WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.880 All right, I'm just going to make sure I'm not. Sir, we're getting a little bit started, a little bit late. Apologies for that technical difficulty. 00:00:12.040 --> 00:00:20.480 Can you hear me? No? Can everyone hear me? Okay. Good? All right. Can we just go ahead and pray? 00:00:23.199 --> 00:00:28.660 Dear Heavenly Father, we're so grateful that we can come before you together this morning as a church. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.060 To hear, listen to your word, and just really think about how we can proceed in this assignment which you've given to us. 00:00:40.100 --> 00:00:49.740 And we ask, Lord, that you humble us this morning, that you instruct us, that you deliver us from every pride. 00:00:49.740 --> 00:00:58.700 And Lord, give us clarity on how we can proceed in your work. We pray all this, Lord, in Christ's name. Amen. 00:00:58.700 --> 00:01:04.780 Amen. Amen. Sweet. So, is it? Yeah, I did. I did. Okay. 00:01:05.439 --> 00:01:11.799 So, I was told to come talk about personal evangelism here and now. 00:01:12.460 --> 00:01:23.020 And when I was told, I was just wondering, I was like, oh my goodness, of all the unqualified people, they would think about me. 00:01:23.019 --> 00:01:33.060 So, it's indeed a privilege to be before you here this morning just to talk about this topic of evangelism and what it means for us as a church. 00:01:33.179 --> 00:01:35.420 So, I just want to, this is kind of like my outline. 00:01:36.119 --> 00:01:39.659 What is evangelism? Why bother about it? Why should we care? 00:01:40.479 --> 00:01:43.239 Just some biblical principles to think about as we move forward. 00:01:44.159 --> 00:01:46.019 Some practical ways to approach personal evangelism. 00:01:46.019 --> 00:01:49.200 Personal evangelism, addressing the barriers to personal evangelism. 00:01:49.239 --> 00:01:51.519 I'm going to just spend some time praying, if that's okay. 00:01:53.099 --> 00:01:58.899 So, right away, let's just go ahead and define what evangelism really is. 00:01:59.259 --> 00:02:03.879 I feel like we need to, first of all, know what we're talking about before we can move forward. 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:06.759 I'm not going to pretend that I know Greek. I do not know Greek. 00:02:06.759 --> 00:02:09.939 So, I looked up this Greek word. 00:02:10.060 --> 00:02:12.699 Apparently, it's from the Greek word whatever that is. 00:02:12.780 --> 00:02:13.539 I don't know what that is. 00:02:13.539 --> 00:02:21.000 But, that Greek word, which is the root of evangelism, means gospel or good news. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:29.680 And, in this context, personal evangelism means personally sharing with your friends or your neighbors the good news of Christ. 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:34.959 So, I'm just going to just, we're just going to talk about, well, what does that look like? 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:36.219 Why should we do that? 00:02:37.060 --> 00:02:40.039 Personally engaging our friends and neighbors in this gospel issue. 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:41.680 So, why bother? 00:02:43.539 --> 00:02:45.780 And, I came up with this reason. 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:48.819 No one can be neutral towards God. 00:02:48.879 --> 00:02:51.000 You're either for Him or against Him. 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:56.699 Not us here as a church, but also everyone else in the world. 00:02:57.280 --> 00:02:59.840 Our friends at work, at school. 00:03:00.579 --> 00:03:04.419 You're either for Him or opposed to Him. 00:03:05.859 --> 00:03:08.719 I'm going to look at John 3, 17 and 18. 00:03:08.719 --> 00:03:13.020 And, to save us time, I just kind of like put all the verses here so we can just read together. 00:03:14.599 --> 00:03:19.120 God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:21.039 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned. 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:28.319 But, whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:33.479 So, we see two fates, two possibilities, not three. 00:03:33.620 --> 00:03:41.280 We see belief in Christ or we see the people who stand condemned. 00:03:42.459 --> 00:03:44.560 So, either you believe and if you don't, you stand condemned. 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:45.639 There's no one who's neutral. 00:03:45.639 --> 00:03:53.459 And, it's a tendency for me personally sometimes to think about, maybe my friends, you know, they're not Christians, but they're really good people. 00:03:54.439 --> 00:03:55.479 And, they'll be okay. 00:03:57.059 --> 00:03:59.379 But, this passage tells us otherwise. 00:03:59.619 --> 00:04:02.279 That, if they're not in Christ, they will not be okay. 00:04:02.839 --> 00:04:03.679 They stand condemned. 00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:07.459 And, that's who we were before we came to know Jesus. 00:04:07.679 --> 00:04:08.560 We stood condemned. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:19.480 So, as much as we want to be loving and thinking about our friends as people who are not necessarily Christians, but good, that's not the case. 00:04:20.220 --> 00:04:22.220 Without Christ, they stand condemned. 00:04:22.899 --> 00:04:27.560 And, that's why it is a very important topic. 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:31.819 It's a very important conversation to be had with them. 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:35.899 Because, outside of Christ, again, they stand condemned. 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:37.300 That's why we care. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:47.839 But, secondly, in addition to not being neutral, we have been commanded by our Lord to go about this. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:55.220 I like this passage because, obviously, it's one that everyone knows about, you know, evangelism. 00:04:55.379 --> 00:04:59.360 But, it highlights a couple of things that I want to draw our attention to. 00:05:00.259 --> 00:05:01.120 I'm going to read it. 00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:02.779 Matthew 28, 16 to 20. 00:05:02.779 --> 00:05:08.060 Now, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:11.399 And, when they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. 00:05:12.600 --> 00:05:14.000 And, Jesus came and said to them, 00:05:14.079 --> 00:05:16.819 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:05:16.899 --> 00:05:19.300 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, 00:05:19.980 --> 00:05:23.660 baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 00:05:24.139 --> 00:05:27.420 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:31.939 And, behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:05:31.939 --> 00:05:38.060 Something that really draws my attention is verse 17, actually. 00:05:39.120 --> 00:05:39.420 It says, 00:05:39.500 --> 00:05:42.540 When they saw him, this is just after, you know, Christ had been crucified, 00:05:43.279 --> 00:05:45.639 he resurrected and he appeared to them. 00:05:46.019 --> 00:05:48.259 And, some believed and so some worshipped. 00:05:48.879 --> 00:05:51.100 But, some others doubted him. 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:56.319 But, both to those who believed and worshipped and to those who doubted, 00:05:56.639 --> 00:05:57.779 he gave them this command. 00:05:58.779 --> 00:06:01.219 He didn't call the ones who worshipped aside. 00:06:01.559 --> 00:06:01.719 He said, 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:02.699 You guys are strong believers. 00:06:03.019 --> 00:06:04.359 Go tell people about Jesus. 00:06:05.879 --> 00:06:08.059 Those who doubted, those who worshipped, 00:06:08.239 --> 00:06:09.959 all together, he sent them. 00:06:10.599 --> 00:06:12.259 And, there's a tendency for us to think, 00:06:12.519 --> 00:06:14.519 I'm not as solid. 00:06:14.779 --> 00:06:16.859 You know, I feel like I need to get more grounded as a believer 00:06:16.859 --> 00:06:18.079 before I can go tell people. 00:06:18.119 --> 00:06:19.019 I need to know things. 00:06:19.019 --> 00:06:23.240 But, to those who worshipped and to those who doubted, 00:06:23.659 --> 00:06:25.279 he sent them all together. 00:06:25.560 --> 00:06:29.319 And, he gave them this command to go and make disciples. 00:06:29.539 --> 00:06:32.439 It was not, what we see here was not a suggestion. 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:36.219 What we see here was not based on any conditions. 00:06:36.859 --> 00:06:38.439 The only condition, he told them, he was like, 00:06:38.459 --> 00:06:38.699 You know what? 00:06:38.719 --> 00:06:39.379 I'm with you. 00:06:40.240 --> 00:06:41.099 Go do this. 00:06:41.659 --> 00:06:42.879 I'm in charge of everything. 00:06:43.139 --> 00:06:44.419 I'm in charge of all of the world. 00:06:44.539 --> 00:06:45.959 I'm in charge of all of creation. 00:06:45.959 --> 00:06:47.959 Because I am in charge. 00:06:49.079 --> 00:06:49.519 Go. 00:06:49.979 --> 00:06:50.899 In confidence. 00:06:51.659 --> 00:06:53.399 So, again, we see a clear command. 00:06:54.079 --> 00:06:55.180 Not a suggestion. 00:06:55.399 --> 00:06:56.039 Not an option. 00:06:56.500 --> 00:07:01.419 A clear command to everyone who calls him or herself a believer. 00:07:01.959 --> 00:07:02.899 To those who are solid. 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:04.419 To those who are doubting. 00:07:04.799 --> 00:07:05.740 To those who are shaky. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:07.839 To those who are not even really, really sure. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:10.199 He sent all of them together to go. 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:16.819 And, because of this command he gave to every believer. 00:07:18.000 --> 00:07:22.480 What we find is that this command is ingrained into our purpose here on earth. 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:30.620 And, permit me to say that if we're not obeying or walking along in accordance with this command. 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:33.019 We're not only in disobedience. 00:07:33.139 --> 00:07:35.779 But, we're probably risking purposelessness on earth. 00:07:35.779 --> 00:07:44.679 I want to draw attention to 2 Corinthians 5, 14-15 and also to verse 20. 00:07:45.679 --> 00:07:48.699 For the love of Christ controls us because we have concluded this. 00:07:48.799 --> 00:07:49.959 That one has died for all. 00:07:50.519 --> 00:07:51.039 And that's Jesus. 00:07:51.199 --> 00:07:52.219 Therefore, all have died. 00:07:52.299 --> 00:07:53.319 And he died for all. 00:07:53.379 --> 00:07:56.639 That those who live might no longer live for themselves. 00:07:57.419 --> 00:08:01.239 But for who for their sake died and was raised. 00:08:01.240 --> 00:08:05.920 He died so that while we live, we wouldn't have to live for ourselves. 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:12.019 So, by virtue of his death, our life on earth now has a new purpose. 00:08:12.579 --> 00:08:13.019 Right? 00:08:13.620 --> 00:08:16.639 And it's now for the sake of the person who died. 00:08:18.620 --> 00:08:21.879 So, what is this purpose that is for the sake of the person who died? 00:08:21.960 --> 00:08:24.819 That we may be, in verse 20, ambassadors. 00:08:25.100 --> 00:08:28.379 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:31.959 God making his appeal through us. 00:08:32.939 --> 00:08:35.919 And this is Paul saying, we implore you on behalf of Christ. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:41.639 Be reconciled to God so you can really live out this command of being an ambassador. 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:49.840 And this, brethren, is the purpose of the Christian life. 00:08:50.740 --> 00:08:56.200 This is why after we came to Christ, God didn't call us right back to himself right away. 00:08:56.200 --> 00:09:00.500 He left us on earth so that we can live this out. 00:09:01.160 --> 00:09:04.540 He left us on earth so that this work of redemption can continue. 00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:06.620 He has done everything that needs to be done. 00:09:06.700 --> 00:09:07.500 He died on the cross. 00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:09.720 And that is our seal. 00:09:10.600 --> 00:09:10.759 Right? 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:13.340 That is what we look at. 00:09:14.000 --> 00:09:16.620 And we're convinced that God is actively redeeming the world. 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:19.120 But how does he actually make this happen? 00:09:19.220 --> 00:09:21.640 He works through us in making this happen. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:23.980 And this is the purpose of Christian living. 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:26.059 Living for his glory. 00:09:26.319 --> 00:09:27.500 Living to be an ambassador. 00:09:28.179 --> 00:09:31.059 Living to exhibit his majesty in all of creation. 00:09:32.059 --> 00:09:33.019 And again, I'm going to repeat. 00:09:33.240 --> 00:09:34.860 It sounds a little bit too direct. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:39.740 But if we're not working with this in mind, 00:09:40.439 --> 00:09:42.759 we are risking purposelessness on earth. 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:45.679 And it might be a wasted life. 00:09:45.679 --> 00:09:50.859 That's why we bother about this issue of evangelism. 00:09:51.359 --> 00:09:53.919 Now I want to bring our attention to some biblical principles. 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:56.379 Just to guide our thinking. 00:09:57.519 --> 00:10:02.000 And the first one is that unbelief is much deeper than it seems. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:03.979 There's a tendency for us to see, 00:10:04.079 --> 00:10:05.139 oh, they don't believe in Jesus. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.500 Well, I can just talk to them and maybe they would. 00:10:09.579 --> 00:10:13.279 But I want to draw our attention to the gravity of unbelief. 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:15.279 How deep it is. 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:17.039 And it's this parable that actually, 00:10:17.699 --> 00:10:18.500 to me personally, 00:10:18.740 --> 00:10:20.339 it helps me see this very clearly. 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:23.259 And I'm hoping it will help you guys see it as well. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:26.360 Before I just get to verse 22, 00:10:26.459 --> 00:10:30.779 I'm just going to give a little summary of the parable 00:10:30.779 --> 00:10:32.120 before we get to that passage. 00:10:32.439 --> 00:10:34.179 So there's this rich man who is very rich. 00:10:34.819 --> 00:10:37.919 And Lazarus, who is very, very, very poor. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:41.980 And the Bible tells us that every day Lazarus would be at his gates, 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:43.879 you know, eating the crumbs 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:46.399 and the dogs licking his wounds and his sores. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:47.860 So these are two different people, 00:10:47.960 --> 00:10:50.620 the rich man and Lazarus at his gate. 00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:53.019 And eventually they both die. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:10:55.800 So the poor man died 00:10:55.800 --> 00:10:58.080 and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. 00:10:58.300 --> 00:11:00.019 The rich man also died and was buried. 00:11:01.100 --> 00:11:01.759 And in Hades. 00:11:02.399 --> 00:11:03.080 Being in torment, 00:11:03.300 --> 00:11:05.820 he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off 00:11:05.820 --> 00:11:07.740 and Lazarus at his side. 00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:10.680 And the rich man called out, 00:11:10.800 --> 00:11:12.300 Father Abraham, have mercy on me 00:11:12.300 --> 00:11:13.879 and send Lazarus to dip 00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:16.720 the end of his finger in water 00:11:16.720 --> 00:11:18.060 and comb my tongue. 00:11:18.720 --> 00:11:19.780 For I'm in anguish 00:11:19.780 --> 00:11:21.280 and in this flame. 00:11:21.660 --> 00:11:22.400 But Abraham said, 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:24.100 Child, remember that in your lifetime 00:11:24.100 --> 00:11:26.280 you received good things. 00:11:26.360 --> 00:11:26.820 Your good things. 00:11:26.879 --> 00:11:28.020 And Lazarus in like manner 00:11:28.020 --> 00:11:28.960 received bad things. 00:11:29.020 --> 00:11:30.940 But now he is comforted here 00:11:30.940 --> 00:11:31.960 and you are in anguish. 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:33.780 And besides all this, 00:11:33.940 --> 00:11:35.639 between us and you, 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:37.300 a great chasm has been fixed 00:11:37.300 --> 00:11:38.100 in order that those 00:11:38.100 --> 00:11:39.680 who would pass from here to you 00:11:39.680 --> 00:11:40.840 may not be able 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:44.040 and none may cross from here to us. 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:44.680 And he said, 00:11:44.780 --> 00:11:46.019 Then I beg you, Father, 00:11:46.460 --> 00:11:48.560 to send him to my father's house. 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:49.400 This is the rich man saying, 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:51.000 Abraham, please send Lazarus 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:52.280 to my father's house. 00:11:52.780 --> 00:11:53.900 For I have five brothers 00:11:53.900 --> 00:11:55.660 so that he may want them 00:11:55.660 --> 00:11:56.900 lest they also come 00:11:56.900 --> 00:11:58.100 into this place of torment. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.600 But Abraham said, 00:11:59.680 --> 00:12:01.560 They have Moses and the prophets. 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:02.539 Let them hear him. 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:03.739 And he said, 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:04.719 No, Father Abraham, 00:12:04.819 --> 00:12:06.259 but if someone goes to them 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:06.959 from the dead, 00:12:07.659 --> 00:12:08.459 they will repent. 00:12:08.579 --> 00:12:09.559 Perhaps if they see someone 00:12:09.559 --> 00:12:10.519 who rose from the dead, 00:12:11.219 --> 00:12:12.199 they might be convinced 00:12:12.199 --> 00:12:13.019 and they will repent. 00:12:14.159 --> 00:12:15.459 And Abraham said to him, 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:17.019 If they did not hear Moses 00:12:17.019 --> 00:12:18.039 and the prophets, 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:19.519 neither would they be convinced 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:22.359 if someone should rise from the dead. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:23.139 I don't know if you saw 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:25.179 what I saw in this passage 00:12:25.179 --> 00:12:27.000 about unbelief. 00:12:27.459 --> 00:12:27.699 Abraham, 00:12:27.939 --> 00:12:29.139 the rich man is here saying, 00:12:29.239 --> 00:12:29.419 you know, 00:12:29.859 --> 00:12:31.399 maybe if you just send someone 00:12:31.399 --> 00:12:32.100 from the dead, 00:12:32.179 --> 00:12:33.220 give them all the evidence 00:12:33.220 --> 00:12:34.279 they need on earth, 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:35.799 maybe, perhaps, 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:37.240 they will repent. 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:38.860 And Abraham tells him, 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:40.039 No, not really. 00:12:40.579 --> 00:12:41.379 They have the prophets. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.240 They have Moses. 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:43.620 They have all they need. 00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:45.059 They don't repent 00:12:45.059 --> 00:12:46.579 in the face of all of that evidence. 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.939 They probably won't repent 00:12:47.939 --> 00:12:49.879 if they see a dead man 00:12:49.879 --> 00:12:51.519 rise from the grave. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:54.139 And what does that tell us? 00:12:56.179 --> 00:12:57.120 It tells us that 00:12:57.120 --> 00:12:59.379 it's not a matter of evidence. 00:13:00.939 --> 00:13:02.460 I don't know about your circles, 00:13:02.519 --> 00:13:03.299 but in my circles, 00:13:03.600 --> 00:13:04.279 I'm a scientist, 00:13:05.179 --> 00:13:06.639 and in my circles, 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:07.740 it's all about the evidence. 00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:08.899 Well, what's the evidence? 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:10.500 And there's a tendency for me 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:12.220 to feel like I have to produce 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:13.079 all this evidence. 00:13:13.199 --> 00:13:14.799 And even when I can produce 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:16.019 enough evidence, 00:13:16.360 --> 00:13:16.899 boom, 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:18.379 they will come to know Jesus. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:20.299 And here Abraham says, 00:13:20.399 --> 00:13:20.860 No, really. 00:13:21.559 --> 00:13:22.439 Even if someone 00:13:22.439 --> 00:13:24.480 comes from the dead, 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.659 they probably will not believe. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:26.379 What does that tell us 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:27.159 about unbelief? 00:13:27.439 --> 00:13:28.080 That is deeper 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:29.659 than evidence. 00:13:30.059 --> 00:13:31.799 It's not about your ability 00:13:31.799 --> 00:13:32.539 to come up with 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:34.460 a very, very convincing claim. 00:13:35.659 --> 00:13:37.059 If people are not believing, 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:39.980 it's because of something deeper. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.879 And this passage draws us to 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:43.179 what that thing is. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:45.340 2 Corinthians 4 verse 4. 00:13:45.340 --> 00:13:46.419 I'm just walking us through passages 00:13:46.419 --> 00:13:47.179 so we can see 00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:48.759 what the Bible says 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:49.659 about this issue. 00:13:50.839 --> 00:13:51.739 2 Corinthians 4 verse, 00:13:51.779 --> 00:13:52.859 For the God of this world 00:13:52.859 --> 00:13:54.579 has blinded their eyes. 00:13:55.239 --> 00:13:55.859 In their case, 00:13:55.939 --> 00:13:56.639 the God of this world 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:57.639 has blinded the minds 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:58.639 of the unbelievers 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.899 to keep them from seeing 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:01.059 the light of the gospel 00:14:01.059 --> 00:14:03.500 of the glory of Christ. 00:14:03.719 --> 00:14:04.799 So we see why 00:14:04.799 --> 00:14:06.979 just coming up with evidence 00:14:06.979 --> 00:14:08.179 is not enough. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:09.120 We'll not cut it. 00:14:10.259 --> 00:14:11.919 Here's why the God of this world, 00:14:12.059 --> 00:14:12.500 the enemy, 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:13.620 has blinded their eyes. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:14.879 It's a spiritual issue. 00:14:14.879 --> 00:14:17.039 It is more spiritual 00:14:17.039 --> 00:14:18.840 than we think it is 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:19.480 a lot of times. 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:20.860 It is much deeper than that. 00:14:21.860 --> 00:14:23.279 So what does this mean for us? 00:14:24.539 --> 00:14:26.019 We dare not proceed 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:28.460 trusting in our own strength 00:14:28.460 --> 00:14:30.019 because it's so deep. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:32.740 If a man is steeped in unbelief, 00:14:32.899 --> 00:14:33.799 it is so deep 00:14:33.799 --> 00:14:34.559 that we can't afford 00:14:34.559 --> 00:14:35.779 to move towards that 00:14:35.779 --> 00:14:37.159 in 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:39.720 our own strength. 00:14:40.259 --> 00:14:40.580 It is, 00:14:40.740 --> 00:14:41.720 it's in fact, 00:14:41.820 --> 00:14:42.500 impossible. 00:14:42.500 --> 00:14:44.600 Right? 00:14:45.080 --> 00:14:46.279 So we dare not trust 00:14:46.279 --> 00:14:47.019 in our own strength 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:49.299 because unbelief is so deep. 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:50.519 We can't go about this 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:50.960 just saying, 00:14:51.039 --> 00:14:51.220 you know what, 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:52.320 I'm just going to just say things. 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:54.320 So that's the one, 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:55.519 that's another principle. 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:56.720 The third principle 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:57.879 I want to bring to our attention 00:14:57.879 --> 00:14:58.220 is 00:14:58.220 --> 00:14:59.759 when a person comes 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.679 to believe in Jesus, 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.679 it is a miracle. 00:15:03.740 --> 00:15:05.019 Because it's so deep, 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:05.980 the spiritual blindness 00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:07.620 is not something physical. 00:15:07.620 --> 00:15:09.879 when that veil is in fact 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.539 taken off 00:15:10.539 --> 00:15:11.700 of the eyes of people, 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:13.220 we rejoice. 00:15:14.220 --> 00:15:14.679 Right? 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:16.720 That's why the angels rejoice 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:18.060 because it's a big deal 00:15:18.060 --> 00:15:19.360 that that veil 00:15:19.360 --> 00:15:20.179 will be taken off 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:22.240 and people will believe. 00:15:22.919 --> 00:15:23.299 So what? 00:15:23.320 --> 00:15:23.960 It's a miracle. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:27.860 Now the fourth principle 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:29.539 is the fact that 00:15:29.539 --> 00:15:30.940 God doesn't need us 00:15:30.940 --> 00:15:32.100 to do this. 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:32.799 Right? 00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:34.939 He has chosen, 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:37.000 but He has chosen to use us. 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:37.859 Sorry about that typo. 00:15:37.959 --> 00:15:40.000 He has chosen to use us. 00:15:40.599 --> 00:15:41.519 And this in fact 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:42.879 is a gift of God's grace. 00:15:43.919 --> 00:15:44.919 And I want to draw attention 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:45.839 to Saul's conversion 00:15:45.839 --> 00:15:47.740 just to demonstrate this fact. 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:49.439 Again, Saul persecuted 00:15:49.439 --> 00:15:50.319 a lot of Christians 00:15:50.319 --> 00:15:53.059 and eventually on his way 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:53.679 to Damascus 00:15:53.679 --> 00:15:54.959 to persecute more Christians, 00:15:55.740 --> 00:15:56.459 what happened? 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:57.899 In Acts 9, 00:15:57.979 --> 00:15:59.000 a very bright light 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.899 from heaven 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:01.079 struck him 00:16:01.079 --> 00:16:02.059 and he went blind. 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:03.979 And God literally 00:16:03.979 --> 00:16:06.399 preached to Saul. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:08.319 What does this tell us? 00:16:08.699 --> 00:16:09.599 He doesn't need us. 00:16:10.299 --> 00:16:11.159 He could do 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:12.199 what He wants to do 00:16:12.199 --> 00:16:14.240 with or without us. 00:16:15.559 --> 00:16:17.039 So we need not feel 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:19.120 like this thing 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:21.039 is dependent on us. 00:16:22.019 --> 00:16:22.959 He will save people 00:16:22.959 --> 00:16:25.339 if we choose to disobey. 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.519 He can do that 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.879 and He did that in Acts 9. 00:16:28.759 --> 00:16:29.699 He saved Saul. 00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:31.939 And we see what Saul 00:16:31.939 --> 00:16:32.699 did for the kingdom. 00:16:33.439 --> 00:16:34.019 He did not need 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:34.740 any man. 00:16:35.639 --> 00:16:36.240 Now some men 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.240 were used eventually 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.959 but that initial 00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:40.479 conviction 00:16:40.479 --> 00:16:42.099 was God literally 00:16:42.099 --> 00:16:42.839 meeting Saul 00:16:42.839 --> 00:16:44.079 on his way to Damascus. 00:16:45.219 --> 00:16:45.899 So it's 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:46.659 unbelief is deeper 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:47.299 than it seems. 00:16:48.039 --> 00:16:48.919 We dare not proceed 00:16:48.919 --> 00:16:50.039 trusting our own strength 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:50.859 because it's deep. 00:16:51.859 --> 00:16:52.419 And when a person 00:16:52.419 --> 00:16:53.240 believes in Jesus 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:54.019 we rejoice 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:55.120 because it's a miracle. 00:16:55.979 --> 00:16:57.219 And God doesn't need us 00:16:57.219 --> 00:16:58.019 but He has chosen 00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:58.659 to use us 00:16:58.659 --> 00:16:59.980 and it's 00:16:59.980 --> 00:17:00.719 ridiculous 00:17:00.719 --> 00:17:01.439 I think 00:17:01.439 --> 00:17:03.779 that He would choose 00:17:03.779 --> 00:17:05.119 to use me and you 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.539 such weak 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:07.579 and broken people 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:08.680 to undertake 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:09.799 such 00:17:09.799 --> 00:17:10.819 a profoundly 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:12.000 spiritual task. 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:14.839 it is a gift 00:17:14.839 --> 00:17:15.380 of grace 00:17:15.380 --> 00:17:16.380 and we don't take it 00:17:16.380 --> 00:17:16.799 for granted 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:17.700 we pursue it. 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:20.019 Now practical ways 00:17:20.019 --> 00:17:20.480 to approach 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:21.599 personal evangelism. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:26.299 It's easy to think about 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.299 well okay 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:27.639 now 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:28.299 I know 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:29.259 it's important 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:31.059 why bother 00:17:31.059 --> 00:17:31.919 while it's important 00:17:31.919 --> 00:17:32.659 we need to like 00:17:32.659 --> 00:17:33.319 do this. 00:17:33.859 --> 00:17:34.379 What are some ways 00:17:34.379 --> 00:17:35.019 to think about this? 00:17:35.079 --> 00:17:35.959 How can we do it? 00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:37.459 And I want to draw 00:17:37.459 --> 00:17:38.159 attention to just 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:38.839 one 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:40.039 task 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.959 we have 00:17:40.959 --> 00:17:42.099 because there's so many 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.779 things to think about 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:43.319 and it's easy to get 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:43.819 overwhelmed 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:44.419 well like 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:45.919 there's just a lot of pieces 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:48.460 but only one thing 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:49.480 is required of us 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:51.019 in this issue 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.019 of personal evangelism 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:53.039 and it's that we share 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:54.120 and what does that mean? 00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:54.980 We open our mouths 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:55.700 and talk 00:17:55.700 --> 00:17:58.279 that is the only thing 00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:59.120 required of us 00:17:59.120 --> 00:18:01.120 now what happens 00:18:01.120 --> 00:18:01.840 after then 00:18:01.840 --> 00:18:03.460 might not necessarily 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:05.420 be 00:18:05.420 --> 00:18:06.940 our duties 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:07.660 in terms of like 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:08.019 how 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:09.539 the word we share 00:18:09.539 --> 00:18:10.800 convicts them 00:18:10.800 --> 00:18:11.440 into righteousness 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.420 or to truth 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:13.960 our one job 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:15.100 is to share 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:16.839 and I think about 00:18:16.839 --> 00:18:17.859 that passage in scripture 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:18.439 where it talks about 00:18:18.439 --> 00:18:19.039 the farmer 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:20.379 the farmer goes out 00:18:20.379 --> 00:18:20.879 in the morning 00:18:20.879 --> 00:18:22.659 plants his seeds 00:18:22.659 --> 00:18:23.980 and he goes to bed 00:18:23.980 --> 00:18:25.240 right? 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:26.819 He's not worried about 00:18:26.819 --> 00:18:28.339 we the scientists 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:28.879 we think about 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:29.759 well what happens 00:18:29.759 --> 00:18:30.419 when that seed 00:18:30.419 --> 00:18:31.019 is in the soil 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.419 and like 00:18:31.419 --> 00:18:32.139 the different things 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:32.899 that need to come together 00:18:32.899 --> 00:18:33.639 for that seed 00:18:33.639 --> 00:18:34.240 to germinate 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:35.259 and like be a fruit 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:36.699 but the farmer 00:18:36.699 --> 00:18:37.099 is not 00:18:37.099 --> 00:18:38.659 he's probably not educated 00:18:38.659 --> 00:18:39.219 he's like 00:18:39.219 --> 00:18:39.919 I'm just going to 00:18:39.919 --> 00:18:40.879 plant that thing 00:18:40.879 --> 00:18:42.319 and go to bed 00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:43.699 and that's the attitude 00:18:43.699 --> 00:18:44.219 we're called 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:45.579 to have 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:46.460 in this issue 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.299 of evangelism 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:48.860 we just talk 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:50.140 and we go to bed 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:51.839 literally 00:18:51.839 --> 00:18:52.880 we talk 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:54.279 and we trust God 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:56.019 to use our speech 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.660 right? 00:18:58.039 --> 00:18:59.480 God takes a seed 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:02.319 and the next day 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:03.779 some sort of fruit 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.259 comes out 00:19:04.259 --> 00:19:05.860 the farmer has 00:19:05.860 --> 00:19:06.620 no idea 00:19:06.620 --> 00:19:07.400 how that happens 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.740 and we 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:10.200 have no idea 00:19:10.200 --> 00:19:11.680 how that is going to happen 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:13.259 well he's got 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:13.720 the farmer 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.580 has to wake up though 00:19:14.580 --> 00:19:16.060 and plant that seed 00:19:16.060 --> 00:19:16.460 and that's what 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.120 we're called to do 00:19:17.120 --> 00:19:19.039 that is the one job 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:19.779 we have to share 00:19:19.779 --> 00:19:21.759 now 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:24.180 there's just some points 00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:25.080 I just try to note 00:19:25.080 --> 00:19:25.720 and these are things 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:26.279 that have helped 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:27.700 me even thinking about 00:19:27.700 --> 00:19:29.200 this thing 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:30.080 this idea of 00:19:30.080 --> 00:19:31.560 occupying all streets 00:19:31.560 --> 00:19:33.120 I know this is like 00:19:33.120 --> 00:19:34.019 an Occupy Wall Street 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:34.640 but that's like 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:35.299 not as 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:37.019 fancy as this 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:38.440 Occupy Wall Street 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:39.360 well what does that mean? 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:41.179 each of us here 00:19:41.179 --> 00:19:42.039 we're all on 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:42.799 different streets 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:44.719 some are students 00:19:44.719 --> 00:19:46.119 some just have 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:46.939 regular jobs 00:19:46.939 --> 00:19:48.819 some are 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.919 some are stay at home moms 00:19:50.919 --> 00:19:52.500 some are professors 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:54.259 we're all on 00:19:54.259 --> 00:19:54.959 different streets 00:19:54.959 --> 00:19:55.819 that God has like 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.459 put us 00:19:56.459 --> 00:19:57.399 right now 00:19:57.399 --> 00:20:00.259 and it's important 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:00.939 that we think about 00:20:00.939 --> 00:20:01.599 well what does that 00:20:01.599 --> 00:20:02.779 what does evangelism 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:03.559 mean for me 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:04.339 on my street 00:20:04.339 --> 00:20:04.819 right now? 00:20:05.879 --> 00:20:06.959 I'm in medical school 00:20:06.959 --> 00:20:07.379 right now 00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:08.439 what does that look like 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.340 for me 00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:10.660 in medical school 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:11.860 interacting with my friends 00:20:11.860 --> 00:20:13.019 my classmates 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:13.980 my professors 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.759 what does that look like 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:16.320 for me? 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:17.200 and we have to take 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:18.220 that's such an important step 00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:18.680 that we take 00:20:18.680 --> 00:20:19.960 a step back 00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:21.100 and figure out 00:20:21.100 --> 00:20:21.820 well what does that 00:20:21.820 --> 00:20:22.700 mean for me? 00:20:23.320 --> 00:20:24.100 well I'm not a pastor 00:20:24.100 --> 00:20:25.080 yes 00:20:25.080 --> 00:20:26.160 and that is good 00:20:26.160 --> 00:20:27.920 because God's 00:20:27.920 --> 00:20:29.039 glory 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:30.960 has to reach 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:31.920 it has to seep 00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:32.860 into every facet 00:20:32.860 --> 00:20:33.320 of life 00:20:33.320 --> 00:20:33.580 right? 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:34.940 God's glory 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:36.220 has to literally 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.000 seep into 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:38.140 every facet of life 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.200 and that's why 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:40.520 we can't all be pastors 00:20:40.520 --> 00:20:41.940 right? 00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:43.259 some people 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.720 in the engineering field 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:46.060 have to hear the gospel 00:20:46.060 --> 00:20:47.320 some people 00:20:47.320 --> 00:20:48.700 I've heard one pastor 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.259 actually say 00:20:49.259 --> 00:20:50.140 we are all pastors 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:51.040 we all are 00:20:51.040 --> 00:20:51.620 we all minister 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:52.340 exactly 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:53.640 but when I say pastor 00:20:53.640 --> 00:20:54.440 I don't mean like 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:55.660 in the sense of having 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:56.759 a church 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:58.440 that we pastor 00:20:58.440 --> 00:20:59.400 I'm sorry about that 00:20:59.400 --> 00:21:00.000 I needed to clarify 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:00.780 yeah we're all pastors 00:21:00.780 --> 00:21:01.660 we're all missionaries 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:01.980 right? 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:03.240 in a sense 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:04.859 and that is our 00:21:04.859 --> 00:21:05.680 primary calling 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:06.920 and what does 00:21:06.920 --> 00:21:07.759 being a missionary 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.839 as an engineer 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.700 look like? 00:21:09.819 --> 00:21:10.620 what does being a missionary 00:21:10.620 --> 00:21:11.759 as a medical doctor 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:12.160 look like? 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:12.819 and we all have to 00:21:12.819 --> 00:21:13.539 work that out 00:21:13.539 --> 00:21:15.680 secondly 00:21:15.680 --> 00:21:18.160 we need to establish 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:19.359 relationships with people 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:21.120 and this is such 00:21:21.120 --> 00:21:22.079 an important piece 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:23.420 that I feel like 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:24.579 it's often forgotten 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:27.700 and it's just like 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.559 very very cliche 00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:29.720 I hate saying this thing 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:31.019 but I might have to say it 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.559 because I feel like 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:33.500 it passes a very 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:34.220 important message 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:34.900 the fact that people 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:35.640 don't know how much 00:21:35.640 --> 00:21:36.240 you know 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:36.759 people don't care 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.339 how much you know 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.539 until they know 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:39.360 how much you care 00:21:39.360 --> 00:21:41.640 it's not biblical 00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:44.000 but it's kind of true 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:45.700 bees and lived experience 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:46.819 they don't want to 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:47.900 really know how much 00:21:47.900 --> 00:21:49.019 they don't care 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:49.620 how much you know 00:21:49.620 --> 00:21:50.200 until they know 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:51.019 that you actually care 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.500 and that's why 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.880 this relationship aspect 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:55.940 is very important 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:57.880 and that's why 00:21:57.880 --> 00:21:59.980 before even proclaiming 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:01.340 this gospel to them 00:22:01.340 --> 00:22:03.660 we have to demonstrate 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:05.360 that we actually love them 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:06.520 so we don't just 00:22:06.520 --> 00:22:07.780 have this assignment 00:22:07.780 --> 00:22:08.760 and we just go about 00:22:08.760 --> 00:22:10.040 saying this thing 00:22:10.040 --> 00:22:11.480 but the gospel 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:13.000 is lived out 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.520 right 00:22:13.520 --> 00:22:14.200 it's lived out 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:15.060 and it's proclaimed 00:22:15.060 --> 00:22:17.080 so if you're proclaiming it 00:22:17.080 --> 00:22:18.020 and not living it out 00:22:18.020 --> 00:22:20.460 we have to think about that 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:20.720 right 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.620 so like 00:22:21.620 --> 00:22:22.180 how can we 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:23.380 establish relationships 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.040 with people 00:22:24.040 --> 00:22:25.520 right 00:22:25.520 --> 00:22:27.260 and engage them 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:28.180 in this conversation 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:29.539 right 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:30.220 so relationships 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:31.379 and the good news 00:22:31.379 --> 00:22:31.839 is that 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:33.920 we all have people 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:34.839 we're connected with 00:22:34.839 --> 00:22:36.000 in one way or the other 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:36.500 right 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:37.279 there's nobody 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:38.519 who's hopefully 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:40.220 not connected to anybody 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:40.740 right 00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.960 we all have relationships 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.180 and 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:45.259 and that's what's cool 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:46.299 about personal evangelism 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:46.920 and that's why 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.920 I'm really glad 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:48.920 that in this series 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.779 of global missions 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.819 we're starting with this 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:52.319 because 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:52.960 if you go 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:54.000 to a different country 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:55.299 you might have to learn 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:55.900 the language 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:56.819 right 00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:57.439 you have to like 00:22:57.439 --> 00:22:58.159 establish new 00:22:58.159 --> 00:22:59.200 and fresh relationships 00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:00.679 but right now 00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.639 you all have people 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.639 who you work with 00:23:02.639 --> 00:23:04.220 you have neighbors 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:05.119 who you talk with 00:23:05.119 --> 00:23:06.579 you have co-workers 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.059 right 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.500 and these are all 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.639 existing relationships 00:23:09.639 --> 00:23:10.539 so now we think about 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:11.500 how can we 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:12.819 take advantage 00:23:12.819 --> 00:23:13.559 of this 00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:14.460 relationships 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:15.319 that are already existing 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:16.379 these people who already know 00:23:16.379 --> 00:23:17.419 that we care about them 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:19.419 how can we go even deeper 00:23:19.419 --> 00:23:20.799 in these relationships 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:22.740 so we establish relationships 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:23.579 and thirdly 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:26.099 this idea of active engagement 00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:27.679 and I've heard a lot of people 00:23:27.679 --> 00:23:28.199 say well 00:23:28.199 --> 00:23:28.500 you know 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.579 I won't really bring it up 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.659 until like it comes up 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:31.659 it's going to come up naturally 00:23:31.659 --> 00:23:32.980 the conversation is going to come up 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:33.879 and often times 00:23:33.879 --> 00:23:34.759 it won't 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.439 you know why 00:23:35.439 --> 00:23:36.500 it's an awkward conversation 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:36.939 to have 00:23:36.939 --> 00:23:38.379 so no one is going to 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:38.839 bring it up 00:23:38.839 --> 00:23:39.240 and say well 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:40.059 you tell me what you think 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:40.500 I want to know 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.319 sometimes now 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.839 sometimes 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:43.639 people bring it up 00:23:43.639 --> 00:23:44.480 and they ask you just 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:45.480 randomly 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:45.939 like 00:23:45.939 --> 00:23:47.079 Kelechi 00:23:47.079 --> 00:23:48.699 like tell me about the gospel 00:23:48.699 --> 00:23:50.259 that has happened like 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:50.919 once 00:23:50.919 --> 00:23:51.980 or twice 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:53.339 in my life 00:23:53.339 --> 00:23:55.139 and I'm 24 00:23:55.139 --> 00:23:57.240 which is not that old 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:57.519 but 00:23:57.519 --> 00:24:01.919 but 00:24:01.919 --> 00:24:02.659 yes 00:24:02.659 --> 00:24:03.240 that could happen 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:03.899 and God is good 00:24:03.899 --> 00:24:04.619 and God is gracious 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.419 and God might be working 00:24:05.419 --> 00:24:06.299 behind the scenes 00:24:06.299 --> 00:24:07.619 and cause them 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:08.579 to ask you that question 00:24:08.579 --> 00:24:09.099 but sometimes 00:24:09.099 --> 00:24:09.639 a lot of times 00:24:09.639 --> 00:24:10.299 most times 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.199 they won't 00:24:11.199 --> 00:24:11.859 right 00:24:11.859 --> 00:24:13.619 so what do we do 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.819 we bring it up 00:24:14.819 --> 00:24:15.939 right 00:24:15.939 --> 00:24:16.439 we 00:24:16.439 --> 00:24:17.240 we 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:19.019 we become active about it 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.179 we 00:24:19.179 --> 00:24:20.039 we push it 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:21.519 that sounds bad 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:21.839 because 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:23.599 I know Americans 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:24.299 don't like to push 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:25.039 like we just like 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:26.059 you know just do your thing 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:26.779 I'm doing my thing 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.619 and just we'll be cool 00:24:27.619 --> 00:24:28.420 but no no no 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:30.139 because there's so much 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:30.759 at stake 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:32.460 we 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.319 move 00:24:33.319 --> 00:24:34.119 we 00:24:34.119 --> 00:24:34.960 initiate 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:35.839 so active 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:36.539 engagement 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:37.539 I like to think about it 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.700 one conversation at a time 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:40.319 I grew up in Nigeria 00:24:40.319 --> 00:24:40.960 and 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:42.319 what is big in Nigeria 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:42.799 is soccer 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.700 football 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:44.619 we call it football 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:45.799 you guys call something else football 00:24:45.799 --> 00:24:46.619 I don't know what that is 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:48.019 but we call soccer football 00:24:48.019 --> 00:24:49.559 and when we play football 00:24:49.559 --> 00:24:50.059 in Nigeria 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:52.259 you have the goalie 00:24:52.259 --> 00:24:53.599 you have the defenders 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:54.399 you have the midfielders 00:24:54.399 --> 00:24:55.119 you have the strikers 00:24:55.119 --> 00:24:55.740 right 00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.779 the job 00:24:56.779 --> 00:24:57.440 is for 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:58.240 the defenders 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.220 to take that ball 00:24:59.220 --> 00:24:59.919 to the net 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:01.079 now that ball 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.619 has to go 00:25:01.619 --> 00:25:02.519 through the defenders 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.519 to the midfielders 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.440 to the strikers 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.259 and the strikers strike 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.039 that's why they call it strikers 00:25:06.039 --> 00:25:06.980 they strike into the net 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:08.079 of the other team 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:11.299 but why the defender's role 00:25:11.299 --> 00:25:11.919 is so important 00:25:11.919 --> 00:25:12.859 is that they initiate 00:25:12.859 --> 00:25:13.519 that pass 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:13.700 right 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.639 that first pass 00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:15.799 they pass it 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:16.659 and pass 00:25:16.659 --> 00:25:17.639 by pass 00:25:17.639 --> 00:25:18.500 pass 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:19.299 by pass 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:19.919 somehow 00:25:19.919 --> 00:25:21.200 after many minutes 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:22.299 sometimes 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:24.259 after 90 minutes 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:25.960 right 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.919 hopefully 00:25:26.919 --> 00:25:28.559 the ball gets there 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.240 but sometimes 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.960 it might take 90 minutes 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.980 sometimes it might take 5 minutes 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:33.500 sometimes it takes 2 minutes 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.819 sometimes seconds 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:36.039 but often times 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:36.759 it takes longer 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:39.460 and that's the same thing 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.399 we're dealing with here 00:25:40.399 --> 00:25:41.839 one conversation 00:25:41.839 --> 00:25:43.339 at a time 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:44.899 one conversation 00:25:44.899 --> 00:25:45.579 at a time 00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.639 and we pass it on 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:47.940 right 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:49.080 I've had friends 00:25:49.080 --> 00:25:49.880 in school 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:51.300 that I've been chatting with 00:25:51.300 --> 00:25:53.680 so engaging them 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.800 on this topic 00:25:54.800 --> 00:25:55.240 and they're like 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.600 yeah 00:25:55.600 --> 00:25:56.860 3 years ago 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.800 in college 00:25:57.800 --> 00:25:58.720 my roommate 00:25:58.720 --> 00:25:59.500 brought that up 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.600 and we had a conversation 00:26:00.600 --> 00:26:00.920 about it 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:01.080 and I'm like 00:26:01.080 --> 00:26:01.600 thank God 00:26:01.600 --> 00:26:02.220 for that roommate 00:26:02.220 --> 00:26:03.480 he's passed the ball 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.080 to me 00:26:04.080 --> 00:26:05.740 now I have to be faithful 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:06.460 I have to bring it up 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:06.759 thank God 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.480 I brought it up 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.880 and who knows 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:10.080 5 years from now 00:26:10.080 --> 00:26:10.940 when he becomes a resident 00:26:10.940 --> 00:26:12.740 hopefully another resident 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.600 will be faithful 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:15.399 and bring it up 00:26:15.399 --> 00:26:17.619 and eventually 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.399 hopefully 00:26:18.399 --> 00:26:19.359 maybe 10 years 00:26:19.359 --> 00:26:21.459 that ball 00:26:21.459 --> 00:26:22.199 will get to the net 00:26:22.199 --> 00:26:23.799 so what do we do 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.379 we advance 00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.299 one conversation 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.319 at a time 00:26:26.319 --> 00:26:27.259 what would it look like 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:30.019 if every one of us here 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:33.099 is faithful to that 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:34.399 what would it look like 00:26:34.399 --> 00:26:34.699 if the 00:26:34.699 --> 00:26:35.859 however many Christians 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.319 1 billion 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:36.919 I don't know 00:26:36.919 --> 00:26:38.339 what would it look like 00:26:38.339 --> 00:26:39.959 if that 00:26:39.959 --> 00:26:41.299 the millions of Christians 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:42.159 who are on the earth 00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:43.580 are faithful to that 00:26:43.580 --> 00:26:43.900 are saying 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:44.320 you know what 00:26:44.320 --> 00:26:46.140 I'm going to be faithful 00:26:46.140 --> 00:26:46.600 to this 00:26:46.600 --> 00:26:47.300 and bring it up 00:26:47.300 --> 00:26:48.000 wherever I go 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:49.220 and every Christian 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:50.180 all around the world 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:52.400 is passing the ball 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:54.180 right 00:26:54.180 --> 00:26:55.180 and your co-worker 00:26:55.180 --> 00:26:56.420 who starts work tomorrow 00:26:56.420 --> 00:26:57.820 with you 00:26:57.820 --> 00:26:59.640 you bring it up 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:00.640 and hopefully 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:01.640 his previous co-worker 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:03.320 brought it up 00:27:03.320 --> 00:27:05.820 and as he moves through life 00:27:05.820 --> 00:27:06.740 different believers 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.860 are bringing it up to him 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:09.920 how amazing would that be 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:13.019 one conversation 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.900 at a time 00:27:13.900 --> 00:27:14.960 and I brought this up 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:15.360 because 00:27:15.360 --> 00:27:16.960 sometimes it takes years 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:17.600 sometimes 00:27:17.600 --> 00:27:19.920 you don't even see the fruit 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:21.060 sometimes the defenders 00:27:21.060 --> 00:27:22.380 are out here being distracted 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:23.340 and the strikers 00:27:23.340 --> 00:27:23.980 go and scar 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:25.740 and they're like 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.039 oh wow 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.420 that's true 00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:27.279 that was the pass I made 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:28.060 you know 00:27:28.060 --> 00:27:30.100 sometimes it might not happen 00:27:30.100 --> 00:27:30.680 in our lifetime 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:33.440 and that's the patience 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:33.940 required 00:27:33.940 --> 00:27:35.660 in personal evangelism 00:27:35.660 --> 00:27:36.259 so you might have to 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:37.240 bring it up in conversations 00:27:37.240 --> 00:27:38.299 and one approach 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.019 I found helpful 00:27:39.019 --> 00:27:40.160 is asking questions 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:40.740 personally 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:42.160 because you might 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:42.680 wonder 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.640 well how do I bring it up 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:44.599 what do I even start 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:45.740 I don't even know 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.039 what 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:47.380 what can I even say 00:27:47.380 --> 00:27:49.120 and I like asking questions 00:27:49.120 --> 00:27:51.019 sometimes out of the blue 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:51.759 like 00:27:51.759 --> 00:27:53.460 hey man 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:53.660 what 00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:53.980 you know 00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:54.299 how did you 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:54.559 I mean 00:27:54.559 --> 00:27:55.200 what did you grow up 00:27:55.200 --> 00:27:55.559 did you like 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.400 grow up going to church 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.819 or not really 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:59.019 and you probably say 00:27:59.019 --> 00:27:59.519 not really 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.420 like oh 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.000 why was that 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:02.539 and you probably 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:03.380 give some response 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:04.420 and you ask 00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:04.900 why 00:28:04.900 --> 00:28:06.620 and you keep asking why 00:28:06.619 --> 00:28:07.859 and you keep talking 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:09.659 I mean it sounds simplified 00:28:09.659 --> 00:28:10.779 but it works 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:13.459 because when you ask why 00:28:13.459 --> 00:28:14.619 there's a genuine interest 00:28:14.619 --> 00:28:15.079 in like 00:28:15.079 --> 00:28:16.239 finding out why 00:28:16.239 --> 00:28:18.919 and when you ask these questions 00:28:18.919 --> 00:28:19.759 you listen 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:21.759 again this is not 00:28:21.759 --> 00:28:23.079 the bible right 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:23.500 this is just 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.699 a personal approach 00:28:24.699 --> 00:28:25.759 that I've used 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:27.019 and obviously 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:28.039 it could work in different ways 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:28.699 but this is one way 00:28:28.699 --> 00:28:30.159 that has really helped me 00:28:30.159 --> 00:28:30.879 in my journey 00:28:30.879 --> 00:28:32.759 just asking all these questions 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:34.039 and listening to learn 00:28:34.039 --> 00:28:35.759 listening in a way 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:37.140 just starting to see 00:28:37.140 --> 00:28:38.000 like you care about 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:39.059 what your life look like 00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:41.440 and then what I found 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:41.940 is that 00:28:41.940 --> 00:28:42.900 after talking for a while 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.500 people get tired 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:44.379 of talking about themselves 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:44.980 a little bit 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:45.359 sometimes 00:28:45.359 --> 00:28:47.099 and 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:48.059 they want to hear 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:49.059 you talk about yourself 00:28:49.059 --> 00:28:50.259 and so they ask you 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:50.980 well what about you 00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:52.559 and then you like 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.400 take your time 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:53.960 and you smile 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:54.900 are you sure you want to know 00:28:54.900 --> 00:28:56.779 and then you share 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:58.599 well that's 00:28:58.599 --> 00:28:59.279 a little bit simplified 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:00.359 but that just gives an idea 00:29:00.359 --> 00:29:00.859 of how 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:02.879 just one approach 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:05.980 asking a lot of questions 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:08.020 with a genuine interest 00:29:08.020 --> 00:29:09.040 to know and learn 00:29:09.040 --> 00:29:09.900 about these people 00:29:09.900 --> 00:29:12.100 and then over time 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:13.200 who knows 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:13.720 perhaps 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.480 because you've asked them 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.120 so many questions 00:29:15.120 --> 00:29:16.180 and they've talked about themselves 00:29:16.180 --> 00:29:17.540 perhaps they would listen 00:29:17.540 --> 00:29:18.680 to you talk about yourself 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.880 they'll listen to you 00:29:19.880 --> 00:29:20.720 talk about what gives you 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.440 hope and fulfillment 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:22.520 and these questions 00:29:22.520 --> 00:29:23.560 could come in different shapes 00:29:23.560 --> 00:29:24.700 and sizes and forms 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:27.280 but thinking actively 00:29:27.280 --> 00:29:28.700 I challenge you 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:30.500 as you move to work tomorrow 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:30.960 just thinking 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.120 how can I 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:33.640 just bring this up 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:34.519 using work 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:35.259 how can I like 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:35.920 bring this up 00:29:35.920 --> 00:29:36.400 in what way 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:37.700 everyday thinking about that 00:29:37.700 --> 00:29:37.940 like 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:40.279 how can I do this 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:42.279 and also praying about it 00:29:42.279 --> 00:29:42.579 like God 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:43.299 can you just open 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:44.759 let me see 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.620 let me see a way 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:46.600 in which I can bring this 00:29:46.600 --> 00:29:47.079 to the table 00:29:47.079 --> 00:29:47.819 this conversation 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:49.100 and I found that God 00:29:49.100 --> 00:29:49.620 is faithful 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:50.880 in answering that prayer 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:51.420 especially 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:53.319 about creating room 00:29:53.319 --> 00:29:53.900 for us to see 00:29:53.900 --> 00:29:55.160 how we can engage people 00:29:55.160 --> 00:29:57.039 or if you have a home 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:58.039 you can invite people over 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:59.500 maybe step out 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.140 of your comfort zone 00:30:00.140 --> 00:30:01.020 maybe you're the kind of person 00:30:01.020 --> 00:30:01.640 who likes to have people 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.320 in your space 00:30:02.320 --> 00:30:02.720 maybe 00:30:02.720 --> 00:30:04.700 maybe you could try that 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:06.680 have people over 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:07.140 at your home 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.220 cook something for them 00:30:08.220 --> 00:30:09.940 and just talk to them 00:30:09.940 --> 00:30:10.880 and get to know them 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:15.360 now addressing some barriers 00:30:15.360 --> 00:30:16.240 to personal evangelism 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:16.759 I have to move 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:17.180 because we have like 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:18.020 five minutes to go 00:30:18.020 --> 00:30:19.640 but this is like the end 00:30:19.640 --> 00:30:21.600 now there are a couple of 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:22.660 things that we think about 00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:23.840 that kind of hinder us 00:30:23.840 --> 00:30:24.340 like I don't want to be 00:30:24.340 --> 00:30:24.940 that person 00:30:24.940 --> 00:30:25.520 I don't want to be 00:30:25.520 --> 00:30:26.500 I don't want to be that weird 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:27.920 like that's just weird man 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:30.080 and people start avoiding you 00:30:30.080 --> 00:30:30.900 and stuff like that 00:30:30.900 --> 00:30:33.620 and I'm sorry 00:30:33.620 --> 00:30:34.340 you might have to be 00:30:34.340 --> 00:30:35.080 that weird person 00:30:35.080 --> 00:30:36.180 you probably will be 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:36.940 that weird person 00:30:36.940 --> 00:30:39.460 and that's fine 00:30:39.460 --> 00:30:41.320 you know 00:30:41.320 --> 00:30:42.200 I remember reading 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:43.160 when I became a believer 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.640 and it was like 00:30:43.640 --> 00:30:44.800 the scariest article I read 00:30:44.800 --> 00:30:45.259 and you know 00:30:45.259 --> 00:30:45.620 he was like 00:30:45.620 --> 00:30:46.360 the moment you become 00:30:46.360 --> 00:30:46.920 a Christian 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:48.100 you give up your rights 00:30:48.100 --> 00:30:48.800 to be cool 00:30:48.800 --> 00:30:49.779 that was like 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.720 the first sentence 00:30:50.720 --> 00:30:51.460 in that like 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:52.840 in that article 00:30:52.840 --> 00:30:53.140 I was like 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:54.340 oh my god 00:30:54.339 --> 00:30:56.119 what did I just get into 00:30:56.119 --> 00:30:58.779 and that is just truth 00:30:58.779 --> 00:31:00.459 because if we're 00:31:00.459 --> 00:31:01.500 really trying 00:31:01.500 --> 00:31:02.419 not to be weird 00:31:02.419 --> 00:31:04.240 I'm sorry 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:05.019 we'll miss the point 00:31:05.019 --> 00:31:05.439 and we'll just 00:31:05.439 --> 00:31:06.279 waste our lives 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:08.859 and 00:31:08.859 --> 00:31:10.699 we are following 00:31:10.699 --> 00:31:11.279 a lot of people 00:31:11.279 --> 00:31:11.939 who are weird 00:31:11.939 --> 00:31:14.259 Jesus was strange 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.720 and he said some things 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:16.179 and like 00:31:16.179 --> 00:31:17.099 hundreds of people 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:17.740 just walked away 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.259 like this dude 00:31:18.259 --> 00:31:18.899 is crazy 00:31:18.899 --> 00:31:20.299 eat my flesh 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:21.159 and drink my blood 00:31:21.159 --> 00:31:21.859 and they walked away 00:31:21.859 --> 00:31:22.319 like this dude 00:31:22.319 --> 00:31:22.720 is weird 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:23.740 and 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:25.380 that is 00:31:25.380 --> 00:31:26.000 the person 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:26.559 we're following 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:26.900 right 00:31:26.900 --> 00:31:28.779 it is going to be weird 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.400 what's one second 00:31:29.400 --> 00:31:29.980 I'm just going to round up 00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:30.380 and then we'll go 00:31:30.380 --> 00:31:31.299 have some questions 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:33.519 you can see 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:34.539 I'm still a struggling Christian 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:35.200 and I brought up 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:35.920 that passage right 00:31:35.920 --> 00:31:36.299 earlier 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:36.920 about the people 00:31:36.920 --> 00:31:37.500 who doubted 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:38.120 who were struggling 00:31:38.120 --> 00:31:39.440 and he still 00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:40.059 sends them 00:31:40.059 --> 00:31:40.960 so it doesn't matter 00:31:40.960 --> 00:31:41.440 you're struggling 00:31:41.440 --> 00:31:41.700 you're saying 00:31:41.700 --> 00:31:42.500 yeah we're all struggling 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:44.200 in fact if you think 00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:44.839 you're not struggling 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:45.220 then 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:46.519 I don't know 00:31:46.519 --> 00:31:48.240 we're all struggling 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:49.200 and that's just truth 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:51.059 I don't know 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:51.920 what to say 00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:52.920 and this is like 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:54.039 a very important one 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:54.800 I give some suggestions 00:31:54.800 --> 00:31:55.000 right 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:55.920 asking questions 00:31:55.920 --> 00:31:56.200 like 00:31:56.200 --> 00:31:57.580 what do you think 00:31:57.580 --> 00:31:58.100 you know 00:31:58.100 --> 00:31:59.120 hey what do you think 00:31:59.120 --> 00:31:59.720 about that 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:01.300 hey what gives you hope 00:32:01.300 --> 00:32:02.180 in life 00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:02.860 hey what's 00:32:02.860 --> 00:32:04.920 what gives you purpose 00:32:04.920 --> 00:32:06.720 and as the answer 00:32:06.720 --> 00:32:07.440 you just go deeper 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:08.300 press into that 00:32:08.300 --> 00:32:09.140 well why 00:32:09.140 --> 00:32:11.420 and ask many more 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.180 why questions 00:32:12.180 --> 00:32:13.840 many more wondering questions 00:32:13.840 --> 00:32:14.160 like you know 00:32:14.160 --> 00:32:14.720 I'm just wondering 00:32:14.720 --> 00:32:16.080 I see you do this 00:32:16.080 --> 00:32:16.740 why do you do that 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:19.559 why are you so 00:32:19.559 --> 00:32:20.460 scared 00:32:20.460 --> 00:32:21.799 why are you so anxious 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:22.799 just asking why 00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:24.359 and that really 00:32:24.359 --> 00:32:25.500 unpacks what people think 00:32:25.500 --> 00:32:26.460 and sometimes 00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:27.359 we're just afraid 00:32:27.359 --> 00:32:28.539 of having these conversations 00:32:28.539 --> 00:32:29.180 because we don't know 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:29.940 what they're going to say 00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:31.740 but people just 00:32:31.740 --> 00:32:32.480 answer 00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:34.120 and you keep asking 00:32:34.120 --> 00:32:35.339 and over time 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:36.059 hopefully 00:32:36.059 --> 00:32:37.720 by them answering 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:39.920 they've told you 00:32:39.920 --> 00:32:40.579 a lot about themselves 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:41.120 they've let you 00:32:41.120 --> 00:32:41.880 into your lives 00:32:41.880 --> 00:32:43.880 and you can let them 00:32:43.880 --> 00:32:44.760 into yours as well 00:32:44.760 --> 00:32:47.600 now I want to bring 00:32:47.600 --> 00:32:48.740 still on this conversation 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:49.700 I don't know what to say 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:51.020 I want us to consider 00:32:51.020 --> 00:32:51.780 Apostle Paul 00:32:51.780 --> 00:32:53.240 now Apostle Paul 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:54.220 was something similar 00:32:54.220 --> 00:32:55.200 to an attorney in his day 00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:55.880 very eloquent 00:32:55.880 --> 00:32:57.040 but 00:32:57.040 --> 00:32:58.340 he brings this up 00:32:58.340 --> 00:32:59.120 now the Corinthians 00:32:59.120 --> 00:33:01.560 from what I read 00:33:01.560 --> 00:33:02.660 did a little bit of research 00:33:02.660 --> 00:33:03.340 on these people 00:33:03.340 --> 00:33:04.880 people would travel 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:05.560 to Corinth 00:33:05.560 --> 00:33:07.520 these professional orators 00:33:07.520 --> 00:33:08.440 they would go 00:33:08.440 --> 00:33:10.140 and have all these speeches 00:33:10.140 --> 00:33:10.940 and people would pay 00:33:10.940 --> 00:33:12.180 to go listen 00:33:12.180 --> 00:33:12.820 to these orators 00:33:12.820 --> 00:33:13.539 so the Corinthians 00:33:13.539 --> 00:33:14.480 were I guess 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:16.340 known to love this thing 00:33:16.340 --> 00:33:17.820 this eloquence 00:33:17.820 --> 00:33:18.400 and all that 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.920 but here's what Paul says 00:33:19.920 --> 00:33:20.460 Paul says 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:21.059 and I 00:33:21.059 --> 00:33:22.539 when I came to you brothers 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:23.620 I did not come 00:33:23.620 --> 00:33:24.460 proclaiming to you 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:25.539 the testimony of God 00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:26.400 with lofty speech 00:33:26.400 --> 00:33:26.880 or wisdom 00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:28.299 for I decided to know 00:33:28.299 --> 00:33:29.160 nothing among you 00:33:29.160 --> 00:33:30.279 except Jesus Christ 00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:31.120 and him crucified 00:33:31.120 --> 00:33:33.480 and I was with you 00:33:33.480 --> 00:33:34.820 in weakness 00:33:34.820 --> 00:33:35.460 and in fear 00:33:35.460 --> 00:33:36.259 and much trembling 00:33:36.259 --> 00:33:36.860 this is Paul 00:33:36.860 --> 00:33:37.559 saying this 00:33:37.559 --> 00:33:37.840 right 00:33:37.840 --> 00:33:39.080 and my speech 00:33:39.080 --> 00:33:39.820 and my message 00:33:39.820 --> 00:33:40.700 were not implausible 00:33:40.700 --> 00:33:41.559 words of wisdom 00:33:41.559 --> 00:33:42.980 but in demonstration 00:33:42.980 --> 00:33:43.680 of the spirit 00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:44.519 and of power 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:45.539 so that your faith 00:33:45.539 --> 00:33:46.819 might not rest 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:48.039 in the wisdom of man 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:49.660 but in the power of God 00:33:49.660 --> 00:33:50.680 and Paul is here saying 00:33:50.680 --> 00:33:50.940 guys 00:33:50.940 --> 00:33:51.700 when I came 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.940 I didn't have all the words 00:33:52.940 --> 00:33:55.000 I wish I did 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:56.259 but I intentionally 00:33:56.259 --> 00:33:56.900 I just 00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:57.759 I didn't have it 00:33:57.759 --> 00:33:59.319 but I proclaimed 00:33:59.319 --> 00:34:00.059 one thing to you 00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:00.360 Jesus 00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:01.000 and him 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:01.920 crucified 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:03.660 and I didn't want to 00:34:03.660 --> 00:34:04.779 talk about anything 00:34:04.779 --> 00:34:05.620 I didn't want to talk about 00:34:05.620 --> 00:34:06.100 much else 00:34:06.100 --> 00:34:06.920 and here's why 00:34:06.920 --> 00:34:08.320 so that when you 00:34:08.320 --> 00:34:09.119 eventually believe 00:34:09.119 --> 00:34:09.780 it won't be that 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:10.680 Paul's eloquence 00:34:10.680 --> 00:34:11.619 brought you to faith 00:34:11.619 --> 00:34:13.220 right 00:34:13.220 --> 00:34:14.420 so that your faith 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:14.920 will be 00:34:14.920 --> 00:34:15.980 purely 00:34:15.980 --> 00:34:17.039 on Jesus 00:34:17.039 --> 00:34:18.680 and that's why 00:34:18.680 --> 00:34:19.440 worrying so much 00:34:19.440 --> 00:34:20.019 about well 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:21.460 how can I put this 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:22.480 in this eloquent way 00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:23.460 doesn't really help 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:25.380 what do we do 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:26.599 we just proclaim 00:34:26.599 --> 00:34:27.039 Jesus 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:28.539 it's a simple message 00:34:28.539 --> 00:34:29.680 we're all broken 00:34:29.680 --> 00:34:30.639 we're all messed up 00:34:30.639 --> 00:34:32.180 God really loves us 00:34:32.180 --> 00:34:33.260 and he wants to fix this 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:35.180 and how does he fix this 00:34:35.180 --> 00:34:36.120 he changes us 00:34:36.120 --> 00:34:37.280 one by one 00:34:37.280 --> 00:34:38.560 that is the gospel 00:34:38.560 --> 00:34:39.140 he died 00:34:39.140 --> 00:34:40.100 so that the consequences 00:34:40.100 --> 00:34:41.740 of our foolishness 00:34:41.740 --> 00:34:43.000 will come upon us 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:43.740 and he took that 00:34:43.740 --> 00:34:44.420 upon himself 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:45.520 so that we 00:34:45.520 --> 00:34:46.540 will live for him 00:34:46.540 --> 00:34:48.060 that's the gospel 00:34:48.060 --> 00:34:50.100 and Paul said 00:34:50.100 --> 00:34:50.800 when I came to you 00:34:50.800 --> 00:34:51.420 I didn't have to 00:34:51.420 --> 00:34:52.220 I didn't really need 00:34:52.220 --> 00:34:52.700 to come up with 00:34:52.700 --> 00:34:53.160 all this 00:34:53.160 --> 00:34:53.740 you know 00:34:53.740 --> 00:34:54.620 super logical 00:34:54.620 --> 00:34:55.440 and eloquent things 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:55.780 I just 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:57.340 proclaimed Jesus 00:34:57.340 --> 00:34:58.100 and him crucified 00:34:58.100 --> 00:34:59.460 and that's what 00:34:59.460 --> 00:35:00.500 he calls us to do today 00:35:00.500 --> 00:35:03.539 again 00:35:03.539 --> 00:35:05.239 I don't know what to say 00:35:05.239 --> 00:35:06.400 consider what Paul said 00:35:06.400 --> 00:35:07.860 Jesus and him crucified 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:09.219 start there 00:35:09.219 --> 00:35:10.820 and over time 00:35:10.820 --> 00:35:11.719 we'll work with you 00:35:11.719 --> 00:35:13.119 I don't want to be rejected 00:35:13.119 --> 00:35:15.099 again 00:35:15.099 --> 00:35:16.179 the person we're following 00:35:16.179 --> 00:35:18.000 was rejected 00:35:18.000 --> 00:35:19.420 in fact 00:35:19.420 --> 00:35:20.059 killed 00:35:20.059 --> 00:35:22.320 I don't think we're at that point 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:23.139 where we're getting killed 00:35:23.139 --> 00:35:23.639 yet 00:35:23.639 --> 00:35:26.219 but this is who we're following 00:35:26.219 --> 00:35:28.059 because he was rejected 00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:29.059 there's a decent chance 00:35:29.059 --> 00:35:29.619 we will be 00:35:29.619 --> 00:35:31.920 and we need to embrace that 00:35:31.920 --> 00:35:34.079 and move forward 00:35:34.079 --> 00:35:35.859 and find hope 00:35:35.859 --> 00:35:36.579 and faith 00:35:36.579 --> 00:35:38.460 and the fact that he 00:35:38.460 --> 00:35:40.179 who matters most 00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:41.099 has accepted us 00:35:41.099 --> 00:35:41.339 right 00:35:41.339 --> 00:35:42.679 right 00:35:42.679 --> 00:35:43.159 so we cling 00:35:43.159 --> 00:35:43.799 and that's why it's important 00:35:43.799 --> 00:35:44.599 to cling to him 00:35:44.599 --> 00:35:45.139 so tightly 00:35:45.139 --> 00:35:46.199 so that when we're rejected 00:35:46.199 --> 00:35:47.699 we have something 00:35:47.699 --> 00:35:48.219 to latch into 00:35:48.219 --> 00:35:49.219 the love of Christ 00:35:49.219 --> 00:35:53.339 so action steps 00:35:53.339 --> 00:35:56.500 what do we do 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.099 we pray 00:35:57.099 --> 00:35:59.099 we think about people 00:35:59.099 --> 00:35:59.739 in our lives 00:35:59.739 --> 00:36:01.119 we pray for them 00:36:01.119 --> 00:36:01.739 we spend time 00:36:01.739 --> 00:36:02.599 praying for them 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:03.500 I encourage you 00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.059 before you even have 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:04.739 the conversation 00:36:04.739 --> 00:36:05.880 pray for them 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:07.400 take two minutes 00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:08.239 take one minute 00:36:08.239 --> 00:36:09.219 pray for them 00:36:09.219 --> 00:36:10.940 pray that their hearts 00:36:10.940 --> 00:36:11.860 will be open to it 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:12.759 pray that their hearts 00:36:12.759 --> 00:36:13.960 will be broken 00:36:13.960 --> 00:36:14.860 pray 00:36:14.860 --> 00:36:16.440 and then 00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:16.819 you know what 00:36:16.819 --> 00:36:17.480 just go 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:19.059 literally 00:36:19.059 --> 00:36:19.079 literally 00:36:19.079 --> 00:36:19.800 just go 00:36:19.800 --> 00:36:21.420 and I want to end 00:36:21.420 --> 00:36:22.079 with this story 00:36:22.079 --> 00:36:23.719 it's my senior year 00:36:23.719 --> 00:36:24.320 in college 00:36:24.320 --> 00:36:24.820 and 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:25.699 I 00:36:25.699 --> 00:36:29.460 it was spring 00:36:29.460 --> 00:36:30.099 I was going to graduate 00:36:30.099 --> 00:36:30.460 in May 00:36:30.460 --> 00:36:30.980 May 2015 00:36:30.980 --> 00:36:31.619 so it was spring 00:36:31.619 --> 00:36:32.740 this was January 2015 00:36:32.740 --> 00:36:33.800 it was a Friday 00:36:33.800 --> 00:36:34.460 I got a text 00:36:34.460 --> 00:36:35.000 from my friend 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:36.440 I didn't see the text 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:37.079 but the text came in 00:36:37.079 --> 00:36:37.639 on Friday night 00:36:37.639 --> 00:36:37.900 it was like 00:36:37.900 --> 00:36:38.380 yo Kelechi 00:36:38.380 --> 00:36:39.559 let's hang out 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:42.019 tomorrow 00:36:42.019 --> 00:36:42.840 please tell me 00:36:42.840 --> 00:36:43.320 you're on campus 00:36:43.320 --> 00:36:43.960 let's hang out tomorrow 00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:44.320 that's the way 00:36:44.320 --> 00:36:44.780 your text was 00:36:44.780 --> 00:36:45.119 literally 00:36:45.119 --> 00:36:45.800 please tell me 00:36:45.800 --> 00:36:46.280 you're on campus 00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:47.119 let's hang out tomorrow 00:36:47.119 --> 00:36:48.500 I didn't see the text 00:36:48.500 --> 00:36:48.799 Friday 00:36:48.799 --> 00:36:49.380 but I saw it 00:36:49.380 --> 00:36:50.259 Saturday morning 00:36:50.259 --> 00:36:51.420 Saturday morning 00:36:51.420 --> 00:36:53.039 I saw it 00:36:53.039 --> 00:36:53.219 I'm like 00:36:53.219 --> 00:36:53.779 oh yeah sure 00:36:53.779 --> 00:36:54.500 let's hang out 00:36:54.500 --> 00:36:55.219 later tonight 00:36:55.219 --> 00:36:57.099 and 00:36:57.099 --> 00:36:58.440 so I came back 00:36:58.440 --> 00:36:59.400 at like 3pm that day 00:36:59.400 --> 00:37:00.019 and I got an email 00:37:00.019 --> 00:37:00.900 you know 00:37:00.900 --> 00:37:01.380 from the 00:37:01.380 --> 00:37:02.839 school's president 00:37:02.839 --> 00:37:03.500 you know 00:37:03.500 --> 00:37:04.359 and you know 00:37:04.359 --> 00:37:04.779 usually if someone 00:37:04.779 --> 00:37:05.480 passes away 00:37:05.480 --> 00:37:06.940 we get an email 00:37:06.940 --> 00:37:07.500 you know 00:37:07.500 --> 00:37:08.199 oh 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:08.759 you know 00:37:08.759 --> 00:37:09.599 we regret to announce 00:37:09.599 --> 00:37:10.699 the death of this person 00:37:10.699 --> 00:37:11.619 and 00:37:11.619 --> 00:37:13.900 and so that name 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:14.639 was my friend's name 00:37:14.639 --> 00:37:16.659 the person 00:37:16.659 --> 00:37:17.319 whom I just texted 00:37:17.319 --> 00:37:17.799 that morning 00:37:17.799 --> 00:37:18.139 right 00:37:18.139 --> 00:37:20.199 so apparently 00:37:20.199 --> 00:37:20.779 he was killed 00:37:20.779 --> 00:37:21.859 by a car 00:37:21.859 --> 00:37:23.219 at 4.30am 00:37:23.219 --> 00:37:24.519 Saturday morning 00:37:24.519 --> 00:37:25.259 he sent a message 00:37:25.259 --> 00:37:25.859 at 8pm 00:37:25.859 --> 00:37:26.839 he was killed 00:37:26.839 --> 00:37:27.519 4.30am 00:37:27.519 --> 00:37:28.319 and I sent a message 00:37:28.319 --> 00:37:29.219 at 9am 00:37:29.219 --> 00:37:30.659 and I responded 00:37:30.659 --> 00:37:31.219 not knowing 00:37:31.219 --> 00:37:31.899 what had happened 00:37:31.899 --> 00:37:34.799 and he was gone 00:37:34.799 --> 00:37:35.559 but 00:37:35.559 --> 00:37:37.679 the hope I had 00:37:37.679 --> 00:37:37.980 was that 00:37:37.980 --> 00:37:38.500 he came to know 00:37:38.500 --> 00:37:38.879 the Lord 00:37:38.879 --> 00:37:39.259 you know 00:37:39.259 --> 00:37:39.920 the summer before 00:37:39.920 --> 00:37:40.319 however 00:37:40.319 --> 00:37:41.619 I was just thinking 00:37:41.619 --> 00:37:45.440 this guy's here today 00:37:45.440 --> 00:37:46.440 and he texts me 00:37:46.440 --> 00:37:46.960 and he dies 00:37:46.960 --> 00:37:47.239 like 00:37:47.239 --> 00:37:48.179 5 hours 00:37:48.179 --> 00:37:49.339 however many hours later 00:37:49.339 --> 00:37:50.739 and I'm thinking about 00:37:50.739 --> 00:37:52.819 wow 00:37:52.819 --> 00:37:56.079 we don't have as much time 00:37:56.079 --> 00:37:56.799 as we think we do 00:37:56.799 --> 00:37:59.139 and I began to think about 00:37:59.139 --> 00:38:00.859 a lot of my friends 00:38:00.859 --> 00:38:03.279 in college 00:38:03.279 --> 00:38:04.139 whom I'd never 00:38:04.139 --> 00:38:05.239 ever engaged with 00:38:05.239 --> 00:38:06.000 and I was wondering 00:38:06.000 --> 00:38:06.659 like can I really 00:38:06.659 --> 00:38:08.460 can I really say 00:38:08.460 --> 00:38:09.460 I love these people 00:38:09.460 --> 00:38:10.940 and the one thing 00:38:10.940 --> 00:38:12.019 I claim to believe 00:38:12.019 --> 00:38:12.699 they need 00:38:12.699 --> 00:38:14.139 I don't tell them 00:38:14.139 --> 00:38:14.659 about it 00:38:14.659 --> 00:38:15.159 it's either 00:38:15.159 --> 00:38:15.699 I don't really 00:38:15.699 --> 00:38:16.179 love them 00:38:16.179 --> 00:38:16.599 or I don't really 00:38:16.599 --> 00:38:17.420 believe they need 00:38:17.420 --> 00:38:18.039 this thing 00:38:18.039 --> 00:38:20.179 either 00:38:20.179 --> 00:38:20.699 I didn't 00:38:20.699 --> 00:38:21.019 I don't 00:38:21.019 --> 00:38:21.699 like literally 00:38:21.699 --> 00:38:22.260 there was no other 00:38:22.260 --> 00:38:22.880 explanation I could 00:38:22.880 --> 00:38:23.360 come up with 00:38:23.360 --> 00:38:23.820 either I don't 00:38:23.820 --> 00:38:24.420 love them 00:38:24.420 --> 00:38:25.420 or I don't think 00:38:25.420 --> 00:38:26.079 they need 00:38:26.079 --> 00:38:27.019 the gospel 00:38:27.019 --> 00:38:29.240 in other words 00:38:29.240 --> 00:38:29.699 they'll be fine 00:38:29.699 --> 00:38:30.240 without it 00:38:30.240 --> 00:38:31.360 and so 00:38:31.360 --> 00:38:32.460 that just really 00:38:32.460 --> 00:38:33.179 challenged me 00:38:33.179 --> 00:38:33.780 in college 00:38:33.780 --> 00:38:35.280 I had a job 00:38:35.280 --> 00:38:35.740 in Boston 00:38:35.740 --> 00:38:36.420 and I just 00:38:36.420 --> 00:38:37.019 called them up 00:38:37.019 --> 00:38:37.539 I'm like yo 00:38:37.539 --> 00:38:38.480 I can't 00:38:38.480 --> 00:38:39.079 I can't come 00:38:39.079 --> 00:38:40.059 I have to 00:38:40.059 --> 00:38:40.360 just stay 00:38:40.360 --> 00:38:41.039 back in campus 00:38:41.039 --> 00:38:41.519 and hang out 00:38:41.519 --> 00:38:42.059 with my friends 00:38:42.059 --> 00:38:43.719 and so 00:38:43.719 --> 00:38:44.500 for a full year 00:38:44.500 --> 00:38:44.840 I worked 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:46.179 as a campus 00:38:46.179 --> 00:38:46.599 missionary 00:38:46.599 --> 00:38:47.539 but that's not 00:38:47.539 --> 00:38:48.079 what we're called 00:38:48.079 --> 00:38:48.279 to do 00:38:48.279 --> 00:38:48.980 but the reason 00:38:48.980 --> 00:38:49.380 why I shared 00:38:49.380 --> 00:38:50.000 that story 00:38:50.000 --> 00:38:51.659 is for you 00:38:51.659 --> 00:38:52.039 to think about 00:38:52.039 --> 00:38:52.539 the fact 00:38:52.539 --> 00:38:52.940 that your 00:38:52.940 --> 00:38:53.420 co-worker 00:38:53.420 --> 00:38:55.139 or your 00:38:55.139 --> 00:38:55.639 classmate 00:38:55.639 --> 00:38:56.219 tomorrow 00:38:56.219 --> 00:38:57.539 might in fact 00:38:57.539 --> 00:38:58.000 be gone 00:38:58.000 --> 00:38:58.639 by Tuesday 00:38:58.639 --> 00:39:01.480 and I'm not 00:39:01.480 --> 00:39:01.799 saying this 00:39:01.799 --> 00:39:02.420 to scare anyone 00:39:02.420 --> 00:39:02.940 but I'm saying 00:39:02.940 --> 00:39:03.639 this to 00:39:03.639 --> 00:39:04.420 just proclaim 00:39:04.420 --> 00:39:05.059 reality 00:39:05.059 --> 00:39:06.480 but the life 00:39:06.480 --> 00:39:06.940 we live 00:39:06.940 --> 00:39:08.139 is very brief 00:39:08.139 --> 00:39:09.059 last night 00:39:09.059 --> 00:39:09.500 before I went 00:39:09.500 --> 00:39:09.859 to bed 00:39:09.859 --> 00:39:11.219 I looked up 00:39:11.219 --> 00:39:11.759 a message 00:39:11.759 --> 00:39:12.400 from my friend 00:39:12.400 --> 00:39:12.940 that a 00:39:12.940 --> 00:39:13.319 classmate 00:39:13.319 --> 00:39:13.759 of ours 00:39:13.759 --> 00:39:15.039 passed away 00:39:15.039 --> 00:39:15.980 on the 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:16.239 first of 00:39:16.239 --> 00:39:16.579 November 00:39:16.579 --> 00:39:18.319 and I'm just 00:39:18.319 --> 00:39:18.859 thinking about 00:39:18.859 --> 00:39:19.900 I wonder 00:39:19.900 --> 00:39:20.339 I wonder 00:39:20.339 --> 00:39:21.359 if his 00:39:21.359 --> 00:39:21.839 friends 00:39:21.839 --> 00:39:23.559 shared this 00:39:23.559 --> 00:39:24.000 thing with him 00:39:24.000 --> 00:39:24.400 before he 00:39:24.400 --> 00:39:25.039 passed away 00:39:25.039 --> 00:39:26.119 he went to 00:39:26.119 --> 00:39:26.339 eat 00:39:26.339 --> 00:39:27.599 and 00:39:27.599 --> 00:39:28.920 he complained 00:39:28.920 --> 00:39:29.339 of stomach 00:39:29.339 --> 00:39:29.699 upset 00:39:29.699 --> 00:39:30.379 and he was 00:39:30.379 --> 00:39:30.659 gone 00:39:30.659 --> 00:39:31.500 by the next 00:39:31.500 --> 00:39:31.779 day 00:39:31.779 --> 00:39:32.440 he died 00:39:32.440 --> 00:39:33.719 and I'm not 00:39:33.719 --> 00:39:34.099 saying this 00:39:34.099 --> 00:39:34.460 is just 00:39:34.460 --> 00:39:35.039 cast 00:39:35.039 --> 00:39:36.119 a veil 00:39:36.119 --> 00:39:36.860 of hopelessness 00:39:36.860 --> 00:39:37.500 and fear 00:39:37.500 --> 00:39:38.039 and panic 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:38.519 but just 00:39:38.519 --> 00:39:38.820 for us 00:39:38.820 --> 00:39:39.380 to understand 00:39:39.380 --> 00:39:40.139 that this 00:39:40.139 --> 00:39:40.400 is an 00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:41.099 urgent call 00:39:41.099 --> 00:39:41.699 we don't 00:39:41.699 --> 00:39:42.360 have time 00:39:42.360 --> 00:39:43.840 we really 00:39:43.840 --> 00:39:44.340 do not 00:39:44.340 --> 00:39:44.980 have time 00:39:44.980 --> 00:39:45.779 and we 00:39:45.779 --> 00:39:46.099 have to 00:39:46.099 --> 00:39:46.800 move about 00:39:46.800 --> 00:39:47.139 this with 00:39:47.139 --> 00:39:47.539 a sense 00:39:47.539 --> 00:39:48.219 of urgency 00:39:48.219 --> 00:39:51.320 so I 00:39:51.320 --> 00:39:51.500 want to 00:39:51.500 --> 00:39:52.019 just spend 00:39:52.019 --> 00:39:52.920 one minute 00:39:52.920 --> 00:39:53.659 because we 00:39:53.659 --> 00:39:53.900 need to 00:39:53.900 --> 00:39:54.320 go up 00:39:54.320 --> 00:39:54.860 and just 00:39:54.860 --> 00:39:55.279 pray 00:39:55.279 --> 00:39:56.279 what was 00:39:56.279 --> 00:39:56.719 your question 00:39:56.719 --> 00:39:57.300 it wasn't 00:39:57.300 --> 00:39:57.719 a question 00:39:57.719 --> 00:39:58.099 okay 00:39:58.099 --> 00:40:00.000 great job 00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:00.599 thank you 00:40:00.599 --> 00:40:01.779 my name 00:40:01.779 --> 00:40:02.139 is Rico 00:40:02.139 --> 00:40:02.420 and I've 00:40:02.420 --> 00:40:02.779 been traveling 00:40:02.779 --> 00:40:03.099 west 00:40:03.099 --> 00:40:03.319 to the 00:40:03.319 --> 00:40:03.599 industry 00:40:03.599 --> 00:40:03.860 where 00:40:03.860 --> 00:40:04.460 helping 00:40:04.460 --> 00:40:04.799 and able 00:40:04.799 --> 00:40:05.059 to see 00:40:05.059 --> 00:40:05.159 the 00:40:05.159 --> 00:40:05.599 cancer 00:40:05.599 --> 00:40:06.980 and the 00:40:06.980 --> 00:40:07.739 way I 00:40:07.739 --> 00:40:08.360 approach 00:40:08.360 --> 00:40:08.980 even people 00:40:08.980 --> 00:40:09.319 that I 00:40:09.319 --> 00:40:09.900 meet next 00:40:09.900 --> 00:40:10.480 to me 00:40:10.480 --> 00:40:11.219 like a 00:40:11.219 --> 00:40:11.619 starbucks 00:40:11.619 --> 00:40:12.000 whatever 00:40:12.000 --> 00:40:13.099 is I'll 00:40:13.099 --> 00:40:13.559 just ask 00:40:13.559 --> 00:40:13.960 them is 00:40:13.960 --> 00:40:14.139 there 00:40:14.139 --> 00:40:14.440 anything 00:40:14.440 --> 00:40:15.339 you need 00:40:15.339 --> 00:40:15.839 prayer for 00:40:15.839 --> 00:40:17.380 so at 00:40:17.380 --> 00:40:17.659 work 00:40:17.659 --> 00:40:18.299 the co-workers 00:40:18.299 --> 00:40:18.880 if someone's 00:40:18.880 --> 00:40:19.179 going through 00:40:19.179 --> 00:40:19.699 a hard time 00:40:19.699 --> 00:40:20.099 or anything 00:40:20.099 --> 00:40:20.460 or even 00:40:20.460 --> 00:40:20.719 sometimes 00:40:20.719 --> 00:40:21.219 just saying 00:40:21.219 --> 00:40:22.299 is there 00:40:22.299 --> 00:40:22.480 anything 00:40:22.480 --> 00:40:22.779 I pray 00:40:22.779 --> 00:40:23.119 for you 00:40:23.119 --> 00:40:23.679 and then 00:40:23.679 --> 00:40:24.019 pray for 00:40:24.019 --> 00:40:24.139 them 00:40:24.139 --> 00:40:24.400 there 00:40:24.400 --> 00:40:26.039 and 00:40:26.039 --> 00:40:26.420 well 00:40:26.420 --> 00:40:27.339 another thing 00:40:27.339 --> 00:40:27.880 that we 00:40:27.880 --> 00:40:28.239 want to 00:40:28.239 --> 00:40:28.779 think about 00:40:28.779 --> 00:40:29.360 is when 00:40:29.360 --> 00:40:29.559 we're 00:40:29.559 --> 00:40:30.279 ministering 00:40:30.280 --> 00:40:30.880 to someone 00:40:30.880 --> 00:40:31.980 or sharing 00:40:31.980 --> 00:40:32.460 the gospel 00:40:32.460 --> 00:40:33.019 to someone 00:40:33.019 --> 00:40:33.920 think about 00:40:33.920 --> 00:40:34.640 how do I 00:40:34.640 --> 00:40:35.080 want to be 00:40:35.080 --> 00:40:35.420 a religion 00:40:35.420 --> 00:40:36.780 and hear 00:40:36.780 --> 00:40:37.260 the gospel 00:40:37.260 --> 00:40:40.140 and even 00:40:40.140 --> 00:40:41.000 within that 00:40:41.000 --> 00:40:41.720 is like 00:40:41.720 --> 00:40:42.060 the greatest 00:40:42.060 --> 00:40:42.940 commandment 00:40:42.940 --> 00:40:43.640 ask God 00:40:43.640 --> 00:40:45.160 God will you 00:40:45.160 --> 00:40:45.500 teach me to 00:40:45.500 --> 00:40:45.700 love you 00:40:45.700 --> 00:40:46.100 with all my 00:40:46.100 --> 00:40:46.300 heart 00:40:46.300 --> 00:40:47.019 and soul 00:40:47.019 --> 00:40:47.980 and will you 00:40:47.980 --> 00:40:48.300 teach me to 00:40:48.300 --> 00:40:48.580 love my 00:40:48.580 --> 00:40:48.860 neighbor 00:40:48.860 --> 00:40:49.220 as I 00:40:49.220 --> 00:40:49.280 know 00:40:49.280 --> 00:40:50.780 because we're 00:40:50.780 --> 00:40:51.300 loving our 00:40:51.300 --> 00:40:51.940 neighbor in 00:40:51.940 --> 00:40:52.340 the way he 00:40:52.340 --> 00:40:52.880 calls us 00:40:52.880 --> 00:40:53.740 to and 00:40:53.740 --> 00:40:54.720 encourages us 00:40:54.720 --> 00:40:56.060 and one 00:40:56.060 --> 00:40:56.640 last verse 00:40:56.640 --> 00:40:57.280 within that 00:40:57.280 --> 00:40:59.660 is in 00:40:59.659 --> 00:41:00.159 Colossians 00:41:00.159 --> 00:41:00.879 312 00:41:00.879 --> 00:41:01.799 where 00:41:01.799 --> 00:41:03.199 it's a 00:41:03.199 --> 00:41:03.559 combination 00:41:03.559 --> 00:41:04.039 of asking 00:41:04.039 --> 00:41:04.440 the Holy 00:41:04.440 --> 00:41:04.920 Spirit 00:41:04.920 --> 00:41:06.339 to teach 00:41:06.339 --> 00:41:06.799 us this 00:41:06.799 --> 00:41:07.299 and it's 00:41:07.299 --> 00:41:07.759 also being 00:41:07.759 --> 00:41:08.460 mindful of 00:41:08.460 --> 00:41:10.379 and it 00:41:10.379 --> 00:41:11.099 really is the 00:41:11.099 --> 00:41:11.519 fruit of the 00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:11.799 spirit 00:41:11.799 --> 00:41:12.399 is therefore 00:41:12.399 --> 00:41:12.899 as God 00:41:12.899 --> 00:41:13.559 chosen people 00:41:13.559 --> 00:41:14.440 fully and 00:41:14.440 --> 00:41:15.019 dearly love 00:41:15.019 --> 00:41:15.839 both yourself 00:41:15.839 --> 00:41:16.519 with compassion 00:41:16.519 --> 00:41:16.960 kindness 00:41:16.960 --> 00:41:17.399 humility 00:41:17.399 --> 00:41:18.239 gentleness 00:41:18.239 --> 00:41:18.940 and patience 00:41:18.940 --> 00:41:20.299 and so 00:41:20.299 --> 00:41:21.559 as we're 00:41:21.559 --> 00:41:22.199 ministering 00:41:22.199 --> 00:41:22.500 as we're 00:41:22.500 --> 00:41:22.859 sharing the 00:41:22.859 --> 00:41:23.179 gospel 00:41:23.179 --> 00:41:24.019 and evangelizing 00:41:24.019 --> 00:41:25.239 just being 00:41:25.239 --> 00:41:25.719 that kind 00:41:25.719 --> 00:41:26.619 passion 00:41:26.619 --> 00:41:27.279 gentle 00:41:27.279 --> 00:41:28.259 and thinking 00:41:28.259 --> 00:41:28.799 about being 00:41:28.799 --> 00:41:29.159 in their 00:41:29.159 --> 00:41:29.419 shoes 00:41:29.419 --> 00:41:29.799 the way 00:41:29.799 --> 00:41:30.199 I want 00:41:30.199 --> 00:41:30.500 to do 00:41:30.500 --> 00:41:30.839 but 00:41:30.839 --> 00:41:32.079 it makes 00:41:32.079 --> 00:41:32.339 a big 00:41:32.339 --> 00:41:32.659 difference 00:41:32.659 --> 00:41:32.980 in real 00:41:32.980 --> 00:41:33.199 life 00:41:33.199 --> 00:41:33.439 too 00:41:33.439 --> 00:41:33.619 as you 00:41:33.619 --> 00:41:34.319 were saying 00:41:34.319 --> 00:41:35.139 is God 00:41:35.139 --> 00:41:35.599 plants the 00:41:35.599 --> 00:41:35.859 seeds 00:41:35.859 --> 00:41:37.459 he uses us 00:41:37.459 --> 00:41:37.739 to plant 00:41:37.739 --> 00:41:38.099 the seed 00:41:38.099 --> 00:41:39.059 not for 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:39.799 them to know 00:41:39.799 --> 00:41:40.859 Christ right 00:41:40.859 --> 00:41:41.119 at that 00:41:41.119 --> 00:41:41.339 moment 00:41:41.339 --> 00:41:42.159 we share 00:41:42.159 --> 00:41:42.779 that gentleness 00:41:42.779 --> 00:41:43.299 we share 00:41:43.299 --> 00:41:43.779 what the 00:41:43.779 --> 00:41:44.419 gospel is 00:41:44.419 --> 00:41:45.139 and even 00:41:45.139 --> 00:41:45.659 going back 00:41:45.659 --> 00:41:46.980 to Genesis 00:41:46.980 --> 00:41:47.879 126 00:41:47.879 --> 00:41:48.399 God 00:41:48.399 --> 00:41:49.079 created us 00:41:49.079 --> 00:41:49.359 in his 00:41:49.359 --> 00:41:49.619 image 00:41:49.619 --> 00:41:51.239 and one 00:41:51.239 --> 00:41:51.519 of my 00:41:51.519 --> 00:41:52.279 other favorite 00:41:52.279 --> 00:41:53.199 verses is 00:41:53.199 --> 00:41:54.339 Psalms 37 00:41:54.340 --> 00:41:54.680 20 00:41:54.680 --> 00:41:56.860 Psalm 37 00:41:56.860 --> 00:41:57.500 4 00:41:57.500 --> 00:41:58.340 the light 00:41:58.340 --> 00:41:58.620 in the 00:41:58.620 --> 00:41:58.840 Lord 00:41:58.840 --> 00:41:59.260 will give 00:41:59.260 --> 00:41:59.500 you the 00:41:59.500 --> 00:41:59.780 desires 00:41:59.780 --> 00:42:00.140 of your 00:42:00.140 --> 00:42:00.480 heart 00:42:00.480 --> 00:42:02.960 and that's 00:42:02.960 --> 00:42:03.280 God 00:42:03.280 --> 00:42:04.059 what Jesus 00:42:04.059 --> 00:42:04.519 did is 00:42:04.519 --> 00:42:04.980 to restore 00:42:04.980 --> 00:42:05.180 him 00:42:05.180 --> 00:42:05.960 thank you 00:42:05.960 --> 00:42:06.700 yeah and 00:42:06.700 --> 00:42:07.000 these are 00:42:07.000 --> 00:42:07.539 I mean 00:42:07.539 --> 00:42:08.200 that's 00:42:08.200 --> 00:42:08.780 absolutely 00:42:08.780 --> 00:42:09.320 correct 00:42:09.320 --> 00:42:09.900 it really 00:42:09.900 --> 00:42:10.460 does matter 00:42:10.460 --> 00:42:10.920 how we 00:42:10.920 --> 00:42:12.079 proclaim it 00:42:12.079 --> 00:42:13.140 and again 00:42:13.140 --> 00:42:13.500 it has to be 00:42:13.500 --> 00:42:13.940 done in 00:42:13.940 --> 00:42:14.320 love 00:42:14.320 --> 00:42:15.300 in gentleness 00:42:15.300 --> 00:42:16.780 in compassion 00:42:16.780 --> 00:42:17.920 because that's 00:42:17.920 --> 00:42:18.640 how Christ 00:42:18.640 --> 00:42:19.420 dealt with us 00:42:19.420 --> 00:42:21.200 that's really 00:42:21.200 --> 00:42:21.740 how he did 00:42:21.740 --> 00:42:22.420 it with us 00:42:22.420 --> 00:42:23.980 and think 00:42:23.980 --> 00:42:24.280 about a 00:42:24.280 --> 00:42:24.619 Samaritan 00:42:24.619 --> 00:42:24.920 woman 00:42:24.920 --> 00:42:25.280 as he 00:42:25.280 --> 00:42:25.619 engaged 00:42:25.619 --> 00:42:25.920 her 00:42:25.920 --> 00:42:26.679 in compassion 00:42:26.679 --> 00:42:27.380 she had 00:42:27.380 --> 00:42:28.740 multiple 00:42:28.740 --> 00:42:29.480 husbands 00:42:29.480 --> 00:42:30.260 and he 00:42:30.260 --> 00:42:30.940 didn't come 00:42:30.940 --> 00:42:31.480 yelling 00:42:31.480 --> 00:42:32.219 he knew 00:42:32.219 --> 00:42:32.639 all about 00:42:32.639 --> 00:42:33.039 that 00:42:33.039 --> 00:42:34.659 but there 00:42:34.659 --> 00:42:35.500 was a love 00:42:35.500 --> 00:42:36.079 there was a 00:42:36.079 --> 00:42:36.860 you know 00:42:36.860 --> 00:42:38.559 I'm with you 00:42:38.559 --> 00:42:39.360 there was a 00:42:39.360 --> 00:42:39.719 sense of 00:42:39.719 --> 00:42:40.039 solidarity 00:42:40.039 --> 00:42:40.639 with this 00:42:40.639 --> 00:42:41.059 person 00:42:41.059 --> 00:42:42.059 and that's 00:42:42.059 --> 00:42:42.320 what 00:42:42.320 --> 00:42:43.920 we're called 00:42:43.920 --> 00:42:44.280 to do 00:42:44.280 --> 00:42:44.880 so let's 00:42:44.880 --> 00:42:45.740 just spend 00:42:45.740 --> 00:42:46.440 one minute 00:42:46.440 --> 00:42:48.059 I just want 00:42:48.059 --> 00:42:48.420 to encourage 00:42:48.420 --> 00:42:48.679 you just 00:42:48.679 --> 00:42:49.079 right now 00:42:49.079 --> 00:42:49.340 in this 00:42:49.340 --> 00:42:49.679 time 00:42:49.679 --> 00:42:50.159 just think 00:42:50.159 --> 00:42:50.579 about 00:42:50.579 --> 00:42:52.500 five people 00:42:52.500 --> 00:42:53.619 three people 00:42:53.619 --> 00:42:55.159 that you 00:42:55.159 --> 00:42:55.599 want to 00:42:55.599 --> 00:42:56.980 be praying 00:42:56.980 --> 00:42:57.480 for and 00:42:57.480 --> 00:42:57.699 you want 00:42:57.699 --> 00:42:57.980 to start 00:42:57.980 --> 00:42:58.900 working 00:42:58.900 --> 00:42:59.380 towards 00:42:59.380 --> 00:43:00.079 engaging 00:43:00.079 --> 00:43:00.460 with 00:43:00.460 --> 00:43:03.179 just think 00:43:03.179 --> 00:43:03.819 about them 00:43:03.820 --> 00:43:18.100 dear lord 00:43:18.100 --> 00:43:20.660 we thank you 00:43:20.660 --> 00:43:21.220 lord for 00:43:21.220 --> 00:43:22.760 the gift 00:43:22.760 --> 00:43:24.480 of evangelism 00:43:24.480 --> 00:43:25.080 we have 00:43:25.080 --> 00:43:26.660 this grace 00:43:26.660 --> 00:43:27.059 you've given 00:43:27.059 --> 00:43:27.780 to us 00:43:27.780 --> 00:43:29.500 you've 00:43:29.500 --> 00:43:30.040 decided to 00:43:30.040 --> 00:43:30.560 use us 00:43:30.560 --> 00:43:30.980 broken 00:43:30.980 --> 00:43:31.400 and weak 00:43:31.400 --> 00:43:31.820 people 00:43:31.820 --> 00:43:32.200 to 00:43:32.200 --> 00:43:34.260 work 00:43:34.260 --> 00:43:34.820 alongside 00:43:34.820 --> 00:43:35.120 you 00:43:35.120 --> 00:43:35.360 in this 00:43:35.360 --> 00:43:35.760 redemption 00:43:35.760 --> 00:43:36.300 plan 00:43:36.300 --> 00:43:37.519 and it's 00:43:37.519 --> 00:43:37.880 a beautiful 00:43:37.880 --> 00:43:38.360 thing 00:43:38.360 --> 00:43:39.620 and often times 00:43:39.620 --> 00:43:40.080 lord we're 00:43:40.080 --> 00:43:40.640 for different 00:43:40.640 --> 00:43:41.019 reasons 00:43:41.019 --> 00:43:41.920 we take it 00:43:41.920 --> 00:43:42.380 for granted 00:43:42.380 --> 00:43:42.860 and we 00:43:42.860 --> 00:43:43.660 choose not 00:43:43.660 --> 00:43:44.160 to obey 00:43:44.160 --> 00:43:45.540 and sometimes 00:43:45.540 --> 00:43:45.920 we just 00:43:45.920 --> 00:43:47.340 we might even 00:43:47.340 --> 00:43:47.720 just waste 00:43:47.720 --> 00:43:48.260 our lives 00:43:48.260 --> 00:43:49.040 just pursuing 00:43:49.040 --> 00:43:49.720 other things 00:43:49.720 --> 00:43:51.320 I want to pray 00:43:51.320 --> 00:43:51.940 for these people 00:43:51.940 --> 00:43:52.820 whom we have 00:43:52.820 --> 00:43:53.360 thought about 00:43:53.360 --> 00:43:55.700 that first of all 00:43:55.700 --> 00:43:56.019 you will be 00:43:56.019 --> 00:43:56.519 working in your 00:43:56.519 --> 00:43:56.820 heart 00:43:56.820 --> 00:43:58.400 changing them 00:43:58.400 --> 00:43:59.219 saving them 00:43:59.219 --> 00:44:00.860 but also 00:44:00.860 --> 00:44:01.159 that you 00:44:01.159 --> 00:44:01.900 will give us 00:44:01.900 --> 00:44:03.360 the boldness 00:44:03.360 --> 00:44:04.739 to actively 00:44:04.739 --> 00:44:05.460 bring it up 00:44:05.460 --> 00:44:07.300 to be 00:44:07.300 --> 00:44:07.739 uncomfortable 00:44:07.739 --> 00:44:09.340 give us the 00:44:09.340 --> 00:44:09.719 willingness 00:44:09.719 --> 00:44:10.559 may we be 00:44:10.559 --> 00:44:11.259 willing to be 00:44:11.259 --> 00:44:11.639 that weird 00:44:11.639 --> 00:44:12.159 person 00:44:12.159 --> 00:44:13.980 we consider 00:44:13.980 --> 00:44:14.599 christ on the 00:44:14.599 --> 00:44:14.920 cross 00:44:14.920 --> 00:44:15.539 and whatever 00:44:15.539 --> 00:44:17.759 whatever shame 00:44:17.759 --> 00:44:18.400 comes with 00:44:18.400 --> 00:44:19.259 being that weird 00:44:19.259 --> 00:44:19.559 person 00:44:19.559 --> 00:44:20.059 help us to 00:44:20.059 --> 00:44:20.639 embrace that 00:44:20.639 --> 00:44:21.320 because christ 00:44:21.320 --> 00:44:21.900 embraced death 00:44:21.900 --> 00:44:22.380 on the cross 00:44:22.380 --> 00:44:22.780 for us 00:44:22.780 --> 00:44:23.320 and since we're 00:44:23.320 --> 00:44:24.380 crucified with him 00:44:24.380 --> 00:44:25.480 may we be 00:44:25.480 --> 00:44:26.119 willing to die 00:44:26.119 --> 00:44:26.780 to our pride 00:44:26.780 --> 00:44:27.699 in ourselves 00:44:27.699 --> 00:44:29.380 for the sake 00:44:29.380 --> 00:44:29.840 of others 00:44:29.840 --> 00:44:31.300 we thank you 00:44:31.300 --> 00:44:31.880 for this time 00:44:31.880 --> 00:44:33.780 we pray all this 00:44:33.780 --> 00:44:34.400 lord in christ's 00:44:34.400 --> 00:44:34.559 name 00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:35.360 amen 00:44:35.360 --> 00:44:47.059 thanks for trying 00:44:47.059 --> 00:44:47.420 to get a hold 00:44:47.420 --> 00:44:47.760 of ours 00:44:47.760 --> 00:44:48.680 and 00:44:48.980 --> 00:44:49.300 you 00:44:49.300 --> 00:44:49.360 and 00:44:49.360 --> 00:44:50.160 we 00:44:50.160 --> 00:44:59.840 to 00:44:59.840 --> 00:45:00.380 you 00:45:00.380 --> 00:45:00.760 you