The Invitation // Week 2 // Pastor David Marrero

Summary

This powerful sermon centers around Jesus' invitation to 'come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' The preacher emphasizes that true rest and healing are found not in religion or works, but in an intimate, transformational relationship with Jesus. He challenges listeners to let go of legalism, burdens, and a transactional mindset, and instead walk with Jesus, allowing Him to carry their burdens and teach them His 'unforced rhythms of grace.' The call is for a genuine, personal surrender to Jesus, not mere religious obligation, as the path to life, peace, and the fulfillment of our deepest desires.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest from our weariness and heavy burdens, offering a personal relationship rather than a religion.
• 🕊️ True rest is found by walking with Jesus daily, allowing Him to carry our burdens, rather than trying to earn it through works or sacrifices.
• 🌿 Jesus' yoke is light and easy, as He promises to take on our loads if we trust and partner with Him, rather than striving in our own strength.
• 🔑 Developing intimacy with Jesus transforms us, as we learn His rhythms of grace and unforced obedience that flows from love, not obligation.
• 💔 Religion and tradition without a relationship with Jesus leads to weariness, legalism, and hypocrisy, missing the essence of God's intention.
• 🌱 Our relationship with Jesus should not be transactional, but transformational, allowing room for growth and unconditional giving from Him.
• 💫 Jesus is greater than any sacrifice, temple, or religious practice, and desires mercy and grace towards people more than outward observances.
• 🌊 Serving Jesus should not be a burdensome duty, but a joyful privilege flowing from our desire to please Him and express our love for Him.
• 🌻 True spiritual growth happens when we balance prayer with reading God's Word, allowing it to shape and disciple us in our relationship with Christ.
• ✨ Salvation is a free gift of grace from God, but developing our faith requires actively choosing to walk with Jesus and let Him transform us daily.

Q & A

What is the main invitation Jesus extends in Matthew 11:28-30?

Jesus invites all who are weary and carry heavy burdens to come to Him for rest.

What does RSVP stand for, and how does it relate to Jesus' invitation?

RSVP is a French term meaning 'respond if you please'. It relates to Jesus' invitation as a call to respond to His offer of rest and salvation.

What does the speaker suggest about attending events after accepting an invitation?

The speaker suggests it's courteous to attend events you've accepted invitations to, especially weddings, where your attendance incurs a cost to the host.

How does the speaker compare God's invitation to human invitations?

Unlike human invitations where guests are expected to bring gifts, God's invitation offers a gift (rest) to those who accept it.

What does the speaker say about the burden of legalism in religion?

The speaker criticizes legalism in religion for being burdensome and not providing true rest, emphasizing a relationship with Jesus over religious rituals.

How does the speaker interpret Jesus' statement about His yoke being easy and the burden light?

The speaker interprets Jesus' statement as an assurance that Jesus will take on our burdens, offering a partnership where He carries the weight, making our load lighter.

What point does the speaker make about the Sabbath in relation to Jesus' teachings?

The speaker notes that the Sabbath, meant for rest and holiness, should not be misused or become a source of legalistic burden, emphasizing Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath who offers true rest.

What does the speaker say about Jesus' approach to people and tradition?

The speaker suggests Jesus prioritizes people over tradition and legalistic practices, highlighting His focus on mercy, grace, and personal relationship over religious duties.

What does the speaker mean by 'unequally yoked' in the context of the sermon?

The speaker refers to being 'unequally yoked' as focusing more on religion and legalism than on a personal relationship with Jesus, which can hinder spiritual progress and rest.

What is the ultimate message of the speaker regarding coming to Jesus?

The ultimate message is an invitation to form a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, moving beyond religious obligations to find true rest, peace, and fulfillment in Him.

Outlines

00:00

📖 Invitation to Find Rest in Jesus

The speaker begins by reading Matthew 11:28-30, which is an invitation from Jesus to come to him and find rest from burdens and weariness. He emphasizes that this is a direct invitation for everyone, not just some. The speaker highlights that Jesus promises to give rest to those who come to him, unlike human events where guests are expected to bring gifts.

05:01

🕯️ True Rest Comes from Jesus, Not Religion

The speaker discusses the difference between Jesus and the temple sacrifices. While the sacrifices in the temple are great, Jesus is greater than the sacrifices. The true rest and comfort that people seek cannot be found in just going to church or through sacrifices, but by coming directly to Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus wants to give rest to those who are weary, without any prerequisites or conditions.

10:04

⚖️ Jesus Values People More Than Religion

The speaker talks about the incident where Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath, despite objections from religious leaders. Jesus prioritized helping the man over following religious rules, emphasizing that a person's well-being is more valuable than rigid religious traditions. The speaker urges Christians not to become so focused on religion that they miss the needs of people.

15:04

🌱 Finding Peace Through Surrender, Not Works

The speaker suggests that some people try to find peace and comfort through their own works and efforts, rather than surrendering and trusting God. He emphasizes that Jesus wants people to come to him, even in their brokenness, and he will give them rest and peace. The focus should be on having a relationship with Jesus, not just following religious practices or rules.

20:05

🚶‍♀️ Walking with Jesus: A Transformational Relationship

The speaker contrasts a transactional relationship, where people remain only as long as they receive something in return, with a transformational relationship with Jesus. Walking with Jesus is a partnership that allows for growth and selfless giving. It's about spending time with him and learning from his example, at a pace that is comfortable for each person.

25:05

🌳 The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

The speaker emphasizes that Jesus invites people to walk with him and learn the "unforced rhythms of grace." This means letting go of control and trusting Jesus to carry their burdens, rather than trying to bear them alone. Jesus' yoke is light, and he promises to show people how to maintain rest and peace in their lives.

30:08

🔄 The Transformative Power of Relationship with Jesus

The speaker contrasts being "unequally yoked" with religion, where people are burdened and stagnant, with being yoked with Jesus, which brings freedom and movement. He emphasizes that following Jesus and keeping his commandments should not be burdensome when done out of love and relationship, not obligation. A true relationship with Jesus transforms and renews people's perspectives and desires.

35:10

🔥 Rekindling the Passion for Serving Jesus

The speaker challenges the audience to examine their motivations for serving in ministry and reading the Bible. He urges them to rekindle their passion for serving Jesus out of love and desire, not obligation or burden. He encourages them to approach their faith with the same enthusiasm and preparation they would for other important events in their lives.

40:11

🌅 The Privilege of Intimacy with God

The speaker emphasizes that having a relationship with Jesus and serving him should be seen as a privilege, not a burden. He encourages the audience to prioritize their time with God and not treat it as an obligation or something to be rushed through. The speaker reminds them that true intimacy with God comes from a desire to honor and please him, not just going through religious motions.

45:13

💝 The Father's Sacrifice and Invitation

The speaker reflects on the sacrifice made by God the Father in giving his Son, Jesus, for the salvation of the world. He emphasizes that God chose to extend his grace and invitation for a relationship out of love, not obligation. The speaker then issues an invitation for those who are weary and burdened to come to Jesus and accept his free gift of salvation.

50:13

🙏 Altar Call for Salvation and Renewal

The speaker concludes by giving an altar call, inviting those who want to accept salvation through Jesus or renew their relationship with him to come forward. He encourages those who have been blinded by religion or have grown weary to surrender to Jesus and experience true rest and transformation.

Keywords

💡Rest

Rest in the context of the script refers to a spiritual and emotional state of peace and relief from burdens, specifically offered by Jesus to those who are weary and burdened. The script emphasizes Jesus' invitation to 'come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,' highlighting the promise of spiritual rejuvenation and ease of burden through a relationship with Jesus. This concept is central to the message, illustrating the transformative power of accepting Jesus' invitation to find solace and strength in Him.

💡Yoke

A yoke is traditionally a wooden beam used between a pair of oxen to enable them to pull together on a load. In the script, Jesus' use of 'yoke' symbolizes the relationship and teachings He offers to His followers. When Jesus says 'my yoke is easy and my burden is light,' it signifies the contrast between the burdens of worldly concerns and religious legalism versus the freedom and rest found in following Him. This metaphor illustrates how partnership with Jesus lightens life's burdens through grace and love, rather than adding weight through strict religious obligations.

💡RSVP

RSVP, an abbreviation for the French phrase 'répondez s'il vous plaît' meaning 'please respond,' is used metaphorically to describe the act of responding to Jesus' invitation for a relationship and spiritual rest. The speaker draws a parallel between the customary practice of responding to invitations for events and the personal decision to accept or ignore the spiritual invitation from Jesus. This concept underscores the importance of an active response to God’s call, emphasizing individual choice in the matter of spiritual commitment.

💡Sabbath

The Sabbath is traditionally a day of rest and worship observed by Jews on the seventh day of the week and by some Christians on Sunday. In the script, it is used to illustrate Jesus' teaching that He is 'Lord of the Sabbath,' emphasizing that true Sabbath rest is found in Him, not merely in observing a day or adhering to religious rules. The discussion on Sabbath in the script challenges traditional religious practices, highlighting Jesus’ message that the Sabbath was made for man's benefit, offering rest and connection with God rather than being a burden of legalistic obligation.

💡Religion vs. Relationship

This concept contrasts the external practice of religious rituals and adherence to laws with a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. The script critiques a 'religion' that focuses on rules and appearances, advocating instead for a 'relationship' that is based on love, grace, and a personal connection with Jesus. This theme is central to the message, illustrating that spiritual fulfillment and rest are found not in religious practices but in a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus.

💡Grace

Grace is the unmerited favor of God, a key concept in Christian theology that is emphasized throughout the script. It is described as the foundation of the relationship between Jesus and His followers, highlighting that the rest, peace, and salvation offered by Jesus are gifts that cannot be earned through human effort or religious works. The script underscores grace as a transformative force that enables believers to experience the 'unforced rhythms of grace,' living in freedom rather than under the weight of legalism.

💡Transformational Relationship

This term describes a relationship with Jesus that leads to personal growth, change, and spiritual renewal. Unlike a transactional relationship based on exchanging goods or services, a transformational relationship with Jesus is characterized by mutual giving and receiving, growth, and the sharing of burdens. The script emphasizes this type of relationship as the means by which believers can experience real rest, peace, and fulfillment, highlighting the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus through intimacy with Him.

💡Burden

In the script, 'burden' refers to the emotional, spiritual, and physical weights that individuals carry, such as stress, sin, guilt, and the demands of religious legalism. Jesus' invitation to 'come to me, all who are weary and burdened,' presents Him as the one who can relieve these burdens. The concept is crucial to understanding the message of finding relief and rest in Jesus, as opposed to the exhaustion that comes from trying to carry these burdens alone or through religious efforts.

💡Legalism

Legalism is the excessive adherence to law or formula in religious practice. The script challenges legalism by illustrating how it can lead to judgment, exclusion, and a focus on rituals over relationship. Jesus' teachings and actions, as recounted, confront the legalistic practices of the religious leaders of His time, advocating for mercy, grace, and love over strict observance of laws. This concept is used to argue that true rest and peace come from grace through faith, not from fulfilling religious obligations.

💡Invitation

The 'invitation' in the script refers to Jesus' call to individuals to enter into a relationship with Him, characterized by grace, rest, and freedom from burdens. It emphasizes the voluntary nature of responding to Jesus, likened to responding to an invitation to a special event. This concept highlights the personal decision to accept Jesus' offer of salvation and rest, underscoring the theme of individual choice and the transformative power of accepting Jesus' invitation to a life of faith.

Highlights

Jesus in his very word said come to me the other title that I would give you, is, RSVP, RSVP now whenever you and I receive an, invitation for a wedding or a special, event they would ask ask you to, RSVP now RSVP is a French term that, translates to, respond if you, please.

Our relationship with Jesus is, not a forced, relationship he leaves it open-ended if, you want to be in relationship with him, then you have that opportunity to do, that the very words of Jesus is this, come to me all of you, not just some of you but come to me all, of you all of us have experienced being, weary or having a heavy burden he is, saying come to me all of you who are, heavy, burdened if you are weary Jesus says, come to me.

He simply says come to me all, of you and I would give you a gift and that, gift is rest how many of us here today, we need rest like we need a restful mind, we need a restful, heart I mean some of us we're having, nightmares we can't even sleep at night, you're sleeping but you're not sleeping, have you ever tried to sleep but your, mind keeps on running it just never, shuts down.

Jesus doesn't say come to, sacrifice church folks he doesn't say, come to sacrifice he says come to me all, who are weary and burdensome and I would, be your, Sabbath I would give you, rest it's not lined up on a day it's, lined up on who he is I am your, Sabbath.

Jesus is saying the highest point of, your favor is not what you do but is who, you, serve Sabbath means this it means rest, and it was intended for man and not for, man for the Sabbath in other words God, did not create Sabbath so that it can, control you God created Sabbath so that, it can work for you and although the, Sabbath is to be kept holy whenever it's, misused it will not give you rest.

Jesus is still talking here then he said, to the man stretch out your hand so not, only does he respond to the religious, leaders who are trying to Corner him for, blasphemy he then asks the man with the, shriv hand to pull it out so the Bible, says he stretched it out and it was, completely, restored they became, eyewitness of the miracle.

We got to be careful that we, don't become so churchy that we miss, people we got to be careful that we, don't become so churchy that we use the, Bible so that we can slap them versus, using the Bible so that we can Inspire, them we we got to be careful that we, don't become holier than D because we, are connected to Jesus that we should, downgrade everybody else who is not at, the same level that we are at.

The Bible, was never to hit people across the face, the Bible was supposed to be a, foundation that they can stand on and we, ought to be a reflection of that Grace, the same Grace that was extended to us, when we were hard-headed that same Grace, that was given to us when we weren't, listening to Jesus that same Grace that, when we were rebellious and it was, extended to us God is saying use that, words as a rock for others to stand on, not to beat the come down to their, grave.

Jesus does not want to, have Jesus doesn't want to have a, transactional, relationship a transactional, relationship is is like a business, transaction it is a deal built on, staying in the relationship as long as, you have something to, offer so Jesus as long as as you give me, what I need then I'm going to remain in, relationship with, you there is no relationship that will, last intimately no relationship no, dating relationship no friendship, relationship there is no relationship, that would last if it's only based on, transactional because transactional, relationship means that I'm only in it, because you got something to offer me.

Walking with Jesus is, transformational and the reason that it, is transformational is because walking, is a pace that you and I can handle it, is time spent now if you ever ever, walked with a loved one holding their, hands and walking there is an intimacy, in that there is time to talk there is, time to to spend with each other and, there is a pace that both in both of us, can handle.

A yoke is a wooden, bar that oxs will wear and share the, burden by pulling the weight, together so oxin will pull the weight, you can you can see from this picture, you can see that they're both strong you, you can see that they're both capable of, sharing the weight but this image that, you're looking at right now is not what, Jesus is referring to Jesus is not, saying come to me right and I and we, will share the, weight Jesus promises that his yoke is, light which means while you walk with, him he will take on your, burdens.

Jesus not only will take your, burdens but he will show you how to, maintain, your, rest this is not about only holding, jesus' hand whenever we need something, from, him this is about us holding his hand, every single day this is about us, depending on his, wisdom that when we are in a position, where God has given us the strength that, we need and we necessarily don't need to, hold his hand anymore this is the moment, where you should squeeze jesus' hand a, little bit, tighter.

You should have a desire to please him you, should have a desire to worship him you, should have a desire to honor him and, Christians we've got to hear I am, blowing the hor I am sounding the alarm, you have got to be careful that you are, not playing with fire when God is, teaching us to be holy for he is Holy, but we keep on playing with that line, telling oursel that God is going to be, there.

Serving Jesus following Jesus is, is not a, chore this it's not a, chore it's not supposed to be a, burden it's not a burden you know why, because I want to be in relationship, with, Jesus so when I read his word and it, teaches, me about him this word is supposed to, disciple me so that I can apply it into, my, life.

Jesus never forced a relationship with, us listen to this he made the choice to, die and he made a choice to extend his, grace because he want wanted, to and this morning as I was praying for, this, word I was actually talking to my wife, and I said man baby it just hit, me we highlight so much about, Jesus but we forget that the father had, to make sacrifice as, well for God so loved the world that he, gave his only and begotten, son that whosoever believe in him him, shall not perish but have everlasting, life the father didn't have to give his, son to us he wanted to give his son to, us so much, so that when the, son was asking his father to take the, cup of suffering away from him his, father denied his requests by remaining, silent because he, chose, us.

Transcripts

Matthew chap 11 we're going to be

reading verses 28 through

30 Matthew

1128 through

30 we are on week two this is part two

of the

invitation we're going to be reading

words from Jesus himself a direct

invitation to you and I and this is what

it reads I'm going to read it from the

NLT then Jesus said come to me all of

you who are weary and carry heavy

burdens and I will give you

rest take my yoke upon you let me teach

you because I am humble and gentle at

heart and you will find rest for your

souls for my yoke is easy to bear and

the burden I give you is light I want

you to go ahead and repeat after me your

word word is written in my mind your

word is hidden in my heart your word is

a lamp unto my feet and a light for my

path I will seek you with all my

strength I choose to live my life

according to your word your word your

word oh Lord is eternal you may be

seated

I'm going to give you two titles today

you can choose the best one you

like the first one I'll give you is Come

to

Me Jesus in his very word said come to

me the other title that I would give you

is

RSVP

RSVP now whenever you and I receive an

invitation for a wedding or a special

event they would ask ask you to

RSVP now RSVP is a French term that

translates to

respond if you

please now this invitation is very

selective because your name is on it and

some invitations would actually put how

many are

invited on the receiving end it is our

responsibility to respond so if you

accept you would put the number of

people attending and mail back let me

park for a moment if you say you're

going to be there please be

there do you do know that especially if

it's a wedding do you know you do know

that they just paid a plate for you to

be there right it's courtesy if I'm

going to be there if I say I'm going to

be there I'm going to be there here here

is another note don't take more

people to a

party and and and invite your whole crew

with you if it was only two people that

were invited like it's just just stick

with just stick with the

number so if you if you accept it what

we'll do is we'll we'll mail back the

invitation nowadays we can actually

electronically

respond if you don't respond the

assumption is you're not

coming I want you to know here today

that God has sent us an invitation

and it is up to us to either respond to

this invitation or to not

respond our relationship with Jesus is

not a forced

relationship he leaves it open-ended if

you want to be in relationship with him

then you have that opportunity to do

that the very words of Jesus is this

come to me all of you

not just some of you but come to me all

of you all of us have experienced being

weary or having a heavy burden he is

saying come to me all of you who are

heavy

burdened if you are weary Jesus says

come to me so he sends invites to every

tired heart he he sends invites to every

tired

Soul he gives us an invitation so that

we can partner with him now you and I

know that life can be very hard much

distress disappointment Sorrows has

anybody experience disappointments or

Sorrows

sadness for some of us we've had

sleepless

nights Many Many Tears overflow of

tears and what I love about God is that

he doesn't give us stipulations or rules

before coming to him

he is saying that if this is what you're

feeling or this is what you're going

through then

come Come Just As You Are come with your

Broken Heart come with your confused

mind he he doesn't give you an

assignment to work on or ask you to

change or fix a few things in your life

before Drawing Near to him all he does

it says

come draw near to me and Jes Jesus says

I'll draw near to you come with your

broken self that's all he says all of

you and I will watch this I will give

you rest here is the gift if you come to

me here is the promise if you come to me

if you come to me I would give you rest

if your tired Soul comes to me I'll give

you rest if you're weary I'll give you

rest that is a promise now the

difference between between us and God is

this when you and I throw a party and we

send out an

invitation when they come to our

birthday party we are expecting them to

buy us a gift how many you know what I'm

talking

about if I invite you to my party don't

come to my party empty-handed I expect

you to buy me a gift if not you're

cheap if I invite you to come to my

wedding it is

it is it'll be nice for you to bring a

gift but God works the opposite

way when God sends an

invitation he gives you a

gift when he tells you to come to me so

in this Essence he says all who are

weary come to me and if you come to me

I'm going to give you a gift and that

gift is rest how many of us here today

we need rest like we need a restful mind

we need a restful

heart I mean some of us we're having

nightmares we can't even sleep at night

you're sleeping but you're not sleeping

have you ever tried to sleep but your

mind keeps on running it just never

shuts down he simply says come to me all

of you and I would give you a gift Not

only would I give you a gift of rest but

whatever it is that you need the Bible

teaches us that he sent us an invitation

for

salvation he sent us an invitation so

that we can be one with him

come with me I if you continue to read

the scripture in chapter 12 I want you

to know that there has become um there

is a discussion about

Sabbath the disciples were hungry so

they started to pick up some grains from

the fields and they ate them now I want

you to track with me

here because when it comes to Salvation

when it comes to rest God just wants you

to come to him there's nothing that you

could do to work or earn what God has to

offer so the the religious group

approached Jesus and said they were

breaking a law for working on the

Sabbath they were upset because they

were picking up grains and they were

eating Jesus corrects them by saying the

priest breaks the Sabbath all the time

because they have to do God's work on

the

Sabbath now Jesus was proven a point how

selective and biased a practice of the

Sabbath was then Jesus says in Matthew

12 6-8 follow me here I tell you that

something greater than the temple is

here if you had known what these words

mean I desire listen to this Mercy not

sacrifice you would not have condemned

the innocent for the son of man is the

Lord of the

Sabbath the son of man is the lord of

the Sabbath Now understand temple temple

was a place of sacrifice few months ago

we went on a whole Tabernacle series and

in that series I taught you that it was

a place of sacrifice that the first

entrance was the

Altar and only the priest and the holy

uh and and the and the high priest was

able to go into the temple it was a

place of sacrifice Jesus is saying in

this

scripture I tell you something greater

than the temple is here there are so

many people that are looking at

sacrifice and think that the sacrifice

is the highest point of God's favor and

yet Jesus is saying the highest point of

your favor is not what you do but is who

you

serve Sabbath means this it means rest

and it was intended for man and not for

man for the Sabbath in other words God

did not create Sabbath so that it can

control you God created Sabbath so that

it can work for you and although the

Sabbath is to be kept holy whenever it's

misused it will not give you rest let me

break this thing down a little bit

deeper Jesus is saying religion and its

tradition will not give you

rest that our routine will not give us

rest following rules being good doing

good would not give you rest what will

give you rest is all Who Come to

Me Jesus then goes to

church he then goes to church and the

religious group presents a man with a

shrivel hand in hopes that Jesus will

work and help this man by breaking the

law so they can arrest Jesus they wanted

to pit him with with blasphemy now when

on the Sabbath you were not supposed to

work they created all of these rules in

supporting the Sabbath healing someone

was one of the requirements that was

against the law so they tried to ask

Jesus this question is it unlawful to

heal on the Sabbath listen to what Jesus

has to

say Matthew 12 11-13 he said to them if

any of you has a sheep and it falls into

a pit on the Sabbath will you not take

hold of it and lift it

out here's the line that you have to

underline how much more valuable is a

person than a

sheep how much more valuable is a person

than

religion how much more valuable is a

person than the law how much more

valuable is a

person than religion therefore it is

lawful to to do good on the Sabbath

Jesus is still talking here then he said

to the man stretch out your hand so not

only does he respond to the religious

leaders who are trying to Corner him for

blasphemy he then asks the man with the

shriv hand to pull it out so the Bible

says he stretched it out and it was

completely

restored they became

eyewitness of the miracle

we have got to be careful that we don't

become so churchy that we miss

people we got to be careful that we

don't become so churchy that we use the

Bible so that we can slap them versus

using the Bible so that we can Inspire

them we we got to be careful that we

don't become holier than D because we

are connected to Jesus that we should

downgrade everybody else who is not at

the same level that we are at the Bible

was never to hit people across the face

the Bible was supposed to be a

foundation that they can stand on and we

ought to be a reflection of that Grace

the same Grace that was extended to us

when we were hard-headed that same Grace

that was given to us when we weren't

listening to Jesus that same Grace that

when we were rebellious and it was

extended to us God is saying use that

words as a rock for others to stand on

not to beat the come down to their

grave we all have needs we all have

needs but sometimes I feel Christians

have forgotten what God has done for

them we all have needs but sometimes I

forget of of that we forget what what

God has delivered us from we got to

remind

ourselves that we were broken and check

this out and we're still

broken we all have needs like like the

Sheep who wandered off from the rest and

fell into the hole we all have

needs G Jesus is consistent no matter

why you fell into the hole he extends

his hand to pick us

up he encourages us with his hope he

takes us in and Embraces us not one day

a

week every day of the week I'm here to

tell you that Jesus is the Sabbath seven

days a week and I am so grateful that

Jesus does not take a day off but yet he

gives us himself all the time come to me

all who are

weary that the hurts and pains of his

creation does not supersede the the

practice of Sabbath according to how

Jesus defines it how Jesus declares it I

I believe that some of us are trying to

find our Peace by doing the

work we're trying to find our Peace by

doing the work we're trying to find that

Comfort by doing the work rather than

surrendering and trusting

God that when life has Us by the

throat when we are suffering with

emotional

distress that our mental health is

unstable Jesus wants to make it clear

that something great

that something greater is here than the

temple something greater is here than

the sacrifices you make in other words

the sacrifices we make in the temple are

great but Jesus is greater than the

sacrifice I'm going to take you deeper

coming to church is great but there's

something greater you don't go to church

you go to Jesus knowing that Jesus

presence is in the

church

God does not say all who are weary come

to church he says all who are weary come

to me you've got it all twisted you are

approaching it with the religious matter

which means let me go to church cuz I

need to be fixed and Jesus is saying you

can go to church and walk out the same

way but if you come to me I can fix

you I can fix you in your home I can fix

you in the street I can fix you no

matter where you find yourself you don't

need to be in a church building to be

fixed all you need to know is come to me

all who are all I know is that in the

Midnight Hour these Church doors are

closed what are you going to do then you

can call on the name of the Lord and he

would be with

[Applause]

you the sacrifices we make in the temple

are great but there's something greater

and that greater is

Jesus Jesus doesn't say come to

sacrifice church folks he doesn't say

come to sacrifice he says come to me all

who are weary and burdensome and I would

be your

Sabbath I would give you

rest it's not lined up on a day it's

lined up on who he is I am your

Sabbath it takes courage and humility to

release control and trust

God a lot of

humility

it also takes understanding on how

coming to Jesus will give you real

rest how does coming to Jesus give you

real rest I want to read same scripture

Matthew 11:28-30

but but I want to read it from The

Message Bible and this is how it

paraphrases it are you

tired worn

out burned out on

religion come to me

get away with me and you'll recover your

life I'll show you how to take a real

rest walk with me and work with me watch

How I do it learn The unforced rhythms

of Grace I won't lay anything heavy or

ill fit fitting on you keep company with

me and you'll learn to live freely and

lightly the the key word that we cannot

miss is with

me God says walk with me work with me

learn from me keep company with me that

this is a

relationship that this is not religion

this is

relationship Jesus is speaking to a

Jewish people who has worked very hard

in holding up the

law policing people's behavior and in

many instance playing God by judging and

condemning that when you play such a

role you have to hold up an

image that is

hard you have to hold up an image that

isn't even organic it isn't even real

and throughout scripture Jesus will call

these religious people Hypocrites you

know why because when they pray they

only did it to be heard

when they gave they only did it to be

seen the issue isn't prayer the issue

isn't giving the issue is the motive and

the

agenda matter of fact Jesus teaches us

to give teaches us to pray but you have

got to define the why you pray in your

life you got to Define why you give in

your life the Bible says that if you're

not going to give what laugh then don't

give at

Allelujah keep that money to yourself

keep your gift to yourself if all you're

going to do is show up in Ministry and

complain don't show up

then don't don't show up if you have a

complaining heart and you're always

bickering and you're always mad and

you're nasty ain't nobody want that

spirit in the

atmosphere ain't nobody want that nasty

you have got to First work on coming to

Jesus so that you can fix that bad

attitude so that when you give yourself

unto the Lord then what you offer up is

praise and worship not your

nasty the issue isn't these

principles my my heart as a Christian

breaks for those who are tired and

you're tired because you've been

practicing religion way too long we've

been trying to tell people that this is

not a religion this is a relationship

with Jesus it is completely different

are you feeling burn

out are you burned out because you have

tried all of these things that you've

heard in the preaching and yet you are

not seeing and feeling the fruits of it

something's

wrong when we treat Christianity as such

we are missing the very essence on what

God created us in the first place very

simple but here's the message Jesus

invites us to be in relationship with

him it is an invitation to be

one it is an

invitation to be with him and in him if

you're weary tired walk with me he says

and I'll give you a gift I'll give you

rest you know what Jesus doesn't want to

have Jesus doesn't want to have a

transactional

relationship a transactional

relationship is is like a business

transaction it is a deal built on

staying in the relationship as long as

you have something to

offer so Jesus as long as as you give me

what I need then I'm going to remain in

relationship with

you there is no relationship that will

last intimately no relationship no

dating relationship no friendship

relationship there is no relationship

that would last if it's only based on

transactional because transactional

relationship means that I'm only in it

because you got something to offer me

now there is another type of

relationship that we've really got to

start focusing on which is the

transformational

relationship Jesus is not about the

transaction he is about the

transformational relationship the trans

transformational relationship it gives

us room to grow it gives us room to

evolve it is a relationship of giving

towards each

other it is a relationship about

selfless

giving not selfish because when I am

when I'm selfish then I am only giving

because I'm expecting a return but when

I am selfless I am giving because I want

to make you PR proud I am giving because

I love you walking with Jesus is

transformational and the reason that it

is transformational is because walking

is a pace that you and I can handle it

is time spent now if you ever ever

walked with a loved one holding their

hands and walking there is an intimacy

in that there is time to talk there is

time to to spend with each other and

there is a pace that both in both of us

can handle it is true that there's some

of you who can outrun me and there are

others that I can outrun the Bible does

not say run with me he says walk with me

and the reason that God said walk with

me and not run with me is because he

recognizes we cannot keep up in his pace

so he throws up his pace so that we can

be in a pace that is comfortable in

growing in relationship my relationship

with my wife has to be

intentional because our lives are so

busy that if she tries to keep up with

me or I try to keep up with her then we

would always miss each other so we are

intentional about sitting down and

spending time with each other checking

in with one

another God wants you to walk hand in

hand with him every single day we work

and we work hard we work for our

wages we work for our career paths we

will work in our

relationships but Jesus says walk with

me because my yoke is

light it it is a different type of

expectations you and I know even in a

dating relationship there is

expectations that we have to meet and at

times it gets

tiresome but Jesus says no if you date

me it's a different type of

relationship because the truth is is

that Jesus don't need nothing from us

and Jesus Is God all by himself he don't

need us to feed his ego because he knows

who he is we're the ones that need God

so it isn't to our benefit that we walk

with him are you with me today now let

me take you deeper a yoke is a wooden

bar that oxs will wear and share the

burden by pulling the weight

together so oxin will pull the weight

you can you can see from this picture

you can see that they're both strong you

you can see that they're both capable of

sharing the weight but this image that

you're looking at right now is not what

Jesus is referring to Jesus is not

saying come to me right and I and we

will share the

weight Jesus promises that his yoke is

light which means while you walk with

him he will take on your

burdens Jesus recognizes I am bigger and

I am stronger than

you all I need you to do is walk with me

I don't need you to stop I need you to

keep on going I'm going to carry your

load so you're going to have to trust me

if you trust yourself then what's going

to happen is it's going to weigh you

down if you put your trust in money then

it's not going to give you what you need

if you put your trust in a relationship

it's not going to get you what you need

God is trying to say these these things

that we put our weight into or or we

carry it's too heavy for us to bear it's

going to crush you but put that on me

trust me with your finances trust me

with your relationship

trust me with your heart trust me with

your mind Jesus promises that his yoke

is light because he's bigger he's

stronger he just don't want you to stop

he not only will take on your burdens

but he will show you how to maintain

your

rest this is not about only holding

jesus' hand whenever we need something

from

him this is about us holding his hand

every single day this is about us

depending on his

wisdom that when we are in a position

where God has given us the strength that

we need and we necessarily don't need to

hold his hand anymore this is the moment

where you should squeeze jesus' hand a

little bit

tighter have you ever had have you ever

had someone coming to you and tell you

don't do that but you felt like you were

ready so you did it anyways

don't do that it it makes me laugh when

when when when our kids sometimes they

can't wait to leave the house I'm like

really you can't wait to pay the bills I

I can't wait to see you pay rent I I

can't wait to see you pay the phone bill

I can't wait

to right that that's I can't

wait but but when you when you think

about it there are certain people who

leave God

premature you're holding his hand

because you need him but when you find

the strength and you feel like you're

completely healed you walk away from

Jesus thinking to yourself I can do this

all by

myself and the farther we are away from

God then it is the enemy's plan so that

it could create a distance from his

presence Jesus not only will take your

burdens but he will show you how to

maintain I want to learn not only how to

have peace but I want to learn how to

keep

peace I I I don't want to learn just

peace in moments and times I want to

learn how can this be a part of the

fabric of my

DNA I want to learn what it feels like

to be comforted in the middle of my

sadness I don't want to just be sad God

give me comfort in my Sadness the Bible

say blessed is the one who Mourns for

they will be comforted that God would

comfort you in your mourning that if

you're grieving God says I would comfort

you

that Jesus himself says that every tear

that falls from your eyes that I watch

this now that I would put it in the jar

and guess what and it will be returned

as a reward

Hallelujah see part of this journey with

us Walking With Jesus is him discipling

us where to put our

Focus what to do with our burdens how to

heal Jesus is teaching us because he

doesn't want us to be a seasonal

experience God doesn't want us to

exclude him from our life he wants you

to include

him your burdens God says put it on me

Jesus is saying that life is lighter

with me than without

me troubles and difficult times are much

lighter when you let me carry the burden

I can't explain it to you but I can

explain it through

scripture how many times I have felt the

peace of God in the middle of my

tribulation the tribulation is still

there emotionally I'm still racked but

there is a

peace that gets me up in the

morning it is a peace and a strength

that allows me to take that

step it's something that is super

natural that only comes when you are in

Christ

Jesus says Watch How I do it learn the

Rhythm and the unforced rhythm of Grace

Grace is what God created after the fall

of Man Grace is what gives us what we do

not

deserve

Grace I like what doug clay said the

general superintendent of AG he says the

yoke is more partnership and relief than

it is about

control it is more partnership do you

want to partner with Jesus

today do you want to be yolked with

Jesus

today what will your life look like if

you truly surrender yourself to him what

will your life look like if you would

Surrender Your Will to

him we are partnering with Jesus not

excluding but

including now Jesus in context when he

was saying this here's what he was

saying he was saying I I want you to

take off the burden of legalism towards

the religious

group I want to I want you to take off

that burden of

legalism that if you're tired of

religion take that off because it's

weighing you

down this is what this is what watch

this now this is what being unequally

unequally yolked look like when

religious comes before

Jesus this is what unequally Yol looks

like you got Jesus that is ready to walk

with you but because you are more

focused on religion than you are Jesus

there's no movement in your

life because there is no focus on Jesus

and your faith then what happens is

we've got people that are stagnant they

are dry and they are dead and Jesus is

saying draw near to me just just give me

some of that Faith just faith enough

that that is that is as big as a mustard

seed that's all I need

I don't even need your strength all I

need is your faith in me all I need you

to do is trust me that I am more than

capable of helping you in the season

that you win I know you're in a dark

time in your life I know there is a

cloud over you and I understand Jesus

says that there are people that walk

through these doors and you have a smile

on your face but no one sees you when

your head hits the pillow and how dark

it is no one is there being a witness

with the nightmares and having sleepless

nights and Jesus says I am there all the

time and I see

everything this is what unequally yolked

is when you are so much focused on the

church then you are Jesus when you think

that Ministry would heal you and not

Jesus when you serve and you serve and

you serve preaching would not heal me

Jesus would heal me preaching is my gift

preaching is my calling I am a pastor

but I am beyond a pastor don't limit me

to a title and a position I am a son of

a god of the most high that's who I am I

am royalty I am

prood don't limit me to a

position I am more than a

position I am a

child I am a child of God unequally

yolked looks just like that when

following Jesus and the Commandments

become burdensome have you ever felt

that like ah it's so

hard and it becomes a burden and we have

misplaced our relationship from intimacy

to a

burden God didn't create the ten

commandments so that it could be more of

a burden for you you know what it says

in 1 John 53 loving God me means keeping

his

Commandments and his Commandments are

not burdensome which means if the

Commandments are burdensome to you then

something is wrong let me tell you

what's wrong what's wrong is that you

have and you're carrying the spirit of

religion on

you if the Commandments are

burdensome when you and I when we live

to please from a place of love and not a

place of obligation the relationship is

much easier and less

burdensome so as a Christian it brings

me joy in keeping to his Commandments

why because I want to keep his

Commandments it brings me joy in keeping

his

Commandments I don't have to keep his

Commandments I want to keep his

Commandments you don't have to you can

break all of them and the Bible says if

you broken one you have broken all of

them you can break them

you can miss the mark every single day

if you want you can choose not to

believe God is not going to force you to

believe him God is not going to force

you to trust him God is not going to

force you to love him because that is

not a real relationship try to be in a

relationship where you are forced to

love somebody that you don't

love so much

so because I want to keep to these

Commandments

when I mess up I feel

bad because I desire to love him through

my

obedience when I know what God has

placed in his word for me when I

recognize what God loves and God hates

when I disappoint myself through not

following through with the laws of Jesus

it breaks my heart I wonder does it

break your heart when you

sin or do you just Live Another Day

thinking to yourself what Grace is there

that is a religious spirit that needs to

be taken off of you you should feel the

weight of the

sin the Bible teaches us that when we

repent that we will turn from meaning we

have no desire in returning to the junk

that God has delivered us from you

should have a desire to please him you

should have a desire to worship him you

should have a desire to honor him and

Christians we've got to hear I am

blowing the hor I am sounding the alarm

you have got to be careful that you are

not playing with fire when God is

teaching us to be holy for he is Holy

but we keep on playing with that line

telling oursel that God is going to be

there serving Jesus following Jesus is

is not a

chore this it's not a

chore it's not supposed to be a

burden it's not a burden you know why

because I want to be in relationship

with

Jesus so when I read his word and it

teaches

me about him this word is supposed to

disciple me so that I can apply it into

my

life so when I read statistics that only

11% of

Christians read their Bible a day it

concerns me new

life some of y'all pray more than you

read the word and I'm here to tell you

that you've got to balance out your

spirituality with him you can't just

pray pray pray because let's just be

honest most times when we pray we're

asking something from

him but how are we going to be

shaped how are we going to be discipled

how are we going to be corrected how are

we going to be encouraged how are we

going to know Our God if we only read

the

Bible whenever we decide to read the

Bible I wonder how long we will live if

we treat oxygen the same way that we

treat reading his

word it's not a

burden because I want to be in

relationship with

him it's not a burden to come to church

oh I got to go to church again stay

home you could stay home

home you hear it's not a burden to come

to church you know what it's about it's

about me wanting to go to church I got

up this morning and I was excited

because I was going to wear my shirt

from India I got excited because I

matched my clothes and I didn't wait

till this morning you know what I did

I'm so giddy that last night I started

ironing my clothes and I am preparing to

enter the house of

God I I'm looking looking forward to

y'all remember the days when you used to

go to the club you used to iron your

clothes you used to look at yourself in

the mirror you used to check yourself

out you probably changed a couple of

times before you walked out the door why

because you wanted to look your best I

just wonder Saints how many of us put

that much attention into going in the

house of

God there you are with your with your

CBS gear and your socks gear and your

Bears gear I'm a sports fan so I tell

you how many times do we cheer cheer

cheer raah Rah raah for a team that we

choose but yet when we come to church

there we go we are with our Sofer Spirit

there we go with our hands crossed there

we go entering into a place as if it's a

burden and not a privilege entering into

a place where the presence of God is

we're constantly on the clock we got to

go to the next place we got to go to the

appointment when is Pastor D going to

finish preaching cuz I got something

else to do when God is trying to tell

you slow

down slow

down isn't it funny we are seeking a

miracle from God but we put him on a

clock we put them on a clock you know

why half of people would not come to

Thanksgiving service cuz you're going to

be too busy putting a turkey in an

oven

people won't even come to Christmas Eve

service why because they're too busy

getting the house ready to have a

party got to set our priorities

straight this it's not a

burden is that a burden to serve in

Ministry people always come to me

especially how do you do it it's not a

burden I love what I

[Music]

do is it hard

yes listen God gave me a

gift and I have no desire to sit on

[Music]

it go God is giving me

something so that I can use it for

him how how many of

us are sitting on a

gift don't don't don't be cute about it

oh I do this for the glory of God you

don't do it for the glory of God you do

it for your

Glory my business I do it for the glory

of God but yet you ain't spending time

with God you ain't faithful with your

Tidings you you you just you're just

doing and doing and doing but yet you

have no time I'm doing it for the glory

you're not doing it for the glory of God

it's like putting lipstick on a

pig am I am I am I preaching hard

[Applause]

today

life life is

hard every time a teacher comes to me

and says I want to get out I will always

ask him did Jesus tell you to get

out no this just just listen to me did

Jesus tell you to leave your job like if

you're a teacher don't you think that we

need more

faithful Bible

believing people in the school

system

am no if if if God told you to shift

then you

shift but you don't do it because it's

hard God didn't

create us to be

weak and to allow challenges to defeat

us we don't give

up on our Prof in our on on on

our prodigal sons or daughters because

it's hard

we love

them it's not a

burden to serve

Jesus it's a

blessing it's an

honor it's not a

burden when we feel like our

relationship with Jesus is a

burden we have now turned our want

to into have

to we have turned

intimacy into

obligation I'll close it here I got a

lot more to say but I'll close it right

here

Jesus never forced a relationship with

us listen to this he made the choice to

die and he made a choice to extend his

grace because he want wanted

to and this morning as I was praying for

this

word I was actually talking to my wife

and I said man baby it just hit

me we highlight so much about

Jesus but we forget that the father had

to make sacrifice as

well for God so loved the world that he

gave his only and begotten

son that whosoever believe in him him

shall not perish but have everlasting

life the father didn't have to give his

son to us he wanted to give his son to

us so much

so that when the

son was asking his father to take the

cup of suffering away from him his

father denied his requests by remaining

silent because he

chose

us this thing is deeper than a

religion this thing is about a

relationship a

transformational relationship would you

stand to your feet

[Music]

here's my

call matter of fact put up the scripture

for me re Revelations

22:17 the Holy Spirit and the bride the

church believer say

come and let the one who hears say

come and let the one who is thirsty come

and let the one who wishes take and

drink the water of

life without

cost salvation is

free growing in your

faith is different from the actual

Saving Grace

the Bible teaches us that it is by his

grace that we are saved which means

there is no works that you and I have to

do now if you want to develop your faith

the Bible says you ought to work out

your

salvation which means that there are

principles that God teaches us which is

one is here walk with him let him

disciple him let him disciple you but if

you're here today and you're saying I

want that free gift of

Salvation I want Jesus to save me not

religion maybe you're in this place and

religion has gotten you

tired maybe you have put the focus in

all the wrong places you have been a

faithful member you've been a faithful

tither you have been faithful in the

things that you have done here at New

Life Covenant but you still find

yourself tired and God is trying to tell

you you have got to come to

me I will satisfy your

thirst I would feed you bread that would

satisfy your

hunger would you bow your heads and

close your eyes if you're in this place

and you say Pastor D would you pray for

me I want salvation I want to be in

relationship with Jesus I want to be one

with him if that is you would you lift

up your hands where you're at we want to

pray for you anybody else I see hands

that are lifted I want to be maybe

you're a prodal maybe you're one that

has run from Jesus and Jesus is saying

here today come come to me all who are

weary if you're here today and you're

saying pastor D I have been blinded by

religion I have saw things the wrong way

but today I am ready to commit myself

and run to Jesus Jesus says come to me

all who are weary all who are tired if

you are weary if you are tired if you

feel sadness if you are disappointed I

want to tell you here today Jesus says

my yoke is light cast all your cares

upon the Lord no one and nothing can

give you what Jesus can give you you

have tried everything else but today I

tell you try Jesus if that is you lift

up your hands right where you're at and

this call is for those of you that are

watching online as well when I count to

three what I want you to do with every

courage and with humility get out of

your seats and make your way up here at

the altar let me tell you what insanity

is insanity is wanting to change but yet

doing the same thing over and over

expecting different results if you want

to see new results I'm here to tell you

you are a new creation in Christ Jesus

he'll give you new results he'll give

you new breath he'll give you new

strength he'll give you new hope he'll

give you new peace if that is you today

when I count to three just come out of

your seats one two three let the Holy

Spirit pull you from your seat meet me

at this altar this is not about religion

this is about Jesus this is not about

your deals this is about your heart

desires