Your Mountain Can Move | Dr. Bruce Frank | Matthew 17:14-20

Take your Bibles if you would, your Take your Bibles if you would, your Bible app, and go ahead and be finding Bible app, and go ahead and be finding Bible app, and go ahead and be finding Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. It is great to be back in Texas. Um, get It is great to be back in Texas. Um, get It is great to be back in Texas. Um, get some good texts. Uh, we somehow missed some good texts. Uh, we somehow missed some good texts. Uh, we somehow missed that whole thing up in Asheville and it that whole thing up in Asheville and it that whole thing up in Asheville and it was great to get Texmex. It was great to was great to get Texmex. It was great to was great to get Texmex. It was great to get real barbecue. Uh, somehow it's just get real barbecue. Uh, somehow it's just get real barbecue. Uh, somehow it's just pig up in in Asheville and it was good pig up in in Asheville and it was good pig up in in Asheville and it was good to get cow yesterday. So, uh, great to get cow yesterday. So, uh, great to get cow yesterday. So, uh, great great to be back. Um, but again, I let great to be back. Um, but again, I let great to be back. Um, but again, I let me start off by saying a couple things. me start off by saying a couple things. me start off by saying a couple things. First of all, uh, I think the world of First of all, uh, I think the world of First of all, uh, I think the world of your pastor, I mean, Pastor Michael, your pastor, I mean, Pastor Michael, your pastor, I mean, Pastor Michael, I've known him for a number of years. I've known him for a number of years. I've known him for a number of years. And church, you hope you know this, but And church, you hope you know this, but And church, you hope you know this, but you have a good one. You have a good, you have a good one. You have a good, you have a good one. You have a good, excellent pastor. And he's a great excellent pastor. And he's a great excellent pastor. And he's a great leader, great leader, great preacher, leader, great leader, great preacher, leader, great leader, great preacher, great pastor. He is respected around the great pastor. He is respected around the great pastor. He is respected around the country. Uh, good on you for uh, his country. Uh, good on you for uh, his country. Uh, good on you for uh, his sbatical. I promise you based on sbatical. I promise you based on sbatical. I promise you based on experience that you will be the winner experience that you will be the winner experience that you will be the winner in that. uh he will come back with just in that. uh he will come back with just in that. uh he will come back with just a fresh touch of the Lord and fresh a fresh touch of the Lord and fresh a fresh touch of the Lord and fresh vision. And so pray for this time away vision. And so pray for this time away vision. And so pray for this time away uh and pray uh as he comes back you guys uh and pray uh as he comes back you guys uh and pray uh as he comes back you guys are ready because again uh when when you are ready because again uh when when you are ready because again uh when when you get some time away to just get away from get some time away to just get away from get some time away to just get away from the tyranny of the urgent uh then often the tyranny of the urgent uh then often the tyranny of the urgent uh then often times God speaks. I know he has that he times God speaks. I know he has that he times God speaks. I know he has that he has done that for me three times in the has done that for me three times in the has done that for me three times in the years I've had at Builmore Church. But years I've had at Builmore Church. But years I've had at Builmore Church. But again he is uh uh he is a blessing to again he is uh uh he is a blessing to again he is uh uh he is a blessing to this community. He's a blessing uh to this community. He's a blessing uh to this community. He's a blessing uh to your church. And so pray for him, your church. And so pray for him, your church. And so pray for him, support him, encourage him because support him, encourage him because support him, encourage him because again, I've been doing this a long time.

again, I've been doing this a long time. again, I've been doing this a long time. And you have a a good man, a man full of And you have a a good man, a man full of And you have a a good man, a man full of integrity, a lot of giftedness there. integrity, a lot of giftedness there. integrity, a lot of giftedness there. And so again, Michael is a blessing, I And so again, Michael is a blessing, I And so again, Michael is a blessing, I know, to my family and I know he is to know, to my family and I know he is to know, to my family and I know he is to your family. And then the second one um your family. And then the second one um your family. And then the second one um is you got a great associate pastor as is you got a great associate pastor as is you got a great associate pastor as well. I got I tried to go ahead. well. I got I tried to go ahead. well. I got I tried to go ahead. I've known him for as long as he's been I've known him for as long as he's been I've known him for as long as he's been alive. All right. And what you see is alive. All right. And what you see is alive. All right. And what you see is what you get. I don't know anybody I what you get. I don't know anybody I what you get. I don't know anybody I respect more uh than he and Margie. Uh respect more uh than he and Margie. Uh respect more uh than he and Margie. Uh the way that they pour into their the way that they pour into their the way that they pour into their marriage, the way they love the church, marriage, the way they love the church, marriage, the way they love the church, the way they love the Lord, um the way the way they love the Lord, um the way the way they love the Lord, um the way they the way they just live their lives they the way they just live their lives they the way they just live their lives of integrity. And so take care of them. of integrity. And so take care of them. of integrity. And so take care of them. All right? Or or I'm going to be back All right? Or or I'm going to be back All right? Or or I'm going to be back and preach a super super long sermon uh and preach a super super long sermon uh and preach a super super long sermon uh that you'll be bored with. So, uh that you'll be bored with. So, uh that you'll be bored with. So, uh Matthew 17 is where we're going to be. Matthew 17 is where we're going to be. Matthew 17 is where we're going to be. Let me start off with this way. I mean, Let me start off with this way. I mean, Let me start off with this way. I mean, as much as I miss Texas, one of the as much as I miss Texas, one of the as much as I miss Texas, one of the things that uh I love about western things that uh I love about western things that uh I love about western North Carolina, I know some of you all North Carolina, I know some of you all North Carolina, I know some of you all maybe been up there, Western North maybe been up there, Western North maybe been up there, Western North Carolina is where the Blue Ridge Carolina is where the Blue Ridge Carolina is where the Blue Ridge Mountains are, and you've got all these Mountains are, and you've got all these Mountains are, and you've got all these national parks and all of that stuff. national parks and all of that stuff. national parks and all of that stuff. And one of the things that we have there And one of the things that we have there And one of the things that we have there that we didn't really have in Texas, I that we didn't really have in Texas, I that we didn't really have in Texas, I mean, we had a little bit of it kind of mean, we had a little bit of it kind of mean, we had a little bit of it kind of out in West Texas, but we had m we have out in West Texas, but we had m we have out in West Texas, but we had m we have mountains. All right, mountains there uh mountains. All right, mountains there uh mountains. All right, mountains there uh are all over the place. Um, and you've are all over the place. Um, and you've are all over the place. Um, and you've got you can go 20 minutes and you can got you can go 20 minutes and you can got you can go 20 minutes and you can find a mountain, you can find find a mountain, you can find find a mountain, you can find waterfalls. The highest mountain there waterfalls. The highest mountain there waterfalls. The highest mountain there is one called Mount Mitchell. Mount is one called Mount Mitchell. Mount is one called Mount Mitchell. Mount Mitchell is like it's the largest Mitchell is like it's the largest Mitchell is like it's the largest tallest mountain in the eastern United tallest mountain in the eastern United tallest mountain in the eastern United States. And so it's beautiful to look States. And so it's beautiful to look States. And so it's beautiful to look at. It's always bigger than what you at. It's always bigger than what you at. It's always bigger than what you think if you ever try to hike them. But

think if you ever try to hike them. But think if you ever try to hike them. But when you look in the Bible, mountains when you look in the Bible, mountains when you look in the Bible, mountains are often used as metaphors. They're are often used as metaphors. They're are often used as metaphors. They're often used as pictures of something that often used as pictures of something that often used as pictures of something that is intimidating, that is immovable, is intimidating, that is immovable, is intimidating, that is immovable, that's been there a long, long, long that's been there a long, long, long that's been there a long, long, long time. It's used for something that you time. It's used for something that you time. It's used for something that you don't think can change. Something that don't think can change. Something that don't think can change. Something that you've gotten used to being there and it you've gotten used to being there and it you've gotten used to being there and it is permanent. It is imposing. It is a is permanent. It is imposing. It is a is permanent. It is imposing. It is a stronghold. And when the Bible uses stronghold. And when the Bible uses stronghold. And when the Bible uses that, it often is used with that that, it often is used with that that, it often is used with that environment. the fact that it's a environment. the fact that it's a environment. the fact that it's a stronghold, something in your life that stronghold, something in your life that stronghold, something in your life that is not God's best. You know, it's not is not God's best. You know, it's not is not God's best. You know, it's not God's best. You wish it was not there, God's best. You wish it was not there, God's best. You wish it was not there, but it is there. And after a while, it but it is there. And after a while, it but it is there. And after a while, it ends up feeling like something that ends up feeling like something that ends up feeling like something that cannot be changed. And so, on this cannot be changed. And so, on this cannot be changed. And so, on this Independence Day weekend, what I'm going Independence Day weekend, what I'm going Independence Day weekend, what I'm going to what I want to look at is a passage to what I want to look at is a passage to what I want to look at is a passage that's become very familiar and very that's become very familiar and very that's become very familiar and very valuable in my own personal life. And valuable in my own personal life. And valuable in my own personal life. And what we're going to talk about and what what we're going to talk about and what what we're going to talk about and what I want you to think about is your I want you to think about is your I want you to think about is your greatest area of desperation. greatest area of desperation. greatest area of desperation. your greatest area of need right now.

your greatest area of need right now. your greatest area of need right now. Now, I know that it's going to run the Now, I know that it's going to run the Now, I know that it's going to run the gamut all over the place from the gamut all over the place from the gamut all over the place from the prodigal child that hasn't returned to prodigal child that hasn't returned to prodigal child that hasn't returned to the marriage that is not what it used to the marriage that is not what it used to the marriage that is not what it used to be to the habit that you cannot seem to be to the habit that you cannot seem to be to the habit that you cannot seem to get any victory over to the call that get any victory over to the call that get any victory over to the call that you got recently from the doctor that you got recently from the doctor that you got recently from the doctor that you did not expect. All those different you did not expect. All those different you did not expect. All those different kinds of things. What is the greatest kinds of things. What is the greatest kinds of things. What is the greatest source of heaviness in your life this source of heaviness in your life this source of heaviness in your life this weekend? weekend? weekend? And what is that source of desperation? And what is that source of desperation? And what is that source of desperation? You're like, I wish God would do this. You're like, I wish God would do this. You're like, I wish God would do this. How long is it going to be like this? How long is it going to be like this? How long is it going to be like this? Proverbs says, a hope deferred makes the Proverbs says, a hope deferred makes the Proverbs says, a hope deferred makes the heart sick. What I'm praying and what I heart sick. What I'm praying and what I heart sick. What I'm praying and what I prayed this week for you and for me is prayed this week for you and for me is prayed this week for you and for me is that we would go from coping back to that we would go from coping back to that we would go from coping back to hoping. God wants you to go back to hoping. God wants you to go back to hoping. God wants you to go back to hoping today. I'm assure of that. What hoping today. I'm assure of that. What hoping today. I'm assure of that. What I'm praying is that God would do for you I'm praying is that God would do for you I'm praying is that God would do for you and God would do for us what God does and God would do for us what God does and God would do for us what God does for the man in the scriptures in Matthew for the man in the scriptures in Matthew for the man in the scriptures in Matthew 17 today 17 today 17 today about the fact that that mountain, that about the fact that that mountain, that about the fact that that mountain, that thing that has been there for a long thing that has been there for a long thing that has been there for a long time that you don't think can change time that you don't think can change time that you don't think can change that today would be changed. So, I've that today would be changed. So, I've that today would be changed. So, I've just got a couple of points with you just got a couple of points with you just got a couple of points with you today, but I will say this. When it today, but I will say this. When it today, but I will say this. When it comes to the mountain in your life, it's comes to the mountain in your life, it's comes to the mountain in your life, it's going to start to be moved with your going to start to be moved with your going to start to be moved with your desperation.

desperation. desperation. Are you still desperate for God to work Are you still desperate for God to work Are you still desperate for God to work in that area? in that area? in that area? Here's the way the event I don't like to Here's the way the event I don't like to Here's the way the event I don't like to call them stories because it sounds like call them stories because it sounds like call them stories because it sounds like once upon a time. This is not a story as once upon a time. This is not a story as once upon a time. This is not a story as much as it is an event in the much as it is an event in the much as it is an event in the scriptures. It's actually repeated in scriptures. It's actually repeated in scriptures. It's actually repeated in Luke's as well as in Mark's gospel. And Luke's as well as in Mark's gospel. And Luke's as well as in Mark's gospel. And I'll tell you about that here in a few I'll tell you about that here in a few I'll tell you about that here in a few minutes. But Matthew 17, it says this. minutes. But Matthew 17, it says this. minutes. But Matthew 17, it says this. And when they came to the crowd, a man And when they came to the crowd, a man And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him came up to him and kneeling before him came up to him and kneeling before him said,"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he said,"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he said,"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly, has seizures and he suffers terribly, has seizures and he suffers terribly, for often he falls into the fire and for often he falls into the fire and for often he falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him often into the water. And I brought him often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples and they could not to your disciples and they could not to your disciples and they could not heal him." heal him." heal him." Loved ones, here's the context. Jesus Loved ones, here's the context. Jesus Loved ones, here's the context. Jesus has taken his inner circle up to a place has taken his inner circle up to a place has taken his inner circle up to a place called the mountain of transfiguration. called the mountain of transfiguration. called the mountain of transfiguration. And there they saw the glorified Christ. And there they saw the glorified Christ. And there they saw the glorified Christ. The part of the humanity had been taken away part of the humanity had been taken away and they got to see the deity of Christ and they got to see the deity of Christ and they got to see the deity of Christ right there. They saw Elijah. They saw right there. They saw Elijah. They saw right there. They saw Elijah. They saw Moses representative of the law and the Moses representative of the law and the Moses representative of the law and the prophets, the old covenant. And then it prophets, the old covenant. And then it prophets, the old covenant. And then it was just Jesus. And so they go up on the was just Jesus. And so they go up on the was just Jesus. And so they go up on the mountaintop and then they're going to mountaintop and then they're going to mountaintop and then they're going to come down into the valley. And that's come down into the valley. And that's come down into the valley. And that's the way the Christian life works.

the way the Christian life works. the way the Christian life works. Whether you know it or not, even right Whether you know it or not, even right Whether you know it or not, even right now, if it's a blue sky day for you, now, if it's a blue sky day for you, now, if it's a blue sky day for you, everything's going awesome. Health is everything's going awesome. Health is everything's going awesome. Health is good, family's good, kids are good, good, family's good, kids are good, good, family's good, kids are good, there's going to be a time when you have there's going to be a time when you have there's going to be a time when you have to come off the mountain and you're to come off the mountain and you're to come off the mountain and you're going to go into the valley. Some of you going to go into the valley. Some of you going to go into the valley. Some of you are already in that valley. And I don't are already in that valley. And I don't are already in that valley. And I don't have to ask you to listen up or to set have to ask you to listen up or to set have to ask you to listen up or to set up. You're already there. You're like, I up. You're already there. You're like, I up. You're already there. You're like, I already know the greatest point of already know the greatest point of already know the greatest point of desperation in my life. desperation in my life. desperation in my life. And so when they come down there, it And so when they come down there, it And so when they come down there, it says a man came up to him kneeling and says a man came up to him kneeling and says a man came up to him kneeling and he said some things. he said some things. he said some things. Now Mark's gospel in this same account Now Mark's gospel in this same account Now Mark's gospel in this same account says there was a crowd and the crowd says there was a crowd and the crowd says there was a crowd and the crowd consists of the religious leaders and consists of the religious leaders and consists of the religious leaders and Jesus's disciples and they were at each Jesus's disciples and they were at each Jesus's disciples and they were at each other. They were arguing. Luke's gospel other. They were arguing. Luke's gospel other. They were arguing. Luke's gospel said that the man cries out and he says said that the man cries out and he says said that the man cries out and he says that I beg you to please heal my son. that I beg you to please heal my son. that I beg you to please heal my son. So if you're new to Bible study, one of So if you're new to Bible study, one of So if you're new to Bible study, one of the things that when you see parallel the things that when you see parallel the things that when you see parallel accounts, this is in Matthew, Mark, and accounts, this is in Matthew, Mark, and accounts, this is in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, those are called the synoptic Luke, those are called the synoptic Luke, those are called the synoptic gospels.

gospels. gospels. And when you see the same account in And when you see the same account in And when you see the same account in several different gospel accounts, what several different gospel accounts, what several different gospel accounts, what you need to understand is it's kind of you need to understand is it's kind of you need to understand is it's kind of like um like um like um it's kind of like if you were watching a it's kind of like if you were watching a it's kind of like if you were watching a Cowboy game and you didn't get to catch Cowboy game and you didn't get to catch Cowboy game and you didn't get to catch the game, but you're going to watch the the game, but you're going to watch the the game, but you're going to watch the highlights. And so on those highlight highlights. And so on those highlight highlights. And so on those highlight packages, you'll see that there's packages, you'll see that there's packages, you'll see that there's probably a different highlight package probably a different highlight package probably a different highlight package on ESPN and on Fox Sports and then on on ESPN and on Fox Sports and then on on ESPN and on Fox Sports and then on the local Tyler station. So, it's the the local Tyler station. So, it's the the local Tyler station. So, it's the same game, but they will choose to same game, but they will choose to same game, but they will choose to emphasize different parts of the same emphasize different parts of the same emphasize different parts of the same game. And that's what Matthew, Mark, and game. And that's what Matthew, Mark, and game. And that's what Matthew, Mark, and Luke do. It's the same events, but they Luke do. It's the same events, but they Luke do. It's the same events, but they choose to emphasize and give different choose to emphasize and give different choose to emphasize and give different points of the same event. And so, points of the same event. And so, points of the same event. And so, Matthew's account simply says it's a Matthew's account simply says it's a Matthew's account simply says it's a man. A man came up to Jesus. Now, you man. A man came up to Jesus. Now, you man. A man came up to Jesus. Now, you need to understand that's all it says. need to understand that's all it says. need to understand that's all it says. We don't know know the man's name, but We don't know know the man's name, but We don't know know the man's name, but what we do know is this man was a real what we do know is this man was a real what we do know is this man was a real man. He had an address. He had a family. man. He had an address. He had a family. man. He had an address. He had a family. He had a job. He had hopes. He had He had a job. He had hopes. He had He had a job. He had hopes. He had dreams. And he finds himself in a place dreams. And he finds himself in a place dreams. And he finds himself in a place of utter desperation.

of utter desperation. of utter desperation. And his point of utter desperation is And his point of utter desperation is And his point of utter desperation is the fact that his son is sick. the fact that his son is sick. the fact that his son is sick. Now, if you're a parent or a Now, if you're a parent or a Now, if you're a parent or a grandparent, you know the truth of the grandparent, you know the truth of the grandparent, you know the truth of the fact there is no pain like kid pain. If fact there is no pain like kid pain. If fact there is no pain like kid pain. If you're a parent and your kid is sick, you're a parent and your kid is sick, you're a parent and your kid is sick, your son or daughter is going through your son or daughter is going through your son or daughter is going through it. There is no pain like kid pain. it. There is no pain like kid pain. it. There is no pain like kid pain. One of the other gospel accounts says One of the other gospel accounts says One of the other gospel accounts says this was his only child. And then Mark's this was his only child. And then Mark's this was his only child. And then Mark's gospel account of this says that he has gospel account of this says that he has gospel account of this says that he has had this since childhood. had this since childhood. had this since childhood. Now he chooses the word childhood. And I Now he chooses the word childhood. And I Now he chooses the word childhood. And I want you to think about this. He doesn't want you to think about this. He doesn't want you to think about this. He doesn't say infancy. He says childhood. And what say infancy. He says childhood. And what say infancy. He says childhood. And what that means is there were a few good that means is there were a few good that means is there were a few good years. years. years. That means they had their little baby That means they had their little baby That means they had their little baby boy. They've been dreaming about, boy. They've been dreaming about, boy. They've been dreaming about, praying about, asking their connect praying about, asking their connect praying about, asking their connect group to pray about. And for some period group to pray about. And for some period group to pray about. And for some period of time, it was good. They go to the of time, it was good. They go to the of time, it was good. They go to the hospital. hospital. hospital. The birth goes awesome. The birth goes awesome. The birth goes awesome. They take pictures. They put them on They take pictures. They put them on They take pictures. They put them on Instagram. All their connect group comes Instagram. All their connect group comes Instagram. All their connect group comes over and make sure they have all that over and make sure they have all that over and make sure they have all that they need. Everything is great for maybe they need. Everything is great for maybe they need. Everything is great for maybe two or three years. But one day, two or three years. But one day, two or three years. But one day, something changes.

something changes. something changes. The wife calls the husband at work and The wife calls the husband at work and The wife calls the husband at work and is like, "Baby, something is wrong. is like, "Baby, something is wrong. is like, "Baby, something is wrong. Something's wrong with our little boy." Something's wrong with our little boy." Something's wrong with our little boy." Maybe it was a onset of a seizure. Maybe Maybe it was a onset of a seizure. Maybe Maybe it was a onset of a seizure. Maybe she just had that maternal instinct that she just had that maternal instinct that she just had that maternal instinct that saw something wrong. Dad rushes home. saw something wrong. Dad rushes home. saw something wrong. Dad rushes home. And this entered into a trial of And this entered into a trial of And this entered into a trial of desperation that they had not even seen desperation that they had not even seen desperation that they had not even seen coming. coming. coming. And so when they looked at it, the first And so when they looked at it, the first And so when they looked at it, the first few years went awesome, but then after few years went awesome, but then after few years went awesome, but then after that everything just goes to hell in a that everything just goes to hell in a that everything just goes to hell in a hand basket. He starts to have these hand basket. He starts to have these hand basket. He starts to have these seizures. He starts to have these seizures. He starts to have these seizures. He starts to have these issues. He throws himself into it says issues. He throws himself into it says issues. He throws himself into it says he throws himself into the fire. Throws he throws himself into the fire. Throws he throws himself into the fire. Throws himself into the water, which doesn't himself into the water, which doesn't himself into the water, which doesn't sound like a big deal to you and I, but sound like a big deal to you and I, but sound like a big deal to you and I, but in that day and time when they cooked in that day and time when they cooked in that day and time when they cooked outside, there's fire everywhere. outside, there's fire everywhere. outside, there's fire everywhere. It's right by the Sea of Galilee, It's right by the Sea of Galilee, It's right by the Sea of Galilee, there's water everywhere. there's water everywhere. there's water everywhere. And so this boy is destroying himself. And so this boy is destroying himself. And so this boy is destroying himself. And you know that the dad did all he And you know that the dad did all he And you know that the dad did all he could. I mean, wouldn't you, hey, could. I mean, wouldn't you, hey, could. I mean, wouldn't you, hey, grandmom, wouldn't you, if your grandson grandmom, wouldn't you, if your grandson grandmom, wouldn't you, if your grandson was sick, wouldn't you do everything you was sick, wouldn't you do everything you was sick, wouldn't you do everything you could? I promise you, this dad did could? I promise you, this dad did could? I promise you, this dad did everything he could. I'm sure again, he everything he could. I'm sure again, he everything he could. I'm sure again, he asked his small group to pray. When his asked his small group to pray. When his asked his small group to pray. When his son would have all these scars and these son would have all these scars and these son would have all these scars and these wounds, he would definitely hold him. He wounds, he would definitely hold him. He wounds, he would definitely hold him. He probably liquidated everything he could probably liquidated everything he could probably liquidated everything he could do. He liquidated his car. liquidated do. He liquidated his car. liquidated do. He liquidated his car. liquidated his house so he could get the best his house so he could get the best his house so he could get the best doctors to take care of his little boy doctors to take care of his little boy doctors to take care of his little boy and nothing worked. And years go by and and nothing worked. And years go by and and nothing worked. And years go by and he's starting to ask the question, how he's starting to ask the question, how he's starting to ask the question, how long is this going to last?

long is this going to last? long is this going to last? Will this ever be different? Will our Will this ever be different? Will our Will this ever be different? Will our family ever be the way it used to be? family ever be the way it used to be? family ever be the way it used to be? Will it ever be okay again? And one of Will it ever be okay again? And one of Will it ever be okay again? And one of the things we need to recognize is the the things we need to recognize is the the things we need to recognize is the hardest part of any trial is not the hardest part of any trial is not the hardest part of any trial is not the depth of the trial or even the darkness depth of the trial or even the darkness depth of the trial or even the darkness of the trial. Because if you know that of the trial. Because if you know that of the trial. Because if you know that trial is only going to last a few days, trial is only going to last a few days, trial is only going to last a few days, you can suck it up and pull yourself up you can suck it up and pull yourself up you can suck it up and pull yourself up and say, you know what, I'm just going and say, you know what, I'm just going and say, you know what, I'm just going to make it to Wednesday. But the hardest to make it to Wednesday. But the hardest to make it to Wednesday. But the hardest part of any trial is not the depth of part of any trial is not the depth of part of any trial is not the depth of the trial. It is the duration of a the trial. It is the duration of a the trial. It is the duration of a trial. It's you like, I don't know when trial. It's you like, I don't know when trial. It's you like, I don't know when this is going to end. When is this ever this is going to end. When is this ever this is going to end. When is this ever going to stop? And like I mentioned going to stop? And like I mentioned going to stop? And like I mentioned earlier, Proverbs says, heart hope earlier, Proverbs says, heart hope earlier, Proverbs says, heart hope deferred makes the heart sick. I think I deferred makes the heart sick. I think I deferred makes the heart sick. I think I would rather have a sick body than a would rather have a sick body than a would rather have a sick body than a sick heart. And when it comes to hope, it's let's be And when it comes to hope, it's let's be honest. I know church isn't a place to honest. I know church isn't a place to honest. I know church isn't a place to be honest, but let's be honest. It's a be honest, but let's be honest. It's a be honest, but let's be honest. It's a hassle to hope, isn't it? It's a hassle hassle to hope, isn't it? It's a hassle hassle to hope, isn't it? It's a hassle to hope. It's a hassle to hope because to hope. It's a hassle to hope because to hope. It's a hassle to hope because you're like, I don't think I don't think you're like, I don't think I don't think you're like, I don't think I don't think God's going to change this. God's going to change this. God's going to change this. And it runs the gamut again. Some of And it runs the gamut again. Some of And it runs the gamut again. Some of you, you've been praying for your dad to you, you've been praying for your dad to you, you've been praying for your dad to come to Christ for 20 years, and you come to Christ for 20 years, and you come to Christ for 20 years, and you don't see any movement at all. You've don't see any movement at all. You've don't see any movement at all. You've invited him to come to church and hear invited him to come to church and hear invited him to come to church and hear Pastor Michael and he won't even show Pastor Michael and he won't even show Pastor Michael and he won't even show up. He doesn't even watch it online and up. He doesn't even watch it online and up. He doesn't even watch it online and you're praying and you're like, "God, I you're praying and you're like, "God, I you're praying and you're like, "God, I just don't see any movement at all."

just don't see any movement at all." just don't see any movement at all." Again, you go for a routine check and Again, you go for a routine check and Again, you go for a routine check and I'm quite sure there's at least one of I'm quite sure there's at least one of I'm quite sure there's at least one of you here. Sometime in the last few you here. Sometime in the last few you here. Sometime in the last few months, you went to what you considered months, you went to what you considered months, you went to what you considered a routine check at the doctor and the a routine check at the doctor and the a routine check at the doctor and the doctor says calls you back and says, doctor says calls you back and says, doctor says calls you back and says, "You got cancer. That'll shock you. I "You got cancer. That'll shock you. I "You got cancer. That'll shock you. I promise you. I've had that phone call promise you. I've had that phone call promise you. I've had that phone call happen to me." and all of a sudden happen to me." and all of a sudden happen to me." and all of a sudden you're like, "Wait a minute, that you're like, "Wait a minute, that you're like, "Wait a minute, that doesn't happen to me. That happens to doesn't happen to me. That happens to doesn't happen to me. That happens to somebody else. Somebody else gets that somebody else. Somebody else gets that somebody else. Somebody else gets that phone call. Somebody else gets that phone call. Somebody else gets that phone call. Somebody else gets that visit. Somebody else gets prayed for." visit. Somebody else gets prayed for." visit. Somebody else gets prayed for." Or you got a prodigal. Or you got a prodigal. Or you got a prodigal. And as a prodigal, and again, I know you And as a prodigal, and again, I know you And as a prodigal, and again, I know you got some of you got some prodigals. got some of you got some prodigals. got some of you got some prodigals. And I know one of the first things that And I know one of the first things that And I know one of the first things that happens happens happens when your son or daughter starts to kind when your son or daughter starts to kind when your son or daughter starts to kind of drift away is you start to hear the of drift away is you start to hear the of drift away is you start to hear the whispers about what you did wrong. whispers about what you did wrong. whispers about what you did wrong. But you know in your heart of hearts, But you know in your heart of hearts, But you know in your heart of hearts, not that you were perfect, but you know not that you were perfect, but you know not that you were perfect, but you know that you did the best you could with that you did the best you could with that you did the best you could with what you had. You did. I mean, you took what you had. You did. I mean, you took what you had. You did. I mean, you took them to a 100 vacation Bible schools. them to a 100 vacation Bible schools. them to a 100 vacation Bible schools. They went to middle school camp. They went to middle school camp. They went to middle school camp. You might have even baptized them. You You might have even baptized them. You You might have even baptized them. You might have led them to Christ. They made might have led them to Christ. They made might have led them to Christ. They made some profession of faith at 11. But now some profession of faith at 11. But now some profession of faith at 11. But now they want nothing to do with you and they want nothing to do with you and they want nothing to do with you and your Jesus. And you're like, "What is your Jesus. And you're like, "What is your Jesus. And you're like, "What is going to break that chain? What is going going to break that chain? What is going going to break that chain? What is going on in my on in my on in my prodigal's life?" Some of you, it's prodigal's life?" Some of you, it's prodigal's life?" Some of you, it's marital. For a few years it was awesome, marital. For a few years it was awesome, marital. For a few years it was awesome, but now you're just hanging on to make but now you're just hanging on to make but now you're just hanging on to make sure the kids get out of high school and sure the kids get out of high school and sure the kids get out of high school and then after that you'll kind of figure then after that you'll kind of figure then after that you'll kind of figure out what to do. And you want to believe out what to do. And you want to believe out what to do. And you want to believe it can go better. You do. You want to it can go better. You do. You want to it can go better. You do. You want to believe that God's going to change your believe that God's going to change your believe that God's going to change your husband. You want to believe that. You husband. You want to believe that. You husband. You want to believe that. You hear the stories. You probably watch

hear the stories. You probably watch hear the stories. You probably watch some videos at church. You sing the some videos at church. You sing the some videos at church. You sing the songs. You want to believe, but the songs. You want to believe, but the songs. You want to believe, but the whispers get louder and louder and whispers get louder and louder and whispers get louder and louder and louder that it's not ever going to be louder that it's not ever going to be louder that it's not ever going to be the same. Why? Because it's a hassle to the same. Why? Because it's a hassle to the same. Why? Because it's a hassle to hope. It's not only a hassle to hope. It hope. It's not only a hassle to hope. It hope. It's not only a hassle to hope. It hurts. It actually hurts the hope hurts. It actually hurts the hope hurts. It actually hurts the hope because what hope says is I don't have because what hope says is I don't have because what hope says is I don't have something that I need. I don't have something that I need. I don't have something that I need. I don't have something that I need. And so what something that I need. And so what something that I need. And so what happens is time goes by, your heart gets happens is time goes by, your heart gets happens is time goes by, your heart gets hard, the tears dry up, and then all of hard, the tears dry up, and then all of hard, the tears dry up, and then all of a sudden you go from hoping to coping. a sudden you go from hoping to coping. a sudden you go from hoping to coping. You're like, "Well, you know what? I You're like, "Well, you know what? I You're like, "Well, you know what? I would rather just not hope than get hurt would rather just not hope than get hurt would rather just not hope than get hurt again." again." again." And you almost get this faithless And you almost get this faithless And you almost get this faithless attitude. You're like the the old attitude. You're like the the old attitude. You're like the the old proverb that talked about the little proverb that talked about the little proverb that talked about the little elephant when he's real real small and elephant when he's real real small and elephant when he's real real small and they put a little chain around his leg they put a little chain around his leg they put a little chain around his leg and they stake him in the ground and at and they stake him in the ground and at and they stake him in the ground and at that stage he's not strong enough or big that stage he's not strong enough or big that stage he's not strong enough or big enough or tough enough to pull that enough or tough enough to pull that enough or tough enough to pull that thing out. And so he gets used to being thing out. And so he gets used to being thing out. And so he gets used to being defeated. He gets used to losing. He defeated. He gets used to losing. He defeated. He gets used to losing. He loses all hope that things can be loses all hope that things can be loses all hope that things can be different. But then even after he's big different. But then even after he's big different. But then even after he's big and after he's a big old elephant and and after he's a big old elephant and and after he's a big old elephant and can pull that whole thing out without can pull that whole thing out without can pull that whole thing out without any problem at all, he just stays any problem at all, he just stays any problem at all, he just stays chained up and in bondage because he's chained up and in bondage because he's chained up and in bondage because he's learned, you know what, it hurts to learned, you know what, it hurts to learned, you know what, it hurts to hope. I just don't want to I just don't hope. I just don't want to I just don't hope. I just don't want to I just don't want to do anything. God wants you to want to do anything. God wants you to want to do anything. God wants you to come back to hoping today, church. He come back to hoping today, church. He come back to hoping today, church. He does. Now, when I say hope, I'm talking does. Now, when I say hope, I'm talking does. Now, when I say hope, I'm talking about biblical hope. I'm not talk When about biblical hope. I'm not talk When about biblical hope. I'm not talk When the Bible talks about hope, it's not the Bible talks about hope, it's not the Bible talks about hope, it's not talking about I hope so. It's not like, talking about I hope so. It's not like, talking about I hope so. It's not like, man, I hope the Longhorns are decent man, I hope the Longhorns are decent man, I hope the Longhorns are decent this year, this year, this year, which I would never ever hope for, but which I would never ever hope for, but which I would never ever hope for, but I'm but I would just say, you know what, I'm but I would just say, you know what, I'm but I would just say, you know what, when they're like, you know what, I hope

when they're like, you know what, I hope when they're like, you know what, I hope they're I'm hope we got a good team. they're I'm hope we got a good team. they're I'm hope we got a good team. Biblical hope is the confident Biblical hope is the confident Biblical hope is the confident expectation expectation expectation that God is at work in my situation for that God is at work in my situation for that God is at work in my situation for the glory of God and for the good of my the glory of God and for the good of my the glory of God and for the good of my soul. It's the confident expectation soul. It's the confident expectation soul. It's the confident expectation that God still in spite of all the that God still in spite of all the that God still in spite of all the circumstances that say otherwise that circumstances that say otherwise that circumstances that say otherwise that God still has the whole world including God still has the whole world including God still has the whole world including my family including my prodigal my family including my prodigal my family including my prodigal including my marriage in his hands. It's including my marriage in his hands. It's including my marriage in his hands. It's what David expresses in Psalm 27:13 when what David expresses in Psalm 27:13 when what David expresses in Psalm 27:13 when he said, 'I would have despared if I did he said, 'I would have despared if I did he said, 'I would have despared if I did not believe that I would see the not believe that I would see the not believe that I would see the goodness of God in the land of the goodness of God in the land of the goodness of God in the land of the living. Not just up in heaven, but I living. Not just up in heaven, but I living. Not just up in heaven, but I would have despared. I would have lost would have despared. I would have lost would have despared. I would have lost it if I did not believe that I would see it if I did not believe that I would see it if I did not believe that I would see with my own eyes the goodness of God in with my own eyes the goodness of God in with my own eyes the goodness of God in the land of the living. If I did not the land of the living. If I did not the land of the living. If I did not believe that I would see my marriage believe that I would see my marriage believe that I would see my marriage restored, if I did not believe that I restored, if I did not believe that I restored, if I did not believe that I would see my prodal drive in the would see my prodal drive in the would see my prodal drive in the driveway, then I would have despared. driveway, then I would have despared. driveway, then I would have despared. And so the father hears that Jesus is And so the father hears that Jesus is And so the father hears that Jesus is coming to town.

coming to town. coming to town. And in the space this is in the And in the space this is in the And in the space this is in the scriptures, there's already been a bunch scriptures, there's already been a bunch scriptures, there's already been a bunch of miracles that have taken place. of miracles that have taken place. of miracles that have taken place. 5,000 people have been fed. Rumors about 5,000 people have been fed. Rumors about 5,000 people have been fed. Rumors about a little girl that got raised from the a little girl that got raised from the a little girl that got raised from the dead. dead. dead. Rumors the disciples were talking about Rumors the disciples were talking about Rumors the disciples were talking about that he made the wind lie down. And that he made the wind lie down. And that he made the wind lie down. And somewhere in the soul of this dad, he's somewhere in the soul of this dad, he's somewhere in the soul of this dad, he's like, "Maybe this miracle worker can like, "Maybe this miracle worker can like, "Maybe this miracle worker can make a difference in my life." make a difference in my life." make a difference in my life." Initially, he comes to the disciples and Initially, he comes to the disciples and Initially, he comes to the disciples and the disciples can't do anything, which the disciples can't do anything, which the disciples can't do anything, which is odd because they had done some is odd because they had done some is odd because they had done some earlier chapters, earlier chapters, earlier chapters, but they couldn't do anything. but they couldn't do anything. but they couldn't do anything. Matthew says, "Lord," he says, "Lord, Matthew says, "Lord," he says, "Lord, Matthew says, "Lord," he says, "Lord, have mercy on my son." have mercy on my son." have mercy on my son." Luke says,"I beg you to look at my son." Luke says,"I beg you to look at my son." Luke says,"I beg you to look at my son." Mark says, and I love this, "If you can Mark says, and I love this, "If you can Mark says, and I love this, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us." do anything, have compassion on us." do anything, have compassion on us." That's when Jesus, and you don't know That's when Jesus, and you don't know That's when Jesus, and you don't know really, it's hard to read tone into the really, it's hard to read tone into the really, it's hard to read tone into the scriptures, but when the dad looks at scriptures, but when the dad looks at scriptures, but when the dad looks at Jesus and says, "If you can do anything, Jesus and says, "If you can do anything, Jesus and says, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us." That's when have compassion on us." That's when have compassion on us." That's when Jesus, and again, you don't know the Jesus, and again, you don't know the Jesus, and again, you don't know the tone. He's like, "If I can, if I can, if tone. He's like, "If I can, if I can, if tone. He's like, "If I can, if I can, if I can do anything, like really, that's I can do anything, like really, that's I can do anything, like really, that's what you're asking? if I can do what you're asking? if I can do what you're asking? if I can do anything.

anything. anything. And then Jesus says, "All things are And then Jesus says, "All things are And then Jesus says, "All things are possible for one who believes." And that possible for one who believes." And that possible for one who believes." And that this is where the father cries out with, this is where the father cries out with, this is where the father cries out with, I would call it the most honest prayer I would call it the most honest prayer I would call it the most honest prayer in the Bible. He says, "I do believe, in the Bible. He says, "I do believe, in the Bible. He says, "I do believe, but help my unbelief." but help my unbelief." but help my unbelief." That's where some of us are. You know, That's where some of us are. You know, That's where some of us are. You know, Jesus, I do believe. I believe. I know Jesus, I do believe. I believe. I know Jesus, I do believe. I believe. I know you came up out of the grave. you came up out of the grave. you came up out of the grave. I know you paid my sin debt on the I know you paid my sin debt on the I know you paid my sin debt on the cross. I know you did. But I am having a cross. I know you did. But I am having a cross. I know you did. But I am having a hard time believing that you can hard time believing that you can hard time believing that you can resurrect my marriage. resurrect my marriage. resurrect my marriage. Having having a hard time that you Having having a hard time that you Having having a hard time that you actually have the ability to heal my actually have the ability to heal my actually have the ability to heal my cancer. cancer. cancer. And so And so And so question I got to ask is I mean I mean question I got to ask is I mean I mean question I got to ask is I mean I mean let's be have you ever been there? You let's be have you ever been there? You let's be have you ever been there? You ever been there when you're like I do ever been there when you're like I do ever been there when you're like I do believe but help my unbelief. believe but help my unbelief. believe but help my unbelief. I mean come on God you you can do it. I mean come on God you you can do it. I mean come on God you you can do it. Come on. You can do it. I've seen you do Come on. You can do it. I've seen you do Come on. You can do it. I've seen you do it. Pastor Michael, Pastor Hixon, it. Pastor Michael, Pastor Hixon, it. Pastor Michael, Pastor Hixon, they've talked about you doing it. We've they've talked about you doing it. We've they've talked about you doing it. We've heard the stories. We hear the stories heard the stories. We hear the stories heard the stories. We hear the stories about middle school camp. And what's about middle school camp. And what's about middle school camp. And what's amazing is amazing is amazing is when he says, "I do believe. Help my when he says, "I do believe. Help my when he says, "I do believe. Help my unbelief." The way Jesus responds to him unbelief." The way Jesus responds to him unbelief." The way Jesus responds to him and the way Jesus responds to you and I.

and the way Jesus responds to you and I. and the way Jesus responds to you and I. I mean, if you'd think if he's like, "If I mean, if you'd think if he's like, "If I mean, if you'd think if he's like, "If you can do anything, Jesus would like you can do anything, Jesus would like you can do anything, Jesus would like what? Flick you off into eternity?" But what? Flick you off into eternity?" But what? Flick you off into eternity?" But he doesn't do that. he doesn't do that. he doesn't do that. He doesn't. He meets him right where he He doesn't. He meets him right where he He doesn't. He meets him right where he is. is. is. Now men, this is hard for us. That's why Now men, this is hard for us. That's why Now men, this is hard for us. That's why I think one of the reasons is that the I think one of the reasons is that the I think one of the reasons is that the story is in here because of the dad. story is in here because of the dad. story is in here because of the dad. And maybe ladies, you're probably the And maybe ladies, you're probably the And maybe ladies, you're probably the same way, but I know as men that we are. same way, but I know as men that we are. same way, but I know as men that we are. You're a do men hate desperation. You're a do men hate desperation. You're a do men hate desperation. You hate to be dependent. I mean, part You hate to be dependent. I mean, part You hate to be dependent. I mean, part of that's a very good part of the image of that's a very good part of the image of that's a very good part of the image of God in you that you and I are to be of God in you that you and I are to be of God in you that you and I are to be providers and protectors and priests and providers and protectors and priests and providers and protectors and priests and all of those things. all of those things. all of those things. and you hate to be dependent. I want to and you hate to be dependent. I want to and you hate to be dependent. I want to remind us that God loves it when we're remind us that God loves it when we're remind us that God loves it when we're dependent. We hate it, but God loves it. dependent. We hate it, but God loves it. dependent. We hate it, but God loves it. One of my buddies that preached at your One of my buddies that preached at your One of my buddies that preached at your men's conference, Joby Martin, one of men's conference, Joby Martin, one of men's conference, Joby Martin, one of the phrases that has stuck with me that the phrases that has stuck with me that the phrases that has stuck with me that he always says that the three most he always says that the three most he always says that the three most dangerous words that somebody can say dangerous words that somebody can say dangerous words that somebody can say is, "I got this."

is, "I got this." is, "I got this." And so, conversely, And so, conversely, And so, conversely, some of the best things you can tell God some of the best things you can tell God some of the best things you can tell God is, "I ain't got this. I ain't got this. is, "I ain't got this. I ain't got this. is, "I ain't got this. I ain't got this. And there will be a point, I promise And there will be a point, I promise And there will be a point, I promise you, if some of you are there now, but you, if some of you are there now, but you, if some of you are there now, but there will be a point when you have done there will be a point when you have done there will be a point when you have done all that you can do all that you can do all that you can do and then you got to admit, I ain't got and then you got to admit, I ain't got and then you got to admit, I ain't got this. God, I need you to do for me what this. God, I need you to do for me what this. God, I need you to do for me what I cannot do. But it's going to start I cannot do. But it's going to start I cannot do. But it's going to start with your desperation. with your desperation. with your desperation. And then it is going to work through And then it is going to work through And then it is going to work through your biblical faith. your biblical faith. your biblical faith. Now, before you say, "All right, enough Now, before you say, "All right, enough Now, before you say, "All right, enough of this faith stuff. Let me explain what of this faith stuff. Let me explain what of this faith stuff. Let me explain what it is. But look at look in the event. it is. But look at look in the event. it is. But look at look in the event. Verse 17, he works through your faith. Verse 17, he works through your faith. Verse 17, he works through your faith. And Jesus answered, "Oh faithless and And Jesus answered, "Oh faithless and And Jesus answered, "Oh faithless and twisted generation." You're going to see twisted generation." You're going to see twisted generation." You're going to see faith all through these four verses. faith all through these four verses. faith all through these four verses. And Jesus answered, "Oh faithless and And Jesus answered, "Oh faithless and And Jesus answered, "Oh faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be twisted generation, how long am I to be twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with with you? How long am I to bear with with you? How long am I to bear with you? you? you? Bring him here to me." Now make note of Bring him here to me." Now make note of Bring him here to me." Now make note of that. He tells the dad to take a step of that. He tells the dad to take a step of that. He tells the dad to take a step of faith. Question.

faith. Question. faith. Question. Did Jesus actually need to be in Did Jesus actually need to be in Did Jesus actually need to be in proximity to somebody to heal them? proximity to somebody to heal them? proximity to somebody to heal them? Church. All right. No, he of course he Church. All right. No, he of course he Church. All right. No, he of course he didn't. Several times in the scriptures, didn't. Several times in the scriptures, didn't. Several times in the scriptures, he does it like a long-distance healing. he does it like a long-distance healing. he does it like a long-distance healing. But make a little note. We'll come back But make a little note. We'll come back But make a little note. We'll come back to it. He makes the dad he tells the to it. He makes the dad he tells the to it. He makes the dad he tells the dad, "I want you to take a step of dad, "I want you to take a step of dad, "I want you to take a step of faith." And Jesus rebuked the demon And Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him and the boy was and it came out of him and the boy was and it came out of him and the boy was healed instantly. healed instantly. healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus Then the disciples came to Jesus Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not privately and said, "Why could we not privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, cast it out?" And he said to them, cast it out?" And he said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly "Because of your little faith. For truly "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a I say to you, if you have faith like a I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, really small grain of mustard seed, really small grain of mustard seed, really small seed, you will say to this mountain, seed, you will say to this mountain, seed, you will say to this mountain, this immovable object that you don't this immovable object that you don't this immovable object that you don't think can change, move from here to think can change, move from here to think can change, move from here to there, and it will move and nothing will there, and it will move and nothing will there, and it will move and nothing will be impossible for you.

be impossible for you. be impossible for you. Let me address the kind of the obvious Let me address the kind of the obvious Let me address the kind of the obvious question that some of you might have. question that some of you might have. question that some of you might have. The obvious question is like, come on, The obvious question is like, come on, The obvious question is like, come on, Bruce, you telling me you're telling me Bruce, you telling me you're telling me Bruce, you telling me you're telling me you believe in demons? I mean, in 2026 you believe in demons? I mean, in 2026 you believe in demons? I mean, in 2026 with AI and all the technological with AI and all the technological with AI and all the technological advancements, are you telling me you advancements, are you telling me you advancements, are you telling me you believe in a guy with a believe in a guy with a believe in a guy with a pitchfork and a red suit and a tail? By pitchfork and a red suit and a tail? By pitchfork and a red suit and a tail? By the way, I don't believe in that the way, I don't believe in that the way, I don't believe in that caricature. That's that caricature is caricature. That's that caricature is caricature. That's that caricature is not in the Bible. not in the Bible. not in the Bible. But do I believe in the devil and But do I believe in the devil and But do I believe in the devil and spiritual warfare? I would simply say spiritual warfare? I would simply say spiritual warfare? I would simply say this. You better make room somewhere in this. You better make room somewhere in this. You better make room somewhere in your theology. If you are a Christian, your theology. If you are a Christian, your theology. If you are a Christian, you better make some room for spiritual you better make some room for spiritual you better make some room for spiritual warfare in your theology. warfare in your theology. warfare in your theology. I would just put it this way. I mean, I would just put it this way. I mean, I would just put it this way. I mean, let's get it down in the where we live. let's get it down in the where we live. let's get it down in the where we live. If you struggle with an addiction, If you struggle with an addiction, If you struggle with an addiction, whether it be a pills or booze or porn whether it be a pills or booze or porn whether it be a pills or booze or porn or whatever, do you think all that's or whatever, do you think all that's or whatever, do you think all that's going on there is just a chemical deal going on there is just a chemical deal going on there is just a chemical deal in your body? You think that's all in your body? You think that's all in your body? You think that's all that's going on?

that's going on? that's going on? You think that prodigal that won't pick You think that prodigal that won't pick You think that prodigal that won't pick up your call? You think all that's going up your call? You think all that's going up your call? You think all that's going on is the fact that he's made some on is the fact that he's made some on is the fact that he's made some unwise choices or has a bad peer group. unwise choices or has a bad peer group. unwise choices or has a bad peer group. You think the issue going on in your You think the issue going on in your You think the issue going on in your marriage is just communication problems. marriage is just communication problems. marriage is just communication problems. And if you could just get a few tips and And if you could just get a few tips and And if you could just get a few tips and tricks about communication, then tricks about communication, then tricks about communication, then everything would be good again. everything would be good again. everything would be good again. Do you think every time God begins to Do you think every time God begins to Do you think every time God begins to work in your life and to have something work in your life and to have something work in your life and to have something awesome for you, the whispers of shame awesome for you, the whispers of shame awesome for you, the whispers of shame and condemnation and condemnation and condemnation just get louder and louder and louder just get louder and louder and louder just get louder and louder and louder and louder and you just back off from and louder and you just back off from and louder and you just back off from whatever God is calling you to do? You whatever God is calling you to do? You whatever God is calling you to do? You think you think I'm foolish for think you think I'm foolish for think you think I'm foolish for believing in that? I think you're believing in that? I think you're believing in that? I think you're foolish if you don't believe in foolish if you don't believe in foolish if you don't believe in spiritual warfare. spiritual warfare. spiritual warfare. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. to kill, steal, and destroy. to kill, steal, and destroy. I did seven years of theological I did seven years of theological I did seven years of theological education and missed all seven years the education and missed all seven years the education and missed all seven years the word only. word only. word only. There's only one agenda he's got for There's only one agenda he's got for There's only one agenda he's got for your life your life your life and that is to steal, kill, and destroy and that is to steal, kill, and destroy and that is to steal, kill, and destroy everything that is good and precious in everything that is good and precious in everything that is good and precious in your life. Now, he can't take away your your life. Now, he can't take away your your life. Now, he can't take away your salvation if you're a Christian, but he salvation if you're a Christian, but he salvation if you're a Christian, but he certainly can steal your testimony.

certainly can steal your testimony. certainly can steal your testimony. He certainly can kill your He certainly can kill your He certainly can kill your effectiveness. He can certainly destroy effectiveness. He can certainly destroy effectiveness. He can certainly destroy your ministry. your ministry. your ministry. But in this text, what you see is faith But in this text, what you see is faith But in this text, what you see is faith is huge. In this passage, he says is huge. In this passage, he says is huge. In this passage, he says faithless, little faith, mustard seed faithless, little faith, mustard seed faithless, little faith, mustard seed faith. But understand this, faith is faith. But understand this, faith is faith. But understand this, faith is huge in the whole Bible. huge in the whole Bible. huge in the whole Bible. The foundational truth of the Bible is The foundational truth of the Bible is The foundational truth of the Bible is the glory of God. the glory of God. the glory of God. Hope you know that. The foundational Hope you know that. The foundational Hope you know that. The foundational truth of the Bible is the glory of God. truth of the Bible is the glory of God. truth of the Bible is the glory of God. It's about him. It's not about you. The It's about him. It's not about you. The It's about him. It's not about you. The Bible is about God. It's it's not about Bible is about God. It's it's not about Bible is about God. It's it's not about you. It's for you, but it's not about you. It's for you, but it's not about you. It's for you, but it's not about you. The foundational truth in all 66 you. The foundational truth in all 66 you. The foundational truth in all 66 books is the glory of God. books is the glory of God. books is the glory of God. The central theme that brings God the The central theme that brings God the The central theme that brings God the most glory is the redemptive plan of God most glory is the redemptive plan of God most glory is the redemptive plan of God through the person and work of Jesus through the person and work of Jesus through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. The whole Bible talks about the person The whole Bible talks about the person The whole Bible talks about the person and work of Jesus, not just the New and work of Jesus, not just the New and work of Jesus, not just the New Testament.

Testament. Testament. Starting in Genesis 3 verse 15 which is Starting in Genesis 3 verse 15 which is Starting in Genesis 3 verse 15 which is the called proto evangelism the first the called proto evangelism the first the called proto evangelism the first good news he says I will send a rescuer good news he says I will send a rescuer good news he says I will send a rescuer I will send somebody that will stomp the I will send somebody that will stomp the I will send somebody that will stomp the head of the serpent and then the rest of head of the serpent and then the rest of head of the serpent and then the rest of the bible old testament are shadows of the bible old testament are shadows of the bible old testament are shadows of this coming deliver and the new this coming deliver and the new this coming deliver and the new testament is about the deliverer has testament is about the deliverer has testament is about the deliverer has come come come the passover lamb the passover lamb the passover lamb Jesus is the passover lamb you go Jesus is the passover lamb you go Jesus is the passover lamb you go through the whole old testament go to through the whole old testament go to through the whole old testament go to psalm 22 psalm 22 22. Sometimes people psalm 22 psalm 22 22. Sometimes people psalm 22 psalm 22 22. Sometimes people say, "Why doesn't the New Testament say, "Why doesn't the New Testament say, "Why doesn't the New Testament describe the crucifixion?" Because it describe the crucifixion?" Because it describe the crucifixion?" Because it was already described in Psalm 22. Psalm was already described in Psalm 22. Psalm was already described in Psalm 22. Psalm 22 starts off, "My God, my God, why have 22 starts off, "My God, my God, why have 22 starts off, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" So, thousands of years you forsaken me?" So, thousands of years you forsaken me?" So, thousands of years before Jesus says it on the cross, David before Jesus says it on the cross, David before Jesus says it on the cross, David says it in Psalm 22. Then you go to says it in Psalm 22. Then you go to says it in Psalm 22. Then you go to places like Isaiah 53. Then you go to places like Isaiah 53. Then you go to places like Isaiah 53. Then you go to the last book of the Old Testament, the last book of the Old Testament, the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, when he says, "The son of Malachi, when he says, "The son of Malachi, when he says, "The son of righteousness will come with healing in righteousness will come with healing in righteousness will come with healing in his wings." And then open up the pages his wings." And then open up the pages his wings." And then open up the pages of the New Testament, John the Baptist of the New Testament, John the Baptist of the New Testament, John the Baptist comes out and says, "Behold the lamb of comes out and says, "Behold the lamb of comes out and says, "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the God who takes away the sin of the God who takes away the sin of the world."

world." world." So it's about the glory of God. God's So it's about the glory of God. God's So it's about the glory of God. God's glory through the redemptive purpose and glory through the redemptive purpose and glory through the redemptive purpose and plan in Jesus. But you got to understand plan in Jesus. But you got to understand plan in Jesus. But you got to understand this. The urgent message is that the this. The urgent message is that the this. The urgent message is that the benefits to you and I come through benefits to you and I come through benefits to you and I come through biblical faith. Biblical faith. I'm biblical faith. Biblical faith. I'm biblical faith. Biblical faith. I'm going give you a quick rundown just here going give you a quick rundown just here going give you a quick rundown just here in Matthew. Matthew 8 it says why are in Matthew. Matthew 8 it says why are in Matthew. Matthew 8 it says why are you afraid oh you of little faith and you afraid oh you of little faith and you afraid oh you of little faith and then he rebuked the winds Matthew 9 then he rebuked the winds Matthew 9 then he rebuked the winds Matthew 9 take heart daughter your faith has made take heart daughter your faith has made take heart daughter your faith has made you well Matthew 13 and he did this is you well Matthew 13 and he did this is you well Matthew 13 and he did this is the one that's haunting listen to me the one that's haunting listen to me the one that's haunting listen to me dads don't let this be said of you dads don't let this be said of you dads don't let this be said of you church don't let this be said of green church don't let this be said of green church don't let this be said of green acres and he did not do many mighty acres and he did not do many mighty acres and he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief or works there because of their unbelief or works there because of their unbelief or lack of faith he's like they didn't have lack of faith he's like they didn't have lack of faith he's like they didn't have faith faith faith And so he did not do many mighty works And so he did not do many mighty works And so he did not do many mighty works there. there. there. Now definition of biblical faith is Now definition of biblical faith is Now definition of biblical faith is again confidence in the person and the again confidence in the person and the again confidence in the person and the promises of Christ. It's an internal promises of Christ. It's an internal promises of Christ. It's an internal conviction that leads to an external conviction that leads to an external conviction that leads to an external action. It believes what God has said action. It believes what God has said action. It believes what God has said and then acts on it regardless of how and then acts on it regardless of how and then acts on it regardless of how they feel. I mean listen, everything in they feel. I mean listen, everything in they feel. I mean listen, everything in your Christian life is going to come your Christian life is going to come your Christian life is going to come through the vehicle of faith. When you through the vehicle of faith. When you through the vehicle of faith. When you came to Christ to begin with, how did came to Christ to begin with, how did came to Christ to begin with, how did that happen? It happened through that happen? It happened through that happen? It happened through biblical faith. It's like Jesus, I need biblical faith. It's like Jesus, I need biblical faith. It's like Jesus, I need you to do for me what I cannot do. You you to do for me what I cannot do. You you to do for me what I cannot do. You lived the life that I was supposed to lived the life that I was supposed to lived the life that I was supposed to live. Then you died the death that I live. Then you died the death that I live. Then you died the death that I deserve to die. And now I'm turning from

deserve to die. And now I'm turning from deserve to die. And now I'm turning from my way of trying to make life work. And my way of trying to make life work. And my way of trying to make life work. And I believe that somehow someway what you I believe that somehow someway what you I believe that somehow someway what you did on the cross counted for me. That's did on the cross counted for me. That's did on the cross counted for me. That's how you begin the Christian life. But how you begin the Christian life. But how you begin the Christian life. But it's also how you live. It says the it's also how you live. It says the it's also how you live. It says the righteous will live by by what? They righteous will live by by what? They righteous will live by by what? They will live by faith. And so everything will live by faith. And so everything will live by faith. And so everything there's nothing that is not about faith. there's nothing that is not about faith. there's nothing that is not about faith. The way John would put it, John says, The way John would put it, John says, The way John would put it, John says, 'The victory that has overcome the 'The victory that has overcome the 'The victory that has overcome the world, that is our faith. world, that is our faith. world, that is our faith. I mean, we could spend the whole time on I mean, we could spend the whole time on I mean, we could spend the whole time on that, but this is the way you overcome that, but this is the way you overcome that, but this is the way you overcome shame. You've got a bunch of shame from shame. You've got a bunch of shame from shame. You've got a bunch of shame from stuff that other people don't even know stuff that other people don't even know stuff that other people don't even know about. about. about. If you don't understand how to take If you don't understand how to take If you don't understand how to take something like believe like Romans 8:1, something like believe like Romans 8:1, something like believe like Romans 8:1, there's now no condemnation for those there's now no condemnation for those there's now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus, you will die that are in Christ Jesus, you will die that are in Christ Jesus, you will die in your shame in your shame in your shame when you are tempted. You got to be able when you are tempted. You got to be able when you are tempted. You got to be able to pull a promise from God. something to pull a promise from God. something to pull a promise from God. something like 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says like 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says like 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says there's now no temptation for those there's now no temptation for those there's now no temptation for those there's no temptation that has overtaken there's no temptation that has overtaken there's no temptation that has overtaken you but that which is common to man and you but that which is common to man and you but that which is common to man and God is faithful and he will not allow God is faithful and he will not allow God is faithful and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are you to be tempted beyond what you are you to be tempted beyond what you are able but with the temptation will able but with the temptation will able but with the temptation will provide a means of escape so all you're provide a means of escape so all you're provide a means of escape so all you're doing is taking the promises and like doing is taking the promises and like doing is taking the promises and like God I choose to believe what you say let God I choose to believe what you say let God I choose to believe what you say let me make a little note here because me make a little note here because me make a little note here because especially especially with churches with your very especially with churches with your very rich biblical pedigree in history rich biblical pedigree in history rich biblical pedigree in history is often times we have let the quote is often times we have let the quote is often times we have let the quote faith teachers on television faith teachers on television faith teachers on television and all of their extreme unbiblical and all of their extreme unbiblical and all of their extreme unbiblical prosperity teaching rob us of biblical

prosperity teaching rob us of biblical prosperity teaching rob us of biblical mountainoving faith. mountainoving faith. mountainoving faith. We're so scared of abusing faith we We're so scared of abusing faith we We're so scared of abusing faith we don't even exercise faith. don't even exercise faith. don't even exercise faith. And by the way, the main problem with And by the way, the main problem with And by the way, the main problem with the whole prosperity gospel is the the whole prosperity gospel is the the whole prosperity gospel is the prosperity gospel makes you preeminent, prosperity gospel makes you preeminent, prosperity gospel makes you preeminent, not God. It's about you and your glory. not God. It's about you and your glory. not God. It's about you and your glory. It's not about God and his glory. The It's not about God and his glory. The It's not about God and his glory. The prosperity gospel essentially says, "I prosperity gospel essentially says, "I prosperity gospel essentially says, "I have found a way. I found a trick. I have found a way. I found a trick. I have found a way. I found a trick. I found a formula to put God into my found a formula to put God into my found a formula to put God into my debt." So God is now obligated to give debt." So God is now obligated to give debt." So God is now obligated to give me Cadillacs and candy and all that me Cadillacs and candy and all that me Cadillacs and candy and all that stuff. And that is not simply in it's stuff. And that is not simply in it's stuff. And that is not simply in it's not in the Bible. not in the Bible. not in the Bible. So biblical faith, what I'm talking So biblical faith, what I'm talking So biblical faith, what I'm talking about, what I'm asking you to take a about, what I'm asking you to take a about, what I'm asking you to take a step of faith today on is not faith in step of faith today on is not faith in step of faith today on is not faith in faith. It's not how much faith you faith. It's not how much faith you faith. It's not how much faith you conjure up. conjure up. conjure up. It's not even this. It's not the size of It's not even this. It's not the size of It's not even this. It's not the size of your faith. It is the object of your your faith. It is the object of your your faith. It is the object of your faith. faith. faith. I'll give you an example real quick. I'll give you an example real quick. I'll give you an example real quick. Like in these verses, you got three Like in these verses, you got three Like in these verses, you got three types of faith. The first one is it says types of faith. The first one is it says types of faith. The first one is it says the crowd in Matthew's gospel, but the the crowd in Matthew's gospel, but the the crowd in Matthew's gospel, but the other gospel says the scribes, the other gospel says the scribes, the other gospel says the scribes, the religious leaders. Here's what's amazing religious leaders. Here's what's amazing religious leaders. Here's what's amazing about their faith. Their faith is what about their faith. Their faith is what about their faith. Their faith is what I'm just going to call a dead faith. A I'm just going to call a dead faith. A I'm just going to call a dead faith. A dead faith. Dead faith means they had dead faith. Dead faith means they had dead faith. Dead faith means they had 322 prophecies about the coming rescuer 322 prophecies about the coming rescuer 322 prophecies about the coming rescuer that they had memorized and yet he shows that they had memorized and yet he shows that they had memorized and yet he shows up on the scene. He's like f he they can up on the scene. He's like f he they can up on the scene. He's like f he they can smell his breath and yet they don't smell his breath and yet they don't smell his breath and yet they don't recognize him. That's dead faith. That's recognize him. That's dead faith. That's recognize him. That's dead faith. That's just religion without a relationship.

just religion without a relationship. just religion without a relationship. Second kind, this is pretty convicting Second kind, this is pretty convicting Second kind, this is pretty convicting and that is it's what the disciples had and that is it's what the disciples had and that is it's what the disciples had and I would just call those it's and I would just call those it's and I would just call those it's deficient faith. If you're in ministry, deficient faith. If you're in ministry, deficient faith. If you're in ministry, if you teach a small group, what you got if you teach a small group, what you got if you teach a small group, what you got to recognize is often times if you're to recognize is often times if you're to recognize is often times if you're not careful, you can know the not careful, you can know the not careful, you can know the principles, but you have no power at principles, but you have no power at principles, but you have no power at all. What happens is you get pretty good all. What happens is you get pretty good all. What happens is you get pretty good at what you do and you forget that every at what you do and you forget that every at what you do and you forget that every effectiveness, every bit of anointing, effectiveness, every bit of anointing, effectiveness, every bit of anointing, every bit of that has to come from you every bit of that has to come from you every bit of that has to come from you being linked up to Jesus, not just being linked up to Jesus, not just being linked up to Jesus, not just running the play. running the play. running the play. Because all of a sudden, they come up to Because all of a sudden, they come up to Because all of a sudden, they come up to these disciples like, "We tried, boss, these disciples like, "We tried, boss, these disciples like, "We tried, boss, but we didn't we didn't know what we but we didn't we didn't know what we but we didn't we didn't know what we didn't know what to do. We just didn't didn't know what to do. We just didn't didn't know what to do. We just didn't know what to do." know what to do." know what to do." And so, here's a couple of thing. The And so, here's a couple of thing. The And so, here's a couple of thing. The one that the dad had is desperate faith, one that the dad had is desperate faith, one that the dad had is desperate faith, mountainoving faith. It's it's not the mountainoving faith. It's it's not the mountainoving faith. It's it's not the size. It's the object of your of your size. It's the object of your of your size. It's the object of your of your faith. So, let me give you two things faith. So, let me give you two things faith. So, let me give you two things about this. I'm going to ask you to do about this. I'm going to ask you to do about this. I'm going to ask you to do two things. Number one is ask the two things. Number one is ask the two things. Number one is ask the question, have you done what he's told question, have you done what he's told question, have you done what he's told you to do in this area of desperation? you to do in this area of desperation? you to do in this area of desperation? Have you already done what he's told you Have you already done what he's told you Have you already done what he's told you to do?

to do? to do? Jesus asked the dad, "Bring him to me." Jesus asked the dad, "Bring him to me." Jesus asked the dad, "Bring him to me." That's a physical act. Again, we already That's a physical act. Again, we already That's a physical act. Again, we already you guys are great with your Bibles. you guys are great with your Bibles. you guys are great with your Bibles. You're like, "No, he can he can do it You're like, "No, he can he can do it You're like, "No, he can he can do it from a distance." But he asks the dad, from a distance." But he asks the dad, from a distance." But he asks the dad, "Bring him to bring him to me." And so, "Bring him to bring him to me." And so, "Bring him to bring him to me." And so, don't overlook human initiative when it don't overlook human initiative when it don't overlook human initiative when it comes to gaining God's miracle in your comes to gaining God's miracle in your comes to gaining God's miracle in your life. I mean, you see this in a bunch of life. I mean, you see this in a bunch of life. I mean, you see this in a bunch of the miracles Jesus did. That often times the miracles Jesus did. That often times the miracles Jesus did. That often times there's like a step of obedience and there's like a step of obedience and there's like a step of obedience and right on the other side of the step of right on the other side of the step of right on the other side of the step of obedience is this amazing thing that God obedience is this amazing thing that God obedience is this amazing thing that God has. I mean, you see it throughout the has. I mean, you see it throughout the has. I mean, you see it throughout the scriptures. You see like he feeds 5,000 scriptures. You see like he feeds 5,000 scriptures. You see like he feeds 5,000 from five loaves and two fish. Again, from five loaves and two fish. Again, from five loaves and two fish. Again, question. Did Jesus need the fish and question. Did Jesus need the fish and question. Did Jesus need the fish and the bread to feed the 5,000? Did he need the bread to feed the 5,000? Did he need the bread to feed the 5,000? Did he need it? it? it? No, he didn't. He did not need it. He No, he didn't. He did not need it. He No, he didn't. He did not need it. He could have like popped up a Chick-fil-A could have like popped up a Chick-fil-A could have like popped up a Chick-fil-A that would have been open on Sunday if that would have been open on Sunday if that would have been open on Sunday if he wanted to and fed them that way, but he wanted to and fed them that way, but he wanted to and fed them that way, but he chose not to. He could have. You look he chose not to. He could have. You look he chose not to. He could have. You look at a bunch of other stories when like he at a bunch of other stories when like he at a bunch of other stories when like he heal when he heals the lepers and he's heal when he heals the lepers and he's heal when he heals the lepers and he's like, "Go and show yourself to the like, "Go and show yourself to the like, "Go and show yourself to the priests. Go do something. I'm asking you priests. Go do something. I'm asking you priests. Go do something. I'm asking you to do something." thing and it says is to do something." thing and it says is to do something." thing and it says is and as they went they were healed.

and as they went they were healed. and as they went they were healed. Here's one first miracle Jesus ever does Here's one first miracle Jesus ever does Here's one first miracle Jesus ever does in John chapter 2 at the wedding when he in John chapter 2 at the wedding when he in John chapter 2 at the wedding when he changes the water into wine. You changes the water into wine. You changes the water into wine. You remember what he does? Mary comes up to remember what he does? Mary comes up to remember what he does? Mary comes up to him. He's like, "Hey, him. He's like, "Hey, him. He's like, "Hey, out of wine, out of wine, do something." out of wine, out of wine, do something." out of wine, out of wine, do something." And initially he doesn't really doesn't And initially he doesn't really doesn't And initially he doesn't really doesn't sound like he responds well. He's like, sound like he responds well. He's like, sound like he responds well. He's like, "Woman, what does this have to do with "Woman, what does this have to do with "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" me?" me?" But apparently he did have a lot to do But apparently he did have a lot to do But apparently he did have a lot to do with him because what he does, she ends with him because what he does, she ends with him because what he does, she ends up telling the servants, "Hey, by the up telling the servants, "Hey, by the up telling the servants, "Hey, by the way, this is the best advice anybody can way, this is the best advice anybody can way, this is the best advice anybody can ever give you." ever give you." ever give you." They're like, "What do you want us to They're like, "What do you want us to They're like, "What do you want us to do?" And she says to them, "Do whatever do?" And she says to them, "Do whatever do?" And she says to them, "Do whatever he says. Just do do whatever he says." he says. Just do do whatever he says." he says. Just do do whatever he says." Great advice. Great advice. Great advice. And then he asks them to do certain And then he asks them to do certain And then he asks them to do certain things that don't seem super common things that don't seem super common things that don't seem super common sense. go out there, get these jars, sense. go out there, get these jars, sense. go out there, get these jars, fill them with water, get a ladle, take fill them with water, get a ladle, take fill them with water, get a ladle, take them to the MC. them to the MC. them to the MC. But they did it, and then something But they did it, and then something But they did it, and then something amazing happened. The question is, have amazing happened. The question is, have amazing happened. The question is, have you done all you can do you done all you can do you done all you can do in this desperate area? Have you been to in this desperate area? Have you been to in this desperate area? Have you been to the marriage counselor? You've been to the marriage counselor? You've been to the marriage counselor? You've been to the marriage counselor? Have you gotten the marriage counselor? Have you gotten the marriage counselor? Have you gotten your teenager into the student your teenager into the student your teenager into the student ministries? You're like, "I'm lonely.

ministries? You're like, "I'm lonely. ministries? You're like, "I'm lonely. I'm lonely." Have you gotten into Have I'm lonely." Have you gotten into Have I'm lonely." Have you gotten into Have you gotten into a small group? Like, I you gotten into a small group? Like, I you gotten into a small group? Like, I just moved to Tyler. I don't know just moved to Tyler. I don't know just moved to Tyler. I don't know anybody. And well, man, get plugged in. anybody. And well, man, get plugged in. anybody. And well, man, get plugged in. This is like the BEST PLACE. I MET MY This is like the BEST PLACE. I MET MY This is like the BEST PLACE. I MET MY WIFE AT CHURCH. UM, UM, but the part that is key for what we're but the part that is key for what we're but the part that is key for what we're going to do here in response is going to do here in response is going to do here in response is we want to do what the man did in here, we want to do what the man did in here, we want to do what the man did in here, what the dad did, and we want to cry out what the dad did, and we want to cry out what the dad did, and we want to cry out to God for help. That's what he did. to God for help. That's what he did. to God for help. That's what he did. He's like, "I do believe. Help my He's like, "I do believe. Help my He's like, "I do believe. Help my unbelief." He's like, "I believe in you unbelief." He's like, "I believe in you unbelief." He's like, "I believe in you and accept this one area I'm struggling and accept this one area I'm struggling and accept this one area I'm struggling with." with. And so what he does is he with." with. And so what he does is he with." with. And so what he does is he collects he connects biblical faith with collects he connects biblical faith with collects he connects biblical faith with crying out to God in prayer. Like I crying out to God in prayer. Like I crying out to God in prayer. Like I don't even know how to pray. Um let me don't even know how to pray. Um let me don't even know how to pray. Um let me give you two examples. I'm going to give you two examples. I'm going to give you two examples. I'm going to close. Uh one biblical example if you go close. Uh one biblical example if you go close. Uh one biblical example if you go back uh you got the three little Hebrew back uh you got the three little Hebrew back uh you got the three little Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo. boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo. boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo. You know, it's like bow or you're going You know, it's like bow or you're going You know, it's like bow or you're going to burn. They're like we're going to to burn. They're like we're going to to burn. They're like we're going to burn. But if you remember their prayer, burn. But if you remember their prayer, burn. But if you remember their prayer, their prayer essentially was like, God, their prayer essentially was like, God, their prayer essentially was like, God, I know you can. I know you can deliver I know you can. I know you can deliver I know you can. I know you can deliver us from this. I know you can and I us from this. I know you can and I us from this. I know you can and I believe you will, but even if you don't, believe you will, but even if you don't, believe you will, but even if you don't, I'm not going to bow down to the idol of I'm not going to bow down to the idol of I'm not going to bow down to the idol of fear. We're just not going to do it. And fear. We're just not going to do it. And fear. We're just not going to do it. And so, that's where some of us are. He's so, that's where some of us are. He's so, that's where some of us are. He's like, God, I know you can and I believe like, God, I know you can and I believe like, God, I know you can and I believe you will. And even if you don't right you will. And even if you don't right you will. And even if you don't right now, I'm not going to bow down to the now, I'm not going to bow down to the now, I'm not going to bow down to the idol of fear.

idol of fear. idol of fear. But here's what I'd ask you to do is I But here's what I'd ask you to do is I But here's what I'd ask you to do is I want you to take that mountainoving want you to take that mountainoving want you to take that mountainoving faith faith faith and get on your knees here in a few and get on your knees here in a few and get on your knees here in a few minutes and cry out to God. minutes and cry out to God. minutes and cry out to God. Let me show you how this works. And it Let me show you how this works. And it Let me show you how this works. And it can I'll close with this story. can I'll close with this story. can I'll close with this story. So, uh, Hixon and I's mom, uh, we grew So, uh, Hixon and I's mom, uh, we grew So, uh, Hixon and I's mom, uh, we grew up in a great home, moral home, not a up in a great home, moral home, not a up in a great home, moral home, not a Christian home. And then dad died when Christian home. And then dad died when Christian home. And then dad died when we, he and I were both young teenagers. we, he and I were both young teenagers. we, he and I were both young teenagers. And then, uh, mom remarried and so forth And then, uh, mom remarried and so forth And then, uh, mom remarried and so forth and so on. And so, with four new and so on. And so, with four new and so on. And so, with four new Christian boys in the home, you can Christian boys in the home, you can Christian boys in the home, you can imagine we had a lot of zeal with very imagine we had a lot of zeal with very imagine we had a lot of zeal with very little knowledge. And so we would share little knowledge. And so we would share little knowledge. And so we would share the gospel with her. Share the gospel the gospel with her. Share the gospel the gospel with her. Share the gospel with her. We prayed for her. Prayed for with her. We prayed for her. Prayed for with her. We prayed for her. Prayed for her. I would say, I'm sure he was more her. I would say, I'm sure he was more her. I would say, I'm sure he was more faithful than I was. But I would say I faithful than I was. But I would say I faithful than I was. But I would say I probably prayed for her for 20 years to probably prayed for her for 20 years to probably prayed for her for 20 years to be saved. Shared the gospel with her, be saved. Shared the gospel with her, be saved. Shared the gospel with her, prayed for her. But after about 20 prayed for her. But after about 20 prayed for her. But after about 20 years, you think, I guess she's just not years, you think, I guess she's just not years, you think, I guess she's just not going to do it. And it went from praying going to do it. And it went from praying going to do it. And it went from praying for her every single day with passion for her every single day with passion for her every single day with passion and desperation to kind of praying most and desperation to kind of praying most and desperation to kind of praying most of the time with not as much of the time with not as much of the time with not as much desperation.

desperation. desperation. And then in Asheville, one of the things And then in Asheville, one of the things And then in Asheville, one of the things and privileges I got to do, and if and privileges I got to do, and if and privileges I got to do, and if you're a preacher, this is sort of like you're a preacher, this is sort of like you're a preacher, this is sort of like your bucket list, is I got invited your bucket list, is I got invited your bucket list, is I got invited shortly after becoming the pastor there, shortly after becoming the pastor there, shortly after becoming the pastor there, to go up to uh the Holy of Holies, to go up to uh the Holy of Holies, to go up to uh the Holy of Holies, better known as Billy Graham's home, you better known as Billy Graham's home, you better known as Billy Graham's home, you know, up on the mountain, and talk with know, up on the mountain, and talk with know, up on the mountain, and talk with Mr. Graham. This is way back and Mr. Graham. This is way back and Mr. Graham. This is way back and obviously he's passed now. But so, long obviously he's passed now. But so, long obviously he's passed now. But so, long story short, I I get invited, we go up story short, I I get invited, we go up story short, I I get invited, we go up there, I take my two boys initially up there, I take my two boys initially up there, I take my two boys initially up there, then they got to leave at some there, then they got to leave at some there, then they got to leave at some point for driver's ed or something like point for driver's ed or something like point for driver's ed or something like that. So, talking to Mr. Graham, we that. So, talking to Mr. Graham, we that. So, talking to Mr. Graham, we first got in there. Uh Ruth, his wife, first got in there. Uh Ruth, his wife, first got in there. Uh Ruth, his wife, had died just a year earlier. And I had died just a year earlier. And I had died just a year earlier. And I remember where he sat down. There was a remember where he sat down. There was a remember where he sat down. There was a picture of her right above the right picture of her right above the right picture of her right above the right above the uh the chair. He sat in there above the uh the chair. He sat in there above the uh the chair. He sat in there and I mean, by the way, uh sometime when and I mean, by the way, uh sometime when and I mean, by the way, uh sometime when you meet your heroes, they disappoint you meet your heroes, they disappoint you meet your heroes, they disappoint you. This is the opposite. He's every he you. This is the opposite. He's every he you. This is the opposite. He's every he was every bit as winsome and humble and was every bit as winsome and humble and was every bit as winsome and humble and gracious as you would imagine him to be. gracious as you would imagine him to be. gracious as you would imagine him to be. So he's all of that. He's asking me all So he's all of that. He's asking me all So he's all of that. He's asking me all this stuff about our ministry and this stuff about our ministry and this stuff about our ministry and Asheville and all this kind of stuff. Asheville and all this kind of stuff. Asheville and all this kind of stuff. Told him about somewhere in there. told Told him about somewhere in there. told Told him about somewhere in there. told him about mom and how we're praying for him about mom and how we're praying for him about mom and how we're praying for her. her. her. At the end, uh the guy that took me, he At the end, uh the guy that took me, he At the end, uh the guy that took me, he says, "Pastor," cuz he was one of my says, "Pastor," cuz he was one of my says, "Pastor," cuz he was one of my church members, "Would you pray for Mr.

church members, "Would you pray for Mr. church members, "Would you pray for Mr. Graham?" And I was like, "Oh my Graham?" And I was like, "Oh my Graham?" And I was like, "Oh my goodness, about to pray for Billy goodness, about to pray for Billy goodness, about to pray for Billy Graham. Don't mess it up." So, I I Graham. Don't mess it up." So, I I Graham. Don't mess it up." So, I I prayed the best prayer I could. But true prayed the best prayer I could. But true prayed the best prayer I could. But true story, uh before I get to the point, the story, uh before I get to the point, the story, uh before I get to the point, the true story is I'm praying for him with true story is I'm praying for him with true story is I'm praying for him with all I got. I mean, I'm praying my best all I got. I mean, I'm praying my best all I got. I mean, I'm praying my best prayer. And somewhere in there, I start prayer. And somewhere in there, I start prayer. And somewhere in there, I start praying, "God, thank you for the praying, "God, thank you for the praying, "God, thank you for the resurrection. Thank you for the fact we resurrection. Thank you for the fact we resurrection. Thank you for the fact we get to see our loved ones in heaven." get to see our loved ones in heaven." get to see our loved ones in heaven." And I start to hear a noise and I kind And I start to hear a noise and I kind And I start to hear a noise and I kind of cheat and I look up and Billy Graham of cheat and I look up and Billy Graham of cheat and I look up and Billy Graham is crying. And the first thought that is crying. And the first thought that is crying. And the first thought that hit me, I'm like, you're going to hell hit me, I'm like, you're going to hell hit me, I'm like, you're going to hell because I'm making Billy Graham cry. But because I'm making Billy Graham cry. But because I'm making Billy Graham cry. But I got flustered. I got flustered and I got flustered. I got flustered and I got flustered. I got flustered and like, thank you for the birds in the air like, thank you for the birds in the air like, thank you for the birds in the air and the dogs on the ground in Jesus and the dogs on the ground in Jesus and the dogs on the ground in Jesus name, you know. Amen. And closed it up. name, you know. Amen. And closed it up. name, you know. Amen. And closed it up. And then I thought it was over. And then And then I thought it was over. And then And then I thought it was over. And then and then um Mr. Graham said, "Sit sip and then um Mr. Graham said, "Sit sip and then um Mr. Graham said, "Sit sip sit down. Sit down." He said, "Tell me sit down. Sit down." He said, "Tell me sit down. Sit down." He said, "Tell me about your mom again." I told him, and about your mom again." I told him, and about your mom again." I told him, and listen to me, Green Acres, listen to me, Green Acres, listen to me, Green Acres, he's 91 at the time, frail, he's 91 at the time, frail, he's 91 at the time, frail, you're 91, you're going to be free. you're 91, you're going to be free. you're 91, you're going to be free. Voice was different. Wasn't the one I Voice was different. Wasn't the one I Voice was different. Wasn't the one I imagined on television.

He says, "I want to pray for your mom." He says, "I want to pray for your mom." He prayed the most desperate, He prayed the most desperate, He prayed the most desperate, theologically correct, passionate prayer theologically correct, passionate prayer theologically correct, passionate prayer for a lost person that I've ever heard for a lost person that I've ever heard for a lost person that I've ever heard in my life. It's It's like his voice in my life. It's It's like his voice in my life. It's It's like his voice almost changed. It's like he was 50 almost changed. It's like he was 50 almost changed. It's like he was 50 years old again. Like the general back years old again. Like the general back years old again. Like the general back in the saddle prayed this prayer for my in the saddle prayed this prayer for my in the saddle prayed this prayer for my mom to come to Christ. mom to come to Christ. mom to come to Christ. And then after I mean when when he said And then after I mean when when he said And then after I mean when when he said amen it was just like my what did I just amen it was just like my what did I just amen it was just like my what did I just what just happened right there. So I'm what just happened right there. So I'm what just happened right there. So I'm driving back. I'm calling the brothers driving back. I'm calling the brothers driving back. I'm calling the brothers like man she ain't got a chance man. like man she ain't got a chance man. like man she ain't got a chance man. Billy Graham just prayed for her. Six months later six months later my mom Six months later six months later my mom came to Christ. came to Christ. came to Christ. What I'm asking you to do What I'm asking you to do What I'm asking you to do is go back to praying like that. is go back to praying like that. is go back to praying like that. Parents, grandparents, Parents, grandparents, Parents, grandparents, you think God's going to ignore the you think God's going to ignore the you think God's going to ignore the passionate prayer of a grandparent passionate prayer of a grandparent passionate prayer of a grandparent praying for their prodigal granddaughter praying for their prodigal granddaughter praying for their prodigal granddaughter on their knees. Now, I'm not saying you on their knees. Now, I'm not saying you on their knees. Now, I'm not saying you can't pray where you are. You can. Your can't pray where you are. You can. Your can't pray where you are. You can. Your prayers, you see a bunch of you can pray prayers, you see a bunch of you can pray prayers, you see a bunch of you can pray up there. That's fine. There's something up there. That's fine. There's something up there. That's fine. There's something though. There's something about matching though. There's something about matching though. There's something about matching when you're on your knees before God when you're on your knees before God when you're on your knees before God like this or got both knees down.

like this or got both knees down. like this or got both knees down. Any act of any act of sufficiency is Any act of any act of sufficiency is Any act of any act of sufficiency is gone. Any act that you got your stuff gone. Any act that you got your stuff gone. Any act that you got your stuff together, it's gone. together, it's gone. together, it's gone. I'm asking you to desperately cry out I'm asking you to desperately cry out I'm asking you to desperately cry out for whatever that mountain has been in for whatever that mountain has been in for whatever that mountain has been in your life, your life, your life, that lost person you love, that lost person you love, that lost person you love, that relationship that's broken, that that relationship that's broken, that that relationship that's broken, that marriage that's not what it used to be. marriage that's not what it used to be. marriage that's not what it used to be. All of those, I'm asking you to do that All of those, I'm asking you to do that All of those, I'm asking you to do that and just say, "I'm going to get to the and just say, "I'm going to get to the and just say, "I'm going to get to the front of that church and I'm going to front of that church and I'm going to front of that church and I'm going to give this thing to God." And you can, I give this thing to God." And you can, I give this thing to God." And you can, I do believe. Help my unbelief. Would you do believe. Help my unbelief. Would you do believe. Help my unbelief. Would you have mercy on my situation? have mercy on my situation? have mercy on my situation? You're like, "What's going to happen?" You're like, "What's going to happen?" You're like, "What's going to happen?" All I can know is what the scripture All I can know is what the scripture All I can know is what the scripture says. Psalm 50 says, "Call on me in the says. Psalm 50 says, "Call on me in the says. Psalm 50 says, "Call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you day of trouble and I will deliver you day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will glorify me." and you will glorify me." and you will glorify me." Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety upon Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety upon Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety upon me because I care for you." me because I care for you." me because I care for you." Jesus says, "Come to me all who are Jesus says, "Come to me all who are Jesus says, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give weary and heavy laden and I will give weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls."

you rest for your souls." you rest for your souls." So, I'm going to pray. And I don't know So, I'm going to pray. And I don't know So, I'm going to pray. And I don't know if this is I don't think this is normal if this is I don't think this is normal if this is I don't think this is normal for you, but I would ask you, especially for you, but I would ask you, especially for you, but I would ask you, especially some of you prayer leaders, I've heard some of you prayer leaders, I've heard some of you prayer leaders, I've heard your Wednesday night prayer meetings are your Wednesday night prayer meetings are your Wednesday night prayer meetings are like off the chain right now. Some of like off the chain right now. Some of like off the chain right now. Some of you might need to lead out. And I'm you might need to lead out. And I'm you might need to lead out. And I'm asking you to just come down here and asking you to just come down here and asking you to just come down here and hit your knees and you cry out to God hit your knees and you cry out to God hit your knees and you cry out to God for whatever that is. If you right now for whatever that is. If you right now for whatever that is. If you right now in a blue sky time in your life, I in a blue sky time in your life, I in a blue sky time in your life, I promise you, you've got some people you promise you, you've got some people you promise you, you've got some people you love that are not in that situation. love that are not in that situation. love that are not in that situation. And so, I'm going to pray. If you'd And so, I'm going to pray. If you'd And so, I'm going to pray. If you'd stand to your feet, I'm going to pray stand to your feet, I'm going to pray stand to your feet, I'm going to pray and then we're going to respond. Some and then we're going to respond. Some and then we're going to respond. Some will just be singing, "Lord, I need will just be singing, "Lord, I need will just be singing, "Lord, I need you." I'm also praying that many would you." I'm also praying that many would you." I'm also praying that many would say, "You know what, God? I got to pray. say, "You know what, God? I got to pray. say, "You know what, God? I got to pray. I'm going to pray like I've never prayed I'm going to pray like I've never prayed I'm going to pray like I've never prayed before. God, I want to go back. I want before. God, I want to go back. I want before. God, I want to go back. I want to go away from coping. I want to go to go away from coping. I want to go to go away from coping. I want to go back to hoping again. God, I want to back to hoping again. God, I want to back to hoping again. God, I want to pray the next few minutes for the glory pray the next few minutes for the glory pray the next few minutes for the glory of God and for the good of your people. of God and for the good of your people. of God and for the good of your people. You would look down from heaven and be You would look down from heaven and be You would look down from heaven and be pleased with your people at Green Acres. pleased with your people at Green Acres. pleased with your people at Green Acres. that you hear the desperation of moms that you hear the desperation of moms that you hear the desperation of moms and grandmoms and dads and fathers and and grandmoms and dads and fathers and and grandmoms and dads and fathers and grandfathers and teenagers like, "God, I grandfathers and teenagers like, "God, I grandfathers and teenagers like, "God, I need you to work in this situation. This need you to work in this situation. This need you to work in this situation. This mountain is too big for me to do it, but mountain is too big for me to do it, but mountain is too big for me to do it, but I know you can and I believe you will.

I know you can and I believe you will. I know you can and I believe you will. And even if you don't, I'm not going to And even if you don't, I'm not going to And even if you don't, I'm not going to bow down to the idol of fear." And we bow down to the idol of fear." And we bow down to the idol of fear." And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen.