How Hearts Become Handcuffs | Tim Timberlake

picking up where we left off last week, picking up where we left off last week, verse 23. I'll be reading from the ESV I'll be reading from the ESV translation. Scripture says, "For I see that you are Scripture says, "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness in the gall of bitterness in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." and in the bond of iniquity." and in the bond of iniquity." Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord that nothing of what you to the Lord that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." have said may come upon me." have said may come upon me." Now when they had testified and spoken Now when they had testified and spoken Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, the word of the Lord, the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, they returned to Jerusalem, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. Peter said to Simon, "For I see that you Peter said to Simon, "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness are in the gall of bitterness are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." and in the bond of iniquity." and in the bond of iniquity." And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord that nothing of what you have said Lord that nothing of what you have said Lord that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

may come upon me." may come upon me." Now when they had testified and spoken Now when they had testified and spoken Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to the word of the Lord, they returned to the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem preaching the gospel to many villages preaching the gospel to many villages preaching the gospel to many villages in in in the Samaritas. the Samaritas. the Samaritas. I want to utilize these verses for our I want to utilize these verses for our I want to utilize these verses for our subject matter today subject matter today subject matter today entitled How Hearts Become Handcuffs. entitled How Hearts Become Handcuffs. entitled How Hearts Become Handcuffs. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Heavenly Father, we thank you for your presence. presence. presence. We thank you for your word. We thank you for your word. We thank you for your word. For your word changes us, For your word changes us, For your word changes us, transforms us, transforms us, transforms us, renews our mind, renews our mind, renews our mind, restores our soul, restores our soul, restores our soul, revives our spirit. revives our spirit. revives our spirit. And today, God, we come withholding And today, God, we come withholding And today, God, we come withholding nothing. nothing. nothing. We give you everything we have so that We give you everything we have so that We give you everything we have so that we can become everything you desire for we can become everything you desire for we can become everything you desire for us to become. It is in your name we us to become. It is in your name we us to become. It is in your name we pray. the name that is above every other pray. the name that is above every other pray. the name that is above every other name. The name of Jesus the Christ our name. The name of Jesus the Christ our name. The name of Jesus the Christ our King. And everybody that's glad he's King. And everybody that's glad he's King. And everybody that's glad he's still alive and well. Can you shout amen still alive and well. Can you shout amen still alive and well. Can you shout amen one time? We're alive.

one time? We're alive. one time? We're alive. Oh, celebration church. I think you can Oh, celebration church. I think you can Oh, celebration church. I think you can shout it louder than that. shout it louder than that. shout it louder than that. Amen. Amen. Amen. And amen. And amen. And amen. Take your seats. For I see that you are in the gall of For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord that nothing of what you have said Lord that nothing of what you have said Lord that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." And now when they had may come upon me." And now when they had may come upon me." And now when they had testified and spoken the word of the testified and spoken the word of the testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem Lord, they returned to Jerusalem Lord, they returned to Jerusalem preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. As I was reading this, I the Samaritans. As I was reading this, I the Samaritans. As I was reading this, I was reminded was reminded was reminded that in our lives often times the that in our lives often times the that in our lives often times the greatest prisons are not iron bars. greatest prisons are not iron bars. greatest prisons are not iron bars. They are built by unchecked hearts. They are built by unchecked hearts. They are built by unchecked hearts. Jesus did not come to just forgive you Jesus did not come to just forgive you Jesus did not come to just forgive you of your sins. He also came to free your of your sins. He also came to free your of your sins. He also came to free your soul.

soul. soul. He came to free you from the prison of a He came to free you from the prison of a He came to free you from the prison of a broken heart. broken heart. broken heart. He came to free you from the prison of He came to free you from the prison of He came to free you from the prison of unmet expectations. He came to free you unmet expectations. He came to free you unmet expectations. He came to free you from the prison of letdowns and from the prison of letdowns and from the prison of letdowns and disappointments and frustrations and disappointments and frustrations and disappointments and frustrations and anger and resentment and as we find in anger and resentment and as we find in anger and resentment and as we find in our text today bitterness. Simon, he is a believer in Jesus. Simon, he is a believer in Jesus. He has been baptized. He is following He has been baptized. He is following He has been baptized. He is following the teachings of the apostles. Yet we the teachings of the apostles. Yet we the teachings of the apostles. Yet we find Peter exposing something in Simon's find Peter exposing something in Simon's find Peter exposing something in Simon's heart. Find Peter exposing that Simon did not Find Peter exposing that Simon did not want more of Jesus. He wanted more of want more of Jesus. He wanted more of want more of Jesus. He wanted more of the influence that Jesus offered. the influence that Jesus offered. the influence that Jesus offered. Simon did not want more of the Holy Simon did not want more of the Holy Simon did not want more of the Holy Spirit. He wanted the power that was Spirit. He wanted the power that was Spirit. He wanted the power that was associated with the Holy Spirit. associated with the Holy Spirit. associated with the Holy Spirit. And although he followed Jesus in his And although he followed Jesus in his And although he followed Jesus in his decision, he did not follow Jesus with decision, he did not follow Jesus with decision, he did not follow Jesus with his intention.

his intention. his intention. And Jesus had a portion of him, but And Jesus had a portion of him, but And Jesus had a portion of him, but Jesus did not have all of him. For the Jesus did not have all of him. For the Jesus did not have all of him. For the word of God teaches us that Simon's word of God teaches us that Simon's word of God teaches us that Simon's heart was not surrendered and submitted heart was not surrendered and submitted heart was not surrendered and submitted to the will, the plan, and the purpose to the will, the plan, and the purpose to the will, the plan, and the purpose that Jesus had for him. that Jesus had for him. that Jesus had for him. In previous verses, we have read and In previous verses, we have read and In previous verses, we have read and come to the understanding that Simon, he come to the understanding that Simon, he come to the understanding that Simon, he was known in Samaria for his sorcery. was known in Samaria for his sorcery. was known in Samaria for his sorcery. Scripture teaches us in verses 9- 11, he Scripture teaches us in verses 9- 11, he Scripture teaches us in verses 9- 11, he was known all over Samaria for his magic was known all over Samaria for his magic was known all over Samaria for his magic arts, his witchcraft, his ability to arts, his witchcraft, his ability to arts, his witchcraft, his ability to conjure up spirits to control regions conjure up spirits to control regions conjure up spirits to control regions and people and environments and and people and environments and and people and environments and situations and outcomes. And it says situations and outcomes. And it says situations and outcomes. And it says that people were amazed at his ability that people were amazed at his ability that people were amazed at his ability and people called him the the very h and people called him the the very h and people called him the the very h creation of God. creation of God. creation of God. And it got me to thinking, And it got me to thinking, And it got me to thinking, he's known for his witchcraft. He's he's known for his witchcraft. He's he's known for his witchcraft. He's known for his sorcery. He's known for known for his sorcery. He's known for known for his sorcery. He's known for his magic arts. And and if if YOU WERE his magic arts. And and if if YOU WERE his magic arts. And and if if YOU WERE TO BE KNOWN for anything, would you be TO BE KNOWN for anything, would you be TO BE KNOWN for anything, would you be known for your spiritual walk?

known for your spiritual walk? known for your spiritual walk? If if I was to place you on the stage If if I was to place you on the stage If if I was to place you on the stage and there was a boxing ring up HERE AND and there was a boxing ring up HERE AND and there was a boxing ring up HERE AND IN ONE CORNER THERE THERE WAS SOMEONE IN ONE CORNER THERE THERE WAS SOMEONE IN ONE CORNER THERE THERE WAS SOMEONE THAT PRACTICED witchcraft THAT PRACTICED witchcraft THAT PRACTICED witchcraft and then there was you. and then there was you. and then there was you. Well, would you be as diligent in Well, would you be as diligent in Well, would you be as diligent in pursuing Jesus as they have been pursuing Jesus as they have been pursuing Jesus as they have been diligent in pursuing witchcraft? diligent in pursuing witchcraft? diligent in pursuing witchcraft? Well, one of the things I've discovered Well, one of the things I've discovered Well, one of the things I've discovered about Western Christianity is that there about Western Christianity is that there about Western Christianity is that there is no discipline, is no discipline, is no discipline, no dedication, no loyalty. We we follow no dedication, no loyalty. We we follow no dedication, no loyalty. We we follow in claim, but we don't follow with in claim, but we don't follow with in claim, but we don't follow with lifestyle. lifestyle. lifestyle. And so when we come up against And so when we come up against And so when we come up against principalities and and and and and principalities and and and and and principalities and and and and and strongholds and and regions and dark strongholds and and regions and dark strongholds and and regions and dark places, WE WE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT to do places, WE WE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT to do places, WE WE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT to do because we have not spent the time in because we have not spent the time in because we have not spent the time in intimacy with Jesus to to get the intimacy with Jesus to to get the intimacy with Jesus to to get the authority, to get the spiritual authority, to get the spiritual authority, to get the spiritual dominion, to get the spiritual download, dominion, to get the spiritual download, dominion, to get the spiritual download, to know how to even cast a demon out.

AND AND AND THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO FRAME AND AND AND THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO FRAME this this this is does hell know your name? >> You know, we we we so focus on wanting >> You know, we we we so focus on wanting to be famous. I want to be famous. I to be famous. I want to be famous. I to be famous. I want to be famous. I want to be an influencer. I know where I want to be famous. I know where I want to be famous. I want my name famous in hell. >> You may not understand that yet, but you >> You may not understand that yet, but you will in a moment. will in a moment. will in a moment. >> I want every time I pray, >> I want every time I pray, >> I want every time I pray, >> demons go back to the enemy. >> He He's backheaded again. >> He He's backheaded again. >> He He's He's back at his prayer table >> He He's He's back at his prayer table >> He He's He's back at his prayer table again. He's He's back in his word again. again. He's He's back in his word again. again. He's He's back in his word again. He's back worshiping and praising again. He's back worshiping and praising again. He's back worshiping and praising again. A and they BE CONFUSED BECAUSE THEY A and they BE CONFUSED BECAUSE THEY A and they BE CONFUSED BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTAND AND KNOW WE THREW EVERYTHING UNDERSTAND AND KNOW WE THREW EVERYTHING UNDERSTAND AND KNOW WE THREW EVERYTHING WE HAD AT HIM.

>> And the enemy say, "Did didn't you throw >> And the enemy say, "Did didn't you throw this at him? We did." this at him? We did." this at him? We did." >> And he's praying again. >> And he's praying again. >> And he's praying again. >> HE HE'S BACK WITH HIS HANDS LIFTED >> HE HE'S BACK WITH HIS HANDS LIFTED >> HE HE'S BACK WITH HIS HANDS LIFTED AGAIN. HE'S BACK IN HIS WORD AGAIN. HE'S AGAIN. HE'S BACK IN HIS WORD AGAIN. HE'S AGAIN. HE'S BACK IN HIS WORD AGAIN. HE'S BACK ON HIS KNEES AGAIN. AND HE'S BACK BACK ON HIS KNEES AGAIN. AND HE'S BACK BACK ON HIS KNEES AGAIN. AND HE'S BACK PRAISING AGAIN. HE'S BACK GIVING AGAIN. PRAISING AGAIN. HE'S BACK GIVING AGAIN. PRAISING AGAIN. HE'S BACK GIVING AGAIN. HE HE'S BACK DOING WHAT WE DON'T WANT HE HE'S BACK DOING WHAT WE DON'T WANT HE HE'S BACK DOING WHAT WE DON'T WANT HIM TO DO. HOW CAN WE STOP HIM? Not too busy taking selfies Not too busy taking selfies instead of being selfless. >> I want to be famous here. >> I want to be famous here. I want to be famous in hell. I want I want to be famous in hell. I want I want to be famous in hell. I want every time I get into my prayer closet, every time I get into my prayer closet, every time I get into my prayer closet, >> demons tremble, >> demons tremble, >> demons tremble, >> scripture says at the very mention >> scripture says at the very mention >> scripture says at the very mention >> of that great name, >> of that great name, >> of that great name, every knee will bow and every tongue every knee will bow and every tongue every knee will bow and every tongue shall proclaim that Jesus Christ is shall proclaim that Jesus Christ is shall proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Do you make demons nervous? Do you make demons nervous? >> Or do they know you as an ally? >> When they see you coming, do they say to >> When they see you coming, do they say to the other demons, "Oh, there go my dog. the other demons, "Oh, there go my dog. the other demons, "Oh, there go my dog. He coming back. He coming back. He He coming back. He coming back. He He coming back. He coming back. He coming back. I knew we got him. I knew coming back. I knew we got him. I knew coming back. I knew we got him. I knew we got him. WE GOT HIM AGAIN. WE GOT HIM we got him. WE GOT HIM AGAIN. WE GOT HIM we got him. WE GOT HIM AGAIN. WE GOT HIM AGAIN." AGAIN." AGAIN." When they see you, they say, "Uh, we got When they see you, they say, "Uh, we got When they see you, they say, "Uh, we got to get out of here. to get out of here. to get out of here. >> We can't hang around here no more. >> We can't hang around here no more. >> We can't hang around here no more. >> So and so is coming." She she she's >> So and so is coming." She she she's >> So and so is coming." She she she's dedicated. She's faithful. She's she's dedicated. She's faithful. She's she's dedicated. She's faithful. She's she's praying. She's being transformed by the praying. She's being transformed by the praying. She's being transformed by the word of God. She she's in her word. We word of God. She she's in her word. We word of God. She she's in her word. We cannot stay here. If we stay here, we cannot stay here. If we stay here, we cannot stay here. If we stay here, we will be cast out into the sea of will be cast out into the sea of will be cast out into the sea of forgetfulness. We cannot dwell in the forgetfulness. We cannot dwell in the forgetfulness. We cannot dwell in the same place as she comes. >> What will you be known for? >> What will you be known for? >> Will you be known for how you manipulate >> Will you be known for how you manipulate >> Will you be known for how you manipulate people? Will you be known for how fervently you Will you be known for how fervently you pray, how consistent you are in prayer, pray, how consistent you are in prayer, pray, how consistent you are in prayer, how consistent you are in the word of how consistent you are in the word of how consistent you are in the word of God? Will will you be famous God? Will will you be famous God? Will will you be famous in hell for all the right reasons?

Or will you remain unnoticed, Or will you remain unnoticed, unrecognized, unrecognized, unrecognized, not a threat to the enemy? not a threat to the enemy? not a threat to the enemy? a friend to the enemy. a friend to the enemy. a friend to the enemy. Demons don't run when they see you. They Demons don't run when they see you. They Demons don't run when they see you. They walk to you. My purpose in life My purpose in life is to be a demon slaying, is to be a demon slaying, is to be a demon slaying, devil busting, devil busting, devil busting, >> yoked destroying, chain breaking, burden >> yoked destroying, chain breaking, burden >> yoked destroying, chain breaking, burden removing son of the living God. My God is not son of the living God. My God is not dead. dead. dead. >> I said my God is not dead. He is alive. >> All powerful, all knowing, omnisient. I >> All powerful, all knowing, omnisient. I omnipresent, alpha and omega, beginning omnipresent, alpha and omega, beginning omnipresent, alpha and omega, beginning and the end, and everything in between and the end, and everything in between and the end, and everything in between and so much more. And here we are being and so much more. And here we are being and so much more. And here we are being known known known because we can dance.

when you come toe-to-toe with demons, when you come toe-to-toe with demons, and you will. When you come toe-to-toe with When you come toe-to-toe with opposition, and you will. When you come opposition, and you will. When you come opposition, and you will. When you come toe-to-toe with giants and adversaries toe-to-toe with giants and adversaries toe-to-toe with giants and adversaries and mountains, and you will. and mountains, and you will. and mountains, and you will. that you are equipped, armed, and that you are equipped, armed, and that you are equipped, armed, and anointed enough to disarm every demon, anointed enough to disarm every demon, anointed enough to disarm every demon, every devil, every imp, every giant. And they run because they know who you And they run because they know who you belong to. Are you Are you following following following the trends of society and culture? Are the trends of society and culture? Are the trends of society and culture? Are you following you following you following the savior? the savior? the savior? At the end of my life, my prayer is not At the end of my life, my prayer is not At the end of my life, my prayer is not to be known by people here. My prayer is to be known by people here. My prayer is to be known by people here. My prayer is to be known by the one that matters to be known by the one that matters to be known by the one that matters most.

I don't want a little bit of spiritual I don't want a little bit of spiritual authority and certain demons are not authority and certain demons are not authority and certain demons are not afraid of me. I want all of hell afraid of me. I want all of hell afraid of me. I want all of hell nervous. nervous. nervous. >> I want it all. >> I want it all. >> I want it all. >> I want every single demon and devil know >> I want every single demon and devil know >> I want every single demon and devil know they can all get smoke. I don't care what region, what country, I don't care what region, what country, what place. The God I serve what place. The God I serve what place. The God I serve >> is greater than them all. >> How can I talk like that? >> How can I talk like that? >> Because I know my redeemer lives. >> I was bold in my sin. >> I was bold in my sin. >> I'll be bold with my savior. Simon, he is a believer. He's been Simon, he is a believer. He's been baptized. He's following the apostles, baptized. He's following the apostles, baptized. He's following the apostles, but he's not surrendered and submitted.

but he's not surrendered and submitted. but he's not surrendered and submitted. He still craves power. He still craves He still craves power. He still craves He still craves power. He still craves influence. He still craves the influence. He still craves the influence. He still craves the limelight. He still craves platforms. He limelight. He still craves platforms. He limelight. He still craves platforms. He still craves podiums. He does not crave still craves podiums. He does not crave still craves podiums. He does not crave the infilling of the Holy Spirit. And the infilling of the Holy Spirit. And the infilling of the Holy Spirit. And Peter tells him something important. Peter tells him something important. Peter tells him something important. I see that you are still in the gall of I see that you are still in the gall of I see that you are still in the gall of bitterness. Peter never says you might become Peter never says you might become bitter. bitter. bitter. He says I see that you are in the gall He says I see that you are in the gall He says I see that you are in the gall of bitterness. of bitterness. of bitterness. What has you so bitter? What has you What has you so angry? so angry? so angry? Is it worth your heart becoming the Is it worth your heart becoming the Is it worth your heart becoming the prison that holds you hostage?

prison that holds you hostage? prison that holds you hostage? Th this to me is one of the saddest Th this to me is one of the saddest Th this to me is one of the saddest passages of scripture in all of the New passages of scripture in all of the New passages of scripture in all of the New Testament because it shows us a man who Testament because it shows us a man who Testament because it shows us a man who had every opportunity to repent to had every opportunity to repent to had every opportunity to repent to return back to the heart of the father return back to the heart of the father return back to the heart of the father but yet and still he does not do that. but yet and still he does not do that. but yet and still he does not do that. And we see in verse 24 he asks Peter to And we see in verse 24 he asks Peter to And we see in verse 24 he asks Peter to pray for him. This is fascinating. This is fascinating. Peter isn't responding to Simon's words Peter isn't responding to Simon's words Peter isn't responding to Simon's words anymore. He's discerning his condition. anymore. He's discerning his condition. anymore. He's discerning his condition. He's not just listening to what he says. He's not just listening to what he says. He's not just listening to what he says. He's listening to what he means. He's listening to what he means. He's listening to what he means. There's a difference between what people There's a difference between what people There's a difference between what people say and what the Holy Spirit reveals. say and what the Holy Spirit reveals. say and what the Holy Spirit reveals. >> You ever been listening to somebody and >> You ever been listening to somebody and >> You ever been listening to somebody and what they say sounds right, what they say sounds right, what they say sounds right, >> but you can hear in their heart they >> but you can hear in their heart they >> but you can hear in their heart they don't mean right. don't mean right. don't mean right. >> What is happening? What is happening is >> What is happening? What is happening is >> What is happening? What is happening is there's a difference between what people there's a difference between what people there's a difference between what people say and what the Holy Spirit reveals. say and what the Holy Spirit reveals. say and what the Holy Spirit reveals. How does this happen? Because of How does this happen? Because of How does this happen? Because of discernment. The church desperately discernment. The church desperately discernment. The church desperately needs discernment. Again, not suspicion, needs discernment. Again, not suspicion, needs discernment. Again, not suspicion, not cynicism, but discernment. When you not cynicism, but discernment. When you not cynicism, but discernment. When you have discernment, you have one of the have discernment, you have one of the have discernment, you have one of the greatest gifts the Holy Spirit could greatest gifts the Holy Spirit could greatest gifts the Holy Spirit could ever give because you can read through ever give because you can read through ever give because you can read through foolishness and phoniness just like foolishness and phoniness just like foolishness and phoniness just like that. Most of us cannot because we don't that. Most of us cannot because we don't that. Most of us cannot because we don't spend enough time in the presence of the spend enough time in the presence of the spend enough time in the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. BUT THOSE OF US THAT DO, WE HOLY SPIRIT. BUT THOSE OF US THAT DO, WE HOLY SPIRIT. BUT THOSE OF US THAT DO, WE CAN PICK OUT A PHONY FROM REAL ANY day

CAN PICK OUT A PHONY FROM REAL ANY day CAN PICK OUT A PHONY FROM REAL ANY day of the week. That's why some of you are entertained That's why some of you are entertained by these internet pastors and preachers by these internet pastors and preachers by these internet pastors and preachers because you don't have discernment. And because you don't have discernment. And because you don't have discernment. And so anyone that has a tinkering bell and so anyone that has a tinkering bell and so anyone that has a tinkering bell and whistle entertains you and you think, whistle entertains you and you think, whistle entertains you and you think, "Oh man, they anointed." >> But it is the anointing that destroys >> But it is the anointing that destroys the yoke. the yoke. the yoke. >> It is the anointing that breaks chains >> It is the anointing that breaks chains >> It is the anointing that breaks chains and removes burdens. Understand what and removes burdens. Understand what and removes burdens. Understand what scripture says. The scripture says that scripture says. The scripture says that scripture says. The scripture says that all of Samaria was entertained by Simon, all of Samaria was entertained by Simon, all of Samaria was entertained by Simon, which tells us he was gifted. He had a which tells us he was gifted. He had a which tells us he was gifted. He had a gift. He had abilities. But his gift. He had abilities. But his gift. He had abilities. But his abilities and his giftings were rooted abilities and his giftings were rooted abilities and his giftings were rooted in witchcraft. in witchcraft. in witchcraft. And some of you are calling what is And some of you are calling what is And some of you are calling what is anointing anointing anointing evil and what is evil evil and what is evil evil and what is evil anointing.

anointing. anointing. >> Why? Because there is no discernment. >> Why? Because there is no discernment. >> Why? Because there is no discernment. a whole city a whole city a whole city entertained by the witchcraft and entertained by the witchcraft and entertained by the witchcraft and sorcery of a man because they lacked sorcery of a man because they lacked sorcery of a man because they lacked discernment until they heard the word of discernment until they heard the word of discernment until they heard the word of God. >> Let me show you what the word of God >> Let me show you what the word of God does. The word of God removes the scales does. The word of God removes the scales does. The word of God removes the scales from your eyes. from your eyes. from your eyes. >> The word of God will pierce your heart >> The word of God will pierce your heart >> The word of God will pierce your heart with conviction. It will bring you to with conviction. It will bring you to with conviction. It will bring you to the place where where you used to be the place where where you used to be the place where where you used to be comfortable, you're no longer comfortable, you're no longer comfortable, you're no longer comfortable. comfortable. comfortable. >> The word of God will ruffle your >> The word of God will ruffle your >> The word of God will ruffle your feathers to the point where you don't feathers to the point where you don't feathers to the point where you don't want to shack up with your boyfriend and want to shack up with your boyfriend and want to shack up with your boyfriend and girlfriend no more. girlfriend no more. girlfriend no more. >> The word of God will have you moving >> The word of God will have you moving >> The word of God will have you moving from the position of always getting what from the position of always getting what from the position of always getting what you want to no longer getting what you you want to no longer getting what you you want to no longer getting what you want to now surrendering your heart to want to now surrendering your heart to want to now surrendering your heart to Jesus Christ and getting what you need. Jesus Christ and getting what you need. Jesus Christ and getting what you need. The word of God will change your mind, The word of God will change your mind, The word of God will change your mind, remove ear muffs from your ears, remove ear muffs from your ears, remove ear muffs from your ears, remove the cast from your heart, remove the cast from your heart, remove the cast from your heart, set your feet on the path of set your feet on the path of set your feet on the path of righteousness, put a fresh spiritual righteousness, put a fresh spiritual righteousness, put a fresh spiritual battery in your back, and tell you to battery in your back, and tell you to battery in your back, and tell you to keep on walking towards the heel because keep on walking towards the heel because keep on walking towards the heel because that's where your help comes from.

that's where your help comes from. that's where your help comes from. and lift up your head so that you could see so that you could see how he desires to work in and through how he desires to work in and through how he desires to work in and through you. Without the word, you are stuck in you. Without the word, you are stuck in you. Without the word, you are stuck in the gall of bitterness. That word gall in the Greek refers to That word gall in the Greek refers to bile, something poisonous, something bile, something poisonous, something bile, something poisonous, something intensely bitter. And throughout intensely bitter. And throughout intensely bitter. And throughout scripture, gall becomes a picture of scripture, gall becomes a picture of scripture, gall becomes a picture of spiritual poison. Deuteronomy calls it spiritual poison. Deuteronomy calls it spiritual poison. Deuteronomy calls it poisonous roots. Hebrews warns us poisonous roots. Hebrews warns us poisonous roots. Hebrews warns us against the root of bitterness. And the against the root of bitterness. And the against the root of bitterness. And the danger of poison is it never stays danger of poison is it never stays danger of poison is it never stays beneath the surface. beneath the surface. beneath the surface. At some point in your life, it is going At some point in your life, it is going At some point in your life, it is going to rear its ugly head. to rear its ugly head. to rear its ugly head. And you can hide it and it leak through And you can hide it and it leak through And you can hide it and it leak through your pores. because you have not asked the Holy because you have not asked the Holy Spirit to redeem, Spirit to redeem, Spirit to redeem, renew, revive through the gift of renew, revive through the gift of renew, revive through the gift of repentance.

Have you ever noticed people rarely Have you ever noticed people rarely become bitter overnight? Oh, that bitterness takes root Oh, that bitterness takes root underground underground underground and those roots begin to grow out and and those roots begin to grow out and and those roots begin to grow out and down before they grow up and out. And often times we believe that And often times we believe that bitterness looks like anger. Bitterness Bitterness is an unhealed wound that speaks on your is an unhealed wound that speaks on your is an unhealed wound that speaks on your behalf. There's a lot of you bitter today There's a lot of you bitter today because of what happened to you because of what happened to you because of what happened to you and you smile in public. and you smile in public. and you smile in public. But that wound speaks for you and you But that wound speaks for you and you But that wound speaks for you and you take on the label of what culture and take on the label of what culture and take on the label of what culture and society has called you. You take on the society has called you. You take on the society has called you. You take on the label of what happened to you. You take label of what happened to you. You take label of what happened to you. You take on the label of what you used to be on the label of what you used to be on the label of what you used to be instead of living in the identity that instead of living in the identity that instead of living in the identity that Jesus Christ died for.

Simon, he he desires to be known for who Simon, he he desires to be known for who he was instead of for who God desired he was instead of for who God desired he was instead of for who God desired for him to become. for him to become. for him to become. And his bitterness begins to speak for And his bitterness begins to speak for And his bitterness begins to speak for him. This bitterness is unhealed pain him. This bitterness is unhealed pain him. This bitterness is unhealed pain that has learned how to speak on his that has learned how to speak on his that has learned how to speak on his behalf. And bitter people can smile behalf. And bitter people can smile behalf. And bitter people can smile while poisoning every room they enter. And Peter calls it out. He says, "You And Peter calls it out. He says, "You are operating in the gall of bitterness. are operating in the gall of bitterness. are operating in the gall of bitterness. You're standing in iniquity, and this is You're standing in iniquity, and this is You're standing in iniquity, and this is slowly choking you out." And as we read slowly choking you out." And as we read slowly choking you out." And as we read in the text, Peter changes metaphors. in the text, Peter changes metaphors. in the text, Peter changes metaphors. First he uses poison, now he's saying First he uses poison, now he's saying First he uses poison, now he's saying chains. chains. chains. Why would he do this? Because he wants Why would he do this? Because he wants Why would he do this? Because he wants us to understand that one corrupts the us to understand that one corrupts the us to understand that one corrupts the inside while the other controls the inside while the other controls the inside while the other controls the outside. outside. outside. And sin always promises freedom, then And sin always promises freedom, then And sin always promises freedom, then quietly handcuffs the one who believes quietly handcuffs the one who believes quietly handcuffs the one who believes that it will make them free.

Simon wanted power. Simon wanted power. Instead, Instead, Instead, he became possessed by the very thing he he became possessed by the very thing he he became possessed by the very thing he thought that he possessed. thought that he possessed. thought that he possessed. Simon thought that he could control his Simon thought that he could control his Simon thought that he could control his power, his crave, his desire for power, his crave, his desire for power, his crave, his desire for influence, and his desire to be known. influence, and his desire to be known. influence, and his desire to be known. But he failed to realize it was But he failed to realize it was But he failed to realize it was controlling him. And some of you, you controlling him. And some of you, you controlling him. And some of you, you actually think that you were carrying actually think that you were carrying actually think that you were carrying bitterness, but the reality is this bitterness, but the reality is this bitterness, but the reality is this bitterness is carrying you. You don't go certain places because You don't go certain places because you're bitter. You don't talk to certain people because You don't talk to certain people because you're bitter. You can't listen to certain songs You can't listen to certain songs because you're bitter. And how do you get free And how do you get free from something you think is impossible from something you think is impossible from something you think is impossible to get free from to get free from to get free from repentance? Was talking to a person one time and I Was talking to a person one time and I told them this is what it will take for told them this is what it will take for told them this is what it will take for you to do the thing that God desires for you to do the thing that God desires for you to do the thing that God desires for you to do. And they looked at me and you to do. And they looked at me and you to do. And they looked at me and they said it is impossible.

And I said, "All things And I said, "All things start impossible start impossible start impossible until somebody does it." All things at some point in history were All things at some point in history were impossible until somebody said, "Let me impossible until somebody said, "Let me impossible until somebody said, "Let me try it." try it." try it." And then the person THAT SAID IT WAS And then the person THAT SAID IT WAS And then the person THAT SAID IT WAS impossible saw that it in fact was impossible saw that it in fact was impossible saw that it in fact was possible. and they then believed. possible. and they then believed. possible. and they then believed. Don't be the person that thinks it's Don't be the person that thinks it's Don't be the person that thinks it's impossible because you're too coward to impossible because you're too coward to impossible because you're too coward to try. >> Let me remind you of what the word OF >> Let me remind you of what the word OF GOD SAYS. ALL things are possible to GOD SAYS. ALL things are possible to GOD SAYS. ALL things are possible to those that those that those that >> believe. >> believe. >> believe. >> Believe. >> Believe. >> Believe. Do you believe? Do you believe? Do you believe? >> I said, do you believe? >> I said, do you believe? >> I said, do you believe? BUT WHAT IS IT THAT you believe? Do you BUT WHAT IS IT THAT you believe? Do you BUT WHAT IS IT THAT you believe? Do you believe that God is still able to do believe that God is still able to do believe that God is still able to do more than you're able to do and turn you more than you're able to do and turn you more than you're able to do and turn you into who you cannot turn YOURSELF INTO into who you cannot turn YOURSELF INTO into who you cannot turn YOURSELF INTO AND HEAL YOU WHEN YOU'RE NOT POWERFUL AND HEAL YOU WHEN YOU'RE NOT POWERFUL AND HEAL YOU WHEN YOU'RE NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH TO HEAL YOURSELF AND CHANGE YOUR ENOUGH TO HEAL YOURSELF AND CHANGE YOUR ENOUGH TO HEAL YOURSELF AND CHANGE YOUR MIND? WHEN YOU'VE TRIED TO CHANGE YOUR MIND? WHEN YOU'VE TRIED TO CHANGE YOUR MIND? WHEN YOU'VE TRIED TO CHANGE YOUR MIND TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND YOUR MIND MIND TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND YOUR MIND MIND TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND YOUR MIND REMAINED THE SAME AND HEAL YOU FROM REMAINED THE SAME AND HEAL YOU FROM REMAINED THE SAME AND HEAL YOU FROM PHYSICAL PAIN WHEN YOU COULD NOT HEAL PHYSICAL PAIN WHEN YOU COULD NOT HEAL PHYSICAL PAIN WHEN YOU COULD NOT HEAL YOURSELF, DO YOU STILL BELIEVE that he YOURSELF, DO YOU STILL BELIEVE that he YOURSELF, DO YOU STILL BELIEVE that he is able? Yes.

is able? Yes. is able? Yes. >> Because if you believe >> Because if you believe >> Because if you believe >> then you will see the impossibilities >> then you will see the impossibilities >> then you will see the impossibilities >> become possible. >> become possible. >> become possible. Point number one is this. Point number one is this. Point number one is this. Unhealed pain doesn't stay a wound. Unhealed pain doesn't stay a wound. Unhealed pain doesn't stay a wound. It eventually becomes a prison. It eventually becomes a prison. It eventually becomes a prison. Unhealed pain does not stay a wound. It Unhealed pain does not stay a wound. It Unhealed pain does not stay a wound. It becomes a prison. Have you ever noticed becomes a prison. Have you ever noticed becomes a prison. Have you ever noticed that the devil does not need to destroy that the devil does not need to destroy that the devil does not need to destroy you? He only needs to convince you to you? He only needs to convince you to you? He only needs to convince you to protect your wound instead of protect your wound instead of protect your wound instead of surrendering it to Jesus. surrendering it to Jesus. surrendering it to Jesus. >> And eventually you will stop visiting >> And eventually you will stop visiting >> And eventually you will stop visiting the pain because you actually lived in the pain because you actually lived in the pain because you actually lived in the pain. >> Yeah. Some of you are still living in >> Yeah. Some of you are still living in the trauma from 16 years ago. the trauma from 16 years ago. the trauma from 16 years ago. Living in the heartbreak from four years Living in the heartbreak from four years Living in the heartbreak from four years ago, ago, ago, living in the disappointment from three living in the disappointment from three living in the disappointment from three years ago, and you've taken on the years ago, and you've taken on the years ago, and you've taken on the identity of what someone else has done identity of what someone else has done identity of what someone else has done to you, and you've allowed your heart to to you, and you've allowed your heart to to you, and you've allowed your heart to become a prison because you allowed become a prison because you allowed become a prison because you allowed bitterness to find a home in your heart.

bitterness to find a home in your heart. bitterness to find a home in your heart. Simon, he's bitter because he does not Simon, he's bitter because he does not Simon, he's bitter because he does not have the same gifts that he sees other have the same gifts that he sees other have the same gifts that he sees other people have. You don't become in prison the day you You don't become in prison the day you were hurt. were hurt. were hurt. You become in prison the day you decide You become in prison the day you decide You become in prison the day you decide never to heal. In every conversation, In every conversation, it eventually bleeds from the same it eventually bleeds from the same it eventually bleeds from the same wound. And that wound is the wound of wound. And that wound is the wound of wound. And that wound is the wound of disappointment, resentment, frustration, disappointment, resentment, frustration, disappointment, resentment, frustration, unforgiveness, bitterness, letdowns, and unforgiveness, bitterness, letdowns, and unforgiveness, bitterness, letdowns, and everything else that you have not cast everything else that you have not cast everything else that you have not cast at the feet of Jesus and have retained at the feet of Jesus and have retained at the feet of Jesus and have retained in your heart thinking that you were in your heart thinking that you were in your heart thinking that you were strong enough to steward God's presence strong enough to steward God's presence strong enough to steward God's presence and resentment of people at the same and resentment of people at the same and resentment of people at the same time. Simon believed. He was baptized. HE Simon believed. He was baptized. HE FOLLOWED THE TEACHINGS of the apostles, FOLLOWED THE TEACHINGS of the apostles, FOLLOWED THE TEACHINGS of the apostles, but yet he still remained unsubmitted but yet he still remained unsubmitted but yet he still remained unsubmitted and uncsurrendered in his heart.

and uncsurrendered in his heart. and uncsurrendered in his heart. Therefore, scripture ends the story of Therefore, scripture ends the story of Therefore, scripture ends the story of Simon abruptly and does not give us a Simon abruptly and does not give us a Simon abruptly and does not give us a period on his life. And I don't know period on his life. And I don't know period on his life. And I don't know about you, but I don't want my story to about you, but I don't want my story to about you, but I don't want my story to end abruptly when people hear about what end abruptly when people hear about what end abruptly when people hear about what it was that God asked of me to do. I it was that God asked of me to do. I it was that God asked of me to do. I don't want my story to end. and he don't want my story to end. and he don't want my story to end. and he believed and he was baptized and he believed and he was baptized and he believed and he was baptized and he followed the teachings of the word of followed the teachings of the word of followed the teachings of the word of God but his heart was still unsubmitted God but his heart was still unsubmitted God but his heart was still unsubmitted and surrendered and he craved power and and surrendered and he craved power and and surrendered and he craved power and because he could not get power he was because he could not get power he was because he could not get power he was bitter. bitter. bitter. It's a sad story It's a sad story It's a sad story and the reality is is some of you are and the reality is is some of you are and the reality is is some of you are living in that story right now. living in that story right now. living in that story right now. You want to be used by God, but you will You want to be used by God, but you will You want to be used by God, but you will only be used by God the way you want to only be used by God the way you want to only be used by God the way you want to be used by God because you compare your be used by God because you compare your be used by God because you compare your life to how you see other people living life to how you see other people living life to how you see other people living theirs. theirs. theirs. >> And so when you think that your life is >> And so when you think that your life is >> And so when you think that your life is not going in the direction you had not going in the direction you had not going in the direction you had planned on your Pinterest board and on planned on your Pinterest board and on planned on your Pinterest board and on your dream wall and on your your dream wall and on your your dream wall and on your notifications and on your screen saver, notifications and on your screen saver, notifications and on your screen saver, then surely God is not moving in your then surely God is not moving in your then surely God is not moving in your life. When in fact, God is moving in life. When in fact, God is moving in life. When in fact, God is moving in your life. He's just moving differently your life. He's just moving differently your life. He's just moving differently than how you can see that he's moving.

than how you can see that he's moving. than how you can see that he's moving. And for some of you, THE WAY GOD WANTS And for some of you, THE WAY GOD WANTS And for some of you, THE WAY GOD WANTS TO MOVE IS FIRST through surrender. TO MOVE IS FIRST through surrender. TO MOVE IS FIRST through surrender. >> For others of you, the first way God >> For others of you, the first way God >> For others of you, the first way God wants to move is through your wants to move is through your wants to move is through your submission. Through through others of submission. Through through others of submission. Through through others of you, the first way God wants to move is you, the first way God wants to move is you, the first way God wants to move is through your accountability to the word through your accountability to the word through your accountability to the word of God and to his presence and to to to of God and to his presence and to to to of God and to his presence and to to to the things that he desires for you to be the things that he desires for you to be the things that he desires for you to be accountable and surrendered and accountable and surrendered and accountable and surrendered and submitted in. And some of you, you're submitted in. And some of you, you're submitted in. And some of you, you're praying for the wrong things. praying for the wrong things. praying for the wrong things. You praying for a husband and God is You praying for a husband and God is You praying for a husband and God is saying just be absent. >> God. Send me a good wife. >> God. Send me a good wife. Stop sleeping with everyone that you can Stop sleeping with everyone that you can Stop sleeping with everyone that you can find. >> Ain't no more good men out there. They >> Ain't no more good men out there. They all dogs. But you out there in the all dogs. But you out there in the all dogs. But you out there in the streets, outside, streets, outside, streets, outside, every post is like this.

But but it ain't no more good women and But but it ain't no more good women and men out there. But but but but are you men out there. But but but but are you men out there. But but but but are you good? >> And so you want God to bless you with >> And so you want God to bless you with his best his best his best >> when you are not allowing him to make >> when you are not allowing him to make >> when you are not allowing him to make you and mold you and create in you a new you and mold you and create in you a new you and mold you and create in you a new heart. Yes, sir. heart. Yes, sir. heart. Yes, sir. >> You spend more time with Satan than you >> You spend more time with Satan than you >> You spend more time with Satan than you do him. do him. do him. >> And you want God to give you his best. >> No, no, no. Your heart has become your >> No, no, no. Your heart has become your handcuffs >> and your entitlement is greater than >> and your entitlement is greater than your anointing. Simon makes demands Simon makes demands without accountability, without accountability, without accountability, without surrender, without submission. without surrender, without submission. without surrender, without submission. And his story ends abruptly. And his story ends abruptly. And his story ends abruptly. Verse 24 says, "And Simon answered, pray Verse 24 says, "And Simon answered, pray Verse 24 says, "And Simon answered, pray for me to the Lord that nothing of what for me to the Lord that nothing of what for me to the Lord that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." This is you have said may come upon me." This is you have said may come upon me." This is one of the most heartbreaking verses in one of the most heartbreaking verses in one of the most heartbreaking verses in all of the New Testament.

all of the New Testament. all of the New Testament. Notice carefully Simon never says I have Notice carefully Simon never says I have Notice carefully Simon never says I have sinned. sinned. sinned. Not notice he never says Lord forgive Not notice he never says Lord forgive Not notice he never says Lord forgive me. me. me. No notice he never says Jesus I repent. No notice he never says Jesus I repent. No notice he never says Jesus I repent. Instead he asked Peter to pray for him. Instead he asked Peter to pray for him. Instead he asked Peter to pray for him. He wanted someone else's relationship He wanted someone else's relationship He wanted someone else's relationship with God instead of repenting before God himself. instead of repenting before God himself. He feared consequences more than he He feared consequences more than he He feared consequences more than he desired Christ. desired Christ. desired Christ. Do you find yourself in that boat today? Do you find yourself in that boat today? Do you find yourself in that boat today? Fearing the consequences of your sin Fearing the consequences of your sin Fearing the consequences of your sin more than you desire intimacy with more than you desire intimacy with more than you desire intimacy with Christ. There's a difference. There's a difference. Many people don't hate sin. They they Many people don't hate sin. They they Many people don't hate sin. They they actually love sin. They actually love actually love sin. They actually love actually love sin. They actually love the feeling of sin. They hate what sin the feeling of sin. They hate what sin the feeling of sin. They hate what sin costs them, though. costs them, though. costs them, though. If sin didn't cost you anything, you If sin didn't cost you anything, you If sin didn't cost you anything, you would keep sinning.

>> How How do How do I know? H how how do I >> How How do How do I know? H how how do I know? know? know? Because you know sin cost you and you Because you know sin cost you and you Because you know sin cost you and you still keep sinning. still keep sinning. still keep sinning. >> Yeah. So, if it didn't cost you >> Yeah. So, if it didn't cost you >> Yeah. So, if it didn't cost you anything, anything, anything, y'all would be in the sin hall of fame. >> My my jersey would be retired >> My my jersey would be retired in the rafters in the rafters in the rafters of the sin hall of fame. If sin didn't of the sin hall of fame. If sin didn't of the sin hall of fame. If sin didn't cost you anything, cost you anything, cost you anything, you wouldn't stop. It's not until you you wouldn't stop. It's not until you you wouldn't stop. It's not until you understand how much sin cost you understand how much sin cost you understand how much sin cost you that it brings you to the realization that it brings you to the realization that it brings you to the realization that you must hate sin and love Jesus. that you must hate sin and love Jesus. that you must hate sin and love Jesus. And it's not until you love Jesus more And it's not until you love Jesus more And it's not until you love Jesus more than you hate sin than you hate sin than you hate sin that you continue to lay your sin at his that you continue to lay your sin at his that you continue to lay your sin at his feet so that he could make much of your feet so that he could make much of your feet so that he could make much of your life life life and fill you and satisfy you so that and fill you and satisfy you so that and fill you and satisfy you so that you're not looking for satisfaction in you're not looking for satisfaction in you're not looking for satisfaction in other places. other places. other places. That's right. That's right. That's right. >> Some of you are being choked slowly and >> Some of you are being choked slowly and >> Some of you are being choked slowly and you don't even realize it.

>> Florida's known for a few things. >> Florida's known for a few things. Crazy people being one of them. Crazy people being one of them. Crazy people being one of them. Y'all y'all know I'm telling you the Y'all y'all know I'm telling you the Y'all y'all know I'm telling you the truth. Every time you see a headline on truth. Every time you see a headline on truth. Every time you see a headline on Global News, Global News, Global News, before they say anything, you say they before they say anything, you say they before they say anything, you say they from Florida. They from Florida. I'm talking about actual alligators. I'm talking about actual alligators. Did you know an alligator could kill a Did you know an alligator could kill a Did you know an alligator could kill a lion? lion? lion? >> You know that alligator can kill a lion. >> You know that alligator can kill a lion. >> You know that alligator can kill a lion. >> But did you know you can kill an >> But did you know you can kill an >> But did you know you can kill an alligator with your bare hands alligator with your bare hands alligator with your bare hands >> after it eats? >> after it eats? >> after it eats? It's true story. It's true story. It's true story. You can kill an alligator with your bare You can kill an alligator with your bare You can kill an alligator with your bare hands when it is full. Because when it hands when it is full. Because when it hands when it is full. Because when it is full, it goes into a sedative state is full, it goes into a sedative state is full, it goes into a sedative state because it is satisfied.

And although you got the power to tread And although you got the power to tread on serpents on serpents on serpents >> and stomp on scorpions, >> and stomp on scorpions, >> and stomp on scorpions, you being choked out by the enemy you being choked out by the enemy you being choked out by the enemy because you are full of life trappings because you are full of life trappings because you are full of life trappings and satisfied with what culture and and satisfied with what culture and and satisfied with what culture and society is presenting and placing in society is presenting and placing in society is presenting and placing in front of you. And you don't even realize front of you. And you don't even realize front of you. And you don't even realize that you are FILLING YOURSELF WITH that you are FILLING YOURSELF WITH that you are FILLING YOURSELF WITH EVERYTHING the world has to offer until EVERYTHING the world has to offer until EVERYTHING the world has to offer until it is too late. >> Y'all sitting here afraid of ponds and >> Y'all sitting here afraid of ponds and lakes. >> a heart that has got you in handcuffs. I >> a heart that has got you in handcuffs. I I would be cautious I would be cautious I would be cautious of a day without getting in your word.

of a day without getting in your word. of a day without getting in your word. >> You know why? Because when you don't, >> You know why? Because when you don't, >> You know why? Because when you don't, you get satisfied you get satisfied you get satisfied with the things of this world with the things of this world with the things of this world and you start to believe that this life and you start to believe that this life and you start to believe that this life is the pinnacle of life itself and it is is the pinnacle of life itself and it is is the pinnacle of life itself and it is not. You got to have your mind made up not. You got to have your mind made up not. You got to have your mind made up that nothing in this world will satisfy that nothing in this world will satisfy that nothing in this world will satisfy me the way Jesus will. Solomon said, "I've tried everything Solomon said, "I've tried everything under the sun." Everything on record is the wealthiest Everything on record is the wealthiest man in history. man in history. man in history. Could do anything, could buy anything. Could do anything, could buy anything. Could do anything, could buy anything. He He had several hundred wives and more He He had several hundred wives and more He He had several hundred wives and more concubines. concubines. concubines. And listen to me, brothers. I know you And listen to me, brothers. I know you And listen to me, brothers. I know you think you want more than one woman.

>> you know how I know? Cuz you can't >> you know how I know? Cuz you can't steward you. Well, >> ladies, I ain't forget about you either. >> ladies, I ain't forget about you either. Cuz Cuz Cuz in 2026, y'all just as messy as the men. >> Say how quiet they get. >> Say how quiet they get. All the ladies clapping for me. Yeah. All the ladies clapping for me. Yeah. All the ladies clapping for me. Yeah. They all dogs. They all dogs. They all dogs. They all dogs. They all dogs. They all dogs. No. No. There's some women No. No. There's some women No. No. There's some women that are dogs, too. will have a best friend on the phone will have a best friend on the phone with her texting her man while you on with her texting her man while you on with her texting her man while you on the phone. >> Coming to church, >> Coming to church, >> crying in worship, >> crying in worship, >> crying in worship, >> even staying through the whole service.

but a heart that has now become but a heart that has now become handcuffs because you have not allowed handcuffs because you have not allowed handcuffs because you have not allowed the Holy Spirit to heal you the Holy Spirit to heal you the Holy Spirit to heal you >> because you identify with what happened >> because you identify with what happened >> because you identify with what happened to you more than you identify with who to you more than you identify with who to you more than you identify with who you actually are. Yes. you actually are. Yes. you actually are. Yes. >> When you come to the realization that >> When you come to the realization that >> When you come to the realization that you are not the trauma that happened to you are not the trauma that happened to you are not the trauma that happened to you, you, you, >> that you are a son and a daughter of the >> that you are a son and a daughter of the >> that you are a son and a daughter of the most high God. >> You can look back at what happened to >> You can look back at what happened to you and say, "Man, thank God for mercy. you and say, "Man, thank God for mercy. you and say, "Man, thank God for mercy. Thank God for his grace. Thank God for Thank God for his grace. Thank God for Thank God for his grace. Thank God for his love, his everlasting kindness his love, his everlasting kindness his love, his everlasting kindness towards me to allow me to come out of towards me to allow me to come out of towards me to allow me to come out of that and become stronger and no longer that and become stronger and no longer that and become stronger and no longer identify by the wound that I have, but I identify by the wound that I have, but I identify by the wound that I have, but I now identify as a son and as a daughter now identify as a son and as a daughter now identify as a son and as a daughter of the most high God. >> According to Acts, this is the last time >> According to Acts, this is the last time Simon speaks.

Simon speaks. Simon speaks. The Bible never records his repentance. The story sadly but intentionally ends The story sadly but intentionally ends unresolved. And Luke leaves us asking the question, And Luke leaves us asking the question, what will your story end like? You can borrow someone else's prayers You can borrow someone else's prayers but you cannot borrow their repentance. He asked Peter, pray for me He asked Peter, pray for me to God that nothing you have spoken to to God that nothing you have spoken to to God that nothing you have spoken to me will actually happen. And people can me will actually happen. And people can me will actually happen. And people can pray for you. Your grandmama can pray pray for you. Your grandmama can pray pray for you. Your grandmama can pray for you. Your granddaddy could be a for you. Your granddaddy could be a for you. Your granddaddy could be a deacon in his church on the prayer team deacon in his church on the prayer team deacon in his church on the prayer team and he pray for you. Your spouse can and he pray for you. Your spouse can and he pray for you. Your spouse can pray for you. Your kids can pray for pray for you. Your kids can pray for pray for you. Your kids can pray for you. Me and Jen can pray for you. But if you. Me and Jen can pray for you. But if you. Me and Jen can pray for you. But if you don't repent, it won't matter. You know why?

it won't matter. You know why? >> Because God does not have grandchildren. And some of you think And some of you think you will inherit the kingdom of God you will inherit the kingdom of God you will inherit the kingdom of God because your mama and daddy was saved. >> God does not have grandchildren. >> God does not have grandchildren. >> He has children. >> He has children. >> He has children. >> And he says there's only one way to the >> And he says there's only one way to the >> And he says there's only one way to the father father father >> through the son. >> through the son. >> through the son. And so although grandmama and And so although grandmama and And so although grandmama and granddaddy, your mama and your daddy, granddaddy, your mama and your daddy, granddaddy, your mama and your daddy, your uncles, your auntie and them, all your uncles, your auntie and them, all your uncles, your auntie and them, all them praying for you, you have to repent them praying for you, you have to repent them praying for you, you have to repent >> and you have to establish your own >> and you have to establish your own >> and you have to establish your own relationship with Jesus because God does relationship with Jesus because God does relationship with Jesus because God does not have grandchildren. not have grandchildren. not have grandchildren. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Some people want relief from >> Some people want relief from >> Some people want relief from consequences. consequences. consequences. God wants release from captivity.

God wants release from captivity. God wants release from captivity. He does not want you to remain captive He does not want you to remain captive He does not want you to remain captive to the sin that has held you captive for to the sin that has held you captive for to the sin that has held you captive for so long. He does not want you to be a so long. He does not want you to be a so long. He does not want you to be a captive of your heart because it is captive of your heart because it is captive of your heart because it is hardened from the things that have hardened from the things that have hardened from the things that have happened to you. He wants you to be happened to you. He wants you to be happened to you. He wants you to be free. Yesterday, all across America, free. Yesterday, all across America, free. Yesterday, all across America, people were celebrating freedom 250. And people were celebrating freedom 250. And people were celebrating freedom 250. And that's great and all, but it does not that's great and all, but it does not that's great and all, but it does not matter if you still go to hell. And you can wave the American flag all And you can wave the American flag all your life and it not mean anything if your life and it not mean anything if your life and it not mean anything if you don't wave the white flag of you don't wave the white flag of you don't wave the white flag of surrender. >> Sit out there and pledge allegiance >> Sit out there and pledge allegiance to the flag and not pledge allegiance to the flag and not pledge allegiance to the flag and not pledge allegiance >> to Christ >> to Christ >> to Christ >> and be loyal to your country >> and be loyal to your country >> and be loyal to your country >> and disloyal to your savior. >> and disloyal to your savior. >> and disloyal to your savior. May we be a people that does not May we be a people that does not May we be a people that does not celebrate a holiday more than we celebrate a holiday more than we celebrate a holiday more than we celebrate our king. May we be a people celebrate our king. May we be a people celebrate our king. May we be a people that does not celebrate a World Cup game that does not celebrate a World Cup game that does not celebrate a World Cup game more than we celebrate our savior. May more than we celebrate our savior. May more than we celebrate our savior. May we be a people that does not put more we be a people that does not put more we be a people that does not put more emphasis on the idolatry of mankind than emphasis on the idolatry of mankind than emphasis on the idolatry of mankind than we do prioritizing our relationship with we do prioritizing our relationship with we do prioritizing our relationship with JESUS CHRIST. SAID, "HOW DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS CHRIST. SAID, "HOW DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS CHRIST. SAID, "HOW DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOUR HEART IS NO LONGER DIFFERENCE WHEN YOUR HEART IS NO LONGER DIFFERENCE WHEN YOUR HEART IS NO LONGER HARDENED BY THE THINGS THAT HAVE HARDENED BY THE THINGS THAT HAVE HARDENED BY THE THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU, BUT YOU ACTUALLY ARE HAPPENED TO YOU, BUT YOU ACTUALLY ARE HAPPENED TO YOU, BUT YOU ACTUALLY ARE FREE AND FREE INDEED?"

>> MAN, I was thinking about this last >> MAN, I was thinking about this last night while I was praying. God forbid at night while I was praying. God forbid at night while I was praying. God forbid at this age I become a prodical son. >> God forbid I become a prodical son. >> God forbid I become a prodical son. >> You're too old to be a prodal. >> You're too old to be a prodal. >> You're too old to be a prodal. >> Old You know too much to be a prodal. You know too much to be a prodal. >> God has been too good to you to be a >> God has been too good to you to be a >> God has been too good to you to be a prodical. He He's been too faithful to prodical. He He's been too faithful to prodical. He He's been too faithful to be a prodal. He's been too holy for you be a prodal. He's been too holy for you be a prodal. He's been too holy for you to be a prodal. And here we are to be a prodal. And here we are to be a prodal. And here we are taking days off of our relationship with taking days off of our relationship with taking days off of our relationship with him thinking that the enemy is going to him thinking that the enemy is going to him thinking that the enemy is going to take days off from messing and take days off from messing and take days off from messing and tormenting us. you become a prodal at this age of your you become a prodal at this age of your life. He searched for you He searched for you and he found you.

and he found you. and he found you. Aren't you glad Aren't you glad Aren't you glad >> he didn't leave you how he found you? >> No. No. He He picked you up. >> No. No. He He picked you up. He turned you around. He turned you around. He turned you around. >> He placed your feet Because every other option was rocky. Because every other option was rocky. >> Every other person was shaky. Every >> Every other person was shaky. Every >> Every other person was shaky. Every every other season without him was every other season without him was every other season without him was unstable. But he picked you up. >> Cleansed you from the inside out. >> Cleansed you from the inside out. Softened your heart. Took off the cast. Softened your heart. Took off the cast. Softened your heart. Took off the cast. took that heart of stone and gave you a took that heart of stone and gave you a took that heart of stone and gave you a heart of flesh heart of flesh heart of flesh so that your heart would not become your so that your heart would not become your so that your heart would not become your handcuffs.

This verse is powerful This verse is powerful because it teaches us something. because it teaches us something. because it teaches us something. It teaches us the greatest prayer you It teaches us the greatest prayer you It teaches us the greatest prayer you will ever pray is the one you stop will ever pray is the one you stop will ever pray is the one you stop asking someone else to pray for you. Yeah, I I can pray for you, but man, you Yeah, I I can pray for you, but man, you can pray for yourself. >> That's the beauty of Christianity. >> That's the beauty of Christianity. We we are the only belief system where We we are the only belief system where We we are the only belief system where we can go directly >> directly >> directly to our savior. to our savior. to our savior. I don't have to pray to Mary. Yes. I don't have to pray to Mary. Yes. I don't have to pray to Mary. Yes. >> I don't have to go to my my my auntie. I >> I don't have to go to my my my auntie. I >> I don't have to go to my my my auntie. I I don't have to take no chicken and cut I don't have to take no chicken and cut I don't have to take no chicken and cut his throat. >> I can go directly to God >> I can go directly to God >> myself.

>> myself. >> myself. >> His word says, "Come >> His word says, "Come >> His word says, "Come >> boldly before the throne. The reason I can The reason I can is because of the cross. The cross wasn't for us just to wear The cross wasn't for us just to wear around our necks. around our necks. around our necks. The cross is for us to carry every The cross is for us to carry every The cross is for us to carry every single day and be reminded single day and be reminded single day and be reminded that because he lives, that because he lives, that because he lives, I live and I have a life and I have a life worth worth worth living.

living. living. Verse 25 says, "Now when they had Verse 25 says, "Now when they had Verse 25 says, "Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the testified and spoken the word of the testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans." Luke shifts scenes the Samaritans." Luke shifts scenes the Samaritans." Luke shifts scenes almost abruptly. almost abruptly. almost abruptly. Look at this. Now when they had Look at this. Now when they had Look at this. Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the testified and spoken the word of the testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. the Samaritans. the Samaritans. Simon's name fades away. Simon's name fades away. Simon's name fades away. >> Yet scripture says the gospel continues >> Yet scripture says the gospel continues >> Yet scripture says the gospel continues to be advanced. >> Simon's name falls into the shadows of >> Simon's name falls into the shadows of history, but the gospel is still on the history, but the gospel is still on the history, but the gospel is still on the front lines. This is one of the most beautiful yet This is one of the most beautiful yet heartbreaking moments in Acts. heartbreaking moments in Acts. heartbreaking moments in Acts. Because a man that wanted to be known Because a man that wanted to be known Because a man that wanted to be known for the power he possessed was forgotten for the power he possessed was forgotten for the power he possessed was forgotten because he could not surrender his power because he could not surrender his power because he could not surrender his power to Jesus.

What are you holding on to that Jesus is What are you holding on to that Jesus is asking you to release today? But what is it that you're asking from But what is it that you're asking from him that he does not desire to give you? What is it that you think What is it that you think will make you better separate from him will make you better separate from him will make you better separate from him that will actually kill you in the long that will actually kill you in the long that will actually kill you in the long run? Got to surrender, submit it, lay it down Got to surrender, submit it, lay it down in his feet. It is not until then that the heart that It is not until then that the heart that has been hardened and has handcuffed you has been hardened and has handcuffed you has been hardened and has handcuffed you become soft, pliable, and moldable for become soft, pliable, and moldable for become soft, pliable, and moldable for Jesus to do something supernatural Jesus to do something supernatural Jesus to do something supernatural through you. through you. through you. Simon asked Peter, "Pray for me that Simon asked Peter, "Pray for me that Simon asked Peter, "Pray for me that nothing you have spoken to me will nothing you have spoken to me will nothing you have spoken to me will happen to me." His name fades away.

happen to me." His name fades away. happen to me." His name fades away. Scripture continues, "They went on Scripture continues, "They went on Scripture continues, "They went on preaching the gospel and the gospel preaching the gospel and the gospel preaching the gospel and the gospel continued to be advanced in the villages continued to be advanced in the villages continued to be advanced in the villages that the Samaritans lived in." Now that the Samaritans lived in." Now that the Samaritans lived in." Now listen to me. This is the very same listen to me. This is the very same listen to me. This is the very same place that Peter and John wanted to place that Peter and John wanted to place that Peter and John wanted to crucify people in. These are the very crucify people in. These are the very crucify people in. These are the very same people that they did not like. They same people that they did not like. They same people that they did not like. They despised. They they could not stand. And despised. They they could not stand. And despised. They they could not stand. And here they are taking them the gospel of here they are taking them the gospel of here they are taking them the gospel of Jesus Christ, allowing them to be Jesus Christ, allowing them to be Jesus Christ, allowing them to be healed, transformed, renewed in their healed, transformed, renewed in their healed, transformed, renewed in their thinking by the word of God. And these thinking by the word of God. And these thinking by the word of God. And these are the same people that they want it to are the same people that they want it to are the same people that they want it to hurt. Which leads us to point number hurt. Which leads us to point number hurt. Which leads us to point number three. When Jesus really changes you, three. When Jesus really changes you, three. When Jesus really changes you, your mission becomes greater than your your mission becomes greater than your your mission becomes greater than your memory. >> Some of you are carrying on the memory >> Some of you are carrying on the memory of something that held you hostage of something that held you hostage of something that held you hostage instead of carrying on the mission. instead of carrying on the mission. instead of carrying on the mission. But when Jesus really changes you, your But when Jesus really changes you, your But when Jesus really changes you, your mission becomes greater than your mission becomes greater than your mission becomes greater than your memory.

The greatest evidence of healing is not The greatest evidence of healing is not forgetting your past. forgetting your past. forgetting your past. It's refusing to weaponize it. It's refusing to weaponize it. It's refusing to weaponize it. And often times when I talk about And often times when I talk about And often times when I talk about forgiveness, and people hear me say forgiveness, and people hear me say forgiveness, and people hear me say this, this, this, you don't forget when you forgive. you don't forget when you forgive. you don't forget when you forgive. They're like, "But you forgive and you They're like, "But you forgive and you They're like, "But you forgive and you forget." You don't. You don't forget. forget." You don't. You don't forget. forget." You don't. You don't forget. You You've tried it. You've tried to You You've tried it. You've tried to You You've tried it. You've tried to forget what happened to you and you forget what happened to you and you forget what happened to you and you still remember. still remember. still remember. So every time you remember, you forgive So every time you remember, you forgive So every time you remember, you forgive again. >> And and and and when you wake up the >> And and and and when you wake up the next day and you remember the pain and next day and you remember the pain and next day and you remember the pain and you remember the hurt, you forgive you remember the hurt, you forgive you remember the hurt, you forgive again. Why do you do this? again. Why do you do this? again. Why do you do this? Because Jesus did it for you. He forgave you when you made him He forgave you when you made him promises that you would no longer do the promises that you would no longer do the promises that you would no longer do the things that you said you would not do things that you said you would not do things that you said you would not do and you did them the following day. He and you did them the following day. He and you did them the following day. He forgave you again when you told him, forgave you again when you told him, forgave you again when you told him, "I'll never do it again." And you find "I'll never do it again." And you find "I'll never do it again." And you find yourself doing it the very next day. He yourself doing it the very next day. He yourself doing it the very next day. He forgave you again when you find yourself forgave you again when you find yourself forgave you again when you find yourself doing that same thing. The very He doing that same thing. The very He doing that same thing. The very He forgave you again. And the beauty of forgave you again. And the beauty of forgave you again. And the beauty of Jesus Christ is that he gives you Jesus Christ is that he gives you Jesus Christ is that he gives you something that you cannot give yourself something that you cannot give yourself something that you cannot give yourself and that is grace.

and that is grace. and that is grace. Isn't grace beautiful? >> But it is not a license for you to live >> But it is not a license for you to live however you want to live. >> Grace is an invitation for you to >> Grace is an invitation for you to reestablish intimacy with Jesus because reestablish intimacy with Jesus because reestablish intimacy with Jesus because you're going to fall. You're going to you're going to fall. You're going to you're going to fall. You're going to trip. But the beauty of it is is that trip. But the beauty of it is is that trip. But the beauty of it is is that you can recover all that the enemy you can recover all that the enemy you can recover all that the enemy thought that he had stripped away from thought that he had stripped away from thought that he had stripped away from you. The word of God says, "A righteous you. The word of God says, "A righteous you. The word of God says, "A righteous man or woman may fall, man or woman may fall, man or woman may fall, but what happens?" but what happens?" but what happens?" No, I can't hear you in celebration, No, I can't hear you in celebration, No, I can't hear you in celebration, church. What happens? >> You can get back up again. >> You can get back up again. >> I said you can get back up again. >> I said you can get back up again. >> I said you can get back up again. You don't have to stay a hostage to your You don't have to stay a hostage to your You don't have to stay a hostage to your heart. YOU CAN GET BACK UP AGAIN. YOU heart. YOU CAN GET BACK UP AGAIN. YOU heart. YOU CAN GET BACK UP AGAIN. YOU DON'T HAVE TO STAY HANDCUFFED TO TO THE DON'T HAVE TO STAY HANDCUFFED TO TO THE DON'T HAVE TO STAY HANDCUFFED TO TO THE TRAUMA, THE TRIALS, THE TRIBULATION. YOU TRAUMA, THE TRIALS, THE TRIBULATION. YOU TRAUMA, THE TRIALS, THE TRIBULATION. YOU can get back up can get back up can get back up >> again.

>> again. >> again. Look at your neighbor. Tell your Look at your neighbor. Tell your Look at your neighbor. Tell your neighbor, "Get back up again." Get back neighbor, "Get back up again." Get back neighbor, "Get back up again." Get back up again. You up again. You up again. You You can get back up again. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> For strengthening me when I couldn't >> For strengthening me when I couldn't strengthen myself. >> Aren't you glad he didn't forget about >> Aren't you glad he didn't forget about you? A God so big, a God so vast, a God so A God so big, a God so vast, a God so great, so holy, great, so holy, great, so holy, he didn't forget about you. he didn't forget about you. he didn't forget about you. Think about that. Out of over 8 billion people, God has Out of over 8 billion people, God has not forgotten not forgotten not forgotten about you.

What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God we serve. Who knows the number of hairs on your Who knows the number of hairs on your Who knows the number of hairs on your head. Who sees Who sees the person you're becoming, the person you're becoming, the person you're becoming, not just the mistakes you've made. not just the mistakes you've made. not just the mistakes you've made. What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God we serve. Who sees more in you than what you see Who sees more in you than what you see Who sees more in you than what you see in yourself. What a mighty God we serve. in yourself. What a mighty God we serve. in yourself. What a mighty God we serve. Who calls you son and daughter when you Who calls you son and daughter when you Who calls you son and daughter when you call yourself sinner. What a mighty God call yourself sinner. What a mighty God call yourself sinner. What a mighty God we serve. Angels bow before. Angels bow before. Heaven and earth adore. Heaven and earth adore. Heaven and earth adore. What a mighty God we serve What a mighty God we serve What a mighty God we serve right now. Now, if you're in this place right now. Now, if you're in this place right now. Now, if you're in this place watching online, you've allowed your heart to handcuff you've allowed your heart to handcuff you because of unforgiveness or you because of unforgiveness or you because of unforgiveness or bitterness or anger, resentment, greed, bitterness or anger, resentment, greed, bitterness or anger, resentment, greed, and you want to get free from that. You and you want to get free from that. You and you want to get free from that. You want to get back up today. You You want want to get back up today. You You want want to get back up today. You You want to get back up. You can get back up.

to get back up. You can get back up. to get back up. You can get back up. I want you to stand to your feet right I want you to stand to your feet right I want you to stand to your feet right now. Stand. Stand. now. Stand. Stand. now. Stand. Stand. Stand. As you stand, I want you to lift Stand. As you stand, I want you to lift Stand. As you stand, I want you to lift your hands. And I know you think it's And I know you think it's it's too difficult. It's impossible for it's too difficult. It's impossible for it's too difficult. It's impossible for me to forgive. But I'm telling you, all me to forgive. But I'm telling you, all me to forgive. But I'm telling you, all things are possible to those that things are possible to those that things are possible to those that believe. And I repeat this. I will. And I repeat this. I will. I shall. I shall. I shall. >> I must. >> I must. >> I must. >> You can get back up again. When your >> You can get back up again. When your >> You can get back up again. When your body doesn't want to, you tell yourself, body doesn't want to, you tell yourself, body doesn't want to, you tell yourself, "I will.

"I will. "I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I must. >> I must. >> I must. >> I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I shall. >> I must >> I must >> I must >> get back up again. Stretch your hands >> get back up again. Stretch your hands >> get back up again. Stretch your hands towards heaven. towards heaven. towards heaven. Repeat this after me. Lord Jesus, Repeat this after me. Lord Jesus, Repeat this after me. Lord Jesus, forgive me from my sins. forgive me from my sins. forgive me from my sins. Cleanse me of my unrighteousness. Cleanse me of my unrighteousness. Cleanse me of my unrighteousness. I repent right now in the name of Jesus. I repent right now in the name of Jesus. I repent right now in the name of Jesus. and I ask you to wash me, and I ask you to wash me, and I ask you to wash me, change me, transform me, renew me, and change me, transform me, renew me, and change me, transform me, renew me, and revive me again right now in the name of revive me again right now in the name of revive me again right now in the name of Jesus. I confess that I am a sinner in Jesus. I confess that I am a sinner in Jesus. I confess that I am a sinner in dire need of grace and mercy. And I dire need of grace and mercy. And I dire need of grace and mercy. And I thank you for covering me all the days thank you for covering me all the days thank you for covering me all the days of my life. of my life. of my life. Therefore, I confess you are my Lord and Therefore, I confess you are my Lord and Therefore, I confess you are my Lord and my master and believe in my heart that my master and believe in my heart that my master and believe in my heart that you have saved me. In Jesus name I pray.

you have saved me. In Jesus name I pray. you have saved me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. How many are glad for his grace and his How many are glad for his grace and his mercy?