Summon Your Courage | Dr. Willy Rice | Sunday Service | The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Good morning. [music] Good morning. [music] Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Praise the Lord. You know, I wasn't feeling well this You know, I wasn't feeling well this week. And you know, when you're in bed, week. And you know, when you're in bed, week. And you know, when you're in bed, you I I couldn't focus. My head was so you I I couldn't focus. My head was so you I I couldn't focus. My head was so stuffy. I couldn't read and focus. And stuffy. I couldn't read and focus. And stuffy. I couldn't read and focus. And so I I turned on YouTube and I started so I I turned on YouTube and I started so I I turned on YouTube and I started to watch this YouTube channel that just to watch this YouTube channel that just to watch this YouTube channel that just had testimonies of people cuz I just had testimonies of people cuz I just had testimonies of people cuz I just wanted something that would be edifying. wanted something that would be edifying. wanted something that would be edifying. And I watched testimony after testimony And I watched testimony after testimony And I watched testimony after testimony of the most incredible stories of people of the most incredible stories of people of the most incredible stories of people involved in witchcraft, [music] went to involved in witchcraft, [music] went to involved in witchcraft, [music] went to jail for murder, jail for murder, jail for murder, living all kinds of lifestyles in total living all kinds of lifestyles in total living all kinds of lifestyles in total rebellion to God, abuse, demonic rebellion to God, abuse, demonic rebellion to God, abuse, demonic possession. possession. possession. And I listened and every single one of And I listened and every single one of And I listened and every single one of them ended with, "And then I met Jesus."

them ended with, "And then I met Jesus." them ended with, "And then I met Jesus." And what was so beautiful about every And what was so beautiful about every And what was so beautiful about every single one of them [music] was just the single one of them [music] was just the single one of them [music] was just the love of God. One person in particular, love of God. One person in particular, love of God. One person in particular, he just said in in the in my sin, in my he just said in in the in my sin, in my he just said in in the in my sin, in my [music] filth, the presence of the Lord [music] filth, the presence of the Lord [music] filth, the presence of the Lord came to me and he so received me just came to me and he so received me just came to me and he so received me just the way I was and said, [music] "Let me the way I was and said, [music] "Let me the way I was and said, [music] "Let me love you and let me fulfill you in a way love you and let me fulfill you in a way love you and let me fulfill you in a way nothing that you've you've run [music] nothing that you've you've run [music] nothing that you've you've run [music] after and sought after has ever been after and sought after has ever been after and sought after has ever been able to fulfill you. Let me do that. Let able to fulfill you. Let me do that. Let able to fulfill you. Let me do that. Let my love do that." And you just saw these my love do that." And you just saw these my love do that." And you just saw these transformed lives. And you know, I've transformed lives. And you know, I've transformed lives. And you know, I've grown up in church. I've heard a lot of grown up in church. I've heard a lot of grown up in church. I've heard a lot of testimonies, but I binged on testimonies testimonies, but I binged on testimonies testimonies, but I binged on testimonies this week. And I thought of this chorus this week. And I thought of this chorus this week. And I thought of this chorus that we're going to sing every praise. that we're going to sing every praise. that we're going to sing every praise. And when we get to that [music] part And when we get to that [music] part And when we get to that [music] part that says, "God, my savior, that says, "God, my savior, that says, "God, my savior, God, my healer, God, my deliverer." And God, my healer, God, my deliverer." And God, my healer, God, my deliverer." And then what do we sing? Yes, he is. Yes, then what do we sing? Yes, he is. Yes, then what do we sing? Yes, he is. Yes, he is. And I am so convinced of that he is. And I am so convinced of that he is. And I am so convinced of that like never before. The power of God, the like never before. The power of God, the like never before. The power of God, the love of God is so amazing. Nothing is love of God is so amazing. Nothing is love of God is so amazing. Nothing is impossible with him. Amen. Let's impossible with him. Amen. Let's impossible with him. Amen. Let's celebrate the Lord [music] this morning celebrate the Lord [music] this morning celebrate the Lord [music] this morning together.

We praise you Jesus. We praise you Jesus. We celebrate. [music] We celebrate. [music] We celebrate. [music] We celebrate your power, Lord. Heat. We celebrate your power, Lord. Heat. We celebrate your power, Lord. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Yeah. [singing] Yeah. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] [singing] Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat.

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

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

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

[music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. [singing and music] We give you all the praise, [music] We give you all the praise, [music] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. We worship and adore you, Lord. We worship and adore you, Lord. We worship and adore you, Lord. You are worthy, Jesus. [music] You are worthy, Jesus. [music] You are worthy, Jesus. [music] You are worthy, Lord. You are worthy, Lord. You are worthy, Lord. [music] We bless your name, Jesus. [music] We bless your name, Jesus. [music] We bless your name, Jesus. We glorify your name, God. We glorify your name, God. We glorify your name, God. Hallelujah, Jesus. [music] Hallelujah Jesus. Hallelujah Jesus. We worship you Lord. [music] We worship you Lord. [music] We worship you Lord. [music] What a mighty God you are. [music] What a mighty God you are. [music] What a mighty God you are. [music] What an awesome God you are. What an awesome God you are. What an awesome God you are. You are a saving [music] God. You save You are a saving [music] God. You save You are a saving [music] God. You save your people. You deliver [music] your your people. You deliver [music] your your people. You deliver [music] your people. You heal your people. people. You heal your people. people. You heal your people. We worship and adore [music] you Lord. We worship and adore [music] you Lord. We worship and adore [music] you Lord. Hallelujah Jesus.

Hallelujah. Just [music] continue to Hallelujah. Just [music] continue to worship him. Keep your heart open to the worship him. Keep your heart open to the worship him. Keep your heart open to the Lord right now. Lord right now. Lord right now. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We bless your name, God. We bless >> We bless your name, God. We bless >> We bless your name, God. We bless [music] your name, Jesus. [bell] [bell] [music] [music] [music] We worship and adore you, Lord. Your We worship and adore you, Lord. Your We worship and adore you, Lord. Your people praise you [music] today, God. people praise you [music] today, God. people praise you [music] today, God. We lift our voice in praise. We declare We lift our voice in praise. We declare We lift our voice in praise. We declare who you are [music] in this place, who you are [music] in this place, who you are [music] in this place, Jesus. Let's sing this together. My [music] Let's sing this together. My [music] hope is built. My hope is [singing] hope is built. My hope is [singing] hope is built. My hope is [singing] [music] [singing] Jesus. [singing] Jesus. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] My [singing] My [singing] My [singing] Jesus name.

Jesus name. Jesus name. [music] [music] [music] >> Can we sing that again? My home is >> Can we sing that again? My home is >> Can we sing that again? My home is filous. filous. filous. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Sing it with me. Sing it with me. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. We love you, Jesus. [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] heat n [music] [music] Heat.

[music] [music] [singing] [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music and singing] Yeah. [music and singing] Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat Hey,

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

>> Heat. Heat. [singing] >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] >> Heat up >> Heat up here. [music] Heat [music] Heat [music] up We [music] worship you Lord.

We [music] worship you Lord. We glorify you Jesus. We exalt you Lord. We [music] lift you We exalt you Lord. We [music] lift you up in this place. Oh God. We bless [music] your name Jesus. We bless [music] your name Jesus. precious savior, how we love you today, precious savior, how we love you today, precious savior, how we love you today, Lord. Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We worship you. We worship you. We worship you. We worship you. We worship you. We worship you. [music] [music] [music] Oh, we love you, Lord. Oh, we love you, Lord. Oh, we love you, Lord. We bless you, Lord. We bless you, Lord. We bless you, Lord. [music] You know we're singing about You know we're singing about God our [music] savior, God our healer, God our [music] savior, God our healer, God our [music] savior, God our healer, God our redeemer or deliverer.

God our redeemer or deliverer. God our redeemer or deliverer. Like Christ alone, cornerstone. Like Christ alone, cornerstone. Like Christ alone, cornerstone. The weak are made strong [music] The weak are made strong [music] The weak are made strong [music] in the Savior's love. Through the in the Savior's love. Through the in the Savior's love. Through the storms, he's the Lord. He's Lord of all. storms, he's the Lord. He's Lord of all. storms, he's the Lord. He's Lord of all. He takes us through. He's our rock. He's He takes us through. He's our rock. He's He takes us through. He's our rock. He's our hiding place. Amen. [applause] our hiding place. Amen. [applause] our hiding place. Amen. [applause] [music] So, with all that he's done for [music] So, with all that he's done for [music] So, with all that he's done for us, with all that he's done, what else is there to do but to [music] what else is there to do but to [music] live our lives for his glory? Amen. Not live our lives for his glory? Amen. Not live our lives for his glory? Amen. Not just on a Sunday. Every minute of every moment of our Every minute of every moment of our lives, [music] every day till our dying lives, [music] every day till our dying lives, [music] every day till our dying breath, that we would live our lives for breath, that we would live our lives for breath, that we would live our lives for the glory the glory the glory of God because he's so worthy. Amen. of God because he's so worthy. Amen. of God because he's so worthy. Amen. We are his people [music] made We are his people [music] made We are his people [music] made for his glory and we worship [music] for his glory and we worship [music] for his glory and we worship [music] him. Let's sing that song and just offer him. Let's sing that song and just offer him. Let's sing that song and just offer our lives again for all that you've our lives again for all that you've our lives again for all that you've done, [music] Jesus.

done, [music] Jesus. done, [music] Jesus. For all that you've done for us. For all For all that you've done for us. For all For all that you've done for us. For all that you are for us today, God. Here we that you are for us today, God. Here we that you are for us today, God. Here we are, Lord. are, Lord. are, Lord. Here we are, Lord. We are your [music] Here we are, Lord. We are your [music] Here we are, Lord. We are your [music] people people people made for your glory. God, be glorified made for your glory. God, be glorified made for your glory. God, be glorified through our [music] lives, God. Let our through our [music] lives, God. Let our through our [music] lives, God. Let our lives be an act of worship. everything lives be an act of worship. everything lives be an act of worship. everything that we do, not just on a Sunday that we do, not just on a Sunday that we do, not just on a Sunday morning, God, morning, God, morning, God, but Lord, in everything that we do, but Lord, in everything that we do, but Lord, in everything that we do, [music] God, it would be done, Lord, [music] God, it would be done, Lord, [music] God, it would be done, Lord, that you would be high and lifted up, that you would be high and lifted up, that you would be high and lifted up, glorified through [music] the lives of glorified through [music] the lives of glorified through [music] the lives of your people, Lord, and made known in your people, Lord, and made known in your people, Lord, and made known in this world how wonderful you are, Lord. this world how wonderful you are, Lord. this world how wonderful you are, Lord. [music] You are worthy. Can we sing that [music] You are worthy. Can we sing that [music] You are worthy. Can we sing that song together to the Lord? Yeah. [music] song together to the Lord? Yeah. [music] song together to the Lord? Yeah. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] [music]

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

>> Heat >> Heat [music] [music] [music] Oh, [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] heat, heat. heat, heat. heat, heat. Oh, [music] >> Sing it one more time. We are [music] >> Sing it one more time. We are [music] your people. [singing] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] heat, heat. [singing] >> Yes. Clap to the Lord this morning. He >> Yes. Clap to the Lord this morning. He is worthy. Amen. [music] He is worthy.

is worthy. Amen. [music] He is worthy. is worthy. Amen. [music] He is worthy. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Makes no [music] difference. What's the Makes no [music] difference. What's the problem? problem? problem? [music] I have this I have this sure. [music] He will take your [music] He will take your [music] room and sorrow. [music] [music] He will comfort, strengthen, and keep He will comfort, strengthen, and keep He will comfort, strengthen, and keep you. you. you. [music] [music] [music] I can call I can call I can call I need [music] to to [music] [music] [music] go.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Sometimes my burdens can get so heavy. [music] But I have found one who is so [music] But I have found one who is so faithful. [music] He will [music] take your gloom and He will [music] take your gloom and sorrow sorrow sorrow and turn it into. [music] and turn it into. [music] and turn it into. [music] We will come back, strengthen and keep We will come back, strengthen and keep We will come back, strengthen and keep you. you. you. [music] [music] [music] I can call I can call I can call I need He can work it out. He can work [music] He can work it out. He can work [music] it out. Whatever it is, [music]

[music] >> You can work it out. I'm going to >> You can work it out. I'm going to >> You can work it out. I'm going to [music] walk it out. Keep it up [music] and turn your life Keep it up [music] and turn your life around. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Hallelujah. [music] >> Hallelujah. [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. We serve a perfect [music] answering We serve a perfect [music] answering We serve a perfect [music] answering God. Put your trust in him. He never God. Put your trust in him. He never God. Put your trust in him. He never fails. Hallelujah.

fails. Hallelujah. fails. Hallelujah. [music] Oh, you can work it out. Our God [music] Oh, you can work it out. Our God [music] Oh, you can work it out. Our God can work it out. can work it out. can work it out. Heat. Heat. [music] >> up >> up here. [music] >> You don't have [music and singing]

>> You don't have [music and singing] to worry. to worry. to worry. And don't you be afraid. [singing] Joy [music] comes in [singing] the Joy [music] comes in [singing] the morning. morning. morning. Troules [music] may pass away. [singing] Troules [music] may pass away. [singing] Troules [music] may pass away. [singing] For there's a friend in Jesus For there's a friend in Jesus For there's a friend in Jesus [music] who will [singing] wipe your [music] who will [singing] wipe your [music] who will [singing] wipe your tears away tears away tears away and your heart [music] and your heart [music] and your heart [music] from you. from you. from you. Just lift [singing] your hands and say, Just lift [singing] your hands and say, Just lift [singing] your hands and say, "Oh, [music] I know that I know [singing] know [singing] that I [music] [music] Heat.

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

>> test and trials. They seem [music] They seem [music] They seem [music] to get you down to get you down to get you down [music] and all your friends. [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] Yeah. [music and singing] Yeah. [music and singing] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Yeah.

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

[music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Just hold before the next song. Just >> Just hold before the next song. Just wait. I feel prompted to tell you this. wait. I feel prompted to tell you this. wait. I feel prompted to tell you this. They were crossing the lake. This is for They were crossing the lake. This is for They were crossing the lake. This is for someone here, someone watching. They someone here, someone watching. They someone here, someone watching. They were crossing the lake with Jesus. And were crossing the lake with Jesus. And were crossing the lake with Jesus. And the disciples worried about did they the disciples worried about did they the disciples worried about did they have enough food or was he needing food?

have enough food or was he needing food? have enough food or was he needing food? And he said to them, "Don't you remember And he said to them, "Don't you remember And he said to them, "Don't you remember with five loaves and two fishes I fed with five loaves and two fishes I fed with five loaves and two fishes I fed 5,000? Don't you remember how many I fed 5,000? Don't you remember how many I fed 5,000? Don't you remember how many I fed with the seven loaves? Can you not with the seven loaves? Can you not with the seven loaves? Can you not remember? I want to say to everyone up remember? I want to say to everyone up remember? I want to say to everyone up here who are facing something you don't here who are facing something you don't here who are facing something you don't know you you don't think you can get know you you don't think you can get know you you don't think you can get through it. Can't you remember all the through it. Can't you remember all the through it. Can't you remember all the times God has brought you through times God has brought you through times God has brought you through already? He brought you through a already? He brought you through a already? He brought you through a thousand storms. thousand storms. thousand storms. Don't you remember that? How many had Don't you remember that? How many had Don't you remember that? How many had the bottom fall out once in your life the bottom fall out once in your life the bottom fall out once in your life and God still saw you through? Come on. and God still saw you through? Come on. and God still saw you through? Come on. He lifted you up and now the devil's He lifted you up and now the devil's He lifted you up and now the devil's attacking you with fear and anxiety and attacking you with fear and anxiety and attacking you with fear and anxiety and you're being worn down. And I just want you're being worn down. And I just want you're being worn down. And I just want to tell you, can't you remember all the to tell you, can't you remember all the to tell you, can't you remember all the times the Lord has been good and proven times the Lord has been good and proven times the Lord has been good and proven faithful? [music] faithful? [music] faithful? [music] Let's close our eyes. Everybody going Let's close our eyes. Everybody going Let's close our eyes. Everybody going through an attack right now and you're through an attack right now and you're through an attack right now and you're not sure you're going to make it. You not sure you're going to make it. You not sure you're going to make it. You are going to make it in the name of the are going to make it in the name of the are going to make it in the name of the Lord. You're going to make it. You're Lord. You're going to make it. You're Lord. You're going to make it. You're going to trust Jesus. He's going to take going to trust Jesus. He's going to take going to trust Jesus. He's going to take your hand and walk you through it. Those your hand and walk you through it. Those your hand and walk you through it. Those of you going through something like of you going through something like of you going through something like that, get out of your seat and come up that, get out of your seat and come up that, get out of your seat and come up here. The next song we'll dedicate and here. The next song we'll dedicate and here. The next song we'll dedicate and sing over you. Anybody come going sing over you. Anybody come going sing over you. Anybody come going through that anxiety? Oh God, I can't through that anxiety? Oh God, I can't through that anxiety? Oh God, I can't take this anymore. What am I going to take this anymore. What am I going to take this anymore. What am I going to do? Listen, can't you remember all the do? Listen, can't you remember all the do? Listen, can't you remember all the times that you thought you didn't you times that you thought you didn't you times that you thought you didn't you thought you'd fail? You thought you thought you'd fail? You thought you thought you'd fail? You thought you wouldn't make it. And look at you.

wouldn't make it. And look at you. wouldn't make it. And look at you. You're alive today. You're praising the You're alive today. You're praising the You're alive today. You're praising the Lord, God's going to see you through. No Lord, God's going to see you through. No Lord, God's going to see you through. No job, no finances, I don't care what it job, no finances, I don't care what it job, no finances, I don't care what it is. God is greater than the problem. But is. God is greater than the problem. But is. God is greater than the problem. But you got to trust him now. You got to you got to trust him now. You got to you got to trust him now. You got to open to the Holy Spirit and say, "God, open to the Holy Spirit and say, "God, open to the Holy Spirit and say, "God, bring me through this. I know you're bring me through this. I know you're bring me through this. I know you're going to do it. You just come up here going to do it. You just come up here going to do it. You just come up here and stand. We'll sing over you. and stand. We'll sing over you. and stand. We'll sing over you. Keep coming. Keep coming. Keep coming. Go ahead. Let's sing that song again. Sing it with Let's sing that song again. Sing it with them. [music] The words are on the thing them. [music] The words are on the thing them. [music] The words are on the thing on the screen. Sing. on the screen. Sing. on the screen. Sing. >> You don't have [music and singing] to >> You don't have [music and singing] to >> You don't have [music and singing] to worry. worry. worry. And don't you be afraid.

Joy comes in the morning. Joy comes in the morning. tr tr tr [music] Jesus Jesus [music] who will wipe your tears away [music] who will wipe your tears away [music] who will wipe your tears away and [music and singing] your heart. Lift them up. Lift those hands [music] Lift them up. Lift those hands [music] up and sing. [singing] >> I can make [music] it. Heat. Heat. >> I can make [music] it. Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] Heat. Heat.

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

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

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

>> Everybody [music] here in the front, >> Everybody [music] here in the front, everyone who came forward, lift up your everyone who came forward, lift up your everyone who came forward, lift up your hand. Lift up one hand. Repeat after me. hand. Lift up one hand. Repeat after me. hand. Lift up one hand. Repeat after me. In Jesus name. In Jesus name. In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> I will make it. >> I will make it. >> I will make it. >> I will make it. He will supply my needs. >> I will make it. He will supply my needs. >> I will make it. He will supply my needs. He will supply. He will supply. He will supply. >> He loves me. >> He loves me. >> He loves me. >> What he did for me before. >> What he did for me before. >> What he did for me before. >> He will do it again. >> He will do it again. >> He will do it again. >> I receive his faithfulness into my life. >> I receive his faithfulness into my life. >> I receive his faithfulness into my life. I love you, Jesus. I praise you, Jesus. Let's give him a hand clap of praise. Let's give him a hand clap of praise. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You can shout hallelujah while you're You can shout hallelujah while you're You can shout hallelujah while you're clapping your hands. Praise God. Praise clapping your hands. Praise God. Praise clapping your hands. Praise God. Praise God. God. God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. [music] [applause] Amen. [applause] Amen. Every time we turn around, there's a new Every time we turn around, there's a new Every time we turn around, there's a new bill. So, God has to supply all the bill. So, God has to supply all the bill. So, God has to supply all the needs [music] of this church. But, by needs [music] of this church. But, by needs [music] of this church. But, by the way, how many get bills every single the way, how many get bills every single the way, how many get bills every single month? Have you found out that no matter month? Have you found out that no matter month? Have you found out that no matter how the bad the weather is, the bills how the bad the weather is, the bills how the bad the weather is, the bills still get there? How many have found still get there? How many have found still get there? How many have found that the bills always get there? Your that the bills always get there? Your that the bills always get there? Your sister Mary might not make it, but your sister Mary might not make it, but your sister Mary might not make it, but your the bills will come the bills will come the bills will come and God has to supply.

and God has to supply. and God has to supply. And we need these things supplied. And I And we need these things supplied. And I And we need these things supplied. And I learned a long time ago this, my God learned a long time ago this, my God learned a long time ago this, my God will supply all of your not wants, not will supply all of your not wants, not will supply all of your not wants, not dreams. dreams. dreams. My God will supply all of your needs My God will supply all of your needs My God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. So that whenever we Christ Jesus. So that whenever we Christ Jesus. So that whenever we approach the Lord and you pray for your approach the Lord and you pray for your approach the Lord and you pray for your own finances, Lord, I need this. You own finances, Lord, I need this. You own finances, Lord, I need this. You promised to supply. He didn't promise promised to supply. He didn't promise promised to supply. He didn't promise the MercedesBenz for everybody, but he the MercedesBenz for everybody, but he the MercedesBenz for everybody, but he promised he would meet our needs. How promised he would meet our needs. How promised he would meet our needs. How many have had a faithful God so far in many have had a faithful God so far in many have had a faithful God so far in your life? Wave your hand at me. He's your life? Wave your hand at me. He's your life? Wave your hand at me. He's met your needs. Well, help us now by met your needs. Well, help us now by met your needs. Well, help us now by your giving. Here's the next step. He your giving. Here's the next step. He your giving. Here's the next step. He loves a cheerful giver. He loves a loves a cheerful giver. He loves a loves a cheerful giver. He loves a cheerful giver. I'm always thinking cheerful giver. I'm always thinking cheerful giver. I'm always thinking about Jesus sitting on the against one about Jesus sitting on the against one about Jesus sitting on the against one of the pillars maybe of the temple and of the pillars maybe of the temple and of the pillars maybe of the temple and watching everybody give and they're watching everybody give and they're watching everybody give and they're throwing in 50s, hundreds, checks, throwing in 50s, hundreds, checks, throwing in 50s, hundreds, checks, everything, bringing it up to date and everything, bringing it up to date and everything, bringing it up to date and some lady comes and throws a quarter in.

some lady comes and throws a quarter in. some lady comes and throws a quarter in. And he says, "Disciples, see the little And he says, "Disciples, see the little And he says, "Disciples, see the little lady walking? She gave more than lady walking? She gave more than lady walking? She gave more than everyone else. How could that be?" He said, "No, they How could that be?" He said, "No, they gave out of their abundance. They had gave out of their abundance. They had gave out of their abundance. They had [music] plenty. In fact, they were [music] plenty. In fact, they were [music] plenty. In fact, they were cheating God. He's blessed them so much cheating God. He's blessed them so much cheating God. He's blessed them so much and they put in a 20, a 50 after all and they put in a 20, a 50 after all and they put in a 20, a 50 after all he's done for them. But that lady gave he's done for them. But that lady gave he's done for them. But that lady gave all she had. She gave sacrificially. all she had. She gave sacrificially. all she had. She gave sacrificially. So today in America, I think it's So today in America, I think it's So today in America, I think it's something like less than 5% of people something like less than 5% of people something like less than 5% of people who go to church on Sunday tithe. We who go to church on Sunday tithe. We who go to church on Sunday tithe. We believe in tithing here. Take 10% of believe in tithing here. Take 10% of believe in tithing here. Take 10% of your net income and you give it to the your net income and you give it to the your net income and you give it to the Lord's work. That was done in the Old Lord's work. That was done in the Old Lord's work. That was done in the Old Testament. I'm not being legalistic Testament. I'm not being legalistic Testament. I'm not being legalistic about it. You don't feel to tithe. You about it. You don't feel to tithe. You about it. You don't feel to tithe. You don't want to give 10%. You want to give don't want to give 10%. You want to give don't want to give 10%. You want to give 80%, see me after the meeting and we'll 80%, see me after the meeting and we'll 80%, see me after the meeting and we'll we'll give you an envelope, a special we'll give you an envelope, a special we'll give you an envelope, a special envelope for that. No, I'm serious. You envelope for that. No, I'm serious. You envelope for that. No, I'm serious. You give as the Lord leads you. But I'm just give as the Lord leads you. But I'm just give as the Lord leads you. But I'm just saying before Christ came, they were saying before Christ came, they were saying before Christ came, they were giving 10% for the work of the Lord. Can giving 10% for the work of the Lord. Can giving 10% for the work of the Lord. Can we do anything less? My wife and I don't we do anything less? My wife and I don't we do anything less? My wife and I don't believe so. We've practiced [music] believe so. We've practiced [music] believe so. We've practiced [music] that. And God has been good to us. He that. And God has been good to us. He that. And God has been good to us. He loves the cheerful giver. And somehow in loves the cheerful giver. And somehow in loves the cheerful giver. And somehow in the economy of God, he has said this.

the economy of God, he has said this. the economy of God, he has said this. Give and it shall be given. And that's Give and it shall be given. And that's Give and it shall be given. And that's not just a church. Just give to people. not just a church. Just give to people. not just a church. Just give to people. Don't be cheap. Don't be cheap. Don't be cheap. Don't be faithless. Don't be [music] Don't be faithless. Don't be [music] Don't be faithless. Don't be [music] tight. Be free. tight. Be free. tight. Be free. Imitate God. God so loved the world that Imitate God. God so loved the world that Imitate God. God so loved the world that he he he >> he gave his very best, his son. >> he gave his very best, his son. >> he gave his very best, his son. So you can give as you leave here. We So you can give as you leave here. We So you can give as you leave here. We really need your help. We really do. And really need your help. We really do. And really need your help. We really do. And uh you can give online, of course, those uh you can give online, of course, those uh you can give online, of course, those watching online. We thank you for that. watching online. We thank you for that. watching online. We thank you for that. A lot of sermons have been preached from A lot of sermons have been preached from A lot of sermons have been preached from this pulpit by visitors that have this pulpit by visitors that have this pulpit by visitors that have blessed us, but none, no one has been a blessed us, but none, no one has been a blessed us, but none, no one has been a greater blessing [music] to us when he's greater blessing [music] to us when he's greater blessing [music] to us when he's able to visit than Pastor Willie Rice, able to visit than Pastor Willie Rice, able to visit than Pastor Willie Rice, who's going to be here in October. who's going to be here in October. who's going to be here in October. Willie Rice is the pastor of Calvary Willie Rice is the pastor of Calvary Willie Rice is the pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater Church in Clearwater Church in Clearwater and he's here with his wife Cheryl. He's and he's here with his wife Cheryl. He's and he's here with his wife Cheryl. He's my friend and he's got a lot of my friend and he's got a lot of my friend and he's got a lot of responsibilities right now the way the responsibilities right now the way the responsibilities right now the way the Lord has led his life and he's here to Lord has led his life and he's here to Lord has led his life and he's here to feed us meat, potatoes, vegetables, feed us meat, potatoes, vegetables, feed us meat, potatoes, vegetables, dessert. How many are hungry for the dessert. How many are hungry for the dessert. How many are hungry for the word of God? Come on, let's give a loud word of God? Come on, let's give a loud word of God? Come on, let's give a loud welcome to Pastor Willie Rice.

welcome to Pastor Willie Rice. welcome to Pastor Willie Rice. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] [music] >> It is always a great honor to be home >> It is always a great honor to be home with my friends here at Brooklyn Tab and with my friends here at Brooklyn Tab and with my friends here at Brooklyn Tab and uh it's a joy to be with you today. I uh it's a joy to be with you today. I uh it's a joy to be with you today. I come today I'm going to I'm going to come today I'm going to I'm going to come today I'm going to I'm going to invite you to look at a very obscure invite you to look at a very obscure invite you to look at a very obscure text in the book of 2 Chronicles 2 text in the book of 2 Chronicles 2 text in the book of 2 Chronicles 2 Chronicles 22. But I have a very simple Chronicles 22. But I have a very simple Chronicles 22. But I have a very simple premise. premise. premise. God always keeps his promise God always keeps his promise God always keeps his promise >> and he always >> and he always >> and he always fulfills his plan. And that's the fulfills his plan. And that's the fulfills his plan. And that's the message today that no matter what you're message today that no matter what you're message today that no matter what you're going through and no matter what you see going through and no matter what you see going through and no matter what you see or don't see, no matter what the or don't see, no matter what the or don't see, no matter what the circumstances are or you think they are, circumstances are or you think they are, circumstances are or you think they are, God God God always keeps his promises always keeps his promises always keeps his promises and he always fulfills his plan. So, I'm and he always fulfills his plan. So, I'm and he always fulfills his plan. So, I'm going to bring you back to a passage going to bring you back to a passage going to bring you back to a passage that, as I said, is kind of obscure.

that, as I said, is kind of obscure. that, as I said, is kind of obscure. It's in 2 Chronicles 22. It's deep in It's in 2 Chronicles 22. It's deep in It's in 2 Chronicles 22. It's deep in the history of the Jewish people, 800 the history of the Jewish people, 800 the history of the Jewish people, 800 years before the time of Christ. But I years before the time of Christ. But I years before the time of Christ. But I know that you know that everything in know that you know that everything in know that you know that everything in the Bible is about Jesus. The Old the Bible is about Jesus. The Old the Bible is about Jesus. The Old Testament points to Jesus. The Gospels Testament points to Jesus. The Gospels Testament points to Jesus. The Gospels tell us about Jesus. The epistles tell tell us about Jesus. The epistles tell tell us about Jesus. The epistles tell us how to live for Jesus. It's all a us how to live for Jesus. It's all a us how to live for Jesus. It's all a hymn book. It's about him. And so we're hymn book. It's about him. And so we're hymn book. It's about him. And so we're going to go into a story in Jewish going to go into a story in Jewish going to go into a story in Jewish history in 2 Chronicles 22. Again, history in 2 Chronicles 22. Again, history in 2 Chronicles 22. Again, somewhat obscure, but it is a story that somewhat obscure, but it is a story that somewhat obscure, but it is a story that tells us about the faithfulness of God. tells us about the faithfulness of God. tells us about the faithfulness of God. And it reminds us of his absolute And it reminds us of his absolute And it reminds us of his absolute promise that he will keep his word. And promise that he will keep his word. And promise that he will keep his word. And no matter what you are going through no matter what you are going through no matter what you are going through today, no matter what you are faced with today, no matter what you are faced with today, no matter what you are faced with now, we can understand that we can trust now, we can understand that we can trust now, we can understand that we can trust God because he always keeps his promise God because he always keeps his promise God because he always keeps his promise and he always fulfills his plan. So and he always fulfills his plan. So and he always fulfills his plan. So there's this story again 800 years there's this story again 800 years there's this story again 800 years before Christ. And there's a bunch of before Christ. And there's a bunch of before Christ. And there's a bunch of names in this text and you're going to names in this text and you're going to names in this text and you're going to get a little bit lost in the history, get a little bit lost in the history, get a little bit lost in the history, but I think we can navigate through this but I think we can navigate through this but I think we can navigate through this together. But it's so important and I together. But it's so important and I together. But it's so important and I think this is such a fantastic account think this is such a fantastic account think this is such a fantastic account in 2 Chronicles 22:10. So if some of in 2 Chronicles 22:10. So if some of in 2 Chronicles 22:10. So if some of these names are unfamiliar to you, it's these names are unfamiliar to you, it's these names are unfamiliar to you, it's okay. It's okay. They're unfamiliar to okay. It's okay. They're unfamiliar to okay. It's okay. They're unfamiliar to most people. But 2 Chronicles 22 and:e most people. But 2 Chronicles 22 and:e most people. But 2 Chronicles 22 and:e 10 tell us this strange story from the

10 tell us this strange story from the 10 tell us this strange story from the Old Testament that I think will be an Old Testament that I think will be an Old Testament that I think will be an encouragement to us today. 2 Chronicles encouragement to us today. 2 Chronicles encouragement to us today. 2 Chronicles 22. I want to read in verse 10 and then 22. I want to read in verse 10 and then 22. I want to read in verse 10 and then the first couple of verses in chapter the first couple of verses in chapter the first couple of verses in chapter 23. This is what the Bible says. 2 23. This is what the Bible says. 2 23. This is what the Bible says. 2 Chronicles 22 and verse 10. When Athliah Chronicles 22 and verse 10. When Athliah Chronicles 22 and verse 10. When Athliah Ahaziah's Ahaziah's Ahaziah's mother saw that her son was dead, she mother saw that her son was dead, she mother saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal proceeded to annihilate all the royal proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs of the house of Judah. heirs of the house of Judah. heirs of the house of Judah. Jehoshabath, Jehoshabath, Jehoshabath, I told you there were some strange names I told you there were some strange names I told you there were some strange names in here. By the way, you did great with in here. By the way, you did great with in here. By the way, you did great with all those names, Pastor Jim. with all all those names, Pastor Jim. with all all those names, Pastor Jim. with all those members from all over the world. those members from all over the world. those members from all over the world. What a picture, by the way, of the What a picture, by the way, of the What a picture, by the way, of the kingdom of God. So beautiful. Jehoshab, kingdom of God. So beautiful. Jehoshab, kingdom of God. So beautiful. Jehoshab, the king's daughter, rescued Joash, the the king's daughter, rescued Joash, the the king's daughter, rescued Joash, the son of Aziah, from the king's sons who son of Aziah, from the king's sons who son of Aziah, from the king's sons who were being killed, and put him and the were being killed, and put him and the were being killed, and put him and the one who nursed him in a bedroom. Now one who nursed him in a bedroom. Now one who nursed him in a bedroom. Now Jehoshabath was the daughter of King Jehoshabath was the daughter of King Jehoshabath was the daughter of King Jehoram, and the wife of the priest Jehoram, and the wife of the priest Jehoram, and the wife of the priest Jehoeda. Since she was Ahaziah's sister, Jehoeda. Since she was Ahaziah's sister, Jehoeda. Since she was Ahaziah's sister, she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she did not kill him. [clears throat] He was did not kill him. [clears throat] He was did not kill him. [clears throat] He was hiding with them in God's temple for six hiding with them in God's temple for six hiding with them in God's temple for six years while Athaliah reigned over the years while Athaliah reigned over the years while Athaliah reigned over the land. Then in the seventh year, Jehoeda land. Then in the seventh year, Jehoeda land. Then in the seventh year, Jehoeda summoned his courage. He took the summoned his courage. He took the summoned his courage. He took the commanders of hundreds into a covenant commanders of hundreds into a covenant commanders of hundreds into a covenant with him. Azariah the son of Jehoram,

with him. Azariah the son of Jehoram, with him. Azariah the son of Jehoram, Ishmael the son of Jehoan, Azariah the Ishmael the son of Jehoan, Azariah the Ishmael the son of Jehoan, Azariah the son of Oed, Measel the son of Adia, son of Oed, Measel the son of Adia, son of Oed, Measel the son of Adia, Elashett the son of Zikai. They made a Elashett the son of Zikai. They made a Elashett the son of Zikai. They made a circuit throughout Judah. They gathered circuit throughout Judah. They gathered circuit throughout Judah. They gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah the Levites from all the cities of Judah the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the family heads of Israel and they and the family heads of Israel and they and the family heads of Israel and they came to Jerusalem. And then the whole came to Jerusalem. And then the whole came to Jerusalem. And then the whole assembly made a covenant with the king assembly made a covenant with the king assembly made a covenant with the king in God's temple. And Jehoeda said to in God's temple. And Jehoeda said to in God's temple. And Jehoeda said to them, them, them, "Here "Here "Here is the king's son. is the king's son. is the king's son. He will reign He will reign He will reign just as the Lord promised concerning just as the Lord promised concerning just as the Lord promised concerning David's son." David's son." David's son." Father, today [sighs] I pray that you Father, today [sighs] I pray that you Father, today [sighs] I pray that you would remind us the person facing the would remind us the person facing the would remind us the person facing the most overwhelming circumstance, most overwhelming circumstance, most overwhelming circumstance, the person trapped in a thick fog, the person trapped in a thick fog, the person trapped in a thick fog, the person perhaps struggling with the person perhaps struggling with the person perhaps struggling with discouragement and depression, discouragement and depression, discouragement and depression, the person wondering if they can even go the person wondering if they can even go the person wondering if they can even go on another step. that you are a faithful on another step. that you are a faithful on another step. that you are a faithful God and you always keep your promise and God and you always keep your promise and God and you always keep your promise and you always fulfill your plans so we can you always fulfill your plans so we can you always fulfill your plans so we can always trust you. Show us that always trust you. Show us that always trust you. Show us that strengthen our faith. I pray today in strengthen our faith. I pray today in strengthen our faith. I pray today in Jesus name. Amen. My wife Cheryl is here Jesus name. Amen. My wife Cheryl is here Jesus name. Amen. My wife Cheryl is here today. We're up from Clear Water. I I today. We're up from Clear Water. I I today. We're up from Clear Water. I I don't know what you like to do. One of don't know what you like to do. One of don't know what you like to do. One of the things we like to do in our free the things we like to do in our free the things we like to do in our free time if we're traveling, we like to time if we're traveling, we like to time if we're traveling, we like to hike. We like to hike in the mountains.

hike. We like to hike in the mountains. hike. We like to hike in the mountains. Maybe you do. I don't know. But we like Maybe you do. I don't know. But we like Maybe you do. I don't know. But we like to hike in the mountains. And there have to hike in the mountains. And there have to hike in the mountains. And there have been a couple of times and I remember been a couple of times and I remember been a couple of times and I remember one specifically that happened in I one specifically that happened in I one specifically that happened in I think North Carolina. It was a it was a think North Carolina. It was a it was a think North Carolina. It was a it was a trail we were taking and it was kind of trail we were taking and it was kind of trail we were taking and it was kind of hard. It was kind of hard. But we were hard. It was kind of hard. But we were hard. It was kind of hard. But we were promised if you can navigate the trail promised if you can navigate the trail promised if you can navigate the trail and you don't quit, you will get to the and you don't quit, you will get to the and you don't quit, you will get to the top. And oh my, what a view it will be. top. And oh my, what a view it will be. top. And oh my, what a view it will be. There is a scenic vista you can see for There is a scenic vista you can see for There is a scenic vista you can see for miles. And so with the excitement of, miles. And so with the excitement of, miles. And so with the excitement of, you know, dayhikers, we set out and we you know, dayhikers, we set out and we you know, dayhikers, we set out and we journeyed up the mountain and it was journeyed up the mountain and it was journeyed up the mountain and it was difficult. And we got to the difficult. And we got to the difficult. And we got to the outcropping, the vista, the overlook. outcropping, the vista, the overlook. outcropping, the vista, the overlook. But we knew before we got there we were But we knew before we got there we were But we knew before we got there we were in trouble. You know why? Because a big in trouble. You know why? Because a big in trouble. You know why? Because a big fog had set in. They call them the Smoky fog had set in. They call them the Smoky fog had set in. They call them the Smoky Mountains for a reason. And it was Mountains for a reason. And it was Mountains for a reason. And it was smoky. And when you got to that scenic smoky. And when you got to that scenic smoky. And when you got to that scenic vista where you should have been able to vista where you should have been able to vista where you should have been able to see for miles on a beautiful sunny day, see for miles on a beautiful sunny day, see for miles on a beautiful sunny day, all we saw were thick clouds that all we saw were thick clouds that all we saw were thick clouds that obscured the view. And I remember we obscured the view. And I remember we obscured the view. And I remember we still enjoyed the hike, but I remember still enjoyed the hike, but I remember still enjoyed the hike, but I remember we kind of joked to one another. There's we kind of joked to one another. There's we kind of joked to one another. There's a great view out there somewhere, a great view out there somewhere, a great view out there somewhere, but we didn't see it that day. But it but we didn't see it that day. But it but we didn't see it that day. But it doesn't mean it wasn't out there. And doesn't mean it wasn't out there. And doesn't mean it wasn't out there. And life is sometimes like that. The view we life is sometimes like that. The view we life is sometimes like that. The view we have sometimes is nothing but confusion have sometimes is nothing but confusion have sometimes is nothing but confusion and clouds. But there is a sun above it and clouds. But there is a sun above it and clouds. But there is a sun above it all. And we know the promises of God are all. And we know the promises of God are all. And we know the promises of God are true whether we can see them or not.

true whether we can see them or not. true whether we can see them or not. Sometimes the promises of God seem Sometimes the promises of God seem Sometimes the promises of God seem hidden behind the clouds. We don't hidden behind the clouds. We don't hidden behind the clouds. We don't always see them fulfilled in this always see them fulfilled in this always see them fulfilled in this moment. So, I want to talk to you about moment. So, I want to talk to you about moment. So, I want to talk to you about the hidden promise of God and encourage the hidden promise of God and encourage the hidden promise of God and encourage you to trust him because he always keeps you to trust him because he always keeps you to trust him because he always keeps his promise. This is a strange story. his promise. This is a strange story. his promise. This is a strange story. I'm just going to tell you again. It's I'm just going to tell you again. It's I'm just going to tell you again. It's in Jewish history. And you know that not in Jewish history. And you know that not in Jewish history. And you know that not just from Jewish history, but from all just from Jewish history, but from all just from Jewish history, but from all of history. Being a king and being the of history. Being a king and being the of history. Being a king and being the son of a king could be really dangerous son of a king could be really dangerous son of a king could be really dangerous business because when one king takes business because when one king takes business because when one king takes over for another king, guess what? over for another king, guess what? over for another king, guess what? There's cunning and there's conspiracies There's cunning and there's conspiracies There's cunning and there's conspiracies and a lot of times there's there's and a lot of times there's there's and a lot of times there's there's outright murder. A lot of times a king's outright murder. A lot of times a king's outright murder. A lot of times a king's heirs will be murdered so someone else heirs will be murdered so someone else heirs will be murdered so someone else gets the throne. And this is a period in gets the throne. And this is a period in gets the throne. And this is a period in Jewish history that was particularly Jewish history that was particularly Jewish history that was particularly dark. In fact, it's it's one of those dark. In fact, it's it's one of those dark. In fact, it's it's one of those stories again that gets buried and we stories again that gets buried and we stories again that gets buried and we almost forget how bad it was sometimes. almost forget how bad it was sometimes. almost forget how bad it was sometimes. So, let me just really fast set you up So, let me just really fast set you up So, let me just really fast set you up on what was happening here some 800 on what was happening here some 800 on what was happening here some 800 years before the time of Christ and then years before the time of Christ and then years before the time of Christ and then help you understand why it matters to us help you understand why it matters to us help you understand why it matters to us today who want to follow and trust today who want to follow and trust today who want to follow and trust Jesus. You may have heard of Jehoshaphat Jesus. You may have heard of Jehoshaphat Jesus. You may have heard of Jehoshaphat who is a king of Judah. Jehoshaphat was who is a king of Judah. Jehoshaphat was who is a king of Judah. Jehoshaphat was one of the greatest kings of Judah and one of the greatest kings of Judah and one of the greatest kings of Judah and you can study his story another time. He you can study his story another time. He you can study his story another time. He has a son named Jehoram. That's his has a son named Jehoram. That's his has a son named Jehoram. That's his firstborn son. He is a lessernown king.

firstborn son. He is a lessernown king. firstborn son. He is a lessernown king. In fact, if Jehoshaphat was a good king, In fact, if Jehoshaphat was a good king, In fact, if Jehoshaphat was a good king, his son Jehoram was a very bad king. The his son Jehoram was a very bad king. The his son Jehoram was a very bad king. The very first thing he did was kill all of very first thing he did was kill all of very first thing he did was kill all of his brothers who were potential heirs to his brothers who were potential heirs to his brothers who were potential heirs to the throne. That's the first thing he the throne. That's the first thing he the throne. That's the first thing he did. Killed all of his brothers. The did. Killed all of his brothers. The did. Killed all of his brothers. The second thing he did is he married a second thing he did is he married a second thing he did is he married a woman named Athaliah who was the woman named Athaliah who was the woman named Athaliah who was the daughter of a guy named Ahab daughter of a guy named Ahab daughter of a guy named Ahab and a woman named Jezebel. and a woman named Jezebel. and a woman named Jezebel. Now, if you know a little bit about Old Now, if you know a little bit about Old Now, if you know a little bit about Old Testament history, you know that God's Testament history, you know that God's Testament history, you know that God's people actually split at one point. And people actually split at one point. And people actually split at one point. And there were 10 tribes to the north known there were 10 tribes to the north known there were 10 tribes to the north known as Israel. The capital was in Samaria. as Israel. The capital was in Samaria. as Israel. The capital was in Samaria. There were two tribes to the south. They There were two tribes to the south. They There were two tribes to the south. They were known as Judah. The capital was in were known as Judah. The capital was in were known as Judah. The capital was in Jerusalem. One was completely apostate. Jerusalem. One was completely apostate. Jerusalem. One was completely apostate. One stayed loyal to the house of David. One stayed loyal to the house of David. One stayed loyal to the house of David. In the north kingdom, there was a king In the north kingdom, there was a king In the north kingdom, there was a king named Ahab who had a wife named Jezebel. named Ahab who had a wife named Jezebel. named Ahab who had a wife named Jezebel. And they are among the most wicked And they are among the most wicked And they are among the most wicked people who ever reigned. Ahab and people who ever reigned. Ahab and people who ever reigned. Ahab and Jezebel. Ahab was weak and wicked. Jezebel. Ahab was weak and wicked. Jezebel. Ahab was weak and wicked. Jezebel was strong and wicked.

Jezebel was strong and wicked. Jezebel was strong and wicked. They apparently had a daughter named her They apparently had a daughter named her They apparently had a daughter named her Athaliah. And when Jehoram, the son of Athaliah. And when Jehoram, the son of Athaliah. And when Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat becomes the king of Judah in Jehoshaphat becomes the king of Judah in Jehoshaphat becomes the king of Judah in the south in Jerusalem where the temple the south in Jerusalem where the temple the south in Jerusalem where the temple was a son of David, the first thing he was a son of David, the first thing he was a son of David, the first thing he does is he kills all of his brothers. does is he kills all of his brothers. does is he kills all of his brothers. The second thing he does is he marries The second thing he does is he marries The second thing he does is he marries Athaliah. Athaliah. Athaliah. He's 0 for two out of the gate. Really He's 0 for two out of the gate. Really He's 0 for two out of the gate. Really bad decisions. bad decisions. bad decisions. He becomes a wicked and weak king. And He becomes a wicked and weak king. And He becomes a wicked and weak king. And Athaliah, like her mother Jezebel, Athaliah, like her mother Jezebel, Athaliah, like her mother Jezebel, is a strong and manipulative person. is a strong and manipulative person. is a strong and manipulative person. What happens to Jehoram is he dies after What happens to Jehoram is he dies after What happens to Jehoram is he dies after a short amount of time. He reigned 8 a short amount of time. He reigned 8 a short amount of time. He reigned 8 years. He died after a 2-year illness. years. He died after a 2-year illness. years. He died after a 2-year illness. And the Bible says, this is actually And the Bible says, this is actually And the Bible says, this is actually what it says. 2 Chronicles 21:20. You what it says. 2 Chronicles 21:20. You what it says. 2 Chronicles 21:20. You can look it up. It says he died can look it up. It says he died can look it up. It says he died to no one's regret. to no one's regret. to no one's regret. Isn't that interesting? They were all Isn't that interesting? They were all Isn't that interesting? They were all happy to see him go. So Jehoram dies.

happy to see him go. So Jehoram dies. happy to see him go. So Jehoram dies. Now watch this. I'll get you somewhere. Now watch this. I'll get you somewhere. Now watch this. I'll get you somewhere. He has a son named Ahaziah. He has a son named Ahaziah. He has a son named Ahaziah. Ahaziah wasn't actually the oldest son. Ahaziah wasn't actually the oldest son. Ahaziah wasn't actually the oldest son. He is the youngest son, but he became He is the youngest son, but he became He is the youngest son, but he became king because enemies had invaded the king because enemies had invaded the king because enemies had invaded the land and killed the other sons. Ahaziah land and killed the other sons. Ahaziah land and killed the other sons. Ahaziah was only 22 years old. So he's now the was only 22 years old. So he's now the was only 22 years old. So he's now the new king. And his mother is like the new king. And his mother is like the new king. And his mother is like the queen mother. That's Athliah, Jezebel's queen mother. That's Athliah, Jezebel's queen mother. That's Athliah, Jezebel's daughter. She's the queen mother. daughter. She's the queen mother. daughter. She's the queen mother. Ahaziah, 22 years old, and he's the Ahaziah, 22 years old, and he's the Ahaziah, 22 years old, and he's the king. And he lasts for one year. Only king. And he lasts for one year. Only king. And he lasts for one year. Only one year, not very long. He is killed one year, not very long. He is killed one year, not very long. He is killed when he goes to a battle in the northern when he goes to a battle in the northern when he goes to a battle in the northern kingdom and God was bringing judgment on kingdom and God was bringing judgment on kingdom and God was bringing judgment on the house of Ahab and Ahaziah got caught the house of Ahab and Ahaziah got caught the house of Ahab and Ahaziah got caught up in it and so he died. And the Bible up in it and so he died. And the Bible up in it and so he died. And the Bible says in 2 Chronicles 22:9, "No one from says in 2 Chronicles 22:9, "No one from says in 2 Chronicles 22:9, "No one from the house of Ahaziah had the strength to the house of Ahaziah had the strength to the house of Ahaziah had the strength to rule the kingdom." And this is where our rule the kingdom." And this is where our rule the kingdom." And this is where our story picks up. So the queen mother story picks up. So the queen mother story picks up. So the queen mother Athliah, Athliah, Athliah, she's the queen. Her son, the she's the queen. Her son, the she's the queen. Her son, the 22-year-old, he's dead. So, who would be 22-year-old, he's dead. So, who would be 22-year-old, he's dead. So, who would be the next in line to be the king? Well, the next in line to be the king? Well, the next in line to be the king? Well, her grandchildren.

her grandchildren. her grandchildren. Guess what she did? Guess what she did? Guess what she did? She killed them all. She killed them all. She killed them all. How'd you like her for a grandmother? How'd you like her for a grandmother? How'd you like her for a grandmother? She slaughters her grandchildren. She slaughters her grandchildren. She slaughters her grandchildren. And the daughter of Jezebel And the daughter of Jezebel And the daughter of Jezebel takes the throne of David. takes the throne of David. takes the throne of David. She will reign for six horrible years in She will reign for six horrible years in She will reign for six horrible years in Judah. The Bible will describe her reign Judah. The Bible will describe her reign Judah. The Bible will describe her reign as a time of apostasy. The sacred things as a time of apostasy. The sacred things as a time of apostasy. The sacred things of the temple will be used for the of the temple will be used for the of the temple will be used for the worship of false gods. Baal worship with worship of false gods. Baal worship with worship of false gods. Baal worship with all of its materialistic emphasis, all all of its materialistic emphasis, all all of its materialistic emphasis, all of its moral perversions. of its moral perversions. of its moral perversions. It permeates the land. It distorts the It permeates the land. It distorts the It permeates the land. It distorts the true worship of God. And here's the true worship of God. And here's the true worship of God. And here's the problem. Had God not promised problem. Had God not promised problem. Had God not promised that David would always have an heir on that David would always have an heir on that David would always have an heir on the throne, the throne, the throne, had God not said to David, "Your dynasty had God not said to David, "Your dynasty had God not said to David, "Your dynasty will last."

will last." will last." But now that Athliah becomes the queen, But now that Athliah becomes the queen, But now that Athliah becomes the queen, slaughters her grandchildren, slaughters her grandchildren, slaughters her grandchildren, there is not a single direct descendant there is not a single direct descendant there is not a single direct descendant of David left. of David left. of David left. It's gone It's gone It's gone except for one small detail almost no except for one small detail almost no except for one small detail almost no one knew about. one knew about. one knew about. There was one grandchild There was one grandchild There was one grandchild who had been hidden away from almost who had been hidden away from almost who had been hidden away from almost everyone. everyone. everyone. While the king's sons were being While the king's sons were being While the king's sons were being slaughtered by the order of their own slaughtered by the order of their own slaughtered by the order of their own grandmother, there was one of them still grandmother, there was one of them still grandmother, there was one of them still a baby who escaped or more correctly had a baby who escaped or more correctly had a baby who escaped or more correctly had been rescued and his name was Joash. been rescued and his name was Joash. been rescued and his name was Joash. Joash was the king's son. And Jehoeda, Joash was the king's son. And Jehoeda, Joash was the king's son. And Jehoeda, the high priest, who was married to the high priest, who was married to the high priest, who was married to Jehoshabath, Jehoshabath, Jehoshabath, his wife, who is actually this boy's his wife, who is actually this boy's his wife, who is actually this boy's aunt. I know it all gets confusing, but aunt. I know it all gets confusing, but aunt. I know it all gets confusing, but Jehoeda the priest, rescued Joash. They Jehoeda the priest, rescued Joash. They Jehoeda the priest, rescued Joash. They took him into the temple. He's just a took him into the temple. He's just a took him into the temple. He's just a baby. He was one year old. He doesn't baby. He was one year old. He doesn't baby. He was one year old. He doesn't know what's going on. They put him in know what's going on. They put him in know what's going on. They put him in the temple the temple the temple and they hid him.

and they hid him. and they hid him. They hid him for six years. They hid him for six years. They hid him for six years. No one knew about it. They cared for No one knew about it. They cared for No one knew about it. They cared for him. They fed him. They nurtured him. him. They fed him. They nurtured him. him. They fed him. They nurtured him. There couldn't have been but a small There couldn't have been but a small There couldn't have been but a small handful of people who would have been in handful of people who would have been in handful of people who would have been in on the conspiracy because their very on the conspiracy because their very on the conspiracy because their very lives would have been at stake while the lives would have been at stake while the lives would have been at stake while the wicked queen Athaliah rules on the wicked queen Athaliah rules on the wicked queen Athaliah rules on the throne. They hid the young child in the throne. They hid the young child in the throne. They hid the young child in the temple. He has fed. He has raised. He temple. He has fed. He has raised. He temple. He has fed. He has raised. He has taught. I don't know if he ever came has taught. I don't know if he ever came has taught. I don't know if he ever came out and saw the light of day. The high out and saw the light of day. The high out and saw the light of day. The high priest and his wife care for him until priest and his wife care for him until priest and his wife care for him until they knew. They knew they knew. They knew they knew. They knew that the day would come that eventually that the day would come that eventually that the day would come that eventually they would bring the king out and they they would bring the king out and they they would bring the king out and they held on to the promise that was hidden held on to the promise that was hidden held on to the promise that was hidden but they knew was still alive. The day but they knew was still alive. The day but they knew was still alive. The day came, by the way, and we read about it came, by the way, and we read about it came, by the way, and we read about it here in chapter 3. It came when Joash here in chapter 3. It came when Joash here in chapter 3. It came when Joash was 7 years old. was 7 years old. was 7 years old. Six years had passed. Athaliah reigns in Six years had passed. Athaliah reigns in Six years had passed. Athaliah reigns in Jerusalem. But in the seventh year, Jerusalem. But in the seventh year, Jerusalem. But in the seventh year, which is kind of interesting cuz the which is kind of interesting cuz the which is kind of interesting cuz the seventh day is said to be God's day. Not seventh day is said to be God's day. Not seventh day is said to be God's day. Not trying to make too much of it. It's just trying to make too much of it. It's just trying to make too much of it. It's just an interesting detail. The seventh year.

an interesting detail. The seventh year. an interesting detail. The seventh year. I love this phrase in chapter 23:1. Did I love this phrase in chapter 23:1. Did I love this phrase in chapter 23:1. Did you see this in your Bible? In chapter you see this in your Bible? In chapter you see this in your Bible? In chapter 23:1. In the seventh year, 23:1. In the seventh year, 23:1. In the seventh year, Jehoeda Jehoeda Jehoeda summoned his courage. summoned his courage. summoned his courage. Takes courage to act for God. And so in Takes courage to act for God. And so in Takes courage to act for God. And so in the seventh year, he gathers people the seventh year, he gathers people the seventh year, he gathers people around. He begins to make sure a few I around. He begins to make sure a few I around. He begins to make sure a few I mean it was risky because what they were mean it was risky because what they were mean it was risky because what they were doing would be considered treason. And doing would be considered treason. And doing would be considered treason. And if his plan failed, not only would it if his plan failed, not only would it if his plan failed, not only would it cost them their lives, listen, the whole cost them their lives, listen, the whole cost them their lives, listen, the whole promise of God that there would be a son promise of God that there would be a son promise of God that there would be a son of David now held by a single baby. of David now held by a single baby. of David now held by a single baby. The promise of God rested on a single The promise of God rested on a single The promise of God rested on a single child. child. child. He couldn't fail. He couldn't fail. He couldn't fail. >> But at the right time, he brings people >> But at the right time, he brings people >> But at the right time, he brings people into the plot. He tells the right into the plot. He tells the right into the plot. He tells the right people, the king is actually alive. He people, the king is actually alive. He people, the king is actually alive. He makes a covenant with them. He sent them makes a covenant with them. He sent them makes a covenant with them. He sent them on a circuit throughout Judah. They on a circuit throughout Judah. They on a circuit throughout Judah. They gathered the Levites, the priestly gathered the Levites, the priestly gathered the Levites, the priestly class. They summoned the people. And class. They summoned the people. And class. They summoned the people. And then they made appropriate military then they made appropriate military then they made appropriate military arrangements, I'm assuming. And at the arrangements, I'm assuming. And at the arrangements, I'm assuming. And at the right moment, in the right time, they right moment, in the right time, they right moment, in the right time, they probably blew a trumpet. And the high probably blew a trumpet. And the high probably blew a trumpet. And the high priest made an announcement. And I love priest made an announcement. And I love priest made an announcement. And I love this announcement in verse three. Did this announcement in verse three. Did this announcement in verse three. Did you see it? Here is the king's son. They you see it? Here is the king's son. They you see it? Here is the king's son. They trot out a seven-year-old boy.

trot out a seven-year-old boy. trot out a seven-year-old boy. Here Here Here is the king's son. is the king's son. is the king's son. He will reign just as the Lord He will reign just as the Lord He will reign just as the Lord promised. And that day there was a promised. And that day there was a promised. And that day there was a reckoning that came for Athaliah. She reckoning that came for Athaliah. She reckoning that came for Athaliah. She heard the shouting and the trumpets heard the shouting and the trumpets heard the shouting and the trumpets blaring. She looked out of her palace blaring. She looked out of her palace blaring. She looked out of her palace and saw what was happening. The Bible and saw what was happening. The Bible and saw what was happening. The Bible says she cried, "Treason! Treason!" The says she cried, "Treason! Treason!" The says she cried, "Treason! Treason!" The very woman who had committed treason. very woman who had committed treason. very woman who had committed treason. And at the high priest's command, they And at the high priest's command, they And at the high priest's command, they arrested her, put her to death, and arrested her, put her to death, and arrested her, put her to death, and commanded that they put to death anyone commanded that they put to death anyone commanded that they put to death anyone who would follow or defend her. And in who would follow or defend her. And in who would follow or defend her. And in that way, King Joash was installed as that way, King Joash was installed as that way, King Joash was installed as the king of God's people. And the wicked the king of God's people. And the wicked the king of God's people. And the wicked queen Athaliah was deposed. It's a queen Athaliah was deposed. It's a queen Athaliah was deposed. It's a fascinating. It could make a movie, fascinating. It could make a movie, fascinating. It could make a movie, right? right? right? >> And by the way, if you read on, you know >> And by the way, if you read on, you know >> And by the way, if you read on, you know what Joash does? Some of you have heard what Joash does? Some of you have heard what Joash does? Some of you have heard of Joash and the chest of Joash because of Joash and the chest of Joash because of Joash and the chest of Joash because you know what Joash did? The temple was you know what Joash did? The temple was you know what Joash did? The temple was in disrepair. Worship had been in disrepair. Worship had been in disrepair. Worship had been corrupted. The praises of God have been corrupted. The praises of God have been corrupted. The praises of God have been stopped. And when Joash becomes the stopped. And when Joash becomes the stopped. And when Joash becomes the king, one of the first things he does is king, one of the first things he does is king, one of the first things he does is he begins to repair the temple of God.

he begins to repair the temple of God. he begins to repair the temple of God. They come in, they did the work, they They come in, they did the work, they They come in, they did the work, they put a chest out, people gave their put a chest out, people gave their put a chest out, people gave their money, and he commanded the priest. And money, and he commanded the priest. And money, and he commanded the priest. And under the tutelage of Jehoeda, the high under the tutelage of Jehoeda, the high under the tutelage of Jehoeda, the high priest, the worship of the living God priest, the worship of the living God priest, the worship of the living God was restored. 2 Chronicles 24-14 says, was restored. 2 Chronicles 24-14 says, was restored. 2 Chronicles 24-14 says, "They regularly offered burnt offerings "They regularly offered burnt offerings "They regularly offered burnt offerings to the Lord's temple throughout to the Lord's temple throughout to the Lord's temple throughout Jehoeda's life." This is one of those Jehoeda's life." This is one of those Jehoeda's life." This is one of those strange and dark chapters from Judah's strange and dark chapters from Judah's strange and dark chapters from Judah's life. And yet, it reminds me this life. And yet, it reminds me this life. And yet, it reminds me this morning of what I want to remind you. morning of what I want to remind you. morning of what I want to remind you. God always keeps his promise. God always God always keeps his promise. God always God always keeps his promise. God always fulfills his plan. Those are the things fulfills his plan. Those are the things fulfills his plan. Those are the things I want you to know. God always keeps his I want you to know. God always keeps his I want you to know. God always keeps his promise. You can trust God to keep his promise. You can trust God to keep his promise. You can trust God to keep his promise. For six years, the people of promise. For six years, the people of promise. For six years, the people of God were in despair. God were in despair. God were in despair. A wicked queen reigned. An awful A wicked queen reigned. An awful A wicked queen reigned. An awful ideology gripped the land. The promise ideology gripped the land. The promise ideology gripped the land. The promise of God seemed hidden. of God seemed hidden. of God seemed hidden. But there were things that most people But there were things that most people But there were things that most people couldn't see, and there were things that couldn't see, and there were things that couldn't see, and there were things that most people didn't know.

most people didn't know. most people didn't know. Hidden in the temple was a promise Hidden in the temple was a promise Hidden in the temple was a promise waiting to be revealed. How could they waiting to be revealed. How could they waiting to be revealed. How could they have known? They couldn't know. They have known? They couldn't know. They have known? They couldn't know. They could only trust that God always keeps could only trust that God always keeps could only trust that God always keeps his promise. I heard a guy say one time, his promise. I heard a guy say one time, his promise. I heard a guy say one time, "When you pray, God will either give you "When you pray, God will either give you "When you pray, God will either give you what you asked for or he'll give you what you asked for or he'll give you what you asked for or he'll give you what you would have asked for if you had what you would have asked for if you had what you would have asked for if you had known what he knows." known what he knows." known what he knows." >> I know this. When I pray, >> I know this. When I pray, >> I know this. When I pray, there are things I don't know there are things I don't know there are things I don't know and there are things I cannot see. There and there are things I cannot see. There and there are things I cannot see. There are promises that sometimes in the are promises that sometimes in the are promises that sometimes in the moment seem hidden by the circumstances. moment seem hidden by the circumstances. moment seem hidden by the circumstances. And when the promises of God seem And when the promises of God seem And when the promises of God seem hidden, what are you going to do? When hidden, what are you going to do? When hidden, what are you going to do? When the healing hasn't come, when the the healing hasn't come, when the the healing hasn't come, when the provision hasn't come, when you're provision hasn't come, when you're provision hasn't come, when you're struggling, when you need wisdom, what struggling, when you need wisdom, what struggling, when you need wisdom, what do you do when the promise of God seems do you do when the promise of God seems do you do when the promise of God seems hidden? I want to tell you three things hidden? I want to tell you three things hidden? I want to tell you three things you can do when the promise of God seems you can do when the promise of God seems you can do when the promise of God seems hidden. These are three things that hidden. These are three things that hidden. These are three things that every one of us who are followers of every one of us who are followers of every one of us who are followers of Jesus must learn and we must do because Jesus must learn and we must do because Jesus must learn and we must do because we are in so many ways like the people we are in so many ways like the people we are in so many ways like the people then there is then there is then there is a king who is alive. Those of us who a king who is alive. Those of us who a king who is alive. Those of us who follow Jesus know this. God sent his one follow Jesus know this. God sent his one follow Jesus know this. God sent his one and only son into the world to and only son into the world to and only son into the world to demonstrate his love for us. that while demonstrate his love for us. that while demonstrate his love for us. that while we were still sinners, Christ died for we were still sinners, Christ died for we were still sinners, Christ died for us and he died for us on the cross and us and he died for us on the cross and us and he died for us on the cross and he paid the price for our sins and God he paid the price for our sins and God he paid the price for our sins and God raised him from the dead and exalted him raised him from the dead and exalted him raised him from the dead and exalted him on the heaven so that anyone who calls

on the heaven so that anyone who calls on the heaven so that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. upon the name of the Lord will be saved. upon the name of the Lord will be saved. We know this. We believe this. There is We know this. We believe this. There is We know this. We believe this. There is a king who is in his holy temple, a king who is in his holy temple, a king who is in his holy temple, >> but we don't always see what he's up to. >> but we don't always see what he's up to. >> but we don't always see what he's up to. And we live in a world that doesn't even And we live in a world that doesn't even And we live in a world that doesn't even believe he's there sometimes. So, how do believe he's there sometimes. So, how do believe he's there sometimes. So, how do we live? Number one, we live by faith. we live? Number one, we live by faith. we live? Number one, we live by faith. We live by faith. We walk in faith. The We live by faith. We walk in faith. The We live by faith. We walk in faith. The Bible says if we are going to obey God, Bible says if we are going to obey God, Bible says if we are going to obey God, we must walk by faith. When the wicked we must walk by faith. When the wicked we must walk by faith. When the wicked queen ordered all of her grandchildren queen ordered all of her grandchildren queen ordered all of her grandchildren executed, there was a single man, a high executed, there was a single man, a high executed, there was a single man, a high priest, who refused to obey her and priest, who refused to obey her and priest, who refused to obey her and instead chose to obey God. Athaliah instead chose to obey God. Athaliah instead chose to obey God. Athaliah would accuse them of treason. But she would accuse them of treason. But she would accuse them of treason. But she was the treasonous one who executed was the treasonous one who executed was the treasonous one who executed God's anointed. God's anointed. God's anointed. You and I have to choose in this world You and I have to choose in this world You and I have to choose in this world who we will be faithful to. And we must who we will be faithful to. And we must who we will be faithful to. And we must choose to stay faithful to the one true choose to stay faithful to the one true choose to stay faithful to the one true king. You and I who follow Jesus know king. You and I who follow Jesus know king. You and I who follow Jesus know that Jesus is the king. And regardless that Jesus is the king. And regardless that Jesus is the king. And regardless of what false ideologies reign on the of what false ideologies reign on the of what false ideologies reign on the throne, regardless of what ideas are throne, regardless of what ideas are throne, regardless of what ideas are promoted or accepted in our land, we are promoted or accepted in our land, we are promoted or accepted in our land, we are the people who must walk by faith, not the people who must walk by faith, not the people who must walk by faith, not by sight. we remain loyal to the one who by sight. we remain loyal to the one who by sight. we remain loyal to the one who is truly king.

is truly king. is truly king. [applause] [applause] [applause] I promise you, there are going to be I promise you, there are going to be I promise you, there are going to be moments in our culture moments in our culture moments in our culture when you must walk by faith, not by when you must walk by faith, not by when you must walk by faith, not by sight. sight. sight. >> And there are going to be moments in >> And there are going to be moments in >> And there are going to be moments in your life when God isn't going to make your life when God isn't going to make your life when God isn't going to make sense. sense. sense. And you look at the influence and the And you look at the influence and the And you look at the influence and the power of an athaliah ideologies power of an athaliah ideologies power of an athaliah ideologies that seem to reign from on high. You and that seem to reign from on high. You and that seem to reign from on high. You and I though walk by faith. We put our trust I though walk by faith. We put our trust I though walk by faith. We put our trust in what we cannot always see and others in what we cannot always see and others in what we cannot always see and others certainly cannot see. We don't walk by certainly cannot see. We don't walk by certainly cannot see. We don't walk by faith. We walk or by sight. We walk by faith. We walk or by sight. We walk by faith. We walk or by sight. We walk by faith. There were people in Judah who faith. There were people in Judah who faith. There were people in Judah who could not have known that Joash was could not have known that Joash was could not have known that Joash was alive. And for six long years all they alive. And for six long years all they alive. And for six long years all they had were the promises of God. And for had were the promises of God. And for had were the promises of God. And for think about this for six years the think about this for six years the think about this for six years the promise of God and the reality of today promise of God and the reality of today promise of God and the reality of today seemed absolutely to contradict. The seemed absolutely to contradict. The seemed absolutely to contradict. The sovereign promise of God and the sovereign promise of God and the sovereign promise of God and the realities they faced were realities they faced were realities they faced were irreconcilable.

irreconcilable. irreconcilable. But I've come to remind you that no But I've come to remind you that no But I've come to remind you that no matter what you are going through, there matter what you are going through, there matter what you are going through, there are things you don't know and there are are things you don't know and there are are things you don't know and there are things we cannot see. which is why we things we cannot see. which is why we things we cannot see. which is why we choose choose to trust in the hidden choose choose to trust in the hidden choose choose to trust in the hidden promises of God. Faith. I have a friend promises of God. Faith. I have a friend promises of God. Faith. I have a friend right now who is a pastor. His daughter right now who is a pastor. His daughter right now who is a pastor. His daughter about 20 is dying of a disease. They've about 20 is dying of a disease. They've about 20 is dying of a disease. They've called in hospice care. They told him, called in hospice care. They told him, called in hospice care. They told him, "My friend in Georgia, she will live "My friend in Georgia, she will live "My friend in Georgia, she will live another 3 to 5 days." She's now on like another 3 to 5 days." She's now on like another 3 to 5 days." She's now on like day 20 day 20 day 20 and they're singing. He's home. He's and they're singing. He's home. He's and they're singing. He's home. He's She's a beautiful singer. a beautiful She's a beautiful singer. a beautiful She's a beautiful singer. a beautiful they have children and they're trusting they have children and they're trusting they have children and they're trusting God. They're trusting God and every day God. They're trusting God and every day God. They're trusting God and every day they wake up just like some of you and they wake up just like some of you and they wake up just like some of you and the promise of God just how do I trust the promise of God just how do I trust the promise of God just how do I trust what God is doing and what I'm going what God is doing and what I'm going what God is doing and what I'm going through and there are things I cannot through and there are things I cannot through and there are things I cannot see there are things I do not know. see there are things I do not know. see there are things I do not know. Faith is not presuming an outcome. Faith is not presuming an outcome. Faith is not presuming an outcome. Faith is trusting in a person.

Faith is trusting in a person. Faith is trusting in a person. Some Christians grow up thinking faith Some Christians grow up thinking faith Some Christians grow up thinking faith is presuming an outcome. Like I can is presuming an outcome. Like I can is presuming an outcome. Like I can project on God what I think God ought to project on God what I think God ought to project on God what I think God ought to do. No. Faith is trusting a person and do. No. Faith is trusting a person and do. No. Faith is trusting a person and knowing that when I put my trust in that knowing that when I put my trust in that knowing that when I put my trust in that person, no matter what happens, I will person, no matter what happens, I will person, no matter what happens, I will trust in God. No matter what happens, I trust in God. No matter what happens, I trust in God. No matter what happens, I will trust in God. [applause] will trust in God. [applause] will trust in God. [applause] Faith is our confidence that God is, no Faith is our confidence that God is, no Faith is our confidence that God is, no matter what the circumstances, no matter matter what the circumstances, no matter matter what the circumstances, no matter what the moment, no matter what the what the moment, no matter what the what the moment, no matter what the pain, that God is and he rewards those pain, that God is and he rewards those pain, that God is and he rewards those who diligently seek him. who diligently seek him. who diligently seek him. >> We don't follow God because it's always >> We don't follow God because it's always >> We don't follow God because it's always easy. We don't follow God because he easy. We don't follow God because he easy. We don't follow God because he always makes sense. We don't follow God always makes sense. We don't follow God always makes sense. We don't follow God because we always see the answer. We because we always see the answer. We because we always see the answer. We follow God because we trust God. He is follow God because we trust God. He is follow God because we trust God. He is there and we know the king is alive. there and we know the king is alive. there and we know the king is alive. [applause] [applause] [applause] So you have to walk by faith. So you have to walk by faith. So you have to walk by faith. >> It's not getting what you want. It's not >> It's not getting what you want. It's not >> It's not getting what you want. It's not always having God making sense. How many always having God making sense. How many always having God making sense. How many of you know you have to trust God when of you know you have to trust God when of you know you have to trust God when he sometimes makes no sense at all.

he sometimes makes no sense at all. he sometimes makes no sense at all. >> But you'll say, "There are things I >> But you'll say, "There are things I >> But you'll say, "There are things I don't know. There are things I cannot don't know. There are things I cannot don't know. There are things I cannot see." But here's what I know. God is see." But here's what I know. God is see." But here's what I know. God is there. God loves me. there. God loves me. there. God loves me. >> And the king is alive in his temple. I >> And the king is alive in his temple. I >> And the king is alive in his temple. I will trust God today. will trust God today. will trust God today. walk by faith. Number two, you're going walk by faith. Number two, you're going walk by faith. Number two, you're going to have to act with courage. to have to act with courage. to have to act with courage. I love that verse one of chapter 23. I love that verse one of chapter 23. I love that verse one of chapter 23. Jehoeda summoned his courage. Jehoeda summoned his courage. Jehoeda summoned his courage. I like that word summoned. It It's like I like that word summoned. It It's like I like that word summoned. It It's like I mean, listen, everything was on the I mean, listen, everything was on the I mean, listen, everything was on the line. Everything's on the line. He could line. Everything's on the line. He could line. Everything's on the line. He could have died and and even worse, what if have died and and even worse, what if have died and and even worse, what if Joash had died seven years old? The Joash had died seven years old? The Joash had died seven years old? The whole promise of God hangs by a child. whole promise of God hangs by a child. whole promise of God hangs by a child. And so guess what? The day came. He knew And so guess what? The day came. He knew And so guess what? The day came. He knew it was time. I don't know how he knew it it was time. I don't know how he knew it it was time. I don't know how he knew it was time. He prayed, sought the Lord. was time. He prayed, sought the Lord. was time. He prayed, sought the Lord. He summoned his courage. He summoned his courage. He summoned his courage. He knew what he was going to do might He knew what he was going to do might He knew what he was going to do might cost him everything. cost him everything. cost him everything. But he knew what God wanted him to do.

But he knew what God wanted him to do. But he knew what God wanted him to do. >> Are you under the impression that >> Are you under the impression that >> Are you under the impression that courage is a lack of fear? courage is a lack of fear? courage is a lack of fear? Absolutely wrong. Absolutely wrong. Absolutely wrong. Courage is when obedience overcomes your Courage is when obedience overcomes your Courage is when obedience overcomes your fear. fear. fear. >> The Bible says at that faithful moment, >> The Bible says at that faithful moment, >> The Bible says at that faithful moment, Joash Joash Joash was presented publicly. Jehoeda summoned was presented publicly. Jehoeda summoned was presented publicly. Jehoeda summoned his courage, his courage, his courage, took a deep breath, took a deep breath, took a deep breath, planted his feet on the ground, and he planted his feet on the ground, and he planted his feet on the ground, and he said, "I'm trusting in the living God, said, "I'm trusting in the living God, said, "I'm trusting in the living God, and if it costs me, it costs me." Amen. and if it costs me, it costs me." Amen. and if it costs me, it costs me." Amen. >> It's going to take courage >> It's going to take courage >> It's going to take courage today today today for you to live for Jesus. for you to live for Jesus. for you to live for Jesus. >> It takes courage to be known as a people >> It takes courage to be known as a people >> It takes courage to be known as a people who believe there's another king than who believe there's another king than who believe there's another king than the one we see on the throne. the one we see on the throne. the one we see on the throne. >> I know what's on the throne today, >> I know what's on the throne today, >> I know what's on the throne today, you know, but it takes courage to say, you know, but it takes courage to say, you know, but it takes courage to say, "I'm living for a king no one can see." "I'm living for a king no one can see." "I'm living for a king no one can see." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I I'm trusting in a promise that other >> I I'm trusting in a promise that other >> I I'm trusting in a promise that other people don't see. It's going to take people don't see. It's going to take people don't see. It's going to take courage courage courage to confess Christ. I love these people to confess Christ. I love these people to confess Christ. I love these people standing here. That just blessed my standing here. That just blessed my standing here. That just blessed my heart. And I love what your dear heart. And I love what your dear heart. And I love what your dear faithful pastor did. I love your pastor faithful pastor did. I love your pastor faithful pastor did. I love your pastor so much. He's such a blessing to me. I so much. He's such a blessing to me. I so much. He's such a blessing to me. I I'm so grateful for him. And I love the I'm so grateful for him. And I love the I'm so grateful for him. And I love the way he looked at them and said, "You've way he looked at them and said, "You've way he looked at them and said, "You've all they've all interviewed everyone.

all they've all interviewed everyone. all they've all interviewed everyone. You've confessed Jesus Christ as your You've confessed Jesus Christ as your You've confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." And I'm sure they've Lord and Savior." And I'm sure they've Lord and Savior." And I'm sure they've been baptized. They've been confessed been baptized. They've been confessed been baptized. They've been confessed their faith publicly. Listen, it takes their faith publicly. Listen, it takes their faith publicly. Listen, it takes courage to confess Christ in this age. courage to confess Christ in this age. courage to confess Christ in this age. >> Oh, it's easy to do it in this room. I >> Oh, it's easy to do it in this room. I >> Oh, it's easy to do it in this room. I mean, it's wonderful to do it in this mean, it's wonderful to do it in this mean, it's wonderful to do it in this room, but even that sometimes can take room, but even that sometimes can take room, but even that sometimes can take courage. Even that takes a little courage. Even that takes a little courage. Even that takes a little courage. It takes a lot of courage out courage. It takes a lot of courage out courage. It takes a lot of courage out there. You may be ostracized from your there. You may be ostracized from your there. You may be ostracized from your family. You know, some of these people family. You know, some of these people family. You know, some of these people standing right here because they confess standing right here because they confess standing right here because they confess Jesus in this room. That may mean among Jesus in this room. That may mean among Jesus in this room. That may mean among family members, they've been ostracized. family members, they've been ostracized. family members, they've been ostracized. It may mean at the place where they It may mean at the place where they It may mean at the place where they work, they're in a minority. work, they're in a minority. work, they're in a minority. >> It may mean that people laugh at them >> It may mean that people laugh at them >> It may mean that people laugh at them and make fun of them. It may cost you and make fun of them. It may cost you and make fun of them. It may cost you friends. friends. friends. Some of you are here today and you need Some of you are here today and you need Some of you are here today and you need to confess that Jesus Christ is the to confess that Jesus Christ is the to confess that Jesus Christ is the King, that he's the Lord of all. You've King, that he's the Lord of all. You've King, that he's the Lord of all. You've not done it yet. And let me tell you not done it yet. And let me tell you not done it yet. And let me tell you what you're thinking. If I do that, it's what you're thinking. If I do that, it's what you're thinking. If I do that, it's going to cost me. What is that friend going to cost me. What is that friend going to cost me. What is that friend going to think? What are those family going to think? What are those family going to think? What are those family members going to think? What are the members going to think? What are the members going to think? What are the people that I work at? What are they people that I work at? What are they people that I work at? What are they going to think? It's going to cost you going to think? It's going to cost you going to think? It's going to cost you to confess Christ.

to confess Christ. to confess Christ. >> Can I tell you something? It's worth it >> Can I tell you something? It's worth it >> Can I tell you something? It's worth it to confess Christ. to confess Christ. to confess Christ. >> I don't care what it cost you. summon >> I don't care what it cost you. summon >> I don't care what it cost you. summon your courage and confess Christ. your courage and confess Christ. your courage and confess Christ. [applause] I knew a pastor in Florida [applause] I knew a pastor in Florida [applause] I knew a pastor in Florida years ago. I was a boy. He told me a years ago. I was a boy. He told me a years ago. I was a boy. He told me a story, Jim. I I still have trouble story, Jim. I I still have trouble story, Jim. I I still have trouble getting my mind around it. He was a getting my mind around it. He was a getting my mind around it. He was a missionary for many years in the Middle missionary for many years in the Middle missionary for many years in the Middle East in a part of the world where it's East in a part of the world where it's East in a part of the world where it's very difficult to win people to Christ. very difficult to win people to Christ. very difficult to win people to Christ. And many of them, if they come to And many of them, if they come to And many of them, if they come to Christ, they're coming out of a very Christ, they're coming out of a very Christ, they're coming out of a very hard religious background and it will hard religious background and it will hard religious background and it will cost them everything. It's it's just not cost them everything. It's it's just not cost them everything. It's it's just not easy to confess Christ. easy to confess Christ. easy to confess Christ. And for years he had been laboring And for years he had been laboring And for years he had been laboring there, teaching and looking for there, teaching and looking for there, teaching and looking for potential converts. Very, very potential converts. Very, very potential converts. Very, very slowgoing, very difficult, not a lot of slowgoing, very difficult, not a lot of slowgoing, very difficult, not a lot of fruit. But he labored faithfully for fruit. But he labored faithfully for fruit. But he labored faithfully for many years there. A young man came to many years there. A young man came to many years there. A young man came to him at some point who had been studying him at some point who had been studying him at some point who had been studying the Bible with him, reading the Bible the Bible with him, reading the Bible the Bible with him, reading the Bible with him. And he came, his name was with him. And he came, his name was with him. And he came, his name was Pastor Davis. He came to this missionary Pastor Davis. He came to this missionary Pastor Davis. He came to this missionary and he said, "I believe what you're and he said, "I believe what you're and he said, "I believe what you're telling me is true. That Jesus died and telling me is true. That Jesus died and telling me is true. That Jesus died and was buried and rose from the dead. and I was buried and rose from the dead. and I was buried and rose from the dead. and I now believe that he is the Lord. And and now believe that he is the Lord. And and now believe that he is the Lord. And and pastor, that's so wonderful. You've come pastor, that's so wonderful. You've come pastor, that's so wonderful. You've come to a place you've trusted Christ. He to a place you've trusted Christ. He to a place you've trusted Christ. He said, "But here's a problem." He said, said, "But here's a problem." He said, said, "But here's a problem." He said, "You don't understand. If I make this "You don't understand. If I make this "You don't understand. If I make this public, if I get baptized, if I tell public, if I get baptized, if I tell public, if I get baptized, if I tell people that I am a Christian pastor, it people that I am a Christian pastor, it people that I am a Christian pastor, it will cost me everything.

will cost me everything. will cost me everything. My family will ostracize me. My father My family will ostracize me. My father My family will ostracize me. My father will probably have a funeral for me and will probably have a funeral for me and will probably have a funeral for me and declare me dead. They may never talk to declare me dead. They may never talk to declare me dead. They may never talk to me again. me again. me again. I will probably lose my job. I will probably lose my job. I will probably lose my job. Any chance I have in this country of Any chance I have in this country of Any chance I have in this country of living a comfortable life, it's gone. living a comfortable life, it's gone. living a comfortable life, it's gone. You don't understand. When I go and get You don't understand. When I go and get You don't understand. When I go and get baptized, it's not just like going under baptized, it's not just like going under baptized, it's not just like going under the water. It's a picture of dying. the water. It's a picture of dying. the water. It's a picture of dying. It will cost me everything. It will cost me everything. It will cost me everything. And the pastor thought for a moment, and And the pastor thought for a moment, and And the pastor thought for a moment, and I'm not sure I would have had the I'm not sure I would have had the I'm not sure I would have had the courage to say this. I hope I would courage to say this. I hope I would courage to say this. I hope I would have. have. have. Pastor thought for a moment, and he said Pastor thought for a moment, and he said Pastor thought for a moment, and he said this, this, this, "Jesus "Jesus "Jesus is worth it." is worth it." is worth it." And I don't say that lightly because it And I don't say that lightly because it And I don't say that lightly because it may cost you more than I can imagine. may cost you more than I can imagine. may cost you more than I can imagine. But listen to me, dear friend. But listen to me, dear friend. But listen to me, dear friend. Knowing Jesus Knowing Jesus Knowing Jesus is worth it.

is worth it. is worth it. >> And no matter what it cost you >> And no matter what it cost you >> And no matter what it cost you [applause] [applause] [applause] no matter what it cost you. no matter what it cost you. no matter what it cost you. It's going to cost you courage to It's going to cost you courage to It's going to cost you courage to confess Christ. It's going to cost you confess Christ. It's going to cost you confess Christ. It's going to cost you something to obey in this world to obey something to obey in this world to obey something to obey in this world to obey Christ Christ Christ to say others may but I cannot. to say others may but I cannot. to say others may but I cannot. There's a group of friends some of you There's a group of friends some of you There's a group of friends some of you have. And if you're going to get serious have. And if you're going to get serious have. And if you're going to get serious about following Jesus, it may mean, about following Jesus, it may mean, about following Jesus, it may mean, who knows? You can't go with them who knows? You can't go with them who knows? You can't go with them certain places. You can't do certain certain places. You can't do certain certain places. You can't do certain things anymore. Oh, no. Not if you're things anymore. Oh, no. Not if you're things anymore. Oh, no. Not if you're going to live that Jesus is king. As going to live that Jesus is king. As going to live that Jesus is king. As long as you think Athlia is king, that long as you think Athlia is king, that long as you think Athlia is king, that that's another deal. But if you really that's another deal. But if you really that's another deal. But if you really believe Jesus is king, believe Jesus is king, believe Jesus is king, >> you going to have to live different. >> you going to have to live different. >> you going to have to live different. >> All right. You got to obey the king. >> All right. You got to obey the king. >> All right. You got to obey the king. >> You got to follow the king. >> You got to follow the king. >> You got to follow the king. >> Is Jesus king or not? Is he the Lord or >> Is Jesus king or not? Is he the Lord or >> Is Jesus king or not? Is he the Lord or not? So if you if you're going to follow not? So if you if you're going to follow not? So if you if you're going to follow him, it's going to require courage. him, it's going to require courage. him, it's going to require courage. Summon your courage. Summon it. You know Summon your courage. Summon it. You know Summon your courage. Summon it. You know what that I think that means? Like you what that I think that means? Like you what that I think that means? Like you know when you summon someone, hey, come know when you summon someone, hey, come know when you summon someone, hey, come over here. I need you right now. over here. I need you right now. over here. I need you right now. Sometimes you have to, you know, I love Sometimes you have to, you know, I love Sometimes you have to, you know, I love that song. I have to speak to my fears that song. I have to speak to my fears that song. I have to speak to my fears and preach to my doubts. Do you ever and preach to my doubts. Do you ever and preach to my doubts. Do you ever sing that song faithful? Then I have to sing that song faithful? Then I have to sing that song faithful? Then I have to speak to my fear. I have to preach to my speak to my fear. I have to preach to my speak to my fear. I have to preach to my doubt. Is there anybody has to preach doubt. Is there anybody has to preach doubt. Is there anybody has to preach the gospel to yourself sometimes?

the gospel to yourself sometimes? the gospel to yourself sometimes? >> I find myself doing that all the time. >> I find myself doing that all the time. >> I find myself doing that all the time. And you're going to have to speak to And you're going to have to speak to And you're going to have to speak to your fears your fears your fears and summon your courage. Come here. I and summon your courage. Come here. I and summon your courage. Come here. I need you right now. When 150,000 men need you right now. When 150,000 men need you right now. When 150,000 men were charged to take the beaches of were charged to take the beaches of were charged to take the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, do you think they Normandy on D-Day, do you think they Normandy on D-Day, do you think they were scared? were scared? were scared? World War II hung in the balance perhaps World War II hung in the balance perhaps World War II hung in the balance perhaps the whole European continent. the whole European continent. the whole European continent. They were all frightened. Every one of They were all frightened. Every one of They were all frightened. Every one of those boys was frightened when they ran those boys was frightened when they ran those boys was frightened when they ran on those shores. on those shores. on those shores. But the ones who moved anyway But the ones who moved anyway But the ones who moved anyway were the ones who saved the day. were the ones who saved the day. were the ones who saved the day. George Patton, the general, said, quote, George Patton, the general, said, quote, George Patton, the general, said, quote, "The real hero is the one who fights "The real hero is the one who fights "The real hero is the one who fights even when he is scared." even when he is scared." even when he is scared." And I'm telling you, And I'm telling you, And I'm telling you, you and I must summon our courage today you and I must summon our courage today you and I must summon our courage today and stand for Jesus. We must say to this and stand for Jesus. We must say to this and stand for Jesus. We must say to this world, "No, no, no, no. Athaliah is not world, "No, no, no, no. Athaliah is not world, "No, no, no, no. Athaliah is not on. I know you you think Athalia is in on. I know you you think Athalia is in on. I know you you think Athalia is in charge." No, no. Jesus is in charge.

charge." No, no. Jesus is in charge. charge." No, no. Jesus is in charge. >> We must walk by faith. We must summon >> We must walk by faith. We must summon >> We must walk by faith. We must summon our courage. And my friend, lastly, we our courage. And my friend, lastly, we our courage. And my friend, lastly, we must persevere in hope. In a sense, must persevere in hope. In a sense, must persevere in hope. In a sense, Jehoeda and his wife had a secret that Jehoeda and his wife had a secret that Jehoeda and his wife had a secret that helped them. In a sense, they were like helped them. In a sense, they were like helped them. In a sense, they were like cheating a little bit because cheating a little bit because cheating a little bit because no one else knew the king was alive. So, no one else knew the king was alive. So, no one else knew the king was alive. So, they're all walking down for six years they're all walking down for six years they're all walking down for six years like God is. He hasn't kept his promise. like God is. He hasn't kept his promise. like God is. He hasn't kept his promise. What is he going to Athaliah? Can you What is he going to Athaliah? Can you What is he going to Athaliah? Can you believe Jezebel's daughter is sitting on believe Jezebel's daughter is sitting on believe Jezebel's daughter is sitting on David's throne? Can you even believe David's throne? Can you even believe David's throne? Can you even believe that? For six years, that's all they that? For six years, that's all they that? For six years, that's all they knew. And don't you think Jehoeda and knew. And don't you think Jehoeda and knew. And don't you think Jehoeda and his wife kind of wanted to go, "Come his wife kind of wanted to go, "Come his wife kind of wanted to go, "Come over here. I got a secret." No, they over here. I got a secret." No, they over here. I got a secret." No, they couldn't. They couldn't. They walked couldn't. They couldn't. They walked couldn't. They couldn't. They walked around though. And some people must have around though. And some people must have around though. And some people must have wondered, I wonder how Jehoa keeps it wondered, I wonder how Jehoa keeps it wondered, I wonder how Jehoa keeps it up. Like, you know, he keeps singing up. Like, you know, he keeps singing up. Like, you know, he keeps singing those songs of praise. Doesn't he know those songs of praise. Doesn't he know those songs of praise. Doesn't he know Athali's on the throne? How come he he's Athali's on the throne? How come he he's Athali's on the throne? How come he he's still singing to the Lord? How come he's still singing to the Lord? How come he's still singing to the Lord? How come he's still praying the scriptures? How come still praying the scriptures? How come still praying the scriptures? How come he doesn't give up? How come he doesn't he doesn't give up? How come he doesn't he doesn't give up? How come he doesn't just like doesn't he know it's over? just like doesn't he know it's over? just like doesn't he know it's over? It's done. David's sons are dead. Like It's done. David's sons are dead. Like It's done. David's sons are dead. Like it's over. What does he know that we it's over. What does he know that we it's over. What does he know that we don't know?

don't know? don't know? But the day came they found out. Here's But the day came they found out. Here's But the day came they found out. Here's what Jehoeda knew. Every single day of what Jehoeda knew. Every single day of what Jehoeda knew. Every single day of those dark years. those dark years. those dark years. The king's son was alive. The king's son was alive. The king's son was alive. >> That's what he knew. >> That's what he knew. >> That's what he knew. >> But you know what? You and I are like >> But you know what? You and I are like >> But you know what? You and I are like that. that. that. Like we know what others don't know. We Like we know what others don't know. We Like we know what others don't know. We know what sometimes even Christians seem know what sometimes even Christians seem know what sometimes even Christians seem to forget. We know that there is more to forget. We know that there is more to forget. We know that there is more going on than meets the eye. And other going on than meets the eye. And other going on than meets the eye. And other people get discouraged. Oh, don't you people get discouraged. Oh, don't you people get discouraged. Oh, don't you know who's on the throne of the city? know who's on the throne of the city? know who's on the throne of the city? Don't you know who's on the throne of Don't you know who's on the throne of Don't you know who's on the throne of the state? Don't you know who's on the the state? Don't you know who's on the the state? Don't you know who's on the throne of the country? I know all that. throne of the country? I know all that. throne of the country? I know all that. But I know who's on the throne of But I know who's on the throne of But I know who's on the throne of heaven. God is. Jesus is. [applause] heaven. God is. Jesus is. [applause] heaven. God is. Jesus is. [applause] There's a king in his temple. There's a king in his temple. There's a king in his temple. And there is coming a day when the And there is coming a day when the And there is coming a day when the trumpet will blow and the announcement trumpet will blow and the announcement trumpet will blow and the announcement will sound. The king is here. He will will sound. The king is here. He will will sound. The king is here. He will reign just like the Lord promised. reign just like the Lord promised. reign just like the Lord promised. And so we trust him, don't we?

And so we trust him, don't we? And so we trust him, don't we? >> We trust him no matter what. I was >> We trust him no matter what. I was >> We trust him no matter what. I was hearing of a story a few years ago. hearing of a story a few years ago. hearing of a story a few years ago. There was a seminary, an academic There was a seminary, an academic There was a seminary, an academic institution, and I'm I'm I've, you know, institution, and I'm I'm I've, you know, institution, and I'm I'm I've, you know, that's fine. I've been been to that's fine. I've been been to that's fine. I've been been to seminaries and studied those things and seminaries and studied those things and seminaries and studied those things and they were studying. But sometimes people they were studying. But sometimes people they were studying. But sometimes people forget about the simple truths of the forget about the simple truths of the forget about the simple truths of the gospel. They get so full of knowledge. gospel. They get so full of knowledge. gospel. They get so full of knowledge. Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. And Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. And Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. And you can have knowledge and not love. And you can have knowledge and not love. And you can have knowledge and not love. And and uh in this place they were they were and uh in this place they were they were and uh in this place they were they were in a symposium about prophecy. They were in a symposium about prophecy. They were in a symposium about prophecy. They were actually studying the book of actually studying the book of actually studying the book of revelation. These students were revelation. These students were revelation. These students were listening to learned doctors. They were listening to learned doctors. They were listening to learned doctors. They were writing their papers. They were writing their papers. They were writing their papers. They were presenting their debates. They were presenting their debates. They were presenting their debates. They were arguing this theory versus that theory, arguing this theory versus that theory, arguing this theory versus that theory, this chart versus that chart and on and this chart versus that chart and on and this chart versus that chart and on and on they it was a very deep and on they it was a very deep and on they it was a very deep and controversial symposium and they were controversial symposium and they were controversial symposium and they were going on and on and on and there was a going on and on and on and there was a going on and on and on and there was a break in their classes. They walked out. break in their classes. They walked out. break in their classes. They walked out. There was a simple man who worked as a There was a simple man who worked as a There was a simple man who worked as a janitor there in the seminary. A simple janitor there in the seminary. A simple janitor there in the seminary. A simple man but he was a wise man and he loved man but he was a wise man and he loved man but he was a wise man and he loved Jesus. He just worked sweeping the Jesus. He just worked sweeping the Jesus. He just worked sweeping the floors and just setting up tables and floors and just setting up tables and floors and just setting up tables and but he loved Jesus. All these young but he loved Jesus. All these young but he loved Jesus. All these young doctors came out on their break and here doctors came out on their break and here doctors came out on their break and here was the man taking a coffee break and was the man taking a coffee break and was the man taking a coffee break and he's reading. He's reading his Bible and he's reading. He's reading his Bible and he's reading. He's reading his Bible and they were uh encouraged by that and they they were uh encouraged by that and they they were uh encouraged by that and they said, "Well, what are you reading?" He said, "Well, what are you reading?" He said, "Well, what are you reading?" He said, "Well, I'm reading in the book of said, "Well, I'm reading in the book of said, "Well, I'm reading in the book of Revelation."

Revelation." Revelation." And they laughed. They'd been arguing And they laughed. They'd been arguing And they laughed. They'd been arguing about it for three days. Premillennial, about it for three days. Premillennial, about it for three days. Premillennial, amillennial, postmillennial, amillennial, postmillennial, amillennial, postmillennial, dispensational, mid-trip, postrip. They dispensational, mid-trip, postrip. They dispensational, mid-trip, postrip. They had all kinds of papers. And here's a had all kinds of papers. And here's a had all kinds of papers. And here's a man who never even got out of high man who never even got out of high man who never even got out of high school. He's reading his Bible. school. He's reading his Bible. school. He's reading his Bible. They said, "Well, you're reading the They said, "Well, you're reading the They said, "Well, you're reading the book of Revelation. Do you know what book of Revelation. Do you know what book of Revelation. Do you know what that means?" that means?" that means?" And they were surprised when the man And they were surprised when the man And they were surprised when the man said, "Oh, I know exactly what it said, "Oh, I know exactly what it said, "Oh, I know exactly what it means." Well, they had been arguing means." Well, they had been arguing means." Well, they had been arguing about it for three or four days. And one about it for three or four days. And one about it for three or four days. And one of them, a little hotty, said, "You know of them, a little hotty, said, "You know of them, a little hotty, said, "You know what it means?" He said, "Oh, I know what it means?" He said, "Oh, I know what it means?" He said, "Oh, I know exactly what it means." Well, why don't exactly what it means." Well, why don't exactly what it means." Well, why don't you tell us what does it mean? And the you tell us what does it mean? And the you tell us what does it mean? And the simple man said, "It means we're going simple man said, "It means we're going simple man said, "It means we're going to win. That's what it means. to win. That's what it means. to win. That's what it means. means we're going to win. [applause] The world we live in can seem like those The world we live in can seem like those six years. six years. six years. The spirit of Athalia is alive and well, The spirit of Athalia is alive and well, The spirit of Athalia is alive and well, mocking God and telling us that lies are mocking God and telling us that lies are mocking God and telling us that lies are true.

true. true. Jesus said, "The thief comes to steal, Jesus said, "The thief comes to steal, Jesus said, "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I've come that kill, and destroy, but I've come that kill, and destroy, but I've come that they might have life." Athalias stole they might have life." Athalias stole they might have life." Athalias stole the throne. the throne. the throne. But the day came, hallelujah, when the But the day came, hallelujah, when the But the day came, hallelujah, when the trumpet [music] sounded and the trumpet [music] sounded and the trumpet [music] sounded and the announcement came. The king's son is announcement came. The king's son is announcement came. The king's son is alive. Friend, that day is coming. So alive. Friend, that day is coming. So alive. Friend, that day is coming. So this day, this day, this day, walk in faith. walk in faith. walk in faith. Live with courage Live with courage Live with courage and persevere in hope. It is always too and persevere in hope. It is always too and persevere in hope. It is always too [music] soon to quit. We live for the [music] soon to quit. We live for the [music] soon to quit. We live for the king who is alive and who will reign king who is alive and who will reign king who is alive and who will reign forever. forever. forever. [applause] I want you to pray with me. [applause] I want you to pray with me. [applause] I want you to pray with me. I want to pray for you. [applause] I want to pray for you. [applause] I want to pray for you. [applause] Living God, Living God, Living God, some of us are facing some of us are facing some of us are facing maybe a dark and difficult time. maybe a dark and difficult time. maybe a dark and difficult time. There is fog and there is mist and there There is fog and there is mist and there There is fog and there is mist and there is uncertainty is uncertainty is uncertainty and maybe even discouragement. Oh God, and maybe even discouragement. Oh God, and maybe even discouragement. Oh God, remind us remind us remind us Jesus is alive. You are on the throne.

Jesus is alive. You are on the throne. Jesus is alive. You are on the throne. And as long as Jesus is alive, it And as long as Jesus is alive, it And as long as Jesus is alive, it changes the way we live. It changes the changes the way we live. It changes the changes the way we live. It changes the way we walk. And we do not lose hope way we walk. And we do not lose hope way we walk. And we do not lose hope because our hope is in you. Father, help because our hope is in you. Father, help because our hope is in you. Father, help us to put our hope in you this day. In us to put our hope in you this day. In us to put our hope in you this day. In the name of the risen reigning king, we the name of the risen reigning king, we the name of the risen reigning king, we pray. Amen. pray. Amen. pray. Amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] Turn Turn Turn your eyes your eyes your eyes upon Jesus. [music] face. face. [music] of earth of earth will [music] grow strange in the light in the light of his [music] of his [music] of his [music] glory.

Don't move. [music] Just lift your hands Don't move. [music] Just lift your hands and sing to the Lord. and sing to the Lord. and sing to the Lord. Turn Turn Turn your eyes [music and singing] your eyes [music and singing] your eyes [music and singing] upon me. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Oh, Oh, [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Yeah.

Lord, thank you for your word to us Lord, thank you for your word to us today. today. today. Give us grace to walk by faith and not Give us grace to walk by faith and not Give us grace to walk by faith and not by sight. by sight. by sight. What we see with our physical eyes can What we see with our physical eyes can What we see with our physical eyes can be very deceiving. be very deceiving. be very deceiving. Help us to have spiritual eyes that Help us to have spiritual eyes that Help us to have spiritual eyes that always see you high and lifted up on the always see you high and lifted up on the always see you high and lifted up on the throne. Lifting up one, putting down throne. Lifting up one, putting down throne. Lifting up one, putting down another. You've got the whole world in another. You've got the whole world in another. You've got the whole world in your hand. your hand. your hand. Doesn't seem like that sometimes, but Doesn't seem like that sometimes, but Doesn't seem like that sometimes, but your servant has spoken well. Lord, your servant has spoken well. Lord, your servant has spoken well. Lord, teach us to walk by faith. Give us teach us to walk by faith. Give us teach us to walk by faith. Give us courage courage courage to stand up for Jesus in a hostile to stand up for Jesus in a hostile to stand up for Jesus in a hostile culture, hostile environment. culture, hostile environment. culture, hostile environment. Lord, I think of what I read in Lord, I think of what I read in Lord, I think of what I read in Revelation, one of the cities, you said, Revelation, one of the cities, you said, Revelation, one of the cities, you said, "I know where you are, where Satan has "I know where you are, where Satan has "I know where you are, where Satan has his [music] throne, his [music] throne, his [music] throne, but you've been brave and stood for but you've been brave and stood for but you've been brave and stood for [music] me. Help us. Whatever that [music] me. Help us. Whatever that [music] me. Help us. Whatever that means. We don't live in a country that means. We don't live in a country that means. We don't live in a country that is godly. We live in a country, is godly. We live in a country, is godly. We live in a country, especially the media, Lord, it mocks especially the media, Lord, it mocks especially the media, Lord, it mocks Christians. [music] Christians. [music] Christians. [music] It mocks. School system mocks It mocks. School system mocks It mocks. School system mocks Christians. Media, Hollywood, they mock Christians. Media, Hollywood, they mock Christians. Media, Hollywood, they mock Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. But we don't care because we have But we don't care because we have But we don't care because we have decided to follow our king. decided to follow our king. decided to follow our king. Help us and give us courage to stand Help us and give us courage to stand Help us and give us courage to stand even when it costs something. even when it costs something. even when it costs something. You you bore the cross for us. We can You you bore the cross for us. We can You you bore the cross for us. We can take a little ridicule and rejection. take a little ridicule and rejection. take a little ridicule and rejection. And last, Lord, lastly, help us to live And last, Lord, lastly, help us to live And last, Lord, lastly, help us to live in hope. in hope. in hope. Keep singing. Keep praising even though Keep singing. Keep praising even though Keep singing. Keep praising even though it doesn't seem to make sense all the it doesn't seem to make sense all the it doesn't seem to make sense all the time. Bless the Lord at all times. In time. Bless the Lord at all times. In time. Bless the Lord at all times. In everything, give thanks. If Paul and everything, give thanks. If Paul and everything, give thanks. If Paul and Silas could sing in a prison, we can Silas could sing in a prison, we can Silas could sing in a prison, we can sing here in New York City. Lord, we're sing here in New York City. Lord, we're sing here in New York City. Lord, we're going to praise you and love you. Thank going to praise you and love you. Thank going to praise you and love you. Thank you for your word to us today. Strengthen your people Strengthen your people to face to face to face another day.

another day. another day. Circumstances might be seemingly against Circumstances might be seemingly against Circumstances might be seemingly against us, but the king is for us. And if God us, but the king is for us. And if God us, but the king is for us. And if God be for us, who can be against us? Lift be for us, who can be against us? Lift be for us, who can be against us? Lift both your hands. Let's close by singing both your hands. Let's close by singing both your hands. Let's close by singing it again. Right where [music] you're it again. Right where [music] you're it again. Right where [music] you're sitting. Yeah. sitting. Yeah. sitting. Yeah. Heat. Heat Heat [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Everybody happy? Say amen.

>> Everybody happy? Say amen. >> Everybody happy? Say amen. >> We've been reminded who's the King of >> We've been reminded who's the King of >> We've been reminded who's the King of Kings. That was an excellent word. Kings. That was an excellent word. Kings. That was an excellent word. [music] Thank you, Pastor Willie. Um, so [music] Thank you, Pastor Willie. Um, so [music] Thank you, Pastor Willie. Um, so remember now, new members, you know remember now, new members, you know remember now, new members, you know where to go for your little fellowship. where to go for your little fellowship. where to go for your little fellowship. And upstairs, if you need uh some And upstairs, if you need uh some And upstairs, if you need uh some literature that might help you, it's in literature that might help you, it's in literature that might help you, it's in the mezzanine lobby. But as you leave, the mezzanine lobby. But as you leave, the mezzanine lobby. But as you leave, please remember the offering. please remember the offering. please remember the offering. Give it as the Lord has helped you. Give it as the Lord has helped you. Give it as the Lord has helped you. Everybody stand. Give someone a hug, a Everybody stand. Give someone a hug, a Everybody stand. Give someone a hug, a handshake. [music] handshake. [music] handshake. [music] We're going to sing it one more time. Tabernacle [music] Choir directed by Tabernacle [music] Choir directed by Joseph. [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Heat [music] up [music] up here. [music and singing] [music and singing] heat, heat, heat, heat.