WEBVTT 00:00:00.840 --> 00:00:12.120 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church and it's my joy to bring God's word to you today. 00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:24.519 A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. We're glad that you're here and we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, but because we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:00:24.519 --> 00:00:39.740 And as we follow Jesus together, we become convinced that there's no one so good. They don't need God's grace and no one so bad that they can't have it, which is why we come back week after week to hear what God has to say to us in his word. 00:00:40.679 --> 00:00:48.960 We're continuing our series in the Gospel of Mark. You'll remember that the gospels tell the story of Jesus and his life and his death and his resurrection. 00:00:48.960 --> 00:00:55.880 And the first half of the book, chapters 1 through 8, we were building up to this climax as we asked the question, who is Jesus? 00:00:56.480 --> 00:01:00.880 And Peter finally confesses in the middle of chapter 8 that Jesus is the Christ. 00:01:01.380 --> 00:01:07.000 Now that we've established that the second half of Mark is Jesus' journey to the cross, 00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:14.319 and now the disciples are not so much asking the question of who he is as seeing what it actually means to follow him. 00:01:14.319 --> 00:01:20.259 Remember that Peter rebukes Jesus right after that confession for speaking about suffering, 00:01:20.699 --> 00:01:28.419 and yet we find out, we've seen in these last few sections, that that's a critical part of what it means to follow Jesus. 00:01:29.399 --> 00:01:33.819 And so they're learning what it means to take up their cross and follow him. 00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:41.039 This morning we're going to take a look at the temptation and danger of success and power. 00:01:41.040 --> 00:01:47.700 The disciples here are hoping and thinking that as they follow Jesus, their stars in this world are going to rise. 00:01:48.440 --> 00:01:56.280 But they're going to end up being terribly disappointed because Jesus has something far better for them. 00:01:56.900 --> 00:01:59.340 And so with that, I'm going to invite you to turn with me. 00:01:59.620 --> 00:02:06.200 You can turn in your Bible, you can turn on your phone, you can turn in your worship guide to Mark chapter 9. 00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:09.620 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's Word. 00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:13.800 And God tells us that his Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, 00:02:14.020 --> 00:02:17.819 which means that he has not left us to stumble alone in the dark, 00:02:18.020 --> 00:02:21.960 but instead he's given us his Word to show us the way to go. 00:02:22.640 --> 00:02:25.620 And so that's why we read now Mark chapter 9, starting at verse 33. 00:02:27.180 --> 00:02:30.960 And they came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house, he asked them, 00:02:31.319 --> 00:02:33.080 What were you discussing on the way? 00:02:34.080 --> 00:02:36.439 Oh, excuse me, starting at verse 30, not 33. 00:02:36.439 --> 00:02:40.879 They went on from there and passed through Galilee, and he did not want anyone to know, 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:43.319 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, 00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:48.419 The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. 00:02:48.900 --> 00:02:51.859 And when he is killed, after three days he will rise. 00:02:52.419 --> 00:02:56.079 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. 00:02:57.079 --> 00:02:57.819 Verse 33. 00:02:57.819 --> 00:03:01.979 And they came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house, he asked them, 00:03:02.299 --> 00:03:03.799 What were you discussing on the way? 00:03:04.539 --> 00:03:09.379 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 00:03:10.019 --> 00:03:12.139 And he sat down and called the twelve. 00:03:12.879 --> 00:03:13.959 And he said to them, 00:03:14.379 --> 00:03:19.859 If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. 00:03:19.860 --> 00:03:25.660 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 00:03:26.360 --> 00:03:30.240 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:36.300 and whoever receives me receives not me, but him who sent me. 00:03:37.420 --> 00:03:40.440 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:48.319 Our Father in heaven, we praise you and thank you again that you speak to us in your word, 00:03:48.419 --> 00:03:53.439 that you cut through the lies that we're told by others, 00:03:53.560 --> 00:03:58.219 and the lies that we believe ourselves, and instead you show us the truth. 00:03:58.639 --> 00:04:03.939 We ask that you would show us the truth this morning about success and glory and power, 00:04:04.900 --> 00:04:08.199 that it's something that belongs to you and no one else. 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:12.339 We ask that you would cast a spotlight on Jesus, 00:04:12.519 --> 00:04:17.039 that we would see him as more beautiful and glorious than we had before, 00:04:17.379 --> 00:04:20.899 that you would grow our love and our affection for him, 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:23.699 and you'd grow our reverence and our awe for him. 00:04:24.039 --> 00:04:27.740 And we ask these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:36.419 As many of you know, Mark Mish goes to our church, 00:04:36.420 --> 00:04:38.340 and he keeps a pretty low profile, 00:04:38.640 --> 00:04:40.840 so you may not know who I'm referring to. 00:04:40.960 --> 00:04:44.740 He wears the characteristic blue rain jacket when he's here, 00:04:45.460 --> 00:04:46.680 no matter the time of year, 00:04:46.720 --> 00:04:49.319 and he's tall because he's a runner. 00:04:49.400 --> 00:04:52.040 He's actually the running coach at UCCS. 00:04:52.280 --> 00:04:53.220 He's out of town. 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:54.680 He's out of the country right now. 00:04:54.740 --> 00:04:57.080 In fact, he's out of the country a lot because of his job. 00:04:57.180 --> 00:04:58.420 He doesn't just coach at UCCS. 00:04:58.420 --> 00:05:03.500 He's also the coach for the Estonia national running team. 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:04.780 So he's in Europe right now. 00:05:04.840 --> 00:05:05.640 He's working with them, 00:05:06.199 --> 00:05:09.660 and they have a big race coming up in Berlin on August 15th, 00:05:09.660 --> 00:05:11.360 so we won't see him for a while. 00:05:12.020 --> 00:05:15.920 The first time I ever met Mark was at the Panera down on Southgate. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:16.500 We got dinner. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:18.160 I think it was before he came to our church, 00:05:18.220 --> 00:05:19.220 but he was checking us out. 00:05:19.740 --> 00:05:22.560 By the way, Mark gave me permission to tell you all this story. 00:05:22.680 --> 00:05:23.960 I emailed him with this this week, 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:25.939 so don't think that if you share a story with me, 00:05:25.979 --> 00:05:27.799 it's just going to randomly show up in a sermon. 00:05:29.539 --> 00:05:31.399 Mark knows this is happening, okay? 00:05:32.019 --> 00:05:32.779 Fear not. 00:05:33.919 --> 00:05:35.060 So I had dinner with Mark. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:36.099 I'd never met him before, 00:05:36.319 --> 00:05:37.859 and as we were talking, he said, 00:05:37.959 --> 00:05:39.539 Matthew, you're going to really appreciate this. 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:45.419 Do you know the loneliest place I've ever been? 00:05:49.039 --> 00:05:50.439 I couldn't guess, so he told me. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:54.480 He said, the loneliest place that I have ever been 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:58.399 is in the cafeteria at Olympic Village. 00:06:00.360 --> 00:06:03.540 Because when you walk into the cafeteria at Olympic Village, 00:06:03.660 --> 00:06:05.439 there are two kinds of athletes. 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:08.959 There are athletes who have competed and lost. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:12.060 And so as they sit there and they eat, 00:06:12.159 --> 00:06:13.279 they're thinking to themselves, 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:15.040 what is next? 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:17.759 Put all this work in. 00:06:17.819 --> 00:06:19.019 I've put all this effort in. 00:06:19.019 --> 00:06:20.939 It hasn't materialized. 00:06:21.979 --> 00:06:25.139 And then you have athletes who are sitting there 00:06:25.139 --> 00:06:26.879 and they have won. 00:06:27.000 --> 00:06:29.500 They have the medal that they've been working for 00:06:29.500 --> 00:06:31.819 and they're actually asking the same question. 00:06:33.379 --> 00:06:34.859 What's next? 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:39.500 Because they are learning the hard way 00:06:39.500 --> 00:06:43.039 that what they've done did not fill their spiritual hunger, 00:06:43.599 --> 00:06:44.899 their spiritual need. 00:06:44.899 --> 00:06:47.419 Whether you win or lose, 00:06:48.599 --> 00:06:53.120 victory, Olympic medals are an empty hope. 00:06:54.479 --> 00:06:58.159 You can be the greatest in the world 00:06:58.159 --> 00:07:00.639 and be incredibly lonely. 00:07:02.859 --> 00:07:05.439 Greatness and power and success 00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:08.919 do not and will not deliver on their promises 00:07:08.920 --> 00:07:10.819 because they can't. 00:07:12.939 --> 00:07:15.800 That's what we see this morning in this story, 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:18.720 that the disciples are not beyond the allure 00:07:18.720 --> 00:07:20.900 of greatness and power. 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:22.980 And of course, neither are we. 00:07:23.100 --> 00:07:25.400 And so we pick up this story in verse 30. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:26.780 We find out they were in Galilee. 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:29.300 Remember that Galilee is where Jesus was preaching 00:07:29.300 --> 00:07:30.920 in chapter one. 00:07:30.980 --> 00:07:33.160 And so in a sense, there's a homecoming here. 00:07:33.160 --> 00:07:37.380 But in the past, Jesus was doing these great miracles 00:07:37.380 --> 00:07:39.380 and telling people about the kingdom of God. 00:07:39.420 --> 00:07:42.240 But now as we meet him, he has this more private ministry. 00:07:43.140 --> 00:07:45.360 He doesn't want anyone to know, verse 34. 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:47.880 Instead, he is spending this private time 00:07:47.880 --> 00:07:49.220 alone with the disciples 00:07:49.220 --> 00:07:51.280 as he enters this period of instruction 00:07:51.280 --> 00:07:53.480 that they would know what it actually means 00:07:53.480 --> 00:07:55.760 to love him and to follow him. 00:07:56.320 --> 00:07:58.879 But he's teaching them something they don't want to hear. 00:07:58.980 --> 00:08:01.300 Verse 31, the Son of Man is going to be delivered 00:08:01.300 --> 00:08:05.020 into the hands of men and they will kill him. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:09.280 We find out verse 32, the disciples don't understand 00:08:09.280 --> 00:08:12.620 and they also don't want to ask. 00:08:13.720 --> 00:08:15.400 One person says this is probably because 00:08:15.400 --> 00:08:17.439 they understand enough to know 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:19.180 they don't want to know anymore. 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:22.500 Jesus is talking about death here 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:27.019 and they've heard everything that they're willing to hear. 00:08:27.259 --> 00:08:28.560 Remember back in chapter eight, 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:31.259 Jesus was speaking about the same thing 00:08:31.259 --> 00:08:32.740 and Peter rebuked him there. 00:08:33.419 --> 00:08:37.179 Here, Peter is smart enough to stay silent, 00:08:37.799 --> 00:08:44.120 not bold or brave enough to ask for more information. 00:08:45.360 --> 00:08:46.319 It gets worse than that though. 00:08:46.379 --> 00:08:47.639 There's a tragic irony here, 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:49.919 this great disconnect between what's happening 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:51.980 with Jesus and the disciples. 00:08:52.139 --> 00:08:54.399 Jesus, verse 31, is telling them, 00:08:54.460 --> 00:08:57.039 he's teaching them about suffering and humiliation. 00:08:57.039 --> 00:08:59.579 And we find out at the very same time, 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:01.899 while Jesus is giving this instruction to them, 00:09:02.219 --> 00:09:03.839 the disciples are talking and thinking 00:09:03.839 --> 00:09:05.279 about something very different. 00:09:05.699 --> 00:09:09.519 They are talking and thinking about greatness and glory. 00:09:10.179 --> 00:09:11.959 We discover that in verse 33, 00:09:12.199 --> 00:09:14.179 they get to this house that they're headed to, 00:09:14.559 --> 00:09:17.559 very likely the same house that we saw in chapter one, 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:20.379 where Peter and Andrew lived. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:22.860 And he asks them this uncomfortable question, 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:25.700 what were you discussing on the way? 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:29.279 Verse 34, they have no answer 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:31.519 because of course they're incredibly embarrassed. 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:34.800 What they wanted to know was 00:09:34.800 --> 00:09:37.820 who was the greatest of all. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:42.100 Now comical, if it wasn't so sad, 00:09:42.200 --> 00:09:45.100 how much the disciples missed the point. 00:09:45.100 --> 00:09:48.440 Jesus is here telling them about suffering 00:09:48.440 --> 00:09:51.920 and they instead want power. 00:09:54.040 --> 00:09:56.320 And Jesus gives us a basic principle 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:58.680 of the gospel in verse 35. 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:01.460 He tells them, if anyone would be first, 00:10:01.560 --> 00:10:03.860 he must be last of all and servant of all. 00:10:03.940 --> 00:10:06.259 In other words, the way of the world 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:09.940 is to push other people down 00:10:09.940 --> 00:10:11.740 so that you can go up. 00:10:11.740 --> 00:10:16.320 The way of the world is to push other people down 00:10:16.320 --> 00:10:17.720 so that you can go up. 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:21.259 The gospel actually works in the reverse, 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:22.080 the opposite way. 00:10:22.180 --> 00:10:25.519 The way of the gospel is to push others up 00:10:25.519 --> 00:10:26.600 as you go down. 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:31.259 The way of the gospel is to push others up 00:10:31.259 --> 00:10:34.039 as you go down. 00:10:34.639 --> 00:10:37.180 But we can understand the temptation 00:10:37.180 --> 00:10:38.639 the disciples have here. 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:41.440 It's a temptation that we feel as well, 00:10:41.440 --> 00:10:42.800 that we want success, 00:10:42.800 --> 00:10:45.020 not out of a desire to serve God 00:10:45.020 --> 00:10:46.200 or others or the world, 00:10:46.260 --> 00:10:49.380 not to see God's purposes grow and expand, 00:10:49.480 --> 00:10:52.260 but instead that we would never have to feel shame 00:10:52.260 --> 00:10:54.920 and weakness and vulnerability ever again. 00:10:55.400 --> 00:10:57.860 That we could always be powerful 00:10:57.860 --> 00:11:01.840 and independent and never need others. 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:04.960 We would be always wanted 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:08.420 and never rejected. 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:11.659 And of course it comes from this place 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:13.019 of great insecurity 00:11:13.019 --> 00:11:14.279 that they're grasping 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:17.000 to find their significance somewhere. 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:20.659 It takes a lot of security 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:22.159 to push other people up. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:27.699 You might say it takes a supernatural security 00:11:27.699 --> 00:11:31.459 to try to do that 00:11:31.459 --> 00:11:33.980 rather than fill a bottomless hole. 00:11:33.980 --> 00:11:38.620 I'm going to do something 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:39.440 I haven't done before 00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:40.920 and I'm going to speak to you all 00:11:40.920 --> 00:11:41.779 a little bit differently 00:11:41.779 --> 00:11:43.000 than I have in the past. 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:45.000 There are certain things 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:46.620 that you can't say 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:50.399 until you've been with a congregation 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:51.879 for four or five years. 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:53.659 And you know, 00:11:53.720 --> 00:11:56.220 I came here in the June of 2017, 00:11:57.060 --> 00:11:58.800 which is a little over five years ago. 00:11:59.139 --> 00:12:00.440 And some of us have been 00:12:00.440 --> 00:12:01.320 through a lot together. 00:12:01.320 --> 00:12:04.300 We've bled together. 00:12:05.780 --> 00:12:06.980 We've cried together. 00:12:08.180 --> 00:12:10.300 We've faced a lot of challenges together 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:12.040 as a church. 00:12:13.700 --> 00:12:15.740 And so I say this out of my love for you. 00:12:16.780 --> 00:12:18.560 Some of you, many of you 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:20.460 are working so hard 00:12:20.460 --> 00:12:24.080 to fill up, 00:12:24.760 --> 00:12:26.900 to make up for what did 00:12:26.900 --> 00:12:27.800 or didn't happen 00:12:27.799 --> 00:12:29.679 when you were a child, 00:12:30.259 --> 00:12:32.939 to fill up 00:12:32.939 --> 00:12:34.899 what you maybe didn't receive 00:12:34.899 --> 00:12:35.799 from your parents 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:36.599 or your family. 00:12:38.359 --> 00:12:40.099 And some of you are striving 00:12:40.099 --> 00:12:41.819 so hard inside 00:12:41.819 --> 00:12:43.179 and outside of the church, 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:47.659 striving to fill something 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:49.099 that you're not going to be able to fill, 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:54.799 grasping for affirmation. 00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:57.599 And I want you to know 00:12:57.599 --> 00:12:59.000 that that makes me sad 00:12:59.000 --> 00:12:59.799 and it makes me sad 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:00.759 because I want you to know 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:01.500 the love of God. 00:13:03.379 --> 00:13:04.519 The Bible tells us 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:05.459 about how great 00:13:05.459 --> 00:13:06.539 the love of God is. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:07.659 Romans chapter five 00:13:07.659 --> 00:13:08.539 says it was while 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:09.579 we were still sinners 00:13:09.579 --> 00:13:11.699 that Christ died for us. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:13.779 So there's nothing 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:14.500 that you did 00:13:14.500 --> 00:13:16.379 to earn God's favor 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:17.240 or his approval. 00:13:18.579 --> 00:13:19.379 Not only is there 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:20.399 nothing that you did 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:21.500 to earn God's favor 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.500 or his approval, 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:23.559 Romans chapter eight 00:13:23.559 --> 00:13:24.539 tells us there's nothing 00:13:24.539 --> 00:13:25.459 you can do to lose it. 00:13:27.419 --> 00:13:28.099 There's nothing 00:13:28.099 --> 00:13:28.839 you can do 00:13:28.839 --> 00:13:30.279 that will separate you 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:31.919 from the love of God. 00:13:33.859 --> 00:13:34.859 Remember what we saw 00:13:34.859 --> 00:13:36.099 in Mark chapter three 00:13:36.099 --> 00:13:37.599 when Jesus first called 00:13:37.599 --> 00:13:38.239 the disciples, 00:13:38.459 --> 00:13:39.319 what did he call them for? 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:40.019 What was the purpose? 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:43.439 He called them 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:45.339 to be with him. 00:13:47.959 --> 00:13:48.839 And then he spends 00:13:48.839 --> 00:13:50.139 the next three chapters 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:51.039 working with them 00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:51.859 before he ever 00:13:51.859 --> 00:13:52.919 sends them out. 00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:55.799 I've told you guys 00:13:55.799 --> 00:13:56.959 many times before 00:13:56.959 --> 00:13:57.759 and I'll tell you again 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:58.719 once you have any 00:13:58.719 --> 00:14:00.019 power or wealth 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:00.679 in this world 00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:01.939 you quickly know 00:14:01.939 --> 00:14:02.459 the difference 00:14:02.459 --> 00:14:03.199 between people 00:14:03.199 --> 00:14:04.079 who are interested 00:14:04.079 --> 00:14:04.819 in you 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:07.000 and people 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:07.659 who are interested 00:14:07.659 --> 00:14:08.579 in what they can get 00:14:08.579 --> 00:14:09.219 out of you. 00:14:11.699 --> 00:14:12.459 Have you ever 00:14:12.459 --> 00:14:13.919 been with someone 00:14:13.919 --> 00:14:17.019 who thought 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:17.679 your presence 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:18.379 was enough? 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:22.240 that it was enough 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:22.919 just that you were 00:14:22.919 --> 00:14:24.320 there with them 00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:27.000 and they didn't need 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:28.059 you to perform 00:14:28.059 --> 00:14:28.679 for them. 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:31.200 They didn't need you 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:32.379 to deliver things 00:14:32.379 --> 00:14:33.000 for them. 00:14:33.100 --> 00:14:33.840 They just wanted 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:35.259 you there. 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.679 Remember I've told you 00:14:38.679 --> 00:14:39.580 many times before 00:14:39.580 --> 00:14:40.240 that the disciples 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:41.519 got many things wrong 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:42.480 and they got one thing 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:42.799 right. 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.740 And the one thing 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:45.419 right is that they 00:14:45.419 --> 00:14:46.580 kept following Jesus. 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:49.040 The other side 00:14:49.040 --> 00:14:49.639 of that coin 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.379 is that they got 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:51.360 many things wrong 00:14:51.360 --> 00:14:52.139 and Jesus stuck 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:52.740 with them 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:55.280 which means 00:14:55.280 --> 00:14:56.600 that their presence 00:14:56.600 --> 00:14:58.620 was enough. 00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:02.560 Brothers and sisters 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:03.400 when it comes 00:15:03.400 --> 00:15:03.940 to Jesus 00:15:03.940 --> 00:15:05.080 and his relationship 00:15:05.080 --> 00:15:05.660 with you 00:15:05.660 --> 00:15:06.440 your presence 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:08.220 is enough. 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:08.279 love. 00:15:09.960 --> 00:15:11.080 You cannot 00:15:11.080 --> 00:15:12.180 earn more 00:15:12.180 --> 00:15:13.060 of God's 00:15:13.060 --> 00:15:13.759 love. 00:15:15.800 --> 00:15:16.879 You do not 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:17.960 need more 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:18.580 greatness 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:21.000 or success. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.540 And you might 00:15:24.540 --> 00:15:24.899 be wondering 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:26.060 why in a sermon 00:15:26.060 --> 00:15:26.740 about success 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:27.259 and power 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:27.740 we're suddenly 00:15:27.740 --> 00:15:28.800 talking about love. 00:15:29.840 --> 00:15:30.840 And the answer 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:31.279 is this. 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:32.420 We are only 00:15:32.420 --> 00:15:33.379 safe 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:34.259 from the 00:15:34.259 --> 00:15:35.120 temptation 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:36.700 of power 00:15:36.700 --> 00:15:37.740 and success 00:15:37.740 --> 00:15:39.799 when we're 00:15:39.799 --> 00:15:40.240 secure 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:41.039 in the love 00:15:41.039 --> 00:15:41.560 of God. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:44.500 We are only 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.139 safe 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:45.620 from the 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:46.100 temptation 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:46.940 of power 00:15:46.940 --> 00:15:47.840 and success 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.899 when we 00:15:48.899 --> 00:15:49.840 are secure 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:50.860 in the love 00:15:50.860 --> 00:15:51.820 of God. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:54.759 You have 00:15:54.759 --> 00:15:55.220 to find 00:15:55.220 --> 00:15:55.840 security 00:15:55.840 --> 00:15:56.620 or significance 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.500 somewhere. 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:00.680 You're going 00:16:00.680 --> 00:16:01.159 to try 00:16:01.159 --> 00:16:01.700 to fill 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:02.399 that hole 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.299 somehow. 00:16:03.299 --> 00:16:05.839 and power 00:16:05.839 --> 00:16:06.379 and status 00:16:06.379 --> 00:16:07.359 will always 00:16:07.359 --> 00:16:08.219 be alluring 00:16:08.219 --> 00:16:11.219 until we 00:16:11.219 --> 00:16:11.599 realize 00:16:11.599 --> 00:16:11.959 there's a 00:16:11.959 --> 00:16:12.259 better 00:16:12.259 --> 00:16:13.199 source. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:15.659 We're going 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:15.919 to go 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.359 somewhere 00:16:16.359 --> 00:16:17.179 to fill 00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:17.919 that hunger 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:18.259 and that 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:18.559 emptiness 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:19.919 and one 00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:20.379 of the sad 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:20.959 realities of 00:16:20.959 --> 00:16:21.500 life is that 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:22.159 people will 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:22.819 eat poison 00:16:22.819 --> 00:16:23.359 before they 00:16:23.359 --> 00:16:23.679 starve. 00:16:27.799 --> 00:16:28.579 Know the 00:16:28.579 --> 00:16:29.259 love of God 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:29.819 for you. 00:16:31.479 --> 00:16:32.319 Lord is my 00:16:32.319 --> 00:16:32.620 shepherd. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:33.019 I shall 00:16:33.019 --> 00:16:33.460 not want. 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:36.960 Thomas 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:37.299 Chalmers, 00:16:37.419 --> 00:16:37.840 a Scottish 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:38.460 pastor in 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:39.340 the 1800s, 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:39.799 wrote this 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:40.220 book called 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:40.840 The Expulsive 00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:41.580 Power of a 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:42.220 New Affection, 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:42.740 which is a 00:16:42.740 --> 00:16:43.399 fancy way of 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:44.720 saying you 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.299 can't get rid 00:16:45.299 --> 00:16:45.779 of an old 00:16:45.779 --> 00:16:46.259 love until 00:16:46.259 --> 00:16:46.600 you have a 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:47.039 new love. 00:16:47.960 --> 00:16:48.440 I'm going 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:48.860 to translate 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.519 this to you 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:50.200 into single 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:50.820 man speak. 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:52.159 It's hard 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:52.560 to get over 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:52.940 your old 00:16:52.940 --> 00:16:54.179 crush until 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:54.519 you got a 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:54.960 new crush. 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.659 Hard to get 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.740 over power 00:17:00.740 --> 00:17:01.000 power and 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:01.740 success until 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:02.299 we realize 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:02.919 we have 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.960 everything we 00:17:03.960 --> 00:17:04.740 long for 00:17:04.740 --> 00:17:06.460 in Christ. 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:09.220 What power 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:09.880 and success 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:11.319 offer us, 00:17:12.059 --> 00:17:12.579 they cannot 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.019 deliver. 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:15.980 God, 00:17:16.640 --> 00:17:16.920 Jesus, 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:18.440 can and 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:18.819 does. 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:22.500 know the 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:23.819 love of 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:24.220 God. 00:17:26.099 --> 00:17:26.899 Let the 00:17:26.899 --> 00:17:27.519 love of 00:17:27.519 --> 00:17:28.159 God be 00:17:28.159 --> 00:17:29.659 greater and 00:17:29.659 --> 00:17:30.480 more alluring 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:31.539 and powerful 00:17:31.539 --> 00:17:33.079 than power 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.460 and success. 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:39.259 Jesus 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:39.899 doesn't 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:40.299 just 00:17:40.299 --> 00:17:43.480 call them 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:44.079 out on 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:44.819 their conversation. 00:17:44.939 --> 00:17:45.200 He also 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:45.639 gives them 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:46.339 some positive 00:17:46.339 --> 00:17:47.859 teaching about 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.379 what things 00:17:48.379 --> 00:17:49.039 actually look 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:49.479 like in 00:17:49.479 --> 00:17:50.039 his kingdom. 00:17:51.479 --> 00:17:52.119 Verse 35, 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.399 he calls a 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.019 family meeting 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:54.639 and decides 00:17:54.639 --> 00:17:55.139 it's time 00:17:55.139 --> 00:17:55.679 for some 00:17:55.679 --> 00:17:56.019 teaching. 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:56.799 He says 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:57.059 this, 00:17:57.099 --> 00:17:57.419 if anyone 00:17:57.419 --> 00:17:57.719 would be 00:17:57.719 --> 00:17:58.139 first, 00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.039 he must 00:17:59.039 --> 00:17:59.479 be last 00:17:59.479 --> 00:17:59.740 of all 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.139 and servant 00:18:00.139 --> 00:18:00.439 of all. 00:18:00.500 --> 00:18:00.740 Then he 00:18:00.740 --> 00:18:01.199 decides to 00:18:01.199 --> 00:18:01.399 have an 00:18:01.399 --> 00:18:01.699 object 00:18:01.699 --> 00:18:02.279 lesson here. 00:18:02.339 --> 00:18:02.619 He takes 00:18:02.619 --> 00:18:02.899 up a 00:18:02.899 --> 00:18:03.259 child. 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:03.740 Some 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:03.959 people 00:18:03.959 --> 00:18:04.279 think 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:04.639 this 00:18:04.639 --> 00:18:04.899 child 00:18:04.899 --> 00:18:05.099 might 00:18:05.099 --> 00:18:05.379 actually 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:05.619 be 00:18:05.619 --> 00:18:06.079 Peter's 00:18:06.079 --> 00:18:06.459 child. 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:07.639 Remember 00:18:07.639 --> 00:18:08.099 there in 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:08.559 Capernaum, 00:18:08.619 --> 00:18:08.839 which is 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:09.419 in Galilee, 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:09.759 we know 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:10.219 from chapter 00:18:10.219 --> 00:18:10.619 one, 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:11.039 this is 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.619 the place 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:12.599 where Peter 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:13.079 and Andrew 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:13.619 live. 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.199 We know 00:18:14.199 --> 00:18:14.819 that because 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:15.759 Jesus raised 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:16.160 Peter's 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:16.740 mother-in-law 00:18:16.740 --> 00:18:17.279 from the 00:18:17.279 --> 00:18:17.559 dead. 00:18:18.359 --> 00:18:18.960 So there's 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.400 a chance 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:19.779 they're still 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.039 in that 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:20.440 house and 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:21.039 he's taking 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:21.960 up one 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:22.200 of the 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:22.599 disciples' 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:23.140 children. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:24.359 He says 00:18:24.359 --> 00:18:24.599 to them, 00:18:24.759 --> 00:18:24.920 whoever 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:25.640 receives 00:18:25.640 --> 00:18:26.279 one such 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:26.759 child in 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:27.259 my name 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:27.879 receives 00:18:27.879 --> 00:18:28.259 me. 00:18:28.960 --> 00:18:29.140 And 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:29.359 whoever 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:29.900 receives 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:30.160 me 00:18:30.160 --> 00:18:30.619 receives 00:18:30.619 --> 00:18:31.319 not me 00:18:31.319 --> 00:18:32.000 but him 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.359 who sent 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:32.559 me. 00:18:33.319 --> 00:18:33.720 Now there 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.000 are many 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:34.539 places in 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:34.859 the Bible 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:35.319 that talk 00:18:35.319 --> 00:18:36.140 about being 00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:36.879 a child. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:38.519 This is 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:39.140 talking about 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:39.920 receiving 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:40.879 children. 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:41.980 They're 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:43.359 related but 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:43.599 they're 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:44.079 different. 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:44.900 What Jesus 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:45.299 is saying 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:45.639 here is 00:18:45.639 --> 00:18:45.779 that 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.039 greatness 00:18:46.039 --> 00:18:46.460 in my 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:46.720 kingdom 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.159 does not 00:18:47.159 --> 00:18:47.779 come from 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:48.919 caring about 00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:49.279 greatness. 00:18:49.419 --> 00:18:49.779 It comes 00:18:49.779 --> 00:18:50.419 from welcoming 00:18:50.419 --> 00:18:50.899 children. 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:51.379 And children 00:18:51.379 --> 00:18:51.720 here are 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.339 this symbol 00:18:52.339 --> 00:18:53.159 of people 00:18:53.159 --> 00:18:53.639 who can 00:18:53.639 --> 00:18:54.720 offer you 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.519 nothing. 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:57.539 Welcome 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.259 people who 00:18:58.259 --> 00:18:59.000 can't help 00:18:59.000 --> 00:18:59.259 you. 00:19:00.379 --> 00:19:00.940 Welcome 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:01.519 people who 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.480 can't do 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.639 anything for 00:19:03.639 --> 00:19:04.000 you. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:05.299 Welcome 00:19:05.299 --> 00:19:05.960 people who 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.639 might be a 00:19:06.639 --> 00:19:07.559 net negative. 00:19:09.379 --> 00:19:10.419 Say no 00:19:10.419 --> 00:19:11.519 to the 00:19:11.519 --> 00:19:12.500 status games 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:12.980 of the 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:13.359 world. 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:17.139 have 00:19:17.139 --> 00:19:17.579 room, 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:17.919 have 00:19:17.919 --> 00:19:18.619 space 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:20.859 for the 00:19:20.859 --> 00:19:21.379 people that 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:22.159 the world 00:19:22.159 --> 00:19:22.839 finds 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:24.119 awkward and 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:24.960 inconvenient 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:26.940 that they 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:27.720 find to be 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:28.599 a drain 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:29.519 and in 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:29.879 the way. 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:35.379 I said 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:35.779 earlier I 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:36.500 moved here 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:38.039 in 2017 00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:39.019 and when I 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.700 did I was 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:43.259 27 and 00:19:43.259 --> 00:19:44.140 I turned 00:19:44.140 --> 00:19:45.960 28 very 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.259 shortly 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:46.640 after. 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:48.720 I just 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.460 turned 33 00:19:49.460 --> 00:19:50.360 this past 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:51.080 week and 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:51.420 so I'm 00:19:51.420 --> 00:19:52.000 younger than 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.400 most of 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:54.279 you which 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:54.680 proves that 00:19:54.680 --> 00:19:55.160 God has a 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:55.480 sense of 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:55.700 humor. 00:19:58.880 --> 00:19:59.539 But I 00:19:59.539 --> 00:19:59.960 want you to 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:02.539 know while 00:20:02.539 --> 00:20:03.100 I'm younger 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:04.279 than many of 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:04.680 you if not 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:05.259 most of you 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.539 I brag 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:07.059 about you 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:07.740 and I brag 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.319 about this 00:20:08.319 --> 00:20:09.039 church like a 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:10.159 proud parent. 00:20:11.879 --> 00:20:13.059 Someone asked 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.899 me recently 00:20:13.899 --> 00:20:14.519 what it is 00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:15.259 that I love 00:20:15.259 --> 00:20:15.919 about Cheyenne 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:16.319 Mountain and 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:16.819 I said what I 00:20:16.819 --> 00:20:17.519 love about 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:17.899 Cheyenne 00:20:17.899 --> 00:20:19.159 Mountain is 00:20:19.159 --> 00:20:19.720 that Cheyenne 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.359 Mountain is 00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:21.220 an island of 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:22.159 misfit toys. 00:20:24.279 --> 00:20:25.500 We are not 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.480 a church of 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.899 beautiful people. 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:30.179 We are not 00:20:30.179 --> 00:20:31.099 a church 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:33.179 I also said 00:20:33.179 --> 00:20:33.819 look if you 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.299 come to our 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:34.759 church there's 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:35.079 going to be a 00:20:35.079 --> 00:20:35.980 place for you. 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.200 Our people 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:38.139 welcome whoever 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:38.800 comes in the 00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:39.080 doors. 00:20:40.800 --> 00:20:41.620 They welcome 00:20:41.620 --> 00:20:41.940 whoever. 00:20:42.100 --> 00:20:42.440 There's no 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:42.940 cool kids 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:44.300 club at least 00:20:44.300 --> 00:20:44.880 as far as I 00:20:44.880 --> 00:20:45.020 know. 00:20:45.080 --> 00:20:45.860 If I find out 00:20:45.860 --> 00:20:46.180 there's a 00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:46.540 cool kids 00:20:46.540 --> 00:20:46.960 club I'm 00:20:46.960 --> 00:20:47.400 going to be 00:20:47.400 --> 00:20:48.660 very offended 00:20:48.660 --> 00:20:51.980 because no 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:52.520 one has 00:20:52.520 --> 00:20:53.280 invited me. 00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:56.880 There aren't 00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:57.600 these highly 00:20:57.600 --> 00:20:58.920 curated friend 00:20:58.920 --> 00:21:00.660 groups where 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.600 it's like we 00:21:01.600 --> 00:21:02.280 have figured 00:21:02.280 --> 00:21:02.740 out who the 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.120 cool people 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:03.540 are in the 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:03.980 church and 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:04.180 we're going 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:04.980 to only hang 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:06.300 out with 00:21:06.299 --> 00:21:06.680 them. 00:21:08.919 --> 00:21:09.559 Some of 00:21:09.559 --> 00:21:10.000 you all 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:11.299 are super 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:11.659 weird. 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.119 Okay. 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:15.539 And you 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:15.899 have a 00:21:15.899 --> 00:21:17.359 super weird 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:18.099 pastor. 00:21:19.919 --> 00:21:20.720 And God 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:21.200 has brought 00:21:21.200 --> 00:21:21.919 us together 00:21:21.919 --> 00:21:22.299 as a 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:22.539 family of 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.000 blessings 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.079 that he's 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:24.659 given us. 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:25.480 You be at 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:25.720 churches 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:26.819 sometimes right 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:27.180 before the 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:27.839 benediction the 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:28.279 pastor will 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:28.759 say something 00:21:28.759 --> 00:21:29.200 I've never 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:29.859 said before 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.819 which is make 00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:31.299 sure you greet 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:31.839 someone new. 00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:33.039 You know why I 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.759 never say that 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.099 before the 00:21:34.099 --> 00:21:34.539 benediction? 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:36.200 Because I 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:36.700 don't need 00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:37.000 to. 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:39.599 I know that 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:40.460 no matter who 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.379 walks into our 00:21:41.379 --> 00:21:42.079 church you all 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:42.379 are going to 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:42.940 welcome them. 00:21:44.599 --> 00:21:45.740 I know and 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:46.759 we could tell 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.279 some stories 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:47.559 okay. 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:49.539 I'm not going 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:49.720 to. 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:50.180 Some of you 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:50.940 have been here 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:51.259 for some 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:51.599 things. 00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:53.379 I know just 00:21:53.379 --> 00:21:53.839 come up with 00:21:53.839 --> 00:21:55.039 whatever stereotype 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:55.859 you want. 00:21:56.920 --> 00:21:57.980 Whoever doesn't 00:21:57.980 --> 00:21:58.559 fit in the 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:58.940 most. 00:21:59.639 --> 00:22:00.899 I never have a 00:22:00.899 --> 00:22:01.720 question in my 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:02.259 mind about 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:03.200 whether Cheyenne 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:03.599 Mountain is going 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:04.279 to go and talk 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:04.859 to that person. 00:22:08.379 --> 00:22:09.519 I am so 00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:11.139 proud of 00:22:11.139 --> 00:22:11.420 you. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.660 When I 00:22:14.660 --> 00:22:15.139 think of 00:22:15.139 --> 00:22:16.980 that fills 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:17.740 me with joy. 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:20.559 Some of you 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:21.079 are very 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:21.420 wealthy. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:24.440 Some of you 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:24.960 are very 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:25.599 successful. 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.099 Some of you 00:22:28.099 --> 00:22:28.519 are both. 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:31.259 I also told 00:22:31.259 --> 00:22:32.019 this person 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:32.500 you know we 00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:32.960 have a lot of 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.619 successful people 00:22:33.619 --> 00:22:34.219 in our church 00:22:34.219 --> 00:22:36.359 and they 00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:37.119 don't use 00:22:37.119 --> 00:22:37.699 their wealth 00:22:37.699 --> 00:22:38.039 and their 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:38.759 success to 00:22:38.759 --> 00:22:39.479 hide their 00:22:39.479 --> 00:22:40.419 failure and 00:22:40.419 --> 00:22:41.039 their mistakes. 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:47.719 I've watched 00:22:47.719 --> 00:22:48.319 you all over 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:49.079 the last five 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:50.639 years take 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:51.379 care of people 00:22:51.379 --> 00:22:52.299 who can't offer 00:22:52.299 --> 00:22:52.919 you anything in 00:22:52.919 --> 00:22:53.219 return. 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:55.679 I've watched it 00:22:55.679 --> 00:22:56.259 happen over and 00:22:56.259 --> 00:22:56.459 over. 00:22:56.460 --> 00:23:00.039 I say all 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.819 these things to 00:23:00.819 --> 00:23:03.420 you not to 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.039 pat us on the 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:04.799 back, not as a 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.559 place of self 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:06.340 congratulation. 00:23:06.440 --> 00:23:06.779 I've told you 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:08.579 before there's no 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:09.700 self congratulation 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.279 when it comes to 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:10.700 the gospel. 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:11.340 We're never 00:23:11.340 --> 00:23:12.039 congratulating 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:12.500 ourselves. 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.319 We're never 00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:14.220 patting ourselves 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:14.720 on the back. 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:16.100 That's different 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:17.140 though than 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:17.740 encouragement. 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:19.980 It's different 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:21.019 than saying I 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:22.299 see God at work. 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.019 Continue. 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:24.759 Keep doing what 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.240 you're doing. 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:26.279 Our church has 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:26.779 plenty of 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.099 weaknesses. 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:27.779 Believe me, I 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.180 know about 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:28.379 them. 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.599 We've got our 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:31.519 own things that 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.039 we can grow 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:32.460 and we've got 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.759 our own sin 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.200 patterns. 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:34.740 There are things 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:35.299 we can learn 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:35.700 from other 00:23:35.700 --> 00:23:36.059 churches. 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:36.579 What I want to 00:23:36.579 --> 00:23:37.480 tell you today 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:37.819 is when it 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.859 comes to this, 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:40.339 keep on 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:40.960 keeping on. 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:43.019 It is a 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:44.079 biblical category 00:23:44.079 --> 00:23:45.079 to name what 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.640 is good and 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:46.779 to say, keep 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.140 it up. 00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:48.119 Revelation 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:48.839 chapter 2, 00:23:48.920 --> 00:23:49.220 there's the 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:49.799 letter to the 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:50.640 churches and as 00:23:50.640 --> 00:23:51.420 this letter comes 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:51.819 from Jesus 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:53.259 Christ, he names 00:23:53.259 --> 00:23:53.940 as a church 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:54.579 has a strength. 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.339 What it is. 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:57.960 1 Thessalonians 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:59.079 chapter 1, one 00:23:59.079 --> 00:23:59.439 of the most 00:23:59.439 --> 00:24:00.279 underrated verses 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.819 in the Bible, 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.679 Paul is writing 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:02.359 to this church 00:24:02.359 --> 00:24:03.279 and he says, 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:04.179 I don't need to 00:24:04.179 --> 00:24:05.079 write to you to 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:05.939 tell you about 00:24:05.939 --> 00:24:06.879 brotherly love 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.599 because you 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.500 already know. 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.079 You're already 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:10.579 doing it. 00:24:10.639 --> 00:24:11.139 And so he ends 00:24:11.139 --> 00:24:11.539 it with this 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.460 important phrase, 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:13.899 verse 10, we 00:24:13.899 --> 00:24:14.819 urge you brothers 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.939 to do this 00:24:15.939 --> 00:24:18.099 more and more. 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:20.419 In other words, 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.099 Paul knows 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:21.679 there's ways 00:24:21.679 --> 00:24:22.279 they can grow. 00:24:22.399 --> 00:24:22.859 He knows there's 00:24:22.859 --> 00:24:23.659 probably ways the 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.340 church has not 00:24:24.340 --> 00:24:25.040 fully lived up 00:24:25.040 --> 00:24:25.700 to it, but he 00:24:25.700 --> 00:24:26.200 doesn't come 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.840 forward to them 00:24:26.840 --> 00:24:27.940 and say, hey, 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.620 and here's the 00:24:28.620 --> 00:24:29.200 ways where you're 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:29.840 sinning and you 00:24:29.840 --> 00:24:30.720 really need to 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.320 level up. 00:24:32.320 --> 00:24:33.100 If you guys have 00:24:33.100 --> 00:24:33.620 been here, you 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:35.320 know, you know 00:24:35.320 --> 00:24:35.840 that I'm always 00:24:35.840 --> 00:24:36.800 pushing us towards 00:24:36.800 --> 00:24:37.640 greater and more 00:24:37.640 --> 00:24:38.000 holiness. 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.100 I want us to be 00:24:39.100 --> 00:24:39.960 moving forward as a 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.900 church and there's 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:42.480 also times to say, 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.940 1 Thessalonians 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:45.200 chapter 4, verse 9, 00:24:45.320 --> 00:24:46.420 concerning brotherly 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.480 love, you have no 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.820 need for anyone to 00:24:48.820 --> 00:24:49.580 write to you. 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:51.299 for you yourselves 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:52.000 have been taught 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:53.119 by God to love 00:24:53.119 --> 00:24:54.519 one another. 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:56.859 Cheyenne Mountain, 00:24:56.899 --> 00:24:57.799 I can say to you 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:58.720 concerning brotherly 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.679 love, you have no 00:24:59.679 --> 00:25:00.980 need for anyone to 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.699 write to you, for 00:25:01.699 --> 00:25:02.639 you yourselves have 00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:03.759 been taught by God 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:05.879 to love one another. 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:08.699 And so I urge you 00:25:08.699 --> 00:25:10.159 brothers to do this 00:25:10.159 --> 00:25:11.639 more and more. 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.799 Cheyenne Mountain, 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.960 welcome children 00:25:15.960 --> 00:25:17.399 more and more. 00:25:17.400 --> 00:25:19.860 be hospitable 00:25:19.860 --> 00:25:21.259 more and more. 00:25:22.100 --> 00:25:22.800 Be concerned 00:25:22.800 --> 00:25:23.620 for those who have 00:25:23.620 --> 00:25:24.700 no status in this 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:25.860 world more and more. 00:25:26.220 --> 00:25:27.300 Give to those who 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:28.300 cannot give back 00:25:28.300 --> 00:25:30.220 to you more and 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:30.480 more. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:34.080 When I came here 00:25:34.080 --> 00:25:37.519 April of 2017 to 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:38.240 sort of kind of 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:40.640 interview, I spent a 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:41.200 lot of time with 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:42.000 Jim Franks and 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.440 Paul Bishop. 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:43.940 We had this 00:25:43.940 --> 00:25:44.800 breakfast over at 00:25:44.800 --> 00:25:45.600 IHOP by Home 00:25:45.600 --> 00:25:45.820 Depot. 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:47.779 and Jim was 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:48.359 just like grilling 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.019 me about small 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.819 group stuff because 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.319 that's what I was 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:50.879 supposed to come and 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.059 do. 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:53.159 Joke's on you, 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.439 Jim. 00:25:56.259 --> 00:25:57.159 Paul Bishop told 00:25:57.159 --> 00:25:57.619 me about this 00:25:57.619 --> 00:25:58.079 church and he said 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:59.079 the one thing that's 00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:00.700 always been true of 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:02.419 Cheyenne Mountain is 00:26:02.419 --> 00:26:03.099 its welcome. 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.779 That this is a 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:07.700 church where people 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.319 are embraced. 00:26:10.599 --> 00:26:11.679 I can tell you this 00:26:11.679 --> 00:26:12.519 morning five years 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.480 in this is a church 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.079 where people are 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:14.380 welcome. 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:16.900 I've seen you all 00:26:16.900 --> 00:26:17.779 do it over and 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.039 over. 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:21.059 Do it more and 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:21.319 more. 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:25.140 Okay, I told you we 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:25.640 have some life 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.360 principles here. 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.819 Principle one, hard to 00:26:27.819 --> 00:26:28.420 get over your old 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:30.259 crush until you have a 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:30.660 new crush. 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:34.460 Principle two, you 00:26:34.460 --> 00:26:35.160 can't give away 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:35.779 things you don't 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.059 have. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:39.420 You cannot give away 00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:40.599 things you don't 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:40.899 have. 00:26:41.899 --> 00:26:43.339 How is it that 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:44.240 you're able to 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.599 give to those who 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:46.619 can give you nothing 00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:47.339 in return? 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:48.639 It's because you've 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:50.119 been filled with the 00:26:50.119 --> 00:26:51.500 love of God. 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:54.000 It's because you've 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:54.819 been filled with the 00:26:54.819 --> 00:26:55.859 love of God. 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:58.500 Rich and powerful 00:26:58.500 --> 00:27:01.740 people have no 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:03.539 appeal to you when 00:27:03.539 --> 00:27:04.799 you know that God 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.719 will take care of 00:27:05.719 --> 00:27:05.939 you. 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:08.660 when you know the 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:09.740 Lord is my shepherd, 00:27:10.100 --> 00:27:11.759 I shall not want. 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:14.740 You're able to risk 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:16.400 your social status by 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:17.299 hanging out with 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:19.559 awkward people when 00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:20.539 you know you're 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:22.100 secure in the love 00:27:22.100 --> 00:27:23.120 of God. 00:27:25.080 --> 00:27:27.200 You cannot give 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.080 away what you 00:27:28.080 --> 00:27:29.360 don't have. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.840 So I say again to 00:27:31.840 --> 00:27:32.440 you what I said at 00:27:32.440 --> 00:27:32.799 the beginning, 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.180 Cheyenne 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.640 Mountain, know the 00:27:34.640 --> 00:27:36.340 love of God. 00:27:37.440 --> 00:27:39.020 Know the love 00:27:39.020 --> 00:27:40.100 of God. 00:27:40.840 --> 00:27:41.860 God's love is not 00:27:41.860 --> 00:27:43.000 based on your 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:43.680 status. 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.900 It's not based on 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:45.460 your performance. 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:47.759 In God's kingdom, 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:48.860 you don't earn 00:27:48.860 --> 00:27:50.000 security and love. 00:27:50.080 --> 00:27:50.660 You've already 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:51.500 received it. 00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:53.100 That's the good 00:27:53.100 --> 00:27:53.820 news of the gospel. 00:27:54.300 --> 00:27:55.320 That's what allows 00:27:55.320 --> 00:27:56.220 us to give away 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.780 to others. 00:27:57.100 --> 00:27:58.320 It is easy to 00:27:58.320 --> 00:27:59.060 give gifts 00:27:59.060 --> 00:28:01.400 when you know 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.360 your father's rich. 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:05.599 It's easy to give 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.559 gifts when you know 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:08.659 your father is rich. 00:28:10.459 --> 00:28:11.439 It's when Jesus 00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:12.619 accepts you and you 00:28:12.619 --> 00:28:13.339 know it that you're 00:28:13.339 --> 00:28:15.079 able to be calm 00:28:15.079 --> 00:28:17.479 and present and 00:28:17.479 --> 00:28:18.599 offer that kind of 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:20.099 security to others. 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:23.099 Know the love of God 00:28:23.099 --> 00:28:24.119 more and more. 00:28:25.399 --> 00:28:26.539 Welcome, children, 00:28:27.059 --> 00:28:28.479 more and more. 00:28:28.480 --> 00:28:31.819 The famous 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:33.519 1981 film 00:28:33.519 --> 00:28:34.420 Chariots of Fire 00:28:34.420 --> 00:28:35.299 tells the story of 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:36.539 two different 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:37.319 runners who are 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.279 similar in many 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.140 ways and also 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:39.640 different. 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.500 They're competing in 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:42.539 the 1924 Olympics. 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:43.599 Their names are 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:44.480 Eric Little and 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:45.160 Harold Abrams. 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:47.180 Abrams has this 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:47.920 deep wound, 00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:48.960 this insecurity, 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:50.240 this anger that 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:51.279 he's trying to work 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:53.079 out from growing up 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:54.200 as a Jew in 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:55.400 Judeo-Christian 00:28:55.400 --> 00:28:55.900 Britain. 00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:57.040 And he believes 00:28:57.040 --> 00:28:57.880 that winning the 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.740 Olympics is going 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.940 to be the solution 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.960 to his problems. 00:29:01.860 --> 00:29:03.380 If he can only 00:29:03.380 --> 00:29:04.759 get that gold 00:29:04.759 --> 00:29:05.660 medal, it will 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:07.259 finally resolve 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.560 all of his angst. 00:29:09.220 --> 00:29:09.860 So we see at the 00:29:09.860 --> 00:29:10.460 beginning of the 00:29:10.460 --> 00:29:11.040 movie, there's 00:29:11.040 --> 00:29:11.660 very different 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.600 things going on 00:29:12.600 --> 00:29:13.100 with these two 00:29:13.100 --> 00:29:13.380 men. 00:29:13.640 --> 00:29:14.380 Abrams is wrapped 00:29:14.380 --> 00:29:15.040 in prestige. 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:15.900 He's at Cambridge 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:16.560 University. 00:29:17.120 --> 00:29:17.860 For the first time 00:29:17.860 --> 00:29:18.900 in 700 years, 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:19.800 he's able to 00:29:19.800 --> 00:29:20.720 complete the 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.500 challenge of the 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:22.460 college dash. 00:29:22.540 --> 00:29:22.880 And so he's 00:29:22.880 --> 00:29:24.040 going up in 00:29:24.040 --> 00:29:24.900 popularity and 00:29:24.900 --> 00:29:25.400 success. 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.380 On the other 00:29:26.380 --> 00:29:28.400 hand, we see 00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:28.940 Eric Little, 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:29.720 who's off in 00:29:29.720 --> 00:29:30.140 the middle of 00:29:30.140 --> 00:29:30.880 nowhere in the 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.980 Scottish Highlands 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.759 helping to run 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.700 this children's 00:29:33.700 --> 00:29:33.980 race. 00:29:34.500 --> 00:29:35.200 And so one is 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.840 this worldly 00:29:35.840 --> 00:29:36.860 success and 00:29:36.860 --> 00:29:37.280 champion. 00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:37.900 The other one 00:29:37.900 --> 00:29:38.700 is hidden away 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:39.720 in Scotland. 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:41.860 Little has to 00:29:41.860 --> 00:29:42.740 be convinced to 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:43.460 compete in the 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:44.259 Olympics because 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:45.340 he's not sure if 00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:46.280 it fits his life 00:29:46.280 --> 00:29:47.120 mission of 00:29:47.120 --> 00:29:48.019 following God no 00:29:48.019 --> 00:29:48.640 matter what. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:51.040 But he loves 00:29:51.040 --> 00:29:51.540 to run. 00:29:53.080 --> 00:29:53.660 Abrams, on the 00:29:53.660 --> 00:29:54.100 other hand, 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:54.880 actually confesses 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:55.780 at one point that 00:29:55.780 --> 00:29:56.660 he doesn't love 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:57.440 running at all. 00:29:58.360 --> 00:29:59.020 Instead, he says, 00:29:59.080 --> 00:30:00.020 it is a compulsion, 00:30:00.200 --> 00:30:01.000 it is a weapon 00:30:01.000 --> 00:30:02.320 against being 00:30:02.320 --> 00:30:03.160 Jewish. 00:30:04.580 --> 00:30:05.180 Little, on the 00:30:05.180 --> 00:30:05.780 other hand, says, 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:07.400 God made me fast. 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:09.400 When I run, I feel 00:30:09.400 --> 00:30:10.000 his pleasure. 00:30:12.660 --> 00:30:14.320 Abrams believes 00:30:14.320 --> 00:30:15.220 that running is the 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:16.120 way that he is 00:30:16.120 --> 00:30:18.220 going to, he says 00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:19.720 this, justify my 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:21.120 whole existence. 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:21.299 Abrams. 00:30:22.719 --> 00:30:23.379 Now, if you're 00:30:23.379 --> 00:30:24.179 familiar with the 00:30:24.179 --> 00:30:24.619 movie, you know 00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.859 that the end, both 00:30:25.859 --> 00:30:26.739 of them get a 00:30:26.739 --> 00:30:27.239 gold medal. 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:27.859 The problem is 00:30:27.859 --> 00:30:29.339 they respond very 00:30:29.339 --> 00:30:29.819 differently. 00:30:30.399 --> 00:30:31.419 Abrams receives 00:30:31.419 --> 00:30:32.139 the gold medal 00:30:32.139 --> 00:30:32.639 that he's been 00:30:32.639 --> 00:30:33.319 longing for. 00:30:33.399 --> 00:30:34.099 He becomes, at 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.759 that moment, the 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:35.739 fastest man in 00:30:35.739 --> 00:30:36.139 the world. 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:36.879 And what do we 00:30:36.879 --> 00:30:37.779 see after that? 00:30:37.939 --> 00:30:38.579 He's in the 00:30:38.579 --> 00:30:39.459 locker room with 00:30:39.459 --> 00:30:40.159 the rest of his 00:30:40.159 --> 00:30:41.000 teammates and he's 00:30:41.000 --> 00:30:41.859 not able to talk 00:30:41.859 --> 00:30:42.199 to them. 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:45.279 He's depressed and 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:45.979 morose and he 00:30:45.979 --> 00:30:47.059 walks out all by 00:30:47.059 --> 00:30:47.500 himself. 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:48.960 In one of the 00:30:48.960 --> 00:30:51.039 last scenes, he's 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.859 standing with his 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:52.559 coach, he's sitting 00:30:52.559 --> 00:30:53.579 in this bar and 00:30:53.579 --> 00:30:54.380 both of them are 00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:54.720 drunk. 00:30:57.099 --> 00:30:58.920 His success has 00:30:58.920 --> 00:30:59.839 not given him 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:00.660 what he needed or 00:31:00.660 --> 00:31:01.039 wanted. 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:04.380 Doesn't know what 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:04.799 to do. 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:08.279 As he's racing, 00:31:08.940 --> 00:31:09.880 you can see his 00:31:09.880 --> 00:31:11.220 face is filled with 00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:13.599 anxiety and fear. 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:17.419 little's face is 00:31:17.419 --> 00:31:19.259 filled with joy. 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:22.500 And after he 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:24.339 finishes, he goes 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:25.939 and celebrates with 00:31:25.939 --> 00:31:27.500 his friends. 00:31:30.079 --> 00:31:30.919 Brothers and 00:31:30.919 --> 00:31:31.539 sisters, we need 00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:32.500 to be freed from 00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:33.759 the power and the 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:35.079 allure of greatness 00:31:35.079 --> 00:31:37.480 and success so that 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:39.480 we can have joy as 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:40.159 we run. 00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:42.900 We can offer 00:31:42.900 --> 00:31:44.900 God's welcome to 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:46.060 the least of 00:31:46.060 --> 00:31:46.380 these. 00:31:48.080 --> 00:31:48.759 If anyone would 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:49.700 be first, he must 00:31:49.700 --> 00:31:51.700 be last of all and 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:52.440 servant of all. 00:31:53.300 --> 00:31:54.120 Whoever receives 00:31:54.120 --> 00:31:55.100 one such child in 00:31:55.100 --> 00:31:56.060 my name receives 00:31:56.060 --> 00:31:56.680 me and whoever 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.840 receives me receives 00:31:57.840 --> 00:31:59.900 not me but him 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:01.180 who sent me. 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:02.440 Let's pray. 00:32:03.740 --> 00:32:04.759 Our Father in 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:06.220 heaven, we thank 00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:08.360 you again for 00:32:08.360 --> 00:32:09.060 your word that 00:32:09.060 --> 00:32:09.940 you've given to 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:10.360 guide us. 00:32:10.460 --> 00:32:11.140 We ask that you 00:32:11.140 --> 00:32:11.720 would grow us 00:32:11.720 --> 00:32:12.279 more and more, 00:32:12.340 --> 00:32:12.920 that your grace 00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:13.700 would continue to 00:32:13.700 --> 00:32:14.340 be at work, 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:15.580 that we would be 00:32:15.580 --> 00:32:16.779 people who are 00:32:16.779 --> 00:32:17.700 tempted less and 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:18.740 less by power and 00:32:18.740 --> 00:32:19.519 success, that we 00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:21.240 would love you and 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:22.440 your welcome more 00:32:22.440 --> 00:32:23.100 and more, that it 00:32:23.100 --> 00:32:24.059 would be truer and 00:32:24.059 --> 00:32:25.100 truer of this church 00:32:25.100 --> 00:32:26.240 and this community. 00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:27.380 We ask these things 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.140 in Jesus' name. 00:32:28.580 --> 00:32:28.799 Amen. 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:28.940 Amen. 00:32:30.160 --> 00:32:30.460 Amen.