EMPOWERS US TO BE HIS WITNESS - HOLY SPIRIT - MARK PETTUS

Well, happy Sunday everybody. Can we put Well, happy Sunday everybody. Can we put our hands together at every location and our hands together at every location and our hands together at every location and let's welcome our church family. What an let's welcome our church family. What an let's welcome our church family. What an honor it is to be together. I am so glad honor it is to be together. I am so glad honor it is to be together. I am so glad to be in grateful to be in God's house to be in grateful to be in God's house to be in grateful to be in God's house today. And God is good today. And God is good today. And God is good >> all the time >> all the time >> all the time >> and all the time. >> and all the time. >> and all the time. >> God is good. >> God is good. >> God is good. >> He's a good God. And uh just grateful >> He's a good God. And uh just grateful >> He's a good God. And uh just grateful that we've just had a chance to join all that we've just had a chance to join all that we've just had a chance to join all of our locations in Alabama and Georgia. of our locations in Alabama and Georgia. of our locations in Alabama and Georgia. But there's a couple groups I say hello But there's a couple groups I say hello But there's a couple groups I say hello to everybody every week. those online of to everybody every week. those online of to everybody every week. those online of course on demand but today specifically course on demand but today specifically course on demand but today specifically felt led just to lean in to a couple felt led just to lean in to a couple felt led just to lean in to a couple audiences that that are a part of this audiences that that are a part of this audiences that that are a part of this moment. One is those in the the moment. One is those in the the moment. One is those in the the correctional facilities [music] and we correctional facilities [music] and we correctional facilities [music] and we want you to know all of us in every room want you to know all of us in every room want you to know all of us in every room want you to know you are not a project. want you to know you are not a project. want you to know you are not a project. You're part of our church family. We You're part of our church family. We You're part of our church family. We love you and it's an honor to serve you. love you and it's an honor to serve you. love you and it's an honor to serve you. I got a chance to meet a bunch of them. I got a chance to meet a bunch of them. I got a chance to meet a bunch of them. Yeah. Let's put our hands together. Yeah. Let's put our hands together. Yeah. Let's put our hands together. Yeah. Right here in the middle. Thank Yeah. Right here in the middle. Thank Yeah. Right here in the middle. Thank you [applause] for starting that hand you [applause] for starting that hand you [applause] for starting that hand clap. clap. clap. I hope you feel that love. I got a I hope you feel that love. I got a I hope you feel that love. I got a chance to meet some men from the chance to meet some men from the chance to meet some men from the Childersburg work release program at Childersburg work release program at Childersburg work release program at men's night. And just for those men, but men's night. And just for those men, but men's night. And just for those men, but all those who are joining us in those all those who are joining us in those all those who are joining us in those facilities, it's an honor to be with you facilities, it's an honor to be with you facilities, it's an honor to be with you as a part of our church family. And then as a part of our church family. And then as a part of our church family. And then also just specifically today, those who also just specifically today, those who also just specifically today, those who are with us for the first time, uh my are with us for the first time, uh my are with us for the first time, uh my name is Mark. You are a part of Church name is Mark. You are a part of Church name is Mark. You are a part of Church of the Highlands today. A bunch of of the Highlands today. A bunch of of the Highlands today. A bunch of people who have just experienced the people who have just experienced the people who have just experienced the grace and mercy of God. And we want you grace and mercy of God. And we want you grace and mercy of God. And we want you to know at every location, if you're to know at every location, if you're to know at every location, if you're with us uh for the first time, or even with us uh for the first time, or even with us uh for the first time, or even if you're just new here at Highlands, if you're just new here at Highlands, if you're just new here at Highlands, it's an honor to have you here.

it's an honor to have you here. it's an honor to have you here. Highlands, can we show love to both of Highlands, can we show love to both of Highlands, can we show love to both of those groups? the correctional those groups? the correctional those groups? the correctional facilities, those who are with us for facilities, those who are with us for facilities, those who are with us for the first time. the first time. the first time. So, we're in a series on the person of So, we're in a series on the person of So, we're in a series on the person of the Holy Spirit. I'm going to pray in a the Holy Spirit. I'm going to pray in a the Holy Spirit. I'm going to pray in a moment. We're going to jump into it. Um, moment. We're going to jump into it. Um, moment. We're going to jump into it. Um, but it's important series. Research but it's important series. Research but it's important series. Research shows that over half of pe of the people shows that over half of pe of the people shows that over half of pe of the people who follow God basically are this that who follow God basically are this that who follow God basically are this that we're good with the father. We we we're good with the father. We we we're good with the father. We we understand that God is a father. He's understand that God is a father. He's understand that God is a father. He's the creator. We are really good with the creator. We are really good with the creator. We are really good with Jesus, his son, because Jesus Christ Jesus, his son, because Jesus Christ Jesus, his son, because Jesus Christ died on a cross to save me from my sins. died on a cross to save me from my sins. died on a cross to save me from my sins. Anybody grateful? Yeah, Anybody grateful? Yeah, Anybody grateful? Yeah, >> his blood was shed. Yeah, we just sang >> his blood was shed. Yeah, we just sang >> his blood was shed. Yeah, we just sang about it and [applause] his mercy and about it and [applause] his mercy and about it and [applause] his mercy and grace, what what he paid for on that grace, what what he paid for on that grace, what what he paid for on that cross, we're grateful for, but actually cross, we're grateful for, but actually cross, we're grateful for, but actually over half of those who follow God say over half of those who follow God say over half of those who follow God say that this Holy Spirit is a mystery. I that this Holy Spirit is a mystery. I that this Holy Spirit is a mystery. I just don't understand the person of the just don't understand the person of the just don't understand the person of the Holy Spirit. And I'm just here to Holy Spirit. And I'm just here to Holy Spirit. And I'm just here to declare today that he does not have to declare today that he does not have to declare today that he does not have to be a mystery. The Holy Spirit is a be a mystery. The Holy Spirit is a be a mystery. The Holy Spirit is a person. He is God. Here's the best news, person. He is God. Here's the best news, person. He is God. Here's the best news, everybody. He's knowable. everybody. He's knowable. everybody. He's knowable. >> You can know him. And by just a hand >> You can know him. And by just a hand >> You can know him. And by just a hand clap of praise, is anybody at Church of clap of praise, is anybody at Church of clap of praise, is anybody at Church of the Highlands, is anybody grateful for the Highlands, is anybody grateful for the Highlands, is anybody grateful for the person of the Holy Spirit? He's the person of the Holy Spirit? He's the person of the Holy Spirit? He's touched your life. He's changed your touched your life. He's changed your touched your life. He's changed your life. [applause] You're grateful for life. [applause] You're grateful for life. [applause] You're grateful for him. Okay, so maybe you're in the room him. Okay, so maybe you're in the room him. Okay, so maybe you're in the room and you're like, "Okay, I'm trying to and you're like, "Okay, I'm trying to and you're like, "Okay, I'm trying to figure it out." That was an figure it out." That was an figure it out." That was an encouragement for you. And so today, I encouragement for you. And so today, I encouragement for you. And so today, I would love We're going to pray. I'd love would love We're going to pray. I'd love would love We're going to pray. I'd love you to have your app out here in a you to have your app out here in a you to have your app out here in a moment to take notes. Uh, today will be moment to take notes. Uh, today will be moment to take notes. Uh, today will be a message that is rich in theology, but a message that is rich in theology, but a message that is rich in theology, but also in practice today. Hopefully, also in practice today. Hopefully, also in practice today. Hopefully, you'll be able to just to really expand you'll be able to just to really expand you'll be able to just to really expand your understanding of God, to build your your understanding of God, to build your your understanding of God, to build your faith today, but also activating it faith today, but also activating it faith today, but also activating it tomorrow. tomorrow. Hey everybody, this tomorrow. tomorrow. Hey everybody, this tomorrow. tomorrow. Hey everybody, this is going to be a good one. [music] is going to be a good one. [music] is going to be a good one. [music] Pastor Chris has this joke. Says he Pastor Chris has this joke. Says he Pastor Chris has this joke. Says he likes to put the cookies on the bottom

likes to put the cookies on the bottom likes to put the cookies on the bottom shelf. shelf. shelf. >> And I'm going to do my best to do that >> And I'm going to do my best to do that >> And I'm going to do my best to do that today. But these are not y'all, these today. But these are not y'all, these today. But these are not y'all, these are good cookies. These are not vanilla are good cookies. These are not vanilla are good cookies. These are not vanilla wafers today. wafers today. wafers today. >> These are cookie fix cookies. Can I get >> These are cookie fix cookies. Can I get >> These are cookie fix cookies. Can I get an amen? These are crumble cookies. All an amen? These are crumble cookies. All an amen? These are crumble cookies. All 800 calories of goodness. So here's our 800 calories of goodness. So here's our 800 calories of goodness. So here's our posture. God, put it on the screen. If posture. God, put it on the screen. If posture. God, put it on the screen. If you have something for me, I want it. you have something for me, I want it. you have something for me, I want it. >> I want it. Let's pray together. God, we >> I want it. Let's pray together. God, we >> I want it. Let's pray together. God, we pray just that. We want all that you pray just that. We want all that you pray just that. We want all that you have, God. Thank you that you're a have, God. Thank you that you're a have, God. Thank you that you're a father. You are a good God. You're a father. You are a good God. You're a father. You are a good God. You're a good father. That you love us. And God, good father. That you love us. And God, good father. That you love us. And God, that you so love the world. You gave that you so love the world. You gave that you so love the world. You gave your son. We thank you for Jesus, your your son. We thank you for Jesus, your your son. We thank you for Jesus, your son. Today, God, we thank you for the son. Today, God, we thank you for the son. Today, God, we thank you for the person of the Holy Spirit. And we just person of the Holy Spirit. And we just person of the Holy Spirit. And we just say that that prayer. That's our prayer say that that prayer. That's our prayer say that that prayer. That's our prayer at Church of the Highlands today. God, at Church of the Highlands today. God, at Church of the Highlands today. God, if you have something for us, we want it if you have something for us, we want it if you have something for us, we want it in Jesus name. Everybody said, in Jesus name. Everybody said, in Jesus name. Everybody said, >> "Amen." Amen. Amen. Again, I hope you >> "Amen." Amen. Amen. Again, I hope you >> "Amen." Amen. Amen. Again, I hope you have your app out today. this series. have your app out today. this series. have your app out today. this series. We're in the third part of it. Uh we've We're in the third part of it. Uh we've We're in the third part of it. Uh we've been kind of following along with these been kind of following along with these been kind of following along with these different symbols of the Holy Spirit. So different symbols of the Holy Spirit. So different symbols of the Holy Spirit. So week one was wind, week two was week one was wind, week two was week one was wind, week two was Charlotte, uh last week was oil, Charlotte, uh last week was oil, Charlotte, uh last week was oil, >> and today is fire. Come on, look at your >> and today is fire. Come on, look at your >> and today is fire. Come on, look at your neighbor and say fire.

neighbor and say fire. neighbor and say fire. >> Fire, >> Fire, >> Fire, >> the fire of God. And one thing you have >> the fire of God. And one thing you have >> the fire of God. And one thing you have to know, of course, about fire is that to know, of course, about fire is that to know, of course, about fire is that it's powerful. Volcanoes are powerful. it's powerful. Volcanoes are powerful. it's powerful. Volcanoes are powerful. You know, dynamite is powerful. jet You know, dynamite is powerful. jet You know, dynamite is powerful. jet engines here in Birmingham. Of course, engines here in Birmingham. Of course, engines here in Birmingham. Of course, the steel industry, those those forges the steel industry, those those forges the steel industry, those those forges where that steel was shaped and molded. where that steel was shaped and molded. where that steel was shaped and molded. That that's that's powerful. And of That that's that's powerful. And of That that's that's powerful. And of course, also we see wildfires. That's course, also we see wildfires. That's course, also we see wildfires. That's the one I want to grab today because I the one I want to grab today because I the one I want to grab today because I actually have some experience with a actually have some experience with a actually have some experience with a wildfire. [music] And please judge me. wildfire. [music] And please judge me. wildfire. [music] And please judge me. Like, don't not judge me. Actually, Like, don't not judge me. Actually, Like, don't not judge me. Actually, judge me. I almost started a wildfire judge me. I almost started a wildfire judge me. I almost started a wildfire one time. I do want to say this was one time. I do want to say this was one time. I do want to say this was many, many years ago when I was I was a many, many years ago when I was I was a many, many years ago when I was I was a young buck, less wise than hopefully I young buck, less wise than hopefully I young buck, less wise than hopefully I am today. But I'll tell you the story am today. But I'll tell you the story am today. But I'll tell you the story because, you know, I'm always going to because, you know, I'm always going to because, you know, I'm always going to keep it 100 with you. always going to keep it 100 with you. always going to keep it 100 with you. always going to keep it 100. So, it was a a Friday after keep it 100. So, it was a a Friday after keep it 100. So, it was a a Friday after afternoon. Jill and I were were newly afternoon. Jill and I were were newly afternoon. Jill and I were were newly married. We went on a hike with some married. We went on a hike with some married. We went on a hike with some friends. Uh, one of our worship leaders friends. Uh, one of our worship leaders friends. Uh, one of our worship leaders at the time here, his name is Daniel, at the time here, his name is Daniel, at the time here, his name is Daniel, his wife Taylor. And we went to the his wife Taylor. And we went to the his wife Taylor. And we went to the state park. And so, we're hiking, we're state park. And so, we're hiking, we're state park. And so, we're hiking, we're climbing, we're kind of bouldering. climbing, we're kind of bouldering. climbing, we're kind of bouldering. We're having just a beautiful Sabbath in We're having just a beautiful Sabbath in We're having just a beautiful Sabbath in the in God's creation. The girls go off the in God's creation. The girls go off the in God's creation. The girls go off to to like a little overlook deal. And to to like a little overlook deal. And to to like a little overlook deal. And Daniel and I, it's a freezing cold day Daniel and I, it's a freezing cold day Daniel and I, it's a freezing cold day in the winter. We sit down. We're like, in the winter. We sit down. We're like, in the winter. We sit down. We're like, you know what we're going to do? We're you know what we're going to do? We're you know what we're going to do? We're going to build a fire cuz we want to going to build a fire cuz we want to going to build a fire cuz we want to provide for our wives. We are men of provide for our wives. We are men of provide for our wives. We are men of God. We're they're going to walk back God. We're they're going to walk back God. We're they're going to walk back and there's going to be this beautiful and there's going to be this beautiful and there's going to be this beautiful fire and we're all going to be so happy.

fire and we're all going to be so happy. fire and we're all going to be so happy. And there was it was a really cold day, And there was it was a really cold day, And there was it was a really cold day, but at that point, no wind was blowing. but at that point, no wind was blowing. but at that point, no wind was blowing. We build the fire. And just by the way, We build the fire. And just by the way, We build the fire. And just by the way, your pastor is a really good fire your pastor is a really good fire your pastor is a really good fire builder. I know I got some Boy Scouts or builder. I know I got some Boy Scouts or builder. I know I got some Boy Scouts or Eagle Scouts in the room. I will take Eagle Scouts in the room. I will take Eagle Scouts in the room. I will take you on oneonone. I can build a fire. So, you on oneonone. I can build a fire. So, you on oneonone. I can build a fire. So, we build this fire and then, you know, we build this fire and then, you know, we build this fire and then, you know, it's starting to just just get to to it's starting to just just get to to it's starting to just just get to to warm. you know, the warmth kind of the warm. you know, the warmth kind of the warm. you know, the warmth kind of the wood is starting to burn and all of a wood is starting to burn and all of a wood is starting to burn and all of a sudden this front starts blowing through sudden this front starts blowing through sudden this front starts blowing through and from literally no wind to like just and from literally no wind to like just and from literally no wind to like just almost like gale force wind starts almost like gale force wind starts almost like gale force wind starts blowing in and it pushes that fire. It blowing in and it pushes that fire. It blowing in and it pushes that fire. It it builds up those flames and it was it builds up those flames and it was it builds up those flames and it was kind of dry at that time of year. All of kind of dry at that time of year. All of kind of dry at that time of year. All of a sudden these sparks start going around a sudden these sparks start going around a sudden these sparks start going around and they land start landing and then one and they land start landing and then one and they land start landing and then one after another they start these other after another they start these other after another they start these other little fires all around this. Have y'all little fires all around this. Have y'all little fires all around this. Have y'all ever had that point? I know you have at ever had that point? I know you have at ever had that point? I know you have at some point in your life that moment some point in your life that moment some point in your life that moment where it's just fight or it's fight or where it's just fight or it's fight or where it's just fight or it's fight or flight flight flight >> like we and we're going to fight. we're >> like we and we're going to fight. we're >> like we and we're going to fight. we're not going to let this state park burn. not going to let this state park burn. not going to let this state park burn. And so our adrenaline's pumping, we And so our adrenaline's pumping, we And so our adrenaline's pumping, we start stamping on the fires, but every start stamping on the fires, but every start stamping on the fires, but every time we would kick on one, what would time we would kick on one, what would time we would kick on one, what would happen? It would spread and another fire happen? It would spread and another fire happen? It would spread and another fire would start. And so it was kind of first would start. And so it was kind of first would start. And so it was kind of first like, haha. And it was like, oh no. And like, haha. And it was like, oh no. And like, haha. And it was like, oh no. And it was like, dear God. And so we're put it was like, dear God. And so we're put it was like, dear God. And so we're put we're we're running around. At some we're we're running around. At some we're we're running around. At some point, I pull my jacket off and I start point, I pull my jacket off and I start point, I pull my jacket off and I start using it to get this fire and that fire.

using it to get this fire and that fire. using it to get this fire and that fire. Daniel does the same thing. I then, this Daniel does the same thing. I then, this Daniel does the same thing. I then, this is true, I pull my shirt off. I have a is true, I pull my shirt off. I have a is true, I pull my shirt off. I have a jacket in one hand, my shirt in the jacket in one hand, my shirt in the jacket in one hand, my shirt in the other hand. And for the next five other hand. And for the next five other hand. And for the next five minutes, I mean, it is just us against minutes, I mean, it is just us against minutes, I mean, it is just us against this wildfire. Praise God. The state this wildfire. Praise God. The state this wildfire. Praise God. The state park, Oak Mountain, is still there. park, Oak Mountain, is still there. park, Oak Mountain, is still there. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] The girls come walking back. They don't The girls come walking back. They don't The girls come walking back. They don't know any of this is happening. They come know any of this is happening. They come know any of this is happening. They come over the hill to see us. We are over the hill to see us. We are over the hill to see us. We are shirtless, covered in [laughter] soots. shirtless, covered in [laughter] soots. shirtless, covered in [laughter] soots. They were like, "What just happened?" They were like, "What just happened?" They were like, "What just happened?" And we were like, "What just happened?" And we were like, "What just happened?" And we were like, "What just happened?" All right. So, that was a story that I All right. So, that was a story that I All right. So, that was a story that I shared with you. And if you're new, shared with you. And if you're new, shared with you. And if you're new, you're like, "This is the guy that you're like, "This is the guy that you're like, "This is the guy that replaced Chris Hodgeges. This is the replaced Chris Hodgeges. This is the replaced Chris Hodgeges. This is the guy." Okay. though. guy." Okay. though. guy." Okay. though. >> But fire, I say it just to say this, >> But fire, I say it just to say this, >> But fire, I say it just to say this, fire is powerful. fire is powerful. fire is powerful. >> And here's what I'm here to preach >> And here's what I'm here to preach >> And here's what I'm here to preach today. We need the power of God in our today. We need the power of God in our today. We need the power of God in our lives. lives. lives. >> And you just need to know today, again, >> And you just need to know today, again, >> And you just need to know today, again, I don't know what your opinion is or I don't know what your opinion is or I don't know what your opinion is or idea is of the Holy Spirit that from the idea is of the Holy Spirit that from the idea is of the Holy Spirit that from the beginning, the Holy Spirit, God has been beginning, the Holy Spirit, God has been beginning, the Holy Spirit, God has been on a mission to give us his power. on a mission to give us his power. on a mission to give us his power. Genesis 1:2 says this, "Now the earth Genesis 1:2 says this, "Now the earth Genesis 1:2 says this, "Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was was formless and empty. Darkness was was formless and empty. Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the over the surface of the deep, and the over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering." Really spirit of God was hovering." Really spirit of God was hovering." Really interesting. In the second verse of the interesting. In the second verse of the interesting. In the second verse of the Bible, we see the person of the Holy Bible, we see the person of the Holy Bible, we see the person of the Holy Spirit. But throughout the whole Old Spirit. But throughout the whole Old Spirit. But throughout the whole Old Testament, he only appears a in a few Testament, he only appears a in a few Testament, he only appears a in a few times in a few places to a few people.

times in a few places to a few people. times in a few places to a few people. So only a few people had access to this So only a few people had access to this So only a few people had access to this power. People like David or, you know, power. People like David or, you know, power. People like David or, you know, Joseph or Miriam or Ezekiel. But this Joseph or Miriam or Ezekiel. But this Joseph or Miriam or Ezekiel. But this was never the heart of God. Y'all look was never the heart of God. Y'all look was never the heart of God. Y'all look at me today. God's heart was never just at me today. God's heart was never just at me today. God's heart was never just for a few. for a few. for a few. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But for you, >> But for you, >> But for you, >> for me, >> for me, >> for me, >> for all of us to experience all of him, >> for all of us to experience all of him, >> for all of us to experience all of him, including his power. His plan was big. including his power. His plan was big. including his power. His plan was big. And so we see a picture of this in Joel And so we see a picture of this in Joel And so we see a picture of this in Joel 2. I will pour out my spirit on 2. I will pour out my spirit on 2. I will pour out my spirit on [clears throat] who? [clears throat] who? [clears throat] who? >> All people. >> All people. >> All people. >> Come on out loud. On who? >> Come on out loud. On who? >> Come on out loud. On who? >> On all people. Your sons and daughters >> On all people. Your sons and daughters >> On all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream will prophesy. Your old men will dream will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. dreams. Your young men will see visions. dreams. Your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women. Even on my servants, both men and women. Even on my servants, both men and women. I'm going to not just not just, you I'm going to not just not just, you I'm going to not just not just, you know, sprinkle, not just drip a little know, sprinkle, not just drip a little know, sprinkle, not just drip a little bit. I'm going to pour out my spirit. bit. I'm going to pour out my spirit. bit. I'm going to pour out my spirit. I'm going to pour out my spirit. And I'm going to pour out my spirit. And I'm going to pour out my spirit. And he's been working since the beginning. he's been working since the beginning. he's been working since the beginning. But the visible representation of this But the visible representation of this But the visible representation of this fulfillment began when that baby was fulfillment began when that baby was fulfillment began when that baby was born in a manger. And of course that born in a manger. And of course that born in a manger. And of course that baby was no baby. He was conceived of baby was no baby. He was conceived of baby was no baby. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and his name was Jesus. And Jesus Mary, and his name was Jesus. And Jesus Mary, and his name was Jesus. And Jesus lives in obscurity for 30 years. During lives in obscurity for 30 years. During lives in obscurity for 30 years. During that time, he is growing in wisdom and that time, he is growing in wisdom and that time, he is growing in wisdom and in stature and favor with God and favor in stature and favor with God and favor in stature and favor with God and favor with man. But he's he's definitely in with man. But he's he's definitely in with man. But he's he's definitely in the shadows. But he is announced by his the shadows. But he is announced by his the shadows. But he is announced by his cousin whose name was John the Baptist.

cousin whose name was John the Baptist. cousin whose name was John the Baptist. And they say of John the Baptist, he was And they say of John the Baptist, he was And they say of John the Baptist, he was a voice in the wilderness. Look at your a voice in the wilderness. Look at your a voice in the wilderness. Look at your neighbor and say, "Voice." neighbor and say, "Voice." neighbor and say, "Voice." >> I have been praying >> I have been praying >> I have been praying for months for today. for months for today. for months for today. And the prayer that has crystallized in And the prayer that has crystallized in And the prayer that has crystallized in my heart is that today would be a day my heart is that today would be a day my heart is that today would be a day where maybe ears that have been closed where maybe ears that have been closed where maybe ears that have been closed would hear a voice. That maybe God's would hear a voice. That maybe God's would hear a voice. That maybe God's felt distant or he's felt like he's in felt distant or he's felt like he's in felt distant or he's felt like he's in the shadows. Come on, look at me. Today, the shadows. Come on, look at me. Today, the shadows. Come on, look at me. Today, today is a day where the Holy Spirit is today is a day where the Holy Spirit is today is a day where the Holy Spirit is going to speak to some people. And John going to speak to some people. And John going to speak to some people. And John the Baptist was a wild man. He was a man the Baptist was a wild man. He was a man the Baptist was a wild man. He was a man who ate locust and honey. He was a He who ate locust and honey. He was a He who ate locust and honey. He was a He was a a powerful prophet. And in Luke 3, was a a powerful prophet. And in Luke 3, was a a powerful prophet. And in Luke 3, this will kind of be our key scripture this will kind of be our key scripture this will kind of be our key scripture for the day. In Luke 3, this is what it for the day. In Luke 3, this is what it for the day. In Luke 3, this is what it says. It says John answered them all. So says. It says John answered them all. So says. It says John answered them all. So people were seeing John do his ministry people were seeing John do his ministry people were seeing John do his ministry and they they thought they actually and they they thought they actually and they they thought they actually thought he was the possibly the Messiah. thought he was the possibly the Messiah. thought he was the possibly the Messiah. So they're saying all these things, but So they're saying all these things, but So they're saying all these things, but John says John answered them all. I John says John answered them all. I John says John answered them all. I baptized you with water, but one who is baptized you with water, but one who is baptized you with water, but one who is more powerful than I will come. the more powerful than I will come. the more powerful than I will come. the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy straps of whose sandals I am not worthy straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. And he's going to baptize you to untie. And he's going to baptize you to untie. And he's going to baptize you with what? The Holy Spirit and fire.

with what? The Holy Spirit and fire. with what? The Holy Spirit and fire. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The Holy Spirit and fire. So again, >> The Holy Spirit and fire. So again, >> The Holy Spirit and fire. So again, John's powerful. People thought he was John's powerful. People thought he was John's powerful. People thought he was the Messiah. Even his cousin Jesus says the Messiah. Even his cousin Jesus says the Messiah. Even his cousin Jesus says of John in Matthew 11 that he is the of John in Matthew 11 that he is the of John in Matthew 11 that he is the greatest man to ever live. He catch this greatest man to ever live. He catch this greatest man to ever live. He catch this today. Catch this tension today. But today. Catch this tension today. But today. Catch this tension today. But even that man, John the Baptist, the even that man, John the Baptist, the even that man, John the Baptist, the locust and honey guy, this voice in the locust and honey guy, this voice in the locust and honey guy, this voice in the wilderness, the greatest man to ever wilderness, the greatest man to ever wilderness, the greatest man to ever live, says, "In my own strength, I am live, says, "In my own strength, I am live, says, "In my own strength, I am not enough. not enough. not enough. In my own ability, I don't have what it In my own ability, I don't have what it In my own ability, I don't have what it takes." And I'm just here to preach takes." And I'm just here to preach takes." And I'm just here to preach today to myself and to all of us. If today to myself and to all of us. If today to myself and to all of us. If John the Baptist needs power, so do we. John the Baptist needs power, so do we. John the Baptist needs power, so do we. >> Right. Right. >> Right. Right. >> Right. Right. >> And I think whether you're a follower of >> And I think whether you're a follower of >> And I think whether you're a follower of Jesus yet, you recognize this. I think Jesus yet, you recognize this. I think Jesus yet, you recognize this. I think we all feel this. This actually is the we all feel this. This actually is the we all feel this. This actually is the tension of life. And I'm preaching today tension of life. And I'm preaching today tension of life. And I'm preaching today to some people out there in my heart to some people out there in my heart to some people out there in my heart today who are faithful followers of God. today who are faithful followers of God. today who are faithful followers of God. You love God. You may have been a You love God. You may have been a You love God. You may have been a Christian for a long time, but you just Christian for a long time, but you just Christian for a long time, but you just keep running up against that wall or you keep running up against that wall or you keep running up against that wall or you just keep hitting that ceiling where just keep hitting that ceiling where just keep hitting that ceiling where it's I know there has to be more. I'm it's I know there has to be more. I'm it's I know there has to be more. I'm preaching to you today. The Holy preaching to you today. The Holy preaching to you today. The Holy Spirit's speaking to you today. You're Spirit's speaking to you today. You're Spirit's speaking to you today. You're you're trying everything you can to get you're trying everything you can to get you're trying everything you can to get closer to God. And again, you've been closer to God. And again, you've been closer to God. And again, you've been loving him for a long time, but it's loving him for a long time, but it's loving him for a long time, but it's just like there I just can't quite It's just like there I just can't quite It's just like there I just can't quite It's like he's just right there. All all of like he's just right there. All all of like he's just right there. All all of who he is is just right there out of it.

who he is is just right there out of it. who he is is just right there out of it. It can't be this hard, this difficult, It can't be this hard, this difficult, It can't be this hard, this difficult, this much striving. I just need more of this much striving. I just need more of this much striving. I just need more of God. I'm telling you, God's speaking to God. I'm telling you, God's speaking to God. I'm telling you, God's speaking to you today. I'm speaking to some people you today. I'm speaking to some people you today. I'm speaking to some people who I know. I know a lot of people in my who I know. I know a lot of people in my who I know. I know a lot of people in my own life who are walking through pain own life who are walking through pain own life who are walking through pain right now, brokenness, hurt, praying right now, brokenness, hurt, praying right now, brokenness, hurt, praying with a lot of people in 21 days who are with a lot of people in 21 days who are with a lot of people in 21 days who are walking through marriages especially walking through marriages especially walking through marriages especially feel like they're under attack right feel like they're under attack right feel like they're under attack right now. I've seen that so much in even in now. I've seen that so much in even in now. I've seen that so much in even in people that we know, our community, and people that we know, our community, and people that we know, our community, and you're walking through pain with your you're walking through pain with your you're walking through pain with your kids. You're walking through uncertainty kids. You're walking through uncertainty kids. You're walking through uncertainty and you're like, I just need some power and you're like, I just need some power and you're like, I just need some power right now. Can I just get some help? right now. Can I just get some help? right now. Can I just get some help? You've been crying out maybe to God or You've been crying out maybe to God or You've been crying out maybe to God or just maybe just to the universe. Can I just maybe just to the universe. Can I just maybe just to the universe. Can I just I just need help. God speaking to just I just need help. God speaking to just I just need help. God speaking to you today. Or maybe this, and this is you today. Or maybe this, and this is you today. Or maybe this, and this is unusual for me to say this, you might unusual for me to say this, you might unusual for me to say this, you might think, but this is actually maybe a lot think, but this is actually maybe a lot think, but this is actually maybe a lot of people in the sound of my voice. You of people in the sound of my voice. You of people in the sound of my voice. You got it all going on. You're at the top got it all going on. You're at the top got it all going on. You're at the top of the game. You've reached the pinnacle of the game. You've reached the pinnacle of the game. You've reached the pinnacle you've been looking for for a long time, you've been looking for for a long time, you've been looking for for a long time, and you've gotten there, and you're and you've gotten there, and you're and you've gotten there, and you're like, "This is all it is. There's got to like, "This is all it is. There's got to like, "This is all it is. There's got to be more." In fact, Tom Brady has an be more." In fact, Tom Brady has an be more." In fact, Tom Brady has an amazing quote. Back in 2005, he just won amazing quote. Back in 2005, he just won amazing quote. Back in 2005, he just won his third Super Bowl. He's on 60 his third Super Bowl. He's on 60 his third Super Bowl. He's on 60 Minutes. Is 60 Minutes still a thing? Minutes. Is 60 Minutes still a thing? Minutes. Is 60 Minutes still a thing? >> It is. Okay. Praise God. I just remember >> It is. Okay. Praise God. I just remember >> It is. Okay. Praise God. I just remember that clock growing up. My dad loves 60 that clock growing up. My dad loves 60 that clock growing up. My dad loves 60 Minutes. The interviewer says, "This Minutes. The interviewer says, "This Minutes. The interviewer says, "This whole experience, this whole upward whole experience, this whole upward whole experience, this whole upward trajectory, what have you learned about trajectory, what have you learned about trajectory, what have you learned about yourself? What kind of effect has it had yourself? What kind of effect has it had yourself? What kind of effect has it had on you, Tom Brady? Why do I have three on you, Tom Brady? Why do I have three on you, Tom Brady? Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there's Super Bowl rings and still think there's Super Bowl rings and still think there's something greater out there?" I mean, something greater out there?" I mean, something greater out there?" I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, "Hey, maybe a lot of people would say, "Hey, maybe a lot of people would say, "Hey, man, this is what it is, but I just sit man, this is what it is, but I just sit man, this is what it is, but I just sit here and think, God, there's got to be here and think, God, there's got to be here and think, God, there's got to be more than this. I mean, this can't be more than this. I mean, this can't be more than this. I mean, this can't be what it's all cracked up to be. And the what it's all cracked up to be. And the what it's all cracked up to be. And the interviewer says, "What's the answer?"

interviewer says, "What's the answer?" interviewer says, "What's the answer?" And Tom Brady says, "I wish I knew. I'm And Tom Brady says, "I wish I knew. I'm And Tom Brady says, "I wish I knew. I'm just here to tell you, you don't have to just here to tell you, you don't have to just here to tell you, you don't have to wish." wish." wish." >> Come on, Highlands. You can know. >> Come on, Highlands. You can know. >> Come on, Highlands. You can know. >> The more you're looking for has a name. >> The more you're looking for has a name. >> The more you're looking for has a name. The spirit of the living God. He's a The spirit of the living God. He's a The spirit of the living God. He's a fire that wants to fill you. And so, fire that wants to fill you. And so, fire that wants to fill you. And so, today is going to be life-changing in today is going to be life-changing in today is going to be life-changing in the name of Jesus. So, here's the the name of Jesus. So, here's the the name of Jesus. So, here's the question of today. Again, I hope you're question of today. Again, I hope you're question of today. Again, I hope you're taking notes. I've said that three taking notes. I've said that three taking notes. I've said that three times. Do y'all have your app out yet? times. Do y'all have your app out yet? times. Do y'all have your app out yet? >> I hope you do. >> I hope you do. >> I hope you do. >> We got it. How can we experience this >> We got it. How can we experience this >> We got it. How can we experience this fire? Well, I want to stay. I I love fire? Well, I want to stay. I I love fire? Well, I want to stay. I I love that Luke wrote the scripture. We just that Luke wrote the scripture. We just that Luke wrote the scripture. We just read Luke um wrote two books of the read Luke um wrote two books of the read Luke um wrote two books of the Bible, uh his gospel, and he also wrote Bible, uh his gospel, and he also wrote Bible, uh his gospel, and he also wrote a second book um in the book of Acts. a second book um in the book of Acts. a second book um in the book of Acts. So, we're just going to we're going to So, we're just going to we're going to So, we're just going to we're going to hang out with Luke today. This is church hang out with Luke today. This is church hang out with Luke today. This is church with Luke today. We're going to look at with Luke today. We're going to look at with Luke today. We're going to look at Acts and kind of go exegetically through Acts and kind of go exegetically through Acts and kind of go exegetically through the first two chapters. And he's going the first two chapters. And he's going the first two chapters. And he's going to teach us about this fire that we can to teach us about this fire that we can to teach us about this fire that we can experience starting in verse one. In my experience starting in verse one. In my experience starting in verse one. In my former book, speaking of the Gospel of former book, speaking of the Gospel of former book, speaking of the Gospel of Luke, Theophilles, I wrote about all Luke, Theophilles, I wrote about all Luke, Theophilles, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until that Jesus began to do and teach until that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven. After the day he was taken up to heaven. After the day he was taken up to heaven. After giving instructions through the Holy giving instructions through the Holy giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen Spirit to the apostles he had chosen Spirit to the apostles he had chosen after his suffering, he presented after his suffering, he presented after his suffering, he presented himself to men and gave convincing himself to men and gave convincing himself to men and gave convincing proofs that he was alive. I just love proofs that he was alive. I just love proofs that he was alive. I just love that, by the way, that Jesus didn't that, by the way, that Jesus didn't that, by the way, that Jesus didn't hide. Like, there were plenty of proofs hide. Like, there were plenty of proofs hide. Like, there were plenty of proofs that he was risen from that grave. I that he was risen from that grave. I that he was risen from that grave. I just love that it wasn't a hidden idea.

just love that it wasn't a hidden idea. just love that it wasn't a hidden idea. He appeared to them over a period of 40 He appeared to them over a period of 40 He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. days and spoke about the kingdom of God. days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion while he was eating with On one occasion while he was eating with On one occasion while he was eating with them, he gave them this command. Don't them, he gave them this command. Don't them, he gave them this command. Don't leave Jerusalem. But wait for the gift leave Jerusalem. But wait for the gift leave Jerusalem. But wait for the gift my father has promised which you have my father has promised which you have my father has promised which you have heard me speak about. And now he throws heard me speak about. And now he throws heard me speak about. And now he throws back to that his verse, that verse we back to that his verse, that verse we back to that his verse, that verse we just read, his other writing. For John just read, his other writing. For John just read, his other writing. For John baptized with water, but in a few days baptized with water, but in a few days baptized with water, but in a few days you'll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. you'll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. you'll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Don't go anywhere, disciples. And by the Don't go anywhere, disciples. And by the Don't go anywhere, disciples. And by the way, we we know this is an intentional way, we we know this is an intentional way, we we know this is an intentional statement because the disciples, they statement because the disciples, they statement because the disciples, they just always do kind of do the craziest just always do kind of do the craziest just always do kind of do the craziest stuff on their own. Like whenever they stuff on their own. Like whenever they stuff on their own. Like whenever they get on their own, something bad's going get on their own, something bad's going get on their own, something bad's going to happen. Can anybody testify? I in to happen. Can anybody testify? I in to happen. Can anybody testify? I in your own life, that's kind of the truth. your own life, that's kind of the truth. your own life, that's kind of the truth. Okay, can we just be honest in church Okay, can we just be honest in church Okay, can we just be honest in church today? We've all kind of messed it up. today? We've all kind of messed it up. today? We've all kind of messed it up. >> Jesus is like, "Don't [laughter] just >> Jesus is like, "Don't [laughter] just >> Jesus is like, "Don't [laughter] just stay where you are. Help is coming. stay where you are. Help is coming. stay where you are. Help is coming. Catch it. You This is for you today. You Catch it. You This is for you today. You Catch it. You This is for you today. You don't have to do this on your own don't have to do this on your own don't have to do this on your own anymore. anymore. anymore. I got something for you. The time has I got something for you. The time has I got something for you. The time has come to fulfill that promise of John the come to fulfill that promise of John the come to fulfill that promise of John the Baptist in Luke 3. So what's interesting Baptist in Luke 3. So what's interesting Baptist in Luke 3. So what's interesting is this and I have to teach this and is this and I have to teach this and is this and I have to teach this and we're going to come back to Acts in a we're going to come back to Acts in a we're going to come back to Acts in a moment. What's interesting about this moment. What's interesting about this moment. What's interesting about this gift he's promising is they had already gift he's promising is they had already gift he's promising is they had already his disciples received the Holy Spirit his disciples received the Holy Spirit his disciples received the Holy Spirit on resurrection Sunday. John 20 says on resurrection Sunday. John 20 says on resurrection Sunday. John 20 says this says with with that he breathed on this says with with that he breathed on this says with with that he breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit.

them and said receive the Holy Spirit. them and said receive the Holy Spirit. received in the original language means received in the original language means received in the original language means to take in. Baptized, the word that's to take in. Baptized, the word that's to take in. Baptized, the word that's used here in the book of Acts is used here in the book of Acts is used here in the book of Acts is something different. It means to be something different. It means to be something different. It means to be saturated in. Everybody say taken in. saturated in. Everybody say taken in. saturated in. Everybody say taken in. >> Taken in. >> Taken in. >> Taken in. >> Saturated in. >> Saturated in. >> Saturated in. >> Saturated. >> Saturated. >> Saturated. >> This is what is being taught to us very >> This is what is being taught to us very >> This is what is being taught to us very intentionally. This is actually why as a intentionally. This is actually why as a intentionally. This is actually why as a church we believe in what is called the church we believe in what is called the church we believe in what is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. So you need baptism of the Holy Spirit. So you need baptism of the Holy Spirit. So you need to know if you're a follower of Jesus to know if you're a follower of Jesus to know if you're a follower of Jesus when you got saved, you just like in when you got saved, you just like in when you got saved, you just like in John 20 received the Holy Spirit. God John 20 received the Holy Spirit. God John 20 received the Holy Spirit. God breathed his life into you and you just breathed his life into you and you just breathed his life into you and you just need to know you didn't earn that. And need to know you didn't earn that. And need to know you didn't earn that. And there is nothing about our faith that we there is nothing about our faith that we there is nothing about our faith that we ever have to earn. Anybody grateful for ever have to earn. Anybody grateful for ever have to earn. Anybody grateful for that? that? that? >> It's not by our strength or our We >> It's not by our strength or our We >> It's not by our strength or our We didn't get it by our strength and we're didn't get it by our strength and we're didn't get it by our strength and we're not going to keep it by our strength. It not going to keep it by our strength. It not going to keep it by our strength. It is a free gift. And if you receive the is a free gift. And if you receive the is a free gift. And if you receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, you are saved. Holy Spirit at salvation, you are saved. Holy Spirit at salvation, you are saved. Come on. You're going to spend eternity Come on. You're going to spend eternity Come on. You're going to spend eternity in heaven. But there's also another in heaven. But there's also another in heaven. But there's also another offer, a gift called the baptism of the offer, a gift called the baptism of the offer, a gift called the baptism of the Holy Spirit where it's not just Holy Spirit where it's not just Holy Spirit where it's not just something that you've received. you're something that you've received. you're something that you've received. you're now saturated in. And back to book, the now saturated in. And back to book, the now saturated in. And back to book, the book of Acts, there's a specific reason book of Acts, there's a specific reason book of Acts, there's a specific reason why we need this baptism of the Holy why we need this baptism of the Holy why we need this baptism of the Holy Spirit. Verse six, then they gathered Spirit. Verse six, then they gathered Spirit. Verse six, then they gathered around him and asked him, Lord, are you around him and asked him, Lord, are you around him and asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the at this time going to restore the at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? And he said to them, kingdom to Israel? And he said to them, kingdom to Israel? And he said to them, read letters here, "It is not for you to read letters here, "It is not for you to read letters here, "It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father know the times or the dates the Father know the times or the dates the Father has set by his own authority, but you has set by his own authority, but you has set by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit will receive power when the Holy Spirit will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my comes on you, and you will be my comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, in witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, in witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This is our reason, church. This is the This is our reason, church. This is the This is our reason, church. This is the reason for this baptism. This is the reason for this baptism. This is the reason for this baptism. This is the reason we don't just need to receive, reason we don't just need to receive, reason we don't just need to receive, but we need to be saturated in his Holy but we need to be saturated in his Holy but we need to be saturated in his Holy Spirit because he wants to get us that Spirit because he wants to get us that Spirit because he wants to get us that power. We saw it in Genesis 1. We see in power. We saw it in Genesis 1. We see in power. We saw it in Genesis 1. We see in the Old Testament that he has a bigger the Old Testament that he has a bigger the Old Testament that he has a bigger plan. And now the fulfillment of that is plan. And now the fulfillment of that is plan. And now the fulfillment of that is here. I'm giving you a gift so you don't here. I'm giving you a gift so you don't here. I'm giving you a gift so you don't have to say, "Is there more? Come on, have to say, "Is there more? Come on, have to say, "Is there more? Come on, you can experience more. you can experience more. you can experience more. >> I want to saturate you with the Holy >> I want to saturate you with the Holy >> I want to saturate you with the Holy Spirit." So Jesus ascends in the book of Spirit." So Jesus ascends in the book of Spirit." So Jesus ascends in the book of Acts here. We know he ascends and the Acts here. We know he ascends and the Acts here. We know he ascends and the disciples, thank God, they stay in disciples, thank God, they stay in disciples, thank God, they stay in Jerusalem and they wait. They don't know Jerusalem and they wait. They don't know Jerusalem and they wait. They don't know what to do. Actually, what they end up what to do. Actually, what they end up what to do. Actually, what they end up doing is electing a new disciple to doing is electing a new disciple to doing is electing a new disciple to replace Judas. They elect a guy named replace Judas. They elect a guy named replace Judas. They elect a guy named Matus. How many of y'all your favorite Matus. How many of y'all your favorite Matus. How many of y'all your favorite disciple is Matus? Not one hand here disciple is Matus? Not one hand here disciple is Matus? Not one hand here grants me because that's the only time grants me because that's the only time grants me because that's the only time you ever see his name. I don't guess he you ever see his name. I don't guess he you ever see his name. I don't guess he had he didn't I don't know what what was had he didn't I don't know what what was had he didn't I don't know what what was up with that. All right. So, that's up with that. All right. So, that's up with that. All right. So, that's what's happening. And now we're going to what's happening. And now we're going to what's happening. And now we're going to pick back up in in Acts chapter 2. So, pick back up in in Acts chapter 2. So, pick back up in in Acts chapter 2. So, that's Acts 1. Now, in Acts 2, we pick that's Acts 1. Now, in Acts 2, we pick that's Acts 1. Now, in Acts 2, we pick up with the moment that we've all been up with the moment that we've all been up with the moment that we've all been waiting for. Verse one. When the day of waiting for. Verse one. When the day of waiting for. Verse one. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together Pentecost came, they were all together Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. And suddenly, a sound like in one place. And suddenly, a sound like in one place. And suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from the blowing of a violent wind came from the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where heaven and filled the whole house where heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. And they saw what they were sitting. And they saw what they were sitting. And they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that seemed to be tongues of fire that seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of separated and came to rest on each of separated and came to rest on each of them. And all of them were filled with them. And all of them were filled with them. And all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled other tongues as the spirit enabled other tongues as the spirit enabled them.

them. them. What first off, what an incredible What first off, what an incredible What first off, what an incredible moment. I maybe I'm weird, but I think moment. I maybe I'm weird, but I think moment. I maybe I'm weird, but I think about moments that I would like to been about moments that I would like to been about moments that I would like to been a part of. I would have loved to been a part of. I would have loved to been a part of. I would have loved to been there the first day that somebody there the first day that somebody there the first day that somebody figured out you can make coffee out of figured out you can make coffee out of figured out you can make coffee out of those beans. Like how exciting is that? those beans. Like how exciting is that? those beans. Like how exciting is that? Like they're like we can look we can we Like they're like we can look we can we Like they're like we can look we can we can put this in some water, heat it up can put this in some water, heat it up can put this in some water, heat it up and my I feel better. Anybody grateful and my I feel better. Anybody grateful and my I feel better. Anybody grateful for that right there because you drank for that right there because you drank for that right there because you drank some today, right? Like I think about some today, right? Like I think about some today, right? Like I think about the kind of funny the first person that the kind of funny the first person that the kind of funny the first person that looked at a cow and said, "You know looked at a cow and said, "You know looked at a cow and said, "You know what? I think we can drink that milk." what? I think we can drink that milk." what? I think we can drink that milk." That's somebody had to do it first. Hey, That's somebody had to do it first. Hey, That's somebody had to do it first. Hey, how about the first person that realized how about the first person that realized how about the first person that realized you can melt cheese and stick a chip in you can melt cheese and stick a chip in you can melt cheese and stick a chip in it and it's called queso. Can we put our it and it's called queso. Can we put our it and it's called queso. Can we put our hands together? Praise God hands together? Praise God hands together? Praise God >> for that person. >> for that person. >> for that person. >> Yeah. Man, I would have loved to have >> Yeah. Man, I would have loved to have >> Yeah. Man, I would have loved to have been at the parting of the Red Sea. been at the parting of the Red Sea. been at the parting of the Red Sea. Man, I would have loved to been a Man, I would have loved to been a Man, I would have loved to been a spectator with David and Goliath, but spectator with David and Goliath, but spectator with David and Goliath, but man, there's no place I would have man, there's no place I would have man, there's no place I would have rather been personally than that moment rather been personally than that moment rather been personally than that moment in the upper room at Pentecost where in the upper room at Pentecost where in the upper room at Pentecost where that wind blows in and those tongues of that wind blows in and those tongues of that wind blows in and those tongues of fire come to rest on them. And they fire come to rest on them. And they fire come to rest on them. And they begin to speak in those other tongues. begin to speak in those other tongues. begin to speak in those other tongues. Can you imagine it? What a moment that Can you imagine it? What a moment that Can you imagine it? What a moment that they were in. Those the the miracle of they were in. Those the the miracle of they were in. Those the the miracle of this upper room, the miracle of this this upper room, the miracle of this this upper room, the miracle of this moment, the the wind has blown and now moment, the the wind has blown and now moment, the the wind has blown and now there's these tongues of fire. Here's there's these tongues of fire. Here's there's these tongues of fire. Here's what I want us to back to our notes what I want us to back to our notes what I want us to back to our notes today. I want us to know that there are today. I want us to know that there are today. I want us to know that there are there's something that they saw and there's something that they saw and there's something that they saw and there's something that they did. And there's something that they did. And there's something that they did. And what did they see? They saw these what did they see? They saw these what did they see? They saw these tongues of fire. And can we just be tongues of fire. And can we just be tongues of fire. And can we just be honest in church this morning and say honest in church this morning and say honest in church this morning and say that is weird.

that is weird. that is weird. That's weird. In fact, I had I asked AI That's weird. In fact, I had I asked AI That's weird. In fact, I had I asked AI Claude to make a picture of that and I Claude to make a picture of that and I Claude to make a picture of that and I was going to show it to you, but it was was going to show it to you, but it was was going to show it to you, but it was so weird. I did not want to I didn't so weird. I did not want to I didn't so weird. I did not want to I didn't want you to see it. want you to see it. want you to see it. It's weird. It's weird. It's weird. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> But this may be revelation for some of >> But this may be revelation for some of >> But this may be revelation for some of you. That phrase tongues of fire was you. That phrase tongues of fire was you. That phrase tongues of fire was actually a well-known Hebrew idiom. actually a well-known Hebrew idiom. actually a well-known Hebrew idiom. Idioms like we have like the eye of a Idioms like we have like the eye of a Idioms like we have like the eye of a storm or the ear of corn. They would say storm or the ear of corn. They would say storm or the ear of corn. They would say the tongue of fire. The reason is the tongue of fire. The reason is the tongue of fire. The reason is because they would say it was like fire because they would say it was like fire because they would say it was like fire eats things like it has a tongue. I know eats things like it has a tongue. I know eats things like it has a tongue. I know that from my story I told you earlier. that from my story I told you earlier. that from my story I told you earlier. But here's what's unique. This is the But here's what's unique. This is the But here's what's unique. This is the real meaning behind this image. What's real meaning behind this image. What's real meaning behind this image. What's unique about the fire of God is that it unique about the fire of God is that it unique about the fire of God is that it doesn't eat everything. It only eats doesn't eat everything. It only eats doesn't eat everything. It only eats what's not of him. Write it down today. what's not of him. Write it down today. what's not of him. Write it down today. The Holy Spirit is a refining fire. The Holy Spirit is a refining fire. The Holy Spirit is a refining fire. >> It's a refining fire. Pentecost was >> It's a refining fire. Pentecost was >> It's a refining fire. Pentecost was actually the anniversary of the of the actually the anniversary of the of the actually the anniversary of the of the giving of the law on Sinai. And at in giving of the law on Sinai. And at in giving of the law on Sinai. And at in that moment in the Old Testament, sorry, that moment in the Old Testament, sorry, that moment in the Old Testament, sorry, I'm a Bible nerd. I got to go there I'm a Bible nerd. I got to go there I'm a Bible nerd. I got to go there today. God descends on Sinai in fire. today. God descends on Sinai in fire. today. God descends on Sinai in fire. But the Israelites were kept from him But the Israelites were kept from him But the Israelites were kept from him because they were sinful. But now here because they were sinful. But now here because they were sinful. But now here in the upper room, the new Sinai, he def in the upper room, the new Sinai, he def in the upper room, the new Sinai, he def he he descends in fire and they're he he descends in fire and they're he he descends in fire and they're immersed in him. And that Old Testament immersed in him. And that Old Testament immersed in him. And that Old Testament Sinai moment, the only person that could Sinai moment, the only person that could Sinai moment, the only person that could go up to God, even though he was even in go up to God, even though he was even in go up to God, even though he was even in a cloud, was Moses. that he reveals the a cloud, was Moses. that he reveals the a cloud, was Moses. that he reveals the back of himself to Moses and it it is back of himself to Moses and it it is back of himself to Moses and it it is such a bright fire of glory that Moses's such a bright fire of glory that Moses's such a bright fire of glory that Moses's face is lit up with that fire. He goes face is lit up with that fire. He goes face is lit up with that fire. He goes down the mountain and he has to then down the mountain and he has to then down the mountain and he has to then veil his face. But now we're in a new veil his face. But now we're in a new veil his face. But now we're in a new Sinai, a Sinai where God is bringing all Sinai, a Sinai where God is bringing all Sinai, a Sinai where God is bringing all of us, immersing all of us in his power.

of us, immersing all of us in his power. of us, immersing all of us in his power. And this is what Paul is referencing in And this is what Paul is referencing in And this is what Paul is referencing in 2 Corinthians. He's making the 2 Corinthians. He's making the 2 Corinthians. He's making the connection to these two moments. He sees connection to these two moments. He sees connection to these two moments. He sees he says, "And now we with unveiled he says, "And now we with unveiled he says, "And now we with unveiled faces." Hey everybody, that's the grace faces." Hey everybody, that's the grace faces." Hey everybody, that's the grace and mercy of Jesus. We can now approach and mercy of Jesus. We can now approach and mercy of Jesus. We can now approach him with confidence. with unveiled faces him with confidence. with unveiled faces him with confidence. with unveiled faces are being transformed, refined, changed are being transformed, refined, changed are being transformed, refined, changed into his image with an everinccreasing into his image with an everinccreasing into his image with an everinccreasing glory. So there's this journey of next glory. So there's this journey of next glory. So there's this journey of next steps of growth which comes from the steps of growth which comes from the steps of growth which comes from the Lord. And here it is who is the spirit, Lord. And here it is who is the spirit, Lord. And here it is who is the spirit, the fire of the Holy Spirit on the the fire of the Holy Spirit on the the fire of the Holy Spirit on the inside of you, transforms you, refineses inside of you, transforms you, refineses inside of you, transforms you, refineses you, shapes you. He is the potter. We you, shapes you. He is the potter. We you, shapes you. He is the potter. We are the clay. And when he gets his fire are the clay. And when he gets his fire are the clay. And when he gets his fire on the inside, he turns you into a new on the inside, he turns you into a new on the inside, he turns you into a new [applause] creation. Not who you are in [applause] creation. Not who you are in [applause] creation. Not who you are in your own strength. Come on, somebody. your own strength. Come on, somebody. your own strength. Come on, somebody. but who he has always made you to be. but who he has always made you to be. but who he has always made you to be. >> It's like that David statue when David >> It's like that David statue when David >> It's like that David statue when David saw that stone and he just carved when saw that stone and he just carved when saw that stone and he just carved when Michelangelo saw that stone and he just Michelangelo saw that stone and he just Michelangelo saw that stone and he just carved David out of him. Someone said to carved David out of him. Someone said to carved David out of him. Someone said to him, "How did you know that that was the him, "How did you know that that was the him, "How did you know that that was the right stone?" He said, "I saw it and all right stone?" He said, "I saw it and all right stone?" He said, "I saw it and all I had to do was set the angel free." I had to do was set the angel free." I had to do was set the angel free." That's what the Holy Spirit does. He That's what the Holy Spirit does. He That's what the Holy Spirit does. He turns you into the transforms you step turns you into the transforms you step turns you into the transforms you step by step into the person God's always by step into the person God's always by step into the person God's always made you to be. With the power, look at made you to be. With the power, look at made you to be. With the power, look at me today. With the fire of the Holy me today. With the fire of the Holy me today. With the fire of the Holy Spirit, you don't have to live with Spirit, you don't have to live with Spirit, you don't have to live with fear, fear, fear, >> right? You don't have to live with that >> right? You don't have to live with that >> right? You don't have to live with that anger. Somebody look at me today. You anger. Somebody look at me today. You anger. Somebody look at me today. You don't have to live with that lust. It don't have to live with that lust. It don't have to live with that lust. It God can burn all of that out, but it God can burn all of that out, but it God can burn all of that out, but it won't be in your own strength.

won't be in your own strength. won't be in your own strength. >> It'll be through his strength, his fire. >> It'll be through his strength, his fire. >> It'll be through his strength, his fire. Beware, this is a big Bible word. This Beware, this is a big Bible word. This Beware, this is a big Bible word. This is sanctification. is sanctification. is sanctification. The sanctifying work of God. The sanctifying work of God. The sanctifying work of God. >> Second Thessalonians says, "God chose >> Second Thessalonians says, "God chose >> Second Thessalonians says, "God chose you as first fruits to be saved through you as first fruits to be saved through you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the spirit and the sanctifying work of the spirit and the sanctifying work of the spirit and through belief in the truth." I love how through belief in the truth." I love how through belief in the truth." I love how both of the of the of the ability the both of the of the of the ability the both of the of the of the ability the ability for us to be sanctified is seen ability for us to be sanctified is seen ability for us to be sanctified is seen in that verse. The word and the spirit. in that verse. The word and the spirit. in that verse. The word and the spirit. Hey everybody, Highlands, we're a word Hey everybody, Highlands, we're a word Hey everybody, Highlands, we're a word and spirit church. and spirit church. and spirit church. >> I grew up in a word church. It was just >> I grew up in a word church. It was just >> I grew up in a word church. It was just like try harder. The word is good and like try harder. The word is good and like try harder. The word is good and try harder. But I needed the spirit on try harder. But I needed the spirit on try harder. But I needed the spirit on that word. that word. that word. >> And honestly, the Bible never divides >> And honestly, the Bible never divides >> And honestly, the Bible never divides them. them. them. >> Jesus says my words are spirit and life. >> Jesus says my words are spirit and life. >> Jesus says my words are spirit and life. We are a word and spirit church so that We are a word and spirit church so that We are a word and spirit church so that we can grow, be discipled, be sanctified we can grow, be discipled, be sanctified we can grow, be discipled, be sanctified growing in him. Anybody grateful that growing in him. Anybody grateful that growing in him. Anybody grateful that God is not leaving you where you are? God is not leaving you where you are? God is not leaving you where you are? There is a journey, but you don't have There is a journey, but you don't have There is a journey, but you don't have to do it on your own. There's more, to do it on your own. There's more, to do it on your own. There's more, it'll come through his fire. And then it'll come through his fire. And then it'll come through his fire. And then secondly, we got to deal with it today. secondly, we got to deal with it today. secondly, we got to deal with it today. And that is the speak in other tongues And that is the speak in other tongues And that is the speak in other tongues situation. So, Highlands is a situation. So, Highlands is a situation. So, Highlands is a spiritfilled church. We believe that the spiritfilled church. We believe that the spiritfilled church. We believe that the great physician is not closed shop. We great physician is not closed shop. We great physician is not closed shop. We believe in all the gifts of the spirit.

believe in all the gifts of the spirit. believe in all the gifts of the spirit. In fact, we have in our growth track a In fact, we have in our growth track a In fact, we have in our growth track a chance for you to discover those gifts chance for you to discover those gifts chance for you to discover those gifts in your own life. Look at me today. in your own life. Look at me today. in your own life. Look at me today. Including the gift of tongues. And the Including the gift of tongues. And the Including the gift of tongues. And the Apostle Paul who wrote two-thirds of the Apostle Paul who wrote two-thirds of the Apostle Paul who wrote two-thirds of the New Testament says, "I pray in tonesues New Testament says, "I pray in tonesues New Testament says, "I pray in tonesues more than anyone." I need you to know more than anyone." I need you to know more than anyone." I need you to know today your pastor prays in tonesues. today your pastor prays in tonesues. today your pastor prays in tonesues. That is that that gift has changed my That is that that gift has changed my That is that that gift has changed my life. And we teach in freedom our small life. And we teach in freedom our small life. And we teach in freedom our small group curriculum all about a prayer group curriculum all about a prayer group curriculum all about a prayer language, the baptism of the Holy language, the baptism of the Holy language, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We teach about all the gifts of Spirit. We teach about all the gifts of Spirit. We teach about all the gifts of God and how they can be radically God and how they can be radically God and how they can be radically impacting for you. Anybody grateful for impacting for you. Anybody grateful for impacting for you. Anybody grateful for freedom? You've been through freedom. freedom? You've been through freedom. freedom? You've been through freedom. Okay. I'm just It's not weird. There's a Okay. I'm just It's not weird. There's a Okay. I'm just It's not weird. There's a bunch of us who've been through it. But bunch of us who've been through it. But bunch of us who've been through it. But I got to say this today intentionally I got to say this today intentionally I got to say this today intentionally for this message. We believe in the gift for this message. We believe in the gift for this message. We believe in the gift of tongues. But this in this text is not of tongues. But this in this text is not of tongues. But this in this text is not that. What's actually happening right that. What's actually happening right that. What's actually happening right here is something different. The here is something different. The here is something different. The disciples or apostles are speaking in a disciples or apostles are speaking in a disciples or apostles are speaking in a language that is not their own in other language that is not their own in other language that is not their own in other languages. Acts 2 5 and 6 says, "Now languages. Acts 2 5 and 6 says, "Now languages. Acts 2 5 and 6 says, "Now there were there now there were staying there were there now there were staying there were there now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. And when they heard nation under heaven. And when they heard nation under heaven. And when they heard this sound, a crowd came together in this sound, a crowd came together in this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment because each of them heard bewilderment because each of them heard bewilderment because each of them heard in their own language being spoken.

in their own language being spoken. in their own language being spoken. Isn't that amazing? So remember this is Isn't that amazing? So remember this is Isn't that amazing? So remember this is the anniversary of you know Pentecost of the anniversary of you know Pentecost of the anniversary of you know Pentecost of Sinai and in Jewish tradition on Sinai Sinai and in Jewish tradition on Sinai Sinai and in Jewish tradition on Sinai the voice of God went out in 70 the voice of God went out in 70 the voice of God went out in 70 languages like one for every language on languages like one for every language on languages like one for every language on the earth. But only at that point did the earth. But only at that point did the earth. But only at that point did Israel hear the law. But now we have the Israel hear the law. But now we have the Israel hear the law. But now we have the reversal of that that the gospel is reversal of that that the gospel is reversal of that that the gospel is going out to every nation that's in going out to every nation that's in going out to every nation that's in Jerusalem right now and they all receive Jerusalem right now and they all receive Jerusalem right now and they all receive in their own language. Come on church. in their own language. Come on church. in their own language. Come on church. This is a miracle This is a miracle This is a miracle >> and it shows us that the work of the >> and it shows us that the work of the >> and it shows us that the work of the fire of the Holy Spirit inside of us fire of the Holy Spirit inside of us fire of the Holy Spirit inside of us gives us abilities that are not our own. gives us abilities that are not our own. gives us abilities that are not our own. Write it down today. The Holy Spirit is Write it down today. The Holy Spirit is Write it down today. The Holy Spirit is an empowering fire. It's an empower it's an empowering fire. It's an empower it's an empowering fire. It's an empower it's refining and he is a He's an empowering refining and he is a He's an empowering refining and he is a He's an empowering fire. or being filled with the Holy fire. or being filled with the Holy fire. or being filled with the Holy Spirit, we said this week one, doesn't Spirit, we said this week one, doesn't Spirit, we said this week one, doesn't make me better than you, but it make me better than you, but it make me better than you, but it definitely makes me better than me. That definitely makes me better than me. That definitely makes me better than me. That I'm able to do things I could not do on I'm able to do things I could not do on I'm able to do things I could not do on my own. So, we believe the spirit my own. So, we believe the spirit my own. So, we believe the spirit refineses. He works on the inside. We refineses. He works on the inside. We refineses. He works on the inside. We don't have to strive. We're not going to don't have to strive. We're not going to don't have to strive. We're not going to strive. We didn't earn it. We're not strive. We didn't earn it. We're not strive. We didn't earn it. We're not going to try to keep it through effort. going to try to keep it through effort. going to try to keep it through effort. We're going to we're going to fan into We're going to we're going to fan into We're going to we're going to fan into flame the sanctifying fire of God. But flame the sanctifying fire of God. But flame the sanctifying fire of God. But look at me, Highlands. We also believe look at me, Highlands. We also believe look at me, Highlands. We also believe the spirit empowers. We believe in those the spirit empowers. We believe in those the spirit empowers. We believe in those spiritual gifts. We believe in healing, spiritual gifts. We believe in healing, spiritual gifts. We believe in healing, signs, and wonders. Can I get an amen?

signs, and wonders. Can I get an amen? signs, and wonders. Can I get an amen? >> The empowerment of God through a >> The empowerment of God through a >> The empowerment of God through a relationship with the person of the Holy relationship with the person of the Holy relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit. So, in the last 7 minutes and 8 Spirit. So, in the last 7 minutes and 8 Spirit. So, in the last 7 minutes and 8 seconds, I got to move. I want to make seconds, I got to move. I want to make seconds, I got to move. I want to make this practical. It's what I promised you this practical. It's what I promised you this practical. It's what I promised you earlier. I want to pray that there's earlier. I want to pray that there's earlier. I want to pray that there's revelation, but also there's activation. revelation, but also there's activation. revelation, but also there's activation. >> Three prayers. This is homework. I'm >> Three prayers. This is homework. I'm >> Three prayers. This is homework. I'm giving you just if just to even try a giving you just if just to even try a giving you just if just to even try a relationship with the person of the Holy relationship with the person of the Holy relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit and the power of his fire in your Spirit and the power of his fire in your Spirit and the power of his fire in your life. Three things you can pray every life. Three things you can pray every life. Three things you can pray every day. Adam's to your quiet time or start day. Adam's to your quiet time or start day. Adam's to your quiet time or start right here. Holy Spirit, number one, right here. Holy Spirit, number one, right here. Holy Spirit, number one, show me. show me. show me. Invite that refining fire into every Invite that refining fire into every Invite that refining fire into every area of your life. Cuz all of us have area of your life. Cuz all of us have area of your life. Cuz all of us have blind spots. And what makes a blind spot blind spots. And what makes a blind spot blind spots. And what makes a blind spot so terrible is we're the only ones so terrible is we're the only ones so terrible is we're the only ones usually that don't know about it. Like usually that don't know about it. Like usually that don't know about it. Like right now, if I had something hanging right now, if I had something hanging right now, if I had something hanging out of my nose and no one told me, that out of my nose and no one told me, that out of my nose and no one told me, that would be horrible. By the way, that's would be horrible. By the way, that's would be horrible. By the way, that's some of that's in my nightmares. That or some of that's in my nightmares. That or some of that's in my nightmares. That or I don't zip my pants. Those are two I don't zip my pants. Those are two I don't zip my pants. Those are two things I'm always thinking about. We've things I'm always thinking about. We've things I'm always thinking about. We've all been in that situation. Guess what? all been in that situation. Guess what? all been in that situation. Guess what? We probably all are right now We probably all are right now We probably all are right now spiritually. There's a blind spot.

spiritually. There's a blind spot. spiritually. There's a blind spot. There's things we don't know about There's things we don't know about There's things we don't know about ourselves that the Holy Spirit would ourselves that the Holy Spirit would ourselves that the Holy Spirit would love to show us. Psalm 139 says, "Search love to show us. Psalm 139 says, "Search love to show us. Psalm 139 says, "Search me, God, and know my heart. Test me and me, God, and know my heart. Test me and me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there know my anxious thoughts. See if there know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any Oh, it's beautiful words here. is any Oh, it's beautiful words here. is any Oh, it's beautiful words here. Any offensive way. And lead me in the Any offensive way. And lead me in the Any offensive way. And lead me in the way of everlasting." I love that that way of everlasting." I love that that way of everlasting." I love that that that leading. It's It's not a crushing. that leading. It's It's not a crushing. that leading. It's It's not a crushing. He's not angry. He's not mad at you. No. He's not angry. He's not mad at you. No. He's not angry. He's not mad at you. No. Romans 2 says it's his kindness that Romans 2 says it's his kindness that Romans 2 says it's his kindness that leads you to repentance. He just puts leads you to repentance. He just puts leads you to repentance. He just puts the Holy Spirit just put his finger on the Holy Spirit just put his finger on the Holy Spirit just put his finger on an area of your life. If you allow him, an area of your life. If you allow him, an area of your life. If you allow him, he'll burn that out. Like if you've ever he'll burn that out. Like if you've ever he'll burn that out. Like if you've ever had a mole removed from your skin, he had a mole removed from your skin, he had a mole removed from your skin, he it's not your whole body. It's just let it's not your whole body. It's just let it's not your whole body. It's just let me just come in and take that out. Pray me just come in and take that out. Pray me just come in and take that out. Pray that every single day and okay, what I that every single day and okay, what I that every single day and okay, what I do next, pastor, listen. You'll hear the do next, pastor, listen. You'll hear the do next, pastor, listen. You'll hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. still small voice of the Holy Spirit. still small voice of the Holy Spirit. The way I listen, this is just my The way I listen, this is just my The way I listen, this is just my practice, is with a pen in my hand and a practice, is with a pen in my hand and a practice, is with a pen in my hand and a journal in front of me. And I'll just journal in front of me. And I'll just journal in front of me. And I'll just write the things down. And I feel like write the things down. And I feel like write the things down. And I feel like the Holy Spirit is showing me and then the Holy Spirit is showing me and then the Holy Spirit is showing me and then I'll get into a a process of refinement I'll get into a a process of refinement I'll get into a a process of refinement in those areas. One of the best ways in those areas. One of the best ways in those areas. One of the best ways I've ever experienced that. We've been I've ever experienced that. We've been I've ever experienced that. We've been talking about it all day is through the talking about it all day is through the talking about it all day is through the power of relationships. Don't do this power of relationships. Don't do this power of relationships. Don't do this journey alone. You have the power of the journey alone. You have the power of the journey alone. You have the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of a lot of Holy Spirit and the power of a lot of Holy Spirit and the power of a lot of people around you. And I can't wait on people around you. And I can't wait on people around you. And I can't wait on September 6th to launch our small September 6th to launch our small September 6th to launch our small groups. It's incredible. Here's our groups. It's incredible. Here's our groups. It's incredible. Here's our second prayer and that is Holy Spirit second prayer and that is Holy Spirit second prayer and that is Holy Spirit fill me. Holy Spirit fill me. So once fill me. Holy Spirit fill me. So once fill me. Holy Spirit fill me. So once again, we receive the Holy Spirit when again, we receive the Holy Spirit when again, we receive the Holy Spirit when we're saved and we can experience the we're saved and we can experience the we're saved and we can experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But here's a baptism of the Holy Spirit. But here's a baptism of the Holy Spirit. But here's a truth I missed for so long. And I just truth I missed for so long. And I just truth I missed for so long. And I just today I share a something that was today I share a something that was today I share a something that was radically life-changing for me. A radically life-changing for me. A radically life-changing for me. A reality that's that's impacted me in

reality that's that's impacted me in reality that's that's impacted me in every way spiritually. Ephesians 5:18 every way spiritually. Ephesians 5:18 every way spiritually. Ephesians 5:18 says [music] this is don't get drunk on says [music] this is don't get drunk on says [music] this is don't get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, but wine, which leads to debauchery, but wine, which leads to debauchery, but instead, here it is, be filled with the instead, here it is, be filled with the instead, here it is, be filled with the spirit. spirit. spirit. And that is a verb right there, filled. And that is a verb right there, filled. And that is a verb right there, filled. That's a present imperative. God is That's a present imperative. God is That's a present imperative. God is making it clear. This is not a one-time making it clear. This is not a one-time making it clear. This is not a one-time thing. Look at me, church. It's not just thing. Look at me, church. It's not just thing. Look at me, church. It's not just at salvation. Hey, it's not just at the at salvation. Hey, it's not just at the at salvation. Hey, it's not just at the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That we have baptism of the Holy Spirit. That we have baptism of the Holy Spirit. That we have a chance every single day to be filled a chance every single day to be filled a chance every single day to be filled with more of him. Cuz guess what? Every with more of him. Cuz guess what? Every with more of him. Cuz guess what? Every single day, we need more of him. I need single day, we need more of him. I need single day, we need more of him. I need more of his wisdom than I've ever needed more of his wisdom than I've ever needed more of his wisdom than I've ever needed before. I need more of his power than before. I need more of his power than before. I need more of his power than I've ever needed before. I'm raising I've ever needed before. I'm raising I've ever needed before. I'm raising three teenage boys in my house and one three teenage boys in my house and one three teenage boys in my house and one who's going through puberty. I need the who's going through puberty. I need the who's going through puberty. I need the power of God. [laughter] power of God. [laughter] power of God. [laughter] >> Anybody else? Yeah, >> Anybody else? Yeah, >> Anybody else? Yeah, >> you can get it every day. I used to >> you can get it every day. I used to >> you can get it every day. I used to think about the baptism or the filling think about the baptism or the filling think about the baptism or the filling of the spirit like a cup. I got what I of the spirit like a cup. I got what I of the spirit like a cup. I got what I got and that's all there is and good got and that's all there is and good got and that's all there is and good job. Go have a good life. Imagine this job. Go have a good life. Imagine this job. Go have a good life. Imagine this with me. It's more of a balloon. Isn't with me. It's more of a balloon. Isn't with me. It's more of a balloon. Isn't it interesting how when a balloon is it interesting how when a balloon is it interesting how when a balloon is filled, it's you blow a little air into filled, it's you blow a little air into filled, it's you blow a little air into it. But guess what? The next time you it. But guess what? The next time you it. But guess what? The next time you blow some more in, what does it do? It blow some more in, what does it do? It blow some more in, what does it do? It gets bigger. [music] It has more gets bigger. [music] It has more gets bigger. [music] It has more capacity.

capacity. capacity. >> I'm talking some Christians for 30 >> I'm talking some Christians for 30 >> I'm talking some Christians for 30 years. You got filled with the spirit 30 years. You got filled with the spirit 30 years. You got filled with the spirit 30 years ago. There's more for you. Don't years ago. There's more for you. Don't years ago. There's more for you. Don't stop now. stop now. stop now. >> And let's just all be honest. DL Moody >> And let's just all be honest. DL Moody >> And let's just all be honest. DL Moody was this is what he says. Why is it that was this is what he says. Why is it that was this is what he says. Why is it that you have to be filled with the spirit so you have to be filled with the spirit so you have to be filled with the spirit so often? Because I leak. often? Because I leak. often? Because I leak. Because I leak. Holy Spirit, show me. Because I leak. Holy Spirit, show me. Because I leak. Holy Spirit, show me. Holy Spirit, fill me. Holy Spirit, fill me. Holy Spirit, fill me. And I mean, honestly, just disclaimer And I mean, honestly, just disclaimer And I mean, honestly, just disclaimer here. If you pray these things, God's here. If you pray these things, God's here. If you pray these things, God's going to answer them. Buckle up. And we going to answer them. Buckle up. And we going to answer them. Buckle up. And we see that in Acts chapter 2. In fact, the see that in Acts chapter 2. In fact, the see that in Acts chapter 2. In fact, the disciples spill out of that upper room disciples spill out of that upper room disciples spill out of that upper room and a crowd is gathering because there and a crowd is gathering because there and a crowd is gathering because there all this commotions going on. And we get all this commotions going on. And we get all this commotions going on. And we get the first ever Christian sermon. the first ever Christian sermon. the first ever Christian sermon. That's powerful talking about first That's powerful talking about first That's powerful talking about first today. This is what I'm about to read. today. This is what I'm about to read. today. This is what I'm about to read. This is the first sermon ever preached This is the first sermon ever preached This is the first sermon ever preached in the fullness of what God came to do in the fullness of what God came to do in the fullness of what God came to do in our lives. So the question kind of is in our lives. So the question kind of is in our lives. So the question kind of is obvious. What is it that this person obvious. What is it that this person obvious. What is it that this person would preach? And the person himself is would preach? And the person himself is would preach? And the person himself is Peter, which is is a whole story I don't Peter, which is is a whole story I don't Peter, which is is a whole story I don't have time for today because [music] him have time for today because [music] him have time for today because [music] him he himself is a demonstration of what he himself is a demonstration of what he himself is a demonstration of what the fire can do.

the fire can do. the fire can do. >> Peter before he experienced this gift >> Peter before he experienced this gift >> Peter before he experienced this gift and now we see him standing up and and now we see him standing up and and now we see him standing up and preaching the first sermon. Acts 2:14. preaching the first sermon. Acts 2:14. preaching the first sermon. Acts 2:14. Then Peter stood up with the 11 and Then Peter stood up with the 11 and Then Peter stood up with the 11 and raised his voice and addressed the raised his voice and addressed the raised his voice and addressed the crowd. Fellow Jews and all of you who crowd. Fellow Jews and all of you who crowd. Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem. Let me explain this live in Jerusalem. Let me explain this live in Jerusalem. Let me explain this to you. Listen carefully to what I say. to you. Listen carefully to what I say. to you. Listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk as you These people are not drunk as you These people are not drunk as you suppose. This is Hey, this is football suppose. This is Hey, this is football suppose. This is Hey, this is football season. This is not Baton Rouge in a season. This is not Baton Rouge in a season. This is not Baton Rouge in a home game. All right, that's what this home game. All right, that's what this home game. All right, that's what this was. Joking, joking, joking, joking. was. Joking, joking, joking, joking. was. Joking, joking, joking, joking. It's a week away. We got to go there. It's a week away. We got to go there. It's a week away. We got to go there. It's only 9 in the morning. No, this is It's only 9 in the morning. No, this is It's only 9 in the morning. No, this is what the what was spoken. Here we go. It what the what was spoken. Here we go. It what the what was spoken. Here we go. It was where we we've already been here was where we we've already been here was where we we've already been here today in Joel chapter 2. This is what is today in Joel chapter 2. This is what is today in Joel chapter 2. This is what is spoken. What is the first Christian spoken. What is the first Christian spoken. What is the first Christian sermon? Let's just make it really clear sermon? Let's just make it really clear sermon? Let's just make it really clear what your experience is. What I've what your experience is. What I've what your experience is. What I've always promised in the last days, God always promised in the last days, God always promised in the last days, God says, "I will pour out my spirit on all says, "I will pour out my spirit on all says, "I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will people. Your sons and daughters will people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see prophesy. Your young men will see prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. visions. Your old men will dream dreams. visions. Your old men will dream dreams. [music] Even on my servants, both men [music] Even on my servants, both men [music] Even on my servants, both men and women." Oh man, God's a good I feel and women." Oh man, God's a good I feel and women." Oh man, God's a good I feel the presence of God. the presence of God. the presence of God. >> He's a good God. I'm going to pour out >> He's a good God. I'm going to pour out >> He's a good God. I'm going to pour out my spirit in those days.

my spirit in those days. my spirit in those days. And they will prophesy. I'm going to And they will prophesy. I'm going to And they will prophesy. I'm going to show them wonders in heaven and the show them wonders in heaven and the show them wonders in heaven and the heavens above and signs on the earth heavens above and signs on the earth heavens above and signs on the earth below. Blood and fire and billows of below. Blood and fire and billows of below. Blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to smoke. The sun will be turned to smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moons of blood before darkness and the moons of blood before darkness and the moons of blood before the coming of the great and glorious day the coming of the great and glorious day the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. Verse 21. And everyone who of the Lord. Verse 21. And everyone who of the Lord. Verse 21. And everyone who calls on [music] the name of the Lord calls on [music] the name of the Lord calls on [music] the name of the Lord will be saved. We are not the first will be saved. We are not the first will be saved. We are not the first generation where research shows we have generation where research shows we have generation where research shows we have a misunderstanding or lack of a misunderstanding or lack of a misunderstanding or lack of understanding of the Holy Spirit. Since understanding of the Holy Spirit. Since understanding of the Holy Spirit. Since day one, there has been kind of a day one, there has been kind of a day one, there has been kind of a controversy, if you will, around the controversy, if you will, around the controversy, if you will, around the person of the Holy Spirit. Think about person of the Holy Spirit. Think about person of the Holy Spirit. Think about day one, same fire, same morning, three day one, same fire, same morning, three day one, same fire, same morning, three responses. Number one, some of them saw responses. Number one, some of them saw responses. Number one, some of them saw a miracle. They didn't really understand a miracle. They didn't really understand a miracle. They didn't really understand it. So, you know what they did? They it. So, you know what they did? They it. So, you know what they did? They said, "What does this mean?" And their said, "What does this mean?" And their said, "What does this mean?" And their hearts were open. I sense that right now hearts were open. I sense that right now hearts were open. I sense that right now at Highlands today. We're leaned in. at Highlands today. We're leaned in. at Highlands today. We're leaned in. God, what does this mean? But there were God, what does this mean? But there were God, what does this mean? But there were some that mocked. Oh, they're just some that mocked. Oh, they're just some that mocked. Oh, they're just drunk. Oh, those crazy holer holy drunk. Oh, those crazy holer holy drunk. Oh, those crazy holer holy rollers at Church of the Highlands, rollers at Church of the Highlands, rollers at Church of the Highlands, whatever it might be. Those that's just whatever it might be. Those that's just whatever it might be. Those that's just that's weird. And they just make fun of that's weird. And they just make fun of that's weird. And they just make fun of it. And then there are some who just it. And then there are some who just it. And then there are some who just brush it off. Let us not be those who brush it off. Let us not be those who brush it off. Let us not be those who just say, "Okay, I'm going to ignore just say, "Okay, I'm going to ignore just say, "Okay, I'm going to ignore it." I actually was that as as a younger it." I actually was that as as a younger it." I actually was that as as a younger follower of God. I'm not going to do follower of God. I'm not going to do follower of God. I'm not going to do that. I want to God, if you have it for that. I want to God, if you have it for that. I want to God, if you have it for me, I want it. Amazement, mockery, me, I want it. Amazement, mockery, me, I want it. Amazement, mockery, dismissal. It is the same 2,000 years dismissal. It is the same 2,000 years dismissal. It is the same 2,000 years later. Can we for the next two minutes later. Can we for the next two minutes later. Can we for the next two minutes set all us set that aside? [music] Hey set all us set that aside? [music] Hey set all us set that aside? [music] Hey God, can we look at this story fresh and God, can we look at this story fresh and God, can we look at this story fresh and new with an open heart? There is a sound new with an open heart? There is a sound new with an open heart? There is a sound from heaven and wind fills the house.

from heaven and wind fills the house. from heaven and wind fills the house. Fire rests on every head. 120 people Fire rests on every head. 120 people Fire rests on every head. 120 people speaking languages they never learned speaking languages they never learned speaking languages they never learned and the first sermon is preached. And and the first sermon is preached. And and the first sermon is preached. And all of it, all of it, all of it, all of it builds to one moment, one line all of it builds to one moment, one line all of it builds to one moment, one line that shows us the very heart of God from that shows us the very heart of God from that shows us the very heart of God from cover to cover of this book. It is this cover to cover of this book. It is this cover to cover of this book. It is this line. Everyone who calls on the name of line. Everyone who calls on the name of line. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. [applause] Can I the Lord will be saved. [applause] Can I the Lord will be saved. [applause] Can I preach it today? The wind WAS NEVER preach it today? The wind WAS NEVER preach it today? The wind WAS NEVER ABOUT THE WIND. THE FIRE HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT THE WIND. THE FIRE HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT THE WIND. THE FIRE HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT THE FIRE. WE GET SO DISTRACTED. ABOUT THE FIRE. WE GET SO DISTRACTED. ABOUT THE FIRE. WE GET SO DISTRACTED. THE TONGUES ARE NOT ABOUT THE TONGUES. THE TONGUES ARE NOT ABOUT THE TONGUES. THE TONGUES ARE NOT ABOUT THE TONGUES. >> The wonders are not about the wonders. >> The wonders are not about the wonders. >> The wonders are not about the wonders. The miracles, they've never been just The miracles, they've never been just The miracles, they've never been just about the miracles. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN about the miracles. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN about the miracles. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT ONE THING. AND THAT ONE THING, it ABOUT ONE THING. AND THAT ONE THING, it ABOUT ONE THING. AND THAT ONE THING, it has a name. It is the name of Jesus. has a name. It is the name of Jesus. has a name. It is the name of Jesus. It's all about Jesus. It's all about Jesus. It's all about Jesus. [applause] The spirit didn't come to put [applause] The spirit didn't come to put [applause] The spirit didn't come to put on a show, church. He came to make Jesus on a show, church. He came to make Jesus on a show, church. He came to make Jesus known. known. known. >> That's the gift.

>> That's the gift. >> That's the gift. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's the gift to show us in the whole >> That's the gift to show us in the whole >> That's the gift to show us in the whole world. He's the way, the truth, and the world. He's the way, the truth, and the world. He's the way, the truth, and the life. life. life. >> Good stuff. >> The way, the truth, the life. He's a >> The way, the truth, the life. He's a refining fire. refining fire. refining fire. He's an empowering fire. And the Holy He's an empowering fire. And the Holy He's an empowering fire. And the Holy Spirit is a commissioning fire, Spirit is a commissioning fire, Spirit is a commissioning fire, a commissioning fire. Acts 18, you're a commissioning fire. Acts 18, you're a commissioning fire. Acts 18, you're going to receive power when the Holy going to receive power when the Holy going to receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Here it is. Here's Spirit comes on you. Here it is. Here's Spirit comes on you. Here it is. Here's the revelation of today. And you're the revelation of today. And you're the revelation of today. And you're going to be my witnesses. going to be my witnesses. going to be my witnesses. I've chosen you to be my hands and feet. I've chosen you to be my hands and feet. I've chosen you to be my hands and feet. Why are we a spiritfilled church? We Why are we a spiritfilled church? We Why are we a spiritfilled church? We need God to do a work in us. Can I get need God to do a work in us. Can I get need God to do a work in us. Can I get an amen? an amen? an amen? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And we need to God to do a work through >> And we need to God to do a work through >> And we need to God to do a work through us. us. us. the boldest prayer you can pray. The the boldest prayer you can pray. The the boldest prayer you can pray. The first two are bold, but here's number first two are bold, but here's number first two are bold, but here's number three. Holy Spirit, use me. Use me. Can three. Holy Spirit, use me. Use me. Can three. Holy Spirit, use me. Use me. Can you bow your heads? Close your eyes. you bow your heads? Close your eyes. you bow your heads? Close your eyes. We're going to just walk through this We're going to just walk through this We're going to just walk through this moment, this holy moment. moment, this holy moment. moment, this holy moment. And I'm actually just going to lead us And I'm actually just going to lead us And I'm actually just going to lead us through those three prayers.

through those three prayers. through those three prayers. And the first one is, Holy Spirit, show And the first one is, Holy Spirit, show And the first one is, Holy Spirit, show me. Every head's bowed, every eyes me. Every head's bowed, every eyes me. Every head's bowed, every eyes closed. I'm boldly asking you. You're closed. I'm boldly asking you. You're closed. I'm boldly asking you. You're here today. You're watching online. here today. You're watching online. here today. You're watching online. You're in our correctional facilities. You're in our correctional facilities. You're in our correctional facilities. You You've made it this far. So go with You You've made it this far. So go with You You've made it this far. So go with me a few minutes longer, me a few minutes longer, me a few minutes longer, not praying it to me or to this church, not praying it to me or to this church, not praying it to me or to this church, but to God, just say this, "Holy Spirit, but to God, just say this, "Holy Spirit, but to God, just say this, "Holy Spirit, show me." And as you do, he's going to show me." And as you do, he's going to show me." And as you do, he's going to be faithful. I don't know what those be faithful. I don't know what those be faithful. I don't know what those blind spots are. Those areas, maybe blind spots are. Those areas, maybe blind spots are. Those areas, maybe they'll need repentance, or maybe you're they'll need repentance, or maybe you're they'll need repentance, or maybe you're right on the edge of some really bad right on the edge of some really bad right on the edge of some really bad decisions. decisions. decisions. Some emotions are working on the inside Some emotions are working on the inside Some emotions are working on the inside of you that just aren't right. you just of you that just aren't right. you just of you that just aren't right. you just he's going to be faithful to show you he's going to be faithful to show you he's going to be faithful to show you anything that he would love to come in anything that he would love to come in anything that he would love to come in and remove today with his beautiful and remove today with his beautiful and remove today with his beautiful [music] kind fire that will burn that [music] kind fire that will burn that [music] kind fire that will burn that out of your life. If that's you, you out of your life. If that's you, you out of your life. If that's you, you don't need to listen to me for the rest don't need to listen to me for the rest don't need to listen to me for the rest of the day. Just begin to have your own of the day. Just begin to have your own of the day. Just begin to have your own moment with God. Some of you I want to moment with God. Some of you I want to moment with God. Some of you I want to help in this moment are those who right help in this moment are those who right help in this moment are those who right now when you pray that what he's showing now when you pray that what he's showing now when you pray that what he's showing you is you don't have a relationship you is you don't have a relationship you is you don't have a relationship with him. It's never been easier than with him. It's never been easier than with him. It's never been easier than this moment. I'm not going to embarrass this moment. I'm not going to embarrass this moment. I'm not going to embarrass you or call you down to the front. you or call you down to the front. you or call you down to the front. [music] But if you want to know Jesus [music] But if you want to know Jesus [music] But if you want to know Jesus personally today, pray this. Jesus, personally today, pray this. Jesus, personally today, pray this. Jesus, today I give you my life. I repent of my today I give you my life. I repent of my today I give you my life. I repent of my way and I turn to [music] you, your way.

way and I turn to [music] you, your way. way and I turn to [music] you, your way. You are my Lord. You are my Savior. And You are my Lord. You are my Savior. And You are my Lord. You are my Savior. And I ask you to fill me with your Holy I ask you to fill me with your Holy I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit so I can live for you. God, we Spirit so I can live for you. God, we Spirit so I can live for you. God, we all thank you for those who just prayed all thank you for those who just prayed all thank you for those who just prayed that prayer. And now for all of us, we that prayer. And now for all of us, we that prayer. And now for all of us, we ask you, Holy Spirit, to fill us. Your ask you, Holy Spirit, to fill us. Your ask you, Holy Spirit, to fill us. Your mercies are new every day. God, I thank mercies are new every day. God, I thank mercies are new every day. God, I thank you that as we walk out these doors in a you that as we walk out these doors in a you that as we walk out these doors in a few minutes, we're walking out with more few minutes, we're walking out with more few minutes, we're walking out with more of you than we walked in with. We're of you than we walked in with. We're of you than we walked in with. We're boldly asking you to fill us today. Give boldly asking you to fill us today. Give boldly asking you to fill us today. Give us wisdom, insight, strength, ability us wisdom, insight, strength, ability us wisdom, insight, strength, ability that's not our own. We pray for the that's not our own. We pray for the that's not our own. We pray for the gifts of the [music] spirit. I fan those gifts of the [music] spirit. I fan those gifts of the [music] spirit. I fan those into flame over a church of the into flame over a church of the into flame over a church of the Highlands today. We thank you, God, for Highlands today. We thank you, God, for Highlands today. We thank you, God, for your gift. And then we now declare, Holy your gift. And then we now declare, Holy your gift. And then we now declare, Holy Spirit, use us. I don't know where Spirit, use us. I don't know where Spirit, use us. I don't know where you're going to be this time tomorrow, you're going to be this time tomorrow, you're going to be this time tomorrow, but when you're there at school or in but when you're there at school or in but when you're there at school or in the office or at home, God's going to the office or at home, God's going to the office or at home, God's going to use you. God, we just make ourselves use you. God, we just make ourselves use you. God, we just make ourselves available. Our ears are open. Our eyes available. Our ears are open. Our eyes available. Our ears are open. Our eyes are open. Lead us. We will follow. We are open. Lead us. We will follow. We are open. Lead us. We will follow. We are your servants. We're your witnesses. are your servants. We're your witnesses. are your servants. We're your witnesses. We're the answer to what you [music] We're the answer to what you [music] We're the answer to what you [music] came here on earth to do. God, we're came here on earth to do. God, we're came here on earth to do. God, we're just grateful today that you can use us.

just grateful today that you can use us. just grateful today that you can use us. So, here we are. Send us in Jesus name. So, here we are. Send us in Jesus name. So, here we are. Send us in Jesus name. Everybody said, "Amen." Can we give God Everybody said, "Amen." Can we give God Everybody said, "Amen." Can we give God a shout of praise, a clap of praise a shout of praise, a clap of praise a shout of praise, a clap of praise today? Amen.