This series explores life-changing conversations Jesus had with different people. And the key principles He taught for living with peace, joy, and purpose. Each message highlights a personal encounter with Jesus and how His words still apply to our lives today.
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Series
Speakers
Marcus Avalos
Lead Pastor
Title: HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE YOU WERE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT… BUT SOMETHING STILL FELT MISSING
"HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE YOU WERE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT… BUT SOMETHING STILL FELT MISSING
JESUS FACED THIS:
John 5:41
“Your approval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. For you live for the praises of others and not for the praise that comes from the only true God.
MAIN IDEA:
TRUE JOY ISN’T FOUND IN WHAT YOU HOLD ONTO—IT’S FOUND IN WHO YOU FOLLOW.
Truth:
YOU CAN HOLD ONTO PEOPLE YOU LOVE, BUT WHEN THEIR OPINION BECOMES YOUR IDENTITY, IT LEADS TO EMPTINESS—NOT JOY.
We All Have A "ROADBLOCK" Between Us and Jesus.
THE STORY OF THE RICH YOUNG RULER
MARK 10:17-27
As Jesus started on his way, a man came running up to him. Kneeling down in front of him, he cried out, “GOOD TEACHER, WHAT ONE THING AM I REQUIRED TO DO TO GAIN ETERNAL LIFE?” Jesus responded, “Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good. You already know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give a false testimony, do not cheat, and honor your father and mother.’”
SO WHICH COMMANDMENTS DID HE LEAVE OFF and WHY?
THE FIRST FOUR COMMANDMENTS – which are about our relationship with GOD: • No other gods before Me • No idols • Don’t misuse God’s name • Keep the Sabbath holy
THE 10TH COMMANDMENT • “You shall not covet.”
The man said to Jesus, “Teacher, I have carefully obeyed these laws since my youth.” Jesus fixed his gaze upon the man, with tender love, and said to him, “Yet there is still one thing in you lacking. Go, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor. Then all of your treasure will be in heaven. After you’ve done this, come back and walk with me.”
GIVING EVERYTHING UP is not about POVERTY but PRIORITY
His WEALTH Wasn’t The Problem; His ATTACHMENT To It Was.What are you attached to?
REMEMBER THIS:
WHATEVER WE’RE MOST ATTACHED TO IS WHAT WE’LL FOLLOW.”
BOTTOM LINE:
Jesus wasn’t asking him to just give up money —He was inviting him into something better:
TRUE JOY, FREEDOM, AND ETERNAL TREASURE.
You can keep commandments, but still miss the Kingdom if you won’t let go of what you worship more than God.
Completely shocked by Jesus’ answer, he turned and walked away very sad, for he was extremely rich. (“The man’s face fell. He went away sad…” )
"What’s your one thing that’s holding you back?"
• MONEY OR COMFORT:
• SECURITY more than SURRENDER."
• CONTROL: "I trust my plans more than God’s."
• APPROVAL: "You want people to like you more than you want to OBEY GOD.
• PRIDE: "I don’t want to admit I need Jesus that much."
YOU CAN’T HOLD ON TO BOTH THE WEIGHT AND THE WAY
"IMAGINE THIS WITH ME: WHAT IF… WHAT IF WE DECIDE NOT TO WALK AWAY LIKE THE RICH YOUNG RULER….SAD WITH FACE DOWN. WHAT IF WE RUN TO JESUS: HANDS OPEN, HEARTS SURRENDERED WHAT IF WE DIDN’T LET PRIDE, COMFORT, CONTROL KEEP US AWAY FROM THE JOY WE WERE CREATED FOR? What if we believed—really believed—that the LIFE JESUS OFFERS IS BETTER than anything this world could give or take away?
JESUS PROMISE TO THOSE WHO FULLY SURRENDER “NO ONE WHO HAS LEFT HOME OR BROTHERS OR SISTERS OR MOTHER OR FATHER OR CHILDREN OR FIELDS FOR ME AND THE GOSPEL WILL FAIL TO RECEIVE A HUNDRED TIMES AS MUCH IN THIS PRESENT AGE… AND IN THE AGE TO COME, ETERNAL LIFE.”- (MARK 10:29-30)
true joy isn’t found in what you hold onto—It’s found in who you follow.
