding to people's fears. 332 00:16:58,596 --> 00:17:02,168 And so I thought being that it's Easter, 333 00:17:02,168 --> 00:17:06,194 and taking page out of U.S. News & World Report, 334 00:17:06,194 --> 00:17:09,925 I thought I'd give you some news you can use, 335 00:17:09,925 --> 00:17:13,317 some news that I believe will transform your life. 336 00:17:13,317 --> 00:17:14,224 Amen to that? 337 00:17:14,224 --> 00:17:15,057 - [Group] Amen. 338 00:17:15,057 --> 00:17:16,177 - So if you've got your Bibles, 339 00:17:16,177 --> 00:17:19,657 I want to invite you to Matthew 28. 340 00:17:19,657 --> 00:17:23,364 Matthew 28, we're gonna look at the first 10 verses 341 00:17:23,364 --> 00:17:26,324 and we're gonna look at some news 342 00:17:26,324 --> 00:17:28,655 that you and I can use. 343 00:17:28,655 --> 00:17:30,669 Now church, don't miss this 344 00:17:30,669 --> 00:17:35,418 because this is so important what I'm about to say. 345 00:17:35,418 --> 00:17:39,463 When you get Easter, you really get Easter, 346 00:17:39,463 --> 00:17:43,296 and you understand this news that you can use, 347 00:17:44,144 --> 00:17:48,316 this factual truths, I'm here to tell you, 348 00:17:48,316 --> 00:17:51,271 you don't need to be afraid. 349 00:17:51,271 --> 00:17:53,188 You will not be afraid. 350 00:17:55,015 --> 00:17:57,846 And so we are in Matthew 28, 351 00:17:57,846 --> 00:18:01,837 Matthew 28 and I'm gonna begin in the very first verse. 352 00:18:01,837 --> 00:18:03,850 Look what it says. 353 00:18:03,850 --> 00:18:08,850 "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, 354 00:18:09,327 --> 00:18:14,327 "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 355 00:18:15,683 --> 00:18:18,652 "There was a violent earthquake," that's interesting, 356 00:18:18,652 --> 00:18:23,222 "a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord 357 00:18:23,222 --> 00:18:26,961 "came down from heaven and going to the tomb, 358 00:18:26,961 --> 00:18:30,232 "rolled back the stone and sat on it." 359 00:18:30,232 --> 00:18:31,065 Love it. 360 00:18:31,900 --> 00:18:34,067 On this rock I will stand. 361 00:18:35,110 --> 00:18:37,145 All other ground is sinking sand. 362 00:18:37,145 --> 00:18:39,739 I mean, we thought that hymn was written by man. 363 00:18:39,739 --> 00:18:42,002 Talk about an angel with confidence, 364 00:18:42,002 --> 00:18:43,671 you know what I mean? 365 00:18:43,671 --> 00:18:47,042 "His appearance was like lightning, 366 00:18:47,042 --> 00:18:50,042 "and his clothes were white as snow. 367 00:18:51,012 --> 00:18:52,900 "The guards were so afraid of him 368 00:18:52,900 --> 00:18:56,483 "that they shook and became like dead men." 369 00:18:57,526 --> 00:18:58,776 Now watch this. 370 00:19:00,381 --> 00:19:04,964 "Then the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid.'" 371 00:19:06,557 --> 00:19:08,456 Do not be afraid. 372 00:19:08,456 --> 00:19:10,750 "For I know that you're looking for Jesus." 373 00:19:10,750 --> 00:19:14,153 I think right now there's a lot of people looking for Jesus. 374 00:19:14,153 --> 00:19:18,600 But do not be afraid, "This Jesus who was crucified, 375 00:19:18,600 --> 00:19:20,017 "He is not here." 376 00:19:21,360 --> 00:19:23,716 Here's some good news. 377 00:19:23,716 --> 00:19:26,216 "He has risen just as He said. 378 00:19:27,660 --> 00:19:30,999 "Come and see the place where He lay." 379 00:19:30,999 --> 00:19:34,286 I love that stuff, nothing hidden by the angel. 380 00:19:34,286 --> 00:19:38,389 "Then go quickly and tell his disciples," 381 00:19:38,389 --> 00:19:41,639 go quickly, "He has risen from the dead 382 00:19:42,718 --> 00:19:45,541 "and He is going ahead of you into Galilee. 383 00:19:45,541 --> 00:19:47,892 "There you will see Him. 384 00:19:47,892 --> 00:19:49,725 "Now I have told you." 385 00:19:50,650 --> 00:19:53,179 I told you the news you can use. 386 00:19:53,179 --> 00:19:56,104 Now watch this, I love this part of the story. 387 00:19:56,104 --> 00:19:59,550 "So the women hurried away from the tomb, 388 00:19:59,550 --> 00:20:01,883 "afraid yet filled with joy, 389 00:20:03,141 --> 00:20:06,249 "and ran to tell His disciples." 390 00:20:06,249 --> 00:20:09,749 Now watch this, "Suddenly Jesus met them." 391 00:20:10,641 --> 00:20:12,969 The dude in the grave. (laughs) 392 00:20:12,969 --> 00:20:14,951 He's now alive and well. 393 00:20:14,951 --> 00:20:16,028 He meets them. 394 00:20:16,028 --> 00:20:20,048 They haven't even gotten to the disciples yet. 395 00:20:20,048 --> 00:20:21,726 "Suddenly Jesus met them. 396 00:20:21,726 --> 00:20:23,476 "'Greeting,' He said. 397 00:20:24,561 --> 00:20:29,061 "They came to him clasped his feet and worshiped Him." 398 00:20:29,971 --> 00:20:32,064 Shouldn't we all? 399 00:20:32,064 --> 00:20:34,231 Now watch what Jesus says. 400 00:20:35,542 --> 00:20:39,209 "Then Jesus said to them,' Do not be afraid. 401 00:20:41,065 --> 00:20:44,256 "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, 402 00:20:44,256 --> 00:20:46,423 "there they will see Me.'" 403 00:20:47,851 --> 00:20:49,845 Wow, those are powerful words. 404 00:20:49,845 --> 00:20:52,325 If you got your notes, I wanna give you the first piece 405 00:20:52,325 --> 00:20:54,453 of news that you can use. 406 00:20:54,453 --> 00:20:55,672 You ready for this? 407 00:20:55,672 --> 00:20:59,589 I don't need to be afraid, my past is forgiven. 408 00:21:01,351 --> 00:21:05,268 I don't need to be afraid, my past is forgiven. 409 00:21:07,522 --> 00:21:11,086 If you're watching, I want you to look at me right now. 410 00:21:11,086 --> 00:21:14,235 I wanna ask you some questions. 411 00:21:14,235 --> 00:21:18,240 You ever spoken a word you wish you could get back? 412 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:19,881 (laughs) 413 00:21:19,881 --> 00:21:23,464 Make a decision you wish you could do over? 414 00:21:24,700 --> 00:21:26,533 Ever react carelessly? 415 00:21:27,542 --> 00:21:28,625 Unbecomingly? 416 00:21:30,364 --> 00:21:33,456 See some things you shouldn't have seen? 417 00:21:33,456 --> 00:21:36,873 Done some things you shouldn't have done? 418 00:21:38,350 --> 00:21:40,926 This is why I want you to look at me right now. 419 00:21:40,926 --> 00:21:41,759 Me, too. 420 00:21:43,782 --> 00:21:45,909 I've been there, I've done that. 421 00:21:45,909 --> 00:21:47,355 I've said that. 422 00:21:47,355 --> 00:21:48,522 Those regrets. 423 00:21:50,041 --> 00:21:53,055 Church listen to this, listen to the words 424 00:21:53,055 --> 00:21:57,159 of a 31 year old man who was recently divorced. 425 00:21:57,159 --> 00:21:59,869 Listen to what he says. 426 00:21:59,869 --> 00:22:01,489 "I'm recently divorced. 427 00:22:01,489 --> 00:22:02,489 "I feel bad. 428 00:22:03,471 --> 00:22:06,148 "I often go home and cry but there's no one there, 429 00:22:06,148 --> 00:22:08,535 "it seems nobody cares. 430 00:22:08,535 --> 00:22:11,188 "I'm stressed emotionally. 431 00:22:11,188 --> 00:22:13,169 "And I feel like I'm on the verge of a collapse, 432 00:22:13,169 --> 00:22:15,657 "something is so very wrong. 433 00:22:15,657 --> 00:22:17,740 "I feel hurt, embittered, 434 00:22:18,832 --> 00:22:23,832 "that I can scarcely react or even relate to anyone. 435 00:22:23,876 --> 00:22:26,745 "I feel as if I'm gonna have to sit the rest of my life," 436 00:22:26,745 --> 00:22:28,536 are you ready for this, 437 00:22:28,536 --> 00:22:30,286 "in the penalty box." 438 00:22:32,391 --> 00:22:35,558 Referring to the sport of hockey. 439 00:22:35,558 --> 00:22:38,405 Maybe you don't know what I'm talking about. 440 00:22:38,405 --> 00:22:41,905 But it's a box, it's a place, it's a space 441 00:22:43,142 --> 00:22:47,981 where you have to sit when you've made a mistake on the ice, 442 00:22:47,981 --> 00:22:50,008 when you've blown it, 443 00:22:50,008 --> 00:22:53,369 when you've been called out, if you will. 444 00:22:53,369 --> 00:22:54,801 Isn't that interesting? 445 00:22:54,801 --> 00:22:58,699 It's a place that you have to sit out in the game. 446 00:22:58,699 --> 00:23:02,013 You have to wait until a clock of time runs out 447 00:23:02,013 --> 00:23:05,339 and tells you you can get out of the box. 448 00:23:05,339 --> 00:23:08,006 Someone else doing that for you. 449 00:23:09,291 --> 00:23:12,950 Now I think about this, and I think about wow, 450 00:23:12,950 --> 00:23:16,881 these are professionals, these are the best of the best. 451 00:23:16,881 --> 00:23:20,048 And all they can do is watch the game. 452 00:23:21,950 --> 00:23:24,617 They sit, anxiously, helplessly. 453 00:23:27,684 --> 00:23:30,293 Everything out of their control. 454 00:23:30,293 --> 00:23:32,210 You ever feel that way? 455 00:23:33,154 --> 00:23:35,473 I think a lot of people do. 456 00:23:35,473 --> 00:23:37,389 I think a lot of people do. 457 00:23:37,389 --> 00:23:38,580 Think about it. 458 00:23:38,580 --> 00:23:42,163 They can't get out, they can't get back in, 459 00:23:43,453 --> 00:23:47,744 they can't get up, thus they can't live in the present 460 00:23:47,744 --> 00:23:51,435 because they can't get over their past. 461 00:23:51,435 --> 00:23:52,768 The penalty box. 462 00:23:53,832 --> 00:23:57,544 But look what the Bible says because of Easter. 463 00:23:57,544 --> 00:24:00,950 Look at this, look at this passage. 464 00:24:00,950 --> 00:24:04,783 "When we were stuck in our old sin-dead life," 465 00:24:06,218 --> 00:24:09,885 penalty box, "Jesus took it and destroyed it 466 00:24:12,086 --> 00:24:14,865 "by nailing it to the cross." 467 00:24:14,865 --> 00:24:16,096 Isn't that incredible? 468 00:24:16,096 --> 00:24:17,431 "Think of that." 469 00:24:17,431 --> 00:24:18,681 Easter. 470 00:24:18,681 --> 00:24:22,264 "All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean." 471 00:24:24,347 --> 00:24:27,260 I don't know about you, that's news I can use. 472 00:24:27,260 --> 00:24:28,281 Amen to that? 473 00:24:28,281 --> 00:24:30,924 I don't need to be afraid. 474 00:24:30,924 --> 00:24:33,256 My past has been forgiven. 475 00:24:33,256 --> 00:24:34,738 I don't know if you've ever seen one of these, 476 00:24:34,738 --> 00:24:36,942 it's called an Etch-A-Sketch. 477 00:24:36,942 --> 00:24:38,744 Y'all remember these? 478 00:24:38,744 --> 00:24:41,355 You can still buy them, this is brand new. 479 00:24:41,355 --> 00:24:43,292 This is crazy, you know what I mean? 480 00:24:43,292 --> 00:24:46,261 But, I don't know if a lot of people play them today. 481 00:24:46,261 --> 00:24:48,971 But when I was a kid, like, this was a big deal. 482 00:24:48,971 --> 00:24:49,823 Big deal. 483 00:24:49,823 --> 00:24:51,526 And you've got these two little controls 484 00:24:51,526 --> 00:24:55,438 and you can move and it creates a picture. 485 00:24:55,438 --> 00:24:57,676 But here's the Good News because of Easter, 486 00:24:57,676 --> 00:24:59,869 'cause I think this is what Jesus does. 487 00:24:59,869 --> 00:25:03,968 When I make a mistake, because of the cross, 488 00:25:03,968 --> 00:25:08,123 because of Easter, all I have to do is go, 489 00:25:08,123 --> 00:25:09,775 and it's clean. 490 00:25:09,775 --> 00:25:11,525 I can start all over. 491 00:25:13,135 --> 00:25:14,687 I love that. 492 00:25:14,687 --> 00:25:16,742 That's an Etch-A-Sketch. 493 00:25:16,742 --> 00:25:18,792 That's what Easter's all about. 494 00:25:18,792 --> 00:25:21,125 Jesus was nailed for our sin 495 00:25:22,354 --> 00:25:26,403 so we can stop nailing ourselves with that sin. 496 00:25:26,403 --> 00:25:28,150 Isn't that awesome? 497 00:25:28,150 --> 00:25:31,062 He got hung up for our hang ups. 498 00:25:31,062 --> 00:25:32,405 I love that stuff. 499 00:25:32,405 --> 00:25:34,988 The past is gone, it's no more. 500 00:25:36,088 --> 00:25:38,744 Look what the Bible says in Colossians three, 501 00:25:38,744 --> 00:25:41,538 "He has forgiven all our sins 502 00:25:41,538 --> 00:25:45,798 "and canceled every record of the debt we owed. 503 00:25:45,798 --> 00:25:48,409 "Christ has done away with it all, 504 00:25:48,409 --> 00:25:51,503 "by nailing it to the cross." 505 00:25:51,503 --> 00:25:55,488 I'm telling you, woo! (group laughing) 506 00:25:55,488 --> 00:25:56,655 That's Easter! 507 00:25:59,044 --> 00:26:01,374 This is why we have nothing to fear. 508 00:26:01,374 --> 00:26:02,374 Amen? - Amen. 509 00:26:03,292 --> 00:26:05,596 - Every single thing we've ever done 510 00:26:05,596 --> 00:26:09,929 is completely, fully, erratically, totally forgiven. 511 00:26:12,961 --> 00:26:16,781 My past is forgiven, let's talk about that. 512 00:26:16,781 --> 00:26:17,954 What's that say to you? 513 00:26:17,954 --> 00:26:19,814 - When you talk about the penalty box, 514 00:26:19,814 --> 00:26:23,922 and it's so easy for me to fall into that, 515 00:26:23,922 --> 00:26:26,262 especially it seems like the times 516 00:26:26,262 --> 00:26:29,050 when you really just wanna relax, like time to go to sleep, 517 00:26:29,050 --> 00:26:31,081 you start to think about those regrets 518 00:26:31,081 --> 00:26:34,084 and those things that just keep you awake at night. 519 00:26:34,084 --> 00:26:35,698 And you get into that penalty box 520 00:26:35,698 --> 00:26:39,935 and it's those times where I find myself turning to God 521 00:26:39,935 --> 00:26:41,862 and just starting to pray, 522 00:26:41,862 --> 00:26:44,706 and then next thing I know it's morning. 523 00:26:44,706 --> 00:26:46,793 - What an amazing thought for me is not only 524 00:26:46,793 --> 00:26:51,035 that my sin's been forgiven but God forgets 'em. 525 00:26:51,035 --> 00:26:53,062 And that's an amazing thought for me, 526 00:26:53,062 --> 00:26:55,312 'cause obviously coming from an addiction, 527 00:26:55,312 --> 00:26:57,217 the multiple times I said, "I'll never do it again," 528 00:26:57,217 --> 00:26:58,875 did it again, and to say, 529 00:26:58,875 --> 00:27:01,059 well God couldn't forgive all of that, 530 00:27:01,059 --> 00:27:02,588 and to realize that He has. 531 00:27:02,588 --> 00:27:04,569 In fact, if I come back to Him and say, 532 00:27:04,569 --> 00:27:06,741 "Oh, that's right, I've asked for forgiveness, 533 00:27:06,741 --> 00:27:08,271 "but would You forgive me again?" 534 00:27:08,271 --> 00:27:09,607 You know you sometimes repeat that? 535 00:27:09,607 --> 00:27:11,267 God goes like, "What's he talkin' about?" 536 00:27:11,267 --> 00:27:13,710 God's forgiven it and forgotten it. 537 00:27:13,710 --> 00:27:16,284 That gives me encouragement I need to move on as well. 538 00:27:16,284 --> 00:27:18,491 - You know, I find that so interesting 539 00:27:18,491 --> 00:27:21,337 because if you wanna play that out, what you just said, 540 00:27:21,337 --> 00:27:24,540 when someone's given their testimony, 541 00:27:24,540 --> 00:27:26,713 and of course the power of it, of our testimony 542 00:27:26,713 --> 00:27:30,787 is not where we've been, it's what Jesus did in that moment 543 00:27:30,787 --> 00:27:33,054 and where we're going now. 544 00:27:33,054 --> 00:27:34,599 But every time we give a testimony, 545 00:27:34,599 --> 00:27:36,749 we start talking about our past. 546 00:27:36,749 --> 00:27:37,582 Can you imagine? 547 00:27:37,582 --> 00:27:40,523 God's listening in going, "What are they talking about?" 548 00:27:40,523 --> 00:27:43,044 - I think it's an opportunity for growth, too, 549 00:27:43,044 --> 00:27:45,328 you know, really just relating to what you were saying. 550 00:27:45,328 --> 00:27:47,597 If we dwell on that past, 551 00:27:47,597 --> 00:27:50,940 it doesn't give us that opportunity to move forward. 552 00:27:50,940 --> 00:27:53,640 So it's an opportunity for us to grow in Christ, 553 00:27:53,640 --> 00:27:56,068 for us to grown in our relationship with Him, 554 00:27:56,068 --> 00:27:58,994 and just be the better us that He has created us to be. 555 00:27:58,994 --> 00:27:59,827 - Yeah. 556 00:27:59,827 --> 00:28:02,926 We hold our past against us and sometimes 557 00:28:02,926 --> 00:28:04,379 that holds us back. 558 00:28:04,379 --> 00:28:08,008 We think about it so much that it holds us back 559 00:28:08,008 --> 00:28:12,041 and we use that as a crutch for not moving forward. 560 00:28:12,041 --> 00:28:16,624 And so, if God can wipe that away, that is our release. 561 00:28:18,833 --> 00:28:21,199 And we have to pray for forgiveness 562 00:28:21,199 --> 00:28:25,679 because if He can forgive, then why dwell on the past? 563 00:28:25,679 --> 00:28:29,740 Our future is guaranteed, if we're working with God. 564 00:28:29,740 --> 00:28:34,456 - Here's the second piece of the news you can use. 565 00:28:34,456 --> 00:28:35,749 Are you ready for this? 566 00:28:35,749 --> 00:28:37,506 I don't need to be afraid. 567 00:28:37,506 --> 00:28:40,756 Because of Easter, my future is secure. 568 00:28:41,686 --> 00:28:43,353 My future is secure. 569 00:28:44,742 --> 00:28:47,149 I love what John says in 1 John. 570 00:28:47,149 --> 00:28:50,674 "This is the promise of what Jesus himself made to us." 571 00:28:50,674 --> 00:28:51,507 You ready for it? 572 00:28:51,507 --> 00:28:54,424 Here's the promise, "Eternal life." 573 00:28:55,692 --> 00:28:57,808 News that we can use. 574 00:28:57,808 --> 00:28:58,947 Amen? 575 00:28:58,947 --> 00:29:01,595 My friends, the greatest miracle of God 576 00:29:01,595 --> 00:29:05,762 is not a physical healing, it's the spiritual one. 577 00:29:07,013 --> 00:29:10,846 It's when we get to spend eternity with Jesus. 578 00:29:11,693 --> 00:29:14,293 That's the greatest of all miracles. 579 00:29:14,293 --> 00:29:15,653 Isn't that great news? 580 00:29:15,653 --> 00:29:16,629 It's great news. 581 00:29:16,629 --> 00:29:21,264 Because of Jesus, not only has my burden been lifted, 582 00:29:21,264 --> 00:29:23,431 but my bed has been made. 583 00:29:23,431 --> 00:29:24,322 I love it. 584 00:29:24,322 --> 00:29:25,947 It's like a Motel 6 moment, 585 00:29:25,947 --> 00:29:27,638 "And we'll leave the light on for you." 586 00:29:27,638 --> 00:29:28,905 (laughs) You know what I mean? 587 00:29:28,905 --> 00:29:29,835 I love that stuff. 588 00:29:29,835 --> 00:29:31,841 Look what Jesus said in John 14. 589 00:29:31,841 --> 00:29:34,392 "If I go and prepare a place for you, 590 00:29:34,392 --> 00:29:37,561 "I will come back and take you there to be with Me." 591 00:29:37,561 --> 00:29:38,929 Don't you love it? 592 00:29:38,929 --> 00:29:41,846 "For where I am, you will be also." 593 00:29:44,053 --> 00:29:47,130 Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians, "He died for us." 594 00:29:47,130 --> 00:29:48,307 And why? 595 00:29:48,307 --> 00:29:52,751 "In order that we might live together with Him forever." 596 00:29:52,751 --> 00:29:55,751 My future, your future, it's secure. 597 00:29:57,144 --> 00:29:57,977 Amen? 598 00:29:57,977 --> 00:29:58,810 - [Group] Amen. 599 00:29:58,810 --> 00:30:02,138 - In the book of Isaiah, let me tell you what it reads. 600 00:30:02,138 --> 00:30:04,221 "Why would we ever fear?" 601 00:30:05,274 --> 00:30:08,595 The prophet Isaiah actually asks the question. 602 00:30:08,595 --> 00:30:10,355 It's a great question. 603 00:30:10,355 --> 00:30:11,615 Why would we fear? 604 00:30:11,615 --> 00:30:14,948 He goes on to say, "For God is with us." 605 00:30:16,070 --> 00:30:17,153 God is in us. 606 00:30:19,140 --> 00:30:22,613 Look what Isaiah goes on to say. 607 00:30:22,613 --> 00:30:24,627 "I am your God. 608 00:30:24,627 --> 00:30:26,555 "I will strengthen you. 609 00:30:26,555 --> 00:30:28,415 "I will help you. 610 00:30:28,415 --> 00:30:31,998 "I will uphold you with my righteous hand." 611 00:30:33,784 --> 00:30:35,892 What a promise of God. 612 00:30:35,892 --> 00:30:38,884 In Psalm 23, we read those amazing words, 613 00:30:38,884 --> 00:30:42,967 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 614 00:30:43,880 --> 00:30:46,939 "I have all that I need," isn't that great news? 615 00:30:46,939 --> 00:30:49,897 "Even when I walk through the darkest of valley," 616 00:30:49,897 --> 00:30:52,564 and we're in a valley right now. 617 00:30:53,456 --> 00:30:55,756 We're in a valley right now. 618 00:30:55,756 --> 00:30:57,139 Let me help you with it. 619 00:30:57,139 --> 00:30:59,556 How about the valley of loss? 620 00:31:01,578 --> 00:31:02,745 A loss of job. 621 00:31:03,906 --> 00:31:05,396 Let's just talk about the loss 622 00:31:05,396 --> 00:31:08,577 of our daily freedoms right now. 623 00:31:08,577 --> 00:31:10,128 And of course, then there's the fear 624 00:31:10,128 --> 00:31:12,961 of a physical loss of life, right? 625 00:31:13,946 --> 00:31:18,690 But how about the valley of questions and uncertainties? 626 00:31:18,690 --> 00:31:19,690 The unknown. 627 00:31:20,796 --> 00:31:25,401 How about the valley of isolation right now and loneliness? 628 00:31:25,401 --> 00:31:29,936 And yet David writes, "We will not be afraid, 629 00:31:29,936 --> 00:31:34,103 "for our God is right here, right now, beside us." 630 00:31:35,199 --> 00:31:36,925 Isn't that great news? 631 00:31:36,925 --> 00:31:40,139 I mean that is incredible news. 632 00:31:40,139 --> 00:31:42,379 Don't you just love David's imagery here? 633 00:31:42,379 --> 00:31:43,924 I love it. 634 00:31:43,924 --> 00:31:46,141 We never have to worry when we follow Jesus 635 00:31:46,141 --> 00:31:50,051 because our Good Shepherd will protect us, 636 00:31:50,051 --> 00:31:51,362 He will provide for us. 637 00:31:51,362 --> 00:31:53,330 This is the power of Easter, right? 638 00:31:53,330 --> 00:31:54,859 But now watch this. 639 00:31:54,859 --> 00:31:59,279 For even though we go through these darkest of times, 640 00:31:59,279 --> 00:32:03,927 and that our God is right here, right now beside us, 641 00:32:03,927 --> 00:32:05,382 but not just in the here and now. 642 00:32:05,382 --> 00:32:08,839 Here's what David says, "Beyond this valley, 643 00:32:08,839 --> 00:32:11,506 "is guaranteed a house of rest." 644 00:32:14,360 --> 00:32:16,846 That's what he says in Psalm 23. 645 00:32:16,846 --> 00:32:21,179 "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." 646 00:32:23,097 --> 00:32:24,738 That's the great. 647 00:32:24,738 --> 00:32:26,170 That's the grand. 648 00:32:26,170 --> 00:32:29,003 That's the awesome news of Easter. 649 00:32:30,090 --> 00:32:32,579 Look what Titus three says. 650 00:32:32,579 --> 00:32:37,450 "He has declared us not guilty," our past is forgiven. 651 00:32:37,450 --> 00:32:40,933 But then he goes on to write, "But now, 652 00:32:40,933 --> 00:32:44,933 "we can know that we will inherit eternal life." 653 00:32:46,971 --> 00:32:51,566 These two amazing truths, that our past is forgiven 654 00:32:51,566 --> 00:32:53,392 and that our future is secure, 655 00:32:53,392 --> 00:32:57,693 are the most important truths in all our lives. 656 00:32:57,693 --> 00:33:00,394 When you think about that, that your future's secure, 657 00:33:00,394 --> 00:33:01,748 what does that say to you? 658 00:33:01,748 --> 00:33:04,222 - God has me in every situation. 659 00:33:04,222 --> 00:33:07,007 No matter what, I'm secure. 660 00:33:07,007 --> 00:33:09,225 He holds me in his hands every day of my life. 661 00:33:09,225 --> 00:33:11,805 - [Keith] Every situation, I love that. 662 00:33:11,805 --> 00:33:14,237 - I hear the language of people as they get older, 663 00:33:14,237 --> 00:33:16,515 not that I'm in that generation, but it is, 664 00:33:16,515 --> 00:33:19,082 'cause everybody around me is talking about security, 665 00:33:19,082 --> 00:33:22,338 only they talk about Social Security. 666 00:33:22,338 --> 00:33:25,396 They talk about retirement security, 667 00:33:25,396 --> 00:33:27,179 which is obviously tied to financial security, 668 00:33:27,179 --> 00:33:28,369 health security. 669 00:33:28,369 --> 00:33:31,444 They talk about that and it's all that kind of stuff. 670 00:33:31,444 --> 00:33:33,236 You go, "No, no." 671 00:33:33,236 --> 00:33:36,171 That's not the security, 'cause all that will go. 672 00:33:36,171 --> 00:33:39,588 It's heavenly security, that's what it's all about. 673 00:33:39,588 --> 00:33:41,147 And that's why I don't have to be afraid 674 00:33:41,147 --> 00:33:42,803 of any of that other stuff. 675 00:33:42,803 --> 00:33:44,179 - Yeah, that's definitely security. 676 00:33:44,179 --> 00:33:46,880 If our lives are in his hands, 677 00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:49,143 that's more security than anything else 678 00:33:49,143 --> 00:33:52,395 because the world that we live in, 679 00:33:52,395 --> 00:33:54,783 we're only in it for a moment. 680 00:33:54,783 --> 00:33:58,107 And, so as sometimes people get older, 681 00:33:58,107 --> 00:34:02,656 they start reflecting on how much time that they have left 682 00:34:02,656 --> 00:34:05,434 and they're like, "Okay, I need to make more 683 00:34:05,434 --> 00:34:08,457 "of the little time that I have left." 684 00:34:08,457 --> 00:34:10,465 We should've done that from the beginning, 685 00:34:10,465 --> 00:34:13,839 and God can help us capitalize on that time 686 00:34:13,839 --> 00:34:17,478 as long as we follow his instructions, so. 687 00:34:17,478 --> 00:34:20,947 - Here's the third piece of news that we can use. 688 00:34:20,947 --> 00:34:21,780 You ready for this? 689 00:34:21,780 --> 00:34:23,075 Write it down. 690 00:34:23,075 --> 00:34:26,928 We will not be afraid, for we can live right now, 691 00:34:26,928 --> 00:34:28,928 today, life to the full. 692 00:34:30,898 --> 00:34:32,847 Past forgiven, 693 00:34:32,847 --> 00:34:36,847 future secured, but because of those two truths, 694 00:34:38,128 --> 00:34:41,045 we can now live a life to the full. 695 00:34:42,361 --> 00:34:43,933 Don't you love those words? 696 00:34:43,933 --> 00:34:44,988 Say them with me. 697 00:34:44,988 --> 00:34:47,619 - [Group] Life to the full. 698 00:34:47,619 --> 00:34:50,442 - In 1 Peter, look what it says. 699 00:34:50,442 --> 00:34:53,243 "He carried our sin to the cross 700 00:34:53,243 --> 00:34:56,198 "so we could be rid of it," 701 00:34:56,198 --> 00:35:00,948 there it is, past forgiven, "free to live the right way." 702 00:35:02,863 --> 00:35:04,181 I love that. 703 00:35:04,181 --> 00:35:06,813 Past forgiven, future's secure, 704 00:35:06,813 --> 00:35:09,550 now let's get on in living. 705 00:35:09,550 --> 00:35:11,588 Every day matters. 706 00:35:11,588 --> 00:35:13,745 My friends, when you know that your past, 707 00:35:13,745 --> 00:35:14,953 are you ready for this? 708 00:35:14,953 --> 00:35:16,803 Is not hanging over your head, 709 00:35:16,803 --> 00:35:18,900 when you know that your future is locked up 710 00:35:18,900 --> 00:35:20,681 and solidified, oh my goodness, 711 00:35:20,681 --> 00:35:22,607 it makes the day a different day, doesn't it? 712 00:35:22,607 --> 00:35:24,669 When you really get that. 713 00:35:24,669 --> 00:35:27,223 Look what Major Ian Thomas writes. 714 00:35:27,223 --> 00:35:30,551 "Eternal life is not a particular feeling. 715 00:35:30,551 --> 00:35:34,565 "It is not an ultimate destination, to which we go. 716 00:35:34,565 --> 00:35:39,044 "If you're born again, and you have eternal life, 717 00:35:39,044 --> 00:35:43,414 "it is the quality of life that we can possess, 718 00:35:43,414 --> 00:35:44,997 "right now, today." 719 00:35:46,351 --> 00:35:48,207 Don't you love those words? 720 00:35:48,207 --> 00:35:50,951 It'd be like Warren Buffet, 721 00:35:50,951 --> 00:35:52,718 let's say he and I were on the phone 722 00:35:52,718 --> 00:35:56,567 and earlier today and I get to share this good news. 723 00:35:56,567 --> 00:35:59,566 Warren calls me up and says, "Hey, first of all, 724 00:35:59,566 --> 00:36:01,236 "let everybody in your church know 725 00:36:01,236 --> 00:36:02,696 "that I called all their banks, 726 00:36:02,696 --> 00:36:04,149 "I called all of their creditors, 727 00:36:04,149 --> 00:36:08,026 "and I paid off every debt they have." 728 00:36:08,026 --> 00:36:09,352 Now I don't know about you, 729 00:36:09,352 --> 00:36:11,314 we can just stop like right there. 730 00:36:11,314 --> 00:36:13,240 That'd be like a good day, wouldn't it? 731 00:36:13,240 --> 00:36:14,941 But then he says, "Oh, by the way, 732 00:36:14,941 --> 00:36:16,228 "but tell every one of 'em 733 00:36:16,228 --> 00:36:18,911 "I then deposited a million dollars 734 00:36:18,911 --> 00:36:21,748 "into their bank account. 735 00:36:21,748 --> 00:36:23,554 "They don't have to pay it back." 736 00:36:23,554 --> 00:36:27,490 Paid all of their debt, they have no debt anymore, 737 00:36:27,490 --> 00:36:30,708 and they now have a million dollars in their bank account. 738 00:36:30,708 --> 00:36:31,884 Now you ready for this? 739 00:36:31,884 --> 00:36:36,884 I guarantee you that would make today a different day. 740 00:36:37,011 --> 00:36:38,623 You would just think differently, 741 00:36:38,623 --> 00:36:40,377 you would just see differently, 742 00:36:40,377 --> 00:36:42,235 you would act differently. 743 00:36:42,235 --> 00:36:44,485 How much greater is Easter? 744 00:36:45,948 --> 00:36:48,246 And you know what I fear? 745 00:36:48,246 --> 00:36:50,485 I fear that people would rather have 746 00:36:50,485 --> 00:36:51,996 that call from Warren Buffet 747 00:36:51,996 --> 00:36:54,829 than they would from Jesus Christ. 748 00:36:56,332 --> 00:36:57,332 I fear that. 749 00:36:58,610 --> 00:37:00,674 You know, I saw this cartoon. 750 00:37:00,674 --> 00:37:02,356 Jesus was talking to some children, 751 00:37:02,356 --> 00:37:04,421 and so get the picture. 752 00:37:04,421 --> 00:37:07,832 He's telling them about a time He was with his disciples. 753 00:37:07,832 --> 00:37:10,577 The kids are wide-eyed, they're listening, 754 00:37:10,577 --> 00:37:12,906 and the caption reads, Jesus speaking, 755 00:37:12,906 --> 00:37:14,980 "So I was like, 'I'm the Son of God', 756 00:37:14,980 --> 00:37:16,081 "and they were like, 'No way,' 757 00:37:16,081 --> 00:37:18,175 "and I was like, 'Yahweh.'" (group laughing) 758 00:37:18,175 --> 00:37:20,534 (laughs) I love that. 759 00:37:20,534 --> 00:37:21,799 I just love that. 760 00:37:21,799 --> 00:37:25,154 I want you to picture that this is your life. 761 00:37:25,154 --> 00:37:27,048 This is your life. 762 00:37:27,048 --> 00:37:28,464 Here's what I get concerned about 763 00:37:28,464 --> 00:37:31,325 that most people don't get Easter. 764 00:37:31,325 --> 00:37:35,742 This being the Son of God and representing his blood. 765 00:37:37,979 --> 00:37:40,341 And I think what we end up doing is, 766 00:37:40,341 --> 00:37:42,943 we put a little Jesus in our lives 767 00:37:42,943 --> 00:37:45,750 'cause we don't understand Easter. 768 00:37:45,750 --> 00:37:48,332 And we go to church and we try to do a few things 769 00:37:48,332 --> 00:37:51,927 that look good and yet, if you look at the glass, 770 00:37:51,927 --> 00:37:55,305 and this being our life, you see the blood of Jesus. 771 00:37:55,305 --> 00:37:57,466 The only problem is there's a whole bunch 772 00:37:57,466 --> 00:38:01,133 in the glass still not covered in the blood. 773 00:38:02,122 --> 00:38:04,169 Now, I want you to catch this. 774 00:38:04,169 --> 00:38:07,319 Jesus said, "I came that you might have life," 775 00:38:07,319 --> 00:38:11,402 but then He describes the life, life to the full. 776 00:38:13,411 --> 00:38:17,039 That's what Jesus said our lives were to be. 777 00:38:17,039 --> 00:38:18,954 Nowhere in scripture did He say 778 00:38:18,954 --> 00:38:21,618 that you take your life and put a little Jesus in it. 779 00:38:21,618 --> 00:38:23,656 Now, I wanna tell you why this is a problem 780 00:38:23,656 --> 00:38:25,617 and why I struggle because so many people 781 00:38:25,617 --> 00:38:27,197 are full of fear right now, 782 00:38:27,197 --> 00:38:31,077 and I'm not just talking about those who don't know Jesus. 783 00:38:31,077 --> 00:38:34,063 I'm hearing a lot of doubt and fear 784 00:38:34,063 --> 00:38:38,730 and anxiousness from people who love Jesus, so to speak. 785 00:38:40,365 --> 00:38:42,485 But I wanna help you what Easter is about. 786 00:38:42,485 --> 00:38:47,413 Jesus said, "I come that your life would be full." 787 00:38:47,413 --> 00:38:50,594 But if you put just a little Jesus in your life, 788 00:38:50,594 --> 00:38:52,388 you leave all this other room 789 00:38:52,388 --> 00:38:55,805 for the devil to get in and put the fear. 790 00:38:56,898 --> 00:38:59,574 Now, to personalize this, 791 00:38:59,574 --> 00:39:01,626 am I experiencing any fear right now? 792 00:39:01,626 --> 00:39:02,459 No. 793 00:39:03,794 --> 00:39:04,627 No. 794 00:39:06,649 --> 00:39:07,980 People say, "But what if you die?" 795 00:39:07,980 --> 00:39:11,110 (laughs) I get to go be with Jesus? 796 00:39:11,110 --> 00:39:14,463 That's what it's all about, people. 797 00:39:14,463 --> 00:39:17,630 Jesus didn't come to fix my life here, 798 00:39:18,820 --> 00:39:22,526 He came to be with me here and take me there, 799 00:39:22,526 --> 00:39:24,420 to be with Him in glory. 800 00:39:24,420 --> 00:39:26,003 This isn't my home. 801 00:39:26,885 --> 00:39:29,718 But Jesus said fill up your life, 802 00:39:29,718 --> 00:39:33,611 let your life be full of Me because when it's full of Jesus, 803 00:39:33,611 --> 00:39:36,500 there's no room for the devil, 804 00:39:36,500 --> 00:39:38,241 there's no room for fear, 805 00:39:38,241 --> 00:39:39,832 "Because perfect love," the Bible says, 806 00:39:39,832 --> 00:39:41,582 "casts out all fear." 807 00:39:43,316 --> 00:39:45,444 You see how that works? 808 00:39:45,444 --> 00:39:50,361 But then Paul says this, not only do you fill your life up, 809 00:39:51,246 --> 00:39:54,625 that's why we don't make the weekend an option, 810 00:39:54,625 --> 00:39:57,949 we read books and we read the Bible and we pray, 811 00:39:57,949 --> 00:40:00,332 and we're in a life group and we're communing 812 00:40:00,332 --> 00:40:01,778 and doing life with other brothers 813 00:40:01,778 --> 00:40:03,301 and sisters in the Lord. 814 00:40:03,301 --> 00:40:05,339 Our lives are full of Jesus, 815 00:40:05,339 --> 00:40:07,071 so full of Jesus, there's no room 816 00:40:07,071 --> 00:40:09,132 for anything of the world. 817 00:40:09,132 --> 00:40:12,549 There's no place, no space for the devil. 818 00:40:13,984 --> 00:40:16,290 But Paul says but then our lives are to overflow 819 00:40:16,290 --> 00:40:20,070 'cause that's what being a witness is. 820 00:40:20,070 --> 00:40:22,130 When God keeps pouring into your life, 821 00:40:22,130 --> 00:40:25,463 it then overflows your life into others. 822 00:40:26,810 --> 00:40:28,537 Isn't that a beautiful picture? 823 00:40:28,537 --> 00:40:30,019 I love that stuff. 824 00:40:30,019 --> 00:40:33,509 Listen to the words of E. Stanley Jones. 825 00:40:33,509 --> 00:40:37,092 "Anything less than God will let you down." 826 00:40:38,451 --> 00:40:40,419 Those are great words. 827 00:40:40,419 --> 00:40:42,336 Anything less than God. 828 00:40:43,306 --> 00:40:46,281 You know, there's an old hymn that says, 829 00:40:46,281 --> 00:40:49,034 "My hope is built on nothing less 830 00:40:49,034 --> 00:40:52,117 "than Jesus' blood and righteousness. 831 00:40:53,300 --> 00:40:56,467 "I dare not trust the sweetest frame." 832 00:40:57,314 --> 00:41:00,115 I dare not trust anything in this world. 833 00:41:00,115 --> 00:41:03,347 "But I wholly lean on Jesus' name. 834 00:41:03,347 --> 00:41:06,092 "On Christ the solid rock I stand." 835 00:41:06,092 --> 00:41:07,659 All other ground is what? 836 00:41:07,659 --> 00:41:09,495 - [Group] Sinking sand. 837 00:41:09,495 --> 00:41:12,649 - All other ground is sinking sand. 838 00:41:12,649 --> 00:41:13,482 Wow. 839 00:41:14,350 --> 00:41:17,267 My past forgiven, my future secure, 840 00:41:19,190 --> 00:41:21,260 and because of those two truths, 841 00:41:21,260 --> 00:41:24,308 I can now live life to the full. 842 00:41:24,308 --> 00:41:25,809 Woo. 843 00:41:25,809 --> 00:41:27,657 Come on, what's that say to you? 844 00:41:27,657 --> 00:41:28,490 - Totally. 845 00:41:28,490 --> 00:41:30,849 Last night, it's funny, we were just talking last night 846 00:41:30,849 --> 00:41:33,349 about where we're currently at 847 00:41:34,820 --> 00:41:39,320 and just how it just seems that life is easy right now 848 00:41:40,866 --> 00:41:44,192 when you recognize that when you are full, 849 00:41:44,192 --> 00:41:46,995 that these worries that are out there, 850 00:41:46,995 --> 00:41:51,745 that they dissipate, and we have so much more to live for 851 00:41:53,324 --> 00:41:54,585 and it's just-- 852 00:41:54,585 --> 00:41:57,178 - Circumstances don't dictate our joy. 853 00:41:57,178 --> 00:41:58,785 - That's exactly right. 854 00:41:58,785 --> 00:42:01,394 - I like the-- - Those are great words. 855 00:42:01,394 --> 00:42:04,811 Circumstances, talk about read a message. 856 00:42:06,073 --> 00:42:07,240 Circumstances. 857 00:42:08,234 --> 00:42:10,809 They do not, if you will, interpret, 858 00:42:10,809 --> 00:42:13,843 they do not determine our joy. 859 00:42:13,843 --> 00:42:15,926 Christ determines our joy 860 00:42:17,205 --> 00:42:19,667 because that's who Christ is, is joy. 861 00:42:19,667 --> 00:42:22,548 So in Christ, we have joy. 862 00:42:22,548 --> 00:42:25,213 Which only solidify those words, "Greater is He 863 00:42:25,213 --> 00:42:29,501 "that is within me than anything that's in the world." 864 00:42:29,501 --> 00:42:32,101 - You said many times the fact that Jesus always said 865 00:42:32,101 --> 00:42:35,126 come to heaven as a child, and you think of a little child, 866 00:42:35,126 --> 00:42:37,743 I don't know of a three year old that today is going, 867 00:42:37,743 --> 00:42:39,838 "Man, I just blew it yesterday. 868 00:42:39,838 --> 00:42:41,379 "I just blew that." 869 00:42:41,379 --> 00:42:44,442 Or today is going, "Man, what am I gonna do for college? 870 00:42:44,442 --> 00:42:45,875 "What am I gonna do for college? 871 00:42:45,875 --> 00:42:46,863 "What's gonna happen?" 872 00:42:46,863 --> 00:42:47,704 No. 873 00:42:47,704 --> 00:42:49,696 Because the past, the future, they don't, 874 00:42:49,696 --> 00:42:54,018 they're so full of joy today and it overflows 875 00:42:54,018 --> 00:42:56,246 in everything that they do. 876 00:42:56,246 --> 00:42:57,958 And you see it and that's why Jesus says, "Okay, 877 00:42:57,958 --> 00:42:59,681 "that's how I want you to live." 878 00:42:59,681 --> 00:43:00,657 Just what you said. 879 00:43:00,657 --> 00:43:01,999 - Yeah, they're in the moment, 880 00:43:01,999 --> 00:43:04,166 those kids are in the moment. - Exactly. 881 00:43:04,166 --> 00:43:06,081 - There's no worry about what I just did 882 00:43:06,081 --> 00:43:09,049 or what I'm going to do, it's what's in front of me. 883 00:43:09,049 --> 00:43:10,779 - [Man] And they're full in that moment. 884 00:43:10,779 --> 00:43:11,776 - Yes. 885 00:43:11,776 --> 00:43:14,946 - It just took me back that yesterday, 886 00:43:14,946 --> 00:43:19,341 with all that, you know, this pandemic that's in our world, 887 00:43:19,341 --> 00:43:22,712 I just thought of that moment where I looked at Kay 888 00:43:22,712 --> 00:43:25,199 and I said, "Where's Jackson?" 889 00:43:25,199 --> 00:43:28,940 She said, "Well, she went upstairs to play." 890 00:43:28,940 --> 00:43:30,857 Isn't that interesting? 891 00:43:32,087 --> 00:43:34,605 Which is really to me a picture of prayer. 892 00:43:34,605 --> 00:43:36,860 She didn't go up to pray, she went up to play. 893 00:43:36,860 --> 00:43:37,865 Why? 894 00:43:37,865 --> 00:43:38,948 God's got it. 895 00:43:40,209 --> 00:43:42,368 (laughs) Everything's good. 896 00:43:42,368 --> 00:43:44,309 So I went up and went into her room 897 00:43:44,309 --> 00:43:45,857 and she's in her little playhouse 898 00:43:45,857 --> 00:43:47,744 and she's talking to her little friends 899 00:43:47,744 --> 00:43:50,069 and creatin' this beautiful little moment, 900 00:43:50,069 --> 00:43:51,591 and it was like wow. 901 00:43:51,591 --> 00:43:52,914 Why can't I do that? 902 00:43:52,914 --> 00:43:54,156 And then Jesus said what? 903 00:43:54,156 --> 00:43:55,052 "Come to heaven. 904 00:43:55,052 --> 00:43:57,316 "You must come like a child." 905 00:43:57,316 --> 00:43:59,478 - I see parallels in this situation 906 00:43:59,478 --> 00:44:02,775 'cause right now, I'm starting to realize 907 00:44:02,775 --> 00:44:05,358 that I have more, we have less, 908 00:44:08,902 --> 00:44:11,846 we have less of a lot of things at this moment, 909 00:44:11,846 --> 00:44:15,128 but one thing that I know everyone can say 910 00:44:15,128 --> 00:44:16,966 is that we have more time. 911 00:44:16,966 --> 00:44:19,361 If anyone says, "Oh, I don't have time," 912 00:44:19,361 --> 00:44:21,757 you know that that is not true at this moment in time, 913 00:44:21,757 --> 00:44:22,757 for anybody. 914 00:44:24,046 --> 00:44:26,379 So, it's just made me value, 915 00:44:28,282 --> 00:44:29,530 value things more. 916 00:44:29,530 --> 00:44:31,753 It's like getting us back to the basics, 917 00:44:31,753 --> 00:44:34,073 and so we just do the basics. 918 00:44:34,073 --> 00:44:39,035 And in that, we have happiness and we realize well, 919 00:44:39,035 --> 00:44:42,315 this is actually what we were meant to live for 920 00:44:42,315 --> 00:44:45,232 instead of just the dundrum of work 921 00:44:47,265 --> 00:44:50,873 and just structure that we've been built in, 922 00:44:50,873 --> 00:44:53,291 you know, that's been built into us, you know. 923 00:44:53,291 --> 00:44:56,728 So, I just think that we've taken this 924 00:44:56,728 --> 00:45:01,520 and it's helped us realize what the world should be. 925 00:45:01,520 --> 00:45:03,770 - I think we have more time 926 00:45:05,347 --> 00:45:08,992 to be like children, because when you're a child, 927 00:45:08,992 --> 00:45:12,048 you know, what am I gonna do, I'm bored, 928 00:45:12,048 --> 00:45:14,856 you know, and you just go play, like you talked about, 929 00:45:14,856 --> 00:45:18,496 and we can just go and pray and be with God, 930 00:45:18,496 --> 00:45:21,011 because He's given us that gift of time. 931 00:45:21,011 --> 00:45:22,325 - You know, being in healthcare, 932 00:45:22,325 --> 00:45:24,359 you just think about this faith of a child 933 00:45:24,359 --> 00:45:28,506 and what if we all had the faith of a child? 934 00:45:28,506 --> 00:45:30,139 In a moment of sickness? 935 00:45:30,139 --> 00:45:31,440 No matter what it was. 936 00:45:31,440 --> 00:45:33,520 Not just this pandemic that we had, 937 00:45:33,520 --> 00:45:35,039 but what would the world be like? 938 00:45:35,039 --> 00:45:37,031 I always ask myself that being in healthcare 939 00:45:37,031 --> 00:45:40,403 because my daughter has a scratch on her nose 940 00:45:40,403 --> 00:45:43,081 and she's like, "God's gonna heal it, Mommy. 941 00:45:43,081 --> 00:45:44,990 "God's gonna heal it." (laughs) 942 00:45:44,990 --> 00:45:46,681 And it's a scratch on her nose, you know, 943 00:45:46,681 --> 00:45:49,528 but we think about that from an adult's perspective 944 00:45:49,528 --> 00:45:51,179 and what if? 945 00:45:51,179 --> 00:45:53,935 What if we really had that faith of a child? 946 00:45:53,935 --> 00:45:56,655 Where God's gonna heal a scratch? 947 00:45:56,655 --> 00:45:59,131 - There's an old legend. 948 00:45:59,131 --> 00:46:02,354 It's about an ancient village in Spain. 949 00:46:02,354 --> 00:46:04,976 The villagers learned that the king was coming 950 00:46:04,976 --> 00:46:06,706 to pay a visit. 951 00:46:06,706 --> 00:46:09,476 This is a big deal 'cause in 1,000 years, 952 00:46:09,476 --> 00:46:12,713 no king had ever come to their village. 953 00:46:12,713 --> 00:46:16,238 "We must throw the biggest celebration ever," 954 00:46:16,238 --> 00:46:18,053 the chief declared. 955 00:46:18,053 --> 00:46:20,236 But the village was a poor village, 956 00:46:20,236 --> 00:46:23,237 and they didn't have very many resources. 957 00:46:23,237 --> 00:46:25,730 But one villager had an idea. 958 00:46:25,730 --> 00:46:30,682 "Since our village is known for the finest of wines, 959 00:46:30,682 --> 00:46:35,182 "let's have everyone bring a large cup of their best, 960 00:46:35,182 --> 00:46:37,613 "their finest to the town square, 961 00:46:37,613 --> 00:46:39,786 "and we'll pour it into a large vat 962 00:46:39,786 --> 00:46:43,084 "and offer it to the king when he arrives. 963 00:46:43,084 --> 00:46:45,015 "Thus when the king drinks, 964 00:46:45,015 --> 00:46:48,041 "it will be of our very best." 965 00:46:48,041 --> 00:46:50,122 The day prior to the king's arrival, 966 00:46:50,122 --> 00:46:52,354 hundreds of people lined up to make their offering. 967 00:46:52,354 --> 00:46:54,581 They climbed a small stairway 968 00:46:54,581 --> 00:46:56,564 and poured their gift through a small opening 969 00:46:56,564 --> 00:47:00,980 at the top that collected into the vat below. 970 00:47:00,980 --> 00:47:03,529 The next day, the king arrived 971 00:47:03,529 --> 00:47:06,779 and he was immediately escorted to the village square. 972 00:47:06,779 --> 00:47:09,108 There he was given a silver cup 973 00:47:09,108 --> 00:47:11,336 and told to draw some wine, 974 00:47:11,336 --> 00:47:15,664 which represented the village's absolute best. 975 00:47:15,664 --> 00:47:17,854 He placed the cup under the spigot, 976 00:47:17,854 --> 00:47:21,466 turned the handle, and drank from the cup. 977 00:47:21,466 --> 00:47:25,364 But to his surprise it was nothing more than water. 978 00:47:25,364 --> 00:47:28,770 You see, each villager thought, 979 00:47:28,770 --> 00:47:33,600 "I'll withhold my best, and I'll substitute it with water. 980 00:47:33,600 --> 00:47:36,164 "For with so many cups of wine in the vat, 981 00:47:36,164 --> 00:47:38,164 "who would know, right?" 982 00:47:40,126 --> 00:47:41,876 But here's the problem: 983 00:47:41,876 --> 00:47:45,081 Everyone in the village had the same thought. 984 00:47:45,081 --> 00:47:49,081 And here's the sadness: The king was dishonored. 985 00:47:52,294 --> 00:47:53,211 My friends, 986 00:47:54,841 --> 00:47:56,841 the King is coming back. 987 00:47:59,054 --> 00:48:02,945 The King is gonna be coming to our village. 988 00:48:02,945 --> 00:48:05,331 But you ready for this? 989 00:48:05,331 --> 00:48:08,581 Our best, our wine that we get to offer 990 00:48:09,733 --> 00:48:11,316 would be ourselves. 991 00:48:13,586 --> 00:48:15,753 That's all that God wants. 992 00:48:17,258 --> 00:48:20,793 I love this cartoon, it's of a picture, 993 00:48:20,793 --> 00:48:25,043 and it's a person holding out their heart to Jesus. 994 00:48:25,988 --> 00:48:28,707 And it says, "It's all I have." 995 00:48:28,707 --> 00:48:32,133 To which Jesus responded, "It's all I want. 996 00:48:32,133 --> 00:48:33,421 "It's all I want." 997 00:48:33,421 --> 00:48:34,799 That's our wine. 998 00:48:34,799 --> 00:48:36,716 So here we are, Easter. 999 00:48:37,644 --> 00:48:40,265 It's a moment of decision. 1000 00:48:40,265 --> 00:48:41,805 Are you ready for this? 1001 00:48:41,805 --> 00:48:45,888 Jesus already made his, and that decision was us. 1002 00:48:47,000 --> 00:48:48,833 It was you, it was me, 1003 00:48:51,033 --> 00:48:53,711 and because of Easter, we don't have to be afraid 1004 00:48:53,711 --> 00:48:57,798 because our past is completely forgiven. 1005 00:48:57,798 --> 00:49:02,131 Our future, it's in the Book of Life, if we want it. 1006 00:49:03,040 --> 00:49:05,794 And if we get those two, really get it, 1007 00:49:05,794 --> 00:49:07,961 then our life then is full 1008 00:49:08,890 --> 00:49:11,745 and that's how we get to live today. 1009 00:49:11,745 --> 00:49:13,270 So Jesus made his decision. 1010 00:49:13,270 --> 00:49:16,353 The question is: Have you made yours? 1011 00:49:18,916 --> 00:49:21,260 Have you made that decision 1012 00:49:21,260 --> 00:49:24,927 to completely, to fully lay down your wants, 1013 00:49:27,153 --> 00:49:31,006 lay down your opinions, lay down your ideas? 1014 00:49:31,006 --> 00:49:33,817 Quit leaning on your understanding 1015 00:49:33,817 --> 00:49:36,012 and begin to let the Word of God 1016 00:49:36,012 --> 00:49:38,849 richly indwell within you. 1017 00:49:38,849 --> 00:49:40,704 Are you ready to make that decision? 1018 00:49:40,704 --> 00:49:45,430 To completely, of what we like to say, die to yourself, 1019 00:49:45,430 --> 00:49:48,529 that you can now have this news 1020 00:49:48,529 --> 00:49:50,279 that you need to use? 1021 00:49:51,969 --> 00:49:53,680 Are you ready for that? 1022 00:49:53,680 --> 00:49:56,332 I wanna pray this prayer, 1023 00:49:56,332 --> 00:49:59,561 and I'm gonna reach out to you and I just wanna pray 1024 00:49:59,561 --> 00:50:01,662 that God has spoken to you this Easter. 1025 00:50:01,662 --> 00:50:04,959 Father, I trust that someone's watching right now 1026 00:50:04,959 --> 00:50:06,962 and maybe for the first time, 1027 00:50:06,962 --> 00:50:10,428 they've finally got this Good News, 1028 00:50:10,428 --> 00:50:11,992 of which You call it. 1029 00:50:11,992 --> 00:50:13,760 It is Good News. 1030 00:50:13,760 --> 00:50:16,405 And it's the news that we really can use, 1031 00:50:16,405 --> 00:50:20,072 especially right now in our world around us, 1032 00:50:20,930 --> 00:50:25,930 that the story of Easter, it's not a moment of celebration 1033 00:50:26,206 --> 00:50:29,789 of us, but it's really a celebration of You 1034 00:50:31,081 --> 00:50:36,081 and the Gift you gave to us, this news that we can use. 1035 00:50:36,178 --> 00:50:40,261 That Lord, we can truly let our past be forgiven, 1036 00:50:41,274 --> 00:50:44,441 that You took care of it on the cross, 1037 00:50:45,945 --> 00:50:48,622 and that now our future is secure. 1038 00:50:48,622 --> 00:50:50,931 And when we really get those, 1039 00:50:50,931 --> 00:50:54,473 we can now live life to the full, 1040 00:50:54,473 --> 00:50:55,961 the way You want our lives to be, 1041 00:50:55,961 --> 00:50:59,904 but it requires us to make a decision, 1042 00:50:59,904 --> 00:51:01,571 a decision right now 1043 00:51:03,178 --> 00:51:04,821 that we can't serve to gods, 1044 00:51:04,821 --> 00:51:08,007 we can't have Yahweh and then our way. 1045 00:51:08,007 --> 00:51:11,324 There's just Yahweh, there's Your way. 1046 00:51:11,324 --> 00:51:14,684 And so, God, I pray that if someone is ready 1047 00:51:14,684 --> 00:51:16,347 to just grab that news and say, 1048 00:51:16,347 --> 00:51:18,185 "I get it, I get Easter now," 1049 00:51:18,185 --> 00:51:22,451 just pray these words, right where you're at right now. 1050 00:51:22,451 --> 00:51:25,784 Father, this is the news that I can use. 1051 00:51:28,667 --> 00:51:31,147 I need not be afraid. 1052 00:51:31,147 --> 00:51:32,480 My past is gone. 1053 00:51:34,383 --> 00:51:36,966 The slate has been wiped clean. 1054 00:51:38,466 --> 00:51:41,549 And when the devil tries to remind me 1055 00:51:43,025 --> 00:51:43,942 of my past, 1056 00:51:46,059 --> 00:51:48,809 I'm gonna tell him of his future. 1057 00:51:50,274 --> 00:51:54,024 My past is forgiven, but my future is secure. 1058 00:51:58,430 --> 00:52:02,847 You're right now writing my name in the Book of Life. 1059 00:52:06,757 --> 00:52:10,257 And because of that, I need not be afraid. 1060 00:52:11,696 --> 00:52:14,946 I can live right now, life to the full. 1061 00:52:18,988 --> 00:52:21,655 Thank You for the gift of Jesus. 1062 00:52:22,669 --> 00:52:25,419 Thank You for the gift of Easter. 1063 00:52:26,611 --> 00:52:28,361 In Jesus' name, amen. 1064 00:52:30,052 --> 00:52:30,885 And amen. 1065 00:52:32,053 --> 00:52:33,220 God bless you. 1066 00:52:34,583 --> 00:52:36,838 Talk about news we can use, right? 1067 00:52:36,838 --> 00:52:38,510 I mean, wasn't that awesome? 1068 00:52:38,510 --> 00:52:39,897 We don't have to be afraid 1069 00:52:39,897 --> 00:52:42,341 because our past has been forgiven. 1070 00:52:42,341 --> 00:52:45,461 And just as true that crap can happen in our lives, 1071 00:52:45,461 --> 00:52:47,021 well so does grace. 1072 00:52:47,021 --> 00:52:49,280 And because of Easter, we don't have to live 1073 00:52:49,280 --> 00:52:51,259 in that crap of our past. 1074 00:52:51,259 --> 00:52:54,499 You know, as I said, "He was hung up for our hang ups." 1075 00:52:54,499 --> 00:52:58,543 And on the cross He took care of everything. 1076 00:52:58,543 --> 00:53:00,975 I mean, weren't Paul's words beautiful? 1077 00:53:00,975 --> 00:53:02,799 He has forgiven all our sins 1078 00:53:02,799 --> 00:53:06,003 and canceled every record of the debt we owed. 1079 00:53:06,003 --> 00:53:10,315 Christ has done away with it by nailing it to the cross. 1080 00:53:10,315 --> 00:53:13,315 But just as true, we don't have to be afraid 1081 00:53:13,315 --> 00:53:16,241 because our future has been secured. 1082 00:53:16,241 --> 00:53:19,084 The Bible assures us that there is an eternal life 1083 00:53:19,084 --> 00:53:22,334 which God, who never lies, promised us. 1084 00:53:22,334 --> 00:53:25,343 If we'll just surrender our life to it, right? 1085 00:53:25,343 --> 00:53:28,257 Well, this is the greatest of all God's miracles, 1086 00:53:28,257 --> 00:53:31,572 that the amazing promise that we can spend forever with Him, 1087 00:53:31,572 --> 00:53:32,995 and what a gift. 1088 00:53:32,995 --> 00:53:35,537 With all the fear that is plaguing our world right now, 1089 00:53:35,537 --> 00:53:39,424 what a blessed gift to know that our future is secure. 1090 00:53:39,424 --> 00:53:42,246 But now, because of these two promises, 1091 00:53:42,246 --> 00:53:45,393 that our past is forgiven and our future is secure, 1092 00:53:45,393 --> 00:53:46,579 well guess what? 1093 00:53:46,579 --> 00:53:49,313 Now we don't have to be afraid of anything. 1094 00:53:49,313 --> 00:53:53,571 We can live our life right now, today, to the full. 1095 00:53:53,571 --> 00:53:56,324 The Bible says He carried our sin to the cross 1096 00:53:56,324 --> 00:53:59,755 so we could be rid of it and now be free 1097 00:53:59,755 --> 00:54:04,433 to live our life the right way, right now, God's way. 1098 00:54:04,433 --> 00:54:05,801 Amen. 1099 00:54:05,801 --> 00:54:08,588 So what's the next step you need to take? 1100 00:54:08,588 --> 00:54:10,816 Did you pray that prayer with me? 1101 00:54:10,816 --> 00:54:12,834 If so, I cannot express enough 1102 00:54:12,834 --> 00:54:14,995 just how huge this decision is, 1103 00:54:14,995 --> 00:54:17,358 that your name was written in the Book of Life 1104 00:54:17,358 --> 00:54:19,732 by the very hand of Jesus, Himself. 1105 00:54:19,732 --> 00:54:20,695 Think of that. 1106 00:54:20,695 --> 00:54:23,422 Which means, if your life should end today, 1107 00:54:23,422 --> 00:54:26,464 you'll be home with Jesus forever. 1108 00:54:26,464 --> 00:54:29,106 Now that's news I can use, 1109 00:54:29,106 --> 00:54:30,977 and I believe you can, too. 1110 00:54:30,977 --> 00:54:33,621 So please, click on the below link. 1111 00:54:33,621 --> 00:54:35,524 Let our amazing team reach out 1112 00:54:35,524 --> 00:54:37,798 and resource you with some amazing tools 1113 00:54:37,798 --> 00:54:40,335 to grow you in this decision. 1114 00:54:40,335 --> 00:54:41,818 If you're not in a life group, 1115 00:54:41,818 --> 00:54:43,330 this is the time to start. 1116 00:54:43,330 --> 00:54:45,900 I recognize with all the social distancing, 1117 00:54:45,900 --> 00:54:48,027 this ask might seem strange. 1118 00:54:48,027 --> 00:54:49,529 Unrealistic, right? 1119 00:54:49,529 --> 00:54:52,934 But with technology, you can still experience community 1120 00:54:52,934 --> 00:54:55,812 without ever putting yourself in harm's way. 1121 00:54:55,812 --> 00:54:59,312 So please, check out our webpage or give us a call. 1122 00:54:59,312 --> 00:55:02,124 We'll help you find that perfect group. 1123 00:55:02,124 --> 00:55:04,925 Now next week, we're gonna start a brand new series 1124 00:55:04,925 --> 00:55:06,916 entitled "Closer". 1125 00:55:06,916 --> 00:55:09,214 One of the promises I made to you 1126 00:55:09,214 --> 00:55:11,173 in the beginning of this new normal 1127 00:55:11,173 --> 00:55:13,302 was to keep you spiritually fed. 1128 00:55:13,302 --> 00:55:15,743 Well, this series is gonna do just that. 1129 00:55:15,743 --> 00:55:18,621 We're gonna give you tools that will help you be closer 1130 00:55:18,621 --> 00:55:20,849 than you've ever been before. 1131 00:55:20,849 --> 00:55:22,576 I love being your pastor, 1132 00:55:22,576 --> 00:55:25,292 and I'm believing in the wave of this pandemic, 1133 00:55:25,292 --> 00:55:27,543 God is gonna show up in miraculous ways. 1134 00:55:27,543 --> 00:55:28,607 And guess what? 1135 00:55:28,607 --> 00:55:30,253 He already has. 1136 00:55:30,253 --> 00:55:32,391 Happy Easter everyone. 1137 00:55:32,391 --> 00:55:37,391 ♪ It's so unusual it's frightening ♪ 1138 00:55:38,396 --> 00:55:43,396 ♪ You see right through the mess inside me ♪ 1139 00:55:43,888 --> 00:55:47,507 ♪ And you call me out to pull me in ♪ 1140 00:55:47,507 --> 00:55:51,174 ♪ You tell me I can start again ♪ 1141 00:55:51,174 --> 00:55:55,468 ♪ And I don't need to keep on hiding ♪ 1142 00:55:55,468 --> 00:55:59,038 ♪ I'm fully known ♪ 1143 00:55:59,038 --> 00:56:01,423 ♪ And loved by You ♪ 1144 00:56:01,423 --> 00:56:05,017 ♪ You won't let go ♪ 1145 00:56:05,017 --> 00:56:09,184 ♪ No matter what I do ♪ 1146 00:56:09,184 --> 00:56:11,929 ♪ And it's not one or the other ♪ 1147 00:56:11,929 --> 00:56:14,330 ♪ It's hard truth and ridiculous grace ♪ 1148 00:56:14,330 --> 00:56:19,330 ♪ To be known, fully known and loved by You ♪ 1149 00:56:19,961 --> 00:56:23,657 ♪ I'm fully known ♪ 1150 00:56:23,657 --> 00:56:27,667 ♪ And loved by You ♪ 1151 00:56:27,667 --> 00:56:32,667 ♪ It's so like You to keep pursuing ♪ 1152 00:56:33,748 --> 00:56:38,748 ♪ It's so like me to go astray ♪ 1153 00:56:38,990 --> 00:56:43,090 ♪ But You guard my heart with Your truth ♪ 1154 00:56:43,090 --> 00:56:46,663 ♪ The kind of love that's bulletproof ♪ 1155 00:56:46,663 --> 00:56:50,789 ♪ And I surrender to Your kindness ♪ 1156 00:56:50,789 --> 00:56:54,464 ♪ I'm fully known ♪ 1157 00:56:54,464 --> 00:56:56,862 ♪ And loved by You ♪ 1158 00:56:56,862 --> 00:57:00,350 ♪ You won't let go ♪ 1159 00:57:00,350 --> 00:57:04,516 ♪ No matter what I do ♪ 1160 00:57:04,516 --> 00:57:07,205 ♪ And it's not one or the other ♪ 1161 00:57:07,205 --> 00:57:09,679 ♪ It's hard truth and ridiculous grace ♪ 1162 00:57:09,679 --> 00:57:14,679 ♪ To be known, fully known and loved by You ♪ 1163 00:57:15,398 --> 00:57:19,115 ♪ I'm fully known ♪ 1164 00:57:19,115 --> 00:57:22,409 ♪ And loved by You ♪ 1165 00:57:22,409 --> 00:57:27,409 ♪ How real, how wide, how rich, how high is Your heart ♪ 1166 00:57:28,533 --> 00:57:33,533 ♪ I cannot find the reasons why You give me so much ♪ 1167 00:57:34,683 --> 00:57:39,683 ♪ How real, how wide, how rich, how high is Your heart ♪ 1168 00:57:40,787 --> 00:57:45,787 ♪ I cannot find the reasons why You give me so much ♪ 1169 00:57:46,185 --> 00:57:49,915 ♪ I'm fully known ♪ 1170 00:57:49,915 --> 00:57:52,346 ♪ And loved by You ♪ 1171 00:57:52,346 --> 00:57:55,907 ♪ You won't let go ♪ 1172 00:57:55,907 --> 00:57:59,909 ♪ No matter what I do ♪ 1173 00:57:59,909 --> 00:58:02,762 ♪ And it's not one or the other ♪ 1174 00:58:02,762 --> 00:58:05,203 ♪ It's hard truth and ridiculous grace ♪ 1175 00:58:05,203 --> 00:58:10,203 ♪ To be known, fully known and loved by You ♪ 1176 00:58:10,713 --> 00:58:14,534 ♪ I'm fully known ♪ 1177 00:58:14,534 --> 00:58:18,530 ♪ And loved by You ♪ 1178 00:58:18,530 --> 00:58:23,134 ♪ It's so unusual it's frightening ♪ 1179 00:58:23,134 --> 00:58:27,384 ♪ I'm fully known and loved by You ♪