So That You May Believe | Dr. Edgar Aponte | Sunday Service | The Brooklyn Tabernacle

Good afternoon, church. Good afternoon, church. How many are happy in Jesus today? Come How many are happy in Jesus today? Come How many are happy in Jesus today? Come on. It's good to be back in the house of on. It's good to be back in the house of on. It's good to be back in the house of the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Oh, thank you, Jesus. Oh, thank you, Jesus. Oh, thank you, Jesus. Here's what Psalm 117 says. Praise the Here's what Psalm 117 says. Praise the Here's what Psalm 117 says. Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth, for his you people of the earth, for his you people of the earth, for his unfailing love for us is powerful. The unfailing love for us is powerful. The unfailing love for us is powerful. The Lord's faithfulness endures forever. So Lord's faithfulness endures forever. So Lord's faithfulness endures forever. So praise the Lord. Can we say amen? praise the Lord. Can we say amen? praise the Lord. Can we say amen? Amen. Let's celebrate Jesus. We love you, Lord. We celebrate your We love you, Lord. We celebrate your love in this place. Oh, love in this place. Oh, love in this place. Oh, hallelujah. Come on, let's sing together. Lord, I Come on, let's sing together. Lord, I Lord, I Lord, I Lord, I >> I love to sing your praise. >> I love to sing your praise. >> I love to sing your praise. >> Lord, I love to see your I'm so glad.

I'm so glad. I'm so glad. I'm so glad. I'm so glad. I'm so glad. I'm so glad. I'm so glad. >> One more time, let's say, Lord, I live >> One more time, let's say, Lord, I live >> One more time, let's say, Lord, I live your name on your name your name on your name your name on your name to sing to sing to sing your praises. your praises. your praises. Oh, I'm so glad. I name on high. Come on. How many can I name on high. Come on. How many can sing that today? sing that today? sing that today? We worship you. Sing Lord I lift your We worship you. Sing Lord I lift your We worship you. Sing Lord I lift your name on high. name on high. name on high. >> I lift your name on high. >> I lift your name on high. >> I lift your name on high. >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, Lord. I want to see your Lord. I want to see your Lord. I want to see your so I'm so glad I'm so glad I lift your name on your name.

can somebody shout hallelujah in this can somebody shout hallelujah in this place. place. place. Oh, sing Lord I lift your name. Lord I Oh, sing Lord I lift your name. Lord I Oh, sing Lord I lift your name. Lord I lift your name. lift your name. lift your name. Sing Sing Sing your praise. your praise. your praise. I'm so came from came from Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. The joy of the Lord is our strength The joy of the Lord is our strength today.

today. today. When we are joyful, then we are strong. When we are joyful, then we are strong. When we are joyful, then we are strong. And we're joyful because God's presence And we're joyful because God's presence And we're joyful because God's presence is here. Amen. lift your name on high.

lift your name on high. Lift up the name of Jesus on high in Lift up the name of Jesus on high in Lift up the name of Jesus on high in this place. He is worthy. We bless your this place. He is worthy. We bless your this place. He is worthy. We bless your name, Lord. name, Lord. name, Lord. Oh, we worship you, Jesus. Not unto us, Oh, we worship you, Jesus. Not unto us, Oh, we worship you, Jesus. Not unto us, Lord, but to you be all the glory, God. Lord, but to you be all the glory, God. Lord, but to you be all the glory, God. Not to the name of a choir or a worship Not to the name of a choir or a worship Not to the name of a choir or a worship leader or a pastor, but to the name of leader or a pastor, but to the name of leader or a pastor, but to the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We love you, Lord, and we thank you, We love you, Lord, and we thank you, We love you, Lord, and we thank you, God, that you're here with us. Worthy of all of our worship. Worthy of all of our worship. worthy of all of our hearts, God. worthy of all of our hearts, God. worthy of all of our hearts, God. Of every single breath, Lord. God, everything we have is because God, everything we have is because you've given it to us, Lord. What do we you've given it to us, Lord. What do we you've given it to us, Lord. What do we have of our own Jesus? have of our own Jesus? have of our own Jesus? God, so we give it all back to you and God, so we give it all back to you and God, so we give it all back to you and praise, God. Let's sing. You are worthy praise, God. Let's sing. You are worthy praise, God. Let's sing. You are worthy of it all.

you are you are Heat. Heat. Heat. Come on with all your voice. Sing to the

Come on with all your voice. Sing to the Lord. Sing. Oh, now don't say just worship the Lord Oh, now don't say just worship the Lord out loud right now. Lift your hearts.

We worship you. We worship you. Sing your own song. God. For all you've done for us,

God. For all you've done for us, for all you've saved us. for your unfailing, never ending love. for your unfailing, never ending love. God, for your mercies that are new and God, for your mercies that are new and God, for your mercies that are new and fresh on us every day. fresh on us every day. fresh on us every day. God, for your grace, that's enough for God, for your grace, that's enough for God, for your grace, that's enough for every day. Oh, let's give a praise offer to our Oh, let's give a praise offer to our God.

Praise you, Jesus. We praise you, Jesus. Praise you, Jesus. We praise you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. How sweet it is to know you, Lord, to How sweet it is to know you, Lord, to rest in your presence. We praise you Lord.

We praise you Lord. Gracias. We're not ashamed to praise you out We're not ashamed to praise you out loud. loud. loud. We don't care what anyone else thinks. We don't care what anyone else thinks. We don't care what anyone else thinks. You are worthy of our praise. Jesus, Jesus, we crown you we crown you we crown you with praise. Jesus Jesus we Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Oh, she knows to sign. Jesus, Oh, she knows to sign. Jesus, we Now you got it. Come on. Let the church Now you got it. Come on. Let the church sing. Let the church sing.

up up here. We're happy for all of you that are here We're happy for all of you that are here and you're watching online. and you're watching online. and you're watching online. Um, God is going to bless us again. We Um, God is going to bless us again. We Um, God is going to bless us again. We had a blessing at 9:00. We're going to had a blessing at 9:00. We're going to had a blessing at 9:00. We're going to have a bigger blessing at 12 have a bigger blessing at 12 have a bigger blessing at 12 because because because Jesus saves the best for last every day.

Jesus saves the best for last every day. Jesus saves the best for last every day. So, we're going to greet each other in So, we're going to greet each other in So, we're going to greet each other in Korean. I'll tell you how to do that in Korean. I'll tell you how to do that in Korean. I'll tell you how to do that in a second. Um, that's where Unang is a second. Um, that's where Unang is a second. Um, that's where Unang is from. She's from Korea. And but we want from. She's from Korea. And but we want from. She's from Korea. And but we want to say this first. If you're a to say this first. If you're a to say this first. If you're a first-time visitor and you can't stay first-time visitor and you can't stay first-time visitor and you can't stay for the whole meeting and you have to go for the whole meeting and you have to go for the whole meeting and you have to go and you're just checking it out, uh, and you're just checking it out, uh, and you're just checking it out, uh, this would be a good time to leave this would be a good time to leave this would be a good time to leave because it's disrespectful and because it's disrespectful and because it's disrespectful and disconcerting and distraction if you get disconcerting and distraction if you get disconcerting and distraction if you get up and just walk out because anytime you up and just walk out because anytime you up and just walk out because anytime you want because this is not a tourist stop, want because this is not a tourist stop, want because this is not a tourist stop, it's church. it's church. it's church. >> How many say amen? Am I right, >> How many say amen? Am I right, >> How many say amen? Am I right, congregation? We're a church. So, we congregation? We're a church. So, we congregation? We're a church. So, we want you to enjoy the blessing of God. want you to enjoy the blessing of God. want you to enjoy the blessing of God. You're going to hear wonderful word from You're going to hear wonderful word from You're going to hear wonderful word from God today. You're going to hear music God today. You're going to hear music God today. You're going to hear music and we're going to enjoy our fellowship and we're going to enjoy our fellowship and we're going to enjoy our fellowship together. So, if you have to leave, this together. So, if you have to leave, this together. So, if you have to leave, this next 90 seconds is the time to leave. Uh next 90 seconds is the time to leave. Uh next 90 seconds is the time to leave. Uh but we hope you stay. The meeting is but we hope you stay. The meeting is but we hope you stay. The meeting is short. It's 5 6 hours. It'll be over short. It's 5 6 hours. It'll be over short. It's 5 6 hours. It'll be over like that and you'll get home for like that and you'll get home for like that and you'll get home for dinner. Um no, we're going to have a dinner. Um no, we're going to have a dinner. Um no, we're going to have a good time today in the Lord. Amen.

good time today in the Lord. Amen. good time today in the Lord. Amen. >> After all that storm last night, I am so >> After all that storm last night, I am so >> After all that storm last night, I am so happy for that weather. Can we thank God happy for that weather. Can we thank God happy for that weather. Can we thank God for that weather out there today? Thank for that weather out there today? Thank for that weather out there today? Thank God for it. So the way you greet each other now is in the way you greet each other now is in Korean is I want her to say it because I Korean is I want her to say it because I Korean is I want her to say it because I say it the wrong accent. I've been told say it the wrong accent. I've been told say it the wrong accent. I've been told I say it wrong. Come on. I say it wrong. Come on. I say it wrong. Come on. So tell them how to say say it. Wait. So tell them how to say say it. Wait. So tell them how to say say it. Wait. Loud though. Loud. Say it. You got to greet 10 people in Korean. We You got to greet 10 people in Korean. We begin right now.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

When I was lost, When I was lost, you came and found me. you came and found me. you came and found me. I was blind, but now I see. I was blind, but now I see. I was blind, but now I see. The life I lived was hopeless The life I lived was hopeless The life I lived was hopeless until you rescued me. until you rescued me. until you rescued me. Now my search for love is over. Now my search for love is over. Now my search for love is over. Jesus, you are all I need. Jesus, you are all I need. Jesus, you are all I need. Now I give you the praise through all of Now I give you the praise through all of Now I give you the praise through all of my days until your face I see. my days until your face I see. my days until your face I see. I thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. Jesus Jesus Jesus for all you've done for me. for all you've done for me. for all you've done for me. I thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, you're all I'll ever need.

you're all I'll ever need. you're all I'll ever need. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Oh, what a friend that I found in you, Oh, what a friend that I found in you, Oh, what a friend that I found in you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Oh, the joy that you give to me. Oh, the joy that you give to me. Oh, the joy that you give to me. and deep in the valley. and deep in the valley. and deep in the valley. It's your faithfulness is all I see. It's your faithfulness is all I see. It's your faithfulness is all I see. Lord, you promise me you would be with Lord, you promise me you would be with Lord, you promise me you would be with me me me and that you'll never ever leave. and that you'll never ever leave. and that you'll never ever leave. So I'll give you the praise for all of So I'll give you the praise for all of So I'll give you the praise for all of my days my days my days until your face I see. Thank you Jesus Thank you Jesus for all you've done for me. Jesus.

Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Jesus. Thank you Jesus. >> Jesus for all you done for me. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You're all I You're all I You're all I need. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I tell you, Lord, I thank you. I tell you, Lord, I thank you. I tell you, Lord, I thank you. >> Lord, I thank you. >> Lord, I thank you. >> Lord, I thank you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Every day I thank you, Lord. I thank you Every day I thank you, Lord. I thank you Every day I thank you, Lord. I thank you >> for your goodness and your mercy. >> for your goodness and your mercy. >> for your goodness and your mercy. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> Thank you, Jesus. M thank you Jesus Jesus M thank you Jesus Jesus M thank you Jesus Jesus >> for your tender love and kindness.

>> Oo I thank you Lord >> Oo I thank you Lord each and every day I thank you. Thank each and every day I thank you. Thank each and every day I thank you. Thank you Jesus you Jesus you Jesus >> for meeting all my needs. >> for meeting all my needs. >> for meeting all my needs. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Mighty mighty God to me I >> Mighty mighty God to me I >> Mighty mighty God to me I woke me up this morning I thank you woke me up this morning I thank you woke me up this morning I thank you >> and be on my way. >> and be on my way. >> and be on my way. >> Thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus >> Thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus >> Thank you Jesus. I thank you Jesus with every praise. I praise you praise. with every praise. I praise you praise. with every praise. I praise you praise. That's why I say Lord I thank you That's why I say Lord I thank you That's why I say Lord I thank you >> and you put good on my name. >> and you put good on my name. >> and you put good on my name. >> Lord I thank you. >> Lord I thank you. >> Lord I thank you. >> Give me my help and stren. >> Give me my help and stren. >> Give me my help and stren. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. I lift my hands to save all my heart For all you done. For all you done for For all you done. For all you done for me.

for all you've done for all you've done for me. Praise the Lord. I want to introduce I Praise the Lord. I want to introduce I asked if I could introduce this song. asked if I could introduce this song. asked if I could introduce this song. They're going to sing total praise They're going to sing total praise They're going to sing total praise because I have total praise today. I'm because I have total praise today. I'm because I have total praise today. I'm so thankful. so thankful. so thankful. You know, I live exactly like you. I'm You know, I live exactly like you. I'm You know, I live exactly like you. I'm no different. I need God every day. How no different. I need God every day. How no different. I need God every day. How many need God every day? I mean, like many need God every day? I mean, like many need God every day? I mean, like every day. every day. every day. So, last Monday, I worked here all day So, last Monday, I worked here all day So, last Monday, I worked here all day here at the church because I knew I had here at the church because I knew I had here at the church because I knew I had to go away. And on Monday night, I took to go away. And on Monday night, I took to go away. And on Monday night, I took an overnight flight to Warsaw, Poland, an overnight flight to Warsaw, Poland, an overnight flight to Warsaw, Poland, and then waited a few hours and then and then waited a few hours and then and then waited a few hours and then took a flight down to took a flight down to took a flight down to um Kov, Poland. um Kov, Poland. um Kov, Poland. And it's an old old city. They have And it's an old old city. They have And it's an old old city. They have walls up there that were built uh in the walls up there that were built uh in the walls up there that were built uh in the 15th century, in the 1400s.

15th century, in the 1400s. 15th century, in the 1400s. And uh ancient place. And there I knew And uh ancient place. And there I knew And uh ancient place. And there I knew starting Thursday and Friday starting Thursday and Friday starting Thursday and Friday I would be speaking because you I would be speaking because you I would be speaking because you provided, God provided and you watching provided, God provided and you watching provided, God provided and you watching provided money so that we could have a provided money so that we could have a provided money so that we could have a Roma conference. Roma for those of you Roma conference. Roma for those of you Roma conference. Roma for those of you are visiting are called derogatorily are visiting are called derogatorily are visiting are called derogatorily gypsies and there's 10 million of them gypsies and there's 10 million of them gypsies and there's 10 million of them in in u Europe and we have gotten in in u Europe and we have gotten in in u Europe and we have gotten involved loving them. We love them. I involved loving them. We love them. I involved loving them. We love them. I love the Roma people. I identify with love the Roma people. I identify with love the Roma people. I identify with the Roma people like I never thought I the Roma people like I never thought I the Roma people like I never thought I could identify with anyone. And uh could identify with anyone. And uh could identify with anyone. And uh they're despised. They're rejected as they're despised. They're rejected as they're despised. They're rejected as you're going to see later on today. But you're going to see later on today. But you're going to see later on today. But anyway, I had to go there. And going to anyway, I had to go there. And going to anyway, I had to go there. And going to the flight, I've taken flights all the flight, I've taken flights all the flight, I've taken flights all around the world. I wasn't doing so good around the world. I wasn't doing so good around the world. I wasn't doing so good just mentally, emotionally after a long just mentally, emotionally after a long just mentally, emotionally after a long weekend here. I I and my wife's away in weekend here. I I and my wife's away in weekend here. I I and my wife's away in Florida. had some eye surgery and I just Florida. had some eye surgery and I just Florida. had some eye surgery and I just said, "God, how many just struggle some said, "God, how many just struggle some said, "God, how many just struggle some days? Could you lift your hands so that days? Could you lift your hands so that days? Could you lift your hands so that I know I'm like you?" Uh, so I just I know I'm like you?" Uh, so I just I know I'm like you?" Uh, so I just said, "God, help me. I You got to do said, "God, help me. I You got to do said, "God, help me. I You got to do this day by day." And then I don't do this day by day." And then I don't do this day by day." And then I don't do well on a time change. So it's six-hour well on a time change. So it's six-hour well on a time change. So it's six-hour difference, but I don't do well in those difference, but I don't do well in those difference, but I don't do well in those things. I I can't get my body adjusted.

things. I I can't get my body adjusted. things. I I can't get my body adjusted. And then I have to come back on And then I have to come back on And then I have to come back on Saturday, and it it was very daunting. I Saturday, and it it was very daunting. I Saturday, and it it was very daunting. I don't know why I was feeling that. I don't know why I was feeling that. I don't know why I was feeling that. I asked my wife to pray for me before I asked my wife to pray for me before I asked my wife to pray for me before I left because I said I I I can I it's left because I said I I I can I it's left because I said I I I can I it's going to be hard to do it, but I love going to be hard to do it, but I love going to be hard to do it, but I love those people so much. So I got there and those people so much. So I got there and those people so much. So I got there and even though I had a day to get myself even though I had a day to get myself even though I had a day to get myself together, I was sideways, together, I was sideways, together, I was sideways, discombobulated. discombobulated. discombobulated. So then the conference came and oh So then the conference came and oh So then the conference came and oh listen, you made possible, God made listen, you made possible, God made listen, you made possible, God made possible more than 300 pastors and possible more than 300 pastors and possible more than 300 pastors and workers. They've never been together workers. They've never been together workers. They've never been together like that. Uh wait, wait. I'll give you like that. Uh wait, wait. I'll give you like that. Uh wait, wait. I'll give you more to clap on. Uh they came together more to clap on. Uh they came together more to clap on. Uh they came together and we got a church. We rented a church and we got a church. We rented a church and we got a church. We rented a church there. You rented a church there and and there. You rented a church there and and there. You rented a church there and and we got them there. Then now they had to we got them there. Then now they had to we got them there. Then now they had to find their own way there and they had to find their own way there and they had to find their own way there and they had to provide for their food. Although the provide for their food. Although the provide for their food. Although the hotel had breakfast, but we found a hotel had breakfast, but we found a hotel had breakfast, but we found a hotel where they could stay. Listen, for hotel where they could stay. Listen, for hotel where they could stay. Listen, for them to stay in a hotel, them to stay in a hotel, them to stay in a hotel, I can't explain it to you.

I can't explain it to you. I can't explain it to you. So they're there. They're so happy. So they're there. They're so happy. So they're there. They're so happy. They're so rejoicing. They're walked They're so rejoicing. They're walked They're so rejoicing. They're walked over. They're ignored. They're over. They're ignored. They're over. They're ignored. They're untouchables in the cultures they live untouchables in the cultures they live untouchables in the cultures they live in, the different countries. So, they in, the different countries. So, they in, the different countries. So, they were from 12 countries and from India, were from 12 countries and from India, were from 12 countries and from India, too. And many people believe that the too. And many people believe that the too. And many people believe that the origin of the Roma people is India. So, origin of the Roma people is India. So, origin of the Roma people is India. So, I met this guy there and he's a I met this guy there and he's a I met this guy there and he's a Christian pastor in India. And he told Christian pastor in India. And he told Christian pastor in India. And he told me the estimate is like there's 40 or 50 me the estimate is like there's 40 or 50 me the estimate is like there's 40 or 50 million Roma people in India who don't million Roma people in India who don't million Roma people in India who don't know Jesus. It's like a forgotten know Jesus. It's like a forgotten know Jesus. It's like a forgotten mission field. And in India, you know mission field. And in India, you know mission field. And in India, you know the cast system in India. You all know the cast system in India. You all know the cast system in India. You all know that they're below the untouchables. Okay. So here I was with them. Like my f Okay. So here I was with them. Like my f they're like my family now to me. And I they're like my family now to me. And I they're like my family now to me. And I poured out and I preached uh four and a poured out and I preached uh four and a poured out and I preached uh four and a half times in in two days and just half times in in two days and just half times in in two days and just praying for people and the emotion when praying for people and the emotion when praying for people and the emotion when they started singing the way they they started singing the way they they started singing the way they worship they worship you know I know I worship they worship you know I know I worship they worship you know I know I love the way you all sing. They sing love the way you all sing. They sing love the way you all sing. They sing like that and they're just pour out it's like that and they're just pour out it's like that and they're just pour out it's just it's unspeakable how beautiful just it's unspeakable how beautiful just it's unspeakable how beautiful their worship is and they have no one their worship is and they have no one their worship is and they have no one but Jesus. You know how you pray someone but Jesus. You know how you pray someone but Jesus. You know how you pray someone when you have no one but Jesus?

when you have no one but Jesus? when you have no one but Jesus? >> You get what I mean? They don't have >> You get what I mean? They don't have >> You get what I mean? They don't have money. They don't have they're rejected. money. They don't have they're rejected. money. They don't have they're rejected. A young couple that I met there got A young couple that I met there got A young couple that I met there got married. Someone gave them some money. married. Someone gave them some money. married. Someone gave them some money. They want to get an apartment in in the They want to get an apartment in in the They want to get an apartment in in the town where they lived in Europe. So they town where they lived in Europe. So they town where they lived in Europe. So they called the agents called the agents called the agents and to get out of the the ghetto that and to get out of the the ghetto that and to get out of the the ghetto that they were in where they're all just put they were in where they're all just put they were in where they're all just put to. So they had money. So they made a to. So they had money. So they made a to. So they had money. So they made a call. They made an appointment to go see call. They made an appointment to go see call. They made an appointment to go see the apartment. But they told me we knew the apartment. But they told me we knew the apartment. But they told me we knew what was going to happen even before we what was going to happen even before we what was going to happen even before we went. So they got there and then when went. So they got there and then when went. So they got there and then when the lady saw them said, the lady saw them said, the lady saw them said, "Why'd you call me? I can't rent to you "Why'd you call me? I can't rent to you "Why'd you call me? I can't rent to you your Roma." your Roma." your Roma." Everybody would move out in the whole Everybody would move out in the whole Everybody would move out in the whole neighborhood. I'd be stoned. They would neighborhood. I'd be stoned. They would neighborhood. I'd be stoned. They would try to kill me if I rented to you. And try to kill me if I rented to you. And try to kill me if I rented to you. And they have a sweet spirit. I would be I they have a sweet spirit. I would be I they have a sweet spirit. I would be I would go Brooklyn in about 30 seconds. would go Brooklyn in about 30 seconds. would go Brooklyn in about 30 seconds. You know what I mean? But they're like, You know what I mean? But they're like, You know what I mean? But they're like, "Oh, no. You know, pastor, it's hard "Oh, no. You know, pastor, it's hard "Oh, no. You know, pastor, it's hard sometimes, but Jesus is wonderful. I got sometimes, but Jesus is wonderful. I got sometimes, but Jesus is wonderful. I got through all the preaching. through all the preaching. through all the preaching. I was so full. God gave me, I think, the I was so full. God gave me, I think, the I was so full. God gave me, I think, the right word for each meeting. I right word for each meeting. I right word for each meeting. I ministered to them. Uh, Pastor Brian ministered to them. Uh, Pastor Brian ministered to them. Uh, Pastor Brian spoke. Sue was there. She spoke one spoke. Sue was there. She spoke one spoke. Sue was there. She spoke one time. She taught them to sing, "Jesus, time. She taught them to sing, "Jesus, time. She taught them to sing, "Jesus, we crown you with praise." In English, we crown you with praise." In English, we crown you with praise." In English, they were so happy like a kid in a candy they were so happy like a kid in a candy they were so happy like a kid in a candy store because they could go, "Jesus, we store because they could go, "Jesus, we store because they could go, "Jesus, we just" in English. They were singing.

just" in English. They were singing. just" in English. They were singing. They only speak their Roma language. So They only speak their Roma language. So They only speak their Roma language. So anyway, I flew back and then the plane anyway, I flew back and then the plane anyway, I flew back and then the plane I'm tired. I'm saying, "How am I going I'm tired. I'm saying, "How am I going I'm tired. I'm saying, "How am I going to get up for church on Sunday? I'm all to get up for church on Sunday? I'm all to get up for church on Sunday? I'm all messed up." And then I'm 20 minutes out messed up." And then I'm 20 minutes out messed up." And then I'm 20 minutes out from Kennedy to land. And the pilot from Kennedy to land. And the pilot from Kennedy to land. And the pilot says, "Cennedy just shut down because of says, "Cennedy just shut down because of says, "Cennedy just shut down because of weather." You know the weather you had weather." You know the weather you had weather." You know the weather you had last night? There was flooding, right? last night? There was flooding, right? last night? There was flooding, right? How many had flooding where you live? How many had flooding where you live? How many had flooding where you live? Did anybody have flooding areas? Well, Did anybody have flooding areas? Well, Did anybody have flooding areas? Well, my block State Street here in downtown my block State Street here in downtown my block State Street here in downtown was like a lake. So, was like a lake. So, was like a lake. So, we're we have to circle for uh 20 we're we have to circle for uh 20 we're we have to circle for uh 20 minutes. Everybody's going. Then he gets minutes. Everybody's going. Then he gets minutes. Everybody's going. Then he gets on again. We have to circle. They're on again. We have to circle. They're on again. We have to circle. They're shut down. 20 more minutes. We have to shut down. 20 more minutes. We have to shut down. 20 more minutes. We have to circle. We're on an 8 and 1 half hour circle. We're on an 8 and 1 half hour circle. We're on an 8 and 1 half hour flight. So then finally they released flight. So then finally they released flight. So then finally they released us. We can go. So another 20 minutes us. We can go. So another 20 minutes us. We can go. So another 20 minutes before we land. Then when we land, we before we land. Then when we land, we before we land. Then when we land, we get and we land and we're on the tarmac get and we land and we're on the tarmac get and we land and we're on the tarmac and we're stuck on the tarmac. The gate and we're stuck on the tarmac. The gate and we're stuck on the tarmac. The gate is not free. We have to wait 20 minutes is not free. We have to wait 20 minutes is not free. We have to wait 20 minutes for the gate to be free. So then we wait for the gate to be free. So then we wait for the gate to be free. So then we wait and after 20 minutes, he said, "The gate and after 20 minutes, he said, "The gate and after 20 minutes, he said, "The gate is still not free. Everything's backed is still not free. Everything's backed is still not free. Everything's backed up. We have to wait 20 more minutes." So up. We have to wait 20 more minutes." So up. We have to wait 20 more minutes." So now everybody's going now everybody's going now everybody's going wild right in the plane. And then oh, wild right in the plane. And then oh, wild right in the plane. And then oh, the gate is released. Now we can go. And the gate is released. Now we can go. And the gate is released. Now we can go. And then there's a big Swiss air jumbo jet then there's a big Swiss air jumbo jet then there's a big Swiss air jumbo jet blocking us. and he couldn't move blocking us. and he couldn't move blocking us. and he couldn't move because of everything backed up because because of everything backed up because because of everything backed up because of all the flights. So now we're another of all the flights. So now we're another of all the flights. So now we're another 20 minutes. So 8 and 1 half hour flight 20 minutes. So 8 and 1 half hour flight 20 minutes. So 8 and 1 half hour flight became 11 hours, right? And and finally

became 11 hours, right? And and finally became 11 hours, right? And and finally we landed and I got my bag and I drove we landed and I got my bag and I drove we landed and I got my bag and I drove home and I got home last night and I was home and I got home last night and I was home and I got home last night and I was I didn't know what time it was, where I I didn't know what time it was, where I I didn't know what time it was, where I was. I didn't know who I was. I had to was. I didn't know who I was. I had to was. I didn't know who I was. I had to check my wallet to see who I was. And check my wallet to see who I was. And check my wallet to see who I was. And anyone ever have a day like that? lift anyone ever have a day like that? lift anyone ever have a day like that? lift your hand if you've ever had a your hand if you've ever had a your hand if you've ever had a discombobulated day. So, I just was so discombobulated day. So, I just was so discombobulated day. So, I just was so thankful to God because of all the thankful to God because of all the thankful to God because of all the emotion that was over there in those emotion that was over there in those emotion that was over there in those meetings. meetings. meetings. And then I set my clock to get up this And then I set my clock to get up this And then I set my clock to get up this morning, but I I was so out of it. I I morning, but I I was so out of it. I I morning, but I I was so out of it. I I must have turned the ringer off. So, must have turned the ringer off. So, must have turned the ringer off. So, instead of getting up when I should instead of getting up when I should instead of getting up when I should have, I slept a little past it. But God have, I slept a little past it. But God have, I slept a little past it. But God woke me up in time where I could get woke me up in time where I could get woke me up in time where I could get myself together and I could be here myself together and I could be here myself together and I could be here and I don't know where I am. Where am I and I don't know where I am. Where am I and I don't know where I am. Where am I now? I'm Brooklyn Tabern. This Brooklyn now? I'm Brooklyn Tabern. This Brooklyn now? I'm Brooklyn Tabern. This Brooklyn tabernacle. I hope I am. I hope I'm tabernacle. I hope I am. I hope I'm tabernacle. I hope I am. I hope I'm here. But I just have so much to praise here. But I just have so much to praise here. But I just have so much to praise God for. Listen, my children are serving God for. Listen, my children are serving God for. Listen, my children are serving God. My grandchildren are serving God.

God. My grandchildren are serving God. God. My grandchildren are serving God. My great grandchildren, the ones that My great grandchildren, the ones that My great grandchildren, the ones that are big enough, I think they're going to are big enough, I think they're going to are big enough, I think they're going to love Jesus. Do you ever have days where love Jesus. Do you ever have days where love Jesus. Do you ever have days where you just have so much thanksgiving in you just have so much thanksgiving in you just have so much thanksgiving in your heart? Maybe God in the last week your heart? Maybe God in the last week your heart? Maybe God in the last week or month has just helped you answer to or month has just helped you answer to or month has just helped you answer to prayer. Lifted you when you were down. prayer. Lifted you when you were down. prayer. Lifted you when you were down. I'm telling you, he lifted me. I was in I'm telling you, he lifted me. I was in I'm telling you, he lifted me. I was in the hotel room and I had to preach the hotel room and I had to preach the hotel room and I had to preach again. But I wanted to sleep and and my again. But I wanted to sleep and and my again. But I wanted to sleep and and my body clock was off and they were going body clock was off and they were going body clock was off and they were going to come and pick me up and I started to to come and pick me up and I started to to come and pick me up and I started to cry and I said, "God, I have to give my cry and I said, "God, I have to give my cry and I said, "God, I have to give my best, but I'm not at my best." But he best, but I'm not at my best." But he best, but I'm not at my best." But he lifts you. Amen. Does he get you through lifts you. Amen. Does he get you through lifts you. Amen. Does he get you through things that you feel you can't get things that you feel you can't get things that you feel you can't get through? So, if anyone here downstairs through? So, if anyone here downstairs through? So, if anyone here downstairs has special praise for God, I want you has special praise for God, I want you has special praise for God, I want you to just get up now and and just come to to just get up now and and just come to to just get up now and and just come to the front because I'm going to stand in the front because I'm going to stand in the front because I'm going to stand in the front. I want to give God total the front. I want to give God total the front. I want to give God total praise. Anybody here want to give him praise. Anybody here want to give him praise. Anybody here want to give him total praise for what he's done in your total praise for what he's done in your total praise for what he's done in your life? Some prayer he's answered, life? Some prayer he's answered, life? Some prayer he's answered, something he's done for you. I mean, something he's done for you. I mean, something he's done for you. I mean, we're all thankful, but there are we're all thankful, but there are we're all thankful, but there are special thanksgiving sometimes, right?

special thanksgiving sometimes, right? special thanksgiving sometimes, right? When he brings you through, When he brings you through, When he brings you through, you just come up and you sing with them you just come up and you sing with them you just come up and you sing with them now. Just don't stand there. We want you now. Just don't stand there. We want you now. Just don't stand there. We want you to sing with them. Okay? God bless you. Move to the front. Move to the front Move to the front. Move to the front here. Come on. Slide in. That's it. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Oh

Oh yeah. up here.

up here. Heat. Let's clap. Let's clap and keep clapping

Let's clap. Let's clap and keep clapping for the Lord. You can shout if you want. for the Lord. You can shout if you want. for the Lord. You can shout if you want. Shout to the Lord. Shout to the Lord. Shout to the Lord. We give you a shout of praise, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. you, Lord. you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, you're beautiful. Your face Your face is all I is all I is all I see.

And when And when your eyes your eyes your eyes are all to me, just lift up one hand. Let's sing to me, just lift up one hand. Let's sing that. that. that. Oh, Oh, Oh, you're beautiful. Your face, your face Your face, your face is all I see. Heat. Heat. Heat.

>> so listen, >> so listen, we have to be seated, but I want us to we have to be seated, but I want us to we have to be seated, but I want us to converse about something. converse about something. converse about something. Let me think. So Let me think. So Let me think. So my pastor Luke's son Teddy, my pastor Luke's son Teddy, my pastor Luke's son Teddy, he's two and something years old and he's two and something years old and he's two and something years old and he's a character. he's a character. he's a character. So he jumped up on the coffee table in So he jumped up on the coffee table in So he jumped up on the coffee table in their apartment, I was told. And he told their apartment, I was told. And he told their apartment, I was told. And he told his mother and father, "Sit down. his mother and father, "Sit down. his mother and father, "Sit down. Listen. I want to preach." Listen. I want to preach." Listen. I want to preach." So they listened So they listened So they listened and they're listening and he went, "God and they're listening and he went, "God and they're listening and he went, "God loves you. loves you. loves you. God loves you." And then And then he had nothing else to say. he had nothing else to say. he had nothing else to say. His sermon was empty. So he paused and His sermon was empty. So he paused and His sermon was empty. So he paused and he went, "What's your favorite color?" he went, "What's your favorite color?" he went, "What's your favorite color?" So, as you sit down, I want everyone to So, as you sit down, I want everyone to So, as you sit down, I want everyone to turn to two or three people and say, turn to two or three people and say, turn to two or three people and say, "What's your favorite color?" and give "What's your favorite color?" and give "What's your favorite color?" and give them your favorite color. We do it right them your favorite color. We do it right them your favorite color. We do it right now. Come on. What's your favorite now. Come on. What's your favorite now. Come on. What's your favorite color? What's your favorite color? What?

color? What's your favorite color? What? color? What's your favorite color? What? Pink. Pink. Pink. What's your favorite color? Red. What's What's your favorite color? Red. What's What's your favorite color? Red. What's your favorite color? Blue. Brazil. What's your favorite color? Red. What's What's your favorite color? Red. What's your favorite color? Blue. That's bunch your favorite color? Blue. That's bunch your favorite color? Blue. That's bunch of green. Listen as you're being seated. Listen as you're being seated. Listen. Listen. Listen. Listen as you're being seated. I just Listen as you're being seated. I just Listen as you're being seated. I just turned to the choir and I asked their turned to the choir and I asked their turned to the choir and I asked their favorite colors. I I got I can't believe favorite colors. I I got I can't believe favorite colors. I I got I can't believe what I just heard. How many of your what I just heard. How many of your what I just heard. How many of your favorite color is blue? favorite color is blue? favorite color is blue? How many of your favorite color is red? How many of your favorite color is red? How many of your favorite color is red? How many green?

Everybody back here was blue and red. Everybody back here was blue and red. Oh, and pink. Purple. I asked Bubby Teddy this morning what I asked Bubby Teddy this morning what his favorite color is and he said brown. his favorite color is and he said brown. his favorite color is and he said brown. Anybody have their favorite color is Anybody have their favorite color is Anybody have their favorite color is brown. brown. brown. >> No, Bubby's not with it right now. >> No, Bubby's not with it right now. >> No, Bubby's not with it right now. So, let me tell you something. I told So, let me tell you something. I told So, let me tell you something. I told you all about that and before we open you all about that and before we open you all about that and before we open the word here, I got to tell you. So, the word here, I got to tell you. So, the word here, I got to tell you. So, this they pray they pray for our church. this they pray they pray for our church. this they pray they pray for our church. They're watching. They watch in Roma and They're watching. They watch in Roma and They're watching. They watch in Roma and um um you got your phone there. Um Elaine. Elaine. So I'm told that people are watching. We So I'm told that people are watching. We So I'm told that people are watching. We want to greet them. want to greet them. want to greet them. Texas, Brazil, Tanzania, Colorado, Texas, Brazil, Tanzania, Colorado, Texas, Brazil, Tanzania, Colorado, England, California, Florida, wait, England, California, Florida, wait, England, California, Florida, wait, Dubai, and Argentina. Dubai, and Argentina. Dubai, and Argentina. So let's greet them. We're greeting you So let's greet them. We're greeting you So let's greet them. We're greeting you folks watching from around the world.

folks watching from around the world. folks watching from around the world. God bless you. So So anyway, I told you I was there among the anyway, I told you I was there among the anyway, I told you I was there among the the people there and what the people there and what the people there and what there the pastor Makk there's brothers there the pastor Makk there's brothers there the pastor Makk there's brothers there that we're very close to and there that we're very close to and there that we're very close to and brother pastor Mak is so can't believe brother pastor Mak is so can't believe brother pastor Mak is so can't believe that we decided months and months ago that we decided months and months ago that we decided months and months ago that we're going to build a church that we're going to build a church that we're going to build a church there. the largest church. It'll be the there. the largest church. It'll be the there. the largest church. It'll be the largest Roma church in all of Europe. largest Roma church in all of Europe. largest Roma church in all of Europe. And And And God has supplied all the money. But God has supplied all the money. But God has supplied all the money. But listen, it never costs what they say and listen, it never costs what they say and listen, it never costs what they say and it never is done when they say. So, it never is done when they say. So, it never is done when they say. So, we're still short. God put together we're still short. God put together we're still short. God put together almost a million dollars for us to do almost a million dollars for us to do almost a million dollars for us to do that plus pay for the conference. But that plus pay for the conference. But that plus pay for the conference. But now we're short like 150 200 something now we're short like 150 200 something now we're short like 150 200 something like that thousand. But God's going to like that thousand. But God's going to like that thousand. But God's going to supply it. If he supplied us up to now, supply it. If he supplied us up to now, supply it. If he supplied us up to now, how many believe he's going to give us how many believe he's going to give us how many believe he's going to give us the rest of the money? Maybe from you, the rest of the money? Maybe from you, the rest of the money? Maybe from you, from someone out there, please help us from someone out there, please help us from someone out there, please help us with any gift you have plus the regular with any gift you have plus the regular with any gift you have plus the regular giving. So, uh, for those of you giving. So, uh, for those of you giving. So, uh, for those of you visiting today, uh, let me just ask visiting today, uh, let me just ask visiting today, uh, let me just ask right now, who's here for the first right now, who's here for the first right now, who's here for the first time? Anyone? Stand up. If you're here time? Anyone? Stand up. If you're here time? Anyone? Stand up. If you're here for the first time, arise. Come on, for the first time, arise. Come on, for the first time, arise. Come on, stand up. Shake their hand. Anybody here stand up. Shake their hand. Anybody here stand up. Shake their hand. Anybody here for the first time? Shake their hand.

for the first time? Shake their hand. for the first time? Shake their hand. Come on, shake their hand. Make them Come on, shake their hand. Make them Come on, shake their hand. Make them feel welcome up in the balcony. We feel welcome up in the balcony. We feel welcome up in the balcony. We welcome you. We welcome you, Benito. So, you may be seated. Benito. So, you may be seated. So, um we have a welcome center for you we have a welcome center for you first-time visitors. You go to the back, first-time visitors. You go to the back, first-time visitors. You go to the back, down the stairs, down the stairs, down the stairs, balcony, come down, then down again. balcony, come down, then down again. balcony, come down, then down again. first-time visitors, we have a present first-time visitors, we have a present first-time visitors, we have a present for you and we have a person to hug you, for you and we have a person to hug you, for you and we have a person to hug you, pray with you if that's what you need, pray with you if that's what you need, pray with you if that's what you need, or leave your request and our prayer or leave your request and our prayer or leave your request and our prayer band will be praying for 30 days around band will be praying for 30 days around band will be praying for 30 days around the clock for whatever prayer request the clock for whatever prayer request the clock for whatever prayer request you leave. So, that's a a really a good you leave. So, that's a a really a good you leave. So, that's a a really a good benefit. Um benefit. Um benefit. Um uh so we've been praying for this uh so we've been praying for this uh so we've been praying for this um church that it'll I think the um church that it'll I think the um church that it'll I think the construction is going to start in a construction is going to start in a construction is going to start in a month or two and they say it's going to month or two and they say it's going to month or two and they say it's going to be done in 6 months but who knows? But be done in 6 months but who knows? But be done in 6 months but who knows? But first I want to just remind you that are first I want to just remind you that are first I want to just remind you that are visiting what it's like to be Roma in visiting what it's like to be Roma in visiting what it's like to be Roma in Europe. This is Slovakia where I was uh Europe. This is Slovakia where I was uh Europe. This is Slovakia where I was uh on my first visit with the Roma people on my first visit with the Roma people on my first visit with the Roma people and then I'll show you something else.

and then I'll show you something else. and then I'll show you something else. So watch the video but just try to feel So watch the video but just try to feel So watch the video but just try to feel the mission field that that we have in the mission field that that we have in the mission field that that we have in front of us. >> So this is Yanovich. >> So this is Yanovich. >> Yes. This is Yarovnita. >> Yes. This is Yarovnita. >> Yes. This is Yarovnita. Yarovnit the largest Roma settlement in Yarovnit the largest Roma settlement in Yarovnit the largest Roma settlement in the country Slovakia. the country Slovakia. the country Slovakia. It's a village with 9,000 Roma people. It's a village with 9,000 Roma people. It's a village with 9,000 Roma people. And this is the place where we want to And this is the place where we want to And this is the place where we want to build a new church. Historians build a new church. Historians build a new church. Historians they say that we came originally from they say that we came originally from they say that we came originally from India India India >> and in Slovakia we came around 12 or >> and in Slovakia we came around 12 or >> and in Slovakia we came around 12 or 13th century. 13th century. 13th century. >> Yeah. From so many years Roma people >> Yeah. From so many years Roma people >> Yeah. From so many years Roma people living in Europe living in Slovakia. We living in Europe living in Slovakia. We living in Europe living in Slovakia. We are here in eastern part of Slovakia but are here in eastern part of Slovakia but are here in eastern part of Slovakia but still not integrated you know for so still not integrated you know for so still not integrated you know for so many years not integrated. So nobody many years not integrated. So nobody many years not integrated. So nobody wanted to touch them even they were wanted to touch them even they were wanted to touch them even they were untouchable for many people and untouchable for many people and untouchable for many people and outcasts. So in every small town and outcasts. So in every small town and outcasts. So in every small town and village in East Slovakia you will find village in East Slovakia you will find village in East Slovakia you will find Roma people but mostly on the end of the Roma people but mostly on the end of the Roma people but mostly on the end of the village set apart and untouchable.

When children are born here they have no When children are born here they have no hope. Many have no um running water at hope. Many have no um running water at hope. Many have no um running water at home, no electricity at home and many home, no electricity at home and many home, no electricity at home and many can can go to doctors, see the dentist can can go to doctors, see the dentist can can go to doctors, see the dentist or eye doctor. It's really challenging or eye doctor. It's really challenging or eye doctor. It's really challenging for the families here and even the for the families here and even the for the families here and even the school education the school buildings school education the school buildings school education the school buildings are so small and can all the children are so small and can all the children are so small and can all the children cannot fit in these buildings. So this cannot fit in these buildings. So this cannot fit in these buildings. So this place desperately desperately need Jesus place desperately desperately need Jesus place desperately desperately need Jesus Christ. For 7 years we were coming here. We had For 7 years we were coming here. We had no building, no church and we started to no building, no church and we started to no building, no church and we started to do ministry here. So we were going from do ministry here. So we were going from do ministry here. So we were going from house to house sharing the gospel. house to house sharing the gospel. house to house sharing the gospel. Every meeting, every meeting, new people Every meeting, every meeting, new people Every meeting, every meeting, new people coming to the Lord. For many years they used to live in this For many years they used to live in this small little house if we can call it small little house if we can call it small little house if we can call it like house. like house. like house. >> He used to spend all this money for >> He used to spend all this money for >> He used to spend all this money for alcohol and drugs and waste and now alcohol and drugs and waste and now alcohol and drugs and waste and now there's no more alcohol. They you know there's no more alcohol. They you know there's no more alcohol. They you know they use the money for for food you know they use the money for for food you know they use the money for for food you know and then you know they come to the Lord and then you know they come to the Lord and then you know they come to the Lord and suddenly something has changed and and suddenly something has changed and and suddenly something has changed and they say we need to do something.

We are standing uh at the church We are standing uh at the church property. Behind me is a church which we property. Behind me is a church which we property. Behind me is a church which we are using now church building and right are using now church building and right are using now church building and right here is place where we have meetings here is place where we have meetings here is place where we have meetings every Sunday now. But the church is every Sunday now. But the church is every Sunday now. But the church is full. People have no place to sit, just full. People have no place to sit, just full. People have no place to sit, just to stand now. And right here, it's a to stand now. And right here, it's a to stand now. And right here, it's a feeding building. We feed the people. We feeding building. We feed the people. We feeding building. We feed the people. We feed the children. Every day, school day feed the children. Every day, school day feed the children. Every day, school day from Monday to Friday, we have up to 200 from Monday to Friday, we have up to 200 from Monday to Friday, we have up to 200 children. And they have warm food. So children. And they have warm food. So children. And they have warm food. So this is like restaurant for children who this is like restaurant for children who this is like restaurant for children who have no food. And this building is have no food. And this building is have no food. And this building is existing building. But our dream is to existing building. But our dream is to existing building. But our dream is to have a and we pray for to have a have a and we pray for to have a have a and we pray for to have a building right here in this parking building right here in this parking building right here in this parking place and to have building for thousand place and to have building for thousand place and to have building for thousand people. So I pray for it because there people. So I pray for it because there people. So I pray for it because there are 9,000 people in the village who are are 9,000 people in the village who are are 9,000 people in the village who are lost who desperately need Jesus. So we lost who desperately need Jesus. So we lost who desperately need Jesus. So we are here. We are standing here. We are here. We are standing here. We are here. We are standing here. We believe that God will help us. He helped believe that God will help us. He helped believe that God will help us. He helped us with it. This building is a miracle. us with it. This building is a miracle. us with it. This building is a miracle. You see the sign Jesus loves you on the You see the sign Jesus loves you on the You see the sign Jesus loves you on the roof. And this building was given to us roof. And this building was given to us roof. And this building was given to us from God. He paid it all. He paid for from God. He paid it all. He paid for from God. He paid it all. He paid for this building and he gave it to us as a this building and he gave it to us as a this building and he gave it to us as a gift. So he did it once and I believe he gift. So he did it once and I believe he gift. So he did it once and I believe he will do it again.

will do it again. will do it again. That's what I'm talking about. So keep the lights down. So keep the lights down. So now this is the rendering of the So now this is the rendering of the So now this is the rendering of the building building building that we're going to put right where you that we're going to put right where you that we're going to put right where you just saw all that thing where they live. just saw all that thing where they live. just saw all that thing where they live. That's going to be a lighthouse for That's going to be a lighthouse for That's going to be a lighthouse for Jesus and people will see what God can Jesus and people will see what God can Jesus and people will see what God can do in the midst of that. This is what do in the midst of that. This is what do in the midst of that. This is what we're going to build. >> Come on, let's put our hands together >> Come on, let's put our hands together and believe God for it. You can put the lights up. You can put the lights up. Is that not a worthy thing to do? Is that not a worthy thing to do? Is that not a worthy thing to do? So, oh, all my emotions with the those So, oh, all my emotions with the those So, oh, all my emotions with the those two days in those meetings, I two days in those meetings, I two days in those meetings, I could hardly take it. I just love those could hardly take it. I just love those could hardly take it. I just love those people. I told them I am Roma. And they people. I told them I am Roma. And they people. I told them I am Roma. And they look at me like, you can't be saying look at me like, you can't be saying look at me like, you can't be saying that and mean it. I told them I'm not that and mean it. I told them I'm not that and mean it. I told them I'm not American first. I am not Polish.

American first. I am not Polish. American first. I am not Polish. Ukrainian, which I am. Uh, I'm a Ukrainian, which I am. Uh, I'm a Ukrainian, which I am. Uh, I'm a Christian first, but I am Roma after Christian first, but I am Roma after Christian first, but I am Roma after that. I know you're watching the Roma that. I know you're watching the Roma that. I know you're watching the Roma people. They they said they were all people. They they said they were all people. They they said they were all going to watch. We want to greet you. going to watch. We want to greet you. going to watch. We want to greet you. Come on, congregation. We are Roma. Come on, congregation. We are Roma. Come on, congregation. We are Roma. We're Roma with you. will that be something with that will that be something with that building? People will flock just to un building? People will flock just to un building? People will flock just to un try to understand what is this and then try to understand what is this and then try to understand what is this and then they can tell them about Jesus. they can tell them about Jesus. they can tell them about Jesus. So as you uh I as you leave the building So as you uh I as you leave the building So as you uh I as you leave the building there's an offering basket. Most give there's an offering basket. Most give there's an offering basket. Most give online. Please help us. Those online online. Please help us. Those online online. Please help us. Those online watching maybe God's blessed you and you watching maybe God's blessed you and you watching maybe God's blessed you and you can help us with these chunks of money can help us with these chunks of money can help us with these chunks of money that we need and then our own needs are that we need and then our own needs are that we need and then our own needs are so great here but we're trying to use it so great here but we're trying to use it so great here but we're trying to use it to u bless people in the name of the to u bless people in the name of the to u bless people in the name of the Lord. Um, they also want me to remind Lord. Um, they also want me to remind Lord. Um, they also want me to remind you if you're 19 through 29, 18 through you if you're 19 through 29, 18 through you if you're 19 through 29, 18 through 29, the go online and you can sign up 29, the go online and you can sign up 29, the go online and you can sign up for the um, Sanctus retreat which is for the um, Sanctus retreat which is for the um, Sanctus retreat which is going to be in the month of August I going to be in the month of August I going to be in the month of August I believe. And um also those watching believe. And um also those watching believe. And um also those watching online, we're having a conference here online, we're having a conference here online, we're having a conference here February, I'm sorry, October 2 and February, I'm sorry, October 2 and February, I'm sorry, October 2 and through 4, Friday through Sunday. We through 4, Friday through Sunday. We through 4, Friday through Sunday. We have guest speakers, Michael, um Yousef, Yousef, Pastor Willie Rice, myself. There'll be Pastor Willie Rice, myself. There'll be Pastor Willie Rice, myself. There'll be a music track. Come and visit beautiful a music track. Come and visit beautiful a music track. Come and visit beautiful downtown Brooklyn. It's beautiful here.

downtown Brooklyn. It's beautiful here. downtown Brooklyn. It's beautiful here. Those of you that are living with all Those of you that are living with all Those of you that are living with all that fresh air out there, wherever you that fresh air out there, wherever you that fresh air out there, wherever you are, you're going to die from that fresh are, you're going to die from that fresh are, you're going to die from that fresh air. You need to come here. And um this air. You need to come here. And um this air. You need to come here. And um this stuff from Canada, this smoke. I've been stuff from Canada, this smoke. I've been stuff from Canada, this smoke. I've been away. Did it hit yesterday or is it away. Did it hit yesterday or is it away. Did it hit yesterday or is it supposed to hit today? supposed to hit today? supposed to hit today? >> It was yesterday. >> It was yesterday. >> It was yesterday. >> Oh, it's going to be here for a while. >> Oh, it's going to be here for a while. >> Oh, it's going to be here for a while. Oh my goodness. You can't believe that. Oh my goodness. You can't believe that. Oh my goodness. You can't believe that. So, we have a treat today. By the way, So, we have a treat today. By the way, So, we have a treat today. By the way, join me with me Tuesday. Doors open at join me with me Tuesday. Doors open at join me with me Tuesday. Doors open at 5. We pray for you individually. At 6:00 5. We pray for you individually. At 6:00 5. We pray for you individually. At 6:00 6:30 we begin. I am I am you're going to 6:30 we begin. I am I am you're going to 6:30 we begin. I am I am you're going to be so tired of seeing me now because my be so tired of seeing me now because my be so tired of seeing me now because my travels are over, but I knew God wanted travels are over, but I knew God wanted travels are over, but I knew God wanted me to do that. So, uh, on Sunday and me to do that. So, uh, on Sunday and me to do that. So, uh, on Sunday and Tuesdays, I'm I'm just looking forward Tuesdays, I'm I'm just looking forward Tuesdays, I'm I'm just looking forward to what God will do for us. Of all the to what God will do for us. Of all the to what God will do for us. Of all the churches in America, churches in America, churches in America, all the churches who have ever helped us all the churches who have ever helped us all the churches who have ever helped us and been kind, there's nobody that comes and been kind, there's nobody that comes and been kind, there's nobody that comes close to one church.

close to one church. close to one church. It's in Florida in a place called Tampa It's in Florida in a place called Tampa It's in Florida in a place called Tampa and it's called Idaho Wild Baptist and it's called Idaho Wild Baptist and it's called Idaho Wild Baptist Church. It's huge Church. It's huge Church. It's huge land piece, you know, down there, you land piece, you know, down there, you land piece, you know, down there, you know, 50 acres. I've been looking for 50 know, 50 acres. I've been looking for 50 know, 50 acres. I've been looking for 50 feet all my life and they have 50 acres feet all my life and they have 50 acres feet all my life and they have 50 acres and um and um and um during the pandemic during the pandemic during the pandemic they gave their auditorium to me and they gave their auditorium to me and they gave their auditorium to me and their videography team and for 16 months their videography team and for 16 months their videography team and for 16 months when we were shut down I preached in when we were shut down I preached in when we were shut down I preached in their building to that great team of their building to that great team of their building to that great team of workers and these are professionals and workers and these are professionals and workers and these are professionals and we we were able to carry on and then the we we were able to carry on and then the we we were able to carry on and then the then pastor said to me. But no, you got then pastor said to me. But no, you got then pastor said to me. But no, you got to go into another studio and start to go into another studio and start to go into another studio and start doing daily devotions. I have a feeling, doing daily devotions. I have a feeling, doing daily devotions. I have a feeling, Jim, that New York's going to get hit Jim, that New York's going to get hit Jim, that New York's going to get hit hard with the pandemic. And he was hard with the pandemic. And he was hard with the pandemic. And he was prophet prophetic on that. And I started prophet prophetic on that. And I started prophet prophetic on that. And I started doing 8-minute daily devotions, doing 8-minute daily devotions, doing 8-minute daily devotions, which I just finished my 1700th which I just finished my 1700th which I just finished my 1700th because what I started there, I never because what I started there, I never because what I started there, I never stopped because people are viewing it stopped because people are viewing it stopped because people are viewing it from around the country. They watch over from around the country. They watch over from around the country. They watch over in in Europe too, they tell me. So if in in Europe too, they tell me. So if in in Europe too, they tell me. So if any of you want to just get a little any of you want to just get a little any of you want to just get a little boost for the day, 8 minute um uh boost for the day, 8 minute um uh boost for the day, 8 minute um uh devotional devotional devotional on YouTube or on uh go to brookland on YouTube or on uh go to brookland on YouTube or on uh go to brookland tabernacle.org. So this church, tabernacle.org. So this church, tabernacle.org. So this church, we just had something happened recently.

we just had something happened recently. we just had something happened recently. I forgot what it was and I had to do I forgot what it was and I had to do I forgot what it was and I had to do something down there. I call my dear something down there. I call my dear something down there. I call my dear friend, Pastor Edgar Aonte from friend, Pastor Edgar Aonte from friend, Pastor Edgar Aonte from Dominican Republic, who is the senior Dominican Republic, who is the senior Dominican Republic, who is the senior pastor now. He didn't even miss a beat. pastor now. He didn't even miss a beat. pastor now. He didn't even miss a beat. You come, we'll do whatever you need to You come, we'll do whatever you need to You come, we'll do whatever you need to do. You, our men, were here. They never do. You, our men, were here. They never do. You, our men, were here. They never would take an offering. They I couldn't would take an offering. They I couldn't would take an offering. They I couldn't give them money. They wouldn't take it. give them money. They wouldn't take it. give them money. They wouldn't take it. No, we just want to help you. So th this No, we just want to help you. So th this No, we just want to help you. So th this church and uh now this pastor, Pastor church and uh now this pastor, Pastor church and uh now this pastor, Pastor Edgar Aonte, they have been a huge Edgar Aonte, they have been a huge Edgar Aonte, they have been a huge blessing. And you know when you've been blessing. And you know when you've been blessing. And you know when you've been blessed by people, you must learn to blessed by people, you must learn to blessed by people, you must learn to always say thank you. Am I right? And always say thank you. Am I right? And always say thank you. Am I right? And appreciate them because that's what God appreciate them because that's what God appreciate them because that's what God wants us to do. Not only give thanks to wants us to do. Not only give thanks to wants us to do. Not only give thanks to him, but thank thank the people that he him, but thank thank the people that he him, but thank thank the people that he uses. uses. uses. Ever been helped by anybody in your Ever been helped by anybody in your Ever been helped by anybody in your life? Learn. We learn to say thank you. life? Learn. We learn to say thank you. life? Learn. We learn to say thank you. So I want the biggest welcome to Pastor So I want the biggest welcome to Pastor So I want the biggest welcome to Pastor Aonte. Come on, put your hands together. Aonte. Come on, put your hands together. Aonte. Come on, put your hands together. Pastor Edgar Aante.

>> Thank you, brother. >> Thank you, brother. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you, Pastor >> Thank you, sir. Thank you, Pastor >> Thank you, sir. Thank you, Pastor Simula. It is great to be with you and Simula. It is great to be with you and Simula. It is great to be with you and I'm honored to be here with you, to be I'm honored to be here with you, to be I'm honored to be here with you, to be able to open the word of God. I love able to open the word of God. I love able to open the word of God. I love your pastor. He's a blessing to me and I your pastor. He's a blessing to me and I your pastor. He's a blessing to me and I praise God for his life and ministry. Let us pray one more time. Let us pray one more time. Heavenly Father, Lord, we come before Heavenly Father, Lord, we come before Heavenly Father, Lord, we come before you. you. you. You who are exalted, You who are exalted, You who are exalted, holy, perfect. holy, perfect. holy, perfect. And we come to you with boldness, And we come to you with boldness, And we come to you with boldness, with joy, with joy, with joy, knowing that you listen to us, knowing knowing that you listen to us, knowing knowing that you listen to us, knowing that our prayers do not fall on deaf that our prayers do not fall on deaf that our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. Because we come to you through the ears. Because we come to you through the ears. Because we come to you through the Lord Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who Lord Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who Lord Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the takes away the sins of the world, the takes away the sins of the world, the one who lives to intercede for us, one who lives to intercede for us, one who lives to intercede for us, our savior, our lord, our high priest.

our savior, our lord, our high priest. our savior, our lord, our high priest. And we come in the power of the Holy And we come in the power of the Holy And we come in the power of the Holy Spirit that you have given to us in Spirit that you have given to us in Spirit that you have given to us in Jesus. Lord, we honor you and we praise Jesus. Lord, we honor you and we praise Jesus. Lord, we honor you and we praise you. As I open the word of truth, will you. As I open the word of truth, will you. As I open the word of truth, will you please help me? I confess that apart you please help me? I confess that apart you please help me? I confess that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. from Jesus, we can do nothing. from Jesus, we can do nothing. Lord, anoint me with your spirit. Lord, anoint me with your spirit. Lord, anoint me with your spirit. Speak to your people Speak to your people Speak to your people and speak to those who are not your and speak to those who are not your and speak to those who are not your people yet that they will become your people yet that they will become your people yet that they will become your people. people. people. Save them, Lord, Save them, Lord, Save them, Lord, and encourage the believers. Strengthen and encourage the believers. Strengthen and encourage the believers. Strengthen their faith. their faith. their faith. I cannot do that. Only you can do that, I cannot do that. Only you can do that, I cannot do that. Only you can do that, Lord, through the Holy Spirit. Do it. Lord, through the Holy Spirit. Do it. Lord, through the Holy Spirit. Do it. do it for the glory of your name do it for the glory of your name do it for the glory of your name and for our joy. and for our joy. and for our joy. We pray all of this in the name of the We pray all of this in the name of the We pray all of this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and we say amen. Lord Jesus Christ and we say amen. Lord Jesus Christ and we say amen. >> Amen.

I don't know if you know that sometimes I don't know if you know that sometimes in life we struggle with disappointment. in life we struggle with disappointment. in life we struggle with disappointment. Sometimes life does not unfold the way Sometimes life does not unfold the way Sometimes life does not unfold the way we expected. we expected. we expected. Could be a prayer that has gone Could be a prayer that has gone Could be a prayer that has gone unanswered. Or perhaps a relationship Or perhaps a relationship that fell apart. that fell apart. that fell apart. Or perhaps Or perhaps Or perhaps it was a call from the doctor it was a call from the doctor it was a call from the doctor with a diagnosis that you were not with a diagnosis that you were not with a diagnosis that you were not expecting. expecting. expecting. or perhaps a dream that you deeply or perhaps a dream that you deeply or perhaps a dream that you deeply believed in that seems to die believed in that seems to die believed in that seems to die and you are overwhelmed with and you are overwhelmed with and you are overwhelmed with disappointment. disappointment. disappointment. And what happens sometimes is that that And what happens sometimes is that that And what happens sometimes is that that disappointment disappointment disappointment can slowly turn into doubt can slowly turn into doubt can slowly turn into doubt but not intellectual doubt but emotional but not intellectual doubt but emotional but not intellectual doubt but emotional doubt. doubt. doubt. We feel drained, We feel drained, We feel drained, exhausted.

The disciples understood that. The disciples understood that. Thomas the disciple Thomas the disciple Thomas the disciple understood that. understood that. understood that. And it's in that context And it's in that context And it's in that context that we meet Thomas that we meet Thomas that we meet Thomas in the Gospel of John in chapter 20. Thomas was not the eskeepic that many Thomas was not the eskeepic that many people imagine him to be. people imagine him to be. people imagine him to be. Thomas was a grieving disciple whose Thomas was a grieving disciple whose Thomas was a grieving disciple whose hopes appear to have died on a Roman hopes appear to have died on a Roman hopes appear to have died on a Roman cross. cross. cross. Thomas is struggling to believe because Thomas is struggling to believe because Thomas is struggling to believe because he's hurting. he's hurting. he's hurting. And sometimes when we hurt, we struggle And sometimes when we hurt, we struggle And sometimes when we hurt, we struggle to believe. to believe. to believe. But what is beautiful about the story of But what is beautiful about the story of But what is beautiful about the story of Thomas in John 20 is how Jesus Thomas in John 20 is how Jesus Thomas in John 20 is how Jesus approaches him. approaches him. approaches him. Jesus pursues him, Jesus pursues him, Jesus pursues him, meets him, and then invites him to meets him, and then invites him to meets him, and then invites him to believe.

believe. believe. And that's what I want us to see here And that's what I want us to see here And that's what I want us to see here because John tells us that he has an because John tells us that he has an because John tells us that he has an agenda when he's writing the gospel. agenda when he's writing the gospel. agenda when he's writing the gospel. The Bible has an agenda. The Bible has an agenda. The Bible has an agenda. There's an intention that God has when There's an intention that God has when There's an intention that God has when he gave us his word. he gave us his word. he gave us his word. And John tells us that everything that And John tells us that everything that And John tells us that everything that he's doing through the Holy Spirit is he's doing through the Holy Spirit is he's doing through the Holy Spirit is with one intention. with one intention. with one intention. He says that in verse 31 He says that in verse 31 He says that in verse 31 that we will believe that Jesus is the that we will believe that Jesus is the that we will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. and that by Christ, the son of God. and that by Christ, the son of God. and that by believing in Jesus we will have life in believing in Jesus we will have life in believing in Jesus we will have life in his name. his name. his name. And that's my prayer today. And that's my prayer today. And that's my prayer today. That those believers here will be That those believers here will be That those believers here will be strengthened in their faith. strengthened in their faith. strengthened in their faith. That if you're struggling that you will That if you're struggling that you will That if you're struggling that you will hold fast to Jesus. hold fast to Jesus. hold fast to Jesus. But if you have never believed that But if you have never believed that But if you have never believed that today you will believe in Jesus.

today you will believe in Jesus. today you will believe in Jesus. If you have a Bible, If you have a Bible, If you have a Bible, just go to John chapter 20. We have it just go to John chapter 20. We have it just go to John chapter 20. We have it right here in the screen. And we will right here in the screen. And we will right here in the screen. And we will read verses 24 through31. Let me read read verses 24 through31. Let me read read verses 24 through31. Let me read it. John chapter 20 it. John chapter 20 it. John chapter 20 verses 24-31. verses 24-31. verses 24-31. Now Thomas, Now Thomas, Now Thomas, one of the 12 called the twin or Ditimos one of the 12 called the twin or Ditimos one of the 12 called the twin or Ditimos was not with them. So Thomas was not was not with them. So Thomas was not was not with them. So Thomas was not with Jesus when Jesus came. This is a with Jesus when Jesus came. This is a with Jesus when Jesus came. This is a week after the resurrection. On Sunday week after the resurrection. On Sunday week after the resurrection. On Sunday morning, Jesus revealed himself to Mary morning, Jesus revealed himself to Mary morning, Jesus revealed himself to Mary Magdalene and others and then the two Magdalene and others and then the two Magdalene and others and then the two disciples on the road to Emmas disciples on the road to Emmas disciples on the road to Emmas and then to the 10th the 11th but Thomas and then to the 10th the 11th but Thomas and then to the 10th the 11th but Thomas was not with them. So a week after the was not with them. So a week after the was not with them. So a week after the first morning of the resurrection a first morning of the resurrection a first morning of the resurrection a Sunday like this Jesus came Sunday like this Jesus came Sunday like this Jesus came said but said but said but Thomas was not with them when Jesus came Thomas was not with them when Jesus came Thomas was not with them when Jesus came the first time. So the disciples told the first time. So the disciples told the first time. So the disciples told him verse 25, we have seen the Lord.

him verse 25, we have seen the Lord. him verse 25, we have seen the Lord. Well, Thomas said, Well, Thomas said, Well, Thomas said, "Unless "Unless "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails I see in his hands the mark of the nails I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the and place my finger into the mark of the and place my finger into the mark of the nails nails nails and place my hand into his side, I will and place my hand into his side, I will and place my hand into his side, I will never believe." never believe." never believe." Can you hear that? Can you hear that? Can you hear that? Verse 26. Verse 26. Verse 26. 8 days later, 8 days later, 8 days later, the disciples, his disciples were inside the disciples, his disciples were inside the disciples, his disciples were inside again. again. again. And Thomas was with them this time. And Thomas was with them this time. And Thomas was with them this time. Although the doors were locked, Although the doors were locked, Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and Jesus came and stood among them and Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace said, "Peace said, "Peace be with you." be with you." be with you." Then Then Then Jesus said to Thomas, Jesus said to Thomas, Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. See my hands and "Put your finger here. See my hands and "Put your finger here. See my hands and put out your hand and place it on my put out your hand and place it on my put out your hand and place it on my side.

side. side. Do not disbelieve Do not disbelieve Do not disbelieve but believe. but believe. but believe. Thomas answered Thomas answered Thomas answered the Lord, "My Lord and my God." the Lord, "My Lord and my God." the Lord, "My Lord and my God." Jesus said to him, "Have you believed Jesus said to him, "Have you believed Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? because you have seen me? because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen yet Blessed are those who have not seen yet Blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed." have believed." have believed." I mean Jesus is pronouncing a blessing I mean Jesus is pronouncing a blessing I mean Jesus is pronouncing a blessing on you who have believed on you who have believed on you who have believed now. Jesus did many other signs in the now. Jesus did many other signs in the now. Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples which are not presence of his disciples which are not presence of his disciples which are not written in this book. written in this book. written in this book. But these are written so that you may But these are written so that you may But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the believe that Jesus is the Christ, the believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you son of God, and that by believing you son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. may have life in his name. may have life in his name. >> This is the word of the Lord. So there's three things that I want us So there's three things that I want us to see here as we walk through these to see here as we walk through these to see here as we walk through these verses. The first one is this. I want verses. The first one is this. I want verses. The first one is this. I want you to know this. Jesus meets you, us in you to know this. Jesus meets you, us in you to know this. Jesus meets you, us in our pain and disappointment.

our pain and disappointment. our pain and disappointment. Jesus meets us in our pain and Jesus meets us in our pain and Jesus meets us in our pain and disappointment. disappointment. disappointment. We sat here and we saw that Thomas was We sat here and we saw that Thomas was We sat here and we saw that Thomas was not with the disciples. And the question is why was why wasn't And the question is why was why wasn't he with them? Why was Thomas not with he with them? Why was Thomas not with he with them? Why was Thomas not with them when Jesus came to them the first them when Jesus came to them the first them when Jesus came to them the first time? time? time? The Bible doesn't tell us, but we can The Bible doesn't tell us, but we can The Bible doesn't tell us, but we can speculate about speculate about speculate about perhaps Thomas was so disappointed perhaps Thomas was so disappointed perhaps Thomas was so disappointed that he did not want to be with his that he did not want to be with his that he did not want to be with his friends. And sometimes happens to us. And sometimes happens to us. We are grieving so much We are grieving so much We are grieving so much and we walk away from the people of and we walk away from the people of and we walk away from the people of faith. I mean, Thomas saw Jesus perform I mean, Thomas saw Jesus perform miracles. miracles. miracles. Thomas saw Jesus raise the dead.

Thomas saw Jesus raise the dead. Thomas saw Jesus raise the dead. Thomas saw Jesus heal the leper Thomas saw Jesus heal the leper Thomas saw Jesus heal the leper to walk on water. I mean, Thomas shows up three times I mean, Thomas shows up three times in the Gospel of John. in the Gospel of John. in the Gospel of John. The first time is in John 16 just John The first time is in John 16 just John The first time is in John 16 just John 11:16 11:16 11:16 and in this context he was very and in this context he was very and in this context he was very courageous I mean he says I'm willing to die for I mean he says I'm willing to die for Jesus Jesus Jesus this is one day say I'm going to this is one day say I'm going to this is one day say I'm going to Jerusalem say I'm going and I'm ready to Jerusalem say I'm going and I'm ready to Jerusalem say I'm going and I'm ready to die die die so Thomas was courageous he was bold so Thomas was courageous he was bold so Thomas was courageous he was bold and the second where he asked Jesus the question in where he asked Jesus the question in John 14 verse 5 when people came to him John 14 verse 5 when people came to him John 14 verse 5 when people came to him and Thomas said to him Lord and Thomas said to him Lord and Thomas said to him Lord where are you going where are you going where are you going how can we know the way and it is to how can we know the way and it is to how can we know the way and it is to that question from Thomas that Jesus that question from Thomas that Jesus that question from Thomas that Jesus responded I am the way the truth and the responded I am the way the truth and the responded I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except life. No one comes to the father except life. No one comes to the father except through me.

through me. through me. So Thomas was a spiritual person and a So Thomas was a spiritual person and a So Thomas was a spiritual person and a courageous person. He was not ashamed to ask questions of He was not ashamed to ask questions of Jesus. But now here Jesus. But now here Jesus. But now here after the cross, after the cross, after the cross, we see a different Thomas. He's struggling. He's struggling. His dreams and hope. he thought died His dreams and hope. he thought died His dreams and hope. he thought died with Jesus. I mean, think about this. with Jesus. I mean, think about this. with Jesus. I mean, think about this. This person, put everything aside, This person, put everything aside, This person, put everything aside, followed Jesus for three years, followed Jesus for three years, followed Jesus for three years, saw Jesus perform miracles. His hope, saw Jesus perform miracles. His hope, saw Jesus perform miracles. His hope, his dreams were on Jesus, his dreams were on Jesus, his dreams were on Jesus, and then one day he saw how Jesus was and then one day he saw how Jesus was and then one day he saw how Jesus was crucified. and he thought that his dreams, his hope and he thought that his dreams, his hope were dead with Jesus. And in that grieving, And in that grieving, in that disappointment, But isolation fuels discouragement, But isolation fuels discouragement, fear, and unbelief.

fear, and unbelief. fear, and unbelief. Distance from God's people often becomes Distance from God's people often becomes Distance from God's people often becomes distant from God's promises. distant from God's promises. distant from God's promises. And some of you right here perhaps are And some of you right here perhaps are And some of you right here perhaps are grieving and you feel tempted to walk grieving and you feel tempted to walk grieving and you feel tempted to walk away from those who love you. Pain will do that to you. Pain will do that to you. Grief will do that to you. Will push Grief will do that to you. Will push Grief will do that to you. Will push you. you. you. But that's not the solution. But that's not the solution. But that's not the solution. Thomas cut himself off from the Thomas cut himself off from the Thomas cut himself off from the community community community perhaps to try to work through his perhaps to try to work through his perhaps to try to work through his problems on his own. For whatever reason For whatever reason he did that, Thomas missed the first he did that, Thomas missed the first he did that, Thomas missed the first visit of Jesus visit of Jesus visit of Jesus because he was not with them. because he was not with them. because he was not with them. And because he was not with them, he had And because he was not with them, he had And because he was not with them, he had to endure another week of struggles and to endure another week of struggles and to endure another week of struggles and doubts.

Thomas is a good warning to all of us Thomas is a good warning to all of us not to miss not to miss not to miss meeting with the people of God on the meeting with the people of God on the meeting with the people of God on the Lord's day Lord's day Lord's day because Thomas was not there. because Thomas was not there. because Thomas was not there. Thomas missed seeing Jesus Christ Thomas missed seeing Jesus Christ Thomas missed seeing Jesus Christ hearing his words, hearing his words, hearing his words, hearing his words of peace be with you. hearing his words of peace be with you. hearing his words of peace be with you. Because he was not there. He missed the Because he was not there. He missed the Because he was not there. He missed the commission that Jesus gave to the commission that Jesus gave to the commission that Jesus gave to the disciples. He had to endure eight days of fear and He had to endure eight days of fear and unbelief. unbelief. unbelief. And Thomas did not miss Jesus because he And Thomas did not miss Jesus because he And Thomas did not miss Jesus because he was a bad person. was a bad person. was a bad person. Thomas missed Jesus because his grief Thomas missed Jesus because his grief Thomas missed Jesus because his grief isolated him. isolated him. isolated him. And sometimes isolation will cause us And sometimes isolation will cause us And sometimes isolation will cause us more than what we think.

You don't know what blessing you will You don't know what blessing you will miss from the Lord because you have miss from the Lord because you have miss from the Lord because you have isolated yourself from the people of isolated yourself from the people of isolated yourself from the people of God. And in verse 25, we see here, And in verse 25, we see here, so the disciples so the disciples so the disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, look the language But he said to them, look the language here, unless here, unless here, unless I see in his hands the mark of the I see in his hands the mark of the I see in his hands the mark of the nails. nails. nails. Unless unless I would never believe. But we would not say that. will say, But we would not say that. will say, "Unless God fixes my marriage, I will "Unless God fixes my marriage, I will "Unless God fixes my marriage, I will not believe. not believe. not believe. Unless I understand why I lost my job, Unless I understand why I lost my job, Unless I understand why I lost my job, unless I understand why my father unless I understand why my father unless I understand why my father abandoned me, unless unless unless unless I would not believe."

When we struggle to believe, When we struggle to believe, we're not just doubting. we're not just doubting. we're not just doubting. We put God on trial We put God on trial We put God on trial and we say, "God, unless you do this, I and we say, "God, unless you do this, I and we say, "God, unless you do this, I would not believe. would not believe. would not believe. Unless you prove yourself to me, I would Unless you prove yourself to me, I would Unless you prove yourself to me, I would not believe." But the disciples kept saying to him, But the disciples kept saying to him, "But Thomas would not receive it." And perhaps why? because he was so And perhaps why? because he was so grieved, grieved, grieved, so disappointed that he could not take so disappointed that he could not take so disappointed that he could not take it. it. it. Perhaps in his mind I he said, "I have Perhaps in his mind I he said, "I have Perhaps in his mind I he said, "I have already suffered enough. I put my faith already suffered enough. I put my faith already suffered enough. I put my faith in Jesus and look what happened. Don't in Jesus and look what happened. Don't in Jesus and look what happened. Don't give me false false hope." in our church. walk with members through in our church. walk with members through different challenges, struggles, different challenges, struggles, different challenges, struggles, sometimes sometimes sometimes cancer and you know there were intended people and you know there were intended people that will come to you say they heard that will come to you say they heard that will come to you say they heard about this new treatment I don't know in about this new treatment I don't know in about this new treatment I don't know in Germany Germany Germany or in Mexico and sometimes those friends they don't

and sometimes those friends they don't want to tell you about it because they want to tell you about it because they want to tell you about it because they don't want to give you false hope don't want to give you false hope don't want to give you false hope but sometimes is the opposite is that but sometimes is the opposite is that but sometimes is the opposite is that you yourself because you are struggling you yourself because you are struggling you yourself because you are struggling because you are hurting you don't want because you are hurting you don't want because you are hurting you don't want to hear what they have to say because to hear what they have to say because to hear what they have to say because you don't want them to give you false you don't want them to give you false you don't want them to give you false hope have you been there have you been there like please don't tell me like please don't tell me like please don't tell me I don't want to deal for more I don't want to deal for more I don't want to deal for more disappointment. I don't want to brings disappointment. I don't want to brings disappointment. I don't want to brings my hopes up than to be crushed again. my hopes up than to be crushed again. my hopes up than to be crushed again. So Thomas said, "No, unless I do this." So Thomas said, "No, unless I do this." So Thomas said, "No, unless I do this." And it's in that context And it's in that context And it's in that context of grief of grief of grief and unbelief and unbelief and unbelief that Jesus shows up. Jesus meets him in his pain and his Jesus meets him in his pain and his struggles.

struggles. struggles. And Jesus is doing that today. And Jesus is doing that today. And Jesus is doing that today. >> In your pain, in your struggle, >> In your pain, in your struggle, >> In your pain, in your struggle, Jesus is not running away from you, but Jesus is not running away from you, but Jesus is not running away from you, but he wants to meet you. And this is what Jesus does when he And this is what Jesus does when he meets Thomas in his pain and unbelief. meets Thomas in his pain and unbelief. meets Thomas in his pain and unbelief. Number two, he invites us to believe. Number two, he invites us to believe. Number two, he invites us to believe. He invites us to believe. He invites us to believe. He invites us to believe. In verse 26, eight days later, the In verse 26, eight days later, the In verse 26, eight days later, the disciples were inside again. And Thomas disciples were inside again. And Thomas disciples were inside again. And Thomas was with them. All those that although was with them. All those that although was with them. All those that although the doors were locked, the doors were locked, the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and Jesus came and stood among them and Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." I love this. said, "Peace be with you." I love this. said, "Peace be with you." I love this. The doors were shut, were closed, but The doors were shut, were closed, but The doors were shut, were closed, but that would not stop Jesus from coming that would not stop Jesus from coming that would not stop Jesus from coming in.

And you see what Jesus says, "Peace be And you see what Jesus says, "Peace be with you." with you." with you." Just hear the tenderness Just hear the tenderness Just hear the tenderness and the mercy and the grace of Jesus. and the mercy and the grace of Jesus. and the mercy and the grace of Jesus. Jesus comes in and he's not scolding Jesus comes in and he's not scolding Jesus comes in and he's not scolding Thomas or rebuking Thomas. He's peace be Thomas or rebuking Thomas. He's peace be Thomas or rebuking Thomas. He's peace be with you. Thomas did not go out looking for Jesus. Thomas did not go out looking for Jesus. Jesus came in looking for Thomas. >> And Jesus >> And Jesus uses Thomas own word to address him. uses Thomas own word to address him. uses Thomas own word to address him. He says to him, "Put your finger here." What Thomas "Put your finger here." What Thomas said, "Unless I put my finger said, "Unless I put my finger said, "Unless I put my finger and see my hands." Unless I see his and see my hands." Unless I see his and see my hands." Unless I see his hands. hands. hands. Jesus is using Thomas's own word to Jesus is using Thomas's own word to Jesus is using Thomas's own word to address him. But you know what is address him. But you know what is address him. But you know what is interesting about this? No one had to interesting about this? No one had to interesting about this? No one had to tell Jesus what Thomas said because tell Jesus what Thomas said because tell Jesus what Thomas said because Jesus knows everything.

Jesus was listening Jesus was listening when Thomas thought that Jesus was dead. when Thomas thought that Jesus was dead. when Thomas thought that Jesus was dead. And that is true today. And that is true today. And that is true today. Jesus is listening. Jesus is listening. Jesus is listening. Jesus sees it. He hears you. And Jesus addresses him. I mean, just And Jesus addresses him. I mean, just think about this. The thought that Jesus think about this. The thought that Jesus think about this. The thought that Jesus sees everything and that Jesus hears sees everything and that Jesus hears sees everything and that Jesus hears everything can be deeply encouraging or everything can be deeply encouraging or everything can be deeply encouraging or deeply disturbing deeply disturbing deeply disturbing depending where you are. So Jesus addresses him So Jesus addresses him and Jesus says do not disbelieve but and Jesus says do not disbelieve but and Jesus says do not disbelieve but believe. Basically, he said, "Stop becoming Basically, he said, "Stop becoming faithless, but become a believer." That faithless, but become a believer." That faithless, but become a believer." That would be a literal translation.

Jesus saw Thomas heart walking through a Jesus saw Thomas heart walking through a dangerous path. Jesus was concerned dangerous path. Jesus was concerned dangerous path. Jesus was concerned about him. about him. about him. And this is something that I want you to And this is something that I want you to And this is something that I want you to see here. Thomas struggle was not see here. Thomas struggle was not see here. Thomas struggle was not intellectual, intellectual, intellectual, was emotional. was emotional. was emotional. There's a distinction between people with philosophical issues and people with philosophical issues and people with emotional issue. with emotional issue. with emotional issue. I mean a lot of people refuse to believe I mean a lot of people refuse to believe I mean a lot of people refuse to believe because of mixed expectations. Well, I had expectation about my Well, I had expectation about my marriage marriage marriage but it go this way but it go this way but it go this way and then one month into the marriage is and then one month into the marriage is and then one month into the marriage is not what you expected. not what you expected. not what you expected. or a year or two or three or five years, or a year or two or three or five years, or a year or two or three or five years, you had an expectation at church. You you had an expectation at church. You you had an expectation at church. You came to Brooklyn Tabernacle and someone came to Brooklyn Tabernacle and someone came to Brooklyn Tabernacle and someone was not kind to you was not kind to you was not kind to you because you expected all the believers because you expected all the believers because you expected all the believers to be like Jesus. But let me tell you a to be like Jesus. But let me tell you a to be like Jesus. But let me tell you a secret. Not all of them are like Jesus.

and sometimes you have this expectation and sometimes you have this expectation that is going to be perfect that is going to be perfect that is going to be perfect and it's like whoa these people so are and it's like whoa these people so are and it's like whoa these people so are cranky cranky cranky and then you have a missed expectation and then you have a missed expectation and then you have a missed expectation and that causes you to walk away. Don't and that causes you to walk away. Don't and that causes you to walk away. Don't do that. Don't walk away. do that. Don't walk away. do that. Don't walk away. >> Endure those challenges. But it's an emotional issue. Thomas is But it's an emotional issue. Thomas is not struggling with philosophical issues not struggling with philosophical issues not struggling with philosophical issues here. He he doesn't have an objection here. He he doesn't have an objection here. He he doesn't have an objection about the resurrection. He has an about the resurrection. He has an about the resurrection. He has an emotional struggle. And I would tell you emotional struggle. And I would tell you emotional struggle. And I would tell you most people struggles are emotional, not most people struggles are emotional, not most people struggles are emotional, not necessarily intellectual. When someone tells me, "Pastor, I do not When someone tells me, "Pastor, I do not believe in God." I said, "Okay, tell me believe in God." I said, "Okay, tell me believe in God." I said, "Okay, tell me and describe to me the God that you do and describe to me the God that you do and describe to me the God that you do not believe in because most likely I not believe in because most likely I not believe in because most likely I don't believe in that God either don't believe in that God either don't believe in that God either because the idea that they have, the because the idea that they have, the because the idea that they have, the conception that they have is not the God conception that they have is not the God conception that they have is not the God of the Bible."

of the Bible." of the Bible." And what they basically say like, "I And what they basically say like, "I And what they basically say like, "I know and I think God is like this and I know and I think God is like this and I know and I think God is like this and I don't believe in that." Years ago, I worked in Washington DC. Years ago, I worked in Washington DC. I came from the Dominican Republic to I came from the Dominican Republic to I came from the Dominican Republic to Washington DC. Washington DC. Washington DC. Became to work as a diplomat. I was Became to work as a diplomat. I was Became to work as a diplomat. I was working in politics and the Lord saved working in politics and the Lord saved working in politics and the Lord saved me in Washington DC of all places. me in Washington DC of all places. me in Washington DC of all places. I know if the Lord save you in I know if the Lord save you in I know if the Lord save you in Washington DC working with politicians, Washington DC working with politicians, Washington DC working with politicians, he can save anyone anywhere. And through my church, I was doing Bible And through my church, I was doing Bible studies and evangelisms with evangelism studies and evangelisms with evangelism studies and evangelisms with evangelism with friends. And I had this friend, with friends. And I had this friend, with friends. And I had this friend, he was very smart, PhD from Georgetown he was very smart, PhD from Georgetown he was very smart, PhD from Georgetown University, a professor. University, a professor. University, a professor. Uh, and we will read the Bible weekly. Uh, and we will read the Bible weekly. Uh, and we will read the Bible weekly. Once a week, we will meet 7 a.m. Once a week, we will meet 7 a.m. Once a week, we will meet 7 a.m. Starbucks to read through the Bible.

Starbucks to read through the Bible. Starbucks to read through the Bible. And every week he will bring to me an And every week he will bring to me an And every week he will bring to me an objection about the Bible. objection about the Bible. objection about the Bible. At some point I think that he was At some point I think that he was At some point I think that he was basically going to Google contradictions basically going to Google contradictions basically going to Google contradictions in the Bible to bring those to me in the Bible to bring those to me in the Bible to bring those to me and I will answer him and I say okay. and I will answer him and I say okay. and I will answer him and I say okay. And then next week he brings something And then next week he brings something And then next week he brings something else and next week something else. Well, else and next week something else. Well, else and next week something else. Well, after a few months meeting with him, after a few months meeting with him, after a few months meeting with him, I discovered that he was I discovered that he was I discovered that he was in a unlawful relationship. Let's put it in a unlawful relationship. Let's put it in a unlawful relationship. Let's put it this way. this way. this way. And he was going with this girl and he And he was going with this girl and he And he was going with this girl and he was moving in with this girl. was moving in with this girl. was moving in with this girl. He knew enough of the Bible He knew enough of the Bible He knew enough of the Bible to know that that was a sin. So, but he loved that sin so much that So, but he loved that sin so much that he would never accept the Bible because he would never accept the Bible because he would never accept the Bible because if he accepted the Bible, he will have if he accepted the Bible, he will have if he accepted the Bible, he will have to give up his sin. to give up his sin. to give up his sin. And his Egyptians were not because we're And his Egyptians were not because we're And his Egyptians were not because we're philosophical, intellectual. It was it philosophical, intellectual. It was it philosophical, intellectual. It was it was emotional. I love this sin so much was emotional. I love this sin so much was emotional. I love this sin so much that I'm not willing to say yes to Jesus that I'm not willing to say yes to Jesus that I'm not willing to say yes to Jesus because then I have to give this up.

because then I have to give this up. because then I have to give this up. And that is how many people struggle. And that is how many people struggle. And that is how many people struggle. It's emotional. And that's the case with It's emotional. And that's the case with It's emotional. And that's the case with Thomas. He's not believing because it's Thomas. He's not believing because it's Thomas. He's not believing because it's an intellectual issue. It because it's an intellectual issue. It because it's an intellectual issue. It because it's an emotional issue. an emotional issue. an emotional issue. But you know what I love about this? But But you know what I love about this? But But you know what I love about this? But you can bring your doubt to Jesus. And you can bring your doubt to Jesus. And you can bring your doubt to Jesus. And Jesus is not threatened by your Jesus is not threatened by your Jesus is not threatened by your questions and doubts. questions and doubts. questions and doubts. >> You struggle with something, bring it to >> You struggle with something, bring it to >> You struggle with something, bring it to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> You have question about something, bring >> You have question about something, bring >> You have question about something, bring them to Jesus. Jesus is not intimidated them to Jesus. Jesus is not intimidated them to Jesus. Jesus is not intimidated by your questions. by your questions. by your questions. >> Bring it on. And he says, "Put your finger here and And he says, "Put your finger here and see my hands. see my hands. see my hands. Put out your hand and place it in my Put out your hand and place it in my Put out your hand and place it in my side." side." side." You know what is remarkable about that? You know what is remarkable about that? You know what is remarkable about that? That the resurrected Jesus That the resurrected Jesus That the resurrected Jesus still has the marks still has the marks still has the marks of the cross.

of the cross. of the cross. I mean, Jesus is alive. I mean, Jesus is alive. I mean, Jesus is alive. He's resurrected. But the resurrection of Jesus did not But the resurrection of Jesus did not erase the cross. It transformed the erase the cross. It transformed the erase the cross. It transformed the cross. cross. cross. >> Jesus still burst the wounds >> Jesus still burst the wounds >> Jesus still burst the wounds not as a symbol of defeat or as trophies not as a symbol of defeat or as trophies not as a symbol of defeat or as trophies of redemption. Some of you have wounds, Some of you have wounds, scars scars scars of pain that has been inflicted to you. Jesus does not waste wounds. He redeems Jesus does not waste wounds. He redeems them. them. them. Some of you are dealing with grief, with Some of you are dealing with grief, with Some of you are dealing with grief, with divorce, with trauma, with abuse, with divorce, with trauma, with abuse, with divorce, with trauma, with abuse, with wounds.

Jesus Jesus does not want to hide your story. He does not want to hide your story. He does not want to hide your story. He want to transform it and to redeem it want to transform it and to redeem it want to transform it and to redeem it for the glory of his name. There are things that we have done There are things that we have done that we are not proud of. that we are not proud of. that we are not proud of. There are things that we have done that There are things that we have done that There are things that we have done that we are ashamed of. we are ashamed of. we are ashamed of. There are things that have been done to There are things that have been done to There are things that have been done to us that we don't want anyone to know us that we don't want anyone to know us that we don't want anyone to know about. about. about. Jesus wants to redeem those and to use Jesus wants to redeem those and to use Jesus wants to redeem those and to use them to bring glory to himself. them to bring glory to himself. them to bring glory to himself. to transform you. I mean Paul deals with to transform you. I mean Paul deals with to transform you. I mean Paul deals with this is I used to do this this is I used to do this this is I used to do this and this. I used to persecute the and this. I used to persecute the and this. I used to persecute the church. Now I preach the gospel that I church. Now I preach the gospel that I church. Now I preach the gospel that I used to persecute and people glorify God used to persecute and people glorify God used to persecute and people glorify God because of that. because of that. because of that. Some of you have wounds and scars. Some of you have wounds and scars. Some of you have wounds and scars. I pray that through those wounds and I pray that through those wounds and I pray that through those wounds and those scars that have been healed by those scars that have been healed by those scars that have been healed by Jesus, you will show the power of Jesus Jesus, you will show the power of Jesus Jesus, you will show the power of Jesus to redeem and to transform.

>> So Jesus invites him to believe and >> So Jesus invites him to believe and final to conclude final to conclude final to conclude Jesus invitation demands a response. Jesus invitation demands a response. Jesus invitation demands a response. Jesus invitation demands a response. Look at verse 28. Look at verse 28. Thomas said, "My Lord Thomas said, "My Lord Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." And Jesus said in verse 29, And Jesus said in verse 29, "Have you believed because you have seen "Have you believed because you have seen "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen yet believed." yet believed." yet believed." I mean Jesus is pronouncing a blessing I mean Jesus is pronouncing a blessing I mean Jesus is pronouncing a blessing on you 2,000 years because you believed on you 2,000 years because you believed on you 2,000 years because you believed in Jesus without seeing the risen Jesus. in Jesus without seeing the risen Jesus. in Jesus without seeing the risen Jesus. >> So Jesus says you are blessed >> So Jesus says you are blessed >> So Jesus says you are blessed >> because you have believed in him without >> because you have believed in him without >> because you have believed in him without seeing him. seeing him. seeing him. >> But Thomas >> But Thomas >> But Thomas was not saved because he saw Jesus.

There are a lot of people who saw Jesus There are a lot of people who saw Jesus after the resurrection that did not after the resurrection that did not after the resurrection that did not believe in Jesus. believe in Jesus. believe in Jesus. Thomas was saved because he believed in Thomas was saved because he believed in Thomas was saved because he believed in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. That's what Romans says in Romans 10. So That's what Romans says in Romans 10. So That's what Romans says in Romans 10. So faith comes from hearing and hearing faith comes from hearing and hearing faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ. through the word of Christ. through the word of Christ. And John 1:12, but to all who did And John 1:12, but to all who did And John 1:12, but to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, receive him, who believed in his name, receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of he gave the right to become children of he gave the right to become children of God. God. God. You're not saved by believing that Jesus You're not saved by believing that Jesus You're not saved by believing that Jesus existed, existed, existed, but by believing in his name. By but by believing in his name. By but by believing in his name. By believing that he is the son of God who believing that he is the son of God who believing that he is the son of God who came to live and to die for your sins came to live and to die for your sins came to live and to die for your sins and to be raised for your salvation. We don't believe and we are not saved We don't believe and we are not saved because all our answers have been because all our answers have been because all our answers have been responded. All our questions have been responded. All our questions have been responded. All our questions have been answered.

We are saved because we have put our We are saved because we have put our trust and our faith in Jesus Christ who trust and our faith in Jesus Christ who trust and our faith in Jesus Christ who raised from the dead. >> But here this is something that I want >> But here this is something that I want us to see. us to see. us to see. Thomas said, "My Lord Thomas said, "My Lord Thomas said, "My Lord and my God." This is not like the and my God." This is not like the and my God." This is not like the expression is like, "My Lord." No, no, expression is like, "My Lord." No, no, expression is like, "My Lord." No, no, no. This is like confession. no. This is like confession. no. This is like confession. This is not like surprise like my God This is not like surprise like my God This is not like surprise like my God like people say in our culture. No. This like people say in our culture. No. This like people say in our culture. No. This is confessing something about Jesus. The is confessing something about Jesus. The is confessing something about Jesus. The words my Lord and my God, they come from words my Lord and my God, they come from words my Lord and my God, they come from Psalm 35 that David said to Yahweh. Psalm 35 that David said to Yahweh. Psalm 35 that David said to Yahweh. You can read it. Psalm 35, I think it's You can read it. Psalm 35, I think it's You can read it. Psalm 35, I think it's verse 23. My Lord and my God. There's verse 23. My Lord and my God. There's verse 23. My Lord and my God. There's two things that this invitation from two things that this invitation from two things that this invitation from Jesus demands. Jesus demands. Jesus demands. Personal confession Personal confession Personal confession and personal commitment. We must confess We must confess that Jesus is Lord. that Jesus is Lord. that Jesus is Lord. We must confess that Jesus is the son of We must confess that Jesus is the son of We must confess that Jesus is the son of God. And we must confess that Jesus rose God. And we must confess that Jesus rose God. And we must confess that Jesus rose from the dead.

But it's not just a confession. We need But it's not just a confession. We need to make a personal commitment. to make a personal commitment. to make a personal commitment. >> We're not saved by having intellectual >> We're not saved by having intellectual >> We're not saved by having intellectual knowledge about Jesus. knowledge about Jesus. knowledge about Jesus. There are a lot of people who know the There are a lot of people who know the There are a lot of people who know the historical facts about Jesus. I mean, historical facts about Jesus. I mean, historical facts about Jesus. I mean, demons have better theology than us. James we say they know James we say they know but they don't worship but they don't worship but they don't worship they don't submit. they don't submit. they don't submit. So we need a personal commitment. So we need a personal commitment. So we need a personal commitment. Belief involves a personal commitment to Belief involves a personal commitment to Belief involves a personal commitment to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There's a relational element here. There's a relational element here. There's a relational element here. Look at the language. my Lord and my Look at the language. my Lord and my Look at the language. my Lord and my God. Thomas does not say you are the God. Thomas does not say you are the God. Thomas does not say you are the Lord and the God. He doesn't say you are Lord and the God. He doesn't say you are Lord and the God. He doesn't say you are the son of God. the son of God. the son of God. You are the Lord of Peter. You are the Lord of Peter. You are the Lord of Peter. You are the God of pastor Simba. No, you You are the God of pastor Simba. No, you You are the God of pastor Simba. No, you are my Lord and my God.

are my Lord and my God. are my Lord and my God. >> He's appropriating that. He's making >> He's appropriating that. He's making >> He's appropriating that. He's making that his own. He's personal. that his own. He's personal. that his own. He's personal. >> And you need to make that personal >> And you need to make that personal >> And you need to make that personal commitment. commitment. commitment. where Jesus is my Lord and my God and where Jesus is my Lord and my God and where Jesus is my Lord and my God and you embrace Jesus and you find Jesus you embrace Jesus and you find Jesus you embrace Jesus and you find Jesus beautiful and sweet and amazing and beautiful and sweet and amazing and beautiful and sweet and amazing and glorious and say you are my Lord and my glorious and say you are my Lord and my glorious and say you are my Lord and my Lord and my Savior and my God. We don't say yes. Why? because I grew up We don't say yes. Why? because I grew up in church in church in church or because I raised my hand one time or because I raised my hand one time or because I raised my hand one time or because I was baptized. or because I was baptized. or because I was baptized. No, we're not saved because of those No, we're not saved because of those No, we're not saved because of those kind of thing. We're saved when we make kind of thing. We're saved when we make kind of thing. We're saved when we make that personal confession and the that personal confession and the that personal confession and the personal commitment to the lordship and personal commitment to the lordship and personal commitment to the lordship and the deity of who Jesus is, my Lord and the deity of who Jesus is, my Lord and the deity of who Jesus is, my Lord and my God.

my God. my God. We are saved when we throw ourselves We are saved when we throw ourselves We are saved when we throw ourselves into the arms of Jesus into the arms of Jesus into the arms of Jesus >> and we submit to him because Jesus is >> and we submit to him because Jesus is >> and we submit to him because Jesus is more beautiful and sweeter than anything more beautiful and sweeter than anything more beautiful and sweeter than anything in the world. in the world. in the world. >> And we say my Lord and my God. Friends, Friends, those of you who do not have a personal those of you who do not have a personal those of you who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, relationship with Jesus, relationship with Jesus, we are so grateful that you're here, we are so grateful that you're here, we are so grateful that you're here, keep coming. keep coming. keep coming. But you need to understand something. But you need to understand something. But you need to understand something. Jesus did not rise from the dead just to Jesus did not rise from the dead just to Jesus did not rise from the dead just to be admired. He rose to be believed and followed. He rose to be believed and followed. And I pray that today you will decide to And I pray that today you will decide to And I pray that today you will decide to follow Jesus follow Jesus follow Jesus >> because this Jesus who is alive, who is >> because this Jesus who is alive, who is >> because this Jesus who is alive, who is the Lord, who is sitting on the throne, the Lord, who is sitting on the throne, the Lord, who is sitting on the throne, who rules over heaven and earth, who is who rules over heaven and earth, who is who rules over heaven and earth, who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord the King of Kings and the Lord of Lord is inviting you, come home. He's calling is inviting you, come home. He's calling is inviting you, come home. He's calling you.

you. you. Jesus in Matthew 11 says, "All of you Jesus in Matthew 11 says, "All of you Jesus in Matthew 11 says, "All of you who are weary, exhausted, heavy laden, who are weary, exhausted, heavy laden, who are weary, exhausted, heavy laden, drained, drained, drained, come to me and I will give you rest. come to me and I will give you rest. come to me and I will give you rest. Come to Jesus. Come to Jesus. Come to Jesus. Come to Jesus." I want to invite Pastor Zimla here to I want to invite Pastor Zimla here to lead us in this time of worship. lead us in this time of worship. lead us in this time of worship. As we hear the words of the risen Jesus As we hear the words of the risen Jesus As we hear the words of the risen Jesus who says to Thomas and to each one of us who says to Thomas and to each one of us who says to Thomas and to each one of us do not know this belief of belief. Today do not know this belief of belief. Today do not know this belief of belief. Today is the day of salvation. is the day of salvation. is the day of salvation. Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps you confessed Christ once but you you confessed Christ once but you you confessed Christ once but you drifted. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling. Come. Come home.

Come. Come home. Come. Come home. If you're a prodigal, come home. If you're a prodigal, come home. If you're a prodigal, come home. If you have a child who has drifted away If you have a child who has drifted away If you have a child who has drifted away from the Lord, pray for that one. from the Lord, pray for that one. from the Lord, pray for that one. If you have never put your faith in If you have never put your faith in If you have never put your faith in Jesus, we invite you to come. Come to Jesus, we invite you to come. Come to Jesus, we invite you to come. Come to Jesus. Pray here. Come to Jesus. Pastor Jesus. Pray here. Come to Jesus. Pastor Jesus. Pray here. Come to Jesus. Pastor Simpla, can you lead us? Simpla, can you lead us? Simpla, can you lead us? >> Mayo. >> Mayo. >> Mayo. >> Mayor Mano. >> Mayor Mano. >> Mayor Mano. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. You know what? Excellent. My brother, You know what? Excellent. My brother, You know what? Excellent. My brother, you know what? We need to sing that you know what? We need to sing that you know what? We need to sing that song. We haven't sung that song in so song. We haven't sung that song in so song. We haven't sung that song in so many years, right? You have the words of many years, right? You have the words of many years, right? You have the words of that first verse, softly. How many know that first verse, softly. How many know that first verse, softly. How many know softly and tenderly Jesus is coughingly softly and tenderly Jesus is coughingly softly and tenderly Jesus is coughingly quiet? If you're here today, listen, quiet? If you're here today, listen, quiet? If you're here today, listen, and the Lord was speaking to you, maybe and the Lord was speaking to you, maybe and the Lord was speaking to you, maybe to receive Christ for the first time, or to receive Christ for the first time, or to receive Christ for the first time, or you know what? I've been disappointed by you know what? I've been disappointed by you know what? I've been disappointed by life and it's affecting my faith. I got life and it's affecting my faith. I got life and it's affecting my faith. I got to keep believing no matter what I see.

to keep believing no matter what I see. to keep believing no matter what I see. Blessed are you when you don't see the Blessed are you when you don't see the Blessed are you when you don't see the answer, but you keep believing. answer, but you keep believing. answer, but you keep believing. >> Amen. Anyone who wants prayer, we have >> Amen. Anyone who wants prayer, we have >> Amen. Anyone who wants prayer, we have deacons and deaconesses who will stand deacons and deaconesses who will stand deacons and deaconesses who will stand with you and pray. But we're not going with you and pray. But we're not going with you and pray. But we're not going to move yet until we sing this song. You to move yet until we sing this song. You to move yet until we sing this song. You come want prayer, you come to the front come want prayer, you come to the front come want prayer, you come to the front right now. Let's sing it. right now. Let's sing it. right now. Let's sing it. Oh, I love this song. You know what? Oh, I love this song. You know what? Oh, I love this song. You know what? Come on, sing. Come on, sing. Come on, sing. Softly Softly Softly and tenderly and tenderly and tenderly Jesus Jesus Jesus is calling is calling is calling calling calling calling for you and for me. Sing Sing of love for us. of love for us. of love for us. He's waiting He's waiting He's waiting and watching. and watching. and watching. >> That's good. You come >> That's good. You come >> That's good. You come >> for you >> for you >> for you and and and >> Anybody else need prayer? You come while >> Anybody else need prayer? You come while >> Anybody else need prayer? You come while we sing. Come home.

ye who are we ye who are we Oh, Jesus Jesus is is is deacons. Deacon is singing the chorus. Come on. singing the chorus. Come on. Come Jesus Jesus is holy.

>> We're going to sing a chorus again. The >> We're going to sing a chorus again. The Lord brought you here today, right? Lord brought you here today, right? Lord brought you here today, right? You know, this is a setup. He knew what You know, this is a setup. He knew what You know, this is a setup. He knew what the preacher would preach. That's what the preacher would preach. That's what the preacher would preach. That's what you needed to hear, right? You're coming you needed to hear, right? You're coming you needed to hear, right? You're coming home, right? That's beautiful. And you home, right? That's beautiful. And you home, right? That's beautiful. And you don't have to be ashamed that you're don't have to be ashamed that you're don't have to be ashamed that you're crying because tears are a language God crying because tears are a language God crying because tears are a language God understands. understands. understands. Sometimes tears say more than words. Am Sometimes tears say more than words. Am Sometimes tears say more than words. Am I right, congregation? I right, congregation? I right, congregation? Come home. Jesus Jesus is all is all is all glory.

Come. Let's sing that chorus one more Come. Let's sing that chorus one more time for these people. Deacons and time for these people. Deacons and time for these people. Deacons and deaconists. Come on. Jesus Jesus is >> We want to say one final prayer. >> We want to say one final prayer. Just move forward to the edge here. Just move forward to the edge here. Just move forward to the edge here. Young young lady ma'am, have have you Young young lady ma'am, have have you Young young lady ma'am, have have you been here before? been here before? been here before? I'd like to pray for you. God gave me a I'd like to pray for you. God gave me a I'd like to pray for you. God gave me a burden for you. Come up here.

God loves you. I love you. We love her, God loves you. I love you. We love her, right? We love all these people. Let's right? We love all these people. Let's right? We love all these people. Let's pray. pray. pray. Lord, I lay my hand in her hand. Lord, I lay my hand in her hand. Lord, I lay my hand in her hand. Thank you for meeting us where we hurt. Thank you for meeting us where we hurt. Thank you for meeting us where we hurt. Thank you for knowing the struggles, the Thank you for knowing the struggles, the Thank you for knowing the struggles, the doubts, the attacks of the enemy, the doubts, the attacks of the enemy, the doubts, the attacks of the enemy, the disappointments of life that you meet us disappointments of life that you meet us disappointments of life that you meet us there. You don't scoff at us. You don't there. You don't scoff at us. You don't there. You don't scoff at us. You don't rebuke us. rebuke us. rebuke us. Oh Jesus, we love you. Oh Jesus, we love you. Oh Jesus, we love you. Seor, you invite us tenderly you invite us tenderly to just hold your hand to just hold your hand to just hold your hand and trust you despite what we see. and trust you despite what we see. and trust you despite what we see. You are real. We love you. You love us.

You are real. We love you. You love us. You are real. We love you. You love us. And though God slay me, I will trust And though God slay me, I will trust And though God slay me, I will trust him. him. him. So we thank you that these folks have So we thank you that these folks have So we thank you that these folks have come home. Now we're confessing our sins come home. Now we're confessing our sins come home. Now we're confessing our sins and we're coming home to Jesus. Everyone and we're coming home to Jesus. Everyone and we're coming home to Jesus. Everyone in the church to help these people. in the church to help these people. in the church to help these people. Repeat after me. Young lady I'm holding Repeat after me. Young lady I'm holding Repeat after me. Young lady I'm holding by the hand and all of you here in the by the hand and all of you here in the by the hand and all of you here in the front. Repeat after me. But the front. Repeat after me. But the front. Repeat after me. But the congregation will help you. Dear Jesus. congregation will help you. Dear Jesus. congregation will help you. Dear Jesus. >> Dear Jesus. >> Dear Jesus. >> Dear Jesus. >> Come on. Mwerte louder. Dear Jesus. >> Come on. Mwerte louder. Dear Jesus. >> Come on. Mwerte louder. Dear Jesus. >> Dear Jesus. >> Dear Jesus. >> Dear Jesus. >> Thank you for loving me. >> Thank you for loving me. >> Thank you for loving me. >> Thank you for loving me. >> Thank you for loving me. >> Thank you for loving me. >> Coming home today. >> Coming home today. >> Coming home today. >> Coming home today >> Coming home today >> Coming home today >> to you. you. >> to you. you. >> to you. you. >> I say with Thomas, >> I say with Thomas, >> I say with Thomas, >> I say with Thomas, >> I say with Thomas, >> I say with Thomas, >> my Lord, >> my Lord, >> my Lord, >> my Lord >> my Lord >> my Lord >> and my God, >> and my God, >> and my God, >> my God, >> my God, >> my God, >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> Not a passing emotion. >> Not a passing emotion. >> Not a passing emotion. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I put my life in your hands. >> Forgive me.

>> Forgive me. >> Forgive me. >> Forgive me. >> Forgive me. >> I repent of my sins. >> I repent of my sins. >> I repent of my sins. >> I repent of my s. I believe that Jesus >> I repent of my s. I believe that Jesus >> I repent of my s. I believe that Jesus >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> was crucified >> was crucified >> was crucified >> was crucified >> was crucified >> was crucified >> for my sins >> for my sins >> for my sins >> for my s >> for my s >> for my s >> and then rose from the dead >> and then rose from the dead >> and then rose from the dead >> and rose >> and rose >> and rose >> I believe that >> I believe that >> I believe that >> and I confess with my mouth >> and I confess with my mouth >> and I confess with my mouth >> I confess >> I confess >> I confess >> that he is Lord of all that all >> that he is Lord of all that all >> that he is Lord of all that all >> thank you for receiving me today >> thank you for receiving me today >> thank you for receiving me today >> in Jesus name in Jesus name >> in Jesus name in Jesus name >> in Jesus name in Jesus name want to sing one song you don't mind want to sing one song you don't mind want to sing one song you don't mind being up here with me do you Jesus is the sweetest name I know. When Jesus is the sweetest name I know. When he said that, he made me think of it. Is he said that, he made me think of it. Is he said that, he made me think of it. Is Jesus sweet or what? Everybody stand up. Jesus sweet or what? Everybody stand up. Jesus sweet or what? Everybody stand up. We're going to end by singing Jesus is We're going to end by singing Jesus is We're going to end by singing Jesus is the sweetest. the sweetest. the sweetest. The lower key maybe for one lower key, The lower key maybe for one lower key, The lower key maybe for one lower key, brother. You're going to sing it.

You're going to sing it. Stand in the choir. Come on. You're in Stand in the choir. Come on. You're in Stand in the choir. Come on. You're in the choir right now. The sweetest The sweetest name name name I know. One last time we dismiss. Sing with all One last time we dismiss. Sing with all your heart. Heat. Heat.

sing it one more time just for him. Come sing it one more time just for him. Come on, everyone. Heat. on, everyone. Heat. on, everyone. Heat. Heat. Everyone here in the front, if you need Everyone here in the front, if you need a New Testament, if you don't have a New a New Testament, if you don't have a New a New Testament, if you don't have a New Testament, we have one for you. If you Testament, we have one for you. If you Testament, we have one for you. If you want us to contact you that we could want us to contact you that we could want us to contact you that we could baptize you and and if there's any way baptize you and and if there's any way baptize you and and if there's any way we can help you, the deacons will help we can help you, the deacons will help we can help you, the deacons will help you around you. Right. What's your name, you around you. Right. What's your name, you around you. Right. What's your name, sir?

sir? sir? >> Paul. >> Paul. >> Paul. >> Hi, Paul. How are you? Where are you >> Hi, Paul. How are you? Where are you >> Hi, Paul. How are you? Where are you from originally? from originally? from originally? >> Korea. >> Korea. >> Korea. >> Oh, from Korea. Ayango. >> Oh, from Korea. Ayango. >> Oh, from Korea. Ayango. And um we're so happy he's here. I want And um we're so happy he's here. I want And um we're so happy he's here. I want you to meet the rest of the u uh choir. you to meet the rest of the u uh choir. you to meet the rest of the u uh choir. While you're up here, okay, While you're up here, okay, While you're up here, okay, remember the offering. As you leave, remember the offering. As you leave, remember the offering. As you leave, give someone a hug, a handshake. God give someone a hug, a handshake. God give someone a hug, a handshake. God bless you. Amen. Come on.