Why Don't I Want To Pray? | 12Stone Church

Before we jump in, I heard a a bunch of Before we jump in, I heard a a bunch of responses from y'all. How many of you at responses from y'all. How many of you at responses from y'all. How many of you at some point from last Sunday till now some point from last Sunday till now some point from last Sunday till now have used a smoker to smoke meat in the have used a smoker to smoke meat in the have used a smoker to smoke meat in the last week? You got hungry last Sunday. last week? You got hungry last Sunday. last week? You got hungry last Sunday. All right, anyone? I'm just curious here All right, anyone? I'm just curious here All right, anyone? I'm just curious here in Across Kansas. Did anyone leave and in Across Kansas. Did anyone leave and in Across Kansas. Did anyone leave and purchase a smoker? You didn't have one. purchase a smoker? You didn't have one. purchase a smoker? You didn't have one. You purchased one. Hand up somebody. I You purchased one. Hand up somebody. I You purchased one. Hand up somebody. I got a text from at least one wife that got a text from at least one wife that got a text from at least one wife that said, "Thanks for that. My husband now said, "Thanks for that. My husband now said, "Thanks for that. My husband now has permission to get a smoker." has permission to get a smoker." has permission to get a smoker." We're glad you're here. That's not our We're glad you're here. That's not our We're glad you're here. That's not our main goal is not to get you to purchase main goal is not to get you to purchase main goal is not to get you to purchase a backyard cooking piece of equipment. a backyard cooking piece of equipment. a backyard cooking piece of equipment. Our goal is this. In this season of Our goal is this. In this season of Our goal is this. In this season of August, we're raising the spiritual August, we're raising the spiritual August, we're raising the spiritual temperature around here. And if you are temperature around here. And if you are temperature around here. And if you are new to church or newer to church or new to church or newer to church or new to church or newer to church or maybe you're returning to church after a maybe you're returning to church after a maybe you're returning to church after a long time, this is a really great season long time, this is a really great season long time, this is a really great season to jump in because as we as we raise the to jump in because as we as we raise the to jump in because as we as we raise the temperature of of what we're pursuing, temperature of of what we're pursuing, temperature of of what we're pursuing, we believe there is more of God to be we believe there is more of God to be we believe there is more of God to be experienced than maybe we have experienced than maybe we have experienced than maybe we have experienced. As we raise that experienced. As we raise that experienced. As we raise that temperature, it's a great time to jump temperature, it's a great time to jump temperature, it's a great time to jump in. In fact, in the month of August, in. In fact, in the month of August, in. In fact, in the month of August, we're doing a few things strategically, we're doing a few things strategically, we're doing a few things strategically, like we started it today. We're opening like we started it today. We're opening like we started it today. We're opening up the worship centers at all the up the worship centers at all the up the worship centers at all the campuses just 10 minutes early. Why? We campuses just 10 minutes early. Why? We campuses just 10 minutes early. Why? We want to create some sacred space for you want to create some sacred space for you want to create some sacred space for you to sort of turn up your own internal to sort of turn up your own internal to sort of turn up your own internal expectation, your own internal expectation, your own internal expectation, your own internal temperature to prepare your own heart.

temperature to prepare your own heart. temperature to prepare your own heart. We're like, the first song is not your We're like, the first song is not your We're like, the first song is not your warm-up band that when the downbeat warm-up band that when the downbeat warm-up band that when the downbeat hits, we're like, "Yes, Jesus, we're hits, we're like, "Yes, Jesus, we're hits, we're like, "Yes, Jesus, we're worshiping. Maybe you want to come and worshiping. Maybe you want to come and worshiping. Maybe you want to come and just be in the presence of God and just be in the presence of God and just be in the presence of God and pray." Why? because we get we get so pray." Why? because we get we get so pray." Why? because we get we get so wrapped up in the stuff around us. Would wrapped up in the stuff around us. Would wrapped up in the stuff around us. Would you just consider those 10 minutes at you just consider those 10 minutes at you just consider those 10 minutes at the beginning before we we even start the beginning before we we even start the beginning before we we even start the service? That's your chance to get the service? That's your chance to get the service? That's your chance to get vertical and get some things lined up. vertical and get some things lined up. vertical and get some things lined up. At the end of every service, we're At the end of every service, we're At the end of every service, we're creating just space. We call it sing, creating just space. We call it sing, creating just space. We call it sing, bring, pray, and we'll make sense of it bring, pray, and we'll make sense of it bring, pray, and we'll make sense of it at the end. Just creating space for you at the end. Just creating space for you at the end. Just creating space for you to engage with your heavenly father. to engage with your heavenly father. to engage with your heavenly father. Why? Because we're so busy. We're Why? Because we're so busy. We're Why? Because we're so busy. We're running. We're moving to the next thing. running. We're moving to the next thing. running. We're moving to the next thing. We're creating those that that space. We're creating those that that space. We're creating those that that space. And as we raise the spiritual And as we raise the spiritual And as we raise the spiritual temperature on Sundays, we want to also temperature on Sundays, we want to also temperature on Sundays, we want to also invite you to engage in this season like invite you to engage in this season like invite you to engage in this season like personally during the week. It's why we personally during the week. It's why we personally during the week. It's why we started a 28-day devotional through the started a 28-day devotional through the started a 28-day devotional through the book of Acts started last week. If you book of Acts started last week. If you book of Acts started last week. If you missed that, you can jump in and start missed that, you can jump in and start missed that, you can jump in and start with us on week two. We got three more with us on week two. We got three more with us on week two. We got three more weeks. And if you you missed that last weeks. And if you you missed that last weeks. And if you you missed that last week and text the word DVO, that's short week and text the word DVO, that's short week and text the word DVO, that's short for devotional. That's a churchy for devotional. That's a churchy for devotional. That's a churchy Christian word for like time in the word Christian word for like time in the word Christian word for like time in the word of God, like in the Bible. Text DVO to of God, like in the Bible. Text DVO to of God, like in the Bible. Text DVO to 37748. We'll send you a link. cannot uh 37748. We'll send you a link. cannot uh 37748. We'll send you a link. cannot uh you can jump in and not miss that. And you can jump in and not miss that. And you can jump in and not miss that. And then at the end of the month, August then at the end of the month, August then at the end of the month, August 23rd, 24th, 25th, we're doing something 23rd, 24th, 25th, we're doing something 23rd, 24th, 25th, we're doing something called revival nights. We're just three called revival nights. We're just three called revival nights. We're just three nights that we're carving out here at nights that we're carving out here at nights that we're carving out here at the Lawrenville campus. Mark your the Lawrenville campus. Mark your the Lawrenville campus. Mark your calendars. We're just going to gather calendars. We're just going to gather calendars. We're just going to gather and say, "God, we want more of you."

and say, "God, we want more of you." and say, "God, we want more of you." Like, God, you're amazing. Our Like, God, you're amazing. Our Like, God, you're amazing. Our experiences with you have been awesome, experiences with you have been awesome, experiences with you have been awesome, but we think there's more. In fact, but we think there's more. In fact, but we think there's more. In fact, we're calling the church up to a we're calling the church up to a we're calling the church up to a three-day liquid fast over those same three-day liquid fast over those same three-day liquid fast over those same dates. dates. dates. Why? Why? Why? because it's an opportunity to take because it's an opportunity to take because it's an opportunity to take authority over the appetites of our authority over the appetites of our authority over the appetites of our flesh and say no. flesh and say no. flesh and say no. It's rare, especially in America, man. It's rare, especially in America, man. It's rare, especially in America, man. We got so many options. It's rare that We got so many options. It's rare that We got so many options. It's rare that we tell our flesh no. And our flesh gets we tell our flesh no. And our flesh gets we tell our flesh no. And our flesh gets really loud. For whatever reason, when I really loud. For whatever reason, when I really loud. For whatever reason, when I fast, I drive by fast food burger places fast, I drive by fast food burger places fast, I drive by fast food burger places and I can smell the burgers on the grill and I can smell the burgers on the grill and I can smell the burgers on the grill like from 100 yards away. Why? My my like from 100 yards away. Why? My my like from 100 yards away. Why? My my flesh is like, "Feed me." And I'm like, flesh is like, "Feed me." And I'm like, flesh is like, "Feed me." And I'm like, "Not now." "Not now." "Not now." Cuz I want I want something that that a Cuz I want I want something that that a Cuz I want I want something that that a food that that that lasts. I want to food that that that lasts. I want to food that that that lasts. I want to drink from the well that I don't get drink from the well that I don't get drink from the well that I don't get thirsty again. I I I want to go after thirsty again. I I I want to go after thirsty again. I I I want to go after the things of God. So, we're taking the things of God. So, we're taking the things of God. So, we're taking authority over our flesh and chasing the authority over our flesh and chasing the authority over our flesh and chasing the more that God has for us. And over the more that God has for us. And over the more that God has for us. And over the the month of August, we're walking the month of August, we're walking the month of August, we're walking through the book of Acts. And I I spent through the book of Acts. And I I spent through the book of Acts. And I I spent a lot of my June walking through the a lot of my June walking through the a lot of my June walking through the book of Acts. It's the account of the book of Acts. It's the account of the book of Acts. It's the account of the early church, the first church, like a early church, the first church, like a early church, the first church, like a bunch of nobodies that just Jesus said, bunch of nobodies that just Jesus said, bunch of nobodies that just Jesus said, "Hey, you follow me." And they followed "Hey, you follow me." And they followed "Hey, you follow me." And they followed him for three years. And then Jesus then him for three years. And then Jesus then him for three years. And then Jesus then ascends back to the right hand of the ascends back to the right hand of the ascends back to the right hand of the father and he says, "You're now the father and he says, "You're now the father and he says, "You're now the church." church and they're like, "What church." church and they're like, "What church." church and they're like, "What do we do?" And we get to watch these do we do?" And we get to watch these do we do?" And we get to watch these nobodies, untrained people begin to nobodies, untrained people begin to nobodies, untrained people begin to carry the kingdom forward. And if you carry the kingdom forward. And if you carry the kingdom forward. And if you read the book of Acts, it's full of read the book of Acts, it's full of read the book of Acts, it's full of amazing moments, man. It's full of like amazing moments, man. It's full of like amazing moments, man. It's full of like people being healed and and and people being healed and and and people being healed and and and thousands of people coming to Christ and thousands of people coming to Christ and thousands of people coming to Christ and being baptized. Like moments where where being baptized. Like moments where where being baptized. Like moments where where they're literally in handcuffs in jail they're literally in handcuffs in jail they're literally in handcuffs in jail and they worship and the handcuffs fall

and they worship and the handcuffs fall and they worship and the handcuffs fall off and they're free. Like what these off and they're free. Like what these off and they're free. Like what these amazing moments through the book of Acts amazing moments through the book of Acts amazing moments through the book of Acts today, we would call those moments like today, we would call those moments like today, we would call those moments like maybe revival. maybe revival. maybe revival. Like revival is just a like a a term Like revival is just a like a a term Like revival is just a like a a term that like means bringing something back that like means bringing something back that like means bringing something back to life. Something that was dead comes to life. Something that was dead comes to life. Something that was dead comes back to life. And when you read the book back to life. And when you read the book back to life. And when you read the book of Acts, those moments are amazing. But of Acts, those moments are amazing. But of Acts, those moments are amazing. But I I could tell you this. I I I I I could tell you this. I I I I I could tell you this. I I I don't discount what God can do in one don't discount what God can do in one don't discount what God can do in one moment. moment. moment. And the same is true for you. I don't And the same is true for you. I don't And the same is true for you. I don't discount what God could do in a moment. discount what God could do in a moment. discount what God could do in a moment. Why? My own family tree was changed in a Why? My own family tree was changed in a Why? My own family tree was changed in a moment. moment. moment. I want to introduce you to my I want to introduce you to my I want to introduce you to my grandfather. Here's a picture grandfather. Here's a picture grandfather. Here's a picture of me, my brother, my dad, my of me, my brother, my dad, my of me, my brother, my dad, my grandfather, and that's my son Luke. grandfather, and that's my son Luke. grandfather, and that's my son Luke. He's now 18 and graduated. I feel old. He's now 18 and graduated. I feel old. He's now 18 and graduated. I feel old. It's four generations of berries right It's four generations of berries right It's four generations of berries right there. I was not supporting his neck. there. I was not supporting his neck. there. I was not supporting his neck. Well, I saw that in the first service. I Well, I saw that in the first service. I Well, I saw that in the first service. I was like, there's going to be a doctor was like, there's going to be a doctor was like, there's going to be a doctor that's like, technically, you got to that's like, technically, you got to that's like, technically, you got to take care of that. take care of that. take care of that. My grandfather's on the right, Atwood My grandfather's on the right, Atwood My grandfather's on the right, Atwood Weldon Berry. Here's a picture of him Weldon Berry. Here's a picture of him Weldon Berry. Here's a picture of him and his wife, which is my grandmother, and his wife, which is my grandmother, and his wife, which is my grandmother, Anna Mayberry.

Anna Mayberry. Anna Mayberry. And he was one of the wisest, most godly And he was one of the wisest, most godly And he was one of the wisest, most godly men I ever knew. He's with Jesus now. men I ever knew. He's with Jesus now. men I ever knew. He's with Jesus now. And I never knew anything but this man And I never knew anything but this man And I never knew anything but this man who only had an eighth grade education, who only had an eighth grade education, who only had an eighth grade education, but had a wisdom that was beyond some of but had a wisdom that was beyond some of but had a wisdom that was beyond some of the most trained people I've ever met. A the most trained people I've ever met. A the most trained people I've ever met. A godliness beyond some of the best godliness beyond some of the best godliness beyond some of the best pastors I've ever known. pastors I've ever known. pastors I've ever known. But it goes back to one moment. But it goes back to one moment. But it goes back to one moment. See, my grandfather and the Berry See, my grandfather and the Berry See, my grandfather and the Berry lineage was not awesome. lineage was not awesome. lineage was not awesome. We were a bunch of horse uh thieves. We were a bunch of horse uh thieves. We were a bunch of horse uh thieves. There were murderers in the Berry There were murderers in the Berry There were murderers in the Berry lineage. Some of you were like, "Uh, I'm lineage. Some of you were like, "Uh, I'm lineage. Some of you were like, "Uh, I'm going to find a new church." I get it. going to find a new church." I get it. going to find a new church." I get it. We weren't great. In fact, my We weren't great. In fact, my We weren't great. In fact, my great-grandfather, so my grandfather's great-grandfather, so my grandfather's great-grandfather, so my grandfather's dad was an alcoholic, beat his wife, my dad was an alcoholic, beat his wife, my dad was an alcoholic, beat his wife, my great-grandmother, and my grandfather great-grandmother, and my grandfather great-grandmother, and my grandfather was following in the footsteps of his was following in the footsteps of his was following in the footsteps of his earthly dad. Hear this. You don't have earthly dad. Hear this. You don't have earthly dad. Hear this. You don't have to follow in the footsteps of your to follow in the footsteps of your to follow in the footsteps of your earthly father. earthly father. earthly father. See, he was walking in the same See, he was walking in the same See, he was walking in the same footsteps until he met Jesus. See, it footsteps until he met Jesus. See, it footsteps until he met Jesus. See, it ran in our family until it ran into him.

ran in our family until it ran into him. ran in our family until it ran into him. And where did it run into him? There's a And where did it run into him? There's a And where did it run into him? There's a tent meeting revival that got brought tent meeting revival that got brought tent meeting revival that got brought into town. Like back in the old school into town. Like back in the old school into town. Like back in the old school days, they used to bring a tent and set days, they used to bring a tent and set days, they used to bring a tent and set it up somewhere and invite everyone from it up somewhere and invite everyone from it up somewhere and invite everyone from the town. They'd preach the gospel and the town. They'd preach the gospel and the town. They'd preach the gospel and people would come to Christ. Well, people would come to Christ. Well, people would come to Christ. Well, someone brought my grandfather there and someone brought my grandfather there and someone brought my grandfather there and he stood in the back of the room, he stood in the back of the room, he stood in the back of the room, hard-hearted, cold man. hard-hearted, cold man. hard-hearted, cold man. And the Holy Spirit brought conviction And the Holy Spirit brought conviction And the Holy Spirit brought conviction of his sins onto his life of his sins onto his life of his sins onto his life and he went forward and bowed his knee and he went forward and bowed his knee and he went forward and bowed his knee to Jesus. And in that moment, our family to Jesus. And in that moment, our family to Jesus. And in that moment, our family tree completely changed. He was freed tree completely changed. He was freed tree completely changed. He was freed from his own sins and addictions. He from his own sins and addictions. He from his own sins and addictions. He found forgiveness in Jesus. He ended up found forgiveness in Jesus. He ended up found forgiveness in Jesus. He ended up leaving the family business, losing his leaving the family business, losing his leaving the family business, losing his inheritance. His own father disowned inheritance. His own father disowned inheritance. His own father disowned him. And he pursued his calling to him. And he pursued his calling to him. And he pursued his calling to ministry that God had for him. And now ministry that God had for him. And now ministry that God had for him. And now from that one moment, he had four sons. from that one moment, he had four sons. from that one moment, he had four sons. three pastors and a dentist. One of the three pastors and a dentist. One of the three pastors and a dentist. One of the pastors was my dad. He had two sons, a pastors was my dad. He had two sons, a pastors was my dad. He had two sons, a pastor. My brother is a dentist. I got pastor. My brother is a dentist. I got pastor. My brother is a dentist. I got three kids. We'll see what happens. three kids. We'll see what happens. three kids. We'll see what happens. Three dentists sounds awesome for my Three dentists sounds awesome for my Three dentists sounds awesome for my future financially.

future financially. future financially. But here's where it all traces back. I I But here's where it all traces back. I I But here's where it all traces back. I I don't discount what God can do in a don't discount what God can do in a don't discount what God can do in a moment. He can transform your life. He moment. He can transform your life. He moment. He can transform your life. He can free you from things. This still can free you from things. This still can free you from things. This still happens. And as we read the book of happens. And as we read the book of happens. And as we read the book of Acts, they're beautiful stories, but Acts, they're beautiful stories, but Acts, they're beautiful stories, but it's more than just that. It still it's more than just that. It still it's more than just that. It still happens today. Same God from the book of happens today. Same God from the book of happens today. Same God from the book of Acts is the same God that wants to Acts is the same God that wants to Acts is the same God that wants to encounter and free and and empower you encounter and free and and empower you encounter and free and and empower you and change you and transform you. But I and change you and transform you. But I and change you and transform you. But I want to be clear. There are three things want to be clear. There are three things want to be clear. There are three things that were true of my grandfather's that were true of my grandfather's that were true of my grandfather's story. And there's three things that are story. And there's three things that are story. And there's three things that are true through the book of Acts. And there true through the book of Acts. And there true through the book of Acts. And there are three things that need to be true are three things that need to be true are three things that need to be true for us as a church and you as an for us as a church and you as an for us as a church and you as an individual. As we climb in the book of individual. As we climb in the book of individual. As we climb in the book of Acts, I want to give you a 30,000 foot Acts, I want to give you a 30,000 foot Acts, I want to give you a 30,000 foot big picture view. And I want to make big picture view. And I want to make big picture view. And I want to make sure we don't miss this. There are three sure we don't miss this. There are three sure we don't miss this. There are three things that all have to be in play. And things that all have to be in play. And things that all have to be in play. And we all tend to lean towards one or two we all tend to lean towards one or two we all tend to lean towards one or two of them. All three of these are at play. of them. All three of these are at play. of them. All three of these are at play. Let me just go through this quick so you Let me just go through this quick so you Let me just go through this quick so you know. What is 12 stone all about? Who know. What is 12 stone all about? Who know. What is 12 stone all about? Who are we? What are we hoping for your are we? What are we hoping for your are we? What are we hoping for your life? These three things. First, life? These three things. First, life? These three things. First, biblical knowledge. biblical knowledge. biblical knowledge. What does that mean? It means we're What does that mean? It means we're What does that mean? It means we're Bible people.

Bible people. Bible people. Like if if God's word said it, we Like if if God's word said it, we Like if if God's word said it, we believe it. Even if culture says that's believe it. Even if culture says that's believe it. Even if culture says that's not uh PC anymore, that's hateful. I'm not uh PC anymore, that's hateful. I'm not uh PC anymore, that's hateful. I'm sorry. I'm not the author. I'm just the sorry. I'm not the author. I'm just the sorry. I'm not the author. I'm just the delivery man. I drive an Amazon truck delivery man. I drive an Amazon truck delivery man. I drive an Amazon truck for Jesus and I'll just bring you the for Jesus and I'll just bring you the for Jesus and I'll just bring you the word. I I I didn't write it. I'm just word. I I I didn't write it. I'm just word. I I I didn't write it. I'm just telling you what it says. We like we telling you what it says. We like we telling you what it says. We like we believe, listen, that that sound believe, listen, that that sound believe, listen, that that sound doctrine and good theology matters. We doctrine and good theology matters. We doctrine and good theology matters. We contend for the faith that that was contend for the faith that that was contend for the faith that that was delivered to the saints and theological delivered to the saints and theological delivered to the saints and theological precision, discerning truth from error, precision, discerning truth from error, precision, discerning truth from error, doctrinal protection, all matters doctrinal protection, all matters doctrinal protection, all matters because the world is shaky. But here's because the world is shaky. But here's because the world is shaky. But here's the tension. If you're just a biblical the tension. If you're just a biblical the tension. If you're just a biblical knowledge person, your drift is towards knowledge person, your drift is towards knowledge person, your drift is towards intellectualism intellectualism intellectualism or listen, you've got right doctrine, or listen, you've got right doctrine, or listen, you've got right doctrine, but you have very little love or grace but you have very little love or grace but you have very little love or grace for people. Careful. But equally, for people. Careful. But equally, for people. Careful. But equally, biblical knowledge. The second one is biblical knowledge. The second one is biblical knowledge. The second one is holy obedience. Meaning this, when you holy obedience. Meaning this, when you holy obedience. Meaning this, when you read God's word, we have to obey it. read God's word, we have to obey it. read God's word, we have to obey it. It's not enough to just go, I agree with It's not enough to just go, I agree with It's not enough to just go, I agree with it intellectually. No, my life bows to it intellectually. No, my life bows to it intellectually. No, my life bows to it. If Jesus is my savior, he's also my it. If Jesus is my savior, he's also my it. If Jesus is my savior, he's also my Lord. and he gets to decide what's good, Lord. and he gets to decide what's good, Lord. and he gets to decide what's good, what's bad, and we obey. It's why we what's bad, and we obey. It's why we what's bad, and we obey. It's why we create space in great parts, sing, create space in great parts, sing, create space in great parts, sing, bring, pray at the end, is for us to bring, pray at the end, is for us to bring, pray at the end, is for us to respond in obedience. We don't just respond in obedience. We don't just respond in obedience. We don't just listen to God's word. We're doers, not listen to God's word. We're doers, not listen to God's word. We're doers, not just hearers. We're doers of God's word.

just hearers. We're doers of God's word. just hearers. We're doers of God's word. And so, we have to have a biblical And so, we have to have a biblical And so, we have to have a biblical knowledge. We have to our lives have to knowledge. We have to our lives have to knowledge. We have to our lives have to live in holy obedience. And third, we live in holy obedience. And third, we live in holy obedience. And third, we believe that that the mark of a believer believe that that the mark of a believer believe that that the mark of a believer is that you have a spiritual intimacy is that you have a spiritual intimacy is that you have a spiritual intimacy with God. We believe you can actually with God. We believe you can actually with God. We believe you can actually know God. Like not just know facts about know God. Like not just know facts about know God. Like not just know facts about him but know him. Like I I I I took him but know him. Like I I I I took him but know him. Like I I I I took history class. I know about Benjamin history class. I know about Benjamin history class. I know about Benjamin Franklin. I don't know Ben Franklin. I Franklin. I don't know Ben Franklin. I Franklin. I don't know Ben Franklin. I know he did the kite right with the key. know he did the kite right with the key. know he did the kite right with the key. That was him. That looks stupid. Is that That was him. That looks stupid. Is that That was him. That looks stupid. Is that Ben Franklin electric? Thank you. Am I Ben Franklin electric? Thank you. Am I Ben Franklin electric? Thank you. Am I seriously am I right? Is that correct? seriously am I right? Is that correct? seriously am I right? Is that correct? Okay. Ben Franklin kite key. They all Okay. Ben Franklin kite key. They all Okay. Ben Franklin kite key. They all look the same. They had wigs. White look the same. They had wigs. White look the same. They had wigs. White dudes. Anyway, I know about him. I don't dudes. Anyway, I know about him. I don't dudes. Anyway, I know about him. I don't know him. We believe you can encounter know him. We believe you can encounter know him. We believe you can encounter and know God. you you can actually have and know God. you you can actually have and know God. you you can actually have a personal relationship with him that a personal relationship with him that a personal relationship with him that that that you you can have because the that that you you can have because the that that you you can have because the Holy Spirit actually takes up residence Holy Spirit actually takes up residence Holy Spirit actually takes up residence in you when you bow the knee to Jesus. in you when you bow the knee to Jesus. in you when you bow the knee to Jesus. You can walk he's as near as your You can walk he's as near as your You can walk he's as near as your breath. breath. breath. Now, here's the problem. Spiritual Now, here's the problem. Spiritual Now, here's the problem. Spiritual intimacy on its own, it produces intimacy on its own, it produces intimacy on its own, it produces emotionalism emotionalism emotionalism where you're chasing a feeling or a vibe where you're chasing a feeling or a vibe where you're chasing a feeling or a vibe where like if I didn't cry, God didn't where like if I didn't cry, God didn't where like if I didn't cry, God didn't move. If I didn't get goosebumps, God move. If I didn't get goosebumps, God move. If I didn't get goosebumps, God didn't do anything. Careful, careful, didn't do anything. Careful, careful, didn't do anything. Careful, careful, careful. Sometimes those things go careful. Sometimes those things go careful. Sometimes those things go together. But careful, we're not chasing together. But careful, we're not chasing together. But careful, we're not chasing an emotion. We're chasing a church and a an emotion. We're chasing a church and a an emotion. We're chasing a church and a people that have a biblical knowledge, people that have a biblical knowledge, people that have a biblical knowledge, good theology, that that have a life good theology, that that have a life good theology, that that have a life that bows to God's word and obedience that bows to God's word and obedience that bows to God's word and obedience and that has an encounter and an and that has an encounter and an and that has an encounter and an experience with God that will change experience with God that will change experience with God that will change everything. And as you walk through the everything. And as you walk through the everything. And as you walk through the book of Acts, you will see all three of book of Acts, you will see all three of book of Acts, you will see all three of these things at play all the time. And

these things at play all the time. And these things at play all the time. And for the month of August, we're going to for the month of August, we're going to for the month of August, we're going to unpack all of them. Today, we're leaning unpack all of them. Today, we're leaning unpack all of them. Today, we're leaning more into the spiritual intimacy lane of more into the spiritual intimacy lane of more into the spiritual intimacy lane of this thing. And hear me, we're not this thing. And hear me, we're not this thing. And hear me, we're not chasing emotionalism. chasing emotionalism. chasing emotionalism. We're chasing God. We're turning up the We're chasing God. We're turning up the We're chasing God. We're turning up the temperature in the life of our church. temperature in the life of our church. temperature in the life of our church. And so, if you want to grab a a Bible And so, if you want to grab a a Bible And so, if you want to grab a a Bible from the worship center, it's going to from the worship center, it's going to from the worship center, it's going to be page 9:35. If you brought one of your be page 9:35. If you brought one of your be page 9:35. If you brought one of your own, we're going to be in Acts chapter own, we're going to be in Acts chapter own, we're going to be in Acts chapter 1. And I want to walk us through a Acts 1. And I want to walk us through a Acts 1. And I want to walk us through a Acts chapter 1 and two. And I want us to see chapter 1 and two. And I want us to see chapter 1 and two. And I want us to see what it looks like as the early church what it looks like as the early church what it looks like as the early church is formed. And like I said, we're going is formed. And like I said, we're going is formed. And like I said, we're going to walk through the story of Acts. But to walk through the story of Acts. But to walk through the story of Acts. But so I can catch you up, let me give you so I can catch you up, let me give you so I can catch you up, let me give you the the the the sort of on the map, the the the the the sort of on the map, the the the the the sort of on the map, the star. You are here on the map of the star. You are here on the map of the star. You are here on the map of the biblical narrative. biblical narrative. biblical narrative. So the New Testament begins, Jesus is So the New Testament begins, Jesus is So the New Testament begins, Jesus is born to the Virgin Mary. He's fully God, born to the Virgin Mary. He's fully God, born to the Virgin Mary. He's fully God, fully man. Don't have time to unpack the fully man. Don't have time to unpack the fully man. Don't have time to unpack the hypothatic union, but you just need to hypothatic union, but you just need to hypothatic union, but you just need to know that it was God and man, 100% of know that it was God and man, 100% of know that it was God and man, 100% of each. And the math doesn't math equally. each. And the math doesn't math equally. each. And the math doesn't math equally. It's because he's Jesus. Second, Jesus It's because he's Jesus. Second, Jesus It's because he's Jesus. Second, Jesus lived the sinless, perfect life that we lived the sinless, perfect life that we lived the sinless, perfect life that we could not live. Then Jesus went to the could not live. Then Jesus went to the could not live. Then Jesus went to the cross and he died on the cross. took cross and he died on the cross. took cross and he died on the cross. took taking the punishment we deserve. Then taking the punishment we deserve. Then taking the punishment we deserve. Then three days later he rose again three days later he rose again three days later he rose again conquering sin and death and he gave us conquering sin and death and he gave us conquering sin and death and he gave us the reward the reward that he bought.

the reward the reward that he bought. the reward the reward that he bought. And then for 40 days after he rose from And then for 40 days after he rose from And then for 40 days after he rose from the dead Jesus began to appear to over the dead Jesus began to appear to over the dead Jesus began to appear to over 500 people. And the book of acts picks 500 people. And the book of acts picks 500 people. And the book of acts picks up in that spot Jesus was crucified up in that spot Jesus was crucified up in that spot Jesus was crucified buried risen again and now he's buried risen again and now he's buried risen again and now he's appearing. Acts 1:3 starts this way. appearing. Acts 1:3 starts this way. appearing. Acts 1:3 starts this way. After his suffering, the risen Jesus's After his suffering, the risen Jesus's After his suffering, the risen Jesus's suffering, he presented himself to them suffering, he presented himself to them suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convicting proofs that he and gave many convicting proofs that he and gave many convicting proofs that he was alive, he appeared to them over a was alive, he appeared to them over a was alive, he appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the period of 40 days and spoke about the period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. And then the very next kingdom of God. And then the very next kingdom of God. And then the very next verse, verse four, Jesus gives them an verse, verse four, Jesus gives them an verse, verse four, Jesus gives them an instruction. He says, "On one occasion, instruction. He says, "On one occasion, instruction. He says, "On one occasion, while he, the risen Jesus, was eating while he, the risen Jesus, was eating while he, the risen Jesus, was eating with them, he gave them this command. Do with them, he gave them this command. Do with them, he gave them this command. Do not leave Jerusalem, but not leave Jerusalem, but not leave Jerusalem, but >> let's let's say it like we know it. Do >> let's let's say it like we know it. Do >> let's let's say it like we know it. Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my father promised which you have gift my father promised which you have gift my father promised which you have heard me speak about. Jesus is like, heard me speak about. Jesus is like, heard me speak about. Jesus is like, don't leave until you get the gift. don't leave until you get the gift. don't leave until you get the gift. What's the gift? Uh four verses down, What's the gift? Uh four verses down, What's the gift? Uh four verses down, Acts 18, Jesus says, but you will Acts 18, Jesus says, but you will Acts 18, Jesus says, but you will receive power. Someone say power. receive power. Someone say power. receive power. Someone say power. >> You will receive power when the Holy >> You will receive power when the Holy >> You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you'll be my Spirit comes on you and you'll be my Spirit comes on you and you'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea witnesses in Jerusalem and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the and Samaria and to the ends of the and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. And Jesus was telling his earth. And Jesus was telling his earth. And Jesus was telling his disciples and all of us today, listen, disciples and all of us today, listen, disciples and all of us today, listen, there is more than you may may currently there is more than you may may currently there is more than you may may currently be experiencing with God. He's saying, be experiencing with God. He's saying, be experiencing with God. He's saying, "Disciples, you walk with me for three "Disciples, you walk with me for three "Disciples, you walk with me for three years." And that was awesome. There's years." And that was awesome. There's years." And that was awesome. There's more.

more. more. He's saying, "Listen, don't leave. You He's saying, "Listen, don't leave. You He's saying, "Listen, don't leave. You got to wait cuz something's coming." got to wait cuz something's coming." got to wait cuz something's coming." Jesus is saying, "There is more." And Jesus is saying, "There is more." And Jesus is saying, "There is more." And the more is the Holy Spirit. the more is the Holy Spirit. the more is the Holy Spirit. And you hear the word Holy Spirit and And you hear the word Holy Spirit and And you hear the word Holy Spirit and you're like, "That sounds, is this going you're like, "That sounds, is this going you're like, "That sounds, is this going to be one of those weird churches that to be one of those weird churches that to be one of those weird churches that do weird stuff?" I don't think so. do weird stuff?" I don't think so. do weird stuff?" I don't think so. Equally, the Holy Spirit's awesome. And Equally, the Holy Spirit's awesome. And Equally, the Holy Spirit's awesome. And sometimes you do weird stuff. Just don't sometimes you do weird stuff. Just don't sometimes you do weird stuff. Just don't be weird about it. See, the Holy Spirit be weird about it. See, the Holy Spirit be weird about it. See, the Holy Spirit is the more. And people ask like the is the more. And people ask like the is the more. And people ask like the Holy Spirit, how important is that? I I Holy Spirit, how important is that? I I Holy Spirit, how important is that? I I grew up I'll make I'll pick on a place I grew up I'll make I'll pick on a place I grew up I'll make I'll pick on a place I love. I grew up Southern Baptist. We love. I grew up Southern Baptist. We love. I grew up Southern Baptist. We didn't talk about that. The Trinity was didn't talk about that. The Trinity was didn't talk about that. The Trinity was the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy the Father, the Son, and the Holy Scripture. That was our Trinity. Holy Scripture. That was our Trinity. Holy Scripture. That was our Trinity. Holy Spirit got weird. Listen, people ask, Spirit got weird. Listen, people ask, Spirit got weird. Listen, people ask, "Do I really need the Holy Spirit like "Do I really need the Holy Spirit like "Do I really need the Holy Spirit like to get to heaven?" Bro, I need the Holy to get to heaven?" Bro, I need the Holy to get to heaven?" Bro, I need the Holy Spirit to talk to my teenage kids. I Spirit to talk to my teenage kids. I Spirit to talk to my teenage kids. I need the Holy Spirit to drive on I 85 need the Holy Spirit to drive on I 85 need the Holy Spirit to drive on I 85 without catching a felony. without catching a felony. without catching a felony. Do I need it to get to heaven? I need Do I need it to get to heaven? I need Do I need it to get to heaven? I need him in every part of my life. I need the him in every part of my life. I need the him in every part of my life. I need the power Acts 18 of the Holy Spirit for my power Acts 18 of the Holy Spirit for my power Acts 18 of the Holy Spirit for my marriage vows. Did you read what you marriage vows. Did you read what you marriage vows. Did you read what you vowed to 5, 10, 50 years ago? Probably vowed to 5, 10, 50 years ago? Probably vowed to 5, 10, 50 years ago? Probably not. You were you were more interested not. You were you were more interested not. You were you were more interested in the wedding night than the wedding in the wedding night than the wedding in the wedding night than the wedding vows. the promises you made till death vows. the promises you made till death vows. the promises you made till death parts you to have and to hold sickness parts you to have and to hold sickness parts you to have and to hold sickness and in health. You can't keep those vows and in health. You can't keep those vows and in health. You can't keep those vows apart from the Holy Spirit. You can't apart from the Holy Spirit. You can't apart from the Holy Spirit. You can't you can't parent and stay engaged you can't parent and stay engaged you can't parent and stay engaged consistently without the power of the consistently without the power of the consistently without the power of the Holy Spirit. Your character, who you are Holy Spirit. Your character, who you are Holy Spirit. Your character, who you are when no one's looking, apart from the when no one's looking, apart from the when no one's looking, apart from the Holy Spirit, my goodness, we're in Holy Spirit, my goodness, we're in Holy Spirit, my goodness, we're in trouble. I don't know how you do a a

trouble. I don't know how you do a a trouble. I don't know how you do a a normal Tuesday without the power of the normal Tuesday without the power of the normal Tuesday without the power of the Holy Spirit. That's the beauty of this Holy Spirit. That's the beauty of this Holy Spirit. That's the beauty of this story. But Jesus said, "Listen, wait story. But Jesus said, "Listen, wait story. But Jesus said, "Listen, wait together. Don't leave Jerusalem. You together. Don't leave Jerusalem. You together. Don't leave Jerusalem. You need to wait for the Holy Spirit." I need to wait for the Holy Spirit." I need to wait for the Holy Spirit." I want to jump ahead to Acts 2:1, want to jump ahead to Acts 2:1, want to jump ahead to Acts 2:1, and I want you to see what happened once and I want you to see what happened once and I want you to see what happened once they waited. Then I want to go back. So, they waited. Then I want to go back. So, they waited. Then I want to go back. So, here's the day of Pentecost as we know here's the day of Pentecost as we know here's the day of Pentecost as we know it now. Uh, Acts 2:1. Here's what it now. Uh, Acts 2:1. Here's what it now. Uh, Acts 2:1. Here's what happened when the Holy Spirit showed up. happened when the Holy Spirit showed up. happened when the Holy Spirit showed up. When the day of Pentecost came, they When the day of Pentecost came, they When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. And were all together in one place. And were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound like the blowing of a suddenly a sound like the blowing of a suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled violent wind came from heaven and filled violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. the whole house where they were sitting. the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of They saw what seemed to be tongues of They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire. Pause. I could do a whole series fire. Pause. I could do a whole series fire. Pause. I could do a whole series of teachings about when God shows up as of teachings about when God shows up as of teachings about when God shows up as fire, why he does it. fire, why he does it. fire, why he does it. Sometimes it's from power. Sometimes Sometimes it's from power. Sometimes Sometimes it's from power. Sometimes it's to cleanse and purify something. it's to cleanse and purify something. it's to cleanse and purify something. Sometimes it's to guide and give wisdom Sometimes it's to guide and give wisdom Sometimes it's to guide and give wisdom like like the the tower of fire in the like like the the tower of fire in the like like the the tower of fire in the Old Testament with Moses. But whatever Old Testament with Moses. But whatever Old Testament with Moses. But whatever reason, God shows up as fire. In this reason, God shows up as fire. In this reason, God shows up as fire. In this case, that fire separated and came to case, that fire separated and came to case, that fire separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were rest on each of them. All of them were rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. All of them filled with the Holy Spirit. All of them filled with the Holy Spirit. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and were filled with the Holy Spirit and were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the began to speak in other tongues as the began to speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled them. And then the the spirit enabled them. And then the the spirit enabled them. And then the the the rest of chapter 2, Peter steps out the rest of chapter 2, Peter steps out the rest of chapter 2, Peter steps out and starts to preach a message. He's and starts to preach a message. He's and starts to preach a message. He's never preached before. Jesus had at that never preached before. Jesus had at that never preached before. Jesus had at that point done all the preaching.

point done all the preaching. point done all the preaching. In fact, when Peter opened his mouth, it In fact, when Peter opened his mouth, it In fact, when Peter opened his mouth, it usually got him in trouble. usually got him in trouble. usually got him in trouble. That's a Bible joke for those of you who That's a Bible joke for those of you who That's a Bible joke for those of you who know the Bible. If not, just think of know the Bible. If not, just think of know the Bible. If not, just think of Peter as the guy who speaks before he Peter as the guy who speaks before he Peter as the guy who speaks before he thinks. thinks. thinks. But Peter goes out there and preaches But Peter goes out there and preaches But Peter goes out there and preaches one of the most beautiful, clear, uh, one of the most beautiful, clear, uh, one of the most beautiful, clear, uh, cutting to the heart gospel messages in cutting to the heart gospel messages in cutting to the heart gospel messages in all of scripture. And here's the all of scripture. And here's the all of scripture. And here's the response. If you want to go all the way response. If you want to go all the way response. If you want to go all the way to verse 40 in chapter 2 of Acts, here's to verse 40 in chapter 2 of Acts, here's to verse 40 in chapter 2 of Acts, here's what happens when he gets done what happens when he gets done what happens when he gets done preaching. With many other words, he preaching. With many other words, he preaching. With many other words, he warned them and he pleaded with them, warned them and he pleaded with them, warned them and he pleaded with them, "Save yourself from this corrupt "Save yourself from this corrupt "Save yourself from this corrupt generation. Those who accepted his generation. Those who accepted his generation. Those who accepted his message were baptized and about 3,000 message were baptized and about 3,000 message were baptized and about 3,000 were added to their number that day. were added to their number that day. were added to their number that day. From a dude who'd never preached before From a dude who'd never preached before From a dude who'd never preached before to giving his first message and 3,000 to giving his first message and 3,000 to giving his first message and 3,000 people respond to the gospel. That's people respond to the gospel. That's people respond to the gospel. That's bananas. bananas. bananas. That is something that you can't you That is something that you can't you That is something that you can't you can't account for in Peter's own can't account for in Peter's own can't account for in Peter's own strength. See, that didn't happen until strength. See, that didn't happen until strength. See, that didn't happen until the Holy Spirit showed up and people the Holy Spirit showed up and people the Holy Spirit showed up and people were hearing the message in their own were hearing the message in their own were hearing the message in their own native tongue. He was speaking one native tongue. He was speaking one native tongue. He was speaking one language. People are hearing it in a language. People are hearing it in a language. People are hearing it in a bunch of languages. That's Holy Spirit bunch of languages. That's Holy Spirit bunch of languages. That's Holy Spirit power that is still available to us. But power that is still available to us. But power that is still available to us. But listen, that moment is beautiful. We listen, that moment is beautiful. We listen, that moment is beautiful. We need to look what preceded Acts 2. What need to look what preceded Acts 2. What need to look what preceded Acts 2. What preceded what came before that moment preceded what came before that moment preceded what came before that moment where the Holy Spirit showed up. Acts 1.

where the Holy Spirit showed up. Acts 1. where the Holy Spirit showed up. Acts 1. Flip back over now. Acts 1:13. Flip back over now. Acts 1:13. Flip back over now. Acts 1:13. By the way, I love hearing the sound of By the way, I love hearing the sound of By the way, I love hearing the sound of pages of the Bible flipping. Why? pages of the Bible flipping. Why? pages of the Bible flipping. Why? Because we're Bible people. We love the Because we're Bible people. We love the Because we're Bible people. We love the the word of God here. Verse 13. the word of God here. Verse 13. the word of God here. Verse 13. When they arrived, they went upstairs to When they arrived, they went upstairs to When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those the room where they were staying. Those the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James, Andrew, present were Peter, John, James, Andrew, present were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James, the son of Alphus, and Matthew, James, the son of Alphus, and Matthew, James, the son of Alphus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Not that Judas, the good Judas. James. Not that Judas, the good Judas. James. Not that Judas, the good Judas. Verse 14, I want you to hear this. They Verse 14, I want you to hear this. They Verse 14, I want you to hear this. They all joined together constantly in all joined together constantly in all joined together constantly in prayer. Constantly in what? Constantly prayer. Constantly in what? Constantly prayer. Constantly in what? Constantly in in in >> prayer. >> prayer. >> prayer. >> Prayer. >> Prayer. >> Prayer. along with the women and Mary the mother along with the women and Mary the mother along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers. of Jesus and with his brothers. of Jesus and with his brothers. See what preceded Acts two is they were See what preceded Acts two is they were See what preceded Acts two is they were waiting and praying. waiting and praying. waiting and praying. Here's the point. If you want the Here's the point. If you want the Here's the point. If you want the headline for the day, if we want the headline for the day, if we want the headline for the day, if we want the Holy Spirit power of Acts 2, we first Holy Spirit power of Acts 2, we first Holy Spirit power of Acts 2, we first have to take the humble posture of Acts have to take the humble posture of Acts have to take the humble posture of Acts 1.

1. 1. It's like it's like God saying, "Listen, It's like it's like God saying, "Listen, It's like it's like God saying, "Listen, listen." The posture they had was listen." The posture they had was listen." The posture they had was waiting and praying. God, we're not waiting and praying. God, we're not waiting and praying. God, we're not leaving until you show up. We're leaving until you show up. We're leaving until you show up. We're praying. We're begging. We're seeking. praying. We're begging. We're seeking. praying. We're begging. We're seeking. We're knocking. And and the deeper We're knocking. And and the deeper We're knocking. And and the deeper things of God are not given easily, things of God are not given easily, things of God are not given easily, quickly, and cheaply. quickly, and cheaply. quickly, and cheaply. And we live in a world that's immediate And we live in a world that's immediate And we live in a world that's immediate gratification. I get it. I get so gratification. I get it. I get so gratification. I get it. I get so annoyed. I was trying to get my tires annoyed. I was trying to get my tires annoyed. I was trying to get my tires changed on my car and I dropped my car changed on my car and I dropped my car changed on my car and I dropped my car off and by the time they got the car in, off and by the time they got the car in, off and by the time they got the car in, they couldn't get it done. Didn't have they couldn't get it done. Didn't have they couldn't get it done. Didn't have the right parts. I was so annoyed cuz I the right parts. I was so annoyed cuz I the right parts. I was so annoyed cuz I didn't have tires on my car in one didn't have tires on my car in one didn't have tires on my car in one afternoon. So annoyed. afternoon. So annoyed. afternoon. So annoyed. And yet the kingdom of God doesn't work And yet the kingdom of God doesn't work And yet the kingdom of God doesn't work on our speed. on our speed. on our speed. If you're impatient like I am, this this If you're impatient like I am, this this If you're impatient like I am, this this is going to cut us is going to cut us is going to cut us because listen, there there are deeper because listen, there there are deeper because listen, there there are deeper things of God you're not just going to things of God you're not just going to things of God you're not just going to stumble upon or receive quickly or stumble upon or receive quickly or stumble upon or receive quickly or cheaply. There's a wait and pray and cheaply. There's a wait and pray and cheaply. There's a wait and pray and seek thing. seek thing. seek thing. And God says, "Seek me with all your And God says, "Seek me with all your And God says, "Seek me with all your heart and you will find me." He doesn't heart and you will find me." He doesn't heart and you will find me." He doesn't say, "Seek me for a minute or two and if say, "Seek me for a minute or two and if say, "Seek me for a minute or two and if I don't show up, I'll take a rain I don't show up, I'll take a rain I don't show up, I'll take a rain check." He says, "Seek me with all your check." He says, "Seek me with all your check." He says, "Seek me with all your heart." And listen, if you want the the heart." And listen, if you want the the heart." And listen, if you want the the power of Acts two, we first have to take power of Acts two, we first have to take power of Acts two, we first have to take the posture of Acts one. And church, the posture of Acts one. And church, the posture of Acts one. And church, this is this whole like raise the this is this whole like raise the this is this whole like raise the spiritual temperature thing. This is spiritual temperature thing. This is spiritual temperature thing. This is raising our desire for more of God. And raising our desire for more of God. And raising our desire for more of God. And God is not a fast food restaurant you God is not a fast food restaurant you God is not a fast food restaurant you zip through and get it at your time.

zip through and get it at your time. zip through and get it at your time. There's a waiting. There's a seeking. There's a waiting. There's a seeking. There's a waiting. There's a seeking. There's a praying. And I made the There's a praying. And I made the There's a praying. And I made the decision today. I'm not going to teach decision today. I'm not going to teach decision today. I'm not going to teach you how to pray. Why? you how to pray. Why? you how to pray. Why? What good is it to teach you how to do What good is it to teach you how to do What good is it to teach you how to do something you don't actually want to do something you don't actually want to do something you don't actually want to do yet? yet? yet? I could stand here and teach you. I I could stand here and teach you. I I could stand here and teach you. I couldn't, but YouTube could stand here couldn't, but YouTube could stand here couldn't, but YouTube could stand here and teach you how to fix your HVAC unit, and teach you how to fix your HVAC unit, and teach you how to fix your HVAC unit, but if you don't want to fix it, what but if you don't want to fix it, what but if you don't want to fix it, what good is it to learn something? So, I'm good is it to learn something? So, I'm good is it to learn something? So, I'm not going to give you ABCs of prayer not going to give you ABCs of prayer not going to give you ABCs of prayer because I don't think that's where most because I don't think that's where most because I don't think that's where most of us are broke. I think what we need of us are broke. I think what we need of us are broke. I think what we need really is I I want us to see our our really is I I want us to see our our really is I I want us to see our our desperate need for prayer and the and desperate need for prayer and the and desperate need for prayer and the and the fact that we might be settling for the fact that we might be settling for the fact that we might be settling for less than God offers. And I'm going to less than God offers. And I'm going to less than God offers. And I'm going to do that by unpacking the things that I do that by unpacking the things that I do that by unpacking the things that I think keep us from the Acts one posture think keep us from the Acts one posture think keep us from the Acts one posture of waiting and praying. So there's going of waiting and praying. So there's going of waiting and praying. So there's going to be moments I move fast, moments I to be moments I move fast, moments I to be moments I move fast, moments I slow down. I want to unpack three things slow down. I want to unpack three things slow down. I want to unpack three things with us and at the end we're going to with us and at the end we're going to with us and at the end we're going to leave space for us to respond. Here's leave space for us to respond. Here's leave space for us to respond. Here's the first of three things I think are the first of three things I think are the first of three things I think are keeping us from this posture of Acts keeping us from this posture of Acts keeping us from this posture of Acts one. Here's the first pride and one. Here's the first pride and one. Here's the first pride and self-sufficiency.

By the way, I'll be the first to raise By the way, I'll be the first to raise my hand on that one. my hand on that one. my hand on that one. We Here's what we think. We think I got We Here's what we think. We think I got We Here's what we think. We think I got this. this. this. And I'm here to tell you, you don't got And I'm here to tell you, you don't got And I'm here to tell you, you don't got this. Like, we live in a culture that this. Like, we live in a culture that this. Like, we live in a culture that celebrates self-made men and women. We celebrates self-made men and women. We celebrates self-made men and women. We live in a culture that that celebrates live in a culture that that celebrates live in a culture that that celebrates self-reliance. self-reliance. self-reliance. We look up to people that that sort of We look up to people that that sort of We look up to people that that sort of built their company from the ground up. built their company from the ground up. built their company from the ground up. They're on their own in their own They're on their own in their own They're on their own in their own strength. That's a self-made man right strength. That's a self-made man right strength. That's a self-made man right there. We live in a culture that there. We live in a culture that there. We live in a culture that celebrates that. And yet the culture of celebrates that. And yet the culture of celebrates that. And yet the culture of the kingdom of God is upside down from the kingdom of God is upside down from the kingdom of God is upside down from the world. And why does pride and the world. And why does pride and the world. And why does pride and self-sufficiency keep us from praying? self-sufficiency keep us from praying? self-sufficiency keep us from praying? Because if you don't think you need Because if you don't think you need Because if you don't think you need God's power, help, enablement, wisdom, God's power, help, enablement, wisdom, God's power, help, enablement, wisdom, you'll not go seek him and wait long you'll not go seek him and wait long you'll not go seek him and wait long enough. Like if if if this is your bent, enough. Like if if if this is your bent, enough. Like if if if this is your bent, the pride, the self-sufficiency thing, the pride, the self-sufficiency thing, the pride, the self-sufficiency thing, if Jesus said, "Go to the upper room and if Jesus said, "Go to the upper room and if Jesus said, "Go to the upper room and wait for the Holy Spirit." If you're wait for the Holy Spirit." If you're wait for the Holy Spirit." If you're there in the room, you're going to wait there in the room, you're going to wait there in the room, you're going to wait for an hour and be like, "Well, I don't for an hour and be like, "Well, I don't for an hour and be like, "Well, I don't think he's coming, guys. I there's a think he's coming, guys. I there's a think he's coming, guys. I there's a crowd out there. I'm going to go try to crowd out there. I'm going to go try to crowd out there. I'm going to go try to preach and figure this thing out." And preach and figure this thing out." And preach and figure this thing out." And I'm telling you, you would have settled I'm telling you, you would have settled I'm telling you, you would have settled for less than waiting for the Holy for less than waiting for the Holy for less than waiting for the Holy Spirit. See, the book of James says Spirit. See, the book of James says Spirit. See, the book of James says this, "But God gives more grace.

this, "But God gives more grace. this, "But God gives more grace. Therefore, it says God opposes the proud Therefore, it says God opposes the proud Therefore, it says God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." but gives grace to the humble." but gives grace to the humble." God actively resists the proud. God actively resists the proud. God actively resists the proud. You don't want to be in a place where You don't want to be in a place where You don't want to be in a place where the God of the universe is actively the God of the universe is actively the God of the universe is actively opposing you. And why does he do this? opposing you. And why does he do this? opposing you. And why does he do this? Because God doesn't share his glory. Because God doesn't share his glory. Because God doesn't share his glory. It's not me plus God does something. It's not me plus God does something. It's not me plus God does something. It's God alone. It's God alone. It's God alone. And this pride and self-reliance thing And this pride and self-reliance thing And this pride and self-reliance thing keeps us from prayer, from waiting, from keeps us from prayer, from waiting, from keeps us from prayer, from waiting, from seeking. Then to the church in Leodysia seeking. Then to the church in Leodysia seeking. Then to the church in Leodysia and Revelation when when they're being and Revelation when when they're being and Revelation when when they're being judged for the things they've messed up, judged for the things they've messed up, judged for the things they've messed up, Revelation 3:17 said this says it this Revelation 3:17 said this says it this Revelation 3:17 said this says it this way. For you say, "I am rich. I have way. For you say, "I am rich. I have way. For you say, "I am rich. I have prospered and I need nothing. Not prospered and I need nothing. Not prospered and I need nothing. Not realizing that you are wretched, realizing that you are wretched, realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. God's pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. God's pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. God's going, listen, you can say you got this, going, listen, you can say you got this, going, listen, you can say you got this, but if you you could see yourself but if you you could see yourself but if you you could see yourself clearly, you would realize I don't got clearly, you would realize I don't got clearly, you would realize I don't got this. And pride ruins our ability to this. And pride ruins our ability to this. And pride ruins our ability to wait and depend on God. So, I want to wait and depend on God. So, I want to wait and depend on God. So, I want to give you a one of just the pictures that give you a one of just the pictures that give you a one of just the pictures that I pray with. Pastor Kevin shared it I pray with. Pastor Kevin shared it I pray with. Pastor Kevin shared it years ago, and I grabbed it and I years ago, and I grabbed it and I years ago, and I grabbed it and I adopted it. This is how I pray. We say adopted it. This is how I pray. We say adopted it. This is how I pray. We say it this way. I pray like a boy so that I it this way. I pray like a boy so that I it this way. I pray like a boy so that I can lead like a man.

can lead like a man. can lead like a man. See, my prayer closet, I I don't open it See, my prayer closet, I I don't open it See, my prayer closet, I I don't open it up to anybody else because it's up to anybody else because it's up to anybody else because it's embarrassing because that's where I get embarrassing because that's where I get embarrassing because that's where I get to go be a little boy and say, "Dad, to go be a little boy and say, "Dad, to go be a little boy and say, "Dad, help." help." help." And if you don't have a place, I'll talk And if you don't have a place, I'll talk And if you don't have a place, I'll talk to men. I'm talking to everybody, but to men. I'm talking to everybody, but to men. I'm talking to everybody, but let me just talk in this filter. Then if let me just talk in this filter. Then if let me just talk in this filter. Then if you don't have a place where you can you don't have a place where you can you don't have a place where you can bring your pressures, your problems, bring your pressures, your problems, bring your pressures, your problems, your insecurities, your fears, the your insecurities, your fears, the your insecurities, your fears, the things that feel like they're going to things that feel like they're going to things that feel like they're going to crush you. And if you don't have a place crush you. And if you don't have a place crush you. And if you don't have a place where you can bring those to the one who where you can bring those to the one who where you can bring those to the one who can carry them, your father in heaven, can carry them, your father in heaven, can carry them, your father in heaven, you will never be able to consistently you will never be able to consistently you will never be able to consistently lead like a man. Cuz you were never lead like a man. Cuz you were never lead like a man. Cuz you were never built to carry those. built to carry those. built to carry those. See, when I go to the prayer closet, See, when I go to the prayer closet, See, when I go to the prayer closet, what do I do? It's where I go and lay what do I do? It's where I go and lay what do I do? It's where I go and lay down my insecurities, fears, down my insecurities, fears, down my insecurities, fears, uncertainties, pressures, and problems. uncertainties, pressures, and problems. uncertainties, pressures, and problems. By the way, men, this is part of why By the way, men, this is part of why By the way, men, this is part of why we're doing the Be the Man Conference in we're doing the Be the Man Conference in we're doing the Be the Man Conference in November. We want to help teach you how November. We want to help teach you how November. We want to help teach you how to do things like this. You You're going to do things like this. You You're going to do things like this. You You're going to crash your life if you try to lead to crash your life if you try to lead to crash your life if you try to lead like a man without praying like a boy.

like a man without praying like a boy. like a man without praying like a boy. If you've not signed up, you need to be If you've not signed up, you need to be If you've not signed up, you need to be a part of that. Here's what I think most a part of that. Here's what I think most a part of that. Here's what I think most Christians do. I think most Christians Christians do. I think most Christians Christians do. I think most Christians pray like a man and lead like a boy. So, pray like a man and lead like a boy. So, pray like a man and lead like a boy. So, you go to your prayer closet and go, you go to your prayer closet and go, you go to your prayer closet and go, "Hey, God, sort of got it. I don't know "Hey, God, sort of got it. I don't know "Hey, God, sort of got it. I don't know what to ask. I mean, my paycheck came what to ask. I mean, my paycheck came what to ask. I mean, my paycheck came in. I did that. And, uh, thanks for the in. I did that. And, uh, thanks for the in. I did that. And, uh, thanks for the house, but I pay the mortgage, I guess. house, but I pay the mortgage, I guess. house, but I pay the mortgage, I guess. But, hey, thanks for a good day, I But, hey, thanks for a good day, I But, hey, thanks for a good day, I guess. Later." And then you go into your guess. Later." And then you go into your guess. Later." And then you go into your real world and you lead like a boy. What real world and you lead like a boy. What real world and you lead like a boy. What does lead like a boy mean? If you don't does lead like a boy mean? If you don't does lead like a boy mean? If you don't go surrender your insecurities to your go surrender your insecurities to your go surrender your insecurities to your heavenly father, you require other heavenly father, you require other heavenly father, you require other people to attend to your insecurities. people to attend to your insecurities. people to attend to your insecurities. That's what a boy does. People have to That's what a boy does. People have to That's what a boy does. People have to walk in eggshells around you because walk in eggshells around you because walk in eggshells around you because your insecurities is leaking. Like if your insecurities is leaking. Like if your insecurities is leaking. Like if you don't go bring your pressure to God, you don't go bring your pressure to God, you don't go bring your pressure to God, say, "Dad, I need you to carry this so say, "Dad, I need you to carry this so say, "Dad, I need you to carry this so that when I stand up, I know you're my that when I stand up, I know you're my that when I stand up, I know you're my provider." You'll instead put pressure provider." You'll instead put pressure provider." You'll instead put pressure on your downline to produce something on your downline to produce something on your downline to produce something only God can produce in your life. only God can produce in your life. only God can produce in your life. That's what a boy does. Like, if you That's what a boy does. Like, if you That's what a boy does. Like, if you don't deal with your fears, your fears don't deal with your fears, your fears don't deal with your fears, your fears will eat you alive. And you'll make will eat you alive. And you'll make will eat you alive. And you'll make decisions out of fear, not out of faith. decisions out of fear, not out of faith. decisions out of fear, not out of faith. and you require people to manage your and you require people to manage your and you require people to manage your boyhood when you're supposed to manage boyhood when you're supposed to manage boyhood when you're supposed to manage your boyhood in the presence of your your boyhood in the presence of your your boyhood in the presence of your heavenly father.

heavenly father. heavenly father. >> But pride and self-sufficiency says, "I >> But pride and self-sufficiency says, "I >> But pride and self-sufficiency says, "I don't need to go do that. I'm telling don't need to go do that. I'm telling don't need to go do that. I'm telling you, you're settling for less." You're you, you're settling for less." You're you, you're settling for less." You're carrying things you were never meant to carrying things you were never meant to carrying things you were never meant to carry. You see, in the physical world, carry. You see, in the physical world, carry. You see, in the physical world, what it means to be be mature is to go what it means to be be mature is to go what it means to be be mature is to go from dependent on my mom and dad to from dependent on my mom and dad to from dependent on my mom and dad to growing up to be independent on my own. growing up to be independent on my own. growing up to be independent on my own. In the kingdom of God, it's the In the kingdom of God, it's the In the kingdom of God, it's the opposite. You start as an infant opposite. You start as an infant opposite. You start as an infant spiritually and you are so like you are spiritually and you are so like you are spiritually and you are so like you are independent and the longer you walk with independent and the longer you walk with independent and the longer you walk with God, the more dependent you get on him. God, the more dependent you get on him. God, the more dependent you get on him. The longer I walk with Jesus, the more I The longer I walk with Jesus, the more I The longer I walk with Jesus, the more I know I need Jesus, not the opposite. know I need Jesus, not the opposite. know I need Jesus, not the opposite. I could riff for a long time. Pause. I could riff for a long time. Pause. I could riff for a long time. Pause. That's the first point. Second point, That's the first point. Second point, That's the first point. Second point, why don't we pray? Why don't we have the why don't we pray? Why don't we have the why don't we pray? Why don't we have the posture of Acts one? I think because posture of Acts one? I think because posture of Acts one? I think because sometimes we make prayer transactional sometimes we make prayer transactional sometimes we make prayer transactional instead of relational. instead of relational. instead of relational. I want you to see this. And sometimes uh I want you to see this. And sometimes uh I want you to see this. And sometimes uh most times I approach a teaching like an most times I approach a teaching like an most times I approach a teaching like an attorney where I want to build a case attorney where I want to build a case attorney where I want to build a case and I want to hit this thing from every and I want to hit this thing from every and I want to hit this thing from every angle and tie every bow and not leave angle and tie every bow and not leave angle and tie every bow and not leave anything unturned and I've just made a anything unturned and I've just made a anything unturned and I've just made a really good case from the Bible. Here really good case from the Bible. Here really good case from the Bible. Here you go. Today I have to embrace the you go. Today I have to embrace the you go. Today I have to embrace the mystery because prayer has a mystery to mystery because prayer has a mystery to mystery because prayer has a mystery to it. And I need you to embrace the it. And I need you to embrace the it. And I need you to embrace the mystery with me.

mystery with me. mystery with me. I want to just give us a quick biblical I want to just give us a quick biblical I want to just give us a quick biblical theology of prayer. theology of prayer. theology of prayer. First, prayer is relational, not First, prayer is relational, not First, prayer is relational, not transactional. When Jesus is teaching us how to pray, When Jesus is teaching us how to pray, in the Lord's prayer, the first thing he in the Lord's prayer, the first thing he in the Lord's prayer, the first thing he says, says, says, our our our >> someone knows the Bible. Now, you can >> someone knows the Bible. Now, you can >> someone knows the Bible. Now, you can all pretend like you know it. Our all pretend like you know it. Our all pretend like you know it. Our >> prayer is predicated on the relationship >> prayer is predicated on the relationship >> prayer is predicated on the relationship first. Jesus could have said anything first. Jesus could have said anything first. Jesus could have said anything first. It's like when you're praying, first. It's like when you're praying, first. It's like when you're praying, say anything he wanted. He's like, "No, say anything he wanted. He's like, "No, say anything he wanted. He's like, "No, start here. Our father." Because listen, start here. Our father." Because listen, start here. Our father." Because listen, prayer is primarily relational, not prayer is primarily relational, not prayer is primarily relational, not transactional. transactional. transactional. Prayer is primarily building a Prayer is primarily building a Prayer is primarily building a relationship with your heavenly father, relationship with your heavenly father, relationship with your heavenly father, not just trying to get stuff from a not just trying to get stuff from a not just trying to get stuff from a spiritual genie where you get three spiritual genie where you get three spiritual genie where you get three wishes. Here's where the mysteries in wishes. Here's where the mysteries in wishes. Here's where the mysteries in play. Equally, on the other side, God play. Equally, on the other side, God play. Equally, on the other side, God invites bold and specific prayers. Now, invites bold and specific prayers. Now, invites bold and specific prayers. Now, it's it's relational, not transactional.

it's it's relational, not transactional. it's it's relational, not transactional. Then flip it equally all through Then flip it equally all through Then flip it equally all through scripture. It says like boldly approach scripture. It says like boldly approach scripture. It says like boldly approach the throne room of grace. Boldly ask of the throne room of grace. Boldly ask of the throne room of grace. Boldly ask of God. Matthew 7 says, "Ask it will be God. Matthew 7 says, "Ask it will be God. Matthew 7 says, "Ask it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. given to you. Seek and you will find. given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be open to you." Jesus Knock and it will be open to you." Jesus Knock and it will be open to you." Jesus says in John 14, "Whatever you ask in my says in John 14, "Whatever you ask in my says in John 14, "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do that the father may name, this I will do that the father may name, this I will do that the father may be glorified in the son." Says, "The be glorified in the son." Says, "The be glorified in the son." Says, "The prayer of a righteous person in the book prayer of a righteous person in the book prayer of a righteous person in the book of James has great power as it is of James has great power as it is of James has great power as it is working." So it's it's not a working." So it's it's not a working." So it's it's not a transaction, it's a relationship. transaction, it's a relationship. transaction, it's a relationship. Equally, God's like, "Ask me. Equally, God's like, "Ask me. Equally, God's like, "Ask me. Come to your dad and ask." God's not Come to your dad and ask." God's not Come to your dad and ask." God's not reluctant. He's a generous father who reluctant. He's a generous father who reluctant. He's a generous father who delights to give his kids good things. delights to give his kids good things. delights to give his kids good things. And we still believe that prayer moves And we still believe that prayer moves And we still believe that prayer moves things in heaven that moves things on things in heaven that moves things on things in heaven that moves things on earth. earth. earth. >> Then you go to the other side again and >> Then you go to the other side again and >> Then you go to the other side again and go, "But wait, but God answers prayer go, "But wait, but God answers prayer go, "But wait, but God answers prayer according to his will, his [snorts] according to his will, his [snorts] according to his will, his [snorts] wisdom, and his timing." wisdom, and his timing." wisdom, and his timing." So God is still sovereign when we pray So God is still sovereign when we pray So God is still sovereign when we pray and yet God invites bold asking. We and yet God invites bold asking. We and yet God invites bold asking. We don't pray to control God. God answers don't pray to control God. God answers don't pray to control God. God answers in his will, his ways and his timing.

in his will, his ways and his timing. in his will, his ways and his timing. See 1 John 5 says it this way. This is See 1 John 5 says it this way. This is See 1 John 5 says it this way. This is the confidence that we have towards him the confidence that we have towards him the confidence that we have towards him that if we ask anything according to his that if we ask anything according to his that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And this is where will, he hears us. And this is where will, he hears us. And this is where it's just the mystery of prayer. it's just the mystery of prayer. it's just the mystery of prayer. Sometimes we pray and God answers and Sometimes we pray and God answers and Sometimes we pray and God answers and it's like praise God. And sometimes we it's like praise God. And sometimes we it's like praise God. And sometimes we pray and it's a no or it's a not yet or pray and it's a no or it's a not yet or pray and it's a no or it's a not yet or it's a wait and it's like God what are it's a wait and it's like God what are it's a wait and it's like God what are you doing? And I can't answer all the you doing? And I can't answer all the you doing? And I can't answer all the questions but I can I can tell you this. questions but I can I can tell you this. questions but I can I can tell you this. If you view prayer this way and God has If you view prayer this way and God has If you view prayer this way and God has disappointed you in prayer. disappointed you in prayer. disappointed you in prayer. I would say you're in really good I would say you're in really good I would say you're in really good company. Jesus and Paul. company. Jesus and Paul. company. Jesus and Paul. Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. He's Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. He's Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. He's praying and he says, "Hey, Dad, praying and he says, "Hey, Dad, praying and he says, "Hey, Dad, if this cup can pass from me, I'd be if this cup can pass from me, I'd be if this cup can pass from me, I'd be super down for the cup to pass." What's super down for the cup to pass." What's super down for the cup to pass." What's the cup? If I don't have to go to the the cup? If I don't have to go to the the cup? If I don't have to go to the cross, like Heavenly Father, if I don't cross, like Heavenly Father, if I don't cross, like Heavenly Father, if I don't have to go to the cross, don't make me have to go to the cross, don't make me have to go to the cross, don't make me go to the cross. And God said, "No, you go to the cross. And God said, "No, you go to the cross. And God said, "No, you need to go to the cross." See, Jesus need to go to the cross." See, Jesus need to go to the cross." See, Jesus prayed and said, "Will the cup be prayed and said, "Will the cup be prayed and said, "Will the cup be passed?" Instead, Jesus got the strength passed?" Instead, Jesus got the strength passed?" Instead, Jesus got the strength to carry the cup. See, Paul had a thorn to carry the cup. See, Paul had a thorn to carry the cup. See, Paul had a thorn in his flesh. It's like a a metaphor for in his flesh. It's like a a metaphor for in his flesh. It's like a a metaphor for like something he could not get past.

like something he could not get past. like something he could not get past. Whether it was a physical ailment or a Whether it was a physical ailment or a Whether it was a physical ailment or a temptation or people that were attacking temptation or people that were attacking temptation or people that were attacking him. We don't know clearly what it was, him. We don't know clearly what it was, him. We don't know clearly what it was, but there was something he kept asking but there was something he kept asking but there was something he kept asking God, "Remove the thorn, please, God." God, "Remove the thorn, please, God." God, "Remove the thorn, please, God." And eventually, God said to Paul, "No." And eventually, God said to Paul, "No." And eventually, God said to Paul, "No." 2 Corinthians 12, he's like, "I'm not 2 Corinthians 12, he's like, "I'm not 2 Corinthians 12, he's like, "I'm not going to remove the thorn." He asked for going to remove the thorn." He asked for going to remove the thorn." He asked for it to be removed. Instead, Paul got it to be removed. Instead, Paul got it to be removed. Instead, Paul got revelation and a grace to walk with a revelation and a grace to walk with a revelation and a grace to walk with a limp with a thorn in his life. limp with a thorn in his life. limp with a thorn in his life. If Jesus and Paul that can happen to If Jesus and Paul that can happen to If Jesus and Paul that can happen to you, it's not because you don't have you, it's not because you don't have you, it's not because you don't have enough faith. enough faith. enough faith. Because Jesus and Paul, they're pretty Because Jesus and Paul, they're pretty Because Jesus and Paul, they're pretty pretty much the heroes. Jesus obviously pretty much the heroes. Jesus obviously pretty much the heroes. Jesus obviously being one and Paul not even being one B. being one and Paul not even being one B. being one and Paul not even being one B. So God's no or not yet or wait is not a So God's no or not yet or wait is not a So God's no or not yet or wait is not a rejection of you. It's the response of a rejection of you. It's the response of a rejection of you. It's the response of a wise father. And listen, you may have wise father. And listen, you may have wise father. And listen, you may have prayed and asked God to heal and he prayed and asked God to heal and he prayed and asked God to heal and he didn't heal. I prayed for my mom after a didn't heal. I prayed for my mom after a didn't heal. I prayed for my mom after a car accident for years and God did not car accident for years and God did not car accident for years and God did not do what I thought he should do. do what I thought he should do. do what I thought he should do. And while I'm praying for my mom, we And while I'm praying for my mom, we And while I'm praying for my mom, we have stories in the church of people have stories in the church of people have stories in the church of people that were healed. And I'm going, "God, that were healed. And I'm going, "God, that were healed. And I'm going, "God, what are you doing?"

what are you doing?" what are you doing?" You may have prayed for God to provide You may have prayed for God to provide You may have prayed for God to provide and he didn't provide like you thought and he didn't provide like you thought and he didn't provide like you thought he should. And then you hear me on a he should. And then you hear me on a he should. And then you hear me on a Sunday tell a story of God providing. Sunday tell a story of God providing. Sunday tell a story of God providing. You're like, "God, what are you doing?" You're like, "God, what are you doing?" You're like, "God, what are you doing?" There's a mystery in all this. I don't There's a mystery in all this. I don't There's a mystery in all this. I don't know all the answers, know all the answers, know all the answers, but here's what I know. God is pursuing you as your heavenly God is pursuing you as your heavenly father. And this is not a transaction. father. And this is not a transaction. father. And this is not a transaction. It's a relationship. Prayer at its core It's a relationship. Prayer at its core It's a relationship. Prayer at its core is a relationship, not a transaction. is a relationship, not a transaction. is a relationship, not a transaction. And here's what I mean. I think some of And here's what I mean. I think some of And here's what I mean. I think some of us can distort God in the way we view us can distort God in the way we view us can distort God in the way we view prayer. And you might be disappointed prayer. And you might be disappointed prayer. And you might be disappointed because you've distorted what God and because you've distorted what God and because you've distorted what God and prayer actually is. prayer actually is. prayer actually is. Here's the picture. Go with me. If you Here's the picture. Go with me. If you Here's the picture. Go with me. If you were born in the 80s, this will be a were born in the 80s, this will be a were born in the 80s, this will be a flashback flashback flashback to how you used to have your snacks to how you used to have your snacks to how you used to have your snacks delivered to you. This is called a delivered to you. This is called a delivered to you. This is called a vending machine. If you're in Gen Alpha, vending machine. If you're in Gen Alpha, vending machine. If you're in Gen Alpha, this thing used to be where we got our this thing used to be where we got our this thing used to be where we got our snacks from. We didn't have an app that snacks from. We didn't have an app that snacks from. We didn't have an app that would deliver stuff to us in the would deliver stuff to us in the would deliver stuff to us in the cafeteria, right? Door Dash didn't cafeteria, right? Door Dash didn't cafeteria, right? Door Dash didn't exist. So, if we got hungry, we'd come exist. So, if we got hungry, we'd come exist. So, if we got hungry, we'd come here. And the predicate of a vending here. And the predicate of a vending here. And the predicate of a vending machine is this is a transactional deal.

machine is this is a transactional deal. machine is this is a transactional deal. I have no relationship with the machine. I have no relationship with the machine. I have no relationship with the machine. I put money in, snack falls and comes I put money in, snack falls and comes I put money in, snack falls and comes out. Right? So, here's the idea. Le out. Right? So, here's the idea. Le out. Right? So, here's the idea. Le let's play with this. Like, we got sort let's play with this. Like, we got sort let's play with this. Like, we got sort of the sugary stuff below, the savory of the sugary stuff below, the savory of the sugary stuff below, the savory stuff above. How many of y'all are more stuff above. How many of y'all are more stuff above. How many of y'all are more like I'm in the savory side. Give me like I'm in the savory side. Give me like I'm in the savory side. Give me chips, pretzels, peanuts. All right. How chips, pretzels, peanuts. All right. How chips, pretzels, peanuts. All right. How many of you in the like give me many of you in the like give me many of you in the like give me chocolate, candy, sweet, sugar? Those chocolate, candy, sweet, sugar? Those chocolate, candy, sweet, sugar? Those are my people. Some of y'all, your hands are my people. Some of y'all, your hands are my people. Some of y'all, your hands were up for both. See your doctor. All were up for both. See your doctor. All were up for both. See your doctor. All right. Let's do um let's do sweet. So, right. Let's do um let's do sweet. So, right. Let's do um let's do sweet. So, here's here's the premise of a vending here's here's the premise of a vending here's here's the premise of a vending machine. Put money in. I'll go machine. Put money in. I'll go machine. Put money in. I'll go Eminem D6. All right. All right. Some of us, that's our view of prayer. Some of us, that's our view of prayer. Some of us, that's our view of prayer. God, I put my prayer money in and you God, I put my prayer money in and you God, I put my prayer money in and you owe me what I prayed for out. owe me what I prayed for out. owe me what I prayed for out. Who voted for sugar, by the way? Hands Who voted for sugar, by the way? Hands Who voted for sugar, by the way? Hands up. All right. Front row. You get up. All right. Front row. You get up. All right. Front row. You get rewarded for being in the front row. rewarded for being in the front row. rewarded for being in the front row. Don't take that ma'am behind them. This Don't take that ma'am behind them. This Don't take that ma'am behind them. This church, God sees it. We'll have prayer at the end for We'll have prayer at the end for forgiveness.

forgiveness. forgiveness. Here here's the problem with vending Here here's the problem with vending Here here's the problem with vending machines and a bigger problem than machines and a bigger problem than machines and a bigger problem than prayer. If you grew up in my time, this prayer. If you grew up in my time, this prayer. If you grew up in my time, this was the nightmare. You go, let's go was the nightmare. You go, let's go was the nightmare. You go, let's go savory. So I go, all right, I put my savory. So I go, all right, I put my savory. So I go, all right, I put my money in, transaction has begun, and now money in, transaction has begun, and now money in, transaction has begun, and now I want some chips on C5 there in the I want some chips on C5 there in the I want some chips on C5 there in the middle. And you you stand at a crossroads And you you stand at a crossroads between do I choose violence or not, between do I choose violence or not, between do I choose violence or not, right? Because this machine there were right? Because this machine there were right? Because this machine there were always dents in the side of them in my always dents in the side of them in my always dents in the side of them in my high school growing up because people be high school growing up because people be high school growing up because people be like fall and sometime I true story I I like fall and sometime I true story I I like fall and sometime I true story I I actually went three times saying well actually went three times saying well actually went three times saying well it'll fall two of them will fall next it'll fall two of them will fall next it'll fall two of them will fall next time and I got three of them clogged in time and I got three of them clogged in time and I got three of them clogged in this machine. Like someone's going to this machine. Like someone's going to this machine. Like someone's going to have a great day tomorrow when they get have a great day tomorrow when they get have a great day tomorrow when they get four. I'm just not putting another four. I'm just not putting another four. I'm just not putting another dollar in. And here's what I think dollar in. And here's what I think dollar in. And here's what I think people sometimes do. If your view of people sometimes do. If your view of people sometimes do. If your view of prayer is transactional, prayer is transactional, prayer is transactional, I don't blame you when you put your I don't blame you when you put your I don't blame you when you put your quarter of prayer in and you dial up a quarter of prayer in and you dial up a quarter of prayer in and you dial up a prayer. God, do this, fix this, solve prayer. God, do this, fix this, solve prayer. God, do this, fix this, solve this, and it doesn't happen. How many this, and it doesn't happen. How many this, and it doesn't happen. How many times are you going to come back and put times are you going to come back and put times are you going to come back and put another dollar in, another dollar in, another dollar in, another dollar in, another dollar in, another dollar in, another dollar in?

another dollar in? another dollar in? In fact, there are people, I think there In fact, there are people, I think there In fact, there are people, I think there are people in the room that you've just are people in the room that you've just are people in the room that you've just deconstructed your faith. What does that deconstructed your faith. What does that deconstructed your faith. What does that word mean? It's a cultural buzzword for word mean? It's a cultural buzzword for word mean? It's a cultural buzzword for this. You tried the Jesus thing and it this. You tried the Jesus thing and it this. You tried the Jesus thing and it wasn't working for you. wasn't working for you. wasn't working for you. And so you deconstructed the parts of And so you deconstructed the parts of And so you deconstructed the parts of Jesus you didn't like. And here's the Jesus you didn't like. And here's the Jesus you didn't like. And here's the problem. You rarely reconstruct your problem. You rarely reconstruct your problem. You rarely reconstruct your faith correctly because you build it to faith correctly because you build it to faith correctly because you build it to your liking, not to God's truth. your liking, not to God's truth. your liking, not to God's truth. >> And here's what I want you to hear. >> And here's what I want you to hear. >> And here's what I want you to hear. Many people don't deconstruct because Many people don't deconstruct because Many people don't deconstruct because you never experienced God. You you never experienced God. You you never experienced God. You deconstruct because you experienced deconstruct because you experienced deconstruct because you experienced disappointment with the version of God disappointment with the version of God disappointment with the version of God you created. And the problem was not primarily And the problem was not primarily unanswered prayer. It was a wrong view unanswered prayer. It was a wrong view unanswered prayer. It was a wrong view of prayer. And if you think that when of prayer. And if you think that when of prayer. And if you think that when you put the prayer in, God has to spit you put the prayer in, God has to spit you put the prayer in, God has to spit the snack out. the snack out. the snack out. It's a broken view of God in prayer. Of It's a broken view of God in prayer. Of It's a broken view of God in prayer. Of course, you walk away from that. Problem course, you walk away from that. Problem course, you walk away from that. Problem is, God never said that to us. Why? is, God never said that to us. Why? is, God never said that to us. Why? Because prayer is not a vending machine Because prayer is not a vending machine Because prayer is not a vending machine transaction. Prayer is a relationship transaction. Prayer is a relationship transaction. Prayer is a relationship with your heavenly father.

with your heavenly father. with your heavenly father. I'll just be blunt. That stuff looks I'll just be blunt. That stuff looks I'll just be blunt. That stuff looks really tasty, but I don't need a snack. really tasty, but I don't need a snack. really tasty, but I don't need a snack. I need my heavenly father. I don't need I need my heavenly father. I don't need I need my heavenly father. I don't need to control God with a quarter. I need a to control God with a quarter. I need a to control God with a quarter. I need a relationship with Almighty God. And relationship with Almighty God. And relationship with Almighty God. And listen, if you're if you're like a listen, if you're if you're like a listen, if you're if you're like a six-year-old kid and you walk by a six-year-old kid and you walk by a six-year-old kid and you walk by a vending machine and you ask your mom or vending machine and you ask your mom or vending machine and you ask your mom or dad for candy from the machine, a good dad for candy from the machine, a good dad for candy from the machine, a good parent might cheat once or twice in in parent might cheat once or twice in in parent might cheat once or twice in in in a in a season, but every time they in a in a season, but every time they in a in a season, but every time they walk by, they want something else. What walk by, they want something else. What walk by, they want something else. What would a good parent do? A good parent would a good parent do? A good parent would a good parent do? A good parent says, "No, cuz this machine is full of says, "No, cuz this machine is full of says, "No, cuz this machine is full of empty calories, sugar, and a whole row empty calories, sugar, and a whole row empty calories, sugar, and a whole row of honey buns, which are no, no, no, of honey buns, which are no, no, no, of honey buns, which are no, no, no, no." no." no." But listen, a six-year-old that feels But listen, a six-year-old that feels But listen, a six-year-old that feels like you're you don't love me enough to like you're you don't love me enough to like you're you don't love me enough to give me this. And and and a and a good give me this. And and and a and a good give me this. And and and a and a good parent goes, "You don't understand what parent goes, "You don't understand what parent goes, "You don't understand what I'm really doing." See, we got food at I'm really doing." See, we got food at I'm really doing." See, we got food at home, which is, by the way, how many home, which is, by the way, how many home, which is, by the way, how many moms have said that over the years? But moms have said that over the years? But moms have said that over the years? But equally, the food at home is going to equally, the food at home is going to equally, the food at home is going to actually nourish you. actually nourish you. actually nourish you. Listen, go back to your 8-year-old self.

Listen, go back to your 8-year-old self. Listen, go back to your 8-year-old self. What did you need? What did you need? What did you need? Did you need a a a vending machine or a Did you need a a a vending machine or a Did you need a a a vending machine or a father that loved you? An 8-year-old father that loved you? An 8-year-old father that loved you? An 8-year-old might have said, "Give me the candy." might have said, "Give me the candy." might have said, "Give me the candy." But now, as an adult looking back, you But now, as an adult looking back, you But now, as an adult looking back, you know that's not really what you needed. know that's not really what you needed. know that's not really what you needed. And if you've turned prayer into like And if you've turned prayer into like And if you've turned prayer into like this currency that you think you can this currency that you think you can this currency that you think you can control God and purchase outcomes, control God and purchase outcomes, control God and purchase outcomes, you're missing the very nature of you're missing the very nature of you're missing the very nature of prayer. prayer. prayer. You feel it in your own relationships You feel it in your own relationships You feel it in your own relationships when I'm a parent. Can't you feel if you when I'm a parent. Can't you feel if you when I'm a parent. Can't you feel if you got kids when your when your kids are got kids when your when your kids are got kids when your when your kids are trying to work an angle on you? trying to work an angle on you? trying to work an angle on you? My youngest is sneaky. I got both my My youngest is sneaky. I got both my My youngest is sneaky. I got both my eyes on him. There's days I'll come home eyes on him. There's days I'll come home eyes on him. There's days I'll come home from work and he'll be like, "Hello, from work and he'll be like, "Hello, from work and he'll be like, "Hello, papa. papa. papa. I've just taken an account of all the I've just taken an account of all the I've just taken an account of all the things you've blessed our life with. things you've blessed our life with. things you've blessed our life with. Father, have you done something new with Father, have you done something new with Father, have you done something new with your hair? I love it." And I'm like, your hair? I love it." And I'm like, your hair? I love it." And I'm like, "What do you want?" "What do you want?" "What do you want?" And he goes, "Mom said no, I couldn't And he goes, "Mom said no, I couldn't And he goes, "Mom said no, I couldn't play Fortnite. Can I play Fortnite?" I'm play Fortnite. Can I play Fortnite?" I'm play Fortnite. Can I play Fortnite?" I'm like, "You're trying to work me." You like, "You're trying to work me." You like, "You're trying to work me." You listen, you feel it in business when listen, you feel it in business when listen, you feel it in business when you're like at a at a at a mixer you're like at a at a at a mixer you're like at a at a at a mixer somewhere and someone comes up to you somewhere and someone comes up to you somewhere and someone comes up to you go, "Hey, bud. Great. I like your go, "Hey, bud. Great. I like your go, "Hey, bud. Great. I like your jacket. You look good." You know, it's jacket. You look good." You know, it's jacket. You look good." You know, it's they don't want to know you. They want they don't want to know you. They want they don't want to know you. They want what you have.

what you have. what you have. And if we water down what prayer is to a And if we water down what prayer is to a And if we water down what prayer is to a transaction, transaction, transaction, I'm telling you, you're missing the very I'm telling you, you're missing the very I'm telling you, you're missing the very point of prayer. And is there a chance point of prayer. And is there a chance point of prayer. And is there a chance that God has disappointed you because that God has disappointed you because that God has disappointed you because you had a distorted view of him? you had a distorted view of him? you had a distorted view of him? And what you need in this season is not And what you need in this season is not And what you need in this season is not to say, "God, I'm going to give you one to say, "God, I'm going to give you one to say, "God, I'm going to give you one more quarter. You better drop the more quarter. You better drop the more quarter. You better drop the candy." candy." candy." Maybe what you need to do is say, "God, Maybe what you need to do is say, "God, Maybe what you need to do is say, "God, I want to lay down my distorted view of I want to lay down my distorted view of I want to lay down my distorted view of you and what prayer is." you and what prayer is." you and what prayer is." In the month of August, if if I'm In the month of August, if if I'm In the month of August, if if I'm missing something, I want the more you missing something, I want the more you missing something, I want the more you have. And the more you have is a father have. And the more you have is a father have. And the more you have is a father in heaven. Listen, he invites us to ask in heaven. Listen, he invites us to ask in heaven. Listen, he invites us to ask boldly because he's generous and boldly because he's generous and boldly because he's generous and powerful. He answers according to his powerful. He answers according to his powerful. He answers according to his will because he is wise and loving and will because he is wise and loving and will because he is wise and loving and knows what's best. Sometimes the answer knows what's best. Sometimes the answer knows what's best. Sometimes the answer is a miracle. Sometimes the answer is no is a miracle. Sometimes the answer is no is a miracle. Sometimes the answer is no or not yet. Either way, it shouldn't or not yet. Either way, it shouldn't or not yet. Either way, it shouldn't change that you ask, but it should shape change that you ask, but it should shape change that you ask, but it should shape how you ask. how you ask. how you ask. The invitation remains, come to your The invitation remains, come to your The invitation remains, come to your father.

I want to move to the last thought quick I want to move to the last thought quick because I want to get to prayer. Last because I want to get to prayer. Last because I want to get to prayer. Last thought is this. Why don't we take the thought is this. Why don't we take the thought is this. Why don't we take the position of Acts one? position of Acts one? position of Acts one? Sometimes I think we're just hurried by Sometimes I think we're just hurried by Sometimes I think we're just hurried by busyness. busyness. busyness. You might pray, but you don't wait. Our culture hurries and distracts. Our culture hurries and distracts. keeps our calendars busy. We're running keeps our calendars busy. We're running keeps our calendars busy. We're running so fast that we're walking right past so fast that we're walking right past so fast that we're walking right past the deep things of God. the deep things of God. the deep things of God. You're walking past the moments where You're walking past the moments where You're walking past the moments where the spirit wants to fill up your life, the spirit wants to fill up your life, the spirit wants to fill up your life, wants to empower you, wants to give you wants to empower you, wants to give you wants to empower you, wants to give you a word, and we're moving so fast. I'm a word, and we're moving so fast. I'm a word, and we're moving so fast. I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to the not talking to you. I'm talking to the not talking to you. I'm talking to the mirror as well. You move so fast. You mirror as well. You move so fast. You mirror as well. You move so fast. You want a transaction, and your busyiness want a transaction, and your busyiness want a transaction, and your busyiness keeps you from God. And in great part, keeps you from God. And in great part, keeps you from God. And in great part, that's why we're carving out the month that's why we're carving out the month that's why we're carving out the month of August. Because if we want the power of Acts 2, Because if we want the power of Acts 2, we first have to take the posture of we first have to take the posture of we first have to take the posture of Acts 1. So here's what I'm asking of you Acts 1. So here's what I'm asking of you Acts 1. So here's what I'm asking of you as a church from now through revival as a church from now through revival as a church from now through revival nights in the month of August.

nights in the month of August. nights in the month of August. I'm asking you that you you would I'm asking you that you you would I'm asking you that you you would prepare, you would wait, and you would prepare, you would wait, and you would prepare, you would wait, and you would pray because I think those three nights pray because I think those three nights pray because I think those three nights in August might be the most spiritually in August might be the most spiritually in August might be the most spiritually meaningful, impactful nights of our meaningful, impactful nights of our meaningful, impactful nights of our whole calendar year. Why? because God whole calendar year. Why? because God whole calendar year. Why? because God can do more in a moment than we could do can do more in a moment than we could do can do more in a moment than we could do in 52 Sundays and we're carving out in 52 Sundays and we're carving out in 52 Sundays and we're carving out space. So, I'm asking you to pray. I'm space. So, I'm asking you to pray. I'm space. So, I'm asking you to pray. I'm asking you to wait. I'm asking us as a asking you to wait. I'm asking us as a asking you to wait. I'm asking us as a church to take an upper room disposition church to take an upper room disposition church to take an upper room disposition from now through revival nights. from now through revival nights. from now through revival nights. I'm asking you to pray first of all like I'm asking you to pray first of all like I'm asking you to pray first of all like you might pray prayers like this. God, you might pray prayers like this. God, you might pray prayers like this. God, if there is more of you to be if there is more of you to be if there is more of you to be experienced, I want it. experienced, I want it. experienced, I want it. It's a bold prayer. You might be It's a bold prayer. You might be It's a bold prayer. You might be settling for less than God offers. Why? settling for less than God offers. Why? settling for less than God offers. Why? Pick one of the three reasons, but it's Pick one of the three reasons, but it's Pick one of the three reasons, but it's something. And then equally, I'm asking something. And then equally, I'm asking something. And then equally, I'm asking you would pray for our whole church. I'm you would pray for our whole church. I'm you would pray for our whole church. I'm praying God, would you pour out fresh on praying God, would you pour out fresh on praying God, would you pour out fresh on your church? Would Acts two be more of your church? Would Acts two be more of your church? Would Acts two be more of our current experience than even what we our current experience than even what we our current experience than even what we read in scripture? read in scripture? read in scripture? That we believe God wants to pour out That we believe God wants to pour out That we believe God wants to pour out his Holy Spirit on his people to empower his Holy Spirit on his people to empower his Holy Spirit on his people to empower us to live the Christian life, to us to live the Christian life, to us to live the Christian life, to empower us to share our faith, to empower us to share our faith, to empower us to share our faith, to empower us to live holy as he is holy.

empower us to live holy as he is holy. empower us to live holy as he is holy. You might come in August with like, You might come in August with like, You might come in August with like, "God, I need an answer to something." "God, I need an answer to something." "God, I need an answer to something." Come and bring it. But don't wait until Come and bring it. But don't wait until Come and bring it. But don't wait until revival nights to pray. We're in Acts revival nights to pray. We're in Acts revival nights to pray. We're in Acts one preparation right now because we one preparation right now because we one preparation right now because we believe Acts 2 is going to happen. And I believe Acts 2 is going to happen. And I believe Acts 2 is going to happen. And I want to normalize these closing moments. want to normalize these closing moments. want to normalize these closing moments. There's three things we do and we're There's three things we do and we're There's three things we do and we're doing it for the month of August. Sing, doing it for the month of August. Sing, doing it for the month of August. Sing, bring, pray. If you were here last bring, pray. If you were here last bring, pray. If you were here last weekend, you sort of get it. If not, let weekend, you sort of get it. If not, let weekend, you sort of get it. If not, let me catch us up. First thing we're going me catch us up. First thing we're going me catch us up. First thing we're going to do as a church is we're going to to do as a church is we're going to to do as a church is we're going to sing. sing. sing. It's not just singing, but it's worship. It's not just singing, but it's worship. It's not just singing, but it's worship. So, the bands across the campuses are So, the bands across the campuses are So, the bands across the campuses are going to lead us. And your response, going to lead us. And your response, going to lead us. And your response, because again, God's word demands a because again, God's word demands a because again, God's word demands a response. Your response might be to sing response. Your response might be to sing response. Your response might be to sing and to worship. So, you might just stand and to worship. So, you might just stand and to worship. So, you might just stand at your seat and you just give God glory at your seat and you just give God glory at your seat and you just give God glory and honor and praise and you thank him. and honor and praise and you thank him. and honor and praise and you thank him. Second is is the bring part. You might Second is is the bring part. You might Second is is the bring part. You might have noticed we didn't pass an offering have noticed we didn't pass an offering have noticed we didn't pass an offering basket. That's great. Why? Because we basket. That's great. Why? Because we basket. That's great. Why? Because we think there's seasons where we we don't think there's seasons where we we don't think there's seasons where we we don't want things on autopilot. We want those want things on autopilot. We want those want things on autopilot. We want those things to [music] be acts of worship. things to [music] be acts of worship. things to [music] be acts of worship. So, what are we doing? We're going to So, what are we doing? We're going to So, what are we doing? We're going to invite you to bring your first and best invite you to bring your first and best invite you to bring your first and best to Jesus. So, there'll be offering to Jesus. So, there'll be offering to Jesus. So, there'll be offering baskets across the front across all the baskets across the front across all the baskets across the front across all the campuses. And there's an act of of campuses. And there's an act of of campuses. And there's an act of of sacrificial worship in the bringing of sacrificial worship in the bringing of sacrificial worship in the bringing of it. I got responses from several people it. I got responses from several people it. I got responses from several people saying, "Dude, thank you." That was the saying, "Dude, thank you." That was the saying, "Dude, thank you." That was the most meaningful response of giving I did most meaningful response of giving I did most meaningful response of giving I did last week. And by the way, if you give last week. And by the way, if you give last week. And by the way, if you give online, it's always the easiest way to online, it's always the easiest way to online, it's always the easiest way to give. The majority of you do that. In give. The majority of you do that. In give. The majority of you do that. In this moment during the bring part, you this moment during the bring part, you this moment during the bring part, you might just put your hand on your wallet might just put your hand on your wallet might just put your hand on your wallet in your back pocket or where your wallet in your back pocket or where your wallet in your back pocket or where your wallet is in your purse and you just whisper is in your purse and you just whisper is in your purse and you just whisper under your breath, "Jesus, you're my

under your breath, "Jesus, you're my under your breath, "Jesus, you're my provider. You still have my first and provider. You still have my first and provider. You still have my first and best." best." best." It's a moment of worship. And then It's a moment of worship. And then It's a moment of worship. And then lastly, we're going to pray together. lastly, we're going to pray together. lastly, we're going to pray together. In fact, here and across the campuses, In fact, here and across the campuses, In fact, here and across the campuses, two things. I want the prayer teams to two things. I want the prayer teams to two things. I want the prayer teams to come out. I want us to stand up and get come out. I want us to stand up and get come out. I want us to stand up and get ready to respond together. ready to respond together. ready to respond together. So, here and across campuses, we can So, here and across campuses, we can So, here and across campuses, we can stand. prayer teams, you can come out. I'll just show you my cards. I'm I want I'll just show you my cards. I'm I want to normalize spiritual activity in this to normalize spiritual activity in this to normalize spiritual activity in this church. church. church. It should be normal that people come and It should be normal that people come and It should be normal that people come and pray. It should be normal that people pray. It should be normal that people pray. It should be normal that people come kneel at the front and say, "God, I come kneel at the front and say, "God, I come kneel at the front and say, "God, I need you." Why? Because everything we need you." Why? Because everything we need you." Why? Because everything we just said, we are in desperate need of just said, we are in desperate need of just said, we are in desperate need of God. Who among us, if God said, "I have God. Who among us, if God said, "I have God. Who among us, if God said, "I have something more for you," could go, "I'm something more for you," could go, "I'm something more for you," could go, "I'm good without it." good without it." good without it." What if God had a word of of wisdom for What if God had a word of of wisdom for What if God had a word of of wisdom for a decision you're about to make? If you a decision you're about to make? If you a decision you're about to make? If you just wait, seek, ask, and pray. just wait, seek, ask, and pray. just wait, seek, ask, and pray. If we were honest, 90% of the room would If we were honest, 90% of the room would If we were honest, 90% of the room would respond in prayer.

respond in prayer. respond in prayer. And if you're in a place where you're And if you're in a place where you're And if you're in a place where you're like, "God, like, "God, like, "God, you're stirring something in me. There you're stirring something in me. There you're stirring something in me. There there is more and I want it." Then you there is more and I want it." Then you there is more and I want it." Then you should come down to the front and pray. should come down to the front and pray. should come down to the front and pray. You might come get on your face on your You might come get on your face on your You might come get on your face on your knees and you're you're laying out knees and you're you're laying out knees and you're you're laying out before God and saying, "God, before God and saying, "God, before God and saying, "God, I need you to teach me how to pray like I need you to teach me how to pray like I need you to teach me how to pray like a boy so I can lead like a man or a a boy so I can lead like a man or a a boy so I can lead like a man or a woman or a girl so I can lead like a woman or a girl so I can lead like a woman or a girl so I can lead like a woman." Pick it. woman." Pick it. woman." Pick it. You might need to lay in front of God You might need to lay in front of God You might need to lay in front of God and say, "God, I need to to lay down my and say, "God, I need to to lay down my and say, "God, I need to to lay down my distorted view of you in prayer. You're distorted view of you in prayer. You're distorted view of you in prayer. You're not a spiritual vending machine. You're not a spiritual vending machine. You're not a spiritual vending machine. You're my father. [music] God, would you would my father. [music] God, would you would my father. [music] God, would you would you allow me to experience your fatherly you allow me to experience your fatherly you allow me to experience your fatherly love over my life?" That can change you. love over my life?" That can change you. love over my life?" That can change you. You might need to get honest and lay You might need to get honest and lay You might need to get honest and lay your calendar before God and say, "God, your calendar before God and say, "God, your calendar before God and say, "God, I'm distracted by the busyiness." You I'm distracted by the busyiness." You I'm distracted by the busyiness." You have to get priority. have to get priority. have to get priority. You might want someone to pray for you You might want someone to pray for you You might want someone to pray for you or over you. There's power in that. or over you. There's power in that. or over you. There's power in that. That's why the prayer teams are here. That's why the prayer teams are here. That's why the prayer teams are here. But equally, these next few minutes are But equally, these next few minutes are But equally, these next few minutes are not for us. They're for you. And this is not for us. They're for you. And this is not for us. They're for you. And this is not the end of the service where it's not the end of the service where it's not the end of the service where it's like, "All right, see y'all later. Go like, "All right, see y'all later. Go like, "All right, see y'all later. Go hit Cracker Barrel early." No, hit Cracker Barrel early." No, hit Cracker Barrel early." No, this is an invitation. There is more of this is an invitation. There is more of this is an invitation. There is more of God.

God. God. And if we want the Acts two power, we And if we want the Acts two power, we And if we want the Acts two power, we have to take the Acts one posture. And have to take the Acts one posture. And have to take the Acts one posture. And that's what this moment is about. So that's what this moment is about. So that's what this moment is about. So even as I'm talking, someone's going to even as I'm talking, someone's going to even as I'm talking, someone's going to be brave and a bunch of people are going be brave and a bunch of people are going be brave and a bunch of people are going to follow here and across the campuses. to follow here and across the campuses. to follow here and across the campuses. You can begin your way make your way You can begin your way make your way You can begin your way make your way down to the front. You might kneel in down to the front. You might kneel in down to the front. You might kneel in the aisles, kneel at your seat, kneel the aisles, kneel at your seat, kneel the aisles, kneel at your seat, kneel [music] at the front. The band's going [music] at the front. The band's going [music] at the front. The band's going to sing and lead us. You can bring your to sing and lead us. You can bring your to sing and lead us. You can bring your prayers and your offering. Prayer teams prayers and your offering. Prayer teams prayers and your offering. Prayer teams are up front. We're going to sit in the are up front. We're going to sit in the are up front. We're going to sit in the presence of God and we're going to seek presence of God and we're going to seek presence of God and we're going to seek and we're going to ask and we're going and we're going to ask and we're going and we're going to ask and we're going to wait and we're going to pray. to wait and we're going to pray. to wait and we're going to pray. So across the campuses, let's respond So across the campuses, let's respond So across the campuses, let's respond with sing, bring, pray together with sing, bring, pray together with sing, bring, pray together here at Lawrenville. [music] here at Lawrenville. [music] here at Lawrenville. [music] Yep. You can come on, make your way to Yep. You can come on, make your way to Yep. You can come on, make your way to the front. We're just going to create the front. We're just going to create the front. We're just going to create space. This is 99% of us should probably space. This is 99% of us should probably space. This is 99% of us should probably respond. We're not, but we should. And respond. We're not, but we should. And respond. We're not, but we should. And you might kneel in an aisle, kneel up you might kneel in an aisle, kneel up you might kneel in an aisle, kneel up front, [music] ask someone to pray for front, [music] ask someone to pray for front, [music] ask someone to pray for you. You might kneel at your seat. I you. You might kneel at your seat. I you. You might kneel at your seat. I want to normalize spiritual activity. want to normalize spiritual activity. want to normalize spiritual activity. You're not here for a [music] TED talk. You're not here for a [music] TED talk. You're not here for a [music] TED talk. I hope not. You're here for Almighty I hope not. You're here for Almighty I hope not. You're here for Almighty God. Come [music] ask again. Come seek God. Come [music] ask again. Come seek God. Come [music] ask again. Come seek again. Come admit I'm self-reliant and I again. Come admit I'm self-reliant and I again. Come admit I'm self-reliant and I shouldn't be. I lay down my pride. God, shouldn't be. I lay down my pride. God, shouldn't be. I lay down my pride. God, fill me up. God, change me. God, [music] fill me up. God, change me. God, [music] fill me up. God, change me. God, [music] empower me. Let's get a church hungry empower me. Let's get a church hungry empower me. Let's get a church hungry for the more of God. And I believe the for the more of God. And I believe the for the more of God. And I believe the attention of heaven goes where there's attention of heaven goes where there's attention of heaven goes where there's the most [music] desperation. Let's get the most [music] desperation. Let's get the most [music] desperation. Let's get desperate before Almighty God. So, you desperate before Almighty God. So, you desperate before Almighty God. So, you take some space. You can sing. You can take some space. You can sing. You can take some space. You can sing. You can bring. You can pray. Let's worship.

bring. You can pray. Let's worship. bring. You can pray. Let's worship. [music] Well, let's go.