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Yeah. Yeah. Woo. Hey.

Hey. Hey. Hey. >> Good morning, good afternoon, good

>> Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, whatever time zone you're evening, whatever time zone you're evening, whatever time zone you're watching in Celebration everywhere. watching in Celebration everywhere. watching in Celebration everywhere. Welcome to church. I am joined by Welcome to church. I am joined by Welcome to church. I am joined by >> Faith Chungara. Welcome everyone. We're >> Faith Chungara. Welcome everyone. We're >> Faith Chungara. Welcome everyone. We're so glad to have you. How y'all doing? so glad to have you. How y'all doing? so glad to have you. How y'all doing? How y'all doing? How y'all doing? How y'all doing? >> Yeah, let us know in the comments. >> Yeah, let us know in the comments. >> Yeah, let us know in the comments. Obviously, we are so grateful to have Obviously, we are so grateful to have Obviously, we are so grateful to have you join us digitally wherever you're you join us digitally wherever you're you join us digitally wherever you're watching from all over the world. We watching from all over the world. We watching from all over the world. We believe that every screen has a story. believe that every screen has a story. believe that every screen has a story. >> We want to hear your story. So whether >> We want to hear your story. So whether >> We want to hear your story. So whether you share it in the comments, email it you share it in the comments, email it you share it in the comments, email it to us, man, we want to do live with you. to us, man, we want to do live with you. to us, man, we want to do live with you. We want to know how you're doing. We want to know how you're doing. We want to know how you're doing. >> We want to partner with you in God's >> We want to partner with you in God's >> We want to partner with you in God's house digitally, house digitally, house digitally, >> of course. So let us know where you're >> of course. So let us know where you're >> of course. So let us know where you're watching from in the comments. I know we watching from in the comments. I know we watching from in the comments. I know we got a few people here. We can go ahead got a few people here. We can go ahead got a few people here. We can go ahead and shout them out. Bonnie, Miss Bonnie and shout them out. Bonnie, Miss Bonnie and shout them out. Bonnie, Miss Bonnie from Toronto, from Toronto, from Toronto, >> back for double dip. We love Miss >> back for double dip. We love Miss >> back for double dip. We love Miss Bonnie. Bonnie. Bonnie. >> Hey, Miss Bonnie. See? >> Hey, Miss Bonnie. See? >> Hey, Miss Bonnie. See? >> Oh my gosh. Why is it not working? Oh, >> Oh my gosh. Why is it not working? Oh, >> Oh my gosh. Why is it not working? Oh, there we go. Um, Vanessa from Fresno, there we go. Um, Vanessa from Fresno, there we go. Um, Vanessa from Fresno, California. California. California. >> Hey, Vanessa. How's it going over there? >> Hey, Vanessa. How's it going over there? >> Hey, Vanessa. How's it going over there? How's the weather? How's the weather? How's the weather? >> Fresno. What? Where in California is >> Fresno. What? Where in California is >> Fresno. What? Where in California is Fresno? Is that north or south? Fresno? Is that north or south? Fresno? Is that north or south? >> It's in California.

>> It's in California. >> It's in California. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Okay. I I need to learn geography. If >> Okay. I I need to learn geography. If >> Okay. I I need to learn geography. If for everywhere for celebration for everywhere for celebration for everywhere for celebration everywhere for the sake of everywhere for the sake of everywhere for the sake of >> I know >> I know >> I know >> being the pastor of celebration >> being the pastor of celebration >> being the pastor of celebration everywhere I should know his geography everywhere I should know his geography everywhere I should know his geography and I don't and I don't and I don't >> I was like why are you asking me these >> I was like why are you asking me these >> I was like why are you asking me these questions it's a questions it's a questions it's a >> Tammy from Durban South Africa >> Tammy from Durban South Africa >> Tammy from Durban South Africa >> hey I love Durban >> hey I love Durban >> hey I love Durban >> Durban South Africa come on >> Durban South Africa come on >> Durban South Africa come on >> hey Tammy I'm from Zim just wanted to >> hey Tammy I'm from Zim just wanted to >> hey Tammy I'm from Zim just wanted to say that say that say that >> Faith is from Zim how long have you been >> Faith is from Zim how long have you been >> Faith is from Zim how long have you been a part of the church Faith a part of the church Faith a part of the church Faith >> I would say a good upward of 15 years >> I would say a good upward of 15 years >> I would say a good upward of 15 years >> upward of 15 years and give or Hey, >> upward of 15 years and give or Hey, >> upward of 15 years and give or Hey, there [laughter] there [laughter] there [laughter] >> last service I last service I mistakenly >> last service I last service I mistakenly >> last service I last service I mistakenly said said said >> I I compared it to how long she has >> I I compared it to how long she has >> I I compared it to how long she has lived on earth and she did not like lived on earth and she did not like lived on earth and she did not like that. So I'm not going to do that this that. So I'm not going to do that this that. So I'm not going to do that this service. service. service. >> We don't tell our age. >> We don't tell our age. >> We don't tell our age. >> I'm not going to do that this service. >> I'm not going to do that this service. >> I'm not going to do that this service. >> Just know I've been here a very long >> Just know I've been here a very long >> Just know I've been here a very long time. time. time. >> Um whoa. Well, all right. Uh some >> Um whoa. Well, all right. Uh some >> Um whoa. Well, all right. Uh some housekeeping, some things happening here housekeeping, some things happening here housekeeping, some things happening here at Celebration Church that we think you at Celebration Church that we think you at Celebration Church that we think you should know about. Number one, should know about. Number one, should know about. Number one, >> summer of serve. So this summer we are >> summer of serve. So this summer we are >> summer of serve. So this summer we are >> I got that right. Right. Summer serving.

>> I got that right. Right. Summer serving. >> I got that right. Right. Summer serving. Close enough. [laughter] [laughter] >> Okay, y'all. We have summer of serving. >> Okay, y'all. We have summer of serving. >> Okay, y'all. We have summer of serving. This basically means that we're not just This basically means that we're not just This basically means that we're not just isolating serving to like one event or isolating serving to like one event or isolating serving to like one event or one thing that's created, but you have one thing that's created, but you have one thing that's created, but you have multiple opportunities to serve your multiple opportunities to serve your multiple opportunities to serve your community. So, just look around you. community. So, just look around you. community. So, just look around you. There's needs everywhere. And in fact, There's needs everywhere. And in fact, There's needs everywhere. And in fact, maybe take it a step further. Let us maybe take it a step further. Let us maybe take it a step further. Let us know how you're serving your community. know how you're serving your community. know how you're serving your community. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> we would want to know like how >> we would want to know like how >> we would want to know like how >> what all the things that God is doing in >> what all the things that God is doing in >> what all the things that God is doing in this house is impacting you and how you this house is impacting you and how you this house is impacting you and how you are impacting the community around you. are impacting the community around you. are impacting the community around you. So look around you. Maybe somebody needs So look around you. Maybe somebody needs So look around you. Maybe somebody needs a backpack. Maybe somebody needs help a backpack. Maybe somebody needs help a backpack. Maybe somebody needs help walking home. Maybe you know what I'm walking home. Maybe you know what I'm walking home. Maybe you know what I'm saying like waters, whatever. Whatever saying like waters, whatever. Whatever saying like waters, whatever. Whatever it looks like for you to serve your it looks like for you to serve your it looks like for you to serve your community, do that this summer. community, do that this summer. community, do that this summer. >> Yes. And in doing so, obviously in >> Yes. And in doing so, obviously in >> Yes. And in doing so, obviously in challenging you to do something once a challenging you to do something once a challenging you to do something once a week, we want to hear about it. Um, week, we want to hear about it. Um, week, we want to hear about it. Um, something that we're really excited something that we're really excited something that we're really excited about is at the end of the summer, which about is at the end of the summer, which about is at the end of the summer, which >> what is the end of the summer? August. >> what is the end of the summer? August. >> what is the end of the summer? August. Is the end of summer August for us? Is the end of summer August for us? Is the end of summer August for us? >> The end of the summer needs to be >> The end of the summer needs to be >> The end of the summer needs to be tomorrow because it's too hot. But go tomorrow because it's too hot. But go tomorrow because it's too hot. But go ahead. ahead. ahead. >> So hot, you guys. It's unbelievable. >> So hot, you guys. It's unbelievable. >> So hot, you guys. It's unbelievable. It's unbearable. It's unbearable. It's unbearable. >> It's so >> It's so >> It's so >> um at the end of the summer, we're going >> um at the end of the summer, we're going >> um at the end of the summer, we're going to do something really cool and share to do something really cool and share to do something really cool and share all the testimonies of the the the all the testimonies of the the the all the testimonies of the the the testimonies that you submit. So, there's testimonies that you submit. So, there's testimonies that you submit. So, there's a QR code. Um, I'm going to ask you scan a QR code. Um, I'm going to ask you scan a QR code. Um, I'm going to ask you scan that QR code, save that QR code or that that QR code, save that QR code or that that QR code, save that QR code or that link um and scan it anytime that you do link um and scan it anytime that you do link um and scan it anytime that you do an act of service, right? So, you give a an act of service, right? So, you give a an act of service, right? So, you give a backpack, a bottle of water, you pray backpack, a bottle of water, you pray backpack, a bottle of water, you pray for a neighbor, whatever it is, we want for a neighbor, whatever it is, we want for a neighbor, whatever it is, we want to hear about it. Attach a picture if to hear about it. Attach a picture if to hear about it. Attach a picture if you can. Um, our heart at the end of you can. Um, our heart at the end of you can. Um, our heart at the end of this summer of serving is to show all of this summer of serving is to show all of this summer of serving is to show all of those testimonies um to everyone online.

those testimonies um to everyone online. those testimonies um to everyone online. We'll even post a video of it um to show We'll even post a video of it um to show We'll even post a video of it um to show how God is moving all over the world. how God is moving all over the world. how God is moving all over the world. >> Yeah. And it will inspire more people to >> Yeah. And it will inspire more people to >> Yeah. And it will inspire more people to serve. We just want to be the hands and serve. We just want to be the hands and serve. We just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus and show his love to feet of Jesus and show his love to feet of Jesus and show his love to anyone who's unreached and to our anyone who's unreached and to our anyone who's unreached and to our neighbors. So, neighbors. So, neighbors. So, >> Exactly. And we say summer of serving. >> Exactly. And we say summer of serving. >> Exactly. And we say summer of serving. Obviously, serving is not isolated to Obviously, serving is not isolated to Obviously, serving is not isolated to the summer months. the summer months. the summer months. >> Correct. It just sounds Yeah. And serve >> Correct. It just sounds Yeah. And serve >> Correct. It just sounds Yeah. And serve all the time. It's an initi initiative all the time. It's an initi initiative all the time. It's an initi initiative here that we do every year and we're here that we do every year and we're here that we do every year and we're super excited about it, but we want you super excited about it, but we want you super excited about it, but we want you to partner in that. And so please, to partner in that. And so please, to partner in that. And so please, please, please uh we can't share what we please, please uh we can't share what we please, please uh we can't share what we don't know. don't know. don't know. >> So submit that form, let us know what >> So submit that form, let us know what >> So submit that form, let us know what you're doing and how you're involving you're doing and how you're involving you're doing and how you're involving yourself in the community and being the yourself in the community and being the yourself in the community and being the hands and feet of Jesus. hands and feet of Jesus. hands and feet of Jesus. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um the next thing is engage in the >> Um the next thing is engage in the >> Um the next thing is engage in the comments, comments, comments, >> the comment section. Engage in the chat. >> the comment section. Engage in the chat. >> the comment section. Engage in the chat. We want to hear uh where you're watching We want to hear uh where you're watching We want to hear uh where you're watching from. Yeah. from. Yeah. from. Yeah. >> What else can they put? >> What else can they put? >> What else can they put? >> Put something that's speaking out to you >> Put something that's speaking out to you >> Put something that's speaking out to you in the sermon. Like that's your Amen. in the sermon. Like that's your Amen. in the sermon. Like that's your Amen. You know, You know, You know, >> that's good. >> that's good. >> that's good. >> Uh we're out here saying amen and preach >> Uh we're out here saying amen and preach >> Uh we're out here saying amen and preach pastor. You could do the same thing in pastor. You could do the same thing in pastor. You could do the same thing in the chat. the chat. the chat. >> Oh, they do. Don't worry. >> Oh, they do. Don't worry. >> Oh, they do. Don't worry. >> Okay, great. >> Okay, great. >> Okay, great. >> We got some shout outs in the in the >> We got some shout outs in the in the >> We got some shout outs in the in the chat chat chat >> for sure. But like it just builds great >> for sure. But like it just builds great >> for sure. But like it just builds great community and lets you know that you're community and lets you know that you're community and lets you know that you're not watching alone, but it lets that not watching alone, but it lets that not watching alone, but it lets that other person that may be a little bit other person that may be a little bit other person that may be a little bit more shy than you are know that they're more shy than you are know that they're more shy than you are know that they're not watching alone. And that's how we not watching alone. And that's how we not watching alone. And that's how we build community. So, comment in the build community. So, comment in the build community. So, comment in the chat.

chat. chat. >> Say all the amens. Say what's standing >> Say all the amens. Say what's standing >> Say all the amens. Say what's standing out to Yep. Say what's standing out to out to Yep. Say what's standing out to out to Yep. Say what's standing out to you. Say what's speaking to you in the you. Say what's speaking to you in the you. Say what's speaking to you in the moment, what you're learning, what moment, what you're learning, what moment, what you're learning, what you're gathering from the sermon. you're gathering from the sermon. you're gathering from the sermon. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Amazing. Amazing. We love having you >> Amazing. Amazing. We love having you >> Amazing. Amazing. We love having you guys. We're so grateful that you invite guys. We're so grateful that you invite guys. We're so grateful that you invite us uh into your screens each and every us uh into your screens each and every us uh into your screens each and every week. We believe it's a privilege. We week. We believe it's a privilege. We week. We believe it's a privilege. We believe every screen has a story. Um and believe every screen has a story. Um and believe every screen has a story. Um and so as you can hear right now behind me, so as you can hear right now behind me, so as you can hear right now behind me, the keys are playing. Uh we've been the keys are playing. Uh we've been the keys are playing. Uh we've been doing this cool thing where a few doing this cool thing where a few doing this cool thing where a few minutes before service starts, worship minutes before service starts, worship minutes before service starts, worship comes up and they kind of pray. We comes up and they kind of pray. We comes up and they kind of pray. We prepare the space. Um people are kind of prepare the space. Um people are kind of prepare the space. Um people are kind of finishing their conversations and so finishing their conversations and so finishing their conversations and so we're actually going to join them we're actually going to join them we're actually going to join them >> in the next few weeks. >> in the next few weeks. >> in the next few weeks. >> We're going to ask you um in the final >> We're going to ask you um in the final >> We're going to ask you um in the final two or threeish minutes of um the two or threeish minutes of um the two or threeish minutes of um the countdown, countdown, countdown, >> we're going to ask that you pray over >> we're going to ask that you pray over >> we're going to ask that you pray over your space and just consecrate the space your space and just consecrate the space your space and just consecrate the space that you're in. Prepare a place for the that you're in. Prepare a place for the that you're in. Prepare a place for the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Um just like it's church, >> Um just like it's church, >> Um just like it's church, >> right? Whether you're watching the >> right? Whether you're watching the >> right? Whether you're watching the living room, in a car, a hotel, on a living room, in a car, a hotel, on a living room, in a car, a hotel, on a plane, consecrate the space that you're plane, consecrate the space that you're plane, consecrate the space that you're in. The Lord is where you are. in. The Lord is where you are. in. The Lord is where you are. >> Um and so we're going to do that right >> Um and so we're going to do that right >> Um and so we're going to do that right now. We love you so much. We thank you now. We love you so much. We thank you now. We love you so much. We thank you so much for watching. Enjoy service. so much for watching. Enjoy service. so much for watching. Enjoy service. >> Enjoy service.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Come on celebration. Come Hallelujah. Come on celebration. Come Hallelujah. Come on celebration. Come on. Let's worship this morning. on. Let's worship this morning. on. Let's worship this morning. Come on. If you came to worship [music] Come on. If you came to worship [music] Come on. If you came to worship [music] the king, come on. Make some noise in the king, come on. Make some noise in the king, come on. Make some noise in this place. Hallelujah. We're going to this place. Hallelujah. We're going to this place. Hallelujah. We're going to raise it up this morning. We're going to raise it up this morning. We're going to raise it up this morning. We're going to raise it up this morning. [music] raise it up this morning. [music] raise it up this morning. [music] Come on. Come on. Give him the fruit of Come on. Come on. Give him the fruit of Come on. Come on. Give him the fruit of your lips. Give him the fruit of your your lips. Give him the fruit of your your lips. Give him the fruit of your lips. Come on. Worship. Worship. lips. Come on. Worship. Worship. lips. Come on. Worship. Worship. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Glory to your name. We come here this Glory to your name. We come here this Glory to your name. We come here this morning. The good news of Jesus. morning. The good news of Jesus. morning. The good news of Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. Let's raise Come on. Come on. Come on. Let's raise it up in this place. Come on it up in this place. Come on it up in this place. Come on celebration, church this morning. celebration, church this morning. celebration, church this morning. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. We're going to worship the Hallelujah. We're going to worship the Hallelujah. We're going to worship the king. We're going to worship our God and king. We're going to worship our God and king. We're going to worship our God and Savior. Hallelujah. [music] Savior. Hallelujah. [music] Savior. Hallelujah. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. [music] We're going to Come on. Come on. [music] We're going to Come on. Come on. [music] We're going to pray the good news of Jesus this pray the good news of Jesus this pray the good news of Jesus this morning.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Glory. Come on. We going to worship the name of Come on. We going to worship the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. This is the good news [music] this This is the good news [music] this This is the good news [music] this morning. Glory to your name. This [music] is the good news. This [music] is the good news. If you're breathing is for you. If you're breathing is for you. If you're breathing is for you. >> An empty grave. [music] A life that's >> An empty grave. [music] A life that's >> An empty grave. [music] A life that's changed. It all points to Jesus changed. It all points to Jesus changed. It all points to Jesus name. [music] If you've been searching name. [music] If you've been searching name. [music] If you've been searching and nothing's been worth it, and nothing's been worth it, and nothing's been worth it, I got good you. I got good you. I got good you. Come [music] on, say Jesus Come [music] on, say Jesus Come [music] on, say Jesus loves you. Come on, raise your voice. loves you. Come on, raise your voice. loves you. Come on, raise your voice. Jesus [music] love. That's good news for somebody [music] That's good news for somebody [music] out there. Come on. Hey. Hey. Hey. Say out there. Come on. Hey. Hey. Hey. Say out there. Come on. Hey. Hey. Hey. Say it again. [music] it again. [music] it again. [music] >> Sing it out. Sing it out.

>> Sing it out. Sing it out. >> Sing it out. Sing it out. >> An empty grave. >> An empty grave. >> An empty grave. >> An empty grave. [music] >> An empty grave. [music] >> An empty grave. [music] A life that's changed. It all points to A life that's changed. It all points to A life that's changed. It all points to Jes. Jes. Jes. >> Only one. There's only one God. If you >> Only one. There's only one God. If you >> Only one. There's only one God. If you were searching, [music] were searching, [music] were searching, [music] nothing be working. nothing be working. nothing be working. >> I got good news. >> I got good news. >> I got good news. >> I got [music] good. >> I got [music] good. >> I got [music] good. >> Come on, scream it up cuz you know it >> Come on, scream it up cuz you know it >> Come on, scream it up cuz you know it is. Say Jesus. is. Say Jesus. is. Say Jesus. >> Jesus. [music and singing] >> Say, "No matter what you bring, >> Say, "No matter what you bring, oh, he's in love with you. [music] No oh, he's in love with you. [music] No oh, he's in love with you. [music] No matter your history, matter your history, matter your history, he's still [music] in love with you. No he's still [music] in love with you. No he's still [music] in love with you. No matter your belief, matter your belief, matter your belief, oh, he's in love with you. from now to oh, he's in love with you. from now to oh, he's in love with you. from now to eternity.

to the end of the [music] to the end of the [music] >> He's still in love. Can you breathe in an empty grace? Can you breathe in an empty grace? [music] [music] [music] >> An empty gra. >> An empty gra. >> An empty gra. >> It all points. >> It all points. >> It all points. >> It all points to Jesus. >> It all points to Jesus. >> It all points to Jesus. >> There's only one God. If you [music] >> There's only one God. If you [music] >> There's only one God. If you [music] search search search and be worus, No matter [music] where you No matter [music] where you are. [music] still still [music] loved.

loved. [music] [music] [music] There's nothing you can do to separate There's nothing you can do to separate There's nothing you can do to separate you from the love of Jesus. you from the love of Jesus. you from the love of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] You picked me up. You turned me around. You picked me up. You turned me around. You picked me up. You turned me around. [music] You placed my feet on [singing] [music] You placed my feet on [singing] [music] You placed my feet on [singing] solid ground. I think the master. I solid ground. I think the master. I solid ground. I think the master. I think the savior because you killed think the savior because you killed think the savior because you killed [music] my heart and changed my name. [music] my heart and changed my name. [music] my heart and changed my name. Forever free. I [music] am not the Forever free. I [music] am not the Forever free. I [music] am not the savior. I thank the master. I thank the savior. I thank the master. I thank the savior. I thank the master. I thank the savior. I [music] thank God. Come on, savior. I [music] thank God. Come on, savior. I [music] thank God. Come on, let's thank him this morning. We thank let's thank him this morning. We thank let's thank him this morning. We thank you this morning, Jesus. Wondering into the Wondering into the go, [music] wanting a place to hide this go, [music] wanting a place to hide this go, [music] wanting a place to hide this weary soul. Oh, I try with all my Oh, I try with all my I just [music] can't believe I'm I just [music] can't believe I'm I just [music] can't believe I'm [singing] slowly dripping [singing] slowly dripping [singing] slowly dripping the bag [music] of mine.

But just when I ran out the [singing] But just when I ran out the [singing] road, I never [music] I didn't know. And road, I never [music] I didn't know. And road, I never [music] I didn't know. And he told me that I was not alone. he told me that I was not alone. he told me that I was not alone. [music and singing] He me He me turned me around. Place my [music] feet turned me around. Place my [music] feet turned me around. Place my [music] feet on solid ground. I have I [music] on solid ground. I have I [music] on solid ground. I have I [music] heal my heart. Change my name. I heal my heart. Change my name. I heal my heart. Change my name. I forever. forever. forever. [music] [music] [music] I master. I savior. I [music] go. Tell us another one. [music] I am free. Tell us another one. [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. Tell us another I am free. I am free. Tell us another I am free. I am free. Tell us another one. I am free. [music] one. I am free. [music] one. I am free. [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. Tell us [music] Tell us [music] Tell us [music] why I am free. why I am free. why I am free. >> Oh, I am free. I am free. I am free.

>> Oh, I am free. I am free. I am free. >> Oh, I am free. I am free. I am free. >> I am free. Tell us why. [music] >> I am free. Tell us why. [music] >> I am free. Tell us why. [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. [music] [music] [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. Oh, I am free. Oh, I am free. Oh, I am free. [music] [music] [music] I am free. Oh, I am free. I am I am I am free. Oh, I am free. I am I am I am free. Oh, I am free. I am I am [music] [music] [music] I am free. I am free. Oh, I am free. I am free. I am free. Oh, I am free. I am free. I am free. Oh, I am free. [singing] [singing] [singing] I am free. I am free. I am free. >> I am free >> I am free >> I am free because [music] you pick me up. Turn me because [music] you pick me up. Turn me because [music] you pick me up. Turn me around. around. around. My My My ground. Oh, I [music] master I save cuz ground. Oh, I [music] master I save cuz ground. Oh, I [music] master I save cuz you my heart forever. [music] I am not the master. I forever. [music] I am not the master. I am am am I thank God. [music] I thank God. [music] I thank God. [music] We going to give it to him this morning.

We going to give it to him this morning. We going to give it to him this morning. Are we going to give it to him this Are we going to give it to him this Are we going to give it to him this morning? [music] I am free. morning? [music] I am free. morning? [music] I am free. Praise the Lord. [music and singing] I'm Praise the Lord. [music and singing] I'm Praise the Lord. [music and singing] I'm free. No longer bound. free. No longer bound. free. No longer bound. [music] [music] [music] No more chains holding me. Ooh, my soul No more chains holding me. Ooh, my soul No more chains holding me. Ooh, my soul is blessing. is blessing. is blessing. Oh, it's [music] just a blessing. Oh, it's [music] just a blessing. Oh, it's [music] just a blessing. Oh, praise the Lord. [music] Hallelujah. Oh, praise the Lord. [music] Hallelujah. Oh, praise the Lord. [music] Hallelujah. I'm free. Come on. Do you have that in I'm free. Come on. Do you have that in I'm free. Come on. Do you have that in your heart this morning? Say, I'm free. your heart this morning? Say, I'm free. your heart this morning? Say, I'm free. >> Praise [music] the Lord. >> Praise [music] the Lord. >> Praise [music] the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. I'm free. >> Praise the Lord. I'm free. >> Praise the Lord. I'm free. >> No longer bound. >> No longer bound. >> No longer bound. [music] [music] [music] >> No more chains. Holy chains holding me. >> No more chains. Holy chains holding me. >> No more chains. Holy chains holding me. My soul is resting. [music] My soul is resting. [music] My soul is resting. [music] It's just a It's just a It's just a praise [music] the Lord. praise [music] the Lord. praise [music] the Lord. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. >> Come on. Let's walk away. I'm free.

>> Come on. Let's walk away. I'm free. >> Come on. Let's walk away. I'm free. [music] [music] [music] >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. I'm free. [music] >> Praise the Lord. I'm free. [music] >> Praise the Lord. I'm free. [music] >> No longer bound. >> No longer bound. >> No longer bound. [singing] [singing] [singing] >> No more chains. >> No more chains. >> No more chains. >> No more chains on me. My soul is >> No more chains on me. My soul is >> No more chains on me. My soul is resting. resting. resting. Oh, he's such [music] a blessing. We say Oh, he's such [music] a blessing. We say Oh, he's such [music] a blessing. We say praise the Lord. praise the Lord. praise the Lord. [music] [music] [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. I said, "Praise the Lord." [music] Praise the Lord. >> [music] >> It's a good thing to praise the Lord. >> It's a good thing to praise the Lord. >> It's a good thing to praise the Lord. It's good to praise the Lord. We praise It's good to praise the Lord. We praise It's good to praise the Lord. We praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Come on. If you're free, why don't you Come on. If you're free, why don't you give Jesus some praise? give Jesus some praise? give Jesus some praise? [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I don't know if he heard you up in >> I don't know if he heard you up in >> I don't know if he heard you up in heaven. If you're free, [music] [music] [music] I want to read a scripture to us this I want to read a scripture to us this I want to read a scripture to us this morning that uh encouraged me and then morning that uh encouraged me and then morning that uh encouraged me and then we're going to continue in worship and we're going to continue in worship and we're going to continue in worship and I'd love if we could just sing that I'm I'd love if we could just sing that I'm I'd love if we could just sing that I'm free one more time. But it comes out of free one more time. But it comes out of free one more time. But it comes out of John 12 in verse three. It says, "Mary John 12 in verse three. It says, "Mary John 12 in verse three. It says, "Mary therefore took a pound of expensive therefore took a pound of expensive therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and ointment made from pure nard and ointment made from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus, wiped his anointed the feet of Jesus, wiped his anointed the feet of Jesus, wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled

feet with her hair. The house was filled feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." But with the fragrance of the perfume." But with the fragrance of the perfume." But Judas, one of his disciples who was Judas, one of his disciples who was Judas, one of his disciples who was about to betray him, said, "Why was this about to betray him, said, "Why was this about to betray him, said, "Why was this ointment not sold for 300 dinar and give ointment not sold for 300 dinar and give ointment not sold for 300 dinar and give it to the poor?" [music] And he said it to the poor?" [music] And he said it to the poor?" [music] And he said this not because he cared about the this not because he cared about the this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and poor, but because he was a thief and poor, but because he was a thief and having charge of the money bag, he used having charge of the money bag, he used having charge of the money bag, he used it to help himself for what was put into it to help himself for what was put into it to help himself for what was put into it. When we sing [music] songs like this it. When we sing [music] songs like this it. When we sing [music] songs like this and you know it's a higher BPM and you and you know it's a higher BPM and you and you know it's a higher BPM and you know feet are moving and maybe your know feet are moving and maybe your know feet are moving and maybe your knees don't work the way they used to knees don't work the way they used to knees don't work the way they used to and you got youth jumping down here at and you got youth jumping down here at and you got youth jumping down here at the front. Praise tends to look a little the front. Praise tends to look a little the front. Praise tends to look a little different. And here's two options. When different. And here's two options. When different. And here's two options. When you walk into a room like this, you have you walk into a room like this, you have you walk into a room like this, you have two options. I can make worship about me or I can make it about him. or I can make it about him. Hang on. Hang on. Hang on. All Mary had was oil. And I don't know All Mary had was oil. And I don't know All Mary had was oil. And I don't know what tried to [music] steal your oil what tried to [music] steal your oil what tried to [music] steal your oil this week, but whatever oil you got this week, but whatever oil you got this week, but whatever oil you got left. You better start pouring because left. You better start pouring because left. You better start pouring because the oil we got is the oil we pour. He is the oil we got is the oil we pour. He is the oil we got is the oil we pour. He is worthy of the oil. Do I got anybody in worthy of the oil. Do I got anybody in worthy of the oil. Do I got anybody in the room that's free? Come on, [music] the room that's free? Come on, [music] the room that's free? Come on, [music] sing it like you're free.

sing it like you're free. sing it like you're free. My soul [singing] is resting. My soul [singing] is resting. My soul [singing] is resting. [music] Oh, it's just a blessing. [music] Oh, it's just a blessing. [music] Oh, it's just a blessing. Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. [music] I'm Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. [music] I'm Praise the Lord. Hallelujah. [music] I'm free. Say I am free. free. Say I am free. free. Say I am free. >> Oh, praise the Lord. >> Oh, praise the Lord. >> Oh, praise the Lord. >> Praise [music] the Lord. [music] [music] Change Change Change my soul my soul my soul [music] with the praise of the Lord. [music] with the praise of the Lord. [music] with the praise of the Lord. It's a bless. It's a bless. It's a bless. Say praise the Lord. Say praise the Lord. Say praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. Praise. [music] >> Praise the Lord. Praise. [music] >> Praise the Lord. Praise. [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. He's the king of the highest. Praise. He's the king of the highest. Praise. He's the king of the highest. Praise. Praise the Lord. [music] Praise the Lord. [music] Praise the Lord. [music] He's the king of the highest. Praise. He's the king of the highest. Praise. He's the king of the highest. Praise. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. [music] Holy cow. Praise the Lord. [music] Holy cow. Praise the Lord. [music] Holy cow. Praise the Lord. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I've never seen a prisoner walk out of >> I've never seen a prisoner walk out of >> I've never seen a prisoner walk out of the jail cell. [music] Is anybody glad the jail cell. [music] Is anybody glad the jail cell. [music] Is anybody glad they're free? they're free? they're free? Come on. If you've been set free, why Come on. If you've been set free, why Come on. If you've been set free, why don't you give a praise? [music] don't you give a praise? [music] don't you give a praise? [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, [music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, [music] Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Man, it's going to be Thank you, Jesus. Man, it's going to be Thank you, Jesus. Man, it's going to be a good day in the house. Welcome to Celebration Church. I'm Welcome to Celebration Church. I'm Pastor Stephen and on behalf of our Pastor Stephen and on behalf of our Pastor Stephen and on behalf of our senior pastors here, Pastor Tim and Jen senior pastors here, Pastor Tim and Jen senior pastors here, Pastor Tim and Jen Timberlake, we want to welcome you and Timberlake, we want to welcome you and Timberlake, we want to welcome you and thank you for being with us this morning thank you for being with us this morning thank you for being with us this morning to worship the Lord. Right now, we're to worship the Lord. Right now, we're to worship the Lord. Right now, we're going to dismiss our middle school going to dismiss our middle school going to dismiss our middle school ministry. They're going to go to their ministry. They're going to go to their ministry. They're going to go to their rooms and be ministered to. Uh prayer rooms and be ministered to. Uh prayer rooms and be ministered to. Uh prayer team, you guys can go ahead and and come team, you guys can go ahead and and come team, you guys can go ahead and and come down as well. And we're going to down as well. And we're going to down as well. And we're going to continue in worship. continue in worship. continue in worship. You know, we're singing about I'm free You know, we're singing about I'm free You know, we're singing about I'm free and maybe you know, you walked in this and maybe you know, you walked in this and maybe you know, you walked in this room and [music] you are free. You feel room and [music] you are free. You feel room and [music] you are free. You feel free. And maybe for some of you, you free. And maybe for some of you, you free. And maybe for some of you, you don't feel so free. Wherever you find don't feel so free. Wherever you find don't feel so free. Wherever you find yourself in that spectrum, that wide yourself in that spectrum, that wide yourself in that spectrum, that wide range of freedom, man, I would encourage range of freedom, man, I would encourage range of freedom, man, I would encourage you to press in. Press in like your you to press in. Press in like your you to press in. Press in like your prayers mean something. Press in like prayers mean something. Press in like prayers mean something. Press in like the grave has been stolen. Press in like the grave has been stolen. Press in like the grave has been stolen. Press in like the tomb is empty. [music] Press like the tomb is empty. [music] Press like the tomb is empty. [music] Press like the word tells us that we are free.

the word tells us that we are free. the word tells us that we are free. Amen. So, let's lift our hands. Let's Amen. So, let's lift our hands. Let's Amen. So, let's lift our hands. Let's stretch our hands. stretch our hands. stretch our hands. We're going to continue in worship. And We're going to continue in worship. And We're going to continue in worship. And get that thing on your mind that you get that thing on your mind that you get that thing on your mind that you feel like has robbed your oil. It stole feel like has robbed your oil. It stole feel like has robbed your oil. It stole your freedom. It makes you feel like you your freedom. It makes you feel like you your freedom. It makes you feel like you ain't free anymore. Get that thing on ain't free anymore. Get that thing on ain't free anymore. Get that thing on [music] your mind. And as we pray, I [music] your mind. And as we pray, I [music] your mind. And as we pray, I want you to let that go and give it to want you to let that go and give it to want you to let that go and give it to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So right now, Lord, in the name of So right now, Lord, in the name of So right now, Lord, in the name of Jesus, we surrender everything that we Jesus, we surrender everything that we Jesus, we surrender everything that we have control of in this moment. And we have control of in this moment. And we have control of in this moment. And we thank you that however we walked in this thank you that however we walked in this thank you that however we walked in this morning, we can leave changed, morning, we can leave changed, morning, we can leave changed, transformed, different, better than how transformed, different, better than how transformed, different, better than how [music] we walked in. Lord, thank you [music] we walked in. Lord, thank you [music] we walked in. Lord, thank you that you're the Lord of Lords. You set that you're the Lord of Lords. You set that you're the Lord of Lords. You set us free, a freedom we [music] could us free, a freedom we [music] could us free, a freedom we [music] could never have obtained by ourselves. We never have obtained by ourselves. We never have obtained by ourselves. We thank you that the tomb is empty. We thank you that the tomb is empty. We thank you that the tomb is empty. We thank you that your son Jesus died on thank you that your son Jesus died on thank you that your son Jesus died on the cross for our salvation. And we the cross for our salvation. And we the cross for our salvation. And we thank you Jesus that you're with us thank you Jesus that you're with us thank you Jesus that you're with us [music] now today more than ever before. [music] now today more than ever before. [music] now today more than ever before. We thank you Lord for what you're going We thank you Lord for what you're going We thank you Lord for what you're going to do in through and with us this to do in through and with us this to do in through and with us this morning. In Jesus mighty name we [music] morning. In Jesus mighty name we [music] morning. In Jesus mighty name we [music] pray. Everybody said amen. Amen. You can pray. Everybody said amen. Amen. You can pray. Everybody said amen. Amen. You can come forward. come forward. come forward. [music] >> without an offering [music] of worship.

>> without an offering [music] of worship. An offering of worship. We [music] pour out our love on you. We [music] pour out our love on you. [music] We pour out our love. We pour out our love. Oh, we pour [music] out our love on. >> Sir [music] notice >> Sir [music] notice you no longer [singing] have authority.

you no longer [singing] have authority. you no longer [singing] have authority. Every [music] cop will be released in Every [music] cop will be released in Every [music] cop will be released in Jesus name. Jesus name. Jesus name. Take your hands off the families Take your hands off the families Take your hands off the families and no longer [singing] has a [music] and no longer [singing] has a [music] and no longer [singing] has a [music] hold on me. So we stand in our authority hold on me. So we stand in our authority hold on me. So we stand in our authority [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] in Jesus name. [music] in Jesus name. [music] in Jesus name. Come on. We stand in our authority this Come on. We stand in our authority this Come on. We stand in our authority this morning. You have all authority [music] morning. You have all authority [music] morning. You have all authority [music] in him. We're going to declare this over in him. We're going to declare this over in him. We're going to declare this over your life, over your home today. Say your life, over your home today. Say your life, over your home today. Say you're no longer you're no longer you're no longer no longer in control of me. no longer in control of me. no longer in control of me. >> Jesus [music] blood now covers me. Say >> Jesus [music] blood now covers me. Say >> Jesus [music] blood now covers me. Say on me in Jesus name. [music] on me in Jesus name. [music] on me in Jesus name. [music] [singing] Breakthrough is here and I'll say Breakthrough is here and I'll say >> so we're gone [music and singing] and >> so we're gone [music and singing] and >> so we're gone [music and singing] and our ground all [singing] to save. [music] all [singing] to save. [music] Yes, he is Yes, he is Yes, he is called [singing] the [music] name.

called [singing] the [music] name. called [singing] the [music] name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, [music] the one who reign. Come on, let's sing that again. You no Come on, let's sing that again. You no longer longer longer no longer [music] have control of me. no longer [music] have control of me. no longer [music] have control of me. Jesus blood now [singing] covers me Jesus blood now [singing] covers me Jesus blood now [singing] covers me [music] of the enmy. [music] [music] here and now. here and now. here and now. >> So [singing] we're going to stand our >> So [singing] we're going to stand our >> So [singing] we're going to stand our ground. ground. ground. [music] So we going to stand our ground. Just So we going to stand our ground. Just [music] stand your ground all the way. [music] stand your ground all the way. [music] stand your ground all the way. Jesus Jesus Jesus is strong [music] to save.

is strong [music] to save. is strong [music] to save. Yes, he is. Yes, he is. [music] All the Yes, he is. Yes, he is. [music] All the Yes, he is. Yes, he is. [music] All the name [singing] name [singing] name [singing] Jesus Jesus Jesus the one he reign. the one he reign. the one he reign. We call your name We call your name We call your name [music and singing] [music] name [music] name Jesus [music and singing] [music and singing] Jesus. [music] [music] Yes, he is. We call our name. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] the one who the one who the one who is all who we are. We [music] Jesus Jesus [singing and music] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. [music] >> Listen, I don't know about you, but the >> Listen, I don't know about you, but the enemy has been messing [music] with me enemy has been messing [music] with me enemy has been messing [music] with me all week, and I refuse to give him any all week, and I refuse to give him any all week, and I refuse to give him any ground in my life. I refuse. [music] ground in my life. I refuse. [music] ground in my life. I refuse. [music] I understand that praise is my weapon. I understand that praise is my weapon. I understand that praise is my weapon. Praise is my warfare. So, we're going to Praise is my warfare. So, we're going to Praise is my warfare. So, we're going to do some warfare [music] this morning. Do do some warfare [music] this morning. Do do some warfare [music] this morning. Do you got your weapon? Let me see you lift you got your weapon? Let me see you lift you got your weapon? Let me see you lift your hands. Put your hands up. Put your your hands. Put your hands up. Put your your hands. Put your hands up. Put your [music] hands up. Clap your head. >> Come on. We're going to sing [music] >> Come on. We're going to sing [music] this together. Say, "We will." this together. Say, "We will." this together. Say, "We will." >> We will rise up. >> We will rise up. >> We will rise up. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Stand firm. Take your place. Jesus is >> Stand firm. Take your place. Jesus is >> Stand firm. Take your place. Jesus is our [music] king and the kingdom will our [music] king and the kingdom will our [music] king and the kingdom will come. come. come. >> Come on, sing it with authority. >> Come on, sing it with authority. >> Come on, sing it with authority. >> We will rise up.

>> We will rise up. >> We will rise up. >> You say, "Stand [music] >> You say, "Stand [music] >> You say, "Stand [music] firm to your praise. firm to your praise. firm to your praise. Jesus is our king." [music] Jesus is our king." [music] Jesus is our king." [music] >> Tell the devil back up. We will rise up. >> Tell the devil back up. We will rise up. >> Tell the devil back up. We will rise up. [music] [music] [music] >> Rise up. >> Rise up. >> Rise up. Take your place. Jesus [music] is our Take your place. Jesus [music] is our Take your place. Jesus [music] is our king and the king. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] heat, heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> will be our king. Let the kingdom of God rise be our king. Let the kingdom of God rise [singing] up.

[singing] up. [singing] up. [music] [music] [music] Let the kingdom of God [singing] rise. Let the kingdom of God [singing] rise. Let the kingdom of God [singing] rise. May we gather [music] in our place, sons May we gather [music] in our place, sons May we gather [music] in our place, sons and daughters of the most high God. No more back [music] in time. Put the No more back [music] in time. Put the enemy [singing] at his place. Put the enemy [singing] at his place. Put the enemy [singing] at his place. Put the [music] enemy in his place. He's under [music] enemy in his place. He's under [music] enemy in his place. He's under your face. your face. your face. He's under your face. The Christmas [music] The Christmas [music] from the dead is coming back again. from the dead is coming back again. from the dead is coming back again. [music] I love day and will not I love day and will not go. go. go. I know [music] you are alive, but I know [music] you are alive, but I know [music] you are alive, but there's the one who wears the crown.

there's the one who wears the crown. there's the one who wears the crown. Come on. Come on. Come on. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Hey, Hey, [music] heat. heat. [music] Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] The first one from the [music] dead, you The first one from the [music] dead, you said, is coming.

said, is coming. said, is coming. >> Lighting it. >> Lighting it. >> Lighting it. >> Do you believe it? >> Do you believe it? >> Do you believe it? >> I will see it. >> I will see it. >> I will see it. >> Do you believe it? >> Do you believe it? >> Do you believe it? >> Those are >> Those are >> Those are [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> But there's one. There's one. >> But there's one. There's one. >> But there's one. There's one. >> Every single >> Every single >> Every single [music] [music] [music] boy. boy. boy. >> He is coming [singing] >> He is coming [singing] >> He is coming [singing] back again. back again. back again. [music] [music] [music] >> He will get ready. >> He will get ready. >> He will get ready. Jesus is coming. [music] Jesus is coming. [music] Jesus is coming. [music] Oh, get ready. Oh, get ready. Oh, get ready. Jesus is coming. [music] Get ready. Get ready. Yeah. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Will you be ready? >> Will you be ready? Will you be ready when he comes? >> Come on, ask yourself, [music] >> Come on, ask yourself, [music] will I be ready will I be ready will I be ready when the king comes?

when the king comes? when the king comes? You will [music] be ready when it comes. You will [music] be ready when it comes. You will [music] be ready when it comes. One day every knee will bow. Every talk One day every knee will bow. Every talk One day every knee will bow. Every talk [music] can place. [music] can place. [music] can place. So we do it now. We do it now before So we do it now. We do it now before So we do it now. We do it now before we're made to bell. [music] We do it now. We do [music] it now. We We do it now. We do [music] it now. We say come Lord Jesus come. We say come say come Lord Jesus come. We say come say come Lord Jesus come. We say come Lord Jesus come. We say, "Come [music] on, Jesus, come." We say, "Come [music] on, Jesus, come." We want to see him face to face. We want to see him face to face. We want to see him face to face. [music] [music] [music] Come on, cry out. Come, Lord Jesus, Come on, cry out. Come, Lord Jesus, Come on, cry out. Come, Lord Jesus, come. >> Say, [music] "Come, Lord. >> Say, [music] "Come, Lord. >> Come, Lord Jesus." >> Come, Lord Jesus." >> Come, Lord Jesus." >> Come, Lord Jesus, [music] come. >> Come, Lord Jesus, [music] come. >> Come, Lord Jesus, [music] come. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Hey, come Come, Lord Jesus, come. Hey, come Come, Lord Jesus, come. Hey, come [music] Lord Jesus come.

[music] Lord Jesus come. [music] Lord Jesus come. >> Eyes will see and >> Eyes will see and >> Eyes will see and >> Lord Jesus come. >> Lord Jesus come. >> Lord Jesus come. >> Come Lord [music and singing] Jesus >> Come Lord [music and singing] Jesus >> Come Lord [music and singing] Jesus come. come. come. >> Eyes will see and Jesus come. >> Eyes will see and Jesus come. >> Eyes will see and Jesus come. >> We do it now while we can. Eyes will see >> We do it now while we can. Eyes will see >> We do it now while we can. Eyes will see and knees [music] with power. and knees [music] with power. and knees [music] with power. >> We call the lost sons and daughters >> We call the lost sons and daughters >> We call the lost sons and daughters home. eyes will say we [music] intercede on behalf of our we [music] intercede on behalf of our famil family's God. The ones who are famil family's God. The ones who are famil family's God. The ones who are lost and wandering, we call [music] them lost and wandering, we call [music] them lost and wandering, we call [music] them home. [singing] home. [singing] home. [singing] We call them home. Come home. We call We call them home. Come home. We call We call them home. Come home. We call them [music] home. >> Come on. Begin to intercede. [music] >> Come on. Begin to intercede. [music] Begin to intercede for your families and Begin to intercede for your families and Begin to intercede for your families and your friends that are lost. The king is your friends that are lost. The king is your friends that are lost. The king is coming. Time is short. You got to be coming. Time is short. You got to be coming. Time is short. You got to be ready. [music] ready. [music] ready. [music] We call on heaven. We come to heaven We call on heaven. We come to heaven We call on heaven. We come to heaven with our praise. with our praise. with our praise. >> Come on, begin to cry [music] out. Begin >> Come on, begin to cry [music] out. Begin >> Come on, begin to cry [music] out. Begin to cry out.

>> We send a praise. [music] >> We send a praise. [music] We send it all to you, Lord. We say it We send it all to you, Lord. We say it We send it all to you, Lord. We say it all to you, Lord. all to you, Lord. all to you, Lord. [music] Behold Behold the king. [music] >> We [music] behold him. Behold >> We [music] behold him. Behold the [music] king. >> Lift your voice and say, "Behold [music] >> Lift your voice and say, "Behold [music] the king.

the king. the king. Behold [music] [music] >> He's coming soon. He's coming soon. >> He's coming soon. He's coming soon. >> He's coming soon. He's coming soon. Behold. >> Come on, sing it out. [music] >> Come on, sing it out. [music] The King is coming. >> Hands lifted all over this room. Behold, >> Hands lifted all over this room. Behold, behold, behold >> the King >> the King >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The king is coming.

>> The king is coming. >> The king is coming. Come on. Behold Come on. Behold Come on. Behold [music and singing] the king the king is [music] [music] >> Come on, sing it until you're reminded >> Come on, sing it until you're reminded >> Come on, sing it until you're reminded of his faithfulness. Behold, of his faithfulness. Behold, of his faithfulness. Behold, [music] [music] [music] the king. Behold, the king is coming. Behold, the king is coming. >> [music] >> Come on, sing it for >> Come on, sing it for [music] [music] [music] the king.

Behold, the king is coming. Behold, the king is coming. >> [music] [applause] [applause] >> Behold. >> Behold. >> Behold. That word behold means to fix your gaze That word behold means to fix your gaze That word behold means to fix your gaze on him. on him. on him. To fix your eyes on him. Take your eyes To fix your eyes on him. Take your eyes To fix your eyes on him. Take your eyes off of the problem. Take your eyes off off of the problem. Take your eyes off off of the problem. Take your eyes off of the giant. Take your eyes off of the of the giant. Take your eyes off of the of the giant. Take your eyes off of the mountain. Take your eyes off of the mountain. Take your eyes off of the mountain. Take your eyes off of the wall. And behold, the king is coming. wall. And behold, the king is coming. wall. And behold, the king is coming. The good news of the gospel of Jesus The good news of the gospel of Jesus The good news of the gospel of Jesus [music] Christ is that he didn't leave [music] Christ is that he didn't leave [music] Christ is that he didn't leave you where he found you. you where he found you. you where he found you. So, one more time, lift your hands, fix your gaze on him, fix your gaze on him, and just sing it. Behold, the king the king is is is coming. coming. coming. Behold, behold, behold, [music] Behold, behold, behold, [music] Behold, behold, behold, [music] behold. [singing] [music] [music] Behold, behold, behold. [singing] [music] [music] the

>> Now with the hands you have lifted, put >> Now with the hands you have lifted, put those hands together. those hands together. those hands together. [applause] [applause] [applause] [music] [music] [music] Take this moment to lift up a shout of Take this moment to lift up a shout of Take this moment to lift up a shout of praise to the King of Kings. praise to the King of Kings. praise to the King of Kings. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [music] [music] [music] Come on, lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it Come on, lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it Come on, lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it up. up. up. Lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it up. Lift it up. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Lift it up. >> Lift it up. >> Lift it up. Praise him like he is the alpha [music] Praise him like he is the alpha [music] Praise him like he is the alpha [music] and the omega like he's a real good God. [music] like he's a real good God. [music] Like he's a real good God. Like he's a real good God. Like he's a real good God. Like he's a real good God. [music] Like he's a real good God. [music] Like he's a real good God. [music] Like he's a real good God. Like he's a real good God. Like he's a real good God. [music] >> Grab your word >> Grab your word and [music] stand with me. Turn with me to Acts chapter 8. Turn with me to Acts chapter 8. [music] [music] [music] We serve a faithful God, don't we?

We serve a faithful God, don't we? We serve a faithful God, don't we? >> I said we serve a faithful God, don't >> I said we serve a faithful God, don't >> I said we serve a faithful God, don't we? >> God is faithful. >> God is faithful. He is a faithful God. He is a faithful God. He is a faithful God. And he's a good God, isn't he? And he's a good God, isn't he? And he's a good God, isn't he? >> I said he's a good God. He's a real good >> I said he's a good God. He's a real good >> I said he's a good God. He's a real good God. God. God. >> The fact that you are still here is an >> The fact that you are still here is an >> The fact that you are still here is an indication of his goodness. indication of his goodness. indication of his goodness. How many you glad to be in the house of How many you glad to be in the house of How many you glad to be in the house of the Lord? [cheering] [music] [music] >> How many got your word with you today? >> How many got your word with you today? >> How many got your word with you today? >> Got your pen? Got your pad? How many you >> Got your pen? Got your pad? How many you >> Got your pen? Got your pad? How many you got your phone with you today? That was got your phone with you today? That was got your phone with you today? That was That's where most of you live right That's where most of you live right That's where most of you live right there. there. there. We're glad you're here. We're glad you're here. We're glad you're here. Who's here for the very first time? Wave Who's here for the very first time? Wave Who's here for the very first time? Wave at me. Wave. [music] Hey y'all. How at me. Wave. [music] Hey y'all. How at me. Wave. [music] Hey y'all. How y'all doing? Y'all [cheering] doing y'all doing? Y'all [cheering] doing y'all doing? Y'all [cheering] doing good?

good? good? Good to see you. Good to see y'all. Good to see you. Good to see y'all. Good to see you. Good to see y'all. >> Anyone drive more than 5 hours to be >> Anyone drive more than 5 hours to be >> Anyone drive more than 5 hours to be here today? here today? here today? >> Where y'all drive from? [cheering] >> Miami. >> Miami. >> Y'all drove from Miami. [cheering] >> Y'all drove from Miami. [cheering] >> Y'all drove from Miami. [cheering] >> Thank y'all for being here. >> Thank y'all for being here. >> Thank y'all for being here. Thank y'all for being here. Pastor Thank y'all for being here. Pastor Thank y'all for being here. Pastor Steven Mincio, wave your hand. Y'all see Steven Mincio, wave your hand. Y'all see Steven Mincio, wave your hand. Y'all see him immediately after service. Okay. him immediately after service. Okay. him immediately after service. Okay. >> Thank y'all for being here. It's an >> Thank y'all for being here. It's an >> Thank y'all for being here. It's an honor and a privilege to serve Jesus honor and a privilege to serve Jesus honor and a privilege to serve Jesus with you. with you. with you. Y'all ready to get to work? Y'all ready to get to work? Y'all ready to get to work? >> Y'all ready to get to work? >> Y'all ready to get to work? >> Y'all ready to get to work? >> Let's get to work then. Acts chapter 8, >> Let's get to work then. Acts chapter 8, >> Let's get to work then. Acts chapter 8, beginning at verse 26. I'm going to be beginning at verse 26. I'm going to be beginning at verse 26. I'm going to be reading from the ESV translation. reading from the ESV translation. reading from the ESV translation. And the word of God says, And the word of God says, And the word of God says, "Now an angel of the Lord said to "Now an angel of the Lord said to "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philillip, Philillip, Philillip, rise rise rise and go towards the south, to the road and go towards the south, to the road and go towards the south, to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.

that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place." This is a desert place." This is a desert place." And he rose and went. And he rose and went. And he rose and went. There was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court There was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court There was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court official of Candice, Queen of the official of Candice, Queen of the official of Candice, Queen of the Ethiopians, [music] who was in charge of Ethiopians, [music] who was in charge of Ethiopians, [music] who was in charge of all her treasure. all her treasure. all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and He had come to Jerusalem to worship and He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning seated in his chariot. was returning seated in his chariot. was returning seated in his chariot. And he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the spirit said to Philillip, "Go And the spirit said to Philillip, "Go And the spirit said to Philillip, "Go over and join this chariot." over and join this chariot." over and join this chariot." And I want to utilize these verses for And I want to utilize these verses for And I want to utilize these verses for our subject matter today entitled Desert our subject matter today entitled Desert our subject matter today entitled Desert Directions. [music] Let's pray. Demonly Father, we thank you Let's pray. Demonly Father, we thank you for your word. for your word. for your word. We ask that you would speak to us today. We ask that you would speak to us today. We ask that you would speak to us today. We thank you for your presence.

We thank you for your presence. We thank you for your presence. We thank you for your power. We thank you for your power. We thank you for your power. But most importantly, we just thank you But most importantly, we just thank you But most importantly, we just thank you for being you. for being you. for being you. Thank you for being God in our lives. Thank you for being God in our lives. Thank you for being God in our lives. Thank you for covering us and keeping us Thank you for covering us and keeping us Thank you for covering us and keeping us and lifting us and protecting us. Where and lifting us and protecting us. Where and lifting us and protecting us. Where would we be without you? And so right would we be without you? And so right would we be without you? And so right now in Jesus name, we [music] give you now in Jesus name, we [music] give you now in Jesus name, we [music] give you all of the glory. We give you all of the all of the glory. We give you all of the all of the glory. We give you all of the honor and we give you all of the praise. honor and we give you all of the praise. honor and we give you all of the praise. It is in your name we pray. The name It is in your name we pray. The name It is in your name we pray. The name that is above every other name. in the that is above every other name. in the that is above every other name. in the name of Jesus the Christ our King. And name of Jesus the Christ our King. And name of Jesus the Christ our King. And if you're glad he's still alive and well if you're glad he's still alive and well if you're glad he's still alive and well seated on the throne. Come on, for the seated on the throne. Come on, for the seated on the throne. Come on, for the next 30 seconds, can you thank him? next 30 seconds, can you thank him? next 30 seconds, can you thank him? Come on, let this room roar with praise Come on, let this room roar with praise Come on, let this room roar with praise and gratitude and thanksgiving. and gratitude and thanksgiving. and gratitude and thanksgiving. Lift up a shout of praise in this place. Lift up a shout of praise in this place. Lift up a shout of praise in this place. [music] Amen.

Amen. You can take your seat. You can take your seat. You can take your seat. Desert directions. Now an angel of the Lord said to Now an angel of the Lord said to Philillip, Philillip, Philillip, "Rise "Rise "Rise and go towards the south to the road and go towards the south to the road and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place." and he rose and This is a desert place." and he rose and This is a desert place." and he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a went. And there was an Ethiopian, a went. And there was an Ethiopian, a unic, a court official of Candace, Queen unic, a court official of Candace, Queen unic, a court official of Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all of her treasure. all of her treasure. all of her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and He had come to Jerusalem to worship and He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning seated in his chariot. was returning seated in his chariot. was returning seated in his chariot. He was reading the prophet Isaiah. And He was reading the prophet Isaiah. And He was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the spirit said to Philillip, "Go over the spirit said to Philillip, "Go over the spirit said to Philillip, "Go over and join this chariot." and join this chariot." and join this chariot." As I read this text in my studying, As I read this text in my studying, As I read this text in my studying, I was reminded that oftent times God I was reminded that oftent times God I was reminded that oftent times God does his deepest work when we obey does his deepest work when we obey does his deepest work when we obey directions directions directions that don't look like destinations.

that don't look like destinations. that don't look like destinations. [snorts] God does some of his deepest work when God does some of his deepest work when we obey we obey we obey what he's asked us to be obedient in. what he's asked us to be obedient in. what he's asked us to be obedient in. Even when it doesn't look like destiny, Even when it doesn't look like destiny, Even when it doesn't look like destiny, God does his greatest work in our lives God does his greatest work in our lives God does his greatest work in our lives outside of the plans outside of the plans outside of the plans and the schedules and the schedules and the schedules and the mood boards and the dream walls and the mood boards and the dream walls and the mood boards and the dream walls that we have planned. that we have planned. that we have planned. And he infuses what I would define as a And he infuses what I would define as a And he infuses what I would define as a divine disruption in our lives. divine disruption in our lives. divine disruption in our lives. In Proverbs it says that you may make In Proverbs it says that you may make In Proverbs it says that you may make your plans your plans your plans but in the end God will prevail. >> Philillip he is in the middle of Samaria >> Philillip he is in the middle of Samaria experiencing revival and he's seeing experiencing revival and he's seeing experiencing revival and he's seeing people turn to Jesus. He's seeing people people turn to Jesus. He's seeing people people turn to Jesus. He's seeing people paralyzed receive healing and wholeness.

paralyzed receive healing and wholeness. paralyzed receive healing and wholeness. He's seeing the lost be found. He's He's seeing the lost be found. He's He's seeing the lost be found. He's seeing allout mayhem in the best way seeing allout mayhem in the best way seeing allout mayhem in the best way possible happening in the body of possible happening in the body of possible happening in the body of Christ. And God plucks him out of this Christ. And God plucks him out of this Christ. And God plucks him out of this moment and sends him into the desert. As we'll continue to read, As we'll continue to read, God gives him a command without God gives him a command without God gives him a command without instructions. God gives him a command without a God gives him a command without a blueprint. blueprint. blueprint. God disrupts him in a moment that many God disrupts him in a moment that many God disrupts him in a moment that many would define as a God-given moment. And would define as a God-given moment. And would define as a God-given moment. And God tells him to leave where you are to God tells him to leave where you are to God tells him to leave where you are to a place that I will tell you. a place that I will tell you. a place that I will tell you. And so often we get so comfortable And so often we get so comfortable And so often we get so comfortable in the movements of God in the movements of God in the movements of God that we no longer hear the voice of God. that we no longer hear the voice of God. that we no longer hear the voice of God. And Philip has been preaching in this And Philip has been preaching in this And Philip has been preaching in this text in Samaria.

text in Samaria. text in Samaria. Crowds are listening. Crowds are listening. Crowds are listening. Miracles are happening. Unclean spirits Miracles are happening. Unclean spirits Miracles are happening. Unclean spirits are leaving. And Luke literally says are leaving. And Luke literally says are leaving. And Luke literally says there was much rejoicing in that city. there was much rejoicing in that city. there was much rejoicing in that city. Philillip is in the middle of what we Philillip is in the middle of what we Philillip is in the middle of what we would define as an allout revival. Then would define as an allout revival. Then would define as an allout revival. Then God tells him to leave. Not for another God tells him to leave. Not for another God tells him to leave. Not for another city, not for a bigger crowd, not for a city, not for a bigger crowd, not for a city, not for a bigger crowd, not for a better platform, uh uh not for more better platform, uh uh not for more better platform, uh uh not for more money, not for popularity, not for money, not for popularity, not for money, not for popularity, not for influence, God tells him to leave for a influence, God tells him to leave for a influence, God tells him to leave for a desert road. desert road. desert road. Here's my question for us. If God was to Here's my question for us. If God was to Here's my question for us. If God was to tell us to leave the comforts of tell us to leave the comforts of tell us to leave the comforts of blessing for the desert, would we? blessing for the desert, would we? blessing for the desert, would we? Easy for us to answer yes. Now we're Easy for us to answer yes. Now we're Easy for us to answer yes. Now we're sitting in an air conditioned room. sitting in an air conditioned room. sitting in an air conditioned room. haze still in the air from the smoke haze still in the air from the smoke haze still in the air from the smoke machine, sitting beside people that we know and sitting beside people that we know and for some of us people that we love. But for some of us people that we love. But for some of us people that we love. But what if God told you, "I'm sending you what if God told you, "I'm sending you what if God told you, "I'm sending you to a place you do do not know, to a road to a place you do do not know, to a road to a place you do do not know, to a road you are unfamiliar with, and there won't you are unfamiliar with, and there won't you are unfamiliar with, and there won't be anyone there when you arrive.

I'm stripping you away from the comforts I'm stripping you away from the comforts of convenience. of convenience. of convenience. And I want you to go to a place, And I want you to go to a place, And I want you to go to a place, a desert place. a desert place. a desert place. And this word translated desert can And this word translated desert can And this word translated desert can carry the idea of a wilderness carry the idea of a wilderness carry the idea of a wilderness or a desolate place. or a desolate place. or a desolate place. Luke phrases this Luke phrases this Luke phrases this in both a parenthetical and geographic in both a parenthetical and geographic in both a parenthetical and geographic observation. observation. observation. There is even a translation question There is even a translation question There is even a translation question around the Greek phrase in verse 26 that around the Greek phrase in verse 26 that around the Greek phrase in verse 26 that allows us to get a glimpse into Luke's allows us to get a glimpse into Luke's allows us to get a glimpse into Luke's demeanor as he's writing this because he demeanor as he's writing this because he demeanor as he's writing this because he gives us the description this desert gives us the description this desert gives us the description this desert road was heading towards the south. road was heading towards the south. road was heading towards the south. Luke wants us to feel the strangeness of Luke wants us to feel the strangeness of Luke wants us to feel the strangeness of this assignment. God plucking Philillip this assignment. God plucking Philillip this assignment. God plucking Philillip out of what would be defined as a out of what would be defined as a out of what would be defined as a movement by the Holy Spirit and movement by the Holy Spirit and movement by the Holy Spirit and positions him on the road with no one to positions him on the road with no one to positions him on the road with no one to be seen in the middle of the desert.

be seen in the middle of the desert. be seen in the middle of the desert. As we look at this text, Philillip is As we look at this text, Philillip is As we look at this text, Philillip is being moved from visible fruit to being moved from visible fruit to being moved from visible fruit to apparently an empty road. apparently an empty road. apparently an empty road. And scripture says he obeys And scripture says he obeys And scripture says he obeys and he meets an Ethiopian. and he meets an Ethiopian. and he meets an Ethiopian. In this passage, most likely this In this passage, most likely this In this passage, most likely this Ethiopian is from the ancient kingdom of Ethiopian is from the ancient kingdom of Ethiopian is from the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Nubia. Nubia. This this kingdom is modern Sudan which This this kingdom is modern Sudan which This this kingdom is modern Sudan which borders Ethiopia. borders Ethiopia. borders Ethiopia. And Luke gives us language when he says And Luke gives us language when he says And Luke gives us language when he says he is the treasurer of the queen of he is the treasurer of the queen of he is the treasurer of the queen of Candace. Now Candice is not her name. Candace. Now Candice is not her name. Candace. Now Candice is not her name. Candice is her royal title. And they Candice is her royal title. And they Candice is her royal title. And they would utilize this name for uh women would utilize this name for uh women would utilize this name for uh women that were queen of queens in the area of that were queen of queens in the area of that were queen of queens in the area of Kushite, queen of queens or queen of Kushite, queen of queens or queen of Kushite, queen of queens or queen of mothers. And rather just calling her by mothers. And rather just calling her by mothers. And rather just calling her by her name, the word of God calls her by her name, the word of God calls her by her name, the word of God calls her by her title, which gives us the evidence her title, which gives us the evidence her title, which gives us the evidence to understand that this Ethiopian unic to understand that this Ethiopian unic to understand that this Ethiopian unic was pretty important. if he was in a was pretty important. if he was in a was pretty important. if he was in a chariot, if he was over the treasury, if chariot, if he was over the treasury, if chariot, if he was over the treasury, if he was on the road by himself and he was he was on the road by himself and he was he was on the road by himself and he was reading from the book of Isaiah, which reading from the book of Isaiah, which reading from the book of Isaiah, which means he had an education.

>> The Bible gives us even further >> The Bible gives us even further description in calling him a unic. Now, description in calling him a unic. Now, description in calling him a unic. Now, a unic is a male that has been a unic is a male that has been a unic is a male that has been castrated. The reason he has been castrated. The reason he has been castrated. The reason he has been castrated is because kings in authority castrated is because kings in authority castrated is because kings in authority did not want there to be any did not want there to be any did not want there to be any entanglement with any of the women in entanglement with any of the women in entanglement with any of the women in the royal palace. If you don't know what the royal palace. If you don't know what the royal palace. If you don't know what an entanglement is, just Google it. It would be too much power to have It would be too much power to have control over the treasury to be educated control over the treasury to be educated control over the treasury to be educated and have access to the women in the and have access to the women in the and have access to the women in the palace. Can I get a good amen? Amen. palace. Can I get a good amen? Amen. palace. Can I get a good amen? Amen. >> So in order to negate those things from >> So in order to negate those things from >> So in order to negate those things from happening, they would castrate the men happening, they would castrate the men happening, they would castrate the men who were educated and had authority and who were educated and had authority and who were educated and had authority and authorization to the resources of the authorization to the resources of the authorization to the resources of the treasury. He was wealthy. He was treasury. He was wealthy. He was treasury. He was wealthy. He was educated. He was powerful. So he was not educated. He was powerful. So he was not educated. He was powerful. So he was not just any ordinary man. He was trusted just any ordinary man. He was trusted just any ordinary man. He was trusted with the royal treasury. And the fact with the royal treasury. And the fact with the royal treasury. And the fact that he's possessing Isaiah suggests that he's possessing Isaiah suggests that he's possessing Isaiah suggests that he had a significant education to that he had a significant education to that he had a significant education to be able to afford an entire book.

be able to afford an entire book. be able to afford an entire book. Deuteronomy chapter 23:1, it placed Deuteronomy chapter 23:1, it placed Deuteronomy chapter 23:1, it placed restrictions on a Unix's participation restrictions on a Unix's participation restrictions on a Unix's participation and education in Israel's assembly. and education in Israel's assembly. and education in Israel's assembly. While Isaiah 56 later holds a prophetic While Isaiah 56 later holds a prophetic While Isaiah 56 later holds a prophetic promise of belonging and enduring to promise of belonging and enduring to promise of belonging and enduring to those that were faithful Unix which those that were faithful Unix which those that were faithful Unix which gives us a bird's eyee view into why gives us a bird's eyee view into why gives us a bird's eyee view into why this unic is possessing the book of this unic is possessing the book of this unic is possessing the book of Isaiah in the first place because the Isaiah in the first place because the Isaiah in the first place because the book of Isaiah it gave Unix's freedom. book of Isaiah it gave Unix's freedom. book of Isaiah it gave Unix's freedom. It gave them language. It helped them to It gave them language. It helped them to It gave them language. It helped them to understand their life and the promise understand their life and the promise understand their life and the promise and the prophetic declaration that God and the prophetic declaration that God and the prophetic declaration that God has made over them. Therefore, he's has made over them. Therefore, he's has made over them. Therefore, he's reading an instruction manual as to what reading an instruction manual as to what reading an instruction manual as to what he is supposed to do and who he is he is supposed to do and who he is he is supposed to do and who he is supposed to become and how his life is supposed to become and how his life is supposed to become and how his life is supposed to be walked out. supposed to be walked out. supposed to be walked out. And as he's reading this, he has And as he's reading this, he has And as he's reading this, he has questions. questions. questions. He has money, but he has questions. He has money, but he has questions. He has money, but he has questions. He has position, but he has questions. He has position, but he has questions. He has position, but he has questions. He has access to royalty, but he has He has access to royalty, but he has He has access to royalty, but he has questions. which allows us to know just questions. which allows us to know just questions. which allows us to know just because you have the word in your hand because you have the word in your hand because you have the word in your hand does not mean you know who Jesus is.

>> He has a scroll in his hand but he still >> He has a scroll in his hand but he still needs someone to show him Jesus. needs someone to show him Jesus. needs someone to show him Jesus. And God pulls Philillip out from the And God pulls Philillip out from the And God pulls Philillip out from the crowd because one confused man on a road crowd because one confused man on a road crowd because one confused man on a road in the middle of a desert re reminds us in the middle of a desert re reminds us in the middle of a desert re reminds us that God finds the one that is in search that God finds the one that is in search that God finds the one that is in search for him. [cheering] for him. [cheering] for him. [cheering] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> God will leave the 99 to pursue the one >> God will leave the 99 to pursue the one >> God will leave the 99 to pursue the one that's hungry and thirsty and desperate that's hungry and thirsty and desperate that's hungry and thirsty and desperate for him. Didn't God find you? for him. Didn't God find you? for him. Didn't God find you? >> Didn't he seek you out? Didn't he search >> Didn't he seek you out? Didn't he search >> Didn't he seek you out? Didn't he search for you when you were lost and did not for you when you were lost and did not for you when you were lost and did not want to be found? Didn't he pull you and want to be found? Didn't he pull you and want to be found? Didn't he pull you and pluck you out of obscurity and place you pluck you out of obscurity and place you pluck you out of obscurity and place you on the path of righteousness even though on the path of righteousness even though on the path of righteousness even though that path was a path in the middle of a that path was a path in the middle of a that path was a path in the middle of a desert? And you think that everybody has And you think that everybody has abandoned and forsaken you. No. Maybe abandoned and forsaken you. No. Maybe abandoned and forsaken you. No. Maybe it's the fact that God has plucked you it's the fact that God has plucked you it's the fact that God has plucked you out of the the the place where you were out of the the the place where you were out of the the the place where you were comfortable around people and place you comfortable around people and place you comfortable around people and place you on the path of righteousness in the on the path of righteousness in the on the path of righteousness in the middle of a desert so that you could not middle of a desert so that you could not middle of a desert so that you could not depend on any other voice except for depend on any other voice except for depend on any other voice except for his.

his. his. [applause] You're not alone. You're not alone. You just refuse to acknowledge his You just refuse to acknowledge his You just refuse to acknowledge his presence. Come on. presence. Come on. presence. Come on. >> The reason you refuse to acknowledge his >> The reason you refuse to acknowledge his >> The reason you refuse to acknowledge his presence is because his presence is not presence is because his presence is not presence is because his presence is not familiar to you because you've dependent familiar to you because you've dependent familiar to you because you've dependent on people for too long. >> And so God will remove everyone and >> And so God will remove everyone and everything that becomes a hindrance to everything that becomes a hindrance to everything that becomes a hindrance to him wanting to develop intimacy with you him wanting to develop intimacy with you him wanting to develop intimacy with you and place you on a path in the middle of and place you on a path in the middle of and place you on a path in the middle of a desert so that you can know that he is a desert so that you can know that he is a desert so that you can know that he is God. Was it not God that called Moses God. Was it not God that called Moses God. Was it not God that called Moses from the palace in Egypt and into the from the palace in Egypt and into the from the palace in Egypt and into the desert? desert? desert? >> Was it not God by the leading of the >> Was it not God by the leading of the >> Was it not God by the leading of the Holy Spirit that called Jesus out of the Holy Spirit that called Jesus out of the Holy Spirit that called Jesus out of the city into the wilderness in the middle city into the wilderness in the middle city into the wilderness in the middle of a desert? of a desert? of a desert? And so if God did those things for those And so if God did those things for those And so if God did those things for those great men, don't you know and believe he great men, don't you know and believe he great men, don't you know and believe he will absolutely pluck you out of your will absolutely pluck you out of your will absolutely pluck you out of your comfort and your convenience and set you comfort and your convenience and set you comfort and your convenience and set you on a path in the middle of nowhere so on a path in the middle of nowhere so on a path in the middle of nowhere so that you can know that he is God.

God will place you in the desert God will place you in the desert to give you direction. to give you direction. to give you direction. And some of you, you're looking for And some of you, you're looking for And some of you, you're looking for direction, but you're looking in the direction, but you're looking in the direction, but you're looking in the wrong place. wrong place. wrong place. The directions you need won't be found The directions you need won't be found The directions you need won't be found in the city. in the city. in the city. The directions you need won't be found The directions you need won't be found The directions you need won't be found in the mountaintops. in the mountaintops. in the mountaintops. The direction you need will be found in The direction you need will be found in The direction you need will be found in the desert. the desert. the desert. Because the desert leaves you Because the desert leaves you Because the desert leaves you and it leads you and it leads you and it leads you and it brings you to a place where you and it brings you to a place where you and it brings you to a place where you are longing are longing are longing for hydration. You are longing for shade. You are longing for shade. You're longing for companionship. And God is saying, when you find And God is saying, when you find yourself in that place in the desert, I yourself in that place in the desert, I yourself in that place in the desert, I am all of those things and so much more. am all of those things and so much more. am all of those things and so much more. [applause] And And >> so, Acts 8 26 says, "But an angel of the >> so, Acts 8 26 says, "But an angel of the >> so, Acts 8 26 says, "But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, get ready Lord spoke to Philip, saying, get ready Lord spoke to Philip, saying, get ready and go south to the road that descends and go south to the road that descends and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert road." Notice the interruption.

road." Notice the interruption. road." Notice the interruption. In previous weeks, we've learned about In previous weeks, we've learned about In previous weeks, we've learned about Simon and Simon's life abruptly ends in Simon and Simon's life abruptly ends in Simon and Simon's life abruptly ends in the text. Luke does not expound on how the text. Luke does not expound on how the text. Luke does not expound on how his story ends and then it just picks his story ends and then it just picks his story ends and then it just picks up. But but an angel of the Lord spoke up. But but an angel of the Lord spoke up. But but an angel of the Lord spoke to Philillip. to Philillip. to Philillip. >> Philip did not leave Samaria because >> Philip did not leave Samaria because >> Philip did not leave Samaria because revival had ended. He left because God revival had ended. He left because God revival had ended. He left because God spoke. spoke. spoke. >> This is difficult for us to wrap our >> This is difficult for us to wrap our >> This is difficult for us to wrap our minds around because we often assume minds around because we often assume minds around because we often assume success is permission for us to stay. success is permission for us to stay. success is permission for us to stay. I'm experiencing success in this area of I'm experiencing success in this area of I'm experiencing success in this area of my life. So, this must mean God desires my life. So, this must mean God desires my life. So, this must mean God desires for me to stay. No, it may mean that God for me to stay. No, it may mean that God for me to stay. No, it may mean that God is changing your season and wants to is changing your season and wants to is changing your season and wants to test your ability to steward what does test your ability to steward what does test your ability to steward what does not look like success. [applause] not look like success. [applause] not look like success. [applause] Because some of us have find idols in Because some of us have find idols in Because some of us have find idols in our success, forgetting that God is the our success, forgetting that God is the our success, forgetting that God is the one who blessed the work of our hands in one who blessed the work of our hands in one who blessed the work of our hands in the first place. the first place. the first place. >> Here, Philip is being called away from >> Here, Philip is being called away from >> Here, Philip is being called away from success to a desert road. And most of us success to a desert road. And most of us success to a desert road. And most of us would hear the voice of God and say, "I would hear the voice of God and say, "I would hear the voice of God and say, "I bind you in the name of Jesus." God bind you in the name of Jesus." God bind you in the name of Jesus." God surely would not call me out of the air surely would not call me out of the air surely would not call me out of the air condition and put me on a desert road.

condition and put me on a desert road. condition and put me on a desert road. Surely God would not call me out of my Surely God would not call me out of my Surely God would not call me out of my new job that I just got promoted in. new job that I just got promoted in. new job that I just got promoted in. Surely God is the one who opened this Surely God is the one who opened this Surely God is the one who opened this door for me. Maybe God didn't open the door for me. Maybe God didn't open the door for me. Maybe God didn't open the door that you were in right now. Maybe door that you were in right now. Maybe door that you were in right now. Maybe God told you not to go through that door God told you not to go through that door God told you not to go through that door and you did it anyway. And you found and you did it anyway. And you found and you did it anyway. And you found success there. And that success is success there. And that success is success there. And that success is distracting you from the thing God distracting you from the thing God distracting you from the thing God desires for you to be focused on. And so desires for you to be focused on. And so desires for you to be focused on. And so God will absolutely touch that success God will absolutely touch that success God will absolutely touch that success until that success is no longer success. until that success is no longer success. until that success is no longer success. That success becomes stress. >> And just because the door is bigger does >> And just because the door is bigger does not mean the door is God. not mean the door is God. not mean the door is God. >> Sometimes God will in fact point you to >> Sometimes God will in fact point you to >> Sometimes God will in fact point you to a smaller door a smaller door a smaller door >> but you keep your peace. >> but you keep your peace. >> but you keep your peace. >> Sometimes God points you to a smaller >> Sometimes God points you to a smaller >> Sometimes God points you to a smaller door but you keep your joy. Sometime God door but you keep your joy. Sometime God door but you keep your joy. Sometime God points you to a smaller door, but you points you to a smaller door, but you points you to a smaller door, but you don't get bitter and resentful and and don't get bitter and resentful and and don't get bitter and resentful and and become an angry and terrible person. become an angry and terrible person. become an angry and terrible person. Maybe the door you're walking through is Maybe the door you're walking through is Maybe the door you're walking through is not as big as the door you dreamed of not as big as the door you dreamed of not as big as the door you dreamed of and envisioned, but you keep your inter and envisioned, but you keep your inter and envisioned, but you keep your inter integrity and your godly character integrity and your godly character integrity and your godly character intact and you don't turn into the intact and you don't turn into the intact and you don't turn into the person the enemy wants you to turn into.

person the enemy wants you to turn into. person the enemy wants you to turn into. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes success becomes a prison that God has to success becomes a prison that God has to success becomes a prison that God has to break us out of. [applause and cheering] And if you're obedient, And if you're obedient, God will say, "Go." God will say, "Go." God will say, "Go." Philip could have easily said, "I'm Philip could have easily said, "I'm Philip could have easily said, "I'm going to stay because God is moving going to stay because God is moving going to stay because God is moving here. here. here. People need me here. People need me here. People need me here. The numbers of the church are growing. The numbers of the church are growing. The numbers of the church are growing. Things are great. Revival is breaking Things are great. Revival is breaking Things are great. Revival is breaking out. out. out. more people than we've ever seen come to more people than we've ever seen come to more people than we've ever seen come to know Jesus. I'm going to stay here a know Jesus. I'm going to stay here a know Jesus. I'm going to stay here a little while. And God sends the angel of little while. And God sends the angel of little while. And God sends the angel of the Lord and says, "Go." the Lord and says, "Go." the Lord and says, "Go." God sends him from a city full of people God sends him from a city full of people God sends him from a city full of people to a road with apparently nobody on it. When I read this, When I read this, God dropped this revelation in my God dropped this revelation in my God dropped this revelation in my spirit.

spirit. spirit. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes you have to trust the voice of God more you have to trust the voice of God more you have to trust the voice of God more than you trust the evidence of God. >> Philip had to trust the voice of God >> Philip had to trust the voice of God because he's seeing the evidence of God. because he's seeing the evidence of God. because he's seeing the evidence of God. Why would God tell me to leave what he Why would God tell me to leave what he Why would God tell me to leave what he is blessing? is blessing? is blessing? Because God wants you to know that the Because God wants you to know that the Because God wants you to know that the blessing is not predicated upon you blessing is not predicated upon you blessing is not predicated upon you being there. See, some of us like to being there. See, some of us like to being there. See, some of us like to believe this is happening because I'm believe this is happening because I'm believe this is happening because I'm here. here. here. Oh, God is using me in a great and Oh, God is using me in a great and Oh, God is using me in a great and mighty way. I can't leave. mighty way. I can't leave. mighty way. I can't leave. And God is going to say, "Take your And God is going to say, "Take your And God is going to say, "Take your hands off of it. hands off of it. hands off of it. >> Walk away from it." God, where do you >> Walk away from it." God, where do you >> Walk away from it." God, where do you want me to go? To a bigger place? No. To want me to go? To a bigger place? No. To want me to go? To a bigger place? No. To a smaller place? a smaller place? a smaller place? >> God, where do you want me to go to a >> God, where do you want me to go to a >> God, where do you want me to go to a mountain top? No. To a valley? mountain top? No. To a valley? mountain top? No. To a valley? >> God, what breakthrough? What promotion? >> God, what breakthrough? What promotion? >> God, what breakthrough? What promotion? What elevation am I walking into now? What elevation am I walking into now? What elevation am I walking into now? Maybe you're walking into a greater Maybe you're walking into a greater Maybe you're walking into a greater season of humility. season of humility. season of humility. >> God, if you lead me, I'll follow. Come >> God, if you lead me, I'll follow. Come >> God, if you lead me, I'll follow. Come with me to the desert.

Surely God will never tell me Surely God will never tell me to leave the place of comfort and to leave the place of comfort and to leave the place of comfort and convenience convenience convenience so that I could encounter him and be so that I could encounter him and be so that I could encounter him and be used by him for the life of someone used by him for the life of someone used by him for the life of someone else. This is This is going to step on your This is This is going to step on your toes, but it's going to be all right. I toes, but it's going to be all right. I toes, but it's going to be all right. I promise you. Number one, Number one, sometimes the hardest place to leave is sometimes the hardest place to leave is sometimes the hardest place to leave is the last place God used you. >> Oh, God is blessing me in this area. >> Oh, God is blessing me in this area. And God is saying, "Okay, I'm done." But And God is saying, "Okay, I'm done." But And God is saying, "Okay, I'm done." But no, God, I still see the fruit. I still no, God, I still see the fruit. I still no, God, I still see the fruit. I still feel good there. I I I still feel the feel good there. I I I still feel the feel good there. I I I still feel the hair on the back of my neck raised when hair on the back of my neck raised when hair on the back of my neck raised when I go there. I go there. I go there. Leave. Leave. Leave. Go to where I'm sending you. Surely that Go to where I'm sending you. Surely that Go to where I'm sending you. Surely that can't be God.

can't be God. can't be God. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes the hardest place to leave the hardest place to leave the hardest place to leave is the place God used you. And some of is the place God used you. And some of is the place God used you. And some of you are calling it faithfulness, but God you are calling it faithfulness, but God you are calling it faithfulness, but God is calling it fear of leaving what is calling it fear of leaving what is calling it fear of leaving what finally made you feel important. Some of you got your identity there and Some of you got your identity there and God is saying leave. God is saying leave. God is saying leave. Some of you like to be recognized for Some of you like to be recognized for Some of you like to be recognized for the season that you are in and God is the season that you are in and God is the season that you are in and God is saying leave. Some of you love the label saying leave. Some of you love the label saying leave. Some of you love the label that people have stamped on you because that people have stamped on you because that people have stamped on you because of the season that God is telling you to of the season that God is telling you to of the season that God is telling you to leave out of and you found comfort. You leave out of and you found comfort. You leave out of and you found comfort. You found identity. You found community in found identity. You found community in found identity. You found community in these things and God is saying, "Listen, these things and God is saying, "Listen, these things and God is saying, "Listen, I want you to be separate. I want you to I want you to be separate. I want you to I want you to be separate. I want you to be set apart. I want you to be peculiar. be set apart. I want you to be peculiar. be set apart. I want you to be peculiar. I'm going to name you. I'm going to I'm going to name you. I'm going to I'm going to name you. I'm going to label you. I'm going to position you. label you. I'm going to position you. label you. I'm going to position you. I'm going to set you up for a win. But I'm going to set you up for a win. But I'm going to set you up for a win. But it's not going to seem like a win right it's not going to seem like a win right it's not going to seem like a win right now." Because often times in the kingdom now." Because often times in the kingdom now." Because often times in the kingdom of God, when you're winning, it seems of God, when you're winning, it seems of God, when you're winning, it seems like you're losing. when in fact you're like you're losing. when in fact you're like you're losing. when in fact you're actually winning. [applause] actually winning. [applause] actually winning. [applause] And and and when you really think about And and and when you really think about And and and when you really think about it, God math doesn't add up >> because his addition always starts with >> because his addition always starts with subtraction.

subtraction. subtraction. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [applause] >> His word says, "I'm going to take you >> His word says, "I'm going to take you from faith to faith and glory to glory." from faith to faith and glory to glory." from faith to faith and glory to glory." Okay, God, I'm ready for more. Let me Okay, God, I'm ready for more. Let me Okay, God, I'm ready for more. Let me strip this away from you first. strip this away from you first. strip this away from you first. Okay, God, I'm ready for increase. I'm Okay, God, I'm ready for increase. I'm Okay, God, I'm ready for increase. I'm ready for promotion. Let me remove you ready for promotion. Let me remove you ready for promotion. Let me remove you out of this chuckle of friends. >> God, I'm lonely. >> God, I'm lonely. >> That's exactly where I want you to be >> That's exactly where I want you to be >> That's exactly where I want you to be for a season. So, you don't depend on for a season. So, you don't depend on for a season. So, you don't depend on them. You don't depend on that. You them. You don't depend on that. You them. You don't depend on that. You depend on me. And when you get what you depend on me. And when you get what you depend on me. And when you get what you need from me, I'll give you direction need from me, I'll give you direction need from me, I'll give you direction for who I want you to be surrounded by for who I want you to be surrounded by for who I want you to be surrounded by and where I want you to go and where I'm and where I want you to go and where I'm and where I want you to go and where I'm sending you. It may not look popular. It sending you. It may not look popular. It sending you. It may not look popular. It may not look convenient. It may not be may not look convenient. It may not be may not look convenient. It may not be comfortable, but you'll find my voice comfortable, but you'll find my voice comfortable, but you'll find my voice there. And you'll find my presence there. And you'll find my presence there. And you'll find my presence there. And you'll find me there. And there. And you'll find me there. And there. And you'll find me there. And when you find me there, you have all when you find me there, you have all when you find me there, you have all that you have need of. that you have need of. that you have need of. >> Somebody shout, "Desert direction."

>> Somebody shout, "Desert direction." >> Somebody shout, "Desert direction." >> Desert direction. God is not obligated God is not obligated to keep breathing on something just to keep breathing on something just to keep breathing on something just because you built your identity around because you built your identity around because you built your identity around it. it. it. >> You keep telling people about what you >> You keep telling people about what you >> You keep telling people about what you used to do and how well you used to do used to do and how well you used to do used to do and how well you used to do it. it. it. >> And God called you out of that season so >> And God called you out of that season so >> And God called you out of that season so that you could be focused on the season that you could be focused on the season that you could be focused on the season that you're in right here, right now. that you're in right here, right now. that you're in right here, right now. And be honest, you're a little And be honest, you're a little And be honest, you're a little frustrated with God. frustrated with God. frustrated with God. You're a little angry with them You're a little angry with them You're a little angry with them because you thought you deserved the because you thought you deserved the because you thought you deserved the former season. former season. former season. You walked, you worked hard for that You walked, you worked hard for that You walked, you worked hard for that season. season. season. I can hear you in the in the spirit. I I can hear you in the in the spirit. I I can hear you in the in the spirit. I busted my butt to get in that season. God placed his hand on it God placed his hand on it and he plucked you.

Have you ever been in a good season and Have you ever been in a good season and it abruptly comes to an end it abruptly comes to an end it abruptly comes to an end >> and you find yourself in a different >> and you find yourself in a different >> and you find yourself in a different season season season >> and you ask God the question, why am I >> and you ask God the question, why am I >> and you ask God the question, why am I here? Why? Why? Why am I here? What? What is Why? Why? Why am I here? What? What is the purpose of me being here? Has God the purpose of me being here? Has God the purpose of me being here? Has God ever sent you to a place and you did not ever sent you to a place and you did not ever sent you to a place and you did not know where where you were going or why know where where you were going or why know where where you were going or why you were going there and then you came you were going there and then you came you were going there and then you came across somebody and it made sense. [applause] [applause] The Holy Spirit has told me, I want you The Holy Spirit has told me, I want you The Holy Spirit has told me, I want you to do A, B, and C. And I get there and to do A, B, and C. And I get there and to do A, B, and C. And I get there and I'm just waiting. I'm like, okay, God, I'm just waiting. I'm like, okay, God, I'm just waiting. I'm like, okay, God, what what what am I here for? What what what what what am I here for? What what what what what am I here for? What what are we doing? are we doing? are we doing? It's hot. It's hot. It's hot. I'm hungry. I'm hungry. I'm hungry. I'm tired. I'm tired. I'm tired. >> You You beyond tired. You tired. >> You You beyond tired. You tired. >> You You beyond tired. You tired. T I D E. Tied.

What am I doing here? What am I doing here? And then all of a sudden you come across And then all of a sudden you come across And then all of a sudden you come across the person that God sent you there for. And you say to yourself, "Now it makes And you say to yourself, "Now it makes sense." sense." sense." I can't tell you how many times God has I can't tell you how many times God has I can't tell you how many times God has instructed me to go to a place and I get instructed me to go to a place and I get instructed me to go to a place and I get there confused and then quickly realize there confused and then quickly realize there confused and then quickly realize it was life or death for the person God it was life or death for the person God it was life or death for the person God sent me for. What would happen if I was not obedient? What would happen if I was not obedient? >> What would happen if I didn't leave my >> What would happen if I didn't leave my >> What would happen if I didn't leave my place of comfort and convenience to go place of comfort and convenience to go place of comfort and convenience to go into the desert? I would have missed an into the desert? I would have missed an into the desert? I would have missed an opportunity to be obedient to God, to opportunity to be obedient to God, to opportunity to be obedient to God, to help someone else connect with the help someone else connect with the help someone else connect with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that's where gospel of Jesus Christ. And that's where gospel of Jesus Christ. And that's where we find this unic. This unic has the we find this unic. This unic has the we find this unic. This unic has the word, but he has questions. He has word, but he has questions. He has word, but he has questions. He has success, but he has questions. He has success, but he has questions. He has success, but he has questions. He has wealth, but he has questions. But the wealth, but he has questions. But the wealth, but he has questions. But the thing that I love about him is he sticks thing that I love about him is he sticks thing that I love about him is he sticks with reading the word of God. The scripture says Philip finds him The scripture says Philip finds him reading the book of Isaiah. He didn't reading the book of Isaiah. He didn't reading the book of Isaiah. He didn't have his questions and set the book have his questions and set the book have his questions and set the book down. He kept reading the word of God.

down. He kept reading the word of God. down. He kept reading the word of God. He kept studying the word of God. He He kept studying the word of God. He He kept studying the word of God. He stayed in the word of God even with his stayed in the word of God even with his stayed in the word of God even with his questions and his concerns and and and questions and his concerns and and and questions and his concerns and and and the things he could not quite understand the things he could not quite understand the things he could not quite understand by himself. And I truly believe that as by himself. And I truly believe that as by himself. And I truly believe that as he was in search for a blessing, as he he was in search for a blessing, as he he was in search for a blessing, as he was in search for knowledge, as he was was in search for knowledge, as he was was in search for knowledge, as he was in search for understanding, God not in search for understanding, God not in search for understanding, God not only had in his desire in mind to bless only had in his desire in mind to bless only had in his desire in mind to bless him, but he had in his desire in mind to him, but he had in his desire in mind to him, but he had in his desire in mind to change Philillip. is a change of a guard and leadership in is a change of a guard and leadership in the body of Christ. the body of Christ. the body of Christ. And the reason I believe this is And the reason I believe this is And the reason I believe this is happening is because some ministries, happening is because some ministries, happening is because some ministries, some pastors, some pastors, some pastors, they loved yesterday's oil they loved yesterday's oil they loved yesterday's oil >> more than today's instructions. And great things were happening And great things were happening and the oil of yesterday cannot sustain and the oil of yesterday cannot sustain and the oil of yesterday cannot sustain you for today.

God calls Philillip out of this God calls Philillip out of this incredible move, incredible move, incredible move, sends him to the desert. I asked myself the question, I asked myself the question, would I go if God told me to go? It's easy for us to immediately react It's easy for us to immediately react yes. yes. yes. When you account for the weight of When you account for the weight of When you account for the weight of responsibility, responsibility, responsibility, that yes gets a lot slower in response. and wrote this down in my notes. If God and wrote this down in my notes. If God cannot interrupt your success, cannot interrupt your success, cannot interrupt your success, your success has become your God. Philip teaches us that obedience is not Philip teaches us that obedience is not simply going when you are uncomfortable.

simply going when you are uncomfortable. simply going when you are uncomfortable. Obedience Obedience Obedience is going when things are going well and is going when things are going well and is going when things are going well and God still tells you to go. It's one thing to leave It's one thing to leave after failure. It's a completely different level of It's a completely different level of obedience to leave after fruit. And if God sent Philillip to the desert, And if God sent Philillip to the desert, it is to teach him something. And if God it is to teach him something. And if God it is to teach him something. And if God is teaching Philip something through the is teaching Philip something through the is teaching Philip something through the desert, then he is teaching us something desert, then he is teaching us something desert, then he is teaching us something through the desert. through the desert. through the desert. >> I just want to give you a few >> I just want to give you a few >> I just want to give you a few observations as to what God taught me observations as to what God taught me observations as to what God taught me through this text. through this text. through this text. The desert taught Philillip that The desert taught Philillip that The desert taught Philillip that obedience doesn't always look like obedience doesn't always look like obedience doesn't always look like advancement. He left the city in revival for a road He left the city in revival for a road with no crowd. with no crowd. with no crowd. What I've learned about God is sometimes What I've learned about God is sometimes What I've learned about God is sometimes God shrinks the audience to enlarge the God shrinks the audience to enlarge the God shrinks the audience to enlarge the assignment.

Maybe you need to pull away for a Maybe you need to pull away for a season. season. season. Get by yourself so that you could hear Get by yourself so that you could hear Get by yourself so that you could hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit the still small voice of the Holy Spirit the still small voice of the Holy Spirit to tell you who you are instead of to tell you who you are instead of to tell you who you are instead of taking on the fake and false identity taking on the fake and false identity taking on the fake and false identity that everybody in your circle has been that everybody in your circle has been that everybody in your circle has been telling you you are. The desert taught Philillip that empty The desert taught Philillip that empty places are not wasted places. places are not wasted places. places are not wasted places. The road that God put him on looked The road that God put him on looked The road that God put him on looked barren, but God had already scheduled an barren, but God had already scheduled an barren, but God had already scheduled an encounter. encounter. encounter. What looks empty to you may already be What looks empty to you may already be What looks empty to you may already be in in in encountering and occupied by your encountering and occupied by your encountering and occupied by your purpose. What the desert taught Philillip What the desert taught Philillip is that God will interrupt success for is that God will interrupt success for is that God will interrupt success for significance. significance. significance. Look at me successful people. Look at me successful people. Look at me successful people. That's everybody.

I said look at me successful people. I I said look at me successful people. I saw people look at me. look at me. God will interrupt your success for God will interrupt your success for God will interrupt your success for significance. to help you redefine what success is. to help you redefine what success is. Some of you define success by how much Some of you define success by how much Some of you define success by how much is in your bank account, how much you're is in your bank account, how much you're is in your bank account, how much you're trading, how much stocks you got, what trading, how much stocks you got, what trading, how much stocks you got, what house you got, what car you got. God house you got, what car you got. God house you got, what car you got. God does not define success as those things. does not define success as those things. does not define success as those things. God defines success by how many people God defines success by how many people God defines success by how many people you're helping to connect to him. you're helping to connect to him. you're helping to connect to him. >> So, you are a millionaire. Whoopde-doo. >> How does it help the body of Christ? >> How does it help the body of Christ? How is it advancing the gospel of Jesus How is it advancing the gospel of Jesus How is it advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ? Christ? Christ? >> Are are you stewarding God's money to >> Are are you stewarding God's money to >> Are are you stewarding God's money to expose other people like Philip did with expose other people like Philip did with expose other people like Philip did with the unic to the knowledge, the the unic to the knowledge, the the unic to the knowledge, the understanding, the wisdom, and the understanding, the wisdom, and the understanding, the wisdom, and the revelation of God's word. If you're not, revelation of God's word. If you're not, revelation of God's word. If you're not, then guess what? All that money you have then guess what? All that money you have then guess what? All that money you have earned earned earned >> will be left here in the earth.

>> You and your fancy black card can't >> You and your fancy black card can't swipe it to get into the gates of swipe it to get into the gates of swipe it to get into the gates of heaven. And hear me, I'm not saying wealth is And hear me, I'm not saying wealth is wrong. I pray everybody is blessed. What wrong. I pray everybody is blessed. What wrong. I pray everybody is blessed. What I am saying is if you idolize wealth and I am saying is if you idolize wealth and I am saying is if you idolize wealth and disobedience over being obedient to God. disobedience over being obedient to God. disobedience over being obedient to God. >> If you think more about the amount than >> If you think more about the amount than >> If you think more about the amount than how God desires to use it, then money how God desires to use it, then money how God desires to use it, then money has become an idol. >> And God will in fact interrupt success >> And God will in fact interrupt success for significance. Some of you want a successful life but Some of you want a successful life but not a significant life. And you define success as 6'5 athletic And you define success as 6'5 athletic and God is like but significance is 510 and God is like but significance is 510 and God is like but significance is 510 maybe a little pudgy. [applause] Y'all ain't talking to me. [applause] Y'all ain't talking to me. It's okay. [cheering] Maybe you define success. Coke bottle Maybe you define success. Coke bottle shape long hair. God defines shape long hair. God defines shape long hair. God defines significance significance significance as a little different.

>> And you're walking past significance in >> And you're walking past significance in pursuit of success. And you're being pursuit of success. And you're being pursuit of success. And you're being disobedient to the person that God has disobedient to the person that God has disobedient to the person that God has made for you. And you've been walking made for you. And you've been walking made for you. And you've been walking past him. And you've been coming to the past him. And you've been coming to the past him. And you've been coming to the altar. God, I'm just waiting on my boot altar. God, I'm just waiting on my boot altar. God, I'm just waiting on my boot thing. I'm just waiting on my good thing. I'm just waiting on my good thing. I'm just waiting on my good thing. And God is saying, the thing. And God is saying, the thing. And God is saying, the significant person that I've made for significant person that I've made for significant person that I've made for you is right on the second row. And you you is right on the second row. And you you is right on the second row. And you keep walking past him because you in keep walking past him because you in keep walking past him because you in search of your little dream board. Let's search of your little dream board. Let's search of your little dream board. Let's do [cheering] that. do [cheering] that. do [cheering] that. >> God will interrupt what you define as >> God will interrupt what you define as >> God will interrupt what you define as success for significance. And I wonder success for significance. And I wonder success for significance. And I wonder is there anyone that is willing to is there anyone that is willing to is there anyone that is willing to sacrifice success for kingdom sacrifice success for kingdom sacrifice success for kingdom significance? significance? significance? [applause] What did the desert teach Philillip What did the desert teach Philillip that clarity a often comes after that clarity a often comes after that clarity a often comes after movement? movement? movement? >> The angel said go. >> The angel said go. >> The angel said go. God often gives direction in God often gives direction in God often gives direction in installments installments installments >> because full instructions would make >> because full instructions would make >> because full instructions would make faith unnecessary. >> Some of you are praying and fasting for >> Some of you are praying and fasting for a five-year plan and God is like, "No, a five-year plan and God is like, "No, a five-year plan and God is like, "No, I'm going to give you a today plan.

I'm going to give you a today plan. I'm going to give you a today plan. [laughter] This is the day that I have made This is the day that I have made and you got a choice. You can choose to and you got a choice. You can choose to and you got a choice. You can choose to be glad in it or you can choose to be be glad in it or you can choose to be be glad in it or you can choose to be selfish or you can choose to want more. selfish or you can choose to want more. selfish or you can choose to want more. You can choose to look over today into You can choose to look over today into You can choose to look over today into tomorrow, but I'm encouraging you pay tomorrow, but I'm encouraging you pay tomorrow, but I'm encouraging you pay attention to today because there's a attention to today because there's a attention to today because there's a blessing in today. And some of us are blessing in today. And some of us are blessing in today. And some of us are not focused on today because we're so not focused on today because we're so not focused on today because we're so concerned about tomorrow and next week concerned about tomorrow and next week concerned about tomorrow and next week and next month and all these different and next month and all these different and next month and all these different things. And God will teach you in the things. And God will teach you in the things. And God will teach you in the desert desert desert that clarity often comes after movement. that clarity often comes after movement. that clarity often comes after movement. The desert taught Philip that isolation The desert taught Philip that isolation The desert taught Philip that isolation is sometimes divine positioning. is sometimes divine positioning. is sometimes divine positioning. God will in fact empty a room because God will in fact empty a room because God will in fact empty a room because your next assignment requires you to your next assignment requires you to your next assignment requires you to hear a whisper. And some of you are in environments that And some of you are in environments that are too loud to hear from God. are too loud to hear from God. are too loud to hear from God. >> You in too many conversations >> You in too many conversations >> You in too many conversations and too many chats and too many chats and too many chats and too many Facebook groups.

God is calling you to the desert so that God is calling you to the desert so that you can actually hear him. Discover who you can actually hear him. Discover who you can actually hear him. Discover who he is. Not just what he can do for you, he is. Not just what he can do for you, he is. Not just what he can do for you, but who he actually is. The desert but who he actually is. The desert but who he actually is. The desert taught Philillip that the wilderness can taught Philillip that the wilderness can taught Philillip that the wilderness can be somebody else's doorway to Jesus. be somebody else's doorway to Jesus. be somebody else's doorway to Jesus. Philip's inconvenient road became the Philip's inconvenient road became the Philip's inconvenient road became the Unix's conversion road. Unix's conversion road. Unix's conversion road. The place you would have avoided may be The place you would have avoided may be The place you would have avoided may be the place someone else meets Jesus the place someone else meets Jesus the place someone else meets Jesus because you showed up. because you showed up. because you showed up. The angel gave him the road. The spirit The angel gave him the road. The spirit The angel gave him the road. The spirit gave him the chariot. The scripture gave gave him the chariot. The scripture gave gave him the chariot. The scripture gave him the conversation. And Jesus gave him the conversation. And Jesus gave him the conversation. And Jesus gave Philillip the message. >> Look at what happens when God plucks >> Look at what happens when God plucks Philillip out of a movement and places Philillip out of a movement and places Philillip out of a movement and places him in the middle of a desert. Someone him in the middle of a desert. Someone him in the middle of a desert. Someone else understands, knows, comes into a else understands, knows, comes into a else understands, knows, comes into a relationship with Jesus Christ because relationship with Jesus Christ because relationship with Jesus Christ because of his obedience. which tells us, stop of his obedience. which tells us, stop of his obedience. which tells us, stop demanding the whole map when God has demanding the whole map when God has demanding the whole map when God has already given you the next move.

already given you the next move. already given you the next move. Some of you want the map. You want the Some of you want the map. You want the Some of you want the map. You want the GPS coordinates. And God is saying, GPS coordinates. And God is saying, GPS coordinates. And God is saying, "Just take the first step. When you take "Just take the first step. When you take "Just take the first step. When you take the first step, just take the second the first step, just take the second the first step, just take the second step. When you take the second step, step. When you take the second step, step. When you take the second step, just take the third step. I'm leading just take the third step. I'm leading just take the third step. I'm leading you. I'm guiding you. I'll give you you. I'm guiding you. I'll give you you. I'm guiding you. I'll give you directions on a need to know basis. I'm directions on a need to know basis. I'm directions on a need to know basis. I'm not going to show you the whole picture, not going to show you the whole picture, not going to show you the whole picture, but I will give you pieces to the but I will give you pieces to the but I will give you pieces to the puzzle. And when you put the piece to puzzle. And when you put the piece to puzzle. And when you put the piece to the puzzle, after you know it, the the puzzle, after you know it, the the puzzle, after you know it, the picture will be complete because you picture will be complete because you picture will be complete because you were obedient. were obedient. were obedient. [applause] [applause] [applause] Acts 8 27. So he got ready and went. I Acts 8 27. So he got ready and went. I Acts 8 27. So he got ready and went. I love the simplicity of Luke's language. love the simplicity of Luke's language. love the simplicity of Luke's language. So he got ready and went. No committee, So he got ready and went. No committee, So he got ready and went. No committee, no confirmation tour, no 10 prophetic no confirmation tour, no 10 prophetic no confirmation tour, no 10 prophetic words, no prophetic conference, no words, no prophetic conference, no words, no prophetic conference, no revival breaking out to confirm what God revival breaking out to confirm what God revival breaking out to confirm what God had already told him. He received the had already told him. He received the had already told him. He received the word of the Lord from the angel of the word of the Lord from the angel of the word of the Lord from the angel of the Lord and he got his stuff and he did Lord and he got his stuff and he did Lord and he got his stuff and he did exactly what the angel of the Lord told exactly what the angel of the Lord told exactly what the angel of the Lord told him to do. No fleece, no argument. God him to do. No fleece, no argument. God him to do. No fleece, no argument. God spoke. Philip moved. which teaches us a spoke. Philip moved. which teaches us a spoke. Philip moved. which teaches us a valuable valuable valuable order.

valuable valuable valuable order. valuable valuable valuable order. >> Instruction, >> Instruction, >> Instruction, obedience, obedience, obedience, encounter. >> Let me repeat it for the people in the >> Let me repeat it for the people in the back. back. back. >> Instruction >> Instruction >> Instruction obedience. obedience. obedience. Encounter. >> Instruction. >> Instruction. >> Amen. obedience, >> Amen. obedience, >> Amen. obedience, encounter. See, we want encounter, >> then we'll obey. >> then we'll obey. >> And because we're obeying, we think then >> And because we're obeying, we think then >> And because we're obeying, we think then we'll follow the instructions. we'll follow the instructions. we'll follow the instructions. >> No, no. Instructions, >> No, no. Instructions, >> No, no. Instructions, obedience, obedience, obedience, then encounter. That is the order of the then encounter. That is the order of the then encounter. That is the order of the Lord. That is the order of the blessing Lord. That is the order of the blessing Lord. That is the order of the blessing of the Lord. That is the order of the of the Lord. That is the order of the of the Lord. That is the order of the breakthrough of the Lord. instruction, breakthrough of the Lord. instruction, breakthrough of the Lord. instruction, obedience, obedience, obedience, encounter. Philip doesn't meet the unic encounter. Philip doesn't meet the unic encounter. Philip doesn't meet the unic and then understand why God sent him.

and then understand why God sent him. and then understand why God sent him. Philip obeys God before he understands Philip obeys God before he understands Philip obeys God before he understands why God sent him. why God sent him. why God sent him. >> This is where many of us get stuck. We >> This is where many of us get stuck. We >> This is where many of us get stuck. We want revelation before relocation. want revelation before relocation. want revelation before relocation. >> Reveal yourself to us, God, and we'll >> Reveal yourself to us, God, and we'll >> Reveal yourself to us, God, and we'll relocate. And God is saying, just go and relocate. And God is saying, just go and relocate. And God is saying, just go and I'll reveal myself to you. Was it not I'll reveal myself to you. Was it not I'll reveal myself to you. Was it not God that was a pillar of fire at night God that was a pillar of fire at night God that was a pillar of fire at night for the children of Israel and a cloud for the children of Israel and a cloud for the children of Israel and a cloud by day? But God were in the middle of by day? But God were in the middle of by day? But God were in the middle of the desert. Yes, but I'll provide all the desert. Yes, but I'll provide all the desert. Yes, but I'll provide all that you have need of. Was it not God that you have need of. Was it not God that you have need of. Was it not God that provided mana on a daily basis? But that provided mana on a daily basis? But that provided mana on a daily basis? But God were in the middle of the desert. God were in the middle of the desert. God were in the middle of the desert. Yes, but I am God and I will provide all Yes, but I am God and I will provide all Yes, but I am God and I will provide all that you have need of. Was it not God that you have need of. Was it not God that you have need of. Was it not God who provided for you when you thought who provided for you when you thought who provided for you when you thought that you weren't going to make it? When that you weren't going to make it? When that you weren't going to make it? When you instruct and you obey, he then sends you instruct and you obey, he then sends you instruct and you obey, he then sends an encounter. Bring it down just a little bit because Bring it down just a little bit because I don't want them to get the idea that I don't want them to get the idea that I don't want them to get the idea that I'm almost finished. >> We want God to show us the person, the >> We want God to show us the person, the opportunity, the outcome, and the opportunity, the outcome, and the opportunity, the outcome, and the testimony. Then we'll go. But Philip testimony. Then we'll go. But Philip testimony. Then we'll go. But Philip went towards an empty road.

went towards an empty road. went towards an empty road. Philip moved towards the desert. He Philip moved towards the desert. He Philip moved towards the desert. He moved towards a dry place, a desolate moved towards a dry place, a desolate moved towards a dry place, a desolate place, a a seemingly dead place. And place, a a seemingly dead place. And place, a a seemingly dead place. And that's where he was obedient to the that's where he was obedient to the that's where he was obedient to the instruction that God gave him. And when instruction that God gave him. And when instruction that God gave him. And when he's when he was obedient to the he's when he was obedient to the he's when he was obedient to the instruction God gave him, God gave him a instruction God gave him, God gave him a instruction God gave him, God gave him a supernatural encounter, supernatural encounter, supernatural encounter, which teaches us a valuable lesson. which teaches us a valuable lesson. which teaches us a valuable lesson. Point number two, Point number two, Point number two, God will often hide the reason until you God will often hide the reason until you God will often hide the reason until you obey the instruction. You keep asking God to show you what's You keep asking God to show you what's next while ignoring the last thing he next while ignoring the last thing he next while ignoring the last thing he told you to do. >> What I had to come to the understanding >> What I had to come to the understanding of is that God does not owe my curiosity of is that God does not owe my curiosity of is that God does not owe my curiosity and explanation before obedience gives and explanation before obedience gives and explanation before obedience gives him my yes. >> God does not owe you an explanation. He >> God does not owe you an explanation. He does not owe your curiosity and does not owe your curiosity and does not owe your curiosity and explanation. He just tells you be explanation. He just tells you be explanation. He just tells you be obedient and I will provide. It's crazy to think that some doors It's crazy to think that some doors you're standing in front of, they're not you're standing in front of, they're not you're standing in front of, they're not locked. They're just waiting on you to locked. They're just waiting on you to locked. They're just waiting on you to walk far enough to be seen.

>> Keep going. >> Keep going. Keep walking. Keep being obedient. Keep Keep walking. Keep being obedient. Keep Keep walking. Keep being obedient. Keep moving in the direction of the leading moving in the direction of the leading moving in the direction of the leading of the Holy Spirit and watch how he of the Holy Spirit and watch how he of the Holy Spirit and watch how he provides for you. Some of us are calling provides for you. Some of us are calling provides for you. Some of us are calling it discernment, and it's not it discernment, and it's not it discernment, and it's not discernment. discernment. discernment. You just stalling until you feel good You just stalling until you feel good You just stalling until you feel good enough to obey. You ain't got to like me. I don't care. You ain't got to like me. I don't care. >> I'm just I'm waiting on the Lord. >> I'm just I'm waiting on the Lord. >> I'm just I'm waiting on the Lord. >> Oh, I'm just waiting on the Lord. I'm >> Oh, I'm just waiting on the Lord. I'm >> Oh, I'm just waiting on the Lord. I'm just going to pray and fast. And And God just going to pray and fast. And And God just going to pray and fast. And And God ain't asking you to fast. He's just ain't asking you to fast. He's just ain't asking you to fast. He's just asking you to be obedient. >> I'm just I'm just going to wait to hear >> I'm just I'm just going to wait to hear from God. because he's already said it. because he's already said it. >> When's the last time you just sat down >> When's the last time you just sat down >> When's the last time you just sat down and searched this for the answer? >> Pastor, I need to hear the audible voice >> Pastor, I need to hear the audible voice of God.

>> Doesn't the word of God say, "In the >> Doesn't the word of God say, "In the beginning was the word, [cheering] beginning was the word, [cheering] beginning was the word, [cheering] >> and the word was >> and the word was >> and the word was and the word was with God." So, you're and the word was with God." So, you're and the word was with God." So, you're looking for a word, but you're not looking for a word, but you're not looking for a word, but you're not looking in the word. looking in the word. looking in the word. >> Make it make sense. >> Make it make sense. >> Make it make sense. And you can wait your entire life on a And you can wait your entire life on a And you can wait your entire life on a word and miss the word of God because word and miss the word of God because word and miss the word of God because you're too stubborn to open the Bible you're too stubborn to open the Bible you're too stubborn to open the Bible and search it out for yourself. The unic and search it out for yourself. The unic and search it out for yourself. The unic had questions, but he had the word. He had questions, but he had the word. He had questions, but he had the word. He had concerns, but he stayed in the word. had concerns, but he stayed in the word. had concerns, but he stayed in the word. He did not know everything, but he He did not know everything, but he He did not know everything, but he stayed in the word. Can you stay in the stayed in the word. Can you stay in the stayed in the word. Can you stay in the word when you don't know which way to word when you don't know which way to word when you don't know which way to turn? Yeah. >> If you need the whole plan before you >> If you need the whole plan before you obey God, you don't trust God, you trust obey God, you don't trust God, you trust obey God, you don't trust God, you trust your plans. your plans. your plans. Acts 8 28. And he was returning and Acts 8 28. And he was returning and Acts 8 28. And he was returning and sitting in his chariot and was reading sitting in his chariot and was reading sitting in his chariot and was reading Isaiah the prophet. This verse is Isaiah the prophet. This verse is Isaiah the prophet. This verse is loaded. He's returning home. He's been loaded. He's returning home. He's been loaded. He's returning home. He's been to Jerusalem to worship. Now he's going to Jerusalem to worship. Now he's going to Jerusalem to worship. Now he's going back to the place that God brought him back to the place that God brought him back to the place that God brought him from. And he's reading Isaiah. Consider from. And he's reading Isaiah. Consider from. And he's reading Isaiah. Consider this tension. Consider this. He's been this tension. Consider this. He's been this tension. Consider this. He's been around religion.

around religion. around religion. He has visited the holy city. He has He has visited the holy city. He has He has visited the holy city. He has gone to Jerusalem to worship. And he gone to Jerusalem to worship. And he gone to Jerusalem to worship. And he still has questions. He has the text, still has questions. He has the text, still has questions. He has the text, but he still has questions. He doesn't but he still has questions. He doesn't but he still has questions. He doesn't yet understand the truth, but the text yet understand the truth, but the text yet understand the truth, but the text is pointing him in a direction. is pointing him in a direction. is pointing him in a direction. And this unic proves something And this unic proves something And this unic proves something uncomfortable to us. You can be close to uncomfortable to us. You can be close to uncomfortable to us. You can be close to sacred things and still be confused sacred things and still be confused sacred things and still be confused about Jesus. about Jesus. about Jesus. You can own the scroll and still miss You can own the scroll and still miss You can own the scroll and still miss the Savior. You can attempt worship and the Savior. You can attempt worship and the Savior. You can attempt worship and still travel home wondering. You can know the language of faith You can know the language of faith and still not know what any of it means. and still not know what any of it means. and still not know what any of it means. And yet, I love this man And yet, I love this man And yet, I love this man because though he does not understand, because though he does not understand, because though he does not understand, he keeps reading. He doesn't throw Isaiah away because He doesn't throw Isaiah away because Isaiah is difficult to understand. He Isaiah is difficult to understand. He Isaiah is difficult to understand. He stays in the text. stays in the text. stays in the text. There's a hunger in this man.

There's a hunger in this man. There's a hunger in this man. >> There's a thirst in this man. >> There's a thirst in this man. >> There's a thirst in this man. There's a desperation in this man that There's a desperation in this man that There's a desperation in this man that confusion cannot kill. confusion cannot kill. confusion cannot kill. Point number three, Point number three, Point number three, confusion isn't the enemy of faith. confusion isn't the enemy of faith. confusion isn't the enemy of faith. Sometimes apathy is and I've just bought myself to the place and I've just bought myself to the place where I rather preach to someone where I rather preach to someone where I rather preach to someone wrestling with scripture than someone wrestling with scripture than someone wrestling with scripture than someone that knows it and then stop wrestling that knows it and then stop wrestling that knows it and then stop wrestling with it. with it. with it. People tell me all the time, I'm People tell me all the time, I'm People tell me all the time, I'm struggling. I'm struggling. I'm struggling. I'm struggling. I'm struggling. I'm struggling. I'm struggling. I'm fighting. I'm fighting. struggling. I'm fighting. I'm fighting. struggling. I'm fighting. I'm fighting. I'm fighting. I'm resting. I'm I'm fighting. I'm resting. I'm I'm fighting. I'm resting. I'm wrestling. I'm wrestling. And I look at wrestling. I'm wrestling. And I look at wrestling. I'm wrestling. And I look at him, I say, good. This is the best place him, I say, good. This is the best place him, I say, good. This is the best place you can be. Anybody that make you you can be. Anybody that make you you can be. Anybody that make you believe they know it all don't know a believe they know it all don't know a believe they know it all don't know a thing. thing. thing. Any pastor that says, "I got all the Any pastor that says, "I got all the Any pastor that says, "I got all the answers. Run." He's a cult leader. >> Been pastoring 22 years and I have >> Been pastoring 22 years and I have questions. I have concerns that I won't questions. I have concerns that I won't questions. I have concerns that I won't get the answers to in this life. But I get the answers to in this life. But I get the answers to in this life. But I trust God with them.

trust God with them. trust God with them. >> And I don't take those questions and >> And I don't take those questions and >> And I don't take those questions and concerns to people and try to get the concerns to people and try to get the concerns to people and try to get the answers from them. I take them to God answers from them. I take them to God answers from them. I take them to God and I wait patiently on his response. and I wait patiently on his response. and I wait patiently on his response. And if he tells me to wait, then I wait And if he tells me to wait, then I wait And if he tells me to wait, then I wait the rest of my life to get the answer to the rest of my life to get the answer to the rest of my life to get the answer to the questions that I have. And if he the questions that I have. And if he the questions that I have. And if he does not answer them, so be it. Well does not answer them, so be it. Well does not answer them, so be it. Well done. We have to stop making excuses We have to stop making excuses in the places we are not patient enough in the places we are not patient enough in the places we are not patient enough to wait. to wait. to wait. The most dangerous person in church The most dangerous person in church The most dangerous person in church isn't the one with questions. isn't the one with questions. isn't the one with questions. Most dangerous person in church is the Most dangerous person in church is the Most dangerous person in church is the one who stopped asking because they're one who stopped asking because they're one who stopped asking because they're too busy pretending they know it all. You've been in church for 30 years, but You've been in church for 30 years, but you're still a spiritual toddler. How? >> Because you've been around the things of >> Because you've been around the things of God, but you have not invited him into God, but you have not invited him into God, but you have not invited him into the secret parts of your life.

the secret parts of your life. the secret parts of your life. And you can play church all you want to. And you can play church all you want to. And you can play church all you want to. It still will not allow you to inherit It still will not allow you to inherit It still will not allow you to inherit the kingdom of God. And some of us know the kingdom of God. And some of us know the kingdom of God. And some of us know church more than we know the kingdom. You can highlight every verse in your You can highlight every verse in your little Bible and still leave Jesus little Bible and still leave Jesus little Bible and still leave Jesus unrecognized >> because it's so prideful. We can't >> because it's so prideful. We can't acknowledge I don't know. One of the acknowledge I don't know. One of the acknowledge I don't know. One of the most freeing things as a pastor to tell most freeing things as a pastor to tell most freeing things as a pastor to tell somebody, "I don't know." >> I am not Google. I can't just recall >> I am not Google. I can't just recall things that you want me to recall when things that you want me to recall when things that you want me to recall when you want me to recall them. you want me to recall them. you want me to recall them. >> What verse is found? I don't know what is the Lord saying to you about me. what is the Lord saying to you about me. I don't know. >> I am not a slot machine. I do not kick >> I am not a slot machine. I do not kick out prophecies because you want to know out prophecies because you want to know out prophecies because you want to know what they are. what they are. what they are. People coming to me, what is God telling People coming to me, what is God telling People coming to me, what is God telling you about me?

you about me? you about me? Stay planted in the house of God. Stay planted in the house of God. Stay planted in the house of God. Stay faithful. Stay loyal. Stay Stay faithful. Stay loyal. Stay Stay faithful. Stay loyal. Stay consistent. Stay out of that person's consistent. Stay out of that person's consistent. Stay out of that person's bed. Be loyal to your relationship with bed. Be loyal to your relationship with bed. Be loyal to your relationship with Jesus Christ. [cheering] Thus saith the Jesus Christ. [cheering] Thus saith the Jesus Christ. [cheering] Thus saith the Lord Lord Lord [applause] >> because familiarity with scripture is >> because familiarity with scripture is not the same as surrender to what God not the same as surrender to what God not the same as surrender to what God has spoken. has spoken. has spoken. >> The unic is confused but he's reading. >> The unic is confused but he's reading. >> The unic is confused but he's reading. He's uncertain but he's reading. He has He's uncertain but he's reading. He has He's uncertain but he's reading. He has questions but he's reading. And maybe questions but he's reading. And maybe questions but he's reading. And maybe maturity isn't always understanding maturity isn't always understanding maturity isn't always understanding everything. Maybe maturity is sometimes everything. Maybe maturity is sometimes everything. Maybe maturity is sometimes understanding I don't understand and I'm understanding I don't understand and I'm understanding I don't understand and I'm okay not understanding. I'm still in okay not understanding. I'm still in okay not understanding. I'm still in search for the answers because I know search for the answers because I know search for the answers because I know the person that does understand. Acts 8 29 says, "Then the spirit said to Acts 8 29 says, "Then the spirit said to Philillip, go up and join this chariot." Philillip, go up and join this chariot." Philillip, go up and join this chariot." This is my favorite verse that we've This is my favorite verse that we've This is my favorite verse that we've read so far because the angel got Philip read so far because the angel got Philip read so far because the angel got Philip to the robe, but the spirit gets Philip to the robe, but the spirit gets Philip to the robe, but the spirit gets Philip to the person.

Yes. Yes. >> The angel of the Lord tells him to go, >> The angel of the Lord tells him to go, >> The angel of the Lord tells him to go, but the spirit of the Lord tells him but the spirit of the Lord tells him but the spirit of the Lord tells him where he's going. where he's going. where he's going. >> The first instruction was geographical. >> The first instruction was geographical. >> The first instruction was geographical. The second instruction was relational. The second instruction was relational. The second instruction was relational. >> Look at what he says. Go near to the >> Look at what he says. Go near to the >> Look at what he says. Go near to the chariot. Philip doesn't know this man. chariot. Philip doesn't know this man. chariot. Philip doesn't know this man. He has no idea who this man is. And when He has no idea who this man is. And when He has no idea who this man is. And when he begins to engage with this man, this he begins to engage with this man, this he begins to engage with this man, this man has questions and concerns about the man has questions and concerns about the man has questions and concerns about the scripture. And the Greek word for join scripture. And the Greek word for join scripture. And the Greek word for join here, it carries the sense of joining here, it carries the sense of joining here, it carries the sense of joining closely, attaching or clinging. And the closely, attaching or clinging. And the closely, attaching or clinging. And the instruction is not merely notice the instruction is not merely notice the instruction is not merely notice the chariot and notice the unic. The chariot and notice the unic. The chariot and notice the unic. The instruction was to join them. instruction was to join them. instruction was to join them. Philip is directed, hear me, to get near Philip is directed, hear me, to get near Philip is directed, hear me, to get near and connected to the person that had and connected to the person that had and connected to the person that had questions. This is where the church gets This is where the church gets uncomfortable uncomfortable uncomfortable because we love preaching at chariots because we love preaching at chariots because we love preaching at chariots and we love preaching to people who know and we love preaching to people who know and we love preaching to people who know less than we do, but we don't like less than we do, but we don't like less than we do, but we don't like walking with them and we'll post about chariots and we'll and we'll post about chariots and we'll post about people and we'll criticize post about people and we'll criticize post about people and we'll criticize the chariots and we'll criticize people the chariots and we'll criticize people the chariots and we'll criticize people and we'll build conferences around and we'll build conferences around and we'll build conferences around tearing chariots down. But but but but tearing chariots down. But but but but tearing chariots down. But but but but the spirit told Philillip, "Get close.

the spirit told Philillip, "Get close. the spirit told Philillip, "Get close. >> Get close to the person that's fallen. >> Get close to the person that's fallen. >> Get close to the person that's fallen. >> Get close to the person that has >> Get close to the person that has >> Get close to the person that has questions about Jesus. Get close to the questions about Jesus. Get close to the questions about Jesus. Get close to the person who does not walk the same way person who does not walk the same way person who does not walk the same way you walk, talk the same way you talk, do you walk, talk the same way you talk, do you walk, talk the same way you talk, do the same things that you do. Get close the same things that you do. Get close the same things that you do. Get close to the person." I it's crazy how we to the person." I it's crazy how we to the person." I it's crazy how we think we can disciple someone that we think we can disciple someone that we think we can disciple someone that we despise >> and we become the judge, the >> and we become the judge, the executioner, the the warden executioner, the the warden executioner, the the warden >> and and God is saying, "I just dealt >> and and God is saying, "I just dealt >> and and God is saying, "I just dealt with you with you with you >> this morning >> this morning >> this morning on the very same thing you were judging on the very same thing you were judging on the very same thing you were judging them about. How does that work in my them about. How does that work in my them about. How does that work in my kingdom? [applause] kingdom? [applause] kingdom? [applause] Remove the log from your eye before you Remove the log from your eye before you Remove the log from your eye before you talk about the speck in somebody else's. Philip could not hear what the man was Philip could not hear what the man was reading from a distance. He had to get reading from a distance. He had to get reading from a distance. He had to get close enough to hear his confusion. close enough to hear his confusion. close enough to hear his confusion. >> This is one of the greatest New >> This is one of the greatest New >> This is one of the greatest New Testament descriptions of evangelism Testament descriptions of evangelism Testament descriptions of evangelism that we have. He was not screaming from that we have. He was not screaming from that we have. He was not screaming from a distance.

a distance. a distance. He got proximity not assuming that this unic understood not assuming that this unic understood what he was reading. what he was reading. what he was reading. He listened and he did not treat people He listened and he did not treat people He listened and he did not treat people like a project. >> Ah, this is my little project. I'm >> Ah, this is my little project. I'm helping. I'm just I'm on a journey with helping. I'm just I'm on a journey with helping. I'm just I'm on a journey with them. >> No, no. That that's a person that has a >> No, no. That that's a person that has a soul. soul. soul. that that there's a person in search for that that there's a person in search for that that there's a person in search for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and they may not meet them if you treat and they may not meet them if you treat and they may not meet them if you treat them wrongly. >> Philip gives us a blueprint. >> Philip gives us a blueprint. He gets close enough to hear his He gets close enough to hear his He gets close enough to hear his questions. Point number four is this. questions. Point number four is this. questions. Point number four is this. Ah, this is good. God will not use you Ah, this is good. God will not use you Ah, this is good. God will not use you to heal what you refuse to get close to heal what you refuse to get close to heal what you refuse to get close enough to hear. The church has mastered rebuking people The church has mastered rebuking people from a distance.

Maybe they don't need you to raise your Maybe they don't need you to raise your voice. voice. voice. Maybe they need you to decrease the Maybe they need you to decrease the Maybe they need you to decrease the distance between you and them. But we don't want to do that because But we don't want to do that because then we'll be associated. then we'll be associated. then we'll be associated. will be seen with them. will be seen with them. will be seen with them. >> Isn't the goal to be seen with your >> Isn't the goal to be seen with your >> Isn't the goal to be seen with your brothers and sisters in eternity? >> If your holiness requires you to be >> If your holiness requires you to be avoiding every broken person, avoiding every broken person, avoiding every broken person, then it doesn't look much like Jesus. I then it doesn't look much like Jesus. I then it doesn't look much like Jesus. I tell you that. tell you that. tell you that. If your relationship with Jesus requires If your relationship with Jesus requires If your relationship with Jesus requires you to be distant from people who don't you to be distant from people who don't you to be distant from people who don't talk the same as you do and walk the talk the same as you do and walk the talk the same as you do and walk the same as you do, it doesn't look like same as you do, it doesn't look like same as you do, it doesn't look like Jesus. One of the greatest misconceptions that One of the greatest misconceptions that Jesus hung with sinners. We say that Jesus hung with sinners. We say that Jesus hung with sinners. We say that Jesus hung with s. No, he didn't. Jesus hung with s. No, he didn't. Jesus hung with s. No, he didn't. Sinners hung with Jesus.

Sinners hung with Jesus. Sinners hung with Jesus. >> But it gives us a glimpse into who Jesus >> But it gives us a glimpse into who Jesus >> But it gives us a glimpse into who Jesus actually was. That sinners wanted to be actually was. That sinners wanted to be actually was. That sinners wanted to be around him. Catch this. Catch this. How loving was Jesus that people who did How loving was Jesus that people who did How loving was Jesus that people who did not yet believe in him wanted to be not yet believe in him wanted to be not yet believe in him wanted to be around him? How loving was Jesus that he around him? How loving was Jesus that he around him? How loving was Jesus that he could see a woman caught in the very act could see a woman caught in the very act could see a woman caught in the very act of adultery place her behind him, draw of adultery place her behind him, draw of adultery place her behind him, draw in the sand, and say, "Here, she without in the sand, and say, "Here, she without in the sand, and say, "Here, she without sin cast the first stone." How loving sin cast the first stone." How loving sin cast the first stone." How loving and gracegiving was Jesus that sinners and gracegiving was Jesus that sinners and gracegiving was Jesus that sinners that did not know him wanted to be that did not know him wanted to be that did not know him wanted to be around him. He was Jesus. And if you say around him. He was Jesus. And if you say around him. He was Jesus. And if you say you follow him, then I encourage you to you follow him, then I encourage you to you follow him, then I encourage you to reflect him. reflect him. reflect him. [applause] >> You cannot disciple people you secretly >> You cannot disciple people you secretly despise. >> And God will in fact call you to close >> And God will in fact call you to close the gap of distance to increase the the gap of distance to increase the the gap of distance to increase the enemy of relationship with him in enemy of relationship with him in enemy of relationship with him in someone else.

someone else. someone else. Look at this. The chariot was moving. Look at this. The chariot was moving. Look at this. The chariot was moving. The man was reading scripture. He had The man was reading scripture. He had The man was reading scripture. He had been to Jerusalem worshiping. He was been to Jerusalem worshiping. He was been to Jerusalem worshiping. He was seeking. He had questions. And God seeking. He had questions. And God seeking. He had questions. And God plucked Philillip out of revival in plucked Philillip out of revival in plucked Philillip out of revival in Samaria. Place him on a desert road so Samaria. Place him on a desert road so Samaria. Place him on a desert road so that he could provide the solutions for that he could provide the solutions for that he could provide the solutions for the things this unic had need of. That the things this unic had need of. That the things this unic had need of. That is the providence of God. I love this because Luke gives us such I love this because Luke gives us such incredible descriptions. He's in a incredible descriptions. He's in a incredible descriptions. He's in a chariot chariot chariot and the chariot could carry him, but it and the chariot could carry him, but it and the chariot could carry him, but it could not clarify Christ to him. could not clarify Christ to him. could not clarify Christ to him. And some of you, you're utilizing And some of you, you're utilizing And some of you, you're utilizing different vehicles to make you feel a different vehicles to make you feel a different vehicles to make you feel a certain type of way. And it is not certain type of way. And it is not certain type of way. And it is not clarifying Christ for you. clarifying Christ for you. clarifying Christ for you. It's not until you an ask the right It's not until you an ask the right It's not until you an ask the right questions that you will arrive at the questions that you will arrive at the questions that you will arrive at the right answers.

right answers. right answers. Philip leaves a revival for a road, Philip leaves a revival for a road, Philip leaves a revival for a road, a crowd for a chariot, a crowd for a chariot, a crowd for a chariot, public miracles for a private public miracles for a private public miracles for a private conversation. conversation. conversation. And here's what wrecks me about this And here's what wrecks me about this And here's what wrecks me about this text. Philip didn't even know the man's text. Philip didn't even know the man's text. Philip didn't even know the man's name. He didn't even know where this man came He didn't even know where this man came from. He was just operating in from. He was just operating in from. He was just operating in obedience. Luke never gives us his name. obedience. Luke never gives us his name. obedience. Luke never gives us his name. Luke never tells us his entire name. Luke never tells us his entire name. Luke never tells us his entire name. Luke never tells us his age. But look at Luke never tells us his age. But look at Luke never tells us his age. But look at this. Although we do not know his name, this. Although we do not know his name, this. Although we do not know his name, heaven knew his location. >> God knew exactly where to find him, just >> God knew exactly where to find him, just like he knew exactly where to find you. like he knew exactly where to find you. like he knew exactly where to find you. Aren't you glad God didn't leave you Aren't you glad God didn't leave you Aren't you glad God didn't leave you where he found you? where he found you? where he found you? >> Aren't you glad that God did not leave >> Aren't you glad that God did not leave >> Aren't you glad that God did not leave you where he found you? Aren't you so you where he found you? Aren't you so you where he found you? Aren't you so thankful that he met you, that he lifted thankful that he met you, that he lifted thankful that he met you, that he lifted you, that he carried you, that he you, that he carried you, that he you, that he carried you, that he covered you, that he protected you, that covered you, that he protected you, that covered you, that he protected you, that he kept you when you could not keep your he kept you when you could not keep your he kept you when you could not keep your mind in perfect peace. He kept your mind mind in perfect peace. He kept your mind mind in perfect peace. He kept your mind in perfect peace when it has stayed on in perfect peace when it has stayed on in perfect peace when it has stayed on him. Although you may think nobody knows him. Although you may think nobody knows him. Although you may think nobody knows my name, heaven knows your location.

my name, heaven knows your location. my name, heaven knows your location. And the word of God says that he'll And the word of God says that he'll And the word of God says that he'll 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 until the very end of He'll be with you until the very end of He'll be with you until the very end of all time. God knew what road he was on. all time. God knew what road he was on. all time. God knew what road he was on. God knew what he was reading. God knew God knew what he was reading. God knew God knew what he was reading. God knew what he did not understand. God knew what he did not understand. God knew what he did not understand. God knew when the chariot would pass. And God when the chariot would pass. And God when the chariot would pass. And God knew exactly which disciple was knew exactly which disciple was knew exactly which disciple was available enough to send to give clarity available enough to send to give clarity available enough to send to give clarity to the questions that he had. The to the questions that he had. The to the questions that he had. The question isn't whether God is still question isn't whether God is still question isn't whether God is still speaking. The question is whether he can speaking. The question is whether he can speaking. The question is whether he can still interrupt your life to speak to still interrupt your life to speak to still interrupt your life to speak to you. you. you. And some of you want God to speak, but And some of you want God to speak, but And some of you want God to speak, but you don't want him to interrupt you. you don't want him to interrupt you. you don't want him to interrupt you. Some of you want God to move, but you Some of you want God to move, but you Some of you want God to move, but you don't want him to interrupt you. Some of don't want him to interrupt you. Some of don't want him to interrupt you. Some of you want God to fix it, but you don't you want God to fix it, but you don't you want God to fix it, but you don't want God to interrupt you. Some of you want God to interrupt you. Some of you want God to interrupt you. Some of you want to be healed, but you don't want want to be healed, but you don't want want to be healed, but you don't want God to interrupt you. You want God to do God to interrupt you. You want God to do God to interrupt you. You want God to do what you want him to do on your what you want him to do on your what you want him to do on your timeline, and God does not work that timeline, and God does not work that timeline, and God does not work that way. God will, in fact, interrupt you. way. God will, in fact, interrupt you. way. God will, in fact, interrupt you. He will pick you out of what seemingly He will pick you out of what seemingly He will pick you out of what seemingly looks like blessing and place you in looks like blessing and place you in looks like blessing and place you in obscurity on a road that's a desert and obscurity on a road that's a desert and obscurity on a road that's a desert and tell you, "Keep walking. tell you, "Keep walking. tell you, "Keep walking. Go." until I tell you to stop. But God, Go." until I tell you to stop. But God, Go." until I tell you to stop. But God, why am I here? Keep moving.

why am I here? Keep moving. why am I here? Keep moving. God, what is it you want me to do? Keep God, what is it you want me to do? Keep God, what is it you want me to do? Keep putting one foot in front of the other. putting one foot in front of the other. putting one foot in front of the other. God, what is their name? It does not God, what is their name? It does not God, what is their name? It does not matter. matter. matter. >> Will you be obedient to the assignment >> Will you be obedient to the assignment >> Will you be obedient to the assignment without being attached to the outcome? >> Question isn't whether God is still >> Question isn't whether God is still speaking. The question is whether he can speaking. The question is whether he can speaking. The question is whether he can still interrupt you. still interrupt you. still interrupt you. Some of us are so scheduled, Some of us are so scheduled, Some of us are so scheduled, so branded, so branded, so branded, so posh and polished, so posh and polished, so posh and polished, so perfect, so perfect, so perfect, so churched so busy, so [snorts] successful, so so busy, so [snorts] successful, so affluent, so in influential affluent, so in influential affluent, so in influential that even if the angel said go, we have that even if the angel said go, we have that even if the angel said go, we have to check our calendars to see if we can.

I don't know if I can go today, God. I don't know if I can go today, God. I'm busy. And for some of you, maybe I'm busy. And for some of you, maybe I'm busy. And for some of you, maybe it's not go. Maybe it's just stay it's not go. Maybe it's just stay it's not go. Maybe it's just stay throughout service. Maybe it's just stay put until the Maybe it's just stay put until the benediction. benediction. benediction. Because offering is not the benediction. Because offering is not the benediction. Because offering is not the benediction. I don't know if you know that or not. >> We're so busy >> We're so busy that if the angel said go, we have to that if the angel said go, we have to that if the angel said go, we have to check our calendars to see if it fits check our calendars to see if it fits check our calendars to see if it fits within our pre-scheduled plans. But within our pre-scheduled plans. But within our pre-scheduled plans. But Philip, he got up and he went. He got to Philip, he got up and he went. He got to Philip, he got up and he went. He got to the road and he continued to walk in the road and he continued to walk in the road and he continued to walk in obedience until God met him. Obedience obedience until God met him. Obedience obedience until God met him. Obedience met hunger. Availability met confusion. met hunger. Availability met confusion. met hunger. Availability met confusion. A disciple met a man in a chariot. And A disciple met a man in a chariot. And A disciple met a man in a chariot. And Jesus was about to be revealed. Jesus was about to be revealed. Jesus was about to be revealed. I love this because it tells me that God I love this because it tells me that God I love this because it tells me that God is still looking for people who don't is still looking for people who don't is still looking for people who don't need to know why before they say yes. need to know why before they say yes. need to know why before they say yes. Will you say yes?

God is still looking for people who God is still looking for people who don't need to know why before they say don't need to know why before they say don't need to know why before they say yes. Will you say yes? yes. Will you say yes? yes. Will you say yes? Will it be your testimony that you went Will it be your testimony that you went Will it be your testimony that you went anyway? anyway? anyway? God, it's inconvenient, but I'mma go God, it's inconvenient, but I'mma go God, it's inconvenient, but I'mma go anyway. God, I know it's going to cost anyway. God, I know it's going to cost anyway. God, I know it's going to cost me, but I'mma go anyway. God, I know me, but I'mma go anyway. God, I know me, but I'mma go anyway. God, I know it's going to be lonely, but I'm going it's going to be lonely, but I'm going it's going to be lonely, but I'm going to go anyway. God, I don't know nobody to go anyway. God, I don't know nobody to go anyway. God, I don't know nobody there, but I'mma go anyway. God, it's there, but I'mma go anyway. God, it's there, but I'mma go anyway. God, it's hot out there, but I'mma go anyway. God, hot out there, but I'mma go anyway. God, hot out there, but I'mma go anyway. God, I know I'm going to be dehydrated, but I know I'm going to be dehydrated, but I know I'm going to be dehydrated, but I'm going to go anyway. God, I know I'm I'm going to go anyway. God, I know I'm I'm going to go anyway. God, I know I'm going to be isolated, but I'm going to going to be isolated, but I'm going to going to be isolated, but I'm going to go anyway. God, I won't be able to find go anyway. God, I won't be able to find go anyway. God, I won't be able to find it as successful, but I'm going to go it as successful, but I'm going to go it as successful, but I'm going to go anyway. Do I have anybody listening to anyway. Do I have anybody listening to anyway. Do I have anybody listening to me who has their mind made up? I am me who has their mind made up? I am me who has their mind made up? I am going to be obedient to the word of God going to be obedient to the word of God going to be obedient to the word of God and I am going to go anyway. No crowd. and I am going to go anyway. No crowd. and I am going to go anyway. No crowd. I'm going anyway. No explanation. I'm I'm going anyway. No explanation. I'm I'm going anyway. No explanation. I'm going anyway. No evidence. I'm going going anyway. No evidence. I'm going going anyway. No evidence. I'm going anyway. Nothing about the road looks anyway. Nothing about the road looks anyway. Nothing about the road looks like revival, but I am going to go like revival, but I am going to go like revival, but I am going to go anyway. Nothing looks familiar, but I'm going to Nothing looks familiar, but I'm going to go anyway go anyway go anyway because some miracles only make sense because some miracles only make sense because some miracles only make sense after you arrive.

after you arrive. after you arrive. Some of you, you think you're lost. No, Some of you, you think you're lost. No, Some of you, you think you're lost. No, no, no. You're not lost. You're being no, no. You're not lost. You're being no, no. You're not lost. You're being sent. sent. sent. You're not lost. You're sent. You're not lost. You're sent. You're not lost. You're sent. God knows God knows God knows exactly where you need and he knows exactly where you need and he knows exactly where you need and he knows exactly how to find you. the unic exactly how to find you. the unic exactly how to find you. the unic unnamed on a desert road far from home unnamed on a desert road far from home unnamed on a desert road far from home confused but heaven had his coordinates confused but heaven had his coordinates confused but heaven had his coordinates and you can be lost to everybody else and you can be lost to everybody else and you can be lost to everybody else and still be located by God. and still be located by God. and still be located by God. >> And I know some of you feel overlooked. >> And I know some of you feel overlooked. >> And I know some of you feel overlooked. You feel not seen. You feel not seen. You feel not seen. You feel abandoned. You feel like you're You feel abandoned. You feel like you're You feel abandoned. You feel like you're in the wilderness. You feel like you're in the wilderness. You feel like you're in the wilderness. You feel like you're in a desert place. But just because you in a desert place. But just because you in a desert place. But just because you are in a foreign place does not mean are in a foreign place does not mean are in a foreign place does not mean you're in a forgotten place. Amen. you're in a forgotten place. Amen. you're in a forgotten place. Amen. >> And no one may know your name, but >> And no one may know your name, but >> And no one may know your name, but heaven has your location. heaven has your location. heaven has your location. >> So stay put in the desert long enough to >> So stay put in the desert long enough to >> So stay put in the desert long enough to get direction from God get direction from God get direction from God >> because God has a plan for your life. >> because God has a plan for your life. >> because God has a plan for your life. >> I said God has a plan for your life. He >> I said God has a plan for your life. He >> I said God has a plan for your life. He knows what you need before you know you knows what you need before you know you knows what you need before you know you even have a need. He knows where you're even have a need. He knows where you're even have a need. He knows where you're going before you even realize you're on going before you even realize you're on going before you even realize you're on the road going somewhere. He knows what the road going somewhere. He knows what the road going somewhere. He knows what he desires to do for you before you even he desires to do for you before you even he desires to do for you before you even know who he is. God has a place for you.

know who he is. God has a place for you. know who he is. God has a place for you. And in the desert, you will find And in the desert, you will find And in the desert, you will find direction. Keep walking. Keep walking. If you keep walking in obedience, If you keep walking in obedience, If you keep walking in obedience, he'll be with you every step of the way. he'll be with you every step of the way. he'll be with you every step of the way. I know it's inconvenient. I know it's I know it's inconvenient. I know it's I know it's inconvenient. I know it's costly. I know it's hot. I know you feel costly. I know it's hot. I know you feel costly. I know it's hot. I know you feel like everything that you love has been like everything that you love has been like everything that you love has been stripped away from you. But I'm telling stripped away from you. But I'm telling stripped away from you. But I'm telling you, he's with you. And if he's with you, he's with you. And if he's with you, he's with you. And if he's with you, who could be against you? you, who could be against you? you, who could be against you? [applause] >> And like the unic, >> And like the unic, while you are in the middle of the while you are in the middle of the while you are in the middle of the desert, hold on to the word of God. desert, hold on to the word of God. desert, hold on to the word of God. Hold on to the word of God. Hold on to the word of God. Hold on to the word of God. When you're in search for the answers, When you're in search for the answers, When you're in search for the answers, hold on to the word of God. When you hold on to the word of God. When you hold on to the word of God. When you need a touch from heaven, hold on to the need a touch from heaven, hold on to the need a touch from heaven, hold on to the word of God. When you need God to speak word of God. When you need God to speak word of God. When you need God to speak to you, hold on to the word of God to you, hold on to the word of God to you, hold on to the word of God because there's directions that are because there's directions that are because there's directions that are given in the middle of the desert. Hold given in the middle of the desert. Hold given in the middle of the desert. Hold on to the word of God.

on to the word of God. on to the word of God. God that he is God and beside him there God that he is God and beside him there God that he is God and beside him there is no one else. I know he carried you. I know he carried you. He picked you up. He placed your feet on the path of He placed your feet on the path of righteousness for his name's sake. righteousness for his name's sake. righteousness for his name's sake. Gave you a new name. Gave you a new name. Gave you a new name. told you to go. Will you surrender your will for his? Will you surrender your will for his? Will you surrender your way for his? Will you surrender your way for his? Will you surrender your way for his? Will you surrender your desires for his Will you surrender your desires for his Will you surrender your desires for his desires?

desires? desires? Will you surrender your wants for his Will you surrender your wants for his Will you surrender your wants for his wants? Will you surrender? Will you give wants? Will you surrender? Will you give wants? Will you surrender? Will you give him your complete and total yes? Yes to your way. Yes to your way. Yes to your wants. Yes to your wants. Yes to your wants. Yes to your needs. Yes to your needs. Yes to your needs. Yes to your desires. Yes to your desires. Yes to your desires. Will you give them your yes? That's a question. That's a question. >> Will you give them your yes? >> Will you give them your yes? >> Will you give them your yes? Stand to your feet. Lift your hands. Stand to your feet. Lift your hands. Stand to your feet. Lift your hands. Close your eyes by your head.

Right now in this moment, some of you Right now in this moment, some of you have been held hostage by success. been held hostage by your desires, by been held hostage by your desires, by your wants, by your will, by your way, your wants, by your will, by your way, your wants, by your will, by your way, by your your selfishness, by your by your your selfishness, by your by your your selfishness, by your ambition, by your ego, ambition, by your ego, ambition, by your ego, by your comfort, by your convenience. And today God is asking, can you leave And today God is asking, can you leave those things and allow me to take you on a journey and allow me to take you on a journey that leads you closer to me. If you know you've been running from the If you know you've been running from the desert, that's the very place God desires to that's the very place God desires to meet you. meet you. meet you. I want you to shoot both hands up right I want you to shoot both hands up right I want you to shoot both hands up right now online. I want you to put it in the online. I want you to put it in the chat. That's me.

when you encounter discomfort there. when you encounter discomfort there. Absolutely. Will you encounter some pain there? Will you encounter some pain there? Absolutely. Will you have questions and concerns Will you have questions and concerns and be confused? and be confused? and be confused? Absolutely. But I would rather have questions, But I would rather have questions, concerns, and be confused in the concerns, and be confused in the concerns, and be confused in the presence of God and all of the answers and solutions and all of the answers and solutions absent of him. So, I don't know what it is that you you So, I don't know what it is that you you need him to do in your life today. Some of you are in the middle of a Some of you are in the middle of a mental health crisis. Thinking thoughts you never thought Thinking thoughts you never thought before.

today. I believe those things are going today. I believe those things are going to be broken off of your life. to be broken off of your life. to be broken off of your life. If that is you and you're battling If that is you and you're battling If that is you and you're battling mentally, I want you to put both hands mentally, I want you to put both hands mentally, I want you to put both hands on your head right now. I know the road hasn't been easy, but I know the road hasn't been easy, but I'm proud of you. I know it took everything in your power I know it took everything in your power to get here today, and I'm proud of you. I know you feel isolated and alone and I know you feel isolated and alone and I'm telling you I'm proud of you.

Things are going to work out. Things are going to work out. [screaming] Things are going to work out. Things are going to work out. Maybe not according to your plan, over every voice that's contrary to the over every voice that's contrary to the voice of God.

For the word of God says, "Who the Son For the word of God says, "Who the Son sets free sets free sets free is free indeed." is free indeed." is free indeed." Therefore, if we are free people, Therefore, if we are free people, Therefore, if we are free people, then our mind is free. Somebody here had made up in their mind Somebody here had made up in their mind that this was the last service that they that this was the last service that they that this was the last service that they were going to go to. >> I bind that in the name of Jesus. >> I bind that in the name of Jesus. [applause] And I want to remind you, you have so And I want to remind you, you have so much to live for.

>> God has so much in store for you. >> God has so much in store for you. It must be. Why else would the enemy try to convince Why else would the enemy try to convince you you you that life is not worth living? Not only is God with you, but we are Not only is God with you, but we are with you. with you. with you. >> [applause] That's you. I'm not going to call you to That's you. I'm not going to call you to the front.

I do want to send some pastors to you. I I do want to send some pastors to you. I just want you to lift your hand right just want you to lift your hand right just want you to lift your hand right now. This [screaming and groaning] now. This [screaming and groaning] now. This [screaming and groaning] Hold that for me, sir. Just hold that Hold that for me, sir. Just hold that Hold that for me, sir. Just hold that for me. Thank you. for me. Thank you. for me. Thank you. That should just stretch your hands up That should just stretch your hands up That should just stretch your hands up [snorts] right now. [snorts] right now. [snorts] right now. My pastors, find the people with their My pastors, find the people with their My pastors, find the people with their hands lifted. hands lifted. hands lifted. Jen, pray team. Find the individuals that pray team. Find the individuals that have their hands lifted. Life and death are in the power of the Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Sometimes when you don't know what to Sometimes when you don't know what to say, say, say, you need to hear someone remind you of you need to hear someone remind you of you need to hear someone remind you of what to say.

what to say. what to say. >> So I want to remind you that you will >> So I want to remind you that you will >> So I want to remind you that you will live and not die. >> I want to remind you that God is the >> I want to remind you that God is the only one that can renew your youth like only one that can renew your youth like only one that can renew your youth like the eagle. >> I want to remind you that he is the only >> I want to remind you that he is the only one that can exchange his mind for your one that can exchange his mind for your one that can exchange his mind for your mind. I want to remind you that you are a son I want to remind you that you are a son and a daughter of the most high God. and a daughter of the most high God. and a daughter of the most high God. [applause] We're cheering you on We're cheering you on and telling you to keep running.

and telling you to keep running. and telling you to keep running. You feel too weak to run, keep walking. You feel too weak to run, keep walking. You feel too weak to run, keep walking. You feel too weak to walk, keep You feel too weak to walk, keep You feel too weak to walk, keep crawling. crawling. crawling. You feel too weak to crawl, keep You feel too weak to crawl, keep You feel too weak to crawl, keep scraping. scraping. scraping. You're going to make it. And everybody else that feels distant on And everybody else that feels distant on this desert road that needs greater this desert road that needs greater this desert road that needs greater dependence and intimacy with Jesus, I dependence and intimacy with Jesus, I dependence and intimacy with Jesus, I want you to lift your hands right now. Repeat this after me. Lord Jesus, Repeat this after me. Lord Jesus, come into my heart. come into my heart. come into my heart. I repent for my sin. I repent for my sin. I repent for my sin. >> Forgive me. >> Forgive me. >> Forgive me. Cleanse me. Cleanse me. Cleanse me. Cast the sin Cast the sin Cast the sin >> as far as the east is from the west. >> as far as the east is from the west. >> as far as the east is from the west. >> Wash me. >> Wash me. >> Wash me. >> Make me new. >> Make me new. >> Make me new. >> Cover me.

>> Cover me. >> Cover me. >> Keep me. >> Keep me. >> Keep me. >> Protect me. >> Protect me. >> Protect me. >> And God, >> And God, >> And God, show me the [snorts] way. show me the [snorts] way. show me the [snorts] way. >> Show me the way >> Show me the way >> Show me the way >> that you desire for me to go. >> that you desire for me to go. >> that you desire for me to go. >> I will follow >> I will follow >> I will follow >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. >> all the days of my life. in Jesus name. in Jesus name. in Jesus name. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. [applause] Let's get ready to give. Amen. Let's get ready to give. Amen. [applause] >> This is an opportunity for you to put to >> This is an opportunity for you to put to the test what you just heard. the test what you just heard. the test what you just heard. those that have no needs and those that those that have no needs and those that those that have no needs and those that do have needs. Those that have success do have needs. Those that have success do have needs. Those that have success by world standards and those that do not by world standards and those that do not by world standards and those that do not have success by world standards. have success by world standards. have success by world standards. I want you to grab a envelope, pull out I want you to grab a envelope, pull out I want you to grab a envelope, pull out your smart device, tap the puck in front your smart device, tap the puck in front your smart device, tap the puck in front of you, and then pray. Ask God to give of you, and then pray. Ask God to give of you, and then pray. Ask God to give you direction. Ask God to speak to you.

you direction. Ask God to speak to you. you direction. Ask God to speak to you. Don't give out of habit. Don't give out Don't give out of habit. Don't give out Don't give out of habit. Don't give out of pressure. Don't give out of of pressure. Don't give out of of pressure. Don't give out of circumstance. Give out of obedience. circumstance. Give out of obedience. circumstance. Give out of obedience. Then we're going to pray together Then we're going to pray together Then we're going to pray together in just a few moments. Let's pray. Demonly Father, we thank you Let's pray. Demonly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to advance the for this opportunity to advance the for this opportunity to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, to advance your gospel of Jesus Christ, to advance your gospel of Jesus Christ, to advance your kingdom. We ask right now in the name of kingdom. We ask right now in the name of kingdom. We ask right now in the name of Jesus that you would use us not just in Jesus that you would use us not just in Jesus that you would use us not just in a significant way, but use us in a a significant way, but use us in a a significant way, but use us in a supernatural way. May you get glory out supernatural way. May you get glory out supernatural way. May you get glory out of our lives and our obedience. [music] of our lives and our obedience. [music] of our lives and our obedience. [music] In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Ushers, you can pass the buckets at this >> Ushers, you can pass the buckets at this >> Ushers, you can pass the buckets at this time. time. time. >> Thank you so much for tuning in to >> Thank you so much for tuning in to >> Thank you so much for tuning in to celebration everywhere today. Whether celebration everywhere today. Whether celebration everywhere today. Whether you're joining us from your home, on the you're joining us from your home, on the you're joining us from your home, on the road, man, we are just truly grateful road, man, we are just truly grateful road, man, we are just truly grateful that you chose to [music] worship with that you chose to [music] worship with that you chose to [music] worship with us today. It is such an honor to be us today. It is such an honor to be us today. It is such an honor to be invited into your screens each and every invited into your screens each and every invited into your screens each and every week. And we are so glad that you're a week. And we are so glad that you're a week. And we are so glad that you're a part of what God is doing here at part of what God is doing here at part of what God is doing here at Celebration Church. If today's message Celebration Church. If today's message Celebration Church. If today's message encouraged you, strengthened your faith, encouraged you, strengthened your faith, encouraged you, strengthened your faith, or spoke directly to the season of life or spoke directly to the season of life or spoke directly to the season of life that you're in, we invite you to like that you're in, we invite you to like that you're in, we invite you to like this video, share it with those around this video, share it with those around this video, share it with those around you, and subscribe to the channel. Your you, and subscribe to the channel. Your you, and subscribe to the channel. Your engagement helps us bring the gospel engagement helps us bring the gospel engagement helps us bring the gospel [music] message to screens all over the [music] message to screens all over the [music] message to screens all over the world. And one of the ways that we're world. And one of the ways that we're world. And one of the ways that we're able to continue reaching people able to continue reaching people able to continue reaching people globally is through your giving. See, globally is through your giving. See, globally is through your giving. See, your faithfulness allows ministry to your faithfulness allows ministry to your faithfulness allows ministry to happen and lives to be changed, hope to happen and lives to be changed, hope to happen and lives to be changed, hope to be shared across the globe. We could not be shared across the globe. We could not be shared across the globe. We could not do this without your generosity. We are do this without your generosity. We are do this without your generosity. We are so thankful to be part of an online so thankful to be part of an online so thankful to be part of an online community that believes in the power of community that believes in the power of community that believes in the power of sewing. And so if you'd like to give sewing. And so if you'd like to give sewing. And so if you'd like to give today, you can find the giving link in today, you can find the giving link in today, you can find the giving link in the description below or our giving page the description below or our giving page the description below or our giving page in the Celebration app. Now, if you in the Celebration app. Now, if you in the Celebration app. Now, if you don't have the Celebration app, we don't have the Celebration app, we don't have the Celebration app, we highly encourage you to download that highly encourage you to download that highly encourage you to download that today. If it's your first time today. If it's your first time today. If it's your first time downloading the app, be sure to select downloading the app, be sure to select downloading the app, be sure to select the Celebration Everywhere as your the Celebration Everywhere as your the Celebration Everywhere as your location. Um because once you're there, location. Um because once you're there, location. Um because once you're there, you're going to be able to find you're going to be able to find you're going to be able to find opportunities to give, take next steps, opportunities to give, take next steps, opportunities to give, take next steps, and even come and serve and be a part of and even come and serve and be a part of and even come and serve and be a part of our team along with discovering more our team along with discovering more our team along with discovering more ways to stay connected with us here at ways to stay connected with us here at ways to stay connected with us here at Celebration Church. If you have any Celebration Church. If you have any Celebration Church. If you have any questions at all or simply want to learn questions at all or simply want to learn questions at all or simply want to learn more about engaging with our online more about engaging with our online more about engaging with our online community, you can email us community, you can email us community, you can email us everywhere.org.

everywhere.org. everywhere.org. Thank you so much for joining us today Thank you so much for joining us today Thank you so much for joining us today and just know we are praying for you, and just know we are praying for you, and just know we are praying for you, believing with you, and we love you so believing with you, and we love you so believing with you, and we love you so very much. Remember, every screen has a very much. Remember, every screen has a very much. Remember, every screen has a story.