How Big Is Your God? | Rev. Philip Kwiatkowski | The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Good morning [music] everyone. Let's all Good morning [music] everyone. Let's all stand. Welcome. stand. Welcome. stand. Welcome. Welcome. Those watching online, welcome. Welcome. Those watching online, welcome. Welcome. Those watching online, welcome. Join in with us this morning. Join in with us this morning. Join in with us this morning. Praise [music] the Lord. Praise [music] the Lord. Praise [music] the Lord. Hallelujah. Lord, we bless your name Hallelujah. Lord, we bless your name Hallelujah. Lord, we bless your name this morning, God. We open our hearts to this morning, God. We open our hearts to this morning, God. We open our hearts to you this morning, Lord. Come and meet you this morning, Lord. Come and meet you this morning, Lord. Come and meet with [music] your people today, Jesus. with [music] your people today, Jesus. with [music] your people today, Jesus. We bless your name today, Lord. We lift We bless your name today, Lord. We lift We bless your name today, Lord. We lift you up in this place, [music] God. We you up in this place, [music] God. We you up in this place, [music] God. We worship and adore you this morning, worship and adore you this morning, worship and adore you this morning, Lord. You are worthy to [music] be Lord. You are worthy to [music] be Lord. You are worthy to [music] be praised, oh God. praised, oh God. praised, oh God. We welcome your presence into this We welcome your presence into this We welcome your presence into this place. Come on, let's sing it [music] place. Come on, let's sing it [music] place. Come on, let's sing it [music] with all our hearts. Heat. Heat. Heat. with all our hearts. Heat. Heat. Heat. with all our hearts. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [singing] [music] [music] Yeah.

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

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

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

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

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> Come on, worship [music] the Lord this >> Come on, worship [music] the Lord this morning. morning. morning. Worthy are you, God. Worthy are you, God. Worthy are you, God. We bless your [music] name, Jesus. We bless your [music] name, Jesus. We bless your [music] name, Jesus. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise [music] the Lord. God is so good. Praise [music] the Lord. God is so good. Praise [music] the Lord. God is so good. What an amazing God we serve. Amen.

What an amazing God we serve. Amen. What an amazing God we serve. Amen. We wanted to sing a hymn today, We wanted to sing a hymn today, We wanted to sing a hymn today, one we haven't sung in a long time. And one we haven't sung in a long time. And one we haven't sung in a long time. And I was remembering I was remembering I was remembering what inspired this hymn. And the man what inspired this hymn. And the man what inspired this hymn. And the man that wrote it, his name was Horatio that wrote it, his name was Horatio that wrote it, his name was Horatio [music] [music] [music] Spafford. Spafford. Spafford. Spafford. Spafford. Spafford. And maybe some of you know the story, And maybe some of you know the story, And maybe some of you know the story, this hymn that he wrote called It Is this hymn that he wrote called It Is this hymn that he wrote called It Is Well. Well. Well. [music] And the story goes that back [music] And the story goes that back [music] And the story goes that back hundreds of years ago, his family, his hundreds of years ago, his family, his hundreds of years ago, his family, his daughters, four [music] daughters, and daughters, four [music] daughters, and daughters, four [music] daughters, and his wife were taking a a ship over to his wife were taking a a ship over to his wife were taking a a ship over to England for a vacation. And he [music] England for a vacation. And he [music] England for a vacation. And he [music] was detained in New York. And so he saw was detained in New York. And so he saw was detained in New York. And so he saw them off and their ship collided with them off and their ship collided with them off and their ship collided with another vessel out at sea and went down another vessel out at sea and went down another vessel out at sea and went down rapidly. rapidly. rapidly. And [music] he received a letter from And [music] he received a letter from And [music] he received a letter from his wife that began with saved alone. his wife that began with saved alone. his wife that began with saved alone. And all four of his daughters perished. And all four of his daughters perished. And all four of his daughters perished. And so he went to meet his wife in And so he went to meet his wife in And so he went to meet his wife in England. And on the ship ride to England. And on the ship ride to England. And on the ship ride to England, when he got to a certain place, England, when he got to a certain place, England, when he got to a certain place, the captain told him, "This is the the captain told him, "This is the the captain told him, "This is the general area where the ship went down, general area where the ship went down, general area where the ship went down, where your daughters died."

where your daughters died." where your daughters died." And the story goes that he went to his And the story goes that he went to his And the story goes that he went to his cabin and he began to write the words to cabin and he began to write the words to cabin and he began to write the words to this song. [music] When peace like a this song. [music] When peace like a this song. [music] When peace like a river tendeth my way, when sorrows like river tendeth my way, when sorrows like river tendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, [music] it is hast taught me to say, [music] it is hast taught me to say, [music] it is well, it is well with my soul. well, it is well with my soul. well, it is well with my soul. Now, who but a true and a living God can Now, who but a true and a living God can Now, who but a true and a living God can inspire those words in someone going inspire those words in someone going inspire those words in someone going through such devastation, [music] through such devastation, [music] through such devastation, [music] such tragedy? such tragedy? such tragedy? only a real living God who really comes only a real living God who really comes only a real living God who really comes and is able to bring peace and is able to bring peace and is able to bring peace no matter the storm you're going through no matter the storm you're going through no matter the storm you're going through [music] in life, no matter what you're [music] in life, no matter what you're [music] in life, no matter what you're dealing with. And all of us here today, dealing with. And all of us here today, dealing with. And all of us here today, we all have our stories. We all have our we all have our stories. We all have our we all have our stories. We all have our journeys. We all have the ups and the journeys. We all have the ups and the journeys. We all have the ups and the downs, the valleys that we have to walk downs, the valleys that we have to walk downs, the valleys that we have to walk through in life. through in life. through in life. But [music] Jesus said, "I don't give But [music] Jesus said, "I don't give But [music] Jesus said, "I don't give like the world gives. My peace I give like the world gives. My peace I give like the world gives. My peace I give you. the peace that he has. We don't you. the peace that he has. We don't you. the peace that he has. We don't muster up peace [music] within muster up peace [music] within muster up peace [music] within ourselves. Jesus says, "I will give you ourselves. Jesus says, "I will give you ourselves. Jesus says, "I will give you the peace I have because I exist in a the peace I have because I exist in a the peace I have because I exist in a peace [music] that understands that I'm peace [music] that understands that I'm peace [music] that understands that I'm in complete control." And when Romans in complete control." And when Romans in complete control." And when Romans talks about [music] talks about [music] talks about [music] God working all things together for God working all things together for God working all things together for good, all things, not just the good good, all things, not just the good good, all things, not just the good things, even the bad things that things, even the bad things that things, even the bad things that sometimes he permits to happen in our sometimes he permits to happen in our sometimes he permits to happen in our lives, he says, "I will even use those

lives, he says, "I will even use those lives, he says, "I will even use those things for good, for my glory and for things for good, for my glory and for things for good, for my glory and for your good, so that you'll know me your good, so that you'll know me your good, so that you'll know me better, so that you'll understand my better, so that you'll understand my better, so that you'll understand my faithfulness more, so that you'll learn faithfulness more, so that you'll learn faithfulness more, so that you'll learn to trust [music] me more, so that I can to trust [music] me more, so that I can to trust [music] me more, so that I can make you more like myself." He says, make you more like myself." He says, make you more like myself." He says, "I'll work it all together for good." "I'll work it all together for good." "I'll work it all together for good." [music] [music] [music] So that even no matter what we're going So that even no matter what we're going So that even no matter what we're going through today, we can sing this song through today, we can sing this song through today, we can sing this song with [music] real confidence and with [music] real confidence and with [music] real confidence and assurance. It is well with my soul. assurance. It is well with my soul. assurance. It is well with my soul. [music] [music] [music] Not just in the good times, but even in Not just in the good times, but even in Not just in the good times, but even in the difficult times, it is well. I know the difficult times, it is well. I know the difficult times, it is well. I know who I believe I [music] have believed who I believe I [music] have believed who I believe I [music] have believed in. And he is faithful to that which in. And he is faithful to that which in. And he is faithful to that which I've committed to him. Amen. [music] I've committed to him. Amen. [music] I've committed to him. Amen. [music] Amen. He's going to see us through. He's Amen. He's going to see us through. He's Amen. He's going to see us through. He's going to work it all together for good. going to work it all together for good. going to work it all together for good. He [music] has promised and he's not a He [music] has promised and he's not a He [music] has promised and he's not a man that he should lie. So, let's sing man that he should lie. So, let's sing man that he should lie. So, let's sing that song today. Let's [music] be so that song today. Let's [music] be so that song today. Let's [music] be so grateful we can sing those words today. grateful we can sing those words today. grateful we can sing those words today. We don't live like the [music] world We don't live like the [music] world We don't live like the [music] world lives. We're not a people without hope. lives. We're not a people without hope. lives. We're not a people without hope. Our hope is in Christ Jesus [music] Our hope is in Christ Jesus [music] Our hope is in Christ Jesus [music] today. Amen. Hallelujah.

today. Amen. Hallelujah. today. Amen. Hallelujah. Come on, [music] let's sing it together Come on, [music] let's sing it together Come on, [music] let's sing it together with all our hearts. with all our hearts. with all our hearts. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] Heat [singing] Heat [music] [music] [music] up here.

here. [music and singing] [singing] [singing] A A A [music] [music] [music] >> Heat heat.

heat. [music and singing] Heat here. here. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] Heat. [music] Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] heat, heat.

[music] Heat. [singing] Heat. [singing] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat Heat Heat [music] up up here. [music] [music]

[music] >> Heat up [music] up [music] here. up here. up here. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Heat.

>> Hallelujah >> Hallelujah Jesus. Thank [music] you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank [music] you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Our Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Our Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Our trust is in you. [music] trust is in you. [music] trust is in you. [music] It is well with our soul. Lord, It is well with our soul. Lord, It is well with our soul. Lord, we rest in you today. Lord, [music] we rest in you today. Lord, [music] we rest in you today. Lord, [music] what a mighty God you are. what a mighty God you are. what a mighty God you are. You have been so good to us, Lord. You You have been so good to us, Lord. You You have been so good to us, Lord. You have been so faithful, Lord. Thank you, have been so faithful, Lord. Thank you, have been so faithful, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Awesome savior. We bless [music] you, Awesome savior. We bless [music] you, Awesome savior. We bless [music] you, Lord. Lord. Lord. Hallelujah, Jesus. [music] [music] [music] [singing] I will sing I will sing of the goodness [music and singing] of the goodness [music and singing] of the goodness [music and singing] of God.

of God. of God. Come on, lift your voice and sing it. Come on, lift your voice and sing it. Come on, lift your voice and sing it. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Heat up [music] Heat up [music] [singing] Heat. [music]

Heat. [music] [singing] Heat Heat [music] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> Heat >> Heat >> Heat up here. up here. up here. [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Heat >> Heat up here.

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

[music] [music] >> Heat >> Heat >> Heat up >> Can we just take some time to thank the >> Can we just take some time to thank the Lord this morning? Thank him for his Lord this morning? Thank him for his Lord this morning? Thank him for his goodness in your life. Thank [music] you goodness in your life. Thank [music] you goodness in your life. Thank [music] you for his faithfulness. for his faithfulness. for his faithfulness. Thank you for his peace today. Thank you for his peace today. Thank you for his peace today. Thank you for his word [music] that Thank you for his word [music] that Thank you for his word [music] that promises he will work all things promises he will work all things promises he will work all things together for good. together for good. together for good. We bless you, Jesus. We give you [music] We bless you, Jesus. We give you [music] We bless you, Jesus. We give you [music] praise today, Lord.

praise today, Lord. praise today, Lord. We worship and adore you, Lord. [music] We glorify your name, Jesus. We glorify your name, Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We worship you. We [music] bless you Lord. We [music] bless you Lord. We love you, Jesus. We love you, Jesus. We love you, Jesus. [music] We worship you, Lord. Oh, what a good We worship you, Lord. Oh, what a good God [music] you are. What a faithful God God [music] you are. What a faithful God God [music] you are. What a faithful God you are. you are. you are. [music] [music] [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. Your people Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. Your people Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. Your people bless you today. Your people [music] bless you today. Your people [music] bless you today. Your people [music] worship you today. There is none like worship you today. There is none like worship you today. There is none like you, oh God.

you, oh God. you, oh God. Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, we love you Jesus. [music] We rest in you. We rest in you. Oh, we [music] rest in you today, Jesus. Oh, we [music] rest in you today, Jesus. Oh, we [music] rest in you today, Jesus. You are our rest. You are our rest. You are our rest. You are our hiding place. Oh [music] You are our hiding place. Oh [music] You are our hiding place. Oh [music] God, we [music] bless you, Jesus. We love we [music] bless you, Jesus. We love you, Lord. We trust you, God. But help you, Lord. We trust you, God. But help you, Lord. We trust you, God. But help us, Lord, to trust you more.

us, Lord, to trust you more. us, Lord, to trust you more. Help us to trust [music] you, Lord. Let Help us to trust [music] you, Lord. Let Help us to trust [music] you, Lord. Let every be every heart in this place, every be every heart in this place, every be every heart in this place, those watching online, those watching online, those watching online, let them find their rest in you today, let them find their rest in you today, let them find their rest in you today, God. take away worry and anxiety. God, God. take away worry and anxiety. God, God. take away worry and anxiety. God, help us to remember all of your help us to remember all of your help us to remember all of your faithfulness in our lives, God. All of faithfulness in our lives, God. All of faithfulness in our lives, God. All of your goodness, your goodness, your goodness, always giving us what we don't deserve, always giving us what we don't deserve, always giving us what we don't deserve, Lord. We thank you, Lord. [music] Lord. We thank you, Lord. [music] Lord. We thank you, Lord. [music] We love you, Lord. And we praise you, We love you, Lord. And we praise you, We love you, Lord. And we praise you, God. We give you this meeting, God. Have God. We give you this meeting, God. Have God. We give you this meeting, God. Have your way. Move in this place. Move in your way. Move in this place. Move in your way. Move in this place. Move in every heart, God. [music] every heart, God. [music] every heart, God. [music] Every heart, Lord. Meet with every Every heart, Lord. Meet with every Every heart, Lord. Meet with every person here. We need you, God. We need person here. We need you, God. We need person here. We need you, God. We need more of you, Lord. So we give you our more of you, Lord. So we give you our more of you, Lord. So we give you our hearts. We give you this time. Lord, be hearts. We give you this time. Lord, be hearts. We give you this time. Lord, be glorified in everything [music] that we glorified in everything [music] that we glorified in everything [music] that we do. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Praise do. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Praise do. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Praise God. Let's clap to the Lord today. God. Let's clap to the Lord today. God. Let's clap to the Lord today. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. [music] Good morning.

Good morning. Praise [music] the Lord. You keep on You keep on over and over again. [music] Over [music and singing] and over again Over [music and singing] and over again you keep you keep you keep over and over again. over and over again. over and over again. You woke me up [music] this morning You woke me up [music] this morning You woke me up [music] this morning finally on my way. [music] finally on my way. [music] finally on my way. [music] Gave me the strength to make it to make Gave me the strength to make it to make Gave me the strength to make it to make it through another [music] day. it through another [music] day. it through another [music] day. You gave me eyes to see.

You gave me eyes to see. You gave me eyes to see. gave me [music] a tongue to talk. gave me [music] a tongue to talk. gave me [music] a tongue to talk. I want to thank you Jesus I want to thank you Jesus I want to thank you Jesus for giving me. for giving me. for giving me. [music] But you keep on [music] [music] you keep on. [singing] [music] [music] You keep on I can move around. I can move around. I can wave my hand. [music] I can [music] understand. I can [music] understand. [singing] [singing] [singing] Give me a home to live in where I Give me a home to live in where I Give me a home to live in where I [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] keep moving.

keep moving. keep moving. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Yeah.

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

>> Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. [applause] Heat.

Heat. [music] There's nothing [music] better There's nothing [music] better than living for Jesus. than living for Jesus. than living for Jesus. There's nothing [music] better There's nothing [music] better There's nothing [music] better than living [singing] for him. than living [singing] for him. than living [singing] for him. There's nothing better There's nothing better There's nothing better than living [music] for Jesus. than living [music] for Jesus. than living [music] for Jesus. There's nothing better There's nothing better There's nothing better than living [music] for him. than living [music] for him. than living [music] for him. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat. Yeah. [singing] Yeah. [singing] Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music]

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

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

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Lord, >> Lord, >> Lord, in everything in everything in everything I I I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My heart [singing] is >> My heart [singing] is >> My heart [singing] is my praise to you.

my praise to you. my praise to you. [music] I I remember all my days. remember all my days. remember all my days. Are you [music and singing] Are you [music and singing] Are you [music and singing] faithful? [music] [music] [singing] A [singing] [singing] [music] heat [music and singing] heat [music and singing] Yeah. Heat.

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

Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. [singing] Yeah. [singing] Heat. [music] >> You can hold up. I don't need it right >> You can hold up. I don't need it right away. Uh choir, come out behind me here.

away. Uh choir, come out behind me here. away. Uh choir, come out behind me here. We're going to pray for a deaconist We're going to pray for a deaconist We're going to pray for a deaconist who's ill in our church. She's here. who's ill in our church. She's here. who's ill in our church. She's here. Could you bring Aaron and uh Janet up? Could you bring Aaron and uh Janet up? Could you bring Aaron and uh Janet up? and deacons, deaconesses, would you come and deacons, deaconesses, would you come and deacons, deaconesses, would you come around them when she's here in the around them when she's here in the around them when she's here in the front? [snorts] How many believe God front? [snorts] How many believe God front? [snorts] How many believe God still does miracles? Say, amen. still does miracles? Say, amen. still does miracles? Say, amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] I am the Lord that health thee. I am the Lord that health thee. [music] I am the Lord your healer. [music] I am the Lord your healer. [music] I am the Lord your healer. Pastors, would you come and someone Pastors, would you come and someone Pastors, would you come and someone bring the oil [music] and anoint Janet? bring the oil [music] and anoint Janet? bring the oil [music] and anoint Janet? I love Janet. Janet, look up at me. I I love Janet. Janet, look up at me. I I love Janet. Janet, look up at me. I love you. love you. love you. We love [music] you. The choir loves you >> with that. >> with that. >> It is well with your soul. Good. It's >> It is well with your soul. Good. It's >> It is well with your soul. Good. It's going to get well with your body is what going to get well with your body is what going to get well with your body is what we're praying for. Okay. [music] Let's sing over her. Let's sing the word Let's sing over her. Let's sing the word of God. Everyone stand up. Come on, of God. Everyone stand up. Come on, of God. Everyone stand up. Come on, [music] sing that word of God over her.

[music] sing that word of God over her. [music] sing that word of God over her. Her name is Janet Talbert. Her name is Janet Talbert. Her name is Janet Talbert. Come on, pray. [music] Deacons, everyone Come on, pray. [music] Deacons, everyone Come on, pray. [music] Deacons, everyone pray and sing. [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Release your power.

[music] [music] >> Everyone sing loud. Everyone [music] [music] [singing] everyone pray. Okay, just take Janet's everyone pray. Okay, just take Janet's name on your lips. [music] name on your lips. [music] name on your lips. [music] Bring it up to God. [music] The church is asking you, God, [music] The church is asking you, God, to heal Janet. Lord, to heal Janet. Lord, to heal Janet. Lord, [music] [music] [music] stretch out your hand, Lord. This is stretch out your hand, Lord. This is stretch out your hand, Lord. This is nothing for you, Lord. Nothing. It's nothing for you, Lord. Nothing. It's nothing for you, Lord. Nothing. It's nothing for you, Lord.

nothing for you, Lord. nothing for you, Lord. [music] [music] [music] Our Jesus. Our Jesus Our Jesus. Our Jesus Our Jesus. Our Jesus [music] [music] [music] for your people are asking you for your people are asking you for your people are asking you [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> One last time. Let's see.

[bell] [bell] [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] in Jesus' name. And all the people said, in Jesus' name. And all the people said, [music] [music] [music] let's put our hands together. You can walk her back over there, You can walk her back over there, please. [music] please. [music] please. [music] But keep standing. But keep standing. But keep standing. Keep standing. This struck me uh this uh Keep standing. This struck me uh this uh Keep standing. This struck me uh this uh yesterday. Yesterday reading the Bible. yesterday. Yesterday reading the Bible. yesterday. Yesterday reading the Bible. And I want to just bring this to you And I want to just bring this to you And I want to just bring this to you before we sit down. before we sit down. before we sit down. In John, In John, In John, most of the gospels, I think all of them most of the gospels, I think all of them most of the gospels, I think all of them give an account of Jesus feeding the give an account of Jesus feeding the give an account of Jesus feeding the multitude, right? Let me see how much multitude, right? Let me see how much multitude, right? Let me see how much Well, you know your Bible. How many Well, you know your Bible. How many Well, you know your Bible. How many loaves? loaves? loaves? >> And how many fishes?

>> And how many fishes? >> And how many fishes? Very good. Five loaves, two fishes. Very good. Five loaves, two fishes. Very good. Five loaves, two fishes. And there were thousand. There were And there were thousand. There were And there were thousand. There were 5,000 men plus the women. [music] 5,000 men plus the women. [music] 5,000 men plus the women. [music] And Jesus said, "No, you feed them. No, And Jesus said, "No, you feed them. No, And Jesus said, "No, you feed them. No, send them away. No, no, you feed them. send them away. No, no, you feed them. send them away. No, no, you feed them. But we can't [music] do it. We don't But we can't [music] do it. We don't But we can't [music] do it. We don't have You ever face a situation where you have You ever face a situation where you have You ever face a situation where you don't have what you [music] need to get don't have what you [music] need to get don't have what you [music] need to get through the situation? I face that all through the situation? I face that all through the situation? I face that all the time. the time. the time. Well, what do you have? Stop complaining Well, what do you have? Stop complaining Well, what do you have? Stop complaining about what you don't have. What do you about what you don't have. What do you about what you don't have. What do you have? And what they had, they gave to have? And what they had, they gave to have? And what they had, they gave to Jesus. Five loaves, two fishes. This is Jesus. Five loaves, two fishes. This is Jesus. Five loaves, two fishes. This is what struck me again. has struck me many what struck me again. has struck me many what struck me again. has struck me many times now. It says, "And he took the times now. It says, "And he took the times now. It says, "And he took the five loaves and two fishes five loaves and two fishes five loaves and two fishes and he thanked God for them." and he thanked God for them." and he thanked God for them." How would you thank God? You have to How would you thank God? You have to How would you thank God? You have to feed 5,000 people. You got five little feed 5,000 people. You got five little feed 5,000 people. You got five little loaves and two little fish. loaves and two little fish. loaves and two little fish. We would complain like, "And are you We would complain like, "And are you We would complain like, "And are you kidding me? This is what you got?" But kidding me? This is what you got?" But kidding me? This is what you got?" But we learn a great lesson now. Whatever we learn a great lesson now. Whatever we learn a great lesson now. Whatever you have, thank God for what you have.

you have, thank God for what you have. you have, thank God for what you have. Don't look Wait, don't look at what you Don't look Wait, don't look at what you Don't look Wait, don't look at what you don't have. Don't look at the But look, don't have. Don't look at the But look, don't have. Don't look at the But look, it's too big. Look at what you have. it's too big. Look at what you have. it's too big. Look at what you have. Give it to Jesus. But thank God for it. Give it to Jesus. But thank God for it. Give it to Jesus. But thank God for it. Thank God for what you have. [music] Thank God for what you have. [music] Thank God for what you have. [music] Some of you here might be here today or Some of you here might be here today or Some of you here might be here today or watching online. You're you're looking watching online. You're you're looking watching online. You're you're looking at what you don't have. How about at what you don't have. How about at what you don't have. How about thanking God for what you do have? Come thanking God for what you do have? Come thanking God for what you do have? Come on. Can we say amen to that? [music] on. Can we say amen to that? [music] on. Can we say amen to that? [music] Bueno, Bueno, Bueno, if you're here today and you're facing if you're here today and you're facing if you're here today and you're facing I'm talking with someone the other day, I'm talking with someone the other day, I'm talking with someone the other day, his wife is unemployed and it's getting his wife is unemployed and it's getting his wife is unemployed and it's getting [music] hard for them as a couple. [music] hard for them as a couple. [music] hard for them as a couple. So, So, So, you [music] can just get depressed and you [music] can just get depressed and you [music] can just get depressed and anxious and nervous or you can start anxious and nervous or you can start anxious and nervous or you can start thanking God for what you have. The thanking God for what you have. The thanking God for what you have. The miracle happens when you thank God for miracle happens when you thank God for miracle happens when you thank God for what you do have instead of complaining what you do have instead of complaining what you do have instead of complaining about what you don't have. about what you don't have. about what you don't have. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So maybe some of you here in this >> So maybe some of you here in this >> So maybe some of you here in this building, you need to thank God for what building, you need to thank God for what building, you need to thank God for what you have. This is what that means in you have. This is what that means in you have. This is what that means in Spanish. [music] Listen as Spanish. [music] Listen as Spanish. [music] Listen as a bueno. Thank you, Lord. You've been a bueno. Thank you, Lord. You've been a bueno. Thank you, Lord. You've been good. You have been good. God [music] good. You have been good. God [music] good. You have been good. God [music] has been good. I'm thanking him for what has been good. I'm thanking him for what has been good. I'm thanking him for what I do have. What I don't have, he'll have I do have. What I don't have, he'll have I do have. What I don't have, he'll have to take care [music] of it. But what I to take care [music] of it. But what I to take care [music] of it. But what I do have, I'm going to thank him for it.

do have, I'm going to thank him for it. do have, I'm going to thank him for it. Don't Don't complain now. Stop Don't Don't complain now. Stop Don't Don't complain now. Stop complaining and don't be worried. complaining and don't be worried. complaining and don't be worried. [music] [music] [music] God's going to take care of business. God's going to take care of business. God's going to take care of business. Amen. Anybody here with extra Amen. Anybody here with extra Amen. Anybody here with extra thanksgiving, [music] you want to give thanksgiving, [music] you want to give thanksgiving, [music] you want to give it to him? You're facing a challenge, it to him? You're facing a challenge, it to him? You're facing a challenge, come up to the front while we sing it come up to the front while we sing it come up to the front while we sing it and thank God [music] for what you do and thank God [music] for what you do and thank God [music] for what you do have and stop worrying. Okay? have and stop worrying. Okay? have and stop worrying. Okay? [singing] [music] [music] >> [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Come on. Thank you for what you have. >> Come on. Thank you for what you have. >> Come on. Thank you for what you have. Lift your hands and thank him for Lift your hands and thank him for Lift your hands and thank him for [music] what you have. [music] what you have. [music] what you have. Let's sing again. [singing] [singing] [music] [music] come on. Thank you. Thank you [music] come on. Thank you. Thank you for what you have. Thank you.

[music] [music] Oh, [singing] the last time. the last time. [music] >> Lord, help all the people in the front. >> Lord, help all the people in the front. They have challenges. They have needs. They have challenges. They have needs. They have challenges. They have needs. They might need a job. [music] They might need a job. [music] They might need a job. [music] Take care of that. But we thank you for Take care of that. But we thank you for Take care of that. But we thank you for what you've already done for us. [music] what you've already done for us. [music] what you've already done for us. [music] >> We thank you for what we do have. Yes, >> We thank you for what we do have. Yes, >> We thank you for what we do have. Yes, Lord. It's only five loaves, two fishes, Lord. It's only five loaves, two fishes, Lord. It's only five loaves, two fishes, but we praise you for that, Lord. You do but we praise you for that, Lord. You do but we praise you for that, Lord. You do the multiplying. You help my brothers the multiplying. You help my brothers the multiplying. You help my brothers and sisters, Lord. [music] We ask in and sisters, Lord. [music] We ask in and sisters, Lord. [music] We ask in Jesus' name, provide what they need Jesus' name, provide what they need Jesus' name, provide what they need according to your word. My God shall according to your word. My God shall according to your word. My God shall supply all of your needs, according to supply all of your needs, according to supply all of your needs, according to his riches [music] and glory in Christ his riches [music] and glory in Christ his riches [music] and glory in Christ Jesus. We stand on on that and we're Jesus. We stand on on that and we're Jesus. We stand on on that and we're thankful.

thankful. thankful. We ask it all to be done in Christ's We ask it all to be done in Christ's We ask it all to be done in Christ's name. name. name. And everyone said And everyone said And everyone said >> amen. Amen. Yeah. Let's let's thank God. >> amen. Amen. Yeah. Let's let's thank God. >> amen. Amen. Yeah. Let's let's thank God. Amen. Clap our hands. [music] Amen. Clap our hands. [music] Amen. Clap our hands. [music] [applause] I hope you systematically give um and I hope you systematically give um and bring your offering based on your bring your offering based on your bring your offering based on your income. income. income. Um the Lord saw that little lady giving Um the Lord saw that little lady giving Um the Lord saw that little lady giving a little coin or two into the basket at a little coin or two into the basket at a little coin or two into the basket at the temple and he said to the disciples, the temple and he said to the disciples, the temple and he said to the disciples, he was watching everyone. They're he was watching everyone. They're he was watching everyone. They're putting in 20s, 50s, hundreds. He said, putting in 20s, 50s, hundreds. He said, putting in 20s, 50s, hundreds. He said, "You see the lady who put the quarter "You see the lady who put the quarter "You see the lady who put the quarter in, she gave more than anyone else." in, she gave more than anyone else." in, she gave more than anyone else." How so? How so? How so? Kasa, how's that happen? He said, "They Kasa, how's that happen? He said, "They Kasa, how's that happen? He said, "They gave out of their abundance. They have gave out of their abundance. They have gave out of their abundance. They have plenty left over. She gave all she had. plenty left over. She gave all she had. plenty left over. She gave all she had. So God doesn't measure by the amount. So God doesn't measure by the amount. So God doesn't measure by the amount. It's it's its meaning in your life.

It's it's its meaning in your life. It's it's its meaning in your life. Listen, did God give us something Listen, did God give us something Listen, did God give us something meaningless when he sent his son? No. He meaningless when he sent his son? No. He meaningless when he sent his son? No. He gave us his best. We should all be gave us his best. We should all be gave us his best. We should all be giving our best. Amen. giving our best. Amen. giving our best. Amen. >> I saw a picture of my I went to visit my >> I saw a picture of my I went to visit my >> I saw a picture of my I went to visit my sister this week and uh she's a widow sister this week and uh she's a widow sister this week and uh she's a widow who living north of the city. who living north of the city. who living north of the city. She lives so far away. She might be She lives so far away. She might be She lives so far away. She might be watching now. She lives so far away from watching now. She lives so far away from watching now. She lives so far away from everything. I said to her, "How did you everything. I said to her, "How did you everything. I said to her, "How did you find this place to even move here? The find this place to even move here? The find this place to even move here? The mosquitoes don't even go where she is. mosquitoes don't even go where she is. mosquitoes don't even go where she is. It's it's very good in the summer It's it's very good in the summer It's it's very good in the summer because they can't find it." Well, because they can't find it." Well, because they can't find it." Well, anyway, we were remembering my mother anyway, we were remembering my mother anyway, we were remembering my mother and and and boy did she instill in us to be a giver. boy did she instill in us to be a giver. boy did she instill in us to be a giver. I'm so happy for my mother's example. I'm so happy for my mother's example. I'm so happy for my mother's example. She was a giver. Battered at times She was a giver. Battered at times She was a giver. Battered at times because my dad was an alcoholic uh for because my dad was an alcoholic uh for because my dad was an alcoholic uh for 22 years, but my mother kept giving, 22 years, but my mother kept giving, 22 years, but my mother kept giving, putting in her offering. And I've tried putting in her offering. And I've tried putting in her offering. And I've tried to learn that I want to be a giver. I to learn that I want to be a giver. I to learn that I want to be a giver. I want people around me to say, you know want people around me to say, you know want people around me to say, you know what? He's a giver. He's not cheap. He what? He's a giver. He's not cheap. He what? He's a giver. He's not cheap. He shares. He pays. And most important to shares. He pays. And most important to shares. He pays. And most important to the Lord, uh, I want, don't you, how the Lord, uh, I want, don't you, how the Lord, uh, I want, don't you, how many want the Lord to look down and say, many want the Lord to look down and say, many want the Lord to look down and say, "Well done. Well done." Come on. Come "Well done. Well done." Come on. Come "Well done. Well done." Come on. Come on. Lift your hand up. Well done. I I on. Lift your hand up. Well done. I I on. Lift your hand up. Well done. I I blessed you with this amount of money blessed you with this amount of money blessed you with this amount of money and look how you separate some and you and look how you separate some and you and look how you separate some and you keep giving. And so do that because we keep giving. And so do that because we keep giving. And so do that because we have all kinds of special needs here.

have all kinds of special needs here. have all kinds of special needs here. Now you can give physically as you leave Now you can give physically as you leave Now you can give physically as you leave and um and um and um you can give online which most people do you can give online which most people do you can give online which most people do but [music] please keep on helping us but [music] please keep on helping us but [music] please keep on helping us and and you online I was so blessed this and and you online I was so blessed this and and you online I was so blessed this sat down at my desk this week. What day sat down at my desk this week. What day sat down at my desk this week. What day was that? Wednesday or Thursday? I sat was that? Wednesday or Thursday? I sat was that? Wednesday or Thursday? I sat down at my desk and they handed me a big down at my desk and they handed me a big down at my desk and they handed me a big envelope filled with letters and notes envelope filled with letters and notes envelope filled with letters and notes and things. And I started opening these and things. And I started opening these and things. And I started opening these envelopes and there was a check from envelopes and there was a check from envelopes and there was a check from somebody out there. $10,000 Brooklyn somebody out there. $10,000 Brooklyn somebody out there. $10,000 Brooklyn Tabernacle. Wait, wait, Tabernacle. Wait, wait, Tabernacle. Wait, wait, there's more. Next envelope. $1,000 there's more. Next envelope. $1,000 there's more. Next envelope. $1,000 Brooklyn Tabernacle. Another one $100. Brooklyn Tabernacle. Another one $100. Brooklyn Tabernacle. Another one $100. Another one $50. Another one $2,000. Another one $50. Another one $2,000. Another one $50. Another one $2,000. And they don't even come to our church. And they don't even come to our church. And they don't even come to our church. Is God good or is God good? Come on now. Is God good or is God good? Come on now. Is God good or is God good? Come on now. Let's thank God for all his provision. Let's thank God for all his provision. Let's thank God for all his provision. [applause and music] Well, they come, [applause and music] Well, they come, [applause and music] Well, they come, they watch online. So during the they watch online. So during the they watch online. So during the pandemic, pandemic, pandemic, we were shut down for 16 months. Folks we were shut down for 16 months. Folks we were shut down for 16 months. Folks from Bulgaria, I don't know how it was from Bulgaria, I don't know how it was from Bulgaria, I don't know how it was over there. We were shut down 16 months.

over there. We were shut down 16 months. over there. We were shut down 16 months. How many remember those nasty days? Was How many remember those nasty days? Was How many remember those nasty days? Was that nasty? that nasty? that nasty? And distancing and masks and helmets and And distancing and masks and helmets and And distancing and masks and helmets and people wearing every kind of thing. people wearing every kind of thing. people wearing every kind of thing. But some people didn't come to church But some people didn't come to church But some people didn't come to church and Macy's was open up open and my wife and Macy's was open up open and my wife and Macy's was open up open and my wife and I busted about three people who were and I busted about three people who were and I busted about three people who were shopping in Macy's but no I can't come shopping in Macy's but no I can't come shopping in Macy's but no I can't come to church distancing and all of that but to church distancing and all of that but to church distancing and all of that but boy to buy a handbag they were digging boy to buy a handbag they were digging boy to buy a handbag they were digging in. in. in. We were stuck. We went for to Florida We were stuck. We went for to Florida We were stuck. We went for to Florida for 5 days for 5 days for 5 days and uh we stayed 16 months. Very and uh we stayed 16 months. Very and uh we stayed 16 months. Very difficult. I missed you most of all. difficult. I missed you most of all. difficult. I missed you most of all. And um And um And um while we were there, we were watching a while we were there, we were watching a while we were there, we were watching a lot of Christian television. Some of lot of Christian television. Some of lot of Christian television. Some of it's depressing, some of it angers it's depressing, some of it angers it's depressing, some of it angers [music] you because there's a lot of [music] you because there's a lot of [music] you because there's a lot of crooks on Christian television after crooks on Christian television after crooks on Christian television after your money. And your money. And your money. And >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> um but boy, there was one man that I >> um but boy, there was one man that I >> um but boy, there was one man that I heard. He kept blessing me heard. He kept blessing me heard. He kept blessing me and and and he had a Polish last name which made me he had a Polish last name which made me he had a Polish last name which made me very happy in my soul. I'm half Polish.

very happy in my soul. I'm half Polish. very happy in my soul. I'm half Polish. His name was Philillip Quietcowski. His name was Philillip Quietcowski. His name was Philillip Quietcowski. But what was different, he was speaking But what was different, he was speaking But what was different, he was speaking and there was a pulpit, but the and there was a pulpit, but the and there was a pulpit, but the audience, you could see the front couple audience, you could see the front couple audience, you could see the front couple rows and there were, you know, ladies rows and there were, you know, ladies rows and there were, you know, ladies just leaning over like strung out and just leaning over like strung out and just leaning over like strung out and then there were some men, but I mostly then there were some men, but I mostly then there were some men, but I mostly saw the women and yeah and a couple men saw the women and yeah and a couple men saw the women and yeah and a couple men in the front and I thought, "What is in the front and I thought, "What is in the front and I thought, "What is this? I got to look at what is it?" And this? I got to look at what is it?" And this? I got to look at what is it?" And then they said, "Oh, he's the president then they said, "Oh, he's the president then they said, "Oh, he's the president of the Pacific Garden Mission." So the of the Pacific Garden Mission." So the of the Pacific Garden Mission." So the pre the Pacific Garden Mission is How pre the Pacific Garden Mission is How pre the Pacific Garden Mission is How many have ever heard of the Bowery many have ever heard of the Bowery many have ever heard of the Bowery Mission in in lower Manhattan? Well, Mission in in lower Manhattan? Well, Mission in in lower Manhattan? Well, that is in Chicago, even older, I think, that is in Chicago, even older, I think, that is in Chicago, even older, I think, than the Bowie Mission. Is it is older. than the Bowie Mission. Is it is older. than the Bowie Mission. Is it is older. And he was preaching and ministering And he was preaching and ministering And he was preaching and ministering [music] and he blessed my soul. He [music] and he blessed my soul. He [music] and he blessed my soul. He blessed my soul. And I said, I got to blessed my soul. And I said, I got to blessed my soul. And I said, I got to I'm shy when I don't know someone, but I'm shy when I don't know someone, but I'm shy when I don't know someone, but I'm going to get through my shyness and I'm going to get through my shyness and I'm going to get through my shyness and fight through and try to meet him.

fight through and try to meet him. fight through and try to meet him. [music] So, I got his number. And we've [music] So, I got his number. And we've [music] So, I got his number. And we've become friends. And like he blessed me become friends. And like he blessed me become friends. And like he blessed me and Carol during the um pandemic. He's and Carol during the um pandemic. He's and Carol during the um pandemic. He's going to bless. Are you ready for a real going to bless. Are you ready for a real going to bless. Are you ready for a real meal from a man, listen, a man who works meal from a man, listen, a man who works meal from a man, listen, a man who works with the ones that nobody wants in their with the ones that nobody wants in their with the ones that nobody wants in their church? But he's like, "No, this is church? But he's like, "No, this is church? But he's like, "No, this is exactly where Jesus wants me to be." exactly where Jesus wants me to be." exactly where Jesus wants me to be." Come on. He deserves a big Brooklyn Come on. He deserves a big Brooklyn Come on. He deserves a big Brooklyn welcome. Philip Wyattowski. [music] [applause] [applause] >> [music] >> Well, what a blessing to be here this >> Well, what a blessing to be here this morning and greetings from Pacific morning and greetings from Pacific morning and greetings from Pacific Garden Mission. How many have heard of Garden Mission. How many have heard of Garden Mission. How many have heard of Pacific Garden Mission? Okay, a number Pacific Garden Mission? Okay, a number Pacific Garden Mission? Okay, a number of you. How many have heard of Radio of you. How many have heard of Radio of you. How many have heard of Radio Unshackled? Radio Unshackled, the story Unshackled? Radio Unshackled, the story Unshackled? Radio Unshackled, the story of changed lives. Well, we are glad that of changed lives. Well, we are glad that of changed lives. Well, we are glad that you are here today. I come to you from you are here today. I come to you from you are here today. I come to you from Chicago and I do want to send greetings. Chicago and I do want to send greetings. Chicago and I do want to send greetings. And for those online in Chicago And for those online in Chicago And for those online in Chicago watching, I want to send greetings and watching, I want to send greetings and watching, I want to send greetings and also want to send greetings to a special also want to send greetings to a special also want to send greetings to a special man by the name of Thomas. Uh Thomas is man by the name of Thomas. Uh Thomas is man by the name of Thomas. Uh Thomas is has terminal cancer and he's watching has terminal cancer and he's watching has terminal cancer and he's watching this from his hospice bed in Chicago. Uh this from his hospice bed in Chicago. Uh this from his hospice bed in Chicago. Uh Thomas Quowski, my father, we love you.

Thomas Quowski, my father, we love you. Thomas Quowski, my father, we love you. Amen. We love you and uh you're an Amen. We love you and uh you're an Amen. We love you and uh you're an amazing dad. amazing dad. amazing dad. But let's get into what we came here But let's get into what we came here But let's get into what we came here today for, the word of God. And before today for, the word of God. And before today for, the word of God. And before we do, let's go ahead and look to the we do, let's go ahead and look to the we do, let's go ahead and look to the Lord in prayer. Father, we thank you for Lord in prayer. Father, we thank you for Lord in prayer. Father, we thank you for your amazing grace. Thank you for this your amazing grace. Thank you for this your amazing grace. Thank you for this time that we can be here today. And I time that we can be here today. And I time that we can be here today. And I pray as your word is proclaimed pray as your word is proclaimed pray as your word is proclaimed that you would [music] speak to hearts, that you would [music] speak to hearts, that you would [music] speak to hearts, you'd be glorified. We pray in Jesus' you'd be glorified. We pray in Jesus' you'd be glorified. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. >> I want to ask a simple question today. >> I want to ask a simple question today. >> I want to ask a simple question today. And the question is, how big is your And the question is, how big is your And the question is, how big is your God? God? God? How big is your God? A lady writes, I How big is your God? A lady writes, I How big is your God? A lady writes, I came to know Jesus personally. My life came to know Jesus personally. My life came to know Jesus personally. My life was marked or before I came, my life was was marked or before I came, my life was was marked or before I came, my life was marked by overwhelming darkness and marked by overwhelming darkness and marked by overwhelming darkness and suffering. I endured trauma, suffering. I endured trauma, suffering. I endured trauma, abandonment, psychiatric abandonment, psychiatric abandonment, psychiatric hospitalization, hospitalization, hospitalization, sex trafficking, incarceration, an sex trafficking, incarceration, an sex trafficking, incarceration, an immigration, deportation order, immigration, deportation order, immigration, deportation order, separation from my children, and a separation from my children, and a separation from my children, and a season of homelessness. There were season of homelessness. There were season of homelessness. There were moments when I believed my story was moments when I believed my story was moments when I believed my story was beyond beyond beyond redemption redemption redemption and that my life would never be and that my life would never be and that my life would never be restored.

restored. restored. When I read those words, When I read those words, When I read those words, some of us may feel that way today. some of us may feel that way today. some of us may feel that way today. We've come to church this morning, We've come to church this morning, We've come to church this morning, upstairs, downstairs, and we can sing upstairs, downstairs, and we can sing upstairs, downstairs, and we can sing and we can smile, but inside we are and we can smile, but inside we are and we can smile, but inside we are hurting. hurting. hurting. We're full of pain and uncertainty. We're full of pain and uncertainty. We're full of pain and uncertainty. Maybe we're dealing with depression, Maybe we're dealing with depression, Maybe we're dealing with depression, anxiety, fear, maybe a job situation anxiety, fear, maybe a job situation anxiety, fear, maybe a job situation where we're not sure where our next where we're not sure where our next where we're not sure where our next paycheck will come from or how we are paycheck will come from or how we are paycheck will come from or how we are going to pay for our rent or our going to pay for our rent or our going to pay for our rent or our mortgage. mortgage. mortgage. And there's some maybe today you're And there's some maybe today you're And there's some maybe today you're dealing with a weward child. And I want dealing with a weward child. And I want dealing with a weward child. And I want to tell you something, parent. to tell you something, parent. to tell you something, parent. There is nothing more painful There is nothing more painful There is nothing more painful than going to bed at night hoping that than going to bed at night hoping that than going to bed at night hoping that you feel the phone does not ring. you feel the phone does not ring. you feel the phone does not ring. Feeling at peace when you finally feel Feeling at peace when you finally feel Feeling at peace when you finally feel the front door open and you hear the the front door open and you hear the the front door open and you hear the patter of those feet running upstairs. patter of those feet running upstairs. patter of those feet running upstairs. You know that they're home. But there's You know that they're home. But there's You know that they're home. But there's been an estrangement. And maybe there's been an estrangement. And maybe there's been an estrangement. And maybe there's been an addiction and your heart cries been an addiction and your heart cries been an addiction and your heart cries [music] out for a weward child, a weward [music] out for a weward child, a weward [music] out for a weward child, a weward spouse. Maybe somebody's dealing with an spouse. Maybe somebody's dealing with an spouse. Maybe somebody's dealing with an addiction.

addiction. addiction. Drugs, gambling, immorality, whatever it Drugs, gambling, immorality, whatever it Drugs, gambling, immorality, whatever it is, and you've tried to break free, is, and you've tried to break free, is, and you've tried to break free, but yet you wonder, "How can I be set but yet you wonder, "How can I be set but yet you wonder, "How can I be set free?" Maybe somebody's dealing with an free?" Maybe somebody's dealing with an free?" Maybe somebody's dealing with an eating disorder. You've told nobody eating disorder. You've told nobody eating disorder. You've told nobody about it. You wear a bag of your clothes about it. You wear a bag of your clothes about it. You wear a bag of your clothes to hide what's going on inside. But yet to hide what's going on inside. But yet to hide what's going on inside. But yet silently you go to bed in tears and you silently you go to bed in tears and you silently you go to bed in tears and you are suffering. Maybe you are cutting. are suffering. Maybe you are cutting. are suffering. Maybe you are cutting. Whatever it is, you feel there's a dark Whatever it is, you feel there's a dark Whatever it is, you feel there's a dark cloud over you. cloud over you. cloud over you. And how in the world And how in the world And how in the world can I ever be delivered? can I ever be delivered? can I ever be delivered? There's a preacher by the name of Donald There's a preacher by the name of Donald There's a preacher by the name of Donald Gay Barnhouse and he was invited to Gay Barnhouse and he was invited to Gay Barnhouse and he was invited to speak back into his seminary. And while speak back into his seminary. And while speak back into his seminary. And while he was there, one of his professors he was there, one of his professors he was there, one of his professors decided to attend. That professor was a decided to attend. That professor was a decided to attend. That professor was a famous man by the name of Robert Dick famous man by the name of Robert Dick famous man by the name of Robert Dick Wilson. And Professor Wilson sat in the Wilson. And Professor Wilson sat in the Wilson. And Professor Wilson sat in the front row. His barn house preached. When front row. His barn house preached. When front row. His barn house preached. When he was concluded, he went down to his he was concluded, he went down to his he was concluded, he went down to his professor. And his professor simply professor. And his professor simply professor. And his professor simply said, "I come once to hear my students said, "I come once to hear my students said, "I come once to hear my students preach, and I simply want to know one preach, and I simply want to know one preach, and I simply want to know one thing. Are they a big God or a small thing. Are they a big God or a small thing. Are they a big God or a small godder?" Listen to this. Barnes asked godder?" Listen to this. Barnes asked godder?" Listen to this. Barnes asked him to explain and he replied, "Well, him to explain and he replied, "Well, him to explain and he replied, "Well, some men have a little God. They are some men have a little God. They are some men have a little God. They are always in trouble with him. He can't do always in trouble with him. He can't do always in trouble with him. He can't do any miracles. They have a little God."

any miracles. They have a little God." any miracles. They have a little God." And I call them little gods. Then there And I call them little gods. Then there And I call them little gods. Then there are those who have a great God. He are those who have a great God. He are those who have a great God. He speaks speaks speaks and it is done. He commands and it and it is done. He commands and it and it is done. He commands and it stands fast. He knows how to show stands fast. He knows how to show stands fast. He knows how to show himself strong on behalf of them that himself strong on behalf of them that himself strong on behalf of them that fear him. [applause] And that's my fear him. [applause] And that's my fear him. [applause] And that's my question today. question today. question today. As you're looking at your personal As you're looking at your personal As you're looking at your personal situation right now and forget all the situation right now and forget all the situation right now and forget all the things what you're going to do things what you're going to do things what you're going to do afterwards and how you're going to get afterwards and how you're going to get afterwards and how you're going to get home and where you're going to go to home and where you're going to go to home and where you're going to go to lunch. You're sitting here today in the lunch. You're sitting here today in the lunch. You're sitting here today in the midst of a struggle, uncertain about midst of a struggle, uncertain about midst of a struggle, uncertain about your future, maybe questioning your your future, maybe questioning your your future, maybe questioning your marriage or whatever it is. And I want marriage or whatever it is. And I want marriage or whatever it is. And I want to ask you a simple question. to ask you a simple question. to ask you a simple question. Are you a big God Are you a big God Are you a big God or a little God? Do we serve a God that or a little God? Do we serve a God that or a little God? Do we serve a God that intervenes in the affairs of men? intervenes in the affairs of men? intervenes in the affairs of men? Or do we serve a God who's no different Or do we serve a God who's no different Or do we serve a God who's no different than you and I? I was thinking of a than you and I? I was thinking of a than you and I? I was thinking of a story and this will not be my text but story and this will not be my text but story and this will not be my text but from Matthew chapter 9 and verse 28. The from Matthew chapter 9 and verse 28. The from Matthew chapter 9 and verse 28. The blind men came to Jesus and when he was blind men came to Jesus and when he was blind men came to Jesus and when he was coming to the house the blind men came coming to the house the blind men came coming to the house the blind men came to him and Jesus said to them listen to to him and Jesus said to them listen to to him and Jesus said to them listen to this believe ye that I am able this believe ye that I am able this believe ye that I am able to do this. Now those are really probing to do this. Now those are really probing to do this. Now those are really probing words. He didn't question about his own words. He didn't question about his own words. He didn't question about his own ability or his own power. Do you believe ability or his own power. Do you believe ability or his own power. Do you believe I'm able to do this? I'm putting it back I'm able to do this? I'm putting it back I'm able to do this? I'm putting it back on you. Do you believe God can do

on you. Do you believe God can do on you. Do you believe God can do anything? That's not the issue here. anything? That's not the issue here. anything? That's not the issue here. These blind men come to Jesus and Jesus These blind men come to Jesus and Jesus These blind men come to Jesus and Jesus asks a probing question. asks a probing question. asks a probing question. Do you believe that I am able to do Do you believe that I am able to do Do you believe that I am able to do this? this? this? And I asked that question upstairs, And I asked that question upstairs, And I asked that question upstairs, downstairs. Do you believe we serve a downstairs. Do you believe we serve a downstairs. Do you believe we serve a God who intervenes in the affairs of God who intervenes in the affairs of God who intervenes in the affairs of men? Amen. men? Amen. men? Amen. >> Do you believe we serve an all powerful >> Do you believe we serve an all powerful >> Do you believe we serve an all powerful God that hears the cries of his people? God that hears the cries of his people? God that hears the cries of his people? Do you believe? Not is he able because Do you believe? Not is he able because Do you believe? Not is he able because he is able. And listen to the response. he is able. And listen to the response. he is able. And listen to the response. It says, "And they said to him, yay, It says, "And they said to him, yay, It says, "And they said to him, yay, Lord." Then touched he their eyes and Lord." Then touched he their eyes and Lord." Then touched he their eyes and said, "According to your faith, said, "According to your faith, said, "According to your faith, be it unto you." You know, I think of be it unto you." You know, I think of be it unto you." You know, I think of that story, my mind goes back to a young that story, my mind goes back to a young that story, my mind goes back to a young lady that I know from the mission. And lady that I know from the mission. And lady that I know from the mission. And as pastor said, we deal with a lot of as pastor said, we deal with a lot of as pastor said, we deal with a lot of hurting people. A lady by the name of hurting people. A lady by the name of hurting people. A lady by the name of Rose who was addicted to heroin and Rose who was addicted to heroin and Rose who was addicted to heroin and crack cocaine for over 30 years. She was crack cocaine for over 30 years. She was crack cocaine for over 30 years. She was suicidal right before she walked through suicidal right before she walked through suicidal right before she walked through our doors. And and in her story, she was our doors. And and in her story, she was our doors. And and in her story, she was so her mind was so gone by alcohol and so her mind was so gone by alcohol and so her mind was so gone by alcohol and drugs, drugs, drugs, she was going to sell her own daughter she was going to sell her own daughter she was going to sell her own daughter for $10,000 on the black market.

for $10,000 on the black market. for $10,000 on the black market. She said, "My mind was gone and I was so She said, "My mind was gone and I was so She said, "My mind was gone and I was so addicted and I didn't know what to do addicted and I didn't know what to do addicted and I didn't know what to do and I wanted this money. So, I set it up and I wanted this money. So, I set it up and I wanted this money. So, I set it up on the black market for my daughter to on the black market for my daughter to on the black market for my daughter to be sold for $10,000." Somehow, somebody intervened and it Somehow, somebody intervened and it didn't happen. She came to the point didn't happen. She came to the point didn't happen. She came to the point where she was going to commit suicide where she was going to commit suicide where she was going to commit suicide and somebody at her church said, "Go and somebody at her church said, "Go and somebody at her church said, "Go down to Pacific Garden Mission." She down to Pacific Garden Mission." She down to Pacific Garden Mission." She said, "Man, I don't want to go to no said, "Man, I don't want to go to no said, "Man, I don't want to go to no homeless shelter. I don't want to go to homeless shelter. I don't want to go to homeless shelter. I don't want to go to no mission. I I can do what I got to do no mission. I I can do what I got to do no mission. I I can do what I got to do right here. But then the question is, do right here. But then the question is, do right here. But then the question is, do you believe God is able to do this? Can you believe God is able to do this? Can you believe God is able to do this? Can God take a woman that was addicted to God take a woman that was addicted to God take a woman that was addicted to crack cocaine and heroin for 30 years, crack cocaine and heroin for 30 years, crack cocaine and heroin for 30 years, who was on the verge of suicide, who is who was on the verge of suicide, who is who was on the verge of suicide, who is going to sell her own daughter for going to sell her own daughter for going to sell her own daughter for $10,000 and change her life? Well, she walked and change her life? Well, she walked through those doors and she encountered through those doors and she encountered through those doors and she encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ and her life the gospel of Jesus Christ and her life the gospel of Jesus Christ and her life was radically changed. And I tell the was radically changed. And I tell the was radically changed. And I tell the story and this is where I want to go story and this is where I want to go story and this is where I want to go with it. It was two eers ago. She with it. It was two eers ago. She with it. It was two eers ago. She graduated the program at God. She visits graduated the program at God. She visits graduated the program at God. She visits all the time, shares her testimony. But all the time, shares her testimony. But all the time, shares her testimony. But during our Easter service, she was during our Easter service, she was during our Easter service, she was sitting down in the front row with her sitting down in the front row with her sitting down in the front row with her granddaughter. And the granddaughter was granddaughter. And the granddaughter was granddaughter. And the granddaughter was the daughter of the woman that she would the daughter of the woman that she would the daughter of the woman that she would have sold. And here she is dressed in have sold. And here she is dressed in have sold. And here she is dressed in her finest Easter wear, praising God her finest Easter wear, praising God her finest Easter wear, praising God with her granddaughter. The story could

with her granddaughter. The story could with her granddaughter. The story could have ended so differently, but God have ended so differently, but God have ended so differently, but God intervened. So again, I ask you the intervened. So again, I ask you the intervened. So again, I ask you the question, do you believe in a big God? question, do you believe in a big God? question, do you believe in a big God? >> Is he able? [applause] You know, quickly >> Is he able? [applause] You know, quickly >> Is he able? [applause] You know, quickly when pastor was talking earlier, he when pastor was talking earlier, he when pastor was talking earlier, he talked about miracles. And I do like talked about miracles. And I do like talked about miracles. And I do like this good place to start uh to start this good place to start uh to start this good place to start uh to start when discussing any question is by when discussing any question is by when discussing any question is by defining terms. CS Lewis defined a defining terms. CS Lewis defined a defining terms. CS Lewis defined a miracle as an interference miracle as an interference miracle as an interference with nature by a supernatural power. with nature by a supernatural power. with nature by a supernatural power. Think about that. What is a miracle? Think about that. What is a miracle? Think about that. What is a miracle? There are certain laws of nature, laws There are certain laws of nature, laws There are certain laws of nature, laws of gravity, certain things that of gravity, certain things that of gravity, certain things that transpire. He says a miracle is defined transpire. He says a miracle is defined transpire. He says a miracle is defined as an interference with nature as an interference with nature as an interference with nature by a supernatural power. So you have two by a supernatural power. So you have two by a supernatural power. So you have two choices. CS Lewis says number one he choices. CS Lewis says number one he choices. CS Lewis says number one he says you have the natural choice. If says you have the natural choice. If says you have the natural choice. If naturalism is true then we do know in naturalism is true then we do know in naturalism is true then we do know in advance that miracles are impossible.

advance that miracles are impossible. advance that miracles are impossible. Nothing can come into nature from the Nothing can come into nature from the Nothing can come into nature from the outside because there is nothing on the outside because there is nothing on the outside because there is nothing on the outside. outside. outside. If that's true, if the laws are fixed If that's true, if the laws are fixed If that's true, if the laws are fixed and there's nothing outside of nature to and there's nothing outside of nature to and there's nothing outside of nature to intervene, intervene, intervene, then miracles can't happen because then miracles can't happen because then miracles can't happen because there's nothing that can intervene. The there's nothing that can intervene. The there's nothing that can intervene. The supernatural choice, as Lewis defined, a supernatural choice, as Lewis defined, a supernatural choice, as Lewis defined, a miracle as an interference with nature miracle as an interference with nature miracle as an interference with nature by a supernatural by a supernatural by a supernatural power. power. power. Can God intervene? Can God intervene? Can God intervene? >> I think about a simple illustration. And >> I think about a simple illustration. And >> I think about a simple illustration. And there's a law of gravity that if I drop there's a law of gravity that if I drop there's a law of gravity that if I drop my phone, it's not going to end up back my phone, it's not going to end up back my phone, it's not going to end up back on the pulpit. If I drop my phone, on the pulpit. If I drop my phone, on the pulpit. If I drop my phone, what's going to happen to it? It's going what's going to happen to it? It's going what's going to happen to it? It's going to what? to what? to what? >> It's going to fall break. Maybe you got >> It's going to fall break. Maybe you got >> It's going to fall break. Maybe you got to get a new one. It's going to fall. I to get a new one. It's going to fall. I to get a new one. It's going to fall. I drop it. Wait a second. How did it end drop it. Wait a second. How did it end drop it. Wait a second. How did it end up back in the pulpit? A power greater up back in the pulpit? A power greater up back in the pulpit? A power greater than that law interfered from the than that law interfered from the than that law interfered from the outside that came in. And that's my outside that came in. And that's my outside that came in. And that's my question.

question. question. Is there a power on the outside that can Is there a power on the outside that can Is there a power on the outside that can change? Is there a power on the outside change? Is there a power on the outside change? Is there a power on the outside that can bring a marriage back together? that can bring a marriage back together? that can bring a marriage back together? Is there a power on the outside that can Is there a power on the outside that can Is there a power on the outside that can deal with an addiction? Is there a power deal with an addiction? Is there a power deal with an addiction? Is there a power on the outside that can pay your rent, on the outside that can pay your rent, on the outside that can pay your rent, that can heal your body, that can do that can heal your body, that can do that can heal your body, that can do anything in your life? Is there a power anything in your life? Is there a power anything in your life? Is there a power on the outside that can do these things? on the outside that can do these things? on the outside that can do these things? [applause] How big is your God? How big is your God? You see, we make gods many times just You see, we make gods many times just You see, we make gods many times just like we are with our frailties and like we are with our frailties and like we are with our frailties and flaws. But who is this God? In the flaws. But who is this God? In the flaws. But who is this God? In the beginning, the first verse, in the beginning, the first verse, in the beginning, the first verse, in the beginning, God created the heavens and beginning, God created the heavens and beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Great verse. Hear me. That's the earth. Great verse. Hear me. That's the earth. Great verse. Hear me. That's the foundational verse of the Bible. the foundational verse of the Bible. the foundational verse of the Bible. Because if that verse is true, then Because if that verse is true, then Because if that verse is true, then everything else flows from it. everything else flows from it. everything else flows from it. >> If in the beginning God, then red seas >> If in the beginning God, then red seas >> If in the beginning God, then red seas can be parted. If in the beginning God, can be parted. If in the beginning God, can be parted. If in the beginning God, then Daniel can be protected in the then Daniel can be protected in the then Daniel can be protected in the lion's den. If in the beginning God then lion's den. If in the beginning God then lion's den. If in the beginning God then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo can stand Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo can stand Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo can stand firm in the fiery furnace. In the firm in the fiery furnace. In the firm in the fiery furnace. In the beginning, God. If there is a God. In beginning, God. If there is a God. In beginning, God. If there is a God. In the beginning, God. And as a side note, the beginning, God. And as a side note, the beginning, God. And as a side note, God doesn't have to prove his existence.

God doesn't have to prove his existence. God doesn't have to prove his existence. His this his existence is naturally His this his existence is naturally His this his existence is naturally assumed. assumed. assumed. And be I don't have to prove somebody And be I don't have to prove somebody And be I don't have to prove somebody designed this building. You're sitting designed this building. You're sitting designed this building. You're sitting in chairs. There's air conditioning. A in chairs. There's air conditioning. A in chairs. There's air conditioning. A designer did it. It's obvious when I designer did it. It's obvious when I designer did it. It's obvious when I look at the world, I didn't come apart look at the world, I didn't come apart look at the world, I didn't come apart as a big bang. Why are my eyes where as a big bang. Why are my eyes where as a big bang. Why are my eyes where they should be? Why come they're not on they should be? Why come they're not on they should be? Why come they're not on my feet if everything just jumbled my feet if everything just jumbled my feet if everything just jumbled together? Everything seems to be a together? Everything seems to be a together? Everything seems to be a design in the beginning, [applause] design in the beginning, [applause] design in the beginning, [applause] God. But again, who is this God? God. But again, who is this God? God. But again, who is this God? You know, when Moses was confronted by You know, when Moses was confronted by You know, when Moses was confronted by this God and Moses asked God what his this God and Moses asked God what his this God and Moses asked God what his name was. Again, what I love about that name was. Again, what I love about that name was. Again, what I love about that story, understand this, that God did not story, understand this, that God did not story, understand this, that God did not begin to speak to Moses begin to speak to Moses begin to speak to Moses until Moses first turned aside. until Moses first turned aside. until Moses first turned aside. You see, the Bible says, "And the Lord You see, the Bible says, "And the Lord You see, the Bible says, "And the Lord saw that he turned aside and to see, and saw that he turned aside and to see, and saw that he turned aside and to see, and then God called unto him." Here's the then God called unto him." Here's the then God called unto him." Here's the point. For some of us, you see a burning point. For some of us, you see a burning point. For some of us, you see a burning bush. You just don't walk by. Hey, look.

bush. You just don't walk by. Hey, look. bush. You just don't walk by. Hey, look. No. For some of us, we lose a job. We No. For some of us, we lose a job. We No. For some of us, we lose a job. We have a health scare. Our marriage is in have a health scare. Our marriage is in have a health scare. Our marriage is in trouble. Our children are weward. We trouble. Our children are weward. We trouble. Our children are weward. We have situations in our life. We're have situations in our life. We're have situations in our life. We're estranged from everybody. We keep estranged from everybody. We keep estranged from everybody. We keep getting fired from jobs and all this getting fired from jobs and all this getting fired from jobs and all this stuff. And we just continue to walk on. stuff. And we just continue to walk on. stuff. And we just continue to walk on. D. No. God is not going to speak until D. No. God is not going to speak until D. No. God is not going to speak until you stop your forward motion you stop your forward motion you stop your forward motion and turn aside. and turn aside. and turn aside. >> Say, "God, what is going on here?" >> Say, "God, what is going on here?" >> Say, "God, what is going on here?" And Moses stopped and turned aside. And And Moses stopped and turned aside. And And Moses stopped and turned aside. And then Moses said to God, "What is your then Moses said to God, "What is your then Moses said to God, "What is your name?" And the point is God cannot be name?" And the point is God cannot be name?" And the point is God cannot be defined by a name. defined by a name. defined by a name. He said, "I am He said, "I am He said, "I am that I am." We know that. That wasn't that I am." We know that. That wasn't that I am." We know that. That wasn't Charles and H that he was speaking to. Charles and H that he was speaking to. Charles and H that he was speaking to. That was God was speaking to. What I That was God was speaking to. What I That was God was speaking to. What I love about that name, the name I am, love about that name, the name I am, love about that name, the name I am, because the pagan gods were defined by because the pagan gods were defined by because the pagan gods were defined by what they can do. There was a god of what they can do. There was a god of what they can do. There was a god of fertility. There was a god of thunder, fertility. There was a god of thunder, fertility. There was a god of thunder, Thor. There was a god of the crops.

Thor. There was a god of the crops. Thor. There was a god of the crops. There was a god of this and a god of There was a god of this and a god of There was a god of this and a god of that. All these pantheon of gods for that. All these pantheon of gods for that. All these pantheon of gods for specific purposes. But God tells you, specific purposes. But God tells you, specific purposes. But God tells you, look, if you are hungry, I am the bread look, if you are hungry, I am the bread look, if you are hungry, I am the bread of life. If you are thirsty, I am the of life. If you are thirsty, I am the of life. If you are thirsty, I am the water of life. If you are sick, I am the water of life. If you are sick, I am the water of life. If you are sick, I am the healer. If you have lost your way, I am healer. If you have lost your way, I am healer. If you have lost your way, I am the way. If you are estranged, I am the the way. If you are estranged, I am the the way. If you are estranged, I am the restorer. If you're dealing with an restorer. If you're dealing with an restorer. If you're dealing with an addiction, I am he that can give you the addiction, I am he that can give you the addiction, I am he that can give you the strength. So God tells Moses, you cannot strength. So God tells Moses, you cannot strength. So God tells Moses, you cannot define me. You cannot give me a certain define me. You cannot give me a certain define me. You cannot give me a certain name. I am that I am whatever you need name. I am that I am whatever you need name. I am that I am whatever you need me for in the situation that you need me for in the situation that you need me for in the situation that you need me. me. me. [applause] [applause] [applause] That's what God tells him. This great That's what God tells him. This great That's what God tells him. This great I am. And then when I think about it, I am. And then when I think about it, I am. And then when I think about it, the Bible says the heaven of heavens of the Bible says the heaven of heavens of the Bible says the heaven of heavens of heavens heavens heavens cannot contain him. cannot contain him. cannot contain him. >> We we we won't go into it. But when you >> We we we won't go into it. But when you >> We we we won't go into it. But when you look at the size of the cosmos look at the size of the cosmos look at the size of the cosmos in the world in the galaxies, in the world in the galaxies, in the world in the galaxies, if the heaven of heavens if the heaven of heavens if the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, cannot contain him, cannot contain him, >> who is this God?

>> who is this God? >> who is this God? You see, the reason a lot of people have You see, the reason a lot of people have You see, the reason a lot of people have a problem with some of the miracles is a problem with some of the miracles is a problem with some of the miracles is because you have a little God. because you have a little God. because you have a little God. >> Maybe it wasn't the Red Sea. Maybe it >> Maybe it wasn't the Red Sea. Maybe it >> Maybe it wasn't the Red Sea. Maybe it was the sea of reeds. was the sea of reeds. was the sea of reeds. Maybe it wasn't blood in the Nile. Maybe Maybe it wasn't blood in the Nile. Maybe Maybe it wasn't blood in the Nile. Maybe it was red clay that dribbled in. Maybe it was red clay that dribbled in. Maybe it was red clay that dribbled in. Maybe it wasn't seven days. Maybe it was seven it wasn't seven days. Maybe it was seven it wasn't seven days. Maybe it was seven eons. Because there therefore, how in eons. Because there therefore, how in eons. Because there therefore, how in the world can anybody do this so the world can anybody do this so the world can anybody do this so quickly? The reason that we're not sure quickly? The reason that we're not sure quickly? The reason that we're not sure that God can hear everybody is because I that God can hear everybody is because I that God can hear everybody is because I can't hear everybody. But God is not can't hear everybody. But God is not can't hear everybody. But God is not like us. like us. like us. God is not like us. Is this a big God or God is not like us. Is this a big God or God is not like us. Is this a big God or a little God? I find it interesting when a little God? I find it interesting when a little God? I find it interesting when the Soviet cosminaut first went into the Soviet cosminaut first went into the Soviet cosminaut first went into outer space. Listen to what he said in outer space. Listen to what he said in outer space. Listen to what he said in 1962. 1962. 1962. He said, "Sometimes people are saying He said, "Sometimes people are saying He said, "Sometimes people are saying that God is out there. I'm looking that God is out there. I'm looking that God is out there. I'm looking around attentively all day, but I can't around attentively all day, but I can't around attentively all day, but I can't find anybody there. I saw neither angels find anybody there. I saw neither angels find anybody there. I saw neither angels nor God." Well, the point is, you nor God." Well, the point is, you nor God." Well, the point is, you weren't looking hard enough. And number weren't looking hard enough. And number weren't looking hard enough. And number two, your view was too small.

two, your view was too small. two, your view was too small. >> If the heaven of heavens cannot contain >> If the heaven of heavens cannot contain >> If the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, if God made the waters with the him, if God made the waters with the him, if God made the waters with the breath of his nostril, can he part them? breath of his nostril, can he part them? breath of his nostril, can he part them? If God gave food, can he bring them down If God gave food, can he bring them down If God gave food, can he bring them down from heaven? Do we serve a big God? I I from heaven? Do we serve a big God? I I from heaven? Do we serve a big God? I I think of Job when Job had certain think of Job when Job had certain think of Job when Job had certain questions about God. Job says in Job 23, questions about God. Job says in Job 23, questions about God. Job says in Job 23, "Even today is my complaint bitter and "Even today is my complaint bitter and "Even today is my complaint bitter and my stroke is heavier than my groaning. my stroke is heavier than my groaning. my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, Oh, that I knew where I might find him, Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his suit." Job that I might come even to his suit." Job that I might come even to his suit." Job said, "I want to talk with you, God." said, "I want to talk with you, God." said, "I want to talk with you, God." And let's be honest, there's some of us And let's be honest, there's some of us And let's be honest, there's some of us in here this morning. You have questions in here this morning. You have questions in here this morning. You have questions about God. You have questions about who about God. You have questions about who about God. You have questions about who he is. Why did this happen or that he is. Why did this happen or that he is. Why did this happen or that happen? And there's some things that you happen? And there's some things that you happen? And there's some things that you have uh concerns about. And Job said, have uh concerns about. And Job said, have uh concerns about. And Job said, "God, I wish I knew where you were. We "God, I wish I knew where you were. We "God, I wish I knew where you were. We can have a talk." But when Job was can have a talk." But when Job was can have a talk." But when Job was confronted with God, listen to what God confronted with God, listen to what God confronted with God, listen to what God said. The Lord answered Job out of a said. The Lord answered Job out of a said. The Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind and said, "Who is he that whirlwind and said, "Who is he that whirlwind and said, "Who is he that darkeneth counsel by words without darkeneth counsel by words without darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

knowledge? knowledge? Job, you don't know what you are talking Job, you don't know what you are talking Job, you don't know what you are talking about." And I love what Job says. He about." And I love what Job says. He about." And I love what Job says. He says, "I am vile. What shall I answer says, "I am vile. What shall I answer says, "I am vile. What shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand thee? I will lay my hand thee? I will lay my hand to my mouth." God, when you and I are to my mouth." God, when you and I are to my mouth." God, when you and I are confronted with this big huge God that confronted with this big huge God that confronted with this big huge God that the heavens of heavens cannot contain, the heavens of heavens cannot contain, the heavens of heavens cannot contain, do you think he can invade your life and do you think he can invade your life and do you think he can invade your life and deal with your situation? Again, as deal with your situation? Again, as deal with your situation? Again, as Jesus said to the blind man, "Do you Jesus said to the blind man, "Do you Jesus said to the blind man, "Do you believe believe believe that I am able?" It's not, [laughter] that I am able?" It's not, [laughter] that I am able?" It's not, [laughter] "Am I able?" Of course. Do you believe I "Am I able?" Of course. Do you believe I "Am I able?" Of course. Do you believe I can deal with your addiction? can deal with your addiction? can deal with your addiction? Do you believe I can deal with your Do you believe I can deal with your Do you believe I can deal with your marriage? marriage? marriage? >> Do you believe I can deal with the >> Do you believe I can deal with the >> Do you believe I can deal with the issues of your past? Maybe the abuse issues of your past? Maybe the abuse issues of your past? Maybe the abuse that you have endured? Do you believe that you have endured? Do you believe that you have endured? Do you believe I'm a God that can restore a family? Do I'm a God that can restore a family? Do I'm a God that can restore a family? Do you believe I'm a God that can save a you believe I'm a God that can save a you believe I'm a God that can save a wayward child and bring them home again? wayward child and bring them home again? wayward child and bring them home again? Do you believe that Do you believe that Do you believe that you big God or little God? Quickly look you big God or little God? Quickly look you big God or little God? Quickly look if you would to Joshua chapter 10.

if you would to Joshua chapter 10. if you would to Joshua chapter 10. The enemies came against Joshua The enemies came against Joshua The enemies came against Joshua and he cried out and there seemed to be and he cried out and there seemed to be and he cried out and there seemed to be a very serious battle that was going on a very serious battle that was going on a very serious battle that was going on in Joshua chapter 10. Look here if you in Joshua chapter 10. Look here if you in Joshua chapter 10. Look here if you would. Now it came to pass when Edonaza would. Now it came to pass when Edonaza would. Now it came to pass when Edonaza king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it. taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it. taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it. As he had done to Jericho and her king, As he had done to Jericho and her king, As he had done to Jericho and her king, as he had done to Ai and her king, how as he had done to Ai and her king, how as he had done to Ai and her king, how he made the inhabitants of Gibian, and he made the inhabitants of Gibian, and he made the inhabitants of Gibian, and he made peace with Israel that were he made peace with Israel that were he made peace with Israel that were amongst them. So these kings decide to amongst them. So these kings decide to amongst them. So these kings decide to gather themselves together gather themselves together gather themselves together against Gibian. And Gibian calls Joshua against Gibian. And Gibian calls Joshua against Gibian. And Gibian calls Joshua in his armies to fight. Verse 5, in his armies to fight. Verse 5, in his armies to fight. Verse 5, therefore the five kings of the therefore the five kings of the therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebr, the king of Geroth, the king of Hebr, the king of Geroth, the king of Hebr, the king of Geroth, the king of Lashish, the king of Eglon, king of Lashish, the king of Eglon, king of Lashish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together and went gathered themselves together and went gathered themselves together and went up, they and all their hosts and up, they and all their hosts and up, they and all their hosts and encamped before Gibian and made war encamped before Gibian and made war encamped before Gibian and made war against it. Situation is dire. Continue against it. Situation is dire. Continue against it. Situation is dire. Continue on in the text. Look if you would in on in the text. Look if you would in on in the text. Look if you would in verse 8. And the Lord said unto Joshua, verse 8. And the Lord said unto Joshua, verse 8. And the Lord said unto Joshua, "Fear them not, "Fear them not, "Fear them not, for I have delivered them for I have delivered them for I have delivered them into your hand." Now, now if we stop into your hand." Now, now if we stop into your hand." Now, now if we stop there, look at this. God gives a there, look at this. God gives a there, look at this. God gives a promise. And hear this. God tells a promise. And hear this. God tells a promise. And hear this. God tells a promise to Joshua. Fear them not because promise to Joshua. Fear them not because promise to Joshua. Fear them not because he was afraid.

he was afraid. he was afraid. And maybe there's some to this morning And maybe there's some to this morning And maybe there's some to this morning you're you're afraid. What is going to you're you're afraid. What is going to you're you're afraid. What is going to happen tomorrow at work? What is going happen tomorrow at work? What is going happen tomorrow at work? What is going to happen in your marriage? What's going to happen in your marriage? What's going to happen in your marriage? What's going to happen with your children? to happen with your children? to happen with your children? What's going to happen with the What's going to happen with the What's going to happen with the situation you're dealing with? And God situation you're dealing with? And God situation you're dealing with? And God tells him with a promise, fear them not. tells him with a promise, fear them not. tells him with a promise, fear them not. But when he tells them that he's going But when he tells them that he's going But when he tells them that he's going to deliver them, he does not tell them to deliver them, he does not tell them to deliver them, he does not tell them how. how. how. He gives no particular here. He just He gives no particular here. He just He gives no particular here. He just gives a promise. And sometimes we as gives a promise. And sometimes we as gives a promise. And sometimes we as believers stand on the promises of God believers stand on the promises of God believers stand on the promises of God and we should stand on the promises of and we should stand on the promises of and we should stand on the promises of God. But that does not mean inactivity. God. But that does not mean inactivity. God. But that does not mean inactivity. And there is one means that we're going And there is one means that we're going And there is one means that we're going to talk about in a minute that God has to talk about in a minute that God has to talk about in a minute that God has given to our disposal. But he gives a given to our disposal. But he gives a given to our disposal. But he gives a promise here. What are you going to do? promise here. What are you going to do? promise here. What are you going to do? Again, I think of the promise. Look down Again, I think of the promise. Look down Again, I think of the promise. Look down in verse 9. And Joshua therefore came in verse 9. And Joshua therefore came in verse 9. And Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly and went up from unto them suddenly and went up from unto them suddenly and went up from Gilgal all night. But Joshua again, he Gilgal all night. But Joshua again, he Gilgal all night. But Joshua again, he had God's promise, but it didn't mean he had God's promise, but it didn't mean he had God's promise, but it didn't mean he just didn't just sat there and didn't do just didn't just sat there and didn't do just didn't just sat there and didn't do anything. He goes and he fights. And the anything. He goes and he fights. And the anything. He goes and he fights. And the Lord discomforted them before Israel and Lord discomforted them before Israel and Lord discomforted them before Israel and slew them with a great slaughter at slew them with a great slaughter at slew them with a great slaughter at Gibian and chased them down by the way Gibian and chased them down by the way Gibian and chased them down by the way which goeth up to Bethin which goeth up to Bethin which goeth up to Bethin and and smokeote them. Now look at verse and and smokeote them. Now look at verse and and smokeote them. Now look at verse 11. Came to pass as they were fled from 11. Came to pass as they were fled from 11. Came to pass as they were fled from Israel that they were going down from Israel that they were going down from Israel that they were going down from Bethlehem that the Lord cast down great Bethlehem that the Lord cast down great Bethlehem that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven.

stones from heaven. stones from heaven. God was fighting for them. Do you know God was fighting for them. Do you know God was fighting for them. Do you know you have a God who fights for you? If you have a God who fights for you? If you have a God who fights for you? If God before you, who can be against you? God before you, who can be against you? God before you, who can be against you? God is fighting for them. But God did God is fighting for them. But God did God is fighting for them. But God did not tell in the promise. He just said, not tell in the promise. He just said, not tell in the promise. He just said, "Believe me." Do you believe God is able "Believe me." Do you believe God is able "Believe me." Do you believe God is able to rescue the marriage? Do you believe to rescue the marriage? Do you believe to rescue the marriage? Do you believe God is able to bring back a weward God is able to bring back a weward God is able to bring back a weward child? Do you believe God is a able to child? Do you believe God is a able to child? Do you believe God is a able to overcome an addiction? He might not give overcome an addiction? He might not give overcome an addiction? He might not give you the particulars of how God didn't you the particulars of how God didn't you the particulars of how God didn't say, "Hey, trust me. I'm going to get say, "Hey, trust me. I'm going to get say, "Hey, trust me. I'm going to get those guys with stones on their heads." those guys with stones on their heads." those guys with stones on their heads." No. Just believe me. And sometimes when No. Just believe me. And sometimes when No. Just believe me. And sometimes when we take God at his word, he will do we take God at his word, he will do we take God at his word, he will do miraculous things in our lives that we miraculous things in our lives that we miraculous things in our lives that we have never thought of. have never thought of. have never thought of. What really gets me in this verse here, What really gets me in this verse here, What really gets me in this verse here, look down all the way in and verse 12, look down all the way in and verse 12, look down all the way in and verse 12, look at this. Then spake Joshua to the look at this. Then spake Joshua to the look at this. Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day that the Lord delivered Lord in the day that the Lord delivered Lord in the day that the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of up the Amorites before the children of up the Amorites before the children of Israel. And he said, now look at this. Israel. And he said, now look at this. Israel. And he said, now look at this. Joshua first had to come to God.

Joshua first had to come to God. Joshua first had to come to God. I believe one of the means that God has I believe one of the means that God has I believe one of the means that God has established is the means of prayer. And established is the means of prayer. And established is the means of prayer. And I believe, pastor, we we live in a I believe, pastor, we we live in a I believe, pastor, we we live in a country that's divided, that's hateful. country that's divided, that's hateful. country that's divided, that's hateful. Chicago is no different than New York Chicago is no different than New York Chicago is no different than New York City. It is hateful. And sometimes we as City. It is hateful. And sometimes we as City. It is hateful. And sometimes we as a church pine for the older days or what a church pine for the older days or what a church pine for the older days or what happened. I believe many churches have happened. I believe many churches have happened. I believe many churches have given up their prayer meetings and don't given up their prayer meetings and don't given up their prayer meetings and don't pray anymore. But this is the means that pray anymore. But this is the means that pray anymore. But this is the means that God said when my people which are called God said when my people which are called God said when my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and by my name shall humble themselves and by my name shall humble themselves and >> that's the means. >> that's the means. >> that's the means. God has given means. Naam the leper God has given means. Naam the leper God has given means. Naam the leper wanted to be healed. God said go dip in wanted to be healed. God said go dip in wanted to be healed. God said go dip in the Jordan how many times? the Jordan how many times? the Jordan how many times? >> Seven. You're not going to be healed >> Seven. You're not going to be healed >> Seven. You're not going to be healed unless you follow the means. Na thought unless you follow the means. Na thought unless you follow the means. Na thought I thought that you were going to come I thought that you were going to come I thought that you were going to come out here and snap your finger, wave your out here and snap your finger, wave your out here and snap your finger, wave your hand. No, there are certain means. hand. No, there are certain means. hand. No, there are certain means. There is means that God uses. And Joshua There is means that God uses. And Joshua There is means that God uses. And Joshua went to God. But look what his request went to God. But look what his request went to God. But look what his request was. Look at this. And he said, "In the was. Look at this. And he said, "In the was. Look at this. And he said, "In the sight of Israel, son, stand thou still sight of Israel, son, stand thou still sight of Israel, son, stand thou still upon Gibian and thou moon in the valley upon Gibian and thou moon in the valley upon Gibian and thou moon in the valley of Ahadlan." and the sun stood still.

of Ahadlan." and the sun stood still. of Ahadlan." and the sun stood still. Stop right there. Stop right there. Stop right there. What a request. What a request. What a request. Where in the world would Joshua get that Where in the world would Joshua get that Where in the world would Joshua get that from? I mean, of all the things, if I from? I mean, of all the things, if I from? I mean, of all the things, if I needed a longer day, I wouldn't say, needed a longer day, I wouldn't say, needed a longer day, I wouldn't say, "God, just make the sun stop today for a "God, just make the sun stop today for a "God, just make the sun stop today for a period of time and make the move." Why period of time and make the move." Why period of time and make the move." Why in the world can Joshua make such a in the world can Joshua make such a in the world can Joshua make such a request? request? request? Because Joshua had a big God. Because Joshua had a big God. Because Joshua had a big God. >> Understand this. We sang the song >> Understand this. We sang the song >> Understand this. We sang the song earlier. All my life you have been earlier. All my life you have been earlier. All my life you have been faithful. Your goodness is running after faithful. Your goodness is running after faithful. Your goodness is running after me. I don't know if you ever seen the me. I don't know if you ever seen the me. I don't know if you ever seen the video when CC Winon does that video when video when CC Winon does that video when video when CC Winon does that video when she has different reflections of her she has different reflections of her she has different reflections of her past. But hear me. How in the world can past. But hear me. How in the world can past. But hear me. How in the world can Joshua make such a bold request? Joshua make such a bold request? Joshua make such a bold request? Maybe Joshua remembered when he was in Maybe Joshua remembered when he was in Maybe Joshua remembered when he was in slavery in Egypt and called upon God and slavery in Egypt and called upon God and slavery in Egypt and called upon God and God said Moses and the plagues came down God said Moses and the plagues came down God said Moses and the plagues came down and Joshua can say, "All my life, oh and Joshua can say, "All my life, oh and Joshua can say, "All my life, oh God, you've been faithful. When we were God, you've been faithful. When we were God, you've been faithful. When we were buted up against the Red Sea and it buted up against the Red Sea and it buted up against the Red Sea and it seemed that Pharaoh's armies were going seemed that Pharaoh's armies were going seemed that Pharaoh's armies were going to destroy us. All my life, God, you've to destroy us. All my life, God, you've to destroy us. All my life, God, you've been faithful. When we were out in the been faithful. When we were out in the been faithful. When we were out in the wilderness and we were thirsty and you wilderness and we were thirsty and you wilderness and we were thirsty and you gave us water out of a rock. All my gave us water out of a rock. All my gave us water out of a rock. All my life, you have been faithful. When we w life, you have been faithful. When we w life, you have been faithful. When we w were hungry and wanted bread, you gave were hungry and wanted bread, you gave were hungry and wanted bread, you gave mana from above. All my life, God, mana from above. All my life, God, mana from above. All my life, God, you've been faithful. When we went up to you've been faithful. When we went up to you've been faithful. When we went up to the river Jordan and didn't know how we the river Jordan and didn't know how we the river Jordan and didn't know how we were going to get into the promised land

were going to get into the promised land were going to get into the promised land because the Jordan was at flood stage because the Jordan was at flood stage because the Jordan was at flood stage and you parted the Jordan, all my life and you parted the Jordan, all my life and you parted the Jordan, all my life you've been faithful. When we came to you've been faithful. When we came to you've been faithful. When we came to the walls of Jericho and the walls were the walls of Jericho and the walls were the walls of Jericho and the walls were big and they were fortified, he can say, big and they were fortified, he can say, big and they were fortified, he can say, "All my life you've been faithful." Hear "All my life you've been faithful." Hear "All my life you've been faithful." Hear me this morning. What he did is he me this morning. What he did is he me this morning. What he did is he looked to his past. looked to his past. looked to his past. Hear me. What some of us need to do Hear me. What some of us need to do Hear me. What some of us need to do today is look to our past. There's today is look to our past. There's today is look to our past. There's people in this room, you should have people in this room, you should have people in this room, you should have been dead. been dead. been dead. >> The car accident should have killed you. >> The car accident should have killed you. >> The car accident should have killed you. The bullet was meant for you. The The bullet was meant for you. The The bullet was meant for you. The incarceration was not supposed to be incarceration was not supposed to be incarceration was not supposed to be over. The addiction or the overdose was over. The addiction or the overdose was over. The addiction or the overdose was going to take you down. The job and here going to take you down. The job and here going to take you down. The job and here you sit today. You have food in your you sit today. You have food in your you sit today. You have food in your pantry, a roof over your head. And I pantry, a roof over your head. And I pantry, a roof over your head. And I want to tell you, all my days, want to tell you, all my days, want to tell you, all my days, [applause] God has been faithful. God has been faithful. And those are the moments we look at And those are the moments we look at And those are the moments we look at when David went before Saul. And Saul when David went before Saul. And Saul when David went before Saul. And Saul questioned his ability to fight the questioned his ability to fight the questioned his ability to fight the giant. David said, "Look, thy servant giant. David said, "Look, thy servant giant. David said, "Look, thy servant slew the lion and the bear." He pointed slew the lion and the bear." He pointed slew the lion and the bear." He pointed back to God's faithfulness. All my life, back to God's faithfulness. All my life, back to God's faithfulness. All my life, you've been faithful. So Joshua knew we you've been faithful. So Joshua knew we you've been faithful. So Joshua knew we serve a big God.

serve a big God. serve a big God. We serve a God that can even make a sun We serve a God that can even make a sun We serve a God that can even make a sun stand still and a moon stand still. stand still and a moon stand still. stand still and a moon stand still. That's who my God is. [applause] I'll close with a very personal story. I'll close with a very personal story. My wife is here and uh and there's a My wife is here and uh and there's a My wife is here and uh and there's a group from France. My wife is a group from France. My wife is a group from France. My wife is a Quebecqua and uh we met at Moody in Quebecqua and uh we met at Moody in Quebecqua and uh we met at Moody in 1987. 1987. 1987. That's the the year we were married. That's the the year we were married. That's the the year we were married. Four beautiful children and uh we had Four beautiful children and uh we had Four beautiful children and uh we had one child who was a weward child. And as one child who was a weward child. And as one child who was a weward child. And as I said earlier, there's nothing more I said earlier, there's nothing more I said earlier, there's nothing more heartbreaking heartbreaking heartbreaking for any parent than a weward child. My for any parent than a weward child. My for any parent than a weward child. My son was uh kicked out of his Christian son was uh kicked out of his Christian son was uh kicked out of his Christian school. My wife was a teacher at the school. My wife was a teacher at the school. My wife was a teacher at the Christian school. I didn't know what to Christian school. I didn't know what to Christian school. I didn't know what to do. do. do. I got a call one night from the police I got a call one night from the police I got a call one night from the police when he was arrested that he was when he was arrested that he was when he was arrested that he was breaking in cars. breaking in cars. breaking in cars. I didn't know what to do. I brought him I didn't know what to do. I brought him I didn't know what to do. I brought him to a uh a Christian school I knew of and to a uh a Christian school I knew of and to a uh a Christian school I knew of and for the summer to kind of get him right.

for the summer to kind of get him right. for the summer to kind of get him right. And then at the end of the summer, I And then at the end of the summer, I And then at the end of the summer, I went to this school and I said, "Hey, went to this school and I said, "Hey, went to this school and I said, "Hey, would you mind him becoming a student in would you mind him becoming a student in would you mind him becoming a student in the fall cuz he needs to go somewhere?" the fall cuz he needs to go somewhere?" the fall cuz he needs to go somewhere?" They said, "Yeah, no, They said, "Yeah, no, They said, "Yeah, no, not him. I don't know what to do." not him. I don't know what to do." not him. I don't know what to do." brought him to a public school which I brought him to a public school which I brought him to a public school which I knew he'd find kids just like him and knew he'd find kids just like him and knew he'd find kids just like him and that's what happened. There was truency that's what happened. There was truency that's what happened. There was truency drug usage. I remember one time he was drug usage. I remember one time he was drug usage. I remember one time he was arrested for truency and I went to court arrested for truency and I went to court arrested for truency and I went to court with him. I loved the judge. The judge with him. I loved the judge. The judge with him. I loved the judge. The judge said, "Young man, you come before me one said, "Young man, you come before me one said, "Young man, you come before me one more time, I am going to fine you so far more time, I am going to fine you so far more time, I am going to fine you so far in a hole your father will never be able in a hole your father will never be able in a hole your father will never be able to dig you out. You better do community to dig you out. You better do community to dig you out. You better do community service." I thought, you know, as a dad, service." I thought, you know, as a dad, service." I thought, you know, as a dad, yeah, get him. Well, he didn't do his yeah, get him. Well, he didn't do his yeah, get him. Well, he didn't do his community service. All of it. You want community service. All of it. You want community service. All of it. You want to face the judge? We go before the to face the judge? We go before the to face the judge? We go before the judge. judge. judge. That judge who said that died. And he That judge who said that died. And he That judge who said that died. And he had this nice judge. How was your had this nice judge. How was your had this nice judge. How was your experience on community service? experience on community service? experience on community service? Tell me about it. Was it good? I think Tell me about it. Was it good? I think Tell me about it. Was it good? I think you kidding me? Kidding me? I mean, I you kidding me? Kidding me? I mean, I you kidding me? Kidding me? I mean, I was pastoring a church while I was was pastoring a church while I was was pastoring a church while I was working at the mission. and I was working at the mission. and I was working at the mission. and I was pastoring a church and the youth pastor pastoring a church and the youth pastor pastoring a church and the youth pastor calls our group went on a youth group calls our group went on a youth group calls our group went on a youth group and they said, "Well, we got to bring and they said, "Well, we got to bring and they said, "Well, we got to bring one of the students back for marijuana."

one of the students back for marijuana." one of the students back for marijuana." I said, "Oh man, it's your son." I said, "Oh man, it's your son." I said, "Oh man, it's your son." I was one of those parents that dreaded I was one of those parents that dreaded I was one of those parents that dreaded that midnight phone call. I was one of that midnight phone call. I was one of that midnight phone call. I was one of those parents that laid awake in bed at those parents that laid awake in bed at those parents that laid awake in bed at night waiting for the door to be open so night waiting for the door to be open so night waiting for the door to be open so I could hear the feet that I know that I could hear the feet that I know that I could hear the feet that I know that he is alive. he is alive. he is alive. But when I talk about a big God and But when I talk about a big God and But when I talk about a big God and prayer is the means, I came to the point prayer is the means, I came to the point prayer is the means, I came to the point where I did not know what to do. I put where I did not know what to do. I put where I did not know what to do. I put him out of the house. Didn't go over him out of the house. Didn't go over him out of the house. Didn't go over well with my wife. Uh put him out of the well with my wife. Uh put him out of the well with my wife. Uh put him out of the house. I tried everything. Brought him house. I tried everything. Brought him house. I tried everything. Brought him down to the mission. Tried everything I down to the mission. Tried everything I down to the mission. Tried everything I could. I finally came to the point where could. I finally came to the point where could. I finally came to the point where I said, "God, I said, "God, I said, "God, I'm done. I don't know what to do." I I'm done. I don't know what to do." I I'm done. I don't know what to do." I would walk the streets at night and I would walk the streets at night and I would walk the streets at night and I would cry out. And here was my prayer. would cry out. And here was my prayer. would cry out. And here was my prayer. I said, 'God, these, and I said this, I said, 'God, these, and I said this, I said, 'God, these, and I said this, these losers that he's hanging with, these losers that he's hanging with, these losers that he's hanging with, their parents don't have a God that their parents don't have a God that their parents don't have a God that they're praying to, but I do. And I they're praying to, but I do. And I they're praying to, but I do. And I said, don't let him get away with said, don't let him get away with said, don't let him get away with anything. I don't know what to do with anything. I don't know what to do with anything. I don't know what to do with this kid anymore. And then suddenly he this kid anymore. And then suddenly he this kid anymore. And then suddenly he got Crohn's disease and a poor portion got Crohn's disease and a poor portion got Crohn's disease and a poor portion of his intestine was taken out. And then of his intestine was taken out. And then of his intestine was taken out. And then he got sick. I think it was because of he got sick. I think it was because of he got sick. I think it was because of drugs and he was in bed for I don't know drugs and he was in bed for I don't know drugs and he was in bed for I don't know month, two months. And my godly wife was month, two months. And my godly wife was month, two months. And my godly wife was just praying with him and reading the just praying with him and reading the just praying with him and reading the Psalms to him and Psalms to him and Psalms to him and begging God that you do something with begging God that you do something with begging God that you do something with this boy.

this boy. this boy. Now, one day something happened. He He Now, one day something happened. He He Now, one day something happened. He He got saved. He called me up at work one got saved. He called me up at work one got saved. He called me up at work one day and he said, "Hey, Dad." He said, day and he said, "Hey, Dad." He said, day and he said, "Hey, Dad." He said, "Could you bring me some gospel tracks?" "Could you bring me some gospel tracks?" "Could you bring me some gospel tracks?" And I thought, "What do you want gospel And I thought, "What do you want gospel And I thought, "What do you want gospel tracks for?" Was it rolling paper? What tracks for?" Was it rolling paper? What tracks for?" Was it rolling paper? What are you going to do with gospel tracks, are you going to do with gospel tracks, are you going to do with gospel tracks, man? What are you going to do with that? man? What are you going to do with that? man? What are you going to do with that? He wanted to pass him out and put him in He wanted to pass him out and put him in He wanted to pass him out and put him in people's doors. Then he went to church people's doors. Then he went to church people's doors. Then he went to church and he joined a disciplehip group. And I and he joined a disciplehip group. And I and he joined a disciplehip group. And I went to his graduation from this went to his graduation from this went to his graduation from this disciplehip group. And I remember that's disciplehip group. And I remember that's disciplehip group. And I remember that's the first time he graduated from the first time he graduated from the first time he graduated from anything. Got kicked out of school in anything. Got kicked out of school in anything. Got kicked out of school in 8th grade, never graduated high school. 8th grade, never graduated high school. 8th grade, never graduated high school. And there he was graduating from a And there he was graduating from a And there he was graduating from a disciplehip group. And one day disciplehip group. And one day disciplehip group. And one day we're sitting around the dinner table we're sitting around the dinner table we're sitting around the dinner table and I never told him what I prayed. I and I never told him what I prayed. I and I never told him what I prayed. I didn't say, "Hey, I pray that you would didn't say, "Hey, I pray that you would didn't say, "Hey, I pray that you would be destroyed no matter what it takes." be destroyed no matter what it takes." be destroyed no matter what it takes." No. Well, this is what he said to me. He No. Well, this is what he said to me. He No. Well, this is what he said to me. He said, "Dad, I always wondered why said, "Dad, I always wondered why said, "Dad, I always wondered why nothing would ever happen to my friends nothing would ever happen to my friends nothing would ever happen to my friends and stuff kept happening to me." and stuff kept happening to me." and stuff kept happening to me." I went back to that prayer.

I went back to that prayer. I went back to that prayer. And today, he's given me now his second And today, he's given me now his second And today, he's given me now his second child. He works at the mission. He was a child. He works at the mission. He was a child. He works at the mission. He was a student at Moody. Now, he's going to student at Moody. Now, he's going to student at Moody. Now, he's going to attend Liberty [music] on Fire for the attend Liberty [music] on Fire for the attend Liberty [music] on Fire for the Lord. He preaches regularly at the Lord. He preaches regularly at the Lord. He preaches regularly at the mission. mission. mission. >> [applause] [applause] [applause] >> I'm going to finish where I started. >> I'm going to finish where I started. >> I'm going to finish where I started. Do you believe in a big God as you sit Do you believe in a big God as you sit Do you believe in a big God as you sit here this morning? here this morning? here this morning? Do you believe in a God that can do Do you believe in a God that can do Do you believe in a God that can do anything in your life? How big is your anything in your life? How big is your anything in your life? How big is your God? Let's have every head bowed and God? Let's have every head bowed and God? Let's have every head bowed and every eye closed. Every head bowed, every eye closed. Every head bowed, every eye closed. Every head bowed, every eye closed. every eye closed. every eye closed. Maybe you're here this morning and maybe Maybe you're here this morning and maybe Maybe you're here this morning and maybe you've never accepted Jesus Christ as you've never accepted Jesus Christ as you've never accepted Jesus Christ as your savior. your savior. your savior. This is the morning. Maybe your heart This is the morning. Maybe your heart This is the morning. Maybe your heart has been broken. has been broken. has been broken. So, tonight or this morning, I want to So, tonight or this morning, I want to So, tonight or this morning, I want to make that decision. Salvation isn't make that decision. Salvation isn't make that decision. Salvation isn't about how good you are or what about how good you are or what about how good you are or what denomination [music] denomination [music] denomination [music] you belong to. You say, "I'm a sinner you belong to. You say, "I'm a sinner you belong to. You say, "I'm a sinner that needs to be saved.

that needs to be saved. that needs to be saved. I want to repent of my sin today." If I want to repent of my sin today." If I want to repent of my sin today." If that's you all throughout the that's you all throughout the that's you all throughout the auditorium, I want to be forgiven of my auditorium, I want to be forgiven of my auditorium, I want to be forgiven of my sins. Raise up your hand. Hallelujah. sins. Raise up your hand. Hallelujah. sins. Raise up your hand. Hallelujah. Raise up your hand. Raise up your hand. Raise up your hand. Number of people, Number of people, Number of people, maybe there's others here you'd say, you maybe there's others here you'd say, you maybe there's others here you'd say, you know what? know what? know what? My life is tough right now. My life is My life is tough right now. My life is My life is tough right now. My life is hard. Pray that I would have the faith hard. Pray that I would have the faith hard. Pray that I would have the faith [music] to view God as a big God to get [music] to view God as a big God to get [music] to view God as a big God to get me through what I am going through right me through what I am going through right me through what I am going through right now. Raise up your hand. Numerous people now. Raise up your hand. Numerous people now. Raise up your hand. Numerous people throughout the auditorium. throughout the auditorium. throughout the auditorium. I'm going to close in prayer and I want I'm going to close in prayer and I want I'm going to close in prayer and I want those that raised their hand for those that raised their hand for those that raised their hand for salvation, salvation, salvation, pray after me. Pray something simple. pray after me. Pray something simple. pray after me. Pray something simple. Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, but Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, but Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, but this morning I repent of my sin this morning I repent of my sin this morning I repent of my sin and I trust Jesus and I trust Jesus and I trust Jesus as my savior in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. as my savior in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. as my savior in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. And amen. We're going to sing a closing And amen. We're going to sing a closing And amen. We're going to sing a closing song. song. song. The front will be open if you want to The front will be open if you want to The front will be open if you want to come down and pray as pastor Simya comes come down and pray as pastor Simya comes come down and pray as pastor Simya comes up. If you want to come down and pray.

up. If you want to come down and pray. up. If you want to come down and pray. But again, how big is your God? But again, how big is your God? But again, how big is your God? [music] Listen, Listen, [music and applause] [music and applause] [music and applause] the Holy Spirit has used our brother in the Holy Spirit has used our brother in the Holy Spirit has used our brother in many ways this morning, many ways this morning, many ways this morning, but there's one thing here that I know but there's one thing here that I know but there's one thing here that I know is pierced some hearts here. Let's close is pierced some hearts here. Let's close is pierced some hearts here. Let's close our eyes again. our eyes again. our eyes again. Choir, come on behind me. If you have a weward child like he had, If you have a weward child like he had, like I had and you have a big God today, and you have a big God today, I don't care where he is. I don't care I don't care where he is. I don't care I don't care where he is. I don't care where she is. I don't care what they're where she is. I don't care what they're where she is. I don't care what they're doing. God is bigger than the trap that doing. God is bigger than the trap that doing. God is bigger than the trap that Satan has laid for them. Satan has laid for them. Satan has laid for them. Get up here for your child to intercede. Get up here for your child to intercede. Get up here for your child to intercede. That's the means. Anyone got a weward That's the means. Anyone got a weward That's the means. Anyone got a weward child? Get up out of your seat and come child? Get up out of your seat and come child? Get up out of your seat and come for your child. Your child's not going for your child. Your child's not going for your child. Your child's not going to pray for themselves. They might be in to pray for themselves. They might be in to pray for themselves. They might be in that condition.

that condition. that condition. You come for your child. right to the edge. [music] If you would right to the edge. [music] If you would step forward, Nelson Nelson Nelson, we're going to sing this song we're going to sing this song for that child. Coming home. for that child. Coming home. for that child. Coming home. Coming Coming Coming [music] [music] [music] home. home. home. Coming [singing] Coming [singing] Coming [singing] home. [music] >> Come on. It's for your son and for your

>> Come on. It's for your son and for your daughter. Let's sing everyone. [music] heat, heat. [music] heat, heat. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. >> We're going to sing it again [music] at >> We're going to sing it again [music] at the end there. Look, open wide thine the end there. Look, open wide thine the end there. Look, open wide thine arms of Lord love. And then I want you arms of Lord love. And then I want you arms of Lord love. And then I want you to sing, Lord, he's coming [music] home. to sing, Lord, he's coming [music] home. to sing, Lord, he's coming [music] home. Or Lord, she's coming home because we Or Lord, she's coming home because we Or Lord, she's coming home because we have a big God today. Come on. The man have a big God today. Come on. The man have a big God today. Come on. The man opened up his heart and told us what opened up his heart and told us what opened up his heart and told us what happened. Come on, ready? Let's sing it.

happened. Come on, ready? Let's sing it. happened. Come on, ready? Let's sing it. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> He's [singing] coming. >> He's [singing] coming. [music] Come on. One more time. Sing loud. I'm Come on. One more time. Sing loud. I'm coming. [music] >> He or she say >> He or she say [music]

>> Just play it, brother. [music] Coming >> Just play it, brother. [music] Coming home. Bring him home. Bring him home. Bring her [music] home. Bring her home. Bring her [music] home. Bring her home. Bring her [music] home. Bring her home. Lord, bring him home, Lord. Bring them Lord, bring him home, Lord. Bring them Lord, bring him home, Lord. Bring them [music] home. Lord, we're reminded today [music] Lord, we're reminded today [music] through your servant through your servant through your servant that you are the great I am. [music] that you are the great I am. [music] that you are the great I am. [music] I am that I am. Whatever you need, I am that I am. Whatever you need, I am that I am. Whatever you need, that's what I am. That's what you said, that's what I am. That's what you said, that's what I am. That's what you said, Lord. Lord. Lord. [music] And now we're asking [music] And now we're asking [music] And now we're asking specifically for our brothers and specifically for our brothers and specifically for our brothers and sisters.

sisters. sisters. Pastor Philip knows that pain. I know Pastor Philip knows that pain. I know Pastor Philip knows that pain. I know [music] that pain. Others here in the [music] that pain. Others here in the [music] that pain. Others here in the room, we know the pain, Lord. room, we know the pain, Lord. room, we know the pain, Lord. But you brought our children back. Now But you brought our children back. Now But you brought our children back. Now bring these children back, Lord. We bring these children back, Lord. We bring these children back, Lord. We don't care where they are. In [music] don't care where they are. In [music] don't care where they are. In [music] prison, in a hospital, or wherever. You prison, in a hospital, or wherever. You prison, in a hospital, or wherever. You are bigger than their problem. Lord, are bigger than their problem. Lord, are bigger than their problem. Lord, bring them home. We have a big God, the bring them home. We have a big God, the bring them home. We have a big God, the great I am. If you created the world out great I am. If you created the world out great I am. If you created the world out of nothing, you can bring them home. of nothing, you can bring them home. of nothing, you can bring them home. Lord, bring them home. Awaken them. Lord, bring them home. Awaken them. Lord, bring them home. Awaken them. Remind them of a verse, a song. Send Remind them of a verse, a song. Send Remind them of a verse, a song. Send somebody to them. Shake them up. somebody to them. Shake them up. somebody to them. Shake them up. Whatever it takes, Lord. Bring them back Whatever it takes, Lord. Bring them back Whatever it takes, Lord. Bring them back to the God of their mother and father, to the God of their mother and father, to the God of their mother and father, Lord. And we'll give you all the glory. And we'll give you all the glory. Pastor Philip gave you all the glory, Pastor Philip gave you all the glory, Pastor Philip gave you all the glory, Lord. We give we'll give you all the Lord. We give we'll give you all the Lord. We give we'll give you all the glory. Your name will be praised in new glory. Your name will be praised in new glory. Your name will be praised in new ways, Lord. [music] ways, Lord. [music] ways, Lord. [music] Bring them home. Bring them home.

Bring them home. Bring them home. Bring them home. Bring them home. And we're not going to let you go until And we're not going to let you go until And we're not going to let you go until we see them with their hands up in the we see them with their hands up in the we see them with their hands up in the air. Lord, in a disciplehip [music] air. Lord, in a disciplehip [music] air. Lord, in a disciplehip [music] class, class, class, praise the name of the Lord. Nothing is praise the name of the Lord. Nothing is praise the name of the Lord. Nothing is too hard [music] for our God. too hard [music] for our God. too hard [music] for our God. Amen. Let's put our hands together and Amen. Let's put our hands together and Amen. Let's put our hands together and just clap for our God. Amen. [applause] just clap for our God. Amen. [applause] just clap for our God. Amen. [applause] [music] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Can we try that song? >> Can we try that song? >> Can we try that song? Singers, did you get it? Choir, did you Singers, did you get it? Choir, did you Singers, did you get it? Choir, did you get that song? You don't remember it? get that song? You don't remember it? get that song? You don't remember it? You got it? We've never done this You got it? We've never done this You got it? We've never done this before, [music] right? We've never tried before, [music] right? We've never tried before, [music] right? We've never tried a song we never tried. And I'm the a song we never tried. And I'm the a song we never tried. And I'm the soloist right now. This is pretty sad, soloist right now. This is pretty sad, soloist right now. This is pretty sad, right? There's a song. Listen. There's a right? There's a song. Listen. There's a right? There's a song. Listen. There's a song we used to sing. Everybody stand. song we used to sing. Everybody stand. song we used to sing. Everybody stand. [music] Then you'll leave. Come on. [music] Then you'll leave. Come on. [music] Then you'll leave. Come on. Stand up. Everyone, Stand up. Everyone, Stand up. Everyone, there's a song we [music] used to sing there's a song we [music] used to sing there's a song we [music] used to sing here. You know, in the Bible, look at me here. You know, in the Bible, look at me here. You know, in the Bible, look at me everyone. In the Bible, sometimes people everyone. In the Bible, sometimes people everyone. In the Bible, sometimes people would get so taken up with God and how would get so taken up with God and how would get so taken up with God and how beautiful he was that instead [music] of beautiful he was that instead [music] of beautiful he was that instead [music] of just saying great, mighty I am and all just saying great, mighty I am and all just saying great, mighty I am and all of that, they would use other [music] of that, they would use other [music] of that, they would use other [music] terms like this.

terms like this. terms like this. Nelson is the one who made me bring this Nelson is the one who made me bring this Nelson is the one who made me bring this back. back. back. He is fairer than the liies of the He is fairer than the liies of the He is fairer than the liies of the valley. valley. valley. He is brighter than the morning star. He He is brighter than the morning star. He He is brighter than the morning star. He is purer than the snow, is purer than the snow, is purer than the snow, fresher than the breeze, lovelier by far fresher than the breeze, lovelier by far fresher than the breeze, lovelier by far than all of these. Any of you know it? than all of these. Any of you know it? than all of these. Any of you know it? [music] Two of you. That's good. Listen [music] Two of you. That's good. Listen [music] Two of you. That's good. Listen to the choir. Then you'll go learn to the choir. Then you'll go learn to the choir. Then you'll go learn [music and singing] [music] [music] Yeah. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> Come on. If you love the Lord, sing to >> Come on. If you love the Lord, sing to [music] him. Sing it to him.

[music] [music] [singing] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] You love the Lord. One more time, lift You love the Lord. One more time, lift your hand up. Let's sing it [music] to your hand up. Let's sing it [music] to your hand up. Let's sing it [music] to him. [singing] Yeah. [singing] Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] You're dismissed. If you have to go, You're dismissed. If you have to go, we're going to say we're going to say we're going to say [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

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

[music] [music] >> And all the people said, >> And all the people said, >> And all the people said, "Give someone a hug, a handshake. Choir, "Give someone a hug, a handshake. Choir, "Give someone a hug, a handshake. Choir, give a hug to someone. Choir, give a hug give a hug to someone. Choir, give a hug give a hug to someone. Choir, give a hug to someone.