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glory. glory. >> [music] >> For from you are all things. [music] >> For from you are all things. [music] And to you [singing] are all things. And to you [singing] are all things. And to you [singing] are all things. Yes, [music] you deserve the glory. Yes, [music] you do. Yes, [music] you do. You're You're You're worthy of it all. >> [music] >> [music] >> You're >> You're >> You're worthy [singing] of it all. >> [music] >> [music] >> We worship you, God. >> We worship you, God. >> We worship you, God. For from you are all things. For from you are all things. For from you are all things. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And to you are all things. >> And to you are all things. >> And to you are all things. Oh, you deserve the glory. Oh, you deserve the glory. Oh, you deserve the glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Yes, you do. >> Yes, you do. >> Yes, you do. You're worthy. You're worthy. You're worthy. You're You're You're worthy [music] of it all. Yes, we make it known Yes, we make it known >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> today >> today >> today that you're that you're that you're worthy of it all. Only you on the throne. Only you Only you on the throne. Only you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> on the throne.
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>> on the throne. >> on the throne. For from you For from you For from you are all things. are all things. are all things. And to And to And to >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you are all things. >> you are all things. >> you are all things. Oh, you Oh, you Oh, you deserve the glory. For from you are all things. For from you are all things. And [singing] to you [music] are all And [singing] to you [music] are all And [singing] to you [music] are all things. things. things. You deserve the glory. >> For from you are all things. >> For from you are all things. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And to [singing] >> And to [singing] >> And to [singing] you are all you are all you are all things. things. things. You deserve the glory. times. times. For from you are [singing] all things. For from you are [singing] all things. For from you are [singing] all things. And to you are all things. You [singing and music] deserve the You [singing and music] deserve the glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> Good morning, church. We're glad that >> Good morning, church. We're glad that >> Good morning, church. We're glad that you're here.
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you're here. you're here. Stand with us if you're not already Stand with us if you're not already Stand with us if you're not already standing. standing. standing. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We here to worship God today. >> We here to worship God today. >> We here to worship God today. We here to worship in the presence of We here to worship in the presence of We here to worship in the presence of the Lord today. the Lord today. the Lord today. If you're walking in and you're worried If you're walking in and you're worried If you're walking in and you're worried if you're late, you're not late. if you're late, you're not late. if you're late, you're not late. You're right on time. [music] You're right on time. [music] You're right on time. [music] We're just following the prompts of the We're just following the prompts of the We're just following the prompts of the Holy Spirit to be here and gather as Holy Spirit to be here and gather as Holy Spirit to be here and gather as early as we can to pray, [music] early as we can to pray, [music] early as we can to pray, [music] to worship, to make this place a house to worship, to make this place a house to worship, to make this place a house of prayer and worship of prayer and worship of prayer and worship before we start the actual service. before we start the actual service. before we start the actual service. So that we can center our hearts on the So that we can center our hearts on the So that we can center our hearts on the truth that [music] this service is all truth that [music] this service is all truth that [music] this service is all about him. about him. about him. It's all about King Jesus. It's all about King Jesus. It's all about King Jesus. That's why we worship. That's why we worship. That's why we worship. His presence is here. Are you grateful His presence is here. Are you grateful His presence is here. Are you grateful to be in the presence of the Lord today? to be in the presence of the Lord today? to be in the presence of the Lord today? Come on. Come on. Come on. Are you present? [music] Are you happy Are you present? [music] Are you happy Are you present? [music] Are you happy to be in the house of the Lord? to be in the house of the Lord? to be in the house of the Lord? In his presence there is joy. In his presence there is joy. In his presence there is joy. His [music] presence there is fullness His [music] presence there is fullness His [music] presence there is fullness of joy. There's healing, there's hope, of joy. There's healing, there's hope, of joy. There's healing, there's hope, there's deliverance, there's salvation. there's deliverance, there's salvation. there's deliverance, there's salvation. It's all because of one living God, It's all because of one living God, It's all because of one living God, the God of Jesus. So, if you're here and the God of Jesus. So, if you're here and the God of Jesus. So, if you're here and you're new today, this is what we do. We you're new today, this is what we do. We you're new today, this is what we do. We worship God. worship God. worship God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We worship in the name of Jesus.
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>> We worship in the name of Jesus. >> We worship in the name of Jesus. And in fact, the name of Jesus is the And in fact, the name of Jesus is the And in fact, the name of Jesus is the [music] only reason our worship is [music] only reason our worship is [music] only reason our worship is acceptable to God. acceptable to God. acceptable to God. So we worship a God [music] who is So we worship a God [music] who is So we worship a God [music] who is living with power. living with power. living with power. So much so the scripture tells us over So much so the scripture tells us over So much so the scripture tells us over and over again. and over again. and over again. Allow me to read this verse. Allow me to read this verse. Allow me to read this verse. We find this in Luke 24, We find this in Luke 24, We find this in Luke 24, verse 1. verse 1. verse 1. We're going to read this. We're going to read this. We're going to read this. And when we get to the part of the end And when we get to the part of the end And when we get to the part of the end that says he has risen, that says he has risen, that says he has risen, I want you to [music] scream that, shout I want you to [music] scream that, shout I want you to [music] scream that, shout it like you know it to be true, okay? it like you know it to be true, okay? it like you know it to be true, okay? Cuz this is why we worship. This is Cuz this is why we worship. This is Cuz this is why we worship. This is where we're starting our hearts posture where we're starting our hearts posture where we're starting our hearts posture for [music] today. for [music] today. for [music] today. In this verse, on the first day of the In this verse, on the first day of the In this verse, on the first day of the week, week, week, very early in the morning, very early in the morning, very early in the morning, the women took spices they had prepared the women took spices they had prepared the women took spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. and went to the tomb. and went to the tomb. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They found a stone rolled away from the >> They found a stone rolled away from the >> They found a stone rolled away from the tomb. tomb. tomb. But when they entered, But when they entered, But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord they did not find the body of the Lord they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Come on. While they were wondering Come on. While they were wondering Come on. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes about this, suddenly two men in clothes about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning [music] that gleamed like lightning [music] that gleamed like lightning [music] stood beside them. In their fright, the stood beside them. In their fright, the stood beside them. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the women bowed down with their faces to the women bowed down with their faces to the ground. ground. ground. But the men said to them, But the men said to them, But the men said to them, "Why [music] do you look for the living "Why [music] do you look for the living "Why [music] do you look for the living among the dead?
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among the dead? among the dead? Come on. Come on. Come on. He is not here, but what? He has risen. He is not here, but what? He has risen. He is not here, but what? He has risen. Say it again, church. [music] He is Say it again, church. [music] He is Say it again, church. [music] He is what? He has risen. So we don't serve a what? He has risen. So we don't serve a what? He has risen. So we don't serve a God that is dead in the tomb. We don't God that is dead in the tomb. We don't God that is dead in the tomb. We don't serve a God that is in the inner grave. serve a God that is in the inner grave. serve a God that is in the inner grave. Our God is very much [music] alive. He Our God is very much [music] alive. He Our God is very much [music] alive. He is very much risen with all power in his is very much risen with all power in his is very much risen with all power in his hands, and this is why we worship, and hands, and this is why we worship, and hands, and this is why we worship, and this is why you can come and worship in this is why you can come and worship in this is why you can come and worship in victory. [music] No matter what you're victory. [music] No matter what you're victory. [music] No matter what you're going through, you lay it at the feet of going through, you lay it at the feet of going through, you lay it at the feet of Jesus, because he is who he said he is, Jesus, because he is who he said he is, Jesus, because he is who he said he is, and he did what he said he will do. and he did what he said he will do. and he did what he said he will do. Come on. Come on. Come on. That's who we worship. That's who we worship. That's who we worship. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Come on, sing this with me. >> Come on, sing this with me. >> Come on, sing this with me. No enemy, come on. No enemy, come on. No enemy, come on. No enemy [music] can hold you down. Sing No enemy [music] can hold you down. Sing No enemy [music] can hold you down. Sing it out. We worship in victory because of it. We worship in victory because of it. >> [music] >> Come on, we worship. >> Come on, we worship. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We believe it, come on. >> [music] Yes. Yes. >> [music] [music]
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[music] >> Yes, you are. >> Yes, you are. >> Yes, you are. That was slain. Come on, we sing of the That was slain. Come on, we sing of the That was slain. Come on, we sing of the gospel today. gospel today. gospel today. >> The lion of Judah. >> The lion of Judah. >> The lion of Judah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. >> Yes, he is. >> Mighty is his >> Mighty is his >> Mighty is his >> He saves >> He saves >> He saves us, [music] saves us. us, [music] saves us. us, [music] saves us. Holy is the Holy is the Holy is the lamb of God. lamb of God. lamb of God. >> Worthy >> Worthy >> Worthy is the lamb that was slain. [music] >> All power is his. >> All power is his. >> Worthy is the >> Worthy is the >> Worthy is the >> Come on, >> Come on, >> Come on, we sing of the lion we sing of the lion we sing of the lion >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, you are, >> Yes, you are, >> Yes, you are, you are. you are. you are. >> Lamb that was slain. >> Lamb that was slain. >> Lamb that was slain. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The lamb >> The lamb >> The lamb that was slain. that was slain. that was slain. >> Lamb that was >> Lamb that was >> Lamb that was >> Yes, he >> Yes, he >> [music] >> rose in all power. >> rose in all power. >> rose in all power. And he's mighty And he's mighty And he's mighty and strong. and strong. and strong. Oh, yes, Oh, yes, Oh, yes, he is. he is. he is. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Worthy is the Oh, Oh, he's gone, he's risen. Come on. Come on. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And knowing it don't mean to hold you >> And knowing it don't mean to hold you >> And knowing it don't mean to hold you down. down. down. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Cuz there's >> Cuz there's >> Cuz there's nobody in the nobody in the nobody in the >> That's why we [music] worship in >> That's why we [music] worship in >> That's why we [music] worship in victory. His name is Jesus. His name is Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Cuz there's >> Cuz there's >> Cuz there's nobody in the grave.
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nobody in the grave. nobody in the grave. >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> Knowing it don't mean >> Knowing it don't mean >> Knowing it don't mean to hold you down. to hold you down. to hold you down. >> No, no, no. >> No, no, no. >> No, no, no. >> Cuz >> Cuz >> Cuz there's [music] there's [music] there's [music] nobody in the nobody in the nobody in the grave now. grave now. grave now. The one who The one who The one who held me held me held me when I cried. when I cried. when I cried. Cuz there's Cuz there's Cuz there's nobody [music and singing] nobody [music and singing] nobody [music and singing] greater. >> Nobody in the >> Nobody in the grave. grave. grave. >> Yes, he rose [music] in all power. >> Yes, he rose [music] in all power. >> Yes, he rose [music] in all power. >> Cuz there's nobody in [singing] the >> Cuz there's nobody in [singing] the >> Cuz there's nobody in [singing] the grave now. >> [music] >> [music] >> There's nobody in the >> There's nobody in the >> There's nobody in the >> [singing] >> He's alive. >> He's alive. He's alive, he's alive. He's alive, he's alive. He's alive, he's alive. [music and singing] In this place. In this place. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The presence of the Lord is in this >> The presence of the Lord is in this >> The presence of the Lord is in this place. >> We turn our attention [music] to you. >> We turn our attention [music] to you. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The name by which we are saved.
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>> I [music] >> I [music] could sing could sing could sing your name for [singing] all my your name for [singing] all my your name for [singing] all my life [music] life [music] life [music] and still and still and still find more to [music] love find more to [music] love find more to [music] love each time. each time. each time. Jesus, be the name ever on Jesus, be the name ever on Jesus, be the name ever on my my my lips. Sweeter [music] Sweeter [music] every time that I call on. [singing] every time that I call on. [singing] every time that I call on. [singing] There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just something about your name. There's just [music] something about There's just [music] something about There's just [music] something about your name. There's just something about your There's just something about your [music] name [music] name [music] name that makes me cry, [singing] "Holy." that makes me cry, [singing] "Holy." that makes me cry, [singing] "Holy." There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] There is no other name. [music] There is no other [singing] name. There is [music] no other name. There is [music] no other name. Jesus, you're Jesus, you're Jesus, you're worthy. worthy. worthy. You have [music and singing] been You have [music and singing] been You have [music and singing] been the friend who never the friend who never the friend who never >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> left and I won't >> left and I won't >> left and I won't forget [music] forget [music] forget [music] your faithfulness.
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Jesus, [music] be the name ever on my Jesus, [music] be the name ever on my lips. lips. lips. Thank you, I can call on your name. Thank you, I can call on your name. Thank you, I can call on your name. It's sweeter every [music and singing] It's sweeter every [music and singing] It's sweeter every [music and singing] time that I call on. time that I call on. time that I call on. There's just something about [singing] There's just something about [singing] There's just something about [singing] your name, something so beautiful. your name, something so beautiful. your name, something so beautiful. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Something so wonderful. >> Something so wonderful. >> Something so wonderful. Oh, it [music] makes me cry. >> [music] >> [music] >> There is no other [singing] name, no one >> There is no other [singing] name, no one >> There is no other [singing] name, no one that can come close. that can come close. that can come close. >> There's no >> There's no >> There's no other name. other name. other name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No other name will [singing] we bow to. >> No other name will [singing] we bow to. >> No other name will [singing] we bow to. >> There's no >> There's no >> There's no other name. other name. other name. >> Jesus, [music] >> Jesus, [music] >> Jesus, [music] you're worthy. Come on, stir your you're worthy. Come on, stir your you're worthy. Come on, stir your affection for him. affection for him. affection for him. There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about There's just something [music] about your name. your name. your name. >> There's just something about your name. >> That makes me cry, "Holy, holy, holy." >> That makes me cry, "Holy, holy, holy." [music] [music] [music] >> There's no >> There's no >> There's no other name. other name. other name. >> No >> No >> No other name. other name. other name. >> There's no >> There's no >> There's no other name. other name. other name. >> Only Jesus.
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>> Only Jesus. >> Only Jesus. >> There's [music] no >> There's [music] no >> There's [music] no other name. other name. other name. >> Jesus, you're >> Jesus, you're >> Jesus, you're >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> worthy. >> worthy. >> worthy. It's in the name of Jesus that we It's in the name of Jesus that we It's in the name of Jesus that we believe. believe. believe. It's in the name of Jesus [music] that It's in the name of Jesus [music] that It's in the name of Jesus [music] that we are saved. we are saved. we are saved. It's in the name of Jesus that we pray. It's in the name of Jesus that we pray. It's in the name of Jesus that we pray. It's the name of Jesus that we worship. It's the name of Jesus that we worship. It's the name of Jesus that we worship. So, come on, lift your voice. So, come on, lift your voice. So, come on, lift your voice. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] your name is like the morning light, your name is like the morning light, your name is like the morning light, [music] [music] [music] the one the darkness can't deny, the the one the darkness can't deny, the the one the darkness can't deny, the resurrection resurrection resurrection [music] and the life. Jesus. [music] and the life. Jesus. [music] and the life. Jesus. >> Jesus, [music] your name >> Jesus, [music] your name >> Jesus, [music] your name >> can strengthen your name. >> can strengthen your name. >> can strengthen your name. >> Can heal >> Can heal >> Can heal >> your name can make >> your name can make >> your name can make >> me strong, [music] >> me strong, [music] >> me strong, [music] be still. be still. be still. >> You never fail. >> You never fail. >> You never fail. You never You never You never will. will. will. >> Sing it. >> Sing it. >> Sing it. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Your name >> Your name >> Your name >> the ever >> the ever >> the ever >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> living one >> living one >> living one >> the holy one >> the [music] worthy one >> the [music] worthy one >> the first >> the first >> the first and last and last and last >> the soon to come >> the soon to come >> the soon to come >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus.
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>> Jesus. >> Jesus. Jesus, the king. Jesus, the king. Jesus, the king. >> The >> The >> The overwhelming king. overwhelming king. overwhelming king. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The creator of all. >> The creator of all. >> The creator of all. >> He will reign. >> He will reign. >> He will reign. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He will reign. >> He will reign. >> He will reign. >> Above all. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> [music] Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. He gets [music] all the glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus be the name. He gets all the glory. He gets all the glory. >> [music] We bring We bring the song the song the song to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus.
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Oh, Oh, no longer name. no longer name. no longer name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Only the name of Jesus. >> Only the name of Jesus. >> Only the name of Jesus. Has the power Has the power Has the power >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to change. Jesus be the name. [music] Jesus be the name. [music] Come on, we believe it this morning. Come on, we believe it this morning. Come on, we believe it this morning. >> Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. Jesus be the name. He gets [music] all the He gets [music] all the He gets [music] all the glory. glory. glory. >> Come on, we declare Jesus. >> Come on, we declare Jesus. >> Come on, we declare Jesus. >> Jesus be the name. >> Jesus be the name. >> Jesus be the name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus be the name. Jesus [music] be the name. Jesus [music] be the name. He gets all the He gets all the He gets all the glory. glory. glory. >> [music] >> We bring the song. >> We bring the song. >> [music] >> Thank you, Jesus. We give you >> Thank you, Jesus. We give you >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> [music] Oh, we worship you.
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Oh, we worship you. >> [music] [music] [music] >> The biggest praise is he that deserves. >> The biggest praise is he that deserves. >> The biggest praise is he that deserves. Come on, there's healing [music] in the Come on, there's healing [music] in the Come on, there's healing [music] in the name of what? name of what? name of what? >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> There's authority in the name of who? >> There's authority in the name of who? >> There's authority in the name of who? >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> There's power in the name of what? >> There's power in the name of what? >> There's power in the name of what? >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Come on, give Jesus your best praise in >> Come on, give Jesus your best praise in >> Come on, give Jesus your best praise in this place. this place. this place. >> [music] >> No matter where you came in today, we >> No matter where you came in today, we need you to know [music] that that name need you to know [music] that that name need you to know [music] that that name is above every name. is above every name. is above every name. In the book of Philippians chapter 2, In the book of Philippians chapter 2, In the book of Philippians chapter 2, the Bible declares this, the Bible declares this, the Bible declares this, "Therefore God [music] exalted him to "Therefore God [music] exalted him to "Therefore God [music] exalted him to the highest place the highest place the highest place and gave him a name that is above every and gave him a name that is above every and gave him a name that is above every name, name, name, that at the name of that at the name of that at the name of >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> every knee [music] should bow in heaven, >> every knee [music] should bow in heaven, >> every knee [music] should bow in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and and on earth, and under the earth, and and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge [music] that every tongue acknowledge [music] that every tongue acknowledge [music] that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father." That name of Jesus. [music] Father." That name of Jesus. [music] Father." That name of Jesus. [music] Come on, if you believe it, Come on, if you believe it, Come on, if you believe it, give your Jesus give your Jesus give your Jesus a praise in this place.
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a praise in this place. a praise in this place. >> [music] >> If you're new here, my name is Jason. >> If you're new here, my name is Jason. I'm one of the pastors. I'm one of the pastors. I'm one of the pastors. And we want you to know that we worship And we want you to know that we worship And we want you to know that we worship that name. that name. that name. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We honor that name, and we're glad >> We honor that name, and we're glad >> We honor that name, and we're glad you're here today. you're here today. you're here today. I believe that God has something [music] I believe that God has something [music] I believe that God has something [music] special for you special for you special for you in his word in his word in his word and in this experience. and in this experience. and in this experience. And [music] listen, And [music] listen, And [music] listen, this name is one we want everyone to this name is one we want everyone to this name is one we want everyone to know. Every generation [music] should know. Every generation [music] should know. Every generation [music] should know the name of Jesus, especially our know the name of Jesus, especially our know the name of Jesus, especially our youth. They need the Lord. Amen, youth. They need the Lord. Amen, youth. They need the Lord. Amen, parents. parents. parents. This Wednesday [music] we actually have This Wednesday [music] we actually have This Wednesday [music] we actually have something just for them called student something just for them called student something just for them called student bash. Come on, our summer bash this bash. Come on, our summer bash this bash. Come on, our summer bash this Wednesday. Wednesday. Wednesday. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Steve, I got the name wrong. Back to >> Steve, I got the name wrong. Back to >> Steve, I got the name wrong. Back to school bash. There it is. school bash. There it is. school bash. There it is. And this is a chance for them not just And this is a chance for them not just And this is a chance for them not just to have fun and play games, [music] but to have fun and play games, [music] but to have fun and play games, [music] but they get to share the gospel with their they get to share the gospel with their they get to share the gospel with their friends and invite them to this friends and invite them to this friends and invite them to this Wednesday [music] to hear it. Wednesday [music] to hear it. Wednesday [music] to hear it. It's just like we're we are going to do It's just like we're we are going to do It's just like we're we are going to do as adults. We're going to invite our as adults. We're going to invite our as adults. We're going to invite our ones in September to at [music] the ones in September to at [music] the ones in September to at [music] the movies. movies. movies. They're going to invite their student They're going to invite their student They're going to invite their student friends, high school, middle school, to friends, high school, middle school, to friends, high school, middle school, to hear the gospel.
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hear the gospel. hear the gospel. So, as a church, this is what I want to So, as a church, this is what I want to So, as a church, this is what I want to do. I want to pray do. I want to pray do. I want to pray that God give them boldness, that God give them boldness, that God give them boldness, courage courage courage to go into their middle school and high to go into their middle school and high to go into their middle school and high school and [music] be a world changer. school and [music] be a world changer. school and [music] be a world changer. Who believes that today? Who believes that today? Who believes that today? Let's pray it in, church. God, thank you Let's pray it in, church. God, thank you Let's pray it in, church. God, thank you so much so much so much >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for our students. >> for our students. >> for our students. God, as they walk into middle school and God, as they walk into middle school and God, as they walk into middle school and high school, there's so much pressure. high school, there's so much pressure. high school, there's so much pressure. But Father, I pray that they walk in But Father, I pray that they walk in But Father, I pray that they walk in knowing [music] that the name of Jesus knowing [music] that the name of Jesus knowing [music] that the name of Jesus is with them. is with them. is with them. And that they can share their faith with And that they can share their faith with And that they can share their faith with boldness, boldness, boldness, with authority. with authority. with authority. And that this back to school bash, God, And that this back to school bash, God, And that this back to school bash, God, will be one we [music] would never will be one we [music] would never will be one we [music] would never forget because they will bring their forget because they will bring their forget because they will bring their lost friends. They will hear the gospel. lost friends. They will hear the gospel. lost friends. They will hear the gospel. And we will see [music] that name lifted And we will see [music] that name lifted And we will see [music] that name lifted high. high. high. Amen. Amen. If you believe that, come Amen. Amen. If you believe that, come Amen. Amen. If you believe that, come on, y'all. Let's praise God in this on, y'all. Let's praise God in this on, y'all. Let's praise God in this place today. place today. place today. Well, listen, we're going back into Well, listen, we're going back into Well, listen, we're going back into worship. worship. worship. And the song we're about to sing is And the song we're about to sing is And the song we're about to sing is greatly to be praised. Can we give God 5 greatly to be praised. Can we give God 5 greatly to be praised. Can we give God 5 seconds of praise if we believe he is seconds of praise if we believe he is seconds of praise if we believe he is great? great? great? All right, let's worship him.
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All right, let's worship him. All right, let's worship him. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [applause] [music] [music] >> Here >> Here >> Here I bow, I bow, I bow, humbled that I am allowed of God, the only way of God, the only way king. I cast [music] down I cast [music] down all of my all of my all of my earthly crowns. earthly crowns. earthly crowns. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They're only yours >> They're only yours >> They're only yours right now. right now. right now. I still lay at your feet. You [music] You [music] was, and is, and is, and is to and is to and is to >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> come.
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To him To him >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be >> be >> be praise. Come on, we sing holy. praise. Come on, we sing holy. praise. Come on, we sing holy. Holy. Holy. Holy. >> [music] >> Worthy, [music] >> Worthy, [music] worthy is your [singing] name. >> [music] >> [music] >> All >> All >> All the glory the glory the glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to the >> to the >> to the >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> lamb forever. Worthy, Worthy, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> worthy is your name, >> worthy is your name, >> worthy is your name, and greatly to be praised. and greatly to be praised. and greatly to be praised. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You took >> You took >> You took our punishment. our punishment. our punishment. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God, >> God, >> God, you you you alone alone alone have overcome. >> [music] >> [music] >> Ransomed by >> Ransomed by >> Ransomed by your blood, it won't be your blood, it won't be your blood, it won't be [singing and music] undone.
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[singing and music] undone. [singing and music] undone. I believe in I believe in I believe in every [music] every [music] every [music] tribe, tribe, tribe, nation, and every nation, and every nation, and every tongue. tongue. tongue. Oh, now through the Oh, now through the Oh, now through the >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> veil we >> veil we >> veil we run into run into run into your your your heart. Oh, we run [music and singing] to heart. Oh, we run [music and singing] to heart. Oh, we run [music and singing] to you. We run to you, oh. Oh, Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> what is and is and >> what is and is and >> what is and is and >> [singing] >> is to >> is to come. come. come. To him To him To him >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be praised. >> [music] >> [music] >> Holy, >> Holy, >> Holy, holy holy holy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is the >> is the >> is the Lord almighty. Lord almighty. Lord almighty. Worthy, Worthy, Worthy, worthy worthy worthy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is your name. And all the And all the glory glory glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to the >> to the >> to the Lamb forever.
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Worthy, Worthy, God, worthy God, worthy God, worthy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is your name. >> is your name. >> is your name. And greatly, And greatly, And greatly, truly greatly truly greatly truly greatly Come on, let's [music] sing it. Greatly Come on, let's [music] sing it. Greatly Come on, let's [music] sing it. Greatly to be praised. Greatly to be to be praised. Greatly to be to be praised. Greatly to be We lift him We lift him We lift him >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We lift him up. >> We lift him up. >> We lift him up. We lift him >> [music] >> [music] >> You're the only You're the only one You're the only one I want to show the heavens and sing. I want to show the heavens and sing. I want to show the heavens and sing. All the All the All the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> angels bow in reverence. >> angels bow in reverence. >> angels bow in reverence. All your children All your children All your children >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> sing your praises. >> sing your praises. >> sing your praises. All the All the All the to the name above every to the name above every to the name above every name. name. name. Come on, sing it with us. All the angels Come on, sing it with us. All the angels Come on, sing it with us. All the angels >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> bow in reverence. >> bow in reverence. >> bow in reverence. All your children sing your praises. All your children sing your praises. All your children sing your praises. [music] [music] [music] All the blessing All the blessing All the blessing to the name above every to the name above every to the name above every name.
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for the day [music] you rend for the day [music] you rend the heavens, the heavens, the heavens, bearing bearing bearing our God. Come, Lord our God. Come, Lord our God. Come, Lord Jesus, we All All our sorrow our sorrow our sorrow >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and our suffering >> and our suffering >> and our suffering now preparing now preparing now preparing a way of glory a way of glory a way of glory >> [music] >> for the moment when we see >> for the moment when we see your your your face. face. face. Holy, [music] holy is your holy is your >> [music] >> Oh, we sing worthy, >> Oh, we sing worthy, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> worthy, God, >> worthy, God, >> worthy, God, worthy is your name. worthy is your name. worthy is your name. Yes, it's your name. Yes, it's your name. Yes, it's your name. All the glory [music] All the glory [music] All the glory [music] All the All the All the All the glory All the glory All the glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to the >> to the >> to the forever. Worthy, Worthy, worthy [music] is your name. Greatly to Greatly to be praised.
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>> [music] >> [music] >> Greatly to be praised. >> Greatly to be praised. >> Greatly to be praised. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. Oh, Oh, you [music] are greatly you [music] are greatly you [music] are greatly to be praised. Greatly to Greatly to >> [music] >> Greatly to >> Greatly to >> [music] >> So, stay here. Stay here in moment. Stay >> So, stay here. Stay here in moment. Stay standing. Let's pray together. So God, standing. Let's pray together. So God, standing. Let's pray together. So God, you and you alone are greatly to be you and you alone are greatly to be you and you alone are greatly to be praised. praised. praised. No one else. No one else. No one else. No other name. No other name. No other name. You have the highest name, the name You have the highest name, the name You have the highest name, the name above all names, Jesus. above all names, Jesus. above all names, Jesus. And we say you're greatly to be praised.
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And we say you're greatly to be praised. And we say you're greatly to be praised. In fact, one of the words we use to In fact, one of the words we use to In fact, one of the words we use to describe you is holy. describe you is holy. describe you is holy. That means no one is like you. And when That means no one is like you. And when That means no one is like you. And when we say that you are holy, we're actually we say that you are holy, we're actually we say that you are holy, we're actually repeating scripture back to you cuz when repeating scripture back to you cuz when repeating scripture back to you cuz when Isaiah saw you and he got a glimpse of Isaiah saw you and he got a glimpse of Isaiah saw you and he got a glimpse of heaven, you were surrounded by angels heaven, you were surrounded by angels heaven, you were surrounded by angels that were all singing to you, "Holy, that were all singing to you, "Holy, that were all singing to you, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord almighty. The holy, holy is the Lord almighty. The holy, holy is the Lord almighty. The whole earth is full of his glory." whole earth is full of his glory." whole earth is full of his glory." And then in Revelation, John got a And then in Revelation, John got a And then in Revelation, John got a glimpse of you. And it was the same glimpse of you. And it was the same glimpse of you. And it was the same thing, angels surrounded your throne thing, angels surrounded your throne thing, angels surrounded your throne saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord almighty who was and is and is to come." almighty who was and is and is to come." almighty who was and is and is to come." That is who you are. You are greatly to That is who you are. You are greatly to That is who you are. You are greatly to be praised. be praised. be praised. And so God, we ask And so God, we ask And so God, we ask God, we need your word today. God, we need your word today. God, we need your word today. We need you [music] to speak to us We need you [music] to speak to us We need you [music] to speak to us today. God, would you elevate today. God, would you elevate today. God, would you elevate scripture for us today. scripture for us today. scripture for us today. God, we need it. God, we need it. God, we need it. And we need you. And we need you. And we need you. So Jesus, we love you. It is a privilege So Jesus, we love you. It is a privilege So Jesus, we love you. It is a privilege to worship you. We're excited for what to worship you. We're excited for what to worship you. We're excited for what you have for us today. And we pray all you have for us today. And we pray all you have for us today. And we pray all these things in the powerful name of these things in the powerful name of these things in the powerful name of Jesus. And everybody said, Jesus. And everybody said, Jesus. And everybody said, amen, amen.
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amen, amen. amen, amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Well, you can go ahead, high five >> Well, you can go ahead, high five >> Well, you can go ahead, high five someone around you, take a seat here and someone around you, take a seat here and someone around you, take a seat here and across the campuses. Catch your breath for a moment. Catch your breath for a moment. Man, it is a uh Man, it is a uh Man, it is a uh Church, I don't know if you can feel it. Church, I don't know if you can feel it. Church, I don't know if you can feel it. But it seems like God is doing something But it seems like God is doing something But it seems like God is doing something special at our church. special at our church. special at our church. This isn't just business as usual. Like This isn't just business as usual. Like This isn't just business as usual. Like just this past Sunday, there was a just this past Sunday, there was a just this past Sunday, there was a married couple that got baptized, but married couple that got baptized, but married couple that got baptized, but they shouldn't still be married. In they shouldn't still be married. In they shouldn't still be married. In fact, they were actually at She filed fact, they were actually at She filed fact, they were actually at She filed for divorce 2 months ago. for divorce 2 months ago. for divorce 2 months ago. And then God got a hold of the husband, And then God got a hold of the husband, And then God got a hold of the husband, and then God got a hold of the wife, and then God got a hold of the wife, and then God got a hold of the wife, rescued the husband and wife, and then rescued the husband and wife, and then rescued the husband and wife, and then this past Sunday, they were holding this past Sunday, they were holding this past Sunday, they were holding hands by the baptism tub, getting ready hands by the baptism tub, getting ready hands by the baptism tub, getting ready to get baptized. What? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Not only that, this past Sunday, there >> Not only that, this past Sunday, there >> Not only that, this past Sunday, there was a one someone who showed up, hasn't was a one someone who showed up, hasn't was a one someone who showed up, hasn't been to church at all in over 15 years.
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been to church at all in over 15 years. been to church at all in over 15 years. And during sing, bring, pray at the end, And during sing, bring, pray at the end, And during sing, bring, pray at the end, he walks down front, gets on his knees, he walks down front, gets on his knees, he walks down front, gets on his knees, and begins confessing and repenting and and begins confessing and repenting and and begins confessing and repenting and surrendering to Jesus. That's not surrendering to Jesus. That's not surrendering to Jesus. That's not business as usual for a Sunday morning. business as usual for a Sunday morning. business as usual for a Sunday morning. God is doing something. God is doing something. God is doing something. In fact, not only that, God's doing In fact, not only that, God's doing In fact, not only that, God's doing something at Costco. Um that's a holy something at Costco. Um that's a holy something at Costco. Um that's a holy place, by the way. place, by the way. place, by the way. It's a holy place. I was there this past It's a holy place. I was there this past It's a holy place. I was there this past Thursday. Um they were working on the Thursday. Um they were working on the Thursday. Um they were working on the car with tires, and I'm sitting in the car with tires, and I'm sitting in the car with tires, and I'm sitting in the cafe. I have my laptop open. I was cafe. I have my laptop open. I was cafe. I have my laptop open. I was literally working on this sermon, and literally working on this sermon, and literally working on this sermon, and then a random guy approaches me, okay? then a random guy approaches me, okay? then a random guy approaches me, okay? And when I say random, I mean random, And when I say random, I mean random, And when I say random, I mean random, like doesn't go to 12 Stone, never been like doesn't go to 12 Stone, never been like doesn't go to 12 Stone, never been to 12 Stone, okay? I didn't know him, he to 12 Stone, okay? I didn't know him, he to 12 Stone, okay? I didn't know him, he didn't know me, but he starts talking to didn't know me, but he starts talking to didn't know me, but he starts talking to me, and not only that, this made it a me, and not only that, this made it a me, and not only that, this made it a little complicated, uh he didn't speak little complicated, uh he didn't speak little complicated, uh he didn't speak English. English. English. And no habla español for me, okay? So, I And no habla español for me, okay? So, I And no habla español for me, okay? So, I was like, "What are we going to do?" And was like, "What are we going to do?" And was like, "What are we going to do?" And he just sits down, and he gets a he just sits down, and he gets a he just sits down, and he gets a translation app out, and he starts translation app out, and he starts translation app out, and he starts talking to me. And we're talking back talking to me. And we're talking back talking to me. And we're talking back and forth, and then he confesses, "Hey, and forth, and then he confesses, "Hey, and forth, and then he confesses, "Hey, I'm just really lonely, and I need I'm just really lonely, and I need I'm just really lonely, and I need someone to talk to." someone to talk to." someone to talk to." In the middle of Costco. In the middle of Costco. In the middle of Costco. And so, we start talking, and I'm like, And so, we start talking, and I'm like, And so, we start talking, and I'm like, "God, I think God, I think you're doing "God, I think God, I think you're doing "God, I think God, I think you're doing something right now." And so, then we something right now." And so, then we something right now." And so, then we end up like hugging and praying together end up like hugging and praying together end up like hugging and praying together and talking about Jesus. And we're doing and talking about Jesus. And we're doing and talking about Jesus. And we're doing this right next to the $1.50 hot dogs.
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this right next to the $1.50 hot dogs. this right next to the $1.50 hot dogs. Like, Like, Like, what what is God doing? I'm telling you, what what is God doing? I'm telling you, what what is God doing? I'm telling you, God is doing something special. God is doing something special. God is doing something special. Special. Special. Special. And it's too early to label it, but last And it's too early to label it, but last And it's too early to label it, but last week Pastor Jason said this. He said, week Pastor Jason said this. He said, week Pastor Jason said this. He said, "Whenever a revival shows up," which by "Whenever a revival shows up," which by "Whenever a revival shows up," which by the way, that's what we pray for. That's the way, that's what we pray for. That's the way, that's what we pray for. That's why we have revival nights coming up why we have revival nights coming up why we have revival nights coming up next week. Whenever a revival shows up, next week. Whenever a revival shows up, next week. Whenever a revival shows up, there's three essentials that are always there's three essentials that are always there's three essentials that are always there with that revival. Biblical there with that revival. Biblical there with that revival. Biblical knowledge, knowledge, knowledge, holy obedience, and spiritual intimacy. holy obedience, and spiritual intimacy. holy obedience, and spiritual intimacy. And by the way, if you want a personal And by the way, if you want a personal And by the way, if you want a personal revival in your life, it's the same revival in your life, it's the same revival in your life, it's the same three things. Biblical knowledge, holy three things. Biblical knowledge, holy three things. Biblical knowledge, holy obedience, obedience, obedience, and spiritual intimacy. And today, and spiritual intimacy. And today, and spiritual intimacy. And today, we're going to be talking about biblical we're going to be talking about biblical we're going to be talking about biblical knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. Now, I know that for some of you, when I Now, I know that for some of you, when I Now, I know that for some of you, when I say we're talking about biblical say we're talking about biblical say we're talking about biblical knowledge, you might be like, of the knowledge, you might be like, of the knowledge, you might be like, of the three that are listed there, three that are listed there, three that are listed there, that's the one that's hard for me to get that's the one that's hard for me to get that's the one that's hard for me to get excited about. Or maybe for you, when excited about. Or maybe for you, when excited about. Or maybe for you, when you see biblical knowledge, it's like, you see biblical knowledge, it's like, you see biblical knowledge, it's like, man, that's the one I always feel guilty man, that's the one I always feel guilty man, that's the one I always feel guilty for. Like I Like I want to know the for. Like I Like I want to know the for. Like I Like I want to know the Bible more. I want to spend more time in Bible more. I want to spend more time in Bible more. I want to spend more time in the Bible. It's just the Bible. It's just the Bible. It's just difficult.
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difficult. difficult. And I think maybe the reason that it's And I think maybe the reason that it's And I think maybe the reason that it's difficult for us is not because there's difficult for us is not because there's difficult for us is not because there's a problem with the Bible. a problem with the Bible. a problem with the Bible. I think it's because there's a problem I think it's because there's a problem I think it's because there's a problem with the way we look at the Bible. with the way we look at the Bible. with the way we look at the Bible. Here's what I mean. I think for a lot of Here's what I mean. I think for a lot of Here's what I mean. I think for a lot of us, when we think about the Bible, we us, when we think about the Bible, we us, when we think about the Bible, we see it as an instruction manual. see it as an instruction manual. see it as an instruction manual. And so, I got an instruction manual And so, I got an instruction manual And so, I got an instruction manual right here. In fact, you know, Pastor right here. In fact, you know, Pastor right here. In fact, you know, Pastor Jason's got the smoker. Jason's got the smoker. Jason's got the smoker. I've got the Blackstone, okay? So, I got I've got the Blackstone, okay? So, I got I've got the Blackstone, okay? So, I got the I got the Blackstone right here, and the I got the Blackstone right here, and the I got the Blackstone right here, and this is the Blackstone instruction this is the Blackstone instruction this is the Blackstone instruction manual, and this is great for, you know, manual, and this is great for, you know, manual, and this is great for, you know, if you want to know how it works, and if if you want to know how it works, and if if you want to know how it works, and if something breaks, things like that. something breaks, things like that. something breaks, things like that. That's a That's a useful thing to have That's a That's a useful thing to have That's a That's a useful thing to have an instruction manual for. And so, for a an instruction manual for. And so, for a an instruction manual for. And so, for a lot of us, when we think about the lot of us, when we think about the lot of us, when we think about the Bible, we're like, well, that's that's Bible, we're like, well, that's that's Bible, we're like, well, that's that's God's instruction manual for us. In God's instruction manual for us. In God's instruction manual for us. In fact, maybe you're like me, I grew up in fact, maybe you're like me, I grew up in fact, maybe you're like me, I grew up in a church where there was this acronym a church where there was this acronym a church where there was this acronym they had for the Bible, and it was this. they had for the Bible, and it was this. they had for the Bible, and it was this. It was the basic instructions before It was the basic instructions before It was the basic instructions before leaving Earth. leaving Earth. leaving Earth. Um, which also makes us sound like Um, which also makes us sound like Um, which also makes us sound like aliens, like we're getting on a aliens, like we're getting on a aliens, like we're getting on a spacecraft, you know? It's like, before spacecraft, you know? It's like, before spacecraft, you know? It's like, before you teleport out of here. Yeah, basic you teleport out of here. Yeah, basic you teleport out of here. Yeah, basic instructions before leaving Earth. In instructions before leaving Earth. In instructions before leaving Earth. In other words, hey, the Bible is God's other words, hey, the Bible is God's other words, hey, the Bible is God's instruction manual to you. And I get instruction manual to you. And I get instruction manual to you. And I get Listen, I get where that comes from.
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Listen, I get where that comes from. Listen, I get where that comes from. But here's the problem. But here's the problem. But here's the problem. I don't want to read an instruction I don't want to read an instruction I don't want to read an instruction manual. manual. manual. Like I don't want to have a devotional Like I don't want to have a devotional Like I don't want to have a devotional time with an instruction manual. Like I time with an instruction manual. Like I time with an instruction manual. Like I don't like No offense, but I don't want don't like No offense, but I don't want don't like No offense, but I don't want to hear a sermon from an instruction to hear a sermon from an instruction to hear a sermon from an instruction manual. Can you imagine if Pastor Jason manual. Can you imagine if Pastor Jason manual. Can you imagine if Pastor Jason walks up on stage and he said, "Hey, walks up on stage and he said, "Hey, walks up on stage and he said, "Hey, today we're going to be talking about today we're going to be talking about today we're going to be talking about section two, cleaning the burner section two, cleaning the burner section two, cleaning the burner assembly. Can I get an amen?" assembly. Can I get an amen?" assembly. Can I get an amen?" And then he went on and he was like, And then he went on and he was like, And then he went on and he was like, "Unit burners vary. However, these "Unit burners vary. However, these "Unit burners vary. However, these instructions apply to all units. Clean instructions apply to all units. Clean instructions apply to all units. Clean burner assembly and check burner for burner assembly and check burner for burner assembly and check burner for damage. And if any large cracks or holes damage. And if any large cracks or holes damage. And if any large cracks or holes are found, replace burner. Amen. Amen." are found, replace burner. Amen. Amen." are found, replace burner. Amen. Amen." And it's like, no, we wouldn't do that. And it's like, no, we wouldn't do that. And it's like, no, we wouldn't do that. Cuz who wants to spend time with an Cuz who wants to spend time with an Cuz who wants to spend time with an instruction manual? Who wants to read or instruction manual? Who wants to read or instruction manual? Who wants to read or have a devotional with an instruction have a devotional with an instruction have a devotional with an instruction manual? And so maybe for you, the reason manual? And so maybe for you, the reason manual? And so maybe for you, the reason that reading the Bible is difficult, that reading the Bible is difficult, that reading the Bible is difficult, well, well, well, if you view the Bible like an if you view the Bible like an if you view the Bible like an instruction manual, then no wonder instruction manual, then no wonder instruction manual, then no wonder you don't want to read you don't want to read you don't want to read the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. So maybe for some of us, we view it like So maybe for some of us, we view it like So maybe for some of us, we view it like an instruction manual. Others of us, an instruction manual. Others of us, an instruction manual. Others of us, when we look at the Bible, maybe um when we look at the Bible, maybe um when we look at the Bible, maybe um maybe for you, you view it maybe for you, you view it maybe for you, you view it uh especially if you're like a skeptic uh especially if you're like a skeptic uh especially if you're like a skeptic or a doubter, maybe you're new to the or a doubter, maybe you're new to the or a doubter, maybe you're new to the whole Jesus thing, new to the whole whole Jesus thing, new to the whole whole Jesus thing, new to the whole church thing, maybe you view it like a church thing, maybe you view it like a church thing, maybe you view it like a fairy tale book.
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fairy tale book. fairy tale book. And this is one of my favorite fairy And this is one of my favorite fairy And this is one of my favorite fairy tale books. This is A Christmas Carol. tale books. This is A Christmas Carol. tale books. This is A Christmas Carol. This is the, you know, Ebenezer Scrooge This is the, you know, Ebenezer Scrooge This is the, you know, Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts and and the three ghosts and and the three ghosts and Tiny Tim and God bless us everyone, you Tiny Tim and God bless us everyone, you Tiny Tim and God bless us everyone, you know, that's the know, that's the know, that's the that's Christmas Carol. And by the way, that's Christmas Carol. And by the way, that's Christmas Carol. And by the way, I love this book. This is a great book. I love this book. This is a great book. I love this book. This is a great book. Like I want my kids to know this book. I Like I want my kids to know this book. I Like I want my kids to know this book. I want them to read the book. It's got a want them to read the book. It's got a want them to read the book. It's got a lot of great morals in it. Like it's a lot of great morals in it. Like it's a lot of great morals in it. Like it's a it's a really strong book. It's a it's a really strong book. It's a it's a really strong book. It's a helpful book. It's just helpful book. It's just helpful book. It's just Come on, we know this. Come on, we know this. Come on, we know this. It's not real. It's not real. It's not real. Right? It's like, you know, there were Right? It's like, you know, there were Right? It's like, you know, there were no three ghosts. There's no such thing no three ghosts. There's no such thing no three ghosts. There's no such thing as Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge is not a as Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge is not a as Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge is not a real person. And we know that. real person. And we know that. real person. And we know that. But for some of us, when we look at the But for some of us, when we look at the But for some of us, when we look at the Bible, we look at it like it's a fairy Bible, we look at it like it's a fairy Bible, we look at it like it's a fairy tale book. It's like, "Listen, it's a tale book. It's like, "Listen, it's a tale book. It's like, "Listen, it's a great book. It's got a lot of great great book. It's got a lot of great great book. It's got a lot of great morals in it. Like, you should read it, morals in it. Like, you should read it, morals in it. Like, you should read it, but come on. but come on. but come on. We all know it's not real." We all know it's not real." We all know it's not real." Like, some of you that might view this Like, some of you that might view this Like, some of you that might view this like a fairy tale book, view the Bible like a fairy tale book, view the Bible like a fairy tale book, view the Bible like a fairy tale book, you might be like a fairy tale book, you might be like a fairy tale book, you might be thinking, "Come on, Steve. You don't thinking, "Come on, Steve. You don't thinking, "Come on, Steve. You don't actually think Jonah was swallowed by a actually think Jonah was swallowed by a actually think Jonah was swallowed by a fish, do you?
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fish, do you? fish, do you? Like, for real? Like, for real? Like, for real? Like, you actually think Adam and Eve Like, you actually think Adam and Eve Like, you actually think Adam and Eve were real people? Come on. were real people? Come on. were real people? Come on. Come on, Steve. You don't actually think Come on, Steve. You don't actually think Come on, Steve. You don't actually think that Jesus literally rose from the dead, that Jesus literally rose from the dead, that Jesus literally rose from the dead, do you?" do you?" do you?" And so, for some of us, And so, for some of us, And so, for some of us, we view it like a fairy tale book. And we view it like a fairy tale book. And we view it like a fairy tale book. And if you view the Bible like a fairy tale if you view the Bible like a fairy tale if you view the Bible like a fairy tale book, well, no wonder you don't want to book, well, no wonder you don't want to book, well, no wonder you don't want to read it. read it. read it. And then I think for some of us, maybe And then I think for some of us, maybe And then I think for some of us, maybe it's not an instruction manual or a it's not an instruction manual or a it's not an instruction manual or a fairy tale book. I think for some of us, fairy tale book. I think for some of us, fairy tale book. I think for some of us, uh we look at it like a rule book. uh we look at it like a rule book. uh we look at it like a rule book. And I have here the NCAA college And I have here the NCAA college And I have here the NCAA college football rules book. football rules book. football rules book. Because football's back, baby. Let's go, Because football's back, baby. Let's go, Because football's back, baby. Let's go, okay? okay? okay? Amen. Amen. Amen. Some of you didn't clap for Jesus, but Some of you didn't clap for Jesus, but Some of you didn't clap for Jesus, but you clapped for that. That's okay. you clapped for that. That's okay. you clapped for that. That's okay. That's fine. I'm glad you're here. Okay. That's fine. I'm glad you're here. Okay. That's fine. I'm glad you're here. Okay. So, yeah. So, this is great. By the way, So, yeah. So, this is great. By the way, So, yeah. So, this is great. By the way, this this rule book, uh all 266 pages of this this rule book, uh all 266 pages of this this rule book, uh all 266 pages of glory of it, this tells you what you can glory of it, this tells you what you can glory of it, this tells you what you can and can't do on the football field. Not and can't do on the football field. Not and can't do on the football field. Not only does it tell you what you can and only does it tell you what you can and only does it tell you what you can and can't do, it tells you what the penalty can't do, it tells you what the penalty can't do, it tells you what the penalty is if you mess up, you know, 15 yards is if you mess up, you know, 15 yards is if you mess up, you know, 15 yards from the spot of the foul. That's all from the spot of the foul. That's all from the spot of the foul. That's all here in the rule book. And so, for some here in the rule book. And so, for some here in the rule book. And so, for some of us, we look at the Bible like a rule of us, we look at the Bible like a rule of us, we look at the Bible like a rule book. It's like it's the thing that book. It's like it's the thing that book. It's like it's the thing that tells you what you can and can't do. It tells you what you can and can't do. It tells you what you can and can't do. It tells you what the penalty is for tells you what the penalty is for tells you what the penalty is for messing up. It It tells you, you know, messing up. It It tells you, you know, messing up. It It tells you, you know, whether or not you measure up to God.
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whether or not you measure up to God. whether or not you measure up to God. And by the way, you don't, okay? So, And by the way, you don't, okay? So, And by the way, you don't, okay? So, it's like that's what the Bible is. And it's like that's what the Bible is. And it's like that's what the Bible is. And then for some of us, we're like, "Come then for some of us, we're like, "Come then for some of us, we're like, "Come on, Steve. I already feel bad enough on, Steve. I already feel bad enough on, Steve. I already feel bad enough about myself as it is. Why would I want about myself as it is. Why would I want about myself as it is. Why would I want to read a book that makes me feel worse. to read a book that makes me feel worse. to read a book that makes me feel worse. And maybe for some of you, you don't And maybe for some of you, you don't And maybe for some of you, you don't actually read the rules book, but you actually read the rules book, but you actually read the rules book, but you like to apply the rules book to other like to apply the rules book to other like to apply the rules book to other people. people. people. And you use the rule book like a weapon. And you use the rule book like a weapon. And you use the rule book like a weapon. Like, "Come on, don't you know that Like, "Come on, don't you know that Like, "Come on, don't you know that you're not supposed to?" And so if you look at the Bible like a And so if you look at the Bible like a rules book, well, rules book, well, rules book, well, no wonder you don't read it. But here's what doesn't add up. But here's what doesn't add up. When you look at the very first revival When you look at the very first revival When you look at the very first revival that happened like 2,000 years ago, that that happened like 2,000 years ago, that that happened like 2,000 years ago, that revival, the revival after Jesus rose revival, the revival after Jesus rose revival, the revival after Jesus rose from the dead. By the way, this was a from the dead. By the way, this was a from the dead. By the way, this was a huge revival. 3,000 people got saved in huge revival. 3,000 people got saved in huge revival. 3,000 people got saved in one day. There was a guy named Saul who one day. There was a guy named Saul who one day. There was a guy named Saul who was actually killing Christians. He went was actually killing Christians. He went was actually killing Christians. He went from killing Christians to planting from killing Christians to planting from killing Christians to planting churches for them, which is crazy.
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churches for them, which is crazy. churches for them, which is crazy. Entire economies, like the one in Entire economies, like the one in Entire economies, like the one in Ephesus, turned upside down because of Ephesus, turned upside down because of Ephesus, turned upside down because of this revival. This was a major revival. this revival. This was a major revival. this revival. This was a major revival. And when you study this revival, what And when you study this revival, what And when you study this revival, what you discover is that everyone involved you discover is that everyone involved you discover is that everyone involved in the uh in the uh revival was obsessed in the uh in the uh revival was obsessed in the uh in the uh revival was obsessed with the Bible. with the Bible. with the Bible. They couldn't get enough of the Bible. They couldn't get enough of the Bible. They couldn't get enough of the Bible. In the book of Acts alone, all the In the book of Acts alone, all the In the book of Acts alone, all the disciples either reference or quote the disciples either reference or quote the disciples either reference or quote the Bible directly over 100 times. Bible directly over 100 times. Bible directly over 100 times. They couldn't get enough of it. They couldn't get enough of it. They couldn't get enough of it. Which makes me wonder, what if we're looking at the Bible what if we're looking at the Bible wrong? Like, what if the problem isn't with the Like, what if the problem isn't with the Bible? What if it's the way that we Bible? What if it's the way that we Bible? What if it's the way that we look at look at look at the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. Because when you look at that early Because when you look at that early Because when you look at that early revival, they didn't look at it like an revival, they didn't look at it like an revival, they didn't look at it like an instruction manual or rules book or a instruction manual or rules book or a instruction manual or rules book or a fairy tale book. They looked at it as so fairy tale book. They looked at it as so fairy tale book. They looked at it as so much much much more. more. more. So, the question for today is, So, the question for today is, So, the question for today is, so so so how should I how should I how should I look at look at look at the Bible?
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the Bible? the Bible? And to answer this question, I want to And to answer this question, I want to And to answer this question, I want to look back at that first revival. look back at that first revival. look back at that first revival. The moment when God did something The moment when God did something The moment when God did something unexplainable 2,000 years ago. And I unexplainable 2,000 years ago. And I unexplainable 2,000 years ago. And I want to look at how they viewed the want to look at how they viewed the want to look at how they viewed the Bible. And so, to do that, we're going Bible. And so, to do that, we're going Bible. And so, to do that, we're going to look together in Acts chapter 1. And to look together in Acts chapter 1. And to look together in Acts chapter 1. And here's the deal, we're going to look at here's the deal, we're going to look at here's the deal, we're going to look at the Bible together from Acts chapter 1. the Bible together from Acts chapter 1. the Bible together from Acts chapter 1. Even if you don't believe that the Bible Even if you don't believe that the Bible Even if you don't believe that the Bible is real, you can at least admit it's a is real, you can at least admit it's a is real, you can at least admit it's a historical document. So, we're going to historical document. So, we're going to historical document. So, we're going to use this historical document written use this historical document written use this historical document written down by a doctor named Luke called the down by a doctor named Luke called the down by a doctor named Luke called the Book of Acts, and we're going to Book of Acts, and we're going to Book of Acts, and we're going to discover how the early disciples viewed discover how the early disciples viewed discover how the early disciples viewed the Bible. So, if you have a Bible, it's the Bible. So, if you have a Bible, it's the Bible. So, if you have a Bible, it's Acts chapter 1. If you don't have a Acts chapter 1. If you don't have a Acts chapter 1. If you don't have a Bible, you can look at the one uh we Bible, you can look at the one uh we Bible, you can look at the one uh we actually have a Bible for you either in actually have a Bible for you either in actually have a Bible for you either in your chair or under the chair in front your chair or under the chair in front your chair or under the chair in front of you. It's going to be on page 935. of you. It's going to be on page 935. of you. It's going to be on page 935. And we're going to be looking at Acts And we're going to be looking at Acts And we're going to be looking at Acts chapter 1. And so, let me give the chapter 1. And so, let me give the chapter 1. And so, let me give the context for what's happening in Acts context for what's happening in Acts context for what's happening in Acts chapter 1. chapter 1. chapter 1. Jesus had just risen from the dead, and Jesus had just risen from the dead, and Jesus had just risen from the dead, and all of his disciples are gathered up, all of his disciples are gathered up, all of his disciples are gathered up, and they're trying to figure out, "What and they're trying to figure out, "What and they're trying to figure out, "What do we do next?" And in Acts chapter 1, do we do next?" And in Acts chapter 1, do we do next?" And in Acts chapter 1, Peter, who's like one of the main Peter, who's like one of the main Peter, who's like one of the main disciples, actually speaks up. And disciples, actually speaks up. And disciples, actually speaks up. And here's what's so cool about this moment.
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here's what's so cool about this moment. here's what's so cool about this moment. This is the first recorded words of one This is the first recorded words of one This is the first recorded words of one of the disciples in the Book of Acts. of the disciples in the Book of Acts. of the disciples in the Book of Acts. So, this is like first impression, first So, this is like first impression, first So, this is like first impression, first words from Peter. And this is what it words from Peter. And this is what it words from Peter. And this is what it says in Acts chapter 1 starting in verse says in Acts chapter 1 starting in verse says in Acts chapter 1 starting in verse uh 15. It says this, "In those days, uh 15. It says this, "In those days, uh 15. It says this, "In those days, Peter stood up among the believers, a Peter stood up among the believers, a Peter stood up among the believers, a group numbering about 120. All of these group numbering about 120. All of these group numbering about 120. All of these 120 saw the resurrected Jesus. And 120 saw the resurrected Jesus. And 120 saw the resurrected Jesus. And here's the first thing he said, here's the first thing he said, here's the first thing he said, "Brothers and sisters, "Brothers and sisters, "Brothers and sisters, the scripture had to be fulfilled." And the scripture had to be fulfilled." And the scripture had to be fulfilled." And then pause there. then pause there. then pause there. Cuz this is crazy. Peter is five words Cuz this is crazy. Peter is five words Cuz this is crazy. Peter is five words in to his initial address to the in to his initial address to the in to his initial address to the disciples, and the very first thing he disciples, and the very first thing he disciples, and the very first thing he says is the Bible. Hey guys, scripture. says is the Bible. Hey guys, scripture. says is the Bible. Hey guys, scripture. Hey brothers and sisters, the Bible. Hey brothers and sisters, the Bible. Hey brothers and sisters, the Bible. This is a big deal. Like immediately, he This is a big deal. Like immediately, he This is a big deal. Like immediately, he starts talking about the Bible. Not only starts talking about the Bible. Not only starts talking about the Bible. Not only does he talk about the Bible, a few does he talk about the Bible, a few does he talk about the Bible, a few verses later, he actually quotes the verses later, he actually quotes the verses later, he actually quotes the Bible. Look at this. This is Acts Bible. Look at this. This is Acts Bible. Look at this. This is Acts chapter 1 verse 20. "For," said Peter, chapter 1 verse 20. "For," said Peter, chapter 1 verse 20. "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms."
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"it is written in the book of Psalms." "it is written in the book of Psalms." And he starts quoting directly from the And he starts quoting directly from the And he starts quoting directly from the book of Psalms. And by the way, if book of Psalms. And by the way, if book of Psalms. And by the way, if you're, you know, going through the you're, you know, going through the you're, you know, going through the devotional together like me and my small devotional together like me and my small devotional together like me and my small group are, every time you see "it is group are, every time you see "it is group are, every time you see "it is written" or every time you see, you written" or every time you see, you written" or every time you see, you know, "the prophet said" or "David know, "the prophet said" or "David know, "the prophet said" or "David said," that's one of the 100 moments said," that's one of the 100 moments said," that's one of the 100 moments when they're referencing scripture. So, when they're referencing scripture. So, when they're referencing scripture. So, here's Peter and he's quoting scripture here's Peter and he's quoting scripture here's Peter and he's quoting scripture and he says, "It is written." Again, and he says, "It is written." Again, and he says, "It is written." Again, over 100 times they keep talking about over 100 times they keep talking about over 100 times they keep talking about scripture. scripture. scripture. In fact, Peter continues in the next In fact, Peter continues in the next In fact, Peter continues in the next chapter and this is kind of a cool chapter and this is kind of a cool chapter and this is kind of a cool moment. This is Peter's first sermon. moment. This is Peter's first sermon. moment. This is Peter's first sermon. Now, there's thousands of people who are Now, there's thousands of people who are Now, there's thousands of people who are listening to Peter and a lot of whom listening to Peter and a lot of whom listening to Peter and a lot of whom don't actually know about Jesus and don't actually know about Jesus and don't actually know about Jesus and they're not surrendered to Jesus. And they're not surrendered to Jesus. And they're not surrendered to Jesus. And so, Peter stands up and he's about to so, Peter stands up and he's about to so, Peter stands up and he's about to give his very first sermon. And this was give his very first sermon. And this was give his very first sermon. And this was his introduction. his introduction. his introduction. He said, He said, He said, "These people are not drunk as you "These people are not drunk as you "These people are not drunk as you suppose. How's that for an intro? How's that for an intro? Isn't that good? Like, listen, as a Isn't that good? Like, listen, as a Isn't that good? Like, listen, as a preacher, I'm always looking for a preacher, I'm always looking for a preacher, I'm always looking for a creative intro to get your attention. creative intro to get your attention. creative intro to get your attention. This would get your attention if I just This would get your attention if I just This would get your attention if I just stood up here and said, "We're not stood up here and said, "We're not stood up here and said, "We're not drunk." Okay, you listening? All right, drunk." Okay, you listening? All right, drunk." Okay, you listening? All right, let's go. So, that's what he said. He let's go. So, that's what he said. He let's go. So, that's what he said. He said, "We're not drunk." Now, the reason said, "We're not drunk." Now, the reason said, "We're not drunk." Now, the reason that he said this was because when the that he said this was because when the that he said this was because when the Holy Spirit fell, all of the disciples Holy Spirit fell, all of the disciples Holy Spirit fell, all of the disciples started speaking in other languages cuz started speaking in other languages cuz started speaking in other languages cuz again, there's thousands of people that again, there's thousands of people that again, there's thousands of people that are there and they're actually on are there and they're actually on are there and they're actually on pilgrimage visiting from other pilgrimage visiting from other pilgrimage visiting from other countries. And then all of a sudden, countries. And then all of a sudden, countries. And then all of a sudden, these start speaking in their native these start speaking in their native these start speaking in their native language and so, everyone hears it and language and so, everyone hears it and language and so, everyone hears it and goes, "These guys must be drunk." Which goes, "These guys must be drunk." Which goes, "These guys must be drunk." Which to me is kind of funny because, I don't to me is kind of funny because, I don't to me is kind of funny because, I don't know about you, but I've never heard a
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know about you, but I've never heard a know about you, but I've never heard a drunk person start speaking fluent drunk person start speaking fluent drunk person start speaking fluent Dutch, you know? It's like that doesn't Dutch, you know? It's like that doesn't Dutch, you know? It's like that doesn't normally happen. But that's what normally happen. But that's what normally happen. But that's what happened. They started speaking in happened. They started speaking in happened. They started speaking in another language. So, he says this. He another language. So, he says this. He another language. So, he says this. He says, "These people are not drunk." And says, "These people are not drunk." And says, "These people are not drunk." And then the next line he says, I don't know then the next line he says, I don't know then the next line he says, I don't know why, but it kind of makes me laugh. He why, but it kind of makes me laugh. He why, but it kind of makes me laugh. He says, "They're not drunk as as suppose. says, "They're not drunk as as suppose. says, "They're not drunk as as suppose. It's only 9:00 in the morning. To which Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's To which Jimmy Buffett would say, "It's 5:00 somewhere, Peter." Um so, anyways, 5:00 somewhere, Peter." Um so, anyways, 5:00 somewhere, Peter." Um so, anyways, I'm just kidding. He didn't live back I'm just kidding. He didn't live back I'm just kidding. He didn't live back then. All right, so it's So, he says, then. All right, so it's So, he says, then. All right, so it's So, he says, "We're not drunk. It's too early for "We're not drunk. It's too early for "We're not drunk. It's too early for that." And then look at the next that." And then look at the next that." And then look at the next sentence that he says. sentence that he says. sentence that he says. No. No. No. This is what was spoken by the prophet This is what was spoken by the prophet This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel. Joel. Joel. And then he quotes And then he quotes And then he quotes scripture. scripture. scripture. And then after he's done quoting the And then after he's done quoting the And then after he's done quoting the prophet Joel, he quotes from the book of prophet Joel, he quotes from the book of prophet Joel, he quotes from the book of Psalms. Psalms. Psalms. And then he starts talking about the And then he starts talking about the And then he starts talking about the resurrection of Jesus. And then he resurrection of Jesus. And then he resurrection of Jesus. And then he quotes from the book of Psalms again. quotes from the book of Psalms again. quotes from the book of Psalms again. And then he references the book of And then he references the book of And then he references the book of Isaiah to talk more about the Isaiah to talk more about the Isaiah to talk more about the resurrection of Jesus. And then at the resurrection of Jesus. And then at the resurrection of Jesus. And then at the very end of it, he says, "Do any of you very end of it, he says, "Do any of you very end of it, he says, "Do any of you want to get baptized?" And 3,000 people want to get baptized?" And 3,000 people want to get baptized?" And 3,000 people get baptized.
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get baptized. get baptized. What? What? What? Peter I mean, listen, here's the outline Peter I mean, listen, here's the outline Peter I mean, listen, here's the outline of his sermon. Peter stands up, "We're of his sermon. Peter stands up, "We're of his sermon. Peter stands up, "We're not drunk. Here's what the Bible says, not drunk. Here's what the Bible says, not drunk. Here's what the Bible says, Jesus rose from the dead. Here's what Jesus rose from the dead. Here's what Jesus rose from the dead. Here's what the Bible says, 3,000 people got the Bible says, 3,000 people got the Bible says, 3,000 people got baptized." baptized." baptized." That's crazy. That's crazy. That's crazy. Clearly Peter Clearly Peter Clearly Peter clearly the disciples saw something in clearly the disciples saw something in clearly the disciples saw something in scripture that maybe we missed. Clearly scripture that maybe we missed. Clearly scripture that maybe we missed. Clearly they didn't see it like some rule book they didn't see it like some rule book they didn't see it like some rule book or fairy tale book or instruction or fairy tale book or instruction or fairy tale book or instruction manual. They saw it as so much more. manual. They saw it as so much more. manual. They saw it as so much more. And here's This is so This is so cool. And here's This is so This is so cool. And here's This is so This is so cool. Did you know Did you know Did you know that we that we that we This is amazing. We have access This is amazing. We have access This is amazing. We have access to two, not one, two letters to two, not one, two letters to two, not one, two letters that Peter literally wrote down. that Peter literally wrote down. that Peter literally wrote down. Like this guy that preached this very Like this guy that preached this very Like this guy that preached this very first sermon, we have access to two first sermon, we have access to two first sermon, we have access to two letters. And in his second letter, he letters. And in his second letter, he letters. And in his second letter, he starts talking about scripture. starts talking about scripture. starts talking about scripture. Literally, he kind of unveils, "Guys, Literally, he kind of unveils, "Guys, Literally, he kind of unveils, "Guys, this is how we view scripture." And by this is how we view scripture." And by this is how we view scripture." And by the way, it's in the Bible. This is the way, it's in the Bible. This is the way, it's in the Bible. This is amazing, okay? So, this is the second amazing, okay? So, this is the second amazing, okay? So, this is the second letter from Peter in chapter 1. This is letter from Peter in chapter 1. This is letter from Peter in chapter 1. This is what he said, "Above all in other words, what he said, "Above all in other words, what he said, "Above all in other words, this is like the most important thing. I this is like the most important thing. I this is like the most important thing. I want to make sure you get it. Above all, want to make sure you get it. Above all, want to make sure you get it. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of you must understand that no prophecy of you must understand that no prophecy of scripture." In other words, Peter's scripture." In other words, Peter's scripture." In other words, Peter's like, "I want to make sure you like, "I want to make sure you like, "I want to make sure you understand how we see the Bible."
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understand how we see the Bible." understand how we see the Bible." No prophecy of scripture came about by No prophecy of scripture came about by No prophecy of scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of the prophet's own interpretation of the prophet's own interpretation of things, which is a fancy way of saying things, which is a fancy way of saying things, which is a fancy way of saying they didn't make it up. they didn't make it up. they didn't make it up. No. No. No. For prophecy never had its origin in the For prophecy never had its origin in the For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though humans, human will, but prophets, though humans, human will, but prophets, though humans, and this is so, so important. Look at and this is so, so important. Look at and this is so, so important. Look at this. He said, "They spoke from God this. He said, "They spoke from God this. He said, "They spoke from God as they were carried along as they were carried along as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." by the Holy Spirit." by the Holy Spirit." Okay. Okay. Okay. So, how did Peter, how did the early So, how did Peter, how did the early So, how did Peter, how did the early disciples view scripture? It was this. disciples view scripture? It was this. disciples view scripture? It was this. The Bible The Bible The Bible is the inspired word of God is the inspired word of God is the inspired word of God given through human authors as they were given through human authors as they were given through human authors as they were guided guided guided by the Holy Spirit. by the Holy Spirit. by the Holy Spirit. Okay, so how did Peter and all the Okay, so how did Peter and all the Okay, so how did Peter and all the apostles and all the disciples, how did apostles and all the disciples, how did apostles and all the disciples, how did they look They looked at it this way, they look They looked at it this way, they look They looked at it this way, that the Bible is the inspired word of that the Bible is the inspired word of that the Bible is the inspired word of God given through human authors as they God given through human authors as they God given through human authors as they were guided were guided were guided by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they by the Holy Spirit. In other words, they didn't look at the Bible like some didn't look at the Bible like some didn't look at the Bible like some instruction manual or rule book or fairy instruction manual or rule book or fairy instruction manual or rule book or fairy tale book. Here's a really simple tale book. Here's a really simple tale book. Here's a really simple version of it. They believed that the version of it. They believed that the version of it. They believed that the Bible Bible Bible is God's letter is God's letter is God's letter to us.
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to us. to us. In other words, In other words, In other words, and you got to get this. and you got to get this. and you got to get this. The God of the universe The God of the universe The God of the universe wanted you to know wanted you to know wanted you to know who he is and how he feels about you, so who he is and how he feels about you, so who he is and how he feels about you, so he wrote it down and he gave it to you he wrote it down and he gave it to you he wrote it down and he gave it to you as a letter. as a letter. as a letter. He said, "I want you to know who I am He said, "I want you to know who I am He said, "I want you to know who I am and how I feel about you. I want you to and how I feel about you. I want you to and how I feel about you. I want you to know this and so I'm going to make sure know this and so I'm going to make sure know this and so I'm going to make sure it's written down and preserved and it's written down and preserved and it's written down and preserved and given to you." It's God's letter given to you." It's God's letter given to you." It's God's letter to us. to us. to us. Now, just Now, just Now, just to make sure I'm kind of reading the to make sure I'm kind of reading the to make sure I'm kind of reading the room here. Students, do y'all know what room here. Students, do y'all know what room here. Students, do y'all know what a letter is? a letter is? a letter is? Is that Do y'all Is that Do y'all Is that Do y'all Uh out of curiosity, do y'all still pass Uh out of curiosity, do y'all still pass Uh out of curiosity, do y'all still pass notes? Yeah, okay. Go Okay, good. All notes? Yeah, okay. Go Okay, good. All notes? Yeah, okay. Go Okay, good. All right. Uh I used to get in trouble for right. Uh I used to get in trouble for right. Uh I used to get in trouble for passing notes when I was a student. Um passing notes when I was a student. Um passing notes when I was a student. Um you know, it's like a mini letter. you know, it's like a mini letter. you know, it's like a mini letter. That's what a note is. So, I would like, That's what a note is. So, I would like, That's what a note is. So, I would like, you know, like write down and then you you know, like write down and then you you know, like write down and then you know, pass it to someone else. know, pass it to someone else. know, pass it to someone else. Um I remember being a kid hearing about Um I remember being a kid hearing about Um I remember being a kid hearing about um like having a pen pal, you know, you um like having a pen pal, you know, you um like having a pen pal, you know, you get to have a friend in another state get to have a friend in another state get to have a friend in another state and you write them a letter, okay? And and you write them a letter, okay? And and you write them a letter, okay? And then they'd write another letter to you. then they'd write another letter to you. then they'd write another letter to you. Okay, that's what That's what a letter Okay, that's what That's what a letter Okay, that's what That's what a letter is. Uh in fact, this is cool. Um my is. Uh in fact, this is cool. Um my is. Uh in fact, this is cool. Um my wife, Katherine, actually wrote letters wife, Katherine, actually wrote letters wife, Katherine, actually wrote letters to me.
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to me. to me. Uh when we We've been married over 19 Uh when we We've been married over 19 Uh when we We've been married over 19 years. Uh which is pretty cool. years. Uh which is pretty cool. years. Uh which is pretty cool. And um And um And um Uh we actually met as college students Uh we actually met as college students Uh we actually met as college students at UGA. Go Dawgs. at UGA. Go Dawgs. at UGA. Go Dawgs. Come on. Yes, that's what I'm talking Come on. Yes, that's what I'm talking Come on. Yes, that's what I'm talking about. And um I used to park uh at about. And um I used to park uh at about. And um I used to park uh at O'House, Athens campus, you know what O'House, Athens campus, you know what O'House, Athens campus, you know what I'm talking about. I used to park at I'm talking about. I used to park at I'm talking about. I used to park at O'House and Katherine knew that I parked O'House and Katherine knew that I parked O'House and Katherine knew that I parked there. So, while we were dating, she there. So, while we were dating, she there. So, while we were dating, she would like leave me notes on my would like leave me notes on my would like leave me notes on my windshield. windshield. windshield. Uh and I still have them. Uh and I still have them. Uh and I still have them. Um Aw. So, Um Aw. So, Um Aw. So, do you mind if I read a few to you real do you mind if I read a few to you real do you mind if I read a few to you real quick? quick? quick? This is um This is um This is um Oh, Katherine wanted to make sure that I Oh, Katherine wanted to make sure that I Oh, Katherine wanted to make sure that I told you um give her some grace. She was told you um give her some grace. She was told you um give her some grace. She was 18 at the time, okay? So, 18 at the time, okay? So, 18 at the time, okay? So, don't judge her. Just she's cool. Babe, don't judge her. Just she's cool. Babe, don't judge her. Just she's cool. Babe, if you're watching, I got you. Okay, if you're watching, I got you. Okay, if you're watching, I got you. Okay, anyways. Um Here's one. You can tell anyways. Um Here's one. You can tell anyways. Um Here's one. You can tell it's like yellowed with age. She said um it's like yellowed with age. She said um it's like yellowed with age. She said um "Hi, sweetheart." "Hi, sweetheart." "Hi, sweetheart." And it's like It's like sweetheart, but And it's like It's like sweetheart, but And it's like It's like sweetheart, but like you're attractive at the same time, like you're attractive at the same time, like you're attractive at the same time, okay? That's what she said.
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okay? That's what she said. okay? That's what she said. Um Um Um And then she said, "I can't wait to see And then she said, "I can't wait to see And then she said, "I can't wait to see you. You are the most incredible person you. You are the most incredible person you. You are the most incredible person I know." I know." I know." And she didn't know many people at the And she didn't know many people at the And she didn't know many people at the time. So, that's why she thought that. She said, "I love being with you. I She said, "I love being with you. I can't believe I'm with you. You are can't believe I'm with you. You are can't believe I'm with you. You are exactly what I need and want. You're exactly what I need and want. You're exactly what I need and want. You're amazing, {exclamation point} Sincerely, amazing, {exclamation point} Sincerely, amazing, {exclamation point} Sincerely, Catherine." Catherine." Catherine." So, that's pretty cool. So, that's pretty cool. So, that's pretty cool. Um I got another one. Let me show you Um I got another one. Let me show you Um I got another one. Let me show you another one. This is um another one. This is um another one. This is um This is pretty fun. Can you all tell This is pretty fun. Can you all tell This is pretty fun. Can you all tell what this is? Can anyone tell? what this is? Can anyone tell? what this is? Can anyone tell? It's a napkin. That's right. Um she It's a napkin. That's right. Um she It's a napkin. That's right. Um she wrote this one on a napkin and she said, wrote this one on a napkin and she said, wrote this one on a napkin and she said, "You are amazing, Stephen Walton." She "You are amazing, Stephen Walton." She "You are amazing, Stephen Walton." She used my full name, okay? That's she's used my full name, okay? That's she's used my full name, okay? That's she's serious. She said, "You're amazing, serious. She said, "You're amazing, serious. She said, "You're amazing, Stephen Walton." And then in fine print Stephen Walton." And then in fine print Stephen Walton." And then in fine print she said, "Sorry, this is a napkin, but she said, "Sorry, this is a napkin, but she said, "Sorry, this is a napkin, but it's the only paper that O House it's the only paper that O House it's the only paper that O House provides." provides." provides." Um Um Um So, I kept that. So, I kept that. So, I kept that. Um Um Um I see I got another one here. I see I got another one here. I see I got another one here. Um Um Um Oh, can't read that one. Okay. Um that's Oh, can't read that one. Okay. Um that's Oh, can't read that one. Okay. Um that's just just just Don't worry Don't worry about that.
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Don't worry Don't worry about that. Don't worry Don't worry about that. Um Uh this one This one's good. This one um Uh this one This one's good. This one um is like a coloring page. Again, she was is like a coloring page. Again, she was is like a coloring page. Again, she was 18. Give her grace, okay? Anyways, she 18. Give her grace, okay? Anyways, she 18. Give her grace, okay? Anyways, she colored it. It's from Charlie Brown and colored it. It's from Charlie Brown and colored it. It's from Charlie Brown and then it says in all caps, "This is me then it says in all caps, "This is me then it says in all caps, "This is me being really excited to be your being really excited to be your being really excited to be your girlfriend." girlfriend." girlfriend." And I was like, "Yeah." So, I So, I kept And I was like, "Yeah." So, I So, I kept And I was like, "Yeah." So, I So, I kept that. And um And um By the way, she didn't stop writing By the way, she didn't stop writing By the way, she didn't stop writing letters after we got engaged and letters after we got engaged and letters after we got engaged and married. This one is from This one's married. This one is from This one's married. This one is from This one's from a few months ago. I was downstairs from a few months ago. I was downstairs from a few months ago. I was downstairs in the basement. I was prepping for a in the basement. I was prepping for a in the basement. I was prepping for a sermon and she had to go to a small sermon and she had to go to a small sermon and she had to go to a small group. And so, she wrote me this letter group. And so, she wrote me this letter group. And so, she wrote me this letter and um oh, and um oh, and um oh, it's on the back of one of my kids' it's on the back of one of my kids' it's on the back of one of my kids' homework assignments. So, anyways, to homework assignments. So, anyways, to homework assignments. So, anyways, to Anchor's teacher, my bad. Anyways, so Anchor's teacher, my bad. Anyways, so Anchor's teacher, my bad. Anyways, so she tore it and then she tore it and then she tore it and then she wrote, "Hi, darling. she wrote, "Hi, darling. she wrote, "Hi, darling. I love you so much. I left for small I love you so much. I left for small I love you so much. I left for small group and I didn't want to interrupt group and I didn't want to interrupt group and I didn't want to interrupt your prep. I'm praying for the whole your prep. I'm praying for the whole your prep. I'm praying for the whole thing today. Love, Catherine." thing today. Love, Catherine." thing today. Love, Catherine." And so, I kept that one. And so, I kept that one. And so, I kept that one. Um Um Um Okay. So, Catherine and I've have Okay. So, Catherine and I've have Okay. So, Catherine and I've have married for married for married for again, over 19 years.
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again, over 19 years. again, over 19 years. Some of these letters are like 20 years, Some of these letters are like 20 years, Some of these letters are like 20 years, 21 years old. 21 years old. 21 years old. And we've moved a lot, you know, we from And we've moved a lot, you know, we from And we've moved a lot, you know, we from apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to apartment to house, like we just moved. So, here's house, like we just moved. So, here's house, like we just moved. So, here's the question. Why would I still hold on to these Why would I still hold on to these letters? Yeah. Yeah. Like why would I make sure that they are Like why would I make sure that they are Like why would I make sure that they are packaged up and boxed and moved from packaged up and boxed and moved from packaged up and boxed and moved from apartment to apartment to house? apartment to apartment to house? apartment to apartment to house? It's because these are her words to me. It's because these are her words to me. It's because these are her words to me. And Catherine means the world to me. And Catherine means the world to me. And Catherine means the world to me. And she wrote down who she is and how And she wrote down who she is and how And she wrote down who she is and how she feels about me. And so, these she feels about me. And so, these she feels about me. And so, these letters are precious to me. Like you letters are precious to me. Like you letters are precious to me. Like you couldn't pay me enough money to take couldn't pay me enough money to take couldn't pay me enough money to take these from me. I told Bruce, I said, these from me. I told Bruce, I said, these from me. I told Bruce, I said, "Hey Bruce, I've given you a lot of "Hey Bruce, I've given you a lot of "Hey Bruce, I've given you a lot of props in the past. This is the one I props in the past. This is the one I props in the past. This is the one I need you to be the most careful with need you to be the most careful with need you to be the most careful with because these letters are precious to because these letters are precious to because these letters are precious to me." me." me." And so, whenever someone looks at the And so, whenever someone looks at the And so, whenever someone looks at the Bible like it's an instruction manual or Bible like it's an instruction manual or Bible like it's an instruction manual or a rule book, I'm like, "Dude, you're a rule book, I'm like, "Dude, you're a rule book, I'm like, "Dude, you're missing it. The Bible The Bible is God's missing it. The Bible The Bible is God's missing it. The Bible The Bible is God's love letter to you."
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love letter to you." love letter to you." He wrote down how he feels about you and He wrote down how he feels about you and He wrote down how he feels about you and then he gave it to you cuz he wanted you then he gave it to you cuz he wanted you then he gave it to you cuz he wanted you to know just how much he loves you. In to know just how much he loves you. In to know just how much he loves you. In fact, when you look at scripture over fact, when you look at scripture over fact, when you look at scripture over and over and over again, he just keeps and over and over again, he just keeps and over and over again, he just keeps saying it. He keeps saying, "I love you. saying it. He keeps saying, "I love you. saying it. He keeps saying, "I love you. I care about you. You are my prized I care about you. You are my prized I care about you. You are my prized creation. You mean the world to me. I creation. You mean the world to me. I creation. You mean the world to me. I know the number of hairs on your head. know the number of hairs on your head. know the number of hairs on your head. Like I know who you are and I love you Like I know who you are and I love you Like I know who you are and I love you anyway and I love you and I love you and anyway and I love you and I love you and anyway and I love you and I love you and I love you." And over and over again, he I love you." And over and over again, he I love you." And over and over again, he just keeps telling you how he feels just keeps telling you how he feels just keeps telling you how he feels about you because the Bible about you because the Bible about you because the Bible is God's love letter is God's love letter is God's love letter to you. to you. to you. In fact, here's one excerpt. Here's just In fact, here's one excerpt. Here's just In fact, here's one excerpt. Here's just one of the letters that he wrote. Says one of the letters that he wrote. Says one of the letters that he wrote. Says this, "But God demonstrates his own love this, "But God demonstrates his own love this, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this, which is amazing. He for us in this, which is amazing. He for us in this, which is amazing. He didn't just say that he loves you. He didn't just say that he loves you. He didn't just say that he loves you. He proved it. He demonstrated it. Here's proved it. He demonstrated it. Here's proved it. He demonstrated it. Here's how. how. how. While we were still sinners, while we While we were still sinners, while we While we were still sinners, while we were still ignoring God, while we were were still ignoring God, while we were were still ignoring God, while we were still trying to do life on our own, still trying to do life on our own, still trying to do life on our own, while we didn't really care about God or while we didn't really care about God or while we didn't really care about God or what he had to say, while we were still what he had to say, while we were still what he had to say, while we were still sinners, while we were still caught in sinners, while we were still caught in sinners, while we were still caught in our addictions and our habits, while we our addictions and our habits, while we our addictions and our habits, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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were still sinners, Christ died for us. were still sinners, Christ died for us. And so, here's what that means. The God And so, here's what that means. The God And so, here's what that means. The God of the universe of the universe of the universe loves you so much loves you so much loves you so much that he laid down his life for you. And that he laid down his life for you. And that he laid down his life for you. And then, if that wasn't enough, then, if that wasn't enough, then, if that wasn't enough, he wrote about it to make sure that he wrote about it to make sure that he wrote about it to make sure that thousands of years later, you would know thousands of years later, you would know thousands of years later, you would know that that was him and that he loves you. that that was him and that he loves you. that that was him and that he loves you. It's his love letter to you. It's his love letter to you. It's his love letter to you. In fact, I got to calm down. I just sit like I got to calm down. I just sit like eyes. eyes. eyes. The theme of scripture The theme of scripture The theme of scripture is summed up in one verse. is summed up in one verse. is summed up in one verse. And you probably know it. Even if you And you probably know it. Even if you And you probably know it. Even if you don't care about the Bible, you don't don't care about the Bible, you don't don't care about the Bible, you don't read the Bible, you've probably heard read the Bible, you've probably heard read the Bible, you've probably heard this verse before. It says this. this verse before. It says this. this verse before. It says this. For God so loved so loved you. you. you. And God And God And God so loved so loved so loved me that if you would believe in him, that if you would believe in him, if you would trust him, if you would trust him, if you would trust him, if you would know that these letters are if you would know that these letters are if you would know that these letters are how God feels about you, if you believe how God feels about you, if you believe how God feels about you, if you believe that these are true, and believe that that these are true, and believe that that these are true, and believe that Jesus died for you and he rose again, Jesus died for you and he rose again, Jesus died for you and he rose again, you can spend forever with him, now and you can spend forever with him, now and you can spend forever with him, now and for eternity.
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for eternity. for eternity. And he loves you so much that he wrote And he loves you so much that he wrote And he loves you so much that he wrote it down it down it down for you. It's God's for you. It's God's for you. It's God's love letter love letter love letter to you. to you. to you. And And two things you got to know about And And two things you got to know about And And two things you got to know about this love letter. this love letter. this love letter. God's love letter to you God's love letter to you God's love letter to you is true. And God's love letter to you And God's love letter to you is powerful. is powerful. is powerful. So, first, So, first, So, first, God's love letter to you God's love letter to you God's love letter to you is true. And here's what I know is true, so I'm And here's what I know is true, so I'm just going to admit it. just going to admit it. just going to admit it. I can't convince you that this is true. I can't convince you that this is true. I can't convince you that this is true. I wish I could. I wish I could. I wish I could. But I can't convince you that But I can't convince you that But I can't convince you that the Bible, God's love letter to you is the Bible, God's love letter to you is the Bible, God's love letter to you is true. But here's what I can say. true. But here's what I can say. true. But here's what I can say. I am convinced that this is true. I am convinced that this is true. I am convinced that this is true. I'm convinced. I'm convinced. I'm convinced. And I want to be very clear. I'm not And I want to be very clear. I'm not And I want to be very clear. I'm not convinced that this is true because I convinced that this is true because I convinced that this is true because I grew up going to church. I'm not grew up going to church. I'm not grew up going to church. I'm not convinced that this is true because, you convinced that this is true because, you convinced that this is true because, you know, I memorized scripture. No.
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know, I memorized scripture. No. know, I memorized scripture. No. I'm convinced that this is true because I'm convinced that this is true because I'm convinced that this is true because there have been moments in my life where there have been moments in my life where there have been moments in my life where I was not convinced that it was true. I was not convinced that it was true. I was not convinced that it was true. And so I did research and I studied and And so I did research and I studied and And so I did research and I studied and I wanted to know more because if I'm I wanted to know more because if I'm I wanted to know more because if I'm going to dedicate my life to this thing, going to dedicate my life to this thing, going to dedicate my life to this thing, it better be true. it better be true. it better be true. So, I know I can't convince you. So, I know I can't convince you. So, I know I can't convince you. And I wish I could spend like 40 minutes And I wish I could spend like 40 minutes And I wish I could spend like 40 minutes telling you why I believe this is true. telling you why I believe this is true. telling you why I believe this is true. Um but I'm just going to spend 5 Um but I'm just going to spend 5 Um but I'm just going to spend 5 minutes, okay? Just 5 minutes and then minutes, okay? Just 5 minutes and then minutes, okay? Just 5 minutes and then we'll move on to the next thing. we'll move on to the next thing. we'll move on to the next thing. Cuz I believe this is true. Cuz I believe this is true. Cuz I believe this is true. In fact, here's what's amazing about the In fact, here's what's amazing about the In fact, here's what's amazing about the Bible. Um there's all these Bible. Um there's all these Bible. Um there's all these cross-references in the Bible, all these cross-references in the Bible, all these cross-references in the Bible, all these predictions and foreshadowings and predictions and foreshadowings and predictions and foreshadowings and callbacks and connections from chapters callbacks and connections from chapters callbacks and connections from chapters and and and you know, other books of the and and and you know, other books of the and and and you know, other books of the Bible, all these connections. And two Bible, all these connections. And two Bible, all these connections. And two researchers about 20 years ago, they researchers about 20 years ago, they researchers about 20 years ago, they studied the Bible and they discovered studied the Bible and they discovered studied the Bible and they discovered that there were over 63,000 that there were over 63,000 that there were over 63,000 cross-references in scripture. cross-references in scripture. cross-references in scripture. And not only did they discover that, And not only did they discover that, And not only did they discover that, they decided to map it out and maybe they decided to map it out and maybe they decided to map it out and maybe you've seen this before. This is what you've seen this before. This is what you've seen this before. This is what those cross-references look like.
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That's the Bible That's the Bible predicting and calling back. Now, if one human author if one human author wrote a book wrote a book wrote a book and that book had this many and that book had this many and that book had this many cross-references and predictions and cross-references and predictions and cross-references and predictions and callbacks, we would look at that book callbacks, we would look at that book callbacks, we would look at that book and we would look at that author and go, and we would look at that author and go, and we would look at that author and go, "That's the greatest author of all time. "That's the greatest author of all time. "That's the greatest author of all time. That's the greatest book of all time. I That's the greatest book of all time. I That's the greatest book of all time. I can't believe how many times he seeded can't believe how many times he seeded can't believe how many times he seeded an idea and then came back to it and an idea and then came back to it and an idea and then came back to it and connected to it and all the things." We connected to it and all the things." We connected to it and all the things." We would look at it and go, "That's the would look at it and go, "That's the would look at it and go, "That's the greatest book of all time." greatest book of all time." greatest book of all time." But here's what makes the Bible But here's what makes the Bible But here's what makes the Bible incredible. incredible. incredible. It wasn't written down by just one human It wasn't written down by just one human It wasn't written down by just one human author. author. author. The Bible The Bible The Bible is 66 books is 66 books is 66 books written down by 40 different authors written down by 40 different authors written down by 40 different authors across three continents over 1,500 across three continents over 1,500 across three continents over 1,500 years. years. years. Here's what that means. Some random guy Here's what that means. Some random guy Here's what that means. Some random guy on this continent who lived 500 years on this continent who lived 500 years on this continent who lived 500 years before some other random guy on this before some other random guy on this before some other random guy on this continent both wrote, didn't know each continent both wrote, didn't know each continent both wrote, didn't know each other, and both referenced the same other, and both referenced the same other, and both referenced the same thing. Both talked about the same thing thing. Both talked about the same thing thing. Both talked about the same thing even though they were separated by an even though they were separated by an even though they were separated by an ocean. And so here it says, "The Bible ocean. And so here it says, "The Bible ocean. And so here it says, "The Bible is 66 books, 40 different authors, three is 66 books, 40 different authors, three is 66 books, 40 different authors, three continents, 1,500 years, and yet it all continents, 1,500 years, and yet it all continents, 1,500 years, and yet it all connects and it all cross-references connects and it all cross-references connects and it all cross-references each other." Which means this isn't just each other." Which means this isn't just each other." Which means this isn't just a good book. This is an only God could a good book. This is an only God could a good book. This is an only God could have done that kind of book.
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have done that kind of book. have done that kind of book. That's why I believe this is true. That's why I believe this is true. That's why I believe this is true. >> [applause] >> And let me tell you about just one of >> And let me tell you about just one of those like predictions and those like predictions and those like predictions and cross-references and it's about the cross-references and it's about the cross-references and it's about the all the prophecies about the coming all the prophecies about the coming all the prophecies about the coming Messiah. There was a researcher named Peter There was a researcher named Peter Stoner that calculated the odds of some Stoner that calculated the odds of some Stoner that calculated the odds of some person randomly or accidentally person randomly or accidentally person randomly or accidentally fulfilling just eight of the Messianic fulfilling just eight of the Messianic fulfilling just eight of the Messianic prophecies. And what he discovered was prophecies. And what he discovered was prophecies. And what he discovered was for some person to stumble into those for some person to stumble into those for some person to stumble into those eight prophecies, the odds of that are 1 eight prophecies, the odds of that are 1 eight prophecies, the odds of that are 1 in 100 quadrillion. in 100 quadrillion. in 100 quadrillion. It's a lot. It's a lot. It's a lot. And then he kind of came up with this And then he kind of came up with this And then he kind of came up with this word picture and I want to invite you word picture and I want to invite you word picture and I want to invite you into it. So, here's what I want you to into it. So, here's what I want you to into it. So, here's what I want you to do. I want you to imagine that the state do. I want you to imagine that the state do. I want you to imagine that the state of Texas, which is a big state, is of Texas, which is a big state, is of Texas, which is a big state, is covered in silver dollars. Not only covered in silver dollars. Not only covered in silver dollars. Not only that, it's covered in silver dollars 2 that, it's covered in silver dollars 2 that, it's covered in silver dollars 2 ft deep. That's like, you know, higher ft deep. That's like, you know, higher ft deep. That's like, you know, higher than your knees, okay? And there's all than your knees, okay? And there's all than your knees, okay? And there's all these silver dollars, um 100 quadrillion these silver dollars, um 100 quadrillion these silver dollars, um 100 quadrillion silver dollars to be precise, all silver dollars to be precise, all silver dollars to be precise, all covering the state of Texas. And there's covering the state of Texas. And there's covering the state of Texas. And there's one of those silver dollars that's one of those silver dollars that's one of those silver dollars that's colored red.
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colored red. colored red. Buried in the midst of it. Buried in the midst of it. Buried in the midst of it. And then someone said, "Hey, I Here's And then someone said, "Hey, I Here's And then someone said, "Hey, I Here's what I want you to do. I'm going to what I want you to do. I'm going to what I want you to do. I'm going to blindfold you. I'm going to put you in a blindfold you. I'm going to put you in a blindfold you. I'm going to put you in a helicopter. I'm going to fly you to helicopter. I'm going to fly you to helicopter. I'm going to fly you to Texas. I'm going to land you in a random Texas. I'm going to land you in a random Texas. I'm going to land you in a random spot of Texas. You don't know where it spot of Texas. You don't know where it spot of Texas. You don't know where it is. And then I want you to get off the is. And then I want you to get off the is. And then I want you to get off the helicopter, okay? But you still got your helicopter, okay? But you still got your helicopter, okay? But you still got your blindfold on. And I want you to walk as blindfold on. And I want you to walk as blindfold on. And I want you to walk as far as you want to walk as long as far as you want to walk as long as far as you want to walk as long as you're in the state of Texas. And then you're in the state of Texas. And then you're in the state of Texas. And then you're knee-deep in silver dollars. And you're knee-deep in silver dollars. And you're knee-deep in silver dollars. And what I want you to do is find a random what I want you to do is find a random what I want you to do is find a random spot, bend down, find one random silver spot, bend down, find one random silver spot, bend down, find one random silver dollar, and I want you to pick it up, dollar, and I want you to pick it up, dollar, and I want you to pick it up, take off your blindfold. And the odds of take off your blindfold. And the odds of take off your blindfold. And the odds of you finding that one red silver dollar you finding that one red silver dollar you finding that one red silver dollar is 1 in 100 quadrillion." is 1 in 100 quadrillion." is 1 in 100 quadrillion." That's the odds That's the odds That's the odds of Jesus of Jesus of Jesus fulfilling just eight of the Messianic fulfilling just eight of the Messianic fulfilling just eight of the Messianic prophecies. prophecies. prophecies. But Jesus didn't fulfill just eight of But Jesus didn't fulfill just eight of But Jesus didn't fulfill just eight of the Messianic prophecies. the Messianic prophecies. the Messianic prophecies. He fulfilled over 300. I don't know if you're a math person, I don't know if you're a math person, but that number doesn't fit on the but that number doesn't fit on the but that number doesn't fit on the screen.
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That Jesus That Jesus would accidentally would accidentally would accidentally live a life, live a life, live a life, talk about things, do things, rise from talk about things, do things, rise from talk about things, do things, rise from the dead accidentally, and just so the dead accidentally, and just so the dead accidentally, and just so happen to fulfill over 300 prophecies. happen to fulfill over 300 prophecies. happen to fulfill over 300 prophecies. Again, you may not be convinced that Again, you may not be convinced that Again, you may not be convinced that it's true, it's true, it's true, but I am more convinced than ever. but I am more convinced than ever. but I am more convinced than ever. Now, before we move on, here's what I Now, before we move on, here's what I Now, before we move on, here's what I know. There's some of you that you're know. There's some of you that you're know. There's some of you that you're sitting there and you're like, "Steve, I sitting there and you're like, "Steve, I sitting there and you're like, "Steve, I want to believe it's true. I just got want to believe it's true. I just got want to believe it's true. I just got all the what abouts." all the what abouts." all the what abouts." Like, you know, what about the missing Like, you know, what about the missing Like, you know, what about the missing gospels and, you know, um what about the gospels and, you know, um what about the gospels and, you know, um what about the textual, you know, variants and all textual, you know, variants and all textual, you know, variants and all those things. That's great. I've had those things. That's great. I've had those things. That's great. I've had those what abouts, too. So, here's those what abouts, too. So, here's those what abouts, too. So, here's here's what I want to invite you to do. here's what I want to invite you to do. here's what I want to invite you to do. If you're here If you're here If you're here and you want to believe it's true, but and you want to believe it's true, but and you want to believe it's true, but you're just struggling because you don't you're just struggling because you don't you're just struggling because you don't think it's true, you look at it like a think it's true, you look at it like a think it's true, you look at it like a fairy tale, but you want help, here's fairy tale, but you want help, here's fairy tale, but you want help, here's how I'm going to invite you to do, and how I'm going to invite you to do, and how I'm going to invite you to do, and I'm so serious about this. I'm so serious about this. I'm so serious about this. I want you to email me. I want you to email me. I want you to email me. Okay? That's my actual email address, Okay? That's my actual email address, Okay? That's my actual email address, [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. If If If If you want help believing that If If If If you want help believing that If If If If you want help believing that this is true, then email me. this is true, then email me. this is true, then email me. Okay? Cuz I'm so By the way, only email Okay? Cuz I'm so By the way, only email Okay? Cuz I'm so By the way, only email me if you're like dead serious about me if you're like dead serious about me if you're like dead serious about this, cuz here's what I'm going to do.
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this, cuz here's what I'm going to do. this, cuz here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to give you homework. I'm I'm going to give you homework. I'm I'm going to give you homework. I'm going to give you the same books that going to give you the same books that going to give you the same books that I've read. I'm going to give you the I'm I've read. I'm going to give you the I'm I've read. I'm going to give you the I'm going to give you the same videos that going to give you the same videos that going to give you the same videos that I've watched, the same doubts that I've I've watched, the same doubts that I've I've watched, the same doubts that I've had that have been overcome by the had that have been overcome by the had that have been overcome by the evidence. I'm going to give those to evidence. I'm going to give those to evidence. I'm going to give those to you. So, only email me if you're you. So, only email me if you're you. So, only email me if you're serious, if you're trying to overcome serious, if you're trying to overcome serious, if you're trying to overcome your own belief in this your own belief in this your own belief in this book. book. book. And for everyone else, please don't And for everyone else, please don't And for everyone else, please don't email me. Okay? So, I'm taking a risk email me. Okay? So, I'm taking a risk email me. Okay? So, I'm taking a risk here. here. here. I I want to keep the inbox like truly I I I want to keep the inbox like truly I I I want to keep the inbox like truly I want to keep the inbox available for want to keep the inbox available for want to keep the inbox available for you. Even if you're watching this you. Even if you're watching this you. Even if you're watching this online, you don't even go to our church. online, you don't even go to our church. online, you don't even go to our church. If you have serious questions and you're If you have serious questions and you're If you have serious questions and you're willing to do homework, email me. And when you email me And when you email me and when I give you those resources, and when I give you those resources, and when I give you those resources, what I hope you discover is what I've what I hope you discover is what I've what I hope you discover is what I've discovered, which is discovered, which is discovered, which is it's his love letter and it is true. it's his love letter and it is true. it's his love letter and it is true. And when you discover that it's true And when you discover that it's true And when you discover that it's true you'll soon discover you'll soon discover you'll soon discover that it's powerful. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> There's a There's a moment in the life >> There's a There's a moment in the life >> There's a There's a moment in the life of Jesus from 2,000 years ago when Jesus of Jesus from 2,000 years ago when Jesus of Jesus from 2,000 years ago when Jesus was tempted by Satan himself. Some of was tempted by Satan himself. Some of was tempted by Satan himself. Some of you might remember this. Jesus you might remember this. Jesus you might remember this. Jesus Uh was fasting for 40 days. By the way, Uh was fasting for 40 days. By the way, Uh was fasting for 40 days. By the way, as a church, we're going to be fasting as a church, we're going to be fasting as a church, we're going to be fasting together. Don't worry, not for 40 days.
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together. Don't worry, not for 40 days. together. Don't worry, not for 40 days. We're just going to fast for 3 days, We're just going to fast for 3 days, We're just going to fast for 3 days, okay? So, fasting for 3 days, but Jesus okay? So, fasting for 3 days, but Jesus okay? So, fasting for 3 days, but Jesus fasted for 40 days. Which means he was fasted for 40 days. Which means he was fasted for 40 days. Which means he was hungry. hungry. hungry. He was overwhelmed. He was at his He was overwhelmed. He was at his He was overwhelmed. He was at his lowest. And then, he wasn't tempted by lowest. And then, he wasn't tempted by lowest. And then, he wasn't tempted by just anyone. He was tempted by Satan just anyone. He was tempted by Satan just anyone. He was tempted by Satan himself. himself. himself. So, here's Jesus. So, here's Jesus. So, here's Jesus. Hungry. Hungry. Hungry. And at his lowest. And at his lowest. And at his lowest. And you got to remember that Jesus Jesus is son of God and king of kings. Jesus is son of God and king of kings. He's got all the angel armies available He's got all the angel armies available He's got all the angel armies available to him to attack Satan. to him to attack Satan. to him to attack Satan. He's got legions of armies that he can He's got legions of armies that he can He's got legions of armies that he can sick on Satan if he wants to. sick on Satan if he wants to. sick on Satan if he wants to. He's got every heavenly weapon He's got every heavenly weapon He's got every heavenly weapon available. And when Jesus is at his available. And when Jesus is at his available. And when Jesus is at his lowest and he is tempted by Satan lowest and he is tempted by Satan lowest and he is tempted by Satan himself, how does Jesus respond? himself, how does Jesus respond? himself, how does Jesus respond? That's right. That's right. That's right. Jesus answered, Jesus answered, Jesus answered, "It is written." "It is written." "It is written." Don't miss this. Don't miss this. Don't miss this. Jesus Jesus Jesus had the arsenal of heaven at his had the arsenal of heaven at his had the arsenal of heaven at his disposal.
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disposal. disposal. And the weapon that he chose And the weapon that he chose And the weapon that he chose is the same weapon you've got in your is the same weapon you've got in your is the same weapon you've got in your hands right now. hands right now. hands right now. That's how powerful this thing is. In That's how powerful this thing is. In That's how powerful this thing is. In fact, Jesus not only quoted the Bible, he Jesus not only quoted the Bible, he quoted a Bible verse about the Bible. quoted a Bible verse about the Bible. quoted a Bible verse about the Bible. This is amazing. He says, "Man shall not This is amazing. He says, "Man shall not This is amazing. He says, "Man shall not live on bread alone." Which means live on bread alone." Which means live on bread alone." Which means bread's really good, but let me tell you bread's really good, but let me tell you bread's really good, but let me tell you something that's better. But on every something that's better. But on every something that's better. But on every word that comes from the mouth of God. word that comes from the mouth of God. word that comes from the mouth of God. These are the words of God to you. This These are the words of God to you. This These are the words of God to you. This is his love letter to you. And Jesus is his love letter to you. And Jesus is his love letter to you. And Jesus even referenced it. And then Satan even referenced it. And then Satan even referenced it. And then Satan attacked again. And you know what he attacked again. And you know what he attacked again. And you know what he said? "It is written." And he quoted the said? "It is written." And he quoted the said? "It is written." And he quoted the Bible again. Satan attacked him again. Bible again. Satan attacked him again. Bible again. Satan attacked him again. "It is written." And after the third "It is written." And after the third "It is written." And after the third time that Jesus said, "It is written." time that Jesus said, "It is written." time that Jesus said, "It is written." Jesus quoted the Bible and Satan fled. Jesus quoted the Bible and Satan fled. Jesus quoted the Bible and Satan fled. Then and then Peter quotes the Bible and and then Peter quotes the Bible and 3,000 people get saved. 3,000 people get saved. 3,000 people get saved. That's why we as a church quote the That's why we as a church quote the That's why we as a church quote the Bible. Bible. Bible. We are a Bible preaching, Bible We are a Bible preaching, Bible We are a Bible preaching, Bible teaching, Bible believing church because teaching, Bible believing church because teaching, Bible believing church because we think this is more than just some we think this is more than just some we think this is more than just some random notes, some random words on a random notes, some random words on a random notes, some random words on a page. This is God's love letter to you.
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page. This is God's love letter to you. page. This is God's love letter to you. It is true and it is powerful. That's It is true and it is powerful. That's It is true and it is powerful. That's why throughout the movies, yes, we're why throughout the movies, yes, we're why throughout the movies, yes, we're going to show some movie clips. It's going to show some movie clips. It's going to show some movie clips. It's going to be great. We're going to show a going to be great. We're going to show a going to be great. We're going to show a little movie clip and then guess what little movie clip and then guess what little movie clip and then guess what we're going to do? Bible. We're going to we're going to do? Bible. We're going to we're going to do? Bible. We're going to quote the Bible cuz that's who we are as quote the Bible cuz that's who we are as quote the Bible cuz that's who we are as a church and that's who the early church a church and that's who the early church a church and that's who the early church was. In fact, this is so cool. When was. In fact, this is so cool. When was. In fact, this is so cool. When Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, when Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, when Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, when he tried to sum up what God was doing, he tried to sum up what God was doing, he tried to sum up what God was doing, here's how he summed up here's how he summed up here's how he summed up the move of God. the move of God. the move of God. He said this, He said this, He said this, they they they being all the disciples and all the being all the disciples and all the being all the disciples and all the apostles and all the early believers, apostles and all the early believers, apostles and all the early believers, they devoted themselves. they devoted themselves. they devoted themselves. This was their first priority. This was This was their first priority. This was This was their first priority. This was the main thing that they went after. the main thing that they went after. the main thing that they went after. And here's what it was. And here's what it was. And here's what it was. To the apostles' To the apostles' To the apostles' teaching. What is the apostles' teaching? What is the apostles' teaching? Well, as we've already seen, when they Well, as we've already seen, when they Well, as we've already seen, when they taught, they quoted the Old Testament. taught, they quoted the Old Testament. taught, they quoted the Old Testament. Not only that, they actually wrote Not only that, they actually wrote Not only that, they actually wrote letters letters letters and you know what those letters are now? and you know what those letters are now? and you know what those letters are now? The New Testament.
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The New Testament. The New Testament. Do you know that every single letter Do you know that every single letter Do you know that every single letter that an apostle wrote that we have that an apostle wrote that we have that an apostle wrote that we have access to is in the New Testament? access to is in the New Testament? access to is in the New Testament? [music] [music] [music] And some of you might be like, well, And some of you might be like, well, And some of you might be like, well, what about, you know, email me. what about, you know, email me. what about, you know, email me. [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. I've asked the same questions and you I've asked the same questions and you I've asked the same questions and you know what I've discovered? This is true know what I've discovered? This is true know what I've discovered? This is true and the apostles' teaching is the Old and the apostles' teaching is the Old and the apostles' teaching is the Old Testament and the New Testament. In Testament and the New Testament. In Testament and the New Testament. In other words, they devoted themselves to other words, they devoted themselves to other words, they devoted themselves to the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, to fellowship, which we're going to talk to fellowship, which we're going to talk to fellowship, which we're going to talk about next week, breaking of bread, and about next week, breaking of bread, and about next week, breaking of bread, and then to prayer, which we talked about then to prayer, which we talked about then to prayer, which we talked about last week. They centered [music] their last week. They centered [music] their last week. They centered [music] their lives on it because they knew that this lives on it because they knew that this lives on it because they knew that this wasn't just some random book, that this wasn't just some random book, that this wasn't just some random book, that this is God's love letter, God's message to is God's love letter, God's message to is God's love letter, God's message to you, and it is true, and it is powerful. you, and it is true, and it is powerful. you, and it is true, and it is powerful. And I'm telling you, I'm telling you, And I'm telling you, I'm telling you, And I'm telling you, I'm telling you, I'm telling you over and over again, I'm telling you over and over again, I'm telling you over and over again, I've seen how this book is powerful in I've seen how this book is powerful in I've seen how this book is powerful in my life. It's not cuz it's a random book, it's It's not cuz it's a random book, it's because it's God's word. because it's God's word. because it's God's word. To me. You know, I grew up going to church and You know, I grew up going to church and >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I memorized scripture as a kid just cuz >> I memorized scripture as a kid just cuz >> I memorized scripture as a kid just cuz I had to, you know, it was like Bible I had to, you know, it was like Bible I had to, you know, it was like Bible drill and you get a brownie point or drill and you get a brownie point or drill and you get a brownie point or whatever. But then it would, [music] you whatever. But then it would, [music] you whatever. But then it would, [music] you know, in one ear, out the other, and I know, in one ear, out the other, and I know, in one ear, out the other, and I just forgot about it. But I'll never just forgot about it. But I'll never just forgot about it. But I'll never forget the very first verse I ever forget the very first verse I ever forget the very first verse I ever memorized cuz I wanted to.
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memorized cuz I wanted to. memorized cuz I wanted to. I was a junior in high school and I was I was a junior in high school and I was I was a junior in high school and I was overwhelmed by all the AP classes and overwhelmed by all the AP classes and overwhelmed by all the AP classes and college prep and tests and college prep and tests and college prep and tests and extracurricular stuff. And by the way, extracurricular stuff. And by the way, extracurricular stuff. And by the way, if you're like an adult now, you're if you're like an adult now, you're if you're like an adult now, you're probably like, "You didn't have any probably like, "You didn't have any probably like, "You didn't have any pressure." Okay, when you're 17 years pressure." Okay, when you're 17 years pressure." Okay, when you're 17 years old, it sure feels like a lot of old, it sure feels like a lot of old, it sure feels like a lot of pressure. And I remember I had just finished like And I remember I had just finished like a homework assignment or a test that was a homework assignment or a test that was a homework assignment or a test that was like or you know, a project that was due like or you know, a project that was due like or you know, a project that was due the next day, and it's so late, but I the next day, and it's so late, but I the next day, and it's so late, but I just felt like I should probably read just felt like I should probably read just felt like I should probably read the Bible. the Bible. the Bible. And so I was reading through the book of And so I was reading through the book of And so I was reading through the book of Colossians and I get to Colossians 1:29 Colossians and I get to Colossians 1:29 Colossians and I get to Colossians 1:29 and I'm barely able to, you know, I'm in and I'm barely able to, you know, I'm in and I'm barely able to, you know, I'm in my little bedroom, you know, on my bed, my little bedroom, you know, on my bed, my little bedroom, you know, on my bed, I'm reading Colossians 1:29. And I'm reading Colossians 1:29. And I'm reading Colossians 1:29. And Colossians 1:29 said, "To this end I Colossians 1:29 said, "To this end I Colossians 1:29 said, "To this end I labor." labor." labor." And I went, "Hold up." And I went, "Hold up." And I went, "Hold up." I feel like I'm laboring. I feel like I'm laboring. I feel like I'm laboring. The very next word, "struggling." And The very next word, "struggling." And The very next word, "struggling." And I'm like, "Bro, me too." [music] I'm like, "Bro, me too." [music] I'm like, "Bro, me too." [music] Struggling. Then it says this, Struggling. Then it says this, Struggling. Then it says this, "struggling with all his energy." And I "struggling with all his energy." And I "struggling with all his energy." And I went, "God, I need that." And then it went, "God, I need that." And then it went, "God, I need that." And then it said, "It so powerfully works in me." said, "It so powerfully works in me." said, "It so powerfully works in me." And I remember reading that verse and it And I remember reading that verse and it And I remember reading that verse and it was like, the words leaped off the page was like, the words leaped off the page was like, the words leaped off the page and I was like, "God, if that's true, I and I was like, "God, if that's true, I and I was like, "God, if that's true, I need access to that right now." And it need access to that right now." And it need access to that right now." And it felt like God saw me in that moment, felt like God saw me in that moment, felt like God saw me in that moment, overwhelmed, and he was speaking to me.
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overwhelmed, and he was speaking to me. overwhelmed, and he was speaking to me. And I said, "God, I got to I got to have And I said, "God, I got to I got to have And I said, "God, I got to I got to have this in my life." And so, I started this in my life." And so, I started this in my life." And so, I started committing it to memory. I was like, committing it to memory. I was like, committing it to memory. I was like, "Okay, to this end I labor, to this end "Okay, to this end I labor, to this end "Okay, to this end I labor, to this end I labor, to this end I labor." I labor, to this end I labor." I labor, to this end I labor." Struggling with all his Struggling with Struggling with all his Struggling with Struggling with all his Struggling with all his energy. And I memorized it cuz I all his energy. And I memorized it cuz I all his energy. And I memorized it cuz I needed it cuz it was true, and it was needed it cuz it was true, and it was needed it cuz it was true, and it was powerful, and God was talking to me. powerful, and God was talking to me. powerful, and God was talking to me. Just like he wants to talk to you. Just like he wants to talk to you. Just like he wants to talk to you. I remember being a junior in college. I I remember being a junior in college. I I remember being a junior in college. I got a phone call from my mom that got a phone call from my mom that got a phone call from my mom that completely completely completely rocked my world. She called me rocked my world. She called me rocked my world. She called me and she let me know that my dad had just and she let me know that my dad had just and she let me know that my dad had just been admitted [music] to a psychiatric been admitted [music] to a psychiatric been admitted [music] to a psychiatric ward. And there is absolutely no way to And there is absolutely no way to prepare for that. prepare for that. prepare for that. I just remember getting the phone call, I just remember getting the phone call, I just remember getting the phone call, and I felt numb, and I felt overwhelmed. and I felt numb, and I felt overwhelmed. and I felt numb, and I felt overwhelmed. I didn't Like I didn't know what to I didn't Like I didn't know what to I didn't Like I didn't know what to pray. I didn't know what to think. I pray. I didn't know what to think. I pray. I didn't know what to think. I didn't know what to do. It was a Friday, and I remember I was It was a Friday, and I remember I was just carrying that all weekend, and I just carrying that all weekend, and I just carrying that all weekend, and I get to church on Sunday, get to church on Sunday, get to church on Sunday, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and I find out that Sunday that the >> and I find out that Sunday that the >> and I find out that Sunday that the pastor was walking through a series on pastor was walking through a series on pastor was walking through a series on the book the book the book of Numbers.
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And I remember thinking, And I remember thinking, "Numbers? "Numbers? "Numbers? Really, God? I just got a call that turned my world I just got a call that turned my world upside down, and [music] now you're upside down, and [music] now you're upside down, and [music] now you're going to have the pastor talk about going to have the pastor talk about going to have the pastor talk about Numbers? Numbers? Numbers? Like, God, are you I thought this was Like, God, are you I thought this was Like, God, are you I thought this was your word. I thought you were going to your word. I thought you were going to your word. I thought you were going to talk to me today cuz I could really use talk to me today cuz I could really use talk to me today cuz I could really use your voice in my life, and you're going your voice in my life, and you're going your voice in my life, and you're going to have the book of Numbers. Are you to have the book of Numbers. Are you to have the book of Numbers. Are you kidding me?" kidding me?" kidding me?" And he starts talking about Numbers 11. And he starts talking about Numbers 11. And he starts talking about Numbers 11. That was the chapter we were in that That was the chapter we were in that That was the chapter we were in that day. And it was this moment when Moses day. And it was this moment when Moses day. And it was this moment when Moses doubted that God could do what he said doubted that God could do what he said doubted that God could do what he said he could do. And so, God asked a he could do. And so, God asked a he could do. And so, God asked a question of Moses, and it was Numbers question of Moses, and it was Numbers question of Moses, and it was Numbers 11:23. That's where the question was. 11:23. That's where the question was. 11:23. That's where the question was. And I remember hearing this question, And I remember hearing this question, And I remember hearing this question, and in that moment, it wasn't just God and in that moment, it wasn't just God and in that moment, it wasn't just God asking Moses a question. It was God asking Moses a question. It was God asking Moses a question. It was God asking me a question. And Numbers 11:23 asking me a question. And Numbers 11:23 asking me a question. And Numbers 11:23 said this, "Is the arm of the Lord too said this, "Is the arm of the Lord too said this, "Is the arm of the Lord too short to save?" short to save?" short to save?" In other words, In other words, In other words, Steve, Steve, Steve, do you not think I can do something do you not think I can do something do you not think I can do something about this?
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in the book of Numbers of all places. in the book of Numbers of all places. And it was like God was shouting at me. And it was like God was shouting at me. And it was like God was shouting at me. It's my letter to you. It's my letter to you. It's my letter to you. I see you. I need his word in parenting cuz I need his word in parenting cuz sometimes I don't know what to do. sometimes I don't know what to do. sometimes I don't know what to do. But he wrote me a letter. But he wrote me a letter. But he wrote me a letter. And he wanted to help me and he wanted And he wanted to help me and he wanted And he wanted to help me and he wanted to encourage me and he wanted to to encourage me and he wanted to to encourage me and he wanted to challenge me cuz sometimes what I don't challenge me cuz sometimes what I don't challenge me cuz sometimes what I don't know what to do is what's already messed know what to do is what's already messed know what to do is what's already messed up inside of me. up inside of me. up inside of me. It's like I remember struggling with It's like I remember struggling with It's like I remember struggling with lust and I get to 1st Corinthians lust and I get to 1st Corinthians lust and I get to 1st Corinthians chapter 6 and it says, "Flee from sexual chapter 6 and it says, "Flee from sexual chapter 6 and it says, "Flee from sexual immorality." You got to run from that immorality." You got to run from that immorality." You got to run from that stuff. Don't get anywhere near it. I stuff. Don't get anywhere near it. I stuff. Don't get anywhere near it. I remember struggling with lying and I was remember struggling with lying and I was remember struggling with lying and I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew reading through the Gospel of Matthew reading through the Gospel of Matthew and I get to Matthew chapter 5 when and I get to Matthew chapter 5 when and I get to Matthew chapter 5 when Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes and Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes and Jesus said, "Let your yes be yes and your no be no." And I remember reading your no be no." And I remember reading your no be no." And I remember reading the verse going, "I think I'm good, the verse going, "I think I'm good, the verse going, "I think I'm good, God." And God was like, "You should read God." And God was like, "You should read God." And God was like, "You should read that verse again." And so I was like, that verse again." And so I was like, that verse again." And so I was like, "All right." So I read the verse, "Yes "All right." So I read the verse, "Yes "All right." So I read the verse, "Yes be yes, no be no." And then in that be yes, no be no." And then in that be yes, no be no." And then in that moment it was like the Holy Spirit moment it was like the Holy Spirit moment it was like the Holy Spirit illuminated that verse and said, "Steve, illuminated that verse and said, "Steve, illuminated that verse and said, "Steve, sometimes your yes is no and your no is sometimes your yes is no and your no is sometimes your yes is no and your no is yes and no one else knows about it, but yes and no one else knows about it, but yes and no one else knows about it, but I do."
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And it was his word. And it was his word. And I need it. And I need it. And I need it. And you need [music] it And you need [music] it And you need [music] it cuz it's true. cuz it's true. cuz it's true. And it is powerful. But listen, church. And you may not like me for this. And you may not like me for this. It's only powerful if you read it. This does me no good sitting on the This does me no good sitting on the shelf collecting dust. It's still God's shelf collecting dust. It's still God's shelf collecting dust. It's still God's love letter to me. He's still got things love letter to me. He's still got things love letter to me. He's still got things to say to me. He still want to helps me. to say to me. He still want to helps me. to say to me. He still want to helps me. He still wants to comfort me. He still He still wants to comfort me. He still He still wants to comfort me. He still wants to convict me. But if I'm not wants to convict me. But if I'm not wants to convict me. But if I'm not listening to his word, if I'm not listening to his word, if I'm not listening to his word, if I'm not reading his love letter, it does me no reading his love letter, it does me no reading his love letter, it does me no good. good. good. And so maybe today And so maybe today And so maybe today maybe today is a day where we just maybe today is a day where we just maybe today is a day where we just repent together. Cuz maybe listen, this repent together. Cuz maybe listen, this repent together. Cuz maybe listen, this isn't just for you. This is for me, too. isn't just for you. This is for me, too. isn't just for you. This is for me, too. Where am I living my life not devoted Where am I living my life not devoted Where am I living my life not devoted to the word of God? to the word of God? to the word of God? Maybe today is a day to repent, to Maybe today is a day to repent, to Maybe today is a day to repent, to change our minds about how we view the change our minds about how we view the change our minds about how we view the Bible.
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Bible. Bible. Maybe today we repent and we say, "God, Maybe today we repent and we say, "God, Maybe today we repent and we say, "God, I used to you know, view your Bible as I used to you know, view your Bible as I used to you know, view your Bible as some rules book. I don't want to view it some rules book. I don't want to view it some rules book. I don't want to view it that way anymore. It's your love letter that way anymore. It's your love letter that way anymore. It's your love letter to me. God, I repent. I want to know to me. God, I repent. I want to know to me. God, I repent. I want to know your word." your word." your word." I used to view it like it was some I used to view it like it was some I used to view it like it was some made-up fairy tale, but God, you're made-up fairy tale, but God, you're made-up fairy tale, but God, you're starting to show me that it's true. I starting to show me that it's true. I starting to show me that it's true. I want to see it as your true love letter want to see it as your true love letter want to see it as your true love letter to me. I used to you know, look at it to me. I used to you know, look at it to me. I used to you know, look at it like an instruction manual. I just like an instruction manual. I just like an instruction manual. I just dumped it down and I never saw that you dumped it down and I never saw that you dumped it down and I never saw that you were wanting to talk to me. God, I were wanting to talk to me. God, I were wanting to talk to me. God, I repent and I want to know your word. repent and I want to know your word. repent and I want to know your word. And so right now And so right now And so right now here and at every campus, we're going to here and at every campus, we're going to here and at every campus, we're going to have a moment. A moment where maybe you need to tell A moment where maybe you need to tell God, "God, I'm sorry for the way that God, "God, I'm sorry for the way that God, "God, I'm sorry for the way that I've looked at your word cuz I need it." cuz I need it." So stay in this moment, but here's what So stay in this moment, but here's what So stay in this moment, but here's what I want you to do. Here and at every I want you to do. Here and at every I want you to do. Here and at every campus, I want everyone to stand up. And band, you can go ahead and load. And band, you can go ahead and load. Here and at every campus prayer teams, Here and at every campus prayer teams, Here and at every campus prayer teams, you can go ahead and stand down front you can go ahead and stand down front you can go ahead and stand down front cuz we're going to have a moment to cuz we're going to have a moment to cuz we're going to have a moment to respond.
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This is the moment where we sing, bring, This is the moment where we sing, bring, pray. In just a moment, we're going to pray. In just a moment, we're going to pray. In just a moment, we're going to sing. sing. sing. And for some of you, you're going to And for some of you, you're going to And for some of you, you're going to you're just going to sing God's word you're just going to sing God's word you're just going to sing God's word back to him. Do you know so many of the back to him. Do you know so many of the back to him. Do you know so many of the songs that we sing are based in songs that we sing are based in songs that we sing are based in scripture? scripture? scripture? You're just singing his word back to You're just singing his word back to You're just singing his word back to him. Some of you you need to bring. This him. Some of you you need to bring. This him. Some of you you need to bring. This is your chance to honor God with your is your chance to honor God with your is your chance to honor God with your first and your best, which by the way, first and your best, which by the way, first and your best, which by the way, talks about it in scripture, that God's talks about it in scripture, that God's talks about it in scripture, that God's inviting you to trust him. inviting you to trust him. inviting you to trust him. Some of you give online. This is a Some of you give online. This is a Some of you give online. This is a moment to just go, "God, I'm committed moment to just go, "God, I'm committed moment to just go, "God, I'm committed to you. You get my first and best." But to you. You get my first and best." But to you. You get my first and best." But I want to hang out here for a second cuz I want to hang out here for a second cuz I want to hang out here for a second cuz I think for a lot of us, we need to I think for a lot of us, we need to I think for a lot of us, we need to pray. pray. pray. I think for a lot of us, this is a I think for a lot of us, this is a I think for a lot of us, this is a moment of repentance. moment of repentance. moment of repentance. Where we say, "God, Where we say, "God, Where we say, "God, I need your help." I need your help." I need your help." And so here's what I'm going to invite And so here's what I'm going to invite And so here's what I'm going to invite you to do. Before we sing, I'm going to you to do. Before we sing, I'm going to you to do. Before we sing, I'm going to invite you right now. If you know you invite you right now. If you know you invite you right now. If you know you need to repent, if you know you need to need to repent, if you know you need to need to repent, if you know you need to change the way that you view God's word, change the way that you view God's word, change the way that you view God's word, one of the best things you can do is one of the best things you can do is one of the best things you can do is physically move. Like out of your seat, physically move. Like out of your seat, physically move. Like out of your seat, [music] come down front. We got prayer [music] come down front. We got prayer [music] come down front. We got prayer team ready to pray with you. Maybe you team ready to pray with you. Maybe you team ready to pray with you. Maybe you go up to them. Maybe you bring your go up to them. Maybe you bring your go up to them. Maybe you bring your Bible with you. And you go, "Hey, I want Bible with you. And you go, "Hey, I want Bible with you. And you go, "Hey, I want to change the way I view this. Would you to change the way I view this. Would you to change the way I view this. Would you pray for me?" Maybe for some of you, you pray for me?" Maybe for some of you, you pray for me?" Maybe for some of you, you kneel down front and say, "God, I've kneel down front and say, "God, I've kneel down front and say, "God, I've neglected your word. I don't want to neglected your word. I don't want to neglected your word. I don't want to neglect your word anymore. I need it. I neglect your word anymore. I need it. I neglect your word anymore. I need it. I need it as a mom. I need it as a dad. I need it as a mom. I need it as a dad. I need it as a mom. I need it as a dad. I need it as a student. I need it when I'm need it as a student. I need it when I'm need it as a student. I need it when I'm overwhelmed. I need it when I when I overwhelmed. I need it when I when I overwhelmed. I need it when I when I when I struggle with my own self-worth when I struggle with my own self-worth when I struggle with my own self-worth cuz God, I'm not reading your love cuz God, I'm not reading your love cuz God, I'm not reading your love letter to me about how you view me." So letter to me about how you view me." So letter to me about how you view me." So right now, and listen, I'm talking to right now, and listen, I'm talking to right now, and listen, I'm talking to you, Buford. I'm talking to you, you, Buford. I'm talking to you, you, Buford. I'm talking to you, Hamilton Mill. You can start moving Hamilton Mill. You can start moving Hamilton Mill. You can start moving right now. Lawrenceville, right now, you
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right now. Lawrenceville, right now, you right now. Lawrenceville, right now, you can start moving. Braselton, you can can start moving. Braselton, you can can start moving. Braselton, you can start moving. This is your chance to start moving. This is your chance to start moving. This is your chance to confess and repent and say, "God, I am confess and repent and say, "God, I am confess and repent and say, "God, I am sorry for the way that I viewed your sorry for the way that I viewed your sorry for the way that I viewed your word. I need your word in my life. I'm word. I need your word in my life. I'm word. I need your word in my life. I'm done trying to do this thing on my own. done trying to do this thing on my own. done trying to do this thing on my own. I need your word. I need you to speak to I need your word. I need you to speak to I need your word. I need you to speak to me." me." me." And so right now, And so right now, And so right now, as we're already doing, you just as we're already doing, you just as we're already doing, you just respond. respond. respond. You say, "God, I need your help. You say, "God, I need your help. You say, "God, I need your help. I need your voice in my life. I need your voice in my life. I need your voice in my life. I need your word." I need your word." I need your word." So now you respond as you're already So now you respond as you're already So now you respond as you're already doing. Just respond. Sing. doing. Just respond. Sing. doing. Just respond. Sing. Bring. Bring. Bring. Pray. Repent. Repent. And respond. >> I will >> I will build my life on on your word. on your word. >> [singing] foundation.
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foundation. I will >> [music] >> [music] >> put my trust >> put my trust >> put my trust in your in your in your >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> word. >> word. >> word. And I will not be I will not be >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> shaken. >> shaken. >> shaken. I will I will I will build my build my build my on on on >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your word. put my trust put my trust in in in your word. And And >> [music] >> I will >> I will I will build my life build my life on on on on on on your word. your word. your word. It is a firm It is a firm It is a firm >> [music and singing] >> foundation. >> foundation. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I will put my put my in your >> [music] >> [music] >> And >> And >> And I will I will I will I will not be I will not be I will not be >> [singing] >> shaken.
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>> shaken. I will build my life I will build my life I will build my life >> [music] >> on your >> on your on your on your on your It is a firm foundation. foundation. And I will put my And I will put my And I will put my >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> trust >> trust >> trust I put my trust I put my trust I put my trust in you. And And >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I will >> I will >> I will not be shaken. not be shaken. >> [music] >> [music] >> Only there is no one like you. There is none beside [music] There is none beside [music] you. you. you. Open up my eyes in Open up my eyes in Open up my eyes in wonder [music] and show wonder [music] and show wonder [music] and show me me me who you who you who you are and are and are and fill me fill me fill me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> with your heart and lead me lead me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to go cuz you are the God who's saying holy. God who's saying holy. There is [music] no one There is [music] no one There is [music] no one like you. like you. like you. There is none beside you.
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There is none beside you. There is none beside you. Open up my eyes Open up my eyes Open up my eyes in in in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> wonder and show me who who you are and fill me you are and fill me you are and fill me with with with your heart and fill me with your your heart and fill me with your your heart and fill me with your >> [music] >> love to go. I will build my >> love to go. I will build my life on God. I will build life on God. I will build life on God. I will build >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my life upon upon your love. It is It is >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a firm >> a firm >> a firm foundation. I will I will put put put >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my >> my >> my trust trust trust in you in you in you alone. And I will not And I will not I will not I will not I will not >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I will not be >> I will not be >> I will not be shaken. I will build my life I will build my life upon [music] upon [music] upon [music] your love. your love. your love. It is I know it's a firm foundation. [music] I know it's a firm foundation. [music] I I I will put will put will put my trust my trust my trust in you [music] in you [music] in you [music] alone.
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alone. alone. And I will not be [singing] shaken. And I will not be [singing] shaken. And I will not be [singing] shaken. >> [music] I will not I will not be shaken. be shaken. be shaken. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> I will >> I will not be shaken. not be shaken. not be shaken. >> [music] >> Oh, >> Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> there is no one like you. There is none There is none beside you. beside you. beside you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Open up my >> Open up my >> Open up my eyes and I wonder. eyes and I wonder. eyes and I wonder. Show [music] me Show [music] me Show [music] me who you are [singing] and fill who you are [singing] and fill who you are [singing] and fill me with your heart. me with your heart. me with your heart. And lead me And lead me And lead me in love in love in love in [music and singing] love in [music and singing] love in [music and singing] love to those to those to those around. around. around. >> Let's sing that again.
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>> Let's sing that again. >> Let's sing that again. Cuz as we build our life, I want us to Cuz as we build our life, I want us to Cuz as we build our life, I want us to sing it and declare it. sing it and declare it. sing it and declare it. >> On your >> On your >> On your >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> On your entirely entirely I I I will put my trust in will put my trust in will put my trust in in you alone. alone. And [music] I And [music] I And [music] I >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> will not >> will not >> will not be shaken. I will build I will build >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> my home >> my home >> my home upon your love. upon your love. upon your love. It It It [music] is a firm foundation >> I will put >> I will put my my my my trust in my trust in my trust in >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in you >> in you >> in you alone. alone. alone. And I And I And I will not will not will not be shaken. >> So God, we declare that. >> So God, we declare that. That we're building our life on your That we're building our life on your That we're building our life on your word.
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Your word is a light into our feet and a Your word is a light into our feet and a lamp into our pathway. [music] that we're able to come into your that we're able to come into your presence [music] and lay down every weight and every sin and lay down every weight and every sin and repent before you, oh God. I pray, Lord God, that the words of I pray, Lord God, that the words of [music] Pastor Steve [music] Pastor Steve [music] Pastor Steve that he brought today, that we would that he brought today, that we would that he brought today, that we would seal it in our hearts seal it in our hearts seal it in our hearts and prioritize your word, God, and prioritize your word, God, and prioritize your word, God, in our families, in [music] our life, in our families, in [music] our life, in our families, in [music] our life, in our home. Church, thank [music] you so much for Church, thank [music] you so much for engaging God, engaging God, engaging God, for singing, for singing, for singing, for bringing your first and your best, for bringing your first and your best, for bringing your first and your best, for praying. for praying. for praying. And if you're in the room [music] today And if you're in the room [music] today And if you're in the room [music] today and you felt that tug to come down, and you felt that tug to come down, and you felt that tug to come down, we're going to be down here praying. we're going to be down here praying. we're going to be down here praying. We're going to continue to sing. We're going to continue to sing. We're going to continue to sing. We want you to come. We want you to come. We want you to come. Some of you [music] need to kneel before Some of you [music] need to kneel before Some of you [music] need to kneel before God today. Don't hesitate.
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God today. Don't hesitate. God today. Don't hesitate. This is your moment. This is your moment. This is your moment. And this atmosphere that we're setting And this atmosphere that we're setting And this atmosphere that we're setting all month all month all month is to prepare our hearts for what we is to prepare our hearts for what we is to prepare our hearts for what we like to call revival [music] nights. like to call revival [music] nights. like to call revival [music] nights. I want you to mark your calendar and I want you to mark your calendar and I want you to mark your calendar and just prioritize these [music] three just prioritize these [music] three just prioritize these [music] three nights. We'll be at the Lawrenceville nights. We'll be at the Lawrenceville nights. We'll be at the Lawrenceville campus. campus. campus. This is a time for us to say, "God, you This is a time for us to say, "God, you This is a time for us to say, "God, you [music] are first. [music] are first. [music] are first. And we want to see revival in this And we want to see revival in this And we want to see revival in this generation." Anybody want to see revival generation." Anybody want to see revival generation." Anybody want to see revival happen happen happen in this generation, in this time? in this generation, in this time? in this generation, in this time? That's what [music] I want to see. We prioritize football games [music] and We prioritize football games [music] and soccer soccer soccer and sports and things of that nature. and sports and things of that nature. and sports and things of that nature. Let's prioritize God's presence. We're going to be fasting for 3 days. We're going to be fasting for 3 days. [music] Pastor Steve mentioned it [music] Pastor Steve mentioned it [music] Pastor Steve mentioned it and we have resources available for you. and we have resources available for you. and we have resources available for you. You'll see the [music] link on the You'll see the [music] link on the You'll see the [music] link on the screen behind me if you want to learn screen behind me if you want to learn screen behind me if you want to learn more about fasting and aligning this more about fasting and aligning this more about fasting and aligning this season. season. season. We would love for you to do that.
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We would love for you to do that. We would love for you to do that. And allow God to speak to [music] you And allow God to speak to [music] you And allow God to speak to [music] you while you say God I'm I'm while you say God I'm I'm while you say God I'm I'm starving my flesh to strengthen my starving my flesh to strengthen my starving my flesh to strengthen my spirit. For those in the room if you're here for For those in the room if you're here for the first time or you're new, the first time or you're new, the first time or you're new, we would love to meet you and help you we would love to meet you and help you we would love to meet you and help you take your next step [music] take your next step [music] take your next step [music] toward God. toward God. toward God. We have something called all access. We have something called all access. We have something called all access. It'll be actually right back here. Our It'll be actually right back here. Our It'll be actually right back here. Our team is right back here team is right back here team is right back here and we're going [music] to the green and we're going [music] to the green and we're going [music] to the green room at the end of this service and we room at the end of this service and we room at the end of this service and we would love to get to hear your story, would love to get to hear your story, would love to get to hear your story, help you take one step, help you take one step, help you take one step, and give you a gift. and give you a gift. and give you a gift. As we leave today, I would just ask just As we leave today, I would just ask just As we leave today, I would just ask just one [music] one request. one [music] one request. one [music] one request. Let's keep chatter to a minimum and Let's keep chatter to a minimum and Let's keep chatter to a minimum and let's honor what God is doing. Anybody let's honor what God is doing. Anybody let's honor what God is doing. Anybody feel that way? Let me know if you feel feel that way? Let me know if you feel feel that way? Let me know if you feel what he's doing in this room. Yeah. what he's doing in this room. Yeah. what he's doing in this room. Yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So if you still need prayer or you still >> So if you still need prayer or you still >> So if you still need prayer or you still want to worship, you want to bring your want to worship, you want to bring your want to worship, you want to bring your first and your best, we'll be here. first and your best, we'll be here. first and your best, we'll be here. But thank you guys [music] for engaging But thank you guys [music] for engaging But thank you guys [music] for engaging God. God. God. For God is good For God is good For God is good and all the time. and all the time. and all the time. Love [music] you church. Let's sing Love [music] you church. Let's sing Love [music] you church. Let's sing team.
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>> Show us your glory. [music] >> Show us your glory. [music] In wonder and In wonder and In wonder and surrender surrender surrender we fall we fall we fall >> [music] >> Show us >> Show us your glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> Let >> Let >> Let every burning every burning every burning >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> heart behold >> heart behold >> heart behold your crown. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. In wonder [music and singing] In wonder [music and singing] In wonder [music and singing] and surrender and surrender and surrender we fall down. Show [music] us Show [music] us your glory. your glory. your glory. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. Let every Let every Let every burning heart be burning heart be burning heart be >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> holy ground. >> Holy [singing] ground. >> Holy [singing] ground. >> [music] My heart My heart >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> be holy ground.
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Holy ground. Holy ground. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. Show us your glory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Show us your glory. >> Show us your glory. >> Show us your glory. In wonder and surrender we surrender we fall down. Show us [music] your glory. Show us [music] your glory. Let every Let every Let every burning burning burning >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> heart be >> heart be >> heart be holy ground.
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that all things originate from God and return to Him, highlighting His supreme worthiness of glory and worship. It repeatedly references scripture stating "from you are all things, and to you are all things," encouraging congregants to center their hearts on Jesus and worship Him for His powerful presence which brings joy, healing, and salvation. The practical takeaway is to actively worship God, recognizing His sovereignty and the acceptability of our praise through Jesus Christ.