Faith and Patience, The Power Twins | A.R. Bernard

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Gratitude confirms relationships. Gratitude confirms relationships. Gratitude, and we should live in an Gratitude, and we should live in an Gratitude, and we should live in an attitude of attitude of attitude of gratitude. One of my favorite songs, gratitude. One of my favorite songs, gratitude. One of my favorite songs, be grateful. be grateful. be grateful. Walter Hawkins. Walter Hawkins. Walter Hawkins. How many remember that song? How many remember that song? How many remember that song? Love Alive Choir, be grateful. Love Alive Choir, be grateful. Love Alive Choir, be grateful. Cuz there's someone else that's worse Cuz there's someone else that's worse Cuz there's someone else that's worse off than you. off than you. off than you. Be Be Be grateful. grateful. grateful. Come on, let's go to the Lord in prayer. Come on, let's go to the Lord in prayer. Come on, let's go to the Lord in prayer. Hallelujah. Father, thank you Hallelujah. Father, thank you Hallelujah. Father, thank you for for for community. We've learned that we don't grow in We've learned that we don't grow in isolation, we only grow in community. isolation, we only grow in community. isolation, we only grow in community. Thank you for the local church, Thank you for the local church, Thank you for the local church, the community of believers, all on a spiritual journey at different all on a spiritual journey at different levels, different experiences, different levels, different experiences, different levels, different experiences, different backgrounds, but all committed but all committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Lord Jesus Christ, growing in him growing in him growing in him in grace, in grace, in grace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Shared values, shared dreams and Shared values, shared dreams and Shared values, shared dreams and visions. visions. visions. Community. Community. Community. Thank you for this spiritual family and Thank you for this spiritual family and Thank you for this spiritual family and this community of faith called Christian this community of faith called Christian this community of faith called Christian Cultural Center. Cultural Center. Cultural Center. And thank you for churches across the And thank you for churches across the And thank you for churches across the country and around the world country and around the world country and around the world that are sharing in their journey in that are sharing in their journey in that are sharing in their journey in Christ. Christ. Christ. Thank you for our time of worship Thank you for our time of worship Thank you for our time of worship together today together today together today and for communion, and for communion, and for communion, an opportunity to celebrate, not mourn an opportunity to celebrate, not mourn an opportunity to celebrate, not mourn the death, but celebrate. Because it was a good Friday Because it was a good Friday that led to Resurrection Sunday. So, we celebrate life in him So, we celebrate life in him and we're ever so grateful and we're ever so grateful and we're ever so grateful for your life in us. for your life in us. for your life in us. Once again, as we Once again, as we Once again, as we turn our hearts and minds to the wisdom turn our hearts and minds to the wisdom turn our hearts and minds to the wisdom and instruction of your word, we ask you and instruction of your word, we ask you and instruction of your word, we ask you to touch our eyes to see, our ears to to touch our eyes to see, our ears to to touch our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to receive.

hear, and our hearts to receive. hear, and our hearts to receive. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen and amen. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen and amen. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen and amen. Come on, greet three people before you Come on, greet three people before you Come on, greet three people before you seated. That's it. That's exactly it. Behave That's it. That's exactly it. Behave yourselves, gentlemen. Well, look, if Minister Misha can start Well, look, if Minister Misha can start singing up here, singing up here, singing up here, I mean, what's up with that? I mean, what's up with that? I mean, what's up with that? I'm just saying. And some of you may not realize, And some of you may not realize, Minister Misha actually Minister Misha actually Minister Misha actually sang in choir, he and Lori, his wife sang in choir, he and Lori, his wife sang in choir, he and Lori, his wife Lori, and before he even got to CCC, he Lori, and before he even got to CCC, he Lori, and before he even got to CCC, he was involved in gospel music. And uh so, was involved in gospel music. And uh so, was involved in gospel music. And uh so, he was just doing what what he's already he was just doing what what he's already he was just doing what what he's already gifted to do.

gifted to do. gifted to do. I said what he's gifted to do. When we started the church When we started the church four decades ago, my goodness, I was the four decades ago, my goodness, I was the four decades ago, my goodness, I was the choir. choir. choir. I was the praise and worship leader. I was the praise and worship leader. I was the praise and worship leader. And when you only have 10 people in the And when you only have 10 people in the And when you only have 10 people in the audience, audience, audience, doesn't matter how you sound because doesn't matter how you sound because doesn't matter how you sound because everybody's together. How many of you in everybody's together. How many of you in everybody's together. How many of you in here, here, here, your parents drugged you to church? drugged you to church? Raise your hand high. Take a look Raise your hand high. Take a look Raise your hand high. Take a look around. Take a look around. Especially around. Take a look around. Especially around. Take a look around. Especially those of you who are complaining now those of you who are complaining now those of you who are complaining now because you're here because your parents because you're here because your parents because you're here because your parents made you come to church. made you come to church. made you come to church. All right. All right. All right. I cannot tell you how many people I I cannot tell you how many people I I cannot tell you how many people I hear, yeah, my parents and that and hear, yeah, my parents and that and hear, yeah, my parents and that and that's the word they use, drug. My that's the word they use, drug. My that's the word they use, drug. My people my my parents drugged me to people my my parents drugged me to people my my parents drugged me to church. I don't know what kind of drugs church. I don't know what kind of drugs church. I don't know what kind of drugs they used, but they used, but they used, but I was glad. I'm glad. I was glad. I'm glad. I was glad. I'm glad. Because it ended up where you were in Because it ended up where you were in Because it ended up where you were in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. And we need to drug some more young And we need to drug some more young And we need to drug some more young people to get them drug them to church.

people to get them drug them to church. people to get them drug them to church. Turn to your neighbor and say, he's Turn to your neighbor and say, he's Turn to your neighbor and say, he's talking about somebody you know. It's It's interesting because there's It's It's interesting because there's sometimes the things that we reject and sometimes the things that we reject and sometimes the things that we reject and fight against fight against fight against become so important and significant in become so important and significant in become so important and significant in our future, but we don't realize it at our future, but we don't realize it at our future, but we don't realize it at the time, the time, the time, the value that it brings to our lives. the value that it brings to our lives. the value that it brings to our lives. So, parents, keep drugging them. So, So, I I was I I I was caught between I I was I I I was caught between I I was I I I was caught between talking about the signs of the times talking about the signs of the times talking about the signs of the times today because today because today because I mean, a 7.4 I mean, a 7.4 I mean, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan, a 4.8 a 4.8 magnitude hurricane magnitude hurricane magnitude hurricane in the New York, in the New York, in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the tri-state New Jersey, Connecticut, the tri-state New Jersey, Connecticut, the tri-state area.

You know, I I was sitting there in in in You know, I I was sitting there in in in my study my study my study and all of a sudden I I felt myself sway and all of a sudden I I felt myself sway and all of a sudden I I felt myself sway without any help. The door rattled The door rattled and I just watched for the corner of the and I just watched for the corner of the and I just watched for the corner of the door frame door frame door frame cuz as soon as I saw a crack, I grabbed Ashley and I said, "Let's go, I grabbed Ashley and I said, "Let's go, we're out." How many of you experienced actually How many of you experienced actually felt the earthquake? Wow. Wow. Look at felt the earthquake? Wow. Wow. Look at felt the earthquake? Wow. Wow. Look at all of you. Wow. Wow. How many of you it all of you. Wow. Wow. How many of you it all of you. Wow. Wow. How many of you it was your first experience of was your first experience of was your first experience of such a thing? Oh, some of you are more such a thing? Oh, some of you are more such a thing? Oh, some of you are more experienced than the rest of us. experienced than the rest of us. experienced than the rest of us. Okay, we don't want any more experience Okay, we don't want any more experience Okay, we don't want any more experience than that. Believe me. Believe me. So, I mean, earthquake in diverse So, I mean, earthquake in diverse places. places. places. Am I biblical here? The United States bracing itself The United States bracing itself for attacks for attacks for attacks by Iran against Israeli and American by Iran against Israeli and American by Iran against Israeli and American facilities.

facilities. facilities. I mean, these are interesting times. I mean, these are interesting times. I mean, these are interesting times. So, I was going to talk about the signs So, I was going to talk about the signs So, I was going to talk about the signs of the times today. of the times today. of the times today. But tomorrow, and the moon shall be darkened by the and the moon shall be darkened by the sun. And you know, I'm looking forward to see And you know, I'm looking forward to see what these so-called prophets, and I'm what these so-called prophets, and I'm what these so-called prophets, and I'm going to be very sarcastic here, going to be very sarcastic here, going to be very sarcastic here, so-called prophets have to make out of so-called prophets have to make out of so-called prophets have to make out of this. this. this. You know, You know, You know, um um um so, I'm going to wait until after so, I'm going to wait until after so, I'm going to wait until after tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow and I'll share with you some prophetic and I'll share with you some prophetic and I'll share with you some prophetic insight on all the things that are insight on all the things that are insight on all the things that are happening socially, spiritually, happening socially, spiritually, happening socially, spiritually, morally, economically, morally, economically, morally, economically, uh politically, uh around the world uh politically, uh around the world uh politically, uh around the world because these are interesting times. As because these are interesting times. As because these are interesting times. As I shared with you, there's an emerging I shared with you, there's an emerging I shared with you, there's an emerging cold war in the Middle East. cold war in the Middle East. cold war in the Middle East. And it's going to be interesting to see And it's going to be interesting to see And it's going to be interesting to see how that develops.

how that develops. how that develops. And early on, we formed organizations And early on, we formed organizations And early on, we formed organizations like the United Nations like the United Nations like the United Nations to have a voice, a collective voice to have a voice, a collective voice to have a voice, a collective voice against these things. It really doesn't against these things. It really doesn't against these things. It really doesn't have that kind of power and influence have that kind of power and influence have that kind of power and influence that it was intended. So, we'll take a that it was intended. So, we'll take a that it was intended. So, we'll take a look at that and I want to give you a look at that and I want to give you a look at that and I want to give you a biblical perspective so that you can biblical perspective so that you can biblical perspective so that you can be at peace and not join the ranks of be at peace and not join the ranks of be at peace and not join the ranks of those who have no hope, those who have no hope, those who have no hope, who are fearful because of the rhetoric who are fearful because of the rhetoric who are fearful because of the rhetoric and all the conspiracy theories and all the conspiracy theories and all the conspiracy theories surrounding these kinds of events. Did surrounding these kinds of events. Did surrounding these kinds of events. Did Jesus speak of these events? Yes, but we Jesus speak of these events? Yes, but we Jesus speak of these events? Yes, but we must put that in its proper perspective. must put that in its proper perspective. must put that in its proper perspective. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, what I would like to talk to you So, what I would like to talk to you So, what I would like to talk to you about today is found in our text about today is found in our text about today is found in our text in Hebrews chapter 6, verse in Hebrews chapter 6, verse in Hebrews chapter 6, verse 12. 12. 12. Hebrews 6, Hebrews 6, Hebrews 6, verse verse verse 12.

12. 12. And it reads as follows. So, that you may not be sluggish So, that you may not be sluggish or lazy, or lazy, or lazy, but imitators of those who through faith but imitators of those who through faith but imitators of those who through faith and patience and patience and patience inherit inherit inherit the promises. the promises. the promises. Through what? Through what? Through what? I can't hear you. Through what? I can't hear you. Through what? I can't hear you. Through what? Through what? Another translation says, "We don't want Another translation says, "We don't want you to become lazy, you to become lazy, you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith but to imitate those who through faith but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been and patience inherit what has been and patience inherit what has been promised." This verse is part of a promised." This verse is part of a promised." This verse is part of a larger discourse that encourages larger discourse that encourages larger discourse that encourages Christians to Christians to Christians to mature, to essentially grow mature, to essentially grow mature, to essentially grow up up up and to not fall away. So, it addresses and to not fall away. So, it addresses and to not fall away. So, it addresses issues like apostasy and commitment to issues like apostasy and commitment to issues like apostasy and commitment to Christ.

Christ. Christ. And uh And uh And uh it's very specific. it's very specific. it's very specific. But, the language of But, the language of But, the language of faith and patience faith and patience faith and patience inheriting inheriting inheriting the promises the promises the promises is what I'd like to direct our attention is what I'd like to direct our attention is what I'd like to direct our attention to. What did we talk about? Faith and What did we talk about? Faith and patience. Yeah. patience. Yeah. patience. Yeah. These are what we would call These are what we would call These are what we would call power power power twins. twins. twins. So, if I were to give this message a So, if I were to give this message a So, if I were to give this message a title, for which we have a little extra title, for which we have a little extra title, for which we have a little extra time today So, if I were to give today's message a So, if I were to give today's message a title, I would call it faith title, I would call it faith title, I would call it faith and patience.

and patience. and patience. The power twins. And the term And the term power twins power twins power twins is used when is used when is used when two things that complement each other two things that complement each other two things that complement each other are combined. are combined. are combined. Two things that complement each other Two things that complement each other Two things that complement each other are are are combined. And when that happens And when that happens is a synergy in the relationship. It significantly It significantly amplifies amplifies amplifies their effectiveness their effectiveness their effectiveness their influence their influence their influence and their power. So, there are times when two things So, there are times when two things brought together brought together brought together become a dynamic duo.

Their power, influence Their power, influence is amplified. is amplified. is amplified. Just because Just because Just because two came two came two came together. Now, it doesn't always work. together. Now, it doesn't always work. together. Now, it doesn't always work. So, everything can't come together. So, everything can't come together. So, everything can't come together. But, there are times when two things can But, there are times when two things can But, there are times when two things can come together in a complementary come together in a complementary come together in a complementary relationship relationship relationship and they become and they become and they become power power power twins. twins. twins. It's true It's true It's true in business. in business. in business. So, let's give it a Christ and culture So, let's give it a Christ and culture So, let's give it a Christ and culture application. application. application. It's true in business and leadership. It's true in business and It's true in business and leadership. leadership. leadership. For example and effective and effective implementation In fact, I'm not even going to use that In fact, I'm not even going to use that word to to couple it. Let me word to to couple it. Let me word to to couple it. Let me let me use this word.

I I read something where I I was being I I read something where I I was being criticized for using a board criticized for using a board criticized for using a board when there when there when there is such technology that I could have it is such technology that I could have it is such technology that I could have it all on PowerPoint all on PowerPoint all on PowerPoint and put it up there. and put it up there. and put it up there. I'll leave that for Pastor Jamal. I'll leave that for Pastor Jamal. I'll leave that for Pastor Jamal. He wasn't the critic. He wasn't the critic. He wasn't the critic. He wasn't the critic. He wasn't the critic. He wasn't the critic. See, because I like to be free flow. This way, if I want to pivot This way, if I want to pivot I can pivot. I can pivot. I can pivot. I'm not bound by the sequence of some I'm not bound by the sequence of some I'm not bound by the sequence of some PowerPoint or Keynote. PowerPoint or Keynote. PowerPoint or Keynote. I'm just saying. Nothing wrong with I'm just saying. Nothing wrong with I'm just saying. Nothing wrong with that. That's good. And from time to that. That's good. And from time to that. That's good. And from time to time, I may throw it in there. But, me time, I may throw it in there. But, me time, I may throw it in there. But, me I want to be freestyle. So, if a moment of inspiration hits me, So, if a moment of inspiration hits me, I can I can I can pivot. pivot. pivot. Turn your neighbor and say, "Neighbor, Turn your neighbor and say, "Neighbor, Turn your neighbor and say, "Neighbor, sometimes you got to pivot in life."

So, in business So, in business when you have new ideas when you have new ideas when you have new ideas and effective implementation of all of and effective implementation of all of and effective implementation of all of those ideas those ideas those ideas it becomes a power twin. it becomes a power twin. it becomes a power twin. In In In innovation innovation innovation and execution. How many of y'all know what I'm talking How many of y'all know what I'm talking about? about? about? Innovation Innovation Innovation and execution. When they come together and execution. When they come together and execution. When they come together in a complementary relationship, they in a complementary relationship, they in a complementary relationship, they become become become power twin. And it can significantly enhance And it can significantly enhance productivity. Cause your business to grow and explode. Cause your business to grow and explode. And the same thing is true in And the same thing is true in And the same thing is true in leadership. leadership. leadership. Not just in business Not just in business Not just in business but leadership. but leadership. but leadership. I'm not going to write all these on the I'm not going to write all these on the I'm not going to write all these on the board, but you're going to take notes, board, but you're going to take notes, board, but you're going to take notes, cuz that's what we do at this church. cuz that's what we do at this church. cuz that's what we do at this church. We are learners, right? Sometimes a We are learners, right? Sometimes a We are learners, right? Sometimes a teacher, but always a student.

Another example is in personal Another example is in personal development. development. development. Personal development. I had one of our members, who's an I had one of our members, who's an attorney, text me and say, "Pastor, can attorney, text me and say, "Pastor, can attorney, text me and say, "Pastor, can you just slow it down a little bit?" you just slow it down a little bit?" you just slow it down a little bit?" So, I'm going to slow it down. Only So, I'm going to slow it down. Only So, I'm going to slow it down. Only because we have because we have because we have tiempo. When it comes to personal development When it comes to personal development when you when you when you put together, when you pair put together, when you pair put together, when you pair discipline discipline discipline and perseverance and perseverance and perseverance they become power twin. Discipline and what? Discipline and what? Perseverance. Perseverance. Perseverance. Very, very powerful. I said I said personal development.

personal development. personal development. Interesting thing in sports, if you if Interesting thing in sports, if you if Interesting thing in sports, if you if you follow sports I remember back in the you follow sports I remember back in the you follow sports I remember back in the 1990s 1990s 1990s there was a dynamic there was a dynamic there was a dynamic combination combination combination of two players in the NBA. Michael of two players in the NBA. Michael of two players in the NBA. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Chicago Bulls, 1990s. Chicago Bulls, 1990s. And when those two And when those two And when those two got together got together got together it was a force it was a force it was a force to be reckoned with. to be reckoned with. to be reckoned with. They were power twins. They were power twins. They were power twins. An incredible dynamic would happen on An incredible dynamic would happen on An incredible dynamic would happen on that court that court that court when those two individuals were in sync when those two individuals were in sync when those two individuals were in sync and playing and playing and playing the game. the game. the game. Let me fast forward because the same is Let me fast forward because the same is Let me fast forward because the same is true for players in the WNBA, which is true for players in the WNBA, which is true for players in the WNBA, which is becoming very popular now. becoming very popular now. becoming very popular now. It's all about women's basketball now. It's all about women's basketball now. It's all about women's basketball now. But, when you pair up Diana Taurasi But, when you pair up Diana Taurasi But, when you pair up Diana Taurasi Are you Are y'all don't know who she is?

Are you Are y'all don't know who she is? Are you Are y'all don't know who she is? Okay. Okay. Okay. When you come When you pair her up with When you come When you pair her up with When you come When you pair her up with Brittney Griner Brittney Griner Brittney Griner they both play they both play they both play for the Phoenix Mercury for the Phoenix Mercury for the Phoenix Mercury they become unbeatable. they become unbeatable. they become unbeatable. When they're in sync, it is amazing When they're in sync, it is amazing When they're in sync, it is amazing what you experience. what you experience. what you experience. I just enjoy the game. And watching I just enjoy the game. And watching I just enjoy the game. And watching women's basketball is a little women's basketball is a little women's basketball is a little different. They do things differently. They play basic basketball. They play basic basketball. Which is what you're supposed to do. Which is what you're supposed to do. Which is what you're supposed to do. The guys The guys The guys they got a and miss the layup and miss the layup and lose the game. The guys, well, we shoot, you know, we The guys, well, we shoot, you know, we we got to guide the ball and then two hands.

two hands. So, I'm watching the YOU KNOW, I LIKE I So, I'm watching the YOU KNOW, I LIKE I So, I'm watching the YOU KNOW, I LIKE I SAID, "WOW, that's that's different." SAID, "WOW, that's that's different." SAID, "WOW, that's that's different." It's different. Power twins. Power twins. Combining two individuals, two elements, Combining two individuals, two elements, Combining two individuals, two elements, two ideas two ideas two ideas and they become a very powerful force. and they become a very powerful force. and they become a very powerful force. This is the idea in marriage. Marriage was not meant to be the Marriage was not meant to be the collision of two histories. that you begin to discover after you say that you begin to discover after you say I do. Marriage is intended to be a point of Marriage is intended to be a point of confluence confluence confluence where each of you bring your where each of you bring your where each of you bring your experiences, experiences, experiences, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, network of relationships, achievement, network of relationships, achievement, network of relationships, achievement, and accomplishments. You come together and accomplishments. You come together and accomplishments. You come together and form a new stream of life.

and form a new stream of life. and form a new stream of life. Goals and objectives and visions and Goals and objectives and visions and Goals and objectives and visions and dreams. dreams. dreams. Working for the long term. Working for the long term. Working for the long term. Cuz longevity has its place. Cuz longevity has its place. Cuz longevity has its place. Especially in the institution of Especially in the institution of Especially in the institution of marriage. Your folks get caught up in the in the Your folks get caught up in the in the in the spirit and start telling on in the spirit and start telling on in the spirit and start telling on themselves. Listen, so the same thing the same thing Bad pastor. The same thing is true. The same thing is true The same thing is true with succession. There are a lot of ministries and There are a lot of ministries and organizations organizations organizations that are in succession right now. And unfortunately, too many of them are And unfortunately, too many of them are not handling it well.

There's several reasons. There's several reasons. Succession should not be a collision of Succession should not be a collision of Succession should not be a collision of the past and the future. the past and the future. the past and the future. It should be a collaboration It should be a collaboration It should be a collaboration of legacy and destiny. Where they come together. But it has to Where they come together. But it has to be done right. be done right. be done right. It has to go through a process. Too often, the person carrying the baton Too often, the person carrying the baton is about to give it to the person who's is about to give it to the person who's is about to give it to the person who's going to receive it and they throw at going to receive it and they throw at going to receive it and they throw at them. All yours now. No. No. If there's going to be sustainability, If there's going to be sustainability, If there's going to be sustainability, if there's going to be a future for that if there's going to be a future for that if there's going to be a future for that organization, that ministry, whatever it organization, that ministry, whatever it organization, that ministry, whatever it is, is, is, it has to be it has to be it has to be done done done correctly. Synergy. Synergy. They come together. They come together. They come together. So, our text presents a biblical idea So, our text presents a biblical idea So, our text presents a biblical idea of two things coming together.

Each powerful on their own. Faith by Each powerful on their own. Faith by itself, very powerful force. Patience by itself, very powerful force. Patience by itself, very powerful force. Patience by itself, very powerful force. But when itself, very powerful force. But when itself, very powerful force. But when you put those two together, you put those two together, you put those two together, the scripture says you will inherit the the scripture says you will inherit the the scripture says you will inherit the promises. promises. promises. You will achieve the goal. You'll get You will achieve the goal. You'll get You will achieve the goal. You'll get what you're looking for. You will access what you're looking for. You will access what you're looking for. You will access God's power, God's blessing in your God's power, God's blessing in your God's power, God's blessing in your life. Power twins. Power twins. What are the power twins we're talking What are the power twins we're talking What are the power twins we're talking about today? Come on. Faith and about today? Come on. Faith and about today? Come on. Faith and patience. What are they? Come on. Faith patience. What are they? Come on. Faith patience. What are they? Come on. Faith and and and patience. Let me define faith for you. Let me define faith for you. Oh, pastor, I know what it is. It's Oh, pastor, I know what it is. It's Oh, pastor, I know what it is. It's substance of things hoped for, the substance of things hoped for, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Things not evidence of things not seen. Things not evidence of things not seen. Things not seen. seen. seen. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Faith is an inherent Faith is an inherent parent.

That's important. I'll pause there. That's important. I'll pause there. It's not something you catch like you It's not something you catch like you It's not something you catch like you catch a cold. catch a cold. catch a cold. Faith is something that develops Faith is something that develops Faith is something that develops inherently. enduring enduring trust. I want you to get this down. I want you to get this down. It is an inherent enduring It is an inherent enduring It is an inherent enduring trust and the world around you. and the world around you. Let me try that again. It is an inherent It is an inherent enduring enduring enduring trust and the world and the world around you.

This is important, folks. Especially This is important, folks. Especially when I say that faith has to do with when I say that faith has to do with when I say that faith has to do with your self-perception. If your self-perception is predominantly If your self-perception is predominantly negative, negative, negative, then you are not ruled by faith, you're then you are not ruled by faith, you're then you are not ruled by faith, you're ruled by fear, low self-esteem, and all ruled by fear, low self-esteem, and all ruled by fear, low self-esteem, and all of the negative children of fear. So, it begins with your self-perception, So, it begins with your self-perception, your sense of self. And where does the your sense of self. And where does the your sense of self. And where does the Bible begin with humanity? With Bible begin with humanity? With Bible begin with humanity? With self-image. And he created them in the image And he created them in the image of God. of God. of God. And that was not a broken, wounded And that was not a broken, wounded And that was not a broken, wounded image. image. image. It was whole. It was complete. When God It was whole. It was complete. When God It was whole. It was complete. When God saw all that he had made, including saw all that he had made, including saw all that he had made, including humanity, he said it was very good. humanity, he said it was very good. humanity, he said it was very good. He didn't say it was morally perfect, he He didn't say it was morally perfect, he He didn't say it was morally perfect, he said it was good, which is the word said it was good, which is the word said it was good, which is the word complete. In other words, it was fully complete. In other words, it was fully complete. In other words, it was fully equipped to function for the purpose for equipped to function for the purpose for equipped to function for the purpose for which it was designed.

So, faith is an inherent So, faith is an inherent and enduring and enduring and enduring trust trust trust that permeates our understanding and perception of our understanding and perception of ourselves ourselves ourselves and the world around us, which includes and the world around us, which includes and the world around us, which includes people, places, things, events, people, places, things, events, people, places, things, events, circumstances, situations. I'll say it again. I'll say it again. Maybe not in that order. The world around us includes The world around us includes people, places. places. Say, places? What does places have to do Say, places? What does places have to do Say, places? What does places have to do WITH FAITH? A LOT. WITH FAITH? A LOT. WITH FAITH? A LOT. There can be a place in life that scares There can be a place in life that scares There can be a place in life that scares you. And that fear is keeping you from And that fear is keeping you from entering that place. People, People, places, places, places, things, events, things, events, things, events, circumstances, and situations. You must circumstances, and situations. You must circumstances, and situations. You must see them through the lens of see them through the lens of see them through the lens of your faith.

Because the just Because the just Come on. Anybody know their Bible? You Come on. Anybody know their Bible? You Come on. Anybody know their Bible? You better talk back to me here. better talk back to me here. better talk back to me here. The book says the just shall live by The book says the just shall live by The book says the just shall live by faith. faith. faith. Without faith, Oh, no, we have to have some Bible Oh, no, we have to have some Bible study. study. study. These are verses that you should know. These are verses that you should know. These are verses that you should know. We Come on. Hebrews chapter 11. Without We Come on. Hebrews chapter 11. Without We Come on. Hebrews chapter 11. Without faith, it is impossible faith, it is impossible faith, it is impossible to please God. to please God. to please God. SO, YOU DON'T PLEASE GOD WITH A SO, YOU DON'T PLEASE GOD WITH A SO, YOU DON'T PLEASE GOD WITH A NEGATIVE. God does not inhabit the gripes and God does not inhabit the gripes and complaints of his people. complaints of his people. complaints of his people. He inhabits the praises of his people. So, if you're griping and complaining So, if you're griping and complaining and feel THAT GOD IS SO FAR AWAY, you're and feel THAT GOD IS SO FAR AWAY, you're and feel THAT GOD IS SO FAR AWAY, you're right. right. right. In one sense, In one sense, In one sense, because although he's there, you don't because although he's there, you don't because although he's there, you don't even recognize his presence.

even recognize his presence. even recognize his presence. Because you're overwhelmed by your Because you're overwhelmed by your Because you're overwhelmed by your fears, your anxiety, your gripes, and fears, your anxiety, your gripes, and fears, your anxiety, your gripes, and your complaining. You know what I feel right now? You know what I feel right now? I feel that this is good preaching. I just want to say that cuz if you I just want to say that cuz if you don't, I'm going to say it. don't, I'm going to say it. don't, I'm going to say it. It doesn't bother me. So, that's number one definition. Let me So, that's number one definition. Let me give you number two. Second definition, give you number two. Second definition, give you number two. Second definition, all right? all right? all right? It is an unwavering It is an unwavering It is an unwavering trust trust trust in the providence in the providence in the providence of God. The providence The providence of God. And all of you using technology, thank And all of you using technology, thank God for spell check, right? God for spell check, right? God for spell check, right? Sometimes, I argue with spell check. Sometimes, I argue with spell check. Sometimes, I argue with spell check. Sometimes we have to fight it out. But Sometimes we have to fight it out. But Sometimes we have to fight it out. But some of you are still writing on paper some of you are still writing on paper some of you are still writing on paper and pen.

Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Look at this. I better be careful because the last I better be careful because the last time I made a comment about time I made a comment about time I made a comment about a physical Bible, a physical Bible, a physical Bible, my iPad crashed, so. Providence is God's provision, Providence is God's provision, protection, and guidance. Jesus emphasized God's care for his Jesus emphasized God's care for his creation. He said, "A sparrow does not fall from He said, "A sparrow does not fall from the sky the sky the sky without your heavenly Father without your heavenly Father without your heavenly Father knowing, knowing, knowing, being aware of it, being involved in being aware of it, being involved in being aware of it, being involved in some way." some way." some way." See, it is the providence of God, and See, it is the providence of God, and See, it is the providence of God, and there are times when things get a little there are times when things get a little there are times when things get a little confusing for me, and I have to step confusing for me, and I have to step confusing for me, and I have to step back and abandon myself to God's back and abandon myself to God's back and abandon myself to God's providence.

providence. providence. Which means I know that I know that I Which means I know that I know that I Which means I know that I know that I know he's in control. know he's in control. know he's in control. He's got this. He's got this. He's got this. No matter what I feel, no matter what No matter what I feel, no matter what No matter what I feel, no matter what things may look like, things may look like, things may look like, God's God's God's got this. got this. got this. HOW DO I KNOW THAT? CUZ THAT'S WHAT HE HOW DO I KNOW THAT? CUZ THAT'S WHAT HE HOW DO I KNOW THAT? CUZ THAT'S WHAT HE DOES. I don't have to ask him. I don't have to ask him. I just need to thank him. Thomas Aquinas Thomas Aquinas paraphrased paraphrased paraphrased Hebrews. He said, "Faith is a settled Hebrews. He said, "Faith is a settled Hebrews. He said, "Faith is a settled disposition of the mind that allows the disposition of the mind that allows the disposition of the mind that allows the intellect to ascend to things that are intellect to ascend to things that are intellect to ascend to things that are not apparent." not apparent." not apparent." That's the kind of stuff Aquinas In your In your spare time, read Summa In your In your spare time, read Summa Theologica. See, you need to write it down.

See, you need to write it down. Because Because Because when you use it, it'll make you sound when you use it, it'll make you sound when you use it, it'll make you sound smart. Faith is a settled disposition of the Faith is a settled disposition of the mind mind mind that allows the intellect that allows the intellect that allows the intellect to ascend to things that are not to ascend to things that are not to ascend to things that are not apparent. apparent. apparent. The evidence of things not seen. I'm The evidence of things not seen. I'm The evidence of things not seen. I'm going to say it again, one more time. going to say it again, one more time. going to say it again, one more time. Ready? Faith is a settled disposition Ready? Faith is a settled disposition Ready? Faith is a settled disposition of the mind of the mind of the mind that allows the intellect to ascend to that allows the intellect to ascend to that allows the intellect to ascend to things that are not things that are not things that are not apparent. apparent. apparent. So, in and of itself, faith is powerful. So, in and of itself, faith is powerful. So, in and of itself, faith is powerful. So, let's talk about faith a little bit So, let's talk about faith a little bit So, let's talk about faith a little bit more. more. more. And then we'll get to patience. You need to write this down. You need to write this down. Faith Faith Faith provides provides provides a sense of purpose and direction.

Faith Faith provides provides provides a sense of purpose a sense of purpose a sense of purpose and direction. and direction. and direction. Listen, take notes. I'm trying to tell Listen, take notes. I'm trying to tell Listen, take notes. I'm trying to tell you what's going to what's going to be you what's going to what's going to be you what's going to what's going to be on the test. And believe me, And believe me, the test is coming. I'm going to try that one more time. I'm going to try that one more time. I'm trying to help you all out here. I'm trying to help you all out here. I'm trying to help you all out here. I'm trying to turn your neighbor say, I'm trying to turn your neighbor say, I'm trying to turn your neighbor say, "He's telling us what's on the test." And you know what I'm talking about, the And you know what I'm talking about, the test of life. test of life. test of life. Cuz life will test you. When it comes to motivation and When it comes to motivation and direction, faith provides a sense of direction, faith provides a sense of direction, faith provides a sense of purpose and direction. Faith offers a purpose and direction. Faith offers a purpose and direction. Faith offers a moral framework, and I'm talking about moral framework, and I'm talking about moral framework, and I'm talking about religious faith, faith in the context of religious faith, faith in the context of religious faith, faith in the context of our belief system. Faith offers a moral our belief system. Faith offers a moral our belief system. Faith offers a moral framework framework framework and a sense that we are a part of and a sense that we are a part of and a sense that we are a part of something much greater than ourselves.

Faith tells us Faith tells us we're not in this alone. And why is it important that we have a And why is it important that we have a moral framework, which is what our moral framework, which is what our moral framework, which is what our Christian faith tradition gives us, a Christian faith tradition gives us, a Christian faith tradition gives us, a moral and ethical framework? Because it moral and ethical framework? Because it moral and ethical framework? Because it guides our actions and our choices. So, that we're not making random So, that we're not making random choices. We're not reacting to choices. We're not reacting to choices. We're not reacting to situations. situations. situations. We are responding. There's a difference We are responding. There's a difference We are responding. There's a difference when you react to medication and when when you react to medication and when when you react to medication and when you respond to medication. And the doctor's not looking for a And the doctor's not looking for a reaction, he's looking for what? A reaction, he's looking for what? A reaction, he's looking for what? A response. She's looking for what? A response. She's looking for what? A response. She's looking for what? A response. to look at the inherent goodness that to look at the inherent goodness that God has placed in human existence.

Because some people only see the Because some people only see the negative negative negative about everybody and everything. And we have we are trained in this And we have we are trained in this atmosphere of all of this information atmosphere of all of this information atmosphere of all of this information floating around and all of these voices floating around and all of these voices floating around and all of these voices coming at us, we are being trained to be coming at us, we are being trained to be coming at us, we are being trained to be suspicious of everybody, guilty until suspicious of everybody, guilty until suspicious of everybody, guilty until proven innocent. Don't trust anybody, anything. And And Don't trust anybody, anything. And And it it it is fed by the manipulation, the it it it is fed by the manipulation, the it it it is fed by the manipulation, the deceptions that are systemic. The voices The voices trying to control your emotions, trying to control your emotions, trying to control your emotions, your intellect, your will, your intellect, your will, your intellect, your will, and your money. Not only four items left, 4 minutes Not only four items left, 4 minutes left.

Playing on our fears, we have elected Playing on our fears, we have elected officials playing on our fears. Faith will elevate you above Faith will elevate you above all the foolishness. Faith gives you resilience Faith gives you resilience in the face of adversity. in the face of adversity. in the face of adversity. In fact, faith is an anchor In fact, faith is an anchor In fact, faith is an anchor for the soul in times of a storm. in times of a storm. Did you hear what I just said? Did you hear what I just said? Did you hear what I just said? Faith is an anchor for the soul. The Faith is an anchor for the soul. The Faith is an anchor for the soul. The soul is the mind, will, and emotions. soul is the mind, will, and emotions. soul is the mind, will, and emotions. Faith is an anchor for the soul, and Faith is an anchor for the soul, and Faith is an anchor for the soul, and please understand how an anchor works. please understand how an anchor works. please understand how an anchor works. An anchor does not stop you from An anchor does not stop you from An anchor does not stop you from experiencing the wind and the rain. experiencing the wind and the rain. experiencing the wind and the rain. It keeps you from being carried away by It keeps you from being carried away by It keeps you from being carried away by the storm. But this is important because some But this is important because some people engage in magical thinking.

And magic is where we think that by And magic is where we think that by by by performing some kind of ritual, we by by performing some kind of ritual, we by by performing some kind of ritual, we will engage unseen forces to protect us. No. God is very real. No. God is very real. And he's not a God that appears and And he's not a God that appears and And he's not a God that appears and disappears disappears disappears by virtue of our summoning him. He's busy at work in the world, He's busy at work in the world, guiding, achieving, providing for, guiding, achieving, providing for, guiding, achieving, providing for, directing, protecting, moving things in directing, protecting, moving things in directing, protecting, moving things in the direction of his ultimate purpose. When you are moving in faith, When you are moving in faith, you will make more courageous decisions. Because some decisions that you have to Because some decisions that you have to make can be scary.

make can be scary. make can be scary. How many have ever been terrified by a How many have ever been terrified by a How many have ever been terrified by a decision that you had to make? decision that you had to make? decision that you had to make? Only a few of of Well, the rest of us want to know what Well, the rest of us want to know what you've been eating and drinking. Because faith allows you to have, Because faith allows you to have, believe, trust in a positive outcome. believe, trust in a positive outcome. believe, trust in a positive outcome. Because if you can't trust and believe Because if you can't trust and believe Because if you can't trust and believe in a positive outcome, you will live in in a positive outcome, you will live in in a positive outcome, you will live in despair. You know, You know, suicide is a big problem in our society. And people don't commit suicide because And people don't commit suicide because of what they're wrestling with, it's of what they're wrestling with, it's of what they're wrestling with, it's when they reach a place where they no when they reach a place where they no when they reach a place where they no longer have a sense of meaning and longer have a sense of meaning and longer have a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Faith will empower you, give you the Faith will empower you, give you the courage to take calculated risks, not courage to take calculated risks, not courage to take calculated risks, not foolishness, foolishness, foolishness, but calculated risk.

Jesus said, "Which one of you Jesus said, "Which one of you determining to build a tower does not determining to build a tower does not determining to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to first sit down and calculate the cost to first sit down and calculate the cost to make sure you have enough to complete make sure you have enough to complete make sure you have enough to complete it. Because if you don't and you can't it. Because if you don't and you can't it. Because if you don't and you can't finish it, then people are going to look finish it, then people are going to look finish it, then people are going to look at you and say, 'This person tried to at you and say, 'This person tried to at you and say, 'This person tried to build and they couldn't complete it.'" See, it's like building this development See, it's like building this development project. We don't have all the money project. We don't have all the money project. We don't have all the money yet, but we got enough faith for all of yet, but we got enough faith for all of yet, but we got enough faith for all of the money. And by having enough faith for all the And by having enough faith for all the money, we got THE FIRST PART OF IT. I can go on and on. Let me not belabor I can go on and on. Let me not belabor that cuz I want to finish today. that cuz I want to finish today. that cuz I want to finish today. Patience. I like the fact that you all hate that I like the fact that you all hate that clock as much as I do. Thank you. Very important. Very important. Patience Patience Patience is the capacity to tolerate delay.

Some people are intolerant of delay and Some people are intolerant of delay and when things are delayed, they freak out. when things are delayed, they freak out. when things are delayed, they freak out. Don't be one of them. Patience is a capacity to tolerate Patience is a capacity to tolerate delay, delay, delay, trouble, trouble, trouble, or suffering That's important because it's like when That's important because it's like when you read you read you read 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and it lists 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and it lists 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and it lists the characteristics of love, one of the the characteristics of love, one of the the characteristics of love, one of the characteristics of love, love is characteristics of love, love is characteristics of love, love is long-suffering. But you've got to add something to that, But you've got to add something to that, and not bitter. Because some folks call themselves Because some folks call themselves suffering long in love and they're suffering long in love and they're suffering long in love and they're bitter and angry at the person, at the bitter and angry at the person, at the bitter and angry at the person, at the situation. That is not love.

situation. That is not love. situation. That is not love. Love is able to suffer long without Love is able to suffer long without Love is able to suffer long without bitterness. Because bitterness Because bitterness is to the soul what acid is to the body. Patience always has a long-term Patience always has a long-term perspective perspective perspective in view. You've got to be able to say honestly, You've got to be able to say honestly, "You know what? This is going to take a "You know what? This is going to take a "You know what? This is going to take a minute." minute." minute." And you know I don't mean 60 seconds. I'm expressing language that says I'm expressing language that says it's going to take a while.

It took us 10 years It took us 10 years to get to the closing to get to the closing to get to the closing on our development project for just the on our development project for just the on our development project for just the first phase. first phase. first phase. 10 years. We could have given up. 10 years. We could have given up. 10 years. We could have given up. There were many opportunities to be There were many opportunities to be There were many opportunities to be discouraged and intolerant discouraged and intolerant discouraged and intolerant about the process. about the process. about the process. And too often we're willing to be And too often we're willing to be And too often we're willing to be committed to the end result, but not to committed to the end result, but not to committed to the end result, but not to the process. the process. the process. But it's a process that gives us the But it's a process that gives us the But it's a process that gives us the outcome. Faith has a I'm sorry, patience has a Faith has a I'm sorry, patience has a long-term perspective. Patience understands that meaningful Patience understands that meaningful achievements, meaningful achievements achievements, meaningful achievements achievements, meaningful achievements often require time. Patience requires you to be realistic. Patience requires you to be realistic. Get your head out of the clouds. And when you allow patience, And when you allow patience, all right, to guide you, all right, to guide you, all right, to guide you, it will keep your emotions in check it will keep your emotions in check it will keep your emotions in check and under control by managing your and under control by managing your and under control by managing your expectations. Because disappointment is expectations. Because disappointment is expectations. Because disappointment is never based upon what you find, it's never based upon what you find, it's never based upon what you find, it's always based upon what you expected to always based upon what you expected to always based upon what you expected to find. So, when you manage your find. So, when you manage your find. So, when you manage your expectations, you manage the degree of expectations, you manage the degree of expectations, you manage the degree of disappointment.

And depending upon how big your vision And depending upon how big your vision is, how big your dream is, that is, how big your dream is, that is, how big your dream is, that determines how big your faith needs to determines how big your faith needs to determines how big your faith needs to be, how big your patience needs to be. It enables you to continue work towards It enables you to continue work towards your goal or objective in spite of your goal or objective in spite of your goal or objective in spite of setbacks, setbacks, setbacks, obstacles, delays, How many have been where I'm talking How many have been where I'm talking about today? Patience fosters a growth mindset. In Patience fosters a growth mindset. In other words, no matter what I'm facing, other words, no matter what I'm facing, other words, no matter what I'm facing, I'm going to grow as a result of what I'm going to grow as a result of what I'm going to grow as a result of what I'm experiencing.

I'm experiencing. I'm experiencing. This is going to add to me, not take This is going to add to me, not take This is going to add to me, not take away. And here's the one I love most cuz this And here's the one I love most cuz this protected me for years in ministry. protected me for years in ministry. protected me for years in ministry. All right? All right? All right? Patience protects you from deception. Because while you're being patient, you Because while you're being patient, you get opportunities for shortcuts. Bribes, Bribes, manipulation, manipulation, manipulation, it all comes. In fact, an altered it all comes. In fact, an altered it all comes. In fact, an altered vision. vision. vision. That's going to take too long. Do this. That's too much work. This is easier. That's too much work. This is easier. And please understand, if you read the And please understand, if you read the And please understand, if you read the Old Testament about the nation of Old Testament about the nation of Old Testament about the nation of Israel, it only took 2 weeks journey to Israel, it only took 2 weeks journey to Israel, it only took 2 weeks journey to enter the promised land, they took 40 enter the promised land, they took 40 enter the promised land, they took 40 years. years. years. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes what you think is a shortcut is a long what you think is a shortcut is a long what you think is a shortcut is a long cut. And sometimes what you think is a cut. And sometimes what you think is a cut. And sometimes what you think is a long cut is a shortcut.

We gravitate to the quick fix We gravitate to the quick fix because we're intolerant because we're intolerant because we're intolerant when it comes to delays. And all it does when it comes to delays. And all it does when it comes to delays. And all it does is make things worse. is make things worse. is make things worse. Here's what she said. She said, Here's what she said. She said, Here's what she said. She said, "Behold now, "Behold now, "Behold now, the Lord has prevented me the Lord has prevented me the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. from bearing children. from bearing children. Therefore, Abraham, take my maidservant Hagar. take my maidservant Hagar. Maybe this is how God is going to Maybe this is how God is going to Maybe this is how God is going to fulfill fulfill fulfill his promise." his promise." his promise." And Abraham said, And Abraham said, And Abraham said, "Well, baby, Look, it rightly reflects Look, it rightly reflects Sarah's desire Sarah's desire Sarah's desire for Abraham to have descendants, for Abraham to have descendants, for Abraham to have descendants, but it also expresses her struggle with but it also expresses her struggle with but it also expresses her struggle with doubt and impatience.

doubt and impatience. doubt and impatience. You know the outcome of that story. What God said he was going to do, he did What God said he was going to do, he did it anyway. it anyway. it anyway. And we have to be careful because And we have to be careful because And we have to be careful because deception is where we think through deception is where we think through deception is where we think through human effort we can accomplish the human effort we can accomplish the human effort we can accomplish the promise of God. It's not the type of human effort that It's not the type of human effort that works with God, it's the type of human works with God, it's the type of human works with God, it's the type of human effort that works in place of God. Faith Faith and patience. and patience. and patience. And when you join these two together, And when you join these two together, And when you join these two together, they become power twins. they become power twins. they become power twins. Faith fuels the journey. Write that down. Write that down. Faith fuels the journey. Providing belief, trust Providing belief, trust that's necessary that's necessary that's necessary to move forward towards your goals, your to move forward towards your goals, your to move forward towards your goals, your vision, your dreams. Faith fuels vision, your dreams. Faith fuels vision, your dreams. Faith fuels the journey.

Faith sets the vision Faith sets the vision and instills the belief that the vision and instills the belief that the vision and instills the belief that the vision is attainable. is attainable. is attainable. I'm going to say that again. Faith sets the vision Faith sets the vision and instills the belief and instills the belief and instills the belief that the vision that the vision that the vision is attainable. is attainable. is attainable. This is possible. This is possible. This is possible. This is reachable. This is reachable. This is reachable. You can do this. But I can't do it on my own. Exactly. But I can't do it on my own. Exactly. Right. to do exceedingly abundantly above all to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask, think, or imagine. Now unto that we ask, think, or imagine. Now unto that we ask, think, or imagine. Now unto him who is able to do. Faith sets the vision and instills the Faith sets the vision and instills the belief belief belief to make vision attainable. Patience to make vision attainable. Patience to make vision attainable. Patience provides the endurance provides the endurance provides the endurance and the emotional resilience and the emotional resilience and the emotional resilience to achieve to achieve to achieve that that that vision.

vision. vision. There are 8,810 There are 8,810 There are 8,810 promises in the Bible from God. And how promises in the Bible from God. And how promises in the Bible from God. And how do you obtain them? How do you access do you obtain them? How do you access do you obtain them? How do you access them? How do you release its power in them? How do you release its power in them? How do you release its power in your life? Faith Faith and patience. and patience. and patience. The power twins. The power twins. The power twins. That when they come together, That when they come together, That when they come together, they create a synergy. they create a synergy. they create a synergy. A synergistic relationship A synergistic relationship A synergistic relationship that amplifies that amplifies that amplifies their influence their influence their influence and power and power and power to get things to get things to get things done. You can have one without the other. You can have one without the other. But when you put But when you put But when you put the two of them together, that's when things begin that's when things begin to happen.

Faith Faith and patience. and patience. and patience. I've seen people run out of faith I've seen people run out of faith I've seen people run out of faith and run out of patience. Okay, I'm going to say it. Okay, I'm going to say it. I've seen people I've seen people I've seen people who were part of this CCC vision who were part of this CCC vision who were part of this CCC vision run out of patience. And things that we spoke about decades And things that we spoke about decades ago that are now being realized and ago that are now being realized and ago that are now being realized and materializing, materializing, materializing, they just didn't have the they just didn't have the they just didn't have the patience. patience. patience. Cuz it didn't happen when they Cuz it didn't happen when they Cuz it didn't happen when they wanted it to. And they fell into deception And they fell into deception and were robbed and were robbed and were robbed of the part that they could have played of the part that they could have played of the part that they could have played in what God in what God in what God is doing.

I've seen it. I've seen it. I've seen it. Rabbit? Rabbit? Tortoise. The turtle The turtle and the rabbit. All right, the hare. and the rabbit. All right, the hare. and the rabbit. All right, the hare. How many remember the story? How many remember the story? How many remember the story? Wait, wait. No, no, no. How many don't Wait, wait. No, no, no. How many don't Wait, wait. No, no, no. How many don't know the story of the of the rabbit know the story of the of the rabbit know the story of the of the rabbit and the tortoise, uh and the tortoise, uh and the tortoise, uh the tortoise and the hare. the tortoise and the hare. the tortoise and the hare. It's about a race between a turtle and a It's about a race between a turtle and a It's about a race between a turtle and a rabbit. rabbit. rabbit. And the rabbit looked at the turtle and And the rabbit looked at the turtle and And the rabbit looked at the turtle and said, "I got this." said, "I got this." said, "I got this." Because the turtle was just moving slow Because the turtle was just moving slow Because the turtle was just moving slow and steady. and steady. and steady. And the rabbit was running around, And the rabbit was running around, And the rabbit was running around, jumping, carrying on, showing off. jumping, carrying on, showing off. jumping, carrying on, showing off. You tell me who won. You tell me who won. You tell me who won. Come on, the turtle did.

Faith Faith and patience. and patience. and patience. The power twins. The power twins. The power twins. Close your Bible. I would love to unpack I would love to unpack Acts chapter 2 Acts chapter 2 Acts chapter 2 where where the Holy Spirit outlined where where the Holy Spirit outlined where where the Holy Spirit outlined what will be the driving force in his what will be the driving force in his what will be the driving force in his people and in this dispensation. people and in this dispensation. people and in this dispensation. But you know But you know But you know I'm out of time. I'm out of time. I'm out of time. We'll pick up on that We'll pick up on that We'll pick up on that and what that looks like. So, I owe you and what that looks like. So, I owe you and what that looks like. So, I owe you signs of the times and now signs of the times and now signs of the times and now I owe you I owe you I owe you the impetus for this season. Come on, the impetus for this season. Come on, the impetus for this season. Come on, let's all stand. And let me say this to you. Thank you And let me say this to you. Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Jamal.

Easter Sunday is the toughest day Easter Sunday is the toughest day to get up on this to get up on this to get up on this big platform big platform big platform with this big pulpit and speak a message. and speak a message. And I will tell you, And I will tell you, And I will tell you, he hit it out the park. After the first service, I said, "You're After the first service, I said, "You're getting warmed up, huh?" He said, getting warmed up, huh?" He said, getting warmed up, huh?" He said, "Yeah." "Yeah." "Yeah." Second service, he was done. Second service, he was done. Second service, he was done. It's not easy. It's not easy. It's not easy. It's not easy at all. It's not easy at all. It's not easy at all. So, thank you for appreciating it. And So, thank you for appreciating it. And So, thank you for appreciating it. And he didn't want to do it. He said, "No, he didn't want to do it. He said, "No, he didn't want to do it. He said, "No, no, no, Dad." I said, "Yes, yes, son." But he blessed me. He said, "Dad, But he blessed me. He said, "Dad, the greatest blessing I have is to have the greatest blessing I have is to have the greatest blessing I have is to have you walk through this with me." And isn't it a blessing when we have And isn't it a blessing when we have someone to walk us through someone to walk us through someone to walk us through the next level of life that we're moving the next level of life that we're moving the next level of life that we're moving to, the next season of life that we're to, the next season of life that we're to, the next season of life that we're entering?

It's so important to have those It's so important to have those individuals in your life. individuals in your life. individuals in your life. We're going to have our minister come We're going to have our minister come We're going to have our minister come and Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Say amen if you've got turtle Say amen if you've got turtle Say amen if you've got turtle determination today. determination today. determination today. If you know that you're going to finish, If you know that you're going to finish, If you know that you're going to finish, if you're willing to finish no matter if you're willing to finish no matter if you're willing to finish no matter how long it takes, give God some praise. We close every service by saying that We close every service by saying that Jesus is Lord, but we can't do that Jesus is Lord, but we can't do that Jesus is Lord, but we can't do that without giving someone the opportunity without giving someone the opportunity without giving someone the opportunity to make him Lord. First thought. to make him Lord. First thought. to make him Lord. First thought. Basketball debates are fierce. Basketball debates are fierce. Basketball debates are fierce. Jordan versus LeBron, Kobe versus Jordan versus LeBron, Kobe versus Jordan versus LeBron, Kobe versus everybody. There are King James saints, everybody. There are King James saints, everybody. There are King James saints, Black Mamba believers, and those who Black Mamba believers, and those who Black Mamba believers, and those who separate sheep and goats. separate sheep and goats. separate sheep and goats. So, when Pastor mentioned Jordan and So, when Pastor mentioned Jordan and So, when Pastor mentioned Jordan and Pippen, I heard an uneasy hush overtake Pippen, I heard an uneasy hush overtake Pippen, I heard an uneasy hush overtake the room.

the room. the room. But that is all right because Pastor is But that is all right because Pastor is But that is all right because Pastor is a courageous leader. Amen. a courageous leader. Amen. a courageous leader. Amen. He stood in church on tape and said, "We He stood in church on tape and said, "We He stood in church on tape and said, "We need to drug more young people." But but despite earthquakes, wars, and But but despite earthquakes, wars, and rumors of war, God has not given us a rumors of war, God has not given us a rumors of war, God has not given us a spirit of fear. Pastor spoke on the spirit of fear. Pastor spoke on the spirit of fear. Pastor spoke on the power twins today. When two things power twins today. When two things power twins today. When two things com- complement each other when two com- complement each other when two com- complement each other when two things that complement each other things that complement each other things that complement each other combine, faith and patience. combine, faith and patience. combine, faith and patience. If you grew up watching the Super If you grew up watching the Super If you grew up watching the Super Friends cartoon in the '70s and '80s, Friends cartoon in the '70s and '80s, Friends cartoon in the '70s and '80s, you know about the Wonder Twins, you know about the Wonder Twins, you know about the Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna. It was a brother and Zan and Jayna. It was a brother and Zan and Jayna. It was a brother and sister. Zan took on the form of water in sister. Zan took on the form of water in sister. Zan took on the form of water in any state. Jayna took on the shape of any state. Jayna took on the shape of any state. Jayna took on the shape of any animal. And that is relevant to us any animal. And that is relevant to us any animal. And that is relevant to us today because faith allows us to today because faith allows us to today because faith allows us to experience living water and use it experience living water and use it experience living water and use it however God needs us to. however God needs us to. however God needs us to. And patience will allow us to become all And patience will allow us to become all And patience will allow us to become all things to all people that by all means things to all people that by all means things to all people that by all means we might save some. we might save some. we might save some. Now, if you wait, you'll be successful Now, if you wait, you'll be successful Now, if you wait, you'll be successful in succession, but if you are immature in succession, but if you are immature in succession, but if you are immature and foster alienation, you will major in and foster alienation, you will major in and foster alienation, you will major in sedition.

sedition. sedition. Faith is an inherent and enduring trust. Faith is an inherent and enduring trust. Faith is an inherent and enduring trust. The question is, in whom or in what will The question is, in whom or in what will The question is, in whom or in what will we trust? Because if we put our trust in we trust? Because if we put our trust in we trust? Because if we put our trust in people, places, and things, we will be people, places, and things, we will be people, places, and things, we will be in trouble. But if we trust in God, we in trouble. But if we trust in God, we in trouble. But if we trust in God, we will succeed. And that is good news. will succeed. And that is good news. will succeed. And that is good news. Amen. Amen. Amen. The good news is that a holy God so The good news is that a holy God so The good news is that a holy God so loved a rebellious world that he gave loved a rebellious world that he gave loved a rebellious world that he gave his only begotten son to live a sinless his only begotten son to live a sinless his only begotten son to live a sinless life, die in our place, and rise from life, die in our place, and rise from life, die in our place, and rise from the grave conquering death. And in doing the grave conquering death. And in doing the grave conquering death. And in doing so, he paid the price for our sin and so, he paid the price for our sin and so, he paid the price for our sin and gives us a right to everlasting life. gives us a right to everlasting life. gives us a right to everlasting life. The good news is that we if we know that The good news is that we if we know that The good news is that we if we know that we know that we know that he is in we know that we know that he is in we know that we know that he is in control, we can abandon ourselves to control, we can abandon ourselves to control, we can abandon ourselves to God's providence. Romans 10:9 says that God's providence. Romans 10:9 says that God's providence. Romans 10:9 says that if you confess with your mouth that if you confess with your mouth that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you that God raised him from the dead, you that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. So, with every head bowed will be saved. So, with every head bowed will be saved. So, with every head bowed and every eye closed, if you've never and every eye closed, if you've never and every eye closed, if you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I'd made Jesus the Lord of your life, I'd made Jesus the Lord of your life, I'd like to pray for you. I'm just going to like to pray for you. I'm just going to like to pray for you. I'm just going to ask you to raise your hand. If you ask you to raise your hand. If you ask you to raise your hand. If you walked with God and walked away, I'm walked with God and walked away, I'm walked with God and walked away, I'm talking to you. Just raise your hand. If talking to you. Just raise your hand. If talking to you. Just raise your hand. If there is something that you need to lay there is something that you need to lay there is something that you need to lay down or pick up today, something you down or pick up today, something you down or pick up today, something you need grace to do, just raise your hand.

need grace to do, just raise your hand. need grace to do, just raise your hand. Maybe you need to forgive someone. Maybe Maybe you need to forgive someone. Maybe Maybe you need to forgive someone. Maybe you need forgiveness yourself. Maybe you you need forgiveness yourself. Maybe you you need forgiveness yourself. Maybe you need to let go of a grudge. I don't know need to let go of a grudge. I don't know need to let go of a grudge. I don't know what it is for you, but someone in this what it is for you, but someone in this what it is for you, but someone in this place today needs to get free and can place today needs to get free and can place today needs to get free and can get free. So, if that was you, I'm going get free. So, if that was you, I'm going get free. So, if that was you, I'm going to ask you to do one thing more. Come to ask you to do one thing more. Come to ask you to do one thing more. Come down to this altar so that we the church down to this altar so that we the church down to this altar so that we the church can pray for you together. can pray for you together. can pray for you together. Let us applaud them, beloved. Let us Let us applaud them, beloved. Let us Let us applaud them, beloved. Let us encourage them as they come. encourage them as they come. encourage them as they come. Let us take this moment to join our Let us take this moment to join our Let us take this moment to join our faith with the the faith of those who faith with the the faith of those who faith with the the faith of those who are walking towards this altar. It may are walking towards this altar. It may are walking towards this altar. It may be faith in seed form. This may be a a be faith in seed form. This may be a a be faith in seed form. This may be a a moment a long time in coming. Oh, we can moment a long time in coming. Oh, we can moment a long time in coming. Oh, we can do better than that, beloved. We can do better than that, beloved. We can do better than that, beloved. We can give God praise for his people. We can give God praise for his people. We can give God praise for his people. We can give God praise that a story give God praise that a story give God praise that a story We only have the opportunity to join We only have the opportunity to join We only have the opportunity to join people in the middle of their story. people in the middle of their story. people in the middle of their story. But God has been with them, with each But God has been with them, with each But God has been with them, with each and every one of us, from the very and every one of us, from the very and every one of us, from the very beginning. beginning. beginning. Think back to when you first came to Think back to when you first came to Think back to when you first came to Christ. Think back to every time you Christ. Think back to every time you Christ. Think back to every time you needed him in the midnight hour, to needed him in the midnight hour, to needed him in the midnight hour, to every time you needed to be free of some every time you needed to be free of some every time you needed to be free of some stronghold, free of some burden, free of stronghold, free of some burden, free of stronghold, free of some burden, free of some addiction, free of some form of some addiction, free of some form of some addiction, free of some form of bondage that had your soul. And think of bondage that had your soul. And think of bondage that had your soul. And think of the difference that it made when Christ the difference that it made when Christ the difference that it made when Christ came in and changed everything. That's came in and changed everything. That's came in and changed everything. That's what we're praying for in this moment.

what we're praying for in this moment. what we're praying for in this moment. That's what we're believing for in the That's what we're believing for in the That's what we're believing for in the lives of our brothers and sisters. So, lives of our brothers and sisters. So, lives of our brothers and sisters. So, let us continue to give God praise and let us continue to give God praise and let us continue to give God praise and continue to encourage the people as they continue to encourage the people as they continue to encourage the people as they come. Now, as they continue to come, we're Now, as they continue to come, we're going to proceed. I've been given a time going to proceed. I've been given a time going to proceed. I've been given a time limit today. limit today. limit today. So, we stand here with a hundred So, we stand here with a hundred So, we stand here with a hundred different burdens, but one almighty God. different burdens, but one almighty God. different burdens, but one almighty God. So, whatever decision you are making in So, whatever decision you are making in So, whatever decision you are making in this moment, please pray this prayer this moment, please pray this prayer this moment, please pray this prayer with me. with me. with me. Father, Father, Father, thank you thank you thank you for this opportunity for this opportunity for this opportunity to receive your love. to receive your love. to receive your love. I repent of my sin. I repent of my sin. I repent of my sin. I believe I believe I believe Christ died Christ died Christ died on the cross on the cross on the cross to pay the price for my sin to pay the price for my sin to pay the price for my sin and rose again and rose again and rose again conquering death. conquering death. conquering death. I confess him I confess him I confess him as Lord as Lord as Lord and savior. and savior. and savior. And your word says And your word says And your word says I'm born again.

I'm born again. I'm born again. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you Thank you Thank you that no matter that no matter that no matter how many times how many times how many times I fall I fall I fall I can get back up. I can get back up. I can get back up. Today Today Today I will walk by faith I will walk by faith I will walk by faith and not by sight. and not by sight. and not by sight. Today Today Today I will lay down my hurts I will lay down my hurts I will lay down my hurts and pick up hope. and pick up hope. and pick up hope. Today Today Today I will lay down my will I will lay down my will I will lay down my will and pick up my cross and pick up my cross and pick up my cross and follow you. and follow you. and follow you. I pray I pray I pray in Jesus' name. in Jesus' name. in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Can we give God praise for the victory? Family, Family, we believe if you prayed those prayers, we believe if you prayed those prayers, we believe if you prayed those prayers, you are born again, you are beginning you are born again, you are beginning you are born again, you are beginning the process of restoration, and you are the process of restoration, and you are the process of restoration, and you are ready to take new steps in the work. But ready to take new steps in the work. But ready to take new steps in the work. But change is not an event, it's a process. change is not an event, it's a process. change is not an event, it's a process. Wherever you are in this walk, I need Wherever you are in this walk, I need Wherever you are in this walk, I need you to do four things. you to do four things. you to do four things. One, begin to study the word. Two, get One, begin to study the word. Two, get One, begin to study the word. Two, get in a Bible teaching church. Three, tell in a Bible teaching church. Three, tell in a Bible teaching church. Three, tell someone about the decision that you made someone about the decision that you made someone about the decision that you made today. And four, keep showing up. And if today. And four, keep showing up. And if today. And four, keep showing up. And if you responded to this uh this call by you responded to this uh this call by you responded to this uh this call by our internet service, we have some our internet service, we have some our internet service, we have some information we'd like to give you, so information we'd like to give you, so information we'd like to give you, so please call or text the number on your please call or text the number on your please call or text the number on your screen. May God continue to bless you.

screen. May God continue to bless you. screen. May God continue to bless you. Your life will never be the same. And Your life will never be the same. And Your life will never be the same. And now, you may be seated. As they return to their seats, let us As they return to their seats, let us just take a moment to give God praise. Beloved, we have come to the end of our Beloved, we have come to the end of our service. service. service. And I will say this. And I will say this. And I will say this. In the words of Minister Aaron, In the words of Minister Aaron, In the words of Minister Aaron, keep working toward the abundance that keep working toward the abundance that keep working toward the abundance that God has promised. God has promised. God has promised. In the words of Israel and Sarah, you In the words of Israel and Sarah, you In the words of Israel and Sarah, you are not forgotten. God knows your name. are not forgotten. God knows your name. are not forgotten. God knows your name. In the words of Pastor, you need to In the words of Pastor, you need to In the words of Pastor, you need to stick to the vision, but also manage stick to the vision, but also manage stick to the vision, but also manage your expectations. So, keep praying, your expectations. So, keep praying, your expectations. So, keep praying, keep pressing, keep reading, keep keep pressing, keep reading, keep keep pressing, keep reading, keep believing, and let us say something good believing, and let us say something good believing, and let us say something good as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's as we leave this place, but never God's presence. Jesus is Lord, period. We presence. Jesus is Lord, period. We presence. Jesus is Lord, period. We believe it, we proclaim it, and we're believe it, we proclaim it, and we're believe it, we proclaim it, and we're seeing it come to pass. God bless seeing it come to pass. God bless seeing it come to pass. God bless everybody. See you soon.

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