Why Don't I Want to Pray? | 12Stone Live Experience

>> Your glor [music] >> Your glor [music] is what is what we're here for. is what is what we're here for. is what is what we're here for. to be [music] holy to be [music] holy to be [music] holy by your presence by your presence by your presence Lord. Lord. Lord. Holy [music] Holy [music] Holy [music] Spirit, you are [singing] welcome Spirit, you are [singing] welcome Spirit, you are [singing] welcome by the presence of this praise [music] by the presence of this praise [music] by the presence of this praise [music] and film. [singing] >> Oh, your glory [music and singing] >> Oh, your glory [music and singing] God is what our hearts long God is what our hearts long God is what our hearts long [singing] to be [music] overcome [singing] to be [music] overcome [singing] to be [music] overcome by your presence. Thank him in this place [music] today. Thank him in this place [music] today. God, thank you. Thank you, God. We believe your spirit is in this place We believe your spirit is in this place and we open up [music] our hearts to it. and we open up [music] our hearts to it. and we open up [music] our hearts to it. You are welcome here, God. You are You are welcome here, God. You are You are welcome here, God. You are welcome here.

welcome here. welcome here. We're welcome to church today. We're welcome to church today. We're welcome to church today. So glad you're here. Don't worry, you're So glad you're here. Don't worry, you're So glad you're here. Don't worry, you're not late. We were just setting the not late. We were just setting the not late. We were just setting the atmosphere [music] atmosphere [music] atmosphere [music] for a move of God. I just want to hear for a move of God. I just want to hear for a move of God. I just want to hear who came to see God [music] move, who came to see God [music] move, who came to see God [music] move, experience. Come on, 12th Sunday. Did experience. Come on, 12th Sunday. Did experience. Come on, 12th Sunday. Did you come for God to move in this place you come for God to move in this place you come for God to move in this place today? [music] today? [music] today? [music] We believe that our God is worthy. And We believe that our God is worthy. And We believe that our God is worthy. And Pastor Jason, he set us up last week Pastor Jason, he set us up last week Pastor Jason, he set us up last week that we will be getting a little that we will be getting a little that we will be getting a little different. So 10 minutes before service different. So 10 minutes before service different. So 10 minutes before service for the next couple of weeks, we're for the next couple of weeks, we're for the next couple of weeks, we're going to be praying and worshiping and going to be praying and worshiping and going to be praying and worshiping and setting the [music] atmosphere setting the [music] atmosphere setting the [music] atmosphere because we don't want the first song to because we don't want the first song to because we don't want the first song to be a warm-up song. We want to be ready. be a warm-up song. We want to be ready. be a warm-up song. We want to be ready. Well, church, I'm ready to worship. Well, church, I'm ready to worship. Well, church, I'm ready to worship. [music] I hope you are. [music] I hope you are. [music] I hope you are. Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready? I believe God's [music] going to speak I believe God's [music] going to speak I believe God's [music] going to speak and move because we have a God that and move because we have a God that and move because we have a God that loves us. He knows us by name [music] loves us. He knows us by name [music] loves us. He knows us by name [music] and we honor him today. So come on, and we honor him today. So come on, and we honor him today. So come on, let's lift our hands toward heaven. let's lift our hands toward heaven. let's lift our hands toward heaven. Let's get in a posture ready for God to Let's get in a posture ready for God to Let's get in a posture ready for God to move. Let's do it. Y You are You are my song.

[music] Come on, go back and sing [music] Come on, go back and sing together, church. together, church. together, church. and generations. Lift it up. Fall and generations. Lift it up. Fall and generations. Lift it up. Fall [music and singing] down in worship. [music and singing] down in worship. [music and singing] down in worship. Sing the song of ages [music] to the Sing the song of ages [music] to the Sing the song of ages [music] to the lamb. All who've gone [music and singing] All who've gone [music and singing] before us. And all who will believe before us. And all who will believe before us. And all who will believe will sing the song of ages will sing the song of ages will sing the song of ages [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] to the lamb. Come on. What's that song? to the lamb. Come on. What's that song? to the lamb. Come on. What's that song? Let's sing it. Your name is the highest. Let's sing it. Your name is the highest. Let's sing it. Your name is the highest. [music] [music] [music] Your name is the greatest. God, your Your name is the greatest. God, your Your name is the greatest. God, your name [music] name [music] name [music] it stands above them all. it stands above them all. it stands above them all. Above all the thrones Above all the thrones Above all the thrones [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] and dominions so powers and positiones and dominions so powers and positiones and dominions so powers and positiones [music] [music] [music] your name. your name. your name. It stands above them all. And [music] It stands above them all. And [music] It stands above them all. And [music] the angels cry. the angels cry. the angels cry. Holy Holy Holy all creation [music] Christ all creation [music] Christ all creation [music] Christ holy holy holy [music] [music] [music] you are lifted up you are lifted up you are lifted up holy holy forever holy forever [music] [music] [music] as Lord.

If you've been forgiven, If you've been forgiven, if you've been redeemed, that's me. if you've been redeemed, that's me. if you've been redeemed, that's me. [music] That's you and me. Sing a song [music] That's you and me. Sing a song [music] That's you and me. Sing a song forever. forever. forever. >> Oh, if you walk and if you walk him >> Oh, if you walk and if you walk him >> Oh, if you walk and if you walk him [music] free [music] free [music] free and if you bear his name, and if you bear his name, and if you bear his name, sing a [music] song forever to the lamb. We will [music] sing the song forever We will [music] sing the song forever and and and the angels cry. the angels cry. the angels cry. Glory Glory Glory all [music] creation. holy forever. holy forever. Never and never and [music] ever Oh God, you will always be Oh God, you will always be [music] holy.

holy. [music] [music] [music] Yes. Are you holy? Yes. Are you holy? Yes. Are you holy? Holy, Holy, Holy, [music] [music] [music] holy, are are [music] you [music] you [music] you always will [music] always will [music] always will [music] you Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Sh.

Are you Lord God Are you Lord God Almighty? [music] Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is the lamb. Worthy is [music and singing] the lamb. Worthy is [music and singing] the lamb. Worthy is [music and singing] the lamb. Amen. [music] [music] Come on, Lord. Let's lift up to a holy Come on, Lord. Let's lift up to a holy Come on, Lord. Let's lift up to a holy God. God, we thank you. [music] We God. God, we thank you. [music] We God. God, we thank you. [music] We praise you. We honor you today, praise you. We honor you today, praise you. We honor you today, Father. that no [music] matter where we Father. that no [music] matter where we Father. that no [music] matter where we walked in, whether on the mountain top walked in, whether on the mountain top walked in, whether on the mountain top or in the valley, you are still worthy. or in the valley, you are still worthy. or in the valley, you are still worthy. Your [music] name is still holy Your [music] name is still holy Your [music] name is still holy and we place everything we are before and we place everything we are before and we place everything we are before [music] you today, God, [music] you today, God, [music] you today, God, in Jesus name. Somebody say, in Jesus name. Somebody say, in Jesus name. Somebody say, >> come on, if you're happy and you know >> come on, if you're happy and you know >> come on, if you're happy and you know it, clap those hands. If you're it, clap those hands. If you're it, clap those hands. If you're grateful, grateful, grateful, go ahead, greet about three people go ahead, greet about three people go ahead, greet about three people around you. [music] Say, welcome to around you. [music] Say, welcome to around you. [music] Say, welcome to church. church. church. Welcome to church. It's a good day to be Welcome to church. It's a good day to be Welcome to church. It's a good day to be in the [music] house of God and you can in the [music] house of God and you can in the [music] house of God and you can be seated.

If we haven't had a chance to meet yet, If we haven't had a chance to meet yet, my name is Jason. I'm one of the pastors my name is Jason. I'm one of the pastors my name is Jason. I'm one of the pastors here at 12 and I'm so grateful that here at 12 and I'm so grateful that here at 12 and I'm so grateful that you're here. 12, can you help me welcome you're here. 12, can you help me welcome you're here. 12, can you help me welcome all of our first time guests in the room all of our first time guests in the room all of our first time guests in the room today? [applause] today? [applause] today? [applause] We know at 12 it's always someone's We know at 12 it's always someone's We know at 12 it's always someone's [music] first day. So, if it is your [music] first day. So, if it is your [music] first day. So, if it is your first day, you may been invited by a first day, you may been invited by a first day, you may been invited by a coworker or a friend. Thank you for coworker or a friend. Thank you for coworker or a friend. Thank you for being here. We have something at the end being here. We have something at the end being here. We have something at the end of this service [music] right back here of this service [music] right back here of this service [music] right back here in the corner in our green room called in the corner in our green room called in the corner in our green room called All Access where we would love to get to All Access where we would love to get to All Access where we would love to get to know you [music] and more about what God know you [music] and more about what God know you [music] and more about what God is doing in your life. But today is is doing in your life. But today is is doing in your life. But today is going to be a special day. Do you feel going to be a special day. Do you feel going to be a special day. Do you feel it already? I feel it already. It's it already? I feel it already. It's it already? I feel it already. It's going to be a special day today. Today, going to be a special day today. Today, going to be a special day today. Today, our pastor, Pastor [singing and music] our pastor, Pastor [singing and music] our pastor, Pastor [singing and music] Jason, is going to lead us in communion. Jason, is going to lead us in communion. Jason, is going to lead us in communion. And I'm grateful every time we get to And I'm grateful every time we get to And I'm grateful every time we get to take communion because it reminds us of take communion because it reminds us of take communion because it reminds us of [music] what Jesus has done for us. And [music] what Jesus has done for us. And [music] what Jesus has done for us. And remember, this is a moment for those remember, this is a moment for those remember, this is a moment for those that [music] have surrendered to Jesus. that [music] have surrendered to Jesus. that [music] have surrendered to Jesus. So if you haven't surrendered yet, you So if you haven't surrendered yet, you So if you haven't surrendered yet, you can let that moment pass [music] by. But can let that moment pass [music] by. But can let that moment pass [music] by. But if you have children in the room, all my if you have children in the room, all my if you have children in the room, all my parents, communion is a moment maybe you parents, communion is a moment maybe you parents, communion is a moment maybe you want to have a conversation [music] with want to have a conversation [music] with want to have a conversation [music] with your children before they take it. You your children before they take it. You your children before they take it. You know, my kids, they sit right here, know, my kids, they sit right here, know, my kids, they sit right here, Grayson and Lavender. [music] And I like Grayson and Lavender. [music] And I like Grayson and Lavender. [music] And I like to teach them and help them in their to teach them and help them in their to teach them and help them in their faith. And so at that communion moment, faith. And so at that communion moment, faith. And so at that communion moment, you may want to say, "Hey, this is what you may want to say, "Hey, this is what you may want to say, "Hey, this is what it means." And I'm so grateful for our it means." And I'm so grateful for our it means." And I'm so grateful for our 12 stone kids. Who's grateful for 12 12 stone kids. Who's grateful for 12 12 stone kids. Who's grateful for 12 stone kids that wash our children and stone kids that wash our children and stone kids that wash our children and teach them about Jesus? It's all about teach them about Jesus? It's all about teach them about Jesus? It's all about development in their faith. And so what development in their faith. And so what development in their faith. And so what we've done as a church, we want to come

we've done as a church, we want to come we've done as a church, we want to come alongside you as parents and [music] alongside you as parents and [music] alongside you as parents and [music] equip you to talk about what they learn equip you to talk about what they learn equip you to talk about what they learn in kids. And so we have these things in kids. And so we have these things in kids. And so we have these things called car chats. Charmaine, can you called car chats. Charmaine, can you called car chats. Charmaine, can you hand me those? Left them down there. Oh, hand me those? Left them down there. Oh, hand me those? Left them down there. Oh, thank you, beautiful wife. You look so thank you, beautiful wife. You look so thank you, beautiful wife. You look so [music] good. Cars are going to be given [music] good. Cars are going to be given [music] good. Cars are going to be given to every parent in the room so you can to every parent in the room so you can to every parent in the room so you can talk about what they're learning [music] talk about what they're learning [music] talk about what they're learning [music] and go deeper and help them grow in and go deeper and help them grow in and go deeper and help them grow in their faith. And so, I'm excited about their faith. And so, I'm excited about their faith. And so, I'm excited about what God is going to do through those what God is going to do through those what God is going to do through those times with you and your children. Well, times with you and your children. Well, times with you and your children. Well, listen. We're about to go back into listen. We're about to go back into listen. We're about to go back into worship. But we have a new song called worship. But we have a new song called worship. But we have a new song called Jesus Be the Name. Anybody grateful for Jesus Be the Name. Anybody grateful for Jesus Be the Name. Anybody grateful for the name of Jesus? the name of Jesus? the name of Jesus? Okay, let me try that again. Cuz if that Okay, let me try that again. Cuz if that Okay, let me try that again. Cuz if that was your favorite team, you would be was your favorite team, you would be was your favorite team, you would be cheering louder. Anybody grateful for cheering louder. Anybody grateful for cheering louder. Anybody grateful for the name of Jesus? the name of Jesus? the name of Jesus? Come on. If you're grateful, get on your Come on. If you're grateful, get on your Come on. If you're grateful, get on your feet today because we're singing about a feet today because we're singing about a feet today because we're singing about a name that is above every name. At the name that is above every name. At the name that is above every name. At the name of what? name of what? name of what? >> At the name of who? >> At the name of who? >> At the name of who? >> All right, let's worship 12 Stones.

I [music] could see your name for I [music] could see your name for [singing] all my life [singing] all my life [singing] all my life and still find more to love and still find more to love and still find more to love [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] each time. each time. each time. Jesus be the name ever on my [music] Jesus be the name ever on my [music] Jesus be the name ever on my [music] lips. It's [music] sweeter every time that I It's [music] sweeter every time that I call on. call on. call on. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. [music and singing] There's just something about your name There's just something about your name that makes me [music] cry [singing] that makes me [music] cry [singing] that makes me [music] cry [singing] holy. holy. holy. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There [music] is no other [singing] There [music] is no other [singing] There [music] is no other [singing] name. name. name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. Jesus, you're worthy. [music] And you have [music] been the friend who And you have [music] been the friend who never [singing] never [singing] never [singing] left.

left. left. I [music] won't forget [singing] I [music] won't forget [singing] I [music] won't forget [singing] your faithfulness. [music] And Jesus be the name ever. [music] And Jesus be the name ever. [music] Oh, it's sweeter. Oh, it's sweeter. Oh, it's sweeter. Sweeter every [music and singing] time Sweeter every [music and singing] time Sweeter every [music and singing] time that I call on. that I call on. that I call on. There's just something about There's just something about There's just something about [music and singing] your name. [music and singing] your name. [music and singing] your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. Sing to Jesus. [music] Sing to Jesus. [music] Sing to Jesus. [music] There's just something about you. There's just something about you. There's just something about you. >> Oh, it makes me cry. Cry, holy. >> Oh, it makes me cry. Cry, holy. >> Oh, it makes me cry. Cry, holy. There [music] is no other [singing] There [music] is no other [singing] There [music] is no other [singing] name. name. name. There is no other name. There is no other name. There is no other name. No, there is no [music] other name. No, there is no [music] other name. No, there is no [music] other name. Jesus, you're worthy. [music] Jesus, you're worthy. [music] Jesus, you're worthy. [music] There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. I know. I know. I know. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> There's something about your name. >> There's something about your name. >> There's something about your name. There's just something about your name There's just something about your name There's just something about your name that makes [music] me cry.

that makes [music] me cry. that makes [music] me cry. Holy Lord, there is no other [singing] Holy Lord, there is no other [singing] Holy Lord, there is no other [singing] name. name. name. There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. There is no other name. Jesus, you're worthy. [music] Oh. Oh. [singing] Oh Jesus. I call on the name of Jesus. Oh Jesus. I call on the name of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] I sing Jesus. And Jesus, [music] your name is like the And Jesus, [music] your name is like the morning light. The one the darkness morning light. The one the darkness morning light. The one the darkness can't [music and singing] deny. The can't [music and singing] deny. The can't [music and singing] deny. The resurrection resurrection resurrection and the life. [music] Jesus. and the life. [music] Jesus. and the life. [music] Jesus. Jesus, your name can save. Your name can Jesus, your name can save. Your name can Jesus, your name can save. Your name can heal. [music] Your name can make the heal. [music] Your name can make the heal. [music] Your name can make the storm be still. You never storm be still. You never storm be still. You never [music and singing] fail. You never [music and singing] fail. You never [music and singing] fail. You never will. Jesus.

will. Jesus. will. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Jesus. The bread of life broken for us. Jesus. The bread of life broken for us. Jesus. The bread of life broken for us. The world and the worthy [music] one. The world and the worthy [music] one. The world and the worthy [music] one. The first and last is still to come The first and last is still to come The first and last is still to come Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus the king [music] Jesus the king [music] Jesus the king [music] will be the Lord who will forever will be the Lord who will forever will be the Lord who will forever [music] Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. [music] [music] [music] Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Oh Jesus be the [music] name Oh Jesus be the [music] name Oh Jesus be the [music] name is all the glory. is all the glory. is all the glory. Oh Jesus be [music] the name. Oh Jesus be [music] the name. Oh Jesus be [music] the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus [music] be the Jesus [music] be the Jesus [music] be the glory.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Oh [music] [music] Jesus. Jesus be the name. [music] Jesus be the name. [music] Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name Jesus be the name Jesus be the name that gives [music] all the glory. Jesus be the [music] name. Jesus be the [music] name. Let Jesus be the Let Jesus be the Let Jesus be the [music] [music] [music] Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. They give all the glory. [music] Jesus.

Jesus. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh [music] [music] There's healing in your name. There's healing in your name. There's healing in your name. There's freedom in your name. [music] There's freedom in your name. [music] There's freedom in your name. [music] We'll sing salvation in your name. It We'll sing salvation in your name. It We'll sing salvation in your name. It makes me cry holy. [music] There's healing in your name. [music] There's healing in your name. [music] There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your name. There's freedom in your name. Salvation [music] Salvation [music] Salvation [music] in your name. It makes me cry holy. in your name. It makes me cry holy. in your name. It makes me cry holy. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> here and across the campuses. Just stay >> here and across the campuses. Just stay >> here and across the campuses. Just stay standing for a minute.

As a church, there is one name. As a church, there is one name. You might not even believe this yet. If You might not even believe this yet. If You might not even believe this yet. If that's you, I'm so glad you're here, that's you, I'm so glad you're here, that's you, I'm so glad you're here, though, because there is one name that though, because there is one name that though, because there is one name that is above every other name. I know some is above every other name. I know some is above every other name. I know some great people. great people. great people. I love my wife. Amber's a great name. There's some smart leaders in this There's some smart leaders in this world. There's some amazing successful world. There's some amazing successful world. There's some amazing successful people in this world. There's kings. people in this world. There's kings. people in this world. There's kings. There's zars. There's leaders. But there There's zars. There's leaders. But there There's zars. There's leaders. But there is one name is one name is one name that all of heaven and all of earth will that all of heaven and all of earth will that all of heaven and all of earth will bend the knee to. Whether in this life bend the knee to. Whether in this life bend the knee to. Whether in this life or the next. or the next. or the next. >> He's the [music] name that conquered >> He's the [music] name that conquered >> He's the [music] name that conquered sin, that conquered death. And here's sin, that conquered death. And here's sin, that conquered death. And here's what's wild. what's wild. what's wild. That man knows your name. And when he gave up his life, And when he gave up his life, he gave up his life to [music] reconcile he gave up his life to [music] reconcile he gave up his life to [music] reconcile to restore the relationship that sin had to restore the relationship that sin had to restore the relationship that sin had broken between us and our father in broken between us and our father in broken between us and our father in heaven.

heaven. heaven. And before he went to the cross, Jesus And before he went to the cross, Jesus And before he went to the cross, Jesus said, "I want you to do something and I said, "I want you to do something and I said, "I want you to do something and I want you to do it often and I want you want you to do it often and I want you want you to do it often and I want you to remember." to remember." to remember." Why? Because we are prone to forget. When someone does something nice for me, When someone does something nice for me, I remember it for a day. At some point, I remember it for a day. At some point, I remember it for a day. At some point, you forget. Jesus is like, "You can't you forget. Jesus is like, "You can't you forget. Jesus is like, "You can't forget the gospel, though. I preach the gospel to myself on a daily I preach the gospel to myself on a daily basis because I'm so prone to think my basis because I'm so prone to think my basis because I'm so prone to think my name, my life, my name over every other name, my life, my name over every other name, my life, my name over every other name." And no, it's Jesus. So, here's name." And no, it's Jesus. So, here's name." And no, it's Jesus. So, here's what I want you to do. If you'd get the what I want you to do. If you'd get the what I want you to do. If you'd get the communion [music] elements, they should communion [music] elements, they should communion [music] elements, they should be in your seat in a cup holder under be in your seat in a cup holder under be in your seat in a cup holder under your seat, wherever they are. If you your seat, wherever they are. If you your seat, wherever they are. If you don't have ushers, I think we're ready don't have ushers, I think we're ready don't have ushers, I think we're ready for this. If you don't have one and you for this. If you don't have one and you for this. If you don't have one and you want one, put your hand up. We'll make want one, put your hand up. We'll make want one, put your hand up. We'll make sure we get those to you here and across sure we get those to you here and across sure we get those to you here and across the campuses. [music] I'm going to lead the campuses. [music] I'm going to lead the campuses. [music] I'm going to lead us in what we call communion. us in what we call communion. us in what we call communion. And you probably already heard this, but And you probably already heard this, but And you probably already heard this, but but this is a sacred moment. It's it's a but this is a sacred moment. It's it's a but this is a sacred moment. It's it's a wafer and it's juice. Equally, we're wafer and it's juice. Equally, we're wafer and it's juice. Equally, we're remembering the body and the blood of remembering the body and the blood of remembering the body and the blood of Jesus that was broken [music] and poured Jesus that was broken [music] and poured Jesus that was broken [music] and poured out for us. And so, if you're not a out for us. And so, if you're not a out for us. And so, if you're not a follower of Jesus yet, we're going to follower of Jesus yet, we're going to follower of Jesus yet, we're going to ask that you just let this moment pass.

ask that you just let this moment pass. ask that you just let this moment pass. We're not going to make a spectacle out We're not going to make a spectacle out We're not going to make a spectacle out of it. You can even hold the elements. of it. You can even hold the elements. of it. You can even hold the elements. You if you don't follow Jesus yet, you You if you don't follow Jesus yet, you You if you don't follow Jesus yet, you can take these home and put them can take these home and put them can take these home and put them somewhere and say, "Jesus, one day, man, somewhere and say, "Jesus, one day, man, somewhere and say, "Jesus, one day, man, I wish the gospel was true. I hope the I wish the gospel was true. I hope the I wish the gospel was true. I hope the gospel is true. gospel is true. gospel is true. And one day you might just bow your life And one day you might just bow your life And one day you might just bow your life to Jesus and you can receive communion." to Jesus and you can receive communion." to Jesus and you can receive communion." Awesome. But for those who are Awesome. But for those who are Awesome. But for those who are believers, we're going to [music] believers, we're going to [music] believers, we're going to [music] receive communion together as one church receive communion together as one church receive communion together as one church all at the same time across every all at the same time across every all at the same time across every campus. campus. campus. Matthew 26, Jesus gathers his disciples Matthew 26, Jesus gathers his disciples Matthew 26, Jesus gathers his disciples in the upper room before he's arrested, in the upper room before he's arrested, in the upper room before he's arrested, [music] put on trial, crucified, buried, [music] put on trial, crucified, buried, [music] put on trial, crucified, buried, and raises again. And and he [music] and raises again. And and he [music] and raises again. And and he [music] says this in verse 26. While they were says this in verse 26. While they were says this in verse 26. While they were eating, Jesus took bread. And when he eating, Jesus took bread. And when he eating, Jesus took bread. And when he had given thanks, [music] he broke it had given thanks, [music] he broke it had given thanks, [music] he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, and gave it to his disciples, saying, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat. This is my body. So take "Take and eat. This is my body. So take "Take and eat. This is my body. So take the top portion of that little cup off the top portion of that little cup off the top portion of that little cup off and hold that bread in your hand." and hold that bread in your hand." and hold that bread in your hand." And I tend to do this. [music] I tend to And I tend to do this. [music] I tend to And I tend to do this. [music] I tend to break it in my in my hand just to break it in my in my hand just to break it in my in my hand just to remember. Listen, Jesus, his body was remember. Listen, Jesus, his body was remember. Listen, Jesus, his body was broken for [music] you.

broken for [music] you. broken for [music] you. He loved you all the way to the cross. He loved you all the way to the cross. He loved you all the way to the cross. So 12 stone, let's [music] receive the So 12 stone, let's [music] receive the So 12 stone, let's [music] receive the body of Christ. And then Jesus continues, And then Jesus continues, "Then he took a cup and when he had "Then he took a cup and when he had "Then he took a cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, given thanks, he gave it to them saying, given thanks, he gave it to them saying, "Drink from it all of you. This is my "Drink from it all of you. This is my "Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant which is poured blood of the covenant which is poured blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of out for many for the forgiveness of out for many for the forgiveness of sins." sins." sins." Again, this is just juice, but as you Again, this is just juice, but as you Again, this is just juice, but as you tear the the top off, this is a tear the the top off, this is a tear the the top off, this is a remembrance of the blood of Jesus that remembrance of the blood of Jesus that remembrance of the blood of Jesus that was poured out [music] for you. was poured out [music] for you. was poured out [music] for you. that it is only by the blood of Jesus that it is only by the blood of Jesus that it is only by the blood of Jesus that we can be forgiven and restored that we can be forgiven and restored that we can be forgiven and restored back to our perfect holy heavenly back to our perfect holy heavenly back to our perfect holy heavenly father. He paid the price that we father. He paid the price that we father. He paid the price that we couldn't [music] pay. So as we receive couldn't [music] pay. So as we receive couldn't [music] pay. So as we receive the juice, we remember, "Thank you." the juice, we remember, "Thank you." the juice, we remember, "Thank you." Just whisper under your breath, "Thank Just whisper under your breath, "Thank Just whisper under your breath, "Thank you, Jesus, for your blood. you, Jesus, for your blood. you, Jesus, for your blood. Thank you, Jesus. 12 stone. Let's Thank you, Jesus. 12 stone. Let's Thank you, Jesus. 12 stone. Let's receive the juice."

And so would you pray with me? And so, And so would you pray with me? And so, heavenly father, heavenly father, heavenly father, there was no one like you. Thank you for there was no one like you. Thank you for there was no one like you. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the cross. Jesus. Thank you for the cross. Jesus. Thank you for the cross. Thank you that this isn't just fairy Thank you that this isn't just fairy Thank you that this isn't just fairy tales and myths. This is a new covenant, tales and myths. This is a new covenant, tales and myths. This is a new covenant, a new promise a new promise a new promise that for any that for any that for any who confess that you are Lord. who confess that you are Lord. who confess that you are Lord. Believe on you. Believe that what you Believe on you. Believe that what you Believe on you. Believe that what you did on the cross counted for me. did on the cross counted for me. did on the cross counted for me. That we would be invited into not just That we would be invited into not just That we would be invited into not just the church but the family of God. That the church but the family of God. That the church but the family of God. That we would be called sons and daughters. we would be called sons and daughters. we would be called sons and daughters. that we would receive the Holy Spirit that we would receive the Holy Spirit that we would receive the Holy Spirit and we would become the very temple that and we would become the very temple that and we would become the very temple that people used to travel to to worship in. people used to travel to to worship in. people used to travel to to worship in. We become that temple. So Jesus, we say We become that temple. So Jesus, we say We become that temple. So Jesus, we say thank you. We remain just humble and thank you. We remain just humble and thank you. We remain just humble and [music] grateful and in awe of who you [music] grateful and in awe of who you [music] grateful and in awe of who you are and what you've done. are and what you've done. are and what you've done. So there is no other name but Jesus. So there is no other name but Jesus. So there is no other name but Jesus. Your name is above all name. Jesus, we Your name is above all name. Jesus, we Your name is above all name. Jesus, we give you glory. We give you honor. We give you glory. We give you honor. We give you glory. We give you honor. We give you praise. We give you our lives.

give you praise. We give you our lives. give you praise. We give you our lives. In your heavenly name we pray. And all In your heavenly name we pray. And all In your heavenly name we pray. And all God's people said, "Amen." God's people said, "Amen." God's people said, "Amen." Give somebody next to you a high five. Give somebody next to you a high five. Give somebody next to you a high five. Say, "Man, I'm glad you're in church Say, "Man, I'm glad you're in church Say, "Man, I'm glad you're in church today." And you can grab a seat. If you've not sensed it yet, God is up If you've not sensed it yet, God is up to something in this season in in our to something in this season in in our to something in this season in in our church and I think around our country church and I think around our country church and I think around our country and around the world. And I'm so glad and around the world. And I'm so glad and around the world. And I'm so glad that we're a small part of the big that we're a small part of the big that we're a small part of the big kingdom that God is building. We are one kingdom that God is building. We are one kingdom that God is building. We are one small church in the midst of the church small church in the midst of the church small church in the midst of the church that Jesus established before he gave up that Jesus established before he gave up that Jesus established before he gave up his life. And the reality is this. in in his life. And the reality is this. in in his life. And the reality is this. in in this season, we believe this is a really this season, we believe this is a really this season, we believe this is a really great time to be jumping in. And if great time to be jumping in. And if great time to be jumping in. And if you're if you're new to church, new to you're if you're new to church, new to you're if you're new to church, new to Jesus, new to faith, if you got Jesus, new to faith, if you got Jesus, new to faith, if you got questions, we're so glad that you're questions, we're so glad that you're questions, we're so glad that you're with us. This is a really great time to with us. This is a really great time to with us. This is a really great time to be jumping in because this is a season be jumping in because this is a season be jumping in because this is a season that that we're we are intentionally that that we're we are intentionally that that we're we are intentionally trying to sort of turn up and raise the trying to sort of turn up and raise the trying to sort of turn up and raise the spiritual temperature in the life of our spiritual temperature in the life of our spiritual temperature in the life of our church. And when I say that, that's not church. And when I say that, that's not church. And when I say that, that's not just raise the temperature of an just raise the temperature of an just raise the temperature of an organization. It's like each of us would organization. It's like each of us would organization. It's like each of us would individually say, "Jesus, I I want more.

individually say, "Jesus, I I want more. individually say, "Jesus, I I want more. If there's more of you to be If there's more of you to be If there's more of you to be experienced, I want it. I want to be experienced, I want it. I want to be experienced, I want it. I want to be more in tune to what you're doing." And more in tune to what you're doing." And more in tune to what you're doing." And as we do that as individuals, as a as we do that as individuals, as a as we do that as individuals, as a church, it changes us. And it does church, it changes us. And it does church, it changes us. And it does something in the life of all of what something in the life of all of what something in the life of all of what God's doing here at 12. And and so God's doing here at 12. And and so God's doing here at 12. And and so across the month of August, we're doing across the month of August, we're doing across the month of August, we're doing some things a little bit uniquely. Like some things a little bit uniquely. Like some things a little bit uniquely. Like today we started we open the doors of today we started we open the doors of today we started we open the doors of our worship centers 10 minutes early for our worship centers 10 minutes early for our worship centers 10 minutes early for us to gather to worship and pray and and us to gather to worship and pray and and us to gather to worship and pray and and sort of set our hearts on the things sort of set our hearts on the things sort of set our hearts on the things above. Why? Cuz when we drive in here, above. Why? Cuz when we drive in here, above. Why? Cuz when we drive in here, we're surrounded by the things around we're surrounded by the things around we're surrounded by the things around us. And we get so focused on that, us. And we get so focused on that, us. And we get so focused on that, you're focused on your on your bills, you're focused on your on your bills, you're focused on your on your bills, you're focused on your homework, you're you're focused on your homework, you're you're focused on your homework, you're focused on your job, you're focused on focused on your job, you're focused on focused on your job, you're focused on traffic, you're focused on your traffic, you're focused on your traffic, you're focused on your problems, your pressures. We open the problems, your pressures. We open the problems, your pressures. We open the doors 10 minutes early and say, "Let's doors 10 minutes early and say, "Let's doors 10 minutes early and say, "Let's just put our heart in the right place. just put our heart in the right place. just put our heart in the right place. Let's get first things first." So the Let's get first things first." So the Let's get first things first." So the down beat of the first song is not your down beat of the first song is not your down beat of the first song is not your warm-up. You're already warmed up. See, warm-up. You're already warmed up. See, warm-up. You're already warmed up. See, we're ending every every gathering in in we're ending every every gathering in in we're ending every every gathering in in the month of August with sing, bring, the month of August with sing, bring, the month of August with sing, bring, pray. It's it's a it's the reality that pray. It's it's a it's the reality that pray. It's it's a it's the reality that that the truth of God demands a that the truth of God demands a that the truth of God demands a response. And so we're going to leave response. And so we're going to leave response. And so we're going to leave space at the end of of of the day before space at the end of of of the day before space at the end of of of the day before we just hear the word. We we want to be we just hear the word. We we want to be we just hear the word. We we want to be doers of the word. And so we want to doers of the word. And so we want to doers of the word. And so we want to give us a chance to to sing and bring give us a chance to to sing and bring give us a chance to to sing and bring and pray. And we'll unpack that. and and pray. And we'll unpack that. and and pray. And we'll unpack that. and we're going to leave some space not for we're going to leave some space not for we're going to leave some space not for us but for you for you to respond to the us but for you for you to respond to the us but for you for you to respond to the good news and respond to what God's good news and respond to what God's good news and respond to what God's doing. And as we raise the spiritual doing. And as we raise the spiritual doing. And as we raise the spiritual temperature on Sundays, we're also temperature on Sundays, we're also temperature on Sundays, we're also inviting you to engage this during the inviting you to engage this during the inviting you to engage this during the week. Like if you haven't yet, we week. Like if you haven't yet, we week. Like if you haven't yet, we started our 28 day devotional through started our 28 day devotional through started our 28 day devotional through the book of Acts. We started that last the book of Acts. We started that last the book of Acts. We started that last week. If you missed it, you can jump in week. If you missed it, you can jump in week. If you missed it, you can jump in starting week two. And if you need this,

starting week two. And if you need this, starting week two. And if you need this, you can text DVO to 37748. will text you you can text DVO to 37748. will text you you can text DVO to 37748. will text you and you can be in every morning in the and you can be in every morning in the and you can be in every morning in the DVOS with us as we're walking through DVOS with us as we're walking through DVOS with us as we're walking through God's word. And then August 23rd, 24th, God's word. And then August 23rd, 24th, God's word. And then August 23rd, 24th, 25th, you're going to want to mark your 25th, you're going to want to mark your 25th, you're going to want to mark your calendars right here at the Lawrenville calendars right here at the Lawrenville calendars right here at the Lawrenville campus where we're gathering for what campus where we're gathering for what campus where we're gathering for what we're calling revival nights where we're we're calling revival nights where we're we're calling revival nights where we're just going to set aside three nights and just going to set aside three nights and just going to set aside three nights and say, "God, we're chasing after your say, "God, we're chasing after your say, "God, we're chasing after your heart. We want more of your presence, heart. We want more of your presence, heart. We want more of your presence, more of your power. We believe that God more of your power. We believe that God more of your power. We believe that God is going to do some things in those is going to do some things in those is going to do some things in those nights that we can't predict, we can't nights that we can't predict, we can't nights that we can't predict, we can't explain, but there is a supernatural um explain, but there is a supernatural um explain, but there is a supernatural um awareness of what God could do, and awareness of what God could do, and awareness of what God could do, and we're going to chase it together. And we're going to chase it together. And we're going to chase it together. And I'm calling our church to a three-day I'm calling our church to a three-day I'm calling our church to a three-day liquid fast over those same three days liquid fast over those same three days liquid fast over those same three days where we're literally taking authority where we're literally taking authority where we're literally taking authority over our flesh and saying no to our over our flesh and saying no to our over our flesh and saying no to our flesh flesh flesh that's going to cry out for food. You've that's going to cry out for food. You've that's going to cry out for food. You've ne if you've never done a fast, when you ne if you've never done a fast, when you ne if you've never done a fast, when you drive by like a burger place that's drive by like a burger place that's drive by like a burger place that's cooking burgers and the smell comes out cooking burgers and the smell comes out cooking burgers and the smell comes out of the restaurant and you're on a fast, of the restaurant and you're on a fast, of the restaurant and you're on a fast, you're you you'll feel your flesh cry you're you you'll feel your flesh cry you're you you'll feel your flesh cry out, "Feed me."

out, "Feed me." out, "Feed me." And if you don't feel that, you're not And if you don't feel that, you're not And if you don't feel that, you're not human, right? But for three days, we're human, right? But for three days, we're human, right? But for three days, we're saying we're no to my physical appetite saying we're no to my physical appetite saying we're no to my physical appetite and yes to what my soul and my spirit and yes to what my soul and my spirit and yes to what my soul and my spirit really craves, which is more of God. So really craves, which is more of God. So really craves, which is more of God. So for three days, we're going after that. for three days, we're going after that. for three days, we're going after that. And we're we're we're in a season as a And we're we're we're in a season as a And we're we're we're in a season as a church. just saying, "God, would you church. just saying, "God, would you church. just saying, "God, would you turn up the spiritual temperature in the turn up the spiritual temperature in the turn up the spiritual temperature in the life of our church, in the life of each life of our church, in the life of each life of our church, in the life of each person here?" And and and in the month person here?" And and and in the month person here?" And and and in the month of June in my study break, I I walked of June in my study break, I I walked of June in my study break, I I walked through again the book of of Acts. And through again the book of of Acts. And through again the book of of Acts. And this is the account of the first the this is the account of the first the this is the account of the first the early church, if you will, when Jesus early church, if you will, when Jesus early church, if you will, when Jesus established the church. And there's a established the church. And there's a established the church. And there's a bunch of nobodies who've never done bunch of nobodies who've never done bunch of nobodies who've never done anything except follow Jesus. Start to anything except follow Jesus. Start to anything except follow Jesus. Start to figure out what does it mean to be the figure out what does it mean to be the figure out what does it mean to be the church? And we see God do some church? And we see God do some church? And we see God do some incredible things. We see we see God incredible things. We see we see God incredible things. We see we see God moving and healing people and restoring moving and healing people and restoring moving and healing people and restoring things and and we see the spirit of God things and and we see the spirit of God things and and we see the spirit of God poured out and people forgiven and poured out and people forgiven and poured out and people forgiven and numbers added to the church. And we look numbers added to the church. And we look numbers added to the church. And we look at all these moments and I'm telling at all these moments and I'm telling at all these moments and I'm telling you, if you would have been in the book you, if you would have been in the book you, if you would have been in the book of Acts, you would have called it of Acts, you would have called it of Acts, you would have called it revival. revival. revival. See, revival is is is when something See, revival is is is when something See, revival is is is when something dead comes back to life. It's revived dead comes back to life. It's revived dead comes back to life. It's revived back to life again. and and and when I back to life again. and and and when I back to life again. and and and when I was growing up, revival was a little was growing up, revival was a little was growing up, revival was a little different than the book of Acts, but I different than the book of Acts, but I different than the book of Acts, but I I'm sort of a believer I'm sort of a believer I'm sort of a believer because because because you can't underestimate what God can do you can't underestimate what God can do you can't underestimate what God can do in a moment.

in a moment. in a moment. See, my my own family tree was changed, See, my my own family tree was changed, See, my my own family tree was changed, I don't know, 75 years ago in a moment. I don't know, 75 years ago in a moment. I don't know, 75 years ago in a moment. I want to introduce you to my I want to introduce you to my I want to introduce you to my grandfather. He's with Jesus now, grandfather. He's with Jesus now, grandfather. He's with Jesus now, but I think we'll throw a picture of my but I think we'll throw a picture of my but I think we'll throw a picture of my grandfather up there. I want you to see grandfather up there. I want you to see grandfather up there. I want you to see him. That's my dad in the middle, my him. That's my dad in the middle, my him. That's my dad in the middle, my brother. That's my firstborn, Luke. brother. That's my firstborn, Luke. brother. That's my firstborn, Luke. Crazy enough, he graduated high school Crazy enough, he graduated high school Crazy enough, he graduated high school this year. I feel old. And to the right this year. I feel old. And to the right this year. I feel old. And to the right is Atwood Weldon Barry. is Atwood Weldon Barry. is Atwood Weldon Barry. He was one of the wisest, most godly men He was one of the wisest, most godly men He was one of the wisest, most godly men I've ever met in my life, and he didn't I've ever met in my life, and he didn't I've ever met in my life, and he didn't have but an eighth grade education. have but an eighth grade education. have but an eighth grade education. See, he he married my grandmother, Anna See, he he married my grandmother, Anna See, he he married my grandmother, Anna Mayberry. I think we had a picture of Mayberry. I think we had a picture of Mayberry. I think we had a picture of them together. them together. them together. And they're both with Jesus now. If you And they're both with Jesus now. If you And they're both with Jesus now. If you if you want to know what a cliche if you want to know what a cliche if you want to know what a cliche southern couple looks like, got them. southern couple looks like, got them. southern couple looks like, got them. See, I I never knew anything but a man See, I I never knew anything but a man See, I I never knew anything but a man who loved Jesus and loved his family, who loved Jesus and loved his family, who loved Jesus and loved his family, but I didn't know him before he met but I didn't know him before he met but I didn't know him before he met Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. See, he as a family tree, our our our See, he as a family tree, our our our See, he as a family tree, our our our berry bloodline is not great.

berry bloodline is not great. berry bloodline is not great. We have horse thieves. We have bank We have horse thieves. We have bank We have horse thieves. We have bank robbers. We have murderers. robbers. We have murderers. robbers. We have murderers. My grandfather's dad, my My grandfather's dad, my My grandfather's dad, my great-grandfather, great-grandfather, great-grandfather, he was an alcoholic. He beat his wife, he was an alcoholic. He beat his wife, he was an alcoholic. He beat his wife, my great-grandma. my great-grandma. my great-grandma. He had very little relationship with his He had very little relationship with his He had very little relationship with his kids. kids. kids. And my grandfather, I called him Pup And my grandfather, I called him Pup And my grandfather, I called him Pup growing up, so deal with it. I called growing up, so deal with it. I called growing up, so deal with it. I called him Pup. So Pup, him Pup. So Pup, him Pup. So Pup, he was following in the footsteps of his he was following in the footsteps of his he was following in the footsteps of his dad. dad. dad. And by the way, you don't have to follow And by the way, you don't have to follow And by the way, you don't have to follow in the footsteps of your dad. You might in the footsteps of your dad. You might in the footsteps of your dad. You might not know your dad. You have a heavenly not know your dad. You have a heavenly not know your dad. You have a heavenly father. father. father. >> And listen, it might have run into your >> And listen, it might have run into your >> And listen, it might have run into your family, but it it it ran in your family family, but it it it ran in your family family, but it it it ran in your family before it ran into you. before it ran into you. before it ran into you. >> And my grandfather was following the >> And my grandfather was following the >> And my grandfather was following the same footsteps. And someone invited them same footsteps. And someone invited them same footsteps. And someone invited them to a traveling tent meeting revival to a traveling tent meeting revival to a traveling tent meeting revival where they used to travel around, set up where they used to travel around, set up where they used to travel around, set up tents in a town, and someone would just tents in a town, and someone would just tents in a town, and someone would just go there and preach the gospel. And go there and preach the gospel. And go there and preach the gospel. And someone said, "You got to get there, someone said, "You got to get there, someone said, "You got to get there, Atwood." And he said, "Fine." And he got Atwood." And he said, "Fine." And he got Atwood." And he said, "Fine." And he got there, stood in the back of the room, there, stood in the back of the room, there, stood in the back of the room, and he encountered the presence of God, and he encountered the presence of God, and he encountered the presence of God, and the conviction of sin fell on his and the conviction of sin fell on his and the conviction of sin fell on his life, and he went to the front, and he life, and he went to the front, and he life, and he went to the front, and he bent his knee, and he bowed his life to bent his knee, and he bowed his life to bent his knee, and he bowed his life to Jesus. And from that moment on, God Jesus. And from that moment on, God Jesus. And from that moment on, God healed and restored what was broken in healed and restored what was broken in healed and restored what was broken in him, what was handed down from his own him, what was handed down from his own him, what was handed down from his own dad. Suddenly, in a moment, he went from dad. Suddenly, in a moment, he went from dad. Suddenly, in a moment, he went from uh following in his father's footsteps.

uh following in his father's footsteps. uh following in his father's footsteps. He would have destroyed the family just He would have destroyed the family just He would have destroyed the family just like his own dad did. But instead, Jesus like his own dad did. But instead, Jesus like his own dad did. But instead, Jesus rescued him. He had four sons. Three rescued him. He had four sons. Three rescued him. He had four sons. Three sons became pastors. One became a sons became pastors. One became a sons became pastors. One became a dentist. The pastor was my dad, one of dentist. The pastor was my dad, one of dentist. The pastor was my dad, one of the three. And my dad had two sons. My the three. And my dad had two sons. My the three. And my dad had two sons. My brother and I. I became a pastor. My brother and I. I became a pastor. My brother and I. I became a pastor. My brother became a dentist. And now it's brother became a dentist. And now it's brother became a dentist. And now it's crazy. And now I got three kids. We'll crazy. And now I got three kids. We'll crazy. And now I got three kids. We'll see. I'll take three dentists. I don't see. I'll take three dentists. I don't see. I'll take three dentists. I don't have to work the rest of my life. Praise have to work the rest of my life. Praise have to work the rest of my life. Praise Jesus. Right? But here's the point. It Jesus. Right? But here's the point. It Jesus. Right? But here's the point. It all happened in one moment. all happened in one moment. all happened in one moment. And you never can underestimate what God And you never can underestimate what God And you never can underestimate what God can do in a moment. You might have can do in a moment. You might have can do in a moment. You might have brought stuff in and you might bring brought stuff in and you might bring brought stuff in and you might bring stuff to revival nights in the in the stuff to revival nights in the in the stuff to revival nights in the in the end of August where you're like, I don't end of August where you're like, I don't end of August where you're like, I don't see how God's going to fix this. see how God's going to fix this. see how God's going to fix this. Congratulations. That's the perfect Congratulations. That's the perfect Congratulations. That's the perfect position to be in position to be in position to be in >> because that's when Jesus can transform. >> because that's when Jesus can transform. >> because that's when Jesus can transform. The power of the Holy Spirit can give The power of the Holy Spirit can give The power of the Holy Spirit can give you freedom and things maybe you've you freedom and things maybe you've you freedom and things maybe you've never thought you could be free from. He never thought you could be free from. He never thought you could be free from. He can heal. He can restore. And I believe can heal. He can restore. And I believe can heal. He can restore. And I believe that the Holy Spirit wants to do that the Holy Spirit wants to do that the Holy Spirit wants to do something in our church and in you in something in our church and in you in something in our church and in you in this season. But I want to be really this season. But I want to be really this season. But I want to be really clear because I think there's there's clear because I think there's there's clear because I think there's there's people there's there's there's like people there's there's there's like people there's there's there's like branches of church and views of what it branches of church and views of what it branches of church and views of what it means to be a flower of Jesus that we means to be a flower of Jesus that we means to be a flower of Jesus that we sort of chase sort of specific things sort of chase sort of specific things sort of chase sort of specific things instead of the whole of what God invites instead of the whole of what God invites instead of the whole of what God invites us to. I want to give you a picture for us to. I want to give you a picture for us to. I want to give you a picture for what we're doing in the month of August.

what we're doing in the month of August. what we're doing in the month of August. And and this is sort of my pastoral And and this is sort of my pastoral And and this is sort of my pastoral burden. I want you to see this. There's burden. I want you to see this. There's burden. I want you to see this. There's three things that need to be in the life three things that need to be in the life three things that need to be in the life of a believer to make you a fully of a believer to make you a fully of a believer to make you a fully devoted follower of Jesus. And I want to devoted follower of Jesus. And I want to devoted follower of Jesus. And I want to just go through them quickly. Here's who just go through them quickly. Here's who just go through them quickly. Here's who we are as a church. And what I pray for we are as a church. And what I pray for we are as a church. And what I pray for for you personally, here's the first for you personally, here's the first for you personally, here's the first piece that has to be true of us. piece that has to be true of us. piece that has to be true of us. Biblical knowledge has to be in play. Biblical knowledge has to be in play. Biblical knowledge has to be in play. Here's what I mean when I say biblical Here's what I mean when I say biblical Here's what I mean when I say biblical knowledge. We're Bible people here. knowledge. We're Bible people here. knowledge. We're Bible people here. >> Like if if God's word says it, we >> Like if if God's word says it, we >> Like if if God's word says it, we believe it. believe it. believe it. >> Even if the culture says, "Ah, that >> Even if the culture says, "Ah, that >> Even if the culture says, "Ah, that seems hateful." I'm sorry. I'm not the seems hateful." I'm sorry. I'm not the seems hateful." I'm sorry. I'm not the author. I'm just the delivery man. author. I'm just the delivery man. author. I'm just the delivery man. >> I didn't write it. I'm just telling you >> I didn't write it. I'm just telling you >> I didn't write it. I'm just telling you what he said. what he said. what he said. >> It's like we believe in the the >> It's like we believe in the the >> It's like we believe in the the theology, the doctrine. We believe that theology, the doctrine. We believe that theology, the doctrine. We believe that stuff matters. Sound doctrine, sound stuff matters. Sound doctrine, sound stuff matters. Sound doctrine, sound theology matters. We contend for the theology matters. We contend for the theology matters. We contend for the faith delivered to the saints. And if we faith delivered to the saints. And if we faith delivered to the saints. And if we don't disciple people, the world will. don't disciple people, the world will. don't disciple people, the world will. And theological precision, discerning And theological precision, discerning And theological precision, discerning truth from error, doctrinal protection, truth from error, doctrinal protection, truth from error, doctrinal protection, they matter. they matter. they matter. But here's the problem. On its own, But here's the problem. On its own, But here's the problem. On its own, biblical knowledge by itself sort of biblical knowledge by itself sort of biblical knowledge by itself sort of leans to intellectualism leans to intellectualism leans to intellectualism where you have right doctrine without where you have right doctrine without where you have right doctrine without right love and grace.

right love and grace. right love and grace. >> Got to be careful of this, church. We >> Got to be careful of this, church. We >> Got to be careful of this, church. We can get so heady that we lose our heart. can get so heady that we lose our heart. can get so heady that we lose our heart. So these have to go together. First with So these have to go together. First with So these have to go together. First with biblical knowledge. Second, there has to biblical knowledge. Second, there has to biblical knowledge. Second, there has to be holy obedience. be holy obedience. be holy obedience. >> Right? >> Right? >> Right? >> Here's what that means. We're not just >> Here's what that means. We're not just >> Here's what that means. We're not just hearers of the word, we're doers of the hearers of the word, we're doers of the hearers of the word, we're doers of the word. That when I read God's word, I word. That when I read God's word, I word. That when I read God's word, I don't just agree with it. It has to don't just agree with it. It has to don't just agree with it. It has to change how I live. And I have to not change how I live. And I have to not change how I live. And I have to not just agree, but bow my life in obedience just agree, but bow my life in obedience just agree, but bow my life in obedience to it. Because truth demands a response. to it. Because truth demands a response. to it. Because truth demands a response. And if God said it, then my life has to And if God said it, then my life has to And if God said it, then my life has to growingly become more like and aligned growingly become more like and aligned growingly become more like and aligned to the truth of Jesus. And and that's to the truth of Jesus. And and that's to the truth of Jesus. And and that's sort of the heart behind sing pray at sort of the heart behind sing pray at sort of the heart behind sing pray at the end where there's there's moments the end where there's there's moments the end where there's there's moments for you to have places where you go, for you to have places where you go, for you to have places where you go, God, you convicted me. Your word said God, you convicted me. Your word said God, you convicted me. Your word said this, my life doesn't look like that. I this, my life doesn't look like that. I this, my life doesn't look like that. I have to come into alignment to King have to come into alignment to King have to come into alignment to King Jesus. Like if Jesus is your savior, he Jesus. Like if Jesus is your savior, he Jesus. Like if Jesus is your savior, he also has to be your Lord. also has to be your Lord. also has to be your Lord. >> He didn't just forgive you and then you >> He didn't just forgive you and then you >> He didn't just forgive you and then you go do what you want. He's now the king go do what you want. He's now the king go do what you want. He's now the king of your life. And but but holy obedience of your life. And but but holy obedience of your life. And but but holy obedience on its own turns into legalism on its own turns into legalism on its own turns into legalism >> like a worksbased faith where I'm >> like a worksbased faith where I'm >> like a worksbased faith where I'm working my way to earn salvation versus working my way to earn salvation versus working my way to earn salvation versus no it was purchased and now because of no it was purchased and now because of no it was purchased and now because of that I want to live holy as he is holy that I want to live holy as he is holy that I want to live holy as he is holy need all three third one is this need all three third one is this need all three third one is this spiritual intimacy spiritual intimacy spiritual intimacy see we have to the Bible the truth the see we have to the Bible the truth the see we have to the Bible the truth the knowledge matters and then our life our knowledge matters and then our life our knowledge matters and then our life our our patterns and our behaviors have to our patterns and our behaviors have to our patterns and our behaviors have to come into alignment in obedience but come into alignment in obedience but come into alignment in obedience but here's the beautiful part of it here's the beautiful part of it here's the beautiful part of it All of that is in the context of a All of that is in the context of a All of that is in the context of a spiritually intimate relationship with spiritually intimate relationship with spiritually intimate relationship with God. We believe that you can know God,

God. We believe that you can know God, God. We believe that you can know God, not just know about him, not just know not just know about him, not just know not just know about him, not just know facts and figures like I know about facts and figures like I know about facts and figures like I know about Benjamin Franklin. I don't know him. I Benjamin Franklin. I don't know him. I Benjamin Franklin. I don't know him. I know about historical figures. I don't know about historical figures. I don't know about historical figures. I don't know them. We believe you can know God. know them. We believe you can know God. know them. We believe you can know God. That you can walk with him personally. That you can walk with him personally. That you can walk with him personally. We believe that he is as close as your We believe that he is as close as your We believe that he is as close as your breath. breath. breath. He is here. He is here. He is here. >> Amen. And we believe, listen, we believe >> Amen. And we believe, listen, we believe >> Amen. And we believe, listen, we believe in a spiritually intimate, beautiful in a spiritually intimate, beautiful in a spiritually intimate, beautiful relationship with Almighty God. Here's relationship with Almighty God. Here's relationship with Almighty God. Here's the problem. That on its own turns into the problem. That on its own turns into the problem. That on its own turns into emotionalism. emotionalism. emotionalism. >> We're just chasing a feeling. If I >> We're just chasing a feeling. If I >> We're just chasing a feeling. If I didn't get goosebumps, God didn't do didn't get goosebumps, God didn't do didn't get goosebumps, God didn't do anything. If I didn't cry, I didn't have anything. If I didn't cry, I didn't have anything. If I didn't cry, I didn't have an experience with God. Listen, often an experience with God. Listen, often an experience with God. Listen, often times those things go together. But just times those things go together. But just times those things go together. But just because you cry doesn't mean you had an because you cry doesn't mean you had an because you cry doesn't mean you had an experience with God. experience with God. experience with God. >> And just because your eyes are dry >> And just because your eyes are dry >> And just because your eyes are dry doesn't mean you did not have a moment doesn't mean you did not have a moment doesn't mean you did not have a moment with God. We're not chasing a feeling or with God. We're not chasing a feeling or with God. We're not chasing a feeling or an emotion. We're chasing a an emotion. We're chasing a an emotion. We're chasing a fullthroated, full circle, whole picture fullthroated, full circle, whole picture fullthroated, full circle, whole picture of what it means to be a follower of of what it means to be a follower of of what it means to be a follower of Jesus, what it means to be a church. And Jesus, what it means to be a church. And Jesus, what it means to be a church. And as a church, we believe you have to know as a church, we believe you have to know as a church, we believe you have to know the Bible. We believe that your life has the Bible. We believe that your life has the Bible. We believe that your life has to come into alignment with his word.

to come into alignment with his word. to come into alignment with his word. And we believe we walk in relationship And we believe we walk in relationship And we believe we walk in relationship with God. And so through the month of with God. And so through the month of with God. And so through the month of August, we're going to sort of unpack August, we're going to sort of unpack August, we're going to sort of unpack each of those throughout this. Today each of those throughout this. Today each of those throughout this. Today we're leaning on that third one sort of we're leaning on that third one sort of we're leaning on that third one sort of as a primary that there is a there is a as a primary that there is a there is a as a primary that there is a there is a nearness, a closeness, an encounter you nearness, a closeness, an encounter you nearness, a closeness, an encounter you can have with God that will change can have with God that will change can have with God that will change everything. everything. everything. >> And I want to catch us up in scripture >> And I want to catch us up in scripture >> And I want to catch us up in scripture because we're going to be in the book of because we're going to be in the book of because we're going to be in the book of Acts. If you want to grab your worship Acts. If you want to grab your worship Acts. If you want to grab your worship center Bibles, we'll be page 9:35. If center Bibles, we'll be page 9:35. If center Bibles, we'll be page 9:35. If you want to grab a Bible of your own, you want to grab a Bible of your own, you want to grab a Bible of your own, it's going to be Acts chapter 1. And I'm it's going to be Acts chapter 1. And I'm it's going to be Acts chapter 1. And I'm going to catch us up in the biblical going to catch us up in the biblical going to catch us up in the biblical narrative as we dive into this. See, let narrative as we dive into this. See, let narrative as we dive into this. See, let me catch you up. So Jesus was born to me catch you up. So Jesus was born to me catch you up. So Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. You're like, "Wow, the Virgin Mary. You're like, "Wow, the Virgin Mary. You're like, "Wow, we're starting way back." We are four we're starting way back." We are four we're starting way back." We are four books over. Matthew 1. Jesus was born to books over. Matthew 1. Jesus was born to books over. Matthew 1. Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary. He was fully God, fully the Virgin Mary. He was fully God, fully the Virgin Mary. He was fully God, fully man. The hypothatic union. If you don't man. The hypothatic union. If you don't man. The hypothatic union. If you don't know what that means, look it up. If know what that means, look it up. If know what that means, look it up. If not, he was fully God, fully man. Jesus not, he was fully God, fully man. Jesus not, he was fully God, fully man. Jesus lived the sinless, perfect life that we lived the sinless, perfect life that we lived the sinless, perfect life that we could not live. Jesus died the could not live. Jesus died the could not live. Jesus died the horrendous death on the cross that the horrendous death on the cross that the horrendous death on the cross that the punishment that that we deserved. And punishment that that we deserved. And punishment that that we deserved. And then three days later, he rose again, then three days later, he rose again, then three days later, he rose again, conquering sin and death. and he conquering sin and death. and he conquering sin and death. and he delivered to his people the reward that delivered to his people the reward that delivered to his people the reward that he bought and paid for with his life.

he bought and paid for with his life. he bought and paid for with his life. And that here's what's something we And that here's what's something we And that here's what's something we don't talk about a lot in church, but don't talk about a lot in church, but don't talk about a lot in church, but maybe we should more often. For 40 days, maybe we should more often. For 40 days, maybe we should more often. For 40 days, the risen Christ appeared to over 500 the risen Christ appeared to over 500 the risen Christ appeared to over 500 people. people. people. People that often saw him die, saw him People that often saw him die, saw him People that often saw him die, saw him buried, and Jesus like, "Hey, what up, buried, and Jesus like, "Hey, what up, buried, and Jesus like, "Hey, what up, dude? Part two. I'm back, baby." Imagine dude? Part two. I'm back, baby." Imagine dude? Part two. I'm back, baby." Imagine seeing Jesus like, "Wait a second." In seeing Jesus like, "Wait a second." In seeing Jesus like, "Wait a second." In fact, Thomas doubted it. And Jesus fact, Thomas doubted it. And Jesus fact, Thomas doubted it. And Jesus showed up and showed him his nail showed up and showed him his nail showed up and showed him his nail scarred hands. scarred hands. scarred hands. See, Jesus for 40 days appeared to See, Jesus for 40 days appeared to See, Jesus for 40 days appeared to people and and he started to to to lean people and and he started to to to lean people and and he started to to to lean into what was next because it felt like into what was next because it felt like into what was next because it felt like that was the final it's over. Jesus that was the final it's over. Jesus that was the final it's over. Jesus died. Jesus like, "No, I'm back. Here's died. Jesus like, "No, I'm back. Here's died. Jesus like, "No, I'm back. Here's what's next." Acts 1:3, if you want to what's next." Acts 1:3, if you want to what's next." Acts 1:3, if you want to follow along along after his suffering, follow along along after his suffering, follow along along after his suffering, whose suffering, the risen Jesus, after whose suffering, the risen Jesus, after whose suffering, the risen Jesus, after his suffering, Jesus, now risen, his suffering, Jesus, now risen, his suffering, Jesus, now risen, presented himself to them and gave many presented himself to them and gave many presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He convincing proofs that he was alive. He convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 appeared to them over a period of 40 appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. days and spoke about the kingdom of God. days and spoke about the kingdom of God. And then in the very next verse, Jesus And then in the very next verse, Jesus And then in the very next verse, Jesus tells his disciples, "Listen, you got to tells his disciples, "Listen, you got to tells his disciples, "Listen, you got to wait because something's coming." Verse wait because something's coming." Verse wait because something's coming." Verse four, on one occasion while he while he, four, on one occasion while he while he, four, on one occasion while he while he, the risen Jesus, was eating with them, the risen Jesus, was eating with them, the risen Jesus, was eating with them, he gave them this command. Do not leave he gave them this command. Do not leave he gave them this command. Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait. Everyone say the Jerusalem, but wait. Everyone say the Jerusalem, but wait. Everyone say the word wait. But word wait. But word wait. But >> but wait for the gift my father >> but wait for the gift my father >> but wait for the gift my father promised, which you have heard me speak promised, which you have heard me speak promised, which you have heard me speak about. Jesus is saying, "Listen, about. Jesus is saying, "Listen, about. Jesus is saying, "Listen, something's brewing."

something's brewing." something's brewing." A and you're going to have to wait for A and you're going to have to wait for A and you're going to have to wait for it. it. it. You can't just rush by like like faith You can't just rush by like like faith You can't just rush by like like faith in Jesus is not a drive-thru in Jesus is not a drive-thru in Jesus is not a drive-thru process. process. process. >> You throw your order in and 3 minutes >> You throw your order in and 3 minutes >> You throw your order in and 3 minutes later you got it. Jesus like, "No, no, later you got it. Jesus like, "No, no, later you got it. Jesus like, "No, no, no. Don't go through the drive-thru. no. Don't go through the drive-thru. no. Don't go through the drive-thru. Take your shoes off and wait. You're Take your shoes off and wait. You're Take your shoes off and wait. You're going to be here a minute." going to be here a minute." going to be here a minute." >> Verse eight, he tells them what's going >> Verse eight, he tells them what's going >> Verse eight, he tells them what's going to happen. He says, "Listen, but you to happen. He says, "Listen, but you to happen. He says, "Listen, but you will receive power." Everyone say power. will receive power." Everyone say power. will receive power." Everyone say power. You will receive when the Holy Spirit You will receive when the Holy Spirit You will receive when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my comes on you and you will be my comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the and Samaria and to the ends of the and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Jesus is saying to his disciples, earth. Jesus is saying to his disciples, earth. Jesus is saying to his disciples, listen to me. There is more than you listen to me. There is more than you listen to me. There is more than you have currently experienced with God. have currently experienced with God. have currently experienced with God. Listen, it's he even said like it's Listen, it's he even said like it's Listen, it's he even said like it's awesome that I've been with you, but awesome that I've been with you, but awesome that I've been with you, but it's better that I leave because the one it's better that I leave because the one it's better that I leave because the one that's coming is better than what I that's coming is better than what I that's coming is better than what I could provide to you. could provide to you. could provide to you. >> Like that's Jesus. How could it be >> Like that's Jesus. How could it be >> Like that's Jesus. How could it be better? It is. He's saying, "Listen, better? It is. He's saying, "Listen, better? It is. He's saying, "Listen, there's more than you might have there's more than you might have there's more than you might have experienced. And the more is the Holy experienced. And the more is the Holy experienced. And the more is the Holy Spirit." See, we believe God is is is a Spirit." See, we believe God is is is a Spirit." See, we believe God is is is a trinity, three in one. One God, three trinity, three in one. One God, three trinity, three in one. One God, three distinct persons. And the Holy Spirit is distinct persons. And the Holy Spirit is distinct persons. And the Holy Spirit is promised that when you bow your life to promised that when you bow your life to promised that when you bow your life to Jesus, he becomes the Lord of your life.

Jesus, he becomes the Lord of your life. Jesus, he becomes the Lord of your life. You're forgiven of your sins, and then You're forgiven of your sins, and then You're forgiven of your sins, and then you're filled with the Holy Spirit. And you're filled with the Holy Spirit. And you're filled with the Holy Spirit. And the disciples have experienced Jesus so the disciples have experienced Jesus so the disciples have experienced Jesus so far, not yet the Holy Spirit. Jesus is far, not yet the Holy Spirit. Jesus is far, not yet the Holy Spirit. Jesus is saying, "You're gonna have to wait for saying, "You're gonna have to wait for saying, "You're gonna have to wait for this." And I know when I say Holy this." And I know when I say Holy this." And I know when I say Holy Spirit, there are people that go, "Uh Spirit, there are people that go, "Uh Spirit, there are people that go, "Uh oh, this about to get awkward." That's oh, this about to get awkward." That's oh, this about to get awkward." That's why I did the three strands of what it why I did the three strands of what it why I did the three strands of what it means to be a a disciple of Jesus means to be a a disciple of Jesus means to be a a disciple of Jesus because it's not just we're chasing an because it's not just we're chasing an because it's not just we're chasing an experience with God that gives us experience with God that gives us experience with God that gives us goosebumps. It's all three. But often goosebumps. It's all three. But often goosebumps. It's all three. But often times people miss one of them. And if times people miss one of them. And if times people miss one of them. And if you miss the fact that you have the Holy you miss the fact that you have the Holy you miss the fact that you have the Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit, >> I don't know how you do the Christian >> I don't know how you do the Christian >> I don't know how you do the Christian life. life. life. >> People ask, "Do I need the Holy Spirit >> People ask, "Do I need the Holy Spirit >> People ask, "Do I need the Holy Spirit to get to heaven?" Bro, I need the Holy to get to heaven?" Bro, I need the Holy to get to heaven?" Bro, I need the Holy Spirit to talk to my teenagers. Spirit to talk to my teenagers. Spirit to talk to my teenagers. I need the Holy Spirit to drive on 85 I need the Holy Spirit to drive on 85 I need the Holy Spirit to drive on 85 and not catch a felony, guys. and not catch a felony, guys. and not catch a felony, guys. >> Do I need the Holy Spirit to get get to >> Do I need the Holy Spirit to get get to >> Do I need the Holy Spirit to get get to heaven? I need the Holy Spirit Monday heaven? I need the Holy Spirit Monday heaven? I need the Holy Spirit Monday morning. morning. morning. >> Like, I need the power of the Holy >> Like, I need the power of the Holy >> Like, I need the power of the Holy Spirit for my marriage vows. Spirit for my marriage vows. Spirit for my marriage vows. >> You can't keep your the vows you made on >> You can't keep your the vows you made on >> You can't keep your the vows you made on your wedding day. You made them thinking your wedding day. You made them thinking your wedding day. You made them thinking about your wedding night, not 30 years about your wedding night, not 30 years about your wedding night, not 30 years later.

later. later. Think about the promises you made. How Think about the promises you made. How Think about the promises you made. How are you going to do that in your own are you going to do that in your own are you going to do that in your own strength? strength? strength? >> You need the power of the Holy Spirit >> You need the power of the Holy Spirit >> You need the power of the Holy Spirit for your parenting, for your work, for for your parenting, for your work, for for your parenting, for your work, for your character. And Jesus is telling the your character. And Jesus is telling the your character. And Jesus is telling the disciples, listen, you're have to wait. disciples, listen, you're have to wait. disciples, listen, you're have to wait. Do not leave Jerusalem until the Holy Do not leave Jerusalem until the Holy Do not leave Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit shows up. And that Jesus poof Spirit shows up. And that Jesus poof Spirit shows up. And that Jesus poof ascends back to the right hand of the ascends back to the right hand of the ascends back to the right hand of the father. And the story we pick up today, father. And the story we pick up today, father. And the story we pick up today, all of Jesus's followers are waiting in all of Jesus's followers are waiting in all of Jesus's followers are waiting in Jerusalem together for the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem together for the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem together for the Holy Spirit. And I want you to see what happens. And I want you to see what happens. And I want you to see what happens. We're going to jump a chapter over and We're going to jump a chapter over and We're going to jump a chapter over and then come back. Here's what happens when then come back. Here's what happens when then come back. Here's what happens when the Holy Spirit showed up. Acts 2 verse the Holy Spirit showed up. Acts 2 verse the Holy Spirit showed up. Acts 2 verse one. When the day of Pentecost came, one. When the day of Pentecost came, one. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. they were all together in one place. they were all together in one place. What does that mean? They followed what What does that mean? They followed what What does that mean? They followed what Jesus said. They were waiting together. Jesus said. They were waiting together. Jesus said. They were waiting together. Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled violent wind came from heaven and filled violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. the whole house where they were sitting. the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of They saw what seemed to be tongues of They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on fire that separated and came to rest on fire that separated and came to rest on each one of them. I could do a whole each one of them. I could do a whole each one of them. I could do a whole sermon series on why God shows up as sermon series on why God shows up as sermon series on why God shows up as fire.

fire. fire. purifying, purifying, purifying, cleansing, guiding. There's power in cleansing, guiding. There's power in cleansing, guiding. There's power in fire. We we might do that in the spring. fire. We we might do that in the spring. fire. We we might do that in the spring. Tongues of fire. And then came to rest Tongues of fire. And then came to rest Tongues of fire. And then came to rest on each of them there in the upper room. on each of them there in the upper room. on each of them there in the upper room. All of them were filled with the Holy All of them were filled with the Holy All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other Spirit and began to speak in other Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled them. Then tongues as the spirit enabled them. Then tongues as the spirit enabled them. Then empowered by the Holy Spirit, here's empowered by the Holy Spirit, here's empowered by the Holy Spirit, here's what happens. Peter goes out and what happens. Peter goes out and what happens. Peter goes out and preaches the first sermon preaches the first sermon preaches the first sermon other than Jesus in all the Bible other than Jesus in all the Bible other than Jesus in all the Bible postresurrection. postresurrection. postresurrection. He he goes out there untrained, no He he goes out there untrained, no He he goes out there untrained, no theology school. He hung out with Jesus theology school. He hung out with Jesus theology school. He hung out with Jesus for three years. Jesus did all the for three years. Jesus did all the for three years. Jesus did all the speaking. speaking. speaking. In fact, when Peter opened his mouth, In fact, when Peter opened his mouth, In fact, when Peter opened his mouth, oftentimes he got him in trouble. Then oftentimes he got him in trouble. Then oftentimes he got him in trouble. Then the Holy Spirit shows up and he goes out the Holy Spirit shows up and he goes out the Holy Spirit shows up and he goes out there and he preaches one of the best, there and he preaches one of the best, there and he preaches one of the best, most theologically rich teachings, most most theologically rich teachings, most most theologically rich teachings, most powerful teachings that it's recorded in powerful teachings that it's recorded in powerful teachings that it's recorded in scripture. And people are hearing it in scripture. And people are hearing it in scripture. And people are hearing it in their own native language. Makes no their own native language. Makes no their own native language. Makes no sense. Why? Because it was the Holy sense. Why? Because it was the Holy sense. Why? Because it was the Holy Spirit empowering him. And then if you Spirit empowering him. And then if you Spirit empowering him. And then if you jump to the bottom of his message, verse jump to the bottom of his message, verse jump to the bottom of his message, verse 40, chapter 2, here's the result. With 40, chapter 2, here's the result. With 40, chapter 2, here's the result. With many other words, he warned them and he many other words, he warned them and he many other words, he warned them and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." And those who this corrupt generation." And those who this corrupt generation." And those who accepted his message were baptized. And accepted his message were baptized. And accepted his message were baptized. And about 3,000 were added to them, their about 3,000 were added to them, their about 3,000 were added to them, their number on that day. How do you go from number on that day. How do you go from number on that day. How do you go from never preaching a public message to never preaching a public message to never preaching a public message to preaching your first one and 3,000 preaching your first one and 3,000 preaching your first one and 3,000 people bow to Jesus? You can only people bow to Jesus? You can only people bow to Jesus? You can only explain it because the power of the Holy explain it because the power of the Holy explain it because the power of the Holy Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. >> Listen to me. I could give you the best >> Listen to me. I could give you the best >> Listen to me. I could give you the best crafted message you've ever heard, and crafted message you've ever heard, and crafted message you've ever heard, and if it's in my own strength, my own if it's in my own strength, my own if it's in my own strength, my own words, not the Holy Spirit, it will fall words, not the Holy Spirit, it will fall words, not the Holy Spirit, it will fall on deaf ears. Equally, I could get up on deaf ears. Equally, I could get up on deaf ears. Equally, I could get up here and fumble and trip and say three here and fumble and trip and say three here and fumble and trip and say three words, and if the Holy Spirit is in it, words, and if the Holy Spirit is in it, words, and if the Holy Spirit is in it, it's over, bro. it's over, bro. it's over, bro. >> We see the power of the Holy Spirit, but >> We see the power of the Holy Spirit, but >> We see the power of the Holy Spirit, but what preceded Acts two? Remember what what preceded Acts two? Remember what what preceded Acts two? Remember what Jesus told them to do? Now, we're going Jesus told them to do? Now, we're going Jesus told them to do? Now, we're going back to Acts 1:13. Here's what they did. back to Acts 1:13. Here's what they did. back to Acts 1:13. Here's what they did. I love to hear the pages of the Bible I love to hear the pages of the Bible I love to hear the pages of the Bible turned. Thank you for being in the turned. Thank you for being in the turned. Thank you for being in the scripture with me. Verse 13. When they scripture with me. Verse 13. When they scripture with me. Verse 13. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room arrived, they went upstairs to the room arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present where they were staying. Those present where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew, were Peter, John, James and Andrew, were Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alfus, and Simon Matthew, James son of Alfus, and Simon Matthew, James son of Alfus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James, not the Zealot, and Judas son of James, not the Zealot, and Judas son of James, not that Judas, the other one. That's why he that Judas, the other one. That's why he that Judas, the other one. That's why he adds son of James. Like, don't don't adds son of James. Like, don't don't adds son of James. Like, don't don't make me that one. Verse 14, they were make me that one. Verse 14, they were make me that one. Verse 14, they were all joined together constantly in all joined together constantly in all joined together constantly in prayer.

prayer. prayer. They were joined together. They were They were joined together. They were They were joined together. They were waiting and they were praying along with waiting and they were praying along with waiting and they were praying along with the women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, the women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, the women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Here's the point and with his brothers. Here's the point and with his brothers. Here's the point I want to make today. If we want the I want to make today. If we want the I want to make today. If we want the Holy Spirit power of Acts two, we have Holy Spirit power of Acts two, we have Holy Spirit power of Acts two, we have to first take the humble posture of Acts to first take the humble posture of Acts to first take the humble posture of Acts one. one. one. If you want the power of Acts two, you If you want the power of Acts two, you If you want the power of Acts two, you have to take the posture of Acts one. have to take the posture of Acts one. have to take the posture of Acts one. And I I'll just And I I'll just And I I'll just the posture of Acts one is waiting and the posture of Acts one is waiting and the posture of Acts one is waiting and praying. praying. praying. And there are deeper things of God that And there are deeper things of God that And there are deeper things of God that you will not just stumble upon. you will not just stumble upon. you will not just stumble upon. The deeper things of God, you don't just The deeper things of God, you don't just The deeper things of God, you don't just get quickly and cheaply. You have to get quickly and cheaply. You have to get quickly and cheaply. You have to wait and pray and seek. God says, "Seek wait and pray and seek. God says, "Seek wait and pray and seek. God says, "Seek me with all your heart and you will find me with all your heart and you will find me with all your heart and you will find me." not seek me in passing or quickly me." not seek me in passing or quickly me." not seek me in passing or quickly and you'll find me. Seek me with all and you'll find me. Seek me with all and you'll find me. Seek me with all your heart. And and listen, today we're your heart. And and listen, today we're your heart. And and listen, today we're talking about prayer, but I'm not going talking about prayer, but I'm not going talking about prayer, but I'm not going to teach you how to pray. to teach you how to pray. to teach you how to pray. Cuz what good is it to know how to do Cuz what good is it to know how to do Cuz what good is it to know how to do something you don't actually want to do?

something you don't actually want to do? something you don't actually want to do? I could teach you how to fix an HVAC I could teach you how to fix an HVAC I could teach you how to fix an HVAC unit. That's awesome. If you don't want unit. That's awesome. If you don't want unit. That's awesome. If you don't want to fix one, what good is it? So, to fix one, what good is it? So, to fix one, what good is it? So, instead, I'm going to tell you why why instead, I'm going to tell you why why instead, I'm going to tell you why why prayer matters and what might be keeping prayer matters and what might be keeping prayer matters and what might be keeping you from prayer. What you need is not you from prayer. What you need is not you from prayer. What you need is not another lesson ABC. What you need is a another lesson ABC. What you need is a another lesson ABC. What you need is a longing and a desire and an honest longing and a desire and an honest longing and a desire and an honest honest conversation about why you might honest conversation about why you might honest conversation about why you might not be waiting and praying because the not be waiting and praying because the not be waiting and praying because the disciples, they were with Jesus. He disciples, they were with Jesus. He disciples, they were with Jesus. He ascends and he said, "Wait for the Holy ascends and he said, "Wait for the Holy ascends and he said, "Wait for the Holy Spirit." They waited and prayed for Spirit." They waited and prayed for Spirit." They waited and prayed for days. They didn't leave. This wasn't a days. They didn't leave. This wasn't a days. They didn't leave. This wasn't a driveby for them. They waited until he driveby for them. They waited until he driveby for them. They waited until he showed up. So, I want to give you three showed up. So, I want to give you three showed up. So, I want to give you three things and I want to step on some toes things and I want to step on some toes things and I want to step on some toes lovingly and I want to invite us into lovingly and I want to invite us into lovingly and I want to invite us into some things lovingly. What what are the some things lovingly. What what are the some things lovingly. What what are the things that might be keeping us from things that might be keeping us from things that might be keeping us from this Acts one posture of waiting and this Acts one posture of waiting and this Acts one posture of waiting and praying and seeking? Here's the first praying and seeking? Here's the first praying and seeking? Here's the first one, and I'll raise my hand first in one, and I'll raise my hand first in one, and I'll raise my hand first in this one. Here's the first reason. Pride this one. Here's the first reason. Pride this one. Here's the first reason. Pride and self-sufficiency. We live in a world that glorifies We live in a world that glorifies self-sufficient, self-made men and self-sufficient, self-made men and self-sufficient, self-made men and women. women. women. >> Man, >> Man, >> Man, I won't name names because for whatever I won't name names because for whatever I won't name names because for whatever reason, everyone's divisive these days.

reason, everyone's divisive these days. reason, everyone's divisive these days. pick your your favorite business person pick your your favorite business person pick your your favorite business person that built a big company. You look at that built a big company. You look at that built a big company. You look at him and go, "That's a self-made man." him and go, "That's a self-made man." him and go, "That's a self-made man." And we honor and glorify it. And and And we honor and glorify it. And and And we honor and glorify it. And and like that's the goal is I want like like that's the goal is I want like like that's the goal is I want like people use terms like I want I want like people use terms like I want I want like people use terms like I want I want like enough money where I can just say forget enough money where I can just say forget enough money where I can just say forget y'all. y'all. y'all. Like give me enough you. We all have Like give me enough you. We all have Like give me enough you. We all have that number. If I had this much money, that number. If I had this much money, that number. If I had this much money, I'd say peace out to everybody. All I'd say peace out to everybody. All I'd say peace out to everybody. All y'all. I don't need you anymore. as if y'all. I don't need you anymore. as if y'all. I don't need you anymore. as if that's the pinnacle of success. that's the pinnacle of success. that's the pinnacle of success. See, if if if you don't believe you need See, if if if you don't believe you need See, if if if you don't believe you need the power of God in your life, why would the power of God in your life, why would the power of God in your life, why would you pray? you pray? you pray? >> Why would you wait? Like if if if that's >> Why would you wait? Like if if if that's >> Why would you wait? Like if if if that's your bent and it tends to be mine from your bent and it tends to be mine from your bent and it tends to be mine from time to time, Jesus would have told you time to time, Jesus would have told you time to time, Jesus would have told you back then, go to the upper room and wait back then, go to the upper room and wait back then, go to the upper room and wait and pray. Don't leave until you'd be and pray. Don't leave until you'd be and pray. Don't leave until you'd be there for like 35 minutes and be like, there for like 35 minutes and be like, there for like 35 minutes and be like, listen, there's a crowd out there. I'm listen, there's a crowd out there. I'm listen, there's a crowd out there. I'm going to go preach. I think I got this. going to go preach. I think I got this. going to go preach. I think I got this. I heard Jesus do it. I heard my preacher I heard Jesus do it. I heard my preacher I heard Jesus do it. I heard my preacher do it. I'll just go do it on my own. do it. I'll just go do it on my own. do it. I'll just go do it on my own. You'd have left and tried to do it in You'd have left and tried to do it in You'd have left and tried to do it in your own strength. And I'm telling you your own strength. And I'm telling you your own strength. And I'm telling you this, you wouldn't see the payoff that this, you wouldn't see the payoff that this, you wouldn't see the payoff that Peter saw after waiting and praying.

Peter saw after waiting and praying. Peter saw after waiting and praying. See, pride and self-sufficiency tell us, See, pride and self-sufficiency tell us, See, pride and self-sufficiency tell us, "I got this." And let me just tell you, "I got this." And let me just tell you, "I got this." And let me just tell you, it's one of the most dangerous things it's one of the most dangerous things it's one of the most dangerous things you can say in the Christian walk is, "I you can say in the Christian walk is, "I you can say in the Christian walk is, "I got this." You don't got this. Do you got this." You don't got this. Do you got this." You don't got this. Do you know you? I know me. know you? I know me. know you? I know me. And I'm telling you this, I I need the And I'm telling you this, I I need the And I'm telling you this, I I need the power of the Holy Spirit in every part power of the Holy Spirit in every part power of the Holy Spirit in every part of my life. Here's just a couple verses of my life. Here's just a couple verses of my life. Here's just a couple verses I want you to see. James 4:6 says, "But I want you to see. James 4:6 says, "But I want you to see. James 4:6 says, "But but he, God, gives more grace." but he, God, gives more grace." but he, God, gives more grace." Therefore, it says, "God opposes the Therefore, it says, "God opposes the Therefore, it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." proud, but gives grace to the humble." proud, but gives grace to the humble." God actively resists the proud, the God actively resists the proud, the God actively resists the proud, the hotty, the self-righteous. hotty, the self-righteous. hotty, the self-righteous. Skip down to Revelation, the church of Skip down to Revelation, the church of Skip down to Revelation, the church of Leodysia, when they're getting their Leodysia, when they're getting their Leodysia, when they're getting their judgment proclaimed over what what was judgment proclaimed over what what was judgment proclaimed over what what was broken in their church. Here's what it broken in their church. Here's what it broken in their church. Here's what it says. Revelation 3:17. For you say, I am says. Revelation 3:17. For you say, I am says. Revelation 3:17. For you say, I am rich. I have prospered, and I need rich. I have prospered, and I need rich. I have prospered, and I need nothing. not realizing you are wretched, nothing. not realizing you are wretched, nothing. not realizing you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. That's a picture of spiritual That's a picture of spiritual That's a picture of spiritual self-reliance. I need nothing.

self-reliance. I need nothing. self-reliance. I need nothing. And I'm telling you, if you don't think And I'm telling you, if you don't think And I'm telling you, if you don't think you need something, why would you chase, you need something, why would you chase, you need something, why would you chase, pursue, go after the things of God? pursue, go after the things of God? pursue, go after the things of God? The problem with our country and our The problem with our country and our The problem with our country and our culture is we can all be just successful culture is we can all be just successful culture is we can all be just successful enough that we have enough to keep us enough that we have enough to keep us enough that we have enough to keep us for the day, to get us through a week. for the day, to get us through a week. for the day, to get us through a week. We feel just comfortable enough that we We feel just comfortable enough that we We feel just comfortable enough that we don't have the spiritual reality of how don't have the spiritual reality of how don't have the spiritual reality of how desperately we need the power and desperately we need the power and desperately we need the power and presence of God in our life. presence of God in our life. presence of God in our life. It takes a lot to make us desperate. It takes a lot to make us desperate. It takes a lot to make us desperate. See, Pastor Kevin taught this years ago See, Pastor Kevin taught this years ago See, Pastor Kevin taught this years ago and I have adopted it and it is my and I have adopted it and it is my and I have adopted it and it is my bullseye of how I pray. Here's how I say bullseye of how I pray. Here's how I say bullseye of how I pray. Here's how I say it. I pray like a boy so that I can lead it. I pray like a boy so that I can lead it. I pray like a boy so that I can lead like a man. I'm going to talk to men, but I'm I'm going to talk to men, but I'm talking to everybody. Men, if you don't talking to everybody. Men, if you don't talking to everybody. Men, if you don't have a place where you're just a little have a place where you're just a little have a place where you're just a little boy who's overwhelmed and fearful and boy who's overwhelmed and fearful and boy who's overwhelmed and fearful and full of pressure and you have problems full of pressure and you have problems full of pressure and you have problems that you're that you're not big enough that you're that you're not big enough that you're that you're not big enough to carry, if you don't have a place to carry, if you don't have a place to carry, if you don't have a place where you can be a boy, where you can be a boy, where you can be a boy, say, "Dad, help."

say, "Dad, help." say, "Dad, help." Your whole life will be smoking mirrors Your whole life will be smoking mirrors Your whole life will be smoking mirrors and pretending because it's in there. and pretending because it's in there. and pretending because it's in there. It's just a matter of where do you bring It's just a matter of where do you bring It's just a matter of where do you bring it when it comes up. it when it comes up. it when it comes up. Men, it's why we're doing Be the Man Men, it's why we're doing Be the Man Men, it's why we're doing Be the Man Conference in November. If you've not Conference in November. If you've not Conference in November. If you've not signed up, you need to sign up because signed up, you need to sign up because signed up, you need to sign up because we're going to have the real we're going to have the real we're going to have the real conversations. conversations. conversations. Talking to everybody, but men Talking to everybody, but men Talking to everybody, but men specifically, listen to me. When I pray, specifically, listen to me. When I pray, specifically, listen to me. When I pray, it it it's where I lay down my it it it's where I lay down my it it it's where I lay down my insecurities, my fears, my insecurities, my fears, my insecurities, my fears, my uncertainties, my pressures, and my uncertainties, my pressures, and my uncertainties, my pressures, and my problems. I say, ' Dad, I can't carry problems. I say, ' Dad, I can't carry problems. I say, ' Dad, I can't carry all these. So that when I get done all these. So that when I get done all these. So that when I get done praying, I dust myself off and I go, praying, I dust myself off and I go, praying, I dust myself off and I go, God, I can now go lead like a man God, I can now go lead like a man God, I can now go lead like a man because listen, this church needs me to because listen, this church needs me to because listen, this church needs me to lead like a man, not like a boy. My lead like a man, not like a boy. My lead like a man, not like a boy. My family needs me to lead like a man, not family needs me to lead like a man, not family needs me to lead like a man, not like a boy. But I need a place where I like a boy. But I need a place where I like a boy. But I need a place where I can be a little boy and say, "Dad, I can be a little boy and say, "Dad, I can be a little boy and say, "Dad, I need you." Because if I don't, I start need you." Because if I don't, I start need you." Because if I don't, I start to leak my insecurities and my fears to leak my insecurities and my fears to leak my insecurities and my fears start to me and my pressures start to me and my pressures start to me and my pressures start to crush me. And I think most of start to crush me. And I think most of start to crush me. And I think most of us pray like a man and lead like boys. I us pray like a man and lead like boys. I us pray like a man and lead like boys. I think we go to prayer like,"Well, I got think we go to prayer like,"Well, I got think we go to prayer like,"Well, I got this guy, but I'll put some time in, I this guy, but I'll put some time in, I this guy, but I'll put some time in, I guess."

guess." guess." Hey, God, thanks for the sunshine, I Hey, God, thanks for the sunshine, I Hey, God, thanks for the sunshine, I guess, and thanks for my family and I'll guess, and thanks for my family and I'll guess, and thanks for my family and I'll see you tomorrow. And then we go out see you tomorrow. And then we go out see you tomorrow. And then we go out there and we think we're leading like a there and we think we're leading like a there and we think we're leading like a man. But, but I'm telling you, if if you man. But, but I'm telling you, if if you man. But, but I'm telling you, if if you don't have your prayer closet where don't have your prayer closet where don't have your prayer closet where you're a boy, you will actually lead you're a boy, you will actually lead you're a boy, you will actually lead like a boy. What do boys need? I need I like a boy. What do boys need? I need I like a boy. What do boys need? I need I need people to manage my insecurities need people to manage my insecurities need people to manage my insecurities instead of me bringing them to God. instead of me bringing them to God. instead of me bringing them to God. I I need someone else to assuage my fear I I need someone else to assuage my fear I I need someone else to assuage my fear instead of me laying that down at God's instead of me laying that down at God's instead of me laying that down at God's feet. I I need someone else to rescue me feet. I I need someone else to rescue me feet. I I need someone else to rescue me from my pressure. How am I supposed to from my pressure. How am I supposed to from my pressure. How am I supposed to do another day at work? There's so much do another day at work? There's so much do another day at work? There's so much to do. That's what a little boy does, to do. That's what a little boy does, to do. That's what a little boy does, not what a man does. And you can't not what a man does. And you can't not what a man does. And you can't consistently lead like a man unless you consistently lead like a man unless you consistently lead like a man unless you consistently pray like a boy. In the in consistently pray like a boy. In the in consistently pray like a boy. In the in in the physical world, what it means to in the physical world, what it means to in the physical world, what it means to grow up is you go from dependent on your grow up is you go from dependent on your grow up is you go from dependent on your mom and dad to independent by yourself. mom and dad to independent by yourself. mom and dad to independent by yourself. In the spiritual world, what it means to In the spiritual world, what it means to In the spiritual world, what it means to grow up is you go from I'm independent, grow up is you go from I'm independent, grow up is you go from I'm independent, I need no one to I grow into a I need no one to I grow into a I need no one to I grow into a dependence, God, I need you. dependence, God, I need you. dependence, God, I need you. >> If you don't show up, God, I don't know >> If you don't show up, God, I don't know >> If you don't show up, God, I don't know how I'm doing tomorrow.

Why maybe don't we wait and pray? First Why maybe don't we wait and pray? First one, pride, one, pride, one, pride, self-reliance. Here's the good news. Here's the good news. You don't have to carry your life that You don't have to carry your life that You don't have to carry your life that way. You you you don't have to be way. You you you don't have to be way. You you you don't have to be self-reliant. You could be Holy Spirit self-reliant. You could be Holy Spirit self-reliant. You could be Holy Spirit reliant. You got a dad who loves you. reliant. You got a dad who loves you. reliant. You got a dad who loves you. Cast all your cares upon him because he Cast all your cares upon him because he Cast all your cares upon him because he cares for you. Why wouldn't you wait and cares for you. Why wouldn't you wait and cares for you. Why wouldn't you wait and pray and seek the more God has? I'm pray and seek the more God has? I'm pray and seek the more God has? I'm rabbit trailing. Number two, here's the rabbit trailing. Number two, here's the rabbit trailing. Number two, here's the second reason, and I'm going to have to second reason, and I'm going to have to second reason, and I'm going to have to unpack this one. I think the second unpack this one. I think the second unpack this one. I think the second reason we don't wait, we don't pray, is reason we don't wait, we don't pray, is reason we don't wait, we don't pray, is is we we sometimes carry disappointment is we we sometimes carry disappointment is we we sometimes carry disappointment from distortions. And you're like, "That from distortions. And you're like, "That from distortions. And you're like, "That sounds clever. What does it mean?" I'll sounds clever. What does it mean?" I'll sounds clever. What does it mean?" I'll explain it. And I'll just give you a explain it. And I'll just give you a explain it. And I'll just give you a caveat. Often times when I when I when I caveat. Often times when I when I when I caveat. Often times when I when I when I speak, I try to I try to write a message speak, I try to I try to write a message speak, I try to I try to write a message like an attorney would or I want to make like an attorney would or I want to make like an attorney would or I want to make a case. I want to I want to close and a case. I want to I want to close and a case. I want to I want to close and cut off all the loose ends. I want to cut off all the loose ends. I want to cut off all the loose ends. I want to make it tight and clean. I don't want make it tight and clean. I don't want make it tight and clean. I don't want you to miss any part of something and you to miss any part of something and you to miss any part of something and and I want to build every case, cover and I want to build every case, cover and I want to build every case, cover every angle, and tie every bow. The every angle, and tie every bow. The every angle, and tie every bow. The problem is there's times where that problem is there's times where that problem is there's times where that doesn't work. And I have to embrace the doesn't work. And I have to embrace the doesn't work. And I have to embrace the mystery of prayer.

mystery of prayer. mystery of prayer. I can give you thoughts and I will give I can give you thoughts and I will give I can give you thoughts and I will give you a biblical framework, but there's you a biblical framework, but there's you a biblical framework, but there's still a mystery in prayer that an an still a mystery in prayer that an an still a mystery in prayer that an an attorney approach doesn't work with. So, attorney approach doesn't work with. So, attorney approach doesn't work with. So, I want to I want you to embrace the I want to I want you to embrace the I want to I want you to embrace the mystery with me. I want to give you a mystery with me. I want to give you a mystery with me. I want to give you a quick biblical theology of prayer. And quick biblical theology of prayer. And quick biblical theology of prayer. And if you want to write them down, write if you want to write them down, write if you want to write them down, write them down. If you don't, just let them them down. If you don't, just let them them down. If you don't, just let them sort of wash over you and and form how sort of wash over you and and form how sort of wash over you and and form how you think, how you pray. Here's the you think, how you pray. Here's the you think, how you pray. Here's the first one. Prayer is relational, not first one. Prayer is relational, not first one. Prayer is relational, not transactional. >> Prayer is relational, not transactional. >> Prayer is relational, not transactional. Prayer begins with God who is and who Prayer begins with God who is and who Prayer begins with God who is and who was and who always will be and who we was and who always will be and who we was and who always will be and who we are to him. In fact, when Jesus is are to him. In fact, when Jesus is are to him. In fact, when Jesus is teaching us how to pray, what's the teaching us how to pray, what's the teaching us how to pray, what's the first thing he says in the prayer? Our first thing he says in the prayer? Our first thing he says in the prayer? Our That was a test. You heard it. Now it's That was a test. You heard it. Now it's That was a test. You heard it. Now it's father. So if you don't know scripture, father. So if you don't know scripture, father. So if you don't know scripture, you can act like it now. The first thing you can act like it now. The first thing you can act like it now. The first thing it says is this. Our it says is this. Our it says is this. Our >> our father in heaven. >> our father in heaven. >> our father in heaven. The predicate of prayer is the The predicate of prayer is the The predicate of prayer is the relationship. relationship. relationship. It's that you have a father in heaven It's that you have a father in heaven It's that you have a father in heaven and that flavors everything else. Romans and that flavors everything else. Romans and that flavors everything else. Romans 8 says that you have the spirit of 8 says that you have the spirit of 8 says that you have the spirit of adoption as sons and we can cry aba adoption as sons and we can cry aba adoption as sons and we can cry aba father. Listen, prayer is a language of father. Listen, prayer is a language of father. Listen, prayer is a language of a living relationship with your father, a living relationship with your father, a living relationship with your father, not a spiritual genie that grants not a spiritual genie that grants not a spiritual genie that grants wishes.

wishes. wishes. Prayer is first and primarily Prayer is first and primarily Prayer is first and primarily relational, not transactional. Second, relational, not transactional. Second, relational, not transactional. Second, God invites bold prayers. God invites bold prayers. God invites bold prayers. God doesn't say, "Hey, water that down." God doesn't say, "Hey, water that down." God doesn't say, "Hey, water that down." That's a big one. God invites bold That's a big one. God invites bold That's a big one. God invites bold prayers. You should be bringing your prayers. You should be bringing your prayers. You should be bringing your requests before God when you pray. In requests before God when you pray. In requests before God when you pray. In fact, Jesus gives us all kinds of fact, Jesus gives us all kinds of fact, Jesus gives us all kinds of commands. Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will commands. Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will commands. Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. be given to you. Seek and you will find. be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be open to you. Knock and it will be open to you. Knock and it will be open to you. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will Whatever you ask in my name, this I will Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do that the father may be glorified in do that the father may be glorified in do that the father may be glorified in the son. John 14:13. James 5:16. The the son. John 14:13. James 5:16. The the son. John 14:13. James 5:16. The prayer of a righteous person has great prayer of a righteous person has great prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Listen, God is power as it is working. Listen, God is power as it is working. Listen, God is your father. Prayer is relational, not your father. Prayer is relational, not your father. Prayer is relational, not transactional. Secondly, God invites transactional. Secondly, God invites transactional. Secondly, God invites bold prayers. God is not reluctant. He's bold prayers. God is not reluctant. He's bold prayers. God is not reluctant. He's a generous father. He wants you to bring a generous father. He wants you to bring a generous father. He wants you to bring your stuff. And the Bible records many your stuff. And the Bible records many your stuff. And the Bible records many stories, and we have stories here at 12 stories, and we have stories here at 12 stories, and we have stories here at 12 where people prayed, God moved, and it's where people prayed, God moved, and it's where people prayed, God moved, and it's amazing, miraculous stuff. We still amazing, miraculous stuff. We still amazing, miraculous stuff. We still believe that prayer moves things in believe that prayer moves things in believe that prayer moves things in heaven that moves things on earth.

heaven that moves things on earth. heaven that moves things on earth. But third, But third, But third, God answers our prayers according to his God answers our prayers according to his God answers our prayers according to his will, his wisdom, and his timing. This will, his wisdom, and his timing. This will, his wisdom, and his timing. This is where the mystery is in play of is where the mystery is in play of is where the mystery is in play of prayer. Guys, see, God remains sovereign prayer. Guys, see, God remains sovereign prayer. Guys, see, God remains sovereign when we pray. when we pray. when we pray. He answers according to his will. He answers according to his will. He answers according to his will. In fact, 1 John 5 says, "This is the In fact, 1 John 5 says, "This is the In fact, 1 John 5 says, "This is the confidence that we have towards him that confidence that we have towards him that confidence that we have towards him that if we ask anything according to what if we ask anything according to what if we ask anything according to what his will, he hears us." And listen, his will, he hears us." And listen, his will, he hears us." And listen, sometimes God says no or not yet. sometimes God says no or not yet. sometimes God says no or not yet. And that doesn't mean he's distant or And that doesn't mean he's distant or And that doesn't mean he's distant or he's disowned you. And you're in great he's disowned you. And you're in great he's disowned you. And you're in great company because Jesus and Paul had this company because Jesus and Paul had this company because Jesus and Paul had this exact experience. exact experience. exact experience. Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane before Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane before Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane before he goes to the cross, he said, 'God, he goes to the cross, he said, 'God, he goes to the cross, he said, 'God, listen, father, listen, father, listen, father, if you're cool with the cup passing from if you're cool with the cup passing from if you're cool with the cup passing from me and I don't have to go to the cross, me and I don't have to go to the cross, me and I don't have to go to the cross, I'm cool with that. But also, hey, your I'm cool with that. But also, hey, your I'm cool with that. But also, hey, your will be done. will be done. will be done. You know what God said? Son, no, you You know what God said? Son, no, you You know what God said? Son, no, you have to go to the cross. Why? Because have to go to the cross. Why? Because have to go to the cross. Why? Because he's answering a prayer according to his he's answering a prayer according to his he's answering a prayer according to his will. See, Jesus wanted the cup to be will. See, Jesus wanted the cup to be will. See, Jesus wanted the cup to be passed. Instead, Jesus got the strength passed. Instead, Jesus got the strength passed. Instead, Jesus got the strength to carry the cup. See, Paul had a thorn.

to carry the cup. See, Paul had a thorn. to carry the cup. See, Paul had a thorn. We don't really know what it was. We don't really know what it was. We don't really know what it was. There's a bunch of theologians that have There's a bunch of theologians that have There's a bunch of theologians that have guessed, but it's something that was guessed, but it's something that was guessed, but it's something that was difficult in his life that was crushing difficult in his life that was crushing difficult in his life that was crushing in his life that God would not remove. in his life that God would not remove. in his life that God would not remove. And Paul asked many times and scripture And Paul asked many times and scripture And Paul asked many times and scripture says as he asked, he said, "Would you says as he asked, he said, "Would you says as he asked, he said, "Would you would the thorn be removed?" And instead would the thorn be removed?" And instead would the thorn be removed?" And instead of God removing the thorn, Paul got a of God removing the thorn, Paul got a of God removing the thorn, Paul got a fresh revelation and the grace to endure fresh revelation and the grace to endure fresh revelation and the grace to endure the thorn he carried. Listen, sometimes the thorn he carried. Listen, sometimes the thorn he carried. Listen, sometimes we pray and God says, "No or not yet." we pray and God says, "No or not yet." we pray and God says, "No or not yet." And that's not rejection. And that's not rejection. And that's not rejection. And sometimes we stop praying because And sometimes we stop praying because And sometimes we stop praying because God didn't do the thing we thought he God didn't do the thing we thought he God didn't do the thing we thought he should do. God didn't heal when you should do. God didn't heal when you should do. God didn't heal when you asked him. asked him. asked him. By the way, God did not heal my own By the way, God did not heal my own By the way, God did not heal my own mother after a car accident. mother after a car accident. mother after a car accident. Thousands of people praying. Thousands of people praying. Thousands of people praying. And I go, "God, I don't understand." And And I go, "God, I don't understand." And And I go, "God, I don't understand." And people say, "You'll understand one day. people say, "You'll understand one day. people say, "You'll understand one day. Look at all the people that helped." And Look at all the people that helped." And Look at all the people that helped." And I'm like, "The math still doesn't math." I'm like, "The math still doesn't math." I'm like, "The math still doesn't math." That was my mom. That was my mom. That was my mom. And this sounds selfish, but when I pray And this sounds selfish, but when I pray And this sounds selfish, but when I pray like a boy, I pray things like, "God, I like a boy, I pray things like, "God, I like a boy, I pray things like, "God, I don't care if a thousand people came in don't care if a thousand people came in don't care if a thousand people came in the kingdom because my mom died. I want the kingdom because my mom died. I want the kingdom because my mom died. I want my mom.

my mom. my mom. I don't understand it. There's a mystery I don't understand it. There's a mystery I don't understand it. There's a mystery in it." in it." in it." Maybe you prayed and God didn't provide Maybe you prayed and God didn't provide Maybe you prayed and God didn't provide like you thought he should. You prayed like you thought he should. You prayed like you thought he should. You prayed God didn't remove a temptation that you God didn't remove a temptation that you God didn't remove a temptation that you thought he should. God didn't give you thought he should. God didn't give you thought he should. God didn't give you the breakthrough. Didn't fix the the breakthrough. Didn't fix the the breakthrough. Didn't fix the relationship or change that person. But he answers according to his will. But he answers according to his will. Number four though, scripture gives us Number four though, scripture gives us Number four though, scripture gives us sort of a picture of the kind of heart sort of a picture of the kind of heart sort of a picture of the kind of heart that God tends to respond to. that God tends to respond to. that God tends to respond to. God tends to respond to faith. There's God tends to respond to faith. There's God tends to respond to faith. There's stories all through scripture where like stories all through scripture where like stories all through scripture where like the healing we talked about of the of the healing we talked about of the of the healing we talked about of the of the paralyzed guy through the roof. It the paralyzed guy through the roof. It the paralyzed guy through the roof. It was his faith, the his friend's faith was his faith, the his friend's faith was his faith, the his friend's faith and Jesus saw that and healed the guy. and Jesus saw that and healed the guy. and Jesus saw that and healed the guy. God tends to to respond to hearts of God tends to to respond to hearts of God tends to to respond to hearts of humility, the acknowledging like, I need humility, the acknowledging like, I need humility, the acknowledging like, I need you, God. I'm desperate for you. He you, God. I'm desperate for you. He you, God. I'm desperate for you. He tends to respond to that. He tends to tends to respond to that. He tends to tends to respond to that. He tends to respond to people that that have a heart respond to people that that have a heart respond to people that that have a heart of alignment with his will, seeking his of alignment with his will, seeking his of alignment with his will, seeking his kingdom first. God tends to align with kingdom first. God tends to align with kingdom first. God tends to align with people that are abiding in Christ. John people that are abiding in Christ. John people that are abiding in Christ. John 15 talks about that. And and equally, 15 talks about that. And and equally, 15 talks about that. And and equally, sometimes God doesn't answer prayer sometimes God doesn't answer prayer sometimes God doesn't answer prayer because of what James says in verse four because of what James says in verse four because of what James says in verse four or chapter 4:3. You ask and do not or chapter 4:3. You ask and do not or chapter 4:3. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly to spend receive because you ask wrongly to spend receive because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions.

it on your passions. it on your passions. That was a lot of setup to get to the That was a lot of setup to get to the That was a lot of setup to get to the point. Again, number two was this point. Again, number two was this point. Again, number two was this disappointment from distortion. Here's disappointment from distortion. Here's disappointment from distortion. Here's what I think we do. I think sometimes we what I think we do. I think sometimes we what I think we do. I think sometimes we tend to treat prayer as a transaction, tend to treat prayer as a transaction, tend to treat prayer as a transaction, not a relationship. not a relationship. not a relationship. And for some of y'all, I want to bring And for some of y'all, I want to bring And for some of y'all, I want to bring you back to your childhoods. you back to your childhoods. you back to your childhoods. I think sometimes we tend to to make I think sometimes we tend to to make I think sometimes we tend to to make prayer a vending machine. Any remember prayer a vending machine. Any remember prayer a vending machine. Any remember these guys? these guys? these guys? >> This is an old school one. We actually >> This is an old school one. We actually >> This is an old school one. We actually had it brought in for this weekend. And had it brought in for this weekend. And had it brought in for this weekend. And of the the concept of a vending machine of the the concept of a vending machine of the the concept of a vending machine is this. I put money in, I push button, is this. I put money in, I push button, is this. I put money in, I push button, I get the thing I want out. I get the thing I want out. I get the thing I want out. And I think a lot of us look at prayer And I think a lot of us look at prayer And I think a lot of us look at prayer and look at our relationship with God and look at our relationship with God and look at our relationship with God more like a vending machine. I'm just more like a vending machine. I'm just more like a vending machine. I'm just curious, how many of y'all are more the curious, how many of y'all are more the curious, how many of y'all are more the top half, like the savory versus like top half, like the savory versus like top half, like the savory versus like the sweets, the chocolates? How many of the sweets, the chocolates? How many of the sweets, the chocolates? How many of y'all are the chocolate folks, the sweet y'all are the chocolate folks, the sweet y'all are the chocolate folks, the sweet folks? Hands up. folks? Hands up. folks? Hands up. >> All right. How many of y'all are the >> All right. How many of y'all are the >> All right. How many of y'all are the savory? Give me some chips, some savory? Give me some chips, some savory? Give me some chips, some pretzels, some peanuts. Half and How pretzels, some peanuts. Half and How pretzels, some peanuts. Half and How many of you both hands are up? Praise many of you both hands are up? Praise many of you both hands are up? Praise God. All right, that's good. Put your God. All right, that's good. Put your God. All right, that's good. Put your hands together. I'll take both. Well, hands together. I'll take both. Well, hands together. I'll take both. Well, for you, I I'll I'll do one of my for you, I I'll I'll do one of my for you, I I'll I'll do one of my favorites. Let's try this. Money in favorites. Let's try this. Money in favorites. Let's try this. Money in remember that sound. Anyone? Anyway, D6 got me a snack. How many who said got me a snack. How many who said chocolate, by the way? I'm just curious.

chocolate, by the way? I'm just curious. chocolate, by the way? I'm just curious. Who was it? You in the front row? Watch Who was it? You in the front row? Watch Who was it? You in the front row? Watch your face. your face. your face. >> Close. Almost. Don't sue us. All right. >> Close. Almost. Don't sue us. All right. >> Close. Almost. Don't sue us. All right. He We see prayer this way. Me put prayer He We see prayer this way. Me put prayer He We see prayer this way. Me put prayer in. God, you owe me out. Every time you in. God, you owe me out. Every time you in. God, you owe me out. Every time you put money in a vending machine, you're put money in a vending machine, you're put money in a vending machine, you're supposed to get your thing out. That's supposed to get your thing out. That's supposed to get your thing out. That's awesome. But sometimes, if you remember awesome. But sometimes, if you remember awesome. But sometimes, if you remember the vending machine, you put your money the vending machine, you put your money the vending machine, you put your money in. This will be the savory one for you in. This will be the savory one for you in. This will be the savory one for you guys. C five. They're in the middle. Anyone have that moment? You're in an Anyone have that moment? You're in an airport, you're at high school, you're airport, you're at high school, you're airport, you're at high school, you're in a lounge, waiting somewhere, and and in a lounge, waiting somewhere, and and in a lounge, waiting somewhere, and and you're like, "No, I put the money in. It you're like, "No, I put the money in. It you're like, "No, I put the money in. It has to come out." And that happens and has to come out." And that happens and has to come out." And that happens and you you shake it and you beat on it and you you shake it and you beat on it and you you shake it and you beat on it and you're and until the principal's like, you're and until the principal's like, you're and until the principal's like, "You can't keep hitting the machine. We "You can't keep hitting the machine. We "You can't keep hitting the machine. We rent those." And if you see prayer this way, if you And if you see prayer this way, if you see God as transactional, see God as transactional, see God as transactional, I wouldn't blame you. I wouldn't blame you. I wouldn't blame you. When you put your spiritual prayer When you put your spiritual prayer When you put your spiritual prayer quarter in and you don't get what you quarter in and you don't get what you quarter in and you don't get what you want back, it's disappointing.

want back, it's disappointing. want back, it's disappointing. You wouldn't keep putting quarters into You wouldn't keep putting quarters into You wouldn't keep putting quarters into the thing. I've been in places the thing. I've been in places the thing. I've been in places personally where I've put three of the personally where I've put three of the personally where I've put three of the full amount of money in and touched the full amount of money in and touched the full amount of money in and touched the same one and they piled up behind it. same one and they piled up behind it. same one and they piled up behind it. Someone the next day had a great day Someone the next day had a great day Someone the next day had a great day eventually, but at some point I put eventually, but at some point I put eventually, but at some point I put enough money in where I said it's not enough money in where I said it's not enough money in where I said it's not worth it anymore. Here's the problem. Here's the problem. You're you might have disappointment You're you might have disappointment You're you might have disappointment with God, but it's actually you're with God, but it's actually you're with God, but it's actually you're disappointed because you have a disappointed because you have a disappointed because you have a distortion of who God is. Your your issue is not that God didn't Your your issue is not that God didn't didn't answer your prayer. Your issue is didn't answer your prayer. Your issue is didn't answer your prayer. Your issue is your view of God and prayer is just not your view of God and prayer is just not your view of God and prayer is just not the one he gave us. the one he gave us. the one he gave us. He's not a vending machine. He's a He's not a vending machine. He's a He's not a vending machine. He's a heavenly father. heavenly father. heavenly father. >> And listen to me. >> And listen to me. >> And listen to me. My kids cannot understand My kids cannot understand My kids cannot understand why if we walked by this vending machine why if we walked by this vending machine why if we walked by this vending machine and they were hungry, I would say no.

and they were hungry, I would say no. and they were hungry, I would say no. Guys, look at the thing. There is no Guys, look at the thing. There is no Guys, look at the thing. There is no nutrition in here. Just sugar. And man, nutrition in here. Just sugar. And man, nutrition in here. Just sugar. And man, do the snacks look good. Yep. do the snacks look good. Yep. do the snacks look good. Yep. But what would a good father do? No. No. But what would a good father do? No. No. But what would a good father do? No. No. No. No. No. A whole row of honey buns. No. No. No. A whole row of honey buns. No. No. No. A whole row of honey buns. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Why? because I know that there's there's Why? because I know that there's there's Why? because I know that there's there's real food is what their body's craving, real food is what their body's craving, real food is what their body's craving, not the sweets. And listen, not the sweets. And listen, not the sweets. And listen, there are many people there are many people there are many people who have deconstructed. When I say that who have deconstructed. When I say that who have deconstructed. When I say that word, it's like a buzz word in our word, it's like a buzz word in our word, it's like a buzz word in our culture. What does deconstructed mean? culture. What does deconstructed mean? culture. What does deconstructed mean? It just means this. You you at some It just means this. You you at some It just means this. You you at some point you put your quarters in long point you put your quarters in long point you put your quarters in long enough and God just wasn't working out enough and God just wasn't working out enough and God just wasn't working out for you like you thought he should. And for you like you thought he should. And for you like you thought he should. And so you tear down the things of God you so you tear down the things of God you so you tear down the things of God you don't like and try to rebuild it. Here's don't like and try to rebuild it. Here's don't like and try to rebuild it. Here's the problem. You rarely rebuild it. the problem. You rarely rebuild it. the problem. You rarely rebuild it. And you might be here And you might be here And you might be here because somewhere a long time ago. You saw God more of a divine vending You saw God more of a divine vending machine and he did not spit out what you machine and he did not spit out what you machine and he did not spit out what you thought you put in.

thought you put in. thought you put in. And you're actually not disappointed And you're actually not disappointed And you're actually not disappointed with God. You're disappointed with the with God. You're disappointed with the with God. You're disappointed with the version of God that you created. God didn't deliver the marriage, the God didn't deliver the marriage, the healing, the breakthrough, or the job on healing, the breakthrough, or the job on healing, the breakthrough, or the job on your timeline. And so, you concluded God your timeline. And so, you concluded God your timeline. And so, you concluded God doesn't care or God is not real. doesn't care or God is not real. doesn't care or God is not real. And I'm telling you, listen, prayer is And I'm telling you, listen, prayer is And I'm telling you, listen, prayer is not the currency we use to purchase not the currency we use to purchase not the currency we use to purchase outcomes from God. outcomes from God. outcomes from God. >> Prayer is the pathway to a relationship >> Prayer is the pathway to a relationship >> Prayer is the pathway to a relationship with your heavenly father. Go back in with your heavenly father. Go back in with your heavenly father. Go back in time to you as an eight-year-old. You might not have seen it back then, You might not have seen it back then, but now as an adult's mind, think back. but now as an adult's mind, think back. but now as an adult's mind, think back. What did 8-year-old you need? Did What did 8-year-old you need? Did What did 8-year-old you need? Did 8-year-old you need a vending machine or 8-year-old you need a vending machine or 8-year-old you need a vending machine or a loving father? a loving father? a loving father? You need a loving father. And man, the You need a loving father. And man, the You need a loving father. And man, the vending machine solves it quick in the vending machine solves it quick in the vending machine solves it quick in the moment. It doesn't solve the deepest moment. It doesn't solve the deepest moment. It doesn't solve the deepest need. need. need. See, sometimes you do pray and God See, sometimes you do pray and God See, sometimes you do pray and God delivers at a speed that's just delivers at a speed that's just delivers at a speed that's just beautiful and amazing. But but at its beautiful and amazing. But but at its beautiful and amazing. But but at its core, you don't need a snack. You need a core, you don't need a snack. You need a core, you don't need a snack. You need a father.

father. father. >> And prayer is not how you control God. >> And prayer is not how you control God. >> And prayer is not how you control God. It is relational. And can't you tell if It is relational. And can't you tell if It is relational. And can't you tell if you're a parent when your kids are you're a parent when your kids are you're a parent when your kids are trying to use their relationship to get trying to use their relationship to get trying to use their relationship to get something versus just to be with you? something versus just to be with you? something versus just to be with you? I'll walk in sometimes, my youngest son I'll walk in sometimes, my youngest son I'll walk in sometimes, my youngest son is sneaky. I got to keep my eyes on him. is sneaky. I got to keep my eyes on him. is sneaky. I got to keep my eyes on him. I'll walk in like, "Hello, Papa. Thank I'll walk in like, "Hello, Papa. Thank I'll walk in like, "Hello, Papa. Thank you for all that you've done. you for all that you've done. you for all that you've done. You are such a loving father. It's You are such a loving father. It's You are such a loving father. It's great." And I'm like, "What do you great." And I'm like, "What do you great." And I'm like, "What do you want?" He's like, "Can I play Fortnite?" want?" He's like, "Can I play Fortnite?" want?" He's like, "Can I play Fortnite?" Mom said, "No." And I'm like, "No, it's Mom said, "No." And I'm like, "No, it's Mom said, "No." And I'm like, "No, it's still no." Did any of the things he said still no." Did any of the things he said still no." Did any of the things he said before that matter? No. Cuz he wanted to before that matter? No. Cuz he wanted to before that matter? No. Cuz he wanted to get something from me, not just me. If get something from me, not just me. If get something from me, not just me. If you're in business, you've smelled it. you're in business, you've smelled it. you're in business, you've smelled it. You're in a mixer at in business and You're in a mixer at in business and You're in a mixer at in business and someone walks up. Hey, I like that someone walks up. Hey, I like that someone walks up. Hey, I like that shirt. Good to meet you. Hey, you slick shirt. Good to meet you. Hey, you slick shirt. Good to meet you. Hey, you slick guy in the in the in the thing. He guy in the in the in the thing. He guy in the in the in the thing. He doesn't want a relationship. He wants a doesn't want a relationship. He wants a doesn't want a relationship. He wants a network. You can smell it. And by the network. You can smell it. And by the network. You can smell it. And by the way, it's not all bad. Do it. Get your way, it's not all bad. Do it. Get your way, it's not all bad. Do it. Get your business done. Here's the point. That's business done. Here's the point. That's business done. Here's the point. That's not what our relationship with God is. not what our relationship with God is. not what our relationship with God is. Father's love and lead. Vending machines Father's love and lead. Vending machines Father's love and lead. Vending machines just dispense the products we paid for. just dispense the products we paid for. just dispense the products we paid for. And vending machines always give you And vending machines always give you And vending machines always give you what you purchase. But what Jesus what you purchase. But what Jesus what you purchase. But what Jesus purchased was access to your father, not purchased was access to your father, not purchased was access to your father, not a quarter for a vending machine. So I a quarter for a vending machine. So I a quarter for a vending machine. So I need you to hold the mystery intention.

need you to hold the mystery intention. need you to hold the mystery intention. You should keep putting in your You should keep putting in your You should keep putting in your quarters. God, I'm asking, would you quarters. God, I'm asking, would you quarters. God, I'm asking, would you move? Would you open up a door? Would move? Would you open up a door? Would move? Would you open up a door? Would you do something for me? Yes. But your you do something for me? Yes. But your you do something for me? Yes. But your primary is not the transaction. It's the primary is not the transaction. It's the primary is not the transaction. It's the relationship. relationship. relationship. See, God is not a vending machine. He's See, God is not a vending machine. He's See, God is not a vending machine. He's a father. a father. a father. He invites us to boldly ask because he's He invites us to boldly ask because he's He invites us to boldly ask because he's generous and powerful. But he answers generous and powerful. But he answers generous and powerful. But he answers according to his will because he is wise according to his will because he is wise according to his will because he is wise and loving. Sometimes the answer is a and loving. Sometimes the answer is a and loving. Sometimes the answer is a miracle. Sometime the answer is no or miracle. Sometime the answer is no or miracle. Sometime the answer is no or not yet. And listen, it shouldn't change not yet. And listen, it shouldn't change not yet. And listen, it shouldn't change that you ask him. But it should shape that you ask him. But it should shape that you ask him. But it should shape how you ask him. And every case the how you ask him. And every case the how you ask him. And every case the invitation remains the same. Come to invitation remains the same. Come to invitation remains the same. Come to your father. your father. your father. Sometimes he solves the problem. Sometimes he solves the problem. Sometimes he solves the problem. Sometimes he strengthens you to carry Sometimes he strengthens you to carry Sometimes he strengthens you to carry the problem. Third one, I'm not going to teach it. Third one, I'm not going to teach it. I'm just going to use it to get to sing, I'm just going to use it to get to sing, I'm just going to use it to get to sing, bring, and pray. Third reason I don't bring, and pray. Third reason I don't bring, and pray. Third reason I don't think we pray is we're hurried by think we pray is we're hurried by think we pray is we're hurried by busyness. the disciples in in Acts, we might even the disciples in in Acts, we might even talk about this in this series, like talk about this in this series, like talk about this in this series, like they were so preoccupied with prayer and they were so preoccupied with prayer and they were so preoccupied with prayer and the and the proclamation of the word of the and the proclamation of the word of the and the proclamation of the word of God that they forgot to give food to the God that they forgot to give food to the God that they forgot to give food to the the widows and the orphans. And they the widows and the orphans. And they the widows and the orphans. And they were like, "Oh, shoot. We" They didn't were like, "Oh, shoot. We" They didn't were like, "Oh, shoot. We" They didn't say, "We're going to stop praying and go say, "We're going to stop praying and go say, "We're going to stop praying and go do these good things." They said, do these good things." They said, do these good things." They said, "Someone else should do those so that we "Someone else should do those so that we "Someone else should do those so that we can stay occupied in the things that can stay occupied in the things that can stay occupied in the things that matter in the kingdom."

matter in the kingdom." matter in the kingdom." And we sometimes And we sometimes And we sometimes we have a lot of good reasons why we we have a lot of good reasons why we we have a lot of good reasons why we don't do it. But if we're honest, if don't do it. But if we're honest, if don't do it. But if we're honest, if first things are first, your kids are first things are first, your kids are first things are first, your kids are very important. Like they're top three, very important. Like they're top three, very important. Like they're top three, but they're not one. but they're not one. but they're not one. Your own marriage is very important if Your own marriage is very important if Your own marriage is very important if you're married. It's top two. It's just you're married. It's top two. It's just you're married. It's top two. It's just not one. Your job is very important. not one. Your job is very important. not one. Your job is very important. It's top five. It's just not one. It's top five. It's just not one. It's top five. It's just not one. And our culture hurries and distracts us And our culture hurries and distracts us And our culture hurries and distracts us and ruins our ability to wait on God. and ruins our ability to wait on God. and ruins our ability to wait on God. So I told you, I'm not going to teach So I told you, I'm not going to teach So I told you, I'm not going to teach you how to pray. I want I want to I want you how to pray. I want I want to I want you how to pray. I want I want to I want to help you want to pray. I want to help to help you want to pray. I want to help to help you want to pray. I want to help you see your need for it and and have a you see your need for it and and have a you see your need for it and and have a biblical understanding of how to biblical understanding of how to biblical understanding of how to approach God. approach God. approach God. But here's what we're doing in the month But here's what we're doing in the month But here's what we're doing in the month of August. I'm asking you from now until of August. I'm asking you from now until of August. I'm asking you from now until what might be the most spiritually what might be the most spiritually what might be the most spiritually impactful, important three nights of our impactful, important three nights of our impactful, important three nights of our calendar, revival nights, now till calendar, revival nights, now till calendar, revival nights, now till August 23rd, 24th, 25th, I want you to August 23rd, 24th, 25th, I want you to August 23rd, 24th, 25th, I want you to engage like an upper room mentality.

engage like an upper room mentality. engage like an upper room mentality. Listen, if you want the power of Acts Listen, if you want the power of Acts Listen, if you want the power of Acts two, we first have to take the posture two, we first have to take the posture two, we first have to take the posture of Acts 1. of Acts 1. of Acts 1. And I want you to begin to engage prayer And I want you to begin to engage prayer And I want you to begin to engage prayer like the disciples did. I'm going to like the disciples did. I'm going to like the disciples did. I'm going to wait and pray and seek and ask until God wait and pray and seek and ask until God wait and pray and seek and ask until God does the more. And when the Holy Spirit does the more. And when the Holy Spirit does the more. And when the Holy Spirit showed up, it changed everything. And we believe God wants to do some And we believe God wants to do some things in those three nights and in each things in those three nights and in each things in those three nights and in each of the weekends in August. But I want to of the weekends in August. But I want to of the weekends in August. But I want to invite you. Would you pray? God, if you invite you. Would you pray? God, if you invite you. Would you pray? God, if you have more for me, I want it. have more for me, I want it. have more for me, I want it. More of your presence, more of your More of your presence, more of your More of your presence, more of your power, more of your wisdom, more of your power, more of your wisdom, more of your power, more of your wisdom, more of your discernment, more of your insight. Give discernment, more of your insight. Give discernment, more of your insight. Give me a word, God. If you want to give it, me a word, God. If you want to give it, me a word, God. If you want to give it, I'll take it. And then will you pray for I'll take it. And then will you pray for I'll take it. And then will you pray for your church this month? God, would you your church this month? God, would you your church this month? God, would you pour out fresh on this church? pour out fresh on this church? pour out fresh on this church? man, we're doing some really good man, we're doing some really good man, we're doing some really good things, but they are so far down the things, but they are so far down the things, but they are so far down the list compared to God, if you want to list compared to God, if you want to list compared to God, if you want to pour out your spirit, we're just going pour out your spirit, we're just going pour out your spirit, we're just going to put everything on hold and pause and to put everything on hold and pause and to put everything on hold and pause and say, "All right, we'll take that." We're say, "All right, we'll take that." We're say, "All right, we'll take that." We're praying for God to pour out fresh on praying for God to pour out fresh on praying for God to pour out fresh on this church.

this church. this church. In fact, it's why we do sing, bring pray In fact, it's why we do sing, bring pray In fact, it's why we do sing, bring pray this month. this month. this month. And again, if you weren't here last And again, if you weren't here last And again, if you weren't here last weekend, I'll catch you up. We're going weekend, I'll catch you up. We're going weekend, I'll catch you up. We're going to create space for the next few to create space for the next few to create space for the next few minutes, and the bands across the minutes, and the bands across the minutes, and the bands across the campuses are going to lead us, and we're campuses are going to lead us, and we're campuses are going to lead us, and we're going to sing. For some of you, this is going to sing. For some of you, this is going to sing. For some of you, this is all your your response is simply going all your your response is simply going all your your response is simply going to be just acknowledging Jesus, you are to be just acknowledging Jesus, you are to be just acknowledging Jesus, you are who you said you are. Thank you. We're who you said you are. Thank you. We're who you said you are. Thank you. We're going to worship. going to worship. going to worship. For a bunch of us, we're going to bring. For a bunch of us, we're going to bring. For a bunch of us, we're going to bring. If you notice, we didn't pass offering If you notice, we didn't pass offering If you notice, we didn't pass offering baskets. Why? Because I think there's baskets. Why? Because I think there's baskets. Why? Because I think there's times where it's like, let's flip the times where it's like, let's flip the times where it's like, let's flip the script. Instead of just tossing script. Instead of just tossing script. Instead of just tossing something in, it matters that we bring something in, it matters that we bring something in, it matters that we bring our first and our best. our first and our best. our first and our best. Got stories from people saying thank you Got stories from people saying thank you Got stories from people saying thank you last weekend. Like, dude, it was the last weekend. Like, dude, it was the last weekend. Like, dude, it was the first time offering had like a costly, first time offering had like a costly, first time offering had like a costly, meaningful, worshipful thing for me in a meaningful, worshipful thing for me in a meaningful, worshipful thing for me in a while. And if you're if you're one of while. And if you're if you're one of while. And if you're if you're one of those who give online, which most of you those who give online, which most of you those who give online, which most of you do, you might in this moment, you have do, you might in this moment, you have do, you might in this moment, you have nothing to bring cuz you gave online. nothing to bring cuz you gave online. nothing to bring cuz you gave online. Awesome. You might literally touch where Awesome. You might literally touch where Awesome. You might literally touch where your wallet would sit in your back your wallet would sit in your back your wallet would sit in your back pocket, your purse, and just you whisper pocket, your purse, and just you whisper pocket, your purse, and just you whisper under your breath, "Jesus, it's all under your breath, "Jesus, it's all under your breath, "Jesus, it's all yours anyway. You still have my first yours anyway. You still have my first yours anyway. You still have my first and my best. Don't let it pass." And and my best. Don't let it pass." And and my best. Don't let it pass." And then lastly, we're going to create space then lastly, we're going to create space then lastly, we're going to create space to pray. In fact, prayer teams, you can to pray. In fact, prayer teams, you can to pray. In fact, prayer teams, you can begin to come out here and across the begin to come out here and across the begin to come out here and across the campuses and we're just going to make campuses and we're just going to make campuses and we're just going to make space space space and you might decide you're going to and you might decide you're going to and you might decide you're going to come forward and make this an altar up come forward and make this an altar up come forward and make this an altar up front. You're going to kneel on your front. You're going to kneel on your front. You're going to kneel on your face before God and say, "God, I'm here.

face before God and say, "God, I'm here. face before God and say, "God, I'm here. If there's more, I'll take it." You If there's more, I'll take it." You If there's more, I'll take it." You might come to one of the prayer team might come to one of the prayer team might come to one of the prayer team members and say, "I need you to pray for members and say, "I need you to pray for members and say, "I need you to pray for me." By the way, the disciples were all me." By the way, the disciples were all me." By the way, the disciples were all gathered together praying. There's gathered together praying. There's gathered together praying. There's something about someone else praying for something about someone else praying for something about someone else praying for you, and you might need to bring and lay you, and you might need to bring and lay you, and you might need to bring and lay down some things. You might need to lay down some things. You might need to lay down some things. You might need to lay down your distortion of how you view down your distortion of how you view down your distortion of how you view God. And you might need to lay down, God. And you might need to lay down, God. And you might need to lay down, hey, God, I'm on my face and I'm saying, hey, God, I'm on my face and I'm saying, hey, God, I'm on my face and I'm saying, you're not a vending machine for me to you're not a vending machine for me to you're not a vending machine for me to get stuff. You're my dad. get stuff. You're my dad. get stuff. You're my dad. I don't want what you can do for me. I I don't want what you can do for me. I I don't want what you can do for me. I want you. want you. want you. And watch what God does when you start And watch what God does when you start And watch what God does when you start laying that down. You might need to lay laying that down. You might need to lay laying that down. You might need to lay down your calendar and say, "God, I'm down your calendar and say, "God, I'm down your calendar and say, "God, I'm too busy for you. That just means I'm too busy for you. That just means I'm too busy for you. That just means I'm too busy. What do you want to take off too busy. What do you want to take off too busy. What do you want to take off the calendar?" the calendar?" the calendar?" You might be honest and say, "God, I You might be honest and say, "God, I You might be honest and say, "God, I have to lay down my pride, my have to lay down my pride, my have to lay down my pride, my self-reliance. I think way more of self-reliance. I think way more of self-reliance. I think way more of myself than I should. I think I got this myself than I should. I think I got this myself than I should. I think I got this and I know that I don't." And you just and I know that I don't." And you just and I know that I don't." And you just come and you make the space up front an come and you make the space up front an come and you make the space up front an altar. In fact, here across the camp altar. In fact, here across the camp altar. In fact, here across the camp says, "Let's all stand up together and says, "Let's all stand up together and says, "Let's all stand up together and we're going to just create space.

we're going to just create space. we're going to just create space. Let the chair noises be loud. You stand Let the chair noises be loud. You stand Let the chair noises be loud. You stand up. We're going to make space. And as I'm talking and praying here, you And as I'm talking and praying here, you can begin to make your way to the front. can begin to make your way to the front. can begin to make your way to the front. Ask for a prayer team to pray for you. Ask for a prayer team to pray for you. Ask for a prayer team to pray for you. Get on your face before God. There's Get on your face before God. There's Get on your face before God. There's something that happens in your soul when something that happens in your soul when something that happens in your soul when you have a physical response to what you have a physical response to what you have a physical response to what God's inviting you to. God's inviting you to. God's inviting you to. So, I'm going to pray for us and then So, I'm going to pray for us and then So, I'm going to pray for us and then you guys are free to respond. This is you guys are free to respond. This is you guys are free to respond. This is not our chance to get out and get in not our chance to get out and get in not our chance to get out and get in line for lunch early. This is our chance line for lunch early. This is our chance line for lunch early. This is our chance to respond to the truth of God and who to respond to the truth of God and who to respond to the truth of God and who he is. So, Holy Spirit, you are welcome he is. So, Holy Spirit, you are welcome he is. So, Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. here. here. Would Would Would you grow our hunger for you, our you grow our hunger for you, our you grow our hunger for you, our desperation for you? Would you grow our desperation for you? Would you grow our desperation for you? Would you grow our muscle that we will wait and we will muscle that we will wait and we will muscle that we will wait and we will pray and we will seek until you do the pray and we will seek until you do the pray and we will seek until you do the more. more. more. Holy Spirit, we want more of your Holy Spirit, we want more of your Holy Spirit, we want more of your presence, more of your nearness, more of presence, more of your nearness, more of presence, more of your nearness, more of your power. your power. your power. So, Holy Spirit, would you speak to So, Holy Spirit, would you speak to So, Holy Spirit, would you speak to every person individually? every person individually? every person individually? What do they need to lay down? What do What do they need to lay down? What do What do they need to lay down? What do they need to ask forgiveness for? What they need to ask forgiveness for? What they need to ask forgiveness for? What do they need to come and ask for again?

do they need to come and ask for again? do they need to come and ask for again? Maybe they stopped [music] putting Maybe they stopped [music] putting Maybe they stopped [music] putting quarters in the prayer vending machine quarters in the prayer vending machine quarters in the prayer vending machine because you didn't do what you what they because you didn't do what you what they because you didn't do what you what they thought you should do. And you're thought you should do. And you're thought you should do. And you're saying, "Come ask again. Ask again, son saying, "Come ask again. Ask again, son saying, "Come ask again. Ask again, son or daughter. Come ask." or daughter. Come ask." or daughter. Come ask." So God, this month, all month, but this So God, this month, all month, but this So God, this month, all month, but this month is yours. So would you move and do month is yours. So would you move and do month is yours. So would you move and do among our church what you and only you among our church what you and only you among our church what you and only you can do. can do. can do. So church, we're going to sing, we're So church, we're going to sing, we're So church, we're going to sing, we're going to bring, and we're going to pray going to bring, and we're going to pray going to bring, and we're going to pray together right here at Lawrenville. Come on. You right here at Lawrenville. Come on. You can kneel at your seat. You can stand. can kneel at your seat. You can stand. can kneel at your seat. You can stand. You can sing. You can come to the front, You can sing. You can come to the front, You can sing. You can come to the front, make it an altar. But what this is not make it an altar. But what this is not make it an altar. But what this is not is just is just is just this is not a a sport we're watching this is not a a sport we're watching this is not a a sport we're watching from the stands. We're engaging. from the stands. We're engaging. from the stands. We're engaging. Almighty God is here. Come ask, come Almighty God is here. Come ask, come Almighty God is here. Come ask, come seek, come pray. So worship well in all seek, come pray. So worship well in all seek, come pray. So worship well in all that [music] we're doing. Respond well. I'm caught [singing and music] up in I'm caught [singing and music] up in your presence.

I just want to sit here I just want to sit here [singing and music] at your feet. [singing and music] at your feet. [singing and music] at your feet. I'm caught up in this I'm caught up in this I'm caught up in this [singing and music] holy [singing and music] holy [singing and music] holy moment. I never [music and singing] want to I never [music and singing] want to leave. Oh, I'm [singing] not here [music] for Oh, I'm [singing] not here [music] for blessing. Jesus, [music] you don't Jesus, [music] you don't >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> owe me anything. More than [music and singing] anything More than [music and singing] anything that you can do, that you can do, that you can do, I just want [music and singing] you. [music] [music] Oh, I'm sorry. When I've [music] just gone through the When I've [music] just gone through the motions. I'm [singing] sorry. motions. I'm [singing] sorry. motions. I'm [singing] sorry. [music] [music] [music] And I forgot that you're enough. Take me And I forgot that you're enough. Take me And I forgot that you're enough. Take me back to where we started.

back to where we started. back to where we started. I [singing] open up my heart to you. I [singing] open up my heart to you. I [singing] open up my heart to you. [music] Oh, [music] I'm sorry Oh, [music] I'm sorry when I've come with my J. I'm [music] when I've come with my J. I'm [music] when I've come with my J. I'm [music] sorry sorry sorry when I forgot [singing] when I forgot [singing] when I forgot [singing] you're enough. you're enough. you're enough. Take me [music] back to where we Take me [music] back to where we Take me [music] back to where we started. started. started. I open up my [singing] heart I open up my [singing] heart I open up my [singing] heart to you. to you. to you. [music] I just want to sit [music] here at your I just want to sit [music] here at your feet. feet. feet. I'm caught up in this holy [singing] I'm caught up in this holy [singing] I'm caught up in this holy [singing] [music] moment. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] I'm not here for blessings. [music] Oh Jesus, [music] Oh Jesus, [music] you don't owe [singing] me anything.

More than [singing] anything [music] More than [singing] anything [music] that you can do, that you can do, that you can do, I just [music] want you, God. I just want you. [music] God. I just want you. [music] Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else, Nothing else, Nothing else, nothing else will [music] do. nothing else will [music] do. nothing else will [music] do. I just want you [music] and nothing I just want you [music] and nothing I just want you [music] and nothing else, else, else, God. And [singing] nothing else. God. And [singing] nothing else. God. And [singing] nothing else. Oh, nothing else will do. Oh, nothing else will do. Oh, nothing else will do. I just want [music] you. I just want [music] you. I just want [music] you. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Oh, nothing else, [singing and music] Oh, nothing else, [singing and music] Oh, nothing else, [singing and music] oh Lord. oh Lord. oh Lord. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want you. I just want you. I just want you. Nothing else.

>> Nothing else. [music] >> Nothing else. [music] >> I want nothing else. >> I want nothing else. >> I want nothing else. >> Nothing else. [singing] >> Nothing else. [singing] >> Nothing else. [singing] >> Only you. Only you. Only you. I just >> Only you. Only you. Only you. I just >> Only you. Only you. Only you. I just [music] want you. Nothing else. Holy [music] want you. Nothing else. Holy [music] want you. Nothing else. Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. Nothing else. [music and singing] Nothing else. [music and singing] Nothing else. [music and singing] Lord, Lord, Lord, nothing else will do. nothing else will do. nothing else will do. God, [music] I just want you. God, [music] I just want you. God, [music] I just want you. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. Oh, [music] nothing else. Oh, [music] nothing else. Oh, [music] nothing else. Nothing else. All I need are [singing] Nothing else. All I need are [singing] Nothing else. All I need are [singing] you. [music] She you. [music] She you. [music] She nothing else. nothing else. nothing else. Nothing [music] Nothing [music] Nothing [music] else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. I just want [music] you. I just want [music] you. I just want [music] you. Nothing else. Nothing else. Nothing else. [music] Nothing else. [music] Nothing else. [music] Nothing else. Nothing else will.

Nothing else will. Nothing else will. [music] first thanking you for all that you've first thanking you for all that you've done in our life, done in our life, done in our life, for every way you've made, for for every way you've made, for for every way you've made, for everything you are. But God, we say we everything you are. But God, we say we everything you are. But God, we say we just want you. Father, help us when our heart [music] Father, help us when our heart [music] wants things and wants promotion and wants things and wants promotion and wants things and wants promotion and wants to be seen or noticed. God, help wants to be seen or noticed. God, help wants to be seen or noticed. God, help us to only want you. I pray God we [music] seal this word I pray God we [music] seal this word from our pastor in our hearts from our pastor in our hearts from our pastor in our hearts that we would pursue [music] you God that we would pursue [music] you God that we would pursue [music] you God more than anything. church. [music] Thank you so much for church. [music] Thank you so much for posturing your hearts to sing, posturing your hearts to sing, posturing your hearts to sing, to bring your first and your best to to bring your first and your best to to bring your first and your best to God, and [music] to pray.

God, and [music] to pray. God, and [music] to pray. We're going to continue to worship and We're going to continue to worship and We're going to continue to worship and pray. If you didn't come down front or pray. If you didn't come down front or pray. If you didn't come down front or you want to kneel, you want to receive you want to kneel, you want to receive you want to kneel, you want to receive [music] prayer, we're going to continue [music] prayer, we're going to continue [music] prayer, we're going to continue to make space for that. to make space for that. to make space for that. Worship team is going to sing a little Worship team is going to sing a little Worship team is going to sing a little bit more. bit more. bit more. And if you're new here or it's your And if you're new here or it's your And if you're new here or it's your first time and maybe you're wondering, first time and maybe you're wondering, first time and maybe you're wondering, hey, what's my [music] response toward hey, what's my [music] response toward hey, what's my [music] response toward God? We do have something called All God? We do have something called All God? We do have something called All Access. Access. Access. It'll be [music] right here. Our team is It'll be [music] right here. Our team is It'll be [music] right here. Our team is ready to meet you, to be in our green ready to meet you, to be in our green ready to meet you, to be in our green room so we can maybe hear what God did room so we can maybe hear what God did room so we can maybe hear what God did in your life today and help you take one in your life today and help you take one in your life today and help you take one more step toward him. more step toward him. more step toward him. But anybody thankful for [music] God's But anybody thankful for [music] God's But anybody thankful for [music] God's presence today? Anybody thankful for the presence today? Anybody thankful for the presence today? Anybody thankful for the word today? Well, listen church. On your way out, Well, listen church. On your way out, let's [music] reverence this moment. let's [music] reverence this moment. let's [music] reverence this moment. Let's maybe keep chatter to a minimum Let's maybe keep chatter to a minimum Let's maybe keep chatter to a minimum and just leave this in [music] our and just leave this in [music] our and just leave this in [music] our hearts. Let it seal it. I love you guys hearts. Let it seal it. I love you guys hearts. Let it seal it. I love you guys for God is good and all the time. I'll for God is good and all the time. I'll for God is good and all the time. I'll see you next week.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.