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Citizens Of Heaven

January 23, 2021

27:29

Pastor Paul Daugherty and his wife Ashley lead a new generation with a practical, life-transforming message; a message of love, hope, healing and forgiveness.

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Citizens Of Heaven

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- At the end of ourlives, we do not answer
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to the Republican Party,the Democratic Party
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the Libertarian Partyto a politician,
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to a person who's pressuring us
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to have the sameopinion as them.
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We answered a Jesus Christ.
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He is the, He is theultimate judge of our life.
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At the end of my life
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I will not answer to thepeople who are offended by me.
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I will answer to Jesus.
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I'm Paul,you're here on purpose.
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God's not finished with you yet.
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Your best days areright in front of you.
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And you havevictory in your life
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because Jesus lives in you.
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(applause)
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- If you got a Bible go toPhilippians, chapter three
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you can make somenoise this morning.
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(congregation cheeringand applauding)
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Paul gives us thisterm citizens of heaven
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because he's talkingto a group of people
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who are Roman citizens.
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And they take pride inbeing Roman citizens.
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They love being partof the Roman Empire
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and being part of theRoman Empire makes them.
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You know, it'skind of a big deal.
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The area in Philippi,
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these people they feel likethey've got all these rights
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and they put their hope
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and even theirtrust and security.
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In who's in officein the Roman empire
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and what laws are beingpassed what's going on.
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We need to remind ourselves
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before we are citizensof any other country.
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If you're a believer, Paul saysyou're a citizen of heaven.
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In Philippians 3:20.
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He says, "We arecitizens of heaven."
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Why was he saying this?
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He was saying church atPhilippi, don't get it mixed up,
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remember where yourallegiance lies.
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I know you're getting workedup and maybe even confused
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and getting into debates withfamily members and friends
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about all the political issues,
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but you are citizens of heaven
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where the LordJesus Christ lives.
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And we are eagerly awaiting forhim to return as our savior.
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He was trying to remind themCaesar is not your savior,
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your president isnot your savior,
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your congressmenis not your savior,
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your Senator is not your savior.
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Hey, American church in 2020
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Jesus Christ isstill your savior.
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Don't get it mixedup, His agenda,
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His platform is unshakable,
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no matter what'sgoing on in America.
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I think the question Iwanna preach at today is
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how do I live as afollower of Christ
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during the crazy timesright now in America.
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And I know we have people
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watching fromall over the world.
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And by the way, toevery nation out there,
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you are valuable, you are loved
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and America needs your prayers.
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Paul says, in verse 21,
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"He will take our, ourweak mortal bodies.
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"And he will change them intoglorious bodies like His own
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"using the same power withwhich he brings everything
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"under His control."
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Everybody say, we are.
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- [Congregation] We are.
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- Citizens of heaven.
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- [Congregation]Citizens of heaven.
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- What does that mean?
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Jesus is, you know whenHe shows up in his time
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He is so radical thatthe conservatives
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don't know whatbox to put Him in
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the liberals don't knowwhat box to put Him in.
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He's radical to everybody.
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He's calling people toa peaceful way of life
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but He's also calling peopleto a radical way of life.
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He's saying when someone slapsyou turn the other cheek.
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When someone takes yourcoat, give them more.
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If someone asksyou to walk a mile,
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walk a second mile with them,
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love people, forgive people.
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When people dothings mean to you,
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treat them with kindness.
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Jesus was preachingthis radical message
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and then his followerswere expecting Him
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to overthrow the Roman empireto stir up a violent revolt.
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And He didn't do it.
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Instead he lays His lifedown, dies on a cross.
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And then He leaves afterhe raises from the dead.
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And He calls his disciplesto go and preach this gospel
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in Jerusalem, Samaria,to the ends of the earth.
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And that's the kingdom thatGod's called us to be a part of
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a kingdom, citizens of heaven.
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When Jesus first metwith his followers
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he said in Luke 9:23,"Follow after me.
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"And anyone who wantsto come after me
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"must deny himself,must deny herself
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"and take up their cross daily."
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Everybody say daily.
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- [Congregation] Daily.
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- Following Jesus isgonna cost you something.
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Salvation is free, you cancall in the name of the Lord
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and get saved like that.
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But following Jesuscost us something.
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Does the Jesus that you'refollowing right now,
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American churchcost you anything?
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There was a group of peoplewho wanted to be vegetarians
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but they didn't wanna be allin on the vegetarian thing.
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So they calledthemselves flexitarians.
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(congregation laughing)
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And what they said,no true story.
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What they said is,
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"We are vegetarians exceptfor sometimes we eat meat."
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Not all the time,just occasionally.
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And when like meats being served
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we're not gonna rejectit, we will receive it.
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We will eat it
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but other than that,we are vegetarian.
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So we're gonna callourselves flexitarians.
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In other words we'lldo it when it is easy,
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we'll do it whenit's comfortable,
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we'll do it, we'll eatvegetables when it's okay,
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when it fits with our agenda.
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There's people who livewith that same mindset
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with Christianity.
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They live with apicking and choosing
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of what they'regoing to believe.
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I'll take a hamburger withno tomatoes, no lettuce.
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I'll take Christianitywithout the commitment.
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I'll take Christianitywithout the morals
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and the values about marriage.
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I'll say Christianity without.
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You know I'm gonnapick and choose
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because you know, Paul,like I'm political
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I've got a politicalparty I'm connected to,
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before I start divinginto everything.
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How far are you gonna followJesus American church?
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How much are wecommitted to this?
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Well, I want all the blessings.
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I want the blessings and thebenefits without the sacrifice
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I'll give as long asthe economy's good,
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I'll be happy as long asmy president gets elected,
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but if he doesn't,I'm out in the streets
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and I'm screaming andcrying and moving away
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and I'm angry at everybody.
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Is Jesus, your savior, or asthe president your savior?
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I came to offend everybodywith the cross today.
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(congregation applaudingand cheering)
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And if you get offended,
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send an email to the Bible
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because that'swhat I'm preaching.
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(congregation applaudingand cheering)
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John chapter 6:60 Jesussaid something very strong
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something similarto what I just said.
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And he said, "In this moment,
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"people were angry and offended.
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"Disciples, peoplewho had been with Him
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"they were with him aslong as he was feeding them
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"the bread and the fish."
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But now once he startspreaching a message
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that offends them, itsays, "They were angry."
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And in verse 66, "At thismany of his disciples
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"deserted Him and left Him.
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"And Jesus turnedto Peter and John
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"and a couple of the close ones.
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"And he said, 'Do youwant to leave too?'"
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And I love how Peter responsessays, "Where would I go?
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"You are life for me."
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Is Jesus life for you?
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Is this all like areyou all in with Jesus?
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Peter said, "I don'tcare what I lose.
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"I don't care whothinks I'm popular?
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"I don't care how manyInstagram followers
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"stop following me.
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"I don't care whodoesn't like my posts.
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"I don't care if I lose my job,
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"or if I lose my reputation,you are life to me.
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"You are everything,I wanna go all in.
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"I'm a citizen ofheaven, Jesus."
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That's what he wascalling his disciples to
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radical devotion.
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Like if I truly say that prayer,"You are Lord of my life."
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If He's not Lord of all,He's not Lord at all.
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If I'm not givingHim my emotions
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my mindset, my beliefs,
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if I'm not surrenderingto His word,
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then what am I doing?
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Am I just wasting my time?
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Am I just playing games.
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Right now there's2 billion people
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who claim to befollowers of Christ.
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But I wonder how much our lives
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would line up with our prayers.
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I wonder how much our lifewould line up with the words
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that we say.
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Jesus wanted peopleto count the cost.
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In Matthew seven, he tells alarge crowd on judgment day.
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Anytime Jesus had a large crowd
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he always like startedsubtracting the crowd.
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I think his followers were like,
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"Hey, can you calm it down?
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"Just preach like,feel good messages.
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"'cause we all came forthe feel good message."
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But Jesus didn't care aboutthe crowd, He wanted followers.
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He wasn't interestedin building a fan base,
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He wanted followers,
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He wanted truly devoted,
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committed followers after him.
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He said, "On judgmentday, there will be people
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"who come to me and say,I preached in your name.
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"I casted out demons Iwent on mission trips.
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"I came to church."
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And he said I will say to them,
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"Depart from me,I never knew you."
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Why would Jesus say that?
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He was saying these people
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have exchanged intimacyfor information.
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They know a whole lot aboutme they don't know me.
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They know my stories, theyknow Daniel and the lion's den.
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They know David and Goliath.
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They know their parentsencounters with Christ
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but they don't havea personal revelation
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and a personal intimaterelationship with me.
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See, Jesus doesn't wantthe American church
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living a relationship withGod through their pastor.
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He wants the Americanchurch, the Romanian church
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the Russian church, the Canadianchurch, the African church
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the Chinese church, whatevercountry you're from.
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He wants the churchcapital C Church
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to have personalrelationships with Him.
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Jesus came to do awaywith the whole idea
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of the priest is whotalks to God for me,
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the pastor talks to God for me.
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No, God wants to talk to you,
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God wants you to know Him.
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God wants you to have arevelation of His word.
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And the same way you getexcited about hobbies
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and sports and celebritiesand politicians and elections.
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All these things that weget in to and news channels
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and Netflix and episode shows,
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whatever it is that you love.
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God says, I want youto have that same
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even higher love and admiration
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and intimaterelationship with me.
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In Philippians 1:9,
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Paul continues on thiscitizens of heaven message.
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And he says in verse nine,"This is my prayer church.
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"That your love will flourish."
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Notice that he says thatyour opinions will flourish.
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He doesn't say, that it'syour opinions will get bigger.
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He says, "Let yourlove get stronger
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"that you willnot only love much
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"but you will love well."
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Learn to love appropriately.
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There's an appropriateway to love.
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Use your head, this is a timechurch do not lose your head.
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Oh my goodness,don't lose your head.
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Don't don't let yourfeelings run your mouth.
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Don't let your feelingsrun your reactions.
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Test your feelings sothat your love is sincere.
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Listen to what Paul is saying.
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He says, "Live a lover's life.
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"Circumspect, exemplary,
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"a life that Jesuswould be proud of."
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At the end of our lives
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we do not answer tothe Republican party
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the Democratic party,the Libertarian party
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to a politician, to aperson who's pressuring us
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to have the sameopinion as them.
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We answered a Jesus Christ.
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He is the ultimatejudge of our life.
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At the end of my lifeI will not answer
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to the people whoare offended by me,
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I will answer to Jesus.
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We got to remind ourselvesChrist is a firm foundation.
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No one who's runningfor public office
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is the ultimate solutionfor what ails our nation.
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Only God can heal America,only God can save America.
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(congregation cheering)
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- [Narrator]Now, you can watch
00:10:55.037 --> 00:10:56.205
Pastor Paul'smessage from anywhere
00:10:56.205 --> 00:10:58.507
at Victory.com.
00:10:58.507 --> 00:11:00.042
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- Go on to verse 15.
00:11:56.065 --> 00:11:57.166
He says, "It's truethat there are some here
00:11:57.166 --> 00:11:59.335
"who preach Christbecause without me,
00:11:59.335 --> 00:12:01.036
"with me out of the way,
00:12:01.036 --> 00:12:02.204
"they think they canstep into the spotlight.
00:12:02.204 --> 00:12:03.639
"They preach withthe wrong motives."
00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:05.841
But Paul says, "I justwant the name of Christ
00:12:05.941 --> 00:12:08.644
"to be lifted up."
00:12:08.644 --> 00:12:09.678
And then he goes to verse 27.
00:12:09.678 --> 00:12:11.280
Watch what he says in verse 27,
00:12:11.280 --> 00:12:12.715
he says, "Stand Unitedsingular envisioned
00:12:13.082 --> 00:12:16.385
"contending for people'strust in the message,
00:12:16.385 --> 00:12:18.854
"the good news notflinching or dodging
00:12:18.854 --> 00:12:20.823
"in the slightestbefore the opposition."
00:12:20.823 --> 00:12:22.825
Your courage andyour unity church
00:12:22.825 --> 00:12:24.860
will show them whatthey're up against,
00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:26.862
defeat for them victory foryou both because of God.
00:12:26.862 --> 00:12:30.132
There's far more to thislife than trusting in Christ.
00:12:30.132 --> 00:12:32.935
There's alsosuffering for Christ
00:12:32.935 --> 00:12:34.770
and the suffering is asmuch a gift as the trusting.
00:12:34.770 --> 00:12:38.107
Three Amen's on that one.
00:12:38.974 --> 00:12:40.242
- Amen.- Yay suffering (laughs).
00:12:40.976 --> 00:12:43.145
- Paul says, "This is whatcomes with the territory."
00:12:45.147 --> 00:12:48.918
You're gonna follow Jesus.
00:12:48.918 --> 00:12:50.152
You're gonna walk throughtimes where it's painful.
00:12:50.152 --> 00:12:52.221
The cross is not asymbol of, you know
00:12:53.055 --> 00:12:56.158
everything going your way, thecross is a symbol of death.
00:12:56.158 --> 00:12:58.661
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote,
00:12:59.428 --> 00:13:00.763
during the time wherehe was following Jesus.
00:13:00.763 --> 00:13:02.631
When Hitler was, waskilling millions of Jews
00:13:02.631 --> 00:13:05.868
he said, "Christbids us come and die.
00:13:05.868 --> 00:13:08.037
"Christ bids us tocome and to die,
00:13:08.771 --> 00:13:11.507
"to die to our selfishness,
00:13:11.507 --> 00:13:12.975
"to die, to fear,to die to worry
00:13:12.975 --> 00:13:15.311
"to die to our own agenda
00:13:15.311 --> 00:13:17.146
"and to allow His agenda,His platform to become ours."
00:13:17.146 --> 00:13:21.851
So Paul says this inchapter three verse 15
00:13:21.851 --> 00:13:24.286
"Let's keep focused."
00:13:24.286 --> 00:13:25.754
Church let's keep focused,
00:13:25.754 --> 00:13:27.590
focused on what?
00:13:27.590 --> 00:13:28.190
CNN, Fox News, MSNBC.
00:13:28.224 --> 00:13:30.526
Focused on on Vice-PresidentBiden, President Trump
00:13:30.526 --> 00:13:32.761
focused on Kamala,focused on Pence,
00:13:32.761 --> 00:13:34.430
who should we focus on?
00:13:34.430 --> 00:13:35.497
He says, "Let's keepfocused on the main goal.
00:13:35.497 --> 00:13:37.233
"Keep the main thingthe main thing."
00:13:37.233 --> 00:13:38.601
What's the main thing?
00:13:38.601 --> 00:13:39.468
Jesus, the crossstands between it all.
00:13:39.501 --> 00:13:43.205
The cross stands above it all.
00:13:43.239 --> 00:13:45.774
Those of us who wanteverything God has for us.
00:13:45.774 --> 00:13:47.943
If any of you havesomething else in mind,
00:13:47.943 --> 00:13:49.979
something less thantotal commitment,
00:13:49.979 --> 00:13:52.047
God will clear yourblurred vision.
00:13:52.047 --> 00:13:54.016
In other words, go all in withJesus, go all in with Jesus.
00:13:54.016 --> 00:13:57.620
Let's stay on this trackcitizens of heaven.
00:13:57.853 --> 00:14:01.323
In Matthew chapter sevenJesus tells this story,
00:14:01.323 --> 00:14:04.126
and he says, "This wise manbuilt his house on the rock.
00:14:04.693 --> 00:14:08.631
"And he put to practiceeverything that he heard me say.
00:14:08.631 --> 00:14:11.300
"And because he put to practice
00:14:11.300 --> 00:14:12.568
"everything you heard me say,
00:14:12.568 --> 00:14:13.969
"he was building hishouse on the rock.
00:14:13.969 --> 00:14:15.504
"And then the storms came,
00:14:15.738 --> 00:14:17.172
"the rain, the wind blewand the streams rose
00:14:17.172 --> 00:14:20.376
"and the house did not move
00:14:20.376 --> 00:14:22.378
"because it wasbuilt on the rock."
00:14:22.378 --> 00:14:25.915
And then he says,"There was a foolish man
00:14:25.915 --> 00:14:28.150
"who heard my words but he didnot put them into practice.
00:14:28.150 --> 00:14:31.287
"And he built hishouse on the sand.
00:14:31.287 --> 00:14:33.522
"And when the storms came,"
00:14:33.522 --> 00:14:34.723
by the way, the storm fallson the just and the unjust,
00:14:34.723 --> 00:14:37.626
just because we're Christians
00:14:37.626 --> 00:14:38.661
doesn't mean we are exemptfrom difficult storms.
00:14:38.661 --> 00:14:41.397
Following Jesus is going to,
00:14:41.397 --> 00:14:43.165
you're gonna walkthrough all kind.
00:14:43.165 --> 00:14:44.266
If you're experiencingattacks from every side
00:14:44.266 --> 00:14:46.702
you're following Jesus.
00:14:47.369 --> 00:14:48.637
If you're experiencingpersecution, you're following...
00:14:48.637 --> 00:14:50.906
If hate you sometimes
00:14:50.906 --> 00:14:52.341
because you believein the word of God,
00:14:52.341 --> 00:14:54.043
you're following Jesus.
00:14:54.043 --> 00:14:55.244
If everybody loves youand everything's easy,
00:14:55.244 --> 00:14:57.680
get back in your Bible andsee if you're lining up
00:14:57.680 --> 00:14:59.982
with everything God's...
00:14:59.982 --> 00:15:00.983
What I'm trying to say is,Jesus says,
00:15:01.183 --> 00:15:02.484
there are gonnabe hard times on both
00:15:02.484 --> 00:15:04.386
but those who buildtheir house on the rock
00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.789
those who put thisword into practice,
00:15:06.789 --> 00:15:08.624
they'll be able to standthose who build on the sand
00:15:08.624 --> 00:15:10.526
it's gonna fall apart.
00:15:10.526 --> 00:15:11.894
I remember in 2004, when I wentto ORU and I was a freshmen
00:15:12.494 --> 00:15:16.598
and I could tell peoplewere building their life
00:15:17.533 --> 00:15:21.437
on certain things.
00:15:21.437 --> 00:15:23.772
Everything going their way.
00:15:23.772 --> 00:15:25.674
Is that a firmfoundation to stand on?
00:15:28.277 --> 00:15:30.379
Everything's gonna go my way,
00:15:31.413 --> 00:15:33.349
everything, I'm gonna getall my prayers answered
00:15:33.349 --> 00:15:35.884
and I'll have faith in the wild
00:15:35.884 --> 00:15:37.453
as long as everything goesmy way and then it doesn't.
00:15:37.453 --> 00:15:42.558
And I watched evenin my own life.
00:15:43.759 --> 00:15:46.729
Do I have faith wheneveryone gets healed
00:15:46.729 --> 00:15:49.465
or do I have faith even whenpeople don't get healed?
00:15:49.465 --> 00:15:52.201
Like when my father passed away
00:15:52.201 --> 00:15:53.702
and I prayed for hishealing from cancer,
00:15:53.702 --> 00:15:55.637
and then he went to heaven.
00:15:56.071 --> 00:15:57.272
Or what about when America
00:15:58.440 --> 00:15:59.975
goes through timesthat are shaky?
00:15:59.975 --> 00:16:02.011
When the Roman Empire wasgoing through shaky times
00:16:02.011 --> 00:16:04.179
and the Philippian church,
00:16:04.179 --> 00:16:05.647
they were trying to figure outwhere their allegiance was at
00:16:05.647 --> 00:16:07.783
where their security was at,
00:16:07.783 --> 00:16:08.851
where their hope was at,
00:16:08.851 --> 00:16:09.852
where their happiness was at.
00:16:09.852 --> 00:16:11.286
I can trust in America Paul,America will never let me down.
00:16:11.286 --> 00:16:14.623
I pledged allegiance to America,
00:16:14.623 --> 00:16:16.025
I know America'sgonna be there for me.
00:16:16.025 --> 00:16:18.360
Yeah, I'm thankful for everyonewho's fought for this nation
00:16:22.331 --> 00:16:25.801
but I will notidolize this nation,
00:16:25.801 --> 00:16:27.770
I will not makethis nation my God.
00:16:27.770 --> 00:16:30.305
When I die, I don't go toAmerica I go to heaven.
00:16:30.305 --> 00:16:32.641
(congregation applauding)
00:16:32.641 --> 00:16:34.309
When you die, youdon't go to America.
00:16:34.309 --> 00:16:38.414
Jesus gave us a prayerto pray and he said,
00:16:41.250 --> 00:16:43.752
"Our father who art inheaven, hallowed be thy name.
00:16:43.752 --> 00:16:45.521
"Thy kingdom come, thywill be done on earth
00:16:45.521 --> 00:16:47.689
"as it is in heaven."
00:16:47.689 --> 00:16:48.724
God has a destinationfor all believers.
00:16:50.025 --> 00:16:52.961
Let's be careful that wedon't make America a God.
00:16:52.961 --> 00:16:56.198
It's good to vote, it'sgood to love your country.
00:16:57.066 --> 00:17:00.169
Whether you live in America,whether you live in Canada
00:17:00.169 --> 00:17:02.671
or you live in Russia, oryou live in th Congo or Ghana
00:17:02.671 --> 00:17:05.741
or Tanzania it's goodto love your country,
00:17:05.741 --> 00:17:08.110
love your roots, but donot idolize your nation.
00:17:08.177 --> 00:17:11.246
'Cause it will disappointyou at some point.
00:17:12.714 --> 00:17:15.617
I wanted to make this one
00:17:17.052 --> 00:17:18.187
'cause I think someof us, we like this.
00:17:18.187 --> 00:17:20.489
My pastor preaching sermonsthat make me feel good.
00:17:21.723 --> 00:17:25.627
(congregation laughing)
00:17:25.627 --> 00:17:27.062
Let me tell youwhat happened today.
00:17:27.062 --> 00:17:29.198
(congregation laughing)
00:17:29.198 --> 00:17:34.169
That's not gonna workout long in this church.
00:17:34.169 --> 00:17:36.939
You better find adifferent church
00:17:36.939 --> 00:17:38.073
if you want everysermon to be feel good.
00:17:38.073 --> 00:17:39.641
And listen God has notcalled us to a feel good
00:17:39.641 --> 00:17:43.412
always get thingsour type of way.
00:17:43.412 --> 00:17:45.347
God has not calledus to stake our life.
00:17:45.347 --> 00:17:47.549
Well Paul, I can counton my family and friend,
00:17:47.549 --> 00:17:49.585
life comes down tofamily, family, family.
00:17:49.585 --> 00:17:51.920
I could count on my wife,I can count on my husband.
00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:53.755
I can count on my son,I could count on my dad.
00:17:53.755 --> 00:17:55.924
I could count on my family.
00:17:55.924 --> 00:17:58.026
Family will disappoint you.
00:17:58.026 --> 00:17:59.428
Friends will disappoint you.
00:18:00.329 --> 00:18:01.763
I didn't realize that I'dbuilt my faith on my dad
00:18:03.499 --> 00:18:07.202
until he was gone.
00:18:07.202 --> 00:18:09.004
Sometimes you don't realizewhere your foundation is at
00:18:09.004 --> 00:18:11.740
until it's gone.
00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:13.942
Your job, your husband, yourwife, your son, your daughter.
00:18:15.177 --> 00:18:20.716
Your choice for president.
00:18:25.787 --> 00:18:27.222
As long as my president getselected, I'll be really happy.
00:18:30.092 --> 00:18:34.129
I'll be at church next Sunday
00:18:34.129 --> 00:18:35.697
as long as mypresident's elected.
00:18:35.697 --> 00:18:37.566
If he's not, I'm gonna be outin the streets going crazy.
00:18:37.566 --> 00:18:39.768
(congregation laughing)
00:18:39.935 --> 00:18:46.675
"Oh Paul you'rebreaking my heart."
00:18:46.675 --> 00:18:48.977
(congregation applauding)
00:18:48.977 --> 00:18:51.346
No, I'm just reminding you
00:18:51.346 --> 00:18:53.282
that any foundation exceptJesus is collapsible.
00:18:54.750 --> 00:18:58.187
Any foundation, exceptJesus is shakable.
00:18:58.187 --> 00:19:02.591
It's breakable,it's collapsible.
00:19:02.591 --> 00:19:05.294
This will disappointyou, this will collapse.
00:19:07.196 --> 00:19:11.266
And I love my dad Iknow he's in heaven,
00:19:12.734 --> 00:19:15.003
but I had to realize after afew months of him being gone,
00:19:15.003 --> 00:19:19.508
I had to realize,
00:19:19.508 --> 00:19:20.209
I had to come tothe hard realization
00:19:20.375 --> 00:19:22.511
that I had put a lotof my happiness in him.
00:19:22.511 --> 00:19:24.513
And I watched evenpeople leave Christianity
00:19:25.514 --> 00:19:27.649
after he passed away,
00:19:27.649 --> 00:19:29.318
'cause they were bankingeverything on him.
00:19:29.318 --> 00:19:31.920
You don't realize how muchyou've put your security
00:19:33.422 --> 00:19:35.791
and identity and so muchin people or in jobs.
00:19:35.791 --> 00:19:40.596
I remember talkingto this one guy
00:19:40.596 --> 00:19:41.597
who worked at hisjob for 30 years,
00:19:41.597 --> 00:19:43.198
it was a good job,good paying job.
00:19:43.198 --> 00:19:45.567
He felt valued, he felt loved.
00:19:45.567 --> 00:19:47.569
He found hisidentity in his job,
00:19:47.569 --> 00:19:49.438
his job meant everything to him.
00:19:49.438 --> 00:19:51.073
And then it was taken from him.
00:19:52.207 --> 00:19:53.609
The housing marketcrashed in 2008,
00:19:55.811 --> 00:19:58.447
collapsed and it wasgone it collapsed.
00:19:58.447 --> 00:20:02.684
And he realized I had puteverything on something
00:20:02.684 --> 00:20:05.254
that could not stand.
00:20:05.254 --> 00:20:07.856
That's what happenswhen we put our hope
00:20:07.856 --> 00:20:10.325
in that kind of stuff.
00:20:10.325 --> 00:20:11.593
That's why as citizens of heaven
00:20:11.593 --> 00:20:12.961
we've gotta remind ourselves,
00:20:12.961 --> 00:20:14.263
okay yes social status
00:20:14.263 --> 00:20:15.797
Paul I'm so like Instagrammeans everything to me,
00:20:17.366 --> 00:20:21.203
Facebook, everybody likes me.
00:20:21.203 --> 00:20:24.339
I've got followers andthen they censor you.
00:20:24.339 --> 00:20:28.076
(congregation laughing)
00:20:29.344 --> 00:20:31.647
Or they remove,what's gonna happen
00:20:31.647 --> 00:20:33.215
when Instagram gets removed?
00:20:33.215 --> 00:20:35.150
I don't know our world'sgonna be a whole lot better
00:20:35.150 --> 00:20:36.885
and a whole lot lesstoxic that's for sure.
00:20:36.885 --> 00:20:38.920
(congregation applauding)
00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:40.622
I'm kinda donesometimes with...
00:20:40.622 --> 00:20:42.624
I'm thankful forthe opportunity.
00:20:42.624 --> 00:20:44.493
But I think we'vegotta remind ourselves.
00:20:44.493 --> 00:20:47.296
We've gotta remind ourselves,
00:20:47.296 --> 00:20:48.930
that I am notdefined by my salary,
00:20:48.930 --> 00:20:51.066
I'm not definedby my popularity,
00:20:51.066 --> 00:20:52.968
I'm not defined by my family.
00:20:52.968 --> 00:20:54.436
That I've got to build afirm foundation right here.
00:20:54.436 --> 00:20:57.472
This is the only thingthat will not collapse.
00:20:57.472 --> 00:20:59.708
(congregation applauding)
00:20:59.708 --> 00:21:01.076
♪ On Christ thesolid rock stand ♪
00:21:01.076 --> 00:21:04.780
♪ All other groundis sinking sand ♪
00:21:04.780 --> 00:21:13.155
♪ On Christ thesolid rock I stand ♪
00:21:13.155 --> 00:21:17.426
♪ All other groundis sinking sand ♪
00:21:17.426 --> 00:21:26.535
As citizens of heaven
00:21:27.336 --> 00:21:28.670
our foundation mustbe built on Christ.
00:21:28.670 --> 00:21:33.208
We gotta remind ourselvesChrist is a firm foundation.
00:21:33.208 --> 00:21:37.312
No one who's runningfor public office
00:21:37.312 --> 00:21:39.514
is the ultimate solutionfor what ails a nation.
00:21:39.514 --> 00:21:42.617
Only God can heal America,
00:21:42.617 --> 00:21:45.220
only God can save America.
00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:47.656
15 of you believe it.
00:21:47.656 --> 00:21:48.690
(congregation applaudingand cheering)
00:21:48.724 --> 00:21:55.797
As a citizen of heaven,
00:21:56.498 --> 00:21:58.100
we're called not just towear a cross on our necklace
00:21:58.100 --> 00:22:01.036
but to carry a crossinto our business.
00:22:01.036 --> 00:22:03.305
To carry a crossinto our campus,
00:22:03.305 --> 00:22:05.207
to carry a crossinto our schools.
00:22:05.207 --> 00:22:07.542
Whether you go toJenks, Union, Victory
00:22:07.542 --> 00:22:09.711
whatever school you'reat, whatever place you go
00:22:09.745 --> 00:22:12.214
whatever company you work for,
00:22:12.214 --> 00:22:14.149
God has called usto carry a cross.
00:22:14.149 --> 00:22:16.084
Well, is that biblical?
00:22:16.084 --> 00:22:16.885
Yeah it's in Matthew,Mark, Luke and John.
00:22:17.052 --> 00:22:18.320
Jesus says it.
00:22:18.520 --> 00:22:19.654
"Anyone who wantsto follow after me
00:22:19.654 --> 00:22:21.223
"must deny himself and takeup their cross daily, daily."
00:22:21.223 --> 00:22:25.694
Not just once in your lifetime
00:22:25.694 --> 00:22:27.763
but every single day to sayno to self and yes to Jesus.
00:22:27.929 --> 00:22:34.069
Yes to the way of the cross.
00:22:34.069 --> 00:22:36.371
In Revelation 3:16,John said that
00:22:36.371 --> 00:22:38.807
"The church hasbecome lukewarm."
00:22:38.840 --> 00:22:41.643
And because they are lukewarm,
00:22:41.643 --> 00:22:43.645
Jesus said, "I will spitthem out of my mouth."
00:22:43.645 --> 00:22:46.515
This is a call forChristians to get radical.
00:22:46.515 --> 00:22:49.284
This is a call forChristians to get done
00:22:49.317 --> 00:22:51.620
with the comfortableconvenient consumer,
00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:53.789
Christianity what'sin it for me,
00:22:53.789 --> 00:22:55.624
how do I benefit from this?
00:22:55.624 --> 00:22:57.225
It's time to live with thesacrificial full commitment,
00:22:57.225 --> 00:23:00.662
to find your calling toforsake your comfort,
00:23:00.662 --> 00:23:03.298
to go all in with Jesus.
00:23:03.298 --> 00:23:04.900
Jesus came to confrontcomfortable Christianity.
00:23:04.900 --> 00:23:08.804
He came to shake up thereligious political platforms.
00:23:08.804 --> 00:23:12.240
He came to undo the systemsand turn it all upside down.
00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:16.244
It's time that we get ourconvictions, not from CNN, MSNBC
00:23:16.244 --> 00:23:20.415
the Democratic party,the Republican party.
00:23:20.415 --> 00:23:22.517
We can need to getour convictions
00:23:22.517 --> 00:23:23.718
from the word of God.
00:23:23.718 --> 00:23:24.386
What does God's word say?
00:23:24.386 --> 00:23:26.321
If you're a believer,
00:23:26.321 --> 00:23:27.456
you should be finding yourconvictions in the word of God.
00:23:27.556 --> 00:23:30.091
What is the platform of Jesus?
00:23:30.091 --> 00:23:31.460
Loved God, loved people.
00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:33.061
I was hungry and you fed me, Iwas naked and you clothed me.
00:23:34.529 --> 00:23:37.632
You fought for the vulnerable,
00:23:37.632 --> 00:23:39.134
you lifted your voice upfor the widow and the orphan
00:23:39.134 --> 00:23:42.637
you stood for whatGod's word stands for.
00:23:42.637 --> 00:23:45.740
You stood with truthand with grace.
00:23:45.807 --> 00:23:47.876
In Romans 14, Paul said,"Welcome with open arms
00:23:48.043 --> 00:23:51.346
"believers who don't seethings the way you do."
00:23:51.346 --> 00:23:53.415
Welcome people with open arms.
00:23:54.449 --> 00:23:56.685
Don't jump all over them
00:23:56.685 --> 00:23:58.653
every time they do or saysomething you don't agree with.
00:23:58.653 --> 00:24:00.856
Paul goes on to say,He says,
00:24:01.923 --> 00:24:03.024
"It's not your job tomake it difficult for people.
00:24:03.024 --> 00:24:05.827
"It's your job to love people.
00:24:05.827 --> 00:24:08.096
"It's not your job totry to judge everyone.
00:24:08.096 --> 00:24:10.098
"That's God's job."
00:24:10.098 --> 00:24:11.533
It's your job to love them.
00:24:11.533 --> 00:24:13.235
It's your job to treat themwith kindness and respect.
00:24:13.235 --> 00:24:16.338
Who does God call us to love?
00:24:16.338 --> 00:24:18.006
All people?
00:24:20.275 --> 00:24:21.276
- [Congregation] Yes.
00:24:21.643 --> 00:24:22.644
- The president included.
00:24:22.644 --> 00:24:24.112
- [Congregation] Yes.
00:24:24.112 --> 00:24:25.514
- The vice-president?
00:24:25.514 --> 00:24:26.815
- [Congregation] Yes.
00:24:26.815 --> 00:24:27.849
- The senators, the congressmen,
00:24:27.849 --> 00:24:29.150
the Supreme court justices
00:24:29.150 --> 00:24:30.585
everyone who'srunning for office.
00:24:30.585 --> 00:24:32.020
God calls us to love all people
00:24:32.187 --> 00:24:35.323
to treat all people withkindness and respect.
00:24:35.323 --> 00:24:37.692
So I'm not following BenShapiro or Joe Rogan.
00:24:38.894 --> 00:24:41.863
I'm following Jesus Christ.
00:24:41.863 --> 00:24:43.932
I am not followingPresident Donald Trump
00:24:43.932 --> 00:24:46.434
or vice president BidenI'm following Jesus Christ.
00:24:46.434 --> 00:24:49.638
I'm, the more I look at you
00:24:49.638 --> 00:24:51.973
the more I justwanna hug the cross.
00:24:51.973 --> 00:24:53.775
This is where Ifind my identity,
00:24:53.775 --> 00:24:55.176
this is where Ifind my convictions.
00:24:55.176 --> 00:24:57.078
This is where I find mylove, my forgiveness.
00:24:57.078 --> 00:24:59.381
(congregation applauding)
00:24:59.381 --> 00:25:00.415
America didn't save mylife Jesus saved my life.
00:25:00.415 --> 00:25:02.851
A president didn'tbreak chains off me
00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:06.187
Jesus broke chains off of me.
00:25:06.187 --> 00:25:07.689
It wasn't a political group
00:25:09.124 --> 00:25:10.191
that gave meforgiveness for my sins,
00:25:10.191 --> 00:25:11.660
it was Jesus whogave me forgiveness.
00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:13.461
- Our nation needsthis message right now.
00:25:14.863 --> 00:25:18.300
Why? Because our nationis so divided
00:25:18.300 --> 00:25:21.336
and our nation islistening to the news
00:25:21.336 --> 00:25:23.538
that stirring up morefear, more worry,
00:25:23.705 --> 00:25:26.641
more anger, more hostility,
00:25:26.641 --> 00:25:28.777
it's time we get ourminds and our hearts
00:25:28.777 --> 00:25:31.346
back on what really matters.
00:25:31.346 --> 00:25:33.615
This is why Paul the apostlehad to speak in the Bible
00:25:33.615 --> 00:25:37.052
to this church in Philippi.
00:25:37.052 --> 00:25:38.687
He had to remind them,
00:25:38.687 --> 00:25:40.155
they had become so dividedlistening to the Roman Empire,
00:25:40.155 --> 00:25:43.825
listening to who theythought should be the emperor
00:25:43.825 --> 00:25:46.127
who they thought shouldbe passing the laws.
00:25:46.127 --> 00:25:48.330
And Paul said, "Hold on,we are citizens of heaven.
00:25:48.330 --> 00:25:51.166
"We are not of this world."
00:25:51.166 --> 00:25:52.734
I wanna speak right now toevery person who's watching.
00:25:52.734 --> 00:25:55.570
When you confess Jesusas your Lord and savior
00:25:55.570 --> 00:25:59.307
you pledge allegianceto a kingdom
00:25:59.307 --> 00:26:01.576
that is higher thanthe American Empire,
00:26:01.576 --> 00:26:04.045
higher than any othernation out there.
00:26:04.045 --> 00:26:06.114
And as a citizenof that kingdom,
00:26:06.114 --> 00:26:08.416
God calls us to walk in away that's pleasing to Him
00:26:08.416 --> 00:26:11.453
to show love, to show honor
00:26:11.453 --> 00:26:13.455
to pray for those whoare in leadership,
00:26:13.455 --> 00:26:15.523
to walk in peace with everyone.
00:26:15.523 --> 00:26:17.425
Blessed are the peacemakers,to turn the other cheek.
00:26:17.425 --> 00:26:20.228
Let's remind ourselves weare citizens of heaven.
00:26:20.228 --> 00:26:22.831
If you're watching today
00:26:22.831 --> 00:26:23.932
you've never confessedJesus as your Lord and savior
00:26:23.932 --> 00:26:26.167
it's a great day to makeyour citizenship secure
00:26:26.167 --> 00:26:29.738
that you would say,"You know what?
00:26:29.738 --> 00:26:31.206
"I am tired of being pulledinto the political games
00:26:31.206 --> 00:26:34.175
"and the politicaltheater of this nation.
00:26:34.175 --> 00:26:36.811
"I am ready to pledge allegianceto a kingdom and a savior
00:26:36.811 --> 00:26:40.281
"who wasn't voted inand can't be voted out
00:26:40.281 --> 00:26:42.684
"who sits all the presidents,
00:26:42.684 --> 00:26:44.552
all the emperors, all the laws."
00:26:44.552 --> 00:26:47.055
Why don't you make thatdecision right now?
00:26:47.055 --> 00:26:48.823
Say this with me
00:26:48.823 --> 00:26:49.658
Jesus I surrender to you.
00:26:49.658 --> 00:26:51.993
I'm all yours, I declaretoday I am a citizen of heaven
00:26:51.993 --> 00:26:56.831
and I will live for yourglory, in Jesus name Amen.
00:26:56.831 --> 00:27:00.902
Hey, listen we love you,we're praying for you.
00:27:00.902 --> 00:27:03.238
If you need a home church
00:27:03.238 --> 00:27:04.472
come and join us in person,
00:27:04.506 --> 00:27:06.374
right here at Victory in TulsaOklahoma, 7700 South Lewis
00:27:06.374 --> 00:27:10.278
or join us online every week
00:27:10.278 --> 00:27:12.013
we stream our services live.
00:27:12.013 --> 00:27:13.815
Never forget this, your bestdays are right in front of you.
00:27:13.815 --> 00:27:17.519
- [Announcer] Thankyou for watching,
00:27:19.187 --> 00:27:20.488
this program is made possible
00:27:20.488 --> 00:27:22.023
by the generous donations
00:27:22.023 --> 00:27:23.224
of our televisionpartners and friends.
00:27:23.224 --> 00:27:25.093
(uplifting music)
00:27:25.093 --> 00:27:29.531

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