What Is The Bible? | 12Stone Church

catch your breath for a moment, catch your breath for a moment, man. It is a uh man. It is a uh man. It is a uh church. I don't know if you can feel it, church. I don't know if you can feel it, church. I don't know if you can feel it, but it seems like God is doing something but it seems like God is doing something but it seems like God is doing something special at our church. special at our church. special at our church. This isn't just business as usual. Like This isn't just business as usual. Like This isn't just business as usual. Like just this past Sunday, there was a just this past Sunday, there was a just this past Sunday, there was a married couple that got baptized, but married couple that got baptized, but married couple that got baptized, but they shouldn't still be married. In they shouldn't still be married. In they shouldn't still be married. In fact, they were actually she filed for fact, they were actually she filed for fact, they were actually she filed for divorce two months ago and then God got divorce two months ago and then God got divorce two months ago and then God got a hold of the husband and then God got a a hold of the husband and then God got a a hold of the husband and then God got a hold of the wife, rescued the husband hold of the wife, rescued the husband hold of the wife, rescued the husband and wife and then this past Sunday they and wife and then this past Sunday they and wife and then this past Sunday they were holding hands by the baptism tub were holding hands by the baptism tub were holding hands by the baptism tub getting ready to get baptized. What? getting ready to get baptized. What? getting ready to get baptized. What? [applause] [applause] [applause] Not only that, this past Sunday there Not only that, this past Sunday there Not only that, this past Sunday there was a one, someone who showed up, hasn't was a one, someone who showed up, hasn't was a one, someone who showed up, hasn't been to church at all in over 15 years. been to church at all in over 15 years. been to church at all in over 15 years. And during sing, bring pray at the end, And during sing, bring pray at the end, And during sing, bring pray at the end, he walks down front, gets on his knees, he walks down front, gets on his knees, he walks down front, gets on his knees, and begins confessing and repenting and and begins confessing and repenting and and begins confessing and repenting and surrendering to Jesus. That's not surrendering to Jesus. That's not surrendering to Jesus. That's not business as usual for a Sunday morning. business as usual for a Sunday morning. business as usual for a Sunday morning. God is doing something. In fact, not God is doing something. In fact, not God is doing something. In fact, not only that, God's doing something at only that, God's doing something at only that, God's doing something at Costco. Um, that's a holy place, by the Costco. Um, that's a holy place, by the Costco. Um, that's a holy place, by the way. It's a holy place. I was there this way. It's a holy place. I was there this way. It's a holy place. I was there this past Thursday. Um they they were working past Thursday. Um they they were working past Thursday. Um they they were working on the car with tires and I'm sitting in on the car with tires and I'm sitting in on the car with tires and I'm sitting in the cafe. I had my laptop open. I was the cafe. I had my laptop open. I was the cafe. I had my laptop open. I was literally working on this sermon and literally working on this sermon and literally working on this sermon and then a random guy approaches me. Okay?

then a random guy approaches me. Okay? then a random guy approaches me. Okay? And when I say random, I mean random. And when I say random, I mean random. And when I say random, I mean random. Like doesn't go to 12 Stone. Never been Like doesn't go to 12 Stone. Never been Like doesn't go to 12 Stone. Never been to 12 Stone. Okay? I didn't know him. He to 12 Stone. Okay? I didn't know him. He to 12 Stone. Okay? I didn't know him. He didn't know me. But he starts talking to didn't know me. But he starts talking to didn't know me. But he starts talking to me. And not only that, this made it a me. And not only that, this made it a me. And not only that, this made it a little complicated. Uh he didn't speak little complicated. Uh he didn't speak little complicated. Uh he didn't speak English and no obla espanol for me. English and no obla espanol for me. English and no obla espanol for me. Okay. So I was like, "What are we going Okay. So I was like, "What are we going Okay. So I was like, "What are we going to do?" and he just sits down and he to do?" and he just sits down and he to do?" and he just sits down and he gets a translation app out and he starts gets a translation app out and he starts gets a translation app out and he starts talking to me and we're talking back and talking to me and we're talking back and talking to me and we're talking back and forth and then he confesses, "Hey, I'm forth and then he confesses, "Hey, I'm forth and then he confesses, "Hey, I'm just really lonely and I need someone to just really lonely and I need someone to just really lonely and I need someone to talk to in the middle of Costco." And so talk to in the middle of Costco." And so talk to in the middle of Costco." And so we start talking and I'm like, "God, I we start talking and I'm like, "God, I we start talking and I'm like, "God, I think God, I think you're doing think God, I think you're doing think God, I think you're doing something right now." And so then we end something right now." And so then we end something right now." And so then we end up like hugging and praying together and up like hugging and praying together and up like hugging and praying together and talking about Jesus. And we're doing talking about Jesus. And we're doing talking about Jesus. And we're doing this right next to the dollar50 hot this right next to the dollar50 hot this right next to the dollar50 hot dogs. Like dogs. Like dogs. Like what what is God doing? I'm telling you, what what is God doing? I'm telling you, what what is God doing? I'm telling you, God is doing something special. God is doing something special. God is doing something special. >> Special. And it's too early to label it, >> Special. And it's too early to label it, >> Special. And it's too early to label it, but last week, Pastor Jason said this. but last week, Pastor Jason said this. but last week, Pastor Jason said this. He said, "Whenever a revival shows up," He said, "Whenever a revival shows up," He said, "Whenever a revival shows up," which by the way, that's what we pray which by the way, that's what we pray which by the way, that's what we pray for. That's why we have revival nights for. That's why we have revival nights for. That's why we have revival nights coming up next week. Whenever a revival coming up next week. Whenever a revival coming up next week. Whenever a revival shows up, there's three essentials that shows up, there's three essentials that shows up, there's three essentials that are always there with that revival.

are always there with that revival. are always there with that revival. Biblical knowledge, holy obedience, and Biblical knowledge, holy obedience, and Biblical knowledge, holy obedience, and spiritual intimacy. And by the way, if spiritual intimacy. And by the way, if spiritual intimacy. And by the way, if you want a personal revival in your you want a personal revival in your you want a personal revival in your life, it's the same three things: life, it's the same three things: life, it's the same three things: biblical knowledge, holy obedience, and biblical knowledge, holy obedience, and biblical knowledge, holy obedience, and spiritual intimacy. And today, we're spiritual intimacy. And today, we're spiritual intimacy. And today, we're going to be talking about biblical going to be talking about biblical going to be talking about biblical knowledge. Now, I know that for some of knowledge. Now, I know that for some of knowledge. Now, I know that for some of you, when I say we're talking about you, when I say we're talking about you, when I say we're talking about biblical knowledge, you might be like, biblical knowledge, you might be like, biblical knowledge, you might be like, of the three that are listed there, of the three that are listed there, of the three that are listed there, that's the one that's hard for me to get that's the one that's hard for me to get that's the one that's hard for me to get excited about. Or maybe for you, when excited about. Or maybe for you, when excited about. Or maybe for you, when you see biblical knowledge, it's like, you see biblical knowledge, it's like, you see biblical knowledge, it's like, man, that's the one I always feel guilty man, that's the one I always feel guilty man, that's the one I always feel guilty for. like I like I want to know the for. like I like I want to know the for. like I like I want to know the Bible more. I want to spend more time in Bible more. I want to spend more time in Bible more. I want to spend more time in the Bible. It's just difficult. the Bible. It's just difficult. the Bible. It's just difficult. And I think maybe the reason that it's And I think maybe the reason that it's And I think maybe the reason that it's difficult for us is not because there's difficult for us is not because there's difficult for us is not because there's a problem with the Bible. I think it's a problem with the Bible. I think it's a problem with the Bible. I think it's because there's a problem with the way because there's a problem with the way because there's a problem with the way we look at the Bible. Here's what I we look at the Bible. Here's what I we look at the Bible. Here's what I mean. I think for a lot of us when we mean. I think for a lot of us when we mean. I think for a lot of us when we think about the Bible, we see it as uh think about the Bible, we see it as uh think about the Bible, we see it as uh an instruction manual. And so I got an an instruction manual. And so I got an an instruction manual. And so I got an instruction manual right here. In fact, instruction manual right here. In fact, instruction manual right here. In fact, uh, you know, Pastor Jason's got the uh, you know, Pastor Jason's got the uh, you know, Pastor Jason's got the smoker. I've got the Blackstone. Okay.

smoker. I've got the Blackstone. Okay. smoker. I've got the Blackstone. Okay. So, I got the I got the Blackstone right So, I got the I got the Blackstone right So, I got the I got the Blackstone right here. And this is the Blackstone here. And this is the Blackstone here. And this is the Blackstone instruction manual. And this is great instruction manual. And this is great instruction manual. And this is great for, you know, if you want to know how for, you know, if you want to know how for, you know, if you want to know how it works and if something breaks, things it works and if something breaks, things it works and if something breaks, things like that. That's a that's a useful like that. That's a that's a useful like that. That's a that's a useful thing to have an instruction manual for. thing to have an instruction manual for. thing to have an instruction manual for. And so, for a lot of us, when we think And so, for a lot of us, when we think And so, for a lot of us, when we think about the Bible, we're like, well, about the Bible, we're like, well, about the Bible, we're like, well, that's that's God's instruction manual that's that's God's instruction manual that's that's God's instruction manual for us. In fact, maybe you're like me. for us. In fact, maybe you're like me. for us. In fact, maybe you're like me. Um, I grew up in a church where there Um, I grew up in a church where there Um, I grew up in a church where there was this acronym they had for the Bible was this acronym they had for the Bible was this acronym they had for the Bible and it was this. It was the basic and it was this. It was the basic and it was this. It was the basic instructions before leaving Earth. Um, instructions before leaving Earth. Um, instructions before leaving Earth. Um, which also makes us sound like aliens, which also makes us sound like aliens, which also makes us sound like aliens, like we're getting on a spacecraft, you like we're getting on a spacecraft, you like we're getting on a spacecraft, you know, it's like before you teleport out know, it's like before you teleport out know, it's like before you teleport out of here. Yeah. Basic instructions before of here. Yeah. Basic instructions before of here. Yeah. Basic instructions before leaving Earth. In other words, hey, the leaving Earth. In other words, hey, the leaving Earth. In other words, hey, the Bible is God's instruction manual to Bible is God's instruction manual to Bible is God's instruction manual to you. And I get, listen, I get where that you. And I get, listen, I get where that you. And I get, listen, I get where that comes from. But here's the problem. comes from. But here's the problem. comes from. But here's the problem. I don't want to read an instruction I don't want to read an instruction I don't want to read an instruction manual. Like, I don't want to have a manual. Like, I don't want to have a manual. Like, I don't want to have a devotional time with an instruction devotional time with an instruction devotional time with an instruction manual. Like, I don't like, no offense, manual. Like, I don't like, no offense, manual. Like, I don't like, no offense, but I don't want to hear a sermon from but I don't want to hear a sermon from but I don't want to hear a sermon from an instruction manual. Can you imagine an instruction manual. Can you imagine an instruction manual. Can you imagine if Pastor Jason walks up on stage and he if Pastor Jason walks up on stage and he if Pastor Jason walks up on stage and he said, "Hey, today we're going to be said, "Hey, today we're going to be said, "Hey, today we're going to be talking about section two, cleaning the talking about section two, cleaning the talking about section two, cleaning the burner assembly." Can I get an amen?

burner assembly." Can I get an amen? burner assembly." Can I get an amen? >> And then he went on and he was like, >> And then he went on and he was like, >> And then he went on and he was like, "Unit burners vary. However, these "Unit burners vary. However, these "Unit burners vary. However, these instructions apply to all units. clean instructions apply to all units. clean instructions apply to all units. clean burner assembly and check burner for burner assembly and check burner for burner assembly and check burner for damage. And if any large cracks or holes damage. And if any large cracks or holes damage. And if any large cracks or holes are found, replace burner. Amen. Amen. are found, replace burner. Amen. Amen. are found, replace burner. Amen. Amen. And it's like, no, we wouldn't do that And it's like, no, we wouldn't do that And it's like, no, we wouldn't do that because who wants to spend time with an because who wants to spend time with an because who wants to spend time with an instruction manual? Who wants to read or instruction manual? Who wants to read or instruction manual? Who wants to read or have a devotional with an instruction have a devotional with an instruction have a devotional with an instruction manual? And so maybe for you, the reason manual? And so maybe for you, the reason manual? And so maybe for you, the reason that reading the Bible is difficult, that reading the Bible is difficult, that reading the Bible is difficult, well, if you view the Bible like an well, if you view the Bible like an well, if you view the Bible like an instruction manual, then no wonder you instruction manual, then no wonder you instruction manual, then no wonder you don't want to read the Bible. So maybe don't want to read the Bible. So maybe don't want to read the Bible. So maybe for some of us, we view it like an for some of us, we view it like an for some of us, we view it like an instruction manual. Others of us when we instruction manual. Others of us when we instruction manual. Others of us when we look at the Bible, maybe um maybe for look at the Bible, maybe um maybe for look at the Bible, maybe um maybe for you, you view it uh especially if you're you, you view it uh especially if you're you, you view it uh especially if you're like a skeptic or a doubter. Maybe like a skeptic or a doubter. Maybe like a skeptic or a doubter. Maybe you're new to the whole Jesus thing, new you're new to the whole Jesus thing, new you're new to the whole Jesus thing, new to the whole church thing. Maybe you to the whole church thing. Maybe you to the whole church thing. Maybe you view it like a fairy tale book. And this view it like a fairy tale book. And this view it like a fairy tale book. And this is one of my favorite fairy tale books. is one of my favorite fairy tale books. is one of my favorite fairy tale books. This is A Christmas Carol. This is the, This is A Christmas Carol. This is the, This is A Christmas Carol. This is the, you know, Ebenezer Scrooge and the Three you know, Ebenezer Scrooge and the Three you know, Ebenezer Scrooge and the Three Ghosts and Tiny Tim and God Bless Us Ghosts and Tiny Tim and God Bless Us Ghosts and Tiny Tim and God Bless Us Everyone. You know, that's the that's Everyone. You know, that's the that's Everyone. You know, that's the that's Christmas Carol. And by the way, I love Christmas Carol. And by the way, I love Christmas Carol. And by the way, I love this book. This is a great book. Like, I this book. This is a great book. Like, I this book. This is a great book. Like, I want my kids to know this book. I want want my kids to know this book. I want want my kids to know this book. I want them to read the book. It's got a lot of them to read the book. It's got a lot of them to read the book. It's got a lot of great morals in it. Like, it's a it's a great morals in it. Like, it's a it's a great morals in it. Like, it's a it's a really strong book. It's a helpful book.

really strong book. It's a helpful book. really strong book. It's a helpful book. It's just, come on, we know this. It's It's just, come on, we know this. It's It's just, come on, we know this. It's not real, right? It's like, you know, not real, right? It's like, you know, not real, right? It's like, you know, there were no three ghosts. There's no there were no three ghosts. There's no there were no three ghosts. There's no such thing as Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge such thing as Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge such thing as Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge is not a real person. And we know that. is not a real person. And we know that. is not a real person. And we know that. But for some of us, when we look at the But for some of us, when we look at the But for some of us, when we look at the Bible, we look at it like it's a fairy Bible, we look at it like it's a fairy Bible, we look at it like it's a fairy tale book. It's like, listen, it's a tale book. It's like, listen, it's a tale book. It's like, listen, it's a great book. It's got a lot of great great book. It's got a lot of great great book. It's got a lot of great morals in it. Like, you should read it. morals in it. Like, you should read it. morals in it. Like, you should read it. But come on, we all know it's not real. But come on, we all know it's not real. But come on, we all know it's not real. Like, some of you that might view this Like, some of you that might view this Like, some of you that might view this like a fairy tale book, view the Bible like a fairy tale book, view the Bible like a fairy tale book, view the Bible like a fairy tale book, you might be like a fairy tale book, you might be like a fairy tale book, you might be thinking, "Come on, Steve. You don't thinking, "Come on, Steve. You don't thinking, "Come on, Steve. You don't actually think Jonah was swallowed by a actually think Jonah was swallowed by a actually think Jonah was swallowed by a fish, do you? Like, for real? fish, do you? Like, for real? fish, do you? Like, for real? Like, you actually think Adam and Eve Like, you actually think Adam and Eve Like, you actually think Adam and Eve were real people? Come on. Come on, were real people? Come on. Come on, were real people? Come on. Come on, Steve. You don't actually think that Steve. You don't actually think that Steve. You don't actually think that Jesus literally rose from the dead, do Jesus literally rose from the dead, do Jesus literally rose from the dead, do you? you? you? And so for some of us, And so for some of us, And so for some of us, we view it like a fairy tale book. And we view it like a fairy tale book. And we view it like a fairy tale book. And if you view the Bible like a fairy tale if you view the Bible like a fairy tale if you view the Bible like a fairy tale book, well, no wonder you don't want to book, well, no wonder you don't want to book, well, no wonder you don't want to read it.

read it. read it. And then I think for some of us, maybe And then I think for some of us, maybe And then I think for some of us, maybe it's not an instruction manual or a it's not an instruction manual or a it's not an instruction manual or a fairy tale book. I think for some of us, fairy tale book. I think for some of us, fairy tale book. I think for some of us, uh, we look at it like a rule book. And uh, we look at it like a rule book. And uh, we look at it like a rule book. And I have here the NCAA college football I have here the NCAA college football I have here the NCAA college football rules book because football's back, rules book because football's back, rules book because football's back, baby. Let's go. Okay. baby. Let's go. Okay. baby. Let's go. Okay. Amen. Amen. Amen. Some of you didn't clap for Jesus, but Some of you didn't clap for Jesus, but Some of you didn't clap for Jesus, but you clapped for that. That's okay. you clapped for that. That's okay. you clapped for that. That's okay. That's fine. I'm glad you're here. Okay. That's fine. I'm glad you're here. Okay. That's fine. I'm glad you're here. Okay. So, yeah. So, this is great. By the way, So, yeah. So, this is great. By the way, So, yeah. So, this is great. By the way, this this rule book, uh, all 266 pages this this rule book, uh, all 266 pages this this rule book, uh, all 266 pages of glory of it, this tells you what you of glory of it, this tells you what you of glory of it, this tells you what you can and can't do on the football field. can and can't do on the football field. can and can't do on the football field. Not only does it tell you what you can Not only does it tell you what you can Not only does it tell you what you can and can't do, it tells you what the and can't do, it tells you what the and can't do, it tells you what the penalty is if you mess up. you know, 15 penalty is if you mess up. you know, 15 penalty is if you mess up. you know, 15 yards from the spot of the foul. That's yards from the spot of the foul. That's yards from the spot of the foul. That's all here in the rule book. And so, for all here in the rule book. And so, for all here in the rule book. And so, for some of us, we look at the Bible like a some of us, we look at the Bible like a some of us, we look at the Bible like a rule book. It's like it's the thing that rule book. It's like it's the thing that rule book. It's like it's the thing that tells you what you can and can't do. It tells you what you can and can't do. It tells you what you can and can't do. It tells you what the penalty is for tells you what the penalty is for tells you what the penalty is for messing up. It it tells you, you know, messing up. It it tells you, you know, messing up. It it tells you, you know, whether or not you measure up to God, whether or not you measure up to God, whether or not you measure up to God, and by the way, you don't. Okay? So, and by the way, you don't. Okay? So, and by the way, you don't. Okay? So, it's like that's what the Bible is. And it's like that's what the Bible is. And it's like that's what the Bible is. And then for some of us, we're like, "Come then for some of us, we're like, "Come then for some of us, we're like, "Come on, Steve. I already feel bad enough on, Steve. I already feel bad enough on, Steve. I already feel bad enough about myself as it is. Why would I want about myself as it is. Why would I want about myself as it is. Why would I want to read a book that makes me feel worse?

to read a book that makes me feel worse? to read a book that makes me feel worse? And maybe for some of you, you don't And maybe for some of you, you don't And maybe for some of you, you don't actually read the rules book, but you actually read the rules book, but you actually read the rules book, but you like to apply the rules book to other like to apply the rules book to other like to apply the rules book to other people people people and you use the rule book like a weapon. and you use the rule book like a weapon. and you use the rule book like a weapon. Like, come on. Don't you know that Like, come on. Don't you know that Like, come on. Don't you know that you're not supposed to? And so, if you look at the Bible like a And so, if you look at the Bible like a rules book, well, no wonder you don't rules book, well, no wonder you don't rules book, well, no wonder you don't read it. read it. read it. But here's what doesn't add up. But here's what doesn't add up. But here's what doesn't add up. When you look at the very first revival When you look at the very first revival When you look at the very first revival that happened like 2,000 years ago, that that happened like 2,000 years ago, that that happened like 2,000 years ago, that revival, the revival after Jesus rose revival, the revival after Jesus rose revival, the revival after Jesus rose from the dead, by the way, this was a from the dead, by the way, this was a from the dead, by the way, this was a huge revival. 3,000 people got saved in huge revival. 3,000 people got saved in huge revival. 3,000 people got saved in one day. There was a guy named Saul who one day. There was a guy named Saul who one day. There was a guy named Saul who was actually killing Christians. He went was actually killing Christians. He went was actually killing Christians. He went from killing Christians to planting from killing Christians to planting from killing Christians to planting churches for them, which is crazy. churches for them, which is crazy. churches for them, which is crazy. Entire economies like the one in Ephesus Entire economies like the one in Ephesus Entire economies like the one in Ephesus turned upside down because of this turned upside down because of this turned upside down because of this revival. This was a major revival. And revival. This was a major revival. And revival. This was a major revival. And when you study this revival, what you when you study this revival, what you when you study this revival, what you discover is that everyone involved in discover is that everyone involved in discover is that everyone involved in the in the uh revival was obsessed with the in the uh revival was obsessed with the in the uh revival was obsessed with the Bible. They couldn't get enough of the Bible. They couldn't get enough of the Bible. They couldn't get enough of the Bible. In the book of Acts alone, the Bible. In the book of Acts alone, the Bible. In the book of Acts alone, all the disciples either reference or all the disciples either reference or all the disciples either reference or quote the Bible directly over 100 times.

quote the Bible directly over 100 times. quote the Bible directly over 100 times. They couldn't get enough of it. They couldn't get enough of it. They couldn't get enough of it. Which makes me wonder, Which makes me wonder, Which makes me wonder, what if we're looking at the Bible what if we're looking at the Bible what if we're looking at the Bible wrong? wrong? wrong? Like what if the problem isn't with the Like what if the problem isn't with the Like what if the problem isn't with the Bible? What if it's the way that we look Bible? What if it's the way that we look Bible? What if it's the way that we look at the Bible? at the Bible? at the Bible? Because when you look at that early Because when you look at that early Because when you look at that early revival, they didn't look at it like an revival, they didn't look at it like an revival, they didn't look at it like an instruction manual or a rules book or a instruction manual or a rules book or a instruction manual or a rules book or a fairy tale book. They looked at it as so fairy tale book. They looked at it as so fairy tale book. They looked at it as so much more. much more. much more. So the question for today is, so how So the question for today is, so how So the question for today is, so how should I look at the Bible? should I look at the Bible? should I look at the Bible? And to answer this question, I want to And to answer this question, I want to And to answer this question, I want to look back at that first revival, look back at that first revival, look back at that first revival, the moment when God did something the moment when God did something the moment when God did something unexplainable 2,000 years ago, and I unexplainable 2,000 years ago, and I unexplainable 2,000 years ago, and I want to look at how they viewed the want to look at how they viewed the want to look at how they viewed the Bible. And so to do that, we're going to Bible. And so to do that, we're going to Bible. And so to do that, we're going to look together in Acts 1. And here's the look together in Acts 1. And here's the look together in Acts 1. And here's the deal. We're going to look at the Bible deal. We're going to look at the Bible deal. We're going to look at the Bible together from Acts chapter 1. Even if together from Acts chapter 1. Even if together from Acts chapter 1. Even if you don't believe that the Bible is you don't believe that the Bible is you don't believe that the Bible is real, you can at least admit it's a real, you can at least admit it's a real, you can at least admit it's a historical document. So, we're going to historical document. So, we're going to historical document. So, we're going to use this historical document written use this historical document written use this historical document written down by a doctor named Luke called the down by a doctor named Luke called the down by a doctor named Luke called the book of Acts. And we're going to book of Acts. And we're going to book of Acts. And we're going to discover how the early disciples viewed discover how the early disciples viewed discover how the early disciples viewed the Bible. So, if you have a Bible, it's the Bible. So, if you have a Bible, it's the Bible. So, if you have a Bible, it's Acts chapter 1. If you don't have a Acts chapter 1. If you don't have a Acts chapter 1. If you don't have a Bible, you can look at the one uh we Bible, you can look at the one uh we Bible, you can look at the one uh we actually have a Bible for you either in actually have a Bible for you either in actually have a Bible for you either in your chair or under the chair in front your chair or under the chair in front your chair or under the chair in front of you. It's going to be on page 935.

of you. It's going to be on page 935. of you. It's going to be on page 935. And we're going to be looking at Acts And we're going to be looking at Acts And we're going to be looking at Acts chapter 1. And so, let me give the chapter 1. And so, let me give the chapter 1. And so, let me give the context for what's happening in Acts context for what's happening in Acts context for what's happening in Acts chapter 1. chapter 1. chapter 1. Jesus had just risen from the dead and Jesus had just risen from the dead and Jesus had just risen from the dead and all of his disciples are gathered up and all of his disciples are gathered up and all of his disciples are gathered up and they're trying to figure out what do we they're trying to figure out what do we they're trying to figure out what do we do next? And in Acts chapter 1, Peter, do next? And in Acts chapter 1, Peter, do next? And in Acts chapter 1, Peter, who's like one of the main disciples, who's like one of the main disciples, who's like one of the main disciples, actually speaks up. And here's what's so actually speaks up. And here's what's so actually speaks up. And here's what's so cool about this moment. This is the cool about this moment. This is the cool about this moment. This is the first recorded words of one of the first recorded words of one of the first recorded words of one of the disciples in the book of Acts. So, this disciples in the book of Acts. So, this disciples in the book of Acts. So, this is like first impression, first words is like first impression, first words is like first impression, first words from Peter. And this is what it says in from Peter. And this is what it says in from Peter. And this is what it says in Acts chapter 1 starting at verse uh 15. Acts chapter 1 starting at verse uh 15. Acts chapter 1 starting at verse uh 15. It says this. In those days, Peter stood It says this. In those days, Peter stood It says this. In those days, Peter stood up among the believers, a group up among the believers, a group up among the believers, a group numbering about 120. All of these 120 numbering about 120. All of these 120 numbering about 120. All of these 120 saw the resurrected Jesus. And here's saw the resurrected Jesus. And here's saw the resurrected Jesus. And here's the first thing he said. Brothers and the first thing he said. Brothers and the first thing he said. Brothers and sisters, sisters, sisters, the scripture had to be fulfilled. And the scripture had to be fulfilled. And the scripture had to be fulfilled. And then pause there because this is crazy. then pause there because this is crazy. then pause there because this is crazy. Peter is five words into his initial Peter is five words into his initial Peter is five words into his initial address to the disciples and the very address to the disciples and the very address to the disciples and the very first thing he says is the Bible. Hey first thing he says is the Bible. Hey first thing he says is the Bible. Hey guys, scripture. Hey brothers and guys, scripture. Hey brothers and guys, scripture. Hey brothers and sisters, the Bible. This is a big deal.

sisters, the Bible. This is a big deal. sisters, the Bible. This is a big deal. Like immediately he starts talking about Like immediately he starts talking about Like immediately he starts talking about the Bible. Not only does he talk about the Bible. Not only does he talk about the Bible. Not only does he talk about the Bible, a few verses later he the Bible, a few verses later he the Bible, a few verses later he actually quotes the Bible. Look at this. actually quotes the Bible. Look at this. actually quotes the Bible. Look at this. This is Acts 1 24. For said Peter, it is This is Acts 1 24. For said Peter, it is This is Acts 1 24. For said Peter, it is written in the book of Psalms. And he written in the book of Psalms. And he written in the book of Psalms. And he starts quoting directly from the book of starts quoting directly from the book of starts quoting directly from the book of Psalms. And by the way, if you're, you Psalms. And by the way, if you're, you Psalms. And by the way, if you're, you know, going through the devotional know, going through the devotional know, going through the devotional together like me and my small group are, together like me and my small group are, together like me and my small group are, every time you see it is written or every time you see it is written or every time you see it is written or every time you see, you know, the every time you see, you know, the every time you see, you know, the prophet said or David said, that's one prophet said or David said, that's one prophet said or David said, that's one of the 100 moments when they're of the 100 moments when they're of the 100 moments when they're referencing scripture. So here's Peter referencing scripture. So here's Peter referencing scripture. So here's Peter and he's quoting scripture and he says, and he's quoting scripture and he says, and he's quoting scripture and he says, "It is written." Again, over a hundred "It is written." Again, over a hundred "It is written." Again, over a hundred times they keep talking about scripture. times they keep talking about scripture. times they keep talking about scripture. In fact, Peter continues in the next In fact, Peter continues in the next In fact, Peter continues in the next chapter and this is kind of a cool chapter and this is kind of a cool chapter and this is kind of a cool moment. This is Peter's first sermon. moment. This is Peter's first sermon. moment. This is Peter's first sermon. Now there's thousands of people who were Now there's thousands of people who were Now there's thousands of people who were listening to Peter and a lot of whom listening to Peter and a lot of whom listening to Peter and a lot of whom don't actually know about Jesus and don't actually know about Jesus and don't actually know about Jesus and they're not surrendered to Jesus. And so they're not surrendered to Jesus. And so they're not surrendered to Jesus. And so Peter stands up and he is about to give Peter stands up and he is about to give Peter stands up and he is about to give his very first sermon. And this was his his very first sermon. And this was his his very first sermon. And this was his introduction. [clears throat] He said, introduction. [clears throat] He said, introduction. [clears throat] He said, "These people are not drunk as you "These people are not drunk as you "These people are not drunk as you suppose."

How's that for an intro? Isn't that How's that for an intro? Isn't that good? Like listen, as a preacher, I'm good? Like listen, as a preacher, I'm good? Like listen, as a preacher, I'm always looking for a creative intro to always looking for a creative intro to always looking for a creative intro to get your attention. this would get your get your attention. this would get your get your attention. this would get your attention if I just stood up here and attention if I just stood up here and attention if I just stood up here and said, "We're not drunk." Okay, you said, "We're not drunk." Okay, you said, "We're not drunk." Okay, you listening? All right, let's go. So, listening? All right, let's go. So, listening? All right, let's go. So, that's what he said. He said, "We're not that's what he said. He said, "We're not that's what he said. He said, "We're not drunk." Now, the reason that he said drunk." Now, the reason that he said drunk." Now, the reason that he said this was because when the Holy Spirit this was because when the Holy Spirit this was because when the Holy Spirit fell, all of the disciples started fell, all of the disciples started fell, all of the disciples started speaking in other languages because speaking in other languages because speaking in other languages because again, there's thousands of people that again, there's thousands of people that again, there's thousands of people that are there and they're actually on are there and they're actually on are there and they're actually on pilgrimage visiting from other pilgrimage visiting from other pilgrimage visiting from other countries. And then all of a sudden, countries. And then all of a sudden, countries. And then all of a sudden, these disciples start speaking in their these disciples start speaking in their these disciples start speaking in their native language. And so, everyone hears native language. And so, everyone hears native language. And so, everyone hears it and goes, "These guys must be drunk." it and goes, "These guys must be drunk." it and goes, "These guys must be drunk." which to me is kind of funny because I which to me is kind of funny because I which to me is kind of funny because I don't know about you, but I've never don't know about you, but I've never don't know about you, but I've never heard a drunk person start speaking heard a drunk person start speaking heard a drunk person start speaking fluent Dutch. You know, it's like that fluent Dutch. You know, it's like that fluent Dutch. You know, it's like that doesn't normally happen, but that's what doesn't normally happen, but that's what doesn't normally happen, but that's what happened. They started speaking in happened. They started speaking in happened. They started speaking in another language. So, he says this. He another language. So, he says this. He another language. So, he says this. He says, "These people are not drunk." And says, "These people are not drunk." And says, "These people are not drunk." And then the next line he says, I don't know then the next line he says, I don't know then the next line he says, I don't know why, but it kind of makes me laugh. He why, but it kind of makes me laugh. He why, but it kind of makes me laugh. He says, "They're not drunk as you suppose. says, "They're not drunk as you suppose. says, "They're not drunk as you suppose. It's only 9 in the morning." It's only 9 in the morning." It's only 9 in the morning." To which Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's To which Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's To which Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's 5:00 somewhere, Peter." Um, so anyways, 5:00 somewhere, Peter." Um, so anyways, 5:00 somewhere, Peter." Um, so anyways, I'm just kidding. He didn't live back I'm just kidding. He didn't live back I'm just kidding. He didn't live back then. All right. So, it's so he says, then. All right. So, it's so he says, then. All right. So, it's so he says, "We're not drunk. It's too early for "We're not drunk. It's too early for "We're not drunk. It's too early for that." And then look at the next that." And then look at the next that." And then look at the next sentence that he says. No, sentence that he says. No, sentence that he says. No, this is what was spoken by the prophet this is what was spoken by the prophet this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.

Joel. Joel. And then he quotes scripture. And then he quotes scripture. And then he quotes scripture. And then after he's done quoting the And then after he's done quoting the And then after he's done quoting the prophet Joel, he quotes from the book of prophet Joel, he quotes from the book of prophet Joel, he quotes from the book of Psalms. And then he starts talking about Psalms. And then he starts talking about Psalms. And then he starts talking about the resurrection of Jesus. And then he the resurrection of Jesus. And then he the resurrection of Jesus. And then he quotes from the book of Psalms again. quotes from the book of Psalms again. quotes from the book of Psalms again. And then he references the book of And then he references the book of And then he references the book of Isaiah to talk more about the Isaiah to talk more about the Isaiah to talk more about the resurrection of Jesus. And at the very resurrection of Jesus. And at the very resurrection of Jesus. And at the very end of it, he says, "Do any of you want end of it, he says, "Do any of you want end of it, he says, "Do any of you want to get baptized?" And 3,000 people get to get baptized?" And 3,000 people get to get baptized?" And 3,000 people get baptized. baptized. baptized. What? Peter, I mean, listen, here's the What? Peter, I mean, listen, here's the What? Peter, I mean, listen, here's the outline of his sermon. Peter stands up. outline of his sermon. Peter stands up. outline of his sermon. Peter stands up. We're not drunk. Here's what the Bible We're not drunk. Here's what the Bible We're not drunk. Here's what the Bible says. Jesus rose from the dead. Here's says. Jesus rose from the dead. Here's says. Jesus rose from the dead. Here's what the Bible says. 3,000 people got what the Bible says. 3,000 people got what the Bible says. 3,000 people got baptized. baptized. baptized. That's crazy. Clearly Peter, clearly the That's crazy. Clearly Peter, clearly the That's crazy. Clearly Peter, clearly the disciples saw something in scripture disciples saw something in scripture disciples saw something in scripture that maybe we miss. Clearly they didn't that maybe we miss. Clearly they didn't that maybe we miss. Clearly they didn't see it like some rule book or fairy tale see it like some rule book or fairy tale see it like some rule book or fairy tale book or instruction manual. They saw it book or instruction manual. They saw it book or instruction manual. They saw it as so much more. as so much more. as so much more. And here's this is so this is so cool. And here's this is so this is so cool. And here's this is so this is so cool. Did you know Did you know Did you know that we This is amazing. We have access that we This is amazing. We have access that we This is amazing. We have access to two, not one, two letters that Peter to two, not one, two letters that Peter to two, not one, two letters that Peter literally wrote down.

literally wrote down. literally wrote down. Like this guy that preached this very Like this guy that preached this very Like this guy that preached this very first sermon, we have access to two first sermon, we have access to two first sermon, we have access to two letters. And in his second letter, he letters. And in his second letter, he letters. And in his second letter, he starts talking about scripture. starts talking about scripture. starts talking about scripture. Literally, he kind of unveils. Guys, Literally, he kind of unveils. Guys, Literally, he kind of unveils. Guys, this is how we view scripture. And by this is how we view scripture. And by this is how we view scripture. And by the way, it's in the Bible. This is the way, it's in the Bible. This is the way, it's in the Bible. This is amazing. Okay, so this is the second amazing. Okay, so this is the second amazing. Okay, so this is the second letter from Peter in chapter 1. This is letter from Peter in chapter 1. This is letter from Peter in chapter 1. This is what he said. Above all, in other words, what he said. Above all, in other words, what he said. Above all, in other words, this is like the most important thing. I this is like the most important thing. I this is like the most important thing. I want to make sure you get it. Above all, want to make sure you get it. Above all, want to make sure you get it. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of you must understand that no prophecy of you must understand that no prophecy of scripture, in other words, Peter's like, scripture, in other words, Peter's like, scripture, in other words, Peter's like, I want to make sure you understand how I want to make sure you understand how I want to make sure you understand how we see the Bible. No prophecy of we see the Bible. No prophecy of we see the Bible. No prophecy of scripture came about by the prophet's scripture came about by the prophet's scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things, which is a own interpretation of things, which is a own interpretation of things, which is a fancy way of saying they didn't make it fancy way of saying they didn't make it fancy way of saying they didn't make it up. No. For prophecy never had its up. No. For prophecy never had its up. No. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, origin in the human will, but prophets, origin in the human will, but prophets, though humans. And this is so so though humans. And this is so so though humans. And this is so so important. Look at this. He said they important. Look at this. He said they important. Look at this. He said they spoke from God spoke from God spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy as they were carried along by the Holy as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. Okay. So, how did Peter, how did the Okay. So, how did Peter, how did the Okay. So, how did Peter, how did the early disciples view scripture? It was early disciples view scripture? It was early disciples view scripture? It was this. The Bible this. The Bible this. The Bible is the inspired word of God given is the inspired word of God given is the inspired word of God given through human authors as they were through human authors as they were through human authors as they were guided by the Holy Spirit. guided by the Holy Spirit. guided by the Holy Spirit. Okay. So, how did Peter and all the Okay. So, how did Peter and all the Okay. So, how did Peter and all the apostles and all the disciples, how did apostles and all the disciples, how did apostles and all the disciples, how did they look? They looked at it this way they look? They looked at it this way they look? They looked at it this way that the Bible is the inspired word of that the Bible is the inspired word of that the Bible is the inspired word of God given through human authors as they God given through human authors as they God given through human authors as they were guided by the Holy Spirit. In other were guided by the Holy Spirit. In other were guided by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they didn't look at the Bible words, they didn't look at the Bible words, they didn't look at the Bible like some instruction manual or rule like some instruction manual or rule like some instruction manual or rule book or fairy tale book. Here's the book or fairy tale book. Here's the book or fairy tale book. Here's the really simple version of it. They really simple version of it. They really simple version of it. They believed that the Bible is God's letter believed that the Bible is God's letter believed that the Bible is God's letter to us. to us. to us. In other words, and you got to get this, In other words, and you got to get this, In other words, and you got to get this, the God of the universe the God of the universe the God of the universe wanted you to know wanted you to know wanted you to know who he is and how he feels about you. who he is and how he feels about you. who he is and how he feels about you. So, he wrote it down and he gave it to So, he wrote it down and he gave it to So, he wrote it down and he gave it to you as a letter. He said, "I want you to you as a letter. He said, "I want you to you as a letter. He said, "I want you to know who I am and how I feel about you.

know who I am and how I feel about you. know who I am and how I feel about you. I want you to know this and so I'm going I want you to know this and so I'm going I want you to know this and so I'm going to make sure it's written down and to make sure it's written down and to make sure it's written down and preserved and given to you." It's God's preserved and given to you." It's God's preserved and given to you." It's God's letter letter letter to us. to us. to us. Now, just to make sure I'm kind of Now, just to make sure I'm kind of Now, just to make sure I'm kind of reading the room here, students, do you reading the room here, students, do you reading the room here, students, do you all know what a letter is? Is that Do all know what a letter is? Is that Do all know what a letter is? Is that Do y'all uh out of curiosity, do y'all y'all uh out of curiosity, do y'all y'all uh out of curiosity, do y'all still pass notes? Yeah. Okay. Good. still pass notes? Yeah. Okay. Good. still pass notes? Yeah. Okay. Good. Okay, good. All right. Uh I used to get Okay, good. All right. Uh I used to get Okay, good. All right. Uh I used to get in trouble for passing notes when I was in trouble for passing notes when I was in trouble for passing notes when I was a student. Um you know, it's like a mini a student. Um you know, it's like a mini a student. Um you know, it's like a mini letter. That's what a note is. So, I letter. That's what a note is. So, I letter. That's what a note is. So, I would like, you know, like write down would like, you know, like write down would like, you know, like write down and then, you know, pass it to someone and then, you know, pass it to someone and then, you know, pass it to someone else. Um I remember being a kid hearing else. Um I remember being a kid hearing else. Um I remember being a kid hearing about um like having a pen pal. You about um like having a pen pal. You about um like having a pen pal. You know, you have a friend in another state know, you have a friend in another state know, you have a friend in another state and you write them a letter, okay? And and you write them a letter, okay? And and you write them a letter, okay? And then they'd write another letter to you. then they'd write another letter to you. then they'd write another letter to you. Okay? That's what that's what a letter Okay? That's what that's what a letter Okay? That's what that's what a letter is. Uh, in fact, this is cool. Um, my is. Uh, in fact, this is cool. Um, my is. Uh, in fact, this is cool. Um, my wife Katherine actually wrote letters to wife Katherine actually wrote letters to wife Katherine actually wrote letters to me me me uh when we we've been married over 19 uh when we we've been married over 19 uh when we we've been married over 19 years. Uh, which is pretty cool. years. Uh, which is pretty cool. years. Uh, which is pretty cool. And, um, And, um, And, um, uh, we actually met as college students uh, we actually met as college students uh, we actually met as college students at UG. Go dogs. Come on. Yes. That's at UG. Go dogs. Come on. Yes. That's at UG. Go dogs. Come on. Yes. That's what I'm talking about. And um I used to what I'm talking about. And um I used to what I'm talking about. And um I used to park uh at O House, Athens campus. You park uh at O House, Athens campus. You park uh at O House, Athens campus. You know what I'm talking about. I used to know what I'm talking about. I used to know what I'm talking about. I used to park at O house and Catherine knew that park at O house and Catherine knew that park at O house and Catherine knew that I parked there. So while we were dating, I parked there. So while we were dating, I parked there. So while we were dating, she would like leave me notes on my she would like leave me notes on my she would like leave me notes on my windshield.

windshield. windshield. Uh and I still have them. Um a So Uh and I still have them. Um a So Uh and I still have them. Um a So do you mind if I read a few to you real do you mind if I read a few to you real do you mind if I read a few to you real quick? This is um Oh, Katherine wanted quick? This is um Oh, Katherine wanted quick? This is um Oh, Katherine wanted to make sure that I told you um give her to make sure that I told you um give her to make sure that I told you um give her some grace. She was 18 at the time. some grace. She was 18 at the time. some grace. She was 18 at the time. Okay, so don't judge her. Just She's Okay, so don't judge her. Just She's Okay, so don't judge her. Just She's cool. Babe, if you're watching, I got cool. Babe, if you're watching, I got cool. Babe, if you're watching, I got you. Okay, anyways, um here's one. You you. Okay, anyways, um here's one. You you. Okay, anyways, um here's one. You can tell it's like yellowed with age. can tell it's like yellowed with age. can tell it's like yellowed with age. She said, um, "Hi, sweetheart." And it's She said, um, "Hi, sweetheart." And it's She said, um, "Hi, sweetheart." And it's like it's like sweetheart, but like like it's like sweetheart, but like like it's like sweetheart, but like you're attractive at the same time. you're attractive at the same time. you're attractive at the same time. Okay, that's what she said. Okay, that's what she said. Okay, that's what she said. Um, and then she said, "I can't wait to Um, and then she said, "I can't wait to Um, and then she said, "I can't wait to see you. you are the most incredible see you. you are the most incredible see you. you are the most incredible person I know. And she didn't know many person I know. And she didn't know many person I know. And she didn't know many people at the time. So that's why she people at the time. So that's why she people at the time. So that's why she thought that. She said, 'I love being with you. I She said, 'I love being with you. I can't believe I'm with you. You are can't believe I'm with you. You are can't believe I'm with you. You are exactly what I need and want. You're exactly what I need and want. You're exactly what I need and want. You're amazing. amazing. amazing. Sincerely, Catherine. Sincerely, Catherine. Sincerely, Catherine. So, that's pretty cool. Um, I got So, that's pretty cool. Um, I got So, that's pretty cool. Um, I got another one. Let me show you another another one. Let me show you another another one. Let me show you another one. This is um It's pretty fun. Can one. This is um It's pretty fun. Can one. This is um It's pretty fun. Can y'all tell what this is? Can anyone y'all tell what this is? Can anyone y'all tell what this is? Can anyone tell?

tell? tell? >> It's a napkin. That's right. Um, she >> It's a napkin. That's right. Um, she >> It's a napkin. That's right. Um, she wrote this one on a napkin and she said, wrote this one on a napkin and she said, wrote this one on a napkin and she said, "You are amazing, Steven Walton." She "You are amazing, Steven Walton." She "You are amazing, Steven Walton." She used my full name. Okay, that's she's used my full name. Okay, that's she's used my full name. Okay, that's she's serious. She said, "You're amazing, serious. She said, "You're amazing, serious. She said, "You're amazing, Steven Walton." And then in fine print, Steven Walton." And then in fine print, Steven Walton." And then in fine print, she said, "Sorry, this is a napkin, but she said, "Sorry, this is a napkin, but she said, "Sorry, this is a napkin, but it's the only paper that O house it's the only paper that O house it's the only paper that O house provides." provides." provides." Um, so I kept that. Um, so I kept that. Um, so I kept that. Um, let's see. I got another one here. Um, let's see. I got another one here. Um, let's see. I got another one here. Um, oh, can't read that one. Okay. Um, Um, oh, can't read that one. Okay. Um, Um, oh, can't read that one. Okay. Um, that's just Don't worry. Don't worry that's just Don't worry. Don't worry that's just Don't worry. Don't worry about that. Um, uh, this one, this one's good. This one, uh, this one, this one's good. This one, um, is like a coloring page again. She um, is like a coloring page again. She um, is like a coloring page again. She was 18. Give her grace. Okay. Anyways, was 18. Give her grace. Okay. Anyways, was 18. Give her grace. Okay. Anyways, she colored it from Charlie Brown. And she colored it from Charlie Brown. And she colored it from Charlie Brown. And then it says in all caps, "This is me then it says in all caps, "This is me then it says in all caps, "This is me being really excited to be your being really excited to be your being really excited to be your girlfriend." girlfriend." girlfriend." And I was like, "Yeah." So I So I kept And I was like, "Yeah." So I So I kept And I was like, "Yeah." So I So I kept that. that. that. And um by the way, she didn't stop And um by the way, she didn't stop And um by the way, she didn't stop writing letters after we got engaged and writing letters after we got engaged and writing letters after we got engaged and married. This one is from this one's married. This one is from this one's married. This one is from this one's from a few months ago. I was downstairs from a few months ago. I was downstairs from a few months ago. I was downstairs in the basement. I was prepping for a in the basement. I was prepping for a in the basement. I was prepping for a sermon and she had to go to small group sermon and she had to go to small group sermon and she had to go to small group and so she wrote me this letter and um and so she wrote me this letter and um and so she wrote me this letter and um oh uh it's on the back of one of my kids oh uh it's on the back of one of my kids oh uh it's on the back of one of my kids homework assignments. So anyways, to homework assignments. So anyways, to homework assignments. So anyways, to anchor's teacher, my bad. Anyways, so anchor's teacher, my bad. Anyways, so anchor's teacher, my bad. Anyways, so she tore it and then uh she wrote, "Hi she tore it and then uh she wrote, "Hi she tore it and then uh she wrote, "Hi darling, I love you so much. I left for darling, I love you so much. I left for darling, I love you so much. I left for small group and I didn't want to small group and I didn't want to small group and I didn't want to interrupt your prep. I'm praying for the interrupt your prep. I'm praying for the interrupt your prep. I'm praying for the whole thing today. Love, Katherine. And whole thing today. Love, Katherine. And whole thing today. Love, Katherine. And so I kept that one. Um,

so I kept that one. Um, so I kept that one. Um, okay. So, Katherine and I have been okay. So, Katherine and I have been okay. So, Katherine and I have been married for married for married for again over 19 years. Some of these again over 19 years. Some of these again over 19 years. Some of these letters are like 20 years, 21 years old. letters are like 20 years, 21 years old. letters are like 20 years, 21 years old. And we've moved a lot. You know, we from And we've moved a lot. You know, we from And we've moved a lot. You know, we from apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to house. Like, we just moved. So, here's house. Like, we just moved. So, here's house. Like, we just moved. So, here's the question. the question. the question. Why would I still hold on to these Why would I still hold on to these Why would I still hold on to these letters? Yeah. Like why would I make sure that Yeah. Like why would I make sure that they are packaged up and boxed and moved they are packaged up and boxed and moved they are packaged up and boxed and moved from apartment to apartment to house? from apartment to apartment to house? from apartment to apartment to house? It's because these are her words to me It's because these are her words to me It's because these are her words to me and Katherine means the world to me and and Katherine means the world to me and and Katherine means the world to me and she wrote down who she is and how she she wrote down who she is and how she she wrote down who she is and how she feels about me. And so these letters are feels about me. And so these letters are feels about me. And so these letters are precious to me. Like you couldn't pay me precious to me. Like you couldn't pay me precious to me. Like you couldn't pay me enough money to take these from me. I enough money to take these from me. I enough money to take these from me. I told Bruce, I said, "Hey, Bruce, I've told Bruce, I said, "Hey, Bruce, I've told Bruce, I said, "Hey, Bruce, I've given you a lot of props in the past. given you a lot of props in the past. given you a lot of props in the past. This is the one I need you to be the This is the one I need you to be the This is the one I need you to be the most careful with because these letters most careful with because these letters most careful with because these letters are precious to me." And so, whenever are precious to me." And so, whenever are precious to me." And so, whenever someone looks at the Bible like it's an someone looks at the Bible like it's an someone looks at the Bible like it's an instruction manual or a rule book, I'm instruction manual or a rule book, I'm instruction manual or a rule book, I'm like, "Dude, you're missing it." The like, "Dude, you're missing it." The like, "Dude, you're missing it." The Bible, the Bible is God's love letter to Bible, the Bible is God's love letter to Bible, the Bible is God's love letter to you.

you. you. He wrote down how he feels about you and He wrote down how he feels about you and He wrote down how he feels about you and then he gave it to you because he wanted then he gave it to you because he wanted then he gave it to you because he wanted you to know just how much he loves you. you to know just how much he loves you. you to know just how much he loves you. In fact, when you look at scripture over In fact, when you look at scripture over In fact, when you look at scripture over and over and over again, he just keeps and over and over again, he just keeps and over and over again, he just keeps saying it. He keeps saying, "I love you. saying it. He keeps saying, "I love you. saying it. He keeps saying, "I love you. I care about you. You are my prized I care about you. You are my prized I care about you. You are my prized creation. You mean the world to me. I creation. You mean the world to me. I creation. You mean the world to me. I know the number of hairs on your head. know the number of hairs on your head. know the number of hairs on your head. Like, I know who you are, and I love you Like, I know who you are, and I love you Like, I know who you are, and I love you anyway. And I love you, and I love you, anyway. And I love you, and I love you, anyway. And I love you, and I love you, and I love you." and over and over and I love you." and over and over and I love you." and over and over again, he just keeps telling you how he again, he just keeps telling you how he again, he just keeps telling you how he feels about you because the Bible is feels about you because the Bible is feels about you because the Bible is God's love letter to you. God's love letter to you. God's love letter to you. In fact, here's one exert. Here's just In fact, here's one exert. Here's just In fact, here's one exert. Here's just one of the letters that he wrote. Says one of the letters that he wrote. Says one of the letters that he wrote. Says this, "But God demonstrates his own love this, "But God demonstrates his own love this, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, which is amazing. He for us in this, which is amazing. He for us in this, which is amazing. He didn't just say that he loves you. He didn't just say that he loves you. He didn't just say that he loves you. He proved it. He demonstrated it. Here's proved it. He demonstrated it. Here's proved it. He demonstrated it. Here's how. While we were still sinners, while how. While we were still sinners, while how. While we were still sinners, while we were still ignoring God, while we we were still ignoring God, while we we were still ignoring God, while we were still trying to do life on our own, were still trying to do life on our own, were still trying to do life on our own, while we didn't really care about God or while we didn't really care about God or while we didn't really care about God or what he had to say, while we were still what he had to say, while we were still what he had to say, while we were still sinners, while we were still caught in sinners, while we were still caught in sinners, while we were still caught in our addictions and our habits, while we our addictions and our habits, while we our addictions and our habits, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

were still sinners, Christ died for us. were still sinners, Christ died for us. And so, here's what that means. The God And so, here's what that means. The God And so, here's what that means. The God of the universe loves you so much that of the universe loves you so much that of the universe loves you so much that he laid down his life for you. And then he laid down his life for you. And then he laid down his life for you. And then if that wasn't enough, he wrote about it if that wasn't enough, he wrote about it if that wasn't enough, he wrote about it to make sure that thousands of years to make sure that thousands of years to make sure that thousands of years later, you would know that that was him later, you would know that that was him later, you would know that that was him and that he loves you. It's his love and that he loves you. It's his love and that he loves you. It's his love letter to you. In fact, I got to calm down. I just like guys, I got to calm down. I just like guys, the theme of scripture the theme of scripture the theme of scripture is summed up in one verse. And you is summed up in one verse. And you is summed up in one verse. And you probably know it. Even if you don't care probably know it. Even if you don't care probably know it. Even if you don't care about the Bible, you don't read the about the Bible, you don't read the about the Bible, you don't read the Bible, you've probably heard this verse Bible, you've probably heard this verse Bible, you've probably heard this verse before. It says this, "For God before. It says this, "For God before. It says this, "For God so loved you, so loved you, so loved you, and God and God and God so loved me, that he gave his one and only son, that he gave his one and only son, that if you would believe in him, if you that if you would believe in him, if you that if you would believe in him, if you would trust him, would trust him, would trust him, if you would know that these letters are if you would know that these letters are if you would know that these letters are how God feels about you, if you believe how God feels about you, if you believe how God feels about you, if you believe that these are true and believe that that these are true and believe that that these are true and believe that Jesus died for you and he rose again.

Jesus died for you and he rose again. Jesus died for you and he rose again. You can spend forever with him now and You can spend forever with him now and You can spend forever with him now and for eternity. for eternity. for eternity. And he loves you so much that he wrote And he loves you so much that he wrote And he loves you so much that he wrote it down for you. It's God's love letter it down for you. It's God's love letter it down for you. It's God's love letter to you. to you. to you. And there's two things you got to know And there's two things you got to know And there's two things you got to know about this love letter. God's love about this love letter. God's love about this love letter. God's love letter to you letter to you letter to you is true. is true. is true. And God's love letter to you And God's love letter to you And God's love letter to you is powerful. is powerful. is powerful. So, first, God's love letter to you is So, first, God's love letter to you is So, first, God's love letter to you is true. And here's what I know is true. So, I'm And here's what I know is true. So, I'm just going to admit it. I can't convince just going to admit it. I can't convince just going to admit it. I can't convince you that this is true. I wish I could, you that this is true. I wish I could, you that this is true. I wish I could, but I can't convince you that but I can't convince you that but I can't convince you that the Bible, God's love letter to you, is the Bible, God's love letter to you, is the Bible, God's love letter to you, is true. But here's what I can say. I am true. But here's what I can say. I am true. But here's what I can say. I am convinced that this is true. I'm convinced that this is true. I'm convinced that this is true. I'm convinced. convinced. convinced. And I want to be very clear. I'm not And I want to be very clear. I'm not And I want to be very clear. I'm not convinced that this is true because I convinced that this is true because I convinced that this is true because I grew up going to church. I'm not grew up going to church. I'm not grew up going to church. I'm not convinced that this is true because, you convinced that this is true because, you convinced that this is true because, you know, memorized scripture. No, I'm know, memorized scripture. No, I'm know, memorized scripture. No, I'm convinced that this is true because convinced that this is true because convinced that this is true because there have been moments in my life where there have been moments in my life where there have been moments in my life where I was not convinced that it was true.

I was not convinced that it was true. I was not convinced that it was true. And so I did research and I studied and And so I did research and I studied and And so I did research and I studied and I wanted to know more because if I'm I wanted to know more because if I'm I wanted to know more because if I'm going to dedicate my life to this thing, going to dedicate my life to this thing, going to dedicate my life to this thing, it better be true. it better be true. it better be true. So I know I can't convince you and I So I know I can't convince you and I So I know I can't convince you and I wish I could spend like 40 minutes wish I could spend like 40 minutes wish I could spend like 40 minutes telling you why I believe this is true. telling you why I believe this is true. telling you why I believe this is true. Um but I'm just going to spend five Um but I'm just going to spend five Um but I'm just going to spend five minutes. Okay, just five minutes and minutes. Okay, just five minutes and minutes. Okay, just five minutes and then we'll move on to the next thing then we'll move on to the next thing then we'll move on to the next thing because I believe this is true. In fact, because I believe this is true. In fact, because I believe this is true. In fact, here's what's amazing about the Bible. here's what's amazing about the Bible. here's what's amazing about the Bible. Um there's all these cross references in Um there's all these cross references in Um there's all these cross references in the Bible, all these predictions and the Bible, all these predictions and the Bible, all these predictions and foreshadowings and callbacks and foreshadowings and callbacks and foreshadowings and callbacks and connections from chapters and and and uh connections from chapters and and and uh connections from chapters and and and uh you know other books of the Bible, all you know other books of the Bible, all you know other books of the Bible, all these connections. And two researchers these connections. And two researchers these connections. And two researchers about 20 years ago, they studied the about 20 years ago, they studied the about 20 years ago, they studied the Bible and they discovered that there Bible and they discovered that there Bible and they discovered that there were over 63,000 were over 63,000 were over 63,000 cross references in scripture. cross references in scripture. cross references in scripture. And not only did they discover that, And not only did they discover that, And not only did they discover that, they decided to map it out. And maybe they decided to map it out. And maybe they decided to map it out. And maybe you've seen this before. This is what you've seen this before. This is what you've seen this before. This is what those cross references look like. That's the Bible That's the Bible predicting and calling back. Now, predicting and calling back. Now, predicting and calling back. Now, if one human author if one human author if one human author wrote a book and that book had this many wrote a book and that book had this many wrote a book and that book had this many cross references and predictions and cross references and predictions and cross references and predictions and call backs, we would look at that book call backs, we would look at that book call backs, we would look at that book and we would look at that author and go, and we would look at that author and go, and we would look at that author and go, "That's the greatest author of all time.

"That's the greatest author of all time. "That's the greatest author of all time. That's the greatest book of all time. I That's the greatest book of all time. I That's the greatest book of all time. I can't believe how many times he seated can't believe how many times he seated can't believe how many times he seated an idea and then came back to it and an idea and then came back to it and an idea and then came back to it and connected to it and all the things." We connected to it and all the things." We connected to it and all the things." We would look at it and go, "That's the would look at it and go, "That's the would look at it and go, "That's the greatest book of all time." greatest book of all time." greatest book of all time." But here's what makes the Bible But here's what makes the Bible But here's what makes the Bible incredible. incredible. incredible. It wasn't written down by just one human It wasn't written down by just one human It wasn't written down by just one human author. author. author. The Bible is 66 books written down by 40 The Bible is 66 books written down by 40 The Bible is 66 books written down by 40 different authors across three different authors across three different authors across three continents over 1,500 continents over 1,500 continents over 1,500 years. Here's what that means. some years. Here's what that means. some years. Here's what that means. some random guy on this continent who lived random guy on this continent who lived random guy on this continent who lived 500 years before some other random guy 500 years before some other random guy 500 years before some other random guy on this continent. Both wrote, didn't on this continent. Both wrote, didn't on this continent. Both wrote, didn't know each other, and both referenced the know each other, and both referenced the know each other, and both referenced the same thing. Both talked about the same same thing. Both talked about the same same thing. Both talked about the same thing, even though they were separated thing, even though they were separated thing, even though they were separated by an ocean. And so here it says the by an ocean. And so here it says the by an ocean. And so here it says the Bible is 66 books, 40 different authors, Bible is 66 books, 40 different authors, Bible is 66 books, 40 different authors, three continents, 1,500 years, and yet three continents, 1,500 years, and yet three continents, 1,500 years, and yet it all connects and it all cross it all connects and it all cross it all connects and it all cross references each other. Which means this references each other. Which means this references each other. Which means this isn't just a good book. This is an only isn't just a good book. This is an only isn't just a good book. This is an only God could have done that kind of book.

God could have done that kind of book. God could have done that kind of book. That's why I believe this is true. [applause] [applause] And let me tell you about just one of And let me tell you about just one of And let me tell you about just one of those like predictions and cross those like predictions and cross those like predictions and cross references. Uh and it's about the um all references. Uh and it's about the um all references. Uh and it's about the um all the prophecies about the coming Messiah. There was a researcher named Peter There was a researcher named Peter Stoner that calculated the odds of some Stoner that calculated the odds of some Stoner that calculated the odds of some person randomly or accidentally person randomly or accidentally person randomly or accidentally fulfilling just eight of the messianic fulfilling just eight of the messianic fulfilling just eight of the messianic prophecies. And what he discovered was prophecies. And what he discovered was prophecies. And what he discovered was for some person to stumble into those for some person to stumble into those for some person to stumble into those eight prophecies. The odds of that are eight prophecies. The odds of that are eight prophecies. The odds of that are one in 100 quadrillion. one in 100 quadrillion. one in 100 quadrillion. It's a lot. And then he kind of came up It's a lot. And then he kind of came up It's a lot. And then he kind of came up with this word picture and I want to with this word picture and I want to with this word picture and I want to invite you into it. So here's what I invite you into it. So here's what I invite you into it. So here's what I want you to do. I want you to imagine want you to do. I want you to imagine want you to do. I want you to imagine that the state of Texas, which is a big that the state of Texas, which is a big that the state of Texas, which is a big state, is covered in silver dollars. Not state, is covered in silver dollars. Not state, is covered in silver dollars. Not only that, it's covered in silver only that, it's covered in silver only that, it's covered in silver dollars 2 feet deep. That's like, you dollars 2 feet deep. That's like, you dollars 2 feet deep. That's like, you know, higher than your knees. Okay? And know, higher than your knees. Okay? And know, higher than your knees. Okay? And there's all these silver dollars, um, there's all these silver dollars, um, there's all these silver dollars, um, 100 quadrillion silver dollars to be 100 quadrillion silver dollars to be 100 quadrillion silver dollars to be precise, all covering the state of precise, all covering the state of precise, all covering the state of Texas. And there's one of those silver Texas. And there's one of those silver Texas. And there's one of those silver dollars that's colored red buried in the dollars that's colored red buried in the dollars that's colored red buried in the midst of it. And then someone said, midst of it. And then someone said, midst of it. And then someone said, "Hey, I here's what I want you to do.

"Hey, I here's what I want you to do. "Hey, I here's what I want you to do. I'm going to blindfold you. I'm going to I'm going to blindfold you. I'm going to I'm going to blindfold you. I'm going to put you in a helicopter. I'm gonna fly put you in a helicopter. I'm gonna fly put you in a helicopter. I'm gonna fly you to Texas. I'm gonna land you in a you to Texas. I'm gonna land you in a you to Texas. I'm gonna land you in a random spot of Texas. You don't know random spot of Texas. You don't know random spot of Texas. You don't know where it is. And then I want you to get where it is. And then I want you to get where it is. And then I want you to get off the helicopter, okay? But you still off the helicopter, okay? But you still off the helicopter, okay? But you still got your blindfold on. And I want you to got your blindfold on. And I want you to got your blindfold on. And I want you to walk as far as you want to walk, as long walk as far as you want to walk, as long walk as far as you want to walk, as long as you're in the state of Texas. And as you're in the state of Texas. And as you're in the state of Texas. And then you're kneede in silver dollars. then you're kneede in silver dollars. then you're kneede in silver dollars. And what I want you to do is find a And what I want you to do is find a And what I want you to do is find a random spot, bend down, find one random random spot, bend down, find one random random spot, bend down, find one random silver dollar, and I want you to pick it silver dollar, and I want you to pick it silver dollar, and I want you to pick it up, take off your blindfold, and the up, take off your blindfold, and the up, take off your blindfold, and the odds of you finding that one red silver odds of you finding that one red silver odds of you finding that one red silver dollar is one in 100 quadrillion. dollar is one in 100 quadrillion. dollar is one in 100 quadrillion. That's the odds of Jesus That's the odds of Jesus That's the odds of Jesus fulfilling just eight of the messianic fulfilling just eight of the messianic fulfilling just eight of the messianic prophecies. prophecies. prophecies. But Jesus didn't fulfill just eight of But Jesus didn't fulfill just eight of But Jesus didn't fulfill just eight of the messianic prophecies. the messianic prophecies. the messianic prophecies. He fulfilled over 300. And I don't know if you're a math And I don't know if you're a math person, but that number doesn't fit on person, but that number doesn't fit on person, but that number doesn't fit on the screen. the screen. the screen. that Jesus that Jesus that Jesus would accidentally live a life, talk would accidentally live a life, talk would accidentally live a life, talk about things, do things, rise from the about things, do things, rise from the about things, do things, rise from the dead accidentally, and just so happened dead accidentally, and just so happened dead accidentally, and just so happened to fulfill over 300 prophecies.

to fulfill over 300 prophecies. to fulfill over 300 prophecies. Again, you may not be convinced that Again, you may not be convinced that Again, you may not be convinced that it's true, but I am more convinced than it's true, but I am more convinced than it's true, but I am more convinced than ever. Now, before we move on, here's ever. Now, before we move on, here's ever. Now, before we move on, here's what I know. There's some of you that what I know. There's some of you that what I know. There's some of you that you're sitting there and you're like, you're sitting there and you're like, you're sitting there and you're like, "Steve, I want to believe it's true. I "Steve, I want to believe it's true. I "Steve, I want to believe it's true. I just got all the whatabouts." just got all the whatabouts." just got all the whatabouts." Like, you know, what about the missing Like, you know, what about the missing Like, you know, what about the missing gospels? and you know, um, what about gospels? and you know, um, what about gospels? and you know, um, what about the textual, you know, variance and all the textual, you know, variance and all the textual, you know, variance and all those things? That's great. I've had those things? That's great. I've had those things? That's great. I've had those whatabouts, too. So, here's here's those whatabouts, too. So, here's here's those whatabouts, too. So, here's here's what I want to invite you to do. If what I want to invite you to do. If what I want to invite you to do. If you're here and you want to believe it's you're here and you want to believe it's you're here and you want to believe it's true, but you're just struggling because true, but you're just struggling because true, but you're just struggling because you don't think it's true. You look at you don't think it's true. You look at you don't think it's true. You look at it like a fairy tale, but you want help. it like a fairy tale, but you want help. it like a fairy tale, but you want help. Here's what I'm going to invite you to Here's what I'm going to invite you to Here's what I'm going to invite you to do, and I'm so serious about this. I do, and I'm so serious about this. I do, and I'm so serious about this. I want you to email me. Okay? That's my want you to email me. Okay? That's my want you to email me. Okay? That's my actual email address, actual email address, actual email address, steve.waltonstone.com. steve.waltonstone.com. steve.waltonstone.com. If if if if you want help believing that If if if if you want help believing that If if if if you want help believing that this is true, then email me, okay? this is true, then email me, okay? this is true, then email me, okay? Because I am. So, by the way, only email Because I am. So, by the way, only email Because I am. So, by the way, only email me if you're like dead serious about me if you're like dead serious about me if you're like dead serious about this. Cuz here's what I'm going to do. this. Cuz here's what I'm going to do. this. Cuz here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to give you homework. I'm I'm going to give you homework. I'm I'm going to give you homework. I'm going to give you the same books that going to give you the same books that going to give you the same books that I've read. I'm going to give you the I'm I've read. I'm going to give you the I'm I've read. I'm going to give you the I'm going to give you the same videos that going to give you the same videos that going to give you the same videos that I've watched, the same doubts that I've I've watched, the same doubts that I've I've watched, the same doubts that I've had that have been overcome by the had that have been overcome by the had that have been overcome by the evidence. I'm going to give those to evidence. I'm going to give those to evidence. I'm going to give those to you. So, only email me if you're you. So, only email me if you're you. So, only email me if you're serious. if you're trying to overcome serious. if you're trying to overcome serious. if you're trying to overcome your own belief in this book. And for your own belief in this book. And for your own belief in this book. And for everyone else, please don't email me.

everyone else, please don't email me. everyone else, please don't email me. Okay? So, I'm taking a risk here. Uh I Okay? So, I'm taking a risk here. Uh I Okay? So, I'm taking a risk here. Uh I want to keep the inbox, like truly, I want to keep the inbox, like truly, I want to keep the inbox, like truly, I want to keep the inbox available for want to keep the inbox available for want to keep the inbox available for you. Even if you're watching this you. Even if you're watching this you. Even if you're watching this online, you don't even go to our church. online, you don't even go to our church. online, you don't even go to our church. If you have serious questions and you're If you have serious questions and you're If you have serious questions and you're willing to do homework, email me. willing to do homework, email me. willing to do homework, email me. And when you email me and when I give And when you email me and when I give And when you email me and when I give you those resources, what I hope you you those resources, what I hope you you those resources, what I hope you discover is what I've discovered, which discover is what I've discovered, which discover is what I've discovered, which is it's his love letter and it is true. is it's his love letter and it is true. is it's his love letter and it is true. And when you discover that it's true, And when you discover that it's true, And when you discover that it's true, you'll soon discover you'll soon discover you'll soon discover that it's powerful. There's a uh there's a moment in the There's a uh there's a moment in the life of Jesus from 2,000 years ago when life of Jesus from 2,000 years ago when life of Jesus from 2,000 years ago when Jesus was tempted by Satan himself. Some Jesus was tempted by Satan himself. Some Jesus was tempted by Satan himself. Some of you might remember this. Jesus uh was of you might remember this. Jesus uh was of you might remember this. Jesus uh was fasting for 40 days. By the way, as a fasting for 40 days. By the way, as a fasting for 40 days. By the way, as a church, we're going to be fasting church, we're going to be fasting church, we're going to be fasting together. Don't worry, not for 40 days. together. Don't worry, not for 40 days. together. Don't worry, not for 40 days. We're just going to fast for 3 days. We're just going to fast for 3 days. We're just going to fast for 3 days. Okay? So, fasting for 3 days. But Jesus Okay? So, fasting for 3 days. But Jesus Okay? So, fasting for 3 days. But Jesus fasted for 40 days, which means he was fasted for 40 days, which means he was fasted for 40 days, which means he was hungry. He was overwhelmed. He was at hungry. He was overwhelmed. He was at hungry. He was overwhelmed. He was at his lowest. And then he wasn't tempted his lowest. And then he wasn't tempted his lowest. And then he wasn't tempted by just anyone. He was tempted by Satan by just anyone. He was tempted by Satan by just anyone. He was tempted by Satan himself.

himself. himself. So, here's Jesus hungry and at his So, here's Jesus hungry and at his So, here's Jesus hungry and at his lowest. lowest. lowest. And you got to remember that Jesus Jesus is son of God and King of Kings. Jesus is son of God and King of Kings. He's got all the angel armies available He's got all the angel armies available He's got all the angel armies available to him to attack Satan. He's got legions to him to attack Satan. He's got legions to him to attack Satan. He's got legions of armies that he can sick on Satan if of armies that he can sick on Satan if of armies that he can sick on Satan if he wants to. He's got every heavenly he wants to. He's got every heavenly he wants to. He's got every heavenly weapon available. And when Jesus is at weapon available. And when Jesus is at weapon available. And when Jesus is at his lowest and he is tempted by Satan his lowest and he is tempted by Satan his lowest and he is tempted by Satan himself, how does Jesus respond? himself, how does Jesus respond? himself, how does Jesus respond? That's right. Jesus answered, "It is That's right. Jesus answered, "It is That's right. Jesus answered, "It is written." Don't miss this. written." Don't miss this. written." Don't miss this. Jesus Jesus Jesus had the arsenal of heaven at his had the arsenal of heaven at his had the arsenal of heaven at his disposal. disposal. disposal. And the weapon that he chose is the same And the weapon that he chose is the same And the weapon that he chose is the same weapon you've got in your hands right weapon you've got in your hands right weapon you've got in your hands right now. That's how powerful this thing is. now. That's how powerful this thing is. now. That's how powerful this thing is. In fact, Jesus not only quoted the Bible, he Jesus not only quoted the Bible, he quoted a Bible verse about the Bible.

quoted a Bible verse about the Bible. quoted a Bible verse about the Bible. This is amazing. He says, "Man shall not This is amazing. He says, "Man shall not This is amazing. He says, "Man shall not live on bread alone," which means live on bread alone," which means live on bread alone," which means bread's really good. But let me tell you bread's really good. But let me tell you bread's really good. But let me tell you something that's better. But on every something that's better. But on every something that's better. But on every word that comes from the mouth of God. word that comes from the mouth of God. word that comes from the mouth of God. These are the words of God to you. This These are the words of God to you. This These are the words of God to you. This is his love letter to you. And Jesus is his love letter to you. And Jesus is his love letter to you. And Jesus even referenced it. And then Satan even referenced it. And then Satan even referenced it. And then Satan attacked again. And you know what he attacked again. And you know what he attacked again. And you know what he said? It is written. And he quoted the said? It is written. And he quoted the said? It is written. And he quoted the Bible again. Satan attacked him again. Bible again. Satan attacked him again. Bible again. Satan attacked him again. It is written. And after the third time It is written. And after the third time It is written. And after the third time that Jesus said it is written, Jesus that Jesus said it is written, Jesus that Jesus said it is written, Jesus quoted the Bible and Satan fled. quoted the Bible and Satan fled. quoted the Bible and Satan fled. Then Then Then [applause] [applause] [applause] and then Peter quotes the Bible and and then Peter quotes the Bible and and then Peter quotes the Bible and 3,000 people get saved. 3,000 people get saved. 3,000 people get saved. That's why we as a church quote the That's why we as a church quote the That's why we as a church quote the Bible. We are a Bible preaching, Bible Bible. We are a Bible preaching, Bible Bible. We are a Bible preaching, Bible teaching, Bible believing church because teaching, Bible believing church because teaching, Bible believing church because we think this is more than just some we think this is more than just some we think this is more than just some random notes, some random words on a random notes, some random words on a random notes, some random words on a page. This is God's love letter to you. page. This is God's love letter to you. page. This is God's love letter to you. It is true and it is powerful. That's It is true and it is powerful. That's It is true and it is powerful. That's why if we're at the movies, yes, we're why if we're at the movies, yes, we're why if we're at the movies, yes, we're going to show some movie clips. It's going to show some movie clips. It's going to show some movie clips. It's going to be great. We're going to show a going to be great. We're going to show a going to be great. We're going to show a little movie clip and then guess what little movie clip and then guess what little movie clip and then guess what we're going to do? Bible. We're going to we're going to do? Bible. We're going to we're going to do? Bible. We're going to quote the Bible because that's who we quote the Bible because that's who we quote the Bible because that's who we are as a church and that's who the early are as a church and that's who the early are as a church and that's who the early church was. In fact, this is so cool.

church was. In fact, this is so cool. church was. In fact, this is so cool. When Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, When Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, When Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, when he tried to sum up what God was when he tried to sum up what God was when he tried to sum up what God was doing, doing, doing, here's how he summed up the move of God. here's how he summed up the move of God. here's how he summed up the move of God. He said this, they being all the He said this, they being all the He said this, they being all the disciples and all the apostles and all disciples and all the apostles and all disciples and all the apostles and all the early believers, they devoted the early believers, they devoted the early believers, they devoted themselves. themselves. themselves. This was their first priority. This was This was their first priority. This was This was their first priority. This was the main thing that they went after. And the main thing that they went after. And the main thing that they went after. And here's what it was here's what it was here's what it was to the apostles teaching. to the apostles teaching. to the apostles teaching. What is the apostles teaching? Well, as What is the apostles teaching? Well, as What is the apostles teaching? Well, as we've already seen, when they taught, we've already seen, when they taught, we've already seen, when they taught, they quoted the Old Testament. Not only they quoted the Old Testament. Not only they quoted the Old Testament. Not only that, they actually wrote letters. And that, they actually wrote letters. And that, they actually wrote letters. And do you know what those letters are now? do you know what those letters are now? do you know what those letters are now? The New Testament. The New Testament. The New Testament. Do you know that every single letter Do you know that every single letter Do you know that every single letter that an apostle [music] wrote that we that an apostle [music] wrote that we that an apostle [music] wrote that we have access to is in the New Testament. have access to is in the New Testament. have access to is in the New Testament. And some of you might be like,"Well, And some of you might be like,"Well, And some of you might be like,"Well, what about, you know, email me, [music] what about, you know, email me, [music] what about, you know, email me, [music] steve.waltonstone.com." steve.waltonstone.com." steve.waltonstone.com." I've asked the same questions. And you I've asked the same questions. And you I've asked the same questions. And you know what? I've discovered this is true. know what? I've discovered this is true. know what? I've discovered this is true. And the apostles teaching is the Old And the apostles teaching is the Old And the apostles teaching is the Old Testament and the New Testament. In Testament and the New Testament. In Testament and the New Testament. In other words, they devoted themselves to other words, they devoted themselves to other words, they devoted themselves to the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, to fellowship, which we're going to talk to fellowship, which we're going to talk to fellowship, which we're going to talk about next week, breaking of bread, and about next week, breaking of bread, and about next week, breaking of bread, and then to prayer, which we talked about then to prayer, which we talked about then to prayer, which we talked about last week. They centered their lives on last week. They centered their lives on last week. They centered their lives on it because they knew that this wasn't it because they knew that this wasn't it because they knew that this wasn't just some random book. That this is just some random book. That this is just some random book. That this is God's love letter, God's message to you.

God's love letter, God's message to you. God's love letter, God's message to you. And it is true and it is powerful. And And it is true and it is powerful. And And it is true and it is powerful. And I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm telling you over and over again, I've telling you over and over again, I've telling you over and over again, I've seen how this book is powerful in my seen how this book is powerful in my seen how this book is powerful in my life. life. life. It's not because it's a random book. It's not because it's a random book. It's not because it's a random book. It's because it's God's word It's because it's God's word It's because it's God's word to me. to me. to me. You know, I grew up going to church and You know, I grew up going to church and You know, I grew up going to church and I memorized scripture as a kid just I memorized scripture as a kid just I memorized scripture as a kid just [music] cuz I had to. You know, it was [music] cuz I had to. You know, it was [music] cuz I had to. You know, it was like Bible drill and you get a brownie like Bible drill and you get a brownie like Bible drill and you get a brownie point or whatever. But then it would, point or whatever. But then it would, point or whatever. But then it would, you know, in one ear, out the other and you know, in one ear, out the other and you know, in one ear, out the other and I just forgot about it. But I'll never I just forgot about it. But I'll never I just forgot about it. But I'll never forget the very first verse I ever forget the very first verse I ever forget the very first verse I ever memorized cuz I wanted to. I was a memorized cuz I wanted to. I was a memorized cuz I wanted to. I was a junior in high school and I was junior in high school and I was junior in high school and I was overwhelmed by all the AP classes and overwhelmed by all the AP classes and overwhelmed by all the AP classes and college prep and tests and college prep and tests and college prep and tests and extracurricular stuff. And by the way, extracurricular stuff. And by the way, extracurricular stuff. And by the way, if you're like an adult now, you're if you're like an adult now, you're if you're like an adult now, you're probably like, "You didn't have any probably like, "You didn't have any probably like, "You didn't have any pressure." Okay, when you're 17 years pressure." Okay, when you're 17 years pressure." Okay, when you're 17 years old, it sure feels like a lot of old, it sure feels like a lot of old, it sure feels like a lot of pressure. pressure. pressure. And I remember I just finished like a And I remember I just finished like a And I remember I just finished like a homework assignment or a test that was homework assignment or a test that was homework assignment or a test that was like or, you know, a project that was like or, you know, a project that was like or, you know, a project that was due the next day and it's so late, but I due the next day and it's so late, but I due the next day and it's so late, but I just felt like I should probably read just felt like I should probably read just felt like I should probably read the Bible. And so I was reading through the Bible. And so I was reading through the Bible. And so I was reading through the book of Colossians and I get to the book of Colossians and I get to the book of Colossians and I get to Colossians 1:29 and I'm barely able to, Colossians 1:29 and I'm barely able to, Colossians 1:29 and I'm barely able to, you know, I'm in my little bedroom, you you know, I'm in my little bedroom, you you know, I'm in my little bedroom, you know, on my bed. I'm reading Colossians know, on my bed. I'm reading Colossians know, on my bed. I'm reading Colossians 1:29. And Colossians 1:29 [music] said, 1:29. And Colossians 1:29 [music] said, 1:29. And Colossians 1:29 [music] said, "To this end I labor." And I went, "Hold "To this end I labor." And I went, "Hold "To this end I labor." And I went, "Hold up. I feel like I'm laboring." The very up. I feel like I'm laboring." The very up. I feel like I'm laboring." The very next word, "Struggling." And I'm like, next word, "Struggling." And I'm like, next word, "Struggling." And I'm like, "Bro, me too. Struggling." Then it says "Bro, me too. Struggling." Then it says "Bro, me too. Struggling." Then it says this, "Struggling with all his energy."

this, "Struggling with all his energy." this, "Struggling with all his energy." And I went, "God, I need that." And then And I went, "God, I need that." And then And I went, "God, I need that." And then it said, "It so powerfully works in me." it said, "It so powerfully works in me." it said, "It so powerfully works in me." And I remember reading that verse and it And I remember reading that verse and it And I remember reading that verse and it was like the words leaped off the page. was like the words leaped off the page. was like the words leaped off the page. And I was like, "God, if that's true, I And I was like, "God, if that's true, I And I was like, "God, if that's true, I need access to that right now." now. And need access to that right now." now. And need access to that right now." now. And it felt like God saw me in that moment it felt like God saw me in that moment it felt like God saw me in that moment overwhelmed and he was speaking to me overwhelmed and he was speaking to me overwhelmed and he was speaking to me and I said, "God, I got to I got to have and I said, "God, I got to I got to have and I said, "God, I got to I got to have this in my life." And so I started this in my life." And so I started this in my life." And so I started committing it to memory. I was like, committing it to memory. I was like, committing it to memory. I was like, "Okay, to this end I labor. To this end "Okay, to this end I labor. To this end "Okay, to this end I labor. To this end I labor. To this end I labor." I labor. To this end I labor." I labor. To this end I labor." Struggling with all his struggling with Struggling with all his struggling with Struggling with all his struggling with all his energy. And I memorized it cuz I all his energy. And I memorized it cuz I all his energy. And I memorized it cuz I needed it cuz it was true and it was needed it cuz it was true and it was needed it cuz it was true and it was powerful and God was talking to me just powerful and God was talking to me just powerful and God was talking to me just like he wants to talk to you. I remember like he wants to talk to you. I remember like he wants to talk to you. I remember being a junior in college. I got a phone being a junior in college. I got a phone being a junior in college. I got a phone call from my mom that completely rocked call from my mom that completely rocked call from my mom that completely rocked my world. She called me and she let me my world. She called me and she let me my world. She called me and she let me know that my dad had just been admitted know that my dad had just been admitted know that my dad had just been admitted to a psychiatric ward. to a psychiatric ward. to a psychiatric ward. And there is absolutely no way to And there is absolutely no way to And there is absolutely no way to prepare for that. prepare for that. prepare for that. I just remember getting the phone call I just remember getting the phone call I just remember getting the phone call and I felt numb and I felt overwhelmed. and I felt numb and I felt overwhelmed. and I felt numb and I felt overwhelmed. I didn't like I didn't know what to I didn't like I didn't know what to I didn't like I didn't know what to pray. I [music] didn't know what to pray. I [music] didn't know what to pray. I [music] didn't know what to think. I didn't know what to do.

That was a Friday. And I remember I was That was a Friday. And I remember I was just carrying that all weekend. And I just carrying that all weekend. And I just carrying that all weekend. And I get to church on Sunday and I find out get to church on Sunday and I find out get to church on Sunday and I find out that Sunday that the pastor was walking that Sunday that the pastor was walking that Sunday that the pastor was walking through a series on the book of Numbers. through a series on the book of Numbers. through a series on the book of Numbers. And I remember thinking, And I remember thinking, And I remember thinking, Numbers, Numbers, Numbers, really, God? really, God? really, God? I just got a call that turned my world I just got a call that turned my world I just got a call that turned my world upside down. And now you're going to upside down. And now you're going to upside down. And now you're going to have the pastor talk about numbers like, have the pastor talk about numbers like, have the pastor talk about numbers like, "God, are you I thought this was your "God, are you I thought this was your "God, are you I thought this was your word. I thought you were going to talk word. I thought you were going to talk word. I thought you were going to talk to me today because I could really use to me today because I could really use to me today because I could really use your voice in my life." And you're going your voice in my life." And you're going your voice in my life." And you're going to have the book of Numbers. Are you to have the book of Numbers. Are you to have the book of Numbers. Are you kidding me? And he starts talking about kidding me? And he starts talking about kidding me? And he starts talking about Numbers 11. That was the chapter we were Numbers 11. That was the chapter we were Numbers 11. That was the chapter we were in that day. And it was this moment when in that day. And it was this moment when in that day. And it was this moment when Moses doubted that God could do what he Moses doubted that God could do what he Moses doubted that God could do what he said he could do. And so God asked a said he could do. And so God asked a said he could do. And so God asked a question of Moses. And it was Numbers question of Moses. And it was Numbers question of Moses. And it was Numbers 11:23. That's where the question was. 11:23. That's where the question was. 11:23. That's where the question was. And I remember hearing this question and And I remember hearing this question and And I remember hearing this question and in that moment it wasn't just God asking in that moment it wasn't just God asking in that moment it wasn't just God asking Moses a question. It was God asking me a Moses a question. It was God asking me a Moses a question. It was God asking me a question in Numbers 11:23 said this is question in Numbers 11:23 said this is question in Numbers 11:23 said this is the arm of the Lord too short to save.

the arm of the Lord too short to save. the arm of the Lord too short to save. In other words, Steve, In other words, Steve, In other words, Steve, do you not [music] think I can do do you not [music] think I can do do you not [music] think I can do something about this? And I remember sitting there on that pew And I remember sitting there on that pew in the book of numbers of all places. in the book of numbers of all places. in the book of numbers of all places. And it was like God was shouting at me. And it was like God was shouting at me. And it was like God was shouting at me. It's my letter to you. I see you, I need his word in parenting because I need his word in parenting because sometimes I don't know what to do. But sometimes I don't know what to do. But sometimes I don't know what to do. But he wrote me a letter and he wanted to he wrote me a letter and he wanted to he wrote me a letter and he wanted to help me and he wanted to encourage me help me and he wanted to encourage me help me and he wanted to encourage me and he wanted to challenge me because and he wanted to challenge me because and he wanted to challenge me because sometimes what I don't know what to do sometimes what I don't know what to do sometimes what I don't know what to do is what's already messed up inside of is what's already messed up inside of is what's already messed up inside of me. It's like I remember struggling with me. It's like I remember struggling with me. It's like I remember struggling with lust and I get to first Corinthians lust and I get to first Corinthians lust and I get to first Corinthians chapter 6 and it says flee from sexual chapter 6 and it says flee from sexual chapter 6 and it says flee from sexual immorality. You got to run from that immorality. You got to run from that immorality. You got to run from that stuff. Don't get anywhere near it. I stuff. Don't get anywhere near it. I stuff. Don't get anywhere near it. I remember struggling with lying and I was remember struggling with lying and I was remember struggling with lying and I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew. I reading through the Gospel of Matthew. I reading through the Gospel of Matthew. I think it's in Matthew chapter 5 when think it's in Matthew chapter 5 when think it's in Matthew chapter 5 when Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes and Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes and Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes and your no be no." And I remember reading your no be no." And I remember reading your no be no." And I remember reading the verse going, I think I'm good, God.

the verse going, I think I'm good, God. the verse going, I think I'm good, God. And God was like, you should read that And God was like, you should read that And God was like, you should read that verse again. And so I was like, all verse again. And so I was like, all verse again. And so I was like, all right. So I read the verse, yes be yes, right. So I read the verse, yes be yes, right. So I read the verse, yes be yes, no be no. And then in that moment, it no be no. And then in that moment, it no be no. And then in that moment, it was like the Holy Spirit illuminated was like the Holy Spirit illuminated was like the Holy Spirit illuminated that verse and said, Steve, sometimes that verse and said, Steve, sometimes that verse and said, Steve, sometimes your yes is no, and your no is yes. And your yes is no, and your no is yes. And your yes is no, and your no is yes. And no one else knows about it, but I do. no one else knows about it, but I do. no one else knows about it, but I do. And it was his word. And it was his word. And it was his word. And I need it. And I need it. And I need it. And you need it because it's true. And you need it because it's true. And you need it because it's true. And it is powerful. But listen church, And it is powerful. But listen church, And it is powerful. But listen church, and you may not like me for this. and you may not like me for this. and you may not like me for this. It's only powerful if you read it. >> This does me no good sitting on the >> This does me no good sitting on the shelf collecting dust. It's still God's shelf collecting dust. It's still God's shelf collecting dust. It's still God's love letter to me. He's still got things love letter to me. He's still got things love letter to me. He's still got things to say to me. He still want to helps me. to say to me. He still want to helps me. to say to me. He still want to helps me. He still wants to comfort me. He still He still wants to comfort me. He still He still wants to comfort me. He still wants to convict me. But if I'm not wants to convict me. But if I'm not wants to convict me. But if I'm not listening to his word, if I'm not listening to his word, if I'm not listening to his word, if I'm not reading his love letter, it does me no reading his love letter, it does me no reading his love letter, it does me no good. good. good. And so maybe today, And so maybe today, And so maybe today, maybe today is a day where we just maybe today is a day where we just maybe today is a day where we just repent together. Cuz maybe, listen, this repent together. Cuz maybe, listen, this repent together. Cuz maybe, listen, this isn't just for you. This is for me, too.

isn't just for you. This is for me, too. isn't just for you. This is for me, too. Where am I living my life not devoted to Where am I living my life not devoted to Where am I living my life not devoted to the word of God? the word of God? the word of God? Maybe today is a day to repent, to Maybe today is a day to repent, to Maybe today is a day to repent, to change our minds about how we view the change our minds about how we view the change our minds about how we view the Bible. Maybe today we repent and we say, Bible. Maybe today we repent and we say, Bible. Maybe today we repent and we say, "God, I used to, you know, view your "God, I used to, you know, view your "God, I used to, you know, view your Bible as some rules book. I don't want Bible as some rules book. I don't want Bible as some rules book. I don't want to view it that way anymore. It's your to view it that way anymore. It's your to view it that way anymore. It's your love letter to me. God, I repent. I want love letter to me. God, I repent. I want love letter to me. God, I repent. I want to know your word. I used to view it to know your word. I used to view it to know your word. I used to view it like it was some madeup fairy tale, but like it was some madeup fairy tale, but like it was some madeup fairy tale, but God, you're starting to show me that God, you're starting to show me that God, you're starting to show me that it's true. I want to see it as your true it's true. I want to see it as your true it's true. I want to see it as your true love letter to me. I used to, you know, love letter to me. I used to, you know, love letter to me. I used to, you know, look at it like an instruction manual, look at it like an instruction manual, look at it like an instruction manual, and I just dumbed it down. and I never and I just dumbed it down. and I never and I just dumbed it down. and I never saw that you were wanting to talk to me. saw that you were wanting to talk to me. saw that you were wanting to talk to me. God, I repent and I want to know your God, I repent and I want to know your God, I repent and I want to know your word. word. word. And so right now here and at every And so right now here and at every And so right now here and at every campus, we're going to have a moment. campus, we're going to have a moment. campus, we're going to have a moment. A moment where maybe you need to tell A moment where maybe you need to tell A moment where maybe you need to tell God, "God, I'm sorry for the way that God, "God, I'm sorry for the way that God, "God, I'm sorry for the way that I've looked at your word I've looked at your word I've looked at your word because I need it." because I need it." because I need it." So stay in this moment. But here's what So stay in this moment. But here's what So stay in this moment. But here's what I want you to do here and at every I want you to do here and at every I want you to do here and at every campus. I want everyone to stand up and band. You can go ahead and load here and band. You can go ahead and load here and at every campus prayer teams, you and at every campus prayer teams, you and at every campus prayer teams, you can go ahead and stand down front can go ahead and stand down front can go ahead and stand down front because we're going to have a moment to because we're going to have a moment to because we're going to have a moment to respond.

This is the moment where we [music] This is the moment where we [music] sing, bring pray. In just a moment, sing, bring pray. In just a moment, sing, bring pray. In just a moment, we're going to sing. And for some of we're going to sing. And for some of we're going to sing. And for some of you, you're gonna you're just going to you, you're gonna you're just going to you, you're gonna you're just going to sing God's word back to him. Do you know sing God's word back to him. Do you know sing God's word back to him. Do you know so many of the songs that we sing are so many of the songs that we sing are so many of the songs that we sing are based in scripture? You're just singing based in scripture? You're just singing based in scripture? You're just singing his word back to him. Some of you, you his word back to him. Some of you, you his word back to him. Some of you, you need to bring. This is your chance to need to bring. This is your chance to need to bring. This is your chance to honor God with your first and your best. honor God with your first and your best. honor God with your first and your best. Which, by the way, talks about it in Which, by the way, talks about it in Which, by the way, talks about it in scripture that God's inviting you to scripture that God's inviting you to scripture that God's inviting you to trust him. Some of you give online. This trust him. Some of you give online. This trust him. Some of you give online. This is a moment to just go, God, I'm is a moment to just go, God, I'm is a moment to just go, God, I'm committed to you. You get my first and committed to you. You get my first and committed to you. You get my first and best. But I want to hang out here for a best. But I want to hang out here for a best. But I want to hang out here for a second because I think for a lot of us, second because I think for a lot of us, second because I think for a lot of us, we need to pray. we need to pray. we need to pray. I think for a lot of us, this is a I think for a lot of us, this is a I think for a lot of us, this is a moment of repentance moment of repentance moment of repentance where we say, "God, where we say, "God, where we say, "God, I need your help." I need your help." I need your help." And so, here's what I'm going to invite And so, here's what I'm going to invite And so, here's what I'm going to invite you to do before we sing. I'm going to you to do before we sing. I'm going to you to do before we sing. I'm going to invite you right now. If you know you invite you right now. If you know you invite you right now. If you know you need to repent, if you know you need to need to repent, if you know you need to need to repent, if you know you need to change the way that you view God's word, change the way that you view God's word, change the way that you view God's word, one of the best things you can do is one of the best things you can do is one of the best things you can do is physically move. Like out of your seat, physically move. Like out of your seat, physically move. Like out of your seat, come down front. We got prayer team come down front. We got prayer team come down front. We got prayer team ready to pray with you. Maybe you go up ready to pray with you. Maybe you go up ready to pray with you. Maybe you go up to them. Maybe you bring your Bible with to them. Maybe you bring your Bible with to them. Maybe you bring your Bible with you and you go, "Hey, I want to change you and you go, "Hey, I want to change you and you go, "Hey, I want to change the way I view this. Would you pray for the way I view this. Would you pray for the way I view this. Would you pray for me?" Maybe for some of you, you kneel me?" Maybe for some of you, you kneel me?" Maybe for some of you, you kneel down front and say, "God, I've neglected down front and say, "God, I've neglected down front and say, "God, I've neglected your word. I don't want to neglect your your word. I don't want to neglect your your word. I don't want to neglect your word anymore. I need it. I need it as a word anymore. I need it. I need it as a word anymore. I need it. I need it as a mom. I need it as a dad. I need it as a mom. I need it as a dad. I need it as a mom. I need it as a dad. I need it as a student. I need it when I'm overwhelmed.

student. I need it when I'm overwhelmed. student. I need it when I'm overwhelmed. I need it when I when I when I struggle I need it when I when I when I struggle I need it when I when I when I struggle with my own self-worth. Cuz God, I'm not with my own self-worth. Cuz God, I'm not with my own self-worth. Cuz God, I'm not reading your love letter to me about how reading your love letter to me about how reading your love letter to me about how you view me." So right now, and listen, you view me." So right now, and listen, you view me." So right now, and listen, I'm talking to you Buford. I'm talking I'm talking to you Buford. I'm talking I'm talking to you Buford. I'm talking to you, Hamilton Mill, you can start to you, Hamilton Mill, you can start to you, Hamilton Mill, you can start moving right now. Lawrenceville, right moving right now. Lawrenceville, right moving right now. Lawrenceville, right now, you can start moving. Brazleton, now, you can start moving. Brazleton, now, you can start moving. Brazleton, you can start moving. This is your you can start moving. This is your you can start moving. This is your chance to confess and repent and say, chance to confess and repent and say, chance to confess and repent and say, "God, I am sorry for the way that I "God, I am sorry for the way that I "God, I am sorry for the way that I viewed your word. I need your word in my viewed your word. I need your word in my viewed your word. I need your word in my life. I'm done trying to do this thing life. I'm done trying to do this thing life. I'm done trying to do this thing on my own. I need your word. I need you on my own. I need your word. I need you on my own. I need your word. I need you to speak to me." to speak to me." to speak to me." And so, right now, as we're already And so, right now, as we're already And so, right now, as we're already doing, you just respond. doing, you just respond. doing, you just respond. You say, "God, I need your help. I need You say, "God, I need your help. I need You say, "God, I need your help. I need your voice in my life. your voice in my life. your voice in my life. I need your word. I need your word. I need your word. So now you respond as you're already So now you respond as you're already So now you respond as you're already doing. [music] Just respond. Sing, doing. [music] Just respond. Sing, doing. [music] Just respond. Sing, bring, pray, bring, pray, bring, pray, repent, repent, repent, and respond.