God Leads Us | Pastor Jim Cymbala | Sunday Service |The Brooklyn Tabernacle

[music] Let's all stand. Welcome [music] Let's all stand. Welcome everyone. Good morning. everyone. Good morning. everyone. Good morning. [music] So good to see all of you this [music] So good to see all of you this [music] So good to see all of you this morning. Praise the Lord. [music] morning. Praise the Lord. [music] morning. Praise the Lord. [music] Lord, we come into your presence, God. Lord, we come into your presence, God. Lord, we come into your presence, God. We welcome you into this place right We welcome you into this place right We welcome you into this place right now. Be glorified in our midst, Jesus. now. Be glorified in our midst, Jesus. now. Be glorified in our midst, Jesus. We open our [music] hearts to you today, We open our [music] hearts to you today, We open our [music] hearts to you today, God. And we ask, Lord, that you would God. And we ask, Lord, that you would God. And we ask, Lord, that you would visit us, Jesus, and that [music] you visit us, Jesus, and that [music] you visit us, Jesus, and that [music] you would do what only you can do, God. We would do what only you can do, God. We would do what only you can do, God. We acknowledge our need for you. And acknowledge our need for you. And acknowledge our need for you. And [music] we humble ourselves before you, [music] we humble ourselves before you, [music] we humble ourselves before you, God. And now we lift our voices to lift God. And now we lift our voices to lift God. And now we lift our voices to lift you up, God, to lift up the [music] name you up, God, to lift up the [music] name you up, God, to lift up the [music] name of Jesus, the name that is above every of Jesus, the name that is above every of Jesus, the name that is above every other name, King of Kings and Lord of other name, King of Kings and Lord of other name, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We worship you this morning and Lords. We worship you this morning and Lords. We worship you this morning and [music] we glorify your name. be [music] we glorify your name. be [music] we glorify your name. be glorified in this place God and [music] glorified in this place God and [music] glorified in this place God and [music] be pleased with our worship in Jesus be pleased with our worship in Jesus be pleased with our worship in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. Amen. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] Yeah. [singing] [music] Yeah. [singing] Heat.

[music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

[music and singing] [music and singing] Yeah. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] heat, [singing] [music]

[music] >> Heat. [music] [music] [singing] heat. Hey. heat. Hey. >> [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] here. [music] [music]

[music] >> Hallelujah. Thank [music] you Jesus. Thank [music] you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you for your Thank you Lord. Thank you for your Thank you Lord. Thank you for your amazing grace today, God. That's why amazing grace today, God. That's why amazing grace today, God. That's why we're standing here right now, Lord. we're standing here right now, Lord. we're standing here right now, Lord. Because of your grace, [music] Lord. We Because of your grace, [music] Lord. We Because of your grace, [music] Lord. We thank you and we worship you, Lord. thank you and we worship you, Lord. thank you and we worship you, Lord. We [music] bless you, Jesus. We bless you, [music] Lord. We bless We bless you, [music] Lord. We bless you, Jesus. you, Jesus. you, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. >> Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [singing] Heat. [singing] Heat. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Hey, [singing] Hey, [singing] Hey, [singing] [music] heat. heat. [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. My days [music] My days [music] on Jesus.

on Jesus. on Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Come on, sing it together. Come on, sing it together. Come on, sing it together. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat.

>> Heat. [music] Heat. >> We praise you Jesus.

>> We praise you Jesus. We worship you. [music] We worship you Jesus. We worship you Jesus. We glorify [music] We glorify [music] We glorify [music] your name, Jesus. We love you, Jesus. We love you, God. We love you, Jesus. We love you, God. For who you are, [music] Lord. For all For who you are, [music] Lord. For all For who you are, [music] Lord. For all that you've done, Lord. For all that you that you've done, Lord. For all that you that you've done, Lord. For all that you are to us, Lord. We give you [music] are to us, Lord. We give you [music] are to us, Lord. We give you [music] praise today, Lord. We open our mouth, praise today, Lord. We open our mouth, praise today, Lord. We open our mouth, God, out of the abundance [music] of our God, out of the abundance [music] of our God, out of the abundance [music] of our heart, out of the abundance of every heart, out of the abundance of every heart, out of the abundance of every blessing, God, that you've bestowed on blessing, God, that you've bestowed on blessing, God, that you've bestowed on our lives, God, for the grace and the our lives, God, for the grace and the our lives, God, for the grace and the mercy that you've shown us, God. [music] mercy that you've shown us, God. [music] mercy that you've shown us, God. [music] We praise you today, Lord. We worship We praise you today, Lord. We worship We praise you today, Lord. We worship you, God. We lift you [music] on high, you, God. We lift you [music] on high, you, God. We lift you [music] on high, oh Lord. oh Lord. oh Lord. We bless your name. [music] We bless your name. [music] We bless your name. [music] We bless your wonderful name, Jesus.

Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. [music] Glory to the name of Jesus. Glory to the Glory to the name of Jesus. Glory to the name of [music] Jesus. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. [music and singing] Yeah. [music and singing] Heat.

[singing] [singing] here. [music] [music] [music] Yeah.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat Yeah. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat.

[music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] up Heat.

Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] [singing] [singing] Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat.

[music] [music] >> We worship [singing] >> We worship [singing] >> We worship [singing] you. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Jesus, you are worthy Lord.

you are worthy Lord. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah Hallelujah Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] We bless your name Jesus. [music] We bless your name Jesus. [music] We bless your name Jesus. [music] Glory to your name. Glory to your name. Glory to your name. [music] Hallelujah. We adore you, [music] Lord. We adore you, [music] Lord. We adore you, Jesus. We adore you, Jesus. We adore you, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] There is no one like you, Jesus. [music] Precious Savior, we glorify your [music] Precious Savior, we glorify your name. Hallelujah. Would you just worship the Hallelujah. Would you just worship the Lord this morning? That's why [music] we Lord this morning? That's why [music] we Lord this morning? That's why [music] we came here. Open your mouth. Pour out came here. Open your mouth. Pour out came here. Open your mouth. Pour out your heart to the Lord today. [music] your heart to the Lord today. [music] your heart to the Lord today. [music] Pour out your heart to the Lord.

Pour out your heart to the Lord. Pour out your heart to the Lord. Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. Oh we [music] love you Hallelujah Jesus. Oh we [music] love you Hallelujah Jesus. Oh we [music] love you to you. to you. to you. We glorify your name. We exalt you. We glorify your name. We exalt you. We glorify your name. We exalt you. [music] We lift your name on high. [music] We lift your name on high. [music] We lift your name on high. Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Almighty God we love you Jesus. Almighty God we love you Jesus. Almighty God we love you Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> Sing it one last time.

>> Sing it one last time. We We We [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] heat, heat. Amen. Amen. Amen. The Lord is here today. Amen. He's Amen. The Lord is here today. Amen. He's Amen. The Lord is here today. Amen. He's with us. [music] Praise God. We don't with us. [music] Praise God. We don't with us. [music] Praise God. We don't meet in vain, but the Lord meets with meet in vain, but the Lord meets with meet in vain, but the Lord meets with us. He's so faithful. We lift our hands to give you the praise We lift our hands to give you the praise and we will [music] praise you for the and we will [music] praise you for the and we will [music] praise you for the rest of our days.

rest of our days. rest of our days. We will praise you for [music] the rest We will praise you for [music] the rest We will praise you for [music] the rest of my of my of my hand [music] [music] to give you the glory to give you the praise [music] to give you the praise [music] and we will praise you for the rest of and we will praise you for the rest of and we will praise you for the rest of our day. Heat. Heat. our day. Heat. Heat. our day. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music and singing] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> Heat. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah. [music] [music] >> Sometimes I fall [singing] [music] to my knees [music] to my knees and pray baby [music] baby [music] today. [singing] And sometimes [music] And sometimes [music] I [singing] feel [music] like I'm going to pray, [music] like I'm going to pray, [singing] but I'm holding [music] but I'm holding [music] on [music]

[music] Oh, come Jesus come. [singing] to heal [music] every to heal [music] every ride everyone. [singing] [music] Oh, cuz deep down I know this [music] Oh, cuz deep down I know this world is in. world is in. world is in. Oh, come Jesus come. [music] there'll be no change. [music] there'll be no change. [music] Thank you Jesus.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. [music] >> One day [singing] >> One day [singing] he'll come he'll come he'll come and we'll stand face to face. [music] For the [music] time is right now. For the [music] time is right now. [singing] There's no need to wait. There's no need to wait. [music] [music] [music] Oh, your castle be Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Come Jesus. [singing] [singing] [music] Oh we need you Lord. Oh we need you Lord. [music] [music] [music] Even so come Even so come Even so come Jesus.

Amen. Amen. How many say amen to that? How many say amen to that? How many say amen to that? >> Come Jesus, come. That's the last >> Come Jesus, come. That's the last >> Come Jesus, come. That's the last thought in the Bible. Even so, come thought in the Bible. Even so, come thought in the Bible. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. quickly, Lord Jesus. quickly, Lord Jesus. A few weeks ago, we were uh visited by a A few weeks ago, we were uh visited by a A few weeks ago, we were uh visited by a new friend of ours. My wife and I really new friend of ours. My wife and I really new friend of ours. My wife and I really treasure our friendship [music] with treasure our friendship [music] with treasure our friendship [music] with Lauren Larson and his wife. He spoke a Lauren Larson and his wife. He spoke a Lauren Larson and his wife. He spoke a great word here. And we're blessed today great word here. And we're blessed today great word here. And we're blessed today to have his daughter who's well-known to have his daughter who's well-known to have his daughter who's well-known gospel singer, uh Grace Larson Brumley. gospel singer, uh Grace Larson Brumley. gospel singer, uh Grace Larson Brumley. She's here today [applause] She's here today [applause] She's here today [applause] and she's going to sing a bunch, but and she's going to sing a bunch, but and she's going to sing a bunch, but she's coming here to sing a song the she's coming here to sing a song the she's coming here to sing a song the choir recorded called How Jesus Loves. choir recorded called How Jesus Loves. choir recorded called How Jesus Loves. And she's used to down south in And she's used to down south in And she's used to down south in Louisiana friendliness. But let's give Louisiana friendliness. But let's give Louisiana friendliness. But let's give her a Brooklyn welcome. Come on, her a Brooklyn welcome. Come on, her a Brooklyn welcome. Come on, everybody. Grace L. everybody. Grace L. everybody. Grace L. [music] [music] [music] [applause] >> How

>> How Jesus Jesus Jesus [music] [music] [music] loves. [singing] How [music] How [music] Jesus [singing] Preious Preious Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music and singing] How How Jesus Jesus Jesus [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] loves [music] [music] His life [singing] His life [singing] His life [singing] poured out poured out poured out for our sin. for our sin. for our sin. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> And on that cross [singing] >> And on that cross [singing] >> And on that cross [singing] [music] he suffered [music] he suffered [music] he suffered and died and died and died so that we [music and singing] so that we [music and singing] so that we [music and singing] might come might come might come to him.

[music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh Jesus. Oh Jesus. Oh Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Jesus [singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Jesus. [music] [music] Oh Oh Oh Jesus. [singing] Jesus. [singing] Jesus. [singing] [music] [music] [music] And in his name he came to do [music] he came to do [music] the father's [singing] And to those And to those who [music] yet [singing] who [music] yet [singing] who [music] yet [singing] reject the Savior's reject the Savior's reject the Savior's love, [music] Jesus keeps Jesus Jesus [music] [music]

[music] [singing] [music] [music] Jesus [singing] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [singing] Heat. [singing] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] Heat.

Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] how Jesus Jesus [music] [music] [music] [applause] >> Amen. Amen. Blessing. Amen.

>> Amen. Amen. Blessing. Amen. Let's hear it for the choir and the Let's hear it for the choir and the Let's hear it for the choir and the blessing they've been. Grace is going to blessing they've been. Grace is going to blessing they've been. Grace is going to come back. [applause] come back. [applause] come back. [applause] Grace is going to come back and sing Grace is going to come back and sing Grace is going to come back and sing again for us. So, again for us. So, again for us. So, we're so happy to be in the body of we're so happy to be in the body of we're so happy to be in the body of Christ today. How many are happy to be Christ today. How many are happy to be Christ today. How many are happy to be in the big family, the body of Christ? in the big family, the body of Christ? in the big family, the body of Christ? [applause] [applause] [applause] To God, there are no denominations. To God, there are no denominations. To God, there are no denominations. There are no There are no There are no Baptists. There's no Pentecostals. Baptists. There's no Pentecostals. Baptists. There's no Pentecostals. There's no Catholics. There's no There's no Catholics. There's no There's no Catholics. There's no anybody. There's just those who have anybody. There's just those who have anybody. There's just those who have been born again. been born again. been born again. >> And they make up one big family of God. >> And they make up one big family of God. >> And they make up one big family of God. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And we're in it. We should always honor >> And we're in it. We should always honor >> And we're in it. We should always honor that. And we should love and encourage that. And we should love and encourage that. And we should love and encourage other brothers and sisters. There's no other brothers and sisters. There's no other brothers and sisters. There's no white church. There's no black church. white church. There's no black church. white church. There's no black church. There's no any kind of church but Jesus There's no any kind of church but Jesus There's no any kind of church but Jesus church. Amen. Let's give a hand to that. church. Amen. Let's give a hand to that. church. Amen. Let's give a hand to that. Affirm that one more time. As you leave, there's baskets to take um As you leave, there's baskets to take um an offering uh from you. Most people an offering uh from you. Most people an offering uh from you. Most people give online.

give online. give online. What can I say? Congregation, we need What can I say? Congregation, we need What can I say? Congregation, we need the Lord to help people to give so that the Lord to help people to give so that the Lord to help people to give so that we can do everything we're doing, not we can do everything we're doing, not we can do everything we're doing, not just here, but around the world. just here, but around the world. just here, but around the world. As you know, we'll give you an update As you know, we'll give you an update As you know, we'll give you an update soon on the church for the Roma people soon on the church for the Roma people soon on the church for the Roma people that we're building in Slovakia. that we're building in Slovakia. that we're building in Slovakia. We're helping a church down in a poor We're helping a church down in a poor We're helping a church down in a poor province in Argentina called Tukuman. province in Argentina called Tukuman. province in Argentina called Tukuman. And uh there's just not this going on, And uh there's just not this going on, And uh there's just not this going on, but all kinds of things going on. but all kinds of things going on. but all kinds of things going on. [music] [music] [music] So, we ask and we need your help. You So, we ask and we need your help. You So, we ask and we need your help. You know, I passed by Atlantic Avenue the know, I passed by Atlantic Avenue the know, I passed by Atlantic Avenue the other day uh in a car and we passed by other day uh in a car and we passed by other day uh in a car and we passed by the building that Carol and I started the building that Carol and I started the building that Carol and I started in. Has a lot of memories in it. It's a in. Has a lot of memories in it. It's a in. Has a lot of memories in it. It's a Muslim mosque now, but it had um same Muslim mosque now, but it had um same Muslim mosque now, but it had um same windows. They haven't changed that. windows. They haven't changed that. windows. They haven't changed that. [music] [music] [music] And I went by it and I saw the mail slot And I went by it and I saw the mail slot And I went by it and I saw the mail slot on the door because they haven't changed on the door because they haven't changed on the door because they haven't changed the door. And immediately a memory came the door. And immediately a memory came the door. And immediately a memory came to me that I want to just repeat to you to me that I want to just repeat to you to me that I want to just repeat to you how God is faithful. My wife and I came how God is faithful. My wife and I came how God is faithful. My wife and I came untrained, not really prepared for the untrained, not really prepared for the untrained, not really prepared for the ministry. [music] And uh the mortgage ministry. [music] And uh the mortgage ministry. [music] And uh the mortgage was $232.

was $232. was $232. How many remember the good old days of How many remember the good old days of How many remember the good old days of 232 mortgages? Now you got to pay that 232 mortgages? Now you got to pay that 232 mortgages? Now you got to pay that at uh Starbucks for a coffee and a at uh Starbucks for a coffee and a at uh Starbucks for a coffee and a donut. But [music] anyway, so the first donut. But [music] anyway, so the first donut. But [music] anyway, so the first offering we took was $85 offering we took was $85 offering we took was $85 on a Sunday. And the on a Sunday. And the on a Sunday. And the usher, whoever handed me the slip, $85. usher, whoever handed me the slip, $85. usher, whoever handed me the slip, $85. So my wife and I had gotten second jobs, So my wife and I had gotten second jobs, So my wife and I had gotten second jobs, but still I had to make the mortgage but still I had to make the mortgage but still I had to make the mortgage payment for the [music] church. And oh, payment for the [music] church. And oh, payment for the [music] church. And oh, how the enemy attacked me. Oh, you how the enemy attacked me. Oh, you how the enemy attacked me. Oh, you really did something stupid. You left really did something stupid. You left really did something stupid. You left your job, went in the ministry, your your job, went in the ministry, your your job, went in the ministry, your wife, and you can't even pay the wife, and you can't even pay the wife, and you can't even pay the mortgage because there was like $150, mortgage because there was like $150, mortgage because there was like $150, $180 in the checking account, and the $180 in the checking account, and the $180 in the checking account, and the mortgage was just staring me in the mortgage was just staring me in the mortgage was just staring me in the face. face. face. So, right in that building, in this tiny So, right in that building, in this tiny So, right in that building, in this tiny office, I remember crying to God and office, I remember crying to God and office, I remember crying to God and saying, "God, saying, "God, saying, "God, um, you have to help me.

um, you have to help me. um, you have to help me. You have to help us." Because my, You have to help us." Because my, You have to help us." Because my, [music] [music] [music] um, late mother-in-law, they were with um, late mother-in-law, they were with um, late mother-in-law, they were with my father-in-law were overseeing the my father-in-law were overseeing the my father-in-law were overseeing the church, but it was close to closing church, but it was close to closing church, but it was close to closing down, uh, for a number of reasons. So, down, uh, for a number of reasons. So, down, uh, for a number of reasons. So, I'm up in this little office and I'm I'm up in this little office and I'm I'm up in this little office and I'm praying, God, I know the promises, but praying, God, I know the promises, but praying, God, I know the promises, but now you got to work. How many have ever now you got to work. How many have ever now you got to work. How many have ever had your back up against the wall? Just had your back up against the wall? Just had your back up against the wall? Just lift your hand. My back was against lift your hand. My back was against lift your hand. My back was against [music] the wall [music] the wall [music] the wall and I thought, "Oh, wait. I haven't and I thought, "Oh, wait. I haven't and I thought, "Oh, wait. I haven't checked the mail downstairs." [music] checked the mail downstairs." [music] checked the mail downstairs." [music] So, I ran down the gray steps there, So, I ran down the gray steps there, So, I ran down the gray steps there, concrete, and I looked at the mail slot concrete, and I looked at the mail slot concrete, and I looked at the mail slot and sure enough, mail had come in. No and sure enough, mail had come in. No and sure enough, mail had come in. No money. money. money. more bills. I didn't need more bills. I more bills. I didn't need more bills. I more bills. I didn't need more bills. I needed money. needed money. needed money. So, So, So, I went back up and I'm praying and now I went back up and I'm praying and now I went back up and I'm praying and now I'm just getting desperate with God. And I'm just getting desperate with God. And I'm just getting desperate with God. And I remember, oh, wait a minute. The I remember, oh, wait a minute. The I remember, oh, wait a minute. The previous pastor told me, "We have a post previous pastor told me, "We have a post previous pastor told me, "We have a post office box. [music] They've knocked that office box. [music] They've knocked that office box. [music] They've knocked that post office down and they've built some post office down and they've built some post office down and they've built some kind of housing unit there." But kind of housing unit there." But kind of housing unit there." But we had a post office there in a box. So, we had a post office there in a box. So, we had a post office there in a box. So, I ran downstairs, crossed Atlantic I ran downstairs, crossed Atlantic I ran downstairs, crossed Atlantic Avenue, Post Office Box 232, [music] and Avenue, Post Office Box 232, [music] and Avenue, Post Office Box 232, [music] and I said, "I'm going to open it, and I said, "I'm going to open it, and I said, "I'm going to open it, and there'll be a check for $4 million or there'll be a check for $4 million or there'll be a check for $4 million or something." Come on. Just like in the something." Come on. Just like in the something." Come on. Just like in the movies and in the books. And I went and movies and in the books. And I went and movies and in the books. And I went and nothing. Nada. Empty.

So, now I'm in the soup. So, now I'm in the soup. I closed the office, the post office I closed the office, the post office I closed the office, the post office box. I walk out of the building. going box. I walk out of the building. going box. I walk out of the building. going to cross Atlantic Avenue. A lot of to cross Atlantic Avenue. A lot of to cross Atlantic Avenue. A lot of traffic. You know, Atlantic is a wide traffic. You know, Atlantic is a wide traffic. You know, Atlantic is a wide street. And I get to the building that I street. And I get to the building that I street. And I get to the building that I just passed by. just passed by. just passed by. And I walk in and laying inside. Someone And I walk in and laying inside. Someone And I walk in and laying inside. Someone had put through the mail shoot a white had put through the mail shoot a white had put through the mail shoot a white envelope. It wasn't there when I came envelope. It wasn't there when I came envelope. It wasn't there when I came down. I would have noticed it. I would down. I would have noticed it. I would down. I would have noticed it. I would have seen it. have seen it. have seen it. So, I looked down on it. I thought, So, I looked down on it. I thought, So, I looked down on it. I thought, "What is this?" No postage, no no "What is this?" No postage, no no "What is this?" No postage, no no address, [music] address, [music] address, [music] just an envelope. just an envelope. just an envelope. And I picked it up and I opened it and And I picked it up and I opened it and And I picked it up and I opened it and there were two $100 bills. there were two $100 bills. there were two $100 bills. I don't know to this day who did it or I don't know to this day who did it or I don't know to this day who did it or if an angel did it. Angels must have if an angel did it. Angels must have if an angel did it. Angels must have money, I guess, right? Angels, they get money, I guess, right? Angels, they get money, I guess, right? Angels, they get paid. And I got that and I went upstairs paid. And I got that and I went upstairs paid. And I got that and I went upstairs and I broke into crying and weeping and I broke into crying and weeping and I broke into crying and weeping because God is so faithful. Is God because God is so faithful. Is God because God is so faithful. Is God faithful? Come on. How many have found faithful? Come on. How many have found faithful? Come on. How many have found him faithful in your own life?

him faithful in your own life? him faithful in your own life? [applause] [applause] [applause] That's how the first mortgage That's how the first mortgage That's how the first mortgage of our tenure at the church. That's how of our tenure at the church. That's how of our tenure at the church. That's how that first mortgage [music] was paid. that first mortgage [music] was paid. that first mortgage [music] was paid. And all the way to this day, our bills And all the way to this day, our bills And all the way to this day, our bills are paid, but we always are in getting a are paid, but we always are in getting a are paid, but we always are in getting a new challenge, a new something. And uh new challenge, a new something. And uh new challenge, a new something. And uh we got to do fixing up of the building. we got to do fixing up of the building. we got to do fixing up of the building. We've been here about 25 years now. We've been here about 25 years now. We've been here about 25 years now. [music] [music] [music] So would you help us? Let's just pray So would you help us? Let's just pray So would you help us? Let's just pray for a second. God, I recognize your for a second. God, I recognize your for a second. God, I recognize your faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. You are great. We are small. You are great. We are small. You are great. We are small. Increase our faith. Don't let us be Increase our faith. Don't let us be Increase our faith. Don't let us be afraid to give. A lot of people don't afraid to give. A lot of people don't afraid to give. A lot of people don't give, Lord, because they're afraid. They give, Lord, because they're afraid. They give, Lord, because they're afraid. They they don't they have fear instead of they don't they have fear instead of they don't they have fear instead of faith. They think you'll fail them. faith. They think you'll fail them. faith. They think you'll fail them. Remind us all you'll never fail us, Remind us all you'll never fail us, Remind us all you'll never fail us, Lord. In [music] fact, you love a Lord. In [music] fact, you love a Lord. In [music] fact, you love a cheerful giver. And as we give, in the cheerful giver. And as we give, in the cheerful giver. And as we give, in the same measure is going to be measured same measure is going to be measured same measure is going to be measured back to us. So God, no pressure, no back to us. So God, no pressure, no back to us. So God, no pressure, no hounding the people. Holy Spirit, hounding the people. Holy Spirit, hounding the people. Holy Spirit, breathe on the people watching online breathe on the people watching online breathe on the people watching online and here [music] that we might give and here [music] that we might give and here [music] that we might give according to how you've blessed us. We according to how you've blessed us. We according to how you've blessed us. We pray it in Jesus' name. [music] And pray it in Jesus' name. [music] And pray it in Jesus' name. [music] And everyone said, "Amen."

everyone said, "Amen." everyone said, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. I asked Grace to sing a couple songs I asked Grace to sing a couple songs I asked Grace to sing a couple songs before I open the word. One song she before I open the word. One song she before I open the word. One song she sings, I think [music] you're going to sings, I think [music] you're going to sings, I think [music] you're going to sing, I am, right? She I heard her sing sing, I am, right? She I heard her sing sing, I am, right? She I heard her sing um this song I am about how God becomes um this song I am about how God becomes um this song I am about how God becomes everything we need. Could you put your everything we need. Could you put your everything we need. Could you put your hands together? Welcome back Grace hands together? Welcome back Grace hands together? Welcome back Grace Larson Brumley. [applause] Larson Brumley. [applause] Larson Brumley. [applause] [music] >> When it [singing] >> When it [singing] was dark was dark was dark in [music] my heart, you brought a light to me. you brought a light to me. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] A child of darkness. A child of darkness. A child of darkness. [music] [music] [music] I [singing] became I [singing] became I [singing] became a child of [music] light. night.

And when [singing] my soul And when [singing] my soul [music] was so dry and [singing] and [singing] I needed drink, [music] I needed drink, [music] I needed drink, [music] it was [singing] the waters it was [singing] the waters it was [singing] the waters of [music] life of [music] life of [music] life that you became to me. I am. [music] I am. [music] You [singing] said to me. You [singing] said to me. You [singing] said to me. I am the alpha [music] I am the alpha [music] I am the alpha [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] and the omega, and the omega, and the omega, the in between. [music and singing] I [music and singing] I [music and singing] am all I am.

all I am. You said [music] to me You said [music] to me You said [music] to me and I'll [singing] be just what it and I'll [singing] be just what it and I'll [singing] be just what it [music] takes [music] takes [music] takes to meet your need. [music] [music] You were the widows [music] You were the widows cruise of oil cruise of oil cruise of oil [singing] and [music] and [music] Elijah's meat. Elijah's meat. Elijah's meat. You were a shelter [music] You were a shelter [music] You were a shelter [music] for all Noah, [singing] for all Noah, [singing] for all Noah, [singing] a shepherd for [music] the sheep. And in the fire, [singing] And in the fire, [singing] [music] you were the full man.

And a cloud by day, [music] And a cloud by day, [music] a fire [singing] by night a fire [singing] by night a fire [singing] by night [music] for your children [music] for your children [music] for your children to lead the way. [singing] to lead the way. [singing] to lead the way. [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] I am. [music] I am. [music] I am. [music] You said to me, You said to me, You said to me, "Oh, I [singing] am "Oh, I [singing] am "Oh, I [singing] am the [music] bread of life. the [music] bread of life. the [music] bread of life. So take [music] I am. [music] I am. [music] You said me You said me You said me and I'll [music and singing] be just and I'll [music and singing] be just and I'll [music and singing] be just what it takes what it takes what it takes to meet your need. [music] And [music] I'll [singing] even go And [music] I'll [singing] even go my way Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] Thank you, Jesus. Aren't you thankful Thank you, Jesus. Aren't you thankful Thank you, Jesus. Aren't you thankful this morning? He is the I am. this morning? He is the I am. this morning? He is the I am. >> Not the I was, I could have been, but >> Not the I was, I could have been, but >> Not the I was, I could have been, but the I am. Whatever you're faced in this the I am. Whatever you're faced in this the I am. Whatever you're faced in this morning, he can meet your need. Amen. morning, he can meet your need. Amen. morning, he can meet your need. Amen. >> Amen. This next song I'm going to sing >> Amen. This next song I'm going to sing >> Amen. This next song I'm going to sing this morning. You know, I was just this morning. You know, I was just this morning. You know, I was just thinking about it. It's a simple song, thinking about it. It's a simple song, thinking about it. It's a simple song, and most of you in here probably know and most of you in here probably know and most of you in here probably know it, the goodness of God. it, the goodness of God. it, the goodness of God. And I was thinking on this song as I was And I was thinking on this song as I was And I was thinking on this song as I was preparing for this morning. And it's preparing for this morning. And it's preparing for this morning. And it's interesting that it's been in the interesting that it's been in the interesting that it's been in the darkest moments of my life that I've darkest moments of my life that I've darkest moments of my life that I've reached for this song in the trials and reached for this song in the trials and reached for this song in the trials and in in just terrible circumstances, in in just terrible circumstances, in in just terrible circumstances, questionable circumstances, when things questionable circumstances, when things questionable circumstances, when things were confusing, when things didn't seem were confusing, when things didn't seem were confusing, when things didn't seem to be going right, I would reach for a to be going right, I would reach for a to be going right, I would reach for a song that would sing about the goodness song that would sing about the goodness song that would sing about the goodness of God. of God. of God. And I I just began to think about that. And I I just began to think about that. And I I just began to think about that. It's it's interesting that It's it's interesting that It's it's interesting that it it would be in those times that we it it would be in those times that we it it would be in those times that we would reach for something of that sort.

would reach for something of that sort. would reach for something of that sort. And and I think about it, you know, And and I think about it, you know, And and I think about it, you know, there's some people who would say, there's some people who would say, there's some people who would say, there's a line in this song, all my there's a line in this song, all my there's a line in this song, all my life, you've been faithful. You've been life, you've been faithful. You've been life, you've been faithful. You've been so good. so good. so good. And I've had some look at me and say, And I've had some look at me and say, And I've had some look at me and say, "Well, Grace, I can't sing that. My life "Well, Grace, I can't sing that. My life "Well, Grace, I can't sing that. My life hasn't been easy. It hasn't been flowers hasn't been easy. It hasn't been flowers hasn't been easy. It hasn't been flowers and butterflies. It hasn't been simple. and butterflies. It hasn't been simple. and butterflies. It hasn't been simple. I've faced some difficult things." And I've faced some difficult things." And I've faced some difficult things." And as I thought about that, you know, as I thought about that, you know, as I thought about that, you know, here's the truth about the goodness of here's the truth about the goodness of here's the truth about the goodness of God. God. God. The goodness of God, it doesn't have The goodness of God, it doesn't have The goodness of God, it doesn't have anything to do with him changing my anything to do with him changing my anything to do with him changing my circumstance. circumstance. circumstance. It doesn't have anything to do with him It doesn't have anything to do with him It doesn't have anything to do with him taking my situation and giving me the taking my situation and giving me the taking my situation and giving me the outcome that I wanted. outcome that I wanted. outcome that I wanted. Here's the simple thing about the Here's the simple thing about the Here's the simple thing about the goodness of God. that no matter what I'm goodness of God. that no matter what I'm goodness of God. that no matter what I'm facing, facing, facing, no matter what the trial is, no matter no matter what the trial is, no matter no matter what the trial is, no matter what the circumstance is, he's just what the circumstance is, he's just what the circumstance is, he's just good. good. good. >> He's just good. [applause] >> He's just good. [applause] >> He's just good. [applause] So, no matter what your life has looked So, no matter what your life has looked So, no matter what your life has looked like or or what your circumstances have like or or what your circumstances have like or or what your circumstances have looked like, you can sing this song this looked like, you can sing this song this looked like, you can sing this song this morning because his goodness does not morning because his goodness does not morning because his goodness does not depend upon our circumstances. His depend upon our circumstances. His depend upon our circumstances. His goodness is simply because he is God and goodness is simply because he is God and goodness is simply because he is God and he doesn't change. Amen. Come on, can he doesn't change. Amen. Come on, can he doesn't change. Amen. Come on, can you worship him this morning? [applause] you worship him this morning? [applause] you worship him this morning? [applause] Amen.

Amen. Amen. [music] [music] for your mercy [singing] never [music] for your mercy [singing] never fails me. [music] fails me. [music] fails me. [music] And all my days And all my days And all my days have been held in [singing] your hands. have been held in [singing] your hands. have been held in [singing] your hands. [music] [music] [music] From the moment that I wake up From the moment that I wake up From the moment that I wake up until I until I until I >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> lay my head. >> lay my head. >> lay my head. [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [music] Oh, I will sing of the goodness [singing] [singing] [singing] of God. of God. of God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> All my [singing] life you have been >> All my [singing] life you have been >> All my [singing] life you have been faithful. [music] [music] All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. [music] With every breath that I [music] With every breath that I [music] With every breath that I [singing] am able. [singing] am able. [singing] am able. Oh, I receive Oh, I receive Oh, I receive of the goodness [music] of the goodness [music] of the goodness [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] of God.

of God. of God. I love [music] your voice. You have led [music and singing] me You have led [music and singing] me through the fire through the fire through the fire in darkest night. in darkest night. in darkest night. You are [music] close like no other. You are [music] close like no other. You are [music] close like no other. [singing] [singing] [singing] I've known [music] you as a father. I've known [music] you as a father. I've known [music] you as a father. I've known you as a friend. I've known you as a friend. I've known you as a friend. [music] [music] [music] And I have lived in the goodness And I have lived in the goodness And I have lived in the goodness of God. [music] And all my life you [music] have been And all my life you [music] have been faithful. [music] [music] All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. [music] With every breath that I am able. With every breath that I am able. [singing] Oh, [music] I will sing of the goodness Oh, [music] I will sing of the goodness of God.

Your goodness [music] is running after. Your goodness [music] is running after. It's running after me. It's running after me. It's running after me. [music] [music] [music] Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after me. [music] running after me. [music] running after me. [music] With my life laid down, I surrender now. With my life laid down, I surrender now. With my life laid down, I surrender now. I give [music] you everything. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's [music] running after me. [music] running after me. [music] running after me. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after [music] me. Yes, it is. running after [music] me. Yes, it is. running after [music] me. Yes, it is. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's [music] running after me. [music] running after me. [music] running after me. My life lay down. Surrender now. I My life lay down. Surrender now. I My life lay down. Surrender now. I [music] give you everything. Your goodness isn't running after Your goodness isn't running after [music] running after [music] running after [music] running after me. And all my life you have been faithful.

And all my life you have been faithful. [music and singing] All my life you [music] have been so so All my life you [music] have been so so good [singing] good [singing] good [singing] [music] with every breath that I am [music] with every breath that I am [music] with every breath that I am able. [singing] able. [singing] able. [singing] Oh, I [music] receive Oh, I [music] receive Oh, I [music] receive the goodness [singing] the goodness [singing] the goodness [singing] of God. Come on, one more time. Let's of God. Come on, one more time. Let's of God. Come on, one more time. Let's sing it out this morning. [music] Oh, I sing it out this morning. [music] Oh, I sing it out this morning. [music] Oh, I will sing all my [singing] life. All my will sing all my [singing] life. All my will sing all my [singing] life. All my life [music] you have been faithful. I will sing of [music] the goodness I will sing of [music] the goodness of God.

of God. of God. [singing] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Come on and give him glory. Hallelujah. Come on and give him glory. Hallelujah. Come on and give him glory. [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. [music] Thank you Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] Amen. Amen. Amen. That's a good truth. It doesn't matter That's a good truth. It doesn't matter That's a good truth. It doesn't matter what's happening around us. God is good. what's happening around us. God is good. what's happening around us. God is good. >> Let's talk about something very >> Let's talk about something very >> Let's talk about something very important. I want to talk about it and important. I want to talk about it and important. I want to talk about it and minister to you. This could be a minister to you. This could be a minister to you. This could be a lifecher if we receive it today. Oh, it lifecher if we receive it today. Oh, it lifecher if we receive it today. Oh, it has to be a lifecher. It has to be. has to be a lifecher. It has to be. has to be a lifecher. It has to be. God's going to help us. Lord, [snorts] God's going to help us. Lord, [snorts] God's going to help us. Lord, [snorts] help me to preach. Help us all to help me to preach. Help us all to help me to preach. Help us all to listen. Anoint your word by the Holy listen. Anoint your word by the Holy listen. Anoint your word by the Holy Spirit who inspired it. and let us see Spirit who inspired it. and let us see Spirit who inspired it. and let us see only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. >> In his name we pray. >> In his name we pray. >> In his name we pray. >> Amen. >> The Bible is characterized in the Old >> The Bible is characterized in the Old Testament by the law or by commands.

They are moral in nature, moral They are moral in nature, moral commands. They never change. We [snorts] commands. They never change. We [snorts] commands. They never change. We [snorts] don't vote about it. We don't discuss don't vote about it. We don't discuss don't vote about it. We don't discuss it. We don't go by what the culture it. We don't go by what the culture it. We don't go by what the culture says. And if anybody gets a revelation says. And if anybody gets a revelation says. And if anybody gets a revelation that changes that moral law, we know that changes that moral law, we know that changes that moral law, we know they're false and of the evil one. Like they're false and of the evil one. Like they're false and of the evil one. Like don't kill, don't steal, don't hate, don't commit immorality, don't commit immorality, don't have another god before the true don't have another god before the true don't have another god before the true God, and so on. Those are moral God, and so on. Those are moral God, and so on. Those are moral commands. They're also in the New commands. They're also in the New commands. They're also in the New Testament. There's [snorts] even more Testament. There's [snorts] even more Testament. There's [snorts] even more commands. Of course, we only can fill commands. Of course, we only can fill commands. Of course, we only can fill fulfill them when the Lord's grace is fulfill them when the Lord's grace is fulfill them when the Lord's grace is working in our life. We're not saved by working in our life. We're not saved by working in our life. We're not saved by obeying commands. We're saved by the obeying commands. We're saved by the obeying commands. We're saved by the grace of God. Amen. grace of God. Amen. grace of God. Amen. >> It's a gift. We receive it by faith. But >> It's a gift. We receive it by faith. But >> It's a gift. We receive it by faith. But Jesus gave more commands to go on top of Jesus gave more commands to go on top of Jesus gave more commands to go on top of those commands. Like the Old Testament those commands. Like the Old Testament those commands. Like the Old Testament says don't kill. Jesus said no. If you says don't kill. Jesus said no. If you says don't kill. Jesus said no. If you just hate somebody and go you you're just hate somebody and go you you're just hate somebody and go you you're you're a murderer.

you're a murderer. you're a murderer. >> Correct. Amen. >> Correct. Amen. >> Correct. Amen. >> Um and so on and so forth. Love one >> Um and so on and so forth. Love one >> Um and so on and so forth. Love one another. another. another. Um as Um as Um as as I have loved you, I want you to love as I have loved you, I want you to love as I have loved you, I want you to love one another. These are moral commands. one another. These are moral commands. one another. These are moral commands. Don't gossip. [snorts] Don't bear false Don't gossip. [snorts] Don't bear false Don't gossip. [snorts] Don't bear false witness. Don't be a cause of division. witness. Don't be a cause of division. witness. Don't be a cause of division. So on and so forth. Those are moral. So on and so forth. Those are moral. So on and so forth. Those are moral. They never change. They never change. They never change. But there's a whole slew of commands in But there's a whole slew of commands in But there's a whole slew of commands in the Bible which we would call personal the Bible which we would call personal the Bible which we would call personal life directives. life directives. life directives. They're not for everyone. They're just They're not for everyone. They're just They're not for everyone. They're just for the person they were given to. for the person they were given to. for the person they were given to. You can't apply them to everybody. There's moral commands and then there's There's moral commands and then there's directives, commands and way that the directives, commands and way that the directives, commands and way that the Lord gives which have to do with our Lord gives which have to do with our Lord gives which have to do with our personal lives personal lives personal lives and they're made for us to be happy and and they're made for us to be happy and and they're made for us to be happy and blessed and in the center of his will.

blessed and in the center of his will. blessed and in the center of his will. All commands God gives never are to rain All commands God gives never are to rain All commands God gives never are to rain on your parade. It's to make us be on your parade. It's to make us be on your parade. It's to make us be blessed, filled with spiritual joy and blessed, filled with spiritual joy and blessed, filled with spiritual joy and happiness, peace and joy like a river. happiness, peace and joy like a river. happiness, peace and joy like a river. That's why God gives commands. When we That's why God gives commands. When we That's why God gives commands. When we violate his commands, we just don't violate his commands, we just don't violate his commands, we just don't break his commands. We hurt ourselves. break his commands. We hurt ourselves. break his commands. We hurt ourselves. >> You follow >> You follow >> You follow >> on these personal will directives. >> on these personal will directives. >> on these personal will directives. It's the same thing. It's for our joy, It's the same thing. It's for our joy, It's the same thing. It's for our joy, for our peace, and for God's glory most for our peace, and for God's glory most for our peace, and for God's glory most of all. And many people put them aside. They And many people put them aside. They think religion is only about obey the think religion is only about obey the think religion is only about obey the word of God. word of God. word of God. But as we see in the Bible, it's not But as we see in the Bible, it's not But as we see in the Bible, it's not that simple. that simple. that simple. God's always been giving personal will God's always been giving personal will God's always been giving personal will directives from the very beginning. He directives from the very beginning. He directives from the very beginning. He told Noah to build an ark. That's not a told Noah to build an ark. That's not a told Noah to build an ark. That's not a moral command. He doesn't want you to moral command. He doesn't want you to moral command. He doesn't want you to build an ark. I'm not to build an ark.

build an ark. I'm not to build an ark. build an ark. I'm not to build an ark. Noah was to build an ark. And by doing Noah was to build an ark. And by doing Noah was to build an ark. And by doing so, he saved his family. so, he saved his family. so, he saved his family. When God called Abraham, Abraham was When God called Abraham, Abraham was When God called Abraham, Abraham was living in the Chaldes in what we would living in the Chaldes in what we would living in the Chaldes in what we would know today as Iran. [clears throat] And know today as Iran. [clears throat] And know today as Iran. [clears throat] And God called him to leave everything to go God called him to leave everything to go God called him to leave everything to go to a place that God would show him. Is to a place that God would show him. Is to a place that God would show him. Is that a moral command? No. that a moral command? No. that a moral command? No. God's not calling you to leave your God's not calling you to leave your God's not calling you to leave your house today and go to a place that he'll house today and go to a place that he'll house today and go to a place that he'll show you. No. That was to Abraham. But show you. No. That was to Abraham. But show you. No. That was to Abraham. But it was so important. That's how they got it was so important. That's how they got it was so important. That's how they got to the Abraham, the father of the Jewish to the Abraham, the father of the Jewish to the Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. He got to the promised land people. He got to the promised land people. He got to the promised land because of that directive, personal life because of that directive, personal life because of that directive, personal life directive. God has a plan for Abraham. directive. God has a plan for Abraham. directive. God has a plan for Abraham. Now he was bringing it in to fruition. Now he was bringing it in to fruition. Now he was bringing it in to fruition. God spoke to Moses after Moses had spent God spoke to Moses after Moses had spent God spoke to Moses after Moses had spent 40 years in Egypt, ended his little stay 40 years in Egypt, ended his little stay 40 years in Egypt, ended his little stay there by killing someone and burying there by killing someone and burying there by killing someone and burying them in the sand. He then went for them in the sand. He then went for them in the sand. He then went for another 40 years in the desert and found another 40 years in the desert and found another 40 years in the desert and found a wife there and was living there and a wife there and was living there and a wife there and was living there and then God spoke to him and said, "Go to then God spoke to him and said, "Go to then God spoke to him and said, "Go to Pharaoh and say, "Let my people go." Was Pharaoh and say, "Let my people go." Was Pharaoh and say, "Let my people go." Was that a moral command? Was that Was that that a moral command? Was that Was that that a moral command? Was that Was that on the line of don't kill, don't steal?

on the line of don't kill, don't steal? on the line of don't kill, don't steal? No. It was a personal word. You go to No. It was a personal word. You go to No. It was a personal word. You go to Pharaoh. You're not supposed to go to Pharaoh. You're not supposed to go to Pharaoh. You're not supposed to go to Pharaoh. Pharaoh doesn't exist anymore. Pharaoh. Pharaoh doesn't exist anymore. Pharaoh. Pharaoh doesn't exist anymore. I'm not to go to Pharaoh. I'm not to go to Pharaoh. I'm not to go to Pharaoh. Moses was to go to Pharaoh. Moses was to go to Pharaoh. Moses was to go to Pharaoh. and here's what you say. So God gave him and here's what you say. So God gave him and here's what you say. So God gave him a per I mean down to the nth degree he a per I mean down to the nth degree he a per I mean down to the nth degree he laid out this is what you're to do. laid out this is what you're to do. laid out this is what you're to do. Well, Well, Well, Moses goes, Moses goes, Moses goes, you know, about the plagues, and then you know, about the plagues, and then you know, about the plagues, and then maybe you saw the movie Ten Commandments maybe you saw the movie Ten Commandments maybe you saw the movie Ten Commandments long time ago, and he led the people out long time ago, and he led the people out long time ago, and he led the people out of Egypt. And now they're in the of Egypt. And now they're in the of Egypt. And now they're in the wilderness. And then God said, "You will wilderness. And then God said, "You will wilderness. And then God said, "You will move only as I direct you to move. move only as I direct you to move. move only as I direct you to move. During the day, you'll see a cloud. During the day, you'll see a cloud. During the day, you'll see a cloud. It'll stand out to you amidst the It'll stand out to you amidst the It'll stand out to you amidst the brightness of the sun. When the cloud brightness of the sun. When the cloud brightness of the sun. When the cloud moves, you move. When the cloud stays, moves, you move. When the cloud stays, moves, you move. When the cloud stays, you stay. At night time, where you you stay. At night time, where you you stay. At night time, where you couldn't see the cloud, I will put a couldn't see the cloud, I will put a couldn't see the cloud, I will put a pillar of fire in the night. You follow pillar of fire in the night. You follow pillar of fire in the night. You follow the pillar of fire. If it stands still, the pillar of fire. If it stands still, the pillar of fire. If it stands still, stay still. You stay there for 3 months, stay still. You stay there for 3 months, stay still. You stay there for 3 months, for a year, for two years. They weren't for a year, for two years. They weren't for a year, for two years. They weren't trekking every other day, but sometimes trekking every other day, but sometimes trekking every other day, but sometimes it would stay just for a week, sometimes it would stay just for a week, sometimes it would stay just for a week, sometimes for a day. Now they had to pull for a day. Now they had to pull for a day. Now they had to pull everything together and take off. They everything together and take off. They everything together and take off. They were following the cloud. Was that a were following the cloud. Was that a were following the cloud. Was that a moral command? Are you you and I moral command? Are you you and I moral command? Are you you and I supposed to follow some cloud during the supposed to follow some cloud during the supposed to follow some cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night? No, day and a pillar of fire by night? No, day and a pillar of fire by night? No, we don't have that. But that moment, God we don't have that. But that moment, God we don't have that. But that moment, God gave them his personal directive for the

gave them his personal directive for the gave them his personal directive for the will that he had for his people. A lot of Christians don't even think A lot of Christians don't even think about those things. Just go to church on about those things. Just go to church on about those things. Just go to church on Sunday and then live my life. Hey, I'm Sunday and then live my life. Hey, I'm Sunday and then live my life. Hey, I'm living my life. living my life. living my life. No thought of what God might want for No thought of what God might want for No thought of what God might want for your life or my life. Not morally. your life or my life. Not morally. your life or my life. Not morally. Morally, we're all the same. Morally, we're all the same. Morally, we're all the same. But people move, leave their jobs, leave But people move, leave their jobs, leave But people move, leave their jobs, leave a church, take off to live in a church, take off to live in a church, take off to live in Pennsylvania or wherever without even a thought. Is this God's without even a thought. Is this God's will? Is this Am I following the cloud? will? Is this Am I following the cloud? will? Is this Am I following the cloud? Am I following the Holy Spirit? Am I Am I following the Holy Spirit? Am I Am I following the Holy Spirit? Am I following God's plan? No. No. I'm following God's plan? No. No. I'm following God's plan? No. No. I'm retiring early. Why? I feel like it. Ministers retire. They don't even pray Ministers retire. They don't even pray about it. I know some. They regret that about it. I know some. They regret that about it. I know some. They regret that they they did. They're full of life, but they they did. They're full of life, but they they did. They're full of life, but they retire. Why? I'm getting tired. they retire. Why? I'm getting tired. they retire. Why? I'm getting tired. That's all. Just how I feel. What I That's all. Just how I feel. What I That's all. Just how I feel. What I want.

want. want. Later on in the Bible, it tells us in Later on in the Bible, it tells us in Later on in the Bible, it tells us in the Old Testament about David. the Old Testament about David. the Old Testament about David. When David was at his best, David was When David was at his best, David was When David was at his best, David was always inquiring of the Lord. always inquiring of the Lord. always inquiring of the Lord. He was asking God, "What do I do?" Like He was asking God, "What do I do?" Like He was asking God, "What do I do?" Like for instance, one time when he and his for instance, one time when he and his for instance, one time when he and his men had their families kidnapped from men had their families kidnapped from men had their families kidnapped from them, he inquired and said, "God, do I them, he inquired and said, "God, do I them, he inquired and said, "God, do I go after these people? And if I go, will go after these people? And if I go, will go after these people? And if I go, will you help me find them?" And God said, you help me find them?" And God said, you help me find them?" And God said, "Yes, yes." So they took off. Was that a "Yes, yes." So they took off. Was that a "Yes, yes." So they took off. Was that a moral command? Is that something Moses moral command? Is that something Moses moral command? Is that something Moses got on the mount, Mount Si? Thou shalt got on the mount, Mount Si? Thou shalt got on the mount, Mount Si? Thou shalt do this. Thou shalt follow this. You do this. Thou shalt follow this. You do this. Thou shalt follow this. You should run after this. No. That was a should run after this. No. That was a should run after this. No. That was a personal word, but it came from Almighty personal word, but it came from Almighty personal word, but it came from Almighty God. At other times when David would God. At other times when David would God. At other times when David would fight a battle, he would say to God, fight a battle, he would say to God, fight a battle, he would say to God, "Now God, should I go against the "Now God, should I go against the "Now God, should I go against the Philistines now? Should I go against Philistines now? Should I go against Philistines now? Should I go against them?" God would say, "Go against them." them?" God would say, "Go against them." them?" God would say, "Go against them." Then he would fight one skirmish. Then Then he would fight one skirmish. Then Then he would fight one skirmish. Then they would bring more troops and he they would bring more troops and he they would bring more troops and he would say, "Should I go against them would say, "Should I go against them would say, "Should I go against them now?" But God would say, "No, don't go now?" But God would say, "No, don't go now?" But God would say, "No, don't go this way. Go behind them and come around this way. Go behind them and come around this way. Go behind them and come around them and attack and I'll give you the them and attack and I'll give you the them and attack and I'll give you the victory."

victory." victory." So David was looking all the time for So David was looking all the time for So David was looking all the time for God's direction God's direction God's direction >> because he knew God knows best. >> because he knew God knows best. >> because he knew God knows best. >> You know, we hear people say many times, >> You know, we hear people say many times, >> You know, we hear people say many times, "Did you know God has a plan for your "Did you know God has a plan for your "Did you know God has a plan for your life?" How many believe God has a plan life?" How many believe God has a plan life?" How many believe God has a plan for every life? Okay, how is that worked for every life? Okay, how is that worked for every life? Okay, how is that worked out out out on a daily basis getting his directives? on a daily basis getting his directives? on a daily basis getting his directives? How would I find God's plan for my life How would I find God's plan for my life How would I find God's plan for my life if I didn't listen every day for what if I didn't listen every day for what if I didn't listen every day for what God wants me to do? God wants me to do? God wants me to do? >> Then you live in La La Land. You just go >> Then you live in La La Land. You just go >> Then you live in La La Land. You just go by your brains. You go by what you think by your brains. You go by what you think by your brains. You go by what you think your IQ is and your schooling or how your IQ is and your schooling or how your IQ is and your schooling or how your parents grew up or your culture. And yet God is waiting to direct us in And yet God is waiting to direct us in the exact place he wants us to be. And the exact place he wants us to be. And the exact place he wants us to be. And listen, when you're in the center of listen, when you're in the center of listen, when you're in the center of God's will, there's no sweeter place to God's will, there's no sweeter place to God's will, there's no sweeter place to be in the whole world. be in the whole world. be in the whole world. >> Will the devil attack you? Absolutely. >> Will the devil attack you? Absolutely. >> Will the devil attack you? Absolutely. Will there be problems? Absolutely. Will Will there be problems? Absolutely. Will Will there be problems? Absolutely. Will God be with you? Oh, listen. Listen. As God be with you? Oh, listen. Listen. As God be with you? Oh, listen. Listen. As you follow the Lord, goodness and mercy you follow the Lord, goodness and mercy you follow the Lord, goodness and mercy will follow you.

will follow you. will follow you. >> You'll be chasing the Lord and his will. >> You'll be chasing the Lord and his will. >> You'll be chasing the Lord and his will. Goodness and mercy will be coming behind Goodness and mercy will be coming behind Goodness and mercy will be coming behind you. you. you. So So So that's what brings us to this text that's what brings us to this text that's what brings us to this text that's so unusual. that's so unusual. that's so unusual. But this is the way it was with the But this is the way it was with the But this is the way it was with the early church, the early Christian early church, the early Christian early church, the early Christian church, which we're supposed to be church, which we're supposed to be church, which we're supposed to be trying to imitate and and replicate. Not trying to imitate and and replicate. Not trying to imitate and and replicate. Not how it's done in America. That's how how it's done in America. That's how how it's done in America. That's how it's done where you grew up in the it's done where you grew up in the it's done where you grew up in the Caribbean or I grew up in Poland or Caribbean or I grew up in Poland or Caribbean or I grew up in Poland or wherever we grew up. No, that's not our wherever we grew up. No, that's not our wherever we grew up. No, that's not our goal. Our goal is to read this Bible and goal. Our goal is to read this Bible and goal. Our goal is to read this Bible and say, "Holy Spirit, what you did then, do say, "Holy Spirit, what you did then, do say, "Holy Spirit, what you did then, do it again." Amen. it again." Amen. it again." Amen. >> How many want to follow God as an >> How many want to follow God as an >> How many want to follow God as an adventure? Come on. A daily adventure. adventure? Come on. A daily adventure. adventure? Come on. A daily adventure. See, most people it's boring. You know See, most people it's boring. You know See, most people it's boring. You know why it's boring? Because they don't why it's boring? Because they don't why it's boring? Because they don't believe what I'm just talking about. So believe what I'm just talking about. So believe what I'm just talking about. So every day is same old same old. every day is same old same old. every day is same old same old. It's our same old same old. It's not It's our same old same old. It's not It's our same old same old. It's not what God intended. So what God intended. So what God intended. So the Apostle Paul is on his second the Apostle Paul is on his second the Apostle Paul is on his second missionary journey. Paul and his missionary journey. Paul and his missionary journey. Paul and his companions traveled throughout the companions traveled throughout the companions traveled throughout the region of Friia and Galatia region of Friia and Galatia region of Friia and Galatia having been kept by the Holy Spirit from having been kept by the Holy Spirit from having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of preaching the word in the province of preaching the word in the province of Asia. So let's stop. Okay. So if my Asia. So let's stop. Okay. So if my Asia. So let's stop. Okay. So if my Bible, which you all can see on the Bible, which you all can see on the Bible, which you all can see on the camera on the screen. So Paul came up camera on the screen. So Paul came up camera on the screen. So Paul came up here and he went into what we would call here and he went into what we would call here and he went into what we would call today Turkey. It's a big country. And he

today Turkey. It's a big country. And he today Turkey. It's a big country. And he came up this way and he was ministering came up this way and he was ministering came up this way and he was ministering in Galatia and Friia which is over here. in Galatia and Friia which is over here. in Galatia and Friia which is over here. And he had been in Galatia on his first And he had been in Galatia on his first And he had been in Galatia on his first trip. He started churches where we get trip. He started churches where we get trip. He started churches where we get our letter to Galatians. our letter to Galatians. our letter to Galatians. And now what he wanted to do was go look And now what he wanted to do was go look And now what he wanted to do was go look go west into what was called then Asia. go west into what was called then Asia. go west into what was called then Asia. We would call it western Turkey. We would call it western Turkey. We would call it western Turkey. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] But he couldn't go because But he couldn't go because But he couldn't go because he was kept by the Holy Spirit from he was kept by the Holy Spirit from he was kept by the Holy Spirit from going there. going there. going there. He wanted to preach the gospel. He wanted to preach the gospel. He wanted to preach the gospel. Why can't he go? Doesn't say. So then Why can't he go? Doesn't say. So then Why can't he go? Doesn't say. So then he's blocked some way. To the north up he's blocked some way. To the north up he's blocked some way. To the north up here is a place called Bethnia. And he here is a place called Bethnia. And he here is a place called Bethnia. And he says, "No, I'm going to go there." says, "No, I'm going to go there." says, "No, I'm going to go there." And then it goes on to say when they And then it goes on to say when they And then it goes on to say when they came to the border of Messiah, they came to the border of Messiah, they came to the border of Messiah, they tried to enter Beth Bethania, but the tried to enter Beth Bethania, but the tried to enter Beth Bethania, but the spirit of Jesus, same as the Holy spirit of Jesus, same as the Holy spirit of Jesus, same as the Holy Spirit, would not allow them to.

Spirit, would not allow them to. Spirit, would not allow them to. So they passed by Messia and went down So they passed by Messia and went down So they passed by Messia and went down to Trrowaz. So they went up to a place to Trrowaz. So they went up to a place to Trrowaz. So they went up to a place over here, Trrowass. They're still in over here, Trrowass. They're still in over here, Trrowass. They're still in Asia. They're still in Turkey. Asia. They're still in Turkey. Asia. They're still in Turkey. And they're frozen. They don't know what And they're frozen. They don't know what And they're frozen. They don't know what to do. So the Bible says during the night he So the Bible says during the night he didn't know what to do. And when you didn't know what to do. And when you didn't know what to do. And when you don't know what to do, don't do don't know what to do, don't do don't know what to do, don't do anything. anything. anything. >> Ask God for what to do. No, but I got to >> Ask God for what to do. No, but I got to >> Ask God for what to do. No, but I got to do something. No, that's being hyper. do something. No, that's being hyper. do something. No, that's being hyper. Don't be chunga. Just wait. Don't be chunga. Just wait. Don't be chunga. Just wait. Just wait and God will show you what to Just wait and God will show you what to Just wait and God will show you what to do. So during the night, do. So during the night, do. So during the night, he saw a man had a vision of a man of he saw a man had a vision of a man of he saw a man had a vision of a man of Macedonia. Macedonia is heading e uh Macedonia. Macedonia is heading e uh Macedonia. Macedonia is heading e uh west and Macedonia is Greece. Macedonia west and Macedonia is Greece. Macedonia west and Macedonia is Greece. Macedonia is Europe. The gospel has never been to is Europe. The gospel has never been to is Europe. The gospel has never been to Europe. Come over to Macedonia and help us. He Come over to Macedonia and help us. He sees this vision after Paul had seen the sees this vision after Paul had seen the sees this vision after Paul had seen the vision. We that we is important to Bible vision. We that we is important to Bible vision. We that we is important to Bible scholars because Luke is writing this scholars because Luke is writing this scholars because Luke is writing this and this is the first time Luke includes and this is the first time Luke includes and this is the first time Luke includes himself somewhere on this trip. Luke himself somewhere on this trip. Luke himself somewhere on this trip. Luke either got converted or joined the the either got converted or joined the the either got converted or joined the the traveling party. And he says, "We got traveling party. And he says, "We got traveling party. And he says, "We got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, ready at once to leave for Macedonia, ready at once to leave for Macedonia, Greece, concluding that God had called Greece, concluding that God had called Greece, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." So us to preach the gospel to them." So us to preach the gospel to them." So here's the story.

here's the story. here's the story. He goes on a missionary trip. He had He goes on a missionary trip. He had He goes on a missionary trip. He had already been on one. already been on one. already been on one. And he's going back to say visit the And he's going back to say visit the And he's going back to say visit the churches that he was ministered to, that churches that he was ministered to, that churches that he was ministered to, that he started. So now he wants to go west he started. So now he wants to go west he started. So now he wants to go west into a new area where the gospel hasn't into a new area where the gospel hasn't into a new area where the gospel hasn't been. been. been. Holy Spirit forbids him. The word in the Holy Spirit forbids him. The word in the Holy Spirit forbids him. The word in the Greek can actually mean um kept by the Greek can actually mean um kept by the Greek can actually mean um kept by the Holy Spirit. He was restrained. The King Holy Spirit. He was restrained. The King Holy Spirit. He was restrained. The King James, a stronger word, he was forbidden James, a stronger word, he was forbidden James, a stronger word, he was forbidden to preach the word of God in Asia. Then to preach the word of God in Asia. Then to preach the word of God in Asia. Then he wanted to go to north to Bethania. he wanted to go to north to Bethania. he wanted to go to north to Bethania. The spirit of Jesus would not allow The spirit of Jesus would not allow The spirit of Jesus would not allow them. He wouldn't permit them to do them. He wouldn't permit them to do them. He wouldn't permit them to do that. Now, is this strange? He wants to that. Now, is this strange? He wants to that. Now, is this strange? He wants to preach the gospel. He's not opening a preach the gospel. He's not opening a preach the gospel. He's not opening a Chick-fil-A. He wants to preach the Chick-fil-A. He wants to preach the Chick-fil-A. He wants to preach the gospel. And yet, the spirit of Jesus is gospel. And yet, the spirit of Jesus is gospel. And yet, the spirit of Jesus is saying, "No." saying, "No." saying, "No." Okay, I'll go over there. No. And then as he waits, oh, a huge plan And then as he waits, oh, a huge plan unfolds.

unfolds. unfolds. God wanted the gospel to get to Greece, God wanted the gospel to get to Greece, God wanted the gospel to get to Greece, to Europe. to Europe. to Europe. It was in Greece that he went first to It was in Greece that he went first to It was in Greece that he went first to Philippians uh to Philippi where we get Philippians uh to Philippi where we get Philippians uh to Philippi where we get our letter Philippians. He went on that our letter Philippians. He went on that our letter Philippians. He went on that trip to Thessalonica, trip to Thessalonica, trip to Thessalonica, Thessalonians. Thessalonians. Thessalonians. He went on that trip to Corinth. He He went on that trip to Corinth. He He went on that trip to Corinth. He stayed 18 months where we get first and stayed 18 months where we get first and stayed 18 months where we get first and second Corinthians. The gospel went from second Corinthians. The gospel went from second Corinthians. The gospel went from Greece. People got converted. They went Greece. People got converted. They went Greece. People got converted. They went throughout the Roman Empire all because throughout the Roman Empire all because throughout the Roman Empire all because Paul ended up going to Philippian to Paul ended up going to Philippian to Paul ended up going to Philippian to Philippi. Why? Because he couldn't go Philippi. Why? Because he couldn't go Philippi. Why? Because he couldn't go any other place because the Lord was any other place because the Lord was any other place because the Lord was blocking them. How few times do blocking them. How few times do blocking them. How few times do Christians ever say, "I wanted to do Christians ever say, "I wanted to do Christians ever say, "I wanted to do something, but God blocked me." It's not something, but God blocked me." It's not something, but God blocked me." It's not in our vocabulary hardly anymore. God restricts us sometimes from doing God restricts us sometimes from doing not a bad thing. This was a good thing. not a bad thing. This was a good thing. not a bad thing. This was a good thing. I could see if Paul wanted was up to I could see if Paul wanted was up to I could see if Paul wanted was up to trouble and was going to do something trouble and was going to do something trouble and was going to do something evil. No, he was still going to do evil. No, he was still going to do evil. No, he was still going to do something good. He was going to preach something good. He was going to preach something good. He was going to preach the gospel. God said, "No, the gospel. God said, "No, the gospel. God said, "No, that's not for you to do it."

Why? God doesn't have to explain to us. Why? God doesn't have to explain to us. He's in charge. He's in charge. He's in charge. >> At least I read that in the book. Amen. >> At least I read that in the book. Amen. >> At least I read that in the book. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> He doesn't have to give us reasons. No, >> He doesn't have to give us reasons. No, >> He doesn't have to give us reasons. No, just obey. Just do it. It's for the just obey. Just do it. It's for the just obey. Just do it. It's for the glory of my kingdom, for my name, and glory of my kingdom, for my name, and glory of my kingdom, for my name, and it's for your good. You know, decades it's for your good. You know, decades it's for your good. You know, decades ago, there was a big thing going on ago, there was a big thing going on ago, there was a big thing going on called uh promisekeepers rallies. called uh promisekeepers rallies. called uh promisekeepers rallies. Anybody remember promisekeepers? Just Anybody remember promisekeepers? Just Anybody remember promisekeepers? Just lift your hand. Well, for those of you lift your hand. Well, for those of you lift your hand. Well, for those of you who don't know, these men were gathering who don't know, these men were gathering who don't know, these men were gathering by the tens of thousands, 40, 50,000 in by the tens of thousands, 40, 50,000 in by the tens of thousands, 40, 50,000 in football fields, football fields, football fields, 60,000 some, and Christian speakers 60,000 some, and Christian speakers 60,000 some, and Christian speakers would come and they would minister to would come and they would minister to would come and they would minister to these men. It was a big thing. It was these men. It was a big thing. It was these men. It was a big thing. It was started by former coach of the univers started by former coach of the univers started by former coach of the univers football coach of the University of Col football coach of the University of Col football coach of the University of Col Colorado named uh um McCarthy I think or Colorado named uh um McCarthy I think or Colorado named uh um McCarthy I think or something like that and I got invited to something like that and I got invited to something like that and I got invited to one of them and I prayed about it and I one of them and I prayed about it and I one of them and I prayed about it and I said I don't think I'm supposed to go said I don't think I'm supposed to go said I don't think I'm supposed to go there. That's strange. Wouldn't it be an there. That's strange. Wouldn't it be an there. That's strange. Wouldn't it be an honor to preach to 40,000 men? I said to honor to preach to 40,000 men? I said to honor to preach to 40,000 men? I said to my wife Carol I got this invitation. I I my wife Carol I got this invitation. I I my wife Carol I got this invitation. I I don't feel I should do it. She said, don't feel I should do it. She said, don't feel I should do it. She said, "Don't do it. Don't go." I got another "Don't do it. Don't go." I got another "Don't do it. Don't go." I got another invitation. Four months later, I wrote invitation. Four months later, I wrote invitation. Four months later, I wrote back, "Sorry, schedule won't permit. It back, "Sorry, schedule won't permit. It back, "Sorry, schedule won't permit. It was my way of saying as I looked at my was my way of saying as I looked at my was my way of saying as I looked at my calendar, God wasn't permitting me to do calendar, God wasn't permitting me to do calendar, God wasn't permitting me to do it." Then a third, a fourth invitation.

it." Then a third, a fourth invitation. it." Then a third, a fourth invitation. Then people who my friends who were Then people who my friends who were Then people who my friends who were speaking at those who called me and speaking at those who called me and speaking at those who called me and said, "What's with you? The coach wants said, "What's with you? The coach wants said, "What's with you? The coach wants to know how come you turn down every to know how come you turn down every to know how come you turn down every invitation?" I said, "I don't know. invitation?" I said, "I don't know. invitation?" I said, "I don't know. I don't know. Nothing wrong with what I don't know. Nothing wrong with what I don't know. Nothing wrong with what you guys are doing. I'm not supposed to you guys are doing. I'm not supposed to you guys are doing. I'm not supposed to be there. Well, you have to be there. be there. Well, you have to be there. be there. Well, you have to be there. You can sell your books. I said, I don't You can sell your books. I said, I don't You can sell your books. I said, I don't want to sell my books. I want to sell want to sell my books. I want to sell want to sell my books. I want to sell them after the meeting though today. Uh them after the meeting though today. Uh them after the meeting though today. Uh go up to the messing club. go up to the messing club. go up to the messing club. It's all for the church and and you It's all for the church and and you It's all for the church and and you know, give it to someone. I've been know, give it to someone. I've been know, give it to someone. I've been getting reports that people are helped getting reports that people are helped getting reports that people are helped by it. Even ministers have told me it's by it. Even ministers have told me it's by it. Even ministers have told me it's it's been helping them. But getting back it's been helping them. But getting back it's been helping them. But getting back to that story, so until I see Jesus, to that story, so until I see Jesus, to that story, so until I see Jesus, I'll have no idea why I didn't go to I'll have no idea why I didn't go to I'll have no idea why I didn't go to those meetings, but I know why I wasn't those meetings, but I know why I wasn't those meetings, but I know why I wasn't supposed to. supposed to. supposed to. You ever have something like that happen You ever have something like that happen You ever have something like that happen to you to you to you >> where God blocks what you're doing? >> where God blocks what you're doing? >> where God blocks what you're doing? Well, Paul knew about these things. Paul Well, Paul knew about these things. Paul Well, Paul knew about these things. Paul was very dependent not on just the moral was very dependent not on just the moral was very dependent not on just the moral law, the commands of of a righteous God law, the commands of of a righteous God law, the commands of of a righteous God of our savior Jesus, but he knew all of our savior Jesus, but he knew all of our savior Jesus, but he knew all about this going back to when he was about this going back to when he was about this going back to when he was converted.

converted. converted. He was going to persecute Christians. He was going to persecute Christians. He was going to persecute Christians. For those of you who don't know, his For those of you who don't know, his For those of you who don't know, his name was Saul of Tarsus. And he was a name was Saul of Tarsus. And he was a name was Saul of Tarsus. And he was a rabbid fundamentalist Jew. And he was rabbid fundamentalist Jew. And he was rabbid fundamentalist Jew. And he was persecuting Christians everywhere he persecuting Christians everywhere he persecuting Christians everywhere he could find them. could find them. could find them. and he was on his way in to in Syria to and he was on his way in to in Syria to and he was on his way in to in Syria to Damascus to just arrest the Christians Damascus to just arrest the Christians Damascus to just arrest the Christians and mess with them. And he was knocked and mess with them. And he was knocked and mess with them. And he was knocked off his mount and a a light brighter off his mount and a a light brighter off his mount and a a light brighter than the sun appeared and it was Jesus than the sun appeared and it was Jesus than the sun appeared and it was Jesus appearing to him. appearing to him. appearing to him. Jesus spoke to him and he said, "Who are Jesus spoke to him and he said, "Who are Jesus spoke to him and he said, "Who are you, Lord? I'm Jesus whom you're you, Lord? I'm Jesus whom you're you, Lord? I'm Jesus whom you're persecuting." persecuting." persecuting." Well, he was blinded and they had to Well, he was blinded and they had to Well, he was blinded and they had to lead him. lead him. lead him. His friends, they heard the voice, but His friends, they heard the voice, but His friends, they heard the voice, but they couldn't make out what was they couldn't make out what was they couldn't make out what was happening. They saw the light and they happening. They saw the light and they happening. They saw the light and they led him to Damascus into a house and he led him to Damascus into a house and he led him to Damascus into a house and he was blind and imagined what was going on was blind and imagined what was going on was blind and imagined what was going on in his head. The one I've been in his head. The one I've been in his head. The one I've been persecuting is the Messiah. persecuting is the Messiah. persecuting is the Messiah. Who knew?

Who knew? Who knew? And then listen, in Damascus there was a And then listen, in Damascus there was a And then listen, in Damascus there was a disciple named Ananas. The Lord called disciple named Ananas. The Lord called disciple named Ananas. The Lord called to him in a vision, Ananas. Yes, Lord, to him in a vision, Ananas. Yes, Lord, to him in a vision, Ananas. Yes, Lord, he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street the house of Judas on Straight Street the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named and ask for a man from Tarsus named and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying." Saul, for he is praying." Saul, for he is praying." In a vision, he has seen a man named In a vision, he has seen a man named In a vision, he has seen a man named Ananas come and place his hands on him Ananas come and place his hands on him Ananas come and place his hands on him to restore his sight. And that's how to restore his sight. And that's how to restore his sight. And that's how Paul got converted. He was knocked off Paul got converted. He was knocked off Paul got converted. He was knocked off his horse. He went blind to a house. And his horse. He went blind to a house. And his horse. He went blind to a house. And then God spoke to a disciple that no one then God spoke to a disciple that no one then God spoke to a disciple that no one knew about. No preacher, no bishop, no knew about. No preacher, no bishop, no knew about. No preacher, no bishop, no apostle, no prophet. He spoke to a man apostle, no prophet. He spoke to a man apostle, no prophet. He spoke to a man and gave him a directive word, not a and gave him a directive word, not a and gave him a directive word, not a moral command. Leave where you are and moral command. Leave where you are and moral command. Leave where you are and go over to Straight Street and you'll go over to Straight Street and you'll go over to Straight Street and you'll find a guy praying. And he's praying for find a guy praying. And he's praying for find a guy praying. And he's praying for the first time in his life because he the first time in his life because he the first time in his life because he now now he knows who I am. And now you now now he knows who I am. And now you now now he knows who I am. And now you lay your hands on him. And he went and lay your hands on him. And he went and lay your hands on him. And he went and laid his hands on him. And then Saul uh laid his hands on him. And then Saul uh laid his hands on him. And then Saul uh began to see uh and that's how began to see uh and that's how began to see uh and that's how everything started. So, it's not just everything started. So, it's not just everything started. So, it's not just Paul or me or or some minister getting a Paul or me or or some minister getting a Paul or me or or some minister getting a directive word for Lord. This was a directive word for Lord. This was a directive word for Lord. This was a disciple. This is like God saying to disciple. This is like God saying to disciple. This is like God saying to you, text that person today. They need a you, text that person today. They need a you, text that person today. They need a word right now.

word right now. word right now. >> Call that person. No, pray for that >> Call that person. No, pray for that >> Call that person. No, pray for that person. Get alone in the office. Take person. Get alone in the office. Take person. Get alone in the office. Take them someplace and pray for them. Lay them someplace and pray for them. Lay them someplace and pray for them. Lay your hands on them and pray for them. >> Why they turned my mic off? >> Why they turned my mic off? Am Am Am I correct or not here? I correct or not here? I correct or not here? >> Has the Lord stopped speaking? Has he >> Has the Lord stopped speaking? Has he >> Has the Lord stopped speaking? Has he stopped directing people? No. We're into stopped directing people? No. We're into stopped directing people? No. We're into we're into organizational things. We we're into organizational things. We we're into organizational things. We organize. We or it's all got to be what organize. We or it's all got to be what organize. We or it's all got to be what we know, what we control. But that's not we know, what we control. But that's not we know, what we control. But that's not the way God works. the way God works. the way God works. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. Did you know how Paul he ended up Did you know how Paul he ended up Did you know how Paul he ended up uh he still was called Saul and he ended uh he still was called Saul and he ended uh he still was called Saul and he ended up in a church in Antioch and he's in a up in a church in Antioch and he's in a up in a church in Antioch and he's in a service with people there and they're service with people there and they're service with people there and they're meeting he stayed a year there and he meeting he stayed a year there and he meeting he stayed a year there and he was a they hardly could accept him was a they hardly could accept him was a they hardly could accept him because they thought wait a minute we because they thought wait a minute we because they thought wait a minute we can't trust him he was the guy can't trust him he was the guy can't trust him he was the guy persecuting us we can't trust him he's a persecuting us we can't trust him he's a persecuting us we can't trust him he's a fake convert but he wasn't so look what fake convert but he wasn't so look what fake convert but he wasn't so look what happened in a meeting while they were happened in a meeting while they were happened in a meeting while they were Now in the church in Antioch there were Now in the church in Antioch there were Now in the church in Antioch there were prophets and teachers Barnabas, Simeon prophets and teachers Barnabas, Simeon prophets and teachers Barnabas, Simeon called Niger which means black, Lucius called Niger which means black, Lucius called Niger which means black, Lucius ofSirene, Manan who had been brought up ofSirene, Manan who had been brought up ofSirene, Manan who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch and Saul. And with Herod the tetrarch and Saul. And with Herod the tetrarch and Saul. And while they were worshiping the Lord and while they were worshiping the Lord and while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, fasting, the Holy Spirit said, fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

the work to which I have called them." the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, So after they had fasted and prayed, So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent they placed their hands on them and sent they placed their hands on them and sent them off. And then the Bible says in the them off. And then the Bible says in the them off. And then the Bible says in the next verse, so having been sent off by next verse, so having been sent off by next verse, so having been sent off by the Holy Spirit. No, a committee sent the Holy Spirit. No, a committee sent the Holy Spirit. No, a committee sent them off. No, no, the Holy Spirit sent them off. No, no, the Holy Spirit sent them off. No, no, the Holy Spirit sent them off. them off. them off. >> The leaders agreed with what the spirit >> The leaders agreed with what the spirit >> The leaders agreed with what the spirit was saying, that's how you know it's the was saying, that's how you know it's the was saying, that's how you know it's the spirit. Others agree with you and give spirit. Others agree with you and give spirit. Others agree with you and give you the confirmation. you the confirmation. you the confirmation. >> But these things were these things were >> But these things were these things were >> But these things were these things were fluid. The spirit was moving. Things fluid. The spirit was moving. Things fluid. The spirit was moving. Things were happening. were happening. were happening. We've regimented it. corporate America We've regimented it. corporate America We've regimented it. corporate America has invaded. So everything is organized, has invaded. So everything is organized, has invaded. So everything is organized, including your life and mine. So when Saul got converted, he knew, So when Saul got converted, he knew, Ananas, how'd you know to come here? Oh, Ananas, how'd you know to come here? Oh, Ananas, how'd you know to come here? Oh, the the Lord told me to come, not a the the Lord told me to come, not a the the Lord told me to come, not a moral command. And now he's in a church moral command. And now he's in a church moral command. And now he's in a church worshiping God. And suddenly he's on a worshiping God. And suddenly he's on a worshiping God. And suddenly he's on a missionary trip. Why? Because the Holy missionary trip. Why? Because the Holy missionary trip. Why? Because the Holy Spirit said, "How did that happen? Was Spirit said, "How did that happen? Was Spirit said, "How did that happen? Was it an audible voice?" Almost assuredly it an audible voice?" Almost assuredly it an audible voice?" Almost assuredly not. Maybe someone gave a message in not. Maybe someone gave a message in not. Maybe someone gave a message in tongues and there was an interpretation tongues and there was an interpretation tongues and there was an interpretation or a prophetic utterance. Separate me or a prophetic utterance. Separate me or a prophetic utterance. Separate me Paul and Barnabas for the world uh work Paul and Barnabas for the world uh work Paul and Barnabas for the world uh work I've called them to do. And they all I've called them to do. And they all I've called them to do. And they all went yes Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord. And went yes Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord. And went yes Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord. And they sent them off. Unheard among us they sent them off. Unheard among us they sent them off. Unheard among us almost today.

almost today. almost today. I know of some pastors now, they won't I know of some pastors now, they won't I know of some pastors now, they won't hire anyone unless they give them hire anyone unless they give them hire anyone unless they give them personality tests. God can't lead them personality tests. God can't lead them personality tests. God can't lead them to the person. They have that to the person. They have that to the person. They have that personality test. Think of the first personality test. Think of the first personality test. Think of the first thing when I say a word. You see all thing when I say a word. You see all thing when I say a word. You see all these sticks? What do you see from these these sticks? What do you see from these these sticks? What do you see from these sticks? I see sticks. That's what I see. sticks? I see sticks. That's what I see. sticks? I see sticks. That's what I see. Oh, that's deep. Oh, that's deep. Oh, that's deep. We should hire him. He sees sticks in We should hire him. He sees sticks in We should hire him. He sees sticks in there. Do you get what I'm talking there. Do you get what I'm talking there. Do you get what I'm talking about? Absolutely. about? Absolutely. about? Absolutely. It's all regimented and programmed. And It's all regimented and programmed. And It's all regimented and programmed. And people who get famous come and they work people who get famous come and they work people who get famous come and they work as um people hired on contract or the as um people hired on contract or the as um people hired on contract or the secret to your church is to get better secret to your church is to get better secret to your church is to get better organized. organized. organized. That's what trust me I'm out there. I That's what trust me I'm out there. I That's what trust me I'm out there. I meet a lot of pastors 80% of them. I meet a lot of pastors 80% of them. I meet a lot of pastors 80% of them. I just got to get more organized. Hear just got to get more organized. Hear just got to get more organized. Hear from the spirit. What? No, don't don't from the spirit. What? No, don't don't from the spirit. What? No, don't don't calm down. Pastor Jim, calm down here. calm down. Pastor Jim, calm down here. calm down. Pastor Jim, calm down here. We don't go by emotionalism. I don't We don't go by emotionalism. I don't We don't go by emotionalism. I don't want to go by emotionalism. I want to go want to go by emotionalism. I want to go want to go by emotionalism. I want to go by the Bible. How many want to go by the by the Bible. How many want to go by the by the Bible. How many want to go by the Bible? Lift your hand. And the Bible Bible? Lift your hand. And the Bible Bible? Lift your hand. And the Bible tells us that God still speaks and he tells us that God still speaks and he tells us that God still speaks and he directs people. How would a missionary directs people. How would a missionary directs people. How would a missionary know where to go unless the Holy Spirit know where to go unless the Holy Spirit know where to go unless the Holy Spirit spoke to them?

spoke to them? spoke to them? How would Hudson Taylor, I've gone to How would Hudson Taylor, I've gone to How would Hudson Taylor, I've gone to China, and become a hero of the faith China, and become a hero of the faith China, and become a hero of the faith unless the Lord spoke to him in in the unless the Lord spoke to him in in the unless the Lord spoke to him in in the UK and said, "Go to China." How would he UK and said, "Go to China." How would he UK and said, "Go to China." How would he know not to wear clothes like the rest know not to wear clothes like the rest know not to wear clothes like the rest of the missionaries did who weren't of the missionaries did who weren't of the missionaries did who weren't accepted? But he ended up wearing accepted? But he ended up wearing accepted? But he ended up wearing Chinese garb and wear wore the the hair Chinese garb and wear wore the the hair Chinese garb and wear wore the the hair in the style of the Chinese people and in the style of the Chinese people and in the style of the Chinese people and then they were God opened that door. How then they were God opened that door. How then they were God opened that door. How did he know to do all those things? It's did he know to do all those things? It's did he know to do all those things? It's not in the Bible. not in the Bible. not in the Bible. >> It's not in the Bible what to do. >> It's not in the Bible what to do. >> It's not in the Bible what to do. You got to hear from the Holy Spirit You got to hear from the Holy Spirit You got to hear from the Holy Spirit what to do. What God wants to do with what to do. What God wants to do with what to do. What God wants to do with your life. Some of you are sitting here your life. Some of you are sitting here your life. Some of you are sitting here today. You probably have potential to do today. You probably have potential to do today. You probably have potential to do who knows what. If you would listen to who knows what. If you would listen to who knows what. If you would listen to God and and know where to go and what to God and and know where to go and what to God and and know where to go and what to say, say, say, >> be an Ananas. Imagine Ananas helped that >> be an Ananas. Imagine Ananas helped that >> be an Ananas. Imagine Ananas helped that convert Saul of Tarsus get going who convert Saul of Tarsus get going who convert Saul of Tarsus get going who became the Apostle Paul. So, So, what are the keys to all this? As I what are the keys to all this? As I what are the keys to all this? As I close, close, close, the keys to this are how sensitive they the keys to this are how sensitive they the keys to this are how sensitive they must have been to know that the spirit must have been to know that the spirit must have been to know that the spirit of Jesus forbid him. We didn't talk of Jesus forbid him. We didn't talk of Jesus forbid him. We didn't talk about that. So, let's just look at that about that. So, let's just look at that about that. So, let's just look at that as we close. Jim, if you come. So, I as we close. Jim, if you come. So, I as we close. Jim, if you come. So, I wanted to go wanted to go wanted to go west and preach in Asia, but the spirit west and preach in Asia, but the spirit west and preach in Asia, but the spirit of Jesus said, "No, how how they know of Jesus said, "No, how how they know of Jesus said, "No, how how they know that? You think there was a prophecy that? You think there was a prophecy that? You think there was a prophecy every time? Don't go to Asia." Maybe every time? Don't go to Asia." Maybe every time? Don't go to Asia." Maybe could have been. Or maybe they just lost

could have been. Or maybe they just lost could have been. Or maybe they just lost their peace and knew something was their peace and knew something was their peace and knew something was wrong. wrong. wrong. Did you ever lose your peace about Did you ever lose your peace about Did you ever lose your peace about something? Did you know that's the way something? Did you know that's the way something? Did you know that's the way God leads most of us? We lose our peace God leads most of us? We lose our peace God leads most of us? We lose our peace and we're not. And many of us just push and we're not. And many of us just push and we're not. And many of us just push right through. right through. right through. We're not sensitive. We're not sensitive. We're not sensitive. Look, sometimes you can get feelings. If Look, sometimes you can get feelings. If Look, sometimes you can get feelings. If you eat a bad Jamaican patty, you can get bad a bad Jamaican patty, you can get bad feelings. feelings. feelings. But sometimes it's not a Jamaican patty. But sometimes it's not a Jamaican patty. But sometimes it's not a Jamaican patty. Sometimes it's the Holy Spirit getting Sometimes it's the Holy Spirit getting Sometimes it's the Holy Spirit getting you unsettled. Sh. [music] Listen, how you unsettled. Sh. [music] Listen, how you unsettled. Sh. [music] Listen, how many people get married and the spirit many people get married and the spirit many people get married and the spirit of God is trying to block them from of God is trying to block them from of God is trying to block them from marrying someone who's not even a marrying someone who's not even a marrying someone who's not even a believer? That's a moral command. But believer? That's a moral command. But believer? That's a moral command. But anybody here or watching, if you're a anybody here or watching, if you're a anybody here or watching, if you're a Christian, don't marry an unbeliever. Christian, don't marry an unbeliever. Christian, don't marry an unbeliever. The Bible says that. Wait, did you hear The Bible says that. Wait, did you hear The Bible says that. Wait, did you hear me? Don't marry an unbeliever. Don't be me? Don't marry an unbeliever. Don't be me? Don't marry an unbeliever. Don't be unequally yolked. No, I'm going to unequally yolked. No, I'm going to unequally yolked. No, I'm going to convert him. No, he might convert you.

convert him. No, he might convert you. convert him. No, he might convert you. Number two, your children are going to Number two, your children are going to Number two, your children are going to be split. He'll want to raise them in in be split. He'll want to raise them in in be split. He'll want to raise them in in in a Buddhist ceremony and then you you in a Buddhist ceremony and then you you in a Buddhist ceremony and then you you you want to be a Christian. Don't do you want to be a Christian. Don't do you want to be a Christian. Don't do that. [music] But here, go further. Even that. [music] But here, go further. Even that. [music] But here, go further. Even if they're a Christian, which one? if they're a Christian, which one? if they're a Christian, which one? There's a lot of Christians out there. There's a lot of Christians out there. There's a lot of Christians out there. Oh, I'm going to marry a Christian. Oh, I'm going to marry a Christian. Oh, I'm going to marry a Christian. That's good start. Now, which one? How That's good start. Now, which one? How That's good start. Now, which one? How many believe God has a plan for everyone many believe God has a plan for everyone many believe God has a plan for everyone we we should marry, right? Abs. we we should marry, right? Abs. we we should marry, right? Abs. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. I found mine. So, how sensitive must they have been to So, how sensitive must they have been to know, wait a minute, something's wrong. know, wait a minute, something's wrong. know, wait a minute, something's wrong. Oh, no. You're going you're going by Oh, no. You're going you're going by Oh, no. You're going you're going by just uh emotions. No, no, I'm not. The just uh emotions. No, no, I'm not. The just uh emotions. No, no, I'm not. The spirit is indicating to me I got to be spirit is indicating to me I got to be spirit is indicating to me I got to be careful here. Something's not right. careful here. Something's not right. careful here. Something's not right. Let me just give you, by the way, an Let me just give you, by the way, an Let me just give you, by the way, an example of this.

example of this. example of this. Listen closely now. And those of you Listen closely now. And those of you Listen closely now. And those of you watching, so in the past, it doesn't watching, so in the past, it doesn't watching, so in the past, it doesn't matter how long ago, uh an associate matter how long ago, uh an associate matter how long ago, uh an associate pastor here in our church was being pastor here in our church was being pastor here in our church was being courted by another church, courted by another church, courted by another church, church that I help oversee. church that I help oversee. church that I help oversee. They wanted to know could he come and be They wanted to know could he come and be They wanted to know could he come and be the pastor. the pastor. the pastor. Okay? And they invited him up there to Okay? And they invited him up there to Okay? And they invited him up there to speak. and he was speaking there quite speak. and he was speaking there quite speak. and he was speaking there quite often. [music] So, I was having a meeting with the I was having a meeting with the leadership of that church and I said, "I leadership of that church and I said, "I leadership of that church and I said, "I I notice you're having this person speak I notice you're having this person speak I notice you're having this person speak a lot. What what's what's what's [music] a lot. What what's what's what's [music] a lot. What what's what's what's [music] feeling?" Well, feeling?" Well, feeling?" Well, he's such a blessing and we [music] feel he's such a blessing and we [music] feel he's such a blessing and we [music] feel that he might want to come and be the that he might want to come and be the that he might want to come and be the pastor here, but you know, he's on your pastor here, but you know, he's on your pastor here, but you know, he's on your staff and we were afraid to even staff and we were afraid to even staff and we were afraid to even approach you and say, "Can we talk to approach you and say, "Can we talk to approach you and say, "Can we talk to him?" I said, "Do I look like Jesus?

him?" I said, "Do I look like Jesus? him?" I said, "Do I look like Jesus? He belongs to Jesus, not our church. He belongs to Jesus, not our church. He belongs to Jesus, not our church. If someone tries to control you, that's If someone tries to control you, that's If someone tries to control you, that's the sign of a cult. Yes. the sign of a cult. Yes. the sign of a cult. Yes. >> And I don't care if they prophesy, speak >> And I don't care if they prophesy, speak >> And I don't care if they prophesy, speak in tongues of Calvinist, Armenian. It's in tongues of Calvinist, Armenian. It's in tongues of Calvinist, Armenian. It's cultish when you control people. Only cultish when you control people. Only cultish when you control people. Only Jesus died for us. Only Jesus is our Jesus died for us. Only Jesus is our Jesus died for us. Only Jesus is our Lord. We're to follow Jesus. Come on, Lord. We're to follow Jesus. Come on, Lord. We're to follow Jesus. Come on, everybody say amen to that. We're to everybody say amen to that. We're to everybody say amen to that. We're to follow Jesus. follow Jesus. follow Jesus. When pastors or organizations get over When pastors or organizations get over When pastors or organizations get over possessive and control people, it's a possessive and control people, it's a possessive and control people, it's a very bad sign. Am I going to be led by a very bad sign. Am I going to be led by a very bad sign. Am I going to be led by a pastor or am I going to be led by the pastor or am I going to be led by the pastor or am I going to be led by the Holy Spirit? Holy Spirit? Holy Spirit? >> I want to be I want you to be led by the >> I want to be I want you to be led by the >> I want to be I want you to be led by the Holy Spirit. If God should take that Holy Spirit. If God should take that Holy Spirit. If God should take that pastor away, don't you think there's pastor away, don't you think there's pastor away, don't you think there's someone that God has ready to replace someone that God has ready to replace someone that God has ready to replace him? And don't you think he'll do well him? And don't you think he'll do well him? And don't you think he'll do well where he's going to go? Because God is where he's going to go? Because God is where he's going to go? Because God is moving us, not us. Come on. That moving us, not us. Come on. That moving us, not us. Come on. That deserves one more loud applause. deserves one more loud applause. deserves one more loud applause. Everybody up in the balcony, too. Everybody up in the balcony, too. Everybody up in the balcony, too. [music] [music] [music] [applause] I know, but that brother [applause] I know, but that brother [applause] I know, but that brother discipled me. He's my discipler. All discipled me. He's my discipler. All discipled me. He's my discipler. All right, stop. Get a good disciple. Let right, stop. Get a good disciple. Let right, stop. Get a good disciple. Let someone train you. But in the end, it's someone train you. But in the end, it's someone train you. But in the end, it's you and God. You have to be led by the you and God. You have to be led by the you and God. You have to be led by the Holy Spirit. Now, when you're not sure, Holy Spirit. Now, when you're not sure, Holy Spirit. Now, when you're not sure, you have to have prayer partners or you have to have prayer partners or you have to have prayer partners or leadership of a church and say, "Do you leadership of a church and say, "Do you leadership of a church and say, "Do you does this [music] sound right to you?

does this [music] sound right to you? does this [music] sound right to you? Pray with me with me." So, you get an Pray with me with me." So, you get an Pray with me with me." So, you get an yay and amen. Do you follow? yay and amen. Do you follow? yay and amen. Do you follow? >> You know, many years ago, he's going to >> You know, many years ago, he's going to >> You know, many years ago, he's going to be at the music part of the conference be at the music part of the conference be at the music part of the conference coming up. Alvin Slaughter. How many coming up. Alvin Slaughter. How many coming up. Alvin Slaughter. How many know the name Alvin Slaughter? Just lift know the name Alvin Slaughter? Just lift know the name Alvin Slaughter? Just lift your hand. Well-known gospel singer. your hand. Well-known gospel singer. your hand. Well-known gospel singer. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Well, when we met him, we were in our >> Well, when we met him, we were in our >> Well, when we met him, we were in our previous building. He was up in the previous building. He was up in the previous building. He was up in the balcony and in bad shape spiritually in balcony and in bad shape spiritually in balcony and in bad shape spiritually in every way. And the Lord brought him back every way. And the Lord brought him back every way. And the Lord brought him back to him. And he worked for 10 years with to him. And he worked for 10 years with to him. And he worked for 10 years with my wife. [music] 10 years. 10 years my wife. [music] 10 years. 10 years my wife. [music] 10 years. 10 years every week figuring out songs, teaching every week figuring out songs, teaching every week figuring out songs, teaching the tenor part. the tenor part. the tenor part. He's like family to [music] us. He's like family to [music] us. He's like family to [music] us. And um And um And um he got visibility visibility by singing in the church and then he by singing in the church and then he by singing in the church and then he started getting invited out. Wonderful started getting invited out. Wonderful started getting invited out. Wonderful singer. Then he was invited out and singer. Then he was invited out and singer. Then he was invited out and invited out and then he was invited out. invited out and then he was invited out. invited out and then he was invited out. Then he was at church and then he was Then he was at church and then he was Then he was at church and then he was invited out. So we saw something coming invited out. So we saw something coming invited out. So we saw something coming to a head because if you're going to be to a head because if you're going to be to a head because if you're going to be in the choir, you have to be in the in the choir, you have to be in the in the choir, you have to be in the choir.

choir. choir. So finally he came to us and said to my So finally he came to us and said to my So finally he came to us and said to my wife and I, [music] I'm getting invited wife and I, [music] I'm getting invited wife and I, [music] I'm getting invited out and I love being here, but I feel out and I love being here, but I feel out and I love being here, but I feel like God is speaking to me that I'm to like God is speaking to me that I'm to like God is speaking to me that I'm to go out and that's going to be my go out and that's going to be my go out and that's going to be my ministry. What do you feel? ministry. What do you feel? ministry. What do you feel? Whatever. [music] Whatever. [music] Whatever. [music] You belong to Jesus. You don't belong to You belong to Jesus. You don't belong to You belong to Jesus. You don't belong to the Brooklyn tabernacle. I don't want to the Brooklyn tabernacle. I don't want to the Brooklyn tabernacle. I don't want to control anyone. control anyone. control anyone. I want to influence people, help people, I want to influence people, help people, I want to influence people, help people, but not control them. So, we prayed but not control them. So, we prayed but not control them. So, we prayed together. He felt a green light and off together. He felt a green light and off together. He felt a green light and off [music] he went [music] he went [music] he went because it's not about us. It's not because it's not about us. It's not because it's not about us. It's not about me. It's about the kingdom [music] about me. It's about the kingdom [music] about me. It's about the kingdom [music] of God. Wait, it's about Jesus, not of God. Wait, it's about Jesus, not of God. Wait, it's about Jesus, not Brooklyn Tabernacle. Don't say that word Brooklyn Tabernacle. Don't say that word Brooklyn Tabernacle. Don't say that word too much. BT. I notice how people refer too much. BT. I notice how people refer too much. BT. I notice how people refer to me now in the office. PJC to me now in the office. PJC to me now in the office. PJC at BT at BT at BT D O I or whatever. Stop with the D O I or whatever. Stop with the D O I or whatever. Stop with the initials. It's Jesus initials. It's Jesus initials. It's Jesus >> is his will, his kingdom. Come on. Amen.

>> is his will, his kingdom. Come on. Amen. >> is his will, his kingdom. Come on. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. So So, [applause and music] So So, [applause and music] So So, [applause and music] so imagine the sensitivity they had. so imagine the sensitivity they had. so imagine the sensitivity they had. Imagine that. Imagine that. Imagine that. How do you know the spirit is saying How do you know the spirit is saying How do you know the spirit is saying don't go? You would argue no, I want to don't go? You would argue no, I want to don't go? You would argue no, I want to preach the gospel. I have zeal. zeal. preach the gospel. I have zeal. zeal. preach the gospel. I have zeal. zeal. You know, a lot of people live by zeal. You know, a lot of people live by zeal. You know, a lot of people live by zeal. They're not spiritledd. They're zealous. They're not spiritledd. They're zealous. They're not spiritledd. They're zealous. But zealous people can really make a But zealous people can really make a But zealous people can really make a mess of things because God has to lead mess of things because God has to lead mess of things because God has to lead us. And sometimes God says no. And sometimes God says no. Notice too also the way Paul could hear Notice too also the way Paul could hear Notice too also the way Paul could hear it. He was surrendered. Not just it. He was surrendered. Not just it. He was surrendered. Not just sensitive. He was surrendered. He was sensitive. He was surrendered. He was sensitive. He was surrendered. He was willing to go. You can't ask God to lead willing to go. You can't ask God to lead willing to go. You can't ask God to lead you if you already know what you want to you if you already know what you want to you if you already know what you want to do. Listen to me. You can't be led by do. Listen to me. You can't be led by do. Listen to me. You can't be led by God if you're already leaning in your God if you're already leaning in your God if you're already leaning in your own desires. You have to get weak. You own desires. You have to get weak. You own desires. You have to get weak. You have to be limp. You have to say where have to be limp. You have to say where have to be limp. You have to say where he leads me, I will follow. Oh God.

he leads me, I will follow. Oh God. he leads me, I will follow. Oh God. Otherwise, there comes a conflict with Otherwise, there comes a conflict with Otherwise, there comes a conflict with him. [music] You got to come to a place him. [music] You got to come to a place him. [music] You got to come to a place of surrender and say, "Lord, lead me." So, So, don't want to scare anyone watching on don't want to scare anyone watching on don't want to scare anyone watching on online, but I wanted to close with online, but I wanted to close with online, but I wanted to close with another personal thing about Carol and another personal thing about Carol and another personal thing about Carol and I. I won't. God is amazing in what he can do. God is amazing in what he can do. If I've told this before, you've pardon If I've told this before, you've pardon If I've told this before, you've pardon me, but I want to say it again. me, but I want to say it again. me, but I want to say it again. Before we came in this building, we were Before we came in this building, we were Before we came in this building, we were in another theater that seated about in another theater that seated about in another theater that seated about 1,200 people. 1,200 people. 1,200 people. And we ended up for six years having And we ended up for six years having And we ended up for six years having four meetings a day. 9, 12, 3, and six. four meetings a day. 9, 12, 3, and six. four meetings a day. 9, 12, 3, and six. [music] Each meeting 2 hours long. [music] Each meeting 2 hours long. [music] Each meeting 2 hours long. That's why I look old. I'm 28 years old. That's why I look old. I'm 28 years old. That's why I look old. I'm 28 years old. I just turned 28 on May 4th. But those I just turned 28 on May 4th. But those I just turned 28 on May 4th. But those six years has wiped [music] me out.

Carol's leading the choir in an Carol's leading the choir in an afternoon meeting. Listen, I want to not afternoon meeting. Listen, I want to not afternoon meeting. Listen, I want to not rush through it, but I want to get to rush through it, but I want to get to rush through it, but I want to get to praying. Carol's leading the choir praying. Carol's leading the choir praying. Carol's leading the choir and they're up in the risers and I'm and they're up in the risers and I'm and they're up in the risers and I'm sitting on the platform the third sitting on the platform the third sitting on the platform the third meeting 3 p.m. and she leads this song meeting 3 p.m. and she leads this song meeting 3 p.m. and she leads this song and she ends and she just lifts up her and she ends and she just lifts up her and she ends and she just lifts up her hands and begins [music] to praise God. hands and begins [music] to praise God. hands and begins [music] to praise God. The choir follows suit, I guess. But the The choir follows suit, I guess. But the The choir follows suit, I guess. But the Lord had really anointed the song and Lord had really anointed the song and Lord had really anointed the song and they all throw up their hands and now they all throw up their hands and now they all throw up their hands and now everyone's praising God. And now there's everyone's praising God. And now there's everyone's praising God. And now there's a sound throughout the building of a sound throughout the building of a sound throughout the building of people praising God like we were doing people praising God like we were doing people praising God like we were doing earlier and like when Sue was leading. earlier and like when Sue was leading. earlier and like when Sue was leading. It wasn't quiet. It wasn't loud. It was It wasn't quiet. It wasn't loud. It was It wasn't quiet. It wasn't loud. It was like in between. like in between. like in between. And my wife's not moving. And my wife's not moving. And my wife's not moving. She feels obviously led. We're not She feels obviously led. We're not She feels obviously led. We're not supposed to do another song. We're just supposed to do another song. We're just supposed to do another song. We're just supposed to worship God. Isn't there a supposed to worship God. Isn't there a supposed to worship God. Isn't there a time for everything under the sun? time for everything under the sun? time for everything under the sun? >> So she feels and is led. We don't confer >> So she feels and is led. We don't confer >> So she feels and is led. We don't confer with each other what this, what that, with each other what this, what that, with each other what this, what that, when this. We have no timing for any of when this. We have no timing for any of when this. We have no timing for any of these things. So, she's um she's just these things. So, she's um she's just these things. So, she's um she's just standing there praising God. And I standing there praising God. And I standing there praising God. And I was a little drowsy, wasn't focused, was a little drowsy, wasn't focused, was a little drowsy, wasn't focused, but I snapped, too, because I could hear but I snapped, too, because I could hear but I snapped, too, because I could hear the people praising God. Oh, God, what the people praising God. Oh, God, what the people praising God. Oh, God, what do I do?

do I do? do I do? What do you do? Just do whatever you What do you do? Just do whatever you What do you do? Just do whatever you want to do. You're the pastor. Just get want to do. You're the pastor. Just get want to do. You're the pastor. Just get up and do whatever you want to do. No, up and do whatever you want to do. No, up and do whatever you want to do. No, you can't do whatever you want to do. you can't do whatever you want to do. you can't do whatever you want to do. There's a plan for everything. You try There's a plan for everything. You try There's a plan for everything. You try to find it. I've missed it many, many to find it. I've missed it many, many to find it. I've missed it many, many times. times. times. I get up and I come to the pulpit there. I get up and I come to the pulpit there. I get up and I come to the pulpit there. It was wooden. It was wooden. It was wooden. I wasn't wearing a mic. I grab the mic, I wasn't wearing a mic. I grab the mic, I wasn't wearing a mic. I grab the mic, but I just put it down and I realize and but I just put it down and I realize and but I just put it down and I realize and I say to God, "God, I've been doing this I say to God, "God, I've been doing this I say to God, "God, I've been doing this so long. Whatever I say, they're going so long. Whatever I say, they're going so long. Whatever I say, they're going to do. I'm going to change the to do. I'm going to change the to do. I'm going to change the atmosphere whatever I do." If I say to atmosphere whatever I do." If I say to atmosphere whatever I do." If I say to the people, "Sit down." You're all going the people, "Sit down." You're all going the people, "Sit down." You're all going to sit down. Uh if I say, "Let's sing a to sit down. Uh if I say, "Let's sing a to sit down. Uh if I say, "Let's sing a song," you're going to sing a song. Am I song," you're going to sing a song. Am I song," you're going to sing a song. Am I correct? correct? correct? because that's I'm leading [music] the because that's I'm leading [music] the because that's I'm leading [music] the meeting. But God, I'm not supposed to do meeting. But God, I'm not supposed to do meeting. But God, I'm not supposed to do that and I'm not supposed to pray and that and I'm not supposed to pray and that and I'm not supposed to pray and I'm not supposed to do any of those I'm not supposed to do any of those I'm not supposed to do any of those things. I don't know what to do, but things. I don't know what to do, but things. I don't know what to do, but God, I'll I'll stand here and be a fool, God, I'll I'll stand here and be a fool, God, I'll I'll stand here and be a fool, but you will show me what you want me to but you will show me what you want me to but you will show me what you want me to do. do. do. >> Doesn't God have a plan for each >> Doesn't God have a plan for each >> Doesn't God have a plan for each service?

service? service? >> Doesn't he? >> Doesn't he? >> Doesn't he? >> So, I became Oh, God, help me to be more >> So, I became Oh, God, help me to be more >> So, I became Oh, God, help me to be more like that. I became like a leaf. just I like that. I became like a leaf. just I like that. I became like a leaf. just I became just so [music] weak in myself. became just so [music] weak in myself. became just so [music] weak in myself. God's strength is made perfect when God's strength is made perfect when God's strength is made perfect when you're weak. you're weak. you're weak. >> When you when you don't know what to do >> When you when you don't know what to do >> When you when you don't know what to do and you tell him, that's when you'll be and you tell him, that's when you'll be and you tell him, that's when you'll be led by God. And I just got weak and just led by God. And I just got weak and just led by God. And I just got weak and just said, "God, I'll do whatever you tell me said, "God, I'll do whatever you tell me said, "God, I'll do whatever you tell me to do." to do." to do." And God took me up on it. And God took me up on it. And God took me up on it. I opened my eyes and there was a woman, I opened my eyes and there was a woman, I opened my eyes and there was a woman, the pastor's wife, sitting in the front the pastor's wife, sitting in the front the pastor's wife, sitting in the front with her hands like this, [music] quiet, with her hands like this, [music] quiet, with her hands like this, [music] quiet, just like this, just like this, just like this, like a lot of you stand just like this. like a lot of you stand just like this. like a lot of you stand just like this. And I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, And I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, And I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, go off and hand her the microphone. go off and hand her the microphone. go off and hand her the microphone. I'm not doing that. That's the devil I'm not doing that. That's the devil I'm not doing that. That's the devil tempting me to do something whack. You know, a lot of people think it's You know, a lot of people think it's spiritual to act crazy, but a lot of spiritual to act crazy, but a lot of spiritual to act crazy, but a lot of people who are crazy, you know why they people who are crazy, you know why they people who are crazy, you know why they they act that way? Because they're they act that way? Because they're they act that way? Because they're crazy.

crazy. crazy. It's not because they're being led by It's not because they're being led by It's not because they're being led by anything. But this one, it didn't take but 5 But this one, it didn't take but 5 seconds in my heart. I knew God was seconds in my heart. I knew God was seconds in my heart. I knew God was saying to me, "You just asked me to do saying to me, "You just asked me to do saying to me, "You just asked me to do what to tell you what to do." My heart what to tell you what to do." My heart what to tell you what to do." My heart was pounding. It's pounding a little was pounding. It's pounding a little was pounding. It's pounding a little faster now because I I have this fear of faster now because I I have this fear of faster now because I I have this fear of ever imitating the Holy Spirit. ever imitating the Holy Spirit. ever imitating the Holy Spirit. God know listening to me now. I walk off God know listening to me now. I walk off God know listening to me now. I walk off the platform. the platform. the platform. Everyone's praising God. My wife's still Everyone's praising God. My wife's still Everyone's praising God. My wife's still standing there. She's the one who standing there. She's the one who standing there. She's the one who started this whole thing by just started this whole thing by just started this whole thing by just praising God. praising God. praising God. I walk off. I come down the steps I walk off. I come down the steps I walk off. I come down the steps and she's standing there. People are and she's standing there. People are and she's standing there. People are standing. They're sitting. [music] standing. They're sitting. [music] standing. They're sitting. [music] They're praising. They're crying. Some They're praising. They're crying. Some They're praising. They're crying. Some are quiet. are quiet. are quiet. And I come down off and she's standing And I come down off and she's standing And I come down off and she's standing there as God is listening to me. [music] there as God is listening to me. [music] there as God is listening to me. [music] And I'm this close. And I say to the And I'm this close. And I say to the And I'm this close. And I say to the Lord, "Lord, can I just touch her arm so Lord, "Lord, can I just touch her arm so Lord, "Lord, can I just touch her arm so I won't frighten her because she's I'm I won't frighten her because she's I'm I won't frighten her because she's I'm coming out of nowhere. And if I touch coming out of nowhere. And if I touch coming out of nowhere. And if I touch her arm, [music] that will at least her arm, [music] that will at least her arm, [music] that will at least prepare her that she'll see I'm handing prepare her that she'll see I'm handing prepare her that she'll see I'm handing her the microphone.

her the microphone. her the microphone. I got as God is listening to me right I got as God is listening to me right I got as God is listening to me right now. I got this close. She opened her now. I got this close. She opened her now. I got this close. She opened her eyes and grabbed the microphone from me eyes and grabbed the microphone from me eyes and grabbed the microphone from me [applause] and she began to prophesy. and she began to prophesy. Listen, this was a true word from the Listen, this was a true word from the Listen, this was a true word from the Lord. All biblical, but she was speaking Lord. All biblical, but she was speaking Lord. All biblical, but she was speaking what God wanted that congregation to what God wanted that congregation to what God wanted that congregation to hear. It was biblical. It wasn't hear. It was biblical. It wasn't hear. It was biblical. It wasn't fanaticism. fanaticism. fanaticism. It was so powerful that I fell. We had It was so powerful that I fell. We had It was so powerful that I fell. We had pews there, not seats. pews there, not seats. pews there, not seats. Remember, we had pews there. And I just Remember, we had pews there. And I just Remember, we had pews there. And I just dropped on the seat as she's up there dropped on the seat as she's up there dropped on the seat as she's up there prophesying to the people. Now, you prophesying to the people. Now, you prophesying to the people. Now, you know, they say you have a party, all know, they say you have a party, all know, they say you have a party, all hell breaks loose. All heaven broke hell breaks loose. All heaven broke hell breaks loose. All heaven broke loose in that meeting. Listen, things loose in that meeting. Listen, things loose in that meeting. Listen, things got crazy. People were running up to the got crazy. People were running up to the got crazy. People were running up to the altar, throwing themselves on the altar, altar, throwing themselves on the altar, altar, throwing themselves on the altar, praying, crying, calling on God. Holy praying, crying, calling on God. Holy praying, crying, calling on God. Holy Spirit moving all kinds of things Spirit moving all kinds of things Spirit moving all kinds of things because of this word that this lady because of this word that this lady because of this word that this lady gave. It didn't even last a minute.

Well, the thing went on and on. It went Well, the thing went on and on. It went on and on. It It went no stop. I wasn't on and on. It It went no stop. I wasn't on and on. It It went no stop. I wasn't going to stop it. Whatever was going to stop it. Whatever was going to stop it. Whatever was happening, it was better than my sermon. happening, it was better than my sermon. happening, it was better than my sermon. That's for sure. So, I go back. I go back. It finally subsides. We were all It finally subsides. We were all It finally subsides. We were all emotionally drained as God is listening emotionally drained as God is listening emotionally drained as God is listening to me. to me. to me. And I said, 'Well, what do we do now? And I said, 'Well, what do we do now? And I said, 'Well, what do we do now? Well, Well, Well, choir's going to sing. We'll take the choir's going to sing. We'll take the choir's going to sing. We'll take the offering. I maybe I read a verse and I offering. I maybe I read a verse and I offering. I maybe I read a verse and I spoke for maybe 8 10 minutes and we spoke for maybe 8 10 minutes and we spoke for maybe 8 10 minutes and we dismissed. We had been We had been in dismissed. We had been We had been in dismissed. We had been We had been in heaven. You ever go to heaven for a half heaven. You ever go to heaven for a half heaven. You ever go to heaven for a half hour? You don't believe what I'm saying? You don't believe what I'm saying? >> Any of you don't believe what I'm >> Any of you don't believe what I'm >> Any of you don't believe what I'm saying? I see some people looking at me saying? I see some people looking at me saying? I see some people looking at me like, "You don't believe what I'm like, "You don't believe what I'm like, "You don't believe what I'm saying?" I'm telling you the truth. Why saying?" I'm telling you the truth. Why saying?" I'm telling you the truth. Why would I make this up and lie in front of would I make this up and lie in front of would I make this up and lie in front of God? Why would I do that? So I go back. God? Why would I do that? So I go back. God? Why would I do that? So I go back. [music] Then the meeting ends. They take [music] Then the meeting ends. They take [music] Then the meeting ends. They take me down the street. They had an me down the street. They had an me down the street. They had an apartment where I rested between all apartment where I rested between all apartment where I rested between all these four meetings. I gathered up my these four meetings. I gathered up my these four meetings. I gathered up my strength, but I was emotionally drained.

strength, but I was emotionally drained. strength, but I was emotionally drained. [music] I went and did the best meeting [music] I went and did the best meeting [music] I went and did the best meeting I could preach the next service. It I could preach the next service. It I could preach the next service. It didn't happen that way. Every meeting is didn't happen that way. Every meeting is didn't happen that way. Every meeting is different. You can't force one meeting different. You can't force one meeting different. You can't force one meeting on on everyone. on on everyone. on on everyone. Some meetings are quiet. Some meetings Some meetings are quiet. Some meetings Some meetings are quiet. Some meetings get loud. When it's quiet, you can't get loud. When it's quiet, you can't get loud. When it's quiet, you can't yell at the people. Come on, everybody. yell at the people. Come on, everybody. yell at the people. Come on, everybody. Praise God. I'll throw this microphone Praise God. I'll throw this microphone Praise God. I'll throw this microphone at you if you don't praise God. at you if you don't praise God. at you if you don't praise God. You can't do that. God has a purpose. You can't do that. God has a purpose. You can't do that. God has a purpose. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. >> So, I went back. Meeting ended. We drove >> So, I went back. Meeting ended. We drove >> So, I went back. Meeting ended. We drove home. Oh, those drives. We would get home. Oh, those drives. We would get home. Oh, those drives. We would get home and not have the energy to get out home and not have the energy to get out home and not have the energy to get out of the car and get into our house. We of the car and get into our house. We of the car and get into our house. We lived in Queens then. lived in Queens then. lived in Queens then. Monday just rested, [music] Monday just rested, [music] Monday just rested, [music] recuperated, came in the church Tuesday. recuperated, came in the church Tuesday. recuperated, came in the church Tuesday. The pastor, who's the husband of the The pastor, who's the husband of the The pastor, who's the husband of the lady, came in my office about 11:00 in lady, came in my office about 11:00 in lady, came in my office about 11:00 in the morning and said, "Hey, brother Jim, the morning and said, "Hey, brother Jim, the morning and said, "Hey, brother Jim, that was some afternoon service on that was some afternoon service on that was some afternoon service on Sunday when heaven came down." [music] I Sunday when heaven came down." [music] I Sunday when heaven came down." [music] I went, "Yeah."

went, "Yeah." went, "Yeah." He said, "You know, I said to my wife He said, "You know, I said to my wife He said, "You know, I said to my wife while we were driving home, honey, God while we were driving home, honey, God while we were driving home, honey, God really used you. God used you. She went, really used you. God used you. She went, really used you. God used you. She went, "Yes, "Yes, "Yes, honey. How did you get the microphone honey. How did you get the microphone honey. How did you get the microphone from him?" She said, 'Well, I was standing there. She said, 'Well, I was standing there. God was moving. Carol wasn't stirring. God was moving. Carol wasn't stirring. God was moving. Carol wasn't stirring. She was just praising God. Everyone She was just praising God. Everyone She was just praising God. Everyone started making a little noise, praising started making a little noise, praising started making a little noise, praising God. And I felt God give me this word of And I felt God give me this word of encouragement for the [music] church. encouragement for the [music] church. encouragement for the [music] church. But my voice is so quiet. She had a weak But my voice is so quiet. She had a weak But my voice is so quiet. She had a weak voice [music] and there was so much voice [music] and there was so much voice [music] and there was so much noise. People praising God. But then I noise. People praising God. But then I noise. People praising God. But then I wasn't sure is this God or not sure. wasn't sure is this God or not sure. wasn't sure is this God or not sure. Many times when God is leading you, you Many times when God is leading you, you Many times when God is leading you, you get unsure and you have to ask the Lord get unsure and you have to ask the Lord get unsure and you have to ask the Lord for confirmation. So So what she prayed for confirmation. So So what she prayed for confirmation. So So what she prayed was God if this is you and you want me was God if this is you and you want me was God if this is you and you want me to do this, make him come off the to do this, make him come off the to do this, make him come off the platform and hand me the microphone. platform and hand me the microphone. platform and hand me the microphone. >> Listen, look at me. Look at me. Did you >> Listen, look at me. Look at me. Did you >> Listen, look at me. Look at me. Did you hear what she prayed?

hear what she prayed? hear what she prayed? >> Make him come off the platform and hand >> Make him come off the platform and hand >> Make him come off the platform and hand me the mic. That's why she grabbed it so me the mic. That's why she grabbed it so me the mic. That's why she grabbed it so quick. She was expecting it. >> Oh, God wants to lead us. >> Oh, God wants to lead us. >> God wants to lead you. >> God wants to lead you. >> God wants to lead you. >> You don't have to be a bishop, a pastor, >> You don't have to be a bishop, a pastor, >> You don't have to be a bishop, a pastor, an apostle. God wants to lead us to be an apostle. God wants to lead us to be an apostle. God wants to lead us to be used by the God. Don't be servants of used by the God. Don't be servants of used by the God. Don't be servants of men. Don't be under the control of some men. Don't be under the control of some men. Don't be under the control of some preacher, some pastor, similar, Brooklyn preacher, some pastor, similar, Brooklyn preacher, some pastor, similar, Brooklyn tabernacle. Let it go. Let Jesus lead tabernacle. Let it go. Let Jesus lead tabernacle. Let it go. Let Jesus lead you. He might want you here for 50 you. He might want you here for 50 you. He might want you here for 50 years. He might want you here for 50 years. He might want you here for 50 years. He might want you here for 50 days and then send you someplace. days and then send you someplace. days and then send you someplace. Whatever God wants. Come on. Can we give Whatever God wants. Come on. Can we give Whatever God wants. Come on. Can we give God all the glory and all the praise? God all the glory and all the praise? God all the glory and all the praise? [music] [applause] Let's close our eyes. [applause] Let's close our eyes. Some of you really need a word from the Some of you really need a word from the Some of you really need a word from the Lord. You need a word from the Holy Lord. You need a word from the Holy Lord. You need a word from the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. You're facing a a choice, a a pressure, You're facing a a choice, a a pressure, You're facing a a choice, a a pressure, a dilemma with your children, with your a dilemma with your children, with your a dilemma with your children, with your finances, spiritually, with your finances, spiritually, with your finances, spiritually, with your calling. I don't know what it is. We're calling. I don't know what it is. We're calling. I don't know what it is. We're going to sing where he leads me, I will going to sing where he leads me, I will going to sing where he leads me, I will follow.

The choir is going to help me. We're The choir is going to help me. We're going to pray for you. Whether you're in going to pray for you. Whether you're in going to pray for you. Whether you're in the balcony or downstairs, God brought the balcony or downstairs, God brought the balcony or downstairs, God brought you here today to remind you he's the you here today to remind you he's the you here today to remind you he's the one who saved you. You belong to him. one who saved you. You belong to him. one who saved you. You belong to him. You belong to him. He purchased you not You belong to him. He purchased you not You belong to him. He purchased you not with silver and gold but with precious with silver and gold but with precious with silver and gold but with precious blood. blood. blood. You belong to Christ, not a church, not You belong to Christ, not a church, not You belong to Christ, not a church, not a race, not a denomination. You belong a race, not a denomination. You belong a race, not a denomination. You belong to Jesus, to Jesus, to Jesus, not a family. How many people have I not a family. How many people have I not a family. How many people have I met? They're in a church and they're met? They're in a church and they're met? They're in a church and they're dying in their church. They won't leave dying in their church. They won't leave dying in their church. They won't leave their church. God wants them to leave, their church. God wants them to leave, their church. God wants them to leave, but no, I can't. My grandparents went but no, I can't. My grandparents went but no, I can't. My grandparents went here. My parents went here. here. My parents went here. here. My parents went here. Don't follow your family. Follow Jesus. Don't follow your family. Follow Jesus. Don't follow your family. Follow Jesus. [music] >> Those needing feeling this message was >> Those needing feeling this message was especially for them, it was for all of especially for them, it was for all of especially for them, it was for all of us. Come out of your seat though if this us. Come out of your seat though if this us. Come out of your seat though if this [music] was the word you needed to hear [music] was the word you needed to hear [music] was the word you needed to hear today and come to the front now. Come, today and come to the front now. Come, today and come to the front now. Come, come quickly though.

Yes. [music] Yes. [music] Tell the Lord. Everyone sing. Tell the Lord. Everyone sing. Tell the Lord. Everyone sing. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] Yeah. [music] Heat. Heat. [music and singing] Just one second. Bow your heads. [music] Just one second. Bow your heads. [music] Close your eyes. Just anybody here. You Close your eyes. Just anybody here. You Close your eyes. Just anybody here. You want to be You have a dream to be led by want to be You have a dream to be led by want to be You have a dream to be led by the Lord and used by the Lord through the Lord and used by the Lord through the Lord and used by the Lord through the ministry [music] of the Holy Spirit. the ministry [music] of the Holy Spirit. the ministry [music] of the Holy Spirit. That's been in you and it's almost died That's been in you and it's almost died That's been in you and it's almost died now, but it used to [music] be in you.

now, but it used to [music] be in you. now, but it used to [music] be in you. You believed in that. You believed in that. You believed in that. And now what? Layers of same old same And now what? Layers of same old same And now what? Layers of same old same old have formed over it. [music] old have formed over it. [music] old have formed over it. [music] And God's restoring you now back to your And God's restoring you now back to your And God's restoring you now back to your first love like a baby to be sensitive first love like a baby to be sensitive first love like a baby to be sensitive and surrendered. and surrendered. and surrendered. Come out of your seat. With God, Come out of your seat. With God, Come out of your seat. With God, everything is possible. I know your everything is possible. I know your everything is possible. I know your circumstances [music] circumstances [music] circumstances [music] don't look so good. With God, everything don't look so good. With God, everything don't look so good. With God, everything is possible. You just come and [music] is possible. You just come and [music] is possible. You just come and [music] say yes to him. You see what God will say yes to him. You see what God will say yes to him. You see what God will do. [music] Just lift up the band, please. I [music] Just lift up the band, please. I can't hear them. I'll say [music] [singing] [singing] Yeah. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] Heat. [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Yeah. [singing] Yeah. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> Lord, we hear [singing] you.

>> Lord, we hear [singing] you. We [music] hear you this morning loud We [music] hear you this morning loud We [music] hear you this morning loud and clear. and clear. and clear. But give us an ear 24/7 to hear what the But give us an ear 24/7 to hear what the But give us an ear 24/7 to hear what the spirit is [music] saying to the spirit is [music] saying to the spirit is [music] saying to the churches, to us. churches, to us. churches, to us. Make us sensitive. Get rid [music] of sin in our life. Get rid [music] of sin in our life. That'll bring interference with That'll bring interference with That'll bring interference with communications. communications. communications. [music] [music] [music] We put away everything we know is wrong We put away everything we know is wrong We put away everything we know is wrong in the name of Jesus. Cleanse us by in the name of Jesus. Cleanse us by in the name of Jesus. Cleanse us by [music] your blood. [music] your blood. [music] your blood. Make us sensitive. Give us a hearing Make us sensitive. Give us a hearing Make us sensitive. Give us a hearing heart heart heart like Ananas had when he went to pray for like Ananas had when he went to pray for like Ananas had when he went to pray for Paul. Paul. Paul. like the church had when they said when like the church had when they said when like the church had when they said when you said separate me Paul and Saul and you said separate me Paul and Saul and you said separate me Paul and Saul and Barnabas Barnabas Barnabas make us so sensitive that even when we make us so sensitive that even when we make us so sensitive that even when we want what we want to do is right you want what we want to do is right you want what we want to do is right you have something better for us and you're have something better for us and you're have something better for us and you're able to hinder us and we sense it and we able to hinder us and we sense it and we able to hinder us and we sense it and we move to that thing that you want in our move to that thing that you want in our move to that thing that you want in our lives.

lives. lives. Stop any unholy alliances we have Stop any unholy alliances we have Stop any unholy alliances we have [music] with the culture or with people. [music] with the culture or with people. [music] with the culture or with people. Lord, we belong to you. We don't [music] Lord, we belong to you. We don't [music] Lord, we belong to you. We don't [music] belong to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. We belong to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. We belong to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. We don't belong to a denomination. We don't don't belong to a denomination. We don't don't belong to a denomination. We don't belong to any movement. We belong to the belong to any movement. We belong to the belong to any movement. We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ [music] who died for Lord Jesus Christ [music] who died for Lord Jesus Christ [music] who died for us who's our Lord. Every woman in the building, just turn Every woman in the building, just turn to the closest woman. [music] every man to the closest woman. [music] every man to the closest woman. [music] every man to the closest man to the closest man to the closest man and just pray for each other now. and just pray for each other now. and just pray for each other now. Balcony, downstairs, everywhere. Even if Balcony, downstairs, everywhere. Even if Balcony, downstairs, everywhere. Even if you've never done it, just [music] do you've never done it, just [music] do you've never done it, just [music] do it. We'll sing up. We'll sing up here. it. We'll sing up. We'll sing up here. it. We'll sing up. We'll sing up here. Just pray for a season, but [music] pray Just pray for a season, but [music] pray Just pray for a season, but [music] pray one for another. I'll say yes. one for another. I'll say yes. one for another. I'll say yes. Help me, choir. [music] I'm sorry. Yes. Help me, choir. [music] I'm sorry. Yes. Help me, choir. [music] I'm sorry. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] I'm sorry. Oh, [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music]

[music] yeah. [singing] [singing] [music] Oh [music] Oh [music] Oh dear. >> I'll say >> I'll say [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Sing with me everyone. Heat. [music] >> Sing with me everyone. Heat. [music] [singing] Heat.

Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] >> Thank you, Lord, >> Thank you, Lord, >> Thank you, Lord, that you're going to lead us and guide that you're going to lead us and guide that you're going to lead us and guide us. us. us. >> Our God will guide us through the storm, >> Our God will guide us through the storm, >> Our God will guide us through the storm, over the mountains, through the valley. over the mountains, through the valley. over the mountains, through the valley. We will hold your hand and you will lead We will hold your hand and you will lead We will hold your hand and you will lead us. As we follow you, we look behind us us. As we follow you, we look behind us us. As we follow you, we look behind us and goodness and mercy will follow us. and goodness and mercy will follow us. and goodness and mercy will follow us. As we follow you, goodness and mercy As we follow you, goodness and mercy As we follow you, goodness and mercy follows us. Thank you for this meeting, follows us. Thank you for this meeting, follows us. Thank you for this meeting, for grace being here for everything. for grace being here for everything. for grace being here for everything. Lord, [music] bless the offering. Bless Lord, [music] bless the offering. Bless Lord, [music] bless the offering. Bless our fellowship with one another in our fellowship with one another in our fellowship with one another in Jesus' name. my book signing. [music] Jesus' name. my book signing. [music] Jesus' name. my book signing. [music] Just let everything make you happy, Just let everything make you happy, Just let everything make you happy, Lord. For we ask it in Jesus name. And Lord. For we ask it in Jesus name. And Lord. For we ask it in Jesus name. And everyone said, everyone said, everyone said, >> "Amen." Give someone a hug. See you up >> "Amen." Give someone a hug. See you up >> "Amen." Give someone a hug. See you up in the lobby if that's what you want.

in the lobby if that's what you want. in the lobby if that's what you want. [music]