4 Prayers For Our Church | 12Stone Church

I want to tell you what what what I I want to tell you what what what I sense God wanted us to do today. And sense God wanted us to do today. And sense God wanted us to do today. And it's a slight pivot from what we planned it's a slight pivot from what we planned it's a slight pivot from what we planned on today. And it's sort of flavored by on today. And it's sort of flavored by on today. And it's sort of flavored by what God did this week at revival what God did this week at revival what God did this week at revival nights. And so we're we're we're nights. And so we're we're we're nights. And so we're we're we're pivoting to try to stay on his agenda, pivoting to try to stay on his agenda, pivoting to try to stay on his agenda, which by the way, we have plans. We work which by the way, we have plans. We work which by the way, we have plans. We work hard. We got calendars. We know sort of hard. We got calendars. We know sort of hard. We got calendars. We know sort of where we're headed for the next months where we're headed for the next months where we're headed for the next months and months and months. Equally, God gets and months and months. Equally, God gets and months and months. Equally, God gets the right to interrupt. Amen. the right to interrupt. Amen. the right to interrupt. Amen. >> Like God, this is his church, not ours. >> Like God, this is his church, not ours. >> Like God, this is his church, not ours. We're doing our best to try to keep up We're doing our best to try to keep up We're doing our best to try to keep up with him. We're not saying God keep up with him. We're not saying God keep up with him. We're not saying God keep up with us. And so equally in this moment, with us. And so equally in this moment, with us. And so equally in this moment, what what we're doing is trying to keep what what we're doing is trying to keep what what we're doing is trying to keep up with him. And I'm just going to be up with him. And I'm just going to be up with him. And I'm just going to be more direct. At the 9:00 service, I was more direct. At the 9:00 service, I was more direct. At the 9:00 service, I was a little bit uh reserved and and sort of a little bit uh reserved and and sort of a little bit uh reserved and and sort of clean and buttoned up. I'm just going to clean and buttoned up. I'm just going to clean and buttoned up. I'm just going to give myself freedom whether you give it give myself freedom whether you give it give myself freedom whether you give it or not. Uh I'm going to give myself or not. Uh I'm going to give myself or not. Uh I'm going to give myself freedom to just shoot you straight, get freedom to just shoot you straight, get freedom to just shoot you straight, get to some stuff, and go after some things. to some stuff, and go after some things. to some stuff, and go after some things. Do I have your permission? Do I have your permission? Do I have your permission? >> Half of you, yes. Some Someone said no. >> Half of you, yes. Some Someone said no. >> Half of you, yes. Some Someone said no. That's honest of you. I appreciate it. That's honest of you. I appreciate it. That's honest of you. I appreciate it. Um, I'm saying no in Jesus name. But, Um, I'm saying no in Jesus name. But, Um, I'm saying no in Jesus name. But, uh, I I'm I'm going to go after uh, I I'm I'm going to go after uh, I I'm I'm going to go after something. Here's why. I I think God's something. Here's why. I I think God's something. Here's why. I I think God's been everything we've seen thus far, I been everything we've seen thus far, I been everything we've seen thus far, I think God's preparing this church for think God's preparing this church for think God's preparing this church for something that I don't fully understand something that I don't fully understand something that I don't fully understand yet. But I have a sense that there is a yet. But I have a sense that there is a yet. But I have a sense that there is a world who is looking for truth.

world who is looking for truth. world who is looking for truth. And I don't have truth in the sense of And I don't have truth in the sense of And I don't have truth in the sense of Jason, but I believe there is truth that Jason, but I believe there is truth that Jason, but I believe there is truth that only God can can deliver through his only God can can deliver through his only God can can deliver through his word. And I want to spend the day word. And I want to spend the day word. And I want to spend the day preparing us for what I think God wants preparing us for what I think God wants preparing us for what I think God wants to do in the fall. And so I'm going to to do in the fall. And so I'm going to to do in the fall. And so I'm going to go a little bit more personal and it's go a little bit more personal and it's go a little bit more personal and it's going to be more like from my prayer going to be more like from my prayer going to be more like from my prayer journal. I had to write it so it can be journal. I had to write it so it can be journal. I had to write it so it can be communicated publicly versus the chicken communicated publicly versus the chicken communicated publicly versus the chicken scratch I have. But here's the here's scratch I have. But here's the here's scratch I have. But here's the here's the direction for today. I want to bring the direction for today. I want to bring the direction for today. I want to bring us four prayers for 12 stone from the us four prayers for 12 stone from the us four prayers for 12 stone from the book of Acts. And these are like real book of Acts. And these are like real book of Acts. And these are like real prayers uh not exactly written like they prayers uh not exactly written like they prayers uh not exactly written like they are here in my prayer journal, but these are here in my prayer journal, but these are here in my prayer journal, but these are the gist of some of the prayers that are the gist of some of the prayers that are the gist of some of the prayers that I pray over you. By the way, I pray for I pray over you. By the way, I pray for I pray over you. By the way, I pray for you often cuz I love you, church. I love you often cuz I love you, church. I love you often cuz I love you, church. I love what we get to do here. And I love when what we get to do here. And I love when what we get to do here. And I love when I get to meet 12 sinners cuz man, you're I get to meet 12 sinners cuz man, you're I get to meet 12 sinners cuz man, you're just good people. There's no other place just good people. There's no other place just good people. There's no other place I'd rather be. Like, you could offer me I'd rather be. Like, you could offer me I'd rather be. Like, you could offer me a church on the beach with all the money a church on the beach with all the money a church on the beach with all the money in the world and all the freedom in the in the world and all the freedom in the in the world and all the freedom in the world. I pick 12 Stone every time world. I pick 12 Stone every time world. I pick 12 Stone every time because I think God's doing something because I think God's doing something because I think God's doing something unique in our midst right here, right unique in our midst right here, right unique in our midst right here, right now. And I want I want to prepare us now. And I want I want to prepare us now. And I want I want to prepare us because listen, you can't manipulate or because listen, you can't manipulate or because listen, you can't manipulate or manufacture a move of God, but you can manufacture a move of God, but you can manufacture a move of God, but you can prepare for it. So, I'm going to give prepare for it. So, I'm going to give prepare for it. So, I'm going to give you four prayers and I hope we take you four prayers and I hope we take you four prayers and I hope we take notes, man. Like, jot these down. Will notes, man. Like, jot these down. Will notes, man. Like, jot these down. Will you pray these with with me over our you pray these with with me over our you pray these with with me over our church this fall? And they're all from church this fall? And they're all from church this fall? And they're all from the book of Acts. We've been reading the book of Acts. We've been reading the book of Acts. We've been reading through the book of Acts. If you've been through the book of Acts. If you've been through the book of Acts. If you've been in the devotional with us for 28 days, in the devotional with us for 28 days, in the devotional with us for 28 days, you probably just finished through the you probably just finished through the you probably just finished through the book of Acts. Congratulations. And and book of Acts. Congratulations. And and book of Acts. Congratulations. And and these prayers are sort of themes in the these prayers are sort of themes in the these prayers are sort of themes in the early church from the book of Acts. So,

early church from the book of Acts. So, early church from the book of Acts. So, some of them I'm I'm going to move fast. some of them I'm I'm going to move fast. some of them I'm I'm going to move fast. Some of them I'm going to camp in a Some of them I'm going to camp in a Some of them I'm going to camp in a little bit, but I'm going to give you little bit, but I'm going to give you little bit, but I'm going to give you four prayers that I'm praying over us four prayers that I'm praying over us four prayers that I'm praying over us for the fall. Here's the first one. for the fall. Here's the first one. for the fall. Here's the first one. Prayer number one, a church that feeds Prayer number one, a church that feeds Prayer number one, a church that feeds their own fire with the word and prayer. their own fire with the word and prayer. their own fire with the word and prayer. And if you you were at Night Revival, And if you you were at Night Revival, And if you you were at Night Revival, you remember we lit a bunch of candles you remember we lit a bunch of candles you remember we lit a bunch of candles in here. If you saw pictures online, you in here. If you saw pictures online, you in here. If you saw pictures online, you probably were like, "Did I miss probably were like, "Did I miss probably were like, "Did I miss Christmas Eve services? What happened?" Christmas Eve services? What happened?" Christmas Eve services? What happened?" No, it wasn't Christmas Eve. It was a No, it wasn't Christmas Eve. It was a No, it wasn't Christmas Eve. It was a picture of what it looks like when God picture of what it looks like when God picture of what it looks like when God moves. It's not through like a massive moves. It's not through like a massive moves. It's not through like a massive fire. It's through everyone tending fire. It's through everyone tending fire. It's through everyone tending their own fire. like owning my own their own fire. like owning my own their own fire. like owning my own spiritual walk. And and you don't own it spiritual walk. And and you don't own it spiritual walk. And and you don't own it by yourself. You own it by feeding your by yourself. You own it by feeding your by yourself. You own it by feeding your fire with the word of God, which is the fire with the word of God, which is the fire with the word of God, which is the Bible, and through prayer. And if you Bible, and through prayer. And if you Bible, and through prayer. And if you look at the the early church, they had look at the the early church, they had look at the the early church, they had to decide what they would devote to decide what they would devote to decide what they would devote themselves to. And by the way, everyone themselves to. And by the way, everyone themselves to. And by the way, everyone gets to decide that. My prayer for us is gets to decide that. My prayer for us is gets to decide that. My prayer for us is that we would devote ourselves to the that we would devote ourselves to the that we would devote ourselves to the word and prayer. Acts 2:42. They the word and prayer. Acts 2:42. They the word and prayer. Acts 2:42. They the early church devoted themselves to the early church devoted themselves to the early church devoted themselves to the apostles teaching which would have been apostles teaching which would have been apostles teaching which would have been from the word of God to fellowship to from the word of God to fellowship to from the word of God to fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

the breaking of bread and to prayer. the breaking of bread and to prayer. I pray that we would be a church that is I pray that we would be a church that is I pray that we would be a church that is not known by our size or billboards. not known by our size or billboards. not known by our size or billboards. We'd be known as a church that is about We'd be known as a church that is about We'd be known as a church that is about the word and about prayer. And I pray the word and about prayer. And I pray the word and about prayer. And I pray that for us as a church, like when we that for us as a church, like when we that for us as a church, like when we hit stuff in life, when we are making hit stuff in life, when we are making hit stuff in life, when we are making decisions in life and we're trying to decisions in life and we're trying to decisions in life and we're trying to sense what how am I supposed to to date sense what how am I supposed to to date sense what how am I supposed to to date in a godly way or do marriage in a godly in a godly way or do marriage in a godly in a godly way or do marriage in a godly way or do business in a godly way or do way or do business in a godly way or do way or do business in a godly way or do school and athletics in a godly way. I school and athletics in a godly way. I school and athletics in a godly way. I hope the first place we run is God's hope the first place we run is God's hope the first place we run is God's word, not a podcast. And there's some word, not a podcast. And there's some word, not a podcast. And there's some good stuff out there, by the way. I know good stuff out there, by the way. I know good stuff out there, by the way. I know I've been dogging podcasts a lot lately. I've been dogging podcasts a lot lately. I've been dogging podcasts a lot lately. I I listen to podcasts, so I'm not I I listen to podcasts, so I'm not I I listen to podcasts, so I'm not dogging it. I'm just saying this. Our dogging it. I'm just saying this. Our dogging it. I'm just saying this. Our source has to be God's word to make our source has to be God's word to make our source has to be God's word to make our decisions. Not the opinions of others, decisions. Not the opinions of others, decisions. Not the opinions of others, not what your friends do, not what the not what your friends do, not what the not what your friends do, not what the celebrities do, not what the podcast do, celebrities do, not what the podcast do, celebrities do, not what the podcast do, but what God's word says. And we live in but what God's word says. And we live in but what God's word says. And we live in a world that is desperately in need of a world that is desperately in need of a world that is desperately in need of truth. Equally, it's not just truth. truth. Equally, it's not just truth. truth. Equally, it's not just truth. It's it's an encounter with the presence It's it's an encounter with the presence It's it's an encounter with the presence of God through prayer. And when we of God through prayer. And when we of God through prayer. And when we gather for revival nights, there was gather for revival nights, there was gather for revival nights, there was lots of prayer. And here's the good lots of prayer. And here's the good lots of prayer. And here's the good news. The same God that met us for those news. The same God that met us for those news. The same God that met us for those three nights is the same God that will three nights is the same God that will three nights is the same God that will meet you in your prayer closet every meet you in your prayer closet every meet you in your prayer closet every day.

day. day. You don't have to show up to an event to You don't have to show up to an event to You don't have to show up to an event to be in the presence of God through be in the presence of God through be in the presence of God through prayer. It is it is the place where I prayer. It is it is the place where I prayer. It is it is the place where I bring my desperation. bring my desperation. bring my desperation. If you don't have moments of desperate, If you don't have moments of desperate, If you don't have moments of desperate, you should write a book and you might be you should write a book and you might be you should write a book and you might be an avenger and we just didn't know it an avenger and we just didn't know it an avenger and we just didn't know it yet. Like you I hit pressure and I hit yet. Like you I hit pressure and I hit yet. Like you I hit pressure and I hit problems. Have kids, you you got problems. Have kids, you you got problems. Have kids, you you got desperate desperate moments. Have a job. desperate desperate moments. Have a job. desperate desperate moments. Have a job. Try to graduate at high school. You got Try to graduate at high school. You got Try to graduate at high school. You got desperate moments. It's the place I desperate moments. It's the place I desperate moments. It's the place I bring my desperation so I don't lead bring my desperation so I don't lead bring my desperation so I don't lead desperately in the rest of my life. Man, desperately in the rest of my life. Man, desperately in the rest of my life. Man, I pray that we would feed our own fire I pray that we would feed our own fire I pray that we would feed our own fire through the word of God and through through the word of God and through through the word of God and through prayer. I want to give you a picture of prayer. I want to give you a picture of prayer. I want to give you a picture of what this looks like. Here's a story what this looks like. Here's a story what this looks like. Here's a story that came in this week from our that came in this week from our that came in this week from our Somerville campus. Shout out to Somerville campus. Shout out to Somerville campus. Shout out to Somerville. Let's all say, excuse me. Somerville. Let's all say, excuse me. Somerville. Let's all say, excuse me. Let's all say, "What's up, Somerville?" Let's all say, "What's up, Somerville?" Let's all say, "What's up, Somerville?" on three. Ready? 1 2 3. What's up, on three. Ready? 1 2 3. What's up, on three. Ready? 1 2 3. What's up, Somerville? Welcome to the family. I've Somerville? Welcome to the family. I've Somerville? Welcome to the family. I've been coming to 12 Somerville campus for been coming to 12 Somerville campus for been coming to 12 Somerville campus for almost two years now and have struggled almost two years now and have struggled almost two years now and have struggled for many years with addiction and other for many years with addiction and other for many years with addiction and other emotions that have held me back in emotions that have held me back in emotions that have held me back in pursuing Jesus or having any faith for pursuing Jesus or having any faith for pursuing Jesus or having any faith for that matter. This past Sunday, I decided that matter. This past Sunday, I decided that matter. This past Sunday, I decided to get baptized after talking with to get baptized after talking with to get baptized after talking with Pastor Zach Otto for weeks about it. I Pastor Zach Otto for weeks about it. I Pastor Zach Otto for weeks about it. I felt the Holy Spirit convict me in a way felt the Holy Spirit convict me in a way felt the Holy Spirit convict me in a way I never thought was possible. I've had a I never thought was possible. I've had a I never thought was possible. I've had a lot of storms in my life this year, but lot of storms in my life this year, but lot of storms in my life this year, but I started praying and relying on God's I started praying and relying on God's I started praying and relying on God's word, and it's been such a a positive word, and it's been such a a positive word, and it's been such a a positive change to where I am now. I am 34 days change to where I am now. I am 34 days change to where I am now. I am 34 days free of one of my addictions. And the free of one of my addictions. And the free of one of my addictions. And the other one that I struggle with is other one that I struggle with is other one that I struggle with is finally breaking free. I haven't felt finally breaking free. I haven't felt finally breaking free. I haven't felt this sense of freedom in so long, but I

this sense of freedom in so long, but I this sense of freedom in so long, but I thank God for allowing me to finally thank God for allowing me to finally thank God for allowing me to finally start building relationship with Jesus. start building relationship with Jesus. start building relationship with Jesus. And is he is forever changing me how I And is he is forever changing me how I And is he is forever changing me how I live moving forward. Where did it start? live moving forward. Where did it start? live moving forward. Where did it start? the word of God and prayer. Listen to the word of God and prayer. Listen to the word of God and prayer. Listen to me. There are there is power in the word me. There are there is power in the word me. There are there is power in the word of God and prayer. And that is one of of God and prayer. And that is one of of God and prayer. And that is one of the things I pray over you when I have the things I pray over you when I have the things I pray over you when I have my time with God every day. I pray for my time with God every day. I pray for my time with God every day. I pray for you. you. you. I pray that the Holy Spirit is speaking I pray that the Holy Spirit is speaking I pray that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and convicting you and to you and convicting you and to you and convicting you and encouraging you and giving you wisdom encouraging you and giving you wisdom encouraging you and giving you wisdom and discernment. Like if you This is and discernment. Like if you This is and discernment. Like if you This is what I do. I can't say every day it what I do. I can't say every day it what I do. I can't say every day it would be a lie. Most days I literally would be a lie. Most days I literally would be a lie. Most days I literally open my calendar for the day and I pray open my calendar for the day and I pray open my calendar for the day and I pray through my day meeting by meeting, name through my day meeting by meeting, name through my day meeting by meeting, name by name. So if I'm meet if I meet with by name. So if I'm meet if I meet with by name. So if I'm meet if I meet with you in the day, just know you've already you in the day, just know you've already you in the day, just know you've already been prayed for. And there's sometimes been prayed for. And there's sometimes been prayed for. And there's sometimes where it's just God before me in this. where it's just God before me in this. where it's just God before me in this. Sometimes God will just pause my heart Sometimes God will just pause my heart Sometimes God will just pause my heart and say, "Hey, listen. You need to and say, "Hey, listen. You need to and say, "Hey, listen. You need to soften up in that meeting today." And I soften up in that meeting today." And I soften up in that meeting today." And I don't even know why, but God just puts don't even know why, but God just puts don't even know why, but God just puts it on my heart. And it turns out, oh my it on my heart. And it turns out, oh my it on my heart. And it turns out, oh my goodness, how could I have known? I goodness, how could I have known? I goodness, how could I have known? I couldn't have. like whatever you bring couldn't have. like whatever you bring couldn't have. like whatever you bring before God in prayer, you now are before God in prayer, you now are before God in prayer, you now are partner with God in throughout the rest partner with God in throughout the rest partner with God in throughout the rest of your day. Man, I hope that's true of of your day. Man, I hope that's true of of your day. Man, I hope that's true of us as a church. I'm going to keep us as a church. I'm going to keep us as a church. I'm going to keep moving. Prayer two, I pray that we would moving. Prayer two, I pray that we would moving. Prayer two, I pray that we would be a church where every person is known be a church where every person is known be a church where every person is known and needed.

and needed. and needed. We're a very big church, but I pray to We're a very big church, but I pray to We're a very big church, but I pray to God we never become what the world God we never become what the world God we never become what the world labels as a mega church. It's almost a labels as a mega church. It's almost a labels as a mega church. It's almost a cuss word in my own private life and cuss word in my own private life and cuss word in my own private life and it's not but it almost is because a mega it's not but it almost is because a mega it's not but it almost is because a mega church is just a numbers church. I pray church is just a numbers church. I pray church is just a numbers church. I pray that we're a name church. Like a church that we're a name church. Like a church that we're a name church. Like a church where you have not just a statistic but where you have not just a statistic but where you have not just a statistic but a name here where you're known and a name here where you're known and a name here where you're known and you're needed. Like look at the the you're needed. Like look at the the you're needed. Like look at the the early church in Acts 2 verse 44 here. early church in Acts 2 verse 44 here. early church in Acts 2 verse 44 here. Here here's just a little picture of Here here's just a little picture of Here here's just a little picture of what that church was like back in the what that church was like back in the what that church was like back in the early church. early church. early church. All the believers were together and had All the believers were together and had All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property everything in common. They sold property everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who and possessions to give to anyone who and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to had need. Every day they continued to had need. Every day they continued to meet together. How many days? Every day meet together. How many days? Every day meet together. How many days? Every day they continued to meet together in the they continued to meet together in the they continued to meet together in the temple court. They broke bread in their temple court. They broke bread in their temple court. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and homes and ate together with glad and homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and sincere hearts, praising God and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of of all the people. enjoying the favor of of all the people. enjoying the favor of of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily And the Lord added to their number daily And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Like you you those who were being saved. Like you you those who were being saved. Like you you see the the culture of the early church see the the culture of the early church see the the culture of the early church was a church where every person was was a church where every person was was a church where every person was known and was needed. Here's what I mean known and was needed. Here's what I mean known and was needed. Here's what I mean when I say known. It means that that when I say known. It means that that when I say known. It means that that people know your name and your story.

people know your name and your story. people know your name and your story. You're not isolated. And that if you're You're not isolated. And that if you're You're not isolated. And that if you're not here, you're missed. See, if you're not here, someone knows See, if you're not here, someone knows you're not here cuz you're known. Needed you're not here cuz you're known. Needed you're not here cuz you're known. Needed means this that God has given you gifts means this that God has given you gifts means this that God has given you gifts and a purpose. And when you when you and a purpose. And when you when you and a purpose. And when you when you serve it, it creates something of a serve it, it creates something of a serve it, it creates something of a purpose in your life. And you realize purpose in your life. And you realize purpose in your life. And you realize I'm needed here. That like when you're I'm needed here. That like when you're I'm needed here. That like when you're not here, something that God wants to do not here, something that God wants to do not here, something that God wants to do is not getting done without you. is not getting done without you. is not getting done without you. I I I This is something I say to all staff all This is something I say to all staff all This is something I say to all staff all the time. I don't want to the time. I don't want to the time. I don't want to professionalize ministry where only the professionalize ministry where only the professionalize ministry where only the pastors do it. pastors do it. pastors do it. I I want to equip the saints, which by I I want to equip the saints, which by I I want to equip the saints, which by the way, if you're a follower of Jesus, the way, if you're a follower of Jesus, the way, if you're a follower of Jesus, you're a saint. Like I want to equip the you're a saint. Like I want to equip the you're a saint. Like I want to equip the saints to do the ministry. saints to do the ministry. saints to do the ministry. >> That's what we're called to do. Like I >> That's what we're called to do. Like I >> That's what we're called to do. Like I want to empower you to get your hands want to empower you to get your hands want to empower you to get your hands dirty in the kingdom. dirty in the kingdom. dirty in the kingdom. >> By the way, some some of us have so so >> By the way, some some of us have so so >> By the way, some some of us have so so many problems in our life and we think, many problems in our life and we think, many problems in our life and we think, "God, would you solve the problems?" You "God, would you solve the problems?" You "God, would you solve the problems?" You don't need littleer problems. You need don't need littleer problems. You need don't need littleer problems. You need bigger purpose. bigger purpose. bigger purpose. >> You don't need less problems. You need >> You don't need less problems. You need >> You don't need less problems. You need to be needed for something bigger. Why to be needed for something bigger. Why to be needed for something bigger. Why do we Why do we have purpose? Because do we Why do we have purpose? Because do we Why do we have purpose? Because God's called us into this.

God's called us into this. God's called us into this. How like I often look at single moms or How like I often look at single moms or How like I often look at single moms or single dads and go, "How do they do it?" single dads and go, "How do they do it?" single dads and go, "How do they do it?" You know why? They're needed. They don't You know why? They're needed. They don't You know why? They're needed. They don't get the option to not get the option to not get the option to not when when when you have purpose, it's when when when you have purpose, it's when when when you have purpose, it's that sense of like if I don't, that sense of like if I don't, that sense of like if I don't, something's going to fall short. And something's going to fall short. And something's going to fall short. And that's not like a pressure-filled thing. that's not like a pressure-filled thing. that's not like a pressure-filled thing. That's an invitation. In fact, I went That's an invitation. In fact, I went That's an invitation. In fact, I went and did some psychology research this and did some psychology research this and did some psychology research this week. And there's these two guys, excuse week. And there's these two guys, excuse week. And there's these two guys, excuse my pronunciation, Bowmeister and Liry. my pronunciation, Bowmeister and Liry. my pronunciation, Bowmeister and Liry. If you know them, you're smarter than I If you know them, you're smarter than I If you know them, you're smarter than I am. Two psychologists. And they did some am. Two psychologists. And they did some am. Two psychologists. And they did some research into this known and needed research into this known and needed research into this known and needed thing. And they said this. Every person thing. And they said this. Every person thing. And they said this. Every person walks into a room with two core walks into a room with two core walks into a room with two core questions. First one, do I belong here? questions. First one, do I belong here? questions. First one, do I belong here? That's a question of like being known. That's a question of like being known. That's a question of like being known. Second question, would anything be Second question, would anything be Second question, would anything be missing if I weren't here? missing if I weren't here? missing if I weren't here? By the way, you might be struggling with By the way, you might be struggling with By the way, you might be struggling with some mental health stuff and that second some mental health stuff and that second some mental health stuff and that second question can lead you down some dark question can lead you down some dark question can lead you down some dark paths. paths. paths. If the question people ask before ending If the question people ask before ending If the question people ask before ending their life oftentimes, would anything their life oftentimes, would anything their life oftentimes, would anything even be missing if I wasn't here? And even be missing if I wasn't here? And even be missing if I wasn't here? And the lie of the enemy is nah. The the lie of the enemy is nah. The the lie of the enemy is nah. The invitation of the kingdom is absolutely.

invitation of the kingdom is absolutely. invitation of the kingdom is absolutely. You you you were designed to be known You you you were designed to be known You you you were designed to be known and needed. And they and they talk about and needed. And they and they talk about and needed. And they and they talk about the psych psychologists talk about like the psych psychologists talk about like the psych psychologists talk about like this known and needed thing is is a this known and needed thing is is a this known and needed thing is is a fundamental need for humanity as basic fundamental need for humanity as basic fundamental need for humanity as basic as hunger or thirst. as hunger or thirst. as hunger or thirst. Like people need this. They said Like people need this. They said Like people need this. They said isolation is not just being sad. The isolation is not just being sad. The isolation is not just being sad. The brain teach the brain treats social brain teach the brain treats social brain teach the brain treats social exclusion like physical pain. exclusion like physical pain. exclusion like physical pain. That when you don't feel like you belong That when you don't feel like you belong That when you don't feel like you belong somewhere, it your brain treats it like somewhere, it your brain treats it like somewhere, it your brain treats it like you got punched in the face. you got you got punched in the face. you got you got punched in the face. you got kicked in the gut. That kind of kicked in the gut. That kind of kicked in the gut. That kind of response. And listen, loneliness is not response. And listen, loneliness is not response. And listen, loneliness is not mainly about how many people are around mainly about how many people are around mainly about how many people are around you. It's about whether anyone holds you. It's about whether anyone holds you. It's about whether anyone holds your name, your story, and your weight. your name, your story, and your weight. your name, your story, and your weight. You can sit in a room of 3,000 and still You can sit in a room of 3,000 and still You can sit in a room of 3,000 and still feel like a number. Crowds do not cure feel like a number. Crowds do not cure feel like a number. Crowds do not cure this. Being known does. Here's what that this. Being known does. Here's what that this. Being known does. Here's what that means. To be known means someone can say means. To be known means someone can say means. To be known means someone can say your name without looking at at the name your name without looking at at the name your name without looking at at the name tag. tag. tag. Being known means someone knows more Being known means someone knows more Being known means someone knows more than just the Sunday version of you.

than just the Sunday version of you. than just the Sunday version of you. Being known means someone would notice Being known means someone would notice Being known means someone would notice if you disappeared for three weeks. if you disappeared for three weeks. if you disappeared for three weeks. Here's here's what I want to invite you Here's here's what I want to invite you Here's here's what I want to invite you to. We're going to get practical in a to. We're going to get practical in a to. We're going to get practical in a second, but but this whole known thing, second, but but this whole known thing, second, but but this whole known thing, here's what I've noticed. Most of you here's what I've noticed. Most of you here's what I've noticed. Most of you sit in the same section, maybe even seat sit in the same section, maybe even seat sit in the same section, maybe even seat every week. every week. every week. Like, we're creatures of habit, aren't Like, we're creatures of habit, aren't Like, we're creatures of habit, aren't we? we? we? That's not good or bad. Knock yourself That's not good or bad. Knock yourself That's not good or bad. Knock yourself out. Some of y'all are crazy and you're out. Some of y'all are crazy and you're out. Some of y'all are crazy and you're like, I'm going to try the other side or like, I'm going to try the other side or like, I'm going to try the other side or this, the back, the front, the whatever this, the back, the front, the whatever this, the back, the front, the whatever y'all are. I don't get it. But if you y'all are. I don't get it. But if you y'all are. I don't get it. But if you sit in the same seat or the same row, sit in the same seat or the same row, sit in the same seat or the same row, why not take advantage of that? Can you why not take advantage of that? Can you why not take advantage of that? Can you own your section? Like guys, listen to own your section? Like guys, listen to own your section? Like guys, listen to me. We're about to have a bunch of me. We're about to have a bunch of me. We're about to have a bunch of guests show up for at the movies. And guests show up for at the movies. And guests show up for at the movies. And would you start to own your section? would you start to own your section? would you start to own your section? Like, hi, my name is Say your name. And Like, hi, my name is Say your name. And Like, hi, my name is Say your name. And you shake hands. And when they say their you shake hands. And when they say their you shake hands. And when they say their name, don't do what I do oftent times. name, don't do what I do oftent times. name, don't do what I do oftent times. Remember it. Remember it. Remember it. And then if you don't see them for a And then if you don't see them for a And then if you don't see them for a couple weeks, shoot them a text. Hey, couple weeks, shoot them a text. Hey, couple weeks, shoot them a text. Hey, Bill. noticed you weren't here. Bill. noticed you weren't here. Bill. noticed you weren't here. Everything okay? Like that's the kind of Everything okay? Like that's the kind of Everything okay? Like that's the kind of church I pray that we are where we like church I pray that we are where we like church I pray that we are where we like people are known here. That when they're people are known here. That when they're people are known here. That when they're gone, they're missed. We notice when gone, they're missed. We notice when gone, they're missed. We notice when you're not here. Why? Cuz we're not us you're not here. Why? Cuz we're not us you're not here. Why? Cuz we're not us without you.

without you. without you. >> We want to be a church where people are >> We want to be a church where people are >> We want to be a church where people are known. And equally, we want people to be known. And equally, we want people to be known. And equally, we want people to be needed. And needed is not being busy. needed. And needed is not being busy. needed. And needed is not being busy. Needed is is mattering. Feeling like you Needed is is mattering. Feeling like you Needed is is mattering. Feeling like you add value. Does my life count here? add value. Does my life count here? add value. Does my life count here? And we believe that as a church, we want And we believe that as a church, we want And we believe that as a church, we want people to feel needed. Not in a people to feel needed. Not in a people to feel needed. Not in a pressure-filled way, but in a we need pressure-filled way, but in a we need pressure-filled way, but in a we need you. You're a part of the team here. you. You're a part of the team here. you. You're a part of the team here. See, you know who never feels a lack of See, you know who never feels a lack of See, you know who never feels a lack of need? Our parking team. need? Our parking team. need? Our parking team. I'll tell you who never wakes up on I'll tell you who never wakes up on I'll tell you who never wakes up on Sunday and goes, "Would anyone notice if Sunday and goes, "Would anyone notice if Sunday and goes, "Would anyone notice if I wasn't there?" We would all notice. I wasn't there?" We would all notice. I wasn't there?" We would all notice. You know the only thing that separates You know the only thing that separates You know the only thing that separates this church from anarchy? A parking this church from anarchy? A parking this church from anarchy? A parking team. team. team. You know how quickly three fender You know how quickly three fender You know how quickly three fender benders and two people getting run over benders and two people getting run over benders and two people getting run over in the parking lot would end things in the parking lot would end things in the parking lot would end things here. Y'all would be in fist fights on here. Y'all would be in fist fights on here. Y'all would be in fist fights on the way out. We need a revival night the way out. We need a revival night the way out. We need a revival night just for y'all to repent from it. Why? just for y'all to repent from it. Why? just for y'all to repent from it. Why? Cuz they're needed. And they're not Cuz they're needed. And they're not Cuz they're needed. And they're not unclear about it. In fact, they stand unclear about it. In fact, they stand unclear about it. In fact, they stand out there in the sun, the wind, the out there in the sun, the wind, the out there in the sun, the wind, the rain, the heat, the cold. Why? Because rain, the heat, the cold. Why? Because rain, the heat, the cold. Why? Because they know that they are needed.

they know that they are needed. they know that they are needed. Pause. If we should just for a second, Pause. If we should just for a second, Pause. If we should just for a second, can we just thank our parking team? can we just thank our parking team? can we just thank our parking team? Like, thank you for what you do. Like, thank you for what you do. Like, thank you for what you do. The thankless job sometimes. Thank you The thankless job sometimes. Thank you The thankless job sometimes. Thank you for how you serve. for how you serve. for how you serve. Listen, you if if this is going to be Listen, you if if this is going to be Listen, you if if this is going to be your church, you have to be known and your church, you have to be known and your church, you have to be known and also needed. Why do those things are two also needed. Why do those things are two also needed. Why do those things are two different words? Because listen, you can different words? Because listen, you can different words? Because listen, you can feel welcomed and still feel useless. feel welcomed and still feel useless. feel welcomed and still feel useless. >> You can feel like, hey, we're you're >> You can feel like, hey, we're you're >> You can feel like, hey, we're you're you're welcome here if you want, but we you're welcome here if you want, but we you're welcome here if you want, but we don't need you. don't need you. don't need you. That's not what the church is supposed That's not what the church is supposed That's not what the church is supposed to feel like. See, part of our calling to feel like. See, part of our calling to feel like. See, part of our calling as a church is to help people become as a church is to help people become as a church is to help people become known and needed. And you're going to known and needed. And you're going to known and needed. And you're going to think I'm a broken record, and I partly think I'm a broken record, and I partly think I'm a broken record, and I partly am, and I'm partly not. How do you get am, and I'm partly not. How do you get am, and I'm partly not. How do you get known? How do you get needed? Here's the known? How do you get needed? Here's the known? How do you get needed? Here's the first thing. When you when you're known, first thing. When you when you're known, first thing. When you when you're known, it really comes down to this. If all you it really comes down to this. If all you it really comes down to this. If all you do is sit in a seat for an hour every do is sit in a seat for an hour every do is sit in a seat for an hour every week, you're never really going to be week, you're never really going to be week, you're never really going to be known. It's why we talk about groups known. It's why we talk about groups known. It's why we talk about groups here. Like if you want to be known, if here. Like if you want to be known, if here. Like if you want to be known, if you want to know other people and get you want to know other people and get you want to know other people and get connected, if this is your church, you connected, if this is your church, you connected, if this is your church, you got to get in a group. And by the way, got to get in a group. And by the way, got to get in a group. And by the way, this is cool. This is this this fall is this is cool. This is this this fall is this is cool. This is this this fall is the largest record number of people the largest record number of people the largest record number of people we've ever had in groups in the life of we've ever had in groups in the life of we've ever had in groups in the life of our church ever. Praise God. Thousands our church ever. Praise God. Thousands our church ever. Praise God. Thousands and thousands of you.

and thousands of you. and thousands of you. Here's also the good news. It's not too Here's also the good news. It's not too Here's also the good news. It's not too late for you. Some of you were holding late for you. Some of you were holding late for you. Some of you were holding on thinking, "All right, they don't have on thinking, "All right, they don't have on thinking, "All right, they don't have any room for me. They filled up." No. any room for me. They filled up." No. any room for me. They filled up." No. Our team worked like crazy this fall. We Our team worked like crazy this fall. We Our team worked like crazy this fall. We have now opened up 3,000 more spots for have now opened up 3,000 more spots for have now opened up 3,000 more spots for groups. 3,000. So, if you're sitting groups. 3,000. So, if you're sitting groups. 3,000. So, if you're sitting there going, "Man, how do I get known?" there going, "Man, how do I get known?" there going, "Man, how do I get known?" You can text groups to 37748 right now You can text groups to 37748 right now You can text groups to 37748 right now and we will help you get in a group. and we will help you get in a group. and we will help you get in a group. Why? Not to fill your calendar, but to Why? Not to fill your calendar, but to Why? Not to fill your calendar, but to protect you from isolation. Isolation protect you from isolation. Isolation protect you from isolation. Isolation leads to destruction. If no one knows leads to destruction. If no one knows leads to destruction. If no one knows you, then your secrets will kill you. you, then your secrets will kill you. you, then your secrets will kill you. When you're known, you have a you have a When you're known, you have a you have a When you're known, you have a you have a team around you to guard your soul and team around you to guard your soul and team around you to guard your soul and protect you from yourself sometimes. protect you from yourself sometimes. protect you from yourself sometimes. Secondly, we want you to feel needed. Secondly, we want you to feel needed. Secondly, we want you to feel needed. How do we do that here? Join a team. How do we do that here? Join a team. How do we do that here? Join a team. Become a day maker. Like we we need if Become a day maker. Like we we need if Become a day maker. Like we we need if anyone in the nursery doesn't show up, anyone in the nursery doesn't show up, anyone in the nursery doesn't show up, we got problems. Like they're needed. we got problems. Like they're needed. we got problems. Like they're needed. They feel purpose here. Small group They feel purpose here. Small group They feel purpose here. Small group leaders feel purpose. So if that's you, leaders feel purpose. So if that's you, leaders feel purpose. So if that's you, we created something called Growth we created something called Growth we created something called Growth Track. Text growth track to 37748. We Track. Text growth track to 37748. We Track. Text growth track to 37748. We need you to jump in as we go into the need you to jump in as we go into the need you to jump in as we go into the fall and we're going to have hundreds fall and we're going to have hundreds fall and we're going to have hundreds and hundreds and thousands of guests and hundreds and thousands of guests and hundreds and thousands of guests this fall, man. Jump on a team. And this fall, man. Jump on a team. And this fall, man. Jump on a team. And Growth Tracks is three weeks. We'll help Growth Tracks is three weeks. We'll help Growth Tracks is three weeks. We'll help you unlock your spiritual gifts, your you unlock your spiritual gifts, your you unlock your spiritual gifts, your purpose, why God put you here, and help purpose, why God put you here, and help purpose, why God put you here, and help you find the right team where you're you find the right team where you're you find the right team where you're needed cuz we need you here. And a needed cuz we need you here. And a needed cuz we need you here. And a church that fights for known and needed church that fights for known and needed church that fights for known and needed is not just being nice. It is answering is not just being nice. It is answering is not just being nice. It is answering one of the deepest aches that God put in one of the deepest aches that God put in one of the deepest aches that God put in the human soul.

I want to tell you about something brand I want to tell you about something brand new we're starting in at the movies. Can new we're starting in at the movies. Can new we're starting in at the movies. Can I give you a little insider like locker I give you a little insider like locker I give you a little insider like locker room talk information? Is that okay? room talk information? Is that okay? room talk information? Is that okay? >> Three and a half of you want it. Can I >> Three and a half of you want it. Can I >> Three and a half of you want it. Can I give you a little insider information give you a little insider information give you a little insider information about what we're doing in September? Can about what we're doing in September? Can about what we're doing in September? Can I do that? All right. I do that? All right. I do that? All right. I'm going to tell you what it is and I'm going to tell you what it is and I'm going to tell you what it is and then I'll tell you why we're doing it. then I'll tell you why we're doing it. then I'll tell you why we're doing it. Okay. It's called All Access. And here's Okay. It's called All Access. And here's Okay. It's called All Access. And here's what it's going to be. We see a gap in what it's going to be. We see a gap in what it's going to be. We see a gap in our church where people show up and go, our church where people show up and go, our church where people show up and go, "This place is pretty awesome. how do I "This place is pretty awesome. how do I "This place is pretty awesome. how do I get connected? And it feels like there's get connected? And it feels like there's get connected? And it feels like there's a gap there. So, we created this thing a gap there. So, we created this thing a gap there. So, we created this thing like 5 10 minutes after every service like 5 10 minutes after every service like 5 10 minutes after every service where we invite people back to the green where we invite people back to the green where we invite people back to the green room to hang out. We just want to room to hang out. We just want to room to hang out. We just want to literally get to know them so they can literally get to know them so they can literally get to know them so they can be known here faster. And we want to be known here faster. And we want to be known here faster. And we want to connect, get to know them. It's quick, connect, get to know them. It's quick, connect, get to know them. It's quick, 5, 10 minutes. I hope when you bring 5, 10 minutes. I hope when you bring 5, 10 minutes. I hope when you bring your ones starting September 13th, I your ones starting September 13th, I your ones starting September 13th, I hope you bring them back to the green hope you bring them back to the green hope you bring them back to the green room with you. Why are we doing this? room with you. Why are we doing this? room with you. Why are we doing this? Couple reasons. First is this. One of Couple reasons. First is this. One of Couple reasons. First is this. One of the biggest hurdles that we have at the biggest hurdles that we have at the biggest hurdles that we have at church like 12stone church like 12stone church like 12stone is the bigger you are, the less people is the bigger you are, the less people is the bigger you are, the less people trust you sometimes.

trust you sometimes. trust you sometimes. And I'll be honest, some some churches And I'll be honest, some some churches And I'll be honest, some some churches have earned it. Here's the good news. We have earned it. Here's the good news. We have earned it. Here's the good news. We got nothing to hide here. Which means got nothing to hide here. Which means got nothing to hide here. Which means this, if you like us, you're going to this, if you like us, you're going to this, if you like us, you're going to get a whole lot of that because we got get a whole lot of that because we got get a whole lot of that because we got nothing else to offer. If you don't like nothing else to offer. If you don't like nothing else to offer. If you don't like us, you're probably never going to like us, you're probably never going to like us, you're probably never going to like us. Like, we're this like we're giving us. Like, we're this like we're giving us. Like, we're this like we're giving you everything we have. We got nothing you everything we have. We got nothing you everything we have. We got nothing to hide. We've shown you who we are. And to hide. We've shown you who we are. And to hide. We've shown you who we are. And if that's true, wouldn't it make sense if that's true, wouldn't it make sense if that's true, wouldn't it make sense that you wouldn't hide behind a curtain? that you wouldn't hide behind a curtain? that you wouldn't hide behind a curtain? You'd invite people behind the curtain. You'd invite people behind the curtain. You'd invite people behind the curtain. See, all access is our way of saying, See, all access is our way of saying, See, all access is our way of saying, "Listen, we got nothing to hide. Come "Listen, we got nothing to hide. Come "Listen, we got nothing to hide. Come check out behind the curtain of who we check out behind the curtain of who we check out behind the curtain of who we are as a church and hang out." Equally, are as a church and hang out." Equally, are as a church and hang out." Equally, people start asking questions like, people start asking questions like, people start asking questions like, "What do they really want from me? What "What do they really want from me? What "What do they really want from me? What do they what's their real motive?" Well, do they what's their real motive?" Well, do they what's their real motive?" Well, we'll open the curtain. You come hang we'll open the curtain. You come hang we'll open the curtain. You come hang out in the back because what what what out in the back because what what what out in the back because what what what is what happens in in in bad cultures? is what happens in in in bad cultures? is what happens in in in bad cultures? Celebrities. Listen, celebrities hang Celebrities. Listen, celebrities hang Celebrities. Listen, celebrities hang out in green rooms to stay away from out in green rooms to stay away from out in green rooms to stay away from people. Healthy people open up the green people. Healthy people open up the green people. Healthy people open up the green room so we can get closer to people. room so we can get closer to people. room so we can get closer to people. See, all access is us saying, "Come on See, all access is us saying, "Come on See, all access is us saying, "Come on back, man. You're part of the family. back, man. You're part of the family. back, man. You're part of the family. Hang out. Get to know us." I hope that Hang out. Get to know us." I hope that Hang out. Get to know us." I hope that in September when we start this at all in September when we start this at all in September when we start this at all the campuses. You bring your ones with the campuses. You bring your ones with the campuses. You bring your ones with you so we can help people find a church you so we can help people find a church you so we can help people find a church home. Cuz why? I pray that we're a home. Cuz why? I pray that we're a home. Cuz why? I pray that we're a church where everybody can be known and church where everybody can be known and church where everybody can be known and everybody can be needed. Amen.

everybody can be needed. Amen. everybody can be needed. Amen. Third prayer I pray for our church is Third prayer I pray for our church is Third prayer I pray for our church is this. A church where generosity is this. A church where generosity is this. A church where generosity is normal. >> Again, I'm I'm inviting you into my >> Again, I'm I'm inviting you into my prayer journal. So, I I'm picking the prayer journal. So, I I'm picking the prayer journal. So, I I'm picking the prayer. This is a prayer I pray often prayer. This is a prayer I pray often prayer. This is a prayer I pray often and it's it's one of the prayers that is and it's it's one of the prayers that is and it's it's one of the prayers that is more prevalent in the early church in more prevalent in the early church in more prevalent in the early church in the book of Acts than I ever would have the book of Acts than I ever would have the book of Acts than I ever would have won than I ever would have guessed. Like won than I ever would have guessed. Like won than I ever would have guessed. Like as the church started, like the people as the church started, like the people as the church started, like the people saw God moving and their normal response saw God moving and their normal response saw God moving and their normal response was generosity. Like if God's doing was generosity. Like if God's doing was generosity. Like if God's doing something, let's fund it and let's go. something, let's fund it and let's go. something, let's fund it and let's go. Let's get it. Let's get it done. This is Let's get it. Let's get it done. This is Let's get it. Let's get it done. This is how it was from the start. Acts 4 is one how it was from the start. Acts 4 is one how it was from the start. Acts 4 is one of the places it talks about it from of the places it talks about it from of the places it talks about it from time to time. Like notice how normal it time to time. Like notice how normal it time to time. Like notice how normal it said. Ah, every once in a while those said. Ah, every once in a while those said. Ah, every once in a while those who own land or houses sold them. Just who own land or houses sold them. Just who own land or houses sold them. Just sold my house, brought the money from sold my house, brought the money from sold my house, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles the sales and put it at the apostles the sales and put it at the apostles feet. And it was distributed to anybody feet. And it was distributed to anybody feet. And it was distributed to anybody who had need. Notice this. It was never who had need. Notice this. It was never who had need. Notice this. It was never forced or pressure filled. And one of forced or pressure filled. And one of forced or pressure filled. And one of the things I commit to you as a church the things I commit to you as a church the things I commit to you as a church is you're never going to feel force or is you're never going to feel force or is you're never going to feel force or pressure for this. Equally, I hope the pressure for this. Equally, I hope the pressure for this. Equally, I hope the spirit of God normalizes it. And the spirit of God normalizes it. And the spirit of God normalizes it. And the very next verse and the and then the very next verse and the and then the very next verse and the and then the chapter after it, we're introduced to chapter after it, we're introduced to chapter after it, we're introduced to two specific times where this actually two specific times where this actually two specific times where this actually happened. And they could not have gone happened. And they could not have gone happened. And they could not have gone more different. Here's the first one.

more different. Here's the first one. more different. Here's the first one. Verse 36. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, Verse 36. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, Verse 36. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, which whom the apostles called Barnabas, which whom the apostles called Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. He sold a means son of encouragement. He sold a means son of encouragement. He sold a field that he owned and brought the field that he owned and brought the field that he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet. money and put it at the apostles feet. money and put it at the apostles feet. Pause. What happened in this moment? Pause. What happened in this moment? Pause. What happened in this moment? Like Barnabas was seeing, well, Joseph Like Barnabas was seeing, well, Joseph Like Barnabas was seeing, well, Joseph first was seeing that the early church first was seeing that the early church first was seeing that the early church is flourishing and God's moving. And is flourishing and God's moving. And is flourishing and God's moving. And he's he felt compelled by the Holy he's he felt compelled by the Holy he's he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to say, "God, you've given me Spirit to say, "God, you've given me Spirit to say, "God, you've given me stuff that I obviously don't need." He stuff that I obviously don't need." He stuff that I obviously don't need." He was a businessman back then. And God, if was a businessman back then. And God, if was a businessman back then. And God, if if this will help advance the kingdom if this will help advance the kingdom if this will help advance the kingdom and the mission, I'll sell it and give and the mission, I'll sell it and give and the mission, I'll sell it and give it to the apostles and let's go advance it to the apostles and let's go advance it to the apostles and let's go advance the kingdom of God together. And it was the kingdom of God together. And it was the kingdom of God together. And it was so encouraging to a a young early so encouraging to a a young early so encouraging to a a young early church. They gave the guy a nickname, church. They gave the guy a nickname, church. They gave the guy a nickname, Barnabas, Barnabas, Barnabas, son of encouragement. son of encouragement. son of encouragement. Then the very next chapter in Acts 5, I Then the very next chapter in Acts 5, I Then the very next chapter in Acts 5, I won't read it, but I'll give you the won't read it, but I'll give you the won't read it, but I'll give you the quick narrative. Here's what I think quick narrative. Here's what I think quick narrative. Here's what I think happened in Acts 5. I think there's this happened in Acts 5. I think there's this happened in Acts 5. I think there's this couple named Ananas and Safira. By the couple named Ananas and Safira. By the couple named Ananas and Safira. By the way, this story ends dark. If you know way, this story ends dark. If you know way, this story ends dark. If you know the Bible, the Bible, the Bible, I think they saw Barnabas I think they saw Barnabas I think they saw Barnabas where he's like, I'm all in. sold the where he's like, I'm all in. sold the where he's like, I'm all in. sold the field, gave the money, and and they were field, gave the money, and and they were field, gave the money, and and they were all so like appreciative to to Joseph all so like appreciative to to Joseph all so like appreciative to to Joseph that they gave him even like this cool that they gave him even like this cool that they gave him even like this cool nickname, Barnabas. And they're like, nickname, Barnabas. And they're like, nickname, Barnabas. And they're like, "We want to get in on this." So, Ananas "We want to get in on this." So, Ananas "We want to get in on this." So, Ananas and Safh went and sold property and said and Safh went and sold property and said and Safh went and sold property and said with their mouth, "We're bringing all with their mouth, "We're bringing all with their mouth, "We're bringing all the money from the property to fund the the money from the property to fund the the money from the property to fund the church." And they bring the money in.

church." And they bring the money in. church." And they bring the money in. And then Peter goes, "Hey, quick thing. And then Peter goes, "Hey, quick thing. And then Peter goes, "Hey, quick thing. You said you brought all the money. You You said you brought all the money. You You said you brought all the money. You didn't." You know what scripture says in didn't." You know what scripture says in didn't." You know what scripture says in Acts 5? They held back some of the Acts 5? They held back some of the Acts 5? They held back some of the money. money. money. And the consequences were aggressive. And the consequences were aggressive. And the consequences were aggressive. If you know the story, the Holy Spirit If you know the story, the Holy Spirit If you know the story, the Holy Spirit struck both of them, Ananas and Safara, struck both of them, Ananas and Safara, struck both of them, Ananas and Safara, dead in the church. And it ends with the dead in the church. And it ends with the dead in the church. And it ends with the most obvious verse ever. Uh when they most obvious verse ever. Uh when they most obvious verse ever. Uh when they heard this, he fell down and died. And heard this, he fell down and died. And heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what great fear seized all who heard what great fear seized all who heard what happened. Right? happened. Right? happened. Right? That would be terrifying. Here's the That would be terrifying. Here's the That would be terrifying. Here's the point I want you to hear. They did not point I want you to hear. They did not point I want you to hear. They did not lose their lives because they didn't lose their lives because they didn't lose their lives because they didn't give all the money. They they lost their give all the money. They they lost their give all the money. They they lost their lives because they lied. lives because they lied. lives because they lied. They talked like they were allin and They talked like they were allin and They talked like they were allin and they gave like they were partly in. they gave like they were partly in. they gave like they were partly in. Barnabas allin. In fact, Barnabas is Barnabas allin. In fact, Barnabas is Barnabas allin. In fact, Barnabas is found throughout the rest of the book of found throughout the rest of the book of found throughout the rest of the book of Acts on missionary journeys and funding Acts on missionary journeys and funding Acts on missionary journeys and funding things. It's a beautiful thing. Here's things. It's a beautiful thing. Here's things. It's a beautiful thing. Here's one of my prayers for our church. That one of my prayers for our church. That one of my prayers for our church. That God would raise up even more Barnabases God would raise up even more Barnabases God would raise up even more Barnabases in this church. That those of you who in this church. That those of you who in this church. That those of you who God has entrusted with material things God has entrusted with material things God has entrusted with material things in this earth that God would stir things in this earth that God would stir things in this earth that God would stir things in you that you don't have pressure.

in you that you don't have pressure. in you that you don't have pressure. There's no arm twisting. You just go, There's no arm twisting. You just go, There's no arm twisting. You just go, "Look what God's doing. I'm in." Like, I "Look what God's doing. I'm in." Like, I "Look what God's doing. I'm in." Like, I hope generosity is normalized. Why? hope generosity is normalized. Why? hope generosity is normalized. Why? Because I I just want you to understand, Because I I just want you to understand, Because I I just want you to understand, this is my last weekend to talk like this is my last weekend to talk like this is my last weekend to talk like home team locker room before we have a home team locker room before we have a home team locker room before we have a bunch of guests show up. I want you to bunch of guests show up. I want you to bunch of guests show up. I want you to just be really clear. There's no just be really clear. There's no just be really clear. There's no endowment that funds the mission of this endowment that funds the mission of this endowment that funds the mission of this church. The government does not give us church. The government does not give us church. The government does not give us money to do the things that we're doing money to do the things that we're doing money to do the things that we're doing here. There's no magic thing that here. There's no magic thing that here. There's no magic thing that happens. Everything that happens here happens. Everything that happens here happens. Everything that happens here happens because there has been a group happens because there has been a group happens because there has been a group of people that have the spirit of of people that have the spirit of of people that have the spirit of Barnabas who who recognize that Barnabas who who recognize that Barnabas who who recognize that everything that God is putting on my everything that God is putting on my everything that God is putting on my hands I I I'm I'm called to steward it hands I I I'm I'm called to steward it hands I I I'm I'm called to steward it for kingdom purposes and their generous for kingdom purposes and their generous for kingdom purposes and their generous faithful giving is what funds this. And faithful giving is what funds this. And faithful giving is what funds this. And notice we don't charge admission for notice we don't charge admission for notice we don't charge admission for revival nights. We don't charge revival nights. We don't charge revival nights. We don't charge admission for Wednesdays. Why? Because admission for Wednesdays. Why? Because admission for Wednesdays. Why? Because there's a group of people that took God there's a group of people that took God there's a group of people that took God serious and said, "Listen, if Jesus is serious and said, "Listen, if Jesus is serious and said, "Listen, if Jesus is who he says he is, if he is first and who he says he is, if he is first and who he says he is, if he is first and best in the kingdom, he gets my first best in the kingdom, he gets my first best in the kingdom, he gets my first and best." and best." and best." And this is not, by the way, if you feel And this is not, by the way, if you feel And this is not, by the way, if you feel weird and icky, let it go because this weird and icky, let it go because this weird and icky, let it go because this is the least weird icky thing ever. It's is the least weird icky thing ever. It's is the least weird icky thing ever. It's how the church started.

how the church started. how the church started. >> We live in a a world that has realities >> We live in a a world that has realities >> We live in a a world that has realities to it. Equally, God has given this to it. Equally, God has given this to it. Equally, God has given this church a vision and we could do anything church a vision and we could do anything church a vision and we could do anything God asks as long as we would give God asks as long as we would give God asks as long as we would give anything God asks. anything God asks. anything God asks. And I'll say it this way if this helps And I'll say it this way if this helps And I'll say it this way if this helps you. God determines the vision of this you. God determines the vision of this you. God determines the vision of this church. God's people determine the speed church. God's people determine the speed church. God's people determine the speed by which we can accomplish the vision. by which we can accomplish the vision. by which we can accomplish the vision. Your giving is the speed by which we say Your giving is the speed by which we say Your giving is the speed by which we say yes. And as we go through this yes. And as we go through this yes. And as we go through this unshakable season, this vision we're unshakable season, this vision we're unshakable season, this vision we're talked about, everything that we're talked about, everything that we're talked about, everything that we're doing through this is because the doing through this is because the doing through this is because the generosity of people. And there's a generosity of people. And there's a generosity of people. And there's a bunch of you that are all in. And for bunch of you that are all in. And for bunch of you that are all in. And for that, I say thank you. And I pray for that, I say thank you. And I pray for that, I say thank you. And I pray for God to continue to bless the things that God to continue to bless the things that God to continue to bless the things that you put your hand to. So you can you put your hand to. So you can you put your hand to. So you can continue to fund the vision. Equally, continue to fund the vision. Equally, continue to fund the vision. Equally, there's people who've never said yes and there's people who've never said yes and there's people who've never said yes and put Jesus first in this way. Man, I hope put Jesus first in this way. Man, I hope put Jesus first in this way. Man, I hope this is the season you do because when this is the season you do because when this is the season you do because when you give, you get to fund things like you give, you get to fund things like you give, you get to fund things like launching campuses, planting churches, launching campuses, planting churches, launching campuses, planting churches, translating the Bible into Cororusani translating the Bible into Cororusani translating the Bible into Cororusani Turk, all the human trafficking stuff Turk, all the human trafficking stuff Turk, all the human trafficking stuff that we're fighting. All of that is from that we're fighting. All of that is from that we're fighting. All of that is from God's people and the and from the early God's people and the and from the early God's people and the and from the early church until today. God has always given church until today. God has always given church until today. God has always given the church vision and he's given the the church vision and he's given the the church vision and he's given the people the provision. And when those two people the provision. And when those two people the provision. And when those two things come together, you'll never stop things come together, you'll never stop things come together, you'll never stop that church. And I pray like literally that church. And I pray like literally that church. And I pray like literally there's people today that go, "Man, I there's people today that go, "Man, I there's people today that go, "Man, I never understood that. If Jesus is never understood that. If Jesus is never understood that. If Jesus is first, he gets my first and best."

first, he gets my first and best." first, he gets my first and best." Great. I hope you jump in equally. I'm Great. I hope you jump in equally. I'm Great. I hope you jump in equally. I'm not going to twist your arm. I get to not going to twist your arm. I get to not going to twist your arm. I get to stand here. This is not in the notes, stand here. This is not in the notes, stand here. This is not in the notes, but I'll say it. I get to stand here but I'll say it. I get to stand here but I'll say it. I get to stand here with the humble confidence with the humble confidence with the humble confidence that the same God that inspired Pastor that the same God that inspired Pastor that the same God that inspired Pastor Kevin and Marca to plant this church 38, Kevin and Marca to plant this church 38, Kevin and Marca to plant this church 38, 39 years ago. And God provided when he 39 years ago. And God provided when he 39 years ago. And God provided when he was working at night laying tiles was working at night laying tiles was working at night laying tiles because the church couldn't afford to because the church couldn't afford to because the church couldn't afford to pay him. pay him. pay him. The same God that sustained that season The same God that sustained that season The same God that sustained that season is the same God that let us move and is the same God that let us move and is the same God that let us move and grow and advance. And the same God grow and advance. And the same God grow and advance. And the same God whispered to Pastor Kevin and Marca. The whispered to Pastor Kevin and Marca. The whispered to Pastor Kevin and Marca. The same God whispered to a bunch of people same God whispered to a bunch of people same God whispered to a bunch of people who said, "I'm allin for the kingdom. who said, "I'm allin for the kingdom. who said, "I'm allin for the kingdom. I'm not just talking all in. I'm all I'm not just talking all in. I'm all I'm not just talking all in. I'm all in." And I pray to God in." And I pray to God in." And I pray to God at least three times a week. God raised at least three times a week. God raised at least three times a week. God raised up another Barnabas in this church. up another Barnabas in this church. up another Barnabas in this church. Normal everyday people who make it Normal everyday people who make it Normal everyday people who make it normal to be generous in God's kingdom. normal to be generous in God's kingdom. normal to be generous in God's kingdom. God, would you raise them up? Same God God, would you raise them up? Same God God, would you raise them up? Same God who started this church is the same God who started this church is the same God who started this church is the same God who sustains this church. And although who sustains this church. And although who sustains this church. And although the stories that I read in Acts were the stories that I read in Acts were the stories that I read in Acts were financial in nature, it's bigger than financial in nature, it's bigger than financial in nature, it's bigger than that. The spirit of Barnabas is more that. The spirit of Barnabas is more that. The spirit of Barnabas is more than just financial. It's a spirit that than just financial. It's a spirit that than just financial. It's a spirit that plays out into every part of our life.

plays out into every part of our life. plays out into every part of our life. I'll give you one story. Night three of I'll give you one story. Night three of I'll give you one story. Night three of revival nights. We all f a bunch of us revival nights. We all f a bunch of us revival nights. We all f a bunch of us fasted for three days. And at the end of fasted for three days. And at the end of fasted for three days. And at the end of the night, I encourage people to break the night, I encourage people to break the night, I encourage people to break your fast like the early church would your fast like the early church would your fast like the early church would have. Here's what that means. Don't have. Here's what that means. Don't have. Here's what that means. Don't drive through a drive-thru by yourself drive through a drive-thru by yourself drive through a drive-thru by yourself and eat a cheeseburger to break your and eat a cheeseburger to break your and eat a cheeseburger to break your fast. If you have to knock yourself out, fast. If you have to knock yourself out, fast. If you have to knock yourself out, but like make 18year-old you proud and but like make 18year-old you proud and but like make 18year-old you proud and go out after this thing with a group of go out after this thing with a group of go out after this thing with a group of other believers and go somewhere and other believers and go somewhere and other believers and go somewhere and stay up an hour later and break your stay up an hour later and break your stay up an hour later and break your fast. And I said it this way, like just fast. And I said it this way, like just fast. And I said it this way, like just go to a waffle house cuz that's what my go to a waffle house cuz that's what my go to a waffle house cuz that's what my mind connects to when I think late night mind connects to when I think late night mind connects to when I think late night eating. Go make some bad decisions and eating. Go make some bad decisions and eating. Go make some bad decisions and break your fast together. I probably break your fast together. I probably break your fast together. I probably should have given more restaurant should have given more restaurant should have given more restaurant options cuz we apparently we shut down a options cuz we apparently we shut down a options cuz we apparently we shut down a couple waffle houses in our territory. couple waffle houses in our territory. couple waffle houses in our territory. One of the one of the Waffle Houses was One of the one of the Waffle Houses was One of the one of the Waffle Houses was a little bit of a mess was up in Flowery a little bit of a mess was up in Flowery a little bit of a mess was up in Flowery Branch because our fire branch staff and Branch because our fire branch staff and Branch because our fire branch staff and a bunch of the the people in that a bunch of the the people in that a bunch of the the people in that congregation said, "All right, I'll take congregation said, "All right, I'll take congregation said, "All right, I'll take them up on the offer. Let's go to Waffle them up on the offer. Let's go to Waffle them up on the offer. Let's go to Waffle House." And they did. And apparently House." And they did. And apparently House." And they did. And apparently they got there and they were well they got there and they were well they got there and they were well understaffed. One of the waitresses had understaffed. One of the waitresses had understaffed. One of the waitresses had quit earlier in the night. And they get quit earlier in the night. And they get quit earlier in the night. And they get there, I think we had a picture of them there, I think we had a picture of them there, I think we had a picture of them when they showed up. Like they're at the when they showed up. Like they're at the when they showed up. Like they're at the Waffle House and one of the waitresses Waffle House and one of the waitresses Waffle House and one of the waitresses wasn't there working and so there are wasn't there working and so there are wasn't there working and so there are dishes on tables and they quickly dishes on tables and they quickly dishes on tables and they quickly realized we're never going to get served realized we're never going to get served realized we're never going to get served food food food and they had to make a decision.

and they had to make a decision. and they had to make a decision. Are we going to be selfish about this or Are we going to be selfish about this or Are we going to be selfish about this or are we going to be generous? Are we are we going to be generous? Are we are we going to be generous? Are we going to complain about this or are we going to complain about this or are we going to complain about this or are we going to go make a difference with what going to go make a difference with what going to go make a difference with what we can do here? And so two or three of we can do here? And so two or three of we can do here? And so two or three of of the 12 stoners said, "All right, of the 12 stoners said, "All right, of the 12 stoners said, "All right, let's go clean some tables off and they let's go clean some tables off and they let's go clean some tables off and they started busting tables." And then they started busting tables." And then they started busting tables." And then they took the the dishes back behind the took the the dishes back behind the took the the dishes back behind the counter and they started washing dishes counter and they started washing dishes counter and they started washing dishes at the waffle house. And then another at the waffle house. And then another at the waffle house. And then another lady came out and they started taking lady came out and they started taking lady came out and they started taking people's orders. What do you want? Don't people's orders. What do you want? Don't people's orders. What do you want? Don't know what that is. Make it simpler. know what that is. Make it simpler. know what that is. Make it simpler. Scrambled eggs. Got it. Cool. Waffles. Scrambled eggs. Got it. Cool. Waffles. Scrambled eggs. Got it. Cool. Waffles. They didn't want waffles. How many? They didn't want waffles. How many? They didn't want waffles. How many? Seven waffles. And he went back to the Seven waffles. And he went back to the Seven waffles. And he went back to the line cook. the line cooks making the line cook. the line cooks making the line cook. the line cooks making the food and 12 stoners are delivering the food and 12 stoners are delivering the food and 12 stoners are delivering the food in the restaurant and by the end of food in the restaurant and by the end of food in the restaurant and by the end of the night one of the guys sent at sent the night one of the guys sent at sent the night one of the guys sent at sent his own family home and he stayed there his own family home and he stayed there his own family home and he stayed there until it was all done. If I if we could until it was all done. If I if we could until it was all done. If I if we could be known as a church that that's how we be known as a church that that's how we be known as a church that that's how we act. More of that Lord more of that. You act. More of that Lord more of that. You act. More of that Lord more of that. You see when when you begin to live in a see when when you begin to live in a see when when you begin to live in a generous life you it's not just your generous life you it's not just your generous life you it's not just your your stuff it's your time. your stuff it's your time. your stuff it's your time. You live in a way where you go listen You live in a way where you go listen You live in a way where you go listen hey we're not going to get food unless hey we're not going to get food unless hey we're not going to get food unless we help. let's go help and let's go we help. let's go help and let's go we help. let's go help and let's go bless people and let's go make a mark bless people and let's go make a mark bless people and let's go make a mark and tell me those Waffle House employees and tell me those Waffle House employees and tell me those Waffle House employees didn't leave and go there's this weird didn't leave and go there's this weird didn't leave and go there's this weird church here church here church here that probably broke a bunch of health that probably broke a bunch of health that probably broke a bunch of health code violations but they got us through code violations but they got us through code violations but they got us through the night.

the night. the night. I want to be a part of that church. Last I want to be a part of that church. Last I want to be a part of that church. Last prayer taking notes number four. I pray prayer taking notes number four. I pray prayer taking notes number four. I pray that 12 will be a church that aches for that 12 will be a church that aches for that 12 will be a church that aches for the lost. >> Not just a church that makes room for >> Not just a church that makes room for them. them. them. Not just a church that tolerates people Not just a church that tolerates people Not just a church that tolerates people far from God, but a church who our heart far from God, but a church who our heart far from God, but a church who our heart aches for it. And I could read a bunch aches for it. And I could read a bunch aches for it. And I could read a bunch of scriptures. I'm going to skip to of scriptures. I'm going to skip to of scriptures. I'm going to skip to this. The the one I want to sit in Acts this. The the one I want to sit in Acts this. The the one I want to sit in Acts 17. All throughout Acts, they're talking 17. All throughout Acts, they're talking 17. All throughout Acts, they're talking about wherever they went, they're about wherever they went, they're about wherever they went, they're sharing the good news of the gospel sharing the good news of the gospel sharing the good news of the gospel everywhere they're go. They're preaching everywhere they're go. They're preaching everywhere they're go. They're preaching the gospel everywhere. But I want you to the gospel everywhere. But I want you to the gospel everywhere. But I want you to see one moment where Paul had this this see one moment where Paul had this this see one moment where Paul had this this experience. While Paul was waiting for experience. While Paul was waiting for experience. While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly them in Athens, he was greatly them in Athens, he was greatly distressed. That would be my word for distressed. That would be my word for distressed. That would be my word for like he achd for the people of the city, like he achd for the people of the city, like he achd for the people of the city, for the lost people. Why? because he he for the lost people. Why? because he he for the lost people. Why? because he he looked around the city and he saw it was looked around the city and he saw it was looked around the city and he saw it was full of idols. full of idols. full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the So he reasoned in the synagogue with the So he reasoned in the synagogue with the religious people with both Jews and religious people with both Jews and religious people with both Jews and god-fearing Greeks as well as in the god-fearing Greeks as well as in the god-fearing Greeks as well as in the marketplace day by day like that's the marketplace day by day like that's the marketplace day by day like that's the real world that's your office, that's real world that's your office, that's real world that's your office, that's school, that's the ball fields and as school, that's the ball fields and as school, that's the ball fields and as well as in the marketplace day by day well as in the marketplace day by day well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happen to be there. You with those who happen to be there. You with those who happen to be there. You see, he was greatly distressed for the see, he was greatly distressed for the see, he was greatly distressed for the lost because he saw the idols they were lost because he saw the idols they were lost because he saw the idols they were worshiping, the lesser gods they were worshiping, the lesser gods they were worshiping, the lesser gods they were worshiping. And and and Paul knew the worshiping. And and and Paul knew the worshiping. And and and Paul knew the one true God who actually has the power one true God who actually has the power one true God who actually has the power to forgive and restore and heal and make to forgive and restore and heal and make to forgive and restore and heal and make whole. And he knew that all the worship whole. And he knew that all the worship whole. And he knew that all the worship of lesser idols was going to come to of lesser idols was going to come to of lesser idols was going to come to nothing. In fact, this week there's a nothing. In fact, this week there's a nothing. In fact, this week there's a story that I can't give you all the story that I can't give you all the story that I can't give you all the details to, but it's a lady named Brenda details to, but it's a lady named Brenda details to, but it's a lady named Brenda who showed up to revival nights and she

who showed up to revival nights and she who showed up to revival nights and she came night one and then night two and came night one and then night two and came night one and then night two and night three and God was doing something night three and God was doing something night three and God was doing something and and we we we finally sort of put the and and we we we finally sort of put the and and we we we finally sort of put the story together where she was messing story together where she was messing story together where she was messing around with like some idol stuff. Like around with like some idol stuff. Like around with like some idol stuff. Like for her it was like she was dabbling in for her it was like she was dabbling in for her it was like she was dabbling in some witchcraft, some tarot cards, some some witchcraft, some tarot cards, some some witchcraft, some tarot cards, some Ouija stuff, like just trying to figure Ouija stuff, like just trying to figure Ouija stuff, like just trying to figure out there's got to be more to life and out there's got to be more to life and out there's got to be more to life and she's looking in all the wrong places she's looking in all the wrong places she's looking in all the wrong places like like the idols here in Athens. And like like the idols here in Athens. And like like the idols here in Athens. And throughout the night, the the three throughout the night, the the three throughout the night, the the three nights, God just began to like convict nights, God just began to like convict nights, God just began to like convict her that you are you are captive to the her that you are you are captive to the her that you are you are captive to the dark things that you're engaging in. dark things that you're engaging in. dark things that you're engaging in. So she would go home after night one and So she would go home after night one and So she would go home after night one and threw some of the stuff away. the Ouija threw some of the stuff away. the Ouija threw some of the stuff away. the Ouija board she threw away and then the tarot board she threw away and then the tarot board she threw away and then the tarot cards and she's starting to break free cards and she's starting to break free cards and she's starting to break free from this. And before she was done with from this. And before she was done with from this. And before she was done with night three, she had bowed her life to night three, she had bowed her life to night three, she had bowed her life to Jesus. She had taken her first Jesus. She had taken her first Jesus. She had taken her first communion. She was publicly baptized and communion. She was publicly baptized and communion. She was publicly baptized and delivered. And now she's a sister in the delivered. And now she's a sister in the delivered. And now she's a sister in the kingdom of God in the family of God. kingdom of God in the family of God. kingdom of God in the family of God. Praise the Lord. [applause] [applause] But listen, the same is true for us. I But listen, the same is true for us. I But listen, the same is true for us. I pray that we would be a church that pray that we would be a church that pray that we would be a church that aches for the lost.

aches for the lost. aches for the lost. you realize that if you found Jesus, you you realize that if you found Jesus, you you realize that if you found Jesus, you you weren't always found. you weren't always found. you weren't always found. You were at one point lost. And I pray You were at one point lost. And I pray You were at one point lost. And I pray that God puts more than just a care for that God puts more than just a care for that God puts more than just a care for the lost, but like an ache. And equally, the lost, but like an ache. And equally, the lost, but like an ache. And equally, I think we over complicate this. I think we over complicate this. I think we over complicate this. There's power in an invitation. In fact, There's power in an invitation. In fact, There's power in an invitation. In fact, I I want you to see the story of one of I I want you to see the story of one of I I want you to see the story of one of our awesome day makers, Miss Crystal. our awesome day makers, Miss Crystal. our awesome day makers, Miss Crystal. And I want you to see the power of an And I want you to see the power of an And I want you to see the power of an invitation. Check it out. [music] [music] >> My name is Crystal Oliver. I am a camera >> My name is Crystal Oliver. I am a camera >> My name is Crystal Oliver. I am a camera operator for 12 Stone for about 3 years. operator for 12 Stone for about 3 years. operator for 12 Stone for about 3 years. I was without a church home and I used I was without a church home and I used I was without a church home and I used to drive past these rocks, these big to drive past these rocks, these big to drive past these rocks, these big stones for the longest time, but I never stones for the longest time, but I never stones for the longest time, but I never see the church. I I can't see the see the church. I I can't see the see the church. I I can't see the church. I guess there's a church back church. I guess there's a church back church. I guess there's a church back there. One day I just said, "I'm going there. One day I just said, "I'm going there. One day I just said, "I'm going to this church." I pulled into a to this church." I pulled into a to this church." I pulled into a driveway, still didn't see the church driveway, still didn't see the church driveway, still didn't see the church and I kept driving. I said, "Oh, okay. and I kept driving. I said, "Oh, okay. and I kept driving. I said, "Oh, okay. There is a church back here." There was There is a church back here." There was There is a church back here." There was a lot of stuff going on, but I continued a lot of stuff going on, but I continued a lot of stuff going on, but I continued to go in. Somebody handed me a little to go in. Somebody handed me a little to go in. Somebody handed me a little bag of popcorn, gave me some candy bag of popcorn, gave me some candy bag of popcorn, gave me some candy choices. I was like, "This is choices. I was like, "This is choices. I was like, "This is different." And I went in and they were different." And I went in and they were different." And I went in and they were doing a series called At the Movies. I doing a series called At the Movies. I doing a series called At the Movies. I was [music] like a kid. I was really was [music] like a kid. I was really was [music] like a kid. I was really like a kid. I was mesmerized because like a kid. I was mesmerized because like a kid. I was mesmerized because that was way out of what I'm accustomed that was way out of what I'm accustomed that was way out of what I'm accustomed to [music] for church. It wasn't to [music] for church. It wasn't to [music] for church. It wasn't intimidating and it was friendly. from intimidating and it was friendly. from intimidating and it was friendly. from then. I mean, I've never left. Fellow then. I mean, I've never left. Fellow then. I mean, I've never left. Fellow Stone had invites, just little cards.

Stone had invites, just little cards. Stone had invites, just little cards. [music] And so, I invited people from [music] And so, I invited people from [music] And so, I invited people from work. I was like, I went to this church work. I was like, I went to this church work. I was like, I went to this church Sunday, [music] you got to see. And so, Sunday, [music] you got to see. And so, Sunday, [music] you got to see. And so, I put a little bag of popcorn, candy, I put a little bag of popcorn, candy, I put a little bag of popcorn, candy, and the little invites on people's desk and the little invites on people's desk and the little invites on people's desk and say, hey, [music] meet me at the and say, hey, [music] meet me at the and say, hey, [music] meet me at the movies. I think it's an awesome opportunity to I think it's an awesome opportunity to invite one and give them the opportunity invite one and give them the opportunity invite one and give them the opportunity to see Jesus in a whole different way. to see Jesus in a whole different way. to see Jesus in a whole different way. and to see church in a whole different and to see church in a whole different and to see church in a whole different way. And [music] that can change your way. And [music] that can change your way. And [music] that can change your life. There's nothing better than an life. There's nothing better than an life. There's nothing better than an invite. I've invited my one. Have you? invite. I've invited my one. Have you? invite. I've invited my one. Have you? I'll see you at the movies. [music] >> Thank you, Miss Crystal, for sharing >> Thank you, Miss Crystal, for sharing your story. And to know Miss Crystal is your story. And to know Miss Crystal is your story. And to know Miss Crystal is to be loved by Miss Crystal. She's to be loved by Miss Crystal. She's to be loved by Miss Crystal. She's awesome. awesome. awesome. Do this for me across the campuses. Do this for me across the campuses. Do this for me across the campuses. Would you look under your seat? Seat in Would you look under your seat? Seat in Would you look under your seat? Seat in front of you somewhere. There's these front of you somewhere. There's these front of you somewhere. There's these invite cards to at the movies. I want invite cards to at the movies. I want invite cards to at the movies. I want you to take one with you you to take one with you you to take one with you cuz listen, there's power in an cuz listen, there's power in an cuz listen, there's power in an invitation.

invitation. invitation. And I pray that over between now and And I pray that over between now and And I pray that over between now and September 13 that we would flood the September 13 that we would flood the September 13 that we would flood the zone with invitations. Like I hope you zone with invitations. Like I hope you zone with invitations. Like I hope you see these everywhere. Like I hope I hope see these everywhere. Like I hope I hope see these everywhere. Like I hope I hope you're beating each other in the office you're beating each other in the office you're beating each other in the office to the person you're trying to invite, to the person you're trying to invite, to the person you're trying to invite, you go to the cubicle and see one you go to the cubicle and see one you go to the cubicle and see one sitting there going, "Who got to him sitting there going, "Who got to him sitting there going, "Who got to him first?" Like I want to flood the zone first?" Like I want to flood the zone first?" Like I want to flood the zone cuz we're doing at the movies September cuz we're doing at the movies September cuz we're doing at the movies September 13th for four weeks. And I want to just 13th for four weeks. And I want to just 13th for four weeks. And I want to just be really super clear here. I'm I say at be really super clear here. I'm I say at be really super clear here. I'm I say at the movies, some of y'all roll your the movies, some of y'all roll your the movies, some of y'all roll your eyes. I say at the movies, some of y'all eyes. I say at the movies, some of y'all eyes. I say at the movies, some of y'all get excited. I don't care. get excited. I don't care. get excited. I don't care. Because listen, in the history of our Because listen, in the history of our Because listen, in the history of our church, I believe more people have come church, I believe more people have come church, I believe more people have come to Jesus throughout the movies than any to Jesus throughout the movies than any to Jesus throughout the movies than any other series we've ever done. So, I other series we've ever done. So, I other series we've ever done. So, I don't care if we do movies or not. I don't care if we do movies or not. I don't care if we do movies or not. I want to see people bow to Jesus. And for want to see people bow to Jesus. And for want to see people bow to Jesus. And for whatever reason, y'all feel comfortable whatever reason, y'all feel comfortable whatever reason, y'all feel comfortable inviting to it. So, we're going with it. inviting to it. So, we're going with it. inviting to it. So, we're going with it. Let's go. Four weeks at the movies. And Let's go. Four weeks at the movies. And Let's go. Four weeks at the movies. And I want to tell you what we're doing I want to tell you what we're doing I want to tell you what we're doing every week. First of all, you need to every week. First of all, you need to every week. First of all, you need to know this. We're doing church. We're know this. We're doing church. We're know this. We're doing church. We're going to sing and we're going to going to sing and we're going to going to sing and we're going to worship. In fact, I asked the team to worship. In fact, I asked the team to worship. In fact, I asked the team to add a few hymns into the mix. [music] add a few hymns into the mix. [music] add a few hymns into the mix. [music] Why? Because even people that don't know Why? Because even people that don't know Why? Because even people that don't know Jesus or haven't been in church in 20 Jesus or haven't been in church in 20 Jesus or haven't been in church in 20 years, maybe their grandmama took them years, maybe their grandmama took them years, maybe their grandmama took them to church when they were a kid, and to church when they were a kid, and to church when they were a kid, and they'll hear a hymn and go, "Wait, I they'll hear a hymn and go, "Wait, I they'll hear a hymn and go, "Wait, I remember that."

remember that." remember that." We're going to worship. We're we're We're going to worship. We're we're We're going to worship. We're we're Yeah, we're going to sit inside of Yeah, we're going to sit inside of Yeah, we're going to sit inside of movies. We're going to have fun. But I movies. We're going to have fun. But I movies. We're going to have fun. But I need you to hear this clearly. Every need you to hear this clearly. Every need you to hear this clearly. Every week of the series, how many of the week of the series, how many of the week of the series, how many of the weeks? weeks? weeks? Every week we're going to end the Every week we're going to end the Every week we're going to end the teaching and I'm going to preach the teaching and I'm going to preach the teaching and I'm going to preach the gospel with clarity. I'll say it my way. gospel with clarity. I'll say it my way. gospel with clarity. I'll say it my way. I'm going to punch people as hard as I I'm going to punch people as hard as I I'm going to punch people as hard as I can in the face with the gospel. can in the face with the gospel. can in the face with the gospel. >> Like I I want them to understand this is >> Like I I want them to understand this is >> Like I I want them to understand this is not a hey if you want Jesus to make your not a hey if you want Jesus to make your not a hey if you want Jesus to make your life better, hey if if you want to have life better, hey if if you want to have life better, hey if if you want to have like a smile on your face, if you want like a smile on your face, if you want like a smile on your face, if you want Jesus to make your marriage good, like Jesus to make your marriage good, like Jesus to make your marriage good, like come back. Like no no no. You're a come back. Like no no no. You're a come back. Like no no no. You're a sinner in need of a savior. sinner in need of a savior. sinner in need of a savior. You have tried to play God in your life You have tried to play God in your life You have tried to play God in your life and you are incapable of it. And if you and you are incapable of it. And if you and you are incapable of it. And if you don't bow the knee to Jesus, I have don't bow the knee to Jesus, I have don't bow the knee to Jesus, I have nothing else to offer you. There's no nothing else to offer you. There's no nothing else to offer you. There's no your best life now going on here. This your best life now going on here. This your best life now going on here. This is you need a savior. And we're going to is you need a savior. And we're going to is you need a savior. And we're going to have a bold response every week. Some have a bold response every week. Some have a bold response every week. Some weeks probably literally stand up, come weeks probably literally stand up, come weeks probably literally stand up, come forward. It's going to be bold. So if forward. It's going to be bold. So if forward. It's going to be bold. So if you have someone who you know that is you have someone who you know that is you have someone who you know that is near to you but far from God, they need near to you but far from God, they need near to you but far from God, they need to be here because we're going after it.

to be here because we're going after it. to be here because we're going after it. So listen, make your invitations. So listen, make your invitations. So listen, make your invitations. Secondly, look around your campus. If Secondly, look around your campus. If Secondly, look around your campus. If you're at a service where it looks you're at a service where it looks you're at a service where it looks pretty full now, it's going to be very pretty full now, it's going to be very pretty full now, it's going to be very full in two weeks. Listen to your campus full in two weeks. Listen to your campus full in two weeks. Listen to your campus pastor. As they're moving people in pastor. As they're moving people in pastor. As they're moving people in services, would you consider maybe services, would you consider maybe services, would you consider maybe moving to another service other than the moving to another service other than the moving to another service other than the 11 probably cuz we think there's going 11 probably cuz we think there's going 11 probably cuz we think there's going to be hundreds of guests and we make to be hundreds of guests and we make to be hundreds of guests and we make room for them here. room for them here. room for them here. See, I believe we're on the on the the See, I believe we're on the on the the See, I believe we're on the on the the front like porch of what God wants to do front like porch of what God wants to do front like porch of what God wants to do in the life of this church. And I in the life of this church. And I in the life of this church. And I believe we're going to see hundreds of believe we're going to see hundreds of believe we're going to see hundreds of people come to Jesus throughout the people come to Jesus throughout the people come to Jesus throughout the movies. But it only works if if you movies. But it only works if if you movies. But it only works if if you invite. Like I don't want to preach for invite. Like I don't want to preach for invite. Like I don't want to preach for four weeks to the convinced and the four weeks to the convinced and the four weeks to the convinced and the converted. I want an opportunity to converted. I want an opportunity to converted. I want an opportunity to preach to people far from God because preach to people far from God because preach to people far from God because that's the people who need the hope. that's the people who need the hope. that's the people who need the hope. So here's what I want to do. I'm going So here's what I want to do. I'm going So here's what I want to do. I'm going to have the campus pastors [music] come to have the campus pastors [music] come to have the campus pastors [music] come lead us and sing bring pray before we're lead us and sing bring pray before we're lead us and sing bring pray before we're done. But I want to pray these four done. But I want to pray these four done. But I want to pray these four prayers over us just briefly. So if you prayers over us just briefly. So if you prayers over us just briefly. So if you would here in across the campuses stand would here in across the campuses stand would here in across the campuses stand up with me, please.

And I prayed this week that the Holy And I prayed this week that the Holy Spirit would take this and would like Spirit would take this and would like Spirit would take this and would like personalize. Which of these are you personalize. Which of these are you personalize. Which of these are you needing? Is the Holy Spirit saying, "I needing? Is the Holy Spirit saying, "I needing? Is the Holy Spirit saying, "I want you to lean into this more." This want you to lean into this more." This want you to lean into this more." This is my prayer for our church. Yes. But is my prayer for our church. Yes. But is my prayer for our church. Yes. But just us as a people. So God, first I just us as a people. So God, first I just us as a people. So God, first I pray that you would make this church and pray that you would make this church and pray that you would make this church and continue to make this church a church continue to make this church a church continue to make this church a church that feeds their own fire with the word that feeds their own fire with the word that feeds their own fire with the word and with prayer. So God, I pray as and with prayer. So God, I pray as and with prayer. So God, I pray as people seek you personally, they would people seek you personally, they would people seek you personally, they would find you. find you. find you. they would seek you with all their they would seek you with all their they would seek you with all their hearts. They would find you. So God, for hearts. They would find you. So God, for hearts. They would find you. So God, for those who see reading their Bible like a those who see reading their Bible like a those who see reading their Bible like a box to check box to check box to check versus seeing it as this is literally versus seeing it as this is literally versus seeing it as this is literally the word of God to us. Would you change the word of God to us. Would you change the word of God to us. Would you change that in us? Holy Spirit, would you that in us? Holy Spirit, would you that in us? Holy Spirit, would you awaken us as we read scripture? Would awaken us as we read scripture? Would awaken us as we read scripture? Would you help open our eyes to know what you help open our eyes to know what you help open our eyes to know what we're reading? we're reading? we're reading? Would you make our like our reflexive Would you make our like our reflexive Would you make our like our reflexive move? Like when we hit something in move? Like when we hit something in move? Like when we hit something in life, the first place I go is God's life, the first place I go is God's life, the first place I go is God's word. And Lord, would you would you word. And Lord, would you would you word. And Lord, would you would you deepen us as a people of prayer that we deepen us as a people of prayer that we deepen us as a people of prayer that we believe prayer moves things in heaven believe prayer moves things in heaven believe prayer moves things in heaven that moves things on earth. Lord, would that moves things on earth. Lord, would that moves things on earth. Lord, would our first response be prayer, not a last our first response be prayer, not a last our first response be prayer, not a last resort, God. Secondly, would you resort, God. Secondly, would you resort, God. Secondly, would you continue to make this a church where continue to make this a church where continue to make this a church where everybody is known and needed? God, everybody is known and needed? God, everybody is known and needed? God, thank you for how welcoming and caring thank you for how welcoming and caring thank you for how welcoming and caring and hospitable the people at 12 are.

and hospitable the people at 12 are. and hospitable the people at 12 are. God, we ask for a double portion of that God, we ask for a double portion of that God, we ask for a double portion of that where it's not just we're friendly, but where it's not just we're friendly, but where it's not just we're friendly, but we help people be known and get we help people be known and get we help people be known and get connected here and find a place and find connected here and find a place and find connected here and find a place and find a people. And that God for all of us, a people. And that God for all of us, a people. And that God for all of us, Lord, as people jump into Growth Track Lord, as people jump into Growth Track Lord, as people jump into Growth Track and other things, would you help them to and other things, would you help them to and other things, would you help them to find their spot where they're needed find their spot where they're needed find their spot where they're needed here? here? here? Would Sunday morning alarms going off, Would Sunday morning alarms going off, Would Sunday morning alarms going off, not be, well, no one will notice anyway. not be, well, no one will notice anyway. not be, well, no one will notice anyway. Would it be up, I'm on mission, let's Would it be up, I'm on mission, let's Would it be up, I'm on mission, let's go. I'm needed at my church. go. I'm needed at my church. go. I'm needed at my church. God, I pray you continue to make this a God, I pray you continue to make this a God, I pray you continue to make this a church where generosity is normal. God, church where generosity is normal. God, church where generosity is normal. God, would you give the Barnabas spirit to would you give the Barnabas spirit to would you give the Barnabas spirit to us, us, us, where it's just normal. Of course, God's where it's just normal. Of course, God's where it's just normal. Of course, God's moving. He gets first and best. Like, I moving. He gets first and best. Like, I moving. He gets first and best. Like, I pray for weird stories of people just pray for weird stories of people just pray for weird stories of people just showing up saying, "Hey, God, asked me showing up saying, "Hey, God, asked me showing up saying, "Hey, God, asked me to sell this and bringing it. Go advance to sell this and bringing it. Go advance to sell this and bringing it. Go advance the kingdom." Thanks, God. the kingdom." Thanks, God. the kingdom." Thanks, God. And then last, Lord, would you continue And then last, Lord, would you continue And then last, Lord, would you continue to make us a church that aches [music] to make us a church that aches [music] to make us a church that aches [music] for the lost? for the lost? for the lost? For any of us who have grown grown For any of us who have grown grown For any of us who have grown grown passive, passive, passive, for any of us who feel like, "Ah, that's for any of us who feel like, "Ah, that's for any of us who feel like, "Ah, that's not for me. That's what a pastor does."

not for me. That's what a pastor does." not for me. That's what a pastor does." No [music] God, would you would you help No [music] God, would you would you help No [music] God, would you would you help us have a burden for lost people, the us have a burden for lost people, the us have a burden for lost people, the people that are near to us but far from people that are near to us but far from people that are near to us but far from you. [music] And would you use the month you. [music] And would you use the month you. [music] And would you use the month of September? You can use whatever you of September? You can use whatever you of September? You can use whatever you want, but we think the month of want, but we think the month of want, but we think the month of September is going to be one of those September is going to be one of those September is going to be one of those seasons. God, would you use that month seasons. God, would you use that month seasons. God, would you use that month for us to see our ones bow to Jesus? And for us to see our ones bow to Jesus? And for us to see our ones bow to Jesus? And I just I pray in pictures. One of the I just I pray in pictures. One of the I just I pray in pictures. One of the pictures I see this fall, maybe October, pictures I see this fall, maybe October, pictures I see this fall, maybe October, November, we have an a baptism weekend November, we have an a baptism weekend November, we have an a baptism weekend and a bunch of people that are in the and a bunch of people that are in the and a bunch of people that are in the room right now are going to be standing room right now are going to be standing room right now are going to be standing next to the tub next to the tub next to the tub getting to help [music] baptize the getting to help [music] baptize the getting to help [music] baptize the person they brought at the movies, person they brought at the movies, person they brought at the movies, friends, co-workers. friends, co-workers. friends, co-workers. So God, would you use us for your glory So God, would you use us for your glory So God, would you use us for your glory and for your kingdom to advance? and for your kingdom to advance? and for your kingdom to advance? And all God's people said, And all God's people said, And all God's people said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." So, right here, Lawrenceville, I want to invite you to respond. What I want to invite you to respond. What one of the things we try to do is one of the things we try to do is one of the things we try to do is listen, God's word demands a response. listen, God's word demands a response. listen, God's word demands a response. So, we just take five or six minutes at So, we just take five or six minutes at So, we just take five or six minutes at the end of the day and we just go, the end of the day and we just go, the end of the day and we just go, listen, we want to give you a chance to listen, we want to give you a chance to listen, we want to give you a chance to respond. And that might look different respond. And that might look different respond. And that might look different for all of us. We call it sing, bring, for all of us. We call it sing, bring, for all of us. We call it sing, bring, pray. For all of us, we can sing. And pray. For all of us, we can sing. And pray. For all of us, we can sing. And we're we're singing a song called we're we're singing a song called we're we're singing a song called Awakening. like God, would you continue Awakening. like God, would you continue Awakening. like God, would you continue to awaken the gen this generation, this to awaken the gen this generation, this to awaken the gen this generation, this church? For some, it's going to be to church? For some, it's going to be to church? For some, it's going to be to bring. And we didn't pass offering bring. And we didn't pass offering bring. And we didn't pass offering baskets cuz we're going to have offering baskets cuz we're going to have offering baskets cuz we're going to have offering baskets around the room. And you bring baskets around the room. And you bring baskets around the room. And you bring your first and best. Like, this is an your first and best. Like, this is an your first and best. Like, this is an opportunity to do that. And lastly, opportunity to do that. And lastly, opportunity to do that. And lastly, prayer teams, come on out. [music] prayer teams, come on out. [music] prayer teams, come on out. [music] We have opportunity to pray. You can We have opportunity to pray. You can We have opportunity to pray. You can pray at your seat. I get it. But also,

pray at your seat. I get it. But also, pray at your seat. I get it. But also, we have people here that want to pray we have people here that want to pray we have people here that want to pray over you and pray with you. And it can over you and pray with you. And it can over you and pray with you. And it can be things that you brought to revival be things that you brought to revival be things that you brought to revival nights that you're like, "God, I thought nights that you're like, "God, I thought nights that you're like, "God, I thought you would have responded in this way and you would have responded in this way and you would have responded in this way and you didn't. Come ask again. It could be you didn't. Come ask again. It could be you didn't. Come ask again. It could be confession, some things you need to confession, some things you need to confession, some things you need to repent of something from the teaching repent of something from the teaching repent of something from the teaching today. Equally, can I just normalize it? today. Equally, can I just normalize it? today. Equally, can I just normalize it? Like you might have a big test at school Like you might have a big test at school Like you might have a big test at school tomorrow. Why wouldn't you come ask for tomorrow. Why wouldn't you come ask for tomorrow. Why wouldn't you come ask for people in the church to pray for [music] people in the church to pray for [music] people in the church to pray for [music] you? You might have a business meeting you? You might have a business meeting you? You might have a business meeting this week. this week. this week. Come ask people to pray for you. You Come ask people to pray for you. You Come ask people to pray for you. You might be going through something in your might be going through something in your might be going through something in your marriage. Would you ask like pray for marriage. Would you ask like pray for marriage. Would you ask like pray for them? Of course, we would do that. them? Of course, we would do that. them? Of course, we would do that. That's what the church does. Either way, That's what the church does. Either way, That's what the church does. Either way, I want to I want to challenge you. This I want to I want to challenge you. This I want to I want to challenge you. This might be the only five minutes of your might be the only five minutes of your might be the only five minutes of your week where you're unhurried. week where you're unhurried. week where you're unhurried. and not distracted by screens and and not distracted by screens and and not distracted by screens and pressures and work. This [music] is your pressures and work. This [music] is your pressures and work. This [music] is your time to respond to God through sing, time to respond to God through sing, time to respond to God through sing, through bring, through pray. Then Pastor through bring, through pray. Then Pastor through bring, through pray. Then Pastor Jason's going to come up and dismiss us Jason's going to come up and dismiss us Jason's going to come up and dismiss us in a minute. So for now, church, worship in a minute. So for now, church, worship in a minute. So for now, church, worship well through singing, bringing, [music] well through singing, bringing, [music] well through singing, bringing, [music] praying.