The Story of God LIVE: Why Am I Here?

Sometimes we forget who we are. Sometimes we forget who we are. Sometimes we forget why we're here. Sometimes we forget why we're here. Sometimes we forget why we're here. Sometimes we forget the point and the Sometimes we forget the point and the Sometimes we forget the point and the purpose and the premise of human purpose and the premise of human purpose and the premise of human existence. Why am I here? Why am I existence. Why am I here? Why am I existence. Why am I here? Why am I sucking oxygen on planet Earth? Is it sucking oxygen on planet Earth? Is it sucking oxygen on planet Earth? Is it just to get while the getting's good? Am just to get while the getting's good? Am just to get while the getting's good? Am I just here to get cash? Am I just here I just here to get cash? Am I just here I just here to get cash? Am I just here to get accolades? Am I here just to get to get accolades? Am I here just to get to get accolades? Am I here just to get praise? Am I here just to get glory? praise? Am I here just to get glory? praise? Am I here just to get glory? What am I living for? and perhaps all of What am I living for? and perhaps all of What am I living for? and perhaps all of us in some way tonight sit in the us in some way tonight sit in the us in some way tonight sit in the theater in Beverly Hills and frankly theater in Beverly Hills and frankly theater in Beverly Hills and frankly wonder to ourselves, wonder to ourselves, wonder to ourselves, you know, what is going on and and and you know, what is going on and and and you know, what is going on and and and what am I doing and what is the point of what am I doing and what is the point of what am I doing and what is the point of it all? That leads me to my age. I'm 47. it all? That leads me to my age. I'm 47. it all? That leads me to my age. I'm 47. Now, some of you are so young um that Now, some of you are so young um that Now, some of you are so young um that you're not familiar with this, but I you're not familiar with this, but I you're not familiar with this, but I have gone to the doctor of late. have gone to the doctor of late. have gone to the doctor of late. Not that literal, but like in the last Not that literal, but like in the last Not that literal, but like in the last couple of years, I've gone to the couple of years, I've gone to the couple of years, I've gone to the doctor. Now, when you get to my age, you doctor. Now, when you get to my age, you doctor. Now, when you get to my age, you don't I don't I don't think I'm 47. I don't I don't I don't think I'm 47. I don't I don't I don't think I'm 47. I don't even feel like it that number even don't even feel like it that number even don't even feel like it that number even relates to me. By the way, 47 is such an relates to me. By the way, 47 is such an relates to me. By the way, 47 is such an awkward number. It's not a cool number.

awkward number. It's not a cool number. awkward number. It's not a cool number. No, no great athlete has ever worn 47, No, no great athlete has ever worn 47, No, no great athlete has ever worn 47, you know what I mean? But so I don't you know what I mean? But so I don't you know what I mean? But so I don't really like totally exorb it and accept really like totally exorb it and accept really like totally exorb it and accept it except there are moments where you it except there are moments where you it except there are moments where you have to face your mortality, your have to face your mortality, your have to face your mortality, your reality, your brevity, and your and and reality, your brevity, and your and and reality, your brevity, and your and and and it's it's sometimes at the doctor. and it's it's sometimes at the doctor. and it's it's sometimes at the doctor. But recently, I went to the doctor and I But recently, I went to the doctor and I But recently, I went to the doctor and I said, "Listen, I need some help." I said, "Listen, I need some help." I said, "Listen, I need some help." I said, "I'm I'm waking up and my hands said, "I'm I'm waking up and my hands said, "I'm I'm waking up and my hands get numb get numb get numb and I like I mean like like numb." You and I like I mean like like numb." You and I like I mean like like numb." You ever had like you wake up and a part of ever had like you wake up and a part of ever had like you wake up and a part of your body is just numb and then it's your body is just numb and then it's your body is just numb and then it's that weird process of like you're trying that weird process of like you're trying that weird process of like you're trying to get the feeling back then and the to get the feeling back then and the to get the feeling back then and the tingle comes and then the eight comes tingle comes and then the eight comes tingle comes and then the eight comes and it hurts. It's bizarre. But at my and it hurts. It's bizarre. But at my and it hurts. It's bizarre. But at my age like it's been happening on an age like it's been happening on an age like it's been happening on an reoccurring basis. And so I thought, reoccurring basis. And so I thought, reoccurring basis. And so I thought, well, I probably should make sure I well, I probably should make sure I well, I probably should make sure I don't have some deplorable disease. And don't have some deplorable disease. And don't have some deplorable disease. And so I went to the doctor and the doctor so I went to the doctor and the doctor so I went to the doctor and the doctor said, "Can I ask you, you know, how do said, "Can I ask you, you know, how do said, "Can I ask you, you know, how do you sleep?" That's a pretty personal you sleep?" That's a pretty personal you sleep?" That's a pretty personal question, but I was like, "Well, I'm a question, but I was like, "Well, I'm a question, but I was like, "Well, I'm a side sleeper." He said, "You need to be side sleeper." He said, "You need to be side sleeper." He said, "You need to be a back sleeper.

a back sleeper. a back sleeper. Tell me what kind of sleeper I am. I'm Tell me what kind of sleeper I am. I'm Tell me what kind of sleeper I am. I'm the kind of sleeper God made me. I'm a the kind of sleeper God made me. I'm a the kind of sleeper God made me. I'm a side sleeper." He's like, "You need to side sleeper." He's like, "You need to side sleeper." He's like, "You need to sleep on your back." So, I started sleep on your back." So, I started sleep on your back." So, I started sleeping on my back. It's actually sleeping on my back. It's actually sleeping on my back. It's actually helped some of the aches and pains, but helped some of the aches and pains, but helped some of the aches and pains, but I have noticed I don't even know why I'm I have noticed I don't even know why I'm I have noticed I don't even know why I'm totally sharing this, but when I sleep, totally sharing this, but when I sleep, totally sharing this, but when I sleep, I sleep like this. Judah, we don't need I sleep like this. Judah, we don't need I sleep like this. Judah, we don't need to know that. There's no reason for to know that. There's no reason for to know that. There's no reason for this. [laughter] I figured we needed this. [laughter] I figured we needed this. [laughter] I figured we needed some levity. Things are so serious. So, some levity. Things are so serious. So, some levity. Things are so serious. So, I usually sleep like this. I usually sleep like this. I usually sleep like this. So, I put my hand under the pillow. So, I put my hand under the pillow. So, I put my hand under the pillow. Anybody know there are some postures in Anybody know there are some postures in Anybody know there are some postures in life where your whole body just goes, life where your whole body just goes, life where your whole body just goes, "Ooh, this feels good." You know? So, I "Ooh, this feels good." You know? So, I "Ooh, this feels good." You know? So, I lay on my back. I put my hand under the lay on my back. I put my hand under the lay on my back. I put my hand under the pillow and behind my head and I just pillow and behind my head and I just pillow and behind my head and I just like I bask in life. My my hands have like I bask in life. My my hands have like I bask in life. My my hands have been getting numb. So, I go back to the been getting numb. So, I go back to the been getting numb. So, I go back to the doctor. I said, "What's the deal?" And doctor. I said, "What's the deal?" And doctor. I said, "What's the deal?" And he said, "How you sleep?" I said, "No, he said, "How you sleep?" I said, "No, he said, "How you sleep?" I said, "No, no, I'll sleep on my back." He said, no, I'll sleep on my back." He said, no, I'll sleep on my back." He said, "Are you putting your hand under your "Are you putting your hand under your "Are you putting your hand under your head at night?" I said, "Yes, sir." He head at night?" I said, "Yes, sir." He head at night?" I said, "Yes, sir." He said, "Basically," he said, and I quote, said, "Basically," he said, and I quote, said, "Basically," he said, and I quote, "You're too old for that. "You're too old for that. "You're too old for that. You, You, You, this is this is what happens. Like, this is this is what happens. Like, this is this is what happens. Like, you're going to get aches and pains." I you're going to get aches and pains." I you're going to get aches and pains." I I literally will wake up with aches and I literally will wake up with aches and I literally will wake up with aches and pains. Now, this last week, Chelsea and pains. Now, this last week, Chelsea and pains. Now, this last week, Chelsea and I did some pruning in the garden. That I did some pruning in the garden. That I did some pruning in the garden. That sounds sophisticated. We did some sounds sophisticated. We did some sounds sophisticated. We did some pruning in the garden. Now, when we say pruning in the garden. Now, when we say pruning in the garden. Now, when we say we did pruning, Chelsea pruned for two we did pruning, Chelsea pruned for two we did pruning, Chelsea pruned for two hours. I showed up the last 10 minutes hours. I showed up the last 10 minutes hours. I showed up the last 10 minutes and sent some friends the photos.

and sent some friends the photos. and sent some friends the photos. That's our That's our marriage in a That's our That's our marriage in a That's our That's our marriage in a nutshell. And in this group text, I nutshell. And in this group text, I nutshell. And in this group text, I said, "Check us out. We did some said, "Check us out. We did some said, "Check us out. We did some pruning." And then Chelsea had to jump pruning." And then Chelsea had to jump pruning." And then Chelsea had to jump in and uncover me. And yet, the in and uncover me. And yet, the in and uncover me. And yet, the scripture says, "Love covers." scripture says, "Love covers." scripture says, "Love covers." Chelsea's a work in progress. And I Chelsea's a work in progress. And I Chelsea's a work in progress. And I forgive her cuz that's what kind of man forgive her cuz that's what kind of man forgive her cuz that's what kind of man I am. But she's like pruning. But I'm I am. But she's like pruning. But I'm I am. But she's like pruning. But I'm not trying to out Chelsea or nothing, not trying to out Chelsea or nothing, not trying to out Chelsea or nothing, but I am. Um, she pruned for like two but I am. Um, she pruned for like two but I am. Um, she pruned for like two hours, you know, just cutting. We were hours, you know, just cutting. We were hours, you know, just cutting. We were cutting the vines and trying to trim cutting the vines and trying to trim cutting the vines and trying to trim them back. And it's always a little bit, them back. And it's always a little bit, them back. And it's always a little bit, you know, I'm like, "Babe, we need like, you know, I'm like, "Babe, we need like, you know, I'm like, "Babe, we need like, you know, she she Chelsea prunes, man. you know, she she Chelsea prunes, man. you know, she she Chelsea prunes, man. Chelsea." And then it's a metaphor. If Chelsea." And then it's a metaphor. If Chelsea." And then it's a metaphor. If you've been in church, you know, pruning you've been in church, you know, pruning you've been in church, you know, pruning is the worst. Like, if a pastor ever is the worst. Like, if a pastor ever is the worst. Like, if a pastor ever gets up and you're in an auditorium and gets up and you're in an auditorium and gets up and you're in an auditorium and says, "I want to do a series on pruning. says, "I want to do a series on pruning. says, "I want to do a series on pruning. You need to find another church for that You need to find another church for that You need to find another church for that series. Like, find somewhere else cuz series. Like, find somewhere else cuz series. Like, find somewhere else cuz pruning just sucks. It's just cutting pruning just sucks. It's just cutting pruning just sucks. It's just cutting everything back so it can grow more." everything back so it can grow more." everything back so it can grow more." more. It's like I'll just stay the way I more. It's like I'll just stay the way I more. It's like I'll just stay the way I am. But so Chelsea's pruning and I am. But so Chelsea's pruning and I am. But so Chelsea's pruning and I pruned for the last 15 minutes and pruned for the last 15 minutes and pruned for the last 15 minutes and Chelsea was like, "Man, my hands are so Chelsea was like, "Man, my hands are so Chelsea was like, "Man, my hands are so sore." And and I started to do one. Me, sore." And and I started to do one. Me, sore." And and I started to do one. Me, too.

too. too. And then she started cussing at me, And then she started cussing at me, And then she started cussing at me, which I thought was inappropriate. I'm which I thought was inappropriate. I'm which I thought was inappropriate. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. She never cusses kidding. I'm kidding. She never cusses kidding. I'm kidding. She never cusses most of the time. Um, but I wake up with most of the time. Um, but I wake up with most of the time. Um, but I wake up with random aches. I really do. And it's in random aches. I really do. And it's in random aches. I really do. And it's in my neck. It's in my hips. And I don't my neck. It's in my hips. And I don't my neck. It's in my hips. And I don't like it. Like I'm embarrassed. I I don't like it. Like I'm embarrassed. I I don't like it. Like I'm embarrassed. I I don't want to be that guy. I'm not going to be want to be that guy. I'm not going to be want to be that guy. I'm not going to be that guy. I'm I'm doing a little bit of that guy. I'm I'm doing a little bit of that guy. I'm I'm doing a little bit of therapy right now publicly on stage and therapy right now publicly on stage and therapy right now publicly on stage and I'm telling you, I'm not going to be I'm telling you, I'm not going to be I'm telling you, I'm not going to be that guy. I don't want to be the guy that guy. I don't want to be the guy that guy. I don't want to be the guy that's always tired. I don't want to be that's always tired. I don't want to be that's always tired. I don't want to be the guy that's always achy and painy. I the guy that's always achy and painy. I the guy that's always achy and painy. I don't want to be the guy that's always don't want to be the guy that's always don't want to be the guy that's always like, well, I'm just getting old, you like, well, I'm just getting old, you like, well, I'm just getting old, you know? I want to be young and I want to know? I want to be young and I want to know? I want to be young and I want to be vibious. But the truth is, I wake up be vibious. But the truth is, I wake up be vibious. But the truth is, I wake up with a lot of aches and pains. But with a lot of aches and pains. But with a lot of aches and pains. But there's nothing like that ache in your there's nothing like that ache in your there's nothing like that ache in your soul. soul. soul. >> Yeah. And the truth is, I've been >> Yeah. And the truth is, I've been >> Yeah. And the truth is, I've been feeling that a lot lately. feeling that a lot lately. feeling that a lot lately. I was talking to a friend late last I was talking to a friend late last I was talking to a friend late last night. I wasn't smoking a cigar on a night. I wasn't smoking a cigar on a night. I wasn't smoking a cigar on a walk or nothing. I don't know why you walk or nothing. I don't know why you walk or nothing. I don't know why you would think that, but we were talking would think that, but we were talking would think that, but we were talking and and um I was helping him with his and and um I was helping him with his and and um I was helping him with his smoking problem. And uh smoking problem. And uh smoking problem. And uh he said, "I feel like I got a hole in my he said, "I feel like I got a hole in my he said, "I feel like I got a hole in my heart."

heart." heart." He said, "What what's wrong with me?" I He said, "What what's wrong with me?" I He said, "What what's wrong with me?" I said, "Me too." He said, "Wait, whoa, said, "Me too." He said, "Wait, whoa, said, "Me too." He said, "Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa." He's like, "I came to whoa, whoa, whoa." He's like, "I came to whoa, whoa, whoa." He's like, "I came to you, pastor, to get some help." I said, you, pastor, to get some help." I said, you, pastor, to get some help." I said, "Me, too. Feels like there's a hole on "Me, too. Feels like there's a hole on "Me, too. Feels like there's a hole on the planet. Feels like there's a gap the planet. Feels like there's a gap the planet. Feels like there's a gap between the way we should be and the way between the way we should be and the way between the way we should be and the way we are. A gap between we are. A gap between we are. A gap between uh uh uh who we are and decency. uh uh uh who we are and decency. uh uh uh who we are and decency. A gap between how we're acting and A gap between how we're acting and A gap between how we're acting and decorum. decorum. decorum. a gap between how we're treating each a gap between how we're treating each a gap between how we're treating each other down here and basic fundamental other down here and basic fundamental other down here and basic fundamental care. care. care. It just seems to be a gap and the gap It just seems to be a gap and the gap It just seems to be a gap and the gap turns into an ache and you ache in your turns into an ache and you ache in your turns into an ache and you ache in your soul. Just feel achy. People ask you how soul. Just feel achy. People ask you how soul. Just feel achy. People ask you how you doing and you don't really want to you doing and you don't really want to you doing and you don't really want to answer. Anybody else tired of that a answer. Anybody else tired of that a answer. Anybody else tired of that a little bit? Like I just People ask me little bit? Like I just People ask me little bit? Like I just People ask me how am I doing? And I'm like you don't how am I doing? And I'm like you don't how am I doing? And I'm like you don't really want to know, right? And you got really want to know, right? And you got really want to know, right? And you got to kind of read that kind of person real to kind of read that kind of person real to kind of read that kind of person real quick. Are they one of those kind of quick. Are they one of those kind of quick. Are they one of those kind of people? Are they like, "Let's sit down.

people? Are they like, "Let's sit down. people? Are they like, "Let's sit down. Let's talk about it. How are you doing? Let's talk about it. How are you doing? Let's talk about it. How are you doing? How am I doing? People are dying. How am I doing? People are dying. How am I doing? People are dying. Injustices everywhere. I'm trying to get Injustices everywhere. I'm trying to get Injustices everywhere. I'm trying to get cereal at the supermarket and I'm cereal at the supermarket and I'm cereal at the supermarket and I'm inadvertently interrupted by more inadvertently interrupted by more inadvertently interrupted by more atrocities and more tragedies and more atrocities and more tragedies and more atrocities and more tragedies and more pains and more inconsistencies and pains and more inconsistencies and pains and more inconsistencies and figures and leaders and people that figures and leaders and people that figures and leaders and people that we're supposed to care about and respect we're supposed to care about and respect we're supposed to care about and respect and love. It's deciphering what's truth and love. It's deciphering what's truth and love. It's deciphering what's truth and what's lie and what's spin and and what's lie and what's spin and and what's lie and what's spin and what's fair and what's good and what's what's fair and what's good and what's what's fair and what's good and what's right and what's wrong and whose side right and what's wrong and whose side right and what's wrong and whose side and what team and and you just ache and and what team and and you just ache and and what team and and you just ache and then YOU FEEL BAD TOO IF YOU'RE like me then YOU FEEL BAD TOO IF YOU'RE like me then YOU FEEL BAD TOO IF YOU'RE like me cuz some days the aches a little less cuz some days the aches a little less cuz some days the aches a little less and you run into somebody who's having and you run into somebody who's having and you run into somebody who's having an achier day than you and you don't an achier day than you and you don't an achier day than you and you don't read the ROOM AND THEY ASK HOW YOU'RE read the ROOM AND THEY ASK HOW YOU'RE read the ROOM AND THEY ASK HOW YOU'RE DOING AND YOU'RE LIKE MATTER OF FACT I'M DOING AND YOU'RE LIKE MATTER OF FACT I'M DOING AND YOU'RE LIKE MATTER OF FACT I'M DOING [screaming] PRETTY GOOD AND YOU DOING [screaming] PRETTY GOOD AND YOU DOING [screaming] PRETTY GOOD AND YOU LOOK AT THEIR FACE and they're mad. sad LOOK AT THEIR FACE and they're mad. sad LOOK AT THEIR FACE and they're mad. sad at how unachy you are and then you're at how unachy you are and then you're at how unachy you are and then you're like, "Uh-oh, I'm not somber and sad like, "Uh-oh, I'm not somber and sad like, "Uh-oh, I'm not somber and sad enough." There's a whole sad meter these enough." There's a whole sad meter these enough." There's a whole sad meter these days. Have you noticed this? It's a days. Have you noticed this? It's a days. Have you noticed this? It's a whole social experiment. We're all whole social experiment. We're all whole social experiment. We're all determined like you you you be careful determined like you you you be careful determined like you you you be careful now. This week there might something now. This week there might something now. This week there might something might happen and if you go to a party might happen and if you go to a party might happen and if you go to a party too happy, baby, good luck. That's too happy, baby, good luck. That's too happy, baby, good luck. That's between you and everybody at that party.

between you and everybody at that party. between you and everybody at that party. Cuz if you're too jolly, if you're too Cuz if you're too jolly, if you're too Cuz if you're too jolly, if you're too happy, if you're too okay, people like, happy, if you're too okay, people like, happy, if you're too okay, people like, "Oh, you don't even care. "Oh, you don't even care. "Oh, you don't even care. So then you're like, man, I WAS STARTING So then you're like, man, I WAS STARTING So then you're like, man, I WAS STARTING TO THINK MAYBE I WAS TURNING A CORNER, TO THINK MAYBE I WAS TURNING A CORNER, TO THINK MAYBE I WAS TURNING A CORNER, BUT NOW I [screaming] FEEL BAD FOR FOR BUT NOW I [screaming] FEEL BAD FOR FOR BUT NOW I [screaming] FEEL BAD FOR FOR not being achy. Sometimes it just feels not being achy. Sometimes it just feels not being achy. Sometimes it just feels like it's like it's like it's it's kind of hard to be on the earth it's kind of hard to be on the earth it's kind of hard to be on the earth right now. I mean, if we're honest, I'm right now. I mean, if we're honest, I'm right now. I mean, if we're honest, I'm not saying that there's not beauty and not saying that there's not beauty and not saying that there's not beauty and joy and majesty. One of my dear friends joy and majesty. One of my dear friends joy and majesty. One of my dear friends just had a baby girl, and I'm so just had a baby girl, and I'm so just had a baby girl, and I'm so excited. I got to hang out with my excited. I got to hang out with my excited. I got to hang out with my godson recently. and you see a baby and godson recently. and you see a baby and godson recently. and you see a baby and you see a toddler and you're just like, you see a toddler and you're just like, you see a toddler and you're just like, there's hope. I can breathe. I'm going there's hope. I can breathe. I'm going there's hope. I can breathe. I'm going to make it. This is amazing. And there to make it. This is amazing. And there to make it. This is amazing. And there is beauty. I see hummingbirds. I love is beauty. I see hummingbirds. I love is beauty. I see hummingbirds. I love hummingbirds. Fun fact about hummingbirds. Fun fact about hummingbirds. Fun fact about hummingbirds. Do you know researchers hummingbirds. Do you know researchers hummingbirds. Do you know researchers and scientists still can't believe why and scientists still can't believe why and scientists still can't believe why their hearts don't explode. They can't their hearts don't explode. They can't their hearts don't explode. They can't figure it out. I love hummingbirds. figure it out. I love hummingbirds. figure it out. I love hummingbirds. They're a metaphor of the spiritual They're a metaphor of the spiritual They're a metaphor of the spiritual life. Our hearts should explode, but God life. Our hearts should explode, but God life. Our hearts should explode, but God sustains us. You know, whatever. Like, sustains us. You know, whatever. Like, sustains us. You know, whatever. Like, there is beauty. There is majesty. There there is beauty. There is majesty. There there is beauty. There is majesty. There are tender, intimate, gorgeous, stunning are tender, intimate, gorgeous, stunning are tender, intimate, gorgeous, stunning moments in life. But if we're really moments in life. But if we're really moments in life. But if we're really honest, it does seem difficult to, honest, it does seem difficult to, honest, it does seem difficult to, you know, do the basics these days. Am I you know, do the basics these days. Am I you know, do the basics these days. Am I the only one that wakes up some mornings the only one that wakes up some mornings the only one that wakes up some mornings and and and I'm trying to grasp for something to I'm trying to grasp for something to I'm trying to grasp for something to look forward to on that particular day?

look forward to on that particular day? look forward to on that particular day? You had one like for me I really look You had one like for me I really look You had one like for me I really look forward to espresso in the morning. Who forward to espresso in the morning. Who forward to espresso in the morning. Who says espresso? You know it's espresso. says espresso? You know it's espresso. says espresso? You know it's espresso. Okay. But espresso. I really do. I look Okay. But espresso. I really do. I look Okay. But espresso. I really do. I look forward to two shots and sometimes I go forward to two shots and sometimes I go forward to two shots and sometimes I go three cuz I'm crazy three cuz I'm crazy three cuz I'm crazy and I look forward to them. Yeah. Those and I look forward to them. Yeah. Those and I look forward to them. Yeah. Those mornings you wake up and you're like I mornings you wake up and you're like I mornings you wake up and you're like I don't even care about coffee. And you're don't even care about coffee. And you're don't even care about coffee. And you're like whoa buddy. Get a get a hold of like whoa buddy. Get a get a hold of like whoa buddy. Get a get a hold of yourself. Can I just say this to yourself. Can I just say this to yourself. Can I just say this to everybody in this room? everybody in this room? everybody in this room? Your ache Your ache Your ache is normal. is normal. is normal. And also, can I say if you're not achy And also, can I say if you're not achy And also, can I say if you're not achy tonight, what I'm about to say is still tonight, what I'm about to say is still tonight, what I'm about to say is still applicable. And I'm glad that you're not applicable. And I'm glad that you're not applicable. And I'm glad that you're not achy tonight. And that's okay. And you achy tonight. And that's okay. And you achy tonight. And that's okay. And you don't have to be. You don't have to be don't have to be. You don't have to be don't have to be. You don't have to be the great overseer of all injustices on the great overseer of all injustices on the great overseer of all injustices on the planet. You shouldn't be embarrassed the planet. You shouldn't be embarrassed the planet. You shouldn't be embarrassed or or feel like you are doing something or or feel like you are doing something or or feel like you are doing something wrong because you're not up on the wrong because you're not up on the wrong because you're not up on the latest breaking news. Some of us, we're latest breaking news. Some of us, we're latest breaking news. Some of us, we're too connected. And so, I just want to too connected. And so, I just want to too connected. And so, I just want to say wherever you are on the ache scale, say wherever you are on the ache scale, say wherever you are on the ache scale, I'm glad you're here. But I want to take I'm glad you're here. But I want to take I'm glad you're here. But I want to take you to a story tonight, an ancient you to a story tonight, an ancient you to a story tonight, an ancient story, an old story where we see a man story, an old story where we see a man story, an old story where we see a man who has an ache. an ache so deep it like who has an ache. an ache so deep it like who has an ache. an ache so deep it like jumps off the page and it becomes very jumps off the page and it becomes very jumps off the page and it becomes very real to me. And recently and this is not real to me. And recently and this is not real to me. And recently and this is not going to be a surprise to anybody in going to be a surprise to anybody in going to be a surprise to anybody in this theater if you've been coming for this theater if you've been coming for this theater if you've been coming for any amount of time but I started reading any amount of time but I started reading any amount of time but I started reading this this week and I just started crying

this this week and I just started crying this this week and I just started crying and crying and crying and crying because and crying and crying and crying because and crying and crying and crying because of the first time I felt like with this of the first time I felt like with this of the first time I felt like with this ancient character named Abram. I was ancient character named Abram. I was ancient character named Abram. I was like yo I feel your ache. And so here's like yo I feel your ache. And so here's like yo I feel your ache. And so here's what I want to do. I want to go back what I want to do. I want to go back what I want to do. I want to go back thousands of years ago. I want to go by thousands of years ago. I want to go by thousands of years ago. I want to go by way of using the most incredible book way of using the most incredible book way of using the most incredible book ever in human history. I don't mean this ever in human history. I don't mean this ever in human history. I don't mean this to any disrespect. I don't mean this to to any disrespect. I don't mean this to to any disrespect. I don't mean this to try to compare. But I do want you to try to compare. But I do want you to try to compare. But I do want you to tell you that friends, there is no other tell you that friends, there is no other tell you that friends, there is no other book like the Bible on the planet that book like the Bible on the planet that book like the Bible on the planet that is historically proven, that is is historically proven, that is is historically proven, that is mathematically proven, that is I was mathematically proven, that is I was mathematically proven, that is I was going to say geographically proven. I going to say geographically proven. I going to say geographically proven. I don't know if that's true, but it is a don't know if that's true, but it is a don't know if that's true, but it is a transcendent transcendent transcendent manual and book. No matter if you agree manual and book. No matter if you agree manual and book. No matter if you agree with its contents, it is a mystical with its contents, it is a mystical with its contents, it is a mystical magical book and even its preservation magical book and even its preservation magical book and even its preservation alone must garner some level of alone must garner some level of alone must garner some level of attentiveness or attention to say this attentiveness or attention to say this attentiveness or attention to say this book is unlike any other book. And so I book is unlike any other book. And so I book is unlike any other book. And so I want to go to that book. In fact, I want want to go to that book. In fact, I want want to go to that book. In fact, I want to go to the first book in that book for to go to the first book in that book for to go to the first book in that book for those that don't know. There are 66 those that don't know. There are 66 those that don't know. There are 66 books within the one book. And the very books within the one book. And the very books within the one book. And the very first one is called the beginning. It's first one is called the beginning. It's first one is called the beginning. It's called Genesis. And here we find some of called Genesis. And here we find some of called Genesis. And here we find some of the first records and writings of many the first records and writings of many the first records and writings of many of our origins. But tonight, I want to

of our origins. But tonight, I want to of our origins. But tonight, I want to introduce you to an antidote to your introduce you to an antidote to your introduce you to an antidote to your ache. Now, here's the good news. If ache. Now, here's the good news. If ache. Now, here's the good news. If you're here tonight and you're like, you're here tonight and you're like, you're here tonight and you're like, "Man, I'm kind of good. I don't have an "Man, I'm kind of good. I don't have an "Man, I'm kind of good. I don't have an ache." Then you take this antidote and ache." Then you take this antidote and ache." Then you take this antidote and you put it in a safe place and you use you put it in a safe place and you use you put it in a safe place and you use it next time you have an ache. But if it next time you have an ache. But if it next time you have an ache. But if you don't have an ache, don't try to get you don't have an ache, don't try to get you don't have an ache, don't try to get an ache. just enjoy your acheless night an ache. just enjoy your acheless night an ache. just enjoy your acheless night and invite me over so your achelessness and invite me over so your achelessness and invite me over so your achelessness can rub off on the whole party because can rub off on the whole party because can rub off on the whole party because that would be a nice that would be a nice that would be a nice change of tune. Frankly, you know, change of tune. Frankly, you know, change of tune. Frankly, you know, wouldn't it's not a bad thing running wouldn't it's not a bad thing running wouldn't it's not a bad thing running into someone who's JUST LIKE, "WHAT A into someone who's JUST LIKE, "WHAT A into someone who's JUST LIKE, "WHAT A GREAT YEAR." Not one person has said GREAT YEAR." Not one person has said GREAT YEAR." Not one person has said that to me, by the way. Not one person that to me, by the way. Not one person that to me, by the way. Not one person that I've run into in 2026 is like, that I've run into in 2026 is like, that I've run into in 2026 is like, "Best year of my life." I don't know "Best year of my life." I don't know "Best year of my life." I don't know where they are, but you're out there where they are, but you're out there where they are, but you're out there somewhere, and I'm waiting to run into somewhere, and I'm waiting to run into somewhere, and I'm waiting to run into you at the coffee bean. There's one left you at the coffee bean. There's one left you at the coffee bean. There's one left in LA. Genesis chapter 15 is the story that I'm Genesis chapter 15 is the story that I'm going to tell you, and you can reference going to tell you, and you can reference going to tell you, and you can reference that um if you'd like. I took away the that um if you'd like. I took away the that um if you'd like. I took away the big screen. I just put curtains up. Sue big screen. I just put curtains up. Sue big screen. I just put curtains up. Sue me. No, seriously, don't. I had enough me. No, seriously, don't. I had enough me. No, seriously, don't. I had enough lawsuits. Genesis chapter 15. And I want lawsuits. Genesis chapter 15. And I want lawsuits. Genesis chapter 15. And I want to I'm going to read you six verses to I'm going to read you six verses to I'm going to read you six verses right out of the script. It says right out of the script. It says right out of the script. It says afterwards the word of Yahweh that is afterwards the word of Yahweh that is afterwards the word of Yahweh that is God came to Abram in a vision and God came to Abram in a vision and God came to Abram in a vision and said,"Abram, said,"Abram, said,"Abram, don't yield to fear for I'm your don't yield to fear for I'm your don't yield to fear for I'm your faithful shield and your abundant faithful shield and your abundant faithful shield and your abundant reward."

reward." reward." But Abram replied, "Lord Yahweh, what But Abram replied, "Lord Yahweh, what But Abram replied, "Lord Yahweh, what good is your reward if I remain good is your reward if I remain good is your reward if I remain childless? I'm about to die without a childless? I'm about to die without a childless? I'm about to die without a son, and my servant Eleazar of Damascus son, and my servant Eleazar of Damascus son, and my servant Eleazar of Damascus will inherit all of my wealth. A servant will inherit all of my wealth. A servant will inherit all of my wealth. A servant in my household will end up with in my household will end up with in my household will end up with everything because you have not given me everything because you have not given me everything because you have not given me not one child. not one child. not one child. Immediately the word of the Lord, the Immediately the word of the Lord, the Immediately the word of the Lord, the word of Yahweh came to him. No, Eleazar word of Yahweh came to him. No, Eleazar word of Yahweh came to him. No, Eleazar will not be your heir. I will give you a will not be your heir. I will give you a will not be your heir. I will give you a son from your own body to be your heir. son from your own body to be your heir. son from your own body to be your heir. And Yahweh brought him outside his tent And Yahweh brought him outside his tent And Yahweh brought him outside his tent and said, "Gaze into the night sky." Go and said, "Gaze into the night sky." Go and said, "Gaze into the night sky." Go ahead, try to count the stars. He ahead, try to count the stars. He ahead, try to count the stars. He continued, "Your seed will be as continued, "Your seed will be as continued, "Your seed will be as numerous as the stars." And here's the numerous as the stars." And here's the numerous as the stars." And here's the verse. verse. verse. that whether you're aware of it or not that whether you're aware of it or not that whether you're aware of it or not changed the world as we know it truly changed the world as we know it truly changed the world as we know it truly and gave us a portal and a window into and gave us a portal and a window into and gave us a portal and a window into what would come thousands of years what would come thousands of years what would come thousands of years later. And Abram later. And Abram later. And Abram trusted every word Yahweh had spoken and trusted every word Yahweh had spoken and trusted every word Yahweh had spoken and because his faith because of Abram's because his faith because of Abram's because his faith because of Abram's faith Yahweh God credited to him as faith Yahweh God credited to him as faith Yahweh God credited to him as righteousness. Now I want to explain to righteousness. Now I want to explain to righteousness. Now I want to explain to you the magnitude, you the magnitude, you the magnitude, the implications, the implications, the implications, the significance the significance the significance of that verse right there and the life of that verse right there and the life of that verse right there and the life you now live and the ache you now live and the ache you now live and the ache you now feel.

you now feel. you now feel. Abram is frankly a very average normal Abram is frankly a very average normal Abram is frankly a very average normal man. He is living several thousands of man. He is living several thousands of man. He is living several thousands of years from today ago. years from today ago. years from today ago. and his journey as we can tell is it and his journey as we can tell is it and his journey as we can tell is it begins in not Genesis 15 but Genesis 12. begins in not Genesis 15 but Genesis 12. begins in not Genesis 15 but Genesis 12. Now if you're familiar with the story of Now if you're familiar with the story of Now if you're familiar with the story of Abram by now perhaps you're wondering is Abram by now perhaps you're wondering is Abram by now perhaps you're wondering is it Abram Judah or is it Abraham? Perhap it Abram Judah or is it Abraham? Perhap it Abram Judah or is it Abraham? Perhap you pulled out your phone and you've you pulled out your phone and you've you pulled out your phone and you've checked chat GPT because chat GPT is checked chat GPT because chat GPT is checked chat GPT because chat GPT is never wrong. Friend, grow up a little bit. Okay. And Friend, grow up a little bit. Okay. And now you know he got a name change. So it now you know he got a name change. So it now you know he got a name change. So it wasn't Abram, it was Abraham. Now some wasn't Abram, it was Abraham. Now some wasn't Abram, it was Abraham. Now some of you have been around church enough to of you have been around church enough to of you have been around church enough to know that YOU GREW UP SINGING A SONG know that YOU GREW UP SINGING A SONG know that YOU GREW UP SINGING A SONG THAT PERHAPS YOU DID NOT KNOW THE THAT PERHAPS YOU DID NOT KNOW THE THAT PERHAPS YOU DID NOT KNOW THE MAGNITUDE, the impact, the implications, MAGNITUDE, the impact, the implications, MAGNITUDE, the impact, the implications, the significance. the significance. the significance. Father Abraham Father Abraham Father Abraham had many sons.

had many sons. had many sons. >> Father Abraham, >> Father Abraham, >> Father Abraham, >> I'm one of them. And so are you. You >> I'm one of them. And so are you. You >> I'm one of them. And so are you. You too. So let's just praise the luck, too. So let's just praise the luck, too. So let's just praise the luck, right? Our father Abraham. right? Our father Abraham. right? Our father Abraham. >> Father >> Father >> Father Abraham. Abraham. Abraham. But his given name at birth was Abram. But his given name at birth was Abram. But his given name at birth was Abram. Abram means high father or exalted Abram means high father or exalted Abram means high father or exalted father. Abraham means father of many father. Abraham means father of many father. Abraham means father of many nations. But we are first introduced to nations. But we are first introduced to nations. But we are first introduced to our character as Abram. our character as Abram. our character as Abram. Abram has an encounter with God in Abram has an encounter with God in Abram has an encounter with God in Genesis 12. Then you'll see it in Genesis 12. Then you'll see it in Genesis 12. Then you'll see it in Genesis 15. Then you'll see a monumental Genesis 15. Then you'll see a monumental Genesis 15. Then you'll see a monumental moment in Genesis 16. Then you'll see a moment in Genesis 16. Then you'll see a moment in Genesis 16. Then you'll see a monumental moment in Genesis 17 and 18. monumental moment in Genesis 17 and 18. monumental moment in Genesis 17 and 18. And then you'll kind of see his And then you'll kind of see his And then you'll kind of see his climactic moments in Genesis 21 and climactic moments in Genesis 21 and climactic moments in Genesis 21 and beyond. But there is in fact five beyond. But there is in fact five beyond. But there is in fact five significant moments in Abram's life that significant moments in Abram's life that significant moments in Abram's life that I want to underscore. Not the least of I want to underscore. Not the least of I want to underscore. Not the least of which AND THE BEDROCK OF MY SPEECH which AND THE BEDROCK OF MY SPEECH which AND THE BEDROCK OF MY SPEECH TONIGHT, which is Genesis 15, where God TONIGHT, which is Genesis 15, where God TONIGHT, which is Genesis 15, where God meets him in a tent. Because you may not meets him in a tent. Because you may not meets him in a tent. Because you may not know this, but your life could be, and know this, but your life could be, and know this, but your life could be, and dare I say should be impacted by what dare I say should be impacted by what dare I say should be impacted by what happened that night in happened that night in happened that night in Canaan, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, Canaan, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, Canaan, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, thousands of years ago. Abram, not thousands of years ago. Abram, not thousands of years ago. Abram, not trying to be cute and silly and cliche, trying to be cute and silly and cliche, trying to be cute and silly and cliche, the very normal guy. Genesis chapter 12 the very normal guy. Genesis chapter 12 the very normal guy. Genesis chapter 12 and Yahweh comes to him. Yahweh, one of and Yahweh comes to him. Yahweh, one of and Yahweh comes to him. Yahweh, one of the great grand names of God which the great grand names of God which the great grand names of God which describes the all everpresent, all-

describes the all everpresent, all- describes the all everpresent, all- knowing, all grand, all great God. knowing, all grand, all great God. knowing, all grand, all great God. Yahweh shows up to Abram. Never heard Yahweh shows up to Abram. Never heard Yahweh shows up to Abram. Never heard God, doesn't know God, doesn't have a God, doesn't know God, doesn't have a God, doesn't know God, doesn't have a relationship or connection with God. And relationship or connection with God. And relationship or connection with God. And by evidence in Genesis 12, it is just a by evidence in Genesis 12, it is just a by evidence in Genesis 12, it is just a rude interruption. God just shows up. rude interruption. God just shows up. rude interruption. God just shows up. God chooses Abram. And he says, "You God chooses Abram. And he says, "You God chooses Abram. And he says, "You gotta go. Leave your whole family." And gotta go. Leave your whole family." And gotta go. Leave your whole family." And Abram is like, "I don't know what is Abram is like, "I don't know what is Abram is like, "I don't know what is okay. I think I'm hearing things. I'm okay. I think I'm hearing things. I'm okay. I think I'm hearing things. I'm hearing." And he goes, "Where am I hearing." And he goes, "Where am I hearing." And he goes, "Where am I going?" He goes, "Just get going and going?" He goes, "Just get going and going?" He goes, "Just get going and I'll show you where you're going." Now, I'll show you where you're going." Now, I'll show you where you're going." Now, that sounds strange and we could delve that sounds strange and we could delve that sounds strange and we could delve more into that, but I want to keep more into that, but I want to keep more into that, but I want to keep moving. Now, by the time we get to moving. Now, by the time we get to moving. Now, by the time we get to Genesis 15, Abram is not a young man. He Genesis 15, Abram is not a young man. He Genesis 15, Abram is not a young man. He is now 75 years old. is now 75 years old. is now 75 years old. He's been married to Sarai or Sarah, his He's been married to Sarai or Sarah, his He's been married to Sarai or Sarah, his wife, for many, many years. By the time wife, for many, many years. By the time wife, for many, many years. By the time we pick up the tent scene and the stars we pick up the tent scene and the stars we pick up the tent scene and the stars scene, Abram has already started to reap scene, Abram has already started to reap scene, Abram has already started to reap the benefits of what God had told him. the benefits of what God had told him. the benefits of what God had told him. If you know that moment in Genesis 12, If you know that moment in Genesis 12, If you know that moment in Genesis 12, God says to this average ordinary man God says to this average ordinary man God says to this average ordinary man named Abram, I need you to leave the named Abram, I need you to leave the named Abram, I need you to leave the Earl of Calaldanss. I want you to leave Earl of Calaldanss. I want you to leave Earl of Calaldanss. I want you to leave your dad. I want you to leave your your dad. I want you to leave your your dad. I want you to leave your family and I'm going to lead you out family and I'm going to lead you out family and I'm going to lead you out into a new place and a new space and I'm into a new place and a new space and I'm into a new place and a new space and I'm going to bless you and you're going to going to bless you and you're going to going to bless you and you're going to have a lot of money and you're going to have a lot of money and you're going to have a lot of money and you're going to have a lot of power and you're going to have a lot of power and you're going to have a lot of power and you're going to have a lot of influence and I'm going to have a lot of influence and I'm going to have a lot of influence and I'm going to bless your kids and it's going to be bless your kids and it's going to be bless your kids and it's going to be amazing. So by the time we get to amazing. So by the time we get to amazing. So by the time we get to Genesis chapter 15, he has had many Genesis chapter 15, he has had many Genesis chapter 15, he has had many decades of money decades of money decades of money but not a single child.

but not a single child. but not a single child. His wife Sarah is barren. She can't have His wife Sarah is barren. She can't have His wife Sarah is barren. She can't have kids. kids. kids. the ache that is introduced in this the ache that is introduced in this the ache that is introduced in this passage. If you have endeavored to passage. If you have endeavored to passage. If you have endeavored to follow God, some people would say, or follow God, some people would say, or follow God, some people would say, or become a religious person, not my become a religious person, not my become a religious person, not my favorite phrase, or become a worshshiper favorite phrase, or become a worshshiper favorite phrase, or become a worshshiper or a follower of Jesus, the ache that or a follower of Jesus, the ache that or a follower of Jesus, the ache that you see in Genesis 15, you have felt you see in Genesis 15, you have felt you see in Genesis 15, you have felt undoubtedly undoubtedly undoubtedly that voice comes back. That voice that that voice comes back. That voice that that voice comes back. That voice that rustles the tent, the voice that stops rustles the tent, the voice that stops rustles the tent, the voice that stops Abram dead in his tracks, he's back. Abram dead in his tracks, he's back. Abram dead in his tracks, he's back. From best we can tell, since Genesis From best we can tell, since Genesis From best we can tell, since Genesis chapter 12, for some decades, he has not chapter 12, for some decades, he has not chapter 12, for some decades, he has not heard the voice of Yahweh. heard the voice of Yahweh. heard the voice of Yahweh. There is no class for this. Abram is There is no class for this. Abram is There is no class for this. Abram is having a very unique experience, but he having a very unique experience, but he having a very unique experience, but he is he's hearing the creator of heaven is he's hearing the creator of heaven is he's hearing the creator of heaven and earth. And in Genesis 15, and earth. And in Genesis 15, and earth. And in Genesis 15, how I see it is Abram's in his tent. By how I see it is Abram's in his tent. By how I see it is Abram's in his tent. By the way, he's tired of tents, friends.

the way, he's tired of tents, friends. the way, he's tired of tents, friends. He's got a lot of sheep, He's got a lot of sheep, He's got a lot of sheep, probably a lot of cattle. He got a lot probably a lot of cattle. He got a lot probably a lot of cattle. He got a lot of silver. He got a lot of stuff. But of silver. He got a lot of stuff. But of silver. He got a lot of stuff. But he's still a wanderer. He's still a he's still a wanderer. He's still a he's still a wanderer. He's still a nomad. He's still a traveler. Now, his nomad. He's still a traveler. Now, his nomad. He's still a traveler. Now, his his traveling caravan is deep. He's got his traveling caravan is deep. He's got his traveling caravan is deep. He's got a lot of people, a lot of friends, a lot a lot of people, a lot of friends, a lot a lot of people, a lot of friends, a lot of employees, a big crew. But at 75, of employees, a big crew. But at 75, of employees, a big crew. But at 75, he's got a lot of questions for God. he's got a lot of questions for God. he's got a lot of questions for God. And here comes the voice of Yahweh And here comes the voice of Yahweh And here comes the voice of Yahweh again. I imagine Sarah sound asleep. again. I imagine Sarah sound asleep. again. I imagine Sarah sound asleep. And Abram notices that the feeling in And Abram notices that the feeling in And Abram notices that the feeling in the tent just changed. And he hadn't the tent just changed. And he hadn't the tent just changed. And he hadn't felt that feeling in a long time. felt that feeling in a long time. felt that feeling in a long time. Something has descended again in the Something has descended again in the Something has descended again in the tent. And undoubtedly, I believe at that tent. And undoubtedly, I believe at that tent. And undoubtedly, I believe at that point, Abram knows. I know that point, Abram knows. I know that point, Abram knows. I know that sensation. I know that feeling. My skin sensation. I know that feeling. My skin sensation. I know that feeling. My skin feels it. The hair on my arms and legs feels it. The hair on my arms and legs feels it. The hair on my arms and legs is standing up. And he hears the voice is standing up. And he hears the voice is standing up. And he hears the voice of the eternal one, Yahweh, of the eternal one, Yahweh, of the eternal one, Yahweh, say, "Abram, I I'm your reward. I just say, "Abram, I I'm your reward. I just say, "Abram, I I'm your reward. I just wanted to come and revisit our wanted to come and revisit our wanted to come and revisit our conversation and let you know that I'm conversation and let you know that I'm conversation and let you know that I'm going to protect you. I'm going to take going to protect you. I'm going to take going to protect you. I'm going to take care of you.

care of you. care of you. Now, how Abram responds, I respect. I Now, how Abram responds, I respect. I Now, how Abram responds, I respect. I really do. A lot of preachers like me, really do. A lot of preachers like me, really do. A lot of preachers like me, in fact, I've done this before, will in fact, I've done this before, will in fact, I've done this before, will tell you that the response OF A TRUE tell you that the response OF A TRUE tell you that the response OF A TRUE BELIEVER is that every time you sense BELIEVER is that every time you sense BELIEVER is that every time you sense God or you see God or you feel God, that God or you see God or you feel God, that God or you see God or you feel God, that your response IS ALWAYS, "OH, GOD, your response IS ALWAYS, "OH, GOD, your response IS ALWAYS, "OH, GOD, [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO ALL THAT YOU BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO ALL THAT YOU BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO ALL THAT YOU SAY, I'LL DO EVERYTHING YOU WANT me to SAY, I'LL DO EVERYTHING YOU WANT me to SAY, I'LL DO EVERYTHING YOU WANT me to do." But not Abram. He says, "Are you do." But not Abram. He says, "Are you do." But not Abram. He says, "Are you serious? serious? serious? Are you serious? Are you serious? Are you serious? What good is your protection? What good is your protection? What good is your protection? WHAT GOOD IS ALL YOUR PROMISES? WHAT GOOD IS ALL YOUR PROMISES? WHAT GOOD IS ALL YOUR PROMISES? I THINK ABRAM IS SAYING, "YO, THANKS FOR I THINK ABRAM IS SAYING, "YO, THANKS FOR I THINK ABRAM IS SAYING, "YO, THANKS FOR THE CASH. THANKS FOR THE MONEY. Thanks THE CASH. THANKS FOR THE MONEY. Thanks THE CASH. THANKS FOR THE MONEY. Thanks for the crew. Thanks for the business. for the crew. Thanks for the business. for the crew. Thanks for the business. Thanks for the stuff." Thanks for the stuff." Thanks for the stuff." But the woman sound asleep next to me. But the woman sound asleep next to me. But the woman sound asleep next to me. Hasn't had one baby. Hasn't had one baby. Hasn't had one baby. And so you speak of this promise, you And so you speak of this promise, you And so you speak of this promise, you speak these words, but where I'm at speak these words, but where I'm at speak these words, but where I'm at and where you say I'm going to be is a and where you say I'm going to be is a and where you say I'm going to be is a gap that's really painful gap that's really painful gap that's really painful and difficult.

and difficult. and difficult. Now, we're not great at it in Now, we're not great at it in Now, we're not great at it in congregations and communities and congregations and communities and congregations and communities and gatherings like these, but the truth is gatherings like these, but the truth is gatherings like these, but the truth is there are hundreds of people here there are hundreds of people here there are hundreds of people here tonight still hanging on to what they tonight still hanging on to what they tonight still hanging on to what they believe believe believe God has told them for their life. And God has told them for their life. And God has told them for their life. And yet, yet, yet, there's an ache if they're honest. And there's an ache if they're honest. And there's an ache if they're honest. And that ache is simple. It's an ache over that ache is simple. It's an ache over that ache is simple. It's an ache over what he said and what is. what he said and what is. what he said and what is. I felt like God told me I would I'd be I felt like God told me I would I'd be I felt like God told me I would I'd be good at this, good at this, good at this, but I don't feel good at this. I felt but I don't feel good at this. I felt but I don't feel good at this. I felt like God said that like God said that like God said that I'd have a best friend and a lover and a I'd have a best friend and a lover and a I'd have a best friend and a lover and a soulmate and a But the truth is I I soulmate and a But the truth is I I soulmate and a But the truth is I I can't get my closest friends to text me can't get my closest friends to text me can't get my closest friends to text me back. I told a friend today about a back. I told a friend today about a back. I told a friend today about a friend I text and you you ever have one friend I text and you you ever have one friend I text and you you ever have one of those friends they when when they of those friends they when when they of those friends they when when they text you, you better text them back fast text you, you better text them back fast text you, you better text them back fast or you're going to hear about it. But or you're going to hear about it. But or you're going to hear about it. But when you text them, you've been hoping for a marriage and you've been hoping for a marriage and you can't even keep good friends.

you can't even keep good friends. you can't even keep good friends. And so you come to a sacred gathering And so you come to a sacred gathering And so you come to a sacred gathering like this and somebody says, YOU KNOW, like this and somebody says, YOU KNOW, like this and somebody says, YOU KNOW, GOD'S PROMISES GOD'S PROMISES GOD'S PROMISES FOR YOU ARE TRUE. FOR YOU ARE TRUE. FOR YOU ARE TRUE. GOD'S GOING TO BLESS YOU. IT GETS GOD'S GOING TO BLESS YOU. IT GETS GOD'S GOING TO BLESS YOU. IT GETS DEEPER. IT GETS EVEN more sinister. How DEEPER. IT GETS EVEN more sinister. How DEEPER. IT GETS EVEN more sinister. How about this one? God has blessed you. And about this one? God has blessed you. And about this one? God has blessed you. And it's created more trauma and drama and it's created more trauma and drama and it's created more trauma and drama and PAIN IN YOUR LIFE. YOU KIND OF WISH HE PAIN IN YOUR LIFE. YOU KIND OF WISH HE PAIN IN YOUR LIFE. YOU KIND OF WISH HE HADN'T BLESSED YOU THE WAY he blessed HADN'T BLESSED YOU THE WAY he blessed HADN'T BLESSED YOU THE WAY he blessed you. And I'm being dead serious. You get you. And I'm being dead serious. You get you. And I'm being dead serious. You get the money, you get THE STUFF, AND NOW the money, you get THE STUFF, AND NOW the money, you get THE STUFF, AND NOW YOUR MOM IS WEIRD. YOUR MOM IS WEIRD. YOUR MOM IS WEIRD. And now Christmas And now Christmas And now Christmas IS PAINFUL. I'M I'M not saying my mom's IS PAINFUL. I'M I'M not saying my mom's IS PAINFUL. I'M I'M not saying my mom's weird or your mom is weird, baby. I Both weird or your mom is weird, baby. I Both weird or your mom is weird, baby. I Both of our moms are angels. Somebody else's of our moms are angels. Somebody else's of our moms are angels. Somebody else's mom out here. No, I love moms and being mom out here. No, I love moms and being mom out here. No, I love moms and being a mom is hard. And I just want to shout a mom is hard. And I just want to shout a mom is hard. And I just want to shout out to the moms everywhere. Yes, I do.

Sometimes even God's blessings come with Sometimes even God's blessings come with a weight and a pressure and a pain that a weight and a pressure and a pain that a weight and a pressure and a pain that in and of itself is an ache. in and of itself is an ache. in and of itself is an ache. And so here comes God to let you know I And so here comes God to let you know I And so here comes God to let you know I got you. And you're like, do you? got you. And you're like, do you? got you. And you're like, do you? Do you? I don't know, God. Do you? I don't know, God. Do you? I don't know, God. That ache right there. That ache right there. That ache right there. I wish I couldn't relate with. I wish I couldn't relate with. I wish I couldn't relate with. But I'm like, you ever felt like God But I'm like, you ever felt like God But I'm like, you ever felt like God asked you to do something and you get asked you to do something and you get asked you to do something and you get out there and you do it and then you're out there and you do it and then you're out there and you do it and then you're like, when were you going to tell me how like, when were you going to tell me how like, when were you going to tell me how painful and lonely it was going to be painful and lonely it was going to be painful and lonely it was going to be out here? out here? out here? And then you start to weigh it. You ever And then you start to weigh it. You ever And then you start to weigh it. You ever weigh it and been like, you know what, weigh it and been like, you know what, weigh it and been like, you know what, God? I want to go back. God? I want to go back. God? I want to go back. I don't like it out here. I want to go I don't like it out here. I want to go I don't like it out here. I want to go back and be with my buddies and be with back and be with my buddies and be with back and be with my buddies and be with my friends. And so I like Abram. I my friends. And so I like Abram. I my friends. And so I like Abram. I relate to Abram. Abram's like, "Bro, relate to Abram. Abram's like, "Bro, relate to Abram. Abram's like, "Bro, it's awesome you're in my tent and I it's awesome you're in my tent and I it's awesome you're in my tent and I have definitely have missed your voice have definitely have missed your voice have definitely have missed your voice and it's awesome to get goose pimples and it's awesome to get goose pimples and it's awesome to get goose pimples and my hair standing up and it's and my hair standing up and it's and my hair standing up and it's something else and you're the best and something else and you're the best and something else and you're the best and it's amazing, but honestly, this is it's amazing, but honestly, this is it's amazing, but honestly, this is starting to hurt. I don't have a baby."

Okay. So, if we were out to coffee Okay. So, if we were out to coffee and you brought this subject line up, and you brought this subject line up, and you brought this subject line up, hey, Judah, can I ask you about hey, Judah, can I ask you about hey, Judah, can I ask you about disappointment with God? disappointment with God? disappointment with God? I mean, you can, but I'm disappointed, I mean, you can, but I'm disappointed, I mean, you can, but I'm disappointed, too. But, um, you know, God's good and I too. But, um, you know, God's good and I too. But, um, you know, God's good and I love him and he's amazing and he's I love him and he's amazing and he's I love him and he's amazing and he's I mean, I'm I'm sucking oxygen on planet. mean, I'm I'm sucking oxygen on planet. mean, I'm I'm sucking oxygen on planet. He made my lips, hips, and my He made my lips, hips, and my He made my lips, hips, and my fingertips. I got a lot to be grateful fingertips. I got a lot to be grateful fingertips. I got a lot to be grateful for. I mean, I really love God. I It's for. I mean, I really love God. I It's for. I mean, I really love God. I It's Hey, can we I got it. Context. Great. Hey, can we I got it. Context. Great. Hey, can we I got it. Context. Great. What do you mean? Um, I'm depressed I'm depressed and I've asked him to take it away and I've asked him to take it away and I've asked him to take it away and nothing's changing. and nothing's changing. and nothing's changing. What do you do? What do you do? What do you do? Now, in my line of work, when I'm at Now, in my line of work, when I'm at Now, in my line of work, when I'm at that coffee with you, I wrestle with that coffee with you, I wrestle with that coffee with you, I wrestle with something every time this happens something every time this happens something every time this happens because I say, "Am I going to give them because I say, "Am I going to give them because I say, "Am I going to give them a pep talk a pep talk a pep talk or am I going to give them, it's not my or am I going to give them, it's not my or am I going to give them, it's not my favorite term, but real talk, favorite term, but real talk, favorite term, but real talk, or am I going to tell them or am I going to tell them or am I going to tell them what the story says?" You know, the what the story says?" You know, the what the story says?" You know, the story of God.

story of God. story of God. Because basically, we're on a precipice. Because basically, we're on a precipice. Because basically, we're on a precipice. You don't know this, but tonight You don't know this, but tonight You don't know this, but tonight by way of telling this story, we are now by way of telling this story, we are now by way of telling this story, we are now going to find oursel going to find oursel going to find oursel right on the edge now. right on the edge now. right on the edge now. And everything from this point on in And everything from this point on in And everything from this point on in this sermon will tell you where I land this sermon will tell you where I land this sermon will tell you where I land in the grand scheme of God, his in the grand scheme of God, his in the grand scheme of God, his sovereignty, and ultimately how faith sovereignty, and ultimately how faith sovereignty, and ultimately how faith really works. really works. really works. And you don't mean to and I don't mean And you don't mean to and I don't mean And you don't mean to and I don't mean to, but when we go to coffee and you to, but when we go to coffee and you to, but when we go to coffee and you tell me that you got a pain, you got an tell me that you got a pain, you got an tell me that you got a pain, you got an ailment, you got a disease, you got a ailment, you got a disease, you got a ailment, you got a disease, you got a shortcoming, you got a weakness, GOD shortcoming, you got a weakness, GOD shortcoming, you got a weakness, GOD WON'T TAKE IT AWAY. GOD WON'T FIX IT. WON'T TAKE IT AWAY. GOD WON'T FIX IT. WON'T TAKE IT AWAY. GOD WON'T FIX IT. IT'S AGONIZING. IT'S HURTFUL. I'VE GONE IT'S AGONIZING. IT'S HURTFUL. I'VE GONE IT'S AGONIZING. IT'S HURTFUL. I'VE GONE TO DOCTORS, PASTOR, PREACHER, where is TO DOCTORS, PASTOR, PREACHER, where is TO DOCTORS, PASTOR, PREACHER, where is he? WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO? YOU SAID he? WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO? YOU SAID he? WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO? YOU SAID HE'S GOOD. YOU SAID HE'S FAITHFUL. YOU HE'S GOOD. YOU SAID HE'S FAITHFUL. YOU HE'S GOOD. YOU SAID HE'S FAITHFUL. YOU SAID HE'S TRUE. YOU SAID HE'S JUST. SAID HE'S TRUE. YOU SAID HE'S JUST. SAID HE'S TRUE. YOU SAID HE'S JUST. WHAT'S PASTOR? WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT DO WHAT'S PASTOR? WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT DO WHAT'S PASTOR? WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT DO YOU THINK? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

YOU THINK? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? YOU THINK? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? THAT'S WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW. THAT'S WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW. THAT'S WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW. And I want you to know And I want you to know And I want you to know that I've said a lot of dumb things on that I've said a lot of dumb things on that I've said a lot of dumb things on this edge. I've told people like, well, this edge. I've told people like, well, this edge. I've told people like, well, just keep believing. And then it's like, well, hope that And then it's like, well, hope that worked. worked. worked. What sucks? That's a cra. What stinks? What sucks? That's a cra. What stinks? What sucks? That's a cra. What stinks? Is that better Is that better Is that better about my line of work? Is people will about my line of work? Is people will about my line of work? Is people will come to me with stuff and what I really come to me with stuff and what I really come to me with stuff and what I really want to say is I don't know. What do you want to say is I don't know. What do you want to say is I don't know. What do you think, but I don't do that. I'm a man of God. but I don't do that. I'm a man of God. I'm 47. But here's here's here's my trepidation. But here's here's here's my trepidation. Here's the truth. I'm afraid that if I Here's the truth. I'm afraid that if I Here's the truth. I'm afraid that if I stick to the story, stick to the story, stick to the story, you're going to be disappointed with the respon the response.

with the respon the response. Now, I'm going to take it a step Now, I'm going to take it a step Now, I'm going to take it a step further. Now, I don't mean to pick on further. Now, I don't mean to pick on further. Now, I don't mean to pick on nobody, nobody, nobody, but if you're concrete, sequential, and but if you're concrete, sequential, and but if you're concrete, sequential, and I respect the heck out of you, because I respect the heck out of you, because I respect the heck out of you, because without you, if the world was left to without you, if the world was left to without you, if the world was left to people like me, there would be a lot of people like me, there would be a lot of people like me, there would be a lot of Care Bears, a lot of flowers, a lot of Care Bears, a lot of flowers, a lot of Care Bears, a lot of flowers, a lot of rainbows, but not a lot of organization. Okay? So, I love you, but if you're Okay? So, I love you, but if you're wired a certain way, Genesis 15 might hit you a little Genesis 15 might hit you a little awkward. awkward. awkward. I fear that you're going TO GET IN YOUR I fear that you're going TO GET IN YOUR I fear that you're going TO GET IN YOUR CAR AND YOU'RE GOING TO DRIVE YOUR SIX CAR AND YOU'RE GOING TO DRIVE YOUR SIX CAR AND YOU'RE GOING TO DRIVE YOUR SIX MILES OR YOUR 55MINUT commute this MILES OR YOUR 55MINUT commute this MILES OR YOUR 55MINUT commute this evening evening evening and you're going to be like, "Dang, and you're going to be like, "Dang, and you're going to be like, "Dang, that one don't do it for me." that one don't do it for me." that one don't do it for me." Because if we're honest, WE LIVE IN A Because if we're honest, WE LIVE IN A Because if we're honest, WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY WHERE ASCENSION BY action SOCIETY WHERE ASCENSION BY action SOCIETY WHERE ASCENSION BY action is paramount.

is paramount. is paramount. And I feel the PRESSURE IF YOU DON'T And I feel the PRESSURE IF YOU DON'T And I feel the PRESSURE IF YOU DON'T feel the pressure to deliver what the feel the pressure to deliver what the feel the pressure to deliver what the culture says is the norm. culture says is the norm. culture says is the norm. SO WE NEED PRACTICAL preachers SO WE NEED PRACTICAL preachers SO WE NEED PRACTICAL preachers who give me the way to achieve or adhere who give me the way to achieve or adhere who give me the way to achieve or adhere or AT LEAST ATTEMPT TO BE UNDEPRESSED or AT LEAST ATTEMPT TO BE UNDEPRESSED or AT LEAST ATTEMPT TO BE UNDEPRESSED OR undiscouraged [screaming] which is encouraged. which is encouraged. And so if I tell you Genesis 15 the way it if I tell you Genesis 15 the way it really is really is really is don't blame it on me. Take it up with don't blame it on me. Take it up with don't blame it on me. Take it up with the ancient mystical magical book that the ancient mystical magical book that the ancient mystical magical book that has been here long before you were born has been here long before you were born has been here long before you were born because the question is what will God do because the question is what will God do because the question is what will God do with that ache? Now some of you aren't with that ache? Now some of you aren't with that ache? Now some of you aren't even sure God exists but you can relate even sure God exists but you can relate even sure God exists but you can relate to the ache. to the ache. to the ache. In fact, some of you believe he's maybe In fact, some of you believe he's maybe In fact, some of you believe he's maybe not real because of the disparity and not real because of the disparity and not real because of the disparity and discrepancy you witness. If God is so discrepancy you witness. If God is so discrepancy you witness. If God is so good, why Minnesota for starters?

good, why Minnesota for starters? good, why Minnesota for starters? If God is so grand and wonderful, why If God is so grand and wonderful, why If God is so grand and wonderful, why fill in the blank? fill in the blank? fill in the blank? And so that ache has even made you And so that ache has even made you And so that ache has even made you apprehensive to the idea of accepting apprehensive to the idea of accepting apprehensive to the idea of accepting some grand gregarious deity that has a some grand gregarious deity that has a some grand gregarious deity that has a plan and a purpose for my life. But I'll do something if you do But I'll do something if you do something. I'll stick to the story if something. I'll stick to the story if something. I'll stick to the story if you let me off the hook you let me off the hook you let me off the hook because I got news for you. The faith because I got news for you. The faith because I got news for you. The faith that I not only do my best to distill that I not only do my best to distill that I not only do my best to distill and describe but display in my life and describe but display in my life and describe but display in my life has very little and nearly nothing to do has very little and nearly nothing to do has very little and nearly nothing to do with ascension by action. with ascension by action. with ascension by action. And therein lies a pulpit problem. And therein lies a pulpit problem. And therein lies a pulpit problem. Because in truth, my adherence to the Because in truth, my adherence to the Because in truth, my adherence to the story informs me that this is far more story informs me that this is far more story informs me that this is far more mystical than any of us are willing to mystical than any of us are willing to mystical than any of us are willing to admit.

admit. admit. So what do I do with this age? So what do I do with this age? So what do I do with this age? Here's my answer. Here's what God did to Here's my answer. Here's what God did to Here's my answer. Here's what God did to and with Abram. Now, why is that and with Abram. Now, why is that and with Abram. Now, why is that relevant? Well, if you're familiar with relevant? Well, if you're familiar with relevant? Well, if you're familiar with how the book works, Old Testament, New how the book works, Old Testament, New how the book works, Old Testament, New Testament, before Jesus, post Jesus, the Testament, before Jesus, post Jesus, the Testament, before Jesus, post Jesus, the text tells us over and over, if you are text tells us over and over, if you are text tells us over and over, if you are familiar with the New Testament, two familiar with the New Testament, two familiar with the New Testament, two characters surface more than any other characters surface more than any other characters surface more than any other to describe this new way of relating to to describe this new way of relating to to describe this new way of relating to God. The old way was by rules. And if God. The old way was by rules. And if God. The old way was by rules. And if you kept the rules, you could be close you kept the rules, you could be close you kept the rules, you could be close to God. If you broke one rule, far from to God. If you broke one rule, far from to God. If you broke one rule, far from God. Jesus comes, he fulfills the law. God. Jesus comes, he fulfills the law. God. Jesus comes, he fulfills the law. He absorbs all the judgment and wrath of He absorbs all the judgment and wrath of He absorbs all the judgment and wrath of a just, perfect God for all the laws a just, perfect God for all the laws a just, perfect God for all the laws that have been broken and will be that have been broken and will be that have been broken and will be broken. And so now our relationship to broken. And so now our relationship to broken. And so now our relationship to God is not based on adhering to rules. God is not based on adhering to rules. God is not based on adhering to rules. It's accepting that God's work is It's accepting that God's work is It's accepting that God's work is enough, not our work. Now, why is that enough, not our work. Now, why is that enough, not our work. Now, why is that important? Because there are two Old important? Because there are two Old important? Because there are two Old Testament characters who lived before Testament characters who lived before Testament characters who lived before the law and one in the law. Abraham and the law and one in the law. Abraham and the law and one in the law. Abraham and David who show up in the New Testament David who show up in the New Testament David who show up in the New Testament and say, "Oh, by the way, if you're and say, "Oh, by the way, if you're and say, "Oh, by the way, if you're looking for old guys who had windows looking for old guys who had windows looking for old guys who had windows into the new way, into the new way, into the new way, look no further than Abraham and David.

look no further than Abraham and David. look no further than Abraham and David. For those keeping track, we are ne we For those keeping track, we are ne we For those keeping track, we are ne we have never sung Father Moses had many have never sung Father Moses had many have never sung Father Moses had many sons." We've never sung that song. Father Noah We've never sung that song. Father Noah had many sons, had many sons, had many sons, right? BECAUSE THEY'RE NEVER SAID TO be right? BECAUSE THEY'RE NEVER SAID TO be right? BECAUSE THEY'RE NEVER SAID TO be the father of the faith. the father of the faith. the father of the faith. But tonight, we are LOOKING AT AN But tonight, we are LOOKING AT AN But tonight, we are LOOKING AT AN ANCIENT STORY. ANCIENT STORY. ANCIENT STORY. AND SOME SCHOLARS AND THEOLOGIANS ARGUE AND SOME SCHOLARS AND THEOLOGIANS ARGUE AND SOME SCHOLARS AND THEOLOGIANS ARGUE THAT WHEN YOU HAPPEN ON GENESIS 15, THAT WHEN YOU HAPPEN ON GENESIS 15, THAT WHEN YOU HAPPEN ON GENESIS 15, PERHAPS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN HUMAN PERHAPS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN HUMAN PERHAPS FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME IN HUMAN HISTORY, YOU ARE BEING INTRODUCED HISTORY, YOU ARE BEING INTRODUCED HISTORY, YOU ARE BEING INTRODUCED TO A LIFE OF FAITH. TO A LIFE OF FAITH. TO A LIFE OF FAITH. AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. PERHAPS EVEN BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN IN PERHAPS EVEN BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN IN PERHAPS EVEN BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM, BETHLEHEM, BETHLEHEM, WE HAVE A PICTURE OF RELATING TO GOD NOT WE HAVE A PICTURE OF RELATING TO GOD NOT WE HAVE A PICTURE OF RELATING TO GOD NOT BY RULES BUT BY THE ACCEPTANCE BY RULES BUT BY THE ACCEPTANCE BY RULES BUT BY THE ACCEPTANCE of his reality and his descendedness on of his reality and his descendedness on of his reality and his descendedness on your life.

your life. your life. >> So are you everybody still following me? >> So are you everybody still following me? >> So are you everybody still following me? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So what happens here is simply So what happens here is simply So what happens here is simply highlighted later in the New Testament highlighted later in the New Testament highlighted later in the New Testament to say this is how it happens with God. to say this is how it happens with God. to say this is how it happens with God. Now it's not by efforts and works and Now it's not by efforts and works and Now it's not by efforts and works and rulekeeping. It's by faith. Okay. That rulekeeping. It's by faith. Okay. That rulekeeping. It's by faith. Okay. That brings us back to our story on the brings us back to our story on the brings us back to our story on the razor's edge. razor's edge. razor's edge. Abram goes, Abram goes, Abram goes, "What's the deal?" "What's the deal?" "What's the deal?" And And And first of all, you you know to to Abram's first of all, you you know to to Abram's first of all, you you know to to Abram's credit, like you know, if God showed up credit, like you know, if God showed up credit, like you know, if God showed up in this transcendent, manifested way, in this transcendent, manifested way, in this transcendent, manifested way, you got to be pretty achy to talk like you got to be pretty achy to talk like you got to be pretty achy to talk like this to God. You know what I mean? He's this to God. You know what I mean? He's this to God. You know what I mean? He's like, "Yeah, I feel you in this tent and like, "Yeah, I feel you in this tent and like, "Yeah, I feel you in this tent and it's crazy, but I'm still mad and I want it's crazy, but I'm still mad and I want it's crazy, but I'm still mad and I want to know when are you going to make good to know when are you going to make good to know when are you going to make good on your promises?" on your promises?" on your promises?" When [snorts] he says that, if you know When [snorts] he says that, if you know When [snorts] he says that, if you know the story, God says, "No, the story, God says, "No, the story, God says, "No, Eleazar will not be your heir.

Eleazar will not be your heir. Eleazar will not be your heir. I'm going to give you a baby." Now, now, I'm going to give you a baby." Now, now, I'm going to give you a baby." Now, now, now, now, now, now. When God showed up now, now, now, now. When God showed up now, now, now, now. When God showed up to him in Genesis 12, he wasn't no 75. to him in Genesis 12, he wasn't no 75. to him in Genesis 12, he wasn't no 75. Now, Sarah is 10 years younger, so she's Now, Sarah is 10 years younger, so she's Now, Sarah is 10 years younger, so she's 65. 65. 65. I know it's old times, but that's still I know it's old times, but that's still I know it's old times, but that's still old to have a baby even back then. old to have a baby even back then. old to have a baby even back then. And God says, "No, I'm going to give you And God says, "No, I'm going to give you And God says, "No, I'm going to give you a baby." a baby." a baby." And then he says, or the text says, "God And then he says, or the text says, "God And then he says, or the text says, "God led Abram outside his tent." Now, now led Abram outside his tent." Now, now led Abram outside his tent." Now, now we're talking. Here's what I want to we're talking. Here's what I want to we're talking. Here's what I want to know. And how did this go? How did this know. And how did this go? How did this know. And how did this go? How did this go? So, Abram, I think, guys, you do. I go? So, Abram, I think, guys, you do. I go? So, Abram, I think, guys, you do. I think he's laying in bed next to Sarah think he's laying in bed next to Sarah think he's laying in bed next to Sarah or at the time Sarah. or at the time Sarah. or at the time Sarah. And it says, "Then Yahweh, listen to the And it says, "Then Yahweh, listen to the And it says, "Then Yahweh, listen to the brought him outside." brought him outside." brought him outside." Hold on now. I'm being serious. This is Hold on now. I'm being serious. This is Hold on now. I'm being serious. This is how you imagine it. And I think you're how you imagine it. And I think you're how you imagine it. And I think you're wrong. Like, whoa, Judah, you don't know wrong. Like, whoa, Judah, you don't know wrong. Like, whoa, Judah, you don't know what I'm thinking. Okay, fair. I think what I'm thinking. Okay, fair. I think what I'm thinking. Okay, fair. I think we think of a Abram in in in the bed.

we think of a Abram in in in the bed. we think of a Abram in in in the bed. And God's like, "Come outside out here, here, here, here." And he's out here, here, here, here." And he's like, here, here, here, here, Lord, Lord. And it's like this kind of Lord, Lord. And it's like this kind of Lord, Lord. And it's like this kind of like, am I am I in a dream set? Is this like, am I am I in a dream set? Is this like, am I am I in a dream set? Is this real? Is this But that's not the what real? Is this But that's not the what real? Is this But that's not the what the text says at all. the text says at all. the text says at all. This was a very definitive act. AND SO This was a very definitive act. AND SO This was a very definitive act. AND SO YAHWEH BROUGHT HIM OUTSIDE HIS TENT. YAHWEH BROUGHT HIM OUTSIDE HIS TENT. YAHWEH BROUGHT HIM OUTSIDE HIS TENT. OKAY, I'm being serious now because if OKAY, I'm being serious now because if OKAY, I'm being serious now because if this is the origins of our faith, IF this is the origins of our faith, IF this is the origins of our faith, IF THIS IS WHAT GOD DOES WITH THAT ACHE, THIS IS WHAT GOD DOES WITH THAT ACHE, THIS IS WHAT GOD DOES WITH THAT ACHE, OKAY, OKAY? IT SAYS YAHWEH BROUGHT HIM OKAY, OKAY? IT SAYS YAHWEH BROUGHT HIM OKAY, OKAY? IT SAYS YAHWEH BROUGHT HIM OUTSIDE. SO, I've done some original OUTSIDE. SO, I've done some original OUTSIDE. SO, I've done some original language work here. Don't mean to brag. language work here. Don't mean to brag. language work here. Don't mean to brag. It essentially means, and I'm not It essentially means, and I'm not It essentially means, and I'm not teasing, God did it.

Why is that important? Why is that important? Well, that will shape what you think Well, that will shape what you think Well, that will shape what you think about faith. about faith. about faith. It didn't say that God said, "If you It didn't say that God said, "If you It didn't say that God said, "If you believe in me, you shall follow me." believe in me, you shall follow me." believe in me, you shall follow me." Here, here, here, here. Here, here, here, here. Here, here, here, here. It said God said, It said God said, It said God said, "Let's go." And then God gets cheeky And then God gets cheeky >> and he says, um, [clears throat] he >> and he says, um, [clears throat] he >> and he says, um, [clears throat] he asked him to do something that's asked him to do something that's asked him to do something that's impossible. He says, "Uh, I love this impossible. He says, "Uh, I love this impossible. He says, "Uh, I love this part." God says, "Count the stars if you part." God says, "Count the stars if you part." God says, "Count the stars if you can." Okay, God. I see you. And I KIND OF LIKE Okay, God. I see you. And I KIND OF LIKE IT. COUNT THEM IF YOU CAN, SLUGGER. IT. COUNT THEM IF YOU CAN, SLUGGER. IT. COUNT THEM IF YOU CAN, SLUGGER. Answer is you can't. AND THERE'S NO Answer is you can't. AND THERE'S NO Answer is you can't. AND THERE'S NO RECORD RECORD RECORD of Abram counting. of Abram counting. of Abram counting. Now, I've been preaching a long time and Now, I've been preaching a long time and Now, I've been preaching a long time and I preached this passage and in some I preached this passage and in some I preached this passage and in some cases I preached it wrong because I used cases I preached it wrong because I used cases I preached it wrong because I used to reenact Abram going one, two, we got to reenact Abram going one, two, we got to reenact Abram going one, two, we got no record of that, friends. So, the text no record of that, friends. So, the text no record of that, friends. So, the text says he's in bed, God comes to him, he says he's in bed, God comes to him, he says he's in bed, God comes to him, he shares, "Come on, God." And God says, shares, "Come on, God." And God says, shares, "Come on, God." And God says, "All right, we're coming outside."

It's changing my whole view of faith. It's changing my whole view of faith. And he says, "Count the stars if you can And he says, "Count the stars if you can And he says, "Count the stars if you can gaze into the night sky. Go ahead and gaze into the night sky. Go ahead and gaze into the night sky. Go ahead and try to count the stars." try to count the stars." try to count the stars." God continues, "Your seed will be as God continues, "Your seed will be as God continues, "Your seed will be as numerous as the stars." Look, look, numerous as the stars." Look, look, numerous as the stars." Look, look, look, look at verse six. look, look at verse six. look, look at verse six. Isa, Isa, Isa, Abram Abram Abram trusted every word. Okay, this part of the story I follow. Okay, this part of the story I follow. He's sleeping. Even the part where God He's sleeping. Even the part where God He's sleeping. Even the part where God speaks to him. I'm like, I think maybe I speaks to him. I'm like, I think maybe I speaks to him. I'm like, I think maybe I had some of that. had some of that. had some of that. And he says something. I I'm I'm your reward. I'm going to I I'm I'm your reward. I'm going to bless you. And he's like, really, God? bless you. And he's like, really, God? bless you. And he's like, really, God? Come on, man. I am a kid. I appreciate Come on, man. I am a kid. I appreciate Come on, man. I am a kid. I appreciate all the money and all the cash on stuff all the money and all the cash on stuff all the money and all the cash on stuff or whatever, but like and then or whatever, but like and then or whatever, but like and then Abrams Abrams Abrams outside outside outside and God's a little cheeky. He says, "Now and God's a little cheeky. He says, "Now and God's a little cheeky. He says, "Now count them."

count them." count them." And there's no record of Abram And there's no record of Abram And there's no record of Abram attempting attempting attempting that which is impossible. Some of you think faith is a calculated Some of you think faith is a calculated intellectual intellectual intellectual ascent. It is not. It is not. You will not count your way It is not. You will not count your way into the kingdom one way or the other, into the kingdom one way or the other, into the kingdom one way or the other, friend. Well, I did this and I did this. friend. Well, I did this and I did this. friend. Well, I did this and I did this. I You might as well stop. THAT'S NOT HOW I You might as well stop. THAT'S NOT HOW I You might as well stop. THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS. IT WORKS. IT WORKS. YOU GOT TO ACHE IN YOUR SOUL SO DEEP AND YOU GOT TO ACHE IN YOUR SOUL SO DEEP AND YOU GOT TO ACHE IN YOUR SOUL SO DEEP AND SO REAL. SO REAL. SO REAL. WHERE ARE YOU, GOD? [screaming] WHERE ARE YOU, GOD? [screaming] WHERE ARE YOU, GOD? [screaming] WHEN ARE YOU GONNA SHOW UP FOR ME? WHEN ARE YOU GONNA SHOW UP FOR ME? WHEN ARE YOU GONNA SHOW UP FOR ME? OKAY, ABRAM. NOW, LISTEN, FRIENDS. YOU OKAY, ABRAM. NOW, LISTEN, FRIENDS. YOU OKAY, ABRAM. NOW, LISTEN, FRIENDS. YOU MIGHT SAY TO YOURSELF TONIGHT, JUDAH, MIGHT SAY TO YOURSELF TONIGHT, JUDAH, MIGHT SAY TO YOURSELF TONIGHT, JUDAH, YOU ARE OVER COOKING AND OVERDOING WHAT YOU ARE OVER COOKING AND OVERDOING WHAT YOU ARE OVER COOKING AND OVERDOING WHAT IS ONE MAN IN ONE STORY. UNLESS YOU ARE IS ONE MAN IN ONE STORY. UNLESS YOU ARE IS ONE MAN IN ONE STORY. UNLESS YOU ARE FAMILIAR [screaming] WITH THE NEW FAMILIAR [screaming] WITH THE NEW FAMILIAR [screaming] WITH THE NEW TESTAMENT LIKE I AM. BECAUSE IN FOUR TESTAMENT LIKE I AM. BECAUSE IN FOUR TESTAMENT LIKE I AM. BECAUSE IN FOUR DIFFERENT BOOKS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT DIFFERENT BOOKS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT DIFFERENT BOOKS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT OVER AND OVER, NOT ONLY IS HE CALLED OUR OVER AND OVER, NOT ONLY IS HE CALLED OUR OVER AND OVER, NOT ONLY IS HE CALLED OUR FATHER, BUT HE IS CALLED OUR EXAMPLE AND FATHER, BUT HE IS CALLED OUR EXAMPLE AND FATHER, BUT HE IS CALLED OUR EXAMPLE AND WE ARE TO FOLLOW.

>> Which leads the reader >> Which leads the reader BACK TO GENESIS 15 TO SAY, "WE AIN'T BACK TO GENESIS 15 TO SAY, "WE AIN'T BACK TO GENESIS 15 TO SAY, "WE AIN'T GOING TO DO [screaming] THAT FOR ME. WHY DON'T YOU COME TO MY TENT? WHY DON'T YOU COME TO MY TENT? Cuz I got a tent and you GOT A TENT. YOU Cuz I got a tent and you GOT A TENT. YOU Cuz I got a tent and you GOT A TENT. YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TENT IS? YOUR WORRIES, KNOW WHAT YOUR TENT IS? YOUR WORRIES, KNOW WHAT YOUR TENT IS? YOUR WORRIES, your weakness, your weakness, your weakness, your weariness, your weariness, your weariness, your worldview, your worldview, your worldview, your scope, your scale, your budget, your scope, your scale, your budget, your scope, your scale, your budget, YOUR SCHEDULE, YOUR BUSINESS, your body, YOUR SCHEDULE, YOUR BUSINESS, your body, YOUR SCHEDULE, YOUR BUSINESS, your body, your brain, your brain, your brain, your life. >> And God's like, I got you. >> And God's like, I got you. you you got me? How exactly do you got me? How exactly do you got me? And again, back to the coffee with you And again, back to the coffee with you And again, back to the coffee with you and me. If you know enough about the and me. If you know enough about the and me. If you know enough about the story of God, you will know enough to story of God, you will know enough to story of God, you will know enough to tell people like me at coffee. I mean, tell people like me at coffee. I mean, tell people like me at coffee. I mean, God gave me oxygen. He gave me ears and God gave me oxygen. He gave me ears and God gave me oxygen. He gave me ears and he gave me eyes and you know, I am he gave me eyes and you know, I am he gave me eyes and you know, I am alive. you know, and so quickly you can alive. you know, and so quickly you can alive. you know, and so quickly you can kind of piece together why your ache is kind of piece together why your ache is kind of piece together why your ache is not totally completely and utterly um not totally completely and utterly um not totally completely and utterly um legitimate.

legitimate. legitimate. And yet the ache persists. And yet the ache persists. And yet the ache persists. When is God going to do what he said he would do? going to do what he said he would do? I'm getting somewhere. I promise. And I'm getting somewhere. I promise. And I'm getting somewhere. I promise. And I'm almost done. Which in 2026 means I'm almost done. Which in 2026 means I'm almost done. Which in 2026 means absolutely nothing. I relate with the ache, I relate with the ache, but the way God takes Abram out of his but the way God takes Abram out of his but the way God takes Abram out of his tent. tent. tent. And the way the counting the stars And the way the counting the stars And the way the counting the stars moments happens. I just want to do this moments happens. I just want to do this moments happens. I just want to do this again. It says, "Count the stars if you again. It says, "Count the stars if you again. It says, "Count the stars if you can. So shall your descendants be." And can. So shall your descendants be." And can. So shall your descendants be." And verse six says, "And Abram verse six says, "And Abram verse six says, "And Abram believed believed believed every word. Where do you get that? I'm being Where do you get that? I'm being serious."

serious." serious." And so, And so, And so, here's conclusions that we make that are here's conclusions that we make that are here's conclusions that we make that are nowhere in the text. Abraham nowhere in the text. Abraham nowhere in the text. Abraham quickly assimilates information. He's quickly assimilates information. He's quickly assimilates information. He's astounding. astounding. astounding. Abram is an exceptional man who listens Abram is an exceptional man who listens Abram is an exceptional man who listens when Yahweh speaks. when Yahweh speaks. when Yahweh speaks. Abram is already Abram is already Abram is already a very dedicated, devoted, loyal a very dedicated, devoted, loyal a very dedicated, devoted, loyal follower of God. And so, Abram is to be follower of God. And so, Abram is to be follower of God. And so, Abram is to be celebrated. Is he? celebrated. Is he? celebrated. Is he? I'm being serious. I want to put in I'm being serious. I want to put in I'm being serious. I want to put in front of you what maybe you've never front of you what maybe you've never front of you what maybe you've never heard about Abram. heard about Abram. heard about Abram. Because if you're like me, I heard all Because if you're like me, I heard all Because if you're like me, I heard all father Abraham had many sons. Hey, son. father Abraham had many sons. Hey, son. father Abraham had many sons. Hey, son. Why is Abraham? Well, Abraham was Why is Abraham? Well, Abraham was Why is Abraham? Well, Abraham was faithful to God's plan in his life. faithful to God's plan in his life. faithful to God's plan in his life. Young, young children, you young Young, young children, you young Young, young children, you young followers of God. We need to be like followers of God. We need to be like followers of God. We need to be like Abraham. Abraham trusted God. Abraham Abraham. Abraham trusted God. Abraham Abraham. Abraham trusted God. Abraham followed God. Abraham had faith. Even followed God. Abraham had faith. Even followed God. Abraham had faith. Even when he didn't have a baby, he believed when he didn't have a baby, he believed when he didn't have a baby, he believed that he COULD HAVE A NO, HE DIDN'T.

What What I heard people TALK ABOUT THE FAITH WE I heard people TALK ABOUT THE FAITH WE I heard people TALK ABOUT THE FAITH WE NEED TOUCH THREE people and say I got NEED TOUCH THREE people and say I got NEED TOUCH THREE people and say I got Abram kind of faith. Be careful now because Be careful now because from Genesis 12 from Genesis 12 from Genesis 12 to Genesis 21, he's he's 60s maybe first encounter. By the time 60s maybe first encounter. By the time 60s maybe first encounter. By the time we get to Genesis 15, he's 75. we get to Genesis 15, he's 75. we get to Genesis 15, he's 75. From 75 to 100 years old, And guess what? Abram struggles with the And guess what? Abram struggles with the delay. delay. delay. So, if you know his story, and I don't So, if you know his story, and I don't So, if you know his story, and I don't blame him for this at all, I relate. At blame him for this at all, I relate. At blame him for this at all, I relate. At 75, he has this tent moment, which we're 75, he has this tent moment, which we're 75, he has this tent moment, which we're talking about tonight, and it's talking about tonight, and it's talking about tonight, and it's ecstatic. ecstatic. ecstatic. It's extraordinary. It's amazing. God It's extraordinary. It's amazing. God It's extraordinary. It's amazing. God takes him out of his tent. Gets a little takes him out of his tent. Gets a little takes him out of his tent. Gets a little cheeky with him and says, "Count the cheeky with him and says, "Count the cheeky with him and says, "Count the stars." And he can't. He says, "Don't stars." And he can't. He says, "Don't stars." And he can't. He says, "Don't count." He's like, "I'm not counting. I count." He's like, "I'm not counting. I count." He's like, "I'm not counting. I have faith. I believe everything." He's have faith. I believe everything." He's have faith. I believe everything." He's like, "Done." Okay, great. And then the like, "Done." Okay, great. And then the like, "Done." Okay, great. And then the scripture says, "And God transferred scripture says, "And God transferred scripture says, "And God transferred into his ca his account righteousness.

into his ca his account righteousness. into his ca his account righteousness. He is now in right relationship with He is now in right relationship with He is now in right relationship with God." You please hear me. I promise I'm God." You please hear me. I promise I'm God." You please hear me. I promise I'm about to land this plane. So Abram is about to land this plane. So Abram is about to land this plane. So Abram is now right with God permanently. He didn't do anything. He didn't do anything. But something explodes in this man's But something explodes in this man's But something explodes in this man's soul and now he believes God. Now that soul and now he believes God. Now that soul and now he believes God. Now that sounds great except sounds great except sounds great except Genesis 15 Genesis 15 Genesis 15 leads you to Genesis leads you to Genesis leads you to Genesis 16. 16. 16. From 75 to 86, we had a problem. About From 75 to 86, we had a problem. About From 75 to 86, we had a problem. About 86, and I don't blame nobody for this. 86, and I don't blame nobody for this. 86, and I don't blame nobody for this. Abram and Sarah, Abram and Sarah, Abram and Sarah, um, um, um, they they get an idea, you should sleep with one of the you should sleep with one of the employees employees employees and help God with his plan. and help God with his plan. and help God with his plan. Now, this is my kind of guy. Now, this is my kind of guy. Now, this is my kind of guy. Cuz if you have never felt like helping Cuz if you have never felt like helping Cuz if you have never felt like helping God with his plan, you're new to God's God with his plan, you're new to God's God with his plan, you're new to God's plan.

plan. plan. But you know, the father of our faith But you know, the father of our faith But you know, the father of our faith has a morning coffee with his wife. has a morning coffee with his wife. has a morning coffee with his wife. I like me some Abraham. He's Abram at I like me some Abraham. He's Abram at I like me some Abraham. He's Abram at this point, but she says, "You should this point, but she says, "You should this point, but she says, "You should sleep." And he's like, "Nah, you're cool sleep." And he's like, "Nah, you're cool sleep." And he's like, "Nah, you're cool with Yeah, with Yeah, with Yeah, let's do it." So he sleeps with Hagar let's do it." So he sleeps with Hagar let's do it." So he sleeps with Hagar who has Ishmael and God's like, "Nah." And Abram's like, and God's like, "Nah." And Abram's like, "My be Genesis." Genesis." We just skim over that that whole thing. We just skim over that that whole thing. We just skim over that that whole thing. My job here would be over. Just My job here would be over. Just My job here would be over. Just clarification on how this all works down clarification on how this all works down clarification on how this all works down here. If Chelsea decided, Chelsea and I here. If Chelsea decided, Chelsea and I here. If Chelsea decided, Chelsea and I decided like, you know, let's have more decided like, you know, let's have more decided like, you know, let's have more kids. I'm not having no more kids. You kids. I'm not having no more kids. You kids. I'm not having no more kids. You should have more kids with somebody should have more kids with somebody should have more kids with somebody else. Now, I agree. I really should go else. Now, I agree. I really should go else. Now, I agree. I really should go get a dunk job. And I think that's get a dunk job. And I think that's get a dunk job. And I think that's really, really weird. I'm just telling really, really weird. I'm just telling really, really weird. I'm just telling you what it said. Judy was a different you what it said. Judy was a different you what it said. Judy was a different time. All right. Whatever helps you time. All right. Whatever helps you time. All right. Whatever helps you sleep at night. Genesis 17. So from 86 sleep at night. Genesis 17. So from 86 sleep at night. Genesis 17. So from 86 to 99, to 99, to 99, he's Abram. He's still Abram. Now, you he's Abram. He's still Abram. Now, you he's Abram. He's still Abram. Now, you know him as Abraham, but God didn't know him as Abraham, but God didn't know him as Abraham, but God didn't change his name till he was 99.

Most people knew him as Abram, but you Most people knew him as Abram, but you think it's always been Abraham. This think it's always been Abraham. This think it's always been Abraham. This dude, I mean this respectfully, dude, I mean this respectfully, dude, I mean this respectfully, is a pretty average mess. And God says, is a pretty average mess. And God says, is a pretty average mess. And God says, "Now, you're going to have to do some "Now, you're going to have to do some "Now, you're going to have to do some circumcision." And if you don't know circumcision." And if you don't know circumcision." And if you don't know what that is, ask somebody. So, there's what that is, ask somebody. So, there's what that is, ask somebody. So, there's a little bit of cutting. And he says, a little bit of cutting. And he says, a little bit of cutting. And he says, "I'm changing your name." And he's like, "I'm changing your name." And he's like, "I'm changing your name." And he's like, "All right." And he still didn't have a "All right." And he still didn't have a "All right." And he still didn't have a baby. baby. baby. And then God shows up. and at a 100red And then God shows up. and at a 100red And then God shows up. and at a 100red years old, he finally has years old, he finally has years old, he finally has one baby. So, all I'm saying So, all I'm saying is that this is that this is that this is the example. is the example. is the example. I don't know if you're picking it up I don't know if you're picking it up I don't know if you're picking it up yet, but you might be doing better than yet, but you might be doing better than yet, but you might be doing better than you think you are. Okay, Okay, I'm closing. I'm closing. I'm closing. Somebody come on the piano.

You got an ache. I got an ache. Where's You got an ache. I got an ache. Where's God? When's he going to fix this? The answer The answer the story gives you, it's not one of your decision. it's not one of your decision. This is the part where it gets awkward. This is the part where it gets awkward. This is the part where it gets awkward. And so the music will help. And so the music will help. And so the music will help. the medicine go down. I wish I [snorts and music] could tell I wish I [snorts and music] could tell you tonight, make a decision make a decision and trust God with your ache and trust God with your ache and trust God with your ache [music] and it shall subside. I need you to hear what I'm about to say I need you to hear what I'm about to say because it [music] frames so much of how because it [music] frames so much of how because it [music] frames so much of how I think we're invited to live. Faith I think we're invited to live. Faith I think we're invited to live. Faith is not about a decision. It's about a is not about a decision. It's about a is not about a decision. It's about a descending.

So when you're here, So when you're here, I look at this famous story that has I look at this famous story that has I look at this famous story that has been immortalized [music] in human been immortalized [music] in human been immortalized [music] in human history. history. history. And the conclusions I take are, You better invade my space You better invade my space because I'm just [music] a man because I'm just [music] a man because I'm just [music] a man and my heart aches. and my heart aches. and my heart aches. and I'm confused and I'm lonely and I'm and I'm confused and I'm lonely and I'm and I'm confused and I'm lonely and I'm weary and I'm weak. weary and I'm weak. weary and I'm weak. Now friends, it's as if we could pause Now friends, it's as if we could pause Now friends, it's as if we could pause the whole dissertation tonight and we the whole dissertation tonight and we the whole dissertation tonight and we could insert a whole another way of could insert a whole another way of could insert a whole another way of going at life. And I want to commend going at life. And I want to commend going at life. And I want to commend everyone here who has attempted and everyone here who has attempted and everyone here who has attempted and utilized ascension by action. Make no utilized ascension by action. Make no utilized ascension by action. Make no mistake, there are accolades and awards mistake, there are accolades and awards mistake, there are accolades and awards to be won by ascension through action. to be won by ascension through action. to be won by ascension through action. Make no mistake about it. Make no mistake about it. Make no mistake about it. And so I HAVE NO INTENTION TONIGHT OF And so I HAVE NO INTENTION TONIGHT OF And so I HAVE NO INTENTION TONIGHT OF saying ascension through action is saying ascension through action is saying ascension through action is fruitless and pointless. If you want to fruitless and pointless. If you want to fruitless and pointless. If you want to achieve IN THIS LIFE achieve IN THIS LIFE achieve IN THIS LIFE MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE, GLORY, GLORY, GLORY, beautiful skin, beautiful skin, beautiful skin, YOU BETTER GET ACTING.

YOU BETTER GET ACTING. YOU BETTER GET ACTING. YOU BETTER GET WORKING. BUT THERE'S A YOU BETTER GET WORKING. BUT THERE'S A YOU BETTER GET WORKING. BUT THERE'S A HAUNTING LITTLE VERSE IN THE SACRED HAUNTING LITTLE VERSE IN THE SACRED HAUNTING LITTLE VERSE IN THE SACRED STORY OF GOD THAT SAYS THIS. AND THEY STORY OF GOD THAT SAYS THIS. AND THEY STORY OF GOD THAT SAYS THIS. AND THEY QUOTE JESUS. QUOTE JESUS. QUOTE JESUS. WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN TO ACHIEVE TO ACHIEVE TO ACHIEVE THE WHOLE WORLD [screaming] THE WHOLE WORLD [screaming] THE WHOLE WORLD [screaming] BUT IN THE PROCESS BUT IN THE PROCESS BUT IN THE PROCESS lose his soul? WHICH IS TO SAY, WHICH IS TO SAY, ASCENSION THROUGH ACTION IS OF NO ASCENSION THROUGH ACTION IS OF NO ASCENSION THROUGH ACTION IS OF NO [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] VALUE TO THE SOUL. >> NO [screaming] VALUE. >> NO [screaming] VALUE. I DON'T LIKE IT EITHER, BUT THERE IT IS. I DON'T LIKE IT EITHER, BUT THERE IT IS. I DON'T LIKE IT EITHER, BUT THERE IT IS. The soul, THAT WHICH IS THE CORE OF A MAN OR THAT WHICH IS THE CORE OF A MAN OR WOMAN, WOMAN, WOMAN, IS A DIVINE [screaming] SPACE IS A DIVINE [screaming] SPACE IS A DIVINE [screaming] SPACE THAT NO AMOUNT OF ACHIEVING, THAT NO AMOUNT OF ACHIEVING, THAT NO AMOUNT OF ACHIEVING, ASCENDING, ASCENDING, ASCENDING, INTELLECTUALIZING, INTELLECTUALIZING, INTELLECTUALIZING, can touch.

can touch. can touch. And yet we persist. And yet we persist. And yet we persist. If you put your mind to it, you can be If you put your mind to it, you can be If you put your mind to it, you can be anything you want. That's essential anything you want. That's essential anything you want. That's essential interaction. It has some value. Just interaction. It has some value. Just interaction. It has some value. Just like if you go to the gym, you can pump like if you go to the gym, you can pump like if you go to the gym, you can pump up your muscles. It has some value. I I up your muscles. It has some value. I I up your muscles. It has some value. I I I I'm not Come on. We're not idiots, but I I'm not Come on. We're not idiots, but I I'm not Come on. We're not idiots, but but but friend, you can't I can't come but but friend, you can't I can't come but but friend, you can't I can't come you can't do anything if you put your you can't do anything if you put your you can't do anything if you put your mind to mind to mind to that's not true all the time. So what I'm introducing, reintroducing, So what I'm introducing, reintroducing, revisiting, rehearsing for you and me revisiting, rehearsing for you and me revisiting, rehearsing for you and me is how faith is how faith is how faith really works. really works. really works. It's a divine descending. He moves you.

He moves you. And he brought him And he brought him And he brought him outside his tent. Everything in your tent is still there. Everything in your tent is still there. Nothing's changed. Nothing's changed. Nothing's changed. But the way you see everything But the way you see everything But the way you see everything has changed. has changed. has changed. Because the part of the story that gets Because the part of the story that gets Because the part of the story that gets me me me is how does Abram go to sleep on that is how does Abram go to sleep on that is how does Abram go to sleep on that night? I'm dead serious. night? I'm dead serious. night? I'm dead serious. We don't get that part of the story. How We don't get that part of the story. How We don't get that part of the story. How does Abram kind of at some point I does Abram kind of at some point I does Abram kind of at some point I think, you know, Yahweh's kind of done think, you know, Yahweh's kind of done think, you know, Yahweh's kind of done talking and he he's not going to try to talking and he he's not going to try to talking and he he's not going to try to count and then it's like, count and then it's like, count and then it's like, good night. I'm a little cold. You good night. I'm a little cold. You good night. I'm a little cold. You brought me out here in my night gown. brought me out here in my night gown. brought me out here in my night gown. So, So, So, I'mma head back. I'mma head back in. And he has a life to live. He has a And he has a life to live. He has a body. He has a wife. He has a reality.

body. He has a wife. He has a reality. body. He has a wife. He has a reality. And he has to get back under the covers. And yet And yet everything has That's why I call you crazy. That's why I call you crazy. Some of your best friends. You all Some of your best friends. You all Some of your best friends. You all right? Nah. Neither are you. But I am I'm done. This is the conclusion. I am I'm done. This is the conclusion. This is not even the conclusion. This is This is not even the conclusion. This is This is not even the conclusion. This is the close. I grew up in a tradition where at the I grew up in a tradition where at the end of the message, and perhaps [music] end of the message, and perhaps [music] end of the message, and perhaps [music] we'll do it tonight, if you would like we'll do it tonight, if you would like we'll do it tonight, if you would like to make a decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I want to invite you to do that. I'm I want to invite you to do that. I'm I want to invite you to do that. I'm afraid I've done you a disservice afraid I've done you a disservice afraid I've done you a disservice because I'm not so sure it's that because I'm not so sure it's that because I'm not so sure it's that simple.

simple. simple. I think [laughter] he has to show up and then he has to show up and then you got TO PUT YOUR ACHE out there and you got TO PUT YOUR ACHE out there and you got TO PUT YOUR ACHE out there and be like, man, be like, man, be like, man, and then and then and then he's GOT TO TAKE YOU OUTSIDE OF he's GOT TO TAKE YOU OUTSIDE OF he's GOT TO TAKE YOU OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF. AND YOU GOT TO SUDDENLY SEE THAT IT'S AND YOU GOT TO SUDDENLY SEE THAT IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT you NOT JUST ABOUT you NOT JUST ABOUT you and THAT GOD'S GOT A GRAND PLAN and THAT GOD'S GOT A GRAND PLAN and THAT GOD'S GOT A GRAND PLAN AND IT'S PAST just earth and this really AND IT'S PAST just earth and this really AND IT'S PAST just earth and this really isn't home. BUT IN THE MEANTIME, isn't home. BUT IN THE MEANTIME, isn't home. BUT IN THE MEANTIME, you get a new perspective. you get a new perspective. you get a new perspective. You go to bed [music] different. So I got like the book of James to read. So I got like the book of James to read. I got the book of Romans to read. But I got the book of Romans to read. But I got the book of Romans to read. But I'm not going to read them. I'm not going to read them. I'm not going to read them. We're out of time. It's interesting because as the story It's interesting because as the story goes, what do I do with the ache? The goes, what do I do with the ache? The goes, what do I do with the ache? The short of it would be have faith.

And then maybe at coffee you'd say, And then maybe at coffee you'd say, well, how do I have faith? well, how do I have faith? well, how do I have faith? Or better yet, how do I know Or better yet, how do I know Or better yet, how do I know I have real faith? Guys, I Guys, I hopefully you're kind of tracking and hopefully you're kind of tracking and hopefully you're kind of tracking and you're like, well, he he what [snorts] you're like, well, he he what [snorts] you're like, well, he he what [snorts] it says he just believe. it says he just believe. it says he just believe. So, God descends. So, God descends. So, God descends. God directs. God directs. God directs. And what erupts in Abram is And what erupts in Abram is And what erupts in Abram is an acceptance an acceptance an acceptance that Yahweh's got my life and I just want to be with him and I just want to be with him and I trust him. and I trust him. and I trust him. And I love this part because I think And I love this part because I think And I love this part because I think Abram went to bed that night in a glow, Abram went to bed that night in a glow, Abram went to bed that night in a glow, but about 11 years later, the glow had but about 11 years later, the glow had but about 11 years later, the glow had worn off.

worn off. worn off. And he said, "Where's Hagar? Let's make And he said, "Where's Hagar? Let's make And he said, "Where's Hagar? Let's make a baby." And do you know nowhere in the a baby." And do you know nowhere in the a baby." And do you know nowhere in the New Testament does it say that? It over New Testament does it say that? It over New Testament does it say that? It over and over the New Testament says Abraham and over the New Testament says Abraham and over the New Testament says Abraham believed God. believed God. believed God. And so my soul leaps tonight to tell you And so my soul leaps tonight to tell you And so my soul leaps tonight to tell you that sometimes your faith is going to that sometimes your faith is going to that sometimes your faith is going to look like Abram at 75 years old. look like Abram at 75 years old. look like Abram at 75 years old. And sometimes your faith is going to And sometimes your faith is going to And sometimes your faith is going to look like Abram at 86 years old. And look like Abram at 86 years old. And look like Abram at 86 years old. And sometimes your faith is going to look sometimes your faith is going to look sometimes your faith is going to look like Abraham like Abraham like Abraham at 99 years old. And perhaps at 99 years old. And perhaps at 99 years old. And perhaps your faith one day will look like your faith one day will look like your faith one day will look like Abraham at Abraham at Abraham at 100 years old. 100 years old. 100 years old. But faith, But faith, But faith, that's divine persuasion, baby. that's divine persuasion, baby. that's divine persuasion, baby. So I say this to you. So I say this to you. So I say this to you. I believe in a God who still descends I believe in a God who still descends I believe in a God who still descends today.

today. today. I believe in Yahweh. I believe in Yahweh. I believe in Yahweh. GOD HAS DESCENDED IN TWO WAYS and still GOD HAS DESCENDED IN TWO WAYS and still GOD HAS DESCENDED IN TWO WAYS and still does today. FOR THE SCRIPTURE DECLARES does today. FOR THE SCRIPTURE DECLARES does today. FOR THE SCRIPTURE DECLARES THAT GOD MOVED INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THAT GOD MOVED INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THAT GOD MOVED INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THAT HE PUT ON SKIN AND BONE. IN CASE THAT HE PUT ON SKIN AND BONE. IN CASE THAT HE PUT ON SKIN AND BONE. IN CASE YOU WONDER IF GOD [screaming] IS INTO YOU WONDER IF GOD [screaming] IS INTO YOU WONDER IF GOD [screaming] IS INTO DESCENDING, HE DESCENDED literally DESCENDING, HE DESCENDED literally DESCENDING, HE DESCENDED literally physically physically physically in the person of Jesus in the person of Jesus in the person of Jesus AND HIS LIFE RECORDED THROUGHOUT THE AND HIS LIFE RECORDED THROUGHOUT THE AND HIS LIFE RECORDED THROUGHOUT THE ANCIENT TEXT. AND JESUS CAME AND SAID, ANCIENT TEXT. AND JESUS CAME AND SAID, ANCIENT TEXT. AND JESUS CAME AND SAID, "IT'S FINISHED." THAT GOD'S WORK IS "IT'S FINISHED." THAT GOD'S WORK IS "IT'S FINISHED." THAT GOD'S WORK IS DONE. AND NOW BY ALL WHO [screaming] DONE. AND NOW BY ALL WHO [screaming] DONE. AND NOW BY ALL WHO [screaming] JUST BELIEVE NOT ACHIEVE believe JUST BELIEVE NOT ACHIEVE believe JUST BELIEVE NOT ACHIEVE believe can be made right with God. And then the can be made right with God. And then the can be made right with God. And then the text goes all the way back to our text goes all the way back to our text goes all the way back to our character tonight and says like this. character tonight and says like this. character tonight and says like this. And so I'm provoked to say like this. And so I'm provoked to say like this. And so I'm provoked to say like this. Well then come on. Well then come on. Well then come on. And so I'm required to say you should And so I'm required to say you should And so I'm required to say you should expect expect expect God to descend God to descend God to descend on your life.

on your life. on your life. I'm so serious because he descended in I'm so serious because he descended in I'm so serious because he descended in Jesus and then the Bible says he Jesus and then the Bible says he Jesus and then the Bible says he descends in his spirit form now descends in his spirit form now descends in his spirit form now and his and his and his and his spirit comes and as the Bible says he'll come upon and as the Bible says he'll come upon you and he'll come within you. [snorts] you and he'll come within you. [snorts] you and he'll come within you. [snorts] And so maybe you've heard the term And so maybe you've heard the term And so maybe you've heard the term spiritfilled believers. Oh friends, spiritfilled believers. Oh friends, spiritfilled believers. Oh friends, don't make it weird. don't make it weird. don't make it weird. It means descended upon It means descended upon It means descended upon believers. believers. believers. The only kind there is. The only kind there is. The only kind there is. For the Bible says Jesus only. You For the Bible says Jesus only. You For the Bible says Jesus only. You cannot say Jesus is God unless the cannot say Jesus is God unless the cannot say Jesus is God unless the spirit has descended within you. spirit has descended within you. spirit has descended within you. But when he descends, nothing changes. But everything changes. nothing changes. But everything changes. And so if you're sitting here going, And so if you're sitting here going, And so if you're sitting here going, "Well, I have never felt his descent."

"Well, I have never felt his descent." "Well, I have never felt his descent." I respect that, I respect that, I respect that, friend. All I can say is if you want it, friend. All I can say is if you want it, friend. All I can say is if you want it, I believe with you for it. But don't you I believe with you for it. But don't you I believe with you for it. But don't you dare dare dare turn this into some cheap turn this into some cheap turn this into some cheap religious religious religious [snorts] traditional [snorts] traditional [snorts] traditional rulekeeping rulekeeping rulekeeping old way of exhausted and fatiguing. old way of exhausted and fatiguing. old way of exhausted and fatiguing. I have none of that friend. I'm tired. I have none of that friend. I'm tired. >> [snorts] >> But if he will descend again and again >> But if he will descend again and again >> But if he will descend again and again and again, I believe I believe I believe I believe I believe [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] some of you, you felt his descent, but some of you, you felt his descent, but some of you, you felt his descent, but you're dry and you're worn out and you're dry and you're worn out and you're dry and you're worn out and you've met some Hagars and you've made you've met some Hagars and you've made you've met some Hagars and you've made some Ishmaels. some Ishmaels. some Ishmaels. I don't blame you. So have I. I had I don't blame you. So have I. I had I don't blame you. So have I. I had Ishmails running around everywhere. Ishmails running around everywhere. Ishmails running around everywhere. Judah babies. It's a metaphor.

Judah babies. It's a metaphor. Judah babies. It's a metaphor. Yeah. But I have [clears throat] Yeah. But I have [clears throat] Yeah. But I have [clears throat] tried to help God. This is where we end. This is where we end. And I hope this is where he descends. And I hope this is where he descends. And I hope this is where he descends. So God, you know, and I know you know, and I know there's a lot of people in here with there's a lot of people in here with there's a lot of people in here with aches. aches. aches. And the question is, what are you going And the question is, what are you going And the question is, what are you going to do about it? Because I know that people been on this Because I know that people been on this planet for thousands of years, but right planet for thousands of years, but right planet for thousands of years, but right now is hard. It's hard, man. And you know that. It's hard, man. And you know that. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] So if you did it for Abram, So if you did it for Abram, So if you did it for Abram, do it for my friends. Oh, descending. Wonderful God. Wonderful God. Descend again and again and again and Descend again and again and again and Descend again and again and again and meet us now in your presence.