Kings of Judah: Josiah

Good morning, church. Let's stand and Good morning, church. Let's stand and let's sing together. We're going to worship the Lord together We're going to worship the Lord together today. Let's be reminded of who he is to us as Let's be reminded of who he is to us as we sing this together. >> Blessed are those who run to him, who >> Blessed are those who run to him, who place their hope and confidence place their hope and confidence place their hope and confidence in Jesus. [music] in Jesus. [music] in Jesus. [music] He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. And blessed are those who seek his face, And blessed are those who seek his face, And blessed are those who seek his face, who bend their knee and fix their gaze who bend their knee and fix their gaze who bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus. on Jesus. on Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They won't [singing] be shaken. >> They won't [singing] be shaken. >> They won't [singing] be shaken. Come on and praise the Come on and praise the Come on and praise the Lord [singing] Lord [singing] Lord [singing] with me. [music] with me. [music] with me. [music] Oh, sing it beautiful Oh, sing it beautiful Oh, sing it beautiful this name. Just come and raise your Just come and raise your >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> voice with me.

with me. He's worthy of all He's worthy of all He's worthy of all >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> our praise. Blessed are those who walk Blessed are those who walk [music and singing] with him, whose [music and singing] with him, whose [music and singing] with him, whose hearts are set on fulfilling hearts are set on fulfilling hearts are set on fulfilling their mission with Jesus. their mission with Jesus. their mission with Jesus. They'll [music] see his glory. And blessed are those who And blessed are those who [singing and music] die [singing and music] die [singing and music] die and live whose joy and live whose joy and live whose joy is to give it all for Jesus. is to give it all for Jesus. is to give it all for Jesus. And for him all, only And for him all, only And for him all, only for Jesus. for Jesus. for Jesus. Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] All for your glory. All for your glory. All for your glory. >> Come on, let's praise him. >> Come on, let's praise him. >> Come on, let's praise him. >> Come on and praise the >> Come on and praise the >> Come on and praise the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the >> the >> the with [singing] me. with [singing] me. with [singing] me. Oh, sing if you Oh, sing if you Oh, sing if you adore adore adore His name. His name. His name. >> [music] >> Oh, come on >> Oh, come on >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> and wave >> and wave >> and wave your voice with me.

voice with me. He's worthy He's worthy He's worthy >> [singing] >> of all our praise. >> of all our praise. Only [music] He is worthy. Oh, come on Only [music] He is worthy. Oh, come on Only [music] He is worthy. Oh, come on and bring and bring and bring your offering. Oh, sing Oh, sing if you if you if you adore adore adore His grace. Oh, come Oh, come on and wave on and wave on and wave up your holy >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> hands. He's worthy >> hands. He's worthy >> hands. He's worthy of all of all of all our praise. our praise. our praise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes, He's worthy. >> Yes, He's worthy. >> Yes, He's worthy. >> [singing] >> Bless God when I sing to Him. >> Bless God when I sing to Him. Bless God with oils of plenty. Bless God with oils of plenty. Bless God with oils of plenty. Bless God in the darkest valley. Every Bless God in the darkest valley. Every Bless God in the darkest valley. Every chance [music] chance [music] chance [music] I get, I get, I get, I bless your name. I bless your name. I bless your name. >> Bless God when my >> Bless God when my >> Bless God when my hands are empty. hands are empty. hands are empty. Bless God when Bless God when Bless God when the cupboard's empty. the cupboard's empty. the cupboard's empty. Bless God when nobody's Bless God when nobody's Bless God when nobody's [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] watching. Every chance I get, watching. Every chance I get, watching. Every chance I get, I bless your name.

I bless your name. I bless your name. >> Bless God. >> Bless God. >> Bless God. >> Bless God. >> Bless God. >> Bless God. >> Bless God when I have no offense [music] >> Bless God when I have no offense [music] >> Bless God when I have no offense [music] for you. for you. for you. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God when the walls are falling. Bless God cuz He goes before you. Bless God cuz He goes before you. Bless God cuz He goes before you. Every chance [music] I get, Every chance [music] I get, Every chance [music] I get, I bless your name. I bless your name. I bless your name. Bless God for He holds Bless God for He holds Bless God for He holds the victory. the victory. the victory. Bless God for He's [music] always Bless God for He's [music] always Bless God for He's [music] always worthy. worthy. worthy. Bless God for He's always worthy. Bless God for He's always worthy. Bless God for He's always worthy. Every chance I get, Every chance I get, Every chance I get, I bless your name. I bless your name. I bless your name. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Right here >> Right here >> Right here today. today. today. Every chance I [music] get, Every chance I [music] get, Every chance I [music] get, I bless your name. I bless your name. I bless your name. >> Bless the name of the >> Bless the name of the >> Bless the name of the >> Every chance [music] >> Every chance [music] >> Every chance [music] I get, I get, I get, come on come on come on and wave. [singing] [singing] [music] >> Yeah, Lord, you are worthy to [music] be

>> Yeah, Lord, you are worthy to [music] be praised today and we remember who you praised today and we remember who you praised today and we remember who you are. You're a God of covenant are. You're a God of covenant are. You're a God of covenant faithfulness to us. faithfulness to us. faithfulness to us. So, as we tell you this morning that we So, as we tell you this morning that we So, as we tell you this morning that we need you, we remember that you're need you, we remember that you're need you, we remember that you're faithful, you're a provider. faithful, you're a provider. faithful, you're a provider. You are all that we need. You are all that we need. You are all that we need. Let's sing this together. Let's sing this together. Let's sing this together. >> I'm calling on [music and singing] the >> I'm calling on [music and singing] the >> I'm calling on [music and singing] the God of Jacob. Whose love [music] endures through Whose love [music] endures through generations. generations. generations. And we know this today. And we know this today. And we know this today. I know [music] that she will keep your I know [music] that she will keep your I know [music] that she will keep your covenant. [singing] covenant. [singing] covenant. [singing] Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm calling on [music and singing] God I'm calling on [music and singing] God I'm calling on [music and singing] God of Moses. The one who [music and singing] opened The one who [music and singing] opened up the ocean. And I need [music] you now to [singing] And I need [music] you now to [singing] do the same thing for me. do the same thing for me. do the same thing for me. >> Just call on today. Tell them that you >> Just call on today. Tell them that you >> Just call on today. Tell them that you need him. Lift it up to him.

need him. Lift it up to him. need him. Lift it up to him. >> Oh >> Oh >> Oh God, [music] my [singing] God, God, [music] my [singing] God, God, [music] my [singing] God, I need you. I need you. I need you. Oh God, my God, I need you Oh God, my God, I need you Oh God, my God, I need you now. now. now. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> How >> How >> How I need you I need you I need you now. [singing] Oh rock, oh rock of Oh rock, oh rock of ages, [music and singing] I'm standing ages, [music and singing] I'm standing ages, [music and singing] I'm standing on your faithfulness. On your [singing and music] On your [singing and music] faithfulness. I'm calling on the [music and singing] I'm calling on the [music and singing] God God God of Mary. Whose favor [music and singing] rests Whose favor [music and singing] rests upon the lowly. Maybe you need to hear upon the lowly. Maybe you need to hear upon the lowly. Maybe you need to hear this today. this today. this today. I know with you all [singing and music] I know with you all [singing and music] I know with you all [singing and music] things are possible. I'm calling [music] I'm calling [music] on the [singing] God of David.

Who made a shepherd [music] Who made a shepherd [music] courageous. I [music] may not face Goliath, I [music] may not face Goliath, but I've got [singing] my own giants. Oh but I've got [singing] my own giants. Oh but I've got [singing] my own giants. Oh God, my God, I need you. God, my God, I need you. God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my [music and singing] God, I Oh God, my [music and singing] God, I Oh God, my [music and singing] God, I need you need you need you now. now. now. How I need [singing] you How I need [singing] you How I need [singing] you now. You're the rock of ages. now. You're the rock of ages. now. You're the rock of ages. Oh rock, oh Oh, rock [singing and music] Oh rock, oh Oh, rock [singing and music] Oh rock, oh Oh, rock [singing and music] of of of ages, ages, ages, I'm standing on your faithfulness. I'm standing on your faithfulness. I'm standing on your faithfulness. [singing] [singing] [singing] On your faithfulness. [music] Oh, God, my God, [singing] Oh, God, my God, [singing] I need you. Oh, God, [music] my God, I I need you. Oh, God, [music] my God, I I need you. Oh, God, [music] my God, I need you need you need you now. now. now. How I [singing] need you How I [singing] need you How I [singing] need you now. Oh, rock, [music and singing] oh, rock Oh, rock, [music and singing] oh, rock of of of ages, I'm standing on your faithfulness. On your faithfulness.

On your faithfulness. >> [singing] >> Yes, you're faithful, Lord. >> Yes, you're faithful, Lord. He hears us when we pray. Can we just He hears us when we pray. Can we just He hears us when we pray. Can we just lift this up to him? Be reminded today. lift this up to him? Be reminded today. lift this up to him? Be reminded today. You've heard your children. You've heard your children. You've heard your children. You hear your children. Cuz why? You hear your children. Cuz why? You hear your children. Cuz why? Cuz you [music] are the same God. Cuz you [music] are the same God. Cuz you [music] are the same God. You are the same God. You are the same God. You are the same God. You answered prayers back then. And you You answered prayers back then. And you You answered prayers back then. And you [music] will answer cuz we know that you [music] will answer cuz we know that you [music] will answer cuz we know that you are the same [music] God. You are are the same [music] God. You are are the same [music] God. You are [singing] the same God. [singing] the same God. [singing] the same God. You were providing [music and singing] You were providing [music and singing] You were providing [music and singing] then. You are providing then. You are providing then. You are providing now. now. now. You are [music and singing] the same You are [music and singing] the same You are [music and singing] the same God. You are the same God. You moved in God. You are the same God. You moved in God. You are the same God. You moved in power power power >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> then. >> then. >> then. God moved in power God moved in power God moved in power now.

now. now. You [singing] are the same [music] God. You [singing] are the same [music] God. You [singing] are the same [music] God. He's our healer You were You were our healer our healer our healer >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> then. You >> then. You >> then. You are our healer are our healer are our healer now. now. now. You You You >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> are the same >> are the same >> are the same God. God. God. You are the same You're still a savior You're still a savior >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> now. You are the same >> now. You are the same >> now. You are the same God. God. God. You are the same You are the same You are the same God. God. God. Oh God, [music] my God, I need you. Oh God, [music] my God, I need you. Oh God, [music] my God, I need you. Oh Oh Oh God, my God, God, my God, God, my God, I need you I need you I need you now. now. now. How How How >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I need >> I need >> I need you now. Oh Oh rock rock rock of ages, of ages, of ages, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm standing >> I'm standing >> I'm standing >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> on your faithfulness. >> on your faithfulness. >> on your faithfulness. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> On your faithfulness. >> On your faithfulness. >> On your faithfulness. Oh, we need Oh, we need Oh, we need you. Oh God, my God, you. Oh God, my God, you. Oh God, my God, I need you.

I need you. I need you. Oh God, my God, Oh God, my God, Oh God, my God, I need I need I need you now. you now. you now. How How How >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I need you >> I need you >> I need you now. Oh rock of Oh rock of >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> ages, >> ages, >> ages, I'm standing I'm standing I'm standing >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> on your faithfulness. >> on your faithfulness. >> on your faithfulness. On your [music] On your [music] On your [music] On your faithfulness. On your faithfulness. On your faithfulness. >> [music] >> Just one last time, tell him you need >> Just one last time, tell him you need him today. him today. him today. Oh God, my God, I need Oh God, my God, I need Oh God, my God, I need Oh God, my God Oh God, my God Oh God, my God Yes, we do, Lord. We need you. Yes, we do, Lord. We need you. Yes, we do, Lord. We need you. How I need you How I need you How I need you now. Oh rock of Oh rock of >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> ages, >> ages, >> ages, I'm standing on your faithfulness. Yes, Lord, we are Yes, Lord, we are We're standing on your faithfulness We're standing on your faithfulness We're standing on your faithfulness today.

today. today. We're counting on you this morning to We're counting on you this morning to We're counting on you this morning to move in power. We're counting on you to move in power. We're counting on you to move in power. We're counting on you to be our healer. be our healer. be our healer. We're counting on you to be the savior. We're counting on you to be the savior. We're counting on you to be the savior. We're counting on you to be the We're counting on you to be the We're counting on you to be the provider. Few hundred different people in this Few hundred different people in this room all with different needs. Not one room all with different needs. Not one room all with different needs. Not one of them you are unaware of. of them you are unaware of. of them you are unaware of. You see every single person [music] in You see every single person [music] in You see every single person [music] in this room and none of us are here today this room and none of us are here today this room and none of us are here today on accident. on accident. on accident. And so we're going to lean in And so we're going to lean in And so we're going to lean in and we're going to listen for your voice and we're going to listen for your voice and we're going to listen for your voice today as we open up your word. today as we open up your word. today as we open up your word. And I pray that you would move in power, And I pray that you would move in power, And I pray that you would move in power, God. We need you now. God. We need you now. God. We need you now. Pray these things in Christ's name. Pray these things in Christ's name. Pray these things in Christ's name. Everybody said together, Everybody said together, Everybody said together, amen. You all can have a seat. >> Amen. >> Amen. Well, if you're new or visiting, my name Well, if you're new or visiting, my name Well, if you're new or visiting, my name is Tyler. I'm one of the pastors of the is Tyler. I'm one of the pastors of the is Tyler. I'm one of the pastors of the Austin Stone. If you have a Bible, open Austin Stone. If you have a Bible, open Austin Stone. If you have a Bible, open up to 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings where we're up to 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings where we're up to 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings where we're going to be. going to be. going to be. Uh we're actually coming to the final Uh we're actually coming to the final Uh we're actually coming to the final weeks of our expansive series covering weeks of our expansive series covering weeks of our expansive series covering the Old Testament kings of Judah.

the Old Testament kings of Judah. the Old Testament kings of Judah. And our hope our hope has been through And our hope our hope has been through And our hope our hope has been through this winding series is that in an age this winding series is that in an age this winding series is that in an age obsessed with analyzing, fretting, and obsessed with analyzing, fretting, and obsessed with analyzing, fretting, and warring over leaders and ideas and our warring over leaders and ideas and our warring over leaders and ideas and our sense of a future that we would sense of a future that we would sense of a future that we would collectively slow down collectively slow down collectively slow down and look back at ancient generations and look back at ancient generations and look back at ancient generations through God's word to see how God is through God's word to see how God is through God's word to see how God is faithful to his promises and his people faithful to his promises and his people faithful to his promises and his people through fragile kings, through fragile through fragile kings, through fragile through fragile kings, through fragile kingdoms, and through fragile cultural kingdoms, and through fragile cultural kingdoms, and through fragile cultural moments. That we as a church, as the moments. That we as a church, as the moments. That we as a church, as the Austin Stone, and that any anyone who Austin Stone, and that any anyone who Austin Stone, and that any anyone who wants to follow Jesus with us, and if wants to follow Jesus with us, and if wants to follow Jesus with us, and if you're here and you're checking out you're here and you're checking out you're here and you're checking out faith or checking out our church, I'm faith or checking out our church, I'm faith or checking out our church, I'm really glad that you're here. That we really glad that you're here. That we really glad that you're here. That we would not be studied by our strategies. would not be studied by our strategies. would not be studied by our strategies. That we would not be studied by our That we would not be studied by our That we would not be studied by our strength. That we would be studied by by strength. That we would be studied by by strength. That we would be studied by by presence and hope we have in God cuz presence and hope we have in God cuz presence and hope we have in God cuz everything else is fragile. That's the everything else is fragile. That's the everything else is fragile. That's the hope of this series. And so, I get the hope of this series. And so, I get the hope of this series. And so, I get the privilege of teaching the last great privilege of teaching the last great privilege of teaching the last great king of Judah, Josiah. After this, next king of Judah, Josiah. After this, next king of Judah, Josiah. After this, next 2 weeks falls apart. So, buckle up for 2 weeks falls apart. So, buckle up for 2 weeks falls apart. So, buckle up for that. But today, we have a last great that. But today, we have a last great that. But today, we have a last great king and two points from the sermon king and two points from the sermon king and two points from the sermon today.

today. today. God's word reveals God's word reveals God's word reveals ultimate reality in our hearts ultimate reality in our hearts ultimate reality in our hearts and the mystery of God's judgment and and the mystery of God's judgment and and the mystery of God's judgment and grace. So, the first point, God's word grace. So, the first point, God's word grace. So, the first point, God's word it reveals it reveals it reveals ultimate reality in our hearts. Look at ultimate reality in our hearts. Look at ultimate reality in our hearts. Look at 2 Chronicles 34 introducing Josiah to 2 Chronicles 34 introducing Josiah to 2 Chronicles 34 introducing Josiah to us. us. us. Josiah was 8 years old when he became Josiah was 8 years old when he became Josiah was 8 years old when he became king king king and he reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. and he reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. and he reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. He did what was right in the Lord's He did what was right in the Lord's He did what was right in the Lord's sight and walked in the ways of his sight and walked in the ways of his sight and walked in the ways of his ancestor David. He did not turn aside ancestor David. He did not turn aside ancestor David. He did not turn aside to the right or to the left. to the right or to the left. to the right or to the left. And in the 8th year of his reign, while And in the 8th year of his reign, while And in the 8th year of his reign, while he was still a youth, he was still a youth, he was still a youth, Josiah began to seek the God of his Josiah began to seek the God of his Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. And in the 12th year, he ancestor David. And in the 12th year, he ancestor David. And in the 12th year, he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the the high places, the Asherah poles, the the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved images, and the cast images. carved images, and the cast images. carved images, and the cast images. Josiah is a uniquely great and faithful Josiah is a uniquely great and faithful Josiah is a uniquely great and faithful king. So much so that the author ties king. So much so that the author ties king. So much so that the author ties him to David, the man after God's own him to David, the man after God's own him to David, the man after God's own heart and his devotion to what was true heart and his devotion to what was true heart and his devotion to what was true and good and beautiful according to and good and beautiful according to and good and beautiful according to God's word. And he began in his 8th year God's word. And he began in his 8th year God's word. And he began in his 8th year means he was 16 years old.

means he was 16 years old. means he was 16 years old. He began to seek God. He began to seek God. He began to seek God. And his seeking of God did not result in And his seeking of God did not result in And his seeking of God did not result in theoretical musings or just theoretical musings or just theoretical musings or just proclamations of faith, but it proclamations of faith, but it proclamations of faith, but it emboldened him in his early 20s to emboldened him in his early 20s to emboldened him in his early 20s to cleanse God's people of their public and cleanse God's people of their public and cleanse God's people of their public and formal false worship that degraded formal false worship that degraded formal false worship that degraded themselves themselves themselves and belittled their God. You know what's and belittled their God. You know what's and belittled their God. You know what's interesting about what his leadership is interesting about what his leadership is interesting about what his leadership is doing? He is actively undoing the work doing? He is actively undoing the work doing? He is actively undoing the work of his father and grandfather. of his father and grandfather. of his father and grandfather. He is actively undoing the work of his He is actively undoing the work of his He is actively undoing the work of his father and grandfather. For 50 plus father and grandfather. For 50 plus father and grandfather. For 50 plus years, they led Israel into all and and years, they led Israel into all and and years, they led Israel into all and and Judah into all sorts of rebellion and Judah into all sorts of rebellion and Judah into all sorts of rebellion and darkness. darkness. darkness. This is a great king. This is a great king. This is a great king. And as this young king begins these And as this young king begins these And as this young king begins these reforms, they discover something in the reforms, they discover something in the reforms, they discover something in the temple that had been lost. Look at 2 temple that had been lost. Look at 2 temple that had been lost. Look at 2 Kings 22:8. Kings 22:8. Kings 22:8. The high priest Hilkiah says this. He The high priest Hilkiah says this. He The high priest Hilkiah says this. He says, "I have found the book of the law. says, "I have found the book of the law. says, "I have found the book of the law. I have found the book of the law in the I have found the book of the law in the I have found the book of the law in the Lord's temple." 2 Kings Lord's temple." 2 Kings Lord's temple." 2 Kings uh a couple verses down, verse 10.

uh a couple verses down, verse 10. uh a couple verses down, verse 10. It says, "The priest Hilkiah was has It says, "The priest Hilkiah was has It says, "The priest Hilkiah was has given me a book." The given me a book." The given me a book." The Shaphan told the king, "Has given me a Shaphan told the king, "Has given me a Shaphan told the king, "Has given me a book." And Shaphan read it in the book." And Shaphan read it in the book." And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. And when the king presence of the king. And when the king presence of the king. And when the king heard the words of the book of the law, heard the words of the book of the law, heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. he tore his clothes. he tore his clothes. They found this book. They found this book. They found this book. And the king hears it. And the king hears it. And the king hears it. And he's mourning. And he's mourning. And he's mourning. So, he says this in verse 13. "Go and So, he says this in verse 13. "Go and So, he says this in verse 13. "Go and inquire of the Lord for me, for the inquire of the Lord for me, for the inquire of the Lord for me, for the people, for all Judah about the words in people, for all Judah about the words in people, for all Judah about the words in this book that has been found. this book that has been found. this book that has been found. For great is the Lord's wrath that is For great is the Lord's wrath that is For great is the Lord's wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors kindled against us because our ancestors kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book have not obeyed the words of this book have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about in order to do everything written about in order to do everything written about us." So, they're in the process. I mean, us." So, they're in the process. I mean, us." So, they're in the process. I mean, this is 50-plus years of darkness and this is 50-plus years of darkness and this is 50-plus years of darkness and rebellion in Judah. And so, they're rebellion in Judah. And so, they're rebellion in Judah. And so, they're repairing the temple of worship. And as repairing the temple of worship. And as repairing the temple of worship. And as they're repairing the temple of worship, they're repairing the temple of worship, they're repairing the temple of worship, the high priest finds the book of the the high priest finds the book of the the high priest finds the book of the law. Now, we're not told this explicitly law. Now, we're not told this explicitly law. Now, we're not told this explicitly in the text, but most commentators agree in the text, but most commentators agree in the text, but most commentators agree the book of the law they're describing the book of the law they're describing the book of the law they're describing is the book of Deuteronomy. is the book of Deuteronomy. is the book of Deuteronomy. And it may not be the whole book, but And it may not be the whole book, but And it may not be the whole book, but it's at least portions of the book. And it's at least portions of the book. And it's at least portions of the book. And I'm not sure how familiar you are with I'm not sure how familiar you are with I'm not sure how familiar you are with the first five books of the Bible, the first five books of the Bible, the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. But, it's important for you Deuteronomy. But, it's important for you Deuteronomy. But, it's important for you to know, especially if you're newer to to know, especially if you're newer to to know, especially if you're newer to the Bible.

the Bible. the Bible. The whole Bible, all that God has said, The whole Bible, all that God has said, The whole Bible, all that God has said, hangs on those first five books. Jesus hangs on those first five books. Jesus hangs on those first five books. Jesus himself, when he shows up and teaches, himself, when he shows up and teaches, himself, when he shows up and teaches, he affirms the authority of those books, he affirms the authority of those books, he affirms the authority of those books, the God the God-inspired nature of those the God the God-inspired nature of those the God the God-inspired nature of those books, and he teaches from them and goes books, and he teaches from them and goes books, and he teaches from them and goes further than them and he fulfills them. further than them and he fulfills them. further than them and he fulfills them. And so Deuteronomy is Moses' final And so Deuteronomy is Moses' final And so Deuteronomy is Moses' final extended teaching to God's people before extended teaching to God's people before extended teaching to God's people before he dies and before they enter the he dies and before they enter the he dies and before they enter the promised land. And one of the features promised land. And one of the features promised land. And one of the features of Deuteronomy, kind of the summation of of Deuteronomy, kind of the summation of of Deuteronomy, kind of the summation of all that God had done up to that point, all that God had done up to that point, all that God had done up to that point, is there's this stark promise given. is there's this stark promise given. is there's this stark promise given. This is the nature and this is hard for This is the nature and this is hard for This is the nature and this is hard for us. We we come into this place and we us. We we come into this place and we us. We we come into this place and we have a lot of like gray areas in our have a lot of like gray areas in our have a lot of like gray areas in our life and a lot of things that we're not life and a lot of things that we're not life and a lot of things that we're not quite sure what to do, but then you show quite sure what to do, but then you show quite sure what to do, but then you show up and you get around God and things up and you get around God and things up and you get around God and things become very stark. become very stark. become very stark. And and Moses tells the people that And and Moses tells the people that And and Moses tells the people that there is great blessing for obedience. there is great blessing for obedience. there is great blessing for obedience. And there's great judgment for And there's great judgment for And there's great judgment for disobedience to God.

disobedience to God. disobedience to God. This is how he sums it up. So this is This is how he sums it up. So this is This is how he sums it up. So this is I'm going to read to you these three I'm going to read to you these three I'm going to read to you these three verses from Deuteronomy 30 to give you a verses from Deuteronomy 30 to give you a verses from Deuteronomy 30 to give you a sense of what did Josiah just hear? What sense of what did Josiah just hear? What sense of what did Josiah just hear? What was read to him? was read to him? was read to him? Most likely Most likely Most likely this sort of stark reality. Moses says this sort of stark reality. Moses says this sort of stark reality. Moses says this, "See, this, "See, this, "See, I set before you today life and I set before you today life and I set before you today life and prosperity, prosperity, prosperity, death and destruction. death and destruction. death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord For I command you today to love the Lord For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, your God, to walk in obedience to him, your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, decrees, and laws, to keep his commands, decrees, and laws, to keep his commands, decrees, and laws, and then you will live and then you will live and then you will live and then you will increase, and the Lord and then you will increase, and the Lord and then you will increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you your God will bless you in the land you your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Blessing for are entering to possess. Blessing for are entering to possess. Blessing for obedience. obedience. obedience. But But But if your heart turns away and you are not if your heart turns away and you are not if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, obedient, obedient, if you're drawn away to bow down to if you're drawn away to bow down to if you're drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, other gods and worship them, other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will I declare to you this day that you will I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. certainly be destroyed. certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you You will not live long in the land you You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and are crossing the Jordan to enter and are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. Judgment possess. Judgment possess. Judgment for disobedience.

for disobedience. for disobedience. See, for more than half a century See, for more than half a century See, for more than half a century these truths of the book of the law have these truths of the book of the law have these truths of the book of the law have been lying dormant in the temple and no been lying dormant in the temple and no been lying dormant in the temple and no one noticed. one noticed. one noticed. They've been forgotten. They've been forgotten. They've been forgotten. And think about knowledge, how rare it And think about knowledge, how rare it And think about knowledge, how rare it was at that time in the world. The world was at that time in the world. The world was at that time in the world. The world doesn't even have libraries yet, much doesn't even have libraries yet, much doesn't even have libraries yet, much less the internet. And so Josiah, he had less the internet. And so Josiah, he had less the internet. And so Josiah, he had been seeking God, but he'd been doing it been seeking God, but he'd been doing it been seeking God, but he'd been doing it without the piercing and specific without the piercing and specific without the piercing and specific clarity of God's word. So when he hears clarity of God's word. So when he hears clarity of God's word. So when he hears it, it, it, he's undone by it. he's undone by it. he's undone by it. When he hears it, When he hears it, When he hears it, all of a sudden it begins to make sense all of a sudden it begins to make sense all of a sudden it begins to make sense what has been happening in Judah. what has been happening in Judah. what has been happening in Judah. Because this is what God's word does. Because this is what God's word does. Because this is what God's word does. It reveals. It reveals. It reveals. It reveals what's truly going on, and It reveals what's truly going on, and It reveals what's truly going on, and Josiah is broken. Josiah is broken. Josiah is broken. He's broken over how justified God is in He's broken over how justified God is in He's broken over how justified God is in his judgment and displeasure in his own his judgment and displeasure in his own his judgment and displeasure in his own people. people. people. So he tears his clothes. So he tears his clothes. So he tears his clothes. And he tears his clothes not in a And he tears his clothes not in a And he tears his clothes not in a performative way, but to express his performative way, but to express his performative way, but to express his deep sorrow and lament.

deep sorrow and lament. deep sorrow and lament. And so what he does is he sends leaders, And so what he does is he sends leaders, And so what he does is he sends leaders, much like Hezekiah had done before him. much like Hezekiah had done before him. much like Hezekiah had done before him. He sends leaders to inquire of God from He sends leaders to inquire of God from He sends leaders to inquire of God from the prophetess Hulda. And here's what the prophetess Hulda. And here's what the prophetess Hulda. And here's what she says, 2 Kings 22:16. she says, 2 Kings 22:16. she says, 2 Kings 22:16. This is what the Lord says. This is what the Lord says. This is what the Lord says. I'm about to bring disaster on this I'm about to bring disaster on this I'm about to bring disaster on this place place place and on its inhabitants, fulfilling all and on its inhabitants, fulfilling all and on its inhabitants, fulfilling all the words of the book the king of Judah the words of the book the king of Judah the words of the book the king of Judah has read. Because they have abandoned me has read. Because they have abandoned me has read. Because they have abandoned me and burned incense to other gods in and burned incense to other gods in and burned incense to other gods in order to anger me with all the work of order to anger me with all the work of order to anger me with all the work of their hands. My wrath will be kindled their hands. My wrath will be kindled their hands. My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be against this place, and it will not be against this place, and it will not be quenched. quenched. quenched. Say this to the king of Judah who sent Say this to the king of Judah who sent Say this to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord. This is what you to inquire of the Lord. This is what you to inquire of the Lord. This is what the Lord God of Israel says, as for the the Lord God of Israel says, as for the the Lord God of Israel says, as for the words that you heard, because your heart words that you heard, because your heart words that you heard, because your heart was tender was tender was tender and you humbled yourself before the Lord and you humbled yourself before the Lord and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what what I spoke against when you heard what what I spoke against when you heard what what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, this place and against its inhabitants, this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and that they would become a desolation and that they would become a desolation and a curse, because you have torn your a curse, because you have torn your a curse, because you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I myself clothes and wept before me, I myself clothes and wept before me, I myself have heard. have heard. have heard. This is the Lord's declaration.

This is the Lord's declaration. This is the Lord's declaration. Therefore, I will indeed gather you to Therefore, I will indeed gather you to Therefore, I will indeed gather you to your ancestors, and you'll be gathered your ancestors, and you'll be gathered your ancestors, and you'll be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes, to your grave in peace. Your eyes, to your grave in peace. Your eyes, Josiah, will not see all the disaster Josiah, will not see all the disaster Josiah, will not see all the disaster that I'm bringing on this place. And that I'm bringing on this place. And that I'm bringing on this place. And they reported to the king. they reported to the king. they reported to the king. So, God responds. So, God responds. So, God responds. But, it's bad news and good news. The But, it's bad news and good news. The But, it's bad news and good news. The bad news is that Judah is too far gone. bad news is that Judah is too far gone. bad news is that Judah is too far gone. The bad news is that nothing is going to The bad news is that nothing is going to The bad news is that nothing is going to stop their judgment. Now, this is really stop their judgment. Now, this is really stop their judgment. Now, this is really important for us who who are all a important for us who who are all a important for us who who are all a little bit worried that God is some sort little bit worried that God is some sort little bit worried that God is some sort of tyrant or despot who at the first of tyrant or despot who at the first of tyrant or despot who at the first sign of failure, he is ready to pounce sign of failure, he is ready to pounce sign of failure, he is ready to pounce and judge and correct and punish. and judge and correct and punish. and judge and correct and punish. But, it's actually the exact opposite. But, it's actually the exact opposite. But, it's actually the exact opposite. I I need you to know that this judgment I I need you to know that this judgment I I need you to know that this judgment is coming at the end of an incredible is coming at the end of an incredible is coming at the end of an incredible amount of patience and long-suffering amount of patience and long-suffering amount of patience and long-suffering with these people. I mean, you can go with these people. I mean, you can go with these people. I mean, you can go all the all the way back to Abraham in all the all the way back to Abraham in all the all the way back to Abraham in Genesis. Let's let's go back to the very Genesis. Let's let's go back to the very Genesis. Let's let's go back to the very first king, Saul. Saul was a first king, Saul. Saul was a first king, Saul. Saul was a disappointment. Saul was a failure. That disappointment. Saul was a failure. That disappointment. Saul was a failure. That was 500 years before this moment, and was 500 years before this moment, and was 500 years before this moment, and God had been patient God had been patient God had been patient and long-suffering.

and long-suffering. and long-suffering. One of his character attributes is he is One of his character attributes is he is One of his character attributes is he is not quick to anger like you and me. not quick to anger like you and me. not quick to anger like you and me. He is slow. He is slow. He is slow. He has sent prophet after prophet. He He has sent prophet after prophet. He He has sent prophet after prophet. He had forgiven. He had relented. But, it had forgiven. He had relented. But, it had forgiven. He had relented. But, it had come to a point after Manasseh that had come to a point after Manasseh that had come to a point after Manasseh that to not bring judgment would be unjust to not bring judgment would be unjust to not bring judgment would be unjust To not bring judgment would be wrong. It To not bring judgment would be wrong. It To not bring judgment would be wrong. It would act as if degrading human beings would act as if degrading human beings would act as if degrading human beings and belittling God is okay. and belittling God is okay. and belittling God is okay. That's the bad news. That's the bad news. That's the bad news. But, the good news is that Josiah's But, the good news is that Josiah's But, the good news is that Josiah's response is so praiseworthy that God response is so praiseworthy that God response is so praiseworthy that God again, in his patience, in his love, he again, in his patience, in his love, he again, in his patience, in his love, he delays judgment again until after delays judgment again until after delays judgment again until after Josiah's death. We'll come back to this, Josiah's death. We'll come back to this, Josiah's death. We'll come back to this, but this just tells you how much power but this just tells you how much power but this just tells you how much power and blessing it is for a people to have and blessing it is for a people to have and blessing it is for a people to have leaders like this. leaders like this. leaders like this. To have leaders like this whose humility To have leaders like this whose humility To have leaders like this whose humility and zeal moves the heart of God to and zeal moves the heart of God to and zeal moves the heart of God to mercy. mercy. mercy. Now, there's an important distinction Now, there's an important distinction Now, there's an important distinction about the uniqueness of Josiah that I about the uniqueness of Josiah that I about the uniqueness of Josiah that I need us to really lean in on.

need us to really lean in on. need us to really lean in on. The uniqueness of Josiah is not that he The uniqueness of Josiah is not that he The uniqueness of Josiah is not that he heard God's word. heard God's word. heard God's word. It's how he responded to God's word. It's how he responded to God's word. It's how he responded to God's word. Verse 19, Verse 19, Verse 19, he says, "Because he says, "Because he says, "Because your heart was tender. your heart was tender. your heart was tender. Because you humbled yourself. Because Because you humbled yourself. Because Because you humbled yourself. Because you've torn your clothes and wept before you've torn your clothes and wept before you've torn your clothes and wept before me." Josiah, he heard God's word, but me." Josiah, he heard God's word, but me." Josiah, he heard God's word, but then he believed it. then he believed it. then he believed it. And he responded accordingly. And he responded accordingly. And he responded accordingly. Plenty of kings had heard God's word. Plenty of kings had heard God's word. Plenty of kings had heard God's word. Plenty of God's people had heard his Plenty of God's people had heard his Plenty of God's people had heard his word. word. word. But not many had believed it and obeyed But not many had believed it and obeyed But not many had believed it and obeyed it. it. it. This was the fundamental problem with This was the fundamental problem with This was the fundamental problem with Israel and Judah. Israel and Judah. Israel and Judah. They didn't lack access to God's word. I They didn't lack access to God's word. I They didn't lack access to God's word. I mean, the book of Romans is Paul trying mean, the book of Romans is Paul trying mean, the book of Romans is Paul trying to unpack to the church what happened to to unpack to the church what happened to to unpack to the church what happened to God's people in the Old Testament God's people in the Old Testament God's people in the Old Testament because they had God's word, but it because they had God's word, but it because they had God's word, but it didn't produce the result it was didn't produce the result it was didn't produce the result it was supposed to. Does that mean God's word supposed to. Does that mean God's word supposed to. Does that mean God's word is ineffectual? Is that what that means? is ineffectual? Is that what that means? is ineffectual? Is that what that means? No.

No. No. The problem was not their hearing, it The problem was not their hearing, it The problem was not their hearing, it was the obeying and believing. was the obeying and believing. was the obeying and believing. And the same is true in the church And the same is true in the church And the same is true in the church today. today. today. We either We either We either we either do this as a church. we either do this as a church. we either do this as a church. Forget Forget Forget or grow dull towards God's word. or grow dull towards God's word. or grow dull towards God's word. So, let me give you let's walk through So, let me give you let's walk through So, let me give you let's walk through both of these. both of these. both of these. We forget We forget We forget God's word. God's word. God's word. This is our struggle today. This is our struggle today. This is our struggle today. See, Josiah, part of the reason he See, Josiah, part of the reason he See, Josiah, part of the reason he responds the way that he does, I mean, responds the way that he does, I mean, responds the way that he does, I mean, think about this. think about this. think about this. He had never heard the book of the law He had never heard the book of the law He had never heard the book of the law before. before. before. He had never heard those pronouncements He had never heard those pronouncements He had never heard those pronouncements before. So, he responds as if it's brand before. So, he responds as if it's brand before. So, he responds as if it's brand new information, because it is. Now, our new information, because it is. Now, our new information, because it is. Now, our problem as a church is not lack of problem as a church is not lack of problem as a church is not lack of access to information. access to information. access to information. Our problem is a deluge of information, Our problem is a deluge of information, Our problem is a deluge of information, a very broad realities about God. a very broad realities about God. a very broad realities about God. More than maybe we would like to admit, More than maybe we would like to admit, More than maybe we would like to admit, our intake of the word of God can often our intake of the word of God can often our intake of the word of God can often be supplanted by Tik Toks and Reels and be supplanted by Tik Toks and Reels and be supplanted by Tik Toks and Reels and scrolls through people's proclamations scrolls through people's proclamations scrolls through people's proclamations about what God is like.

about what God is like. about what God is like. Or we put in a podcast on the way to Or we put in a podcast on the way to Or we put in a podcast on the way to something and hear someone else's something and hear someone else's something and hear someone else's interpretation of what God's word says interpretation of what God's word says interpretation of what God's word says as our mind drifts towards work and as our mind drifts towards work and as our mind drifts towards work and relationship and the worries of our relationship and the worries of our relationship and the worries of our lives. Now, hear me, that's not all bad. lives. Now, hear me, that's not all bad. lives. Now, hear me, that's not all bad. There are plenty of valuable voices and There are plenty of valuable voices and There are plenty of valuable voices and resources, but here's what happens. resources, but here's what happens. resources, but here's what happens. We can very easily confuse someone's We can very easily confuse someone's We can very easily confuse someone's interpretation about what God's word interpretation about what God's word interpretation about what God's word says and what God has actually said. says and what God has actually said. says and what God has actually said. And then we begin to think that that And then we begin to think that that And then we begin to think that that interpretation is what the text says. interpretation is what the text says. interpretation is what the text says. Because you need more you need more Because you need more you need more Because you need more you need more than broad categories that just God is than broad categories that just God is than broad categories that just God is love, though that's important. You need love, though that's important. You need love, though that's important. You need specificity that only text can bring. specificity that only text can bring. specificity that only text can bring. You need precision and power of specific You need precision and power of specific You need precision and power of specific promises. promises. promises. When I'm anxious, I don't just need When I'm anxious, I don't just need When I'm anxious, I don't just need general realities of God. I need him to general realities of God. I need him to general realities of God. I need him to cut through and tell me how the God of cut through and tell me how the God of cut through and tell me how the God of peace will dwell with me. peace will dwell with me. peace will dwell with me. As I give thanks to him.

As I give thanks to him. As I give thanks to him. As I let all my requests be made known As I let all my requests be made known As I let all my requests be made known to God and with Thanksgiving. to God and with Thanksgiving. to God and with Thanksgiving. I need that promise. I need that promise. I need that promise. I don't need to know I'm forgiven I don't need to know I'm forgiven I don't need to know I'm forgiven generally. I need to know that God is generally. I need to know that God is generally. I need to know that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our faithful and just to forgive us of our faithful and just to forgive us of our sins if we confess them to him. sins if we confess them to him. sins if we confess them to him. We need the specificity of text to warn We need the specificity of text to warn We need the specificity of text to warn us, to convict us. You need that you us, to convict us. You need that you us, to convict us. You need that you your guilt and your shame and your fear your guilt and your shame and your fear your guilt and your shame and your fear and your paralysis and your selfishness and your paralysis and your selfishness and your paralysis and your selfishness and mine, too, they're too strong for and mine, too, they're too strong for and mine, too, they're too strong for just broad categories. We need text to just broad categories. We need text to just broad categories. We need text to cling to. cling to. cling to. Hebrews 4:12 says this, "For the word of Hebrews 4:12 says this, "For the word of Hebrews 4:12 says this, "For the word of God, not my interpretation, not yours, God, not my interpretation, not yours, God, not my interpretation, not yours, the word of God is living. the word of God is living. the word of God is living. And it's effective. And it's effective. And it's effective. It's effective. And it's sharper than It's effective. And it's sharper than It's effective. And it's sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as any double-edged sword, penetrating as any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as separation of soul and spirit, far as separation of soul and spirit, far as separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge joints and marrow. It is able to judge joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and the intentions of the the thoughts and the intentions of the the thoughts and the intentions of the heart." heart." heart." This is what good preaching does, by the This is what good preaching does, by the This is what good preaching does, by the way. way. way. Good preaching is meant to take specific Good preaching is meant to take specific Good preaching is meant to take specific text and press them on your life and not text and press them on your life and not text and press them on your life and not let you wiggle out from underneath it let you wiggle out from underneath it let you wiggle out from underneath it because you are meant to know the word because you are meant to know the word because you are meant to know the word of God is for you and for your life and of God is for you and for your life and of God is for you and for your life and what it does in your life is meant to what it does in your life is meant to what it does in your life is meant to produce fruit of joy and love. But how produce fruit of joy and love. But how produce fruit of joy and love. But how do you do that? You need the word of God do you do that? You need the word of God do you do that? You need the word of God applied to you. That's why you have applied to you. That's why you have applied to you. That's why you have pastors. That's why you have leaders to pastors. That's why you have leaders to pastors. That's why you have leaders to equip you for the work of ministry so equip you for the work of ministry so equip you for the work of ministry so you would know what it means to know you would know what it means to know you would know what it means to know God. We are not here trying to have a God. We are not here trying to have a God. We are not here trying to have a couple of people who know God and couple of people who know God and couple of people who know God and everyone else hope that they really know everyone else hope that they really know everyone else hope that they really know God. We are here to make sure that from God. We are here to make sure that from God. We are here to make sure that from the greatest to the least to the all the

the greatest to the least to the all the the greatest to the least to the all the people of God know him for themselves. people of God know him for themselves. people of God know him for themselves. He's adopted all of his people as his He's adopted all of his people as his He's adopted all of his people as his children, not just a few, children, not just a few, children, not just a few, but we forget. but we forget. but we forget. We crowd out. We crowd out. We crowd out. We settle. We settle. We settle. So, we forget God's word, but secondly, So, we forget God's word, but secondly, So, we forget God's word, but secondly, we grow dull we grow dull we grow dull towards God's word. towards God's word. towards God's word. Josiah's response is so refreshing, Josiah's response is so refreshing, Josiah's response is so refreshing, so inspiring, so convicting because he's so inspiring, so convicting because he's so inspiring, so convicting because he's modeling for you and for me what is a modeling for you and for me what is a modeling for you and for me what is a life of love for God and neighbor really life of love for God and neighbor really life of love for God and neighbor really look like in in response to God's word. look like in in response to God's word. look like in in response to God's word. He's showing us when God's word tells He's showing us when God's word tells He's showing us when God's word tells you that you failed. you that you failed. you that you failed. It should produce sorrow. It should produce sorrow. It should produce sorrow. It should produce brokenness It should produce brokenness It should produce brokenness and confession and repentance and crying and confession and repentance and crying and confession and repentance and crying out for mercy. It should. out for mercy. It should. out for mercy. It should. And when God's word says, "You're And when God's word says, "You're And when God's word says, "You're forgiven, you're loved, you're purposed, forgiven, you're loved, you're purposed, forgiven, you're loved, you're purposed, you have a future." It should produce you have a future." It should produce you have a future." It should produce joy, joy, joy, and zeal, and confidence, and love.

and zeal, and confidence, and love. and zeal, and confidence, and love. It should produce a life of worship. It should produce a life of worship. It should produce a life of worship. Should produce a life of love in Should produce a life of love in Should produce a life of love in response to his word in whatever response to his word in whatever response to his word in whatever direction it takes us. But, here's where direction it takes us. But, here's where direction it takes us. But, here's where I need us to get out of kind of church I need us to get out of kind of church I need us to get out of kind of church mode and be honest. mode and be honest. mode and be honest. But, is that our real and lived But, is that our real and lived But, is that our real and lived experience? This is a crucial distinction for us as This is a crucial distinction for us as a church to make, especially a church a church to make, especially a church a church to make, especially a church that I think has a good and right high that I think has a good and right high that I think has a good and right high value of God's word. value of God's word. value of God's word. Reading and listening to the Bible Reading and listening to the Bible Reading and listening to the Bible does not always produce that sort of does not always produce that sort of does not always produce that sort of response in us. response in us. response in us. Let me be the first to say this so you Let me be the first to say this so you Let me be the first to say this so you can. can. can. It doesn't always produce that response It doesn't always produce that response It doesn't always produce that response in us. in us. in us. See, the assumption is if I read the See, the assumption is if I read the See, the assumption is if I read the Bible and I hear the Bible, Bible and I hear the Bible, Bible and I hear the Bible, then I'll then I'll then I'll then I'll believe what it says. then I'll believe what it says. then I'll believe what it says. If I hear about God's love, then I'll If I hear about God's love, then I'll If I hear about God's love, then I'll necessarily believe in God's love. If I necessarily believe in God's love. If I necessarily believe in God's love. If I read a command, then I'll obey that read a command, then I'll obey that read a command, then I'll obey that command. If I read a promise, I'll command. If I read a promise, I'll command. If I read a promise, I'll believe the promise. And that does believe the promise. And that does believe the promise. And that does happen sometimes.

happen sometimes. happen sometimes. But, how often But, how often But, how often does it not? does it not? does it not? How often is our experience the How often is our experience the How often is our experience the opposite? opposite? opposite? How often do we want to believe? Do we How often do we want to believe? Do we How often do we want to believe? Do we want to obey? You come in here and want to obey? You come in here and want to obey? You come in here and you're wanting fresh faith, you're wanting fresh faith, you're wanting fresh faith, but nothing in you seems to turn. but nothing in you seems to turn. but nothing in you seems to turn. How often we come to the scriptures and How often we come to the scriptures and How often we come to the scriptures and we want to hear from God, but the book we want to hear from God, but the book we want to hear from God, but the book the Bible can seem pretty unclear at the Bible can seem pretty unclear at the Bible can seem pretty unclear at times. times. times. And the more haunting one is how awfully And the more haunting one is how awfully And the more haunting one is how awfully quiet the Bible can seem to us. You can hear a preacher like me plead You can hear a preacher like me plead with you to see and respond to God with you to see and respond to God with you to see and respond to God and you walk out of here and feel no and you walk out of here and feel no and you walk out of here and feel no different. different. different. What is happening? What is happening? What is happening? Is the Bible ineffective? Is the Bible ineffective? Is the Bible ineffective? Are we incapable? Are we incapable? Are we incapable? See, Josiah is unique in his response See, Josiah is unique in his response See, Josiah is unique in his response because our our because our our because our our leaders included leaders included leaders included our default posture is to grow dull our default posture is to grow dull our default posture is to grow dull towards God.

towards God. towards God. That's where we drift. That's where we drift. That's where we drift. I I and I want to show you this. I want I I and I want to show you this. I want I I and I want to show you this. I want you to I want to show you a quick text you to I want to show you a quick text you to I want to show you a quick text in Jeremiah. We're going to look at how in Jeremiah. We're going to look at how in Jeremiah. We're going to look at how Josiah's son Josiah's son Josiah's son responds to God's word. responds to God's word. responds to God's word. This is the prophet Jeremiah giving a This is the prophet Jeremiah giving a This is the prophet Jeremiah giving a word to Josiah's son after Josiah has word to Josiah's son after Josiah has word to Josiah's son after Josiah has passed. It says, "In the fourth year of passed. It says, "In the fourth year of passed. It says, "In the fourth year of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the this word came to Jeremiah from the this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord." This is God speaking directly to Lord." This is God speaking directly to Lord." This is God speaking directly to this king. Verse two, "Take a scroll and this king. Verse two, "Take a scroll and this king. Verse two, "Take a scroll and write on it." It's even a word, not even write on it." It's even a word, not even write on it." It's even a word, not even an oral, but actually written down for an oral, but actually written down for an oral, but actually written down for him. "All the words I've spoken to you him. "All the words I've spoken to you him. "All the words I've spoken to you concerning Israel and Judah and all the concerning Israel and Judah and all the concerning Israel and Judah and all the nations from the time I first spoke to nations from the time I first spoke to nations from the time I first spoke to you during Josiah's reign until today. you during Josiah's reign until today. you during Josiah's reign until today. Perhaps" Now, here's the word. Perhaps Perhaps" Now, here's the word. Perhaps Perhaps" Now, here's the word. Perhaps when the house of Judah hears about all when the house of Judah hears about all when the house of Judah hears about all the disaster I am planning to bring on the disaster I am planning to bring on the disaster I am planning to bring on them, each one of them will turn from them, each one of them will turn from them, each one of them will turn from his evil way his evil way his evil way and then I'll forgive their iniquity and and then I'll forgive their iniquity and and then I'll forgive their iniquity and their sin." The word to this rebellious their sin." The word to this rebellious their sin." The word to this rebellious people is if you'll just humble yourself people is if you'll just humble yourself people is if you'll just humble yourself like Josiah did, I'll forgive you. Do like Josiah did, I'll forgive you. Do like Josiah did, I'll forgive you. Do you see the heart of God still? Even as you see the heart of God still? Even as you see the heart of God still? Even as he's bringing judgment on his people, he he's bringing judgment on his people, he he's bringing judgment on his people, he is pleading with them to turn to him.

Verse 23 of that same chapter. Verse 23 of that same chapter. As soon as Jehudi As soon as Jehudi As soon as Jehudi read three or four columns of this word read three or four columns of this word read three or four columns of this word from God, from God, from God, Jehoiakim, Josiah's son, Jehoiakim, Josiah's son, Jehoiakim, Josiah's son, would cut would cut the scroll, would cut would cut the scroll, would cut would cut the scroll, the word of God, with a scribe's knife the word of God, with a scribe's knife the word of God, with a scribe's knife and throw the columns into the fire in and throw the columns into the fire in and throw the columns into the fire in the hearth until the entire scroll was the hearth until the entire scroll was the hearth until the entire scroll was consumed by fire consumed by fire consumed by fire in the hearth. in the hearth. in the hearth. As they heard, look, they heard the word As they heard, look, they heard the word As they heard, look, they heard the word of God. of God. of God. As they heard all these words, As they heard all these words, As they heard all these words, the king and all of his servants did not the king and all of his servants did not the king and all of his servants did not become terrified or tear their clothes. Josiah's son, Josiah's son, he hears the word of God. he hears the word of God. he hears the word of God. He's hearing a direct message from God He's hearing a direct message from God He's hearing a direct message from God to him, written down for him, to him, written down for him, to him, written down for him, and he grows and he grows and he grows more callous. more callous. more callous. He grows more disobedient He grows more disobedient He grows more disobedient as he hears it.

as he hears it. as he hears it. Please understand something. Please understand something. Please understand something. It is possible It is possible It is possible to read your Bible, to read your Bible, to read your Bible, to sit under faithful preaching, to sit under faithful preaching, to sit under faithful preaching, and your heart grow colder, and your heart grow colder, and your heart grow colder, harder, harder, harder, more distant from God and neighbor. Early on in my ministry, one of the very Early on in my ministry, one of the very first things I ever led was a a trip to first things I ever led was a a trip to first things I ever led was a a trip to Passion Conference in Atlanta with about Passion Conference in Atlanta with about Passion Conference in Atlanta with about 25 college students here. 25 college students here. 25 college students here. And so there's like thousands and And so there's like thousands and And so there's like thousands and thousands of college students, and they thousands of college students, and they thousands of college students, and they have like a special little breakout for have like a special little breakout for have like a special little breakout for college ministers. And so you go there college ministers. And so you go there college ministers. And so you go there to connect and get to know one another. to connect and get to know one another. to connect and get to know one another. And so I was super nervous. And so I was super nervous. And so I was super nervous. I was brand new to ministry. I didn't I was brand new to ministry. I didn't I was brand new to ministry. I didn't know anybody in ministry, and I was all know anybody in ministry, and I was all know anybody in ministry, and I was all on my own. And as we began to talk, cuz on my own. And as we began to talk, cuz on my own. And as we began to talk, cuz they basically put you in a circle they basically put you in a circle they basically put you in a circle because cuz Christians just love because cuz Christians just love because cuz Christians just love circles, different sizes of circles. circles, different sizes of circles. circles, different sizes of circles. Which is fine. I love a circle. Um Um Which is fine. I love a circle. Um Um Which is fine. I love a circle. Um Um but I was sitting there in the circle but I was sitting there in the circle but I was sitting there in the circle and I was becoming and I was becoming and I was becoming not encouraged. I was increasingly not encouraged. I was increasingly not encouraged. I was increasingly discouraged by the conversation. There discouraged by the conversation. There discouraged by the conversation. There was one minister in particular, was one minister in particular, was one minister in particular, he was just confiding in the group he was just confiding in the group he was just confiding in the group how he missed his early days of faith how he missed his early days of faith how he missed his early days of faith when his love for Jesus was high.

He was saying, "I mean, I remember when He was saying, "I mean, I remember when I used to be zealous for Jesus." I used to be zealous for Jesus." I used to be zealous for Jesus." And he was confessing how that had And he was confessing how that had And he was confessing how that had faded. faded. faded. And how he couldn't find it. And how he couldn't find it. And how he couldn't find it. And what I found was the rest of the And what I found was the rest of the And what I found was the rest of the college ministers there who were all college ministers there who were all college ministers there who were all much older than me, much older than me, much older than me, they all kind of said, "Yeah, I feel the they all kind of said, "Yeah, I feel the they all kind of said, "Yeah, I feel the same." same." same." And they all kind of agreed And they all kind of agreed And they all kind of agreed that you never really get that back. that you never really get that back. that you never really get that back. Now, I sat there as a 23-year-old and Now, I sat there as a 23-year-old and Now, I sat there as a 23-year-old and all I wanted to say is like you should all I wanted to say is like you should all I wanted to say is like you should all quit today. That's what I wanted to all quit today. That's what I wanted to all quit today. That's what I wanted to say. say. say. I mean, on everything in me was burning. I mean, on everything in me was burning. I mean, on everything in me was burning. I was like, "You're the reason why I I was like, "You're the reason why I I was like, "You're the reason why I don't want to be in ministry." That's don't want to be in ministry." That's don't want to be in ministry." That's how I genuinely felt at the time, but my how I genuinely felt at the time, but my how I genuinely felt at the time, but my self-control was impeccable and I said, self-control was impeccable and I said, self-control was impeccable and I said, "Hmm, that's really hard." And I just "Hmm, that's really hard." And I just "Hmm, that's really hard." And I just moved We moved on. moved We moved on. moved We moved on. And I remember I came back from that And I remember I came back from that And I remember I came back from that conference conference conference and I told so many people that story. and I told so many people that story. and I told so many people that story. And it became sort of this story that I And it became sort of this story that I And it became sort of this story that I said, "See, said, "See, said, "See, that's the problem with the church that's the problem with the church that's the problem with the church today. Leaders don't even love Jesus today. Leaders don't even love Jesus today. Leaders don't even love Jesus anymore and we're not going to be like anymore and we're not going to be like anymore and we're not going to be like that cuz we're going to be different." that cuz we're going to be different." that cuz we're going to be different." And now 17 years later, And now 17 years later, And now 17 years later, I have so much more compassion for what I have so much more compassion for what I have so much more compassion for what that leader was saying.

that leader was saying. that leader was saying. Not because he was right, Not because he was right, Not because he was right, but because I've seen much more and I but because I've seen much more and I but because I've seen much more and I understand the sentiment. understand the sentiment. understand the sentiment. I understand why that whole circle I understand why that whole circle I understand why that whole circle resonated with what he was saying. resonated with what he was saying. resonated with what he was saying. I just I I I understand it more. I just I I I understand it more. I just I I I understand it more. So much more than my 23-year-old self So much more than my 23-year-old self So much more than my 23-year-old self ever could. ever could. ever could. Because here's the assumption. Because here's the assumption. Because here's the assumption. When people go into ministry, here's the When people go into ministry, here's the When people go into ministry, here's the assumption from most people. assumption from most people. assumption from most people. Wouldn't more time around God's word Wouldn't more time around God's word Wouldn't more time around God's word and more time around God's people and and more time around God's people and and more time around God's people and more time around focus on spiritual more time around focus on spiritual more time around focus on spiritual things, wouldn't it make you better? things, wouldn't it make you better? things, wouldn't it make you better? Wouldn't it make you godlier? Wouldn't it make you godlier? Wouldn't it make you godlier? Wouldn't it give you more joy and power Wouldn't it give you more joy and power Wouldn't it give you more joy and power and holiness? and holiness? and holiness? Not at all. I say that with 100% certainty and I say that with 100% certainty and evidence for it. evidence for it. evidence for it. Not at all. Not at all. Not at all. You know, the strange thing, You know, the strange thing, You know, the strange thing, sometimes ministry sometimes ministry sometimes ministry and being around God's word more and being around God's word more and being around God's word more makes people worse.

makes people worse. makes people worse. I've watched it. I've watched it. I've watched it. It makes them worse. It makes them worse. It makes them worse. Why? Why? Why? It's not because the Bible isn't true. It's not because the Bible isn't true. It's not because the Bible isn't true. It's not because the Bible isn't It's not because the Bible isn't It's not because the Bible isn't powerful. powerful. powerful. It's actually the exact opposite. It's actually the exact opposite. It's actually the exact opposite. The Bible is so true The Bible is so true The Bible is so true and the Bible is so powerful because the and the Bible is so powerful because the and the Bible is so powerful because the living God speaks through it, is that it living God speaks through it, is that it living God speaks through it, is that it reveals what's in you, even what's even reveals what's in you, even what's even reveals what's in you, even what's even if that means what's in you is dark. if that means what's in you is dark. if that means what's in you is dark. It reveals It reveals It reveals guarded hearts. guarded hearts. guarded hearts. It reveals guarded loves and guarded It reveals guarded loves and guarded It reveals guarded loves and guarded passions and guarded sins and guarded passions and guarded sins and guarded passions and guarded sins and guarded pains that we don't want God to mess pains that we don't want God to mess pains that we don't want God to mess with. with. with. Cuz I I need you to understand we are Cuz I I need you to understand we are Cuz I I need you to understand we are not robots and formulas that simply need not robots and formulas that simply need not robots and formulas that simply need the right algorithm and code of Bible the right algorithm and code of Bible the right algorithm and code of Bible verses to mindlessly fix us. verses to mindlessly fix us. verses to mindlessly fix us. You're an image bearer of God. You're an image bearer. You're not a You're an image bearer. You're not a formula.

formula. formula. We're whole stories and whole lives and We're whole stories and whole lives and We're whole stories and whole lives and decisions decisions decisions that we bring with us to God and his that we bring with us to God and his that we bring with us to God and his word. word. word. So, hear me really clearly. If we have So, hear me really clearly. If we have So, hear me really clearly. If we have ignored God throughout week. ignored God throughout week. ignored God throughout week. You should not be surprised if he grows You should not be surprised if he grows You should not be surprised if he grows increasingly dull to you on Sundays. increasingly dull to you on Sundays. increasingly dull to you on Sundays. If our ambitions for family, career, If our ambitions for family, career, If our ambitions for family, career, pleasures, riches, and all the like are pleasures, riches, and all the like are pleasures, riches, and all the like are completely unchecked and completely completely unchecked and completely completely unchecked and completely unbridled by God's word day-to-day, unbridled by God's word day-to-day, unbridled by God's word day-to-day, then no wonder his voice gets crowded then no wonder his voice gets crowded then no wonder his voice gets crowded out when you try to open the Bible every out when you try to open the Bible every out when you try to open the Bible every now and then to read it. now and then to read it. now and then to read it. Remember, Remember, Remember, Josiah did not hear the law in a vacuum. Josiah did not hear the law in a vacuum. Josiah did not hear the law in a vacuum. He had already been pursuing God. Look He had already been pursuing God. Look He had already been pursuing God. Look back at verse three. back at verse three. back at verse three. Josiah began to seek the the God of his Josiah began to seek the the God of his Josiah began to seek the the God of his ancestor David when he was 16, and then ancestor David when he was 16, and then ancestor David when he was 16, and then when he was 20, he began to cleanse when he was 20, he began to cleanse when he was 20, he began to cleanse Judah. He did not hear the word of God Judah. He did not hear the word of God Judah. He did not hear the word of God as someone who didn't care, as someone as someone who didn't care, as someone as someone who didn't care, as someone who was ignorant, as someone who could who was ignorant, as someone who could who was ignorant, as someone who could give a rip about God. He was pursuing give a rip about God. He was pursuing give a rip about God. He was pursuing him.

him. him. So, when the word of God came, it broke So, when the word of God came, it broke So, when the word of God came, it broke him. him. him. Who you are Who you are Who you are and what your life is like matters when and what your life is like matters when and what your life is like matters when you come to God's word. you come to God's word. you come to God's word. Now, I need to caveat that really Now, I need to caveat that really Now, I need to caveat that really quickly cuz I know for some of you that quickly cuz I know for some of you that quickly cuz I know for some of you that produces shame. produces shame. produces shame. Cuz all you can think is, "Well, then I Cuz all you can think is, "Well, then I Cuz all you can think is, "Well, then I I haven't been faithful. I haven't been faithful. I haven't been faithful. I failed more times than I can count. I I failed more times than I can count. I I failed more times than I can count. I I don't know how to get right before God I don't know how to get right before God I don't know how to get right before God cuz I can't." No, no, no. Listen, there cuz I can't." No, no, no. Listen, there cuz I can't." No, no, no. Listen, there is no amount of cleaning your life up is no amount of cleaning your life up is no amount of cleaning your life up that can warrant the presence of God. I that can warrant the presence of God. I that can warrant the presence of God. I don't care how godly you may perceive don't care how godly you may perceive don't care how godly you may perceive someone to be. His presence is too someone to be. His presence is too someone to be. His presence is too valuable, too costly, too expensive. valuable, too costly, too expensive. valuable, too costly, too expensive. Your little works can't earn it. Your little works can't earn it. Your little works can't earn it. So, I'm not saying you clean your life So, I'm not saying you clean your life So, I'm not saying you clean your life up before you come to God's word, not in up before you come to God's word, not in up before you come to God's word, not in the slightest. But, here's what I am the slightest. But, here's what I am the slightest. But, here's what I am saying very clearly. saying very clearly. saying very clearly. You can't hear from God You can't hear from God You can't hear from God if you have no intention of being honest if you have no intention of being honest if you have no intention of being honest with him when he speaks to you from his with him when he speaks to you from his with him when he speaks to you from his word.

word. word. You can't hear from God if you come to You can't hear from God if you come to You can't hear from God if you come to his word with no intention of being his word with no intention of being his word with no intention of being humble before it? humble before it? humble before it? If you want to keep your life from him, If you want to keep your life from him, If you want to keep your life from him, you want to keep your real loves, your you want to keep your real loves, your you want to keep your real loves, your real dreams from him, real dreams from him, real dreams from him, your real failures, your real pains from your real failures, your real pains from your real failures, your real pains from him, you want to keep your idols from him, you want to keep your idols from him, you want to keep your idols from him, then don't be surprised when you him, then don't be surprised when you him, then don't be surprised when you find his word powerless. find his word powerless. find his word powerless. That's not an indictment on his word, That's not an indictment on his word, That's not an indictment on his word, it's an indictment on our dull and it's an indictment on our dull and it's an indictment on our dull and rebellious hearts. rebellious hearts. rebellious hearts. So, what do we do? So, what do we do? So, what do we do? What do we do to keep our hearts soft What do we do to keep our hearts soft What do we do to keep our hearts soft and tender to God and his word? and tender to God and his word? and tender to God and his word? Even when his word, all it does is Even when his word, all it does is Even when his word, all it does is reveal to you and to me how distant and reveal to you and to me how distant and reveal to you and to me how distant and disobedient we've been. disobedient we've been. disobedient we've been. You cry out for help. You cry out for help. You cry out for help. You cry out for mercy. You cry out for mercy. You cry out for mercy. You fill the gap of what you ought to be You fill the gap of what you ought to be You fill the gap of what you ought to be and who you actually are with the grace and who you actually are with the grace and who you actually are with the grace and mercy of God. You say, I'm not and mercy of God. You say, I'm not and mercy of God. You say, I'm not enough. I'm not good enough, God. I need enough. I'm not good enough, God. I need enough. I'm not good enough, God. I need your help. I need your mercy. God, pour your help. I need your mercy. God, pour your help. I need your mercy. God, pour your spirit into me afresh so I can see your spirit into me afresh so I can see your spirit into me afresh so I can see Jesus as the author and perfector of my Jesus as the author and perfector of my Jesus as the author and perfector of my faith. I'm not the author and perfector faith. I'm not the author and perfector faith. I'm not the author and perfector of my faith, Jesus is and he has of my faith, Jesus is and he has of my faith, Jesus is and he has forgiveness for me and power for me and forgiveness for me and power for me and forgiveness for me and power for me and endurance for me. That's what we do endurance for me. That's what we do endurance for me. That's what we do individually.

individually. individually. We need to normalize that experience. We need to normalize that experience. We need to normalize that experience. That is my experience all the time. Last That is my experience all the time. Last That is my experience all the time. Last night I was praying for this service and night I was praying for this service and night I was praying for this service and all I can see in myself is the fears all I can see in myself is the fears all I can see in myself is the fears that I have. that I have. that I have. Not even justified fears, but fears that Not even justified fears, but fears that Not even justified fears, but fears that I have. I have. I have. And I don't I've learned not by my own And I don't I've learned not by my own And I don't I've learned not by my own merit, but by God's kindness, I've just merit, but by God's kindness, I've just merit, but by God's kindness, I've just learned when I feel all those fears, I learned when I feel all those fears, I learned when I feel all those fears, I don't try to carry them on my own and I don't try to carry them on my own and I don't try to carry them on my own and I don't try to make up for them, though don't try to make up for them, though don't try to make up for them, though I've done that for many years and I have I've done that for many years and I have I've done that for many years and I have the scars to prove it and the failures the scars to prove it and the failures the scars to prove it and the failures to prove it. I can just take those fears to prove it. I can just take those fears to prove it. I can just take those fears and go, God, they're not true, but I and go, God, they're not true, but I and go, God, they're not true, but I need you to show me. need you to show me. need you to show me. I need your help. I need your mercy. I need your help. I need your mercy. I need your help. I need your mercy. Fill those fears with your love and your Fill those fears with your love and your Fill those fears with your love and your promises to me. You'll never leave me or promises to me. You'll never leave me or promises to me. You'll never leave me or forsake me. I mean, that's what I'm forsake me. I mean, that's what I'm forsake me. I mean, that's what I'm doing and last night. doing and last night. doing and last night. Normalize it. Normalize it. Normalize it. Cuz when you do that, you get to meet Cuz when you do that, you get to meet Cuz when you do that, you get to meet with God. That is the point of our with God. That is the point of our with God. That is the point of our lives. lives. lives. And I walked away feeling full and And I walked away feeling full and And I walked away feeling full and refreshed. And guess what? I woke up refreshed. And guess what? I woke up refreshed. And guess what? I woke up again this morning, had to do the same again this morning, had to do the same again this morning, had to do the same thing all over again.

My heart was like, "Who's God?" I'm My heart was like, "Who's God?" I'm like, "Let's go back to him." like, "Let's go back to him." like, "Let's go back to him." That's how it works. That's how it works. That's how it works. Cuz you know what it testifies to? How Cuz you know what it testifies to? How Cuz you know what it testifies to? How strong he is. strong he is. strong he is. How overflowing he is. I'm the empty How overflowing he is. I'm the empty How overflowing he is. I'm the empty one. He's not. one. He's not. one. He's not. You're the empty one. He's not. Keep You're the empty one. He's not. Keep You're the empty one. He's not. Keep your heart soft by getting used to that your heart soft by getting used to that your heart soft by getting used to that experience, cuz that's where life is. experience, cuz that's where life is. experience, cuz that's where life is. That's where freedom is. That's where That's where freedom is. That's where That's where freedom is. That's where joy is. So, that's what we do joy is. So, that's what we do joy is. So, that's what we do individually, but I do think in individually, but I do think in individually, but I do think in particular to us us corporately as a particular to us us corporately as a particular to us us corporately as a church. church. church. He has given two groups of people in He has given two groups of people in He has given two groups of people in particular. One to wake us up to God's particular. One to wake us up to God's particular. One to wake us up to God's word, and one to steady us in God's word, and one to steady us in God's word, and one to steady us in God's word. And the two people are these word. And the two people are these word. And the two people are these people. Younger saints people. Younger saints people. Younger saints and older saints. and older saints. and older saints. Young saints and old saints are a unique Young saints and old saints are a unique Young saints and old saints are a unique gift to the church. So, younger saints gift to the church. So, younger saints gift to the church. So, younger saints in this room. in this room. in this room. And if you're 29 or like, "I'm super And if you're 29 or like, "I'm super And if you're 29 or like, "I'm super old." You are not, okay? You are not. old." You are not, okay? You are not. old." You are not, okay? You are not. Josiah, let's hear this. Josiah, let's hear this. Josiah, let's hear this. Josiah was 16, Josiah was 16, Josiah was 16, 20, 20, 20, and 26 when he changed Judah.

and 26 when he changed Judah. and 26 when he changed Judah. Younger believers are a gift to our Younger believers are a gift to our Younger believers are a gift to our church and a gift to the church because church and a gift to the church because church and a gift to the church because they remind us what God is capable of. they remind us what God is capable of. they remind us what God is capable of. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It's not just their youthful energy and >> It's not just their youthful energy and >> It's not just their youthful energy and passion, though that is passion, though that is passion, though that is refreshing. And it's not because they're refreshing. And it's not because they're refreshing. And it's not because they're godly or because you are not. That is godly or because you are not. That is godly or because you are not. That is not the reason why. not the reason why. not the reason why. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Young believers, >> Young believers, >> Young believers, it's their fresh eyes on God that remind it's their fresh eyes on God that remind it's their fresh eyes on God that remind us what he's like. us what he's like. us what he's like. It's their fresh eyes on his word. And It's their fresh eyes on his word. And It's their fresh eyes on his word. And they see his promises, and they they see his promises, and they they see his promises, and they experience his forgiveness, and they go, experience his forgiveness, and they go, experience his forgiveness, and they go, "HOW COULD YOU EVER SETTLE FOR ANYTHING "HOW COULD YOU EVER SETTLE FOR ANYTHING "HOW COULD YOU EVER SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS?" LESS?" LESS?" Young people and young leaders have the Young people and young leaders have the Young people and young leaders have the great questions to look at our lives who great questions to look at our lives who great questions to look at our lives who are older than them and go, "Why have are older than them and go, "Why have are older than them and go, "Why have you settled for sin and injustice and you settled for sin and injustice and you settled for sin and injustice and apathy and brokenness in your life, in apathy and brokenness in your life, in apathy and brokenness in your life, in relationships, in the world around you?" relationships, in the world around you?" relationships, in the world around you?" Now, before you go, "It's cuz they don't Now, before you go, "It's cuz they don't Now, before you go, "It's cuz they don't know." Don't light that cigarette quite yet. Don't light that cigarette quite yet. Like, it don't get cynical quite yet.

Is there naivete in youth? Of course. Is there naivete in youth? Of course. They've had less dreams dashed, They've had less dreams dashed, They've had less dreams dashed, less betrayals, less betrayals, less betrayals, less failures, less failures, less failures, less sickness, less loss. less sickness, less loss. less sickness, less loss. But, that's what makes them great. But, that's what makes them great. But, that's what makes them great. That's what makes them challenging, That's what makes them challenging, That's what makes them challenging, because they're going to show you. because they're going to show you. because they're going to show you. I have a high schooler right now. I have a high schooler right now. I have a high schooler right now. They're going to show you where you They're going to show you where you They're going to show you where you settle. They're going to show you where you've They're going to show you where you've settled for less, settled for less, settled for less, and show you where you've lost sight of and show you where you've lost sight of and show you where you've lost sight of God. God. God. Whether it's our annual students camp we Whether it's our annual students camp we Whether it's our annual students camp we had last week with 350 plus middle had last week with 350 plus middle had last week with 350 plus middle schoolers and high schoolers, or our schoolers and high schoolers, or our schoolers and high schoolers, or our semester kickoff at the University of semester kickoff at the University of semester kickoff at the University of Texas at the Tower with a thousand plus Texas at the Tower with a thousand plus Texas at the Tower with a thousand plus college students, or if it's all the college students, or if it's all the college students, or if it's all the young professionals across our church young professionals across our church young professionals across our church and in our city serving and leading, I and in our city serving and leading, I and in our city serving and leading, I need you to know, young leaders and need you to know, young leaders and need you to know, young leaders and young believers in this room, you are young believers in this room, you are young believers in this room, you are the smelling salts of God to wake the the smelling salts of God to wake the the smelling salts of God to wake the church up to his power. church up to his power. church up to his power. To remind us To remind us To remind us what he's capable of. We need you, what he's capable of. We need you, what he's capable of. We need you, sincerely.

sincerely. sincerely. We need you to blaze new paths of zeal We need you to blaze new paths of zeal We need you to blaze new paths of zeal and love and service and risk for the and love and service and risk for the and love and service and risk for the kingdom of God, both in the church and kingdom of God, both in the church and kingdom of God, both in the church and outside of the church to the ends of the outside of the church to the ends of the outside of the church to the ends of the earth. Remind us this God is stronger earth. Remind us this God is stronger earth. Remind us this God is stronger and is able to do far more than we could and is able to do far more than we could and is able to do far more than we could ever ask or think or imagine. ever ask or think or imagine. ever ask or think or imagine. But also, But also, But also, older saints in this room, older saints in this room, older saints in this room, older saints, older saints, older saints, your voices are invaluable. your voices are invaluable. your voices are invaluable. And they're invaluable on this And they're invaluable on this And they're invaluable on this condition, condition, condition, if you've kept your love from growing if you've kept your love from growing if you've kept your love from growing cold. cold. cold. It's a hard thing to keep your love It's a hard thing to keep your love It's a hard thing to keep your love warm. warm. warm. And saints who are able to keep their And saints who are able to keep their And saints who are able to keep their love warm, with their hearts tender, and love warm, with their hearts tender, and love warm, with their hearts tender, and their faith steady through all that has their faith steady through all that has their faith steady through all that has come your way, your voice is invaluable. I cannot tell you I cannot tell you the number of times an older saint has the number of times an older saint has the number of times an older saint has uniquely steadied me. uniquely steadied me. uniquely steadied me. Uniquely encouraged me. I can't say the Uniquely encouraged me. I can't say the Uniquely encouraged me. I can't say the number of times I've been in maybe a a number of times I've been in maybe a a number of times I've been in maybe a a counseling session with someone, like me counseling session with someone, like me counseling session with someone, like me and another leader or helping somebody, and another leader or helping somebody, and another leader or helping somebody, and I say some words, and the person's and I say some words, and the person's and I say some words, and the person's like, "Yeah, that's fine."

like, "Yeah, that's fine." like, "Yeah, that's fine." And then the saint in their 60s says the And then the saint in their 60s says the And then the saint in their 60s says the exact same words I just said, they're exact same words I just said, they're exact same words I just said, they're like, "Unbelievable." You're like, "I like, "Unbelievable." You're like, "I like, "Unbelievable." You're like, "I just said that." It's because there's a depth to it It's because there's a depth to it that maybe my words couldn't touch quite that maybe my words couldn't touch quite that maybe my words couldn't touch quite yet. yet. yet. Now, it's not because the word of God Now, it's not because the word of God Now, it's not because the word of God gets more or less powerful depending on gets more or less powerful depending on gets more or less powerful depending on who says it. who says it. who says it. But there's something different when But there's something different when But there's something different when there's a saint looking at you in the there's a saint looking at you in the there's a saint looking at you in the eyes and saying, "I've watched the waves eyes and saying, "I've watched the waves eyes and saying, "I've watched the waves of this life and suffering and loss of this life and suffering and loss of this life and suffering and loss crash on this rock for 40 years, and crash on this rock for 40 years, and crash on this rock for 40 years, and that rock is stronger than the waves." that rock is stronger than the waves." that rock is stronger than the waves." There's just something unique about There's just something unique about There's just something unique about saints who can do that for the church. saints who can do that for the church. saints who can do that for the church. Older saints, Older saints, Older saints, your story is not over. your story is not over. your story is not over. We need your voice. We need your life to We need your voice. We need your life to We need your voice. We need your life to remind us that God's word always proves remind us that God's word always proves remind us that God's word always proves true on the other side of dark valleys. true on the other side of dark valleys. true on the other side of dark valleys. You may be thinking, "What about the You may be thinking, "What about the You may be thinking, "What about the rest of us in the middle?" rest of us in the middle?" rest of us in the middle?" Hang on, mainly. No. Uh Hang on, mainly. No. Uh Hang on, mainly. No. Uh Sincerely, though, in the middle is Sincerely, though, in the middle is Sincerely, though, in the middle is where where where that third soil tends to happen.

that third soil tends to happen. that third soil tends to happen. The cares and the riches of this life The cares and the riches of this life The cares and the riches of this life start choking out faith. Don't let start choking out faith. Don't let start choking out faith. Don't let increasing responsibilities strain increasing responsibilities strain increasing responsibilities strain relationships and the churn of life relationships and the churn of life relationships and the churn of life choke your faith out. Last point. Last point. The mystery of God's judgment and grace. The mystery of God's judgment and grace. The mystery of God's judgment and grace. So, there's so much more Josiah does So, there's so much more Josiah does So, there's so much more Josiah does than I've got time to get into it, but than I've got time to get into it, but than I've got time to get into it, but this is how his life is summarized. He this is how his life is summarized. He this is how his life is summarized. He has a very has a very has a very anti-climactic anti-climactic anti-climactic death. death. death. He's a great king and has a strange He He's a great king and has a strange He He's a great king and has a strange He just He dies in a battle and it's over. just He dies in a battle and it's over. just He dies in a battle and it's over. Here's how the author summarizes him Here's how the author summarizes him Here's how the author summarizes him and puts him in his context. and puts him in his context. and puts him in his context. It says, "Before him, Josiah, It says, "Before him, Josiah, It says, "Before him, Josiah, there was no king like him who turned to there was no king like him who turned to there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all of his heart and with the Lord with all of his heart and with the Lord with all of his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength all his soul and with all his strength all his soul and with all his strength according to the law of Moses, and no according to the law of Moses, and no according to the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him. one like him arose after him. one like him arose after him. And in spite of all that, the Lord did And in spite of all that, the Lord did And in spite of all that, the Lord did not turn from the fury of his intense not turn from the fury of his intense not turn from the fury of his intense burning anger, burning anger, burning anger, which burned against Judah because of which burned against Judah because of which burned against Judah because of all the affronts with which Manasseh had all the affronts with which Manasseh had all the affronts with which Manasseh had angered him. For the Lord had said, 'I angered him. For the Lord had said, 'I angered him. For the Lord had said, 'I will also remove Judah from my presence, will also remove Judah from my presence, will also remove Judah from my presence, just as I have removed Israel. I will just as I have removed Israel. I will just as I have removed Israel. I will reject this city, Jerusalem, reject this city, Jerusalem, reject this city, Jerusalem, that I have chosen, and the temple about that I have chosen, and the temple about that I have chosen, and the temple about which I said my name will be there.'

which I said my name will be there.' which I said my name will be there.' Listen how he summarizes Josiah. Listen how he summarizes Josiah. Listen how he summarizes Josiah. There's no king like him. There's no king like him. There's no king like him. No one like him. No one like him. No one like him. No one is faithful. No one gave and No one is faithful. No one gave and No one is faithful. No one gave and served more, and even he could not stop served more, and even he could not stop served more, and even he could not stop God's judgment. God's judgment. God's judgment. He could only delay it. He could only delay it. He could only delay it. See, that the best leaders, the best See, that the best leaders, the best See, that the best leaders, the best churches, the best version of the Austin churches, the best version of the Austin churches, the best version of the Austin Stone Stone Stone cannot overcome every problem we face. cannot overcome every problem we face. cannot overcome every problem we face. There are realities and plans and There are realities and plans and There are realities and plans and purposes of God that are much bigger purposes of God that are much bigger purposes of God that are much bigger than any one of us that only he can than any one of us that only he can than any one of us that only he can handle and decide. None of us handle and decide. None of us handle and decide. None of us None of us, no church can bring the None of us, no church can bring the None of us, no church can bring the kingdom of God in full. kingdom of God in full. kingdom of God in full. But what can we do like Josiah? But what can we do like Josiah? But what can we do like Josiah? Like Josiah, we can just say in our Like Josiah, we can just say in our Like Josiah, we can just say in our time, in our generation, we can't time, in our generation, we can't time, in our generation, we can't control before or after us, but we can control before or after us, but we can control before or after us, but we can be faithful now. We can bear witness to be faithful now. We can bear witness to be faithful now. We can bear witness to what the kingdom of God is like.

what the kingdom of God is like. what the kingdom of God is like. We can bear witness to how We can bear witness to how We can bear witness to how how good it is to be his. how good it is to be his. how good it is to be his. That's what your life is about, church. That's what your life is about, church. That's what your life is about, church. Our life collectively is not to make Our life collectively is not to make Our life collectively is not to make sure that we have all the comforts and sure that we have all the comforts and sure that we have all the comforts and all the things internally that make us all the things internally that make us all the things internally that make us feel safe. Our life is meant to be full feel safe. Our life is meant to be full feel safe. Our life is meant to be full of love and rich fellowship in here, so of love and rich fellowship in here, so of love and rich fellowship in here, so in the world we can show them how good in the world we can show them how good in the world we can show them how good it is to be his. it is to be his. it is to be his. How good it is to be his in in reality How good it is to be his in in reality How good it is to be his in in reality and in practice through difficulty, and in practice through difficulty, and in practice through difficulty, through suffering, through trial, through suffering, through trial, through suffering, through trial, through promotions, through job loss, through promotions, through job loss, through promotions, through job loss, through everything. That's why we exist through everything. That's why we exist through everything. That's why we exist is to relish in how good it is to be is to relish in how good it is to be is to relish in how good it is to be his. his. his. That no other relationship and no other That no other relationship and no other That no other relationship and no other title, that nothing else can compare to title, that nothing else can compare to title, that nothing else can compare to what it's like to having the God of the what it's like to having the God of the what it's like to having the God of the universe look at you and call you son or universe look at you and call you son or universe look at you and call you son or daughter, no matter what. daughter, no matter what. daughter, no matter what. And we're also meant to show the world And we're also meant to show the world And we're also meant to show the world how suffocating it is to live by idols. how suffocating it is to live by idols. how suffocating it is to live by idols. How suffocating it is to think that a How suffocating it is to think that a How suffocating it is to think that a marriage could save you. marriage could save you. marriage could save you. Or a job could save you.

Or a job could save you. Or a job could save you. Or a child could save you. Or a child could save you. Or a child could save you. It's suffocating because idols are weak It's suffocating because idols are weak It's suffocating because idols are weak and empty and they're made by us. They and empty and they're made by us. They and empty and they're made by us. They can't carry us. They can't save us. They can't carry us. They can't save us. They can't carry us. They can't save us. They can't heal us. And eventually death can't heal us. And eventually death can't heal us. And eventually death reminds us that nothing can stop it. reminds us that nothing can stop it. reminds us that nothing can stop it. We're meant to remind the world and We're meant to remind the world and We're meant to remind the world and appeal to them and say, "It is appeal to them and say, "It is appeal to them and say, "It is suffocating liver living under that suffocating liver living under that suffocating liver living under that sexual ethic. It is suffocating being in sexual ethic. It is suffocating being in sexual ethic. It is suffocating being in these cultural wars and tribes that just these cultural wars and tribes that just these cultural wars and tribes that just kill each other and hate each other when kill each other and hate each other when kill each other and hate each other when we're meant to be this unique expression we're meant to be this unique expression we're meant to be this unique expression of grace and mercy and truth across all of grace and mercy and truth across all of grace and mercy and truth across all tribes, tongues, and nations. That's tribes, tongues, and nations. That's tribes, tongues, and nations. That's what we're meant to do. what we're meant to do. what we're meant to do. And it doesn't mean we will And it doesn't mean we will And it doesn't mean we will stop every judgment that God has in this stop every judgment that God has in this stop every judgment that God has in this world. world. world. It just means we bear witness to the It just means we bear witness to the It just means we bear witness to the coming king who one day is going to make coming king who one day is going to make coming king who one day is going to make all things new. all things new. all things new. And that to be with him means life and And that to be with him means life and And that to be with him means life and love forever. love forever. love forever. Because what you need about Jesus is Because what you need about Jesus is Because what you need about Jesus is even the best king in Judah couldn't even the best king in Judah couldn't even the best king in Judah couldn't stop this judgment. stop this judgment. stop this judgment. Jesus is uniquely righteous. Jesus is Jesus is uniquely righteous. Jesus is Jesus is uniquely righteous. Jesus is uniquely overflowing with life and love uniquely overflowing with life and love uniquely overflowing with life and love and fullness where he doesn't just delay and fullness where he doesn't just delay and fullness where he doesn't just delay God's judgment for our sin. He can God's judgment for our sin. He can God's judgment for our sin. He can absorb all of God's judgment for our absorb all of God's judgment for our absorb all of God's judgment for our sin. So now every time you approach the sin. So now every time you approach the sin. So now every time you approach the throne of grace, you can come with throne of grace, you can come with throne of grace, you can come with boldness and confidence not because boldness and confidence not because boldness and confidence not because you're good, but because he is.

you're good, but because he is. you're good, but because he is. Cuz he's taking away that judgment, Cuz he's taking away that judgment, Cuz he's taking away that judgment, taking away that fear. taking away that fear. taking away that fear. So you can love of God forever. So you can love of God forever. So you can love of God forever. He's the only king that can do that. So He's the only king that can do that. So He's the only king that can do that. So I want to end with Jesus' own words in I want to end with Jesus' own words in I want to end with Jesus' own words in the Sermon on the Mount the Sermon on the Mount the Sermon on the Mount where the true king who can stop God's where the true king who can stop God's where the true king who can stop God's judgment for your sin in your life and judgment for your sin in your life and judgment for your sin in your life and in mine in mine in mine who can heal the deep parts of you that who can heal the deep parts of you that who can heal the deep parts of you that no one else can no one else can no one else can who can give you a purpose and a story who can give you a purpose and a story who can give you a purpose and a story stronger than any job could give to you. stronger than any job could give to you. stronger than any job could give to you. I want to end with his words I want to end with his words I want to end with his words cuz in the Sermon on the Mount cuz in the Sermon on the Mount cuz in the Sermon on the Mount he is doing what Moses did in he is doing what Moses did in he is doing what Moses did in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy. On the Sermon on the Mount, he is On the Sermon on the Mount, he is On the Sermon on the Mount, he is setting before the world setting before the world setting before the world the great, even greater blessings of the great, even greater blessings of the great, even greater blessings of eternal life with him eternal life with him eternal life with him or even more tragic consequences of or even more tragic consequences of or even more tragic consequences of destruction apart from him. destruction apart from him. destruction apart from him. And as I read this, church And as I read this, church And as I read this, church I want you to think about the areas of I want you to think about the areas of I want you to think about the areas of your life where maybe the Holy Spirit of your life where maybe the Holy Spirit of your life where maybe the Holy Spirit of God has been convicting you or is God has been convicting you or is God has been convicting you or is convicting you right now where you have convicting you right now where you have convicting you right now where you have yet to do what His word says you should yet to do what His word says you should yet to do what His word says you should do.

The most miserable place for a The most miserable place for a Christian, if you have the Holy Spirit Christian, if you have the Holy Spirit Christian, if you have the Holy Spirit of God to be, is in disobedience cuz you of God to be, is in disobedience cuz you of God to be, is in disobedience cuz you won't be content till you obey. won't be content till you obey. won't be content till you obey. And if you're here and you're not, And if you're here and you're not, And if you're here and you're not, again, sure if you believe in Jesus, again, sure if you believe in Jesus, again, sure if you believe in Jesus, what an opportunity to say, "No, I'm what an opportunity to say, "No, I'm what an opportunity to say, "No, I'm telling you your life matters more than telling you your life matters more than telling you your life matters more than you think and Jesus is more important you think and Jesus is more important you think and Jesus is more important than you could ever imagine, and He's than you could ever imagine, and He's than you could ever imagine, and He's given everything that you need, but He given everything that you need, but He given everything that you need, but He does say to you, does say to you, does say to you, follow me." follow me." follow me." So, as I read this, So, as I read this, So, as I read this, consider your own life. consider your own life. consider your own life. Consider if you've taken Jesus' word Consider if you've taken Jesus' word Consider if you've taken Jesus' word seriously, and consider the blessing of seriously, and consider the blessing of seriously, and consider the blessing of following Him. following Him. following Him. Matthew 7:24-27. Matthew 7:24-27. Matthew 7:24-27. This is Jesus. This is Jesus. This is Jesus. Everyone, Everyone, Everyone, no matter your title, no matter your title, no matter your title, no matter how much you've been in church no matter how much you've been in church no matter how much you've been in church or outside of church, everyone or outside of church, everyone or outside of church, everyone then who hears these words of mine and then who hears these words of mine and then who hears these words of mine and does them does them does them and does them, and does them, and does them, will be like a wise man will be like a wise man will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. who built his house on the rock. who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, And the rain fell, And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and the floods came, and the winds blew and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not and beat on that house, but it did not and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the fall because it had been founded on the fall because it had been founded on the rock.

rock. rock. And everyone, And everyone, And everyone, regardless of title, regardless of title, regardless of title, regardless of acumen, regardless of acumen, regardless of acumen, who hears these words of mine and does who hears these words of mine and does who hears these words of mine and does not do them, not do them, not do them, will be like a foolish man will be like a foolish man will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. who built his house on the sand. who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, And the rain fell, And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the floods came, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that and the winds blew and beat against that and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell. house, and it fell. house, and it fell. And great And great And great was the fall of it. was the fall of it. was the fall of it. Let's pray. >> Father, would you wake us all up >> Father, would you wake us all up to the glorious realities to the glorious realities to the glorious realities in front of us. in front of us. in front of us. Will you wake us up Will you wake us up Will you wake us up to the realities of what it means to to the realities of what it means to to the realities of what it means to have a life built on you? have a life built on you? have a life built on you? To wake us up to the places where we've To wake us up to the places where we've To wake us up to the places where we've settled.

settled. settled. To wake us up to the places where we To wake us up to the places where we To wake us up to the places where we don't hope much anymore. don't hope much anymore. don't hope much anymore. Wake us up to the relationships we've Wake us up to the relationships we've Wake us up to the relationships we've quit praying for. quit praying for. quit praying for. To the places where we don't think God To the places where we don't think God To the places where we don't think God you can move, you can save, you can you can move, you can save, you can you can move, you can save, you can reconcile, you can heal because we've reconcile, you can heal because we've reconcile, you can heal because we've tried. tried. tried. And it sure seems like And it sure seems like And it sure seems like you're taking too long and we can't hold you're taking too long and we can't hold you're taking too long and we can't hold on that much longer. God, help us be on that much longer. God, help us be on that much longer. God, help us be faithful today. faithful today. faithful today. And not worry about tomorrow or a year And not worry about tomorrow or a year And not worry about tomorrow or a year or 10 years from now. God, help us be or 10 years from now. God, help us be or 10 years from now. God, help us be faithful today to obey your word today, faithful today to obey your word today, faithful today to obey your word today, to confess today, to receive today, to to confess today, to receive today, to to confess today, to receive today, to know that there is more blessing and know that there is more blessing and know that there is more blessing and life and reward in you, Jesus, than we life and reward in you, Jesus, than we life and reward in you, Jesus, than we can find anywhere else. Help us be can find anywhere else. Help us be can find anywhere else. Help us be faithful today. And God, sober us up And God, sober us up when you say when you say when you say great was the fall of it. great was the fall of it. great was the fall of it. God, show us the places where we have God, show us the places where we have God, show us the places where we have been deceived because sin has not been deceived because sin has not been deceived because sin has not produced death yet, so we think we're produced death yet, so we think we're produced death yet, so we think we're okay.

Wake us up to the places where we're Wake us up to the places where we're justifying behaviors cuz nothing bad has justifying behaviors cuz nothing bad has justifying behaviors cuz nothing bad has happened yet. happened yet. happened yet. We feel happier. God, the rains will come. God, the rains will come. The floods will come. The floods will come. The floods will come. And if we have built our house on sand, And if we have built our house on sand, And if we have built our house on sand, it will fall. But God, the amazing thing is But God, the amazing thing is is right in this moment we can put our house on the rock just by we can put our house on the rock just by trusting you and doing what you say trusting you and doing what you say trusting you and doing what you say today. So God, I pray for older saints in this So God, I pray for older saints in this room. room. room. God, give them God, give them God, give them give them fresh passion and ambition to give them fresh passion and ambition to give them fresh passion and ambition to pour into people and to not waste their pour into people and to not waste their pour into people and to not waste their story on just themselves, but to tell us story on just themselves, but to tell us story on just themselves, but to tell us how good it is to trust in you. how good it is to trust in you. how good it is to trust in you. And God, for the young leaders and young And God, for the young leaders and young And God, for the young leaders and young believers in this church, God, give them believers in this church, God, give them believers in this church, God, give them new dreams and new visions about how to new dreams and new visions about how to new dreams and new visions about how to serve and risk and give their lives away serve and risk and give their lives away serve and risk and give their lives away because you are worth it.

because you are worth it. because you are worth it. Remind us, God, of what you're capable Remind us, God, of what you're capable Remind us, God, of what you're capable of. of. of. We are capable of very little. We are capable of very little. We are capable of very little. But you are capable of everything. Help us sing. Help us sing. God, even if it's through tears. God, even if it's through tears. God, even if it's through tears. Help us sing in faith. Help us sing in faith. Help us sing in faith. Christ's name we pray. Christ's name we pray. Christ's name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Let's go ahead and respond Let's go ahead and respond Let's go ahead and respond by singing by singing by singing in worship, just looking at the person in worship, just looking at the person in worship, just looking at the person of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. The only one who can take on the things The only one who can take on the things The only one who can take on the things that we struggle with, our sin, our that we struggle with, our sin, our that we struggle with, our sin, our shame. shame. shame. Let's look to him today. >> I stand amazed >> I stand amazed in in in the presence of Jesus, [singing] of Jesus, [singing] the Nazarene. [music] And wonder And wonder how he how he how he could could could love me, love me, love me, a sinner a sinner a sinner condemned, condemned, condemned, unclean.

unclean. unclean. Singing how Singing how Singing how marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> how >> how >> how how wonderful how wonderful how wonderful and my and my and my song shall [music] ever be. ever be. Oh, how Oh, how Oh, how marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> how >> how >> how wonderful wonderful wonderful >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> is >> is >> is my my my savior's love He took He took my sins my sins my sins >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and my sorrows and made and made them his own. them his own. them his own. >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> Come on, picture this. Picture this >> Come on, picture this. Picture this >> Come on, picture this. Picture this today. today. today. >> And he >> And he >> And he bore bore bore >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my >> my >> my burdens burdens burdens up to Calvary.

up to Calvary. up to Calvary. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Willingly >> Willingly >> Willingly >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> he suffered >> he suffered >> he suffered and died and died and died alone. >> Oh, thank [singing] you, Jesus. >> Oh, thank [singing] you, Jesus. >> sacrifice. [music] >> sacrifice. [music] >> sacrifice. [music] >> Let's sing >> Let's sing >> Let's sing it. How it. How it. How marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, how how how wonderful wonderful wonderful >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and my song >> and my song >> and my song >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> shall ever be. ever be. Oh, how Oh, how Oh, how >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> marvelous, [singing] >> marvelous, [singing] >> marvelous, [singing] how how how wonderful wonderful wonderful >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is >> is >> is my [singing] my [singing] my [singing] savior's love savior's love savior's love >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for me. Oh, the love Oh, the love of Jesus for us. of Jesus for us. of Jesus for us. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, thank you, Lord. And when And when the the the ransomed of the earth >> His face I at last >> His face I at last shall shall shall see.

see. see. And it will be [music] And it will be [music] And it will be [music] my joy my joy my joy through the ages to sing ages to sing of His love of His love of His love for me. for me. for me. >> [music] >> To sing it >> To sing it >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> how marvelous, >> how marvelous, >> how marvelous, how wonderful >> [music] >> [music] >> is my >> is my >> is my song song song shall ever and how and how wonderful wonderful wonderful is my Savior's >> [music] >> [music] >> How marvelous >> [music] >> [music] >> How marvelous [singing] >> How marvelous [singing] >> How marvelous [singing] and how and how and how wonderful wonderful wonderful is my is my is my >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> song shall ever I'll sing forever.

>> song shall ever I'll sing forever. >> song shall ever I'll sing forever. Oh, how Oh, how Oh, how marvelous marvelous marvelous and how and how and how wonderful wonderful wonderful >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is my Savior's love Savior's love for me. for me. for me. >> [music] >> And we can thank Him today for that. >> And we can thank Him today for that. Thank you, Lord. Christ my firm [music and singing] Christ my firm [music and singing] foundation. The rock on [music and singing] which I The rock on [music and singing] which I stand when everything around me shaking. I've never been more glad I've never been more glad >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that I put my faith in [singing] Jesus. >> that I put my faith in [singing] Jesus. >> that I put my faith in [singing] Jesus. Cuz he's never let Cuz he's never let Cuz he's never let >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me down. He's faithful through >> me down. He's faithful through >> me down. He's faithful through generations. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> So, why [singing] would he fail >> So, why [singing] would he fail >> So, why [singing] would he fail now?

now? now? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He won't. >> He won't. >> He won't. >> He's a solid rock and he won't. >> He's a solid rock and he won't. >> He's a solid rock and he won't. >> He won't. [music] Yeah, I've still got joy Yeah, I've still got joy >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> in chaos. I've got peace that I've got peace that makes no sense. makes no sense. makes no sense. And I won't be And I won't be And I won't be >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> going >> going >> going under. under. under. I'm not held I'm not held I'm not held >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> by my >> by my >> by my >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> own strength cuz I built my >> own strength cuz I built my >> own strength cuz I built my life on life on life on Jesus. [singing] And he's And he's never let me [music and singing] down. never let me [music and singing] down. never let me [music and singing] down. He's faithful through He's faithful through He's faithful through every season. So, why So, why >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> would he fail >> Do you agree on [music] that today? He >> Do you agree on [music] that today? He won't. won't. won't. >> He won't. He won't He won't >> [music] >> Come on, let's choose where our house is >> Come on, let's choose where our house is going to be built [music] today. Declare going to be built [music] today. Declare going to be built [music] today. Declare it.

it. it. >> Oh, Christ is my firm foundation. >> Oh, Christ is my firm foundation. >> Oh, Christ is my firm foundation. >> Let it be so, Lord. [music] Let it be >> Let it be so, Lord. [music] Let it be >> Let it be so, Lord. [music] Let it be so. so. so. >> He's the >> He's the >> He's the rock on which I stand rock on which I stand rock on which I stand when everything around me shakes. when everything around me shakes. when everything around me shakes. [music] Oh, I've never Oh, I've never been been been >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> more glad >> more glad >> more glad that I put my that I put my that I put my faith faith faith in Jesus. in Jesus. in Jesus. Cuz he's never Cuz he's never Cuz he's never >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> let me >> let me >> let me down. He's faithful down. He's faithful down. He's faithful through generations. through generations. through generations. [music] Oh, sure I Oh, sure I would keep would keep would keep faith faith faith now. He won't. now. He won't. now. He won't. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> No, he won't. >> No, he won't. >> No, he won't. He won't. He won't. He won't. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] >> He won't fail. >> He won't fail. He He He won't fail. He won't fail us. He won't He won't fail us. He won't [music and singing] fail us, Lord.

[music and singing] fail us, Lord. [music and singing] fail us, Lord. >> God, let it be true. Make it true. >> God, let it be true. Make it true. >> God, let it be true. Make it true. Would our lives be built on you and upon Would our lives be built on you and upon Would our lives be built on you and upon what you have said, upon your word. Make what you have said, upon your word. Make what you have said, upon your word. Make it true, Lord. it true, Lord. it true, Lord. >> Rain came, wind blew, my house [music] >> Rain came, wind blew, my house [music] >> Rain came, wind blew, my house [music] was built on you. was built on you. was built on you. I'm safe with I'm safe with I'm safe with >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> you. >> you. >> you. I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. Rain came, Rain came, Rain came, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> wind >> wind >> wind >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> It my house was built on >> It my house was built on >> It my house was built on you. you. I'm safe I'm safe >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> with you. I'm going to make it through. >> with you. I'm going to make it through. >> with you. I'm going to make it through. The Come on, let's decide it today. Come on, let's decide it today. The cold rain came and went. >> [music] >> [music] >> It blew, >> It blew, >> It blew, my house was built on my house was built on my house was built on >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> you. you. I'm going to make it through. Yeah, you. I'm going to make it through. Yeah, I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going [music and singing] to make it through.

[music and singing] to make it through. [music and singing] to make it through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it to make it through. I'm going to make it to make it through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. through. I'm going to make it through. through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. Cuz I'm standing strong on you. Cuz I'm standing strong on you. Yes, I'm going to make it through. Yes, Yes, I'm going to make it through. Yes, Yes, I'm going to make it through. Yes, I'm going to make [music and singing] it I'm going to make [music and singing] it I'm going to make [music and singing] it through. Yes, I'm going to make it through. Yes, I'm going to make it through. Yes, I'm going to make it through. Yes, I'm going Christ is my [music] firm Christ is my [music] firm foundation. The rock The rock on which on which on which I stand I stand I stand >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> when everything around me is shaking. I've never I've never >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> been more glad >> been more glad >> been more glad that I put my that I put my that I put my faith in faith in faith in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Cuz he's never Cuz he's never Cuz he's never let me let me let me down. He's down. He's down. He's faithful through faithful through faithful through >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> generations. He is. He is. He is. He is. So, I So, I won't believe won't believe won't believe he'll he'll he'll fail now. fail now.

fail now. He won't. He won't. He won't. >> [music] Yes, Yes, no, [music] he won't fail. He won't. He won't. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] No, [singing] No, [singing] he won't. he won't. he won't. >> [music] >> And it [music] is [singing] so sweet to >> And it [music] is [singing] so sweet to trust in [music] Jesus. trust in [music] Jesus. trust in [music] Jesus. Just [singing] Just [singing] Just [singing] to take him to take him to take him >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> at >> at >> at his word, his word, his word, and just [singing] to rest and just [singing] to rest and just [singing] to rest upon [music] his promise.

upon [music] his promise. upon [music] his promise. Just to know Just to know Just to know >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the strength >> the strength >> the strength >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> of the Lord. >> of the Lord. >> of the Lord. And Jesus, And Jesus, And Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >> [music] >> how I trust him. >> how I trust him. How How How I have I have I have proved him proved him proved him more more more and more. and more. and more. Oh, Jesus, [music and singing] Oh, Jesus, [music and singing] Oh, Jesus, [music and singing] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, precious precious precious Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] Oh, for [music] Oh, for [music] Oh, for grace grace grace to trust [singing] him more. Oh, for to trust [singing] him more. Oh, for to trust [singing] him more. Oh, for grace. grace. grace. Oh, for Oh, for Oh, for grace grace grace to trust [singing] to trust [singing] to trust [singing] him one more time. We pray for it today. him one more time. We pray for it today. him one more time. We pray for it today. Oh, for [singing] Oh, for [singing] Oh, for [singing] grace grace grace to trust him to trust him to trust him more. [singing] more. [singing] more. [singing] Amen. Lord, we thank you today that you Amen. Lord, we thank you today that you Amen. Lord, we thank you today that you are trustworthy. are trustworthy. are trustworthy. Would you help us, God? Give us the Would you help us, God? Give us the Would you help us, God? Give us the grace that we need to trust you more, to grace that we need to trust you more, to grace that we need to trust you more, to believe in what you say, not just to believe in what you say, not just to believe in what you say, not just to hear it, not just to read it, but to hear it, not just to read it, but to hear it, not just to read it, but to take it to our heart, take it to our heart, take it to our heart, to live it, to respond to it, to obey.

to live it, to respond to it, to obey. to live it, to respond to it, to obey. Make us a people like that, Lord. Make us a people like that, Lord. Make us a people like that, Lord. We're incapable on our own. So, give us the grace to trust you more, So, give us the grace to trust you more, Lord. Lord. Lord. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. >> Amen. You go ahead and take a seat, >> Amen. You go ahead and take a seat, >> Amen. You go ahead and take a seat, church family. church family. church family. If you have not had a chance to meet me, If you have not had a chance to meet me, If you have not had a chance to meet me, my name is Kate Terry. I serve as our my name is Kate Terry. I serve as our my name is Kate Terry. I serve as our spiritual formation director here. If spiritual formation director here. If spiritual formation director here. If you're new visiting with us this Sunday, you're new visiting with us this Sunday, you're new visiting with us this Sunday, welcome. So glad that you've joined us. welcome. So glad that you've joined us. welcome. So glad that you've joined us. If you've got questions about our If you've got questions about our If you've got questions about our church, looking to get more connected, church, looking to get more connected, church, looking to get more connected, make sure you swing by the connect area make sure you swing by the connect area make sure you swing by the connect area on the foyer. Some of our staff are on the foyer. Some of our staff are on the foyer. Some of our staff are there every week. They would love to there every week. They would love to there every week. They would love to meet you and help answer any questions meet you and help answer any questions meet you and help answer any questions you have, but hopefully some of these you have, but hopefully some of these you have, but hopefully some of these announcements help as well. The first announcements help as well. The first announcements help as well. The first two are just ways to connect with us two are just ways to connect with us two are just ways to connect with us over the summer starting next Sunday. over the summer starting next Sunday. over the summer starting next Sunday. Every third Sunday we've got our men's Every third Sunday we've got our men's Every third Sunday we've got our men's and women's gatherings that happen in and women's gatherings that happen in and women's gatherings that happen in between services. So, stay a little bit between services. So, stay a little bit between services. So, stay a little bit later after the 9:00 or come early later after the 9:00 or come early later after the 9:00 or come early before the 11:00. But guys, the reason before the 11:00. But guys, the reason before the 11:00. But guys, the reason why we do these every single month is we why we do these every single month is we why we do these every single month is we want an easy space for you to enter want an easy space for you to enter want an easy space for you to enter into, to to meet some new faces, to go into, to to meet some new faces, to go into, to to meet some new faces, to go deeper with some old faces, to meet some deeper with some old faces, to meet some deeper with some old faces, to meet some of our partners that are leading in our of our partners that are leading in our of our partners that are leading in our men's and women's spaces. And so, if you men's and women's spaces. And so, if you men's and women's spaces. And so, if you have not gone by by one of these have not gone by by one of these have not gone by by one of these gatherings before, I want to encourage gatherings before, I want to encourage gatherings before, I want to encourage you to do that next Sunday. And then the you to do that next Sunday. And then the you to do that next Sunday. And then the Sunday after that, we're going to be Sunday after that, we're going to be Sunday after that, we're going to be back out at Zilker with a little bit of back out at Zilker with a little bit of back out at Zilker with a little bit of a downtown hang just for fun in our a downtown hang just for fun in our a downtown hang just for fun in our city, one of the favorite spots, because city, one of the favorite spots, because city, one of the favorite spots, because we figure if we're all going to endure we figure if we're all going to endure we figure if we're all going to endure the Texas heat, we might as well do it the Texas heat, we might as well do it the Texas heat, we might as well do it together, right? I don't know what's together, right? I don't know what's together, right? I don't know what's more bonding than sweating thoroughly more bonding than sweating thoroughly more bonding than sweating thoroughly through every article of clothing. So, through every article of clothing. So, through every article of clothing. So, let's do it together. You don't like let's do it together. You don't like let's do it together. You don't like that joke? Come on, it's a great joke.

that joke? Come on, it's a great joke. that joke? Come on, it's a great joke. That's That's about That's my experience That's That's about That's my experience That's That's about That's my experience for the last 2 weeks. Come on. So, we're for the last 2 weeks. Come on. So, we're for the last 2 weeks. Come on. So, we're going to have some cold beverages, we're going to have some cold beverages, we're going to have some cold beverages, we're going to be hanging out at Zilker 2 going to be hanging out at Zilker 2 going to be hanging out at Zilker 2 weeks from today. Come meet us by the weeks from today. Come meet us by the weeks from today. Come meet us by the volleyball courts and we will hang out volleyball courts and we will hang out volleyball courts and we will hang out there. But then last but not least, there. But then last but not least, there. But then last but not least, guys, not only do we care deeply about guys, not only do we care deeply about guys, not only do we care deeply about connecting with you, helping you build connecting with you, helping you build connecting with you, helping you build friendships at our church, but like we friendships at our church, but like we friendships at our church, but like we got to hear today, we care deeply about got to hear today, we care deeply about got to hear today, we care deeply about you being formed in Christ. To know how you being formed in Christ. To know how you being formed in Christ. To know how to interact with God's word and apply it to interact with God's word and apply it to interact with God's word and apply it to your day-to-day life. And so, with to your day-to-day life. And so, with to your day-to-day life. And so, with that in mind, every fall we've got that in mind, every fall we've got that in mind, every fall we've got women's workshop and we bring in a Bible women's workshop and we bring in a Bible women's workshop and we bring in a Bible teacher who specializes in a specific teacher who specializes in a specific teacher who specializes in a specific area of helping us be formed and changed area of helping us be formed and changed area of helping us be formed and changed by God's word. And so, we have a by God's word. And so, we have a by God's word. And so, we have a privilege of hosting Dr. Juli Slattery privilege of hosting Dr. Juli Slattery privilege of hosting Dr. Juli Slattery to help guide us in what God's word says to help guide us in what God's word says to help guide us in what God's word says about sexuality. about sexuality. about sexuality. What's the purpose of it? Why does it What's the purpose of it? Why does it What's the purpose of it? Why does it matter to God? How should it impact the matter to God? How should it impact the matter to God? How should it impact the way that we think, the way that we feel, way that we think, the way that we feel, way that we think, the way that we feel, the way that we act? If you're hearing the way that we act? If you're hearing the way that we act? If you're hearing this and you're like, "What in the world this and you're like, "What in the world this and you're like, "What in the world is the church doing talking about is the church doing talking about is the church doing talking about sexuality?" This is for you. Or maybe sexuality?" This is for you. Or maybe sexuality?" This is for you. Or maybe like me, you're hearing this and you're like me, you're hearing this and you're like me, you're hearing this and you're like, "I'm well aware of my brokenness like, "I'm well aware of my brokenness like, "I'm well aware of my brokenness in this area and the need for the gospel in this area and the need for the gospel in this area and the need for the gospel to apply to it." This is for you, too. to apply to it." This is for you, too. to apply to it." This is for you, too. Or maybe you are a parent, maybe you're Or maybe you are a parent, maybe you're Or maybe you are a parent, maybe you're a friend and a family member looking at a friend and a family member looking at a friend and a family member looking at the chaos of this world and you're like, the chaos of this world and you're like, the chaos of this world and you're like, "I just want to know how to be faithful.

"I just want to know how to be faithful. "I just want to know how to be faithful. I want to know how to love those around I want to know how to love those around I want to know how to love those around me." This is for you. Guys, the world me." This is for you. Guys, the world me." This is for you. Guys, the world wants to dominate the narrative around wants to dominate the narrative around wants to dominate the narrative around sexuality, but as we got to learn today, sexuality, but as we got to learn today, sexuality, but as we got to learn today, His word, His presence, it's the only His word, His presence, it's the only His word, His presence, it's the only steady and sure thing in a fragile steady and sure thing in a fragile steady and sure thing in a fragile world. So, let's go to it. Let's go to world. So, let's go to it. Let's go to world. So, let's go to it. Let's go to it. Let's be shaped. Let's be formed by it. Let's be shaped. Let's be formed by it. Let's be shaped. Let's be formed by it. I know September is a little bit it. I know September is a little bit it. I know September is a little bit ways away, but I also know how quickly ways away, but I also know how quickly ways away, but I also know how quickly your fall weekend fills up, football and your fall weekend fills up, football and your fall weekend fills up, football and a million other things. And so, I want a million other things. And so, I want a million other things. And so, I want you to circle this date on your you to circle this date on your you to circle this date on your calendar, Saturday, September 19th, so calendar, Saturday, September 19th, so calendar, Saturday, September 19th, so you can make plans to join us. You can you can make plans to join us. You can you can make plans to join us. You can find out all those details. You can go find out all those details. You can go find out all those details. You can go ahead and register to sign up ahead and register to sign up ahead and register to sign up austinstone.org/women austinstone.org/women austinstone.org/women or follow the QR code behind me. We hope or follow the QR code behind me. We hope or follow the QR code behind me. We hope to see you there. Okay, guys, that's all to see you there. Okay, guys, that's all to see you there. Okay, guys, that's all I've got. Go ahead and stand and we will I've got. Go ahead and stand and we will I've got. Go ahead and stand and we will end with our benediction. >> All right. Let's sing it to them. >> All right. Let's sing it to them. All hail King Jesus. All hail the Lord All hail the Lord of heaven of heaven of heaven and earth. All hail King Jesus.

All hail the savior All hail the savior of of of the world. the world. the world. Amen. Amen. What a savior He is. Amen. Amen. What a savior He is. Amen. Amen. What a savior He is. We love you so much, church. Have a We love you so much, church. Have a We love you so much, church. Have a great week. We'll see you next Sunday.