1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:04,980 Marcel Hall: I haven't really been able to share something, uh, with 2 00:00:04,980 --> 00:00:08,250 the congregation that I usually do at the beginning of the year. 3 00:00:09,690 --> 00:00:12,990 And actually I do this actually on a, on a wide, a worldwide basis. 4 00:00:12,990 --> 00:00:14,310 I share every year. 5 00:00:14,310 --> 00:00:19,740 I have a slogan for the year, and I've been doing this since like 2008. 6 00:00:19,740 --> 00:00:22,830 And usually it's just my personal slogan, but I give it free 7 00:00:22,830 --> 00:00:24,510 of charge to everybody else. 8 00:00:25,320 --> 00:00:27,060 You are more than welcome to use it. 9 00:00:27,060 --> 00:00:30,690 And I think once in now, uh, once, you know, every now and then, it will 10 00:00:30,690 --> 00:00:34,320 actually kind of help be one of the themes for the church for the year. 11 00:00:34,440 --> 00:00:35,940 And so, oh, was that my man? 12 00:00:36,055 --> 00:00:36,275 Ej. 13 00:00:36,600 --> 00:00:40,200 Ej you've been with me for a long time and you know, EJ was with me back in 14 00:00:40,200 --> 00:00:44,430 LA uh, before we moved here, and so he remembers you might be part of the genesis 15 00:00:44,430 --> 00:00:48,840 of it, but, uh, so to give you a little bit of history, like in the past when I 16 00:00:48,840 --> 00:00:50,940 first started, it was great in oh eight. 17 00:00:52,110 --> 00:00:53,520 Because I was trying to be great in oh eight. 18 00:00:53,520 --> 00:00:54,450 You, you get what I'm saying? 19 00:00:54,450 --> 00:00:57,090 That was 2008 for those who couldn't catch that. 20 00:00:58,470 --> 00:01:00,000 And it's been on every year. 21 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:01,230 And so I'll give you the last couple. 22 00:01:01,230 --> 00:01:05,640 So, uh, in the past here in the last couple years, it was become more in 24. 23 00:01:07,110 --> 00:01:07,560 Oh yeah. 24 00:01:07,565 --> 00:01:07,645 Yeah. 25 00:01:07,650 --> 00:01:08,640 Y'all appreciate that. 26 00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:08,970 Okay. 27 00:01:10,020 --> 00:01:13,440 Last year was let the spirit drive in two five. 28 00:01:14,400 --> 00:01:15,450 Oh, yeah. 29 00:01:15,450 --> 00:01:16,020 Yeah. 30 00:01:16,050 --> 00:01:16,350 Okay. 31 00:01:16,350 --> 00:01:17,220 We ain't coming late. 32 00:01:17,310 --> 00:01:18,600 We've grown since oh eight. 33 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:19,350 You know what I'm saying? 34 00:01:19,380 --> 00:01:19,470 Yes. 35 00:01:20,100 --> 00:01:24,420 And so this year, can a brother get a drum roll please? 36 00:01:24,420 --> 00:01:24,960 Thank you. 37 00:01:26,039 --> 00:01:27,089 Here it is. 38 00:01:27,539 --> 00:01:29,820 We're a little late, but it's better late than never. 39 00:01:29,820 --> 00:01:30,539 Here we go. 40 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:31,649 Alright, here it is. 41 00:01:31,919 --> 00:01:32,880 Let's hope this is working. 42 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:33,330 Here we go. 43 00:01:33,390 --> 00:01:34,259 Here we go. 44 00:01:34,380 --> 00:01:36,479 It is clean, like new kicks in. 45 00:01:36,479 --> 00:01:37,169 Two six. 46 00:01:39,270 --> 00:01:40,350 That's right. 47 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:45,240 I want the Lord to keep making me clean like some new kicks in. 48 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:45,539 Two six. 49 00:01:47,220 --> 00:01:51,270 I wanna do my part in being clean, looking fresh and clean, like some new kicks in. 50 00:01:51,270 --> 00:01:52,020 Two six. 51 00:01:52,380 --> 00:01:53,490 Are y'all with me there? 52 00:01:54,060 --> 00:01:56,729 So you can go ahead and use that as well. 53 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:58,920 Again, this is free of charge. 54 00:01:59,340 --> 00:02:01,890 Hashtag clean, like new kicks in. 55 00:02:01,890 --> 00:02:02,490 Two six. 56 00:02:02,490 --> 00:02:02,970 All right. 57 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:08,669 And so speaking of 2026, I know there's a trend that's been going on. 58 00:02:08,669 --> 00:02:09,538 The, uh, look back. 59 00:02:09,538 --> 00:02:09,930 What is it? 60 00:02:09,930 --> 00:02:11,160 The, uh, 26. 61 00:02:11,280 --> 00:02:13,170 2026 is the new 2016. 62 00:02:13,170 --> 00:02:13,829 Is that what it is? 63 00:02:14,385 --> 00:02:17,625 Where everybody's sending pictures and showing pictures 64 00:02:17,625 --> 00:02:18,915 of what you did 10 years ago. 65 00:02:18,915 --> 00:02:20,265 You guys familiar with me there? 66 00:02:20,655 --> 00:02:21,075 Alright. 67 00:02:21,075 --> 00:02:21,285 Yeah. 68 00:02:21,285 --> 00:02:27,915 So I wanna do a little bit of that, but I have to cheat a little bit so it's not 69 00:02:27,915 --> 00:02:32,025 2016, it's a little further than 2016. 70 00:02:32,835 --> 00:02:36,075 And I actually showed this, and so I was reminded, I actually 71 00:02:36,075 --> 00:02:38,925 showed this in my very first sermon when I came to Orange County. 72 00:02:39,255 --> 00:02:43,845 And so I'm gonna show this again because when we moved here 2015, 73 00:02:43,845 --> 00:02:45,225 well, you know, we're close. 74 00:02:45,915 --> 00:02:47,055 So I showed it 10 years ago. 75 00:02:47,055 --> 00:02:47,895 You guys with me here? 76 00:02:47,925 --> 00:02:48,285 Okay. 77 00:02:48,855 --> 00:02:52,755 And so I wanna show you this video, so let's please make sure the, uh, 78 00:02:52,755 --> 00:02:58,305 we got the sound and everything together, um, of me being i'll. 79 00:02:58,305 --> 00:02:59,715 I'll let, I'll let the video speak for a second. 80 00:02:59,715 --> 00:03:00,480 Let's go ahead and play the video. 81 00:03:23,595 --> 00:03:24,975 Bob Barker: You have five total. 82 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:29,250 You go right up those stairs, take your place up there at the top of 83 00:03:29,250 --> 00:03:34,529 the Plinko board, get right behind it there, and look down here in that slot. 84 00:03:35,100 --> 00:03:39,809 10,001 chip and let it go. 85 00:03:39,809 --> 00:03:41,954 Alright, here it comes. 86 00:03:43,454 --> 00:03:44,344 Here it comes. 87 00:03:55,154 --> 00:03:56,730 WinCo Chip, Marcel. 88 00:03:57,450 --> 00:03:58,144 Oh, wrong way. 89 00:03:58,214 --> 00:03:58,704 Come on. 90 00:03:59,174 --> 00:03:59,625 Come on. 91 00:03:59,625 --> 00:04:00,024 Don't that. 92 00:04:00,024 --> 00:04:02,065 Another blingo chip worth. 93 00:04:03,244 --> 00:04:06,750 Oh, big old zero. 94 00:04:06,750 --> 00:04:07,679 Marcel uso. 95 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:12,060 Blingo chip number three is on its way on. 96 00:04:12,209 --> 00:04:13,890 Its not Fargo. 97 00:04:14,459 --> 00:04:15,480 This one won't count. 98 00:04:15,570 --> 00:04:16,978 We'll get this down here. 99 00:04:17,185 --> 00:04:20,214 And the lovely Heather will bring it up there to you, and you 100 00:04:20,214 --> 00:04:21,595 can do that one all over again. 101 00:04:21,714 --> 00:04:24,235 Here you go, Linco chip number three. 102 00:04:24,595 --> 00:04:25,555 Another try. 103 00:04:26,875 --> 00:04:28,225 Another try. 104 00:04:30,090 --> 00:04:32,695 And here it comes. 105 00:04:47,185 --> 00:04:47,485 All worked out. 106 00:04:48,415 --> 00:04:49,975 Do it again, huh? 107 00:04:49,975 --> 00:04:50,605 Do it again. 108 00:04:50,605 --> 00:04:51,655 The same way. 109 00:04:51,985 --> 00:04:52,945 Same place. 110 00:04:53,784 --> 00:04:55,165 Looking pretty good. 111 00:04:55,525 --> 00:04:56,605 Looking pretty. 112 00:04:59,275 --> 00:05:06,570 One more Up to 21,000 now Marcel. 113 00:05:07,495 --> 00:05:08,875 One more time. 114 00:05:09,470 --> 00:05:09,690 Woo. 115 00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:11,170 Here we go. 116 00:05:11,590 --> 00:05:13,290 Here's his last shit. 117 00:05:13,310 --> 00:05:13,890 Oh my God. 118 00:05:14,140 --> 00:05:15,955 Could he do three in a row? 119 00:05:23,060 --> 00:05:23,350 Have 120 00:05:37,315 --> 00:05:37,895 Marcel Hall: go, go. 121 00:05:44,370 --> 00:05:45,180 There you go. 122 00:05:46,680 --> 00:05:47,520 That was a long time ago. 123 00:05:47,520 --> 00:05:49,200 You see a little grainy uh, uh, footage there. 124 00:05:49,830 --> 00:05:54,000 So definitely it was in 2016, but I won $22,000 as you can see there. 125 00:05:54,270 --> 00:05:57,090 I was a, uh, I was going to my, yeah, I was a senior in college, 126 00:05:57,090 --> 00:06:00,210 so this was 2002 right there. 127 00:06:00,210 --> 00:06:03,840 And so that I was just several months after becoming a Christian, and that was 128 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:06,720 a phenomenal time that I had right there. 129 00:06:07,265 --> 00:06:10,804 And I did show that, like I said, about 10 years ago when I came. 130 00:06:10,804 --> 00:06:12,844 And that was a, just a phenomenal experience. 131 00:06:12,844 --> 00:06:16,715 It was a dream come true to go and, uh, to be on the show and then to win. 132 00:06:16,835 --> 00:06:18,395 And it was showing on Christmas Eve. 133 00:06:18,395 --> 00:06:21,304 So everybody and their mom end up calling me afterwards and 134 00:06:21,304 --> 00:06:22,895 we saw you on prices, right? 135 00:06:23,255 --> 00:06:25,534 And uh, and so that was a phenomenal thing there. 136 00:06:25,685 --> 00:06:28,804 But as we think ing, I've always been reminded of this, that 137 00:06:28,804 --> 00:06:31,804 in Jesus, we actually have a greater prize than all of that. 138 00:06:33,300 --> 00:06:37,380 And that in Jesus, we have a prize worth living for. 139 00:06:38,100 --> 00:06:41,520 And that's the title of the sermon today, A prize worth. 140 00:06:42,345 --> 00:06:42,975 Living for. 141 00:06:42,975 --> 00:06:44,895 Let's go ahead and let's go to God in prayer. 142 00:06:44,895 --> 00:06:48,135 Father, thank you so much for all that we've been able to experience 143 00:06:48,135 --> 00:06:51,885 already this morning to be reminded of the mercy and grace that you 144 00:06:51,885 --> 00:06:54,015 extend, that we don't have to perform. 145 00:06:54,255 --> 00:06:59,175 Father, the call and the opportunity to show you your value to us. 146 00:06:59,265 --> 00:07:03,585 God, we thank you for the chance to sing praises to you and encourage one another. 147 00:07:03,765 --> 00:07:07,575 Father, we pray that your word right now may minister to our very souls. 148 00:07:07,725 --> 00:07:10,785 Help us to see what you want us to see this morning. 149 00:07:11,060 --> 00:07:14,120 So that God, we can trust you more with our lives so that we can 150 00:07:14,120 --> 00:07:16,219 walk faithfully in the spirits. 151 00:07:16,370 --> 00:07:18,080 We pray this in the name of Jesus. 152 00:07:18,140 --> 00:07:18,710 Amen. 153 00:07:20,599 --> 00:07:22,430 We're gonna look over in one Peter. 154 00:07:23,055 --> 00:07:26,415 Chapter one, one Peter chapter one. 155 00:07:26,475 --> 00:07:30,675 The context here for one, Peter Peter was an apostle of Jesus. 156 00:07:30,705 --> 00:07:34,155 Of Jesus, and so he was, he was called by Jesus. 157 00:07:34,155 --> 00:07:38,385 He was trained by Jesus, and he was therefore sent out by Jesus, 158 00:07:38,385 --> 00:07:41,595 and he ended up going to Rome in the latter part of his years and. 159 00:07:41,865 --> 00:07:45,645 Sixties, a DD ad, and he starts being one of the main leaders in 160 00:07:45,645 --> 00:07:47,385 the church in Rome at this time. 161 00:07:47,385 --> 00:07:51,405 But the churches in the Roman Providences, they're having some hard times. 162 00:07:51,405 --> 00:07:54,525 There's some persecution that's starting to take place for those 163 00:07:54,525 --> 00:07:56,955 who are disciples of Jesus. 164 00:07:56,955 --> 00:08:02,505 And as Peter gets wind of this, he decides to send a letter out of encouragement 165 00:08:02,535 --> 00:08:06,975 and help and guidance and strengthening for the brothers and sisters, which we 166 00:08:06,975 --> 00:08:08,835 are grateful because the principals. 167 00:08:09,200 --> 00:08:12,080 Still apply to us today. 168 00:08:12,229 --> 00:08:15,739 And so this was a group of disciples who you can say, we're scattered, 169 00:08:15,739 --> 00:08:17,929 we're marginalized, we're suffering. 170 00:08:18,560 --> 00:08:22,070 Most of them not wealthy, definitely not powerful. 171 00:08:22,250 --> 00:08:24,830 And you can even say not winning culturally. 172 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:31,280 And Peter, you would think maybe would promise an escape, but 173 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:33,289 he doesn't promise an escape. 174 00:08:33,650 --> 00:08:37,640 He reminds them of the prize that they have. 175 00:08:39,270 --> 00:08:47,040 Despite their circumstances, they have a prize that is worth living for and to hold 176 00:08:47,040 --> 00:08:53,670 on to their faith and to continue to live for the prize that is in Christ Jesus. 177 00:08:53,700 --> 00:08:58,110 And that prize, we can say, is the prize of eternal life, 178 00:08:58,890 --> 00:09:00,960 the prize of eternal life. 179 00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:02,700 Brother and sisters, are you with me this morning? 180 00:09:03,285 --> 00:09:03,795 All right y'all. 181 00:09:03,795 --> 00:09:04,905 I need you to be with me here. 182 00:09:04,905 --> 00:09:05,235 All right. 183 00:09:05,355 --> 00:09:08,445 Let's go to First Peter chapter one in verse three. 184 00:09:09,375 --> 00:09:14,595 We'll read here it says, praise be to the God and Father of 185 00:09:14,595 --> 00:09:16,605 our, of our Lord Jesus Christ. 186 00:09:17,085 --> 00:09:21,705 In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope, through 187 00:09:21,765 --> 00:09:23,535 the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 188 00:09:24,180 --> 00:09:30,660 From the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. 189 00:09:30,960 --> 00:09:35,310 This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded 190 00:09:35,310 --> 00:09:40,350 by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in 191 00:09:40,350 --> 00:09:46,560 the last time and all this, you greatly rejoice though now for a little while you 192 00:09:46,560 --> 00:09:49,165 may have had to suffer grief in all kinds. 193 00:09:50,055 --> 00:09:56,955 Of trials, these have come so that proven so that the proven genuineness of your 194 00:09:56,955 --> 00:10:02,445 faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes, even though refined by fire, 195 00:10:02,625 --> 00:10:05,865 may result in praise, glory, and honor. 196 00:10:06,015 --> 00:10:10,965 When Jesus Christ is revealed, though you have not seen him, you love him, 197 00:10:11,475 --> 00:10:15,915 and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled 198 00:10:15,915 --> 00:10:18,375 with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 199 00:10:19,125 --> 00:10:21,885 For you are receiving the end results of your faith. 200 00:10:22,185 --> 00:10:25,335 The salvation of your souls. 201 00:10:25,335 --> 00:10:27,074 We'll stop right there. 202 00:10:27,525 --> 00:10:33,345 Peter reminds the church there that they have the prize of eternal life. 203 00:10:33,345 --> 00:10:35,775 That, and this prize doesn't apply to just them. 204 00:10:35,775 --> 00:10:37,515 It applies to us today. 205 00:10:37,515 --> 00:10:43,545 If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, then you have a prize worth living for. 206 00:10:44,475 --> 00:10:46,335 And so we wanna break this down some. 207 00:10:46,335 --> 00:10:49,605 So let's go through first Peter real quickly here. 208 00:10:49,725 --> 00:10:56,295 And so first off, he says he praised this God, but he says in his great mercy, this 209 00:10:56,295 --> 00:11:03,465 prize of eternal life isn't a prize that we have won, isn't a prize that we have 210 00:11:03,675 --> 00:11:07,245 been rewarded with or that we have earned. 211 00:11:08,145 --> 00:11:11,720 It is solely by God's mercy and love. 212 00:11:12,870 --> 00:11:15,810 I showed a little prices, right video there and, uh, you 213 00:11:15,810 --> 00:11:16,800 know, I can show you all of it. 214 00:11:16,800 --> 00:11:19,770 We, you know, another time we can show you all the other parts there, but I'm 215 00:11:19,770 --> 00:11:21,600 bidding on things to get the chips. 216 00:11:21,930 --> 00:11:25,290 I had no idea any of the prices of the things I was bidding on. 217 00:11:26,160 --> 00:11:29,490 So I looked at the crowd and they're like, five, I go five. 218 00:11:30,240 --> 00:11:30,900 And I get it. 219 00:11:30,900 --> 00:11:32,790 They go 10 10 and all I did and I go, wow. 220 00:11:32,790 --> 00:11:34,170 And I get up there and I'm dropping it. 221 00:11:34,350 --> 00:11:39,510 I didn't physically force anything to drop in those $10,000, but I won this prize. 222 00:11:39,510 --> 00:11:40,020 Why not? 223 00:11:40,020 --> 00:11:41,340 Because it was by my strength. 224 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:43,860 But I believe it was divine guidance. 225 00:11:47,520 --> 00:11:50,400 But our prize isn't anything that you and I have earned. 226 00:11:50,775 --> 00:11:55,185 As Daniel alluded to earlier, we don't come to God and say we have eternal 227 00:11:55,185 --> 00:11:58,725 life because we have earned this, because I've been righteous this week. 228 00:11:58,785 --> 00:12:03,855 No, it is because of mercy, not giving us what we deserve, but then extending 229 00:12:03,855 --> 00:12:06,735 grace, giving us what we do not deserve. 230 00:12:08,235 --> 00:12:12,855 And he goes on and he says, he's given us new birth. 231 00:12:13,605 --> 00:12:18,735 You know, the prize of eternal life starts with God giving you a new life. 232 00:12:21,255 --> 00:12:26,415 Many of us can testify the blessing of being able to have a new life 233 00:12:26,715 --> 00:12:28,575 begin when we came to Christ. 234 00:12:28,965 --> 00:12:30,075 We can testify. 235 00:12:30,225 --> 00:12:34,275 Boy, oh boy, I'm so grateful for who I am now because who I was then. 236 00:12:37,995 --> 00:12:44,115 And so we can testify, we can say hallelujah, that he gives a new life. 237 00:12:44,865 --> 00:12:47,565 Because if I had to go off my old life, then I stand judged. 238 00:12:48,194 --> 00:12:52,035 And destruction will follow me, and I don't even wanna know what that might 239 00:12:52,035 --> 00:12:54,494 look like for me and those around me. 240 00:12:55,724 --> 00:12:57,704 He says, we have a new birth. 241 00:12:58,005 --> 00:13:00,795 Then it goes on and it says, it's into a living hope. 242 00:13:00,795 --> 00:13:01,755 I love this. 243 00:13:01,935 --> 00:13:04,635 A living hope, meaning it is alive. 244 00:13:05,385 --> 00:13:07,185 We have a hope that is not dead. 245 00:13:07,334 --> 00:13:08,655 It is not old. 246 00:13:09,314 --> 00:13:10,755 It is not wasting away. 247 00:13:10,755 --> 00:13:12,074 It is not expired. 248 00:13:12,165 --> 00:13:15,135 It is always presence. 249 00:13:16,125 --> 00:13:22,065 And so as disciples of Jesus, we always have hope as disciples of Jesus. 250 00:13:22,185 --> 00:13:25,215 We are never categorized as the hopeless. 251 00:13:25,995 --> 00:13:28,995 We are never put in that bucket because of Christ. 252 00:13:29,115 --> 00:13:35,385 We always have hope no matter what the situation may look like, because 253 00:13:35,385 --> 00:13:38,355 of the living hope that we have been birthed into and because of 254 00:13:38,355 --> 00:13:44,235 the living God who is our father and savior who is calling us to eternity. 255 00:13:46,275 --> 00:13:49,185 What a blessing and privilege that is. 256 00:13:50,295 --> 00:13:56,324 It goes on and he says it's an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. 257 00:13:56,324 --> 00:13:59,025 And this inheritance is kept in heaven for you. 258 00:13:59,714 --> 00:14:00,855 You know, an inheritance. 259 00:14:00,855 --> 00:14:03,824 That's something that, that you receive and you know, some 260 00:14:03,824 --> 00:14:05,055 of y'all have in inheritances. 261 00:14:05,055 --> 00:14:05,925 Y'all looking forward to, 262 00:14:08,564 --> 00:14:09,555 I'm from a broke family. 263 00:14:09,555 --> 00:14:11,079 We don't have that uncle who's rich. 264 00:14:12,870 --> 00:14:13,800 We don't have any inheritance. 265 00:14:13,800 --> 00:14:15,780 So I'm looking forward to this spiritual inheritance. 266 00:14:15,780 --> 00:14:16,560 You know what I'm saying? 267 00:14:17,310 --> 00:14:22,170 But even if I did have that rich uncle, it still wouldn't compare to 268 00:14:22,170 --> 00:14:24,660 the riches that are found in God. 269 00:14:25,740 --> 00:14:26,730 And what does he say here? 270 00:14:26,730 --> 00:14:31,050 It's an eternal treasure of heaven with God Almighty. 271 00:14:32,250 --> 00:14:36,420 Again, this is an inheritance, something that you have, but yet you're waiting for. 272 00:14:37,800 --> 00:14:39,120 And so we have it now. 273 00:14:39,120 --> 00:14:43,290 We experience it now, but not in, in its, its fullness, not in its completion. 274 00:14:43,320 --> 00:14:48,060 It's still to come, but yet we experience some of it now and we have the joy of 275 00:14:48,060 --> 00:14:52,080 knowing, wow, I can't wait to see what it looks like when it comes to fruition. 276 00:14:53,250 --> 00:14:57,840 And so we have this inheritance waiting on us, and it's an eternal prize. 277 00:14:57,840 --> 00:14:58,500 I love this. 278 00:14:58,620 --> 00:15:02,130 It says it won't perish, so it won't decay. 279 00:15:02,925 --> 00:15:07,215 Won't, it cannot be corrupted and it cannot lose its shine. 280 00:15:08,865 --> 00:15:13,485 That's the inheritance for you and I as disciples of Jesus. 281 00:15:14,445 --> 00:15:20,325 You know, I, we had a hope of getting a house in Orange County that parish, once 282 00:15:20,325 --> 00:15:21,735 those interest rates start going up. 283 00:15:23,550 --> 00:15:26,910 You know, I've had a number of good meals that I put in the fridge, or 284 00:15:27,060 --> 00:15:29,939 Thanksgiving meals and Christmas meals, whatever the case may be. 285 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:32,880 But what happens over time that food will, what spoil? 286 00:15:34,920 --> 00:15:40,650 You may have new clothes and shiny things, but what happens over time, it fades. 287 00:15:41,640 --> 00:15:45,120 The eternal treasure that you and I have is nothing like that. 288 00:15:45,630 --> 00:15:49,410 Cannot spoil, cannot perish, and cannot fade. 289 00:15:50,925 --> 00:15:53,355 It says it is kept in heaven for us. 290 00:15:53,955 --> 00:15:58,305 Our salvation is here and now, but yet also in heaven waiting for us. 291 00:15:58,455 --> 00:16:01,515 Boy, oh boy, this is gonna be something special, but boy oh boy, 292 00:16:01,515 --> 00:16:03,255 it's something special right now. 293 00:16:04,365 --> 00:16:10,035 And he goes on and he says, it's through faith and we are shielded by God's power. 294 00:16:10,485 --> 00:16:15,255 Again, this was written in Greek and this word, this, this phrasing here shielded 295 00:16:15,345 --> 00:16:19,065 was a military term and that they would use it when you would guard someone. 296 00:16:19,980 --> 00:16:24,870 And so it says here that our inheritance, our salvation, our eternal prize, our 297 00:16:24,870 --> 00:16:27,180 prize of eternal life is shielded. 298 00:16:27,180 --> 00:16:32,280 Like if it was a military guard in front of it, making sure that nothing can 299 00:16:32,280 --> 00:16:34,500 happen and who's the one guarding it? 300 00:16:34,650 --> 00:16:35,490 God almighty. 301 00:16:37,050 --> 00:16:41,189 It's God who guards and protects and shields us. 302 00:16:41,189 --> 00:16:43,439 I don't know about you, but that's the greatest security guard we could 303 00:16:43,439 --> 00:16:46,290 ever have that beats any lock system. 304 00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:54,569 It brings peace and security for the future, but also for the present. 305 00:16:55,650 --> 00:17:01,800 This is what we have now, and this is what we will enjoy when Christ returns. 306 00:17:02,489 --> 00:17:07,020 And it goes on in verse six and verse seven, talking about trials. 307 00:17:07,020 --> 00:17:10,950 And so Peter doesn't, he doesn't dismiss, Hey, you are going through something 308 00:17:10,950 --> 00:17:13,230 or you will never go through something. 309 00:17:14,010 --> 00:17:20,190 No, he says You are and you will, but remember the prize that you have. 310 00:17:20,369 --> 00:17:25,170 And he goes on and he says this, these have come so that the proven genuineness 311 00:17:25,170 --> 00:17:32,490 of your faith of greater worth than gold, our faith is of greater worth than gold. 312 00:17:33,675 --> 00:17:37,695 Gold has always been precious, a precious metal, a commodity that for 313 00:17:37,725 --> 00:17:41,205 ever since it's been discovered, has been something that people wanted. 314 00:17:41,205 --> 00:17:44,895 And most of the gold that's in existence now that we have seen 315 00:17:44,925 --> 00:17:46,965 has been mined, has never has. 316 00:17:47,025 --> 00:17:50,925 Most of the gold that's been mined is still presence, and so gold 317 00:17:50,925 --> 00:17:55,575 lasts longer than you and I, but our faith is even greater than gold 318 00:17:55,665 --> 00:17:57,645 and will last even longer than gold. 319 00:17:58,815 --> 00:18:00,585 Our faith is valuable. 320 00:18:00,735 --> 00:18:02,175 It's what Peter tells us. 321 00:18:02,715 --> 00:18:09,314 It's, it's priceless and no earthly treasure can compare to the spiritual 322 00:18:09,314 --> 00:18:11,925 treasure you have in Christ. 323 00:18:13,155 --> 00:18:17,324 Our faith is more valuable because it lasts beyond this life. 324 00:18:17,985 --> 00:18:20,564 He goes on and he says this. 325 00:18:21,014 --> 00:18:23,925 He says, though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see 326 00:18:23,925 --> 00:18:29,564 him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 327 00:18:30,075 --> 00:18:36,285 It says filled, not just half, not just some, but we can be filled to and 328 00:18:36,285 --> 00:18:39,524 over the brim with an inexpressible. 329 00:18:39,524 --> 00:18:43,215 The joy that we have, you can't even describe accurately chat. 330 00:18:43,215 --> 00:18:45,915 GPT can't give you the language for it. 331 00:18:46,180 --> 00:18:53,415 It's a joy that can be fully comprehended or fully articulated. 332 00:18:55,065 --> 00:18:59,445 That's the joy that we have in Christ. 333 00:19:01,635 --> 00:19:03,975 It's a joy in the midst of life's challenges. 334 00:19:03,975 --> 00:19:07,125 'cause he just talked about, Hey, you're going through some things. 335 00:19:07,245 --> 00:19:09,375 Has anybody been through some things recently? 336 00:19:10,785 --> 00:19:16,065 But we can have joy, not because of these things, but in spite 337 00:19:16,065 --> 00:19:18,555 or in the midst of those things. 338 00:19:19,095 --> 00:19:19,725 Why? 339 00:19:19,875 --> 00:19:23,055 Because we have the joy of what God has done for us. 340 00:19:23,955 --> 00:19:29,295 We have joy of knowing what God will bring and provide for us, therefore, 341 00:19:29,295 --> 00:19:32,415 leading us to have joy in the present day. 342 00:19:33,555 --> 00:19:35,625 Thank you, God, for what you have done. 343 00:19:36,015 --> 00:19:38,715 Hallelujah, for what you will do. 344 00:19:39,585 --> 00:19:40,815 I am blessed 345 00:19:42,860 --> 00:19:48,465 and inexpressible and glorious joy that cannot be described 346 00:19:48,465 --> 00:19:50,295 as something to marvel at. 347 00:19:51,555 --> 00:19:55,905 He goes on and he says this, for you're receiving the end results of your 348 00:19:55,905 --> 00:20:00,555 faith, the salvation of your souls. 349 00:20:00,915 --> 00:20:10,395 An eternal relationship with God, our souls at peace and in rest with God. 350 00:20:11,235 --> 00:20:15,165 You know, again, as disciple of Jesus, we are on our way to paradise and 351 00:20:15,165 --> 00:20:17,625 eternity with our God and Savior. 352 00:20:18,510 --> 00:20:22,950 Yes, in practical ways, yes, we'll be going down to 10 Goodyear in Irvine, 353 00:20:23,070 --> 00:20:25,140 but that's not our destination. 354 00:20:26,010 --> 00:20:32,550 We are on a path to eternity in paradise with God Almighty, and we will be face 355 00:20:32,550 --> 00:20:37,800 to face and the faith shall be sight, and we'll be surrounded by saints in 356 00:20:37,800 --> 00:20:40,290 the multitude and it will be glorious. 357 00:20:41,070 --> 00:20:44,160 I don't even think Revelation gives us a clear and or accurate 358 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:46,170 picture of how awesome it will be. 359 00:20:47,774 --> 00:20:54,675 Because it cannot be described so that our human minds can comprehend what we have. 360 00:20:55,425 --> 00:20:58,215 Brothers and sisters, we have a prize worth living for. 361 00:21:00,045 --> 00:21:02,205 We have a prize worth living for. 362 00:21:02,385 --> 00:21:04,125 It consists of a new life. 363 00:21:04,185 --> 00:21:05,895 Hope that doesn't die. 364 00:21:06,075 --> 00:21:08,055 Treasure in heaven waiting for you. 365 00:21:08,235 --> 00:21:10,095 God's power for protection. 366 00:21:10,305 --> 00:21:14,955 Indescribable joy to the max, and an eternal relationship with God. 367 00:21:15,015 --> 00:21:16,575 Can I get a hallelujah? 368 00:21:16,575 --> 00:21:16,815 Hallelujah. 369 00:21:18,945 --> 00:21:19,845 That means praise the Lord. 370 00:21:19,845 --> 00:21:21,495 You better mean it when you say that. 371 00:21:21,855 --> 00:21:23,445 Don't just say it 'cause Marcel said it. 372 00:21:24,825 --> 00:21:26,325 Praise the Lord. 373 00:21:26,325 --> 00:21:28,515 This is what we have, brothers and sisters. 374 00:21:32,190 --> 00:21:33,510 Now, let me ask you this. 375 00:21:35,550 --> 00:21:37,710 What do you do with a prize like this? 376 00:21:39,720 --> 00:21:42,930 What do you do with a prize like this? 377 00:21:43,260 --> 00:21:45,930 When you have something of great value, what do you do with it? 378 00:21:47,430 --> 00:21:48,909 Okay, some people say Share it. 379 00:21:50,565 --> 00:21:52,005 I, I might have shared this story. 380 00:21:52,155 --> 00:21:55,935 I used to, uh, I used to work in sports radio and, uh, we, we, 381 00:21:55,965 --> 00:21:57,375 we were able to go to a game. 382 00:21:57,375 --> 00:21:58,960 They gave us tickets one time and we were in the suite. 383 00:21:59,790 --> 00:22:01,379 And, uh, and so we're in the suites. 384 00:22:01,379 --> 00:22:03,450 I brought a brother with me, uh, David Moore. 385 00:22:03,570 --> 00:22:06,660 So me and David Moore we're in the suites and they come in this 386 00:22:06,660 --> 00:22:07,710 day we're at a Clippers game. 387 00:22:08,010 --> 00:22:09,389 And, uh, so we're at this Clippers game. 388 00:22:09,389 --> 00:22:13,080 They come in, uh, the people work for the Clippers and they go, Hey, you know what, 389 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:14,940 you guys, you're, you're lucky today. 390 00:22:14,940 --> 00:22:18,990 You're gonna get this signed Autograph basketball with all the clippers on there. 391 00:22:20,129 --> 00:22:21,360 Some of y'all not impressed. 392 00:22:21,360 --> 00:22:25,495 I know it's the Clippers, but these are professional basketball players. 393 00:22:26,429 --> 00:22:28,860 And so I had this ball, this signed by all the clippers. 394 00:22:28,860 --> 00:22:31,860 And this wasn't like, you know, Chris Paul Times didn't have Blake Griffin 395 00:22:31,860 --> 00:22:35,100 and some ballers, it was like some, some LA Clippers, you know what I'm saying? 396 00:22:35,730 --> 00:22:38,909 But it was still cool and I got the ball and I'm like, oh, this is cool. 397 00:22:38,909 --> 00:22:43,350 So I get it, I bring it home, I show Karina and I had this little stand for, 398 00:22:43,350 --> 00:22:46,169 and I used to put it on the stand, and wherever we moved, I had it in there. 399 00:22:46,500 --> 00:22:49,710 But what happened, I didn't realize what I was doing. 400 00:22:49,860 --> 00:22:51,149 I didn't really protect it. 401 00:22:52,080 --> 00:22:53,909 And so I would have it near Windows. 402 00:22:55,139 --> 00:22:56,250 You already know. 403 00:22:57,960 --> 00:23:01,020 And so after some years and you know, maybe we moved, I looked at the ball 404 00:23:01,020 --> 00:23:03,690 and I go, oh snap, what happened? 405 00:23:04,710 --> 00:23:06,540 There's like two signatures left. 406 00:23:07,710 --> 00:23:09,629 I'm like, I can't even tell who that is. 407 00:23:10,050 --> 00:23:12,360 This might have been a dude that was on the practice squad. 408 00:23:12,360 --> 00:23:13,169 You know what I'm saying? 409 00:23:14,340 --> 00:23:17,460 And I'm looking and it's faded, and I'm like, man, this is a mess. 410 00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:18,960 I don't even know where that ball is today. 411 00:23:18,960 --> 00:23:20,190 I think I gave it to somebody. 412 00:23:21,060 --> 00:23:22,409 Let one of my kids play with it. 413 00:23:22,409 --> 00:23:23,190 You know what I'm saying? 414 00:23:24,315 --> 00:23:25,575 I didn't cherish it. 415 00:23:25,845 --> 00:23:29,115 I didn't see it as that valuable, and you can argue if it was valuable 416 00:23:29,115 --> 00:23:30,915 or not, but I didn't cherish it. 417 00:23:31,605 --> 00:23:35,955 Here's the thing, some of us are treating God's treasure, like that Clippers ball. 418 00:23:37,335 --> 00:23:40,785 It's there, we have it, but we're not cherishing it. 419 00:23:41,429 --> 00:23:42,870 It's not protected. 420 00:23:43,260 --> 00:23:44,760 It's not appreciated. 421 00:23:45,090 --> 00:23:48,330 It's not put in a place where it can shine, where it can 422 00:23:48,330 --> 00:23:50,969 invoke memories and nostalgia. 423 00:23:51,179 --> 00:23:57,810 We we're not treating it the way we should, and so what should 424 00:23:57,810 --> 00:24:00,000 we do with this type of prize? 425 00:24:00,030 --> 00:24:02,010 I believe God wants us to do this. 426 00:24:02,310 --> 00:24:03,570 Cherish the prize. 427 00:24:04,860 --> 00:24:08,250 I believe God wants us to cherish the prize, and when you cherish something, 428 00:24:08,399 --> 00:24:10,020 that means you think it's valuable. 429 00:24:10,080 --> 00:24:10,139 Wow. 430 00:24:11,159 --> 00:24:14,730 You don't cherish things you don't think are valuable, but you 431 00:24:14,730 --> 00:24:17,100 cherish what you think is valuable. 432 00:24:17,159 --> 00:24:19,980 You hold it dear, and you protect it. 433 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:24,659 And I believe there's several ways in which we can show our 434 00:24:24,659 --> 00:24:26,310 cherish and our appreciation. 435 00:24:26,490 --> 00:24:31,439 And that's one we, you know, we, we, we cherish the prize with gratitude. 436 00:24:32,460 --> 00:24:34,409 We cherish the prize with gratitude. 437 00:24:34,409 --> 00:24:38,220 When we realize what we have, we can't help but be grateful and appreciative. 438 00:24:39,585 --> 00:24:42,105 We can't help but be grateful and appreciative. 439 00:24:43,515 --> 00:24:47,085 And so I, I know this, you know, just the other day I was looking, I 440 00:24:47,085 --> 00:24:50,055 don't know how I got on there, but I started looking at some photos here 441 00:24:50,055 --> 00:24:51,555 on, you know, Google photos there. 442 00:24:51,705 --> 00:24:54,765 And for some reason, I, I, I was looking at old photos and I started 443 00:24:54,765 --> 00:24:58,035 going down this path and I'm looking at old pictures of me and Carina. 444 00:24:58,185 --> 00:25:00,555 We were getting man, like, man, I used to look young. 445 00:25:03,165 --> 00:25:07,215 And I, you know, and I'm like, man, what a couple of gray hairs up in my mustache. 446 00:25:07,215 --> 00:25:08,175 That ain't cool, James. 447 00:25:08,175 --> 00:25:08,895 You know what I'm saying? 448 00:25:09,525 --> 00:25:10,965 I can't do the gray and the mustache. 449 00:25:10,965 --> 00:25:12,855 The gray and the beard I can do, but not in the mustache. 450 00:25:12,855 --> 00:25:13,515 You know what I'm saying? 451 00:25:13,995 --> 00:25:17,295 Anyhow, sorry I digressed, but I'm looking at these photos and I'm 452 00:25:17,295 --> 00:25:21,255 like, wow, I appreciate Karina. 453 00:25:22,875 --> 00:25:25,245 I'm looking at her and I'm going, you know what? 454 00:25:25,785 --> 00:25:27,315 We, we still look pretty good. 455 00:25:29,565 --> 00:25:34,575 But man, I got a beautiful wife and I just started to appreciate like, man, 456 00:25:34,889 --> 00:25:37,665 and, and, and, and, and I am blessed. 457 00:25:38,325 --> 00:25:39,705 And I was just like, man, thank you. 458 00:25:39,705 --> 00:25:41,325 And you know, Corina, I didn't tell you, but thank you. 459 00:25:41,325 --> 00:25:42,555 I love you and I appreciate you. 460 00:25:44,264 --> 00:25:47,925 And I just started being filled up with gratitude because I was just thinking 461 00:25:47,925 --> 00:25:50,475 back like, wow, I'm honored, I'm blessed. 462 00:25:50,535 --> 00:25:55,335 And you know, we, when we remember the grace, it remains amazing. 463 00:25:55,425 --> 00:25:55,485 Yeah, 464 00:25:57,764 --> 00:25:59,534 the grace remains amazing. 465 00:25:59,534 --> 00:26:05,175 Will we remember what we've been delivered from, what we were and 466 00:26:05,175 --> 00:26:08,294 what we have to look forward to? 467 00:26:09,315 --> 00:26:10,605 And for some of us, this is hard. 468 00:26:10,605 --> 00:26:14,235 I, I just, you know, confessed here, even, even within my family, but it, 469 00:26:14,355 --> 00:26:17,565 I can do this with God, is that we've been around, for some of us, we've 470 00:26:17,565 --> 00:26:21,230 been around for so long that we can lose our appreciation for what we have. 471 00:26:22,725 --> 00:26:28,215 And we get so used to the miracles that it's just the average for some who grew 472 00:26:28,215 --> 00:26:31,755 up in a church or maybe you're still younger, you grew up in a church, you've 473 00:26:31,755 --> 00:26:33,825 been around glory your whole life. 474 00:26:33,825 --> 00:26:35,415 So glory's just normal to you. 475 00:26:36,075 --> 00:26:42,195 And so it's hard for you to appreciate all that is there now and to look forward to. 476 00:26:43,905 --> 00:26:47,895 But this is why we must cherish with gratitude. 477 00:26:49,035 --> 00:26:51,495 We must remember what we have. 478 00:26:53,129 --> 00:26:54,240 Where we are going. 479 00:26:55,020 --> 00:26:59,189 And this gratitude doesn't stop with feelings, but it changes how we live. 480 00:26:59,189 --> 00:27:02,429 And that means that we cherish the prize through commitments. 481 00:27:03,300 --> 00:27:07,379 You know, when you have a prize like this, it changes how you live. 482 00:27:08,220 --> 00:27:14,550 What we cherish shapes our values and decisions, and this cherishing leads 483 00:27:14,550 --> 00:27:19,530 to being committed to Jesus for giving the prize out of grace and mercy. 484 00:27:19,530 --> 00:27:21,085 Again, it's not a prize that we've earned. 485 00:27:22,110 --> 00:27:25,710 It's not a prize that we somehow were lucky to receive. 486 00:27:25,980 --> 00:27:29,910 It's a prize that came out of his rich grace and mercy. 487 00:27:31,440 --> 00:27:32,610 And so what is it? 488 00:27:33,060 --> 00:27:33,629 Demand? 489 00:27:33,629 --> 00:27:39,600 I believe it demands our very best, not my half, not my most, not my 490 00:27:39,600 --> 00:27:45,990 sum, but my very best because I have this treasure and I'm gonna go 491 00:27:46,050 --> 00:27:48,570 and give some of myself in return. 492 00:27:49,650 --> 00:27:50,850 I can't do that. 493 00:27:52,215 --> 00:27:53,955 It deserves my very best. 494 00:27:53,955 --> 00:27:58,635 It deserves a full commitment, and I appreciate Peter as he 495 00:27:58,635 --> 00:28:00,285 gave himself fully the following. 496 00:28:00,285 --> 00:28:03,405 Jesus and church history tells us that not only did he become a 497 00:28:03,405 --> 00:28:05,805 leader, but Peter died for his faith. 498 00:28:05,835 --> 00:28:07,305 He was actually crucified. 499 00:28:07,305 --> 00:28:09,645 And church history tells us that at the point of his 500 00:28:09,645 --> 00:28:11,235 crucifixion, he was crucified. 501 00:28:11,295 --> 00:28:14,295 He said, I'm not worthy to be crucified like this. 502 00:28:14,475 --> 00:28:16,755 Can you crucify me upside down? 503 00:28:17,925 --> 00:28:19,125 That's commitments. 504 00:28:20,730 --> 00:28:25,440 When we have a prize, we can cherish it through our commitments. 505 00:28:25,650 --> 00:28:29,100 You know, the price is right, it's worth it. 506 00:28:29,580 --> 00:28:34,230 And what we truly cherish, we don't keep ourselves. 507 00:28:34,680 --> 00:28:38,100 And so we cherish the prize by sharing it. 508 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:41,430 When you cherish, you don't hoard it, but you invite others to 509 00:28:41,430 --> 00:28:43,680 come and experience it with you. 510 00:28:44,385 --> 00:28:46,845 I remember leaving the prices right, and I'm fired up. 511 00:28:46,875 --> 00:28:47,925 I'm calling my mom. 512 00:28:47,925 --> 00:28:50,235 I'm telling her, mama, I went on prices right? 513 00:28:50,775 --> 00:28:52,065 And I want some money. 514 00:28:52,305 --> 00:28:53,115 She like, for real? 515 00:28:53,115 --> 00:28:55,875 Like yeah, how much I like, I don't know if I can tell you all that. 516 00:28:56,415 --> 00:28:57,165 I'm just playing. 517 00:29:00,015 --> 00:29:04,125 But I wanted to tell everybody, and when they showed it on tv, we recorded it. 518 00:29:04,425 --> 00:29:07,005 And then every time we used to have, you know, uh, our Carina 519 00:29:07,005 --> 00:29:10,065 remembers this, but every time I'd have, we'd have, uh, uh, uh, dates 520 00:29:10,065 --> 00:29:11,265 at our house, encouragement dates. 521 00:29:11,265 --> 00:29:14,175 We'd have group dates and they'd come over to the house and every 522 00:29:14,175 --> 00:29:15,705 time it was at my house, guess what? 523 00:29:15,705 --> 00:29:17,895 We showed the price is right. 524 00:29:17,895 --> 00:29:18,285 Video. 525 00:29:19,245 --> 00:29:20,115 I was fired up. 526 00:29:20,115 --> 00:29:21,585 But everybody else wanted to see it. 527 00:29:21,825 --> 00:29:23,355 They're like, Marcel, let's turn on the video. 528 00:29:23,355 --> 00:29:24,525 Corina has seen it so many times. 529 00:29:24,525 --> 00:29:25,935 She started talking during the video. 530 00:29:28,410 --> 00:29:30,540 But I wanted to share it with people, and in fact, I got 531 00:29:30,540 --> 00:29:31,740 myself in too, too much trouble. 532 00:29:31,740 --> 00:29:34,590 I had some family members call me like, Hey man, a brother need a loan. 533 00:29:34,590 --> 00:29:36,660 I said, brother, I ain't got no money like that. 534 00:29:37,440 --> 00:29:38,340 I'm in college. 535 00:29:38,340 --> 00:29:39,000 You know what I'm saying? 536 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:39,720 But I digress. 537 00:29:39,720 --> 00:29:40,410 Sorry about that. 538 00:29:42,150 --> 00:29:44,970 You know, spiritual treasure is meant to be shared with others. 539 00:29:45,600 --> 00:29:47,850 It's not meant to just be kept to ourselves. 540 00:29:48,660 --> 00:29:52,440 It's meant to be shared so that others can experience it and have it as well. 541 00:29:52,950 --> 00:29:55,920 Because God's design is for all to have. 542 00:29:56,340 --> 00:30:01,080 Experience the eternal prize of eternal life. 543 00:30:02,130 --> 00:30:05,850 You know, sharing his participation in God's generosity, in 544 00:30:05,850 --> 00:30:07,830 helping lives be changed. 545 00:30:08,250 --> 00:30:10,290 And we have the prize of eternal life. 546 00:30:10,470 --> 00:30:13,590 And that's some good news worth sharing. 547 00:30:15,120 --> 00:30:16,320 Let's get real practical here. 548 00:30:16,560 --> 00:30:17,670 Let's come in for a close. 549 00:30:17,670 --> 00:30:18,820 Brother and sister, are you still with me? 550 00:30:22,905 --> 00:30:25,785 I, I like to give action steps for the week so that we don't just hear 551 00:30:25,785 --> 00:30:27,195 something doesn't stay in our head. 552 00:30:27,195 --> 00:30:31,785 We don't click on it like it, but that God wants us to let it know ruminate, 553 00:30:31,785 --> 00:30:34,575 but then he also wants us to put something into practice this week. 554 00:30:35,385 --> 00:30:37,905 And so if you're taking your little, your, your pictures, go ahead and 555 00:30:37,905 --> 00:30:39,315 get ready to take some pictures. 556 00:30:39,315 --> 00:30:40,005 You're taking notes. 557 00:30:40,005 --> 00:30:40,845 Write this down. 558 00:30:41,145 --> 00:30:43,785 But if you're not a disciple of Jesus, this first one, if you're 559 00:30:43,785 --> 00:30:46,695 not a disciple of Jesus, here, here's the, the, the action step. 560 00:30:46,695 --> 00:30:49,395 Take one step toward new birth this week. 561 00:30:50,205 --> 00:30:51,315 Take one step. 562 00:30:51,765 --> 00:30:55,875 Maybe it's asking questions, opening the scriptures with someone who brought you. 563 00:30:55,875 --> 00:30:58,425 If you're online with us, go ahead and messaging us. 564 00:30:58,425 --> 00:31:01,215 We'd love to be able to get into the word of God with you. 565 00:31:01,455 --> 00:31:05,265 Maybe it's praying honestly and asking God to make himself known to you. 566 00:31:05,475 --> 00:31:06,165 Do whatever it is. 567 00:31:06,165 --> 00:31:12,015 Take one step toward a new birth to members of the church here. 568 00:31:13,005 --> 00:31:15,495 Reflect on the prize of eternal life. 569 00:31:16,200 --> 00:31:20,340 Go ahead and review first Peter chapter one verses three through nine. 570 00:31:20,700 --> 00:31:21,600 Take a few minutes. 571 00:31:21,600 --> 00:31:24,960 I, I would encourage you, I wouldn't wait past Monday 'cause you'll probably forget. 572 00:31:25,409 --> 00:31:29,700 But go ahead today or tomorrow, take a few minutes and reflect on the prize 573 00:31:29,700 --> 00:31:35,460 of eternal life that you enjoy now, and that you have to come read it slowly. 574 00:31:35,520 --> 00:31:39,510 And thank God for the hope, the inheritance, and the joy that 575 00:31:39,510 --> 00:31:42,270 you have available in Christ. 576 00:31:42,825 --> 00:31:47,775 Every one of us, we could do this practice one intentional act of cherishing. 577 00:31:48,285 --> 00:31:52,455 And so choose one intentional way to cherish the prize this week. 578 00:31:52,455 --> 00:31:54,075 It may be through obedience. 579 00:31:54,315 --> 00:31:59,265 It may be generosity, perseverance in a trial, or sharing the 580 00:31:59,265 --> 00:32:01,815 hope with someone who needs it. 581 00:32:02,730 --> 00:32:07,530 But take these action steps here today and put it into practice here over the next 24 582 00:32:07,530 --> 00:32:13,860 to 48 hours and let's see how God changes you, your perspective, and even your 583 00:32:13,860 --> 00:32:16,110 values and priorities and your direction. 584 00:32:17,910 --> 00:32:21,450 The price is right, was a wonderful prize and experience, 585 00:32:21,450 --> 00:32:27,450 but nothing compares to the Eternal prize found only through Jesus. 586 00:32:28,740 --> 00:32:31,470 It's a prize, not only of a lifetime, but it's a prize of eternity. 587 00:32:32,010 --> 00:32:34,830 And it's a prize worth living for. 588 00:32:35,850 --> 00:32:39,900 And so let's share a surprise of eternal life with gratitude, with commitment, 589 00:32:40,260 --> 00:32:43,230 and sharing the prize with others. 590 00:32:43,860 --> 00:32:47,100 If you're here today and you're not yet a disciple of Jesus, this prize is 591 00:32:47,100 --> 00:32:49,140 being offered to you through new birth. 592 00:32:49,145 --> 00:32:54,000 And if you're a disciple of Jesus, let's live like you 593 00:32:54,000 --> 00:32:56,425 have the prize because you do. 594 00:32:57,840 --> 00:32:58,130 Amen. 595 00:32:58,350 --> 00:33:02,010 Let's close out in one Peter chapter one, Bre and sister, are you still with me? 596 00:33:02,010 --> 00:33:07,830 Here, praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 597 00:33:08,310 --> 00:33:14,790 In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope, through 598 00:33:14,790 --> 00:33:19,350 the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance 599 00:33:19,350 --> 00:33:24,030 that can never perish, spoil, or fade. 600 00:33:24,825 --> 00:33:29,325 This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. 601 00:33:30,135 --> 00:33:33,675 Because of Jesus, we've been given a prize that can never perish, spoil, 602 00:33:33,945 --> 00:33:36,615 or fade, the prize of eternal life. 603 00:33:36,945 --> 00:33:38,925 This is a prize worth living for. 604 00:33:38,985 --> 00:33:39,405 Amen.