1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,889 Well, good morning, brothers and sisters. 2 00:00:04,029 --> 00:00:05,289 My name is Marcel Hall. 3 00:00:05,289 --> 00:00:07,469 And, uh, can we go ahead and thank the worship team? 4 00:00:07,469 --> 00:00:09,999 We appreciate them every week leading us. 5 00:00:11,489 --> 00:00:12,379 Thank you so much. 6 00:00:12,399 --> 00:00:13,229 Appreciate Nick. 7 00:00:13,229 --> 00:00:14,339 Boy, Nick gets into it. 8 00:00:14,339 --> 00:00:16,409 Boy, how powerful he was. 9 00:00:17,559 --> 00:00:19,619 I'm like, boy, boy, there you go. 10 00:00:19,649 --> 00:00:20,319 Nick is into it. 11 00:00:20,319 --> 00:00:22,029 If you ain't into it, you better get into it. 12 00:00:23,219 --> 00:00:24,729 Appreciate that so much. 13 00:00:24,729 --> 00:00:25,119 Amen. 14 00:00:25,119 --> 00:00:28,769 We're excited to have, uh, this time in God's word. 15 00:00:28,769 --> 00:00:30,130 I don't know about you, but I'm excited. 16 00:00:30,500 --> 00:00:33,759 Uh, we had a little pre meeting before the service and I was getting a little 17 00:00:33,759 --> 00:00:36,329 giddy, uh, about the service there. 18 00:00:36,329 --> 00:00:37,239 And so I'm excited. 19 00:00:37,239 --> 00:00:38,299 Jacob, are you excited? 20 00:00:39,309 --> 00:00:39,670 Yeah. 21 00:00:39,699 --> 00:00:39,979 Yeah. 22 00:00:41,210 --> 00:00:42,689 I said, Jacob, are you excited? 23 00:00:42,689 --> 00:00:43,429 And this is Jacob. 24 00:00:43,549 --> 00:00:44,250 Yeah. 25 00:00:47,284 --> 00:00:51,224 That, that is excitement for Jacob, those who know Jacob, that, that, 26 00:00:51,244 --> 00:00:52,644 that's excitement right there. 27 00:00:53,164 --> 00:00:53,795 There you go. 28 00:00:53,795 --> 00:00:54,384 That's good. 29 00:00:54,384 --> 00:00:58,804 Well, um, I want to, uh, mention, you know, it was a, it was a great time. 30 00:00:59,054 --> 00:01:03,074 Uh, it obviously it's, it's bitter and it's sweet, uh, for the, uh, 31 00:01:03,085 --> 00:01:06,614 uh, funeral and celebration of life for Bobby Goodell yesterday. 32 00:01:06,625 --> 00:01:09,404 Appreciate all those who helped make that special. 33 00:01:09,625 --> 00:01:13,379 Uh, so we had that in the morning and it's just, Encouraging to see 34 00:01:13,379 --> 00:01:15,960 a saint die faithful in Jesus. 35 00:01:15,960 --> 00:01:16,440 Amen. 36 00:01:17,069 --> 00:01:19,529 And so we saw that in the morning and in the evening time, we 37 00:01:19,529 --> 00:01:23,669 saw, uh, uh, uh, uh, um, uh, uh, uh, the baptism in the evening. 38 00:01:23,669 --> 00:01:26,609 And so we saw this, this, this cool thing. 39 00:01:26,669 --> 00:01:27,359 You know what I mean? 40 00:01:27,359 --> 00:01:30,089 Like, I was there just at, at nighttime reflecting like, wow, 41 00:01:30,089 --> 00:01:32,759 I saw somebody finish the race. 42 00:01:34,509 --> 00:01:39,169 And then to see someone begin the race, And it was just encouraging 43 00:01:39,569 --> 00:01:43,359 for my soul, but we're not going to talk about that today. 44 00:01:43,719 --> 00:01:44,869 I want to ask you a question. 45 00:01:45,559 --> 00:01:49,109 Um, well, there's a saying, I think there's a couple of songs with this title. 46 00:01:49,128 --> 00:01:51,009 It takes two to make a thing go. 47 00:01:51,979 --> 00:01:52,429 There you go. 48 00:01:52,429 --> 00:01:54,249 John John's about to start singing and dancing. 49 00:01:54,249 --> 00:01:54,519 Look at it. 50 00:01:54,550 --> 00:01:57,400 He's like, Oh, that's my jam right there, Marcel. 51 00:01:58,769 --> 00:01:59,348 It takes you to. 52 00:01:59,399 --> 00:02:03,919 So I want us to think through some famous dynamic duos. 53 00:02:04,949 --> 00:02:07,819 What are some famous or some dynamic duos? 54 00:02:08,329 --> 00:02:14,210 You can think of right now Batman and Robin the original dynamic duo. 55 00:02:14,210 --> 00:02:17,119 They're okay So we got dynamic duo Batman and Robin. 56 00:02:17,119 --> 00:02:17,939 What are some other ones? 57 00:02:19,319 --> 00:02:19,619 Okay. 58 00:02:19,619 --> 00:02:20,959 Now we're getting really excited here. 59 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:21,359 Okay. 60 00:02:22,799 --> 00:02:23,179 All right. 61 00:02:23,179 --> 00:02:24,169 It's Kyle's the first one I heard. 62 00:02:24,169 --> 00:02:26,509 Yes Shaking Kobe. 63 00:02:26,549 --> 00:02:27,728 Okay, come on. 64 00:02:27,728 --> 00:02:29,659 All right There you go. 65 00:02:29,659 --> 00:02:30,569 Shaking Kobe. 66 00:02:30,569 --> 00:02:31,529 All right, what else? 67 00:02:32,449 --> 00:02:35,029 The Dukes of Hazzard are we're showing we're showing the 68 00:02:35,029 --> 00:02:36,639 generation and ages right now. 69 00:02:36,659 --> 00:02:38,069 Okay, that's good. 70 00:02:38,069 --> 00:02:42,284 Yes, sir Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. 71 00:02:42,284 --> 00:02:42,804 Interesting. 72 00:02:42,804 --> 00:02:43,154 Okay. 73 00:02:43,154 --> 00:02:43,614 All right. 74 00:02:43,614 --> 00:02:44,454 Yeah, there you go. 75 00:02:44,644 --> 00:02:45,414 Splash Brothers. 76 00:02:45,414 --> 00:02:45,664 Okay. 77 00:02:45,664 --> 00:02:48,324 When you say to the Splash Brothers, okay, that's a basketball reference. 78 00:02:48,324 --> 00:02:51,014 All those who don't know, that's the Shaq and Kobe thing too. 79 00:02:51,014 --> 00:02:51,504 All right, go ahead. 80 00:02:51,504 --> 00:02:51,704 Yes. 81 00:02:53,255 --> 00:02:54,505 Simon and what? 82 00:02:55,853 --> 00:02:57,675 Yeah, I always forget the second dude's name. 83 00:02:57,675 --> 00:02:58,484 How you say that dude's name? 84 00:03:00,204 --> 00:03:00,364 Garfunk. 85 00:03:00,364 --> 00:03:02,215 I always want to say Garfield, but I know that's wrong. 86 00:03:02,774 --> 00:03:03,555 So I'm sorry. 87 00:03:03,564 --> 00:03:05,694 Don't throw any apples or anything at me. 88 00:03:05,694 --> 00:03:05,994 Okay. 89 00:03:05,994 --> 00:03:06,225 All right. 90 00:03:06,225 --> 00:03:06,545 One more. 91 00:03:06,545 --> 00:03:06,744 Yes. 92 00:03:06,744 --> 00:03:06,934 Yes. 93 00:03:09,279 --> 00:03:09,978 Bert and Ernie. 94 00:03:10,029 --> 00:03:11,179 Yes, we got Bert and Ernie. 95 00:03:12,209 --> 00:03:13,499 What about Woody and? 96 00:03:14,679 --> 00:03:15,689 Buzz Lightyear. 97 00:03:15,849 --> 00:03:16,339 Okay. 98 00:03:16,339 --> 00:03:16,829 All right. 99 00:03:16,829 --> 00:03:18,069 What about Frodo? 100 00:03:19,699 --> 00:03:20,959 Sam, come on now. 101 00:03:21,019 --> 00:03:21,789 Come on. 102 00:03:22,079 --> 00:03:22,809 You guys got it. 103 00:03:22,899 --> 00:03:23,219 This side. 104 00:03:23,219 --> 00:03:24,399 What's going on over here? 105 00:03:24,399 --> 00:03:24,809 Okay. 106 00:03:24,809 --> 00:03:25,239 All right. 107 00:03:25,499 --> 00:03:27,909 We got, uh, Sherlock Holmes and? 108 00:03:28,739 --> 00:03:29,169 Dr. 109 00:03:29,169 --> 00:03:29,519 Watson. 110 00:03:29,929 --> 00:03:30,489 Okay. 111 00:03:30,679 --> 00:03:32,389 Captain Kirk and? 112 00:03:33,359 --> 00:03:33,839 Spock. 113 00:03:33,839 --> 00:03:34,379 Okay. 114 00:03:34,439 --> 00:03:35,859 Uh, Chewbacca and? 115 00:03:37,380 --> 00:03:38,639 Come on, Star Wars. 116 00:03:38,639 --> 00:03:39,329 There you go. 117 00:03:39,679 --> 00:03:40,460 There you go. 118 00:03:40,710 --> 00:03:41,819 Uh, oh, here we go. 119 00:03:42,150 --> 00:03:49,329 Uh, Andre 3000 and And Marcel Ho Big boy. 120 00:03:49,329 --> 00:03:49,590 Okay. 121 00:03:49,609 --> 00:03:50,269 Outcast. 122 00:03:50,300 --> 00:03:50,769 Come on. 123 00:03:50,769 --> 00:03:53,009 I'm expecting more from the church right there. 124 00:03:53,089 --> 00:03:53,680 Come on. 125 00:03:54,279 --> 00:03:54,960 Sonny and? 126 00:03:55,939 --> 00:03:56,449 There you go. 127 00:03:56,449 --> 00:03:57,899 This quiet, this side was quiet right now. 128 00:03:57,960 --> 00:03:58,439 Did you notice that? 129 00:03:59,529 --> 00:04:01,899 Sonny and Cher came through over here and they were like, who? 130 00:04:02,010 --> 00:04:02,954 Sonny, who? 131 00:04:03,264 --> 00:04:04,354 Sunny from down the street. 132 00:04:04,364 --> 00:04:05,024 No, Sonny. 133 00:04:05,024 --> 00:04:06,194 Okay, Sonny is shared. 134 00:04:06,394 --> 00:04:07,344 But let's think of other things. 135 00:04:07,344 --> 00:04:14,424 We got a burger and Fries, okay, of course right bacon and bacon and eggs macaroni 136 00:04:15,574 --> 00:04:17,184 and Cheese, let's go back to sports. 137 00:04:17,184 --> 00:04:20,714 All right magic and Kareem there you go. 138 00:04:20,714 --> 00:04:27,964 All right cookies and What y'all say Well, that was a tough one. 139 00:04:27,964 --> 00:04:29,104 I was thinking cookies and milk. 140 00:04:29,104 --> 00:04:29,934 Okay cookies in there. 141 00:04:29,944 --> 00:04:33,354 Oh, yeah, that was a tough Well cookies go with a lot of stuff, right? 142 00:04:33,354 --> 00:04:33,644 All right. 143 00:04:33,645 --> 00:04:34,024 There you go. 144 00:04:34,183 --> 00:04:37,895 All right, but this one peanut butter and Peanut butter and jelly. 145 00:04:37,895 --> 00:04:38,274 Okay. 146 00:04:38,274 --> 00:04:41,734 All right, and my favorite dynamic duo Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippin. 147 00:04:41,734 --> 00:04:42,064 Okay. 148 00:04:42,064 --> 00:04:44,274 All right splash brother Okay, there you go. 149 00:04:44,624 --> 00:04:47,994 The greatest duo of all time, but here's what I want to talk about 150 00:04:48,204 --> 00:04:53,755 Let's talk about the dynamic duo of God The dynamic duo of God. 151 00:04:53,755 --> 00:04:55,425 What's the dynamic duo of God? 152 00:04:55,855 --> 00:04:57,974 That is grace and mercy. 153 00:04:58,485 --> 00:05:03,105 The dynamic duo, and I would argue the greatest dynamic duo. 154 00:05:03,505 --> 00:05:07,084 And that's the dynamic duo of God's grace and mercy. 155 00:05:07,085 --> 00:05:08,025 Let's go to God in prayer. 156 00:05:08,025 --> 00:05:10,114 Father, thank you so much already. 157 00:05:10,114 --> 00:05:14,504 We've had a chance by your grace and your mercy to worship you. 158 00:05:14,674 --> 00:05:17,434 God, we've had a chance to connect through the fellowship. 159 00:05:17,754 --> 00:05:21,444 We got a chance to be encouraged in our faith and in our sacrificial giving 160 00:05:21,774 --> 00:05:25,314 God, we've had a chance to worship you in song and God, we're grateful for 161 00:05:25,314 --> 00:05:27,524 this opportunity to get into your word. 162 00:05:27,804 --> 00:05:30,394 And father, I pray right now that you will speak clearly. 163 00:05:30,394 --> 00:05:35,234 You articulate this powerful, I believe it's powerful message, God, that you 164 00:05:35,234 --> 00:05:38,884 have transformed me over the last week as I, as I've been hit with this. 165 00:05:39,414 --> 00:05:43,634 And God, I pray in your name that you will put all to the side, any 166 00:05:43,634 --> 00:05:46,324 distractions that will take away from people from hearing your message. 167 00:05:47,145 --> 00:05:48,514 We pray in the name of Jesus. 168 00:05:48,914 --> 00:05:49,585 Amen. 169 00:05:50,759 --> 00:05:51,129 Amen. 170 00:05:51,129 --> 00:05:54,250 We're going to start off here in Nehemiah chapter nine, 171 00:05:54,509 --> 00:05:56,270 Nehemiah is in the old Testament. 172 00:05:56,270 --> 00:05:58,520 God's people had returned from captivity. 173 00:05:58,520 --> 00:06:02,319 We're just going to take up a one little sentence here because it's so powerful 174 00:06:02,329 --> 00:06:06,159 because it shows God's character and it says, but in your great mercy, 175 00:06:06,159 --> 00:06:10,649 you did not put an end to them or abandon them for you are a gracious. 176 00:06:11,189 --> 00:06:18,079 And merciful God through in the old covenant, it was clear that 177 00:06:18,079 --> 00:06:20,599 God has been gracious and merciful. 178 00:06:20,599 --> 00:06:24,509 And then we come over to the new covenant in the new Testament and a letter 179 00:06:24,509 --> 00:06:28,189 that was written to the church in the city of Ephesus by the apostle Paul. 180 00:06:28,449 --> 00:06:30,539 And we're just going to take it up in chapter two. 181 00:06:30,759 --> 00:06:34,130 And it says here, as for you talking to the church, and this 182 00:06:34,130 --> 00:06:36,949 applies to you and me today. 183 00:06:37,909 --> 00:06:42,329 You are dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live 184 00:06:42,729 --> 00:06:46,469 when you follow the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom 185 00:06:46,469 --> 00:06:50,869 of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 186 00:06:51,179 --> 00:06:56,339 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings 187 00:06:56,339 --> 00:07:00,709 of our flesh and following his desires and thoughts like the rest. 188 00:07:00,849 --> 00:07:05,399 We were by nature deserving of wrath. 189 00:07:06,354 --> 00:07:13,784 But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made 190 00:07:13,784 --> 00:07:17,894 us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions. 191 00:07:18,224 --> 00:07:20,774 Transgressions in that little fancy word for for sin. 192 00:07:21,134 --> 00:07:22,424 It is by grace. 193 00:07:22,454 --> 00:07:27,434 You have been saved and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him 194 00:07:27,434 --> 00:07:29,864 in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. 195 00:07:30,104 --> 00:07:34,664 In order that in the coming ages, he might show the incomparable. 196 00:07:35,389 --> 00:07:43,050 Riches of his grace expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus, 197 00:07:44,339 --> 00:07:48,130 it says God is rich in mercy. 198 00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:50,839 He's not poor. 199 00:07:50,840 --> 00:07:52,049 He's not middle class. 200 00:07:52,130 --> 00:07:55,109 He's rich in mercy. 201 00:07:55,949 --> 00:07:57,609 And then it says he has incomparable. 202 00:07:57,609 --> 00:08:03,130 You can't even compare the riches of his grace. 203 00:08:05,460 --> 00:08:07,019 What image comes to mind? 204 00:08:08,939 --> 00:08:13,289 When you think of God being rich in mercy and then his riches 205 00:08:13,590 --> 00:08:15,710 of grace being incomparable. 206 00:08:16,340 --> 00:08:17,550 Write that down right now. 207 00:08:17,569 --> 00:08:19,529 Those of us taking notes, write that down. 208 00:08:19,529 --> 00:08:22,729 What comes to mind as you think of that? 209 00:08:23,159 --> 00:08:27,210 And those who are worshipping with us online, if you could go ahead and 210 00:08:27,210 --> 00:08:30,099 write in the chat as well, we'd love to hear from you what you're thinking. 211 00:08:30,270 --> 00:08:36,900 When you think of God being rich in mercy and rich in grace. 212 00:08:38,842 --> 00:08:43,251 You know, as we think about God's grace and mercy many times, and this 213 00:08:43,261 --> 00:08:53,592 is 100% accurate and true, but we think of the eternal and we think of 214 00:08:53,602 --> 00:08:58,542 the afterlife, we think of grace and mercy and we think of hallelujah. 215 00:08:58,562 --> 00:08:59,772 I'm saved. 216 00:09:00,262 --> 00:09:03,022 And so I know my eternal destiny. 217 00:09:03,022 --> 00:09:04,132 You with me church. 218 00:09:04,772 --> 00:09:07,272 But here's the thing that floored me this week. 219 00:09:08,257 --> 00:09:12,457 Is this, is that grace and mercy affect more than eternity, 220 00:09:12,607 --> 00:09:15,707 but also our everyday lives. 221 00:09:17,927 --> 00:09:20,697 Grace and mercy affect more than just eternity. 222 00:09:21,397 --> 00:09:23,267 It's more than just eternal judgment. 223 00:09:23,277 --> 00:09:27,707 They are present every single day of our lives and every 224 00:09:27,707 --> 00:09:29,967 single day of the lives of the 7. 225 00:09:30,017 --> 00:09:31,937 8 billion people who live on this planet. 226 00:09:34,807 --> 00:09:35,937 So let's break this down. 227 00:09:37,827 --> 00:09:39,867 First off, mercy. 228 00:09:40,637 --> 00:09:44,527 It's not getting in simple terms, not getting what you deserve. 229 00:09:45,227 --> 00:09:46,357 This is what mercy is. 230 00:09:46,687 --> 00:09:50,917 I've committed a crime and I do not pay the penalty for that crime. 231 00:09:50,917 --> 00:09:51,847 You with me church? 232 00:09:52,877 --> 00:09:53,737 So that's mercy. 233 00:09:53,737 --> 00:09:54,737 So then what is grace? 234 00:09:54,737 --> 00:09:58,307 Well, grace is this it's getting what we don't deserve. 235 00:10:00,237 --> 00:10:03,767 So I don't deserve to go to Chick fil a. 236 00:10:03,767 --> 00:10:05,397 This is what happens with my kids. 237 00:10:06,787 --> 00:10:07,847 One of my kids is right here. 238 00:10:07,857 --> 00:10:08,927 She knows what I'm talking about. 239 00:10:09,697 --> 00:10:12,137 Actually, it's a sore spot right there because they asked for Chick fil A and I 240 00:10:12,137 --> 00:10:13,497 didn't take him to Chick fil A yesterday. 241 00:10:14,017 --> 00:10:14,857 Wasn't in the budget. 242 00:10:14,887 --> 00:10:15,207 Sorry. 243 00:10:15,207 --> 00:10:15,767 Can't do this. 244 00:10:15,877 --> 00:10:16,517 Good life lesson. 245 00:10:16,517 --> 00:10:17,177 All right, there you go. 246 00:10:17,967 --> 00:10:20,557 But we give and you don't earn it. 247 00:10:20,557 --> 00:10:21,357 You didn't deserve it. 248 00:10:21,357 --> 00:10:23,457 That's a form of grace. 249 00:10:23,457 --> 00:10:24,567 Church, are you with me here? 250 00:10:24,947 --> 00:10:30,237 And so, God, for those of us who are in Christ Jesus, Hallelujah. 251 00:10:30,547 --> 00:10:36,227 We have not received and will not receive the punishment that we have earned. 252 00:10:38,137 --> 00:10:39,047 Yet God gives. 253 00:10:40,937 --> 00:10:44,467 His salvation to us, though we did not deserve it. 254 00:10:44,467 --> 00:10:48,467 Let's be reminded of something here in Ephesians or Romans chapter six. 255 00:10:48,467 --> 00:10:48,687 Whoa. 256 00:10:48,687 --> 00:10:49,367 Okay, here we go. 257 00:10:49,377 --> 00:10:49,647 All right. 258 00:10:49,787 --> 00:10:51,377 For the wages of sin is death. 259 00:10:51,597 --> 00:10:57,337 And the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 260 00:10:58,467 --> 00:11:03,367 We also saw in Ephesians, it says that we were by nature deserving of wrath. 261 00:11:04,737 --> 00:11:06,557 So what does that mean, brothers and sisters? 262 00:11:06,557 --> 00:11:08,217 That means that you and I. 263 00:11:08,922 --> 00:11:11,122 And everyone else, every part of the 7. 264 00:11:11,392 --> 00:11:11,622 8. 265 00:11:11,672 --> 00:11:12,722 8 or 7. 266 00:11:12,782 --> 00:11:16,032 88 billion people on this planet earth, we all deserve hell for a sin. 267 00:11:16,032 --> 00:11:21,682 But those of us who are in Christ, we do not and will not receive that punishment. 268 00:11:24,312 --> 00:11:25,292 Hallelujah for that. 269 00:11:26,732 --> 00:11:30,552 God doesn't give us what we deserve. 270 00:11:33,592 --> 00:11:34,352 Now, here's the thing. 271 00:11:34,362 --> 00:11:39,402 Grace and mercy of God is more than just the eternal. 272 00:11:39,412 --> 00:11:41,472 In fact, we are lavish. 273 00:11:42,362 --> 00:11:47,002 In grace and mercy every single day of our lives, we are lavished in grace and 274 00:11:47,002 --> 00:11:49,952 mercy every single day of our lives. 275 00:11:49,982 --> 00:11:55,462 And if you and I were able to fully grasp this concept and then recognize the mercy 276 00:11:55,462 --> 00:11:56,872 and grace that we have in our lives. 277 00:11:57,072 --> 00:12:01,752 I truly am convinced now that it will change our lives and our faith. 278 00:12:02,602 --> 00:12:05,562 It'll change the way we wake up in the morning and the way we approach the 279 00:12:05,562 --> 00:12:10,242 day, which therefore would change our decisions, which would change our lives. 280 00:12:11,297 --> 00:12:16,487 And we can grasp mercy and grace and see it's not just something 281 00:12:16,487 --> 00:12:21,237 to come, but it's something that is present right now as we speak. 282 00:12:22,477 --> 00:12:24,757 So let's grasp mercy and grace. 283 00:12:25,567 --> 00:12:27,677 I have a Emily Alexander. 284 00:12:27,687 --> 00:12:28,627 Where's Emily Alexander? 285 00:12:28,677 --> 00:12:29,207 Come on down. 286 00:12:29,227 --> 00:12:30,237 Emily Alexander. 287 00:12:30,977 --> 00:12:32,097 Give it on up for Emily. 288 00:12:32,107 --> 00:12:37,942 She's, she's going to our high school teen camp coming up this week here. 289 00:12:39,602 --> 00:12:40,592 Uh, you know what? 290 00:12:40,592 --> 00:12:41,892 Let's go down here for a second. 291 00:12:41,892 --> 00:12:42,142 Okay. 292 00:12:42,142 --> 00:12:42,352 All right. 293 00:12:42,352 --> 00:12:42,742 Here we go. 294 00:12:43,102 --> 00:12:44,272 Here's what we're going to do here. 295 00:12:44,282 --> 00:12:47,272 Um, we're going to play a game. 296 00:12:47,632 --> 00:12:48,112 Okay. 297 00:12:48,802 --> 00:12:49,772 We're going to play a game. 298 00:12:50,062 --> 00:12:50,532 All right. 299 00:12:51,202 --> 00:12:51,452 All right. 300 00:12:51,452 --> 00:12:52,262 I need something here. 301 00:12:52,262 --> 00:12:55,802 Now you told me earlier that you like chocolate candy bars. 302 00:12:56,572 --> 00:12:56,902 You do. 303 00:12:56,902 --> 00:12:59,412 And you said you like, uh, what kind did you say you like? 304 00:12:59,742 --> 00:13:00,232 It was Hershey's. 305 00:13:01,182 --> 00:13:02,472 It was Hershey's right there, right? 306 00:13:02,492 --> 00:13:02,932 Okay. 307 00:13:03,292 --> 00:13:03,722 All right. 308 00:13:03,732 --> 00:13:04,152 So here we go. 309 00:13:04,152 --> 00:13:05,752 This is a good Hershey's to right here. 310 00:13:05,782 --> 00:13:06,122 Something. 311 00:13:06,412 --> 00:13:08,202 Oh, the Hershey's with a she in there. 312 00:13:08,202 --> 00:13:08,822 Come on now. 313 00:13:08,822 --> 00:13:09,402 There you go. 314 00:13:09,962 --> 00:13:10,992 That was divine. 315 00:13:10,992 --> 00:13:12,422 I'm telling you that was not playing. 316 00:13:12,422 --> 00:13:13,302 I was totally divine. 317 00:13:13,562 --> 00:13:13,882 All right. 318 00:13:13,882 --> 00:13:14,902 You know, can you take a step down? 319 00:13:14,902 --> 00:13:16,452 I want you being taller than me. 320 00:13:16,452 --> 00:13:16,682 Okay. 321 00:13:16,682 --> 00:13:16,852 All right. 322 00:13:16,852 --> 00:13:17,172 Here we go. 323 00:13:18,822 --> 00:13:19,402 All right. 324 00:13:22,302 --> 00:13:23,912 We're going to play a little game here. 325 00:13:23,912 --> 00:13:24,272 Okay. 326 00:13:24,272 --> 00:13:24,732 All right. 327 00:13:25,462 --> 00:13:26,212 So here's the thing. 328 00:13:27,672 --> 00:13:31,682 So if you, you get it right, I'm going to give you this lovely chocolate bar. 329 00:13:33,062 --> 00:13:38,292 However, if you get it wrong, then I'm going to pour this water upon you. 330 00:13:39,752 --> 00:13:41,802 You've already agreed to do this, all right? 331 00:13:41,922 --> 00:13:44,682 Rusty and Gene, I know you're fine with this, all right, here we go. 332 00:13:45,342 --> 00:13:46,992 She signed a waiver a long time ago. 333 00:13:46,992 --> 00:13:49,382 It was a verbal waiver, that holds up in court, all right. 334 00:13:50,522 --> 00:13:54,012 So here it is, all right, um, I want you to guess the number 335 00:13:54,012 --> 00:13:55,262 between one and ten right now. 336 00:13:56,712 --> 00:13:57,352 Six. 337 00:13:57,592 --> 00:14:00,302 What a great guess, however it was nine, there you go. 338 00:14:02,942 --> 00:14:04,082 A six upside down. 339 00:14:04,352 --> 00:14:06,942 That's, I like the way you're thinking. 340 00:14:07,252 --> 00:14:09,772 He's a teacher though, so I don't believe that you do that with your grades. 341 00:14:12,262 --> 00:14:14,382 But look how he wants to give some grace and mercy to his daughter. 342 00:14:14,382 --> 00:14:14,842 Look at him. 343 00:14:15,712 --> 00:14:17,482 Okay, so what's the punishment for it? 344 00:14:18,912 --> 00:14:20,242 The water in the face. 345 00:14:20,962 --> 00:14:21,402 You know what? 346 00:14:21,402 --> 00:14:21,792 Hold on. 347 00:14:21,862 --> 00:14:23,692 I got something for you so we don't make a mess here. 348 00:14:23,692 --> 00:14:24,452 All right, here we go. 349 00:14:24,922 --> 00:14:25,972 All right, let's just go ahead. 350 00:14:25,972 --> 00:14:26,902 I'm a kind man. 351 00:14:26,922 --> 00:14:27,762 You know what I'm saying? 352 00:14:28,392 --> 00:14:29,082 All right, here we go. 353 00:14:29,082 --> 00:14:30,592 Here we go Oh, no, what is that? 354 00:14:30,592 --> 00:14:30,872 What is that? 355 00:14:30,872 --> 00:14:32,422 Okay, we got a little poncho here for you. 356 00:14:32,422 --> 00:14:35,272 Okay, so that we don't get a mess Upon you there. 357 00:14:35,292 --> 00:14:36,502 Look, this is love Jasmine. 358 00:14:36,502 --> 00:14:37,502 This is love right here. 359 00:14:37,502 --> 00:14:37,852 Okay. 360 00:14:37,852 --> 00:14:38,652 All right, here we go. 361 00:14:39,052 --> 00:14:43,162 So go ahead here and I think that's fine. 362 00:14:43,172 --> 00:14:44,142 You don't need to put it on girl. 363 00:14:44,142 --> 00:14:44,792 All right, here you go. 364 00:14:44,802 --> 00:14:46,262 All right, can you hold it? 365 00:14:46,262 --> 00:14:46,532 Okay. 366 00:14:46,572 --> 00:14:46,742 All right. 367 00:14:46,772 --> 00:14:47,262 There you go. 368 00:14:47,322 --> 00:14:49,122 Where'd that water go here that water's over here. 369 00:14:49,122 --> 00:14:49,452 Okay. 370 00:14:49,662 --> 00:14:49,982 All right. 371 00:14:49,992 --> 00:14:51,962 So here you go So what was the punishment again? 372 00:14:53,377 --> 00:14:54,817 It was water in the face, right? 373 00:14:54,837 --> 00:14:57,407 We played the game and she failed. 374 00:14:59,527 --> 00:15:00,187 I know this is church. 375 00:15:00,217 --> 00:15:01,467 Where's the mercy and grace? 376 00:15:01,817 --> 00:15:02,607 It's a tough game. 377 00:15:03,927 --> 00:15:04,357 Here we go. 378 00:15:04,387 --> 00:15:04,847 Now, here we go. 379 00:15:04,847 --> 00:15:05,307 Here we go. 380 00:15:05,607 --> 00:15:06,847 Now she deserves this. 381 00:15:06,997 --> 00:15:11,937 However, mercy steps in and says, no, we're going to pardon you. 382 00:15:13,767 --> 00:15:15,007 So now she's received what? 383 00:15:15,902 --> 00:15:16,342 Mercy. 384 00:15:16,352 --> 00:15:18,952 She does not get what she deserves. 385 00:15:18,982 --> 00:15:21,222 She earned it with that terrible six. 386 00:15:21,232 --> 00:15:22,162 I'm just playing with you. 387 00:15:22,162 --> 00:15:24,322 Okay, but she earned it. 388 00:15:24,402 --> 00:15:25,032 It's true. 389 00:15:25,032 --> 00:15:25,462 It's a matter. 390 00:15:25,602 --> 00:15:26,742 You are all witnesses. 391 00:15:26,892 --> 00:15:27,842 It's black and white. 392 00:15:27,842 --> 00:15:28,432 It's true. 393 00:15:28,532 --> 00:15:29,922 We know it to be the case. 394 00:15:30,082 --> 00:15:35,452 However, mercy stepped in and say, you will not receive that punishment. 395 00:15:36,042 --> 00:15:36,632 You are pardoned. 396 00:15:37,532 --> 00:15:41,512 And now grace follows and grace says, look, you didn't, you 397 00:15:41,512 --> 00:15:43,422 didn't earn this great Hershey's. 398 00:15:44,612 --> 00:15:45,492 But you know what? 399 00:15:45,892 --> 00:15:49,052 I'm going to give that to you. 400 00:15:49,052 --> 00:15:52,472 And there she fired up, but here's what grace does as well. 401 00:15:52,482 --> 00:15:55,072 Grace, the grace of God says, you know what? 402 00:15:55,322 --> 00:15:56,812 That that's not enough here. 403 00:15:56,812 --> 00:15:57,872 Here's what I'm going to do. 404 00:15:58,352 --> 00:16:01,682 Grace says every single day, here you go. 405 00:16:01,692 --> 00:16:02,432 There's the Hershey. 406 00:16:02,432 --> 00:16:05,292 That's a good white almond chocolate, whatever that's called, right? 407 00:16:05,292 --> 00:16:06,972 Here's another grace tomorrow. 408 00:16:06,992 --> 00:16:08,512 Wait, can you guess my number again? 409 00:16:08,522 --> 00:16:09,162 Please guess it. 410 00:16:09,992 --> 00:16:11,032 No, it was six. 411 00:16:11,172 --> 00:16:13,642 Okay, here we go, but you still get it. 412 00:16:13,802 --> 00:16:15,692 She's partying but look at every day. 413 00:16:15,692 --> 00:16:16,372 She wakes up. 414 00:16:16,532 --> 00:16:23,052 There's love There's relationships every single day Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and 415 00:16:23,052 --> 00:16:26,992 next month and next year she gets grace 416 00:16:32,002 --> 00:16:33,502 Girl, I'm gonna need all that chocolate back. 417 00:16:33,522 --> 00:16:37,832 No, I'm just playing go on ahead Give it on up for Emily right there 418 00:16:41,112 --> 00:16:42,872 You see, she received mercy. 419 00:16:42,882 --> 00:16:45,182 She didn't get what she deserved. 420 00:16:46,062 --> 00:16:47,412 We didn't have to argue about that. 421 00:16:47,412 --> 00:16:48,002 What did she deserve? 422 00:16:48,002 --> 00:16:48,902 Okay, let's stop right there. 423 00:16:48,902 --> 00:16:50,212 Everybody's asking for chocolate. 424 00:16:50,462 --> 00:16:52,522 This isn't like, you know, free t shirts at a game. 425 00:16:52,932 --> 00:16:53,512 You know what I'm saying? 426 00:16:56,852 --> 00:16:57,632 Now, here's the thing. 427 00:16:57,642 --> 00:16:59,272 Here's the thing, brothers and sisters. 428 00:17:00,232 --> 00:17:00,952 You and I are Emily with God. 429 00:17:00,952 --> 00:17:00,982 We've 430 00:17:07,172 --> 00:17:07,962 missed the mark. 431 00:17:08,432 --> 00:17:10,281 Sometimes we've tried and we just messed up. 432 00:17:10,571 --> 00:17:11,842 Most times it's intentional. 433 00:17:11,872 --> 00:17:12,652 It's deliberate. 434 00:17:13,702 --> 00:17:16,112 We defy the Holy God. 435 00:17:17,402 --> 00:17:20,382 However, he pardoned our sins, but guess what? 436 00:17:20,462 --> 00:17:22,972 He pardons us on a daily basis. 437 00:17:22,972 --> 00:17:24,142 Here's the thing we have to understand. 438 00:17:24,202 --> 00:17:27,821 Every day we live is an act of God's mercy. 439 00:17:29,522 --> 00:17:34,962 Every day that we live is an act of God's mercy. 440 00:17:35,432 --> 00:17:39,762 If God gave all of us what we deserve, we would all be right now 441 00:17:39,912 --> 00:17:42,952 condemned to eternity or for eternity. 442 00:17:43,802 --> 00:17:48,592 But as people who are saved, those of us who are saved, we can, and sometimes 443 00:17:48,752 --> 00:17:50,722 need to plead with our father for mercy. 444 00:17:50,722 --> 00:17:52,692 And, and what are we doing? 445 00:17:52,692 --> 00:17:54,082 We're asking God on a daily basis. 446 00:17:54,322 --> 00:17:57,482 God, please don't treat me as my sins deserve. 447 00:17:58,942 --> 00:18:02,152 And God continually shows us mercy. 448 00:18:03,182 --> 00:18:06,482 And just so you know, quick side note, it hit me like, wow, it's so 449 00:18:06,482 --> 00:18:10,602 foolish and so ridiculous when we feel like God owes us something. 450 00:18:14,102 --> 00:18:14,992 Well, I did this. 451 00:18:14,992 --> 00:18:16,212 I said, Jesus is Lord. 452 00:18:16,402 --> 00:18:17,592 I've shared my faith. 453 00:18:17,592 --> 00:18:19,922 I've given sacrificially for years. 454 00:18:20,082 --> 00:18:22,452 I tried and you owe me God. 455 00:18:23,662 --> 00:18:27,602 We don't maybe get that bold in our prayers, but in our 456 00:18:27,602 --> 00:18:28,932 heart, that's what we're saying. 457 00:18:29,682 --> 00:18:31,562 And then when God doesn't give it, what happens? 458 00:18:32,412 --> 00:18:33,122 Get bitter. 459 00:18:34,082 --> 00:18:34,892 Some of us drift. 460 00:18:34,892 --> 00:18:40,762 Some of us even quit on God because you didn't give me what I deserve. 461 00:18:41,647 --> 00:18:42,307 You're right. 462 00:18:42,317 --> 00:18:44,117 He did not give you what you deserve. 463 00:18:46,277 --> 00:18:48,587 Condemnation is what you and I deserve. 464 00:18:49,847 --> 00:18:55,057 So every day we live is an act of God's mercy. 465 00:18:55,637 --> 00:18:59,227 And so here's the thing is that this, I mean, I'm telling you this, this is so 466 00:18:59,227 --> 00:19:03,947 incredible is this look, grace is anything and everything we receive beyond mercy. 467 00:19:06,102 --> 00:19:08,742 You see, when you get pardons today, you are living. 468 00:19:08,742 --> 00:19:10,252 That's a grace of God. 469 00:19:10,272 --> 00:19:11,372 I mean, that's the mercy of God. 470 00:19:11,552 --> 00:19:15,232 Now, anything and everything you receive after that is grace. 471 00:19:20,342 --> 00:19:21,952 God is gracious and merciful. 472 00:19:23,312 --> 00:19:25,492 Even to the wicked and the disobedient. 473 00:19:25,522 --> 00:19:27,672 This is what some call common grace. 474 00:19:28,672 --> 00:19:32,262 In which every single person on this planet right now who is living. 475 00:19:34,052 --> 00:19:36,262 Has received an act of mercy and grace. 476 00:19:37,282 --> 00:19:37,512 Why? 477 00:19:37,522 --> 00:19:38,662 Because they're not condemned. 478 00:19:39,062 --> 00:19:41,202 They have not received punishment yet, and they're given the 479 00:19:41,202 --> 00:19:45,532 opportunity to enjoy certain aspects of life and the opportunity 480 00:19:45,532 --> 00:19:46,942 to have a relationship with God. 481 00:19:47,692 --> 00:19:54,692 But as disciples of Jesus, we are given so much more of God's grace and mercy. 482 00:19:55,662 --> 00:19:57,532 We've been given the Holy Spirit. 483 00:19:57,532 --> 00:19:58,182 Think about this. 484 00:19:58,182 --> 00:20:00,122 God's spirit dwells in you. 485 00:20:00,132 --> 00:20:00,962 Did you earn that? 486 00:20:02,202 --> 00:20:05,392 No, but he freely gave it to you on the day of your baptism. 487 00:20:07,022 --> 00:20:10,102 God's transformation of your life, your character, and your 488 00:20:10,102 --> 00:20:11,862 heart is through the Holy Spirit. 489 00:20:12,042 --> 00:20:16,572 That's grace to be a part of his eternal family and kingdom. 490 00:20:16,792 --> 00:20:21,022 That is grace to be given faith, hope, love. 491 00:20:21,322 --> 00:20:27,912 That is grace to be given a chance at transformation and lives that are changed. 492 00:20:28,322 --> 00:20:32,722 We've been given a new worldview, a new perspective on life. 493 00:20:33,082 --> 00:20:36,932 We've been freed from the chains of our past and our sins. 494 00:20:38,237 --> 00:20:41,327 The relationships that we have and oh, I love this fellowship because of 495 00:20:41,327 --> 00:20:45,667 the relationships that we have that are so fulfilling and transformative. 496 00:20:47,237 --> 00:20:48,297 We've been given a purpose. 497 00:20:48,797 --> 00:20:52,007 We've been given a mission and the opportunity to be a part of an 498 00:20:52,007 --> 00:20:54,307 eternal impact upon the planets. 499 00:20:55,097 --> 00:20:58,477 All of that is God's grace. 500 00:21:00,437 --> 00:21:03,757 Now, again, if we can grasp God's grace and mercy. 501 00:21:04,482 --> 00:21:08,162 When we do that, we ought to recognize his grace and his mercy, and we must 502 00:21:08,162 --> 00:21:14,472 recognize this that every blessing is an act of mercy and grace out of God's love. 503 00:21:15,562 --> 00:21:20,952 Every blessing is an act of grace and mercy by God from 504 00:21:21,142 --> 00:21:24,092 his heart of love for you. 505 00:21:24,942 --> 00:21:27,712 I love this way that I read this quote and I wanted to share it with you. 506 00:21:28,342 --> 00:21:31,792 It says the radical beauty of grace is that it is totally 507 00:21:31,832 --> 00:21:33,892 unmerited and unconditional. 508 00:21:34,292 --> 00:21:36,302 We don't deserve the free gift of salvation. 509 00:21:36,502 --> 00:21:38,842 We don't deserve the constant help of the Holy Spirit. 510 00:21:39,072 --> 00:21:42,192 And we don't deserve all the joys and the pleasures of this life. 511 00:21:42,352 --> 00:21:46,742 And yet, because of God's unthinkable love for us, we get to experience 512 00:21:46,792 --> 00:21:50,412 all of these forms of grace and more. 513 00:21:51,892 --> 00:21:56,792 All around us, all around us is the evidence of God's grace. 514 00:21:58,312 --> 00:22:02,142 The fact that you can hear and see what I'm saying or look on the screen, the fact 515 00:22:02,142 --> 00:22:05,562 that you're able to comprehend the words that are coming out of my mouth, the fact 516 00:22:05,562 --> 00:22:09,062 that you can pray and seeing that you are sitting down right now, whatever the case 517 00:22:09,062 --> 00:22:11,122 may be, that's God's grace upon your life. 518 00:22:11,292 --> 00:22:12,122 Did you earn that? 519 00:22:12,122 --> 00:22:12,772 No. 520 00:22:12,962 --> 00:22:13,922 Did you deserve that? 521 00:22:13,922 --> 00:22:14,302 No. 522 00:22:14,462 --> 00:22:16,042 But he freely gave it to you. 523 00:22:17,462 --> 00:22:18,962 Boy, oh boy, we serve a good God. 524 00:22:20,062 --> 00:22:21,022 We serve a good God. 525 00:22:21,072 --> 00:22:23,122 Well, we are, we are so blessed. 526 00:22:23,742 --> 00:22:25,932 The fact that you got here was an act of grace. 527 00:22:27,227 --> 00:22:30,657 The fact that you can do whatever it is, fill in the blank. 528 00:22:31,297 --> 00:22:37,057 It is by God's mercy and it is by God's grace, the dynamic duo. 529 00:22:38,397 --> 00:22:42,797 What if we recognized God's grace and mercy in our lives? 530 00:22:49,857 --> 00:22:55,117 What if going forward, you started to recognize God's 531 00:22:55,117 --> 00:22:59,187 grace and mercy in your life? 532 00:23:04,037 --> 00:23:08,302 For me, What it's already started to do, it's brought so 533 00:23:08,302 --> 00:23:11,212 much humility and gratitude. 534 00:23:13,282 --> 00:23:17,932 I have a different perspective as I start today and thinking 535 00:23:17,942 --> 00:23:20,082 about what am I complaining about? 536 00:23:21,322 --> 00:23:23,712 I'm humbled knowing I didn't earn anything. 537 00:23:24,412 --> 00:23:27,252 I'm grateful because I'm like, wow, God, you have blessed me so much. 538 00:23:27,422 --> 00:23:31,212 I can look at my kids and go, wow, what a blessing from God. 539 00:23:31,212 --> 00:23:32,812 What an act of grace. 540 00:23:35,567 --> 00:23:42,067 It's maybe just want to worship you by hallelujah, hallelujah, 541 00:23:43,507 --> 00:23:50,457 hallelujah, hallelujah for your grace and your mercy in my life. 542 00:23:51,287 --> 00:23:55,887 I want us to get real practical right now and here's an action step here 543 00:23:55,897 --> 00:23:58,447 for the week for the next seven days. 544 00:23:59,467 --> 00:24:00,517 Try this out with me. 545 00:24:01,072 --> 00:24:04,862 Just for the next seven days spend a portion of your personal devotional time. 546 00:24:04,902 --> 00:24:10,382 Many of us call those quiet times Reflecting on God's mercy and grace 547 00:24:10,392 --> 00:24:15,892 for that day However long that be maybe it's five minutes in whatever it is Just 548 00:24:15,912 --> 00:24:21,952 take a portion of your time with God that day and reflect upon His grace and 549 00:24:21,952 --> 00:24:25,192 mercy in your life just for that day. 550 00:24:28,352 --> 00:24:29,882 I Want to do something real quickly here. 551 00:24:29,882 --> 00:24:31,522 I forgot to mention we're gonna do something. 552 00:24:32,002 --> 00:24:35,592 You know, I like to try things And if they work, hallelujah. 553 00:24:36,192 --> 00:24:38,832 And if they don't, you know, we won't do it again. 554 00:24:39,952 --> 00:24:42,142 And so I want to call up some people onto the stage here. 555 00:24:42,142 --> 00:24:45,512 I'm going to call up Chuan, uh, Nick, and Savannah. 556 00:24:45,512 --> 00:24:47,812 Can you guys come on up to the stage here real quickly? 557 00:24:47,883 --> 00:24:48,973 Give it on up for them. 558 00:24:49,055 --> 00:24:50,665 We're going to do a little interview with them. 559 00:24:50,718 --> 00:24:53,568 And so I asked them earlier in the week if they would come up, but they 560 00:24:53,568 --> 00:24:56,118 don't, they have no idea what the questions are or anything like that. 561 00:24:58,443 --> 00:25:00,123 You guys wanna sit a little closer on this side? 562 00:25:00,123 --> 00:25:00,643 There you go. 563 00:25:01,283 --> 00:25:02,003 We can do that. 564 00:25:02,113 --> 00:25:03,753 You don't have to be, I don't, I don't have cooties. 565 00:25:03,853 --> 00:25:04,443 Alright, here we go. 566 00:25:04,593 --> 00:25:06,143 We just wanna try something here today. 567 00:25:06,143 --> 00:25:10,283 We just want to get, uh, just some, some initial response to, to the 568 00:25:10,283 --> 00:25:13,523 message of God and what they've received and hopefully that might... 569 00:25:13,838 --> 00:25:16,678 Spark some interest, or maybe the spirit might minister to you in 570 00:25:16,698 --> 00:25:19,638 some form or fashion, uh, just by the things that are mentioned here. 571 00:25:19,638 --> 00:25:23,858 So, uh, first up, if you guys can just go ahead and, uh, and share 572 00:25:23,858 --> 00:25:27,628 your name and how long you've been a, uh, a disciple of Jesus. 573 00:25:28,978 --> 00:25:29,828 My name is Tuan Nguyen. 574 00:25:29,898 --> 00:25:32,378 I've been a disciple for, I think, 31 years. 575 00:25:34,148 --> 00:25:38,438 My name is Savannah Creo, and I've been a disciple for almost 6 years. 576 00:25:39,238 --> 00:25:42,328 My name is Nick Lubey, and I've been a disciple for about 7 years. 577 00:25:42,698 --> 00:25:43,688 Alright, come on! 578 00:25:43,698 --> 00:25:44,568 Thank you very much. 579 00:25:44,808 --> 00:25:47,738 Alright, so, all of you guys could answer this one here. 580 00:25:47,738 --> 00:25:53,348 What are some of your initial thoughts and reflections on God's mercy and grace? 581 00:25:54,608 --> 00:25:58,038 Some of your initial thoughts and reflections on Okay. 582 00:25:58,118 --> 00:25:58,628 Um, yeah. 583 00:25:59,028 --> 00:25:59,998 Um, yeah. 584 00:25:59,998 --> 00:26:05,558 So I think, um, what I think about, uh, when it comes to God's mercy and grace is 585 00:26:05,918 --> 00:26:11,298 that, um, you know, when I entered into a relationship with God, that, um, someone 586 00:26:11,308 --> 00:26:14,598 willingly ransomed his life for mine. 587 00:26:15,148 --> 00:26:19,758 Um, so everything that I thought I possessed and owned was no longer mine. 588 00:26:19,758 --> 00:26:20,343 Right? 589 00:26:20,613 --> 00:26:23,443 Because, uh, I had been saved. 590 00:26:23,573 --> 00:26:28,823 And so, um, I feel really strongly that, you know, the motivations that 591 00:26:29,213 --> 00:26:34,053 I have and the things that I do, um, they ought to come from that 592 00:26:34,053 --> 00:26:37,003 source, which, which is that, you know, like, none of this is mine. 593 00:26:37,383 --> 00:26:40,613 It's all his, you know, that he granted me to have some 594 00:26:40,613 --> 00:26:42,293 responsibility over it, you know. 595 00:26:44,893 --> 00:26:51,273 Yeah, I think similarly, I think that I just, I don't know, it's just, I'm I 596 00:26:51,273 --> 00:26:57,603 can't comprehend it, you know, I'm like, oh wow, I get this gift and almost like 597 00:26:57,603 --> 00:27:00,813 a new toy, like how do I use it, like different ways to use it and I just, I 598 00:27:00,813 --> 00:27:08,333 get to experience that on my own and just figure out new ways to like fall in love 599 00:27:08,333 --> 00:27:10,303 with God and his mercy all over again too. 600 00:27:11,743 --> 00:27:16,123 Um, for me, I find it in like lots of the little things because it 601 00:27:16,123 --> 00:27:19,643 feels like, Oh, you know, if you work hard and you are in the right spot, 602 00:27:19,643 --> 00:27:21,143 like big things can happen for you. 603 00:27:21,473 --> 00:27:25,593 Um, but God's grace and mercy is in all the little mercies and the little graces 604 00:27:25,713 --> 00:27:31,613 from, you know, just like desperately looking for a parking spot or, you 605 00:27:31,613 --> 00:27:34,003 know, finding like enough money to like. 606 00:27:34,438 --> 00:27:38,378 You know, buy yourself a little treat or two, or even the fact that like God can 607 00:27:38,428 --> 00:27:44,728 provide, um, abundantly in these little things daily, just like, it's, it's always 608 00:27:44,728 --> 00:27:48,098 amazing to me, God's attention to detail. 609 00:27:48,598 --> 00:27:49,078 Amen. 610 00:27:49,468 --> 00:27:51,368 So maybe just one or two of you, let me ask you this. 611 00:27:51,368 --> 00:27:55,178 What would you, what would it do for you to recognize God's grace 612 00:27:55,178 --> 00:27:57,048 and mercy in your daily lives? 613 00:27:57,108 --> 00:27:57,918 What would it do for you? 614 00:27:58,167 --> 00:28:01,007 Yeah, I think for me, I can be very. 615 00:28:01,927 --> 00:28:05,777 Critical right when I wake up, you know, I just automatically think of 616 00:28:06,577 --> 00:28:11,777 all the things I haven't done or I need to do or what I'm lacking in 617 00:28:11,777 --> 00:28:13,997 or how I'm already failing at 7 a. 618 00:28:13,997 --> 00:28:14,317 m. 619 00:28:14,787 --> 00:28:21,867 Um, and I think just taking that time to realize what God's already given me, 620 00:28:22,037 --> 00:28:27,967 you know, to sit down and like think about how grateful and thankful I am 621 00:28:27,997 --> 00:28:32,767 for Like Nick said, like the little small intentional things, I think can 622 00:28:32,767 --> 00:28:36,647 go a long way, you know, changing your mindset really does a 180 in how you 623 00:28:36,657 --> 00:28:40,467 view and your perspective changes on how you even think of and love people, so. 624 00:28:43,117 --> 00:28:43,957 Any others want to answer that? 625 00:28:44,997 --> 00:28:48,227 Um, yeah, it fills me with, um, tremendous gratitude. 626 00:28:48,547 --> 00:28:51,837 Yeah, cause, um, it, it does remind me that, um, I don't 627 00:28:51,837 --> 00:28:54,237 deserve anything that I receive. 628 00:28:54,307 --> 00:28:59,972 You know, that, I mean honestly, the actions that I take, even After having 629 00:28:59,982 --> 00:29:07,262 been saved and resaved and, you know, like, um, having so many chances, um, I 630 00:29:07,262 --> 00:29:13,992 really, you know, God seems to shower me with, uh, abundance, uh, of His blessings. 631 00:29:14,102 --> 00:29:20,662 And, um, you know, it, it really helps me to just be super grateful that, um, 632 00:29:20,752 --> 00:29:22,502 this life of mine gets better and better. 633 00:29:23,732 --> 00:29:24,172 Amen. 634 00:29:24,192 --> 00:29:25,222 Let me ask you guys this again. 635 00:29:25,222 --> 00:29:26,022 One or two of you. 636 00:29:26,272 --> 00:29:30,452 How can you recognize God's grace and mercy more in your life? 637 00:29:33,592 --> 00:29:37,882 I think for me, it's looking to other people, uh, and choosing to be 638 00:29:37,882 --> 00:29:43,922 thankful because I know from myself, I can get very self focused and self 639 00:29:43,922 --> 00:29:45,522 centered and what am I thinking? 640 00:29:45,522 --> 00:29:46,252 What am I doing? 641 00:29:46,772 --> 00:29:51,957 Um, but looking out and recognizing like, How God has moved, changed 642 00:29:51,957 --> 00:29:56,007 in people's lives to even bless me, you know, see his grace through 643 00:29:56,007 --> 00:29:57,737 them, see his mercy through them. 644 00:29:58,177 --> 00:30:02,347 Um, I know for me personally, that's huge when it comes to 645 00:30:03,197 --> 00:30:05,087 seeing God's grace very visibly. 646 00:30:05,427 --> 00:30:12,317 Um, and latching on to that, um, is just seeing it like just in, in 647 00:30:12,317 --> 00:30:14,547 places where you wouldn't normally wouldn't be paying attention. 648 00:30:17,932 --> 00:30:21,122 Yeah, I think about, um, a couple of years ago, my best friend gave me this 649 00:30:21,202 --> 00:30:25,462 book called Book of Togetherness, and it was like a daily exercise thing, 650 00:30:25,472 --> 00:30:30,492 and one of them was to write a list of all the things that I was grateful for. 651 00:30:31,842 --> 00:30:35,022 And even though it's just a list, it like kept going. 652 00:30:35,032 --> 00:30:39,122 Like it was like all the big things, you know, like my mom, my dad, my sister. 653 00:30:39,152 --> 00:30:41,572 And then it just went into like more specific things. 654 00:30:41,582 --> 00:30:44,242 So I really think like intentionality with yourself. 655 00:30:45,027 --> 00:30:50,697 Take, like, really setting apart even 30 minutes to just write down things 656 00:30:50,697 --> 00:30:52,447 you're grateful for today alone. 657 00:30:52,977 --> 00:30:55,077 I, I mean, it, it really does change. 658 00:30:55,817 --> 00:30:56,687 Well, I appreciate that. 659 00:30:57,627 --> 00:30:58,587 One last question. 660 00:30:58,587 --> 00:31:02,657 What do you see could be the challenges going forward and 661 00:31:02,657 --> 00:31:04,697 how can you overcome them? 662 00:31:04,697 --> 00:31:06,027 It's easier to talk about it, right? 663 00:31:06,057 --> 00:31:07,657 But then we know there's going to be some challenges. 664 00:31:07,667 --> 00:31:10,817 So what do you see could be some challenges, but then quickly, 665 00:31:10,987 --> 00:31:12,317 how can you overcome them? 666 00:31:12,662 --> 00:31:18,202 Um, biggest thing when it comes to challenges is not being aware that they 667 00:31:18,202 --> 00:31:20,572 come up, like just being caught off guard. 668 00:31:21,002 --> 00:31:24,142 Jesus even warns us in this world, you will have trouble. 669 00:31:24,432 --> 00:31:27,992 Well, I'm speaking more of the challenges of us recognizing God's grace and mercy. 670 00:31:27,992 --> 00:31:28,422 Right, of course. 671 00:31:28,422 --> 00:31:28,582 Okay. 672 00:31:28,582 --> 00:31:28,852 Okay. 673 00:31:28,852 --> 00:31:28,892 Yeah. 674 00:31:29,102 --> 00:31:34,152 Um, when it comes to specifically that is, is being aware that trouble doesn't 675 00:31:34,152 --> 00:31:36,952 change the grace that's already been given or the mercy that's already been given. 676 00:31:37,452 --> 00:31:41,232 Um, and keeping that mindset of okay, like. 677 00:31:41,682 --> 00:31:45,422 Even if I don't feel his grace and mercy right now, it's already been given and 678 00:31:45,422 --> 00:31:49,402 is being given and will continue to be given because that's who our God is. 679 00:31:49,432 --> 00:31:54,012 And just hanging on to that belief and remaining, uh, strong in it. 680 00:31:54,332 --> 00:31:54,672 Good. 681 00:31:55,474 --> 00:32:01,544 Yeah, I guess, um, uh, truthfully, um, my, the challenge with, uh, 682 00:32:01,594 --> 00:32:06,739 recognizing God's grace is, uh, like me, Uh, accepting his blessings and 683 00:32:06,739 --> 00:32:12,669 then, um, viewing myself with a self importance, you know, like, Uh, thinking 684 00:32:12,739 --> 00:32:17,339 that, uh, instead, you know, like, thinking that I worked for this, right? 685 00:32:17,339 --> 00:32:21,829 Thinking that, you know, like, uh, I've been good, God has blessed me, so, you 686 00:32:21,829 --> 00:32:23,889 know, I'm really, really important, right? 687 00:32:24,079 --> 00:32:28,919 And, um, I think, uh, the truth is that, you know, I'm, I'm still that, 688 00:32:29,359 --> 00:32:34,299 you know, like, um, that rag that he found by the, by the road, right? 689 00:32:34,934 --> 00:32:37,704 And he chose to pick it up, clean it and save it. 690 00:32:39,174 --> 00:32:39,654 Amen. 691 00:32:39,664 --> 00:32:42,454 Let's give it on up here for our interviewees. 692 00:32:43,144 --> 00:32:44,234 Appreciate that. 693 00:32:44,864 --> 00:32:45,604 Good stuff. 694 00:32:45,664 --> 00:32:46,234 Good stuff. 695 00:32:46,234 --> 00:32:47,054 That was shared. 696 00:32:48,524 --> 00:32:49,074 In a second. 697 00:32:49,074 --> 00:32:54,924 Now, we're going to take the emblems that represent Jesus's body and 698 00:32:54,924 --> 00:33:00,124 blood that was sacrificed and we call this communion and God's grace 699 00:33:00,124 --> 00:33:04,524 and mercy again stems from his love. 700 00:33:06,909 --> 00:33:12,979 God's grace and mercy, they are displayed and given through Jesus and 701 00:33:12,979 --> 00:33:15,899 his sacrifice and the resurrection. 702 00:33:16,679 --> 00:33:18,549 And you know, we mentioned earlier, right? 703 00:33:19,499 --> 00:33:27,449 Going back to this, this example in which we had the, uh, uh, we, we had Emily and 704 00:33:27,449 --> 00:33:30,169 here's the incredible thing that God does. 705 00:33:31,434 --> 00:33:34,444 Is that God goes ahead and he says, you know what? 706 00:33:34,444 --> 00:33:36,314 My son is going to take your penalty. 707 00:33:36,314 --> 00:33:39,504 He's going to take the, the, the, the punishment for you. 708 00:33:39,884 --> 00:33:43,044 And so in that scenario, it would be like, Emily, you know what? 709 00:33:43,044 --> 00:33:45,394 No, you're not going to, you're not going to go ahead and 710 00:33:45,404 --> 00:33:46,724 have this water dumped on you. 711 00:33:46,894 --> 00:33:49,954 And in fact, I'm going to give you what you didn't deserve. 712 00:33:50,044 --> 00:33:51,554 I'm going to give you all those things. 713 00:33:51,684 --> 00:33:56,164 And then what I'm going to do and replace of your punishment is that I'm 714 00:33:56,164 --> 00:33:58,394 going to take the punishment myself. 715 00:34:00,689 --> 00:34:01,689 I was supposed to put that on, 716 00:34:08,349 --> 00:34:09,748 but I sacrifice for the Lord. 717 00:34:14,509 --> 00:34:18,049 Think about that for a second, brothers and sisters. 718 00:34:18,069 --> 00:34:19,559 Think about this for a second. 719 00:34:21,199 --> 00:34:24,239 Jesus said, I'm not going to allow you to suffer. 720 00:34:25,029 --> 00:34:28,469 And then I'm going to give you the gift of salvation. 721 00:34:28,708 --> 00:34:32,029 And then I'm going to take the punishment for you. 722 00:34:33,369 --> 00:34:33,489 Watch. 723 00:34:34,694 --> 00:34:36,684 We would have said just enough of the pardon. 724 00:34:37,514 --> 00:34:41,714 We would have loved just the grace, but he said the only way you can be pardoned, and 725 00:34:41,714 --> 00:34:46,324 the only way you can have his grace, is if that sin is still judged and dealt with. 726 00:34:46,543 --> 00:34:47,864 But you can't do it. 727 00:34:48,813 --> 00:34:49,623 So I will. 728 00:34:51,543 --> 00:34:54,934 I will take the condemnation for you. 729 00:34:56,143 --> 00:35:00,484 So that you can have eternal life, not just for... 730 00:35:01,059 --> 00:35:05,719 The afterlife, but you can begin it the very moment that you get saved. 731 00:35:08,219 --> 00:35:14,269 The dynamic duo, God's grace and mercy. 732 00:35:15,109 --> 00:35:16,899 Let's pray for the communion of God. 733 00:35:16,899 --> 00:35:22,449 Thank you so much for your love, your mercy, your grace. 734 00:35:24,339 --> 00:35:28,809 Thank you so much that we not only see grace and mercy. 735 00:35:29,594 --> 00:35:35,204 When it comes to our salvation, but we see our grace and mercy in our everyday lives 736 00:35:37,314 --> 00:35:39,184 and God, we know that came at a cost. 737 00:35:39,184 --> 00:35:44,594 It was not free, but it came at the cost of the cross of your son, Jesus. 738 00:35:45,739 --> 00:35:47,659 Lord, we never want to take that lightly. 739 00:35:47,939 --> 00:35:50,029 We never want to be immune to this. 740 00:35:50,029 --> 00:35:53,599 We never want to get numb to what Jesus did for us. 741 00:35:55,029 --> 00:35:56,809 Yeah, we want to be moved and stirred. 742 00:35:56,809 --> 00:36:00,799 We want to be motivated by the cross and have hope through the resurrection. 743 00:36:01,969 --> 00:36:06,149 And so God, we thank you for your mercy for allowing us this day. 744 00:36:07,139 --> 00:36:11,659 Thank you for your grace to be able to respond to your mercy and grace. 745 00:36:12,434 --> 00:36:15,654 Even our repentance is an act of mercy and grace. 746 00:36:17,144 --> 00:36:18,284 Lord, we thank you. 747 00:36:19,344 --> 00:36:21,304 We thank you for your dynamic duo. 748 00:36:22,494 --> 00:36:27,494 We thank you for your sacrifice, your love, your patience, your goodness. 749 00:36:28,404 --> 00:36:30,074 Thank you for the Holy Spirit. 750 00:36:30,744 --> 00:36:32,304 Thank you for your word. 751 00:36:33,214 --> 00:36:35,444 Thank you for your son. 752 00:36:36,264 --> 00:36:38,264 Thank you for your love. 753 00:36:40,094 --> 00:36:40,294 Amen.