My Hurt, His Hurt | Lexie Goodman

Pastor Tim and Pastor Jen, they are Pastor Tim and Pastor Jen, they are ministering out of the country [music] ministering out of the country [music] ministering out of the country [music] today, but they send you their love and today, but they send you their love and today, but they send you their love and um they have asked me to bring the word um they have asked me to bring the word um they have asked me to bring the word this morning and I am so incredibly this morning and I am so incredibly this morning and I am so incredibly honored. honored. honored. Thank you. I love you all. Thank you. I love you all. Thank you. I love you all. It's one of my favorite things to do. Um It's one of my favorite things to do. Um It's one of my favorite things to do. Um if I haven't met you yet, my name is if I haven't met you yet, my name is if I haven't met you yet, my name is Lexi. I'm one of the pastors here and Lexi. I'm one of the pastors here and Lexi. I'm one of the pastors here and I'm on our teaching team. And um thank I'm on our teaching team. And um thank I'm on our teaching team. And um thank you. I love you. you. I love you. you. I love you. And um God's word is my favorite thing And um God's word is my favorite thing And um God's word is my favorite thing in the whole world. And I study it all in the whole world. And I study it all in the whole world. And I study it all the time and I read it all the time and the time and I read it all the time and the time and I read it all the time and I love teaching people about it. And my I love teaching people about it. And my I love teaching people about it. And my husband asked me, "Are you going to ever husband asked me, "Are you going to ever husband asked me, "Are you going to ever switch to digital books?" Um because switch to digital books?" Um because switch to digital books?" Um because they kind of take up our house. And I they kind of take up our house. And I they kind of take up our house. And I say, "No, I'm not. I'm always reading say, "No, I'm not. I'm always reading say, "No, I'm not. I'm always reading something to help me learn more about something to help me learn more about something to help me learn more about scripture." Um so we are going to stay scripture." Um so we are going to stay scripture." Um so we are going to stay um standing. I'm going to read God's um standing. I'm going to read God's um standing. I'm going to read God's word for us this morning. Okay. We are word for us this morning. Okay. We are word for us this morning. Okay. We are continuing in our series in the book of continuing in our series in the book of continuing in our series in the book of Acts. We are in Acts 9 this morning and Acts. We are in Acts 9 this morning and Acts. We are in Acts 9 this morning and we are going to go to verses 3-6. And we are going to go to verses 3-6. And we are going to go to verses 3-6. And I'm just going to read that over us this I'm just going to read that over us this I'm just going to read that over us this morning. Starting in verse three. Now as morning. Starting in verse three. Now as morning. Starting in verse three. Now as he went on his way, he approached he went on his way, he approached he went on his way, he approached Damascus. And suddenly a light from Damascus. And suddenly a light from Damascus. And suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to heaven shone around him. And falling to heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to the ground, he heard a voice saying to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you him, "Saul, Saul, why are you him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and whom you are persecuting. But rise and whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told

enter the city, and you will be told enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." And I just want to what you are to do." And I just want to what you are to do." And I just want to talk a few minutes with us this morning. talk a few minutes with us this morning. talk a few minutes with us this morning. I want to teach on the topic of my hurt, I want to teach on the topic of my hurt, I want to teach on the topic of my hurt, his hurt. And what I hope you learn and his hurt. And what I hope you learn and his hurt. And what I hope you learn and take away this morning, whether you're take away this morning, whether you're take away this morning, whether you're here in person as part of our church here in person as part of our church here in person as part of our church family or you're part of Celebration family or you're part of Celebration family or you're part of Celebration Everywhere Church family, I hope that Everywhere Church family, I hope that Everywhere Church family, I hope that you take away this morning. Knowing how you take away this morning. Knowing how you take away this morning. Knowing how incredibly loved and advocated you incredibly loved and advocated you incredibly loved and advocated you [music] are by our heavenly father and [music] are by our heavenly father and [music] are by our heavenly father and knowing that if you are hurting, he is knowing that if you are hurting, he is knowing that if you are hurting, he is hurting, too. He shares in our [music] hurting, too. He shares in our [music] hurting, too. He shares in our [music] pain. So, I'm going to pray for us and pain. So, I'm going to pray for us and pain. So, I'm going to pray for us and then you guys can be seated. God, I then you guys can be seated. God, I then you guys can be seated. God, I thank you for your word. I ask that it thank you for your word. I ask that it thank you for your word. I ask that it would go forward this morning. I ask would go forward this morning. I ask would go forward this morning. I ask that it would go forth in and through that it would go forth in and through that it would go forth in and through me. Holy Spirit, you have your way in me. Holy Spirit, you have your way in me. Holy Spirit, you have your way in [music] this place this morning. I am [music] this place this morning. I am [music] this place this morning. I am just a vessel. just a vessel. just a vessel. Have your way, Father. We love you. We Have your way, Father. We love you. We Have your way, Father. We love you. We thank you for the truth of your word. In thank you for the truth of your word. In thank you for the truth of your word. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amazing Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amazing Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amazing worship, huh? Thank you so much, worship worship, huh? Thank you so much, worship worship, huh? Thank you so much, worship team. Let's give it up for our worship team. Let's give it up for our worship team. Let's give it up for our worship team. [applause] team. [applause] team. [applause] They're so amazing.

Okay. So, what we're going to do this Okay. So, what we're going to do this morning, the four key verses that I just morning, the four key verses that I just morning, the four key verses that I just read for you, I'm going to break those read for you, I'm going to break those read for you, I'm going to break those down for you because if you've heard me down for you because if you've heard me down for you because if you've heard me teach at all, you know that I love some teach at all, you know that I love some teach at all, you know that I love some good biblical history. Okay? So, we're good biblical history. Okay? So, we're good biblical history. Okay? So, we're going to have a little history lesson going to have a little history lesson going to have a little history lesson this morning. I promise it's going to be this morning. I promise it's going to be this morning. I promise it's going to be fun for those of you who didn't love fun for those of you who didn't love fun for those of you who didn't love history in school. But, um, as we start history in school. But, um, as we start history in school. But, um, as we start reading scripture, okay, um, there's reading scripture, okay, um, there's reading scripture, okay, um, there's three questions that I love to give to three questions that I love to give to three questions that I love to give to help people understand the Bible better. help people understand the Bible better. help people understand the Bible better. Okay? So, who thinks that sometimes when Okay? So, who thinks that sometimes when Okay? So, who thinks that sometimes when you sit down to read scripture, to read you sit down to read scripture, to read you sit down to read scripture, to read the Bible, that it can be a little bit the Bible, that it can be a little bit the Bible, that it can be a little bit overwhelming and you're not sure where overwhelming and you're not sure where overwhelming and you're not sure where to start? Just be honest. It's a lot of to start? Just be honest. It's a lot of to start? Just be honest. It's a lot of us. And you're right, okay? It's a very us. And you're right, okay? It's a very us. And you're right, okay? It's a very large book with a lot to understand. But large book with a lot to understand. But large book with a lot to understand. But I give these bas this basic framework I give these bas this basic framework I give these bas this basic framework for reading and understanding scripture. for reading and understanding scripture. for reading and understanding scripture. And this is not an exhaustive list. Um, And this is not an exhaustive list. Um, And this is not an exhaustive list. Um, it's just something I've kind of learned it's just something I've kind of learned it's just something I've kind of learned over the years. Okay. So the first over the years. Okay. So the first over the years. Okay. So the first question I like to ask when we come to question I like to ask when we come to question I like to ask when we come to the biblical table um also I like to say the biblical table um also I like to say the biblical table um also I like to say this a verse a day doesn't keep the this a verse a day doesn't keep the this a verse a day doesn't keep the devil away. Okay. Now if you are a verse devil away. Okay. Now if you are a verse devil away. Okay. Now if you are a verse a day person that is not to condemn you.

a day person that is not to condemn you. a day person that is not to condemn you. It's to encourage you that there is so It's to encourage you that there is so It's to encourage you that there is so much more that you are missing out on. much more that you are missing out on. much more that you are missing out on. Okay. So we don't just wake up read a Okay. So we don't just wake up read a Okay. So we don't just wake up read a sentence check it off and go about our sentence check it off and go about our sentence check it off and go about our day. We do not fit God into our box. We day. We do not fit God into our box. We day. We do not fit God into our box. We fit into his box. Okay. So, we want to fit into his box. Okay. So, we want to fit into his box. Okay. So, we want to be people of the word. If we say that we be people of the word. If we say that we be people of the word. If we say that we are disciples of Christ, but we don't are disciples of Christ, but we don't are disciples of Christ, but we don't understand his story, then we can't understand his story, then we can't understand his story, then we can't understand our story. Okay. So, we want understand our story. Okay. So, we want understand our story. Okay. So, we want to be people of the word and be to be people of the word and be to be people of the word and be intentional about sitting down and intentional about sitting down and intentional about sitting down and taking in the word of God every single taking in the word of God every single taking in the word of God every single day. So, the first thing I like to ask day. So, the first thing I like to ask day. So, the first thing I like to ask is where are we at in the biblical is where are we at in the biblical is where are we at in the biblical story? Okay, this means that story? Okay, this means that story? Okay, this means that understanding that the Bible is one understanding that the Bible is one understanding that the Bible is one story from Genesis to Revelation. Okay. story from Genesis to Revelation. Okay. story from Genesis to Revelation. Okay. So, we ask ourselves when we when we sit So, we ask ourselves when we when we sit So, we ask ourselves when we when we sit down to read scripture, where are we at down to read scripture, where are we at down to read scripture, where are we at in the biblical story? So, for our text in the biblical story? So, for our text in the biblical story? So, for our text today, we are in the book of Acts. We today, we are in the book of Acts. We today, we are in the book of Acts. We are in the New Testament. Okay. Jesus are in the New Testament. Okay. Jesus are in the New Testament. Okay. Jesus has come. He has walked the earth. He has come. He has walked the earth. He has come. He has walked the earth. He has been crucified. He died. He rose has been crucified. He died. He rose has been crucified. He died. He rose again. He stayed on the earth for 40 again. He stayed on the earth for 40 again. He stayed on the earth for 40 days. And then he ascended into heaven, days. And then he ascended into heaven, days. And then he ascended into heaven, gave his followers the great commission.

gave his followers the great commission. gave his followers the great commission. Okay? And then we see the Holy Spirit Okay? And then we see the Holy Spirit Okay? And then we see the Holy Spirit begin to fall and the birth of the begin to fall and the birth of the begin to fall and the birth of the church has taken place. And now the church has taken place. And now the church has taken place. And now the gospel is starting to spread throughout gospel is starting to spread throughout gospel is starting to spread throughout the earth. Okay? That's where we're at the earth. Okay? That's where we're at the earth. Okay? That's where we're at right now in the biblical story. right now in the biblical story. right now in the biblical story. Persecution is starting to take place. Persecution is starting to take place. Persecution is starting to take place. Right? The next thing I like to ask is, Right? The next thing I like to ask is, Right? The next thing I like to ask is, who is the author and the audience? Who who is the author and the audience? Who who is the author and the audience? Who is the author and the audience of what is the author and the audience of what is the author and the audience of what I'm reading? Knowing that the Bible was I'm reading? Knowing that the Bible was I'm reading? Knowing that the Bible was written for us, but it was not written for us, but it was not written for us, but it was not specifically written to us. It was specifically written to us. It was specifically written to us. It was written to certain groups of people at a written to certain groups of people at a written to certain groups of people at a certain time. And there's a lot of certain time. And there's a lot of certain time. And there's a lot of historical cultural context that we have historical cultural context that we have historical cultural context that we have to understand that gives us way big way to understand that gives us way big way to understand that gives us way big way bigger picture understanding of what bigger picture understanding of what bigger picture understanding of what we're reading. Okay. So the book of Acts we're reading. Okay. So the book of Acts we're reading. Okay. So the book of Acts was written by Luke. Luke and Acts is was written by Luke. Luke and Acts is was written by Luke. Luke and Acts is considered to be um one book like two considered to be um one book like two considered to be um one book like two volumes of the same book. Um and just a volumes of the same book. Um and just a volumes of the same book. Um and just a little Bible nerd fact I like to share little Bible nerd fact I like to share little Bible nerd fact I like to share is why is this broken up? Why aren't is why is this broken up? Why aren't is why is this broken up? Why aren't they just one book? Right? Well, when they just one book? Right? Well, when they just one book? Right? Well, when they were um written down back in they were um written down back in they were um written down back in antiquity, they were written on scrolls, antiquity, they were written on scrolls, antiquity, they were written on scrolls, handwritten on scrolls. And the scrolls handwritten on scrolls. And the scrolls handwritten on scrolls. And the scrolls could only be so big, between like 32 could only be so big, between like 32 could only be so big, between like 32 and 35 feet. So that's why you see some and 35 feet. So that's why you see some and 35 feet. So that's why you see some of the books of the Bible broken up, of the books of the Bible broken up, of the books of the Bible broken up, right? Fun fact of the day that you right? Fun fact of the day that you right? Fun fact of the day that you might not care about, but I think it's a might not care about, but I think it's a might not care about, but I think it's a super fun fact. Right? So the author of super fun fact. Right? So the author of super fun fact. Right? So the author of the book of Acts is um is Luke. Okay?

the book of Acts is um is Luke. Okay? the book of Acts is um is Luke. Okay? And the audience is Theophilos. It's one And the audience is Theophilos. It's one And the audience is Theophilos. It's one person that he is writing um the book of person that he is writing um the book of person that he is writing um the book of Acts to. And it's really a case for Acts to. And it's really a case for Acts to. And it's really a case for Christianity. Um, some scholars believe Christianity. Um, some scholars believe Christianity. Um, some scholars believe that it's a case for Christianity that it's a case for Christianity that it's a case for Christianity explaining this move of Christianity to explaining this move of Christianity to explaining this move of Christianity to the Roman government and it's also um the Roman government and it's also um the Roman government and it's also um addressing it's addressing early addressing it's addressing early addressing it's addressing early Christian communities. Okay, so that's Christian communities. Okay, so that's Christian communities. Okay, so that's kind of who the author and audience is. kind of who the author and audience is. kind of who the author and audience is. And then my favorite question to ask is And then my favorite question to ask is And then my favorite question to ask is what is this showing us about God? What what is this showing us about God? What what is this showing us about God? What is this showing us about God? And why is is this showing us about God? And why is is this showing us about God? And why is this question important? It's important this question important? It's important this question important? It's important because especially as westerners in the because especially as westerners in the because especially as westerners in the western church, we go to scripture as a western church, we go to scripture as a western church, we go to scripture as a self-help book and we say, "How can I self-help book and we say, "How can I self-help book and we say, "How can I see myself in this scripture? How can I see myself in this scripture? How can I see myself in this scripture? How can I find myself in the story?" And that's find myself in the story?" And that's find myself in the story?" And that's not bad, but that it cancels out us not bad, but that it cancels out us not bad, but that it cancels out us being able to truly understand who God being able to truly understand who God being able to truly understand who God is and understanding his nature and his is and understanding his nature and his is and understanding his nature and his character and his plan for redemption. character and his plan for redemption. character and his plan for redemption. Okay? So it's very important that we Okay? So it's very important that we Okay? So it's very important that we read scripture and approach scripture read scripture and approach scripture read scripture and approach scripture with the lens asking ourselves what does with the lens asking ourselves what does with the lens asking ourselves what does this show us about God. Okay. So we're this show us about God. Okay. So we're this show us about God. Okay. So we're going to go verse by verse now for what going to go verse by verse now for what going to go verse by verse now for what what we're covering today. Acts 93-6.

what we're covering today. Acts 93-6. what we're covering today. Acts 93-6. Verse three says now as he went on his Verse three says now as he went on his Verse three says now as he went on his way he being Saul. Okay. He approached way he being Saul. Okay. He approached way he being Saul. Okay. He approached Damascus. Why was Saul going to Damascus. Why was Saul going to Damascus. Why was Saul going to Damascus? He was coming from Jerusalem Damascus? He was coming from Jerusalem Damascus? He was coming from Jerusalem where he was persecuting Christians. And where he was persecuting Christians. And where he was persecuting Christians. And he was doing this because he truly he was doing this because he truly he was doing this because he truly thought that by doing this he was thought that by doing this he was thought that by doing this he was defending God. So he was on his way to defending God. So he was on his way to defending God. So he was on his way to Damascus to get more Christians because Damascus to get more Christians because Damascus to get more Christians because Christians were leaving Jerusalem and Christians were leaving Jerusalem and Christians were leaving Jerusalem and fleeing to Damascus to avoid fleeing to Damascus to avoid fleeing to Damascus to avoid persecution. And let me tell you, Saul persecution. And let me tell you, Saul persecution. And let me tell you, Saul was committed. Okay? It was about 135 was committed. Okay? It was about 135 was committed. Okay? It was about 135 mile journey which would have taken mile journey which would have taken mile journey which would have taken about 12 days round trip on foot. Who is about 12 days round trip on foot. Who is about 12 days round trip on foot. Who is willing to walk 12 days round trip on willing to walk 12 days round trip on willing to walk 12 days round trip on foot to do something you feel passionate foot to do something you feel passionate foot to do something you feel passionate about? probably none of us, right? about? probably none of us, right? about? probably none of us, right? That's a lot, especially in this North That's a lot, especially in this North That's a lot, especially in this North Florida heat wave that we're having, Florida heat wave that we're having, Florida heat wave that we're having, right? So, he was um on his way. Okay, right? So, he was um on his way. Okay, right? So, he was um on his way. Okay, so I want to also bring up, does anybody so I want to also bring up, does anybody so I want to also bring up, does anybody ever get confused like why is Saul Paul ever get confused like why is Saul Paul ever get confused like why is Saul Paul and Paul Saul and what's going on here? and Paul Saul and what's going on here? and Paul Saul and what's going on here? Why is one guy named two names? Okay, so Why is one guy named two names? Okay, so Why is one guy named two names? Okay, so I want to bring clarity to this and I want to bring clarity to this and I want to bring clarity to this and here's why. We are about to learn a lot here's why. We are about to learn a lot here's why. We are about to learn a lot about him in the rest of this series. We about him in the rest of this series. We about him in the rest of this series. We are going to get to know him really are going to get to know him really are going to get to know him really well. So it's important for us to have well. So it's important for us to have well. So it's important for us to have this framework. Okay. Saul was his this framework. Okay. Saul was his this framework. Okay. Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was his gentile Jewish name and Paul was his gentile Jewish name and Paul was his gentile name. So he was a Jew gentile. He was a name. So he was a Jew gentile. He was a name. So he was a Jew gentile. He was a very educated Pharisee. And by God very educated Pharisee. And by God very educated Pharisee. And by God choosing him, what he is doing is he is choosing him, what he is doing is he is choosing him, what he is doing is he is really interrupting the greatest really interrupting the greatest really interrupting the greatest persecutor of the church who is a Jew

persecutor of the church who is a Jew persecutor of the church who is a Jew gentile because God is using his life to gentile because God is using his life to gentile because God is using his life to show that the um salvation that was show that the um salvation that was show that the um salvation that was promised in the Hebrew scriptures is for promised in the Hebrew scriptures is for promised in the Hebrew scriptures is for the Jew and the Gentile. He is using the Jew and the Gentile. He is using the Jew and the Gentile. He is using Paul's life to say the gospel is for Paul's life to say the gospel is for Paul's life to say the gospel is for everyone. Okay, the gospel is for everyone. Okay, the gospel is for everyone. Okay, the gospel is for everyone. Who's very happy about that everyone. Who's very happy about that everyone. Who's very happy about that this morning? this morning? this morning? I am. [applause] I am. [applause] I am. [applause] So I want to bring clarity because a lot So I want to bring clarity because a lot So I want to bring clarity because a lot of times we can think that Paul had this of times we can think that Paul had this of times we can think that Paul had this big encounter with God and a lot of big encounter with God and a lot of big encounter with God and a lot of times we think the road to Damascus was times we think the road to Damascus was times we think the road to Damascus was like where his name changed but that's like where his name changed but that's like where his name changed but that's not the case at all. Okay. So it wasn't not the case at all. Okay. So it wasn't not the case at all. Okay. So it wasn't like other other um stories we see in like other other um stories we see in like other other um stories we see in scripture like where Jacob's name was scripture like where Jacob's name was scripture like where Jacob's name was changed to Israel by God. Paul Saul and changed to Israel by God. Paul Saul and changed to Israel by God. Paul Saul and Paul are interchangeable because of his Paul are interchangeable because of his Paul are interchangeable because of his background and he did not have this big background and he did not have this big background and he did not have this big encounter where God changed his name. encounter where God changed his name. encounter where God changed his name. But what we do see in Acts chapter 13, But what we do see in Acts chapter 13, But what we do see in Acts chapter 13, we start to see him called Paul, refer we start to see him called Paul, refer we start to see him called Paul, refer to himself as Paul, right? Because he is to himself as Paul, right? Because he is to himself as Paul, right? Because he is beginning his missionary journeys to beginning his missionary journeys to beginning his missionary journeys to primarily the gentile community. And so primarily the gentile community. And so primarily the gentile community. And so he goes, he's going by his gentile name.

he goes, he's going by his gentile name. he goes, he's going by his gentile name. So now we have that information, right? So now we have that information, right? So now we have that information, right? That will help us. So and suddenly a That will help us. So and suddenly a That will help us. So and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. What light from heaven shone around him. What light from heaven shone around him. What I like to say here is Saul was on his I like to say here is Saul was on his I like to say here is Saul was on his way to get Christians, but Christ was on way to get Christians, but Christ was on way to get Christians, but Christ was on his way to get Saul. his way to get Saul. his way to get Saul. >> Saul was on his way to get Christians, >> Saul was on his way to get Christians, >> Saul was on his way to get Christians, but Christ was on his way to get Saul. but Christ was on his way to get Saul. but Christ was on his way to get Saul. And I want to explain this light he And I want to explain this light he And I want to explain this light he encountered. It's very important. Okay. encountered. It's very important. Okay. encountered. It's very important. Okay. So, we see Paul retell this story two So, we see Paul retell this story two So, we see Paul retell this story two more times in the book of Acts. Acts more times in the book of Acts. Acts more times in the book of Acts. Acts chapter 22 and then again in Acts chapter 22 and then again in Acts chapter 22 and then again in Acts chapter 26. So 22:6 Paul is retelling chapter 26. So 22:6 Paul is retelling chapter 26. So 22:6 Paul is retelling the story of his encounter with this the story of his encounter with this the story of his encounter with this light on the road to Damascus. And he light on the road to Damascus. And he light on the road to Damascus. And he says, "As I was on my way and drew near says, "As I was on my way and drew near says, "As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus about noon, very important, to Damascus about noon, very important, to Damascus about noon, very important, a great light from heaven suddenly shone a great light from heaven suddenly shone a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me." And then Acts 26:13 says, around me." And then Acts 26:13 says, around me." And then Acts 26:13 says, "At midday, O king," Paul is telling a "At midday, O king," Paul is telling a "At midday, O king," Paul is telling a story again. I saw on the way a light story again. I saw on the way a light story again. I saw on the way a light from heaven brighter than the sun that from heaven brighter than the sun that from heaven brighter than the sun that shone around me and those who journeyied shone around me and those who journeyied shone around me and those who journeyied with me. In both of these retellings, with me. In both of these retellings, with me. In both of these retellings, what we see is we see Paul explaining what we see is we see Paul explaining what we see is we see Paul explaining that it was about noon when it was it that it was about noon when it was it that it was about noon when it was it was midday. And that's a very important was midday. And that's a very important was midday. And that's a very important detail that we don't want to pass up.

detail that we don't want to pass up. detail that we don't want to pass up. What he is saying is the sun was at its What he is saying is the sun was at its What he is saying is the sun was at its peak. It was so bright. When you leave peak. It was so bright. When you leave peak. It was so bright. When you leave church today, we walk outside into this church today, we walk outside into this church today, we walk outside into this North Florida heat wave that we're North Florida heat wave that we're North Florida heat wave that we're having, right? And the sun is going to having, right? And the sun is going to having, right? And the sun is going to probably be very intense, unless we're probably be very intense, unless we're probably be very intense, unless we're getting a North Florida thunderstorm, getting a North Florida thunderstorm, getting a North Florida thunderstorm, but we never know, right? Um, so the but we never know, right? Um, so the but we never know, right? Um, so the sun's probably going to be very intense. sun's probably going to be very intense. sun's probably going to be very intense. And I want you to imagine when you walk And I want you to imagine when you walk And I want you to imagine when you walk outside and you see that sun that what outside and you see that sun that what outside and you see that sun that what Paul experienced on the road to Damascus Paul experienced on the road to Damascus Paul experienced on the road to Damascus was greater than that. It was greater was greater than that. It was greater was greater than that. It was greater than that. And so I want to explain a than that. And so I want to explain a than that. And so I want to explain a little bit what that means. So, we're little bit what that means. So, we're little bit what that means. So, we're going to go to the book of Revelation. going to go to the book of Revelation. going to go to the book of Revelation. Everybody say, "Uhoh." I'm just kidding. Everybody say, "Uhoh." I'm just kidding. Everybody say, "Uhoh." I'm just kidding. You do not need to be scared of You do not need to be scared of You do not need to be scared of Revelation. But, [snorts] um, Revelation Revelation. But, [snorts] um, Revelation Revelation. But, [snorts] um, Revelation 21:23, which is actually one of my 21:23, which is actually one of my 21:23, which is actually one of my favorite, um, scriptures. It says, "And favorite, um, scriptures. It says, "And favorite, um, scriptures. It says, "And the city has no need of sun or moon to the city has no need of sun or moon to the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it." This is John's vision that shine on it." This is John's vision that shine on it." This is John's vision that we're seeing. For the glory of God gives we're seeing. For the glory of God gives we're seeing. For the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the lamb. Saul it light, and its lamp is the lamb. Saul it light, and its lamp is the lamb. Saul was encountering the lamb who is the was encountering the lamb who is the was encountering the lamb who is the lamp of heaven. That is what this great lamp of heaven. That is what this great lamp of heaven. That is what this great light was. And that makes me very light was. And that makes me very light was. And that makes me very excited.

excited. excited. And so I also want to point this out. On And so I also want to point this out. On And so I also want to point this out. On day one of creation in Genesis 1, God day one of creation in Genesis 1, God day one of creation in Genesis 1, God said, "Let there be light." said, "Let there be light." said, "Let there be light." >> But he did not create the sun, the moon, >> But he did not create the sun, the moon, >> But he did not create the sun, the moon, or the stars until day four. or the stars until day four. or the stars until day four. [applause] This light This light is the one who always was and is and is is the one who always was and is and is is the one who always was and is and is to come. And when we get to heaven, to come. And when we get to heaven, to come. And when we get to heaven, there's no sun, there's no moon, and there's no sun, there's no moon, and there's no sun, there's no moon, and there's no stars because the lamb is the there's no stars because the lamb is the there's no stars because the lamb is the lamp. He is the great light. He came to lamp. He is the great light. He came to lamp. He is the great light. He came to bring hope. He came to break through bring hope. He came to break through bring hope. He came to break through darkness. [applause] darkness. [applause] darkness. [applause] And I know because I've been praying And I know because I've been praying And I know because I've been praying over this message, I know there are over this message, I know there are over this message, I know there are people walking in darkness today. people walking in darkness today. people walking in darkness today. Whether you are in this room or whether Whether you are in this room or whether Whether you are in this room or whether you are watching online, I want you to you are watching online, I want you to you are watching online, I want you to know your running is over. know your running is over. know your running is over. >> Your running is over. Today is the day. >> Your running is over. Today is the day. >> Your running is over. Today is the day. It is time for you to have your road to It is time for you to have your road to It is time for you to have your road to Damascus experience. And you don't have Damascus experience. And you don't have Damascus experience. And you don't have to run anymore because God is in the to run anymore because God is in the to run anymore because God is in the business of divine intervention. who is business of divine intervention. who is business of divine intervention. who is thankful for that.

thankful for that. thankful for that. [applause] So this great light he encounters, can So this great light he encounters, can you imagine? Just put yourself in his you imagine? Just put yourself in his you imagine? Just put yourself in his shoes. He's on this long journey. It's shoes. He's on this long journey. It's shoes. He's on this long journey. It's probably day six of his journey. He has probably day six of his journey. He has probably day six of his journey. He has a mission. He has permission from the a mission. He has permission from the a mission. He has permission from the government to go get these Christians. government to go get these Christians. government to go get these Christians. Bring them back. And uh verse four says, Bring them back. And uh verse four says, Bring them back. And uh verse four says, "And falling to the ground, he heard a "And falling to the ground, he heard a "And falling to the ground, he heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why are voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why are voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And let me just you persecuting me?" And let me just you persecuting me?" And let me just tell you, if any of us in here walk out tell you, if any of us in here walk out tell you, if any of us in here walk out today and we encounter the divine glory today and we encounter the divine glory today and we encounter the divine glory and light of God, we will naturally fall and light of God, we will naturally fall and light of God, we will naturally fall to our knees because our natural bodies to our knees because our natural bodies to our knees because our natural bodies will not be able to handle the weight of will not be able to handle the weight of will not be able to handle the weight of his presence. And that is what we see his presence. And that is what we see his presence. And that is what we see here. We see Saul falling to the ground here. We see Saul falling to the ground here. We see Saul falling to the ground because it was a natural response to because it was a natural response to because it was a natural response to this divine encounter, this glory, this this divine encounter, this glory, this this divine encounter, this glory, this divine glory that he was encountering. divine glory that he was encountering. divine glory that he was encountering. And I also want to point out that Saul And I also want to point out that Saul And I also want to point out that Saul up until this point, which changed up until this point, which changed up until this point, which changed really quick, he believed that Jesus of really quick, he believed that Jesus of really quick, he believed that Jesus of Nazareth was dead and that he was laying Nazareth was dead and that he was laying Nazareth was dead and that he was laying in a Judan grave. Okay? He believed that in a Judan grave. Okay? He believed that in a Judan grave. Okay? He believed that he was dead. And now that the leader of he was dead. And now that the leader of he was dead. And now that the leader of this movement had been wiped out, now this movement had been wiped out, now this movement had been wiped out, now Saul believed it was part of his job to Saul believed it was part of his job to Saul believed it was part of his job to wipe out its followers and rid the world wipe out its followers and rid the world wipe out its followers and rid the world of this movement. And that is the kind of this movement. And that is the kind of this movement. And that is the kind of passion and the kind of zeal that he of passion and the kind of zeal that he of passion and the kind of zeal that he had until he was divinely interrupted.

had until he was divinely interrupted. had until he was divinely interrupted. And do you know what also that shows me? And do you know what also that shows me? And do you know what also that shows me? It shows me that when we are legalistic It shows me that when we are legalistic It shows me that when we are legalistic because he was a Pharisee, right? He because he was a Pharisee, right? He because he was a Pharisee, right? He knew he knew the um scriptures. But when knew he knew the um scriptures. But when knew he knew the um scriptures. But when we are legalistic and we don't allow the we are legalistic and we don't allow the we are legalistic and we don't allow the love of God to permeate the love of love of God to permeate the love of love of God to permeate the love of Jesus to permeate ourselves and to and Jesus to permeate ourselves and to and Jesus to permeate ourselves and to and to be a part of who we are, we are very to be a part of who we are, we are very to be a part of who we are, we are very very dangerous to society. Christians very dangerous to society. Christians very dangerous to society. Christians can be very dangerous to society if we can be very dangerous to society if we can be very dangerous to society if we are not leading with the love of God. are not leading with the love of God. are not leading with the love of God. But now with crushing force, Saul is on But now with crushing force, Saul is on But now with crushing force, Saul is on this road and he has this great this road and he has this great this road and he has this great encounter with the great light of encounter with the great light of encounter with the great light of heaven. And what does Jesus say to him? heaven. And what does Jesus say to him? heaven. And what does Jesus say to him? He says, "Saul, Saul, why are you He says, "Saul, Saul, why are you He says, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And this is a turning persecuting me?" And this is a turning persecuting me?" And this is a turning point in the book of Acts. I want us to point in the book of Acts. I want us to point in the book of Acts. I want us to really get that. This is a turning point really get that. This is a turning point really get that. This is a turning point in Saul's life. This is a turning point in Saul's life. This is a turning point in Saul's life. This is a turning point in how the church and the gospel is in how the church and the gospel is in how the church and the gospel is spreading throughout the earth. And spreading throughout the earth. And spreading throughout the earth. And Jesus says, "Saul, Saul, why are you Jesus says, "Saul, Saul, why are you Jesus says, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" He says his name twice.

persecuting me?" He says his name twice. persecuting me?" He says his name twice. Okay, we have to stop there because it's Okay, we have to stop there because it's Okay, we have to stop there because it's that important. We only see it about six that important. We only see it about six that important. We only see it about six more times in scripture. Okay? When God more times in scripture. Okay? When God more times in scripture. Okay? When God says somebody's name twice, something is says somebody's name twice, something is says somebody's name twice, something is about to go down. You have to pay really about to go down. You have to pay really about to go down. You have to pay really good attention. Get out your best Bible good attention. Get out your best Bible good attention. Get out your best Bible highlighter when you see that. Okay? Um highlighter when you see that. Okay? Um highlighter when you see that. Okay? Um when you see somebody's name twice, when you see somebody's name twice, when you see somebody's name twice, something is about to happen. And you're something is about to happen. And you're something is about to happen. And you're like, "Okay, I'm locking in for the like, "Okay, I'm locking in for the like, "Okay, I'm locking in for the story and what's coming next." We see story and what's coming next." We see story and what's coming next." We see this in Genesis 22 when Abraham is about this in Genesis 22 when Abraham is about this in Genesis 22 when Abraham is about to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. God stops him. Abraham, Abraham. We see God stops him. Abraham, Abraham. We see God stops him. Abraham, Abraham. We see this in Exodus 3 when God is calling out this in Exodus 3 when God is calling out this in Exodus 3 when God is calling out to Moses from a burning bush. Moses, to Moses from a burning bush. Moses, to Moses from a burning bush. Moses, Moses. These are just some examples. We Moses. These are just some examples. We Moses. These are just some examples. We see this in Luke 10 when um Jesus is see this in Luke 10 when um Jesus is see this in Luke 10 when um Jesus is correcting Martha's anxious distraction. correcting Martha's anxious distraction. correcting Martha's anxious distraction. Jesus calls her and says, "Martha, Jesus calls her and says, "Martha, Jesus calls her and says, "Martha, Martha." There is great emotion when the Martha." There is great emotion when the Martha." There is great emotion when the Lord calls a person's name twice. And Lord calls a person's name twice. And Lord calls a person's name twice. And you know what a fun fact is in um you know what a fun fact is in um you know what a fun fact is in um ancient Greek literature, there is no ancient Greek literature, there is no ancient Greek literature, there is no punctuation um for an exclamation point.

punctuation um for an exclamation point. punctuation um for an exclamation point. And this takes the place of that. It And this takes the place of that. It And this takes the place of that. It takes the place, it's like God is making takes the place, it's like God is making takes the place, it's like God is making an exclamation point and he is saying, an exclamation point and he is saying, an exclamation point and he is saying, "Saul, Saul, what are you doing?" So "Saul, Saul, what are you doing?" So "Saul, Saul, what are you doing?" So then verse 5 says this and he said who then verse 5 says this and he said who then verse 5 says this and he said who are you Lord and Jesus said I am Jesus are you Lord and Jesus said I am Jesus are you Lord and Jesus said I am Jesus who you are persecuting and I want to who you are persecuting and I want to who you are persecuting and I want to point this out point this out point this out the title of this message I don't even the title of this message I don't even the title of this message I don't even know if I said it is my hurt his hurt so know if I said it is my hurt his hurt so know if I said it is my hurt his hurt so Saul was not physically persecuting Saul was not physically persecuting Saul was not physically persecuting Jesus he was not physically beating him Jesus he was not physically beating him Jesus he was not physically beating him and throwing him in prison right but and throwing him in prison right but and throwing him in prison right but what Jesus said was it doesn't matter what Jesus said was it doesn't matter what Jesus said was it doesn't matter because You're doing it to my people. So because You're doing it to my people. So because You're doing it to my people. So therefore, it's the same as doing it to therefore, it's the same as doing it to therefore, it's the same as doing it to me. And this is the savior that we me. And this is the savior that we me. And this is the savior that we serve. He is our great advocate. He is serve. He is our great advocate. He is serve. He is our great advocate. He is our great defender. And he carries the our great defender. And he carries the our great defender. And he carries the pain that we carry. That is what this is pain that we carry. That is what this is pain that we carry. That is what this is showing us. This is not just a question showing us. This is not just a question showing us. This is not just a question or an explanation of Saul's behavior.

or an explanation of Saul's behavior. or an explanation of Saul's behavior. This is a turning point. This is a This is a turning point. This is a This is a turning point. This is a revelation of Christ's relationship with revelation of Christ's relationship with revelation of Christ's relationship with his disciples. When you touch them, you his disciples. When you touch them, you his disciples. When you touch them, you touch me. When you persecute them, you touch me. When you persecute them, you touch me. When you persecute them, you persecute me. When the members of the persecute me. When the members of the persecute me. When the members of the body are being hurt on this earth, it is body are being hurt on this earth, it is body are being hurt on this earth, it is felt by the head of the body in heaven. felt by the head of the body in heaven. felt by the head of the body in heaven. And who is glad that we serve an And who is glad that we serve an And who is glad that we serve an empathetic God. [applause] I know that people came in here today I know that people came in here today carrying the pains of life. carrying the pains of life. carrying the pains of life. If you are walking through anything hard If you are walking through anything hard If you are walking through anything hard or you know anybody walking through or you know anybody walking through or you know anybody walking through anything hard, raise your hand. anything hard, raise your hand. anything hard, raise your hand. The entire room, it's called welcome to The entire room, it's called welcome to The entire room, it's called welcome to the human condition. the human condition. the human condition. We walk through hard things. We walk We walk through hard things. We walk We walk through hard things. We walk through pain. And sometimes we feel that through pain. And sometimes we feel that through pain. And sometimes we feel that we have to carry that alone. But I we have to carry that alone. But I we have to carry that alone. But I encourage you because I learned this and encourage you because I learned this and encourage you because I learned this and I know this is true that when we are in I know this is true that when we are in I know this is true that when we are in a relationship with Jesus, he carries a relationship with Jesus, he carries a relationship with Jesus, he carries our pain with us. He feels our pain. He our pain with us. He feels our pain. He our pain with us. He feels our pain. He does not let us go through life alone.

does not let us go through life alone. does not let us go through life alone. I I sense that there's people in here I I sense that there's people in here I I sense that there's people in here and your pain is literally crushing you. and your pain is literally crushing you. and your pain is literally crushing you. It's crushing you. You're breathless. It's crushing you. You're breathless. It's crushing you. You're breathless. Your grief is so heavy that it's Your grief is so heavy that it's Your grief is so heavy that it's painful. It's physically painful. Some painful. It's physically painful. Some painful. It's physically painful. Some of you, your grief that you're carrying of you, your grief that you're carrying of you, your grief that you're carrying is so heavy that it's physically is so heavy that it's physically is so heavy that it's physically painful. Some of you are worrying so painful. Some of you are worrying so painful. Some of you are worrying so much about your kids much about your kids much about your kids that you're carrying it here and it's that you're carrying it here and it's that you're carrying it here and it's causing you physical st symptoms of causing you physical st symptoms of causing you physical st symptoms of stress. Some of you are walking through stress. Some of you are walking through stress. Some of you are walking through health diagnosis health diagnosis health diagnosis that are scary. Some of you are walking that are scary. Some of you are walking that are scary. Some of you are walking through financial crisis or hardships in through financial crisis or hardships in through financial crisis or hardships in relationships. Whatever it is, but I relationships. Whatever it is, but I relationships. Whatever it is, but I want you to be encouraged. Please do not want you to be encouraged. Please do not want you to be encouraged. Please do not leave here this morning until you grasp leave here this morning until you grasp leave here this morning until you grasp this. that if you are carrying it, if this. that if you are carrying it, if this. that if you are carrying it, if you are in Jesus and you have received you are in Jesus and you have received you are in Jesus and you have received him as your Lord and Savior and you are him as your Lord and Savior and you are him as your Lord and Savior and you are walking with him and you are being walking with him and you are being walking with him and you are being persecuted and you are c you are persecuted and you are c you are persecuted and you are c you are carrying the pain of this world, he does carrying the pain of this world, he does carrying the pain of this world, he does not sit at the right hand of the father not sit at the right hand of the father not sit at the right hand of the father not caring about his people. He does not not caring about his people. He does not not caring about his people. He does not sit up there like a dictator. He comes sit up there like a dictator. He comes sit up there like a dictator. He comes down to earth to literally stop the down to earth to literally stop the down to earth to literally stop the persecution that is happening to his persecution that is happening to his persecution that is happening to his people. And I want you to know this people. And I want you to know this people. And I want you to know this morning that that is very, very, very morning that that is very, very, very morning that that is very, very, very good news. It's very good news.

good news. It's very good news. good news. It's very good news. [applause] We're going to go next to verse six. We're going to go next to verse six. This is our last verse we're going to This is our last verse we're going to This is our last verse we're going to look at. Jesus said to him, "But rise look at. Jesus said to him, "But rise look at. Jesus said to him, "But rise and enter the city, and you will be told and enter the city, and you will be told and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." I love this, and I what you are to do." I love this, and I what you are to do." I love this, and I want to point this out. Jesus does not want to point this out. Jesus does not want to point this out. Jesus does not give Saul the next 10 steps. He does not give Saul the next 10 steps. He does not give Saul the next 10 steps. He does not say, "Okay, you've just literally had say, "Okay, you've just literally had say, "Okay, you've just literally had this crazy divine encounter and now did this crazy divine encounter and now did this crazy divine encounter and now did you know you're going to go on and write you know you're going to go on and write you know you're going to go on and write threearters of the New Testament and threearters of the New Testament and threearters of the New Testament and you're going to be the greatest witness you're going to be the greatest witness you're going to be the greatest witness that the church ever saw and all these that the church ever saw and all these that the church ever saw and all these kinds of things and you're going to end kinds of things and you're going to end kinds of things and you're going to end up persecuted for your faith, too." He up persecuted for your faith, too." He up persecuted for your faith, too." He doesn't tell them all that at once. doesn't tell them all that at once. doesn't tell them all that at once. Who's glad that God doesn't tell us Who's glad that God doesn't tell us Who's glad that God doesn't tell us everything all at once? [applause] everything all at once? [applause] everything all at once? [applause] But he says, "Do one thing." God gave But he says, "Do one thing." God gave But he says, "Do one thing." God gave him one next step. And I want to ask you him one next step. And I want to ask you him one next step. And I want to ask you this morning, what is the one thing that this morning, what is the one thing that this morning, what is the one thing that God is asking you to do? God is asking you to do? God is asking you to do? >> What is the one thing? Don't let him >> What is the one thing? Don't let him >> What is the one thing? Don't let him over, don't let don't let everything over, don't let don't let everything over, don't let don't let everything overwhelm you. He is a God of order. He overwhelm you. He is a God of order. He overwhelm you. He is a God of order. He is not a God of chaos. And if you are is not a God of chaos. And if you are is not a God of chaos. And if you are experiencing chaos in your life, you are experiencing chaos in your life, you are experiencing chaos in your life, you are not experiencing the kingdom of God. You not experiencing the kingdom of God. You not experiencing the kingdom of God. You are experiencing the kingdom of are experiencing the kingdom of are experiencing the kingdom of darkness. And that is just the bottom darkness. And that is just the bottom darkness. And that is just the bottom line. And there is no gray area. God is line. And there is no gray area. God is line. And there is no gray area. God is a God of order. He came to bring peace a God of order. He came to bring peace a God of order. He came to bring peace to chaos. This is why we see him taking to chaos. This is why we see him taking to chaos. This is why we see him taking authority over storms, right? We see him authority over storms, right? We see him authority over storms, right? We see him casting out demons throughout the entire casting out demons throughout the entire casting out demons throughout the entire New Testament because he came to bring New Testament because he came to bring New Testament because he came to bring order to chaos. And I sense that a lot order to chaos. And I sense that a lot order to chaos. And I sense that a lot of you might need order repaired or

of you might need order repaired or of you might need order repaired or restored in your life this morning. restored in your life this morning. restored in your life this morning. And um I want to I want to go here and And um I want to I want to go here and And um I want to I want to go here and we're going to put this up and then I we're going to put this up and then I we're going to put this up and then I want to give us a chance to respond. I want to give us a chance to respond. I want to give us a chance to respond. I want to give the Lord a chance to work want to give the Lord a chance to work want to give the Lord a chance to work and to fall. Um Saul went from pursuing and to fall. Um Saul went from pursuing and to fall. Um Saul went from pursuing the people of Christ to pursuing Christ the people of Christ to pursuing Christ the people of Christ to pursuing Christ himself because the gospel is powerful himself because the gospel is powerful himself because the gospel is powerful enough to transform its most vicious enough to transform its most vicious enough to transform its most vicious opponent. opponent. opponent. That's the power of God. That's the power of God. That's the power of God. Its most vicious opponent. Paul went Its most vicious opponent. Paul went Its most vicious opponent. Paul went from persecutor, from persecutor, from persecutor, greatest persecutor of the church to the greatest persecutor of the church to the greatest persecutor of the church to the greatest witness to the one who was then greatest witness to the one who was then greatest witness to the one who was then persecuted, which also says there's a persecuted, which also says there's a persecuted, which also says there's a cost to following Jesus. cost to following Jesus. cost to following Jesus. >> Sometimes we have to lay things down. >> Sometimes we have to lay things down. >> Sometimes we have to lay things down. Sometimes we have to turn from the ways Sometimes we have to turn from the ways Sometimes we have to turn from the ways in which we are walking. A lot of times in which we are walking. A lot of times in which we are walking. A lot of times that happens, right? A lot of times that that happens, right? A lot of times that that happens, right? A lot of times that happens. But there is no greater happens. But there is no greater happens. But there is no greater evidence of grace and God's power than evidence of grace and God's power than evidence of grace and God's power than looking at the life of Paul. Because God looking at the life of Paul. Because God looking at the life of Paul. Because God used even the most vicious opponent of used even the most vicious opponent of used even the most vicious opponent of the church to make him the greatest the church to make him the greatest the church to make him the greatest witness that the church had ever seen.

witness that the church had ever seen. witness that the church had ever seen. And that is the power of Jesus. Yep. And that is the power of Jesus. Yep. And that is the power of Jesus. Yep. And so I just want to ask you this And so I just want to ask you this And so I just want to ask you this morning um a couple questions. morning um a couple questions. morning um a couple questions. First is, do you know Jesus? First is, do you know Jesus? First is, do you know Jesus? Do you know him as your personal Lord Do you know him as your personal Lord Do you know him as your personal Lord and Savior? Whether you're in the room, and Savior? Whether you're in the room, and Savior? Whether you're in the room, whether you're watching online, whether you're watching online, whether you're watching online, do you There might even be people who do you There might even be people who do you There might even be people who are actively opposing the gospel. are actively opposing the gospel. are actively opposing the gospel. And I think there are people in here And I think there are people in here And I think there are people in here that are actively opposing the gospel. that are actively opposing the gospel. that are actively opposing the gospel. And you might be here on assignment. And And you might be here on assignment. And And you might be here on assignment. And I don't I'm not sure. But if you are I don't I'm not sure. But if you are I don't I'm not sure. But if you are here actively opposing the gospel, I here actively opposing the gospel, I here actively opposing the gospel, I pray that today you encountered the pray that today you encountered the pray that today you encountered the light that Paul encountered on the road light that Paul encountered on the road light that Paul encountered on the road to Damascus. [applause] [applause] This great light, the lamb of heaven. So This great light, the lamb of heaven. So This great light, the lamb of heaven. So if you would say, you know, um, in if you would say, you know, um, in if you would say, you know, um, in worship team can start to come up too. worship team can start to come up too. worship team can start to come up too. Um, if you would say that I need to Um, if you would say that I need to Um, if you would say that I need to surrender my life to Jesus. surrender my life to Jesus. surrender my life to Jesus. I don't want to go any further without I don't want to go any further without I don't want to go any further without him. Or maybe you need to recommmit your him. Or maybe you need to recommmit your him. Or maybe you need to recommmit your life to Jesus. Um whether that's a life to Jesus. Um whether that's a life to Jesus. Um whether that's a commitment, a new commitment today or a commitment, a new commitment today or a commitment, a new commitment today or a recommmitment. Would you just put your recommmitment. Would you just put your recommmitment. Would you just put your hand up? There's no shame, only hand up? There's no shame, only hand up? There's no shame, only celebration. Amen. Keep those hands celebration. Amen. Keep those hands celebration. Amen. Keep those hands high. [applause] high. [applause] high. [applause] Congratulations.

Amazing. [applause] Yep. We celebrate Amazing. [applause] Yep. We celebrate you. [cheering] We celebrate with you as you. [cheering] We celebrate with you as you. [cheering] We celebrate with you as your church family. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Yep. I don't think we're done with that I don't think we're done with that moment. There's people that need to turn moment. There's people that need to turn moment. There's people that need to turn from darkness. There's people that need from darkness. There's people that need from darkness. There's people that need to turn from wicked ways. And you are to turn from wicked ways. And you are to turn from wicked ways. And you are going to encounter the light in this going to encounter the light in this going to encounter the light in this place this morning. Raise your hand. place this morning. Raise your hand. place this morning. Raise your hand. Keep your hands raised. [applause] If Keep your hands raised. [applause] If Keep your hands raised. [applause] If you're committing your life to Jesus, you're committing your life to Jesus, you're committing your life to Jesus, keep your hands raised. >> So, we're going to go in a time of >> So, we're going to go in a time of response. You can keep your hands response. You can keep your hands response. You can keep your hands raised. And if you want to receive Jesus raised. And if you want to receive Jesus raised. And if you want to receive Jesus today as your Lord and Savior, it's the today as your Lord and Savior, it's the today as your Lord and Savior, it's the most important decision you will ever most important decision you will ever most important decision you will ever make. It can be your turning point make. It can be your turning point make. It can be your turning point today, just like we see in the life of today, just like we see in the life of today, just like we see in the life of Saul. And so, as a church family, let's Saul. And so, as a church family, let's Saul. And so, as a church family, let's just pray with our brothers and sisters just pray with our brothers and sisters just pray with our brothers and sisters who want to give their life today. So, who want to give their life today. So, who want to give their life today. So, if that's you, I want you to repeat if that's you, I want you to repeat if that's you, I want you to repeat after me. Okay? You can say wi if you after me. Okay? You can say wi if you after me. Okay? You can say wi if you mean it from your heart. Um, dear Jesus, mean it from your heart. Um, dear Jesus, mean it from your heart. Um, dear Jesus, I declare I declare I declare that I am a sinner in need of a savior, that I am a sinner in need of a savior, that I am a sinner in need of a savior, I ask you to come into my heart to make I ask you to come into my heart to make I ask you to come into my heart to make me new. And from this day forward, me new. And from this day forward, me new. And from this day forward, I declare loyalty I declare loyalty I declare loyalty to you as my king to you as my king to you as my king in Jesus name. Congratulations. That is

in Jesus name. Congratulations. That is in Jesus name. Congratulations. That is the best decision you will ever make. the best decision you will ever make. the best decision you will ever make. [applause] And then um the next thing I want to ask And then um the next thing I want to ask and we're going to kind of just sit here and we're going to kind of just sit here and we're going to kind of just sit here for a minute. Okay, now that we have for a minute. Okay, now that we have for a minute. Okay, now that we have this understanding that our hurt is his this understanding that our hurt is his this understanding that our hurt is his hurt, how does that change the way we hurt, how does that change the way we hurt, how does that change the way we process pain? process pain? process pain? How does that change the way we carry How does that change the way we carry How does that change the way we carry pain? pain? pain? There are people that came in here There are people that came in here There are people that came in here today. You have invisible weights on today. You have invisible weights on today. You have invisible weights on your shoulders. I I know it. I feel it. your shoulders. I I know it. I feel it. your shoulders. I I know it. I feel it. You need to lay those down at the foot You need to lay those down at the foot You need to lay those down at the foot of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. He wants you literally running, He wants you literally running, He wants you literally running, skipping, jumping, hopping out of here. skipping, jumping, hopping out of here. skipping, jumping, hopping out of here. However you express joy, However you express joy, However you express joy, [applause] [applause] [applause] he wants you walking out of here lighter he wants you walking out of here lighter he wants you walking out of here lighter than when you came in. But that's going than when you came in. But that's going than when you came in. But that's going to take a time of surrender. and it's to take a time of surrender. and it's to take a time of surrender. and it's going to take a little bit of going to take a little bit of going to take a little bit of vulnerability on your part. Okay?

vulnerability on your part. Okay? vulnerability on your part. Okay? He wants your yes. He wants your yes. He wants your yes. And so I ask you this morning knowing And so I ask you this morning knowing And so I ask you this morning knowing that we have a savior, a king who that we have a savior, a king who that we have a savior, a king who empathizes with us and who carries our empathizes with us and who carries our empathizes with us and who carries our pain and who cares about us so deeply, pain and who cares about us so deeply, pain and who cares about us so deeply, each and every one of us so personally. each and every one of us so personally. each and every one of us so personally. When we say this is what it means when When we say this is what it means when When we say this is what it means when we say Jesus is our personal savior, we say Jesus is our personal savior, we say Jesus is our personal savior, this is what that means. He is our this is what that means. He is our this is what that means. He is our personal savior and he cares very much personal savior and he cares very much personal savior and he cares very much about what you're walking through. He about what you're walking through. He about what you're walking through. He cares very much about the grief that cares very much about the grief that cares very much about the grief that you're going through. He cares very much you're going through. He cares very much you're going through. He cares very much about the trauma that you have been a about the trauma that you have been a about the trauma that you have been a part of, whether it's something that has part of, whether it's something that has part of, whether it's something that has happened to you or something you've been happened to you or something you've been happened to you or something you've been a part of. a part of. a part of. He cares very much about the state of He cares very much about the state of He cares very much about the state of your heart. And I know that right now your heart. And I know that right now your heart. And I know that right now there are people whose hearts are just there are people whose hearts are just there are people whose hearts are just hurting. you're hurting. hurting. you're hurting. hurting. you're hurting. So whether you're in this room, whether So whether you're in this room, whether So whether you're in this room, whether you're a part of celebration everywhere, you're a part of celebration everywhere, you're a part of celebration everywhere, I want us to just close our eyes I want us to just close our eyes I want us to just close our eyes and what is God asking you to do?

We have plenty [music] of time. The Jags We have plenty [music] of time. The Jags played last night, so you're okay. played last night, so you're okay. played last night, so you're okay. What is he asking you to do? Can we sit What is he asking you to do? Can we sit What is he asking you to do? Can we sit in his presence [music] for a minute? in his presence [music] for a minute? in his presence [music] for a minute? If you've never done it before, it feels If you've never done it before, it feels If you've never done it before, it feels a little awkward at first, a little awkward at first, a little awkward at first, but like I said earlier, to remind you, but like I said earlier, to remind you, but like I said earlier, to remind you, you are in the presence of a king. What road have you been running down What road have you been running down that you need to [music] stop running that you need to [music] stop running that you need to [music] stop running on? on? on? Where does Jesus need to interrupt you? Where does Jesus need to interrupt you? Where does Jesus need to interrupt you? Jesus can stop a person in the middle of Jesus can stop a person in the middle of Jesus can stop a person in the middle of their wrong direction. their wrong direction. their wrong direction. We saw it happen in [music] our story We saw it happen in [music] our story We saw it happen in [music] our story today. Would you let Jesus stop you this Would you let Jesus stop you this morning? and our pastors and [music] our prayer and our pastors and [music] our prayer team can just just intercede where team can just just intercede where team can just just intercede where you're at in your seats.

God is breaking something down [music] God is breaking something down [music] right now. He's breaking something down. We're going to press [music] into him We're going to press [music] into him for just a few minutes. And I want you for just a few minutes. And I want you for just a few minutes. And I want you to sit under the blanket of his presence to sit under the blanket of his presence to sit under the blanket of his presence and let him do a work. The work doesn't and let him do a work. The work doesn't and let him do a work. The work doesn't come from the microphone. The work comes come from the microphone. The work comes come from the microphone. The work comes from the power of the Holy Spirit. from the power of the Holy Spirit. from the power of the Holy Spirit. [music] And I'm going to let him do his [music] And I'm going to let him do his [music] And I'm going to let him do his job.

What does surrender [music] look like? What does surrender [music] look like? It looks like you telling God, "I don't It looks like you telling God, "I don't It looks like you telling God, "I don't want to do it my way anymore." want to do it my way anymore." want to do it my way anymore." There's surrender that [music] needs to There's surrender that [music] needs to There's surrender that [music] needs to happen. In fact, In fact, if you feel that you need to surrender if you feel that you need to surrender if you feel that you need to surrender this morning, I'm going to invite you this morning, I'm going to invite you this morning, I'm going to invite you and open up the altar right now. and open up the altar right now. and open up the altar right now. You can come to the altar. You can come to the altar. You can come to the altar. Whatever you need to surrender to the Whatever you need to surrender to the Whatever you need to surrender to the Lord, come down. Don't leave here the Lord, come down. Don't leave here the Lord, come down. Don't leave here the same. He's giving you this space. We same. He's giving you this space. We same. He's giving you this space. We have plenty of time. Let the Lord do the have plenty of time. Let the Lord do the have plenty of time. Let the Lord do the work that only he [music] can do. I am work that only he [music] can do. I am work that only he [music] can do. I am just ushering in his presence. What are just ushering in his presence. What are just ushering in his presence. What are you carrying? you carrying? you carrying? What is heavy? What is heavy? What is heavy? The pain, the grief, the [music] brokenness, the the grief, the [music] brokenness, the brokenhearted, your loneliness. brokenhearted, your loneliness. brokenhearted, your loneliness. Come and be filled at the well.

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Don't fight him. Don't fight him. He's going to win. He's going to win. He's going to win. Surrender. It's a safe place. Surrender. It's a safe place. Surrender. It's a safe place. It's a safe place. The Holy Spirit is [music] ministering

The Holy Spirit is [music] ministering and I want to encourage you if you feel and I want to encourage you if you feel and I want to encourage you if you feel this blanket like you are under this blanket like you are under this blanket like you are under something. It's the presence of God. It's the presence of God. And I want to encourage you that [music] And I want to encourage you that [music] And I want to encourage you that [music] there's people in here who have thought, there's people in here who have thought, there's people in here who have thought, "Man, I've never felt his presence. I "Man, I've never felt his presence. I "Man, I've never felt his presence. I don't feel like he ever listens [music] don't feel like he ever listens [music] don't feel like he ever listens [music] to me. I don't feel like he hears me. to me. I don't feel like he hears me. to me. I don't feel like he hears me. This is your moment." He's saying, "Here This is your moment." He's saying, "Here This is your moment." He's saying, "Here [music] I am." [music] I am." [music] I am." There's a blanket of peace that's There's a blanket of peace that's There's a blanket of peace that's covering us, and I'm going to continue covering us, and I'm going to continue covering us, and I'm going to continue [music] to let the Holy Spirit do his [music] to let the Holy Spirit do his [music] to let the Holy Spirit do his work.

There's still room. There's still room. You can go into the aisles if you need You can go into the aisles if you need You can go into the aisles if you need to. You can get in your seat and get on to. You can get in your seat and get on to. You can get in your seat and get on [music] your knees. And if you're watching online, I And if you're watching online, I encourage you, don't just be a encourage you, don't just be a encourage you, don't just be a spectator. spectator. spectator. His presence is omnipresent, [music] His presence is omnipresent, [music] His presence is omnipresent, [music] and he can meet you right where you're and he can meet you right where you're and he can meet you right where you're at. Get on your knees, lay [music] on at. Get on your knees, lay [music] on at. Get on your knees, lay [music] on your face, whatever you need to do.

I sense the Holy Spirit saying, "Just I sense the Holy Spirit saying, "Just sit. sit. sit. Just Just Just stop. stop. stop. We have so [music] much to achieve in We have so [music] much to achieve in We have so [music] much to achieve in our everyday lives. our everyday lives. our everyday lives. This is a moment where we can just sit.

And if you are in [music] your seat, And if you are in [music] your seat, We're not just spectating. You can We're not just spectating. You can We're not just spectating. You can intercede for the people, our brothers intercede for the people, our brothers intercede for the people, our brothers and sisters who are [music] carrying and sisters who are [music] carrying and sisters who are [music] carrying heavy things. We can be interceding for heavy things. We can be interceding for heavy things. We can be interceding for them. I believe that the [music] gift of I believe that the [music] gift of healing is here. healing is here. healing is here. Healing of the brokenhearted, binding up Healing of the brokenhearted, binding up Healing of the brokenhearted, binding up of wounds. [music] Wounds

He's lifting heaviness. He's lifting heaviness. He's lifting heavy burdens. [music] He's lifting heavy burdens. [music] He's lifting heavy burdens. [music] If you came in carrying anything heavy, If you came in carrying anything heavy, If you came in carrying anything heavy, physically [music] give it to him right physically [music] give it to him right physically [music] give it to him right now. Thank you, Jesus. now. Thank you, Jesus. now. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. He's the lifter of our Thank you, Jesus. He's the lifter of our Thank you, Jesus. He's the lifter of our burdens. He's the healer of our hearts. burdens. He's the healer of our hearts. burdens. He's the healer of our hearts. I'm going to let him work for just a I'm going to let him work for just a I'm going to let him work for just a little bit longer. Maybe you're [music] new to pressing Maybe you're [music] new to pressing into the Lord and sitting in his into the Lord and sitting in his into the Lord and sitting in his presence. Just sit still. You can close your eyes Just sit still. You can close your eyes so you're [music] not distracted so you're [music] not distracted so you're [music] not distracted and ask him to make himself known to and ask him to make himself known to and ask him to make himself known to you.

I know this can [music] feel a little I know this can [music] feel a little different, but there's healing actually different, but there's healing actually different, but there's healing actually h supernatural healing happening [music] h supernatural healing happening [music] h supernatural healing happening [music] in this place right now. And we want to in this place right now. And we want to in this place right now. And we want to press in and we want to honor this press in and we want to honor this press in and we want to honor this moment. I'm just going to sit under it.

I'm just going to sit under it. Thank you, Lord. We're going to start to um just move out We're going to start to um just move out of this moment.

of this moment. of this moment. So, as you feel comfortable, you can So, as you feel comfortable, you can So, as you feel comfortable, you can begin to make your way [music] back to begin to make your way [music] back to begin to make your way [music] back to your seats. your seats. your seats. And trust me, I could sit here all day. And trust me, I could sit here all day. And trust me, I could sit here all day. But here's the [music] great news. But here's the [music] great news. But here's the [music] great news. This is just a practice round for what This is just a practice round for what This is just a practice round for what you can experience in your own personal you can experience in your own personal you can experience in your own personal [music] [music] [music] relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. He's so faithful. Don't let it end here. Don't let it end here. Seek him like this every day of your Seek him like this every day of your Seek him like this every day of your life. Get alone [music] with him. Get on life. Get alone [music] with him. Get on life. Get alone [music] with him. Get on your knees. Have a reverence that you your knees. Have a reverence that you your knees. Have a reverence that you are in the presence of a king. are in the presence of a king. are in the presence of a king. We thank you, Lord, for the healing We thank you, Lord, for the healing We thank you, Lord, for the healing that's taking place in this place today. His presence [music] His presence [music] is just so beautiful. is just so beautiful. is just so beautiful. Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you, Jesus. As [snorts] Thank you, Jesus. As [snorts] everybody's making their way back to everybody's making their way back to everybody's making their way back to their seats, I just want to pray for us their seats, I just want to pray for us their seats, I just want to pray for us as we wrap up. Lord, I thank you for the as we wrap up. Lord, I thank you for the as we wrap up. Lord, I thank you for the work [music] you did in this place work [music] you did in this place work [music] you did in this place today. I thank you, Lord, that we today. I thank you, Lord, that we today. I thank you, Lord, that we created space and you exceeded our created space and you exceeded our created space and you exceeded our expectations. expectations. expectations. I thank you for your word, God. I thank I thank you for your word, God. I thank I thank you for your word, God. I thank you Lord that you Jesus are the lamb of you Lord that you Jesus are the lamb of you Lord that you Jesus are the lamb of heaven, the great light of heaven. I heaven, the great light of heaven. I heaven, the great light of heaven. I thank you Lord that our hurt and our thank you Lord that our hurt and our thank you Lord that our hurt and our pain [music] pain [music] pain [music] is your hurt and your pain. Thank you is your hurt and your pain. Thank you is your hurt and your pain. Thank you that we serve a God who carries our that we serve a God who carries our that we serve a God who carries our burdens for us and we are not walking burdens for us and we are not walking burdens for us and we are not walking alone. I pray that the work you did in alone. I pray that the work you did in alone. I pray that the work you did in here, Lord, this morning would be here, Lord, this morning would be here, Lord, this morning would be sealed. I pray the blood of Jesus over sealed. I pray the blood of Jesus over sealed. I pray the blood of Jesus over every single person under the sound of every single person under the sound of every single person under the sound of my voice. my voice. my voice. And I ask that you would encourage them, And I ask that you would encourage them, And I ask that you would encourage them, Lord. [music] Lord. [music] Lord. [music] Convict us to be people of the word, to Convict us to be people of the word, to Convict us to be people of the word, to be people who spend time in your be people who spend time in your be people who spend time in your presence. Lord, we love you, God. And we presence. Lord, we love you, God. And we presence. Lord, we love you, God. And we thank you for your faithfulness in thank you for your faithfulness in thank you for your faithfulness in meeting us here, God. You are so meeting us here, God. You are so meeting us here, God. You are so faithful and you are so worthy, Jesus.

faithful and you are so worthy, Jesus. faithful and you are so worthy, Jesus. In your precious name [music] we pray.