What's Really Missing? | Tim Timberlake

We're in a very special uh season here We're in a very special uh season here at Celebration Church. Um, and I'm at Celebration Church. Um, and I'm at Celebration Church. Um, and I'm humbled by what Jesus continues to do humbled by what Jesus continues to do humbled by what Jesus continues to do and I'm glad that we get an opportunity and I'm glad that we get an opportunity and I'm glad that we get an opportunity to go on this journey of faith together. to go on this journey of faith together. to go on this journey of faith together. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> How many of you listened to last week's >> How many of you listened to last week's >> How many of you listened to last week's message by Pastor Pety Bingo? [cheering] >> What an incredible teacher of the word >> What an incredible teacher of the word of God. Amen. We're blessed. We're of God. Amen. We're blessed. We're of God. Amen. We're blessed. We're blessed. We're blessed to have God's blessed. We're blessed to have God's blessed. We're blessed to have God's best right here in the house. I'm so best right here in the house. I'm so best right here in the house. I'm so honored that we get this opportunity honored that we get this opportunity honored that we get this opportunity together to lift up the name of Jesus. together to lift up the name of Jesus. together to lift up the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Acts chapter 8, we're going to pick up >> Acts chapter 8, we're going to pick up >> Acts chapter 8, we're going to pick up where he left off last week. We're going where he left off last week. We're going where he left off last week. We're going to start verse 35. Acts 8:35. I'll be reading from the ESV Acts 8:35. I'll be reading from the ESV translation. It says, ' Then Philip translation. It says, ' Then Philip translation. It says, ' Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with this opened his mouth and beginning with this opened his mouth and beginning with this scripture, he told him the good news scripture, he told him the good news scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going about Jesus. And as they were going about Jesus. And as they were going along the road, they came to some water along the road, they came to some water along the road, they came to some water and the unic said, "See, here is water.

and the unic said, "See, here is water. and the unic said, "See, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?" What prevents me from being baptized?" What prevents me from being baptized?" And he commanded the chariot to stop. And he commanded the chariot to stop. And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down into the water, And they both went down into the water, And they both went down into the water, [music] Philip and the unic, and he [music] Philip and the unic, and he [music] Philip and the unic, and he baptized him. Then Philip opened his baptized him. Then Philip opened his baptized him. Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with this scripture, mouth and beginning with this scripture, mouth and beginning with this scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus. he told him the good news about Jesus. he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road, And as they were going along the road, And as they were going along the road, they came to some water and the unic they came to some water and the unic they came to some water and the unic said, "See, here is water. What prevents said, "See, here is water. What prevents said, "See, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?" And he me from being baptized?" And he me from being baptized?" And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they commanded the chariot to stop. And they commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down into the water, Philip both went down into the water, Philip both went down into the water, Philip and the unic, and he baptized him. I and the unic, and he baptized him. I and the unic, and he baptized him. I want to utilize these verses for our want to utilize these verses for our want to utilize these verses for our subject matter today as we unpack the subject matter today as we unpack the subject matter today as we unpack the word of God [music] entitled, "What's word of God [music] entitled, "What's word of God [music] entitled, "What's really missing?" What's really missing? really missing?" What's really missing? really missing?" What's really missing? Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this word. I ask that you would you for this word. I ask that you would you for this word. I ask that you would speak to us. I ask that you would move speak to us. I ask that you would move speak to us. I ask that you would move in this place and move in us. Allow it in this place and move in us. Allow it in this place and move in us. Allow it to be all of you and none of me. And I to be all of you and none of me. And I to be all of you and none of me. And I ask right now in the name of Jesus that ask right now in the name of Jesus that ask right now in the name of Jesus that you would heal those that need to be you would heal those that need to be you would heal those that need to be healed. Set free [music] those that need healed. Set free [music] those that need healed. Set free [music] those that need to be set free. deliver those that need to be set free. deliver those that need to be set free. deliver those that need to be delivered. And God, break every to be delivered. And God, break every to be delivered. And God, break every single chain that we walked into this single chain that we walked into this single chain that we walked into this place with and allow us to leave this place with and allow us to leave this place with and allow us to leave this moment free and free indeed. It is in moment free and free indeed. It is in moment free and free indeed. It is in your [music] name we pray. The name that your [music] name we pray. The name that your [music] name we pray. The name that is above every name, the name of Jesus is above every name, the name of Jesus is above every name, the name of Jesus the Christ our King. And if you're glad the Christ our King. And if you're glad the Christ our King. And if you're glad he's still alive and well, one time real he's still alive and well, one time real he's still alive and well, one time real loud, can you shout amen? [music] What's really missing?

What's really missing? Have you ever noticed about your life Have you ever noticed about your life Have you ever noticed about your life that often times what gets your that often times what gets your that often times what gets your attention isn't what's actually missing? attention isn't what's actually missing? attention isn't what's actually missing? We notice We notice We notice in this passage of scripture in this passage of scripture in this passage of scripture that there is a verse missing that there is a verse missing that there is a verse missing between verse 36 and verse 38. Verse 37 between verse 36 and verse 38. Verse 37 between verse 36 and verse 38. Verse 37 has been removed. has been removed. has been removed. This is one of the most talked about This is one of the most talked about This is one of the most talked about passages in the New Testament because passages in the New Testament because passages in the New Testament because this verse has been removed. If you open this verse has been removed. If you open this verse has been removed. If you open most modern Bibles, you'll notice Acts most modern Bibles, you'll notice Acts most modern Bibles, you'll notice Acts chapter 8 jumps from verse 36 to verse chapter 8 jumps from verse 36 to verse chapter 8 jumps from verse 36 to verse 38 and seemingly does not miss a beat. 38 and seemingly does not miss a beat. 38 and seemingly does not miss a beat. And people have argued about it, debated And people have argued about it, debated And people have argued about it, debated it, written books about it, and it, written books about it, and it, written books about it, and questioned whether they can trust the questioned whether they can trust the questioned whether they can trust the Bible because of this or not. But I came Bible because of this or not. But I came Bible because of this or not. But I came to tell you today, you can trust the to tell you today, you can trust the to tell you today, you can trust the Bible. Bible. Bible. >> You can trust the word of God because >> You can trust the word of God because >> You can trust the word of God because the word of God is trustworthy. the word of God is trustworthy. the word of God is trustworthy. >> I don't think the missing verse is the >> I don't think the missing verse is the >> I don't think the missing verse is the biggest missing thing in this story, biggest missing thing in this story, biggest missing thing in this story, though.

though. though. I think as we read this verse, I think as we read this verse, I think as we read this verse, the real question isn't where did verse the real question isn't where did verse the real question isn't where did verse 37 go. 37 go. 37 go. The real question The real question The real question is what's really missing? is what's really missing? is what's really missing? It is possible that you can hold the It is possible that you can hold the It is possible that you can hold the Bible and still miss Jesus. Bible and still miss Jesus. Bible and still miss Jesus. It is possible that you can quote It is possible that you can quote It is possible that you can quote scripture and still not know about the scripture and still not know about the scripture and still not know about the person you're quoting. person you're quoting. person you're quoting. It is possible that you can pray and you It is possible that you can pray and you It is possible that you can pray and you can worship and still not know the can worship and still not know the can worship and still not know the person you're praying and worshiping to. person you're praying and worshiping to. person you're praying and worshiping to. >> It is very possible to come to church >> It is very possible to come to church >> It is very possible to come to church every single week and not be changed and every single week and not be changed and every single week and not be changed and transformed. transformed. transformed. >> It is possible to have all the church >> It is possible to have all the church >> It is possible to have all the church lingo and language and have your best lingo and language and have your best lingo and language and have your best Sundays best on and still leave the same Sundays best on and still leave the same Sundays best on and still leave the same way that you came because you are not way that you came because you are not way that you came because you are not retaining the word of God and applying retaining the word of God and applying retaining the word of God and applying the word of God and allowing the word of the word of God and allowing the word of the word of God and allowing the word of God to change you. I want to encourage God to change you. I want to encourage God to change you. I want to encourage you today. Don't just read the word of you today. Don't just read the word of you today. Don't just read the word of God. Allow the word of God to read you. God. Allow the word of God to read you. God. Allow the word of God to read you. >> See, if the word ain't reading you, then >> See, if the word ain't reading you, then >> See, if the word ain't reading you, then you ain't begin to read the word of God.

you ain't begin to read the word of God. you ain't begin to read the word of God. I'm telling you, on a daily basis, the I'm telling you, on a daily basis, the I'm telling you, on a daily basis, the word reads me to filth. It reminds me word reads me to filth. It reminds me word reads me to filth. It reminds me that without Jesus, I am nothing. But that without Jesus, I am nothing. But that without Jesus, I am nothing. But with him, I am everything. It reminds me with him, I am everything. It reminds me with him, I am everything. It reminds me that I am the head and not the tail, that I am the head and not the tail, that I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. It reminds me above and not beneath. It reminds me above and not beneath. It reminds me that I am the lender and not the bar. It that I am the lender and not the bar. It that I am the lender and not the bar. It reminds me who I belong to. And it also reminds me who I belong to. And it also reminds me who I belong to. And it also reminds me that I am his very own. See, reminds me that I am his very own. See, reminds me that I am his very own. See, when you don't allow the word of God to when you don't allow the word of God to when you don't allow the word of God to read you and remind you of who you are, read you and remind you of who you are, read you and remind you of who you are, you begin to take on the identity of the you begin to take on the identity of the you begin to take on the identity of the world. world. world. You begin to respond and react to what You begin to respond and react to what You begin to respond and react to what culture and society calls you and who culture and society calls you and who culture and society calls you and who your family and your friends call you your family and your friends call you your family and your friends call you and who people that used to know what and who people that used to know what and who people that used to know what you used to do back in the day, what you used to do back in the day, what you used to do back in the day, what they still call you. But God does not they still call you. But God does not they still call you. But God does not call you those things. God calls you a call you those things. God calls you a call you those things. God calls you a son and a daughter. And if you don't son and a daughter. And if you don't son and a daughter. And if you don't allow the word of God to read you, and allow the word of God to read you, and allow the word of God to read you, and if you just settle for reading the word if you just settle for reading the word if you just settle for reading the word of God, then you will settle for a of God, then you will settle for a of God, then you will settle for a lifestyle and a life that's far less lifestyle and a life that's far less lifestyle and a life that's far less than Jesus intended.

than Jesus intended. than Jesus intended. And so the real question is what is And so the real question is what is And so the real question is what is really missing? really missing? really missing? this Ethiopian unic. He's holding the this Ethiopian unic. He's holding the this Ethiopian unic. He's holding the book of Isaiah, but he's still missing book of Isaiah, but he's still missing book of Isaiah, but he's still missing who Isaiah is pointing him to. who Isaiah is pointing him to. who Isaiah is pointing him to. And God sees his hunger. He sees his And God sees his hunger. He sees his And God sees his hunger. He sees his desperation. He sees his desire to know desperation. He sees his desire to know desperation. He sees his desire to know about him and to know about who Jesus about him and to know about who Jesus about him and to know about who Jesus is. and he plucks Philip out of a is. and he plucks Philip out of a is. and he plucks Philip out of a revival in Samaria and places him on revival in Samaria and places him on revival in Samaria and places him on this desert road to encounter this this desert road to encounter this this desert road to encounter this Ethiopian unic to provide answers for Ethiopian unic to provide answers for Ethiopian unic to provide answers for the questions that this unic has. And the questions that this unic has. And the questions that this unic has. And this is something that we should not this is something that we should not this is something that we should not just go past and rush beyond. This is just go past and rush beyond. This is just go past and rush beyond. This is something that I believe we need to give something that I believe we need to give something that I believe we need to give focus to because often times we're focus to because often times we're focus to because often times we're looking for something in the Bible when looking for something in the Bible when looking for something in the Bible when in fact we should be looking for in fact we should be looking for in fact we should be looking for someone. someone. someone. It was a person the Ethiopian unic had It was a person the Ethiopian unic had It was a person the Ethiopian unic had not yet seen. And the moment Philip not yet seen. And the moment Philip not yet seen. And the moment Philip opened his mouth was the moment this opened his mouth was the moment this opened his mouth was the moment this Ethiopian unic had an opportunity to Ethiopian unic had an opportunity to Ethiopian unic had an opportunity to encounter the words of Jesus Christ. The encounter the words of Jesus Christ. The encounter the words of Jesus Christ. The big idea of this passage isn't that big idea of this passage isn't that big idea of this passage isn't that verse 37 is missing, which we will verse 37 is missing, which we will verse 37 is missing, which we will address momentarily. It is that God address momentarily. It is that God address momentarily. It is that God never intended his word to eliminate never intended his word to eliminate never intended his word to eliminate every question you may have. God every question you may have. God every question you may have. God intended his word to reveal the one who intended his word to reveal the one who intended his word to reveal the one who answers every question in his timing.

answers every question in his timing. answers every question in his timing. And that one person is Jesus. I want you And that one person is Jesus. I want you And that one person is Jesus. I want you to hear me when I tell you this. All to hear me when I tell you this. All to hear me when I tell you this. All scripture points to the person of Jesus. scripture points to the person of Jesus. scripture points to the person of Jesus. Whether you start in gener Genesis or Whether you start in gener Genesis or Whether you start in gener Genesis or whether you end in Revelation, it all whether you end in Revelation, it all whether you end in Revelation, it all points to the person of Jesus. And you points to the person of Jesus. And you points to the person of Jesus. And you can open up your Bible or any page. If can open up your Bible or any page. If can open up your Bible or any page. If you keep reading long enough, you'll you keep reading long enough, you'll you keep reading long enough, you'll find Jesus in that passage. Doesn't find Jesus in that passage. Doesn't find Jesus in that passage. Doesn't matter if it's the Old Testament or the matter if it's the Old Testament or the matter if it's the Old Testament or the New Testament. So if you're settling for New Testament. So if you're settling for New Testament. So if you're settling for reading your Bible for information, you reading your Bible for information, you reading your Bible for information, you miss an opportunity to get transformed miss an opportunity to get transformed miss an opportunity to get transformed by the word of God because you're by the word of God because you're by the word of God because you're looking for something instead of looking looking for something instead of looking looking for something instead of looking for someone. >> And so Philillip, he's left this great >> And so Philillip, he's left this great revival in Samaria. Now, this Ethiopian revival in Samaria. Now, this Ethiopian revival in Samaria. Now, this Ethiopian unic has traveled nearly 1500 miles to unic has traveled nearly 1500 miles to unic has traveled nearly 1500 miles to worship in Jerusalem, but returns worship in Jerusalem, but returns worship in Jerusalem, but returns spiritually unsatisfied because he goes spiritually unsatisfied because he goes spiritually unsatisfied because he goes to look for information instead of look to look for information instead of look to look for information instead of look for transformation in the person of for transformation in the person of for transformation in the person of Jesus Christ. And he's on this journey Jesus Christ. And he's on this journey Jesus Christ. And he's on this journey back home unsatisfied, unfulfilled, back home unsatisfied, unfulfilled, back home unsatisfied, unfulfilled, knowing that he has some answers, but knowing that he has some answers, but knowing that he has some answers, but there's other answers he does not have.

there's other answers he does not have. there's other answers he does not have. And Philip meets him on this path. And Philip meets him on this path. And Philip meets him on this path. And then comes one of the greatest And then comes one of the greatest And then comes one of the greatest ironies in all of scripture. The man ironies in all of scripture. The man ironies in all of scripture. The man reading the Bible cannot understand it. reading the Bible cannot understand it. reading the Bible cannot understand it. WHILE THOUSANDS OF YEARS LATER, we are WHILE THOUSANDS OF YEARS LATER, we are WHILE THOUSANDS OF YEARS LATER, we are still reading the same Bible. And this still reading the same Bible. And this still reading the same Bible. And this passage in Acts chapter 8 is missing passage in Acts chapter 8 is missing passage in Acts chapter 8 is missing verse 37. And it brings us to the verse 37. And it brings us to the verse 37. And it brings us to the question, WHAT AM I MISSING? question, WHAT AM I MISSING? question, WHAT AM I MISSING? And although our question may be And although our question may be And although our question may be different than this Ethiopian Samaritan, different than this Ethiopian Samaritan, different than this Ethiopian Samaritan, the answer is still the same. the answer is still the same. the answer is still the same. Someone in your life must faithfully Someone in your life must faithfully Someone in your life must faithfully explain the scripture to you so that explain the scripture to you so that explain the scripture to you so that your life can be transformed by it. your life can be transformed by it. your life can be transformed by it. That's why it is vitally important to be That's why it is vitally important to be That's why it is vitally important to be submitted to the Holy Spirit so that you submitted to the Holy Spirit so that you submitted to the Holy Spirit so that you can hear the Holy Spirit interpret his can hear the Holy Spirit interpret his can hear the Holy Spirit interpret his word to you. Because there's some things word to you. Because there's some things word to you. Because there's some things that you're going to read that have to that you're going to read that have to that you're going to read that have to go beyond information. They have to go beyond information. They have to go beyond information. They have to transfer into revelation so that that transfer into revelation so that that transfer into revelation so that that revelation can create transformation on revelation can create transformation on revelation can create transformation on the inside of you. HEAR ME. EVERYONE IS the inside of you. HEAR ME. EVERYONE IS the inside of you. HEAR ME. EVERYONE IS CHANGING.

CHANGING. CHANGING. THE FACT THAT YOU WOKE UP IS AN THE FACT THAT YOU WOKE UP IS AN THE FACT THAT YOU WOKE UP IS AN INDICATION THAT YOU'RE CHANGING. YOUR INDICATION THAT YOU'RE CHANGING. YOUR INDICATION THAT YOU'RE CHANGING. YOUR BODY IS CHANGING. And some of you don't BODY IS CHANGING. And some of you don't BODY IS CHANGING. And some of you don't like the change that your body is like the change that your body is like the change that your body is showing you. showing you. showing you. >> So whether you wanted to or not, change >> So whether you wanted to or not, change >> So whether you wanted to or not, change is inevitable. is inevitable. is inevitable. >> Transformation, however, is a choice. >> Transformation, however, is a choice. >> Transformation, however, is a choice. >> You have to choose to be transformed by >> You have to choose to be transformed by >> You have to choose to be transformed by the word of God. You have to choose to the word of God. You have to choose to the word of God. You have to choose to have your mind renewed by the word of have your mind renewed by the word of have your mind renewed by the word of God. You have to choose to be submitted God. You have to choose to be submitted God. You have to choose to be submitted and surrendered to the word of God so and surrendered to the word of God so and surrendered to the word of God so that you can become a disciple of God's that you can become a disciple of God's that you can become a disciple of God's word. And so over a thousand years word. And so over a thousand years word. And so over a thousand years later, we're still asking the same later, we're still asking the same later, we're still asking the same question. What is it that I am missing question. What is it that I am missing question. What is it that I am missing about the word of God? And it's not that about the word of God? And it's not that about the word of God? And it's not that you're missing the scripture. It's that you're missing the scripture. It's that you're missing the scripture. It's that you're missing what Jesus is revealing you're missing what Jesus is revealing you're missing what Jesus is revealing through the scripture. through the scripture. through the scripture. >> Verse 35 says, "Then Philip opened his >> Verse 35 says, "Then Philip opened his >> Verse 35 says, "Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with the scripture, mouth and beginning with the scripture, mouth and beginning with the scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus he told him the good news about Jesus he told him the good news about Jesus Christ. He opened his mouth AND HE BEGAN Christ. He opened his mouth AND HE BEGAN Christ. He opened his mouth AND HE BEGAN WITH SCRIPTURE. OUR PROBLEM IS WE OPEN WITH SCRIPTURE. OUR PROBLEM IS WE OPEN WITH SCRIPTURE. OUR PROBLEM IS WE OPEN OUR mouth and we begin with opinion.

>> We begin with I think you should. >> We begin with I think you should. >> We begin with I FEEL LIKE >> We begin with I FEEL LIKE >> We begin with I FEEL LIKE he opened his mouth and he led with he opened his mouth and he led with he opened his mouth and he led with scripture which teaches us whenever you scripture which teaches us whenever you scripture which teaches us whenever you open your mouth lead with scripture. open your mouth lead with scripture. open your mouth lead with scripture. >> Y'all don't like that cuz y'all like to >> Y'all don't like that cuz y'all like to >> Y'all don't like that cuz y'all like to run your mouth. run your mouth. run your mouth. Y'all don't like that cuz you like the Y'all don't like that cuz you like the Y'all don't like that cuz you like the gossip. gossip. gossip. >> Gossip is one of the highest forms of >> Gossip is one of the highest forms of >> Gossip is one of the highest forms of witchcraft. >> Let me teach you why. Because it changes >> Let me teach you why. Because it changes the image of someone in the mind of the image of someone in the mind of the image of someone in the mind of someone else. >> And then you go back and you hang with >> And then you go back and you hang with the person that you were just gossiping the person that you were just gossiping the person that you were just gossiping about. And you leave this negative image about. And you leave this negative image about. And you leave this negative image in the person who you now gossip to. in the person who you now gossip to. in the person who you now gossip to. That's what makes it witchcraft. You are That's what makes it witchcraft. You are That's what makes it witchcraft. You are changing the image of a child of God in changing the image of a child of God in changing the image of a child of God in the mind of another child of God. >> And so often we lead with that. >> And so often we lead with that. When Philillip, he opens his mouth and When Philillip, he opens his mouth and When Philillip, he opens his mouth and he leads with scripture.

he leads with scripture. he leads with scripture. I love this because the first century I love this because the first century I love this because the first century expression of this means that he opened expression of this means that he opened expression of this means that he opened his mouth with great importance and his mouth with great importance and his mouth with great importance and great intentionality because he had great intentionality because he had great intentionality because he had something to say. Did you hear that? He something to say. Did you hear that? He something to say. Did you hear that? He had something to say. How many times had something to say. How many times had something to say. How many times have you opened your mouth and you have have you opened your mouth and you have have you opened your mouth and you have not been filled with something to say? not been filled with something to say? not been filled with something to say? See how quiet it is in here? >> Because we like to talk, but we don't >> Because we like to talk, but we don't like to listen to hear what we should be like to listen to hear what we should be like to listen to hear what we should be talking about. >> I wonder how many arguments you could >> I wonder how many arguments you could avoid if you lay it with scripture. I wonder how many beds you would stay I wonder how many beds you would stay out of if you led with scripture. >> I wonder how many relationships would be >> I wonder how many relationships would be spared if you led with scripture. spared if you led with scripture. spared if you led with scripture. >> He opened his mouth and he led with >> He opened his mouth and he led with >> He opened his mouth and he led with scripture and he told him the good news scripture and he told him the good news scripture and he told him the good news of Jesus Christ. He doesn't end with of Jesus Christ. He doesn't end with of Jesus Christ. He doesn't end with Isaiah, he ends with Jesus. Luke Isaiah, he ends with Jesus. Luke Isaiah, he ends with Jesus. Luke intentionally says Philip began with intentionally says Philip began with intentionally says Philip began with Isaiah because the point is not simply Isaiah because the point is not simply Isaiah because the point is not simply explaining prophecy but showing how all explaining prophecy but showing how all explaining prophecy but showing how all of scripture and how all prophecy is the of scripture and how all prophecy is the of scripture and how all prophecy is the fulfillment in Christ Jesus according to fulfillment in Christ Jesus according to fulfillment in Christ Jesus according to Luke 24 27. And this Ethiopian's Luke 24 27. And this Ethiopian's Luke 24 27. And this Ethiopian's greatest problem was not that Isaiah was greatest problem was not that Isaiah was greatest problem was not that Isaiah was difficult to understand. It was that he difficult to understand. It was that he difficult to understand. It was that he had not yet the met the person Isaiah had not yet the met the person Isaiah had not yet the met the person Isaiah was talking about.

was talking about. was talking about. And you can read about the person, but And you can read about the person, but And you can read about the person, but it takes on a completely different life it takes on a completely different life it takes on a completely different life when you meet the person you've been when you meet the person you've been when you meet the person you've been reading about. reading about. reading about. >> That's why I encourage you, read the >> That's why I encourage you, read the >> That's why I encourage you, read the word for yourself. Study the word for word for yourself. Study the word for word for yourself. Study the word for yourself. Don't take my word for it. yourself. Don't take my word for it. yourself. Don't take my word for it. READ YOUR BIBLE. SIT DOWN WITH your READ YOUR BIBLE. SIT DOWN WITH your READ YOUR BIBLE. SIT DOWN WITH your word. Open it up. Ask the Holy SPIRIT TO word. Open it up. Ask the Holy SPIRIT TO word. Open it up. Ask the Holy SPIRIT TO REVEAL HIMSELF to you through the Holy REVEAL HIMSELF to you through the Holy REVEAL HIMSELF to you through the Holy SCRIPTURES. SO THAT YOU KNOW WHEN YOU SCRIPTURES. SO THAT YOU KNOW WHEN YOU SCRIPTURES. SO THAT YOU KNOW WHEN YOU COME TO CHURCH, it is confirmation from COME TO CHURCH, it is confirmation from COME TO CHURCH, it is confirmation from what you've been hearing all week. what you've been hearing all week. what you've been hearing all week. If you're only getting REVELATION FROM If you're only getting REVELATION FROM If you're only getting REVELATION FROM SERVICE, THEN YOU'RE NOT SPENDING TIME SERVICE, THEN YOU'RE NOT SPENDING TIME SERVICE, THEN YOU'RE NOT SPENDING TIME WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. >> Because service IS A GATHERING TO >> Because service IS A GATHERING TO >> Because service IS A GATHERING TO CONFIRM the revelation that you've CONFIRM the revelation that you've CONFIRM the revelation that you've received from the Holy Spirit IN YOUR received from the Holy Spirit IN YOUR received from the Holy Spirit IN YOUR PERSONAL AND PRIVATE TIME. >> Point number one is this. >> Point number one is this. Every chapter that doesn't move you Every chapter that doesn't move you Every chapter that doesn't move you toward Christ eventually becomes another toward Christ eventually becomes another toward Christ eventually becomes another chapter you've mastered, but never allow chapter you've mastered, but never allow chapter you've mastered, but never allow it to master you. I know that's a it to master you. I know that's a it to master you. I know that's a mouthful. The team's going to leave it mouthful. The team's going to leave it mouthful. The team's going to leave it up on the screen for a little bit. If up on the screen for a little bit. If up on the screen for a little bit. If you're a slow writer, pull out your you're a slow writer, pull out your you're a slow writer, pull out your phone, take a picture of it so that you phone, take a picture of it so that you phone, take a picture of it so that you can go back to it later.

can go back to it later. can go back to it later. Good. Good. Good. >> Every chapter that you read >> Every chapter that you read >> Every chapter that you read that has not mastered you will not be that has not mastered you will not be that has not mastered you will not be retained by you. retained by you. retained by you. If it's not retained by you, it will not If it's not retained by you, it will not If it's not retained by you, it will not transform you. See, you get impressed by transform you. See, you get impressed by transform you. See, you get impressed by how many verses you read a day. That how many verses you read a day. That how many verses you read a day. That don't impress God. don't impress God. don't impress God. God is not impressed that you can read God is not impressed that you can read God is not impressed that you can read the Bible cover to cover if you can't the Bible cover to cover if you can't the Bible cover to cover if you can't remember any of it. remember any of it. remember any of it. >> No. No. He's impressed by what you >> No. No. He's impressed by what you >> No. No. He's impressed by what you retain about him. By what changes and retain about him. By what changes and retain about him. By what changes and transforms you? By what renews your transforms you? By what renews your transforms you? By what renews your mind. Faith comes by hearing and hearing mind. Faith comes by hearing and hearing mind. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. If you read it and you the word of God. If you read it and you the word of God. If you read it and you forget it, it is of no blessing to you. forget it, it is of no blessing to you. forget it, it is of no blessing to you. >> And so people ask me all the time, how >> And so people ask me all the time, how >> And so people ask me all the time, how much scripture should I read on a daily much scripture should I read on a daily much scripture should I read on a daily basis? as much as you can retain. basis? as much as you can retain. basis? as much as you can retain. Can I get a good amen on that? Can I get a good amen on that? Can I get a good amen on that? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> The greatest danger isn't reading the >> The greatest danger isn't reading the >> The greatest danger isn't reading the Bible without understanding every verse.

Bible without understanding every verse. Bible without understanding every verse. It's understanding every verse without It's understanding every verse without It's understanding every verse without ever meeting the Jesus every verse ever meeting the Jesus every verse ever meeting the Jesus every verse reveals. reveals. reveals. And you can be fluent in scripture while And you can be fluent in scripture while And you can be fluent in scripture while remaining a stranger to the Savior. remaining a stranger to the Savior. remaining a stranger to the Savior. That's why you can close your Bible and That's why you can close your Bible and That's why you can close your Bible and curse somebody out. curse somebody out. curse somebody out. That's why you can leave a gathering That's why you can leave a gathering That's why you can leave a gathering like this and give the cops a hard time like this and give the cops a hard time like this and give the cops a hard time as you leave the parking lot. as you leave the parking lot. as you leave the parking lot. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's why you can read the word of God. >> That's why you can read the word of God. >> That's why you can read the word of God. You can weep and worship and not talk to You can weep and worship and not talk to You can weep and worship and not talk to the person beside you during service the person beside you during service the person beside you during service because you are gathering information because you are gathering information because you are gathering information and not being transformed by the and not being transformed by the and not being transformed by the revelation of the word of God. revelation of the word of God. revelation of the word of God. >> You're reading words on a page, but >> You're reading words on a page, but >> You're reading words on a page, but you're not reading the person behind the you're not reading the person behind the you're not reading the person behind the words on the page. words on the page. words on the page. This Ethiopian unic has a desire. He has This Ethiopian unic has a desire. He has This Ethiopian unic has a desire. He has a desperation. He has a longing to be a desperation. He has a longing to be a desperation. He has a longing to be transformed by the word of God. And he transformed by the word of God. And he transformed by the word of God. And he understands I am missing something. And understands I am missing something. And understands I am missing something. And the thing that I am missing, I don't the thing that I am missing, I don't the thing that I am missing, I don't have the ability to understand and know have the ability to understand and know have the ability to understand and know how. So God sends Philillip across his how. So God sends Philillip across his how. So God sends Philillip across his path to allow him to know you're not path to allow him to know you're not path to allow him to know you're not just missing something. You're missing just missing something. You're missing just missing something. You're missing someone. And the someone that you're someone. And the someone that you're someone. And the someone that you're missing is Jesus. Let me introduce you missing is Jesus. Let me introduce you missing is Jesus. Let me introduce you to him.

to him. to him. The Bible was never given merely to fill The Bible was never given merely to fill The Bible was never given merely to fill your mind. It was given to surrender your mind. It was given to surrender your mind. It was given to surrender your heart. your heart. your heart. The tragedy isn't an unread Bible. It is The tragedy isn't an unread Bible. It is The tragedy isn't an unread Bible. It is a Bible that never leads you to worship a Bible that never leads you to worship a Bible that never leads you to worship God at a deeper level. God at a deeper level. God at a deeper level. Some of you got these great Bibles, big Some of you got these great Bibles, big Some of you got these great Bibles, big bold font, got your name inscribed on bold font, got your name inscribed on bold font, got your name inscribed on it, and you read and you think to yourself, and you read and you think to yourself, "What I'm reading is about me." "What I'm reading is about me." "What I'm reading is about me." No. What you're reading should point you No. What you're reading should point you No. What you're reading should point you towards the one who changed you. towards the one who changed you. towards the one who changed you. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] >> Should drop you on your knees and bring >> Should drop you on your knees and bring >> Should drop you on your knees and bring you to a place of humility where you you to a place of humility where you you to a place of humility where you understand if it had not been for the understand if it had not been for the understand if it had not been for the Lord on my side, I know exactly where I Lord on my side, I know exactly where I Lord on my side, I know exactly where I would be. But because of his grace and would be. But because of his grace and would be. But because of his grace and his mercy, covered me, saved me, keeps his mercy, covered me, saved me, keeps his mercy, covered me, saved me, keeps me, lifts me, I have life and life worth me, lifts me, I have life and life worth me, lifts me, I have life and life worth living. Understand this about the word living. Understand this about the word living. Understand this about the word of God. Your knowledge of this Bible, of God. Your knowledge of this Bible, of God. Your knowledge of this Bible, your knowledge of these words, your your knowledge of these words, your your knowledge of these words, your knowledge of these scriptures, it may knowledge of these scriptures, it may knowledge of these scriptures, it may impress people, but only Christ impress people, but only Christ impress people, but only Christ transforms you into becoming who it is transforms you into becoming who it is transforms you into becoming who it is that he desires for you to be by the that he desires for you to be by the that he desires for you to be by the renewal of the others. And that one name renewal of the others. And that one name renewal of the others. And that one name is Jesus. And every single page from is Jesus. And every single page from is Jesus. And every single page from cover to cover, it whispers the name of cover to cover, it whispers the name of cover to cover, it whispers the name of Jesus. And you can be transformed by the Jesus. And you can be transformed by the Jesus. And you can be transformed by the power of Jesus if you apply and retain power of Jesus if you apply and retain power of Jesus if you apply and retain the words that you read. Verse 36.

the words that you read. Verse 36. the words that you read. Verse 36. And as they were going along the road, And as they were going along the road, And as they were going along the road, they came to some water and the unic they came to some water and the unic they came to some water and the unic said, "See, here is water. What prevents said, "See, here is water. What prevents said, "See, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?" me from being baptized?" me from being baptized?" I want you to see this because Philip I want you to see this because Philip I want you to see this because Philip never commands baptism. never commands baptism. never commands baptism. The Ethiopian request it. Why would the The Ethiopian request it. Why would the The Ethiopian request it. Why would the Ethiopian request baptism when he's Ethiopian request baptism when he's Ethiopian request baptism when he's holding on to Isaiah? holding on to Isaiah? holding on to Isaiah? Isaiah doesn't speak of baptism. Isaiah doesn't speak of baptism. Isaiah doesn't speak of baptism. Baptism comes in the New Testament. Baptism comes in the New Testament. Baptism comes in the New Testament. So, Philillip led him from Isaiah to the So, Philillip led him from Isaiah to the So, Philillip led him from Isaiah to the New Testament. And we have to assume New Testament. And we have to assume New Testament. And we have to assume he's taught him about repentance. He's he's taught him about repentance. He's he's taught him about repentance. He's taught him about faith and he's taught taught him about faith and he's taught taught him about faith and he's taught him about baptism. And because now this him about baptism. And because now this him about baptism. And because now this information has been transferred to information has been transferred to information has been transferred to revelation, HE HAS A DESIRE TO TAKE the revelation, HE HAS A DESIRE TO TAKE the revelation, HE HAS A DESIRE TO TAKE the next step of faith after now FOLLOWING next step of faith after now FOLLOWING next step of faith after now FOLLOWING JESUS. AND THAT'S HOW FAITH WORKS. FAITH JESUS. AND THAT'S HOW FAITH WORKS. FAITH JESUS. AND THAT'S HOW FAITH WORKS. FAITH ALWAYS PUSHES YOU TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP.

ALWAYS PUSHES YOU TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP. ALWAYS PUSHES YOU TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP. HOW DO YOU KNOW when you're FOLLOWING HOW DO YOU KNOW when you're FOLLOWING HOW DO YOU KNOW when you're FOLLOWING JESUS WHEN YOU GOT ENOUGH FAITH to take JESUS WHEN YOU GOT ENOUGH FAITH to take JESUS WHEN YOU GOT ENOUGH FAITH to take the next step? And for some of you, the the next step? And for some of you, the the next step? And for some of you, the next step is baptism today. For others next step is baptism today. For others next step is baptism today. For others of you, that next step is the INFILLING of you, that next step is the INFILLING of you, that next step is the INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. FOR OTHERS OF YOU, OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. FOR OTHERS OF YOU, OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. FOR OTHERS OF YOU, THAT NEXT STEP IS TO BEGIN YOUR TITHING THAT NEXT STEP IS TO BEGIN YOUR TITHING THAT NEXT STEP IS TO BEGIN YOUR TITHING JOURNEY. WHATEVER THAT NEXT STEP IS, YOU JOURNEY. WHATEVER THAT NEXT STEP IS, YOU JOURNEY. WHATEVER THAT NEXT STEP IS, YOU KNOW YOU'RE FOLLOWING JESUS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU'RE FOLLOWING JESUS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU'RE FOLLOWING JESUS WHEN YOU take the next step of faith. And the take the next step of faith. And the take the next step of faith. And the Ethiopian unic, he's taking the step of Ethiopian unic, he's taking the step of Ethiopian unic, he's taking the step of faith. And he asked the question, faith. And he asked the question, faith. And he asked the question, "What prevents me from being baptized?" "What prevents me from being baptized?" "What prevents me from being baptized?" This is an important question for this This is an important question for this This is an important question for this unic to ask because Deuteronomy chapter unic to ask because Deuteronomy chapter unic to ask because Deuteronomy chapter 23:1, it excludes Unix from full 23:1, it excludes Unix from full 23:1, it excludes Unix from full participation in any assembly that participation in any assembly that participation in any assembly that Israel holds. And now this unic has an Israel holds. And now this unic has an Israel holds. And now this unic has an encounter with a man who is teaching him encounter with a man who is teaching him encounter with a man who is teaching him about Jesus, teaching him about about Jesus, teaching him about about Jesus, teaching him about repentance, teaching him about holiness, repentance, teaching him about holiness, repentance, teaching him about holiness, teaching him about baptism. They come teaching him about baptism. They come teaching him about baptism. They come across the body of water and this unic across the body of water and this unic across the body of water and this unic says, "Why not me?

>> What prevents me from being baptized?" >> What prevents me from being baptized?" Look at me for a second. Look at me for a second. Look at me for a second. As long as you have Jesus, As long as you have Jesus, As long as you have Jesus, what is preventing you from taking the what is preventing you from taking the what is preventing you from taking the next step? next step? next step? >> There's nothing that disqualifies you >> There's nothing that disqualifies you >> There's nothing that disqualifies you from taking the next step with Jesus. As from taking the next step with Jesus. As from taking the next step with Jesus. As long as you got him, there's nothing long as you got him, there's nothing long as you got him, there's nothing that disqualifies you from his best as that disqualifies you from his best as that disqualifies you from his best as long as you got him. There's nothing long as you got him. There's nothing long as you got him. There's nothing that that that that that tells you that that that that that that tells you that that that that that that tells you that you cannot go on a journey with Jesus as you cannot go on a journey with Jesus as you cannot go on a journey with Jesus as long as you are following him. What is long as you are following him. What is long as you are following him. What is stopping you from taking the next step? stopping you from taking the next step? stopping you from taking the next step? I'll tell you what's stopping you from I'll tell you what's stopping you from I'll tell you what's stopping you from taking the next step. And it's not the taking the next step. And it's not the taking the next step. And it's not the devil. It's you. >> Touch your own self. Say, "It's me. It's >> Touch your own self. Say, "It's me. It's me. I know it's me. It's me." I And the me. I know it's me. It's me." I And the me. I know it's me. It's me." I And the reason I know it's you, cuz you love you reason I know it's you, cuz you love you reason I know it's you, cuz you love you some you. some you. some you. >> You love you. >> You love you. >> You love you. >> You love you. You look in the mirror. >> You love you. You look in the mirror. >> You love you. You look in the mirror. You tell yourself, "I love me. I love You tell yourself, "I love me. I love You tell yourself, "I love me. I love me. I love me." Don't we look good me. I love me." Don't we look good me. I love me." Don't we look good today? I love me. You love you, but today? I love me. You love you, but today? I love me. You love you, but there's one that loves you more than there's one that loves you more than there's one that loves you more than you.

He made you. He knows every increment, He made you. He knows every increment, intimate detail about your life. He intimate detail about your life. He intimate detail about your life. He knows your makeup. He knows your knows your makeup. He knows your knows your makeup. He knows your hiccups. He knows your hang-ups. He hiccups. He knows your hang-ups. He hiccups. He knows your hang-ups. He knows your sin. He knows you better than knows your sin. He knows you better than knows your sin. He knows you better than you know you. He know what you going to you know you. He know what you going to you know you. He know what you going to do tomorrow. You don't know what you're do tomorrow. You don't know what you're do tomorrow. You don't know what you're going to do tomorrow. So if he knows you going to do tomorrow. So if he knows you going to do tomorrow. So if he knows you that well, why not spend time with him that well, why not spend time with him that well, why not spend time with him so that he can tell you the plans and so that he can tell you the plans and so that he can tell you the plans and the purpose that he has for you. And the purpose that he has for you. And the purpose that he has for you. And that way you know there's nothing that way you know there's nothing that way you know there's nothing preventing you from becoming who he preventing you from becoming who he preventing you from becoming who he desired for you to be. And another way desired for you to be. And another way desired for you to be. And another way of asking this question that I believe of asking this question that I believe of asking this question that I believe the unic is asking is will God reject me the unic is asking is will God reject me the unic is asking is will God reject me too? too? too? People have rejected me. People have rejected me. People have rejected me. I'm not fully a man in the eyes of most I'm not fully a man in the eyes of most I'm not fully a man in the eyes of most people because I'm a unic. Will God people because I'm a unic. Will God people because I'm a unic. Will God reject me too? And God will never reject reject me too? And God will never reject reject me too? And God will never reject you. you. you. Aren't you so glad Aren't you so glad Aren't you so glad >> that his word says that there is nothing >> that his word says that there is nothing >> that his word says that there is nothing [applause] that can separate you from [applause] that can separate you from [applause] that can separate you from the love the love the love >> of God. >> Nothing >> Nothing can separate you from the love of God.

can separate you from the love of God. can separate you from the love of God. Which means if you feel separated, just Which means if you feel separated, just Which means if you feel separated, just go back to the last place you go back to the last place you go back to the last place you experienced them experienced them experienced them >> cuz he hasn't left. You did. >> cuz he hasn't left. You did. >> cuz he hasn't left. You did. But the good news is you can But the good news is you can But the good news is you can re-establish that relationship right re-establish that relationship right re-establish that relationship right where you left him. So the gospel, it does a great job So the gospel, it does a great job throughout all of the New Testament throughout all of the New Testament throughout all of the New Testament answering this question for us. Will God answering this question for us. Will God answering this question for us. Will God reject me too? reject me too? reject me too? The gospel answers this with The gospel answers this with The gospel answers this with overwhelming grace. overwhelming grace. overwhelming grace. This overwhelming grace that Jesus This overwhelming grace that Jesus This overwhelming grace that Jesus provides to us reminds us that we do not provides to us reminds us that we do not provides to us reminds us that we do not belong to ourselves. We belong to him. belong to ourselves. We belong to him. belong to ourselves. We belong to him. Our life is not our own. We have been Our life is not our own. We have been Our life is not our own. We have been bought and purchased with a price. And bought and purchased with a price. And bought and purchased with a price. And the price that we have been bought and the price that we have been bought and the price that we have been bought and purchased with is the life of Jesus purchased with is the life of Jesus purchased with is the life of Jesus Christ. He exchanged his life for yours. Christ. He exchanged his life for yours. Christ. He exchanged his life for yours. And you are the only one hanging on to And you are the only one hanging on to And you are the only one hanging on to your life when he has a better life for your life when he has a better life for your life when he has a better life for you to grab a hold of. you to grab a hold of. you to grab a hold of. The gospel answers this question. Will The gospel answers this question. Will The gospel answers this question. Will God reject me too?

God reject me too? God reject me too? Answer is no. Answer is no. Answer is no. And what we don't see in this text is And what we don't see in this text is And what we don't see in this text is verse 37. verse 37. verse 37. Most modern translations omit this Most modern translations omit this Most modern translations omit this verse. verse. verse. It is absent It is absent It is absent from most Bibles today because it was also absent from the because it was also absent from the strongest Greek manuscripts. One theologian explained it is likely he One theologian explained it is likely he entered into the text later as an early entered into the text later as an early entered into the text later as an early baptismal confession before eventually baptismal confession before eventually baptismal confession before eventually becoming part of some manuscript becoming part of some manuscript becoming part of some manuscript traditions. traditions. traditions. And so although it may not be in your And so although it may not be in your And so although it may not be in your Bible, I want to read to you what verse Bible, I want to read to you what verse Bible, I want to read to you what verse 37 says. 37 says. 37 says. And Philip said, And Philip said, And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, if thou believest with all thine heart, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest be baptized. thou mayest be baptized. thou mayest be baptized. And he answered and said, I believe that And he answered and said, I believe that And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God.

This should not weaken our confidence in This should not weaken our confidence in scripture. This should embolden us to scripture. This should embolden us to scripture. This should embolden us to know that even the scriptures that have know that even the scriptures that have know that even the scriptures that have been taken out for whatever reason still been taken out for whatever reason still been taken out for whatever reason still points back to Jesus Christ. The translations The translations may have refused the text, may have refused the text, may have refused the text, but even the scripture that is removed but even the scripture that is removed but even the scripture that is removed identifies Christ as the son of God. identifies Christ as the son of God. identifies Christ as the son of God. It invites us to examine our own hearts. It invites us to examine our own hearts. It invites us to examine our own hearts. What areas of our lives have been What areas of our lives have been What areas of our lives have been removed that still should reflect the removed that still should reflect the removed that still should reflect the glory of God? What relationships have glory of God? What relationships have glory of God? What relationships have been extracted out of our lives that been extracted out of our lives that been extracted out of our lives that still should reflect the glory of God? still should reflect the glory of God? still should reflect the glory of God? What seasons have changed and we have What seasons have changed and we have What seasons have changed and we have now entered into a new season, but those now entered into a new season, but those now entered into a new season, but those seasons still should reflect the glory seasons still should reflect the glory seasons still should reflect the glory of God? The scripture says, "I believe of God? The scripture says, "I believe of God? The scripture says, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God." that Jesus Christ is the son of God." that Jesus Christ is the son of God." This perfectly reflects the theology This perfectly reflects the theology This perfectly reflects the theology taught throughout Acts. Faith precedes taught throughout Acts. Faith precedes taught throughout Acts. Faith precedes baptism. That doctrine doesn't depend on baptism. That doctrine doesn't depend on baptism. That doctrine doesn't depend on one verse, it echoes throughout the one verse, it echoes throughout the one verse, it echoes throughout the entire New Testament. And so, although entire New Testament. And so, although entire New Testament. And so, although 37 may be redacted from your Bible, let 37 may be redacted from your Bible, let 37 may be redacted from your Bible, let me assure you, the Bible is still true.

me assure you, the Bible is still true. me assure you, the Bible is still true. And you can still trust the Bible And you can still trust the Bible And you can still trust the Bible because all scripture points back to one because all scripture points back to one because all scripture points back to one person. And that one person all person. And that one person all person. And that one person all scripture points back to is still the scripture points back to is still the scripture points back to is still the person of Jesus Christ. Point number two person of Jesus Christ. Point number two person of Jesus Christ. Point number two is this. The greatest proof that the is this. The greatest proof that the is this. The greatest proof that the Bible is trustworthy isn't the absence Bible is trustworthy isn't the absence Bible is trustworthy isn't the absence of questions. of questions. of questions. It's the consistency of Christ after It's the consistency of Christ after It's the consistency of Christ after every question is asked. every question is asked. every question is asked. Christ is consistent. Christ is consistent. Christ is consistent. I'll say it again. Christ is consistent. I'll say it again. Christ is consistent. I'll say it again. Christ is consistent. The word of God teaches us that he's the The word of God teaches us that he's the The word of God teaches us that he's the same yesterday. He's the same today and same yesterday. He's the same today and same yesterday. He's the same today and he's the same forever more. Aren't you he's the same forever more. Aren't you he's the same forever more. Aren't you glad he does not change his mind? glad he does not change his mind? glad he does not change his mind? >> Aren't you glad he still believes in you >> Aren't you glad he still believes in you >> Aren't you glad he still believes in you when you don't believe in you? Aren't when you don't believe in you? Aren't when you don't believe in you? Aren't you glad he still has faith in you when you glad he still has faith in you when you glad he still has faith in you when you are faithless in him? Aren't you you are faithless in him? Aren't you you are faithless in him? Aren't you glad that he has a hand that is glad that he has a hand that is glad that he has a hand that is unchanging? And as long as you continue unchanging? And as long as you continue unchanging? And as long as you continue to trust him, that hand remains faithful to trust him, that hand remains faithful to trust him, that hand remains faithful to cover you and keep you and lift you to cover you and keep you and lift you to cover you and keep you and lift you and position your mind in perfect peace and position your mind in perfect peace and position your mind in perfect peace when it is stayed on him. The greatest when it is stayed on him. The greatest when it is stayed on him. The greatest proof that the Bible is trustworthy proof that the Bible is trustworthy proof that the Bible is trustworthy isn't the absence of questions. Hear me.

isn't the absence of questions. Hear me. isn't the absence of questions. Hear me. You will always have questions. And you You will always have questions. And you You will always have questions. And you may not find the questions and the may not find the questions and the may not find the questions and the answers in the word of God that you have answers in the word of God that you have answers in the word of God that you have questions to. But as LONG AS YOU TRUST questions to. But as LONG AS YOU TRUST questions to. But as LONG AS YOU TRUST JESUS in his timing, he will bring truth JESUS in his timing, he will bring truth JESUS in his timing, he will bring truth to the questions that you have. to the questions that you have. to the questions that you have. >> Whether it's in this life or in the >> Whether it's in this life or in the >> Whether it's in this life or in the next. I got some questions for him. I'm next. I got some questions for him. I'm next. I got some questions for him. I'm telling you. telling you. telling you. One of the questions, why even make a One of the questions, why even make a One of the questions, why even make a snake in the first place? Right? snake in the first place? Right? snake in the first place? Right? You knew what that serpent was going to You knew what that serpent was going to You knew what that serpent was going to do. Why even create? do. Why even create? do. Why even create? Why? Why was a tree in the garden? You Why? Why was a tree in the garden? You Why? Why was a tree in the garden? You knew we were too weak. knew we were too weak. knew we were too weak. Why was in the garden? These are answers Why was in the garden? These are answers Why was in the garden? These are answers that we won't get on this side, but that we won't get on this side, but that we won't get on this side, but we'll get on the other side if he so we'll get on the other side if he so we'll get on the other side if he so chooses to give them to us. This is what chooses to give them to us. This is what chooses to give them to us. This is what I've come to learn. A lot of us are not I've come to learn. A lot of us are not I've come to learn. A lot of us are not asking the right questions. asking the right questions. asking the right questions. And so, because you ask the wrong And so, because you ask the wrong And so, because you ask the wrong questions, you arrive at the wrong questions, you arrive at the wrong questions, you arrive at the wrong conclusions. conclusions. conclusions. If you arrive at the wrong conclusions, If you arrive at the wrong conclusions, If you arrive at the wrong conclusions, you'll perceive the wrong thing. And if you'll perceive the wrong thing. And if you'll perceive the wrong thing. And if you perceive the wrong thing, you will you perceive the wrong thing, you will you perceive the wrong thing, you will eventually see the wrong thing.

eventually see the wrong thing. eventually see the wrong thing. So don't get stuck on the questions you So don't get stuck on the questions you So don't get stuck on the questions you have. Ask God, "What questions do you have. Ask God, "What questions do you have. Ask God, "What questions do you want me to ask you?" And listen. want me to ask you?" And listen. want me to ask you?" And listen. And when he gives you a response, ask And when he gives you a response, ask And when he gives you a response, ask him the questions that he has given you him the questions that he has given you him the questions that he has given you the uncction and instructions to ask the uncction and instructions to ask the uncction and instructions to ask because those questions are questions because those questions are questions because those questions are questions that he has a desire to give you answers that he has a desire to give you answers that he has a desire to give you answers to. Some of y'all asking God a question. to. Some of y'all asking God a question. to. Some of y'all asking God a question. Why ain't I married yet? Why ain't I married yet? Why ain't I married yet? And you really don't want to know the And you really don't want to know the And you really don't want to know the answer. answer. answer. You already know. You already know. You already know. Cuz you're not becoming who he wants you Cuz you're not becoming who he wants you Cuz you're not becoming who he wants you to be. to be. to be. See how quiet it get. Y'all talk to me. See how quiet it get. Y'all talk to me. See how quiet it get. Y'all talk to me. >> No, I'm telling you the truth. >> No, I'm telling you the truth. >> No, I'm telling you the truth. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> Ain't open your word in a month, but you >> Ain't open your word in a month, but you >> Ain't open your word in a month, but you want God to give you his best. want God to give you his best. want God to give you his best. >> Way that word. ain't been faithful on your job, but you ain't been faithful on your job, but you praying God will give you a raise. praying God will give you a raise. praying God will give you a raise. You praying for a promotion. You show up You praying for a promotion. You show up You praying for a promotion. You show up late every single day and leave early.

late every single day and leave early. late every single day and leave early. Take an hour and 30 minutes for lunch. Take an hour and 30 minutes for lunch. Take an hour and 30 minutes for lunch. You're not a good steward. Truth never becomes weaker because Truth never becomes weaker because someone examines it. someone examines it. someone examines it. Only lies need darkness to survive. Only lies need darkness to survive. Only lies need darkness to survive. Scriptur is not afraid of your Scriptur is not afraid of your Scriptur is not afraid of your questions. God is not afraid of your questions. God is not afraid of your questions. God is not afraid of your questions. Jesus is not afraid of your questions. Jesus is not afraid of your questions. Jesus is not afraid of your questions. The Holy Spirit is not afraid questions. The Holy Spirit is not afraid questions. The Holy Spirit is not afraid of your questions. Our heavenly father of your questions. Our heavenly father of your questions. Our heavenly father is not afraid of your questions. He is not afraid of your questions. He is not afraid of your questions. He welcomes them. But he will only answer welcomes them. But he will only answer welcomes them. But he will only answer them when he has a plan to. them when he has a plan to. them when he has a plan to. And when it is in his plan and intention And when it is in his plan and intention And when it is in his plan and intention to answers the questions that you may to answers the questions that you may to answers the questions that you may have, then you'll get the answers that have, then you'll get the answers that have, then you'll get the answers that you have need of. I need you to you have need of. I need you to you have need of. I need you to understand this. The Bible has survived understand this. The Bible has survived understand this. The Bible has survived kings, kings, kings, critics, critics, critics, fires, prisons, fires, prisons, fires, prisons, skeptics, because truth always outlives skeptics, because truth always outlives skeptics, because truth always outlives every generation that tries to bury it.

every generation that tries to bury it. every generation that tries to bury it. So, you can still trust scripture even So, you can still trust scripture even So, you can still trust scripture even though there is a scripture that has though there is a scripture that has though there is a scripture that has been removed. Why do I still uh trust been removed. Why do I still uh trust been removed. Why do I still uh trust scripture? Because scripture tells me scripture? Because scripture tells me scripture? Because scripture tells me the truth about its biblical heroes. the truth about its biblical heroes. the truth about its biblical heroes. See, when you read a comic book, the See, when you read a comic book, the See, when you read a comic book, the comic book never tells you about how comic book never tells you about how comic book never tells you about how many times that that hero fell. It never many times that that hero fell. It never many times that that hero fell. It never tells you about how imperfect that hero tells you about how imperfect that hero tells you about how imperfect that hero is. Superman had kryptonite. is. Superman had kryptonite. is. Superman had kryptonite. Whoopde-doo. Whoopde-doo. Whoopde-doo. It didn't tell you Superman was like It didn't tell you Superman was like It didn't tell you Superman was like David. He had a lust issue. David. He had a lust issue. David. He had a lust issue. >> Continued to be led by his flesh. What >> Continued to be led by his flesh. What >> Continued to be led by his flesh. What what what book would you read that would what what book would you read that would what what book would you read that would just air out all the dirty laundry of just air out all the dirty laundry of just air out all the dirty laundry of your heroes? your heroes? your heroes? A book that is true that wants you to A book that is true that wants you to A book that is true that wants you to see that if God can use them, he surely see that if God can use them, he surely see that if God can use them, he surely can use you. How do we know scripture is true? We can How do we know scripture is true? We can trust scripture because ancient rulers trust scripture because ancient rulers trust scripture because ancient rulers commissioned stories that magnified commissioned stories that magnified commissioned stories that magnified their greatness that never talked about their greatness that never talked about their greatness that never talked about their weakness.

their weakness. their weakness. A book interested in self-promotion A book interested in self-promotion A book interested in self-promotion would have hidden Noah's drunkenness, would have hidden Noah's drunkenness, would have hidden Noah's drunkenness, Abraham's deception, David's adultery, Abraham's deception, David's adultery, Abraham's deception, David's adultery, Peter's denial, and the disciples pride. Peter's denial, and the disciples pride. Peter's denial, and the disciples pride. Instead, the word of God preserves them Instead, the word of God preserves them Instead, the word of God preserves them because all of us can identify one of because all of us can identify one of because all of us can identify one of these weaknesses in scripture that we these weaknesses in scripture that we these weaknesses in scripture that we struggle with today. And if we don't struggle with today. And if we don't struggle with today. And if we don't have someone that we can turn to in our have someone that we can turn to in our have someone that we can turn to in our weakness and in our low moments and in weakness and in our low moments and in weakness and in our low moments and in the in the valleys and in the graves of the in the valleys and in the graves of the in the valleys and in the graves of our lives and say I need help for for our lives and say I need help for for our lives and say I need help for for for the things that I am struggling with for the things that I am struggling with for the things that I am struggling with then we are all hopeless. then we are all hopeless. then we are all hopeless. >> AND SO I STILL TRUST SCRIPTURE BECAUSE >> AND SO I STILL TRUST SCRIPTURE BECAUSE >> AND SO I STILL TRUST SCRIPTURE BECAUSE scripture it preserves tension instead scripture it preserves tension instead scripture it preserves tension instead of erasing them. of erasing them. of erasing them. The Bible doesn't erase difficult The Bible doesn't erase difficult The Bible doesn't erase difficult moments. IT HIGHLIGHTS THEM AND THEN moments. IT HIGHLIGHTS THEM AND THEN moments. IT HIGHLIGHTS THEM AND THEN ABOVE that it elevates the name of Jesus ABOVE that it elevates the name of Jesus ABOVE that it elevates the name of Jesus Christ and expresses our dire need for Christ and expresses our dire need for Christ and expresses our dire need for it. it. it. The Bible's unity is not found in a The Bible's unity is not found in a The Bible's unity is not found in a plot. It is found in a person. AND THE plot. It is found in a person. AND THE plot. It is found in a person. AND THE PERSON THAT ALL OF SCRIPTURE POINTS TO PERSON THAT ALL OF SCRIPTURE POINTS TO PERSON THAT ALL OF SCRIPTURE POINTS TO IS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE JESUS.

IS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE JESUS. IS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE JESUS. AND PEOPLE often say there over 40 AND PEOPLE often say there over 40 AND PEOPLE often say there over 40 authors and 1500 years written uh uh uh authors and 1500 years written uh uh uh authors and 1500 years written uh uh uh that that bring the Bible together and that that bring the Bible together and that that bring the Bible together and all of that's true. But something deeper all of that's true. But something deeper all of that's true. But something deeper is happening in the word of God. The is happening in the word of God. The is happening in the word of God. The prophets don't merely agree on ideas. prophets don't merely agree on ideas. prophets don't merely agree on ideas. They they cover the ideas across They they cover the ideas across They they cover the ideas across hundreds of years and and three hundreds of years and and three hundreds of years and and three continents that focus on one man. continents that focus on one man. continents that focus on one man. >> How many scholars about another subject >> How many scholars about another subject >> How many scholars about another subject do you know can all agree on one thing do you know can all agree on one thing do you know can all agree on one thing together? Bible is not 66 disconnected voices Bible is not 66 disconnected voices harmonizing by accident. harmonizing by accident. harmonizing by accident. It is 66 witnesses testifying to the It is 66 witnesses testifying to the It is 66 witnesses testifying to the same Christ. He is alive. He is well. same Christ. He is alive. He is well. same Christ. He is alive. He is well. And he is mighty to save those that And he is mighty to save those that And he is mighty to save those that desire to be saved. Why do I still trust desire to be saved. Why do I still trust desire to be saved. Why do I still trust scripture? Because every generation has scripture? Because every generation has scripture? Because every generation has tried to erase it. tried to erase it. tried to erase it. Every generation has tried to silence Every generation has tried to silence Every generation has tried to silence it. Yet, every generation has it. Yet, every generation has it. Yet, every generation has unintentionally preserved more evidence unintentionally preserved more evidence unintentionally preserved more evidence for it.

>> Thousands of years and thousands of >> Thousands of years and thousands of attempts to destroy the Bible have attempts to destroy the Bible have attempts to destroy the Bible have resulted in more manuscripts, more resulted in more manuscripts, more resulted in more manuscripts, more translations, more archaeological study, translations, more archaeological study, translations, more archaeological study, and greater ability to compare the texts and greater ability to compare the texts and greater ability to compare the texts thanks to technology. And so, opposition thanks to technology. And so, opposition thanks to technology. And so, opposition has never weakened the word of God. has never weakened the word of God. has never weakened the word of God. opposition has strengthened its stance opposition has strengthened its stance opposition has strengthened its stance in the lives of those that apply it and in the lives of those that apply it and in the lives of those that apply it and retain it. And so you can trust retain it. And so you can trust retain it. And so you can trust scripture. I will always trust in the scripture. I will always trust in the scripture. I will always trust in the Bible because the Bible always tells me Bible because the Bible always tells me Bible because the Bible always tells me the truth. the truth. the truth. >> I will always trust in the Bible because >> I will always trust in the Bible because >> I will always trust in the Bible because it always reveals Christ. it always reveals Christ. it always reveals Christ. >> I will always trust in the word of God >> I will always trust in the word of God >> I will always trust in the word of God because the word of God always exposes because the word of God always exposes because the word of God always exposes the sin that is in my heart. I will the sin that is in my heart. I will the sin that is in my heart. I will always trust in the word of God because always trust in the word of God because always trust in the word of God because the word of God has survived every the word of God has survived every the word of God has survived every attack. The word of God has survived attack. The word of God has survived attack. The word of God has survived every government. The word of God has every government. The word of God has every government. The word of God has survived every king. The word of God has survived every king. The word of God has survived every king. The word of God has survived every villain. The word of God survived every villain. The word of God survived every villain. The word of God has survived every season and every has survived every season and every has survived every season and every mountaintop and every valley. And so I mountaintop and every valley. And so I mountaintop and every valley. And so I will always trust the word of God. I will always trust the word of God. I will always trust the word of God. I trust the Bible because dead books don't trust the Bible because dead books don't trust the Bible because dead books don't produce living life.

>> [applause] >> [applause] >> I trust the Bible because every time I >> I trust the Bible because every time I >> I trust the Bible because every time I open this book, every time I open this open this book, every time I open this open this book, every time I open this precious word, every time I open this precious word, every time I open this precious word, every time I open this sacred text, I open it and I don't just sacred text, I open it and I don't just sacred text, I open it and I don't just find words, I find Jesus. >> Let me remind you, as long as you have >> Let me remind you, as long as you have Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, everything everything everything will be all right. Keep the Book of Mormon. Keep the Book of Mormon. You can keep your Quran. You can keep your Quran. You can keep your Quran. You can keep Harry Krishna's book. You can keep Harry Krishna's book. You can keep Harry Krishna's book. >> You can keep the Book of the Church of >> You can keep the Book of the Church of >> You can keep the Book of the Church of Scientology. Give me this. Come on. Give me this. Come on. >> Give me >> Give me >> Give me the unadulterated, the unadulterated, the unadulterated, unfiltered unfiltered unfiltered [applause] word of God.

[applause] word of God. [applause] word of God. >> Give me this. If I If I got this, >> Give me this. If I If I got this, >> Give me this. If I If I got this, everything else will be all right. everything else will be all right. everything else will be all right. >> If it begins with man instead of God, >> If it begins with man instead of God, >> If it begins with man instead of God, keep it. I don't want it. keep it. I don't want it. keep it. I don't want it. If it can't exist without Jesus, I don't If it can't exist without Jesus, I don't If it can't exist without Jesus, I don't want it. If it entertains my flesh but want it. If it entertains my flesh but want it. If it entertains my flesh but never transforms my heart, never transforms my heart, never transforms my heart, >> I don't want it. If it promises crowns >> I don't want it. If it promises crowns >> I don't want it. If it promises crowns without a cross, without a cross, without a cross, >> I don't want it. If it changes my >> I don't want it. If it changes my >> I don't want it. If it changes my behavior but never changes my nature, behavior but never changes my nature, behavior but never changes my nature, >> I don't want it. If it gives me religion >> I don't want it. If it gives me religion >> I don't want it. If it gives me religion without redemption, without redemption, without redemption, >> I don't want it. If it makes much of me >> I don't want it. If it makes much of me >> I don't want it. If it makes much of me and little of Christ, I don't want it. and little of Christ, I don't want it. and little of Christ, I don't want it. If it offers inspiration without If it offers inspiration without If it offers inspiration without salvation, I don't want it. If it salvation, I don't want it. If it salvation, I don't want it. If it produces fans instead of disciples, I produces fans instead of disciples, I produces fans instead of disciples, I don't want it. If it grows my platform don't want it. If it grows my platform don't want it. If it grows my platform more than my prayer life, I don't want more than my prayer life, I don't want more than my prayer life, I don't want it. If it costs me nothing to follow, I it. If it costs me nothing to follow, I it. If it costs me nothing to follow, I don't want it. If it never calls me to don't want it. If it never calls me to don't want it. If it never calls me to repentance, I don't want it. If it can't repentance, I don't want it. If it can't repentance, I don't want it. If it can't be explained without the Holy Spirit, I be explained without the Holy Spirit, I be explained without the Holy Spirit, I don't want it. If it glorifies gifts don't want it. If it glorifies gifts don't want it. If it glorifies gifts more than the giver, I don't want it. If more than the giver, I don't want it. If more than the giver, I don't want it. If it leaves Jesus as an option instead of it leaves Jesus as an option instead of it leaves Jesus as an option instead of the only way, I don't want it. If it is the only way, I don't want it. If it is the only way, I don't want it. If it is built on the opinions of men instead of built on the opinions of men instead of built on the opinions of men instead of God's word, I don't want it. If it God's word, I don't want it. If it God's word, I don't want it. If it celebrates truth but refuses to obey it, celebrates truth but refuses to obey it, celebrates truth but refuses to obey it, I don't want it.

>> If it produces an applause but never >> If it produces an applause but never produces holiness, I don't want it. produces holiness, I don't want it. produces holiness, I don't want it. [applause] If it produces a large church without If it produces a large church without the presence of the Holy Spirit, I don't the presence of the Holy Spirit, I don't the presence of the Holy Spirit, I don't want it. [applause] >> But give me >> But give me Jesus. As long as I got Jesus, As long as I got Jesus, >> everything >> everything >> everything that's going to be all right. If it changes the message to please the If it changes the message to please the crowd, crowd, crowd, I don't want it. I don't want it. I don't want it. If it seeks to make people more If it seeks to make people more If it seeks to make people more comfortable comfortable comfortable rather than convicted, I don't want it.

I don't want it. If it gathers you around a man instead If it gathers you around a man instead If it gathers you around a man instead of the one from Galilee, >> I don't want it. >> I don't want it. >> Just give me >> Just give me >> Just give me Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And if I love Jesus, And if I love Jesus, And if I love Jesus, >> then I also love his word >> then I also love his word >> then I also love his word >> because he is the word >> because he is the word >> because he is the word >> in the beginning was >> in the beginning was >> in the beginning was >> the word and the word was God and the >> the word and the word was God and the >> the word and the word was God and the word word word >> was with God. So you can't have Jesus >> was with God. So you can't have Jesus >> was with God. So you can't have Jesus and not have his word. You can't love and not have his word. You can't love and not have his word. You can't love Jesus and not love his word. any other Jesus and not love his word. any other Jesus and not love his word. any other thing that you have that is contrary to thing that you have that is contrary to thing that you have that is contrary to the word of God. I don't the word of God. I don't the word of God. I don't >> want it. >> If it can live without Jesus, I don't >> If it can live without Jesus, I don't want it. want it. want it. >> If it ends with me, I don't want it. If >> If it ends with me, I don't want it. If >> If it ends with me, I don't want it. If it begins with me, I don't want it. If it begins with me, I don't want it. If it begins with me, I don't want it. If it has not revealed God to me, I don't it has not revealed God to me, I don't it has not revealed God to me, I don't want it. But if it was spoken by God, want it. But if it was spoken by God, want it. But if it was spoken by God, fulfilled in Christ, sealed by an empty fulfilled in Christ, sealed by an empty fulfilled in Christ, sealed by an empty tomb, and conformed and confirmed by the tomb, and conformed and confirmed by the tomb, and conformed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit, give that to me every Holy Spirit, give that to me every Holy Spirit, give that to me every single time. You can present that to me single time. You can present that to me single time. You can present that to me every single day of my life because I every single day of my life because I every single day of my life because I know whenever I engage scripture, led by know whenever I engage scripture, led by know whenever I engage scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, transformed by the the Holy Spirit, transformed by the the Holy Spirit, transformed by the power of Jesus Christ, my life WILL power of Jesus Christ, my life WILL power of Jesus Christ, my life WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. And I don't have the NEVER BE THE SAME. And I don't have the NEVER BE THE SAME. And I don't have the ability to change my life, but the word ability to change my life, but the word ability to change my life, but the word of God surely does.

of God surely does. of God surely does. So I can still trust his word. So I can still trust his word. So I can still trust his word. >> Acts 8:38 says, "And he commanded the >> Acts 8:38 says, "And he commanded the >> Acts 8:38 says, "And he commanded the chariot to stop and they both went down chariot to stop and they both went down chariot to stop and they both went down into the water, Philip and the unic, and into the water, Philip and the unic, and into the water, Philip and the unic, and he baptized him. The royal caravan he baptized him. The royal caravan he baptized him. The royal caravan stopped, schedules stopped, prestige stopped, schedules stopped, prestige stopped, schedules stopped, prestige stopped, notifications stopped, applause stopped, notifications stopped, applause stopped, notifications stopped, applause from people stopped, power stopped from people stopped, power stopped from people stopped, power stopped because one soul has encountered the because one soul has encountered the because one soul has encountered the true and living power of Jesus Christ. true and living power of Jesus Christ. true and living power of Jesus Christ. The man who once stood outside the The man who once stood outside the The man who once stood outside the covenant now publicly identifies himself covenant now publicly identifies himself covenant now publicly identifies himself with Jesus Christ. Notice what Luke with Jesus Christ. Notice what Luke with Jesus Christ. Notice what Luke emphasizes in the text. Not Philillip, emphasizes in the text. Not Philillip, emphasizes in the text. Not Philillip, not the water, not even the confession. not the water, not even the confession. not the water, not even the confession. Obedience. >> Faith immediately became evident because >> Faith immediately became evident because of obedience. How do you know when you're a disciple How do you know when you're a disciple of Jesus Christ? of Jesus Christ? of Jesus Christ? When your faith immediately becomes When your faith immediately becomes When your faith immediately becomes evident because you are obedient.

>> How do you know when you're growing in >> How do you know when you're growing in the things of God? When your faith the things of God? When your faith the things of God? When your faith immediately becomes evident because you immediately becomes evident because you immediately becomes evident because you are obedient. are obedient. are obedient. >> You may not like it. You may not even >> You may not like it. You may not even >> You may not like it. You may not even want to do it, but you're obedient. want to do it, but you're obedient. want to do it, but you're obedient. >> Make no mistake about it. The Bible is >> Make no mistake about it. The Bible is >> Make no mistake about it. The Bible is going to tell you to do some things that going to tell you to do some things that going to tell you to do some things that you don't want to do, but you still have you don't want to do, but you still have you don't want to do, but you still have to do them anyway. That's how you know to do them anyway. That's how you know to do them anyway. That's how you know the word of God is true. What book would the word of God is true. What book would the word of God is true. What book would tell you to be faithful to one person tell you to be faithful to one person tell you to be faithful to one person the rest of your life? What book would the rest of your life? What book would the rest of your life? What book would tell you to take a portion of the money tell you to take a portion of the money tell you to take a portion of the money that you think you work hard for and that you think you work hard for and that you think you work hard for and return it back to God? What book will return it back to God? What book will return it back to God? What book will tell you to not curse someone else out tell you to not curse someone else out tell you to not curse someone else out when you feel like it? What book will when you feel like it? What book will when you feel like it? What book will tell you that there's only one way to tell you that there's only one way to tell you that there's only one way to the father and that is through the son, the father and that is through the son, the father and that is through the son, Jesus Christ? Only the word of God would Jesus Christ? Only the word of God would Jesus Christ? Only the word of God would tell you these things. No man could tell you these things. No man could tell you these things. No man could write these things. That's how we know write these things. That's how we know write these things. That's how we know it is divinely inspired by God himself. it is divinely inspired by God himself. it is divinely inspired by God himself. Point number three is this. When Jesus Point number three is this. When Jesus Point number three is this. When Jesus truly changes your heart, obedience truly changes your heart, obedience truly changes your heart, obedience stops being an obligation and becomes stops being an obligation and becomes stops being an obligation and becomes your first instinct. >> Not only do I have an obligation to >> Not only do I have an obligation to serve Jesus Christ, I have an obsession serve Jesus Christ, I have an obsession serve Jesus Christ, I have an obsession to serve Jesus Christ.

to serve Jesus Christ. to serve Jesus Christ. >> I'm obsessed. >> I'm obsessed. >> I'm obsessed. >> I can't get enough of him. >> I can't get enough of him. >> I can't get enough of him. >> Every single every single time I talk to >> Every single every single time I talk to >> Every single every single time I talk to him, I want to talk to him more. Every him, I want to talk to him more. Every him, I want to talk to him more. Every single time I'm in his presence, I just single time I'm in his presence, I just single time I'm in his presence, I just want to dwell there. I want to I want to want to dwell there. I want to I want to want to dwell there. I want to I want to linger in his presence. I want more of linger in his presence. I want more of linger in his presence. I want more of him. I I am needy when it comes to him. I I am needy when it comes to him. I I am needy when it comes to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It's not an obligation for me. It's an >> It's not an obligation for me. It's an >> It's not an obligation for me. It's an obsession. I am obsessed. I cannot get obsession. I am obsessed. I cannot get obsession. I am obsessed. I cannot get enough of who he is. I cannot get enough enough of who he is. I cannot get enough enough of who he is. I cannot get enough of who I'm becoming in his presence. I of who I'm becoming in his presence. I of who I'm becoming in his presence. I cannot get enough of the things and the cannot get enough of the things and the cannot get enough of the things and the plans and the purpose that he has for me plans and the purpose that he has for me plans and the purpose that he has for me when I find him in the text. And when I when I find him in the text. And when I when I find him in the text. And when I see his faithfulness, I'm reminded great see his faithfulness, I'm reminded great see his faithfulness, I'm reminded great is thy faithfulness, oh God, my father. is thy faithfulness, oh God, my father. is thy faithfulness, oh God, my father. And when I am obsessed with Jesus above And when I am obsessed with Jesus above And when I am obsessed with Jesus above every other thing, every other thing every other thing, every other thing every other thing, every other thing becomes so small and he becomes so becomes so small and he becomes so becomes so small and he becomes so magnified. Some of you are not obsessed magnified. Some of you are not obsessed magnified. Some of you are not obsessed because you're obsessed with your idols. because you're obsessed with your idols. because you're obsessed with your idols. >> You're obsessed with your relationships. >> You're obsessed with your relationships. >> You're obsessed with your relationships. Your relationship will get healthier and Your relationship will get healthier and Your relationship will get healthier and stronger if you become obsessed with stronger if you become obsessed with stronger if you become obsessed with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Your marriages will get stronger if you >> Your marriages will get stronger if you >> Your marriages will get stronger if you get obsessed with Jesus. My wife knows get obsessed with Jesus. My wife knows get obsessed with Jesus. My wife knows she's second in our relationship. she's second in our relationship. she's second in our relationship. >> Because she knows my first marriage is >> Because she knows my first marriage is >> Because she knows my first marriage is to Jesus. [cheering] to Jesus. [cheering] to Jesus. [cheering] >> She understands that. She knows that.

>> She understands that. She knows that. >> She understands that. She knows that. She knows I am a better husband when I She knows I am a better husband when I She knows I am a better husband when I spend time with Jesus. I am a better spend time with Jesus. I am a better spend time with Jesus. I am a better father when I spend time with Jesus. I father when I spend time with Jesus. I father when I spend time with Jesus. I am a better person when I spend time am a better person when I spend time am a better person when I spend time with Jesus. I am a better man when I with Jesus. I am a better man when I with Jesus. I am a better man when I spend time with Jesus. I make no spend time with Jesus. I make no spend time with Jesus. I make no apologies for spending time with my apologies for spending time with my apologies for spending time with my first love. And because I am obsessed first love. And because I am obsessed first love. And because I am obsessed with him, he is also obsessed with me. with him, he is also obsessed with me. with him, he is also obsessed with me. Make no mistake about it. When you long Make no mistake about it. When you long Make no mistake about it. When you long to spend time with him, he longs to to spend time with him, he longs to to spend time with him, he longs to spend time with you. And he longs to spend time with you. And he longs to spend time with you. And he longs to share with you the mysteries and the share with you the mysteries and the share with you the mysteries and the desires of his heart. And there's a desires of his heart. And there's a desires of his heart. And there's a reason some of you don't know who he is. reason some of you don't know who he is. reason some of you don't know who he is. It's because you don't have a desire to It's because you don't have a desire to It's because you don't have a desire to learn who he is. If you had a desire, learn who he is. If you had a desire, learn who he is. If you had a desire, you would spend time with him. you would spend time with him. you would spend time with him. >> But so many other things have become >> But so many other things have become >> But so many other things have become priority in your life. priority in your life. priority in your life. >> And Jesus has become an obligation. Real faith doesn't ask how little can I Real faith doesn't ask how little can I obey. obey. obey. Real faith asks the question, what's my Real faith asks the question, what's my Real faith asks the question, what's my next yes to my king? next yes to my king? next yes to my king? The first evidence of a change heart is The first evidence of a change heart is The first evidence of a change heart is not louder words, more tears, your not louder words, more tears, your not louder words, more tears, your ability to shout. It's quicker ability to shout. It's quicker ability to shout. It's quicker obedience.

>> How do we know this? Because the gospel >> How do we know this? Because the gospel never ends with admiration. never ends with admiration. never ends with admiration. It always invites us into surrender. It always invites us into surrender. It always invites us into surrender. When Christ becomes your greatest When Christ becomes your greatest When Christ becomes your greatest treasure, your greatest obsession, treasure, your greatest obsession, treasure, your greatest obsession, obedience no longer feels like losing. obedience no longer feels like losing. obedience no longer feels like losing. It feels like freedom. It feels like freedom. It feels like freedom. >> See, some of you think obedience feels >> See, some of you think obedience feels >> See, some of you think obedience feels like restriction. That's because you're like restriction. That's because you're like restriction. That's because you're still a stubborn little Helen. >> Obedience feels like freedom. >> Obedience feels like freedom. >> Boundaries are a good thing. >> Y'all don't want to talk to me. Okay, >> Y'all don't want to talk to me. Okay, I'm going to keep talking. Don't worry. I'm going to keep talking. Don't worry. I'm going to keep talking. Don't worry. [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] >> Boundaries >> Boundaries >> Boundaries are a good thing. are a good thing. are a good thing. A life without boundaries is a dangerous A life without boundaries is a dangerous A life without boundaries is a dangerous life and a dangerous person. life and a dangerous person. life and a dangerous person. >> When Christ becomes your greatest >> When Christ becomes your greatest >> When Christ becomes your greatest treasure, your greatest obsession, treasure, your greatest obsession, treasure, your greatest obsession, obedience no longer feels like losing. obedience no longer feels like losing. obedience no longer feels like losing. It feels like freedom. It feels like freedom. It feels like freedom. >> What I love about the Bible is that the >> What I love about the Bible is that the >> What I love about the Bible is that the same grace that saves you also teaches same grace that saves you also teaches same grace that saves you also teaches your feet to follow where your mouth has your feet to follow where your mouth has your feet to follow where your mouth has confessed.

This Ethiopian unic has questions but he This Ethiopian unic has questions but he has the word. He has concerns but he has has the word. He has concerns but he has has the word. He has concerns but he has the word. He has a desire and he [music] the word. He has a desire and he [music] the word. He has a desire and he [music] has the word. And God plucks Philip out has the word. And God plucks Philip out has the word. And God plucks Philip out of a revival happening in Samaria and of a revival happening in Samaria and of a revival happening in Samaria and puts him on the path of this Ethiopian puts him on the path of this Ethiopian puts him on the path of this Ethiopian unic. This Ethiopian unic asked the unic. This Ethiopian unic asked the unic. This Ethiopian unic asked the question, how can I understand? And many question, how can I understand? And many question, how can I understand? And many of you are asking that same question of you are asking that same question of you are asking that same question today. And the answer for both of us is today. And the answer for both of us is today. And the answer for both of us is the same. Someone must faithfully open the same. Someone must faithfully open the same. Someone must faithfully open the scriptures for us. the scriptures for us. the scriptures for us. Notice what Philip did not do according Notice what Philip did not do according Notice what Philip did not do according to the text. Philip did not remove every to the text. Philip did not remove every to the text. Philip did not remove every mystery from the Ethiopian unic's mind. mystery from the Ethiopian unic's mind. mystery from the Ethiopian unic's mind. He revealed the Messiah to him. He revealed the Messiah to him. He revealed the Messiah to him. Did you hear what I said? Did you hear what I said? Did you hear what I said? If you grab a hold of the revelation of If you grab a hold of the revelation of If you grab a hold of the revelation of Jesus Christ, it will help you with the Jesus Christ, it will help you with the Jesus Christ, it will help you with the questions that you have whether you get questions that you have whether you get questions that you have whether you get the answers to them or not. the answers to them or not. the answers to them or not. After every manuscript is examined, After every manuscript is examined, After every manuscript is examined, every footnote is read in your life, every footnote is read in your life, every footnote is read in your life, every single nook and cranny is every single nook and cranny is every single nook and cranny is discovered, will it model and reflect discovered, will it model and reflect discovered, will it model and reflect Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ? Or will it model and reflect your will, Or will it model and reflect your will, Or will it model and reflect your will, your way, your wants, your desires, your your way, your wants, your desires, your your way, your wants, your desires, your selfishness, your ambition, your ego, selfishness, your ambition, your ego, selfishness, your ambition, your ego, your pride? >> Notice what the text says. >> Notice what the text says. Philip opened his mouth Philip opened his mouth Philip opened his mouth and he led with scripture and he led with scripture and he led with scripture starting in Isaiah, starting in Isaiah, starting in Isaiah, ending with Jesus Christ. And there's something so significant And there's something so significant about about about seeing Jesus in scripture over yourself. seeing Jesus in scripture over yourself. seeing Jesus in scripture over yourself. See, a lot of us have main character See, a lot of us have main character See, a lot of us have main character syndrome. syndrome. syndrome. >> We like to think we Jesus Jr. >> We like to think we Jesus Jr. >> We like to think we Jesus Jr. Jesus walked on water so I can walk on Jesus walked on water so I can walk on Jesus walked on water so I can walk on water. No, no. If you find Jesus in every No, no. If you find Jesus in every scripture, he'll show you who you are. scripture, he'll show you who you are. scripture, he'll show you who you are. You are not David in the story of David You are not David in the story of David You are not David in the story of David and Goliath.

and Goliath. and Goliath. You're not even there. But I tell you who is there. But I tell you who is there. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. Praise. >> You're not Adam or Eve in the creation >> You're not Adam or Eve in the creation story. You're not there. I tell you who story. You're not there. I tell you who story. You're not there. I tell you who is. Jesus. Revelation. You're not riding back on a Revelation. You're not riding back on a white horse. white horse. white horse. Eyes like fire, hair like wool. He's not there. Tell you who is He's not there. Tell you who is Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. From beginning to end, you can find From beginning to end, you can find From beginning to end, you can find Jesus in the word of God because Jesus because Jesus is the center is the center is the center of every story of every story of every story of every [music] person, of every [music] person, of every [music] person, every narrative written in these sacred every narrative written in these sacred every narrative written in these sacred scriptures.

scriptures. scriptures. So my question to you right now is, what So my question to you right now is, what So my question to you right now is, what are you missing? What are you missing? are you missing? What are you missing? are you missing? What are you missing? What are you missing? Better yet, who What are you missing? Better yet, who What are you missing? Better yet, who are you missing? You may got your word. You may even have You may got your word. You may even have your pen and your notepad. your pen and your notepad. your pen and your notepad. But do you know who Jesus is? Do you But do you know who Jesus is? Do you But do you know who Jesus is? Do you trust his word? Do you believe his word? trust his word? Do you believe his word? trust his word? Do you believe his word? Are you a student of his word? Are you a Are you a student of his word? Are you a Are you a student of his word? Are you a disciple of his word? I have no desire disciple of his word? I have no desire disciple of his word? I have no desire to steward a large church of people that to steward a large church of people that to steward a large church of people that don't engage with the word of God. don't engage with the word of God. don't engage with the word of God. >> I have no desire to steward a large >> I have no desire to steward a large >> I have no desire to steward a large church that's used to the pastor church that's used to the pastor church that's used to the pastor entertaining them. [music] entertaining them. [music] entertaining them. [music] >> I have no desire of watering down the >> I have no desire of watering down the >> I have no desire of watering down the gospel of Jesus Christ to draw a crowd. >> Make no mistake about it. If it's just >> Make no mistake about it. If it's just three people here, I'm going to teach three people here, I'm going to teach three people here, I'm going to teach the same way. If it's 3,000 up in here, I'm going to If it's 3,000 up in here, I'm going to teach the same way teach the same way teach the same way >> because I know Jesus. I know what he's >> because I know Jesus. I know what he's >> because I know Jesus. I know what he's saved me from. I know what he's saved me from. I know what he's saved me from. I know what he's delivered me from. I I trust his word delivered me from. I I trust his word delivered me from. I I trust his word because his word has been proven to be because his word has been proven to be because his word has been proven to be trustworthy in my life. I know who I am trustworthy in my life. I know who I am trustworthy in my life. I know who I am without him and his word. And I know who without him and his word. And I know who without him and his word. And I know who I am with his word. Therefore, I trust I am with his word. Therefore, I trust I am with his word. Therefore, I trust his word. I still trust the word of God.

his word. I still trust the word of God. his word. I still trust the word of God. Every empire that tried to bury this Every empire that tried to bury this Every empire that tried to bury this book is buried. The book is still book is buried. The book is still book is buried. The book is still breathing. >> I still trust the word of God because >> I still trust the word of God because every single change in my life, every every single change in my life, every every single change in my life, every single turn in my life, every single single turn in my life, every single single turn in my life, every single obstacle, every single giant, every obstacle, every single giant, every obstacle, every single giant, every single mountain that that I had, it was single mountain that that I had, it was single mountain that that I had, it was this word that took me over and bought this word that took me over and bought this word that took me over and bought me out and gave me solutions and gave me me out and gave me solutions and gave me me out and gave me solutions and gave me peace when I could not find peace. It peace when I could not find peace. It peace when I could not find peace. It gave me hope when I could not find hope. gave me hope when I could not find hope. gave me hope when I could not find hope. It gave me the answer I needed in the It gave me the answer I needed in the It gave me the answer I needed in the person of Jesus Christ when all others person of Jesus Christ when all others person of Jesus Christ when all others had turned their back and forsaken me. had turned their back and forsaken me. had turned their back and forsaken me. The word of God, it never left me. His The word of God, it never left me. His The word of God, it never left me. His presence never left me. His person never presence never left me. His person never presence never left me. His person never left me. He was with me on the left me. He was with me on the left me. He was with me on the mountaintop. He's been with me in the mountaintop. He's been with me in the mountaintop. He's been with me in the valley. He's been with me in seasons of valley. He's been with me in seasons of valley. He's been with me in seasons of plenty. And he's been with me in seasons plenty. And he's been with me in seasons plenty. And he's been with me in seasons of great need. He has never left me. And of great need. He has never left me. And of great need. He has never left me. And the good news for you is that he will the good news for you is that he will the good news for you is that he will never leave you nor WILL HE FORSAKE YOU. never leave you nor WILL HE FORSAKE YOU. never leave you nor WILL HE FORSAKE YOU. HE'LL BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT ALL SEASONS HE'LL BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT ALL SEASONS HE'LL BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT ALL SEASONS OF YOUR LIFE. SO YOU CAN TRUST HIS WORD. OF YOUR LIFE. SO YOU CAN TRUST HIS WORD. OF YOUR LIFE. SO YOU CAN TRUST HIS WORD. You can trust his word because his word You can trust his word because his word You can trust his word because his word is trustworthy. It's trustworthy. It's is trustworthy. It's trustworthy. It's is trustworthy. It's trustworthy. It's trustworthy. You can trust his word.

trustworthy. You can trust his word. trustworthy. You can trust his word. It's trustworthy. It's trustworthy. It's trustworthy. His word is trustworthy. You can hang His word is trustworthy. You can hang His word is trustworthy. You can hang your hat on the word of God. You can your hat on the word of God. You can your hat on the word of God. You can hang your life on the word of God. He hang your life on the word of God. He hang your life on the word of God. He will never fail you because he cannot will never fail you because he cannot will never fail you because he cannot fail. fail. fail. That's the difference between Jesus and That's the difference between Jesus and That's the difference between Jesus and every other false god. He has never every other false god. He has never every other false god. He has never failed. failed. failed. >> Never. He's never failed. He has never >> Never. He's never failed. He has never >> Never. He's never failed. He has never lost the battle. He has never never been lost the battle. He has never never been lost the battle. He has never never been defeated. He is the only one that has defeated. He is the only one that has defeated. He is the only one that has remained undefeated throughout all of remained undefeated throughout all of remained undefeated throughout all of eternity. And his desire for you is that eternity. And his desire for you is that eternity. And his desire for you is that you would never lose. More importantly, you would never lose. More importantly, you would never lose. More importantly, that you would never die. And the word that you would never die. And the word that you would never die. And the word of God says, "Oh death, where is your of God says, "Oh death, where is your of God says, "Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?" sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?" sting? Oh grave, where is your victory?" When you are in relationship with Jesus When you are in relationship with Jesus When you are in relationship with Jesus Christ, YOU WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE DEATH. SO I STILL TRUST HIS word SO I STILL TRUST HIS word because his word is trustworthy. because his word is trustworthy. because his word is trustworthy. When my body has been in pain, I lean on When my body has been in pain, I lean on When my body has been in pain, I lean on the word of God. And guess what? I got the word of God. And guess what? I got the word of God. And guess what? I got stronger. The pain may have never left, stronger. The pain may have never left, stronger. The pain may have never left, but I got stronger because of the word but I got stronger because of the word but I got stronger because of the word of God. WHEN MY MIND WAS CONFUSED, IT of God. WHEN MY MIND WAS CONFUSED, IT of God. WHEN MY MIND WAS CONFUSED, IT WAS HIS WORD THAT GAVE THIS MIND WAS HIS WORD THAT GAVE THIS MIND WAS HIS WORD THAT GAVE THIS MIND CLARITY. WHEN MY MIND WAS CLOUDY, IT WAS CLARITY. WHEN MY MIND WAS CLOUDY, IT WAS CLARITY. WHEN MY MIND WAS CLOUDY, IT WAS HIS WORD THAT REMOVED EVERY CLOUD FROM HIS WORD THAT REMOVED EVERY CLOUD FROM HIS WORD THAT REMOVED EVERY CLOUD FROM MY MIND. When my life was headed upside MY MIND. When my life was headed upside MY MIND. When my life was headed upside down, IT WAS THE WORD OF GOD THAT TURNED down, IT WAS THE WORD OF GOD THAT TURNED down, IT WAS THE WORD OF GOD THAT TURNED MY LIFE RIGHT SIDE UP. SO, I STILL TRUST MY LIFE RIGHT SIDE UP. SO, I STILL TRUST MY LIFE RIGHT SIDE UP. SO, I STILL TRUST THE word of God.

>> I trust his word >> I trust his word >> because this book doesn't hide broken >> because this book doesn't hide broken >> because this book doesn't hide broken people. people. people. It explains why broken people still need It explains why broken people still need It explains why broken people still need Jesus. >> I still trust his word because this >> I still trust his word because this word, word, word, it doesn't get smaller the more I it doesn't get smaller the more I it doesn't get smaller the more I examine it. It gets larger the more I examine it. It gets larger the more I examine it. It gets larger the more I examine. I still trust his word because examine. I still trust his word because examine. I still trust his word because every single time I open up his word, every single time I open up his word, every single time I open up his word, his word breathes life into my lungs. It his word breathes life into my lungs. It his word breathes life into my lungs. It opens my eyes to see things that I opens my eyes to see things that I opens my eyes to see things that I normally would not see. It opens my ears normally would not see. It opens my ears normally would not see. It opens my ears to hear his voice when life has muffled to hear his voice when life has muffled to hear his voice when life has muffled my ears. that opens my heart to receive my ears. that opens my heart to receive my ears. that opens my heart to receive what it is that he desires for me to what it is that he desires for me to what it is that he desires for me to receive. I've read many of books in my receive. I've read many of books in my receive. I've read many of books in my lifetime and none of them have lifetime and none of them have lifetime and none of them have transformed me the way the word of God transformed me the way the word of God transformed me the way the word of God has transformed me and changed me and has transformed me and changed me and has transformed me and changed me and renewed my mind. I I've read many books renewed my mind. I I've read many books renewed my mind. I I've read many books before, but none of them healed my body before, but none of them healed my body before, but none of them healed my body like the word of God has healed my body like the word of God has healed my body like the word of God has healed my body and restored me into a right and restored me into a right and restored me into a right relationship with Jesus Christ. I still relationship with Jesus Christ. I still relationship with Jesus Christ. I still trust his word. Why do I trust his word?

Why do I trust his word? Because his word kept me when I couldn't Because his word kept me when I couldn't Because his word kept me when I couldn't keep myself. [cheering] keep myself. [cheering] keep myself. [cheering] >> His word lifted me when I didn't have >> His word lifted me when I didn't have >> His word lifted me when I didn't have the strength to lift me. His word lifted the strength to lift me. His word lifted the strength to lift me. His word lifted up my head when my head was drooped low up my head when my head was drooped low up my head when my head was drooped low and reminded me. I look to the heels and reminded me. I look to the heels and reminded me. I look to the heels from which cometh my help because my from which cometh my help because my from which cometh my help because my help comes from the Lord. I still trust help comes from the Lord. I still trust help comes from the Lord. I still trust his word because his word tells me that his word because his word tells me that his word because his word tells me that I'll be a lamp unto your feet and a I'll be a lamp unto your feet and a I'll be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. I still trust his light unto your path. I still trust his light unto your path. I still trust his word because his word tells me that I'm word because his word tells me that I'm word because his word tells me that I'm a son of the most high God. I still a son of the most high God. I still a son of the most high God. I still trust his word because his word tells me trust his word because his word tells me trust his word because his word tells me that I've gone to prepare a place for that I've gone to prepare a place for that I've gone to prepare a place for you. If it were not so, I wouldn't have you. If it were not so, I wouldn't have you. If it were not so, I wouldn't have said IT. I STILL TRUST HIS WORD BECAUSE said IT. I STILL TRUST HIS WORD BECAUSE said IT. I STILL TRUST HIS WORD BECAUSE HIS WORD never lies to me. IT IS SHARP HIS WORD never lies to me. IT IS SHARP HIS WORD never lies to me. IT IS SHARP LIKE A TWO-EDGED SWORD, CUTTING AWAY AT LIKE A TWO-EDGED SWORD, CUTTING AWAY AT LIKE A TWO-EDGED SWORD, CUTTING AWAY AT MY FLESH AND REMINDED ME THAT GOD IS MY FLESH AND REMINDED ME THAT GOD IS MY FLESH AND REMINDED ME THAT GOD IS CALLING ME HIGHER BECAUSE HE HAS MORE CALLING ME HIGHER BECAUSE HE HAS MORE CALLING ME HIGHER BECAUSE HE HAS MORE FOR ME THAN I ever could want for FOR ME THAN I ever could want for FOR ME THAN I ever could want for myself. I still trust his word. myself. I still trust his word. myself. I still trust his word. I still trust his word. I still trust I still trust his word. I still trust I still trust his word. I still trust his word. I still trust his word because his word. I still trust his word because his word. I still trust his word because when I can't find the words, his words when I can't find the words, his words when I can't find the words, his words infuse me with the words to say. When I infuse me with the words to say. When I infuse me with the words to say. When I don't know what to think, his words load don't know what to think, his words load don't know what to think, his words load my mind with the words to think so that my mind with the words to think so that my mind with the words to think so that I I I can live, move, and have my being.

I I I can live, move, and have my being. I I I can live, move, and have my being. I still trust his word because his word, because his word, his word is trustworthy. his word is trustworthy. his word is trustworthy. >> You can depend on the word of God. >> I said you can depend on the word of >> I said you can depend on the word of God. God. God. [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] [music] [music] >> You want to know how you're going to win >> You want to know how you're going to win >> You want to know how you're going to win this battle you're in? The word of God. this battle you're in? The word of God. this battle you're in? The word of God. >> You want to know how I know you're not >> You want to know how I know you're not >> You want to know how I know you're not going to go crazy? The word of God. You going to go crazy? The word of God. You going to go crazy? The word of God. You want to know how I know your marriage is want to know how I know your marriage is want to know how I know your marriage is going to make it? The word of God. You going to make it? The word of God. You going to make it? The word of God. You want to know how I know your kids are want to know how I know your kids are want to know how I know your kids are going to live and not die? The word of going to live and not die? The word of going to live and not die? The word of God. You want to know how I know you're God. You want to know how I know you're God. You want to know how I know you're stepping out of a bad season and into a stepping out of a bad season and into a stepping out of a bad season and into a better season? The word of God. You want better season? The word of God. You want better season? The word of God. You want to know how I KNOW GOD IS CALLING YOU to know how I KNOW GOD IS CALLING YOU to know how I KNOW GOD IS CALLING YOU HIGHER? The word of God. You want to HIGHER? The word of God. You want to HIGHER? The word of God. You want to know how I know you're the head and not know how I know you're the head and not know how I know you're the head and not the tail? The word of God. Above and not the tail? The word of God. Above and not the tail? The word of God. Above and not beneath. The word of God. THE LENDER AND beneath. The word of God. THE LENDER AND beneath. The word of God. THE LENDER AND NOT THE BORROWER. The word OF GOD. YOU NOT THE BORROWER. The word OF GOD. YOU NOT THE BORROWER. The word OF GOD. YOU KNOW HOW I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE KNOW HOW I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE KNOW HOW I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE MORE than you HAVE NEED OF? THE WORD OF MORE than you HAVE NEED OF? THE WORD OF MORE than you HAVE NEED OF? THE WORD OF GOD. You can depend on the word OF GOD.

GOD. You can depend on the word OF GOD. GOD. You can depend on the word OF GOD. IF YOU DEPEND ON THE WORD OF GOD, LIFT IF YOU DEPEND ON THE WORD OF GOD, LIFT IF YOU DEPEND ON THE WORD OF GOD, LIFT UP YOUR HANDS. Open up YOUR MOUTH. THANK UP YOUR HANDS. Open up YOUR MOUTH. THANK UP YOUR HANDS. Open up YOUR MOUTH. THANK GOD FOR HIS WORD. COME ON IN THIS ROOM IN THE OVERFLOW. COME ON IN THIS ROOM IN THE OVERFLOW. OPEN UP YOUR MOUTH and thank God for his OPEN UP YOUR MOUTH and thank God for his OPEN UP YOUR MOUTH and thank God for his word. word. word. [music] [music] [music] >> Seasons will come and seasons will go. >> Seasons will come and seasons will go. >> Seasons will come and seasons will go. But God, he says, I'm with you in every But God, he says, I'm with you in every But God, he says, I'm with you in every season. And if I before you, And if I before you, >> who can be against you? >> Humanity cannot counsel who God has >> Humanity cannot counsel who God has called. >> He's with you >> He's with you >> and he's for you.

>> and he's for you. >> and he's for you. >> One more time. Can we thank God for the >> One more time. Can we thank God for the >> One more time. Can we thank God for the word? word? word? [applause and cheering] [applause and cheering] [applause and cheering] [music] >> Take a seat. Bow your heads. Close your >> Take a seat. Bow your heads. Close your eyes. eyes. eyes. If you're here right now, If you're here right now, If you're here right now, you've been leading yourself. You've you've been leading yourself. You've you've been leading yourself. You've been allowing your flesh to lead you. been allowing your flesh to lead you. been allowing your flesh to lead you. >> You haven't been led by Jesus. You >> You haven't been led by Jesus. You >> You haven't been led by Jesus. You haven't been led by his word. haven't been led by his word. haven't been led by his word. You haven't been a student of the word You haven't been a student of the word You haven't been a student of the word the way he desires for you to be a the way he desires for you to be a the way he desires for you to be a student of the word. student of the word. student of the word. You want to establish or re-establish a You want to establish or re-establish a You want to establish or re-establish a relationship with Jesus, relationship with Jesus, relationship with Jesus, your head bowed, your eyes closed. your head bowed, your eyes closed. your head bowed, your eyes closed. If you want to know him as your Lord, as If you want to know him as your Lord, as If you want to know him as your Lord, as your master, as your savior, your master, as your savior, your master, as your savior, I want you to lift both hands right now I want you to lift both hands right now I want you to lift both hands right now in this room, in the overflow, online, in this room, in the overflow, online, in this room, in the overflow, online, put in the chat, that's me. That's me. put in the chat, that's me. That's me. put in the chat, that's me. That's me. That's me.

I want everybody to repeat this prayer I want everybody to repeat this prayer after me. Lord Jesus, after me. Lord Jesus, after me. Lord Jesus, I repent for my sin. I repent for my sin. I repent for my sin. I ask that you would forgive me. I ask that you would forgive me. I ask that you would forgive me. >> Cleanse me. >> Cleanse me. >> Cleanse me. >> Wash me. >> Wash me. >> Wash me. >> White as snow. >> White as snow. >> White as snow. >> Redeem me. >> Redeem me. >> Redeem me. >> Restore me. Renew me. Today, God, I turn >> Restore me. Renew me. Today, God, I turn >> Restore me. Renew me. Today, God, I turn away from everything away from everything away from everything that leads me that leads me that leads me contrary to you. contrary to you. contrary to you. And I turn in your direction. And I turn in your direction. And I turn in your direction. And I thank you for your grace and your And I thank you for your grace and your And I thank you for your grace and your mercy mercy mercy that follows me all the days of my life. that follows me all the days of my life. that follows me all the days of my life. My desire is that I will dwell in the My desire is that I will dwell in the My desire is that I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. Amen house of the Lord forever and ever. Amen house of the Lord forever and ever. Amen and amen and amen. [applause] and amen and amen. [applause] and amen and amen. [applause] Come on. If you're grateful for the Come on. If you're grateful for the Come on. If you're grateful for the grace of Jesus Christ.

grace of Jesus Christ. grace of Jesus Christ. Oh, I said if you're grateful for the Oh, I said if you're grateful for the Oh, I said if you're grateful for the grace, [cheering] grace, [cheering] grace, [cheering] don't play around with it. If you go don't play around with it. If you go don't play around with it. If you go thank him, thank him. If you go praise thank him, thank him. If you go praise thank him, thank him. If you go praise him, praise him. him, praise him. him, praise him. Lift up your voice. Let them know how Lift up your voice. Let them know how Lift up your voice. Let them know how grateful you are, [music] grateful you are, [music] grateful you are, [music] how appreciative you are, how appreciative you are, how appreciative you are, how humbled you are.