Persecution, Prayer, & the Power of God | Brandon Barnard | My Favorite Story: Peter in Jail

Well, good morning fellowship. Well, good morning fellowship. >> Say good morning to the chapel and to >> Say good morning to the chapel and to >> Say good morning to the chapel and to those who are joining us online those who are joining us online those who are joining us online somewhere around the uh state, somewhere somewhere around the uh state, somewhere somewhere around the uh state, somewhere around the country, somewhere around the around the country, somewhere around the around the country, somewhere around the world world. We're glad that you're here world world. We're glad that you're here world world. We're glad that you're here with us this morning. And if you have with us this morning. And if you have with us this morning. And if you have your Bibles, I want you to go to Acts your Bibles, I want you to go to Acts your Bibles, I want you to go to Acts chapter 12. Acts chapter 12 is where chapter 12. Acts chapter 12 is where chapter 12. Acts chapter 12 is where we're going to find ourselves in this my we're going to find ourselves in this my we're going to find ourselves in this my favorite story series. And if you don't favorite story series. And if you don't favorite story series. And if you don't have a copy of God's word and it's not have a copy of God's word and it's not have a copy of God's word and it's not on your smartphone or device or on your smartphone or device or on your smartphone or device or whatever, then we'll have it on the whatever, then we'll have it on the whatever, then we'll have it on the screen for you as well here in just a screen for you as well here in just a screen for you as well here in just a few moments. If we haven't had a chance few moments. If we haven't had a chance few moments. If we haven't had a chance to meet uh yet, maybe you're new this to meet uh yet, maybe you're new this to meet uh yet, maybe you're new this summer to Fellowship, kind of visiting summer to Fellowship, kind of visiting summer to Fellowship, kind of visiting with us and guest with us. We're so with us and guest with us. We're so with us and guest with us. We're so thankful. Uh my name is Brandon Bernard. thankful. Uh my name is Brandon Bernard. thankful. Uh my name is Brandon Bernard. I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at Fellowship and so thankful for all that Fellowship and so thankful for all that Fellowship and so thankful for all that God's doing in this place called God's doing in this place called God's doing in this place called Fellowship. It really is a great place Fellowship. It really is a great place Fellowship. It really is a great place to call home and so I just hope that you to call home and so I just hope that you to call home and so I just hope that you can get connected here and God will can get connected here and God will can get connected here and God will strengthen you and encourage you in your strengthen you and encourage you in your strengthen you and encourage you in your time here. we have been in this series time here. we have been in this series time here. we have been in this series uh called my favorite story. And so I uh called my favorite story. And so I uh called my favorite story. And so I hope that you've had a chance to hear hope that you've had a chance to hear hope that you've had a chance to hear these different stories and your faith these different stories and your faith these different stories and your faith has been encouraged and you've been has been encouraged and you've been has been encouraged and you've been inspired and challenged and stretched inspired and challenged and stretched inspired and challenged and stretched and all those kinds of things. And and and all those kinds of things. And and and all those kinds of things. And and so this morning we're going to we're so this morning we're going to we're so this morning we're going to we're going to dive in. We're going to see one going to dive in. We're going to see one going to dive in. We're going to see one of my favorite stories uh in the Bible.

of my favorite stories uh in the Bible. of my favorite stories uh in the Bible. You know, I have been preaching for 37 You know, I have been preaching for 37 You know, I have been preaching for 37 years years years uh started when I was three. And uh so I uh started when I was three. And uh so I uh started when I was three. And uh so I uh I you know when you say hey preach uh I you know when you say hey preach uh I you know when you say hey preach your favorite story, it's like oh you your favorite story, it's like oh you your favorite story, it's like oh you know I mean I I I've been preaching for know I mean I I I've been preaching for know I mean I I I've been preaching for so long and there's so many great so long and there's so many great so long and there's so many great stories in the Bible and so I I have stories in the Bible and so I I have stories in the Bible and so I I have several favorite stories if that's even several favorite stories if that's even several favorite stories if that's even possible right and so just thinking possible right and so just thinking possible right and so just thinking about my favorite story. Uh but you know about my favorite story. Uh but you know about my favorite story. Uh but you know I wanted to even though I'm technically I wanted to even though I'm technically I wanted to even though I'm technically not preaching on it this morning. I mean not preaching on it this morning. I mean not preaching on it this morning. I mean I kind of am but I'm not. I want to show I kind of am but I'm not. I want to show I kind of am but I'm not. I want to show you my absolute without a doubt favorite you my absolute without a doubt favorite you my absolute without a doubt favorite story in all the Bible. Okay. It's found story in all the Bible. Okay. It's found story in all the Bible. Okay. It's found in Matthew chapter 28. You don't have to in Matthew chapter 28. You don't have to in Matthew chapter 28. You don't have to turn there. It's on the screen. The turn there. It's on the screen. The turn there. It's on the screen. The angel said to the women, "Do not be angel said to the women, "Do not be angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. who was crucified. who was crucified. He's not here, for he has risen as he He's not here, for he has risen as he He's not here, for he has risen as he said, come see the place where he lay." said, come see the place where he lay." said, come see the place where he lay." So, let's make this really clear. My So, let's make this really clear. My So, let's make this really clear. My favorite story in all the Bible, without favorite story in all the Bible, without favorite story in all the Bible, without a doubt, 100% is this. the fact that a doubt, 100% is this. the fact that a doubt, 100% is this. the fact that Jesus Christ came and he died a horrible Jesus Christ came and he died a horrible Jesus Christ came and he died a horrible death on the cross in our place for our death on the cross in our place for our death on the cross in our place for our sins and God raised him from the dead sins and God raised him from the dead sins and God raised him from the dead and because he defeated death we can and because he defeated death we can and because he defeated death we can have life in him. That is my favorite have life in him. That is my favorite have life in him. That is my favorite story without a doubt because if it story without a doubt because if it story without a doubt because if it doesn't happen then none of this doesn't happen then none of this doesn't happen then none of this matters, right? And so this is my matters, right? And so this is my matters, right? And so this is my favorite story without a doubt. And so I favorite story without a doubt. And so I favorite story without a doubt. And so I want you to know that. But as I think want you to know that. But as I think want you to know that. But as I think about that, I also want to preach Acts

about that, I also want to preach Acts about that, I also want to preach Acts chapter 12 because it's one of my chapter 12 because it's one of my chapter 12 because it's one of my favorite stories. And you know, when you favorite stories. And you know, when you favorite stories. And you know, when you look at when you look at the book of look at when you look at the book of look at when you look at the book of Acts, if you haven't read it lately, I Acts, if you haven't read it lately, I Acts, if you haven't read it lately, I want to encourage you to read it. It's a want to encourage you to read it. It's a want to encourage you to read it. It's a great book. I mean, read it with your great book. I mean, read it with your great book. I mean, read it with your kids, your grandkids. I mean, read it kids, your grandkids. I mean, read it kids, your grandkids. I mean, read it with a roommate, friend, whatever. It's with a roommate, friend, whatever. It's with a roommate, friend, whatever. It's it's a great book. It's so inspiring. So it's a great book. It's so inspiring. So it's a great book. It's so inspiring. So many stories, so many amazing things, many stories, so many amazing things, many stories, so many amazing things, some miraculous things that happen. It some miraculous things that happen. It some miraculous things that happen. It It's just a great great book. And so, I It's just a great great book. And so, I It's just a great great book. And so, I want to encourage you to read it. But want to encourage you to read it. But want to encourage you to read it. But when you read the book of Acts, there's when you read the book of Acts, there's when you read the book of Acts, there's something that you need to know. something that you need to know. something that you need to know. Something that's called normative and Something that's called normative and Something that's called normative and descriptive. Okay? So, I don't want to descriptive. Okay? So, I don't want to descriptive. Okay? So, I don't want to lose you. I don't want to get too heady lose you. I don't want to get too heady lose you. I don't want to get too heady here, but normative and descriptive. So here, but normative and descriptive. So here, but normative and descriptive. So when you read the book of Acts, there when you read the book of Acts, there when you read the book of Acts, there are things that happen in Acts that are are things that happen in Acts that are are things that happen in Acts that are normal for believers in Jesus Christ. normal for believers in Jesus Christ. normal for believers in Jesus Christ. Normal for the church. Okay? So the more Normal for the church. Okay? So the more Normal for the church. Okay? So the more you read it, the more you realize, okay, you read it, the more you realize, okay, you read it, the more you realize, okay, these are normal things that happened these are normal things that happened these are normal things that happened for the church back then and they happen for the church back then and they happen for the church back then and they happen for the church now. They're just normal. for the church now. They're just normal. for the church now. They're just normal. So in other words, in the book of Acts, So in other words, in the book of Acts, So in other words, in the book of Acts, people are are praying together. They're people are are praying together. They're people are are praying together. They're they're breaking bread together. They're they're breaking bread together. They're they're breaking bread together. They're fellowshipping. They're they're reading fellowshipping. They're they're reading fellowshipping. They're they're reading the word together. They're they're the word together. They're they're the word together. They're they're experiencing baptism together, something experiencing baptism together, something experiencing baptism together, something that we're going to experience today.

that we're going to experience today. that we're going to experience today. They're going to experience communion They're going to experience communion They're going to experience communion together, the Lord's supper. So, you see together, the Lord's supper. So, you see together, the Lord's supper. So, you see that those things were normal for the that those things were normal for the that those things were normal for the church back then and they're normal for church back then and they're normal for church back then and they're normal for the church now. Do you understand that? the church now. Do you understand that? the church now. Do you understand that? So, it's just normal for believers who So, it's just normal for believers who So, it's just normal for believers who gather together as a church family. gather together as a church family. gather together as a church family. These are normal things that happen. But These are normal things that happen. But These are normal things that happen. But then there are things that happen in the then there are things that happen in the then there are things that happen in the book of Acts that are what we call book of Acts that are what we call book of Acts that are what we call descriptive and they're just describing descriptive and they're just describing descriptive and they're just describing something that God did in that moment. something that God did in that moment. something that God did in that moment. Oftentimes, it's supernatural. It's a Oftentimes, it's supernatural. It's a Oftentimes, it's supernatural. It's a miracle. It's something that you look at miracle. It's something that you look at miracle. It's something that you look at and kind of go, I I I don't know that I and kind of go, I I I don't know that I and kind of go, I I I don't know that I can explain that other than to say that can explain that other than to say that can explain that other than to say that this is something that God decided to do this is something that God decided to do this is something that God decided to do in that moment. It's just describing in that moment. It's just describing in that moment. It's just describing that. So, [snorts] one example of that that. So, [snorts] one example of that that. So, [snorts] one example of that would be, you know, there's a there's a would be, you know, there's a there's a would be, you know, there's a there's a moment where Peter, his shadow falls on moment where Peter, his shadow falls on moment where Peter, his shadow falls on someone who's sick and that person is someone who's sick and that person is someone who's sick and that person is healed. healed. healed. That's not normal. Okay? That's not That's not normal. Okay? That's not That's not normal. Okay? That's not normal. Now, can God do that today? normal. Now, can God do that today? normal. Now, can God do that today? Sure, he could. He could do that. Sure, he could. He could do that. Sure, he could. He could do that. There's no problem. But does it happen There's no problem. But does it happen There's no problem. But does it happen normally? No, it doesn't. So, I think normally? No, it doesn't. So, I think normally? No, it doesn't. So, I think you get the gist. Like, there are things you get the gist. Like, there are things you get the gist. Like, there are things that happen that are normal for the that happen that are normal for the that happen that are normal for the church. There are things that happen church. There are things that happen church. There are things that happen that are just you just describe what God that are just you just describe what God that are just you just describe what God did in that moment. And one of the did in that moment. And one of the did in that moment. And one of the reasons that I love Acts chapter 12. One reasons that I love Acts chapter 12. One reasons that I love Acts chapter 12. One of the reasons it's one of my favorite of the reasons it's one of my favorite of the reasons it's one of my favorite stories is because it contains both.

stories is because it contains both. stories is because it contains both. Like, there's some things that you read Like, there's some things that you read Like, there's some things that you read in Acts chapter 12 that you kind of go, in Acts chapter 12 that you kind of go, in Acts chapter 12 that you kind of go, "Man, that's what we as believers are "Man, that's what we as believers are "Man, that's what we as believers are supposed to be doing. That's what we're supposed to be doing. That's what we're supposed to be doing. That's what we're called to do." And then there's some called to do." And then there's some called to do." And then there's some things in Acts chapter 12 that you look things in Acts chapter 12 that you look things in Acts chapter 12 that you look at and go, "Wow, that's cool." Like, God at and go, "Wow, that's cool." Like, God at and go, "Wow, that's cool." Like, God just decided to do something miraculous, just decided to do something miraculous, just decided to do something miraculous, supernatural, and it's amazing. And we supernatural, and it's amazing. And we supernatural, and it's amazing. And we give him praise for it. So, that's one give him praise for it. So, that's one give him praise for it. So, that's one of the reasons that this is one of my of the reasons that this is one of my of the reasons that this is one of my favorite stories. And so, I want you to favorite stories. And so, I want you to favorite stories. And so, I want you to look with me in Acts chapter 12. Uh, look with me in Acts chapter 12. Uh, look with me in Acts chapter 12. Uh, beginning in verse one. I'm going to beginning in verse one. I'm going to beginning in verse one. I'm going to read through verse 24. But, I want you read through verse 24. But, I want you read through verse 24. But, I want you to hear what the word of the Lord says. to hear what the word of the Lord says. to hear what the word of the Lord says. Beginning in verse one, chapter 12. It Beginning in verse one, chapter 12. It Beginning in verse one, chapter 12. It says, "About that time, Herod the king says, "About that time, Herod the king says, "About that time, Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belong to laid violent hands on some who belong to laid violent hands on some who belong to the church." This is not a good start. the church." This is not a good start. the church." This is not a good start. Okay? Herod the king laid violent hands. Okay? Herod the king laid violent hands. Okay? Herod the king laid violent hands. That's exactly what it means. Violent That's exactly what it means. Violent That's exactly what it means. Violent hands on some who belong to the church. hands on some who belong to the church. hands on some who belong to the church. He hated the church. He hated Jesus. He hated the church. He hated Jesus. He hated the church. He hated Jesus. He hated that movement. He laid violent He hated that movement. He laid violent He hated that movement. He laid violent hands on him. So this Herod the king, hands on him. So this Herod the king, hands on him. So this Herod the king, okay, some of you familiar with the okay, some of you familiar with the okay, some of you familiar with the Christmas story. That was Herod the Christmas story. That was Herod the Christmas story. That was Herod the Great. All right, that was Herod the Great. All right, that was Herod the Great. All right, that was Herod the Great. This is his grandson. Great. This is his grandson. Great. This is his grandson. Herod the great, but this is his Herod the great, but this is his Herod the great, but this is his grandson who's doing this. In verse two, grandson who's doing this. In verse two, grandson who's doing this. In verse two, it says, "He killed James, the brother it says, "He killed James, the brother it says, "He killed James, the brother of John, with a sword. And when he saw of John, with a sword. And when he saw of John, with a sword. And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also." This was during to arrest Peter also." This was during to arrest Peter also." This was during the days of unleven bread. This is not a the days of unleven bread. This is not a the days of unleven bread. This is not a good man. He had James, the brother of good man. He had James, the brother of good man. He had James, the brother of John, beheaded with the sword. He was John, beheaded with the sword. He was John, beheaded with the sword. He was not playing around. Now, I think most of not playing around. Now, I think most of not playing around. Now, I think most of you know that Jesus had 12 disciples. He you know that Jesus had 12 disciples. He you know that Jesus had 12 disciples. He had three disciples that were in his had three disciples that were in his had three disciples that were in his inner circle. You normally say it in inner circle. You normally say it in inner circle. You normally say it in this way. Peter, James, and John. James

this way. Peter, James, and John. James this way. Peter, James, and John. James and John were brothers. They were the and John were brothers. They were the and John were brothers. They were the sons of thunder. That was their sons of thunder. That was their sons of thunder. That was their nickname, right? Because their dad, sons nickname, right? Because their dad, sons nickname, right? Because their dad, sons of thunder. This is the James it's of thunder. This is the James it's of thunder. This is the James it's talking about. He was beheaded for his talking about. He was beheaded for his talking about. He was beheaded for his faith in Christ, for the way that he was faith in Christ, for the way that he was faith in Christ, for the way that he was sharing the gospel with others. And it sharing the gospel with others. And it sharing the gospel with others. And it says that when Herod saw how it pleased says that when Herod saw how it pleased says that when Herod saw how it pleased the Jews, he's like, man, this made them the Jews, he's like, man, this made them the Jews, he's like, man, this made them happy because the Jews didn't like happy because the Jews didn't like happy because the Jews didn't like Jesus, they didn't love Jesus, they they Jesus, they didn't love Jesus, they they Jesus, they didn't love Jesus, they they didn't want him his movement to to didn't want him his movement to to didn't want him his movement to to spread. They didn't want that to happen. spread. They didn't want that to happen. spread. They didn't want that to happen. And so when Herod saw how much that the And so when Herod saw how much that the And so when Herod saw how much that the Jews were excited that he killed James, Jews were excited that he killed James, Jews were excited that he killed James, he's like, "Well, you know what? If they he's like, "Well, you know what? If they he's like, "Well, you know what? If they like this, I I'll do it again. I'll give like this, I I'll do it again. I'll give like this, I I'll do it again. I'll give them more of that." So he arrested Peter them more of that." So he arrested Peter them more of that." So he arrested Peter with the intent to do the very same with the intent to do the very same with the intent to do the very same thing. He was going to kill Peter just thing. He was going to kill Peter just thing. He was going to kill Peter just like he killed James. like he killed James. like he killed James. Herod was an approval addict and he Herod was an approval addict and he Herod was an approval addict and he wanted to do what the people loved. wanted to do what the people loved. wanted to do what the people loved. Verse four, when he had seized him, he Verse four, when he had seized him, he Verse four, when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over put him in prison, delivering him over put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, to four squads of soldiers to guard him, to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring intending after the Passover to bring intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. See, there it is. him out to the people. See, there it is. him out to the people. See, there it is. He was intending to bring him out to the He was intending to bring him out to the He was intending to bring him out to the people to do the exact same thing that people to do the exact same thing that people to do the exact same thing that he done to James. And he put four squads he done to James. And he put four squads he done to James. And he put four squads of soldiers on Peter. Now, I need to of soldiers on Peter. Now, I need to of soldiers on Peter. Now, I need to tell you that a squad is made up of four tell you that a squad is made up of four tell you that a squad is made up of four soldiers. So, four squads of four soldiers. So, four squads of four soldiers. So, four squads of four soldiers each. So, you're talking about soldiers each. So, you're talking about soldiers each. So, you're talking about 16 soldiers for one man. 16 soldiers for 16 soldiers for one man. 16 soldiers for 16 soldiers for one man. 16 soldiers for one man. Now, I know that they served one man. Now, I know that they served one man. Now, I know that they served four watches in the day. So, you four watches in the day. So, you four watches in the day. So, you probably had four on one, but you have probably had four on one, but you have probably had four on one, but you have 16 soldiers to guard one man. This is 16 soldiers to guard one man. This is 16 soldiers to guard one man. This is how serious Herod is about this. Do not how serious Herod is about this. Do not how serious Herod is about this. Do not let this guy loose. Keep an eye on this let this guy loose. Keep an eye on this let this guy loose. Keep an eye on this guy. I've got plans for him. And this is guy. I've got plans for him. And this is guy. I've got plans for him. And this is very important to my reign. This is very very important to my reign. This is very very important to my reign. This is very important to my rule. You guys watch important to my rule. You guys watch important to my rule. You guys watch over him. Four squads, four soldiers over him. Four squads, four soldiers over him. Four squads, four soldiers each. Which, by the way, I want to say

each. Which, by the way, I want to say each. Which, by the way, I want to say this too from a historical standpoint. this too from a historical standpoint. this too from a historical standpoint. Back in those days, if someone escaped Back in those days, if someone escaped Back in those days, if someone escaped on your watch if you were the guard and on your watch if you were the guard and on your watch if you were the guard and someone escaped while you're a guard, do someone escaped while you're a guard, do someone escaped while you're a guard, do you know what happens to you? you know what happens to you? you know what happens to you? Yeah, you don't get the pink slip. Okay, Yeah, you don't get the pink slip. Okay, Yeah, you don't get the pink slip. Okay, you're not fired. And they don't look at you're not fired. And they don't look at you're not fired. And they don't look at you and go, "Hey, let's try not to lose you and go, "Hey, let's try not to lose you and go, "Hey, let's try not to lose people. Okay, let's let's try not to do people. Okay, let's let's try not to do people. Okay, let's let's try not to do that." Like, that's not what's that." Like, that's not what's that." Like, that's not what's happening. Back in those biblical times, happening. Back in those biblical times, happening. Back in those biblical times, if someone was escaping on your watch, if someone was escaping on your watch, if someone was escaping on your watch, you died. It cost you your life. Not you died. It cost you your life. Not you died. It cost you your life. Not playing around. This was real. playing around. This was real. playing around. This was real. And look what happens in verse 5. So And look what happens in verse 5. So And look what happens in verse 5. So Peter was kept in prison. But earnest Peter was kept in prison. But earnest Peter was kept in prison. But earnest prayer for him was made to God by the prayer for him was made to God by the prayer for him was made to God by the church. So we see that the church, the church. So we see that the church, the church. So we see that the church, the people of God, the people who are people of God, the people who are people of God, the people who are following Jesus, they begin to pray following Jesus, they begin to pray following Jesus, they begin to pray earnestly, fervently, passionately for earnestly, fervently, passionately for earnestly, fervently, passionately for Peter, for God to rescue, for God to get Peter, for God to rescue, for God to get Peter, for God to rescue, for God to get glory, for God to push back evil, for glory, for God to push back evil, for glory, for God to push back evil, for God to have his way, for God's kingdom God to have his way, for God's kingdom God to have his way, for God's kingdom to come. Like they're praying for Peter. to come. Like they're praying for Peter. to come. Like they're praying for Peter. They're praying for God to be glorified They're praying for God to be glorified They're praying for God to be glorified in all this. So that's what the church in all this. So that's what the church in all this. So that's what the church is doing in this moment. Verse six. Now is doing in this moment. Verse six. Now is doing in this moment. Verse six. Now when Herod was about to bring him out on when Herod was about to bring him out on when Herod was about to bring him out on that very night, Peter was sleeping that very night, Peter was sleeping that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers bound with two between two soldiers bound with two between two soldiers bound with two chains and centuries before the door chains and centuries before the door chains and centuries before the door were guarding the prison.

were guarding the prison. were guarding the prison. Now, I want to stop right here because I Now, I want to stop right here because I Now, I want to stop right here because I think this is interesting. think this is interesting. think this is interesting. Peter is about to get his head chopped Peter is about to get his head chopped Peter is about to get his head chopped off. He He's headed for the same fate off. He He's headed for the same fate off. He He's headed for the same fate that that James had. And what's he that that James had. And what's he that that James had. And what's he doing? Sleeping. I think that says doing? Sleeping. I think that says doing? Sleeping. I think that says something about Peter's faith. I don't something about Peter's faith. I don't something about Peter's faith. I don't want to read too much in the text, but I want to read too much in the text, but I want to read too much in the text, but I think it says something about Peter's think it says something about Peter's think it says something about Peter's faith that he has a calm assurance. He faith that he has a calm assurance. He faith that he has a calm assurance. He has a confidence in the Lord. He's has a confidence in the Lord. He's has a confidence in the Lord. He's sleeping. He's chained between this sleeping. He's chained between this sleeping. He's chained between this soldier and this soldier. His hands are soldier and this soldier. His hands are soldier and this soldier. His hands are chained. There's guards that are on him, chained. There's guards that are on him, chained. There's guards that are on him, and he is sleeping. and he is sleeping. and he is sleeping. Can you imagine? I picture the church. Can you imagine? I picture the church. Can you imagine? I picture the church. Oh, God, please help Peter. Help him not Oh, God, please help Peter. Help him not Oh, God, please help Peter. Help him not to be worried at all right now. Like, to be worried at all right now. Like, to be worried at all right now. Like, he's out. Like, he is he's in a deep he's out. Like, he is he's in a deep he's out. Like, he is he's in a deep sleep, man. We're going to see he's in sleep, man. We're going to see he's in sleep, man. We're going to see he's in such a deep sleep that he literally has such a deep sleep that he literally has such a deep sleep that he literally has to be poked in the side to be woken up. to be poked in the side to be woken up. to be poked in the side to be woken up. Verse 7. And behold, an angel of the Verse 7. And behold, an angel of the Verse 7. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him and a light shone Lord stood next to him and a light shone Lord stood next to him and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side in the cell. He struck Peter on the side in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. Okay, And the chains fell off his hands. Okay, And the chains fell off his hands. Okay, th this feels miraculous. th this feels miraculous. th this feels miraculous. An angel just shows up and it lights up An angel just shows up and it lights up An angel just shows up and it lights up this dingy, dirty, grungy cell and he this dingy, dirty, grungy cell and he this dingy, dirty, grungy cell and he the angel just shows up. I don't know the angel just shows up. I don't know the angel just shows up. I don't know how that happened. You say, how that happened. You say, how that happened. You say, "Theologically, how'd that happen?"

"Theologically, how'd that happen?" "Theologically, how'd that happen?" Here's my theological answer. I don't Here's my theological answer. I don't Here's my theological answer. I don't know. I don't know if he was beamed in. know. I don't know if he was beamed in. know. I don't know if he was beamed in. I don't know if he walked in. I don't I don't know if he walked in. I don't I don't know if he walked in. I don't know if someone escorted him. I don't know if someone escorted him. I don't know if someone escorted him. I don't know. But what we know is an angel shows know. But what we know is an angel shows know. But what we know is an angel shows up, lights in the cell, and he pokes up, lights in the cell, and he pokes up, lights in the cell, and he pokes Peter in the ribs, basically in the Peter in the ribs, basically in the Peter in the ribs, basically in the side, and tells him to get up. Tells him side, and tells him to get up. Tells him side, and tells him to get up. Tells him to wake up. to wake up. to wake up. He says, "Get up quickly." And the He says, "Get up quickly." And the He says, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. There's chains fell off his hands. There's chains fell off his hands. There's another miracle. That's supernatural. another miracle. That's supernatural. another miracle. That's supernatural. The chains just fell off. Did he pick The chains just fell off. Did he pick The chains just fell off. Did he pick the guards lock? Like, did he get the the guards lock? Like, did he get the the guards lock? Like, did he get the key? What? What happened? I don't know. key? What? What happened? I don't know. key? What? What happened? I don't know. It just says they fell off his hands. It just says they fell off his hands. It just says they fell off his hands. It's a miracle. It's a miracle. It's a miracle. Supernatural. Supernatural. Supernatural. All right. So then it says this. And the All right. So then it says this. And the All right. So then it says this. And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself, put angel said to him, "Dress yourself, put angel said to him, "Dress yourself, put on your sandals." And he did so. And he on your sandals." And he did so. And he on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." He basically says, "Man, and follow me." He basically says, "Man, and follow me." He basically says, "Man, get up." He's like, "Put your clothes get up." He's like, "Put your clothes get up." He's like, "Put your clothes on. Put your sandals on. We're getting on. Put your sandals on. We're getting on. Put your sandals on. We're getting out of here. Put your coat around you. out of here. Put your coat around you. out of here. Put your coat around you. Follow me." This is prison break, right? Follow me." This is prison break, right? Follow me." This is prison break, right? And so you look at verse nine. And he And so you look at verse nine. And he And so you look at verse nine. And he went out and followed him. I love this. went out and followed him. I love this. went out and followed him. I love this. He did not know that what was being done He did not know that what was being done He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real. He thought he was by the angel was real. He thought he was by the angel was real. He thought he was seeing a vision. Peter's like, "This is seeing a vision. Peter's like, "This is seeing a vision. Peter's like, "This is the best dream of my life." Like, "This the best dream of my life." Like, "This the best dream of my life." Like, "This is like I'm being set free from prison.

is like I'm being set free from prison. is like I'm being set free from prison. I'm putting my coat on. I'm putting my I'm putting my coat on. I'm putting my I'm putting my coat on. I'm putting my sandals on. We're walking out of the sandals on. We're walking out of the sandals on. We're walking out of the jail." Like, this is amazing. He thinks jail." Like, this is amazing. He thinks jail." Like, this is amazing. He thinks he's seeing a vision. He thinks he's he's seeing a vision. He thinks he's he's seeing a vision. He thinks he's having a dream. having a dream. having a dream. Verse 10. When they had passed the first Verse 10. When they had passed the first Verse 10. When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron and second guard, they came to the iron and second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened gate leading into the city. It opened gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord. They went for them of its own accord. They went for them of its own accord. They went out, went along one street, and out, went along one street, and out, went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. Okay? So immediately the angel left him. Okay? So immediately the angel left him. Okay? So he he passes one set of guards and a he he passes one set of guards and a he he passes one set of guards and a second set of guards and then they get second set of guards and then they get second set of guards and then they get to the iron gate and it opens by itself. to the iron gate and it opens by itself. to the iron gate and it opens by itself. Now this is amazing to me. All right. I Now this is amazing to me. All right. I Now this is amazing to me. All right. I I I just told you what happens if I I just told you what happens if I I just told you what happens if someone escapes on your watch. Okay? someone escapes on your watch. Okay? someone escapes on your watch. Okay? Like if someone escapes, you die. So Like if someone escapes, you die. So Like if someone escapes, you die. So this is no small feat. I don't know if this is no small feat. I don't know if this is no small feat. I don't know if they were asleep. I don't know what they were asleep. I don't know what they were asleep. I don't know what happened. It is no small thing to say happened. It is no small thing to say happened. It is no small thing to say they passed one set of guards and they passed one set of guards and they passed one set of guards and another set of guards. another set of guards. another set of guards. I don't know how it happened, but when I I don't know how it happened, but when I I don't know how it happened, but when I let my mind run wild, I guess it's let my mind run wild, I guess it's let my mind run wild, I guess it's because the age that I am and the way because the age that I am and the way because the age that I am and the way that I grew up and the time that I grew that I grew up and the time that I grew that I grew up and the time that I grew up in, but sometimes when I picture this up in, but sometimes when I picture this up in, but sometimes when I picture this story, I mean, it feels like a Jedi mind story, I mean, it feels like a Jedi mind story, I mean, it feels like a Jedi mind trick to me, you know? It's like they're trick to me, you know? It's like they're trick to me, you know? It's like they're walking like, "You don't see us. You walking like, "You don't see us. You walking like, "You don't see us. You don't see us." Like I It's kind of like don't see us." Like I It's kind of like don't see us." Like I It's kind of like one of those things where it's like, one of those things where it's like, one of those things where it's like, "How did this happen? I don't know." But "How did this happen? I don't know." But "How did this happen? I don't know." But it did. They get past the guards and it did. They get past the guards and it did. They get past the guards and then they get to the gate. Look, this is then they get to the gate. Look, this is then they get to the gate. Look, this is not your garden gate. This is not some not your garden gate. This is not some not your garden gate. This is not some little sweet little picket fence that little sweet little picket fence that little sweet little picket fence that you have. This is an iron gate leading you have. This is an iron gate leading you have. This is an iron gate leading to the city. This is for protection.

to the city. This is for protection. to the city. This is for protection. This is a massive gate. This is a massive gate. This is a massive gate. And the scripture says that it opens by And the scripture says that it opens by And the scripture says that it opens by itself. itself. itself. By itself. By itself. By itself. Look, I don't need to tell you this, but Look, I don't need to tell you this, but Look, I don't need to tell you this, but I'm going to anyway. This is pre- garage I'm going to anyway. This is pre- garage I'm going to anyway. This is pre- garage door opener days. Look, this is How did door opener days. Look, this is How did door opener days. Look, this is How did this get open? God opened it. Remember this get open? God opened it. Remember this get open? God opened it. Remember when God shut the ark? He can do it. He when God shut the ark? He can do it. He when God shut the ark? He can do it. He opens the gate and they walk about a opens the gate and they walk about a opens the gate and they walk about a block basically from the prison and the block basically from the prison and the block basically from the prison and the angel is like, "See you." Like he's angel is like, "See you." Like he's angel is like, "See you." Like he's gone. How did that happen? I don't know. gone. How did that happen? I don't know. gone. How did that happen? I don't know. Did he just keep walking? Hey, you stay Did he just keep walking? Hey, you stay Did he just keep walking? Hey, you stay here. I'm going to go. Did he get beamed here. I'm going to go. Did he get beamed here. I'm going to go. Did he get beamed up? I don't know. But he leaves. He's up? I don't know. But he leaves. He's up? I don't know. But he leaves. He's gone. And now you've got Peter, escaped gone. And now you've got Peter, escaped gone. And now you've got Peter, escaped convict, a block from the prison. And convict, a block from the prison. And convict, a block from the prison. And look what it says. look what it says. look what it says. Verse 11. When Peter came to himself, Verse 11. When Peter came to himself, Verse 11. When Peter came to himself, I'm sure that was a great moment, man. I'm sure that was a great moment, man. I'm sure that was a great moment, man. He He thinks he's having a dream and he He He thinks he's having a dream and he He He thinks he's having a dream and he wakes up. When he comes to himself, he wakes up. When he comes to himself, he wakes up. When he comes to himself, he says, "Now I'm sure the Lord has sent says, "Now I'm sure the Lord has sent says, "Now I'm sure the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand his angel and rescued me from the hand his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all the Jewish people of Herod and from all the Jewish people of Herod and from all the Jewish people were expecting. You think so?" Yeah, he were expecting. You think so?" Yeah, he were expecting. You think so?" Yeah, he did. This is this is basically Peter did. This is this is basically Peter did. This is this is basically Peter going, "I'm free." And then he has that going, "I'm free." And then he has that going, "I'm free." And then he has that moment like, "Oo, I'm free." Like, I I moment like, "Oo, I'm free." Like, I I moment like, "Oo, I'm free." Like, I I got to get out of here, right? Verse 12.

got to get out of here, right? Verse 12. got to get out of here, right? Verse 12. When he realized this, he went to the When he realized this, he went to the When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, whose house of Mary, the mother of John, whose house of Mary, the mother of John, whose other name was Mark, where many were other name was Mark, where many were other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. gathered together and were praying. gathered together and were praying. Hey, look. This isn't like the modern Hey, look. This isn't like the modern Hey, look. This isn't like the modern day prayer service where a few people day prayer service where a few people day prayer service where a few people attend. There's a lot of people there. attend. There's a lot of people there. attend. There's a lot of people there. Many people were gathered at Mary's Many people were gathered at Mary's Many people were gathered at Mary's house and they're they're praying, house and they're they're praying, house and they're they're praying, seeking the Lord, praying for Peter, seeking the Lord, praying for Peter, seeking the Lord, praying for Peter, praying for God to do something amazing. praying for God to do something amazing. praying for God to do something amazing. And when Peter is a block from the And when Peter is a block from the And when Peter is a block from the prison, he's like, "Where can I go? prison, he's like, "Where can I go? prison, he's like, "Where can I go? Where am I going to go?" And immediately Where am I going to go?" And immediately Where am I going to go?" And immediately he says, "I'm going to Mary's house. I'm he says, "I'm going to Mary's house. I'm he says, "I'm going to Mary's house. I'm going to her house. I'm I'm going to I'm going to her house. I'm I'm going to I'm going to her house. I'm I'm going to I'm going to go there because I know they're going to go there because I know they're going to go there because I know they're praying. I probably can get a good meal praying. I probably can get a good meal praying. I probably can get a good meal there. It's a safe place there. I know there. It's a safe place there. I know there. It's a safe place there. I know the believers are going to be gathered the believers are going to be gathered the believers are going to be gathered there. I'll be encouraged there. That's there. I'll be encouraged there. That's there. I'll be encouraged there. That's where I'm going. Now, I want to take a where I'm going. Now, I want to take a where I'm going. Now, I want to take a time out for just a second. I want to time out for just a second. I want to time out for just a second. I want to speak to the believers in the room. By speak to the believers in the room. By speak to the believers in the room. By the way, I know there there there are the way, I know there there there are the way, I know there there there are some unbelievers probably who are here some unbelievers probably who are here some unbelievers probably who are here and joining us online this morning. And and joining us online this morning. And and joining us online this morning. And man, thank you for being here. Thanks man, thank you for being here. Thanks man, thank you for being here. Thanks for joining us. It means a lot to us. for joining us. It means a lot to us. for joining us. It means a lot to us. And I believe God wants to speak to you And I believe God wants to speak to you And I believe God wants to speak to you today in this message. I really do. But today in this message. I really do. But today in this message. I really do. But I want to say something to the believers I want to say something to the believers I want to say something to the believers right now. I want to take a little time right now. I want to take a little time right now. I want to take a little time out and ask you, are you this kind of out and ask you, are you this kind of out and ask you, are you this kind of person?

person? person? Because when Peter's like, "Where am I Because when Peter's like, "Where am I Because when Peter's like, "Where am I going to go? Where where is it safe? going to go? Where where is it safe? going to go? Where where is it safe? Where is somebody going to be praying Where is somebody going to be praying Where is somebody going to be praying for me? Where can I be encouraged? Where for me? Where can I be encouraged? Where for me? Where can I be encouraged? Where where can I go? I'm going to go to where can I go? I'm going to go to where can I go? I'm going to go to Mary's house. Look, when someone in your Mary's house. Look, when someone in your Mary's house. Look, when someone in your life needs prayer, whether it's a life needs prayer, whether it's a life needs prayer, whether it's a co-orker, it's a friend, it's a family co-orker, it's a friend, it's a family co-orker, it's a friend, it's a family member, they may be a believer, they may member, they may be a believer, they may member, they may be a believer, they may not be a believer. When someone needs not be a believer. When someone needs not be a believer. When someone needs prayer, when someone needs a safe space, prayer, when someone needs a safe space, prayer, when someone needs a safe space, when someone needs a vulnerable place to when someone needs a vulnerable place to when someone needs a vulnerable place to share, when someone needs a meal, when share, when someone needs a meal, when share, when someone needs a meal, when someone needs some encouragement, when someone needs some encouragement, when someone needs some encouragement, when someone needs something like that, do someone needs something like that, do someone needs something like that, do they think of you, they think of you, they think of you, man? I need someone to pray for me. I'm man? I need someone to pray for me. I'm man? I need someone to pray for me. I'm going to call him. I'm gonna call her. going to call him. I'm gonna call her. going to call him. I'm gonna call her. I'm gonna text him. I'm going text her I'm gonna text him. I'm going text her I'm gonna text him. I'm going text her because I know that they're going to because I know that they're going to because I know that they're going to pray for me. I know they're going to pray for me. I know they're going to pray for me. I know they're going to encourage me. I know they're going to be encourage me. I know they're going to be encourage me. I know they're going to be able to share the word with me. I know able to share the word with me. I know able to share the word with me. I know that I'm going to find a safe space with that I'm going to find a safe space with that I'm going to find a safe space with them. Are you that kind of person? them. Are you that kind of person? them. Are you that kind of person? Because I can tell you this. I pray that Because I can tell you this. I pray that Because I can tell you this. I pray that fellowship is filled with men and women fellowship is filled with men and women fellowship is filled with men and women and students who are those kind of and students who are those kind of and students who are those kind of people. people. people. Someone says, "I need somebody to pray. Someone says, "I need somebody to pray. Someone says, "I need somebody to pray. I'm going to call them." That's the kind I'm going to call them." That's the kind I'm going to call them." That's the kind of people that we want to be. So, he of people that we want to be. So, he of people that we want to be. So, he goes to their house. Here's where it goes to their house. Here's where it goes to their house. Here's where it gets kind of fun, too. It says, "And gets kind of fun, too. It says, "And gets kind of fun, too. It says, "And when he knocked at the door of the when he knocked at the door of the when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Roa came gateway, a servant girl named Roa came gateway, a servant girl named Roa came to answer. Oh, Roa, I can't wait to to to answer. Oh, Roa, I can't wait to to to answer. Oh, Roa, I can't wait to to meet little sweet Roa. I I want to have meet little sweet Roa. I I want to have meet little sweet Roa. I I want to have a conversation with her. She sounds fun.

a conversation with her. She sounds fun. a conversation with her. She sounds fun. She sounds bubbly. She sounds like she's She sounds bubbly. She sounds like she's She sounds bubbly. She sounds like she's on the greeting team. She sounds like on the greeting team. She sounds like on the greeting team. She sounds like she's just, you know, she says, "Hey, she's just, you know, she says, "Hey, she's just, you know, she says, "Hey, like she sounds like fun Roa to me, you like she sounds like fun Roa to me, you like she sounds like fun Roa to me, you know." So, he gets to the gate. It's know." So, he gets to the gate. It's know." So, he gets to the gate. It's It's the door. It's I don't know if It's the door. It's I don't know if It's the door. It's I don't know if there's a peepphole. It's dark, you there's a peepphole. It's dark, you there's a peepphole. It's dark, you know, and and and I don't know if he's know, and and and I don't know if he's know, and and and I don't know if he's saying, "Hey, it's me." Like, I it's me, saying, "Hey, it's me." Like, I it's me, saying, "Hey, it's me." Like, I it's me, Peter. I don't know if he's saying that. Peter. I don't know if he's saying that. Peter. I don't know if he's saying that. But we know she recognizes his voice. But we know she recognizes his voice. But we know she recognizes his voice. So, it's not like she can either see So, it's not like she can either see So, it's not like she can either see him, but she recogniz she knows his him, but she recogniz she knows his him, but she recogniz she knows his voice. voice. voice. Now, look what happens. This is pretty Now, look what happens. This is pretty Now, look what happens. This is pretty funny to me. Verse 14. Recognizing funny to me. Verse 14. Recognizing funny to me. Verse 14. Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy, she did not Peter's voice, in her joy, she did not Peter's voice, in her joy, she did not open the gate, but ran in and reported open the gate, but ran in and reported open the gate, but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. I that Peter was standing at the gate. I that Peter was standing at the gate. I think that's funny. He's like, "Hey, think that's funny. He's like, "Hey, think that's funny. He's like, "Hey, it's me, Peter. Hey, hey, let me be it's me, Peter. Hey, hey, let me be it's me, Peter. Hey, hey, let me be Peter." She's like, [laughter] Peter." She's like, [laughter] Peter." She's like, [laughter] like, she gets excited, right? She's so like, she gets excited, right? She's so like, she gets excited, right? She's so excited. That's Peter, she forgets to excited. That's Peter, she forgets to excited. That's Peter, she forgets to let him in. In her joy, she's like, "Oh, let him in. In her joy, she's like, "Oh, let him in. In her joy, she's like, "Oh, well." And she runs in, right? She goes well." And she runs in, right? She goes well." And she runs in, right? She goes into the house. I don't know what's I I into the house. I don't know what's I I into the house. I don't know what's I I know they're praying. I don't I don't know they're praying. I don't I don't know they're praying. I don't I don't know if they're sitting. I don't know if know if they're sitting. I don't know if know if they're sitting. I don't know if they're standing. I don't know if they're standing. I don't know if they're standing. I don't know if they're kneeling. I'm They may be doing they're kneeling. I'm They may be doing they're kneeling. I'm They may be doing all of that in the house. I don't all of that in the house. I don't all of that in the house. I don't technically know exactly what they're technically know exactly what they're technically know exactly what they're praying. We don't have that. But don't praying. We don't have that. But don't praying. We don't have that. But don't you think it's got to be something like you think it's got to be something like you think it's got to be something like I mean, they're like, "Oh, God, would I mean, they're like, "Oh, God, would I mean, they're like, "Oh, God, would you please just help Peter, Lord, you please just help Peter, Lord, you please just help Peter, Lord, deliver him, rescue him, push back Herod deliver him, rescue him, push back Herod deliver him, rescue him, push back Herod and the evil he's wanting to do?" And and the evil he's wanting to do?" And and the evil he's wanting to do?" And God, we know you can do anything, God.

God, we know you can do anything, God. God, we know you can do anything, God. There's nothing impossible for you. There's nothing impossible for you. There's nothing impossible for you. Like, they're praying something like Like, they're praying something like Like, they're praying something like that. that. that. She comes running in. She's like, She comes running in. She's like, She comes running in. She's like, "Peter's at the gate." I just picture "Peter's at the gate." I just picture "Peter's at the gate." I just picture them being in mid-sentence. Oh, God. them being in mid-sentence. Oh, God. them being in mid-sentence. Oh, God. There's nothing too impossible for you. There's nothing too impossible for you. There's nothing too impossible for you. Peter's at the gate. They're like, "No, Peter's at the gate. They're like, "No, Peter's at the gate. They're like, "No, he's not. No, he's not." Look what Look he's not. No, he's not." Look what Look he's not. No, he's not." Look what Look what he says. Look what it says. It what he says. Look what it says. It what he says. Look what it says. It says, "They said to her, you're out of says, "They said to her, you're out of says, "They said to her, you're out of your mind." They're like, "Roda?" Like, your mind." They're like, "Roda?" Like, your mind." They're like, "Roda?" Like, like she's out of her mind. Sweet little like she's out of her mind. Sweet little like she's out of her mind. Sweet little Roa. She doesn't know what she's talking Roa. She doesn't know what she's talking Roa. She doesn't know what she's talking about. She kept insisting that it was about. She kept insisting that it was about. She kept insisting that it was so. And they kept saying, "It's his so. And they kept saying, "It's his so. And they kept saying, "It's his angel." They're having this conversation angel." They're having this conversation angel." They're having this conversation like Ro Peter's at the door. Like, no, like Ro Peter's at the door. Like, no, like Ro Peter's at the door. Like, no, he's not. You're crazy. Yes, he is. No, he's not. You're crazy. Yes, he is. No, he's not. You're crazy. Yes, he is. No, he's not. Yes, he is. Well, it must be he's not. Yes, he is. Well, it must be he's not. Yes, he is. Well, it must be his angel. Like, they're having this his angel. Like, they're having this his angel. Like, they're having this whole conversation right there. I don't whole conversation right there. I don't whole conversation right there. I don't think it's a lack of faith necessarily. think it's a lack of faith necessarily. think it's a lack of faith necessarily. I just don't think they expected the God I just don't think they expected the God I just don't think they expected the God to answer like that. Certainly not that to answer like that. Certainly not that to answer like that. Certainly not that fast. fast. fast. But look what it says in verse 16. But look what it says in verse 16. But look what it says in verse 16. But Peter continued knocking. I bet he But Peter continued knocking. I bet he But Peter continued knocking. I bet he did. He's like, "Uh, hello. Hey." He did. He's like, "Uh, hello. Hey." He did. He's like, "Uh, hello. Hey." He keeps knocking keeps knocking keeps knocking and it says that and it says that and it says that they opened and when they saw him, they they opened and when they saw him, they they opened and when they saw him, they were amazed. I mean, it's like rockets.

were amazed. I mean, it's like rockets. were amazed. I mean, it's like rockets. They're like, "Yeah, like they're They're like, "Yeah, like they're They're like, "Yeah, like they're they're so excited." We know they got they're so excited." We know they got they're so excited." We know they got loud because in the very next verse it loud because in the very next verse it loud because in the very next verse it says, "But motion them with his hand to says, "But motion them with his hand to says, "But motion them with his hand to be silent." He like, be silent." He like, be silent." He like, "Oh." And he he describes how the Lord "Oh." And he he describes how the Lord "Oh." And he he describes how the Lord had brought him out of prison. And he had brought him out of prison. And he had brought him out of prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to said, "Tell these things to James and to said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Now, when he says James, the brothers." Now, when he says James, the brothers." Now, when he says James, he's clearly not talking about the one he's clearly not talking about the one he's clearly not talking about the one that was beheaded. Okay? He's talking that was beheaded. Okay? He's talking that was beheaded. Okay? He's talking about Jesus's brother, James. Jesus's about Jesus's brother, James. Jesus's about Jesus's brother, James. Jesus's half brother, James. He was the leader half brother, James. He was the leader half brother, James. He was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. He's like, of the church in Jerusalem. He's like, of the church in Jerusalem. He's like, "Hey, tell James, I've been released. "Hey, tell James, I've been released. "Hey, tell James, I've been released. God's done a miracle. Let them know. God's done a miracle. Let them know. God's done a miracle. Let them know. Verse 18. Now when the day came, there Verse 18. Now when the day came, there Verse 18. Now when the day came, there was no little disturbance among the was no little disturbance among the was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. soldiers over what had become of Peter. soldiers over what had become of Peter. You better believe there wasn't. What? You better believe there wasn't. What? You better believe there wasn't. What? Where? Where's Peter? I don't know. You Where? Where's Peter? I don't know. You Where? Where's Peter? I don't know. You know? I don't know. You don't know. What know? I don't know. You don't know. What know? I don't know. You don't know. What do you mean you don't know? do you mean you don't know? do you mean you don't know? Verse 19. After Herod searched for him Verse 19. After Herod searched for him Verse 19. After Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the and did not find him, he examined the and did not find him, he examined the centuries and he ordered that they centuries and he ordered that they centuries and he ordered that they should be put to death. See, I told you. should be put to death. See, I told you. should be put to death. See, I told you. He was not playing around. Where's He was not playing around. Where's He was not playing around. Where's Peter? I don't know. Well, that's too Peter? I don't know. Well, that's too Peter? I don't know. Well, that's too bad for you because you're going to lose bad for you because you're going to lose bad for you because you're going to lose your life.

your life. your life. You go on to the next part. This is kind You go on to the next part. This is kind You go on to the next part. This is kind of a different part of the story. It of a different part of the story. It of a different part of the story. It says, "Now Herod was angry with the says, "Now Herod was angry with the says, "Now Herod was angry with the people of Ty and Siden. They came to him people of Ty and Siden. They came to him people of Ty and Siden. They came to him with one accord. Having persuaded Blas, with one accord. Having persuaded Blas, with one accord. Having persuaded Blas, the king's chamberlain, they asked for the king's chamberlain, they asked for the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace because their country depended on peace because their country depended on peace because their country depended on the king's country for food. On an the king's country for food. On an the king's country for food. On an appointed day, Herod put on his royal appointed day, Herod put on his royal appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes and he took his seat upon the robes and he took his seat upon the robes and he took his seat upon the throne. He delivered an oration to them. throne. He delivered an oration to them. throne. He delivered an oration to them. He was a great speaker." And the people He was a great speaker." And the people He was a great speaker." And the people said this in verse 22, the people were said this in verse 22, the people were said this in verse 22, the people were shouting, the voice of a god and not a shouting, the voice of a god and not a shouting, the voice of a god and not a man. man. man. And immediately an angel of the Lord And immediately an angel of the Lord And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give struck him down because he did not give struck him down because he did not give God the glory and he was eaten by worms God the glory and he was eaten by worms God the glory and he was eaten by worms and he breathed his last. and he breathed his last. and he breathed his last. Hey man, sometimes the Bible goes PG-13r Hey man, sometimes the Bible goes PG-13r Hey man, sometimes the Bible goes PG-13r on us, right? Like just he's died and on us, right? Like just he's died and on us, right? Like just he's died and he's eaten by worms. Verse 24, he's eaten by worms. Verse 24, he's eaten by worms. Verse 24, but the word of God increased and but the word of God increased and but the word of God increased and multiplied. multiplied. multiplied. This is why it's one of my favorite This is why it's one of my favorite This is why it's one of my favorite stories. stories. stories. This guy doesn't give God glory and God This guy doesn't give God glory and God This guy doesn't give God glory and God takes him down. And the very next verse takes him down. And the very next verse takes him down. And the very next verse says this. But you know what? The word says this. But you know what? The word says this. But you know what? The word of God kept growing, kept multiplying, of God kept growing, kept multiplying, of God kept growing, kept multiplying, kept spreading.

kept spreading. kept spreading. So in a few short moments that we have, So in a few short moments that we have, So in a few short moments that we have, let let's talk about this. What what can let let's talk about this. What what can let let's talk about this. What what can we learn from this story? Okay, you can we learn from this story? Okay, you can we learn from this story? Okay, you can see in your notes there. What what can see in your notes there. What what can see in your notes there. What what can we learn from this story? Here's the we learn from this story? Here's the we learn from this story? Here's the first thing I think we learn. first thing I think we learn. first thing I think we learn. Persecution is real. Persecution is real. Persecution is real. Persecution is real. Persecution is real. Persecution is real. Suffering and hardship are expected in Suffering and hardship are expected in Suffering and hardship are expected in the life of a believer. the life of a believer. the life of a believer. Herod laid violent hands on those who Herod laid violent hands on those who Herod laid violent hands on those who are leading the church. Some who are are leading the church. Some who are are leading the church. Some who are leading the church. Look, persecution is leading the church. Look, persecution is leading the church. Look, persecution is real. People are against the gospel. real. People are against the gospel. real. People are against the gospel. People are against Jesus. They're People are against Jesus. They're People are against Jesus. They're resistant to Jesus. They're resistant to resistant to Jesus. They're resistant to resistant to Jesus. They're resistant to him being the only way to God. People him being the only way to God. People him being the only way to God. People are hostile towards followers of Jesus. are hostile towards followers of Jesus. are hostile towards followers of Jesus. Do you understand this? People are Do you understand this? People are Do you understand this? People are against Christianity. People are against against Christianity. People are against against Christianity. People are against the gospel. Persecution is real. It's the gospel. Persecution is real. It's the gospel. Persecution is real. It's happening all around the world. There happening all around the world. There happening all around the world. There are people right now that are losing are people right now that are losing are people right now that are losing their jobs. They're being beaten for their jobs. They're being beaten for their jobs. They're being beaten for their faith. They're being ostracized their faith. They're being ostracized their faith. They're being ostracized from their family. They're being from their family. They're being from their family. They're being ostracized from their village. Some of ostracized from their village. Some of ostracized from their village. Some of them are are losing their very lives them are are losing their very lives them are are losing their very lives because they are believing in Jesus and because they are believing in Jesus and because they are believing in Jesus and preaching the good news of the gospel in preaching the good news of the gospel in preaching the good news of the gospel in the areas they are. They are being the areas they are. They are being the areas they are. They are being persecuted fiercely. And just because persecuted fiercely. And just because persecuted fiercely. And just because you and I may not feel persecution here you and I may not feel persecution here you and I may not feel persecution here as much as they feel it there, doesn't as much as they feel it there, doesn't as much as they feel it there, doesn't mean we can ignore it.

mean we can ignore it. mean we can ignore it. It's happening. It is real. It's happening. It is real. It's happening. It is real. I read a book some time ago by John I read a book some time ago by John I read a book some time ago by John Piper called Spectacular Sins. It's an Piper called Spectacular Sins. It's an Piper called Spectacular Sins. It's an interesting name for a book, Spectacular interesting name for a book, Spectacular interesting name for a book, Spectacular Sins. And in that book, I was challenged Sins. And in that book, I was challenged Sins. And in that book, I was challenged many, many ways. But one of the things many, many ways. But one of the things many, many ways. But one of the things he said in that book was this. People he said in that book was this. People he said in that book was this. People who don't like Christians are all around who don't like Christians are all around who don't like Christians are all around us. It's only a matter of time till the us. It's only a matter of time till the us. It's only a matter of time till the reality of the rest of the world comes reality of the rest of the world comes reality of the rest of the world comes home. And all the while, we are called home. And all the while, we are called home. And all the while, we are called by Christ to go to them. to go to the by Christ to go to them. to go to the by Christ to go to them. to go to the people who persecute us, to go to them people who persecute us, to go to them people who persecute us, to go to them and do what? Love them, sacrifice for and do what? Love them, sacrifice for and do what? Love them, sacrifice for them, bring the gospel to them. The them, bring the gospel to them. The them, bring the gospel to them. The great commission is not child's play. great commission is not child's play. great commission is not child's play. It's costly. It's very costly. Then It's costly. It's very costly. Then It's costly. It's very costly. Then listen to what he says. The coddled listen to what he says. The coddled listen to what he says. The coddled western world will sooner or later give western world will sooner or later give western world will sooner or later give way to great affliction. And when it way to great affliction. And when it way to great affliction. And when it does, whose vision of God will hold? does, whose vision of God will hold? does, whose vision of God will hold? Where are Christians being prepared for Where are Christians being prepared for Where are Christians being prepared for great global sorrows? Because they're great global sorrows? Because they're great global sorrows? Because they're coming. Where is the Christian mind and coming. Where is the Christian mind and coming. Where is the Christian mind and the Christian soul being prepared for the Christian soul being prepared for the Christian soul being prepared for the horrors to come? Christians in the the horrors to come? Christians in the the horrors to come? Christians in the West are weakened by wimpy world views West are weakened by wimpy world views West are weakened by wimpy world views and wimpy world views make wimpy and wimpy world views make wimpy and wimpy world views make wimpy Christians.

Christians. Christians. Wimpy worldviews make wimpy Christians. Wimpy worldviews make wimpy Christians. Wimpy worldviews make wimpy Christians. Persecution is real. John 15:20 Jesus Persecution is real. John 15:20 Jesus Persecution is real. John 15:20 Jesus said, "Remember the word I said to you, said, "Remember the word I said to you, said, "Remember the word I said to you, a servant is not greater than his a servant is not greater than his a servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will master. If they persecuted me, they will master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you. It's gonna happen. 2 persecute you. It's gonna happen. 2 persecute you. It's gonna happen. 2 Timothy 3:12. Timothy 3:12. Timothy 3:12. Indeed, all underline it, circle it, put Indeed, all underline it, circle it, put Indeed, all underline it, circle it, put a star by it. All all, all all, all all a star by it. All all, all all, all all a star by it. All all, all all, all all who desire to live a godly life in who desire to live a godly life in who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Christ Jesus will be persecuted. It's going to happen. Now, he's not It's going to happen. Now, he's not It's going to happen. Now, he's not telling us that we'll fear that, but telling us that we'll fear that, but telling us that we'll fear that, but that we will embrace that and understand that we will embrace that and understand that we will embrace that and understand that and God will get us through that. that and God will get us through that. that and God will get us through that. And we you don't need to go looking for And we you don't need to go looking for And we you don't need to go looking for persecution, but it's going to happen. but it's going to happen. And it's going to happen severely for And it's going to happen severely for And it's going to happen severely for some and it's going to happen less some and it's going to happen less some and it's going to happen less severely for others. We don't know that, severely for others. We don't know that, severely for others. We don't know that, but it's going to happen. 1 Peter 4:12 but it's going to happen. 1 Peter 4:12 but it's going to happen. 1 Peter 4:12 and 19. Beloved, do not be surprised at and 19. Beloved, do not be surprised at and 19. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you the fiery trial when it comes upon you the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange to test you as though something strange to test you as though something strange were happening to you. Do you see that?

were happening to you. Do you see that? were happening to you. Do you see that? For all the believers in the room, none For all the believers in the room, none For all the believers in the room, none of us should be walking out of the doors of us should be walking out of the doors of us should be walking out of the doors today and kind of going, "I can't today and kind of going, "I can't today and kind of going, "I can't believe that suffering's coming. I can't believe that suffering's coming. I can't believe that suffering's coming. I can't believe that suffering's happening. I believe that suffering's happening. I believe that suffering's happening. I can't believe that's happening." None of can't believe that's happening." None of can't believe that's happening." None of us need to walk out here and go, "I just us need to walk out here and go, "I just us need to walk out here and go, "I just didn't know that. I didn't expect that. didn't know that. I didn't expect that. didn't know that. I didn't expect that. I'm so surprised. I'm so shocked." I'm so surprised. I'm so shocked." I'm so surprised. I'm so shocked." None of us as believers need to walk out None of us as believers need to walk out None of us as believers need to walk out thinking that. We need to absolutely thinking that. We need to absolutely thinking that. We need to absolutely understand that it is real and it's understand that it is real and it's understand that it is real and it's coming. And look what it says in verse coming. And look what it says in verse coming. And look what it says in verse 13. But rejoice. It doesn't say 13. But rejoice. It doesn't say 13. But rejoice. It doesn't say complain. It doesn't say fret. It complain. It doesn't say fret. It complain. It doesn't say fret. It doesn't say worry about. It says rejoice doesn't say worry about. It says rejoice doesn't say worry about. It says rejoice in so far as you share Christ's in so far as you share Christ's in so far as you share Christ's sufferings that you may also rejoice and sufferings that you may also rejoice and sufferings that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. be glad when his glory is revealed. be glad when his glory is revealed. Therefore, let those who suffer Therefore, let those who suffer Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their according to God's will entrust their according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing souls to a faithful creator while doing souls to a faithful creator while doing good that you keep on going. Let's be good that you keep on going. Let's be good that you keep on going. Let's be really clear. The suffering that we're really clear. The suffering that we're really clear. The suffering that we're talking about here is not really the talking about here is not really the talking about here is not really the suffering that comes from from illness. suffering that comes from from illness. suffering that comes from from illness. It's not the suffering that kind of It's not the suffering that kind of It's not the suffering that kind of comes from the choices we make. Some of comes from the choices we make. Some of comes from the choices we make. Some of the suffering that we endure in our the suffering that we endure in our the suffering that we endure in our life, it's because we're we've sinned life, it's because we're we've sinned life, it's because we're we've sinned and we're getting that. Some of the and we're getting that. Some of the and we're getting that. Some of the suffering we endure is because we live suffering we endure is because we live suffering we endure is because we live in a fallen, broken world. Understand in a fallen, broken world. Understand in a fallen, broken world. Understand that this suffering in general, Acts that this suffering in general, Acts that this suffering in general, Acts chapter 12, it's talking about someone chapter 12, it's talking about someone chapter 12, it's talking about someone who's spreading the gospel, someone who's spreading the gospel, someone who's spreading the gospel, someone who's proud of Jesus, someone who's not who's proud of Jesus, someone who's not who's proud of Jesus, someone who's not ashamed of the gospel.

Persecution is real. Second thing is Persecution is real. Second thing is this. Prayer is powerful. Okay? I'm not this. Prayer is powerful. Okay? I'm not this. Prayer is powerful. Okay? I'm not telling you anything you don't know, but telling you anything you don't know, but telling you anything you don't know, but what what do we learn from the story? what what do we learn from the story? what what do we learn from the story? What we learn from the story is this. What we learn from the story is this. What we learn from the story is this. Prayer is powerful. It's powerful. The Prayer is powerful. It's powerful. The Prayer is powerful. It's powerful. The people of God, they started praying people of God, they started praying people of God, they started praying earnestly. That word is in there for a earnestly. That word is in there for a earnestly. That word is in there for a reason. It's it's not just some kind of reason. It's it's not just some kind of reason. It's it's not just some kind of half-hearted prayer. It's earnestly. half-hearted prayer. It's earnestly. half-hearted prayer. It's earnestly. It's it's fervently. It's passionately. It's it's fervently. It's passionately. It's it's fervently. It's passionately. There's some intentionality to it. There's some intentionality to it. There's some intentionality to it. They're gathered together. It's They're gathered together. It's They're gathered together. It's powerful. powerful. powerful. James 5:16 in the New Living Translation James 5:16 in the New Living Translation James 5:16 in the New Living Translation says this, "Confess your sins to each says this, "Confess your sins to each says this, "Confess your sins to each other. Pray for each other so you may be other. Pray for each other so you may be other. Pray for each other so you may be healed." And then he goes on to say, the healed." And then he goes on to say, the healed." And then he goes on to say, the earnest prayer of a righteous person. earnest prayer of a righteous person. earnest prayer of a righteous person. Look, not not we're not perfect, but the Look, not not we're not perfect, but the Look, not not we're not perfect, but the the righteous person who's seeking the the righteous person who's seeking the the righteous person who's seeking the Lord, seeking to obey his commands, Lord, seeking to obey his commands, Lord, seeking to obey his commands, seeking to walk in his ways, seeking to seeking to walk in his ways, seeking to seeking to walk in his ways, seeking to live by his grace and for his glory, the live by his grace and for his glory, the live by his grace and for his glory, the righteous person who's living right, has righteous person who's living right, has righteous person who's living right, has great power and produces wonderful great power and produces wonderful great power and produces wonderful results. results. results. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is powerful. Are we a praying church? Are we a praying church? Are we a praying church? Are we a praying church? Are we a praying church? Are we a praying church? Well, the answer is this.

Well, the answer is this. Well, the answer is this. Only if you're praying. Only if you're praying. Only if you're praying. If we're a praying people, then we're a If we're a praying people, then we're a If we're a praying people, then we're a praying church. praying church. praying church. Prayer is powerful. Charles Spurgeon had Prayer is powerful. Charles Spurgeon had Prayer is powerful. Charles Spurgeon had something to say about this passage. He something to say about this passage. He something to say about this passage. He said this, "Let us not say what can said this, "Let us not say what can said this, "Let us not say what can prayer do, but what cannot it do for all prayer do, but what cannot it do for all prayer do, but what cannot it do for all things are possible to him that things are possible to him that things are possible to him that believes." And then he goes on as only believes." And then he goes on as only believes." And then he goes on as only Spurgeon can, and he says it this way. Spurgeon can, and he says it this way. Spurgeon can, and he says it this way. It's clear that these friends fully It's clear that these friends fully It's clear that these friends fully believe that there is power in prayer. believe that there is power in prayer. believe that there is power in prayer. For Peter being in prison, they did not For Peter being in prison, they did not For Peter being in prison, they did not meet together to arrange a plan for meet together to arrange a plan for meet together to arrange a plan for getting him out. Some wise brother might getting him out. Some wise brother might getting him out. Some wise brother might have suggested the bribing of the guards have suggested the bribing of the guards have suggested the bribing of the guards and another might have suggested and another might have suggested and another might have suggested something else but they did away with something else but they did away with something else but they did away with that planning and they took themselves that planning and they took themselves that planning and they took themselves to praying. He goes on to say, I do not to praying. He goes on to say, I do not to praying. He goes on to say, I do not find that they met to petition Herod. It find that they met to petition Herod. It find that they met to petition Herod. It would have been no avail to ask that would have been no avail to ask that would have been no avail to ask that monster to relent. They might as well monster to relent. They might as well monster to relent. They might as well request a wolf to release a lamb which request a wolf to release a lamb which request a wolf to release a lamb which he has seized. No, the petitions were he has seized. No, the petitions were he has seized. No, the petitions were made to the great invisible God. It made to the great invisible God. It made to the great invisible God. It looked as if they could do nothing, but looked as if they could do nothing, but looked as if they could do nothing, but they felt they could do everything by they felt they could do everything by they felt they could do everything by prayer. prayer. prayer. Prayer is powerful. Here's the third Prayer is powerful. Here's the third Prayer is powerful. Here's the third thing we see. Pride is fatal. So thing we see. Pride is fatal. So thing we see. Pride is fatal. So persecution is real and prayer is persecution is real and prayer is persecution is real and prayer is powerful. And pride is fatal.

powerful. And pride is fatal. powerful. And pride is fatal. Like it destroys. Like it destroys. Like it destroys. It destroys the soul. Seeking our own It destroys the soul. Seeking our own It destroys the soul. Seeking our own glory over God's glory is destructive to glory over God's glory is destructive to glory over God's glory is destructive to our soul. It's not how God designed us our soul. It's not how God designed us our soul. It's not how God designed us to live, but it sure is how sin directs to live, but it sure is how sin directs to live, but it sure is how sin directs us to live. It's fatal. I want to speak us to live. It's fatal. I want to speak us to live. It's fatal. I want to speak to the unbeliever who's among us today. to the unbeliever who's among us today. to the unbeliever who's among us today. Thanks for being here. But I I needed I Thanks for being here. But I I needed I Thanks for being here. But I I needed I need to lovingly tell you this. Pride is need to lovingly tell you this. Pride is need to lovingly tell you this. Pride is fatal. If you continue on the journey fatal. If you continue on the journey fatal. If you continue on the journey you're on right now, your pride will you're on right now, your pride will you're on right now, your pride will destroy you for all eternity. And if you destroy you for all eternity. And if you destroy you for all eternity. And if you go if you die in the condition you're in go if you die in the condition you're in go if you die in the condition you're in right now, you will spend all eternity right now, you will spend all eternity right now, you will spend all eternity in hell. And that simply means that in hell. And that simply means that in hell. And that simply means that you'll be apart from God forever. Pride you'll be apart from God forever. Pride you'll be apart from God forever. Pride is fatal. If you think you don't need is fatal. If you think you don't need is fatal. If you think you don't need God, if you think that you can make it God, if you think that you can make it God, if you think that you can make it on your own, if you think that you can on your own, if you think that you can on your own, if you think that you can stand before a holy God and plead your stand before a holy God and plead your stand before a holy God and plead your case on your own, you are wrong. Pride case on your own, you are wrong. Pride case on your own, you are wrong. Pride will destroy you. It's the root of every will destroy you. It's the root of every will destroy you. It's the root of every sin that every one of us commits because sin that every one of us commits because sin that every one of us commits because we want things to be our own way. We we want things to be our own way. We we want things to be our own way. We want to be number one. We want to be the want to be number one. We want to be the want to be number one. We want to be the one that sits on the throne of our heart one that sits on the throne of our heart one that sits on the throne of our heart and it's fatal. And as a belie as an and it's fatal. And as a belie as an and it's fatal. And as a belie as an unbeliever, I would plead with you unbeliever, I would plead with you unbeliever, I would plead with you today, today, today, repent of your sins and realize that repent of your sins and realize that repent of your sins and realize that only Jesus Christ can save you.

only Jesus Christ can save you. only Jesus Christ can save you. That pride is is fatal. That pride is is fatal. That pride is is fatal. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction and a hotty spirit before a destruction and a hotty spirit before a destruction and a hotty spirit before a fall." I do want to speak to the fall." I do want to speak to the fall." I do want to speak to the believer in the room, too, because there believer in the room, too, because there believer in the room, too, because there are many believers who struggle with are many believers who struggle with are many believers who struggle with pride. That you've allowed pride to pride. That you've allowed pride to pride. That you've allowed pride to creep in. You're a glory thief and you creep in. You're a glory thief and you creep in. You're a glory thief and you want glory. You want to take glory over want glory. You want to take glory over want glory. You want to take glory over God's own glory. You wouldn't say it God's own glory. You wouldn't say it God's own glory. You wouldn't say it that way, but you live that way that way, but you live that way that way, but you live that way functionally. functionally. functionally. And and I know I see a glory thief in And and I know I see a glory thief in And and I know I see a glory thief in the mirror every day. I know that. And the mirror every day. I know that. And the mirror every day. I know that. And for you, let me tell you what pride does for you, let me tell you what pride does for you, let me tell you what pride does in your life. See, pride now, if you in your life. See, pride now, if you in your life. See, pride now, if you habitually do it, then I think it proves habitually do it, then I think it proves habitually do it, then I think it proves you're not a believer. But if you're you're not a believer. But if you're you're not a believer. But if you're struggling with it on and on and on, I struggling with it on and on and on, I struggling with it on and on and on, I still think you can be a believer. But still think you can be a believer. But still think you can be a believer. But what happens is pride will quench the what happens is pride will quench the what happens is pride will quench the spirit in your life. Pride will grieve spirit in your life. Pride will grieve spirit in your life. Pride will grieve the spirit in your life. Pride will the spirit in your life. Pride will the spirit in your life. Pride will destroy relationships in your life. It destroy relationships in your life. It destroy relationships in your life. It will it will bring damage in a lot of will it will bring damage in a lot of will it will bring damage in a lot of things you do. Like pride will bring things you do. Like pride will bring things you do. Like pride will bring about destruction in your life. about destruction in your life. about destruction in your life. It's fatal. It's real. Fourth thing is It's fatal. It's real. Fourth thing is It's fatal. It's real. Fourth thing is this. God's purposes will prevail. God's this. God's purposes will prevail. God's this. God's purposes will prevail. God's purposes are going to prevail. Like no purposes are going to prevail. Like no purposes are going to prevail. Like no one's stopping God. No one's stopping one's stopping God. No one's stopping one's stopping God. No one's stopping the gospel. No one's stopping his plan the gospel. No one's stopping his plan the gospel. No one's stopping his plan from taking place. You're not going to from taking place. You're not going to from taking place. You're not going to stop it. The devil's not going to stop stop it. The devil's not going to stop stop it. The devil's not going to stop it. The world's not going to stop it.

it. The world's not going to stop it. it. The world's not going to stop it. Nobody's gonna stop the gospel from Nobody's gonna stop the gospel from Nobody's gonna stop the gospel from spreading, from multiplying for God spreading, from multiplying for God spreading, from multiplying for God accomplishing his purposes. He will accomplishing his purposes. He will accomplishing his purposes. He will prevail. The word of God increased. It prevail. The word of God increased. It prevail. The word of God increased. It multiplied. It was taking root in their multiplied. It was taking root in their multiplied. It was taking root in their own heart and spreading to others. own heart and spreading to others. own heart and spreading to others. Like, it's going to prevail. That's what Like, it's going to prevail. That's what Like, it's going to prevail. That's what this story teaches us. Job 42:2, Job this story teaches us. Job 42:2, Job this story teaches us. Job 42:2, Job suffered a lot in his time. And here's suffered a lot in his time. And here's suffered a lot in his time. And here's what he said. at the end of his life. I what he said. at the end of his life. I what he said. at the end of his life. I know that you can do all things and no know that you can do all things and no know that you can do all things and no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Here's purpose of yours can be thwarted. Here's purpose of yours can be thwarted. Here's a man who suffered intensely because of a man who suffered intensely because of a man who suffered intensely because of his faith in God. He suffered intensely his faith in God. He suffered intensely his faith in God. He suffered intensely because the Lord gave freedom for the because the Lord gave freedom for the because the Lord gave freedom for the enemy to come do some things. And at the enemy to come do some things. And at the enemy to come do some things. And at the very end, Job says, I know you can do very end, Job says, I know you can do very end, Job says, I know you can do all things and I know that no purpose of all things and I know that no purpose of all things and I know that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. It cannot be yours can be thwarted. It cannot be yours can be thwarted. It cannot be stopped. stopped. stopped. You know, some of you are old enough to You know, some of you are old enough to You know, some of you are old enough to remember this, but I remember when remember this, but I remember when remember this, but I remember when people would say, man, they took prayer people would say, man, they took prayer people would say, man, they took prayer out of school, right? which they did out of school, right? which they did out of school, right? which they did technically, I guess, in the public technically, I guess, in the public technically, I guess, in the public school, but you can't take prayer out of school, but you can't take prayer out of school, but you can't take prayer out of school. You can't take prayer out of out school. You can't take prayer out of out school. You can't take prayer out of out of You can't take prayer out of places. of You can't take prayer out of places. of You can't take prayer out of places. You can pray anywhere you want to. You You can pray anywhere you want to. You You can pray anywhere you want to. You can pray to God with your heart. You can can pray to God with your heart. You can can pray to God with your heart. You can you can pray anywhere you want to.

you can pray anywhere you want to. you can pray anywhere you want to. Here's a little news flash. You can Here's a little news flash. You can Here's a little news flash. You can actually pray with your eyes open. actually pray with your eyes open. actually pray with your eyes open. Preferably when you're driving, you can Preferably when you're driving, you can Preferably when you're driving, you can pray with your eyes open. Like it's it's pray with your eyes open. Like it's it's pray with your eyes open. Like it's it's something you can do. They can't stop something you can do. They can't stop something you can do. They can't stop you. They can see that you're there. you. They can see that you're there. you. They can see that you're there. They don't know that you're going to to They don't know that you're going to to They don't know that you're going to to to the throne of God with your eyes to the throne of God with your eyes to the throne of God with your eyes open. You can pray anywhere. No one's open. You can pray anywhere. No one's open. You can pray anywhere. No one's going to stop that. They've tried to going to stop that. They've tried to going to stop that. They've tried to shut down churches in other countries. shut down churches in other countries. shut down churches in other countries. They've imprisoned believers in other They've imprisoned believers in other They've imprisoned believers in other countries. They've removed Bibles in countries. They've removed Bibles in countries. They've removed Bibles in other countries. But let me tell you other countries. But let me tell you other countries. But let me tell you something. Nothing will stop the gospel. something. Nothing will stop the gospel. something. Nothing will stop the gospel. Nothing. It's going to keep going. It's Nothing. It's going to keep going. It's Nothing. It's going to keep going. It's going to keep multiplying. It's going to going to keep multiplying. It's going to going to keep multiplying. It's going to keep spreading. It's not going to be keep spreading. It's not going to be keep spreading. It's not going to be stopped. All right? stopped. All right? stopped. All right? That's what part of the story teaches That's what part of the story teaches That's what part of the story teaches us. So, what do we do with that? How do us. So, what do we do with that? How do us. So, what do we do with that? How do we walk out of here today? we walk out of here today? we walk out of here today? Well, I got a few things to tell you Well, I got a few things to tell you Well, I got a few things to tell you about that. First one is this. Be about that. First one is this. Be about that. First one is this. Be prepared. Look, be prepared. prepared. Look, be prepared. prepared. Look, be prepared. Persecution's real. Prayer's powerful. Persecution's real. Prayer's powerful. Persecution's real. Prayer's powerful. Pride's fatal, right? God's purposes Pride's fatal, right? God's purposes Pride's fatal, right? God's purposes prevail. So, how are we going to walk prevail. So, how are we going to walk prevail. So, how are we going to walk out of here today? Well, be prepared.

out of here today? Well, be prepared. out of here today? Well, be prepared. Understand that we're in a battle. Understand that we're in a battle. Understand that we're in a battle. Un understand that we're in a war. Un understand that we're in a war. Un understand that we're in a war. There's an enemy who is after us, is There's an enemy who is after us, is There's an enemy who is after us, is working against us. working against us. working against us. Be prepared for that. Be prepared for that. Be prepared for that. Look, we got to quit walking out of our Look, we got to quit walking out of our Look, we got to quit walking out of our houses, so to speak, in our bathroes and houses, so to speak, in our bathroes and houses, so to speak, in our bathroes and our house robes and start clothing our house robes and start clothing our house robes and start clothing ourselves in the armor of God. We got ourselves in the armor of God. We got ourselves in the armor of God. We got way too many people who think we're on a way too many people who think we're on a way too many people who think we're on a cruise ship when we're actually on a cruise ship when we're actually on a cruise ship when we're actually on a battleship. We're in a war. battleship. We're in a war. battleship. We're in a war. Satan hates us. Satan hates us. Satan hates us. He's after us. Look what it says in 1 He's after us. Look what it says in 1 He's after us. Look what it says in 1 Peter 5 8-11. Be soberminded. Be Peter 5 8-11. Be soberminded. Be Peter 5 8-11. Be soberminded. Be watchful. Don't be lazy. Be aware. Your watchful. Don't be lazy. Be aware. Your watchful. Don't be lazy. Be aware. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like adversary, the devil, prowls around like adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to a roaring lion seeking someone to a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. That's a great visual. The devour. That's a great visual. The devour. That's a great visual. The enemy, the devil, he seeks for someone enemy, the devil, he seeks for someone enemy, the devil, he seeks for someone to devour. And let me tell you to devour. And let me tell you to devour. And let me tell you something, your spouse is not the enemy. something, your spouse is not the enemy. something, your spouse is not the enemy. Your kids are not the enemy. Your Your kids are not the enemy. Your Your kids are not the enemy. Your parents aren't the enemy. Your grandkids parents aren't the enemy. Your grandkids parents aren't the enemy. Your grandkids aren't the enemy. Your grandparents aren't the enemy. Your grandparents aren't the enemy. Your grandparents aren't the enemy. Hollywood's not the aren't the enemy. Hollywood's not the aren't the enemy. Hollywood's not the enemy. Social media is not the enemy. enemy. Social media is not the enemy. enemy. Social media is not the enemy. The culture is not the enemy. Satan is The culture is not the enemy. Satan is The culture is not the enemy. Satan is the enemy. And he hates you. He doesn't the enemy. And he hates you. He doesn't the enemy. And he hates you. He doesn't care if you're young. He doesn't care if care if you're young. He doesn't care if care if you're young. He doesn't care if you're old. He doesn't care if your you're old. He doesn't care if your you're old. He doesn't care if your marriage is on the rocks. He doesn't marriage is on the rocks. He doesn't marriage is on the rocks. He doesn't care if your marriage is amazing. He care if your marriage is amazing. He care if your marriage is amazing. He hates you.

hates you. hates you. He hates us and he's after us. He hates us and he's after us. He hates us and he's after us. He's out to destroy. You better believe He's out to destroy. You better believe He's out to destroy. You better believe it. And we cannot afford to be it. And we cannot afford to be it. And we cannot afford to be unprepared. We got to be prepared for unprepared. We got to be prepared for unprepared. We got to be prepared for that. that. that. Look what it says. It says, "Resist him Look what it says. It says, "Resist him Look what it says. It says, "Resist him firm in your faith, knowing that the firm in your faith, knowing that the firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being same kinds of suffering are being same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood experienced by your brotherhood experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." Look, we can throughout the world." Look, we can throughout the world." Look, we can resist him. It can be done. We can resist him. It can be done. We can resist him. It can be done. We can resist him knowing that your brothers resist him knowing that your brothers resist him knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world, and sisters throughout the world, and sisters throughout the world, they're they're suffering. And he says, they're they're suffering. And he says, they're they're suffering. And he says, "And after you've suffered a little "And after you've suffered a little "And after you've suffered a little while," I want to stop right there. while," I want to stop right there. while," I want to stop right there. After you've suffered for a little After you've suffered for a little After you've suffered for a little while, let me tell you something. while, let me tell you something. while, let me tell you something. Suffering for a little while, God Suffering for a little while, God Suffering for a little while, God determines that. You may suffer for two determines that. You may suffer for two determines that. You may suffer for two weeks, you may suffer for for two days, weeks, you may suffer for for two days, weeks, you may suffer for for two days, you may suffer for two years, you may you may suffer for two years, you may you may suffer for two years, you may suffer for 20 years, you may suffer for suffer for 20 years, you may suffer for suffer for 20 years, you may suffer for 80 years. And I do not mean any 80 years. And I do not mean any 80 years. And I do not mean any disrespect, and I say this with all the disrespect, and I say this with all the disrespect, and I say this with all the humility that I can, but listen, even if humility that I can, but listen, even if humility that I can, but listen, even if you suffer for 80 years, that is only a you suffer for 80 years, that is only a you suffer for 80 years, that is only a dot compared to all of eternity. dot compared to all of eternity. dot compared to all of eternity. He says, after you suffered a little He says, after you suffered a little He says, after you suffered a little while, you don't determine that. God while, you don't determine that. God while, you don't determine that. God determines that. After you suffer for a determines that. After you suffer for a determines that. After you suffer for a little while, listen to what happens.

little while, listen to what happens. little while, listen to what happens. The God of all grace who has called you The God of all grace who has called you The God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will to his eternal glory in Christ will to his eternal glory in Christ will himself, I love that. He's not himself, I love that. He's not himself, I love that. He's not outsourcing. He's not farming it out. outsourcing. He's not farming it out. outsourcing. He's not farming it out. He's saying, "I'm I got this. I got this He's saying, "I'm I got this. I got this He's saying, "I'm I got this. I got this myself." And here's what he's going to myself." And here's what he's going to myself." And here's what he's going to do. He will restore. He will confirm. He do. He will restore. He will confirm. He do. He will restore. He will confirm. He will strengthen. And he will establish will strengthen. And he will establish will strengthen. And he will establish you. And to him be the dominion forever you. And to him be the dominion forever you. And to him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. and ever. Amen. and ever. Amen. Listen, we may suffer for a little Listen, we may suffer for a little Listen, we may suffer for a little while. And and I don't want you to fear while. And and I don't want you to fear while. And and I don't want you to fear it. Look, it's going to be hard. It's it. Look, it's going to be hard. It's it. Look, it's going to be hard. It's going to be miserable. There's going to going to be miserable. There's going to going to be miserable. There's going to be tears. There's going to be questions. be tears. There's going to be questions. be tears. There's going to be questions. There's going to be frustrations. There's going to be frustrations. There's going to be frustrations. There's going to be all kinds of things. There's going to be all kinds of things. There's going to be all kinds of things. But listen, he says you're going to But listen, he says you're going to But listen, he says you're going to suffer for a little while. He's telling suffer for a little while. He's telling suffer for a little while. He's telling you to be prepared for that. Know that you to be prepared for that. Know that you to be prepared for that. Know that it's coming. And he's going to be with it's coming. And he's going to be with it's coming. And he's going to be with us. He's going to walk with us. And at us. He's going to walk with us. And at us. He's going to walk with us. And at the right time, he's going to the right time, he's going to the right time, he's going to strengthen, confirm, restore, establish strengthen, confirm, restore, establish strengthen, confirm, restore, establish you. He'll do that. All right. Be you. He'll do that. All right. Be you. He'll do that. All right. Be prepared. Here's the next thing. Be prepared. Here's the next thing. Be prepared. Here's the next thing. Be prayerful. Be prayerful. Let's be a prayerful. Be prayerful. Let's be a prayerful. Be prayerful. Let's be a prayerful people. Let's not just say it. prayerful people. Let's not just say it. prayerful people. Let's not just say it. Let's actually be that. Let's be a Let's actually be that. Let's be a Let's actually be that. Let's be a praying people. And listen, sometimes praying people. And listen, sometimes praying people. And listen, sometimes people aren't praying people because you people aren't praying people because you people aren't praying people because you feel inadequate. You feel like you don't feel inadequate. You feel like you don't feel inadequate. You feel like you don't know how to pray. When you feel know how to pray. When you feel know how to pray. When you feel inadequate at something, you don't do it inadequate at something, you don't do it inadequate at something, you don't do it as often. If you don't feel like you can as often. If you don't feel like you can as often. If you don't feel like you can cook, then you kind of shy away from cook, then you kind of shy away from cook, then you kind of shy away from cooking. If you don't feel like you know cooking. If you don't feel like you know cooking. If you don't feel like you know how to fish, then you don't go fishing.

how to fish, then you don't go fishing. how to fish, then you don't go fishing. If you don't feel like you can ride a If you don't feel like you can ride a If you don't feel like you can ride a bike, you don't ride a bike. If you have bike, you don't ride a bike. If you have bike, you don't ride a bike. If you have some kind of fear, you don't you don't some kind of fear, you don't you don't some kind of fear, you don't you don't feel adequate in knowing what to do, feel adequate in knowing what to do, feel adequate in knowing what to do, then a lot of times you don't do it. It then a lot of times you don't do it. It then a lot of times you don't do it. It just paralyzes you. And there are so just paralyzes you. And there are so just paralyzes you. And there are so many people who are believers who don't many people who are believers who don't many people who are believers who don't know how to pray because you're like, I know how to pray because you're like, I know how to pray because you're like, I I just don't know how to do this. I just don't know how to do this. I just don't know how to do this. And so because you don't know how to do And so because you don't know how to do And so because you don't know how to do it, you kind of shy away from it or you it, you kind of shy away from it or you it, you kind of shy away from it or you have a real watered down version of it. have a real watered down version of it. have a real watered down version of it. But we got to be prayerful. And as we But we got to be prayerful. And as we But we got to be prayerful. And as we say that, let me just say encourage you. say that, let me just say encourage you. say that, let me just say encourage you. I want to encourage you like be a pray I want to encourage you like be a pray I want to encourage you like be a pray now person. Be a pray now person. Do you now person. Be a pray now person. Do you now person. Be a pray now person. Do you know what that means? It means you pray know what that means? It means you pray know what that means? It means you pray right then. Someone says, "Man, hey, right then. Someone says, "Man, hey, right then. Someone says, "Man, hey, will you pray for me?" Yep. Yep. Let's will you pray for me?" Yep. Yep. Let's will you pray for me?" Yep. Yep. Let's do it right now. I promise you the first do it right now. I promise you the first do it right now. I promise you the first time you do it, they'll be like, "Wait, time you do it, they'll be like, "Wait, time you do it, they'll be like, "Wait, wait, wait. Right here?" "Yep, right wait, wait. Right here?" "Yep, right wait, wait. Right here?" "Yep, right here. You just asked me to pray for here. You just asked me to pray for here. You just asked me to pray for you." I know, but I thought you'd do it you." I know, but I thought you'd do it you." I know, but I thought you'd do it when you get home. Well, I'll do that, when you get home. Well, I'll do that, when you get home. Well, I'll do that, too, but let's do it right now. Let's too, but let's do it right now. Let's too, but let's do it right now. Let's pray right now. You mean right here in pray right now. You mean right here in pray right now. You mean right here in front of everybody? Yep. Or we can go in front of everybody? Yep. Or we can go in front of everybody? Yep. Or we can go in the corner right there. Let's do it the corner right there. Let's do it the corner right there. Let's do it right now. Let's pray. Be a pray now right now. Let's pray. Be a pray now right now. Let's pray. Be a pray now person. Just pray for them. Send them person. Just pray for them. Send them person. Just pray for them. Send them the text right then. Make the call right the text right then. Make the call right the text right then. Make the call right then. In that moment, pray for them in then. In that moment, pray for them in then. In that moment, pray for them in that very moment. Make a decision to be that very moment. Make a decision to be that very moment. Make a decision to be that kind of person. Listen, exercise that kind of person. Listen, exercise that kind of person. Listen, exercise that muscle in your life. And then when that muscle in your life. And then when that muscle in your life. And then when you pray, let's pray some scripture you pray, let's pray some scripture you pray, let's pray some scripture saturated prayers. Can we do that? Let's saturated prayers. Can we do that? Let's saturated prayers. Can we do that? Let's pray some scripture saturated prayers pray some scripture saturated prayers pray some scripture saturated prayers because some people are like, "Man, I because some people are like, "Man, I because some people are like, "Man, I don't know what to pray." Well, let me don't know what to pray." Well, let me don't know what to pray." Well, let me tell you something. Got a little cheat tell you something. Got a little cheat tell you something. Got a little cheat sheet for you called the book of Psalms.

sheet for you called the book of Psalms. sheet for you called the book of Psalms. Amazing. There's other prayers in the Amazing. There's other prayers in the Amazing. There's other prayers in the scriptures, too, but it will help you scriptures, too, but it will help you scriptures, too, but it will help you learn how to pray. Let's pray some learn how to pray. Let's pray some learn how to pray. Let's pray some scripture saturated prayers. You say, scripture saturated prayers. You say, scripture saturated prayers. You say, "What do you mean by that?" Here's what "What do you mean by that?" Here's what "What do you mean by that?" Here's what I mean. I don't want to offend anybody, I mean. I don't want to offend anybody, I mean. I don't want to offend anybody, but man, sometimes when people pray, but man, sometimes when people pray, but man, sometimes when people pray, here's what people pray. Hey, would God, here's what people pray. Hey, would God, here's what people pray. Hey, would God, would you uh would you be with so- and would you uh would you be with so- and would you uh would you be with so- and so? so? so? Oh, okay. Well, I mean, it's nice that Oh, okay. Well, I mean, it's nice that Oh, okay. Well, I mean, it's nice that you would pray that. Hey, God, would you you would pray that. Hey, God, would you you would pray that. Hey, God, would you be with them? Would you be with her? I be with them? Would you be with her? I be with them? Would you be with her? I get it. I'm thankful. God can translate. get it. I'm thankful. God can translate. get it. I'm thankful. God can translate. Okay, he can. Okay, he can. Okay, he can. But don't you want something with a But don't you want something with a But don't you want something with a little more grit than that? little more grit than that? little more grit than that? Don't Don't you want someone with a Don't Don't you want someone with a Don't Don't you want someone with a little more grit than that? How about little more grit than that? How about little more grit than that? How about this? this? this? Hey, God. Uh, I know that she's worried Hey, God. Uh, I know that she's worried Hey, God. Uh, I know that she's worried and she's anxious and she feels really and she's anxious and she feels really and she's anxious and she feels really overwhelmed right now, but would you overwhelmed right now, but would you overwhelmed right now, but would you help her not to worry about anything? help her not to worry about anything? help her not to worry about anything? Would you help her to pray about Would you help her to pray about Would you help her to pray about everything? Would you help her to let everything? Would you help her to let everything? Would you help her to let her request be known to you, God? And her request be known to you, God? And her request be known to you, God? And would you give her a peace that will would you give her a peace that will would you give her a peace that will pass all comprehension that will guard pass all comprehension that will guard pass all comprehension that will guard her heart and her mind in you, Jesus? Do her heart and her mind in you, Jesus? Do her heart and her mind in you, Jesus? Do you feel the grit in that? It's got a you feel the grit in that? It's got a you feel the grit in that? It's got a little more moxy to it. Oh, God, would little more moxy to it. Oh, God, would little more moxy to it. Oh, God, would you would you help them? Would you help you would you help them? Would you help you would you help them? Would you help him to know that you're Lord? Would you him to know that you're Lord? Would you him to know that you're Lord? Would you help him not to be dismayed? Would you help him not to be dismayed? Would you help him not to be dismayed? Would you help him not to be discouraged? Would help him not to be discouraged? Would help him not to be discouraged? Would you strengthen him? Would you help him?

you strengthen him? Would you help him? you strengthen him? Would you help him? Would you uphold him with your righteous Would you uphold him with your righteous Would you uphold him with your righteous right hand? It's Isaiah 41:10. right hand? It's Isaiah 41:10. right hand? It's Isaiah 41:10. Look, let's pray with some moxy. And the Look, let's pray with some moxy. And the Look, let's pray with some moxy. And the way we do that is through scripture way we do that is through scripture way we do that is through scripture saturated prayer. That takes a little saturated prayer. That takes a little saturated prayer. That takes a little work. If you don't know how to do that, work. If you don't know how to do that, work. If you don't know how to do that, we'd love to help you know how to do we'd love to help you know how to do we'd love to help you know how to do that. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray without that. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray without that. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, pray without ceasing. Let me just translate that for ceasing. Let me just translate that for ceasing. Let me just translate that for you. It means never stop praying. you. It means never stop praying. you. It means never stop praying. Never stop praying. Always be praying. 1 Never stop praying. Always be praying. 1 Never stop praying. Always be praying. 1 Timothy Timothy 2:1. First of all, then Timothy Timothy 2:1. First of all, then Timothy Timothy 2:1. First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, I urge that supplications, prayers, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for intercessions, thanksgivings be made for intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all people. This says pray for all all people. This says pray for all all people. This says pray for all people. Intercede for all people. It people. Intercede for all people. It people. Intercede for all people. It means you don't just pray for the people means you don't just pray for the people means you don't just pray for the people who look like you, the people who vote who look like you, the people who vote who look like you, the people who vote like you, the people live in your like you, the people live in your like you, the people live in your neighborhood, the people in the same neighborhood, the people in the same neighborhood, the people in the same economic status as you. It says pray for economic status as you. It says pray for economic status as you. It says pray for everyone. everyone. everyone. It goes on to say this in Ephesians 6, It goes on to say this in Ephesians 6, It goes on to say this in Ephesians 6, praying at all times in the spirit with praying at all times in the spirit with praying at all times in the spirit with all prayer and supplication. to that all prayer and supplication. to that all prayer and supplication. to that end. Keep alert with all perseverance, end. Keep alert with all perseverance, end. Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for the saints. Be making supplication for the saints. Be making supplication for the saints. Be prepared, persevere, keep praying. Says prepared, persevere, keep praying. Says prepared, persevere, keep praying. Says it over and over again.

it over and over again. it over and over again. I'd love to stay there, but I need to I'd love to stay there, but I need to I'd love to stay there, but I need to keep moving. Uh, third thing is this. keep moving. Uh, third thing is this. keep moving. Uh, third thing is this. Give God glory. Give God glory. Give God glory. Hey, stop stop being a glory thief. Stop Hey, stop stop being a glory thief. Stop Hey, stop stop being a glory thief. Stop want life to be all about you. Give God want life to be all about you. Give God want life to be all about you. Give God glory. He's worthy of it. He's worthy of glory. He's worthy of it. He's worthy of glory. He's worthy of it. He's worthy of all praise. He's worthy of all glory. all praise. He's worthy of all glory. all praise. He's worthy of all glory. He's worthy of all honor. Give him the He's worthy of all honor. Give him the He's worthy of all honor. Give him the glory he deserves. You praise God by glory he deserves. You praise God by glory he deserves. You praise God by singing to him. You praise God in the singing to him. You praise God in the singing to him. You praise God in the way that you give. You praise God in the way that you give. You praise God in the way that you give. You praise God in the way that you serve. You praise God in way that you serve. You praise God in way that you serve. You praise God in the way that you spend time in the word. the way that you spend time in the word. the way that you spend time in the word. You praise God in spiritual community. You praise God in spiritual community. You praise God in spiritual community. The D-groups that we have like we praise The D-groups that we have like we praise The D-groups that we have like we praise God in multiple ways. We give him glory. God in multiple ways. We give him glory. God in multiple ways. We give him glory. Give him glory. Quit seeking your own Give him glory. Quit seeking your own Give him glory. Quit seeking your own praise and seek the praise of God. Psalm praise and seek the praise of God. Psalm praise and seek the praise of God. Psalm 96, ascribe to the Lord. That means to 96, ascribe to the Lord. That means to 96, ascribe to the Lord. That means to give it passionately, to give it give it passionately, to give it give it passionately, to give it wholeheartedly. Ascribe to the Lord, oh wholeheartedly. Ascribe to the Lord, oh wholeheartedly. Ascribe to the Lord, oh families of the people. Ascribe to the families of the people. Ascribe to the families of the people. Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory to his name. Give it to Lord the glory to his name. Give it to Lord the glory to his name. Give it to him. Bring an offering. Come unto his him. Bring an offering. Come unto his him. Bring an offering. Come unto his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. Tremble before him all the of holiness. Tremble before him all the of holiness. Tremble before him all the earth. Look, I don't know how your earth. Look, I don't know how your earth. Look, I don't know how your praise and worships going in your life, praise and worships going in your life, praise and worships going in your life, but I guess that all of us could use but I guess that all of us could use but I guess that all of us could use some boost in it, right? That we bless some boost in it, right? That we bless some boost in it, right? That we bless the Lord at all times. Give God glory.

the Lord at all times. Give God glory. the Lord at all times. Give God glory. Herod didn't. Herod didn't. Herod didn't. Herod didn't. Herod didn't. Herod didn't. Don't be that. Don't be that. Don't be that. Psalm 96. Uh, I just read that. Let's Psalm 96. Uh, I just read that. Let's Psalm 96. Uh, I just read that. Let's here's the last thing I encourage you to here's the last thing I encourage you to here's the last thing I encourage you to be encouraged. Okay? Be encouraged. be encouraged. Okay? Be encouraged. be encouraged. Okay? Be encouraged. Be encouraged. Look, this story is an Be encouraged. Look, this story is an Be encouraged. Look, this story is an encouraging story. I don't want you to encouraging story. I don't want you to encouraging story. I don't want you to feel beat up today. You're like, "Sure, feel beat up today. You're like, "Sure, feel beat up today. You're like, "Sure, a funny way of doing it." Uh, yeah. I a funny way of doing it." Uh, yeah. I a funny way of doing it." Uh, yeah. I don't I don't want you be beat up today. don't I don't want you be beat up today. don't I don't want you be beat up today. I want you to be encouraged. I do. I want you to be encouraged. I do. I want you to be encouraged. I do. Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:6, for I am sure of this, that he who began for I am sure of this, that he who began for I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will be faithful to a good work in you will be faithful to a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus complete it until the day of Jesus complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Look, God's not done with you Christ. Look, God's not done with you Christ. Look, God's not done with you yet. He's not done with me yet. yet. He's not done with me yet. yet. He's not done with me yet. He's still working on our story, right? He's still working on our story, right? He's still working on our story, right? And God wants to keep using. I want you And God wants to keep using. I want you And God wants to keep using. I want you to be encouraged today. to be encouraged today. to be encouraged today. I want you to know that persecution is I want you to know that persecution is I want you to know that persecution is real. I want you to know that prayer is real. I want you to know that prayer is real. I want you to know that prayer is powerful. I want you to be able to to powerful. I want you to be able to to powerful. I want you to be able to to live these things out. live these things out. live these things out. And here's what I want you to know. And here's what I want you to know. And here's what I want you to know. Here's what I want you to be encouraged Here's what I want you to be encouraged Here's what I want you to be encouraged with. We do know that there was one who with. We do know that there was one who with. We do know that there was one who suffered, who was persecuted suffered, who was persecuted suffered, who was persecuted for our sake.

for our sake. for our sake. He took our sins upon himself. He took our sins upon himself. He took our sins upon himself. He was our substitute. He was our substitute. He was our substitute. We know that he was prayerful in all his We know that he was prayerful in all his We know that he was prayerful in all his actions. actions. actions. We know that he gave glory to God in We know that he gave glory to God in We know that he gave glory to God in word and deed. word and deed. word and deed. And as we read [music] about this And as we read [music] about this And as we read [music] about this miracle rescue today, here's what we miracle rescue today, here's what we miracle rescue today, here's what we know. That there is one who provided know. That there is one who provided know. That there is one who provided another miraculous rescue. It was the another miraculous rescue. It was the another miraculous rescue. It was the day that Jesus saved us from our sins. day that Jesus saved us from our sins. day that Jesus saved us from our sins. It's the day that he woke us up from our It's the day that he woke us up from our It's the day that he woke us up from our slumber. He released the chains that slumber. He released the chains that slumber. He released the chains that were holding us prisoner and he opened were holding us prisoner and he opened were holding us prisoner and he opened the gates to set us free. the gates to set us free. the gates to set us free. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. The one who was persecuted for our sake. The one who was persecuted for our sake. The one who was persecuted for our sake. The one who has delivered up for our The one who has delivered up for our The one who has delivered up for our sake. The one who's rescued us by sake. The one who's rescued us by sake. The one who's rescued us by putting our faith and trust in him. If putting our faith and trust in him. If putting our faith and trust in him. If you don't know him today, we'd love for you don't know him today, we'd love for you don't know him today, we'd love for you to know him. Tear off that bottom you to know him. Tear off that bottom you to know him. Tear off that bottom part of the bulletin. Let us know you part of the bulletin. Let us know you part of the bulletin. Let us know you want to know Christ. Put it in the want to know Christ. Put it in the want to know Christ. Put it in the giving box. Stop by our connection giving box. Stop by our connection giving box. Stop by our connection center today if you have time. come down center today if you have time. come down center today if you have time. come down here at the front at the end of the here at the front at the end of the here at the front at the end of the service. We want to be able to talk to service. We want to be able to talk to service. We want to be able to talk to you if you don't know Christ. We'd love you if you don't know Christ. We'd love you if you don't know Christ. We'd love to be able to share him with you today.

to be able to share him with you today. to be able to share him with you today. I want you to bow your heads and close I want you to bow your heads and close I want you to bow your heads and close your eyes with me for a second. your eyes with me for a second. your eyes with me for a second. What is God saying to you today What is God saying to you today What is God saying to you today as we prepare here in just a moment to as we prepare here in just a moment to as we prepare here in just a moment to take communion? Like, what what is God take communion? Like, what what is God take communion? Like, what what is God saying to you today? Have you been saying to you today? Have you been saying to you today? Have you been living in fear about persecution or just living in fear about persecution or just living in fear about persecution or just living in ignorance about it? Maybe living in ignorance about it? Maybe living in ignorance about it? Maybe God's waking you up today. say, "Look, God's waking you up today. say, "Look, God's waking you up today. say, "Look, wake up. Wake up. Be sober. Be be wake up. Wake up. Be sober. Be be wake up. Wake up. Be sober. Be be watchful. watchful. watchful. Resist the devil. Resist him." Is he saying, "Hey, let's let's let's Is he saying, "Hey, let's let's let's pray some scripture saturated prayers. pray some scripture saturated prayers. pray some scripture saturated prayers. Let's let's be a person of prayer." Is he saying, "Hey, hey, give me glory. Is he saying, "Hey, hey, give me glory. Give me glory." Not not yourself. Give Give me glory." Not not yourself. Give Give me glory." Not not yourself. Give me glory. me glory. me glory. How is God encouraging you today? Maybe How is God encouraging you today? Maybe How is God encouraging you today? Maybe you're living faithfully today. And if you're living faithfully today. And if you're living faithfully today. And if you are, man, just receive his grace. you are, man, just receive his grace. you are, man, just receive his grace. receive his grace and keep moving receive his grace and keep moving receive his grace and keep moving forward. And if you're not, receive his forward. And if you're not, receive his forward. And if you're not, receive his grace [snorts] and keep moving forward. Father, thank you for this moment. Thank Father, thank you for this moment. Thank you for your word. Thank you for this you for your word. Thank you for this you for your word. Thank you for this story.

story. story. Thank you that you're still working on Thank you that you're still working on Thank you that you're still working on our story, Lord. Thank you that you know our story, Lord. Thank you that you know our story, Lord. Thank you that you know what you're doing. And I pray that you'd what you're doing. And I pray that you'd what you're doing. And I pray that you'd give us [music] courage, give us give us [music] courage, give us give us [music] courage, give us boldness, Lord. Give us grace. Make us boldness, Lord. Give us grace. Make us boldness, Lord. Give us grace. Make us prayerful. Help us to give you glory in prayerful. Help us to give you glory in prayerful. Help us to give you glory in everything. And Lord, encourage our everything. And Lord, encourage our everything. And Lord, encourage our hearts today because your purposes will hearts today because your purposes will hearts today because your purposes will always prevail. And we ask that your always prevail. And we ask that your always prevail. And we ask that your purposes would be accomplished in us purposes would be accomplished in us purposes would be accomplished in us today. It's in Christ's name we pray. today. It's in Christ's name we pray. today. It's in Christ's name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thanks again for listening to the word Thanks again for listening to the word Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever [music] platform you're listening on. If [music] platform you're listening on. If [music] platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want to you're needing prayer or you want to you're needing prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.