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Speaker 2Welcome everybody to tonight's Bible study . Before we open the Word , I want to speak something over an every heart in the room room , and something true and something real you're not invisible , you're not forgotten and no matter how far you wandered , you can be found . The first song we listen tonight is you will be found . It reminds us that everyone , in the lowest moment , when the noise of life feels so loud , too loud , and the silence feels ever louder , there's hope . In Psalm 34 , verse 18 , it tells us the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are close in spirit . Then we move into the next song , called Rest you , by Lauren Dale , which echoes God's voice straight out of the isaiah 43 , verse 1 and 2 said do not be afraid , for I am redeemed you . I have called you by name , you are mine when we , when you pass through the waters , and I will be with you . God is not distant , he is present and he will come running to you . And finally , the last song , with God on his nose , close to this moment , reminding us that even when people don't see what we're carrying , god does and he's choosing to love us , just like the separds in Luke 15 who left the 99 to go after the one lost sheep , and God goes after you . It's like God will find every single person and he'll see you and he'll find you and he'll heal you . Just remember , god's got you .
Speaker 2Before we go over to the Bible , I'm going to do a short prayer . God , we thank you for this moment , moments where your presence is felt and not heard . Thank you for being you . Thank you for helping us into our darkness and restoring us and rescuing us . Your word says in Psalm 34 , 18 , that you're close to be brokenhearted , just like everything we need . We need you behind us . Please help us around . We move into every single thing we do . Let's hopefully this week brings us together In Jesus' name , amen , amen , amen , amen , good evening , wherever you are .
Speaker 3Thank you , alex , for taking us in there . Let's hopefully this week brings us together in jesus name , amen , amen , amen , amen . Good evening wherever you are . Thank you , alex , for taking us in there . You know , wherever you are across the world , we welcome each and every one of you in the mighty name of jesus christ , as we rest in the presence of the holy spirit . We thank you for joining us on radio this evening , wherever you are across the world . We thank you for those in the world of podcasts . We thank you for those that are on visual at this moment .
Speaker 3Let's turn straight straight away into the word of God . We're going to go to the book of Psalms . We're going to go to the book of Psalms , and we're going to go to Psalms one . If you have a Bible , just grab yourself Psalms one , get yourself ready . Later on we're going to break bread , we're going to take it a cut , but , and we're going to get moving as quick as we possibly can .
Speaker 3We're in Psalms 1 , verse 1 , and it starts off so simply . You know God is calling you , god is with you wherever you are at this moment in time , and the Bible says in Psalms 1 , verse 1 , blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers , but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on the law he meditates day and night . He is like a tree planted by streams of water , which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither . Whatever he does , he prospers . Come on , look at those scriptures . Where you are at this moment in time , have a look at the word of God . The Bible says in verse 1 of Psalm , chapter 1 , blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers . The Bible refers to three areas of life . It talks about walking , it talks about standing and it talks about sitting .
Speaker 3You've got to be very , very careful of the people in your life . If you just take a moment and just look at those scriptures , what it is saying in verse 1 of Psalm 1 , blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked . Do not walk with people that are taking you away from Jesus Christ . Do not walk with people that are in the world . Do not walk in that way . You've got to be careful at work . You've got to be careful in culture . You've got to be careful in family . You've you've got to be careful in culture . You've got to be careful in family . You've got to be careful in church , in religion . You've got to be careful who you walk with , because who you walk with they could influence you in such a very , very strong way .
Speaker 3It's really , really important that I understand tonight . I've got to be careful who I walk with , who I allow to walk with in my life , who I share with , who I live my life with . In certain areas of it it says blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners , who just stands there and watches and watches the world get on . You know , these scriptures are really , really important . We are living in very , very powerful times and I want to encourage you tonight . God is calling you out of the crowd and it feels painful , it feels brutal , it can feel lonely , but God is calling you to stand alone and to walk alone and to sit alone . What do you mean ? I don't want to be on my own . I'm not referring to that . I'm referring to the people in certain circles of life that you have lived with , walked with , hung around with , work with . You know , in culture , in life You've in culture in life , you've got to be extremely careful , because the scripture is extremely clear . It says there blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked . Be careful who you walk with , be careful who you talk to . Be careful who you allow in your life , because the people in your life are critical and time is of the essence . We do not have any time to waste . We do not have any time to go back anymore . Jesus Christ is coming , he is the coming King , he is the great . I am and I want to encourage you tonight .
Speaker 3You know three areas of life . We are talking about walking , we're talking about standing and we're talking about sitting , being seated , mockers . Watch out . Are there mockers in your life ? Are there people in your life that are mocking you ? Are there people in your life that are ridiculing you ? Are there people in your life that are using you as someone to laugh at and laugh about ? Be very , very careful .
Speaker 3The Bible talks about walking , it talks about standing and it talks about who you sit with , who you sit with . Be careful who you listen to . Three areas of the natural way the human being lives their lives Standing , walking and sitting . Who are you sitting next to at this moment in time in your life generally ? Who do you spend a lot of time with ? Who have you spent a lot of time with ? Who are you walking with ? Who is influencing your life ? Now , let's further on . Let's just move a little bit further on here .
Speaker 3And when you look at these scriptures , it says but his delight is in the law of the Lord . That is obvious , that is completely obvious . Verse 2 of Psalm 1, . But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on this law he meditates day and night . Where else have we found a scripture where it talks about meditating on the word of God ? If you've got a moment and if you can turn to the book of Joshua . When you read the book of Joshua , it is really really clear what Joshua has been told . He says do not let the book of the Lord depart from your mouth . Meditate on it day and night .
Speaker 3You've got to be careful . One , two , three areas of the substance of life , the major elements of life . Who am I walking with and who do I sit with ? Basically , the simple understanding that I have with this is very , very clear , and I'll put it in my language is don't hang around with donuts . Don't hang around with people that are going to pull you the wrong way . Don't hang around with Muppets . Don't hang around with donuts . Don't hang around . Be careful of your Facebook group . Be careful of your social group . Be careful , because you will find , if they are not Bible believing believers , you will find them elements in their lives . Let's just reiterate , let's just read this again Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked . Be careful who you walk with . There are people in your life will want you to walk in the way of the wicked . They will try to get your pathway to be very different to the pathway of what God is asking you to walk Now . Be careful .
Speaker 3It says or stand in the way of sinners . Don't stand with people that are sinners . Don't hold your place . Be extremely careful in your life . Or sit in the seat of mockers . Don't sit at the table . Don't sit at a table , a table of life . When you look at the table , what does the table represent ? You know , christmas is a very , very interesting way a bit of an analogy to look about sitting at a table . Who you're sitting around the table with , who you're sitting around the table with , do they influence your life ? Are people that you walk with , people that you stand with and people that you sit with ? Are they influencing your life for jesus ? Are they taking you to Christ ? Are they taking you to the scripture ? Are they taking you to more of the power of God ? The people in your life . They have to .
Speaker 3If the people in your life are not caring about your salvation and what do you mean by that ? Caring how you are as a Christian , If you do not have anyone in your life that is walking you to the cross , walking you to the word , walking you to the presence of the Holy Spirit , we've got to have people around us that won't do what the Bible is just saying there . Don't hang around the sinners , don't hang around the mockers . Don't walk with the fools of life . Don't walk with the donuts , don't walk with the muppets of life . Be careful , don't get absorbed in the social media crowd , because when you look at that , you will find all these three elements . It's really , really clear what the Bible says Blessed is the man who does not keep away from certain areas of life . Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers . Be careful who's at your table . Be careful who you dine with . Be careful who you socialize with . Be careful who walks with you in life . Be careful .
Speaker 3Okay , let's have a look at this a minute . So the people in your life that you spend a lot of time with whether it's work , at home , life , culture , whatever that may be where are they walking you to ? Where are they getting you to sit down at ? Where do you spend a lot of your time ? Where do you sit ? Where do you walk ? I'm talking about the walk of life . That's what it's talking about . Where do you walk ? Where do you migrate ? What's your traction of your life ? Where do you go ? Because where we go , we got to make sure it's not church . That's the criteria , what it is . We've got to make sure that we're walking to Christ . It is Jesus Christ .
Speaker 3The Bible says we've got to meditate on the word of God day and night and do not let this book of the Lord , depart from your mouth , meditate day and night . Turn to the book of Joshua and just have a read . He says Joshua was told by God . If you meditate on this word Now don't get me wrong Is there anyone out there bold enough to join what I'm saying ?
Speaker 3Sometimes I find , Lord , reading the word gets a little bit boring . Sometimes , reading the word gets me a little bit , lord , weird , a little bit strange , because , lord , it is just hard work . Sometimes , jesus , let's be honest , because it is a book outside of the natural realm . Yes , there's beautiful scriptures in there . Yes , it's beautiful most of the time , but I can get my mind and my focus taken away . It's really , really important , wherever you are , you know , to be focused on the word of God . God loves you , god is carrying you , but we've got to get in the scripture . We've got to get in the scripture , no matter how boring you might find it being , how mundane it might seem , no matter how in a way of repetition it might be .
Speaker 3You know the Word of God , the Word of God has to get in your spirit , but your flesh and my flesh will be opposed to it , because the flesh can't get it , the flesh can't wear it , the flesh can't understand it . Brother and sister , you've got to get it on the tablet of your heart . Our flesh can't grasp it , brother and sister . You've got to get it on the tablet of your heart . Our flesh can't grasp it . Our mind can't grasp it . Our mind is looking to what the world is doing . Our mind wants social media to flick up and down . Our mind wants the TV . Our mind wants sports . Our mind wants what the world is offering . But your spirit is completely different to your mind .
Speaker 3You've got to be feeding your spirit , because what goes in through your eye gate and your ear gate will affect the way you are . So what you watch , what you see , what you scroll through , what you allow your eyes to see , that will take charge over the inner you . But if the word of God is , if you're getting that word in your spirit , if you're getting that word in your spirit , suddenly you'll find you'll have peace . Suddenly you'll find you'll have traction in life . Suddenly you'll find that you're not craving the world . Suddenly you'll find that you're not empty , you're not fed up , you're not in a position in your life where you're uncertain about things that are happening . It is the word of God . But the word of God is the opposite to the flesh . The flesh cannot stand the word of God . The flesh cannot grasp it . The flesh is of the world . The flesh doesn't get the word of God . So you've got to break that barrier . You've got to break that monotony . You've got to get straight in for it . You've got to get it and push it in and get it in there . You've got to get it in your spirit . You've got to get it in your heart . You've got to get it in your innermost being . You've got to break it .
Speaker 3Your flesh will tell you that I don't want to read it . Your flesh will tell you there's no purpose in reading it . The flesh will tell you God doesn't exist . The flesh will tell you I don't watch something on TV . The flesh will tell you that I'm tired . The flesh will tell you what are you doing ? Your mind will tell you what are you doing ? Why don't you stay on the social networks ? Why don't you watch TV ? Why don't you do this ? Why don't you do that ? The flesh will want to keep you away from the word of God . The flesh will want to do that .
Speaker 3You know it's critical that I get past my flesh . I get past that stage in my life and I get the word pressed onto the tablet of my heart . I've got to get it in my innermost being . And when I get it in my innermost being , then suddenly I start to find that I start to absorb it and then my body starts to react completely different my emotions , my feelings , my fears , my doubts . But I got to get in the word of God and it affects my faith .
Speaker 3The Bible says faith comes by hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of God . If I'm not hearing the message , if I'm not in the message , my faith can not disappear , but it becomes stagnant . It just freezes my faith freezes . So when trouble comes , when fear comes , when doubt comes , when the world starts to throw stuff at me , my faith is on the back foot . But if I keep my faith fed by the word of God , if I keep myself fed in the word , you know the Bible says in the book of Joshua do not let the book of the law depart from your mouth . Meditate on it day and night , then you will be successful wherever you go . But the Psalmist writes in Psalms 1 , let me , let me just read that again , let me just get to that place . Let me just read that again for each and every one of us . This is critical in verse 1 for every one of us , for each and every one of us . This is critical in verse one for every one of us Blessed is the man who does not walk in a council of wicked .
Speaker 3Be careful who you walk with in your life . There are many people that are not for Jesus in our lives . There are many people that don't know Jesus . I'm not talking about churchgoers . There might be many people in church and churchgoers , but it's . Do they believe in Jesus Christ ? Do they believe in the word of God ? Churchgoers , but it's . Do they believe in Jesus Christ ? Do they believe in the word of God ? Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners .
Speaker 3Live in your life around sinners and you might say , well , I can't get away from it . I can't , I can't get , I'm everywhere you know . You've got to make a conscious effort . If you are trapped in an area , got to be careful not to be unequally yoked as well . You got to be so careful , you got to be strong . You got to make sure who's in your family , who's in your life , who's in your workspace , who's in your college , who's in every area of your life . Do not hang around areas where sinners are dwelling . You got to be careful because just because we're faithful to the word , just because we're born again , doesn't mean to say we won't be absorbed into what the culture of the world is doing and we won't be absorbed into what is happening around the world .
Speaker 3It is really really important that we do not allow ourselves to sit in the seat of mockers , to stand in the face of sinners , to walk in the counsel of the wicked . Be careful who you have in your life . Be careful who you have around you . Be careful who you walk with . You know you've got to walk with brothers and sisters . You've got to walk with those because if you are walking with worldly people , if you are engaging in the world , there will be conflict in your life because it is a spiritual battle . If you have people in your life that are very worldly , that are mockers , you could probably find them and tell me who they are right now . But you will probably find that you've got mockers , you've got the scornful . And when you look at what the scripture says very , very clear . It says do not walk in the counsel of the wicked and do not stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers . Have you got sinners around you ? Have you got mockers around you ? Have you got the counsel of the wicked , the world around you ? Yes , I understand what the Bible says .
Speaker 3The Bible says go into all the world and preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ . We understand the Great Commission . That's okay . That's well and good when I do that . But when I go into the world , what are they influencing me ? What are these people influencing you ? The people on your WhatsApp groups , the people on your social media groups . Where are they taking you ? Are they taking you to godly places or are they taking you into the arena of trouble ? Who are you walking with ?
Speaker 3We've got to be extremely careful who we walk with in our lives . We've got to be careful who we engage with . We've got to be careful who we live hour after hour with . We've got to be careful who's in the workplace . We've got to be careful who we live our lives with and who we sit at the table . Do not sit at the table with certain people .
Speaker 3The Bible says that . It says , but honest law . You meditate on it day and night . And this law must be meditated day and night . You know , do not let the book of the Lord depart from your mouth . Meditate on it day and night .
Speaker 3I'm going to say that again Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth . Meditate on it day and night . Now , that is an adventure , because your flesh will tell you you want to do everything else . Your
flesh cannot absorb the word of God . Your flesh doesn't have the power to absorb the word of God . That's why the Bible says get the word of God and press it . Press it onto the tablet of your heart , get it into your innermost being . It will be the hardest thing you want to do .
Speaker 3Get the word of God playing in your house . Get the word of God through your earbuds , through your headphones . Get it through your car . Get it through your sound system . However , you got to get it . Get the word of God in your house . Get the word of God in your children . Get the word of God in your work . Colleagues , get the word of God . It is the word of God that will bring healing . It is the word of God that will bring hope . It is the word of God that will bring breakthrough . It is the word of God that will heal . It was the word of God that will bring peace .
Speaker 3You won't find peace when you sit with mockers . You won't find peace when you walk with sinners . You won't find peace when you hang around people of ungodly counsel . If you take and you look at life itself of ungodly counsel . If you take and you look at life itself . Maybe do a bit of a study and analyze the people that you are friendly with work , with walk , with chat , with talk to all that sort of stuff .
Speaker 3Who is leading you to Jesus ? That is an interesting question . Who in your life is leading you to Jesus and what do you mean leading me to Jesus ? I simply mean that are taking you to the Bible , that are talking about Christ . Who is in your life that is bringing you to the scripture ? Who is in your life that you're able to pray with ? Who on your social networks would pray with you ? Who on your WhatsApp groups would pray with you ? Who do you have in the circle of your culture , your life , your space , your being ? Who is in your life that will carry you when you are in trouble ? You find who is for you when the rubber hits the road . You find who is for you when everything breaks out in your life , and it doesn't matter if they call themselves Christians or whatever it's when trouble comes . That's when you find out who the true person is . They can say what they like on the WhatsApp groups . They can say what they like in your social groups . They can say what they like on social media . But when it comes down to the brass tacks , when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of the situation , who will stand with you ? Who is standing with you ? Who can you lock shields of faith with Sister and brother ?
Speaker 3I want to tell you now you're better to stand alone than to walk with sinners , to stand with mockers , to be with those people that the scripture that tells us . Do not engage in them . Yes , so what are you saying ? So that makes me sound like I've got to be completely ostracized . I can't go out my front door . It doesn't mean that . What it actually means is don't let them infiltrate your life and lead you to the devil's playground . Take those people that are trying to take you to the wrong areas of life . Take those people into the kingdom of God . If anyone is taking you away from Jesus , cut them off .
Speaker 3What is the purpose of hanging around people that are not telling you and taking you to scripture ? What is the point of that ? Why and what ? We find that we will have a strong group somewhere , and I'm not talking about a close group . I'm talking about maybe a bit of a distance group , a group that's around , just like the ring around us . You might find that you got people on this ring around you that , every which way they are , they are not taking you to church . I'll use that just quickly , but you know what I mean . Who is taking you to church ? Who is taking you to scripture ? Who is taking you to prayer ? Who is putting their hand on your shoulder and praying Ben , don't worry , we're going to pray our way through this . All things are possible to those who believe .
Speaker 3It's really , really important to watch out for your friendship groups the people that you go to the gym with , the people that you socialize with , the people on your WhatsApp group , the people that are in your church , the people that you sit with , the people that you talk with . Let's just refresh our minds and see what it says in Psalm 1 , verse 1 . Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in a seat of mockers . Be careful who you have coffee with . Be careful who you eat with . Be careful who you share your life with . Are these people taking you to Jesus ? Are these people talking about Jesus ?
Speaker 3Why do we spend so much time in the face of sinners and allow their lives to attract us into the wrong places ? What we need to do is to let our light shine and go into the crowd and tell the crowd within the social media , the crowd on the WhatsApp , the crowd at the gym , the crowd on the school run , the crowd in our lives , that Jesus Christ saved my life and God is calling you . But why do we do the opposite ? Why do we allow the world , why do we allow the world to infiltrate our lives ? When you go back over six months of our lives , who can you count ? Who can you say right now that looked at you and said come on , let's pray ? Who is in your life ? That is a real born again Christian . I'm not talking about churchgoers because the devil goes to church . I'm not talking about churchgoers because you can label that with everything I'm talking about . Who is in your life ? How many people can you count that are Bible-believing , spirit-filled , blessed and highly favoured , full born-again Christians , Born again ? I'm not talking about churchgoers . I'm not talking about church . You know many people go to church . The church is flooded .
Speaker 3It's really , really important when you look at this situation in your life . If people are not taking you to Jesus , cut the umbilical cord . That's a bit brutal , pastor Ben . It is absolutely brutal . We do not have any more time to hang around with sinners and mockers and people that are taking us away from the Holy Word of God . God says do not let this book of the Lord depart from your mouth . Meditate day and night , then you will be successful and prosperous wherever you go .
Speaker 3The Bible says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord . Come on sister , come on brother . Check out the people in your life , check out the people around you Again , nothing to do with church , nothing to do with religion , but who in your life are born again . John 3 , 3 . Jesus said you must be born again , nicodemus . Who are real , born again , men and women that will stand with you when the rubber hits the road , when it all breaks out , when it all goes wrong , when it all goes upside down , when it turns inside out and all over the place . This is what the Bible says , psalms one , verse one and two and three . I will read these we are coming to the table in just a few moments .
Speaker 3It says blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked Careful who you walk with , or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers , but his delight is in the law of the lord , and on this law he meditates day and night . He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither . Whatever he does , he prospers . It's time . There's a season in your life now . There's a season in your life . Now . There's a season in your life and it's time for change , serious change .
Speaker 3Check out everybody in your life . Are they real , born again ? Believers , churchgoers , religious Brother and sister ? God is calling you as religious Brother and sister . God is calling you . God is separating you , but it can feel painful , it can feel stressful , you can feel alone . It's better to be alone and to be in the presence of the Father , the Son , the Holy Spirit , and get godly counsel and to get refreshment and to get peace , rather than to be in a crowd of mockers , to be in a crowd of sinners and to walk with the ungodly .
Speaker 3When you think about our daily living life , where have we been today ? Who are the people that we've been engaging with over the weekend ? Did they take us to Jesus or did they take us to the devil's playground ? We are living in the end days . Jesus Christ is coming back . It is fact . It is fact . We are living in the last days and God is calling you now . This is so critical .
Speaker 3Be careful who you walk with . Are they walking with you and walking with Jesus ? Are they walking with you and walking with the devil ? Why on God's earth would I want to walk with anyone that is not a Bible-believing believer ? Yeah , but they're my friends . Yeah , they're my friends .
Speaker 3I go out in the week . Yeah , my friends , my friends , my friends . Where are they taking you to ? Where are these people taking you to ?
Speaker 3Isn't it interesting ? So often can I just put it out there . Can we just be raw and brutal tonight . So often can I just put it out there . Can we just be raw and brutal tonight . Isn't it interesting that the friendship group , the Facebook group , the WhatsApp group , the group of life seem to take us you , me let's just use that as an analogy . Let's just use that . They take us away from what Jesus wants and we allow ourselves to go away into the devil's playground known as the world , and we never seem to get them to come . Not to church , because a church is irrelevant . Come unto salvation
. We've got to be careful , because the devil's pole is extremely strong . The devil's stronghold
is extremely strong .
Speaker 3The Bible says do not give the devil a foothold , do not give him a place , do not give him a moment , do not give the devil a foothold . It is absolutely clear . Who are you walking with ? Ben , who is in your life . That is a Bible-believing , spirit-filled believer .
Speaker 3I do not have the time to waste anymore walking about with Muppets and dogs and donuts , just put it like that . Why would I want to spend my time in the world when God has a calling on your life ? This is why and how we have lost our identity of who we really are , because we have been trying to identify to the way of the world . We've been trying to fit in you don't fit in . You don't fit into the seat of mockers , you don't fit into the ungodly council , you don't fit into the way of sinners .
Speaker 3Now I know what the Bible says . The Bible says go into all the world and preach and teach and to love the unlovable . I get that , but what I am talking about , who is drawing you away from Jesus ? That is the critical thing . Who , and how many , are drawing you away from Jesus Christ , from the word of God ? Who is drawing you away ? Who is leading you to the devil's playground and who is leading you to scripture ? It's brutal , but we do not have any more time to waste .
Speaker 3Jesus Christ is coming back . Look at Israel . Christ is preparing the bride of christ . God is going to send the savior of the world and one day it will be too late , one day it will be finished , one day it will be game over and he will come out that sky and he is coming back for the bride of christ . Brother and sister , I urge you to pray and to fast like never before . I urge you to seek godly counsel like never before . I urge you to seek Jesus because there is a calling over your life and what those friendship groups are doing , what that family is doing , what the friends are doing , what social media is doing , what the world is doing is trying to take you away from your calling . They are trying to stop you reaching your destiny . They are trying to infiltrate what God has for you in your life .
Speaker 3Don't try and fit into the devil's jigsaw . Don't try and fit into the devil's playground . How many years have you spent in that situation ? And you've tried and you've tried and you've tried and you've tried . You've tried everything to fit in , but you don't fit in . So don't try anymore , because that's God saying you don't belong in this place . And we're saying God , I'm waiting for a word for you , god , I'm waiting for you . And God is saying loud and clear through the practical world you don't fit in with these people . I haven't bought you for such a place as this . Why are you trying to fit in ? I've got a greater life for you , yeah , but Lord , I want to fit in . Lord , I want to be that part of that jigsaw . I want to be in that social group . I want to be in that network . I want to be in that school . I want to be in this workspace . I want to be in . I want to be in , I want to fit in the click . The click is of the devil , the click is of the devil . We got to fit into the kingdom of God and actually we don't need to fit in because you've been grafted in .
Speaker 3There's a difference . See , in the Bible . The Bible says that we've been grafted in to the vine . You have been grafted into the vine and we are like those beautiful ripe grapes hanging on the vine . But why do we want to go ? Why do we want to jump off the vine and go and hang around with Muppets and donuts and all that sort of stuff ? What are we doing with our lives ?
Speaker 3Why are we trying to fit in into social groups , this group , that group , church groups , every other group ? Why are we trying to fit ourselves in ? Because we have lost our identity and what we find is those groups are trying to shape our identity . Those groups that we are trying to fit in , that we don't fit in . You know , those groups are puzzles and we are trying to fit ourselves into the puzzle . But you don't fit into that group . Don't keep trying to fit yourself into those groups . Don't keep trying . You're wasting your time and you're wasting your energy and you are wasting your life . Don't waste your life trying to fit in .
Speaker 3You need , and I need , to understand that we've been grafted in , grafted into the vine , grafted into the kingdom . We are in the kingdom of God and what has happened that group them , groups them social areas of life that we're trying to fit in ? We have lost our true identity because we're trying to put coats and layers on that are not our coat to wear . You know we are trying to wear stuff that is not fit for purpose . Now , as we come to the table , we're coming to the table very , very quickly , in a moment . But it's really , really , really important If you look at David and Saul , but it's really , really , really important If you look at David and Saul . David and Saul , the classic biblical text , the biblical fact when Saul and David were in a conversation and Saul tried to dress David for battle .
Speaker 3Let me tell you there are many people trying to dress you . There are many . What do you mean trying to dress me ? What they're trying to do is trying to shape you into the character that they want you to be . But David said I can't wear what you are giving me . David was brave enough to say I don't fit this armor .
Speaker 3Brother and sister , we don't have time to waste anymore . We don't have time to mess around anymore . Stop trying to fit in with the misfits , stop trying to fit in with the crowd that you are not meant to be in . Start to realize who you are , because what happens is is when we try to fit into the world , we waste our energy , we waste our resources , we waste our time . We get tired . We're not sure . Are they for me ? Are they against me ? Are they mocking me ? Are they ridiculing me ? You don't fit in . Stop trying to fit in and realize you've been grafted in .
Speaker 3We're at the table , father , in the name of Jesus , we come to you right now and we're going to break bread . Wherever you are on RB , christian Radio , across the world , wherever you are across this world tonight , we want to welcome you . Thank you for joining us on the social networks , thank you for joining us across the world , but wherever you are , brother and sister , I cannot tell you enough do not . Do not try and fit in anymore . Try not to fit anymore . We're going to break bread . Father , in the name of jesus , we thank you for this bread , because this bread symbolizes the body of Christ .
Speaker 3And as we break this bread right now , in the name of Jesus , across the world , father , we pray for the misfits , we pray for the Muppets and the Donuts in our lives and we say , Lord , god , in the name of Jesus , can you just remove them from our lives Because , lord , I don't have the strength to stop walking with them . Will you take them out the way ? In the name of Jesus , will you get them off my social feeds ? Will you get them off my WhatsApp groups ? Will you get them away from me , lord , because
I keep engaging with them and , lord , they're driving me mad and they're wearing me out .
Speaker 3In the name of Jesus , are you worn out with people ? People should not wear you out . People should encourage you and strengthen you . If you're being worn out with people , don't hang around with them . People should encourage you . People should make you feel encouraged about life . The people you have in your life should be uplifting you , carrying you , helping you , praying for you . May God bless you , father . Bless this bread in the mighty name of Jesus Christ . Father , we thank you that this bread symbolizes the body of Christ . In Jesus' name , amen .
Speaker 3Sisters and brothers , it's critical . You know you at night sound like I'm messing about and I've been a little bit flippant tonight maybe . Maybe I am being a little bit brutal , but we got to be brutal . You don't have any more time to waste . Ask the Lord to remove those people that are taking you away from him . But remember , nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus . Amen , hallelujah . But ask God to remove people that are not taking you to scripture , because this is it , scripture , because this is it .
Speaker 3You are not meant to fit in those circles . Don't keep trying to fit yourself in . Why are you trying to fit into the crowd ? Stand alone like a lion . Be bold , be strong , and you'll be surprised who God will put in your life . God will put people in your life that will carry you . But it's time now to ask God cut them off . Stop playing skipping ropes with the devil , stop playing hopscotch with the scorners , stop kicking the ball with sinners . It's time to follow Jesus like never before , and you will be surprised who God will put in your life when you say God , cut the tie to that group , cut the tie to that one . Lord , get them out of my life because , lord , they're not leading me to the scripture . Lord , will you wash leading me to the Scripture ? Lord , will you wash me in the blood of Jesus ? Will you cleanse me from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet , lord , enrich my life with the Scripture . Come , lord , in Jesus' name , amen . God loves you . God loves you . God loves you , and pray tonight that God will remove the sinners , the scornful and the mockers .
Speaker 3And I'm not talking about wrapping yourself up in cotton wool and staying under the duvet for the rest of your life . What I'm saying is don't hang around with people that are not shaping you into how God wants you to be . People are critical in our lives . Analyze every person . Do these people , every person in your life , every person in your life , life , every person in your life . Are they encouraging you ? Are they taking you to the Bible ? Are they taking you to Jesus ? Where are the people in our lives taking us ? What are they doing in our lives ? Why have we got these people in our lives ?
Speaker 3You know it's a bit brutal tonight , but the Bible is exactly as it says it is , and this is what Jesus is saying through the word , through the Old Testament Blessed is the man . We can't get blessed . If we're hanging around donuts , we can't get blessed . If we're hanging around the Muppets of the world , we can't you can't get blessed . It is impossible to get blessed , because the Bible says blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit at the seat of mockers , but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on this law he meditates day and night . It will take everything we got . It will take everything we got to keep the word in your spirit , because your flesh won't get it , your friends won't get it , your social networks won't get it , your whatsapp groups won't get it , your school friends won't get it , your teacher won't get it , certain members of your family won't get it because they don't understand the glory of god .
Speaker 3Make sure you got people in your life that will carry you when you're tired . Just before we close we've just got a few minutes there's that great text in the New Testament where that man was laying on the mat . I mentioned it the other week . Actually , the man that was sick , the man that was unwell , he was laying on the mat and he couldn't get to Jesus
. See , if he had four different friends , they would have took him away .
Speaker 3See , the mat , the mat of life , sometimes the mat of life . You might have two legs and you might be able to walk , but we are talking about the mat of life , the mat of life . Have you got people in your life that will pick up the four corners when you're in trouble ? When you are in trouble and you can't walk right and your legs are paralyzed and fear has washed you right the way through . Fear has washed you right the way through Sisters and brothers .
Speaker 3It's critical If there are people in your life that are taking you away from Jesus . It's very , very serious , it's extremely serious . But if you've got people , when you're worn and tired , that will pick up one , two , three , four corners of your mat and take you to Jesus , even when they looked at that house , they couldn't get him into the presence of Jesus . They couldn't go through the door . They couldn't get him through the window of Jesus . They couldn't go through the door . They couldn't get him through the window . The house was jammed , the house was rammed . But they went up the stairs , they took their friend on the mat , they carried him up the stairs and they got to the rooftop and we know the rest . They opened up the roof and they lowered him in . This is the type of people we need , people that will lower us to Jesus when we can't walk .
Speaker 3So who is in your life that is picking up the mat ? When you're tired ? You might say , well , I've got no one , I've got no one . It's better to have no one . That won't carry you to the wrong destination . We're going to close in just a couple of moments . We've just got a couple of moments .
Speaker 3You know it's been pretty brutal . It's been pretty brutal . You might be in a family and you might only be the only Christian . If you are in a family and you are the only Christian , you've really got to seek God . And what I mean by that is you've got to tell the family of the love of Jesus , no matter what they say to you , no matter how they ridicule you . You can't be quiet . You can't be quiet If you are in a family , you're in a workspace , you're in a situation where they don't know Jesus .
Speaker 3You've got to tell them about Jesus , no matter how brutal it may seem , no matter how difficult it is . You've got to tell them and talk to them about the love of Jesus . And I'm not talking about throwing and preaching at them . I'm talking about the way that you live , the way you answer , the way you speak , the way that you react to certain things in that situation . You know , because they are watching you and they know that you're a Christian , they know that you're a believer and they're watching the way that you act , the way you live , the way that you move , the way you speak , the way that you respond .
Speaker 3So sometimes we don't even necessarily have to talk about Jesus , it's our actions . How do we act If we are in a family and there are no other christians and you are the only born again , spirit-filled believer ? I know what that can be like . It's critical that you act , godly strong and you be brave . It's really , really important . You know it's so critical . It's so critical . It's so , so critical .
Speaker 3If you are in a family tonight and you're the only believer hallelujah , god's got you there for a reason . But , brother and sister , if you are in friendship groups and they are taking you away from Jesus and you know what I mean about that we don't need to have two brain cells to work that one out what are they leading you to during the week , the weekends , the evenings Are they taking you to Jesus ? If they are not taking you to Jesus , it's time to cut them off . Why are we hanging around people that are taking us to the devil's territory ? God bless , we're out of here in the to the devil's territory . God bless , we're out of here . In the name of Jesus Christ . May God bless you and strengthen you , and the hand of God is always with you .
Thank you for joining us tonight . We're way over time . Stay on the radio , but God bless you and never give up . We'll see you soon . Take care , bye , bye .
Speaker 1Thank you for joining us on Reverend Ben Cooper's podcast . We hope you feel inspired and uplifted . Don't forget to support us by buying us a coffee . Your generosity keeps this ministry thriving . We'd also love to hear from you , so please leave us a review and let us know what you think . And , of course , for more inspiration , visit us anytime at rbchristianradionet . Until next time , stay encouraged , stay faithful and know this you are not alone .