Destination Unknown | Pastor Mark Jobe

>> Well, hey, Gateway family. How are you >> Well, hey, Gateway family. How are you doing? Good to see everybody. Well, doing? Good to see everybody. Well, doing? Good to see everybody. Well, wasn't that a great video? I love wasn't that a great video? I love wasn't that a great video? I love testimonies like that when God invades a testimonies like that when God invades a testimonies like that when God invades a teenager's life. You know, that age teenager's life. You know, that age teenager's life. You know, that age group, that's the perfect time because group, that's the perfect time because group, that's the perfect time because there's enough maturity to really know there's enough maturity to really know there's enough maturity to really know what God's saying and then when they what God's saying and then when they what God's saying and then when they begin to hear from the Lord about their begin to hear from the Lord about their begin to hear from the Lord about their future, that's when lives are radically future, that's when lives are radically future, that's when lives are radically changed. Sandy and I led a youth changed. Sandy and I led a youth changed. Sandy and I led a youth conference for 25 years and those are conference for 25 years and those are conference for 25 years and those are some of the best memories that we have. some of the best memories that we have. some of the best memories that we have. So, Youth Con, our youth conference 2026 So, Youth Con, our youth conference 2026 So, Youth Con, our youth conference 2026 is coming up here in July. I think it's is coming up here in July. I think it's is coming up here in July. I think it's around the 15th. And uh students, if you around the 15th. And uh students, if you around the 15th. And uh students, if you have not gotten registered for that, have not gotten registered for that, have not gotten registered for that, register today. You can text the word register today. You can text the word register today. You can text the word youth to 710 and get that process going. youth to 710 and get that process going. youth to 710 and get that process going. Parents, get your students there. I Parents, get your students there. I Parents, get your students there. I mean, for a life change. You heard mean, for a life change. You heard mean, for a life change. You heard Pastor Galani say there is no junior Pastor Galani say there is no junior Pastor Galani say there is no junior Holy Spirit. And so when the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit. And so when the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit. And so when the Holy Spirit begins to move on their life, you know, begins to move on their life, you know, begins to move on their life, you know, I I happen to have met my wife at a I I happen to have met my wife at a I I happen to have met my wife at a youth conference. Just saying. Just youth conference. Just saying. Just youth conference. Just saying. Just saying. And uh so grandparents, you hey, saying. And uh so grandparents, you hey, saying. And uh so grandparents, you hey, listen, you can be involved too. Sponsor listen, you can be involved too. Sponsor listen, you can be involved too. Sponsor these students. And if you don't have these students. And if you don't have these students. And if you don't have any grandkids, sponsor somebody else's any grandkids, sponsor somebody else's any grandkids, sponsor somebody else's uh students to go. All right. So that's uh students to go. All right. So that's uh students to go. All right. So that's coming up and u this next next month.

coming up and u this next next month. coming up and u this next next month. That's exciting. Well, I want to greet That's exciting. Well, I want to greet That's exciting. Well, I want to greet everyone watching online, all of our everyone watching online, all of our everyone watching online, all of our campuses as well, and I'm so so uh glad campuses as well, and I'm so so uh glad campuses as well, and I'm so so uh glad that you've chosen to join in with us. that you've chosen to join in with us. that you've chosen to join in with us. We're going to be finishing our series We're going to be finishing our series We're going to be finishing our series today on the road trip. So, this being today on the road trip. So, this being today on the road trip. So, this being the conclusion of the road trip, you'd the conclusion of the road trip, you'd the conclusion of the road trip, you'd think that we'd finally have a think that we'd finally have a think that we'd finally have a destination, right? I mean, let's park destination, right? I mean, let's park destination, right? I mean, let's park the car. Of course, every time I see the car. Of course, every time I see the car. Of course, every time I see that that that opener, I see that small that that that opener, I see that small that that that opener, I see that small car, I'm thinking that was one small car, I'm thinking that was one small car, I'm thinking that was one small family because it took more than that to family because it took more than that to family because it took more than that to get us on vacation. But, you know, you get us on vacation. But, you know, you get us on vacation. But, you know, you think, all right, we've got a think, all right, we've got a think, all right, we've got a destination in mind. We're going to destination in mind. We're going to destination in mind. We're going to we're going to finally get there. But we're going to finally get there. But we're going to finally get there. But today, I'm going to be talking about the today, I'm going to be talking about the today, I'm going to be talking about the life of Abraham. And one of the things life of Abraham. And one of the things life of Abraham. And one of the things the Lord said to Abraham when he took the Lord said to Abraham when he took the Lord said to Abraham when he took when he started his journey was, I'm when he started his journey was, I'm when he started his journey was, I'm going to send you to a place that you've going to send you to a place that you've going to send you to a place that you've never known. He stepped out in faith. never known. He stepped out in faith. never known. He stepped out in faith. So, basically, I'm going to be talking So, basically, I'm going to be talking So, basically, I'm going to be talking about a destination today, but it's about a destination today, but it's about a destination today, but it's destination unknown. Let's pray destination unknown. Let's pray destination unknown. Let's pray together. together. together. Father, we thank you for the word of Father, we thank you for the word of Father, we thank you for the word of God. I ask today, Lord, that you would God. I ask today, Lord, that you would God. I ask today, Lord, that you would speak to us out of the scripture. God, I speak to us out of the scripture. God, I speak to us out of the scripture. God, I pray today that you would impact our pray today that you would impact our pray today that you would impact our hearts and impact our lives. And Lord, I hearts and impact our lives. And Lord, I hearts and impact our lives. And Lord, I pray more than anything else that we pray more than anything else that we pray more than anything else that we would not settle would not settle would not settle uh our life in the wrong place. But God, uh our life in the wrong place. But God, uh our life in the wrong place. But God, we would press in to what you have for we would press in to what you have for we would press in to what you have for all of us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen.

all of us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. all of us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. In Hebrews 11:8, the scripture says, "By In Hebrews 11:8, the scripture says, "By In Hebrews 11:8, the scripture says, "By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would to go out to the place which he would to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance." It goes on receive as an inheritance." It goes on receive as an inheritance." It goes on to say, "And he went out, not knowing to say, "And he went out, not knowing to say, "And he went out, not knowing where he was going." I love this layout where he was going." I love this layout where he was going." I love this layout in this passage. I mean, you could just in this passage. I mean, you could just in this passage. I mean, you could just stay right here all day, but I love the stay right here all day, but I love the stay right here all day, but I love the fact that when Abraham obeyed God, he fact that when Abraham obeyed God, he fact that when Abraham obeyed God, he when he heard God, he obeyed God when he heard God, he obeyed God when he heard God, he obeyed God immediately. I mean, how many times has immediately. I mean, how many times has immediately. I mean, how many times has it has the Lord had to work with us for it has the Lord had to work with us for it has the Lord had to work with us for weeks, if not months, maybe even, God weeks, if not months, maybe even, God weeks, if not months, maybe even, God forbid, years, to get us to step out in forbid, years, to get us to step out in forbid, years, to get us to step out in obedience to that next thing that God obedience to that next thing that God obedience to that next thing that God has for us to do. You know, Sandy and I has for us to do. You know, Sandy and I has for us to do. You know, Sandy and I love road trips. Sometimes we'll plan an love road trips. Sometimes we'll plan an love road trips. Sometimes we'll plan an entire month just for a one-day trip, entire month just for a one-day trip, entire month just for a one-day trip, but we love to take these one-day trips but we love to take these one-day trips but we love to take these one-day trips in Texas. And a lot of this uh a lot of in Texas. And a lot of this uh a lot of in Texas. And a lot of this uh a lot of the trips we have done numerous times the trips we have done numerous times the trips we have done numerous times because it's something we we love to do. because it's something we we love to do. because it's something we we love to do. We love to plan. We actually bought a We love to plan. We actually bought a We love to plan. We actually bought a book on on road trips in Texas. But uh book on on road trips in Texas. But uh book on on road trips in Texas. But uh my dad, it was a different story. He uh my dad, it was a different story. He uh my dad, it was a different story. He uh some would call it spontaneous.

some would call it spontaneous. some would call it spontaneous. I called it no planning. But hey, it was I called it no planning. But hey, it was I called it no planning. But hey, it was a vacation nonetheless. I remember one a vacation nonetheless. I remember one a vacation nonetheless. I remember one year he said, "Hey, let's go to year he said, "Hey, let's go to year he said, "Hey, let's go to Colorado." And it meant, "Grab your Colorado." And it meant, "Grab your Colorado." And it meant, "Grab your stuff. We're going like right now." And stuff. We're going like right now." And stuff. We're going like right now." And so he he uh he bought a new to us car. so he he uh he bought a new to us car. so he he uh he bought a new to us car. You know what I'm talking about? A 1975 You know what I'm talking about? A 1975 You know what I'm talking about? A 1975 Osmobile Vista Cruiser. Osmobile Vista Cruiser. Osmobile Vista Cruiser. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Can I just say at age 15, it's Can I just say at age 15, it's Can I just say at age 15, it's impossible to look cool climbing into impossible to look cool climbing into impossible to look cool climbing into that. It did have a really cool back that. It did have a really cool back that. It did have a really cool back seat, though. the back seat faced seat, though. the back seat faced seat, though. the back seat faced outward, you know, so you could look at outward, you know, so you could look at outward, you know, so you could look at where you'd been. Okay, that was fun. where you'd been. Okay, that was fun. where you'd been. Okay, that was fun. But we we uh we broke down along the But we we uh we broke down along the But we we uh we broke down along the way. And um you know, like I said, there way. And um you know, like I said, there way. And um you know, like I said, there were no plans. And so my brother and I, were no plans. And so my brother and I, were no plans. And so my brother and I, we would come through these small towns. we would come through these small towns. we would come through these small towns. We'd start looking for the hotel. We'd We'd start looking for the hotel. We'd We'd start looking for the hotel. We'd beg, we'd beg, "Dad, please stop before beg, we'd beg, "Dad, please stop before beg, we'd beg, "Dad, please stop before it gets dark." And we'd look for these it gets dark." And we'd look for these it gets dark." And we'd look for these hotels that had I said hotels, I should hotels that had I said hotels, I should hotels that had I said hotels, I should say motel. I don't know that I stayed in say motel. I don't know that I stayed in say motel. I don't know that I stayed in a hotel until after I got married.

a hotel until after I got married. a hotel until after I got married. I didn't know they existed. You know, I didn't know they existed. You know, I didn't know they existed. You know, all the places I stayed, you pulled the all the places I stayed, you pulled the all the places I stayed, you pulled the car out out in front of the door, but we car out out in front of the door, but we car out out in front of the door, but we looked for a swimming pool that had a looked for a swimming pool that had a looked for a swimming pool that had a diving board. I mean, that was like a diving board. I mean, that was like a diving board. I mean, that was like a hit, you know, we could find. That was hit, you know, we could find. That was hit, you know, we could find. That was vacation. And I remember that week, we vacation. And I remember that week, we vacation. And I remember that week, we stayed in some godforsaken town so the stayed in some godforsaken town so the stayed in some godforsaken town so the car could be fixed, but we had a diving car could be fixed, but we had a diving car could be fixed, but we had a diving board. That's all I remember. I'm not board. That's all I remember. I'm not board. That's all I remember. I'm not saying the car was old, but that's the saying the car was old, but that's the saying the car was old, but that's the exact model that Abraham and his family exact model that Abraham and his family exact model that Abraham and his family owned. Okay, just saying. I was thinking the other day, Old's I was thinking the other day, Old's Mobile, you you'd think you'd get a clue Mobile, you you'd think you'd get a clue Mobile, you you'd think you'd get a clue by the name Old Mobile, you know. Oh, by the name Old Mobile, you know. Oh, by the name Old Mobile, you know. Oh, never mind. Never mind. I love the fact never mind. Never mind. I love the fact never mind. Never mind. I love the fact that our life is a life of faith. that our life is a life of faith. that our life is a life of faith. A life of faith basically is made up of A life of faith basically is made up of A life of faith basically is made up of steps of obedience, one after the other. steps of obedience, one after the other. steps of obedience, one after the other. But what I love about this story of But what I love about this story of But what I love about this story of Abraham, it says when he was called, he Abraham, it says when he was called, he Abraham, it says when he was called, he obeyed. obeyed. obeyed. when he when he was called, he went. So when he when he was called, he went. So when he when he was called, he went. So therefore, when you're called, the next therefore, when you're called, the next therefore, when you're called, the next step is go obey. Do what you what you step is go obey. Do what you what you step is go obey. Do what you what you feel like. You listen, I'd rather miss feel like. You listen, I'd rather miss feel like. You listen, I'd rather miss God by trying to obey God than to miss God by trying to obey God than to miss God by trying to obey God than to miss God by holding back. I don't want a life God by holding back. I don't want a life God by holding back. I don't want a life full of regrets. I can't tell you how full of regrets. I can't tell you how full of regrets. I can't tell you how many times I've said to myself, I won't many times I've said to myself, I won't many times I've said to myself, I won't do that again. But I'm glad we stepped do that again. But I'm glad we stepped do that again. But I'm glad we stepped out and we tried to hear God and obey out and we tried to hear God and obey out and we tried to hear God and obey God. But what does it mean to be called?

God. But what does it mean to be called? God. But what does it mean to be called? Abraham was called. Being called is more Abraham was called. Being called is more Abraham was called. Being called is more than an occupation. There's a difference than an occupation. There's a difference than an occupation. There's a difference between an occupation and a calling. The between an occupation and a calling. The between an occupation and a calling. The word calling comes from a Latin word word calling comes from a Latin word word calling comes from a Latin word vocare which is the same word we get the vocare which is the same word we get the vocare which is the same word we get the word vocal and the word vocation. Isn't word vocal and the word vocation. Isn't word vocal and the word vocation. Isn't that interesting? So an occupation is that interesting? So an occupation is that interesting? So an occupation is not the same as a vocation. It basically not the same as a vocation. It basically not the same as a vocation. It basically means this to call out or to call up means this to call out or to call up means this to call out or to call up something in you. For instance, if you something in you. For instance, if you something in you. For instance, if you have a calling, that means there's have a calling, that means there's have a calling, that means there's there's a dest there is a destiny laying there's a dest there is a destiny laying there's a dest there is a destiny laying dormant inside of you. And when God dormant inside of you. And when God dormant inside of you. And when God calls to you there, he calls up and out calls to you there, he calls up and out calls to you there, he calls up and out of you your calling. And when it of you your calling. And when it of you your calling. And when it happens, your whole life will be happens, your whole life will be happens, your whole life will be redirected toward that burden and that redirected toward that burden and that redirected toward that burden and that passion that's in you. All of you in passion that's in you. All of you in passion that's in you. All of you in this room have a calling. Some of you this room have a calling. Some of you this room have a calling. Some of you will be in full-time ministry. Some of will be in full-time ministry. Some of will be in full-time ministry. Some of you will be in full-time marketplace you will be in full-time marketplace you will be in full-time marketplace ministry. But all of us have a calling. ministry. But all of us have a calling. ministry. But all of us have a calling. We're called to make an impact for We're called to make an impact for We're called to make an impact for Christ everywhere we go. You're called.

Christ everywhere we go. You're called. Christ everywhere we go. You're called. But God seldom gives us all the details. But God seldom gives us all the details. But God seldom gives us all the details. It requires faith. Now, there's a It requires faith. Now, there's a It requires faith. Now, there's a difference between blind faith and difference between blind faith and difference between blind faith and biblical faith. Blind faith is just biblical faith. Blind faith is just biblical faith. Blind faith is just launching out hoping everything falls in launching out hoping everything falls in launching out hoping everything falls in place. That's kind of the way my dad place. That's kind of the way my dad place. That's kind of the way my dad planned vacation. Okay? I don't like planned vacation. Okay? I don't like planned vacation. Okay? I don't like blind faith. But biblical faith is blind faith. But biblical faith is blind faith. But biblical faith is different. Biblical faith is based on a different. Biblical faith is based on a different. Biblical faith is based on a promise from God. For instance, Romans promise from God. For instance, Romans promise from God. For instance, Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." Basically, hearing by the word of God." Basically, hearing by the word of God." Basically, this when you walk with God, you develop this when you walk with God, you develop this when you walk with God, you develop a relationship with God. And out of that a relationship with God. And out of that a relationship with God. And out of that relationship with God, God begins to relationship with God, God begins to relationship with God, God begins to communicate to you the best way that you communicate to you the best way that you communicate to you the best way that you hear what your future is. And then there hear what your future is. And then there hear what your future is. And then there are steps of faith involved. Sandy and I are steps of faith involved. Sandy and I are steps of faith involved. Sandy and I live by a passage. We we quote this all live by a passage. We we quote this all live by a passage. We we quote this all the time. It we basically live on on the time. It we basically live on on the time. It we basically live on on making decisions based on the peace of making decisions based on the peace of making decisions based on the peace of God. The scripture says, "Let the peace God. The scripture says, "Let the peace God. The scripture says, "Let the peace of God rule your heart." So if we're of God rule your heart." So if we're of God rule your heart." So if we're thinking about something, an act of thinking about something, an act of thinking about something, an act of faith, a decision in faith, and we pray faith, a decision in faith, and we pray faith, a decision in faith, and we pray together, if we have peace, even though together, if we have peace, even though together, if we have peace, even though we don't have all all of the details, we don't have all all of the details, we don't have all all of the details, will step out in faith because there's will step out in faith because there's will step out in faith because there's peace. I believe Abraham understood peace. I believe Abraham understood peace. I believe Abraham understood that. I believe Abraham walked with God.

that. I believe Abraham walked with God. that. I believe Abraham walked with God. Because hearing God is all part of a Because hearing God is all part of a Because hearing God is all part of a relationship with God. In Romans chapter relationship with God. In Romans chapter relationship with God. In Romans chapter 4:3, the scripture says about Abraham, 4:3, the scripture says about Abraham, 4:3, the scripture says about Abraham, Abraham believed God and it was Abraham believed God and it was Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. It accounted to him for righteousness. It accounted to him for righteousness. It wasn't like he he heard God one time and wasn't like he he heard God one time and wasn't like he he heard God one time and said, "I believe that." No, it was a said, "I believe that." No, it was a said, "I believe that." No, it was a relationship. So, I want to take this relationship. So, I want to take this relationship. So, I want to take this relationship back to Abraham's original relationship back to Abraham's original relationship back to Abraham's original city, original town where he grew up. city, original town where he grew up. city, original town where he grew up. It's a town called It's a town called It's a town called in Acts chapter 7, starting in verse in Acts chapter 7, starting in verse in Acts chapter 7, starting in verse two, Stephen was speaking here. And two, Stephen was speaking here. And two, Stephen was speaking here. And here's what he said. here's what he said. here's what he said. He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our to me. The God of glory appeared to our to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in father Abraham while he was still in father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia." That's where the that's Mesopotamia." That's where the that's Mesopotamia." That's where the that's where the city of Er was. So, he spoke where the city of Er was. So, he spoke where the city of Er was. So, he spoke to Abraham in Mesopotamia and the Bible to Abraham in Mesopotamia and the Bible to Abraham in Mesopotamia and the Bible says before he lived in Heron, that that says before he lived in Heron, that that says before he lived in Heron, that that city of Heron is going to become city of Heron is going to become city of Heron is going to become important in a moment. And here's what important in a moment. And here's what important in a moment. And here's what God said to him. Leave your country and God said to him. Leave your country and God said to him. Leave your country and your people. And God said, "And go to a your people. And God said, "And go to a your people. And God said, "And go to a land that I will show you." Now, land that I will show you." Now, land that I will show you." Now, according to some of the early stories according to some of the early stories according to some of the early stories about Abraham, he knew he was headed to about Abraham, he knew he was headed to about Abraham, he knew he was headed to Canaan. So, it's not uh, you know, it Canaan. So, it's not uh, you know, it Canaan. So, it's not uh, you know, it it's not a contradiction to scripture, it's not a contradiction to scripture, it's not a contradiction to scripture, but it'd be like me saying to you, but it'd be like me saying to you, but it'd be like me saying to you, "We're going to Colorado." I didn't say "We're going to Colorado." I didn't say "We're going to Colorado." I didn't say what city, and I didn't talk about all what city, and I didn't talk about all what city, and I didn't talk about all the things that would happen along the the things that would happen along the the things that would happen along the way. So, basically, he knew he was way. So, basically, he knew he was way. So, basically, he knew he was headed to a region, but he knew also he headed to a region, but he knew also he headed to a region, but he knew also he would have to go before he'd know. He'd

would have to go before he'd know. He'd would have to go before he'd know. He'd have to walk it out before the have to walk it out before the have to walk it out before the revelation would come along the way of revelation would come along the way of revelation would come along the way of all the details he needed to know. all the details he needed to know. all the details he needed to know. Now, historians believe Now, historians believe Now, historians believe that because that because that because God spoke to Abram while he was still in God spoke to Abram while he was still in God spoke to Abram while he was still in that it was all wrapped up in the family that it was all wrapped up in the family that it was all wrapped up in the family uh saga that was going on. For instance, uh saga that was going on. For instance, uh saga that was going on. For instance, Abraham's brother had passed away. His Abraham's brother had passed away. His Abraham's brother had passed away. His name was Haron. H A R A N. Abram's dad, name was Haron. H A R A N. Abram's dad, name was Haron. H A R A N. Abram's dad, a man by the name of Terra, was walking a man by the name of Terra, was walking a man by the name of Terra, was walking through grief because of the loss of his through grief because of the loss of his through grief because of the loss of his son. And and so Haron's son was Lot. How son. And and so Haron's son was Lot. How son. And and so Haron's son was Lot. How many of you remember Abraham's nephew, many of you remember Abraham's nephew, many of you remember Abraham's nephew, Lot? And so they all load up. And here's Lot? And so they all load up. And here's Lot? And so they all load up. And here's here's my thinking behind it. Um Terra here's my thinking behind it. Um Terra here's my thinking behind it. Um Terra was willing to go with Abraham because was willing to go with Abraham because was willing to go with Abraham because in his grief, he didn't want to be left in his grief, he didn't want to be left in his grief, he didn't want to be left behind. And it was the custom of that behind. And it was the custom of that behind. And it was the custom of that day for families to stick together. And day for families to stick together. And day for families to stick together. And so they headed out from to Canaan. Now so they headed out from to Canaan. Now so they headed out from to Canaan. Now you got to understand Canaan was only you got to understand Canaan was only you got to understand Canaan was only 600 miles on the other side of the 600 miles on the other side of the 600 miles on the other side of the Syrian desert. But to cross over from to Syrian desert. But to cross over from to Syrian desert. But to cross over from to Canaan by crossing the Assyrian desert Canaan by crossing the Assyrian desert Canaan by crossing the Assyrian desert was absolute death. A shortcut to kill was absolute death. A shortcut to kill was absolute death. A shortcut to kill you basically. So knowing that they you basically. So knowing that they you basically. So knowing that they couldn't go that way, they headed north couldn't go that way, they headed north couldn't go that way, they headed north up the the uh the trading path up the up the the uh the trading path up the up the the uh the trading path up the river Euphrates. And as they headed river Euphrates. And as they headed river Euphrates. And as they headed north, they landed in a city called north, they landed in a city called north, they landed in a city called Haron. Now, where's Haron? Glad you Haron. Now, where's Haron? Glad you Haron. Now, where's Haron? Glad you asked. You know, we we make statements

asked. You know, we we make statements asked. You know, we we make statements like this about the Bible. We say in its like this about the Bible. We say in its like this about the Bible. We say in its original manuscript, we believe that the original manuscript, we believe that the original manuscript, we believe that the Bible is inherit infallible. How many of Bible is inherit infallible. How many of Bible is inherit infallible. How many of you believe that? I do. Right? you believe that? I do. Right? you believe that? I do. Right? Inherit basically means there are no Inherit basically means there are no Inherit basically means there are no errors in it. And infallible means you errors in it. And infallible means you errors in it. And infallible means you can absolutely trust it. So, what we're can absolutely trust it. So, what we're can absolutely trust it. So, what we're saying is we trust this book. And I I saying is we trust this book. And I I saying is we trust this book. And I I not only trust the scriptures in this not only trust the scriptures in this not only trust the scriptures in this book, but I'm going to preach for just a book, but I'm going to preach for just a book, but I'm going to preach for just a minute out of the back, which is the minute out of the back, which is the minute out of the back, which is the maps. I believe this book so much, I maps. I believe this book so much, I maps. I believe this book so much, I believe the maps. Okay? But where where believe the maps. Okay? But where where believe the maps. Okay? But where where did they go? Well, as they headed up, I did they go? Well, as they headed up, I did they go? Well, as they headed up, I have a map for you to look at here. As have a map for you to look at here. As have a map for you to look at here. As they headed from, which is in the lower they headed from, which is in the lower they headed from, which is in the lower right uh corner, they headed straight up right uh corner, they headed straight up right uh corner, they headed straight up the Euphrates River and they landed in a the Euphrates River and they landed in a the Euphrates River and they landed in a city called Haron. Now, the interesting city called Haron. Now, the interesting city called Haron. Now, the interesting thing about Haron, that's the same name thing about Haron, that's the same name thing about Haron, that's the same name of Abram's brother. Historians believe of Abram's brother. Historians believe of Abram's brother. Historians believe that that city was named as a memorial that that city was named as a memorial that that city was named as a memorial to his brother. And the reason it was to his brother. And the reason it was to his brother. And the reason it was named there is that's where his dad named there is that's where his dad named there is that's where his dad Terrah ended up living and that's where Terrah ended up living and that's where Terrah ended up living and that's where they stayed. Let me let me pick the they stayed. Let me let me pick the they stayed. Let me let me pick the story up here if you don't mind.

story up here if you don't mind. story up here if you don't mind. In Genesis 11:31, In Genesis 11:31, In Genesis 11:31, it says, "And when they came to Haron, it says, "And when they came to Haron, it says, "And when they came to Haron, they settled there." And then it goes on they settled there." And then it goes on they settled there." And then it goes on to say, "Terra lived 205 years and he to say, "Terra lived 205 years and he to say, "Terra lived 205 years and he died in Haran." Now, let me tell you why died in Haran." Now, let me tell you why died in Haran." Now, let me tell you why this is not a good thing. I understand this is not a good thing. I understand this is not a good thing. I understand they had to go. But when it says they they had to go. But when it says they they had to go. But when it says they settled there, according to that map we settled there, according to that map we settled there, according to that map we just looked at, Haron is halfway to the just looked at, Haron is halfway to the just looked at, Haron is halfway to the promised land. I want to say to us promised land. I want to say to us promised land. I want to say to us today, we cannot settle halfway. today, we cannot settle halfway. today, we cannot settle halfway. Let me go back and say it this way Let me go back and say it this way Let me go back and say it this way again. Every one of you has a promise in again. Every one of you has a promise in again. Every one of you has a promise in your life. Every one of you has a your life. Every one of you has a your life. Every one of you has a destiny in your life. Every one of us destiny in your life. Every one of us destiny in your life. Every one of us are on a journey. We cannot settle are on a journey. We cannot settle are on a journey. We cannot settle halfway. Especially when halfway halfway. Especially when halfway halfway. Especially when halfway commemorates or is in memory of your commemorates or is in memory of your commemorates or is in memory of your pain. pain. pain. Some of us has settled. Why would you Some of us has settled. Why would you Some of us has settled. Why would you want to settle in Haran? The name Haran want to settle in Haran? The name Haran want to settle in Haran? The name Haran means parched, burnt land. Why would you means parched, burnt land. Why would you means parched, burnt land. Why would you want to settle in a parched land when want to settle in a parched land when want to settle in a parched land when God's called you to a promised land? God's called you to a promised land? God's called you to a promised land? Somebody needs to say amen right there.

Somebody needs to say amen right there. Somebody needs to say amen right there. I'm telling you, we can't settle I'm telling you, we can't settle I'm telling you, we can't settle halfway. halfway. halfway. Abram and his and his dad and his whole Abram and his and his dad and his whole Abram and his and his dad and his whole family, they're walking through such a family, they're walking through such a family, they're walking through such a difficult season in their life. Their difficult season in their life. Their difficult season in their life. Their brother and his son had passed away and brother and his son had passed away and brother and his son had passed away and Haron then represented a place of grief Haron then represented a place of grief Haron then represented a place of grief and sorrow. It was a place of pain. and sorrow. It was a place of pain. and sorrow. It was a place of pain. I'll say to you this, we'll all have I'll say to you this, we'll all have I'll say to you this, we'll all have herons in our life. Well, we all have herons in our life. Well, we all have herons in our life. Well, we all have places of pain. Some of us have places of pain. Some of us have places of pain. Some of us have different levels of pain. Some pain different levels of pain. Some pain different levels of pain. Some pain takes longer to get through and to get takes longer to get through and to get takes longer to get through and to get over. Some of you have lost children and over. Some of you have lost children and over. Some of you have lost children and you can identify. We've lost a you can identify. We've lost a you can identify. We've lost a granddaughter. We can identify somewhat granddaughter. We can identify somewhat granddaughter. We can identify somewhat with the pain of losing someone that you with the pain of losing someone that you with the pain of losing someone that you love. But I have to say to you, no love. But I have to say to you, no love. But I have to say to you, no matter what you've walked through, no matter what you've walked through, no matter what you've walked through, no matter the level of your pain, if you matter the level of your pain, if you matter the level of your pain, if you stay there, if you settle there, you stay there, if you settle there, you stay there, if you settle there, you will die there. And that's not the plan will die there. And that's not the plan will die there. And that's not the plan of God for you. From time to time, we're of God for you. From time to time, we're of God for you. From time to time, we're going to be tested. We're going to be going to be tested. We're going to be going to be tested. We're going to be pushed to the limit. We're going to be pushed to the limit. We're going to be pushed to the limit. We're going to be tempted to quit. We're going to be tempted to quit. We're going to be tempted to quit. We're going to be tempted to throw in the towel. Going to tempted to throw in the towel. Going to tempted to throw in the towel. Going to be tempted to find something else easier be tempted to find something else easier be tempted to find something else easier to do. But when there's a calling on to do. But when there's a calling on to do. But when there's a calling on your life, when there's a purpose on your life, when there's a purpose on your life, when there's a purpose on your life, you cannot settle halfway.

your life, you cannot settle halfway. your life, you cannot settle halfway. You just can't do it. You just can't do it. You just can't do it. Some point, you've got to draw a line in Some point, you've got to draw a line in Some point, you've got to draw a line in the sand and you've got to say, "Pain the sand and you've got to say, "Pain the sand and you've got to say, "Pain will not stop the call of God on my will not stop the call of God on my will not stop the call of God on my life." life." life." >> Several years ago, I was doing some >> Several years ago, I was doing some >> Several years ago, I was doing some mission work in Honduras, and I had this mission work in Honduras, and I had this mission work in Honduras, and I had this young girl on our team. She was she was young girl on our team. She was she was young girl on our team. She was she was in her 20s. Her name was Amy. Amy had in her 20s. Her name was Amy. Amy had in her 20s. Her name was Amy. Amy had cystic fibrosis. cystic fibrosis. cystic fibrosis. There was a lot of things that Amy There was a lot of things that Amy There was a lot of things that Amy couldn't do, but her parents let her go couldn't do, but her parents let her go couldn't do, but her parents let her go on that mission trip because she begged on that mission trip because she begged on that mission trip because she begged them. She always wanted to be a them. She always wanted to be a them. She always wanted to be a missionary. She always wanted to go to a missionary. She always wanted to go to a missionary. She always wanted to go to a foreign country and they let her go with foreign country and they let her go with foreign country and they let her go with us. I remember that week vividly because us. I remember that week vividly because us. I remember that week vividly because I got to see an incredible miracle I got to see an incredible miracle I got to see an incredible miracle happen. We were walking through a bario happen. We were walking through a bario happen. We were walking through a bario an old a poor village and there were an old a poor village and there were an old a poor village and there were kids running in the streets and we kept kids running in the streets and we kept kids running in the streets and we kept noticing that there were these gang noticing that there were these gang noticing that there were these gang members and they were watching us and members and they were watching us and members and they were watching us and the local missionary told us those are the local missionary told us those are the local missionary told us those are gang members. They're they're they're gang members. They're they're they're gang members. They're they're they're policing the streets and they're making policing the streets and they're making policing the streets and they're making sure you don't get out of line. About sure you don't get out of line. About sure you don't get out of line. About this time, a young girl walked up to us this time, a young girl walked up to us this time, a young girl walked up to us and she was very young. I'm going to and she was very young. I'm going to and she was very young. I'm going to guess around 13 14 years old and she guess around 13 14 years old and she guess around 13 14 years old and she appeared to be pregnant. And so we're appeared to be pregnant. And so we're appeared to be pregnant. And so we're troubled. You know, we were all troubled troubled. You know, we were all troubled troubled. You know, we were all troubled by the the circumstances. And we walked by the the circumstances. And we walked by the the circumstances. And we walked up, began to talk to her, found out she up, began to talk to her, found out she up, began to talk to her, found out she wasn't pregnant at all. She had a tumor wasn't pregnant at all. She had a tumor wasn't pregnant at all. She had a tumor in her stomach.

in her stomach. in her stomach. As we began to share the gospel with As we began to share the gospel with As we began to share the gospel with her, Amy just said, "Hey, we want to her, Amy just said, "Hey, we want to her, Amy just said, "Hey, we want to pray for your healing." And Amy put her pray for your healing." And Amy put her pray for your healing." And Amy put her hand on that little girl's stomach and hand on that little girl's stomach and hand on that little girl's stomach and we put our hand on top of Amy's. And as we put our hand on top of Amy's. And as we put our hand on top of Amy's. And as Amy began to pray, that tumor Amy began to pray, that tumor Amy began to pray, that tumor disappeared. We all were just shocked. disappeared. We all were just shocked. disappeared. We all were just shocked. The little girl, listen, the little girl The little girl, listen, the little girl The little girl, listen, the little girl began to cry. We began to cry. The gang began to cry. We began to cry. The gang began to cry. We began to cry. The gang members thought we did something to hurt members thought we did something to hurt members thought we did something to hurt her. So, they just rushed in on us and her. So, they just rushed in on us and her. So, they just rushed in on us and and as they found out what had just and as they found out what had just and as they found out what had just happened, they all started crying. I'm happened, they all started crying. I'm happened, they all started crying. I'm talking these tough guys. And that day, talking these tough guys. And that day, talking these tough guys. And that day, seven people gave their hearts to Christ seven people gave their hearts to Christ seven people gave their hearts to Christ because of Amy. Are you listening? because of Amy. Are you listening? because of Amy. Are you listening? Now, let me go forward. Amy got sick on Now, let me go forward. Amy got sick on Now, let me go forward. Amy got sick on that trip. that trip. that trip. We had to put her in a hospital and get We had to put her in a hospital and get We had to put her in a hospital and get her on oxygen because of her cystic her on oxygen because of her cystic her on oxygen because of her cystic fibrosis. fibrosis. fibrosis. One of the guys on the trip, I mean, One of the guys on the trip, I mean, One of the guys on the trip, I mean, when I think about the details here, I when I think about the details here, I when I think about the details here, I think God knew. One of the men on our think God knew. One of the men on our think God knew. One of the men on our trip was an American Airlines pilot. And trip was an American Airlines pilot. And trip was an American Airlines pilot. And on our trip home, he said, "The pressure on our trip home, he said, "The pressure on our trip home, he said, "The pressure is going to be too hard on her lungs."

is going to be too hard on her lungs." is going to be too hard on her lungs." He made provision and called American He made provision and called American He made provision and called American Airlines. made provision so that the Airlines. made provision so that the Airlines. made provision so that the flight would fly at a lower altitude. flight would fly at a lower altitude. flight would fly at a lower altitude. Who does that? And they got oxygen on Who does that? And they got oxygen on Who does that? And they got oxygen on the plane and we flew Amy home and she the plane and we flew Amy home and she the plane and we flew Amy home and she got into the hospital here and just a got into the hospital here and just a got into the hospital here and just a few weeks later she was improving few weeks later she was improving few weeks later she was improving enough. They let her come to the church enough. They let her come to the church enough. They let her come to the church and give a testimony. But after she gave and give a testimony. But after she gave and give a testimony. But after she gave the testimony, she went back to the the testimony, she went back to the the testimony, she went back to the hospital and a few days later she hospital and a few days later she hospital and a few days later she passed. passed. passed. That's pain. That's pain. That's pain. That's pain I don't ever want to know. That's pain I don't ever want to know. That's pain I don't ever want to know. But that daddy went back with me to But that daddy went back with me to But that daddy went back with me to Honduras that next year and we preached Honduras that next year and we preached Honduras that next year and we preached a crusade there in that city and many a crusade there in that city and many a crusade there in that city and many came to Christ because of the Amy Pac came to Christ because of the Amy Pac came to Christ because of the Amy Pac memorial crusade. But let me tell you memorial crusade. But let me tell you memorial crusade. But let me tell you the rest of the story. Jim Pac's now 80 the rest of the story. Jim Pac's now 80 the rest of the story. Jim Pac's now 80 years old. He's been back to Honduras 61 years old. He's been back to Honduras 61 years old. He's been back to Honduras 61 times because he wouldn't let his pain times because he wouldn't let his pain times because he wouldn't let his pain stop him halfway. Is anybody listening stop him halfway. Is anybody listening stop him halfway. Is anybody listening to me? You can't let your pain stop you to me? You can't let your pain stop you to me? You can't let your pain stop you halfway. You got to go on in the things halfway. You got to go on in the things halfway. You got to go on in the things of God. Which brings me to the last of God. Which brings me to the last of God. Which brings me to the last points. This, it's time to take the next points. This, it's time to take the next points. This, it's time to take the next step.

step. step. >> You can't let pain control you. I'm >> You can't let pain control you. I'm >> You can't let pain control you. I'm going to tell you, the Lord will meet going to tell you, the Lord will meet going to tell you, the Lord will meet you in that pain and heal you. I'm not you in that pain and heal you. I'm not you in that pain and heal you. I'm not saying wait till you get completely saying wait till you get completely saying wait till you get completely healed before you step out. I'm sure healed before you step out. I'm sure healed before you step out. I'm sure Abraham still carried the pain. He Abraham still carried the pain. He Abraham still carried the pain. He stayed in Haron, by the way, for five stayed in Haron, by the way, for five stayed in Haron, by the way, for five years. years. years. He was 70 when he got there, 75 when he He was 70 when he got there, 75 when he He was 70 when he got there, 75 when he left. He died at 150. You can't make left. He died at 150. You can't make left. He died at 150. You can't make these numbers up. That was his halfway these numbers up. That was his halfway these numbers up. That was his halfway point. point. point. But it's time to believe again. It's But it's time to believe again. It's But it's time to believe again. It's time to dream again. I don't know what time to dream again. I don't know what time to dream again. I don't know what you've been through, but I'm telling you've been through, but I'm telling you've been through, but I'm telling you, you have a divine appointment with you, you have a divine appointment with you, you have a divine appointment with the Holy Spirit today to lay down your the Holy Spirit today to lay down your the Holy Spirit today to lay down your pain. Genesis 12, starting in verse one pain. Genesis 12, starting in verse one pain. Genesis 12, starting in verse one says, "Now the Lord had said to Abram, says, "Now the Lord had said to Abram, says, "Now the Lord had said to Abram, get out of your country, from your get out of your country, from your get out of your country, from your family, from your father's house to a family, from your father's house to a family, from your father's house to a land that I will show you." This is land that I will show you." This is land that I will show you." This is where he spoke to him when when he was where he spoke to him when when he was where he spoke to him when when he was in Heron. Now, we know he spoke in Heron. Now, we know he spoke in Heron. Now, we know he spoke something to him in Mesopotamia there something to him in Mesopotamia there something to him in Mesopotamia there in. But he speaks this again when he's in. But he speaks this again when he's in. But he speaks this again when he's in Heron as if to say, "I'm still true in Heron as if to say, "I'm still true in Heron as if to say, "I'm still true to my promise, Abram. I'm still want you to my promise, Abram. I'm still want you to my promise, Abram. I'm still want you to finish what you started." Let me read to finish what you started." Let me read to finish what you started." Let me read on says, "Go to the land that I will on says, "Go to the land that I will on says, "Go to the land that I will show you." Verse two, "I will make you a show you." Verse two, "I will make you a show you." Verse two, "I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and I great nation. I will bless you and I great nation. I will bless you and I will make your name great and you shall will make your name great and you shall will make your name great and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who be a blessing. I will bless those who be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who bless you and I will curse those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and in all the families are in

curse you and in all the families are in curse you and in all the families are in you all the families of the earth shall you all the families of the earth shall you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram departed as the be blessed. So Abram departed as the be blessed. So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him and Lot went with Lord had spoken to him and Lot went with Lord had spoken to him and Lot went with him. Can I just give you a side note? him. Can I just give you a side note? him. Can I just give you a side note? God said when you leave here, leave your God said when you leave here, leave your God said when you leave here, leave your family. Lot somehow got on the trip. I family. Lot somehow got on the trip. I family. Lot somehow got on the trip. I don't know if that was disobedience or don't know if that was disobedience or don't know if that was disobedience or what, but can I tell you when Lot jumps what, but can I tell you when Lot jumps what, but can I tell you when Lot jumps on the trip, there's going to be a lot on the trip, there's going to be a lot on the trip, there's going to be a lot of problems. Okay? And there was. of problems. Okay? And there was. of problems. Okay? And there was. But on this word, Abram stepped out But on this word, Abram stepped out But on this word, Abram stepped out again. And this time, he made it all the again. And this time, he made it all the again. And this time, he made it all the way to Canaan. way to Canaan. way to Canaan. Now, it wasn't without some setbacks. Now, it wasn't without some setbacks. Now, it wasn't without some setbacks. For instance, when they got there, you'd For instance, when they got there, you'd For instance, when they got there, you'd think it'd be Disneyland. You know, think it'd be Disneyland. You know, think it'd be Disneyland. You know, everything's paid for and you're going everything's paid for and you're going everything's paid for and you're going to have this great time. But no, when to have this great time. But no, when to have this great time. But no, when they got there, it was famine. How many they got there, it was famine. How many they got there, it was famine. How many of you know your your journey doesn't of you know your your journey doesn't of you know your your journey doesn't always look like you think it should? always look like you think it should? always look like you think it should? How many of you know what you thought How many of you know what you thought How many of you know what you thought you'd do in high school and what you you'd do in high school and what you you'd do in high school and what you thought you'd do in college, what what thought you'd do in college, what what thought you'd do in college, what what you thought you'd do 20 years ago, you thought you'd do 20 years ago, you thought you'd do 20 years ago, you're not doing today? There there are you're not doing today? There there are you're not doing today? There there are turns and challenges and changes, but turns and challenges and changes, but turns and challenges and changes, but God's promise and calling God's promise and calling God's promise and calling have never changed.

have never changed. have never changed. When he got to Canaan, there was a When he got to Canaan, there was a When he got to Canaan, there was a famine. So, he detoured over to Egypt famine. So, he detoured over to Egypt famine. So, he detoured over to Egypt for a while. While he was in Egypt for a while. While he was in Egypt for a while. While he was in Egypt though, some things begin to come out of though, some things begin to come out of though, some things begin to come out of his heart that needed to. Sometimes his heart that needed to. Sometimes his heart that needed to. Sometimes under pressure, God begins to show us under pressure, God begins to show us under pressure, God begins to show us what's in our heart. Sometimes we're what's in our heart. Sometimes we're what's in our heart. Sometimes we're shocked. We're like, I I didn't know I'd shocked. We're like, I I didn't know I'd shocked. We're like, I I didn't know I'd say that. I I didn't know I'd do that. say that. I I didn't know I'd do that. say that. I I didn't know I'd do that. And the enemy tries to get you locked And the enemy tries to get you locked And the enemy tries to get you locked down so you never reach your destiny. down so you never reach your destiny. down so you never reach your destiny. What began to happen was some things What began to happen was some things What began to happen was some things begin to come out of of Abram's heart. begin to come out of of Abram's heart. begin to come out of of Abram's heart. We we know from the scriptures that he We we know from the scriptures that he We we know from the scriptures that he lied to Pharaoh to save his own skin and lied to Pharaoh to save his own skin and lied to Pharaoh to save his own skin and his wife, but he lied to Pharaoh. his wife, but he lied to Pharaoh. his wife, but he lied to Pharaoh. Another thing that happened, he tried to Another thing that happened, he tried to Another thing that happened, he tried to speed up God's promise about having a speed up God's promise about having a speed up God's promise about having a son. So, he had a son by his maid son. So, he had a son by his maid son. So, he had a son by his maid servant. How many of you know that servant. How many of you know that servant. How many of you know that wasn't God's plan? But how many of you wasn't God's plan? But how many of you wasn't God's plan? But how many of you know all of us have taken matters in our know all of us have taken matters in our know all of us have taken matters in our own hand from time to time? But God own hand from time to time? But God own hand from time to time? But God still didn't back off of the plan. And still didn't back off of the plan. And still didn't back off of the plan. And all these things basically funneled down all these things basically funneled down all these things basically funneled down to a day when Abram was 99 years old.

to a day when Abram was 99 years old. to a day when Abram was 99 years old. I know people don't live quite that long I know people don't live quite that long I know people don't live quite that long these days. But at the same time, how these days. But at the same time, how these days. But at the same time, how many of us would have waited that long many of us would have waited that long many of us would have waited that long to the end of our life for the promise to the end of our life for the promise to the end of our life for the promise to happen? And here's what I want to say to happen? And here's what I want to say to happen? And here's what I want to say to you. The promise was not fulfilled to you. The promise was not fulfilled to you. The promise was not fulfilled until Abram laid it all down. Let me until Abram laid it all down. Let me until Abram laid it all down. Let me read it to you. Genesis 17 verse one. read it to you. Genesis 17 verse one. read it to you. Genesis 17 verse one. When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God. Walk before me and be Almighty God. Walk before me and be Almighty God. Walk before me and be blameless, and I will make my covenant blameless, and I will make my covenant blameless, and I will make my covenant between me and you." That right there is between me and you." That right there is between me and you." That right there is the is the turning point. I'll explain the is the turning point. I'll explain the is the turning point. I'll explain in just a moment. And I will make my in just a moment. And I will make my in just a moment. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will covenant between me and you, and I will covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly. And then Abram multiply you exceedingly. And then Abram multiply you exceedingly. And then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with fell on his face, and God talked with fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, "As for me, behold, my him, saying, "As for me, behold, my him, saying, "As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a covenant is with you, and you shall be a covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall father of many nations. No longer shall father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name your name be called Abram, but your name your name be called Abram, but your name shall be called Abraham, for I have made shall be called Abraham, for I have made shall be called Abraham, for I have made you the father of many nations." Before you the father of many nations." Before you the father of many nations." Before the covenant, Abram's name meant exalted the covenant, Abram's name meant exalted the covenant, Abram's name meant exalted father. After the covenant, God changed father. After the covenant, God changed father. After the covenant, God changed his name to father of many nations.

his name to father of many nations. his name to father of many nations. Before the covenant, Abram made all Before the covenant, Abram made all Before the covenant, Abram made all kinds of selfish decisions. After the kinds of selfish decisions. After the kinds of selfish decisions. After the covenant, Abram's attention turned to covenant, Abram's attention turned to covenant, Abram's attention turned to the nations and the promise of God to the nations and the promise of God to the nations and the promise of God to fulfill the original thing God told him fulfill the original thing God told him fulfill the original thing God told him to do. So So what happened? What's this to do. So So what happened? What's this to do. So So what happened? What's this covenant thing? Well, basically this covenant thing? Well, basically this covenant thing? Well, basically this when they would cut covenant, they would when they would cut covenant, they would when they would cut covenant, they would take sacrificial animals and basically take sacrificial animals and basically take sacrificial animals and basically cut them in half and separate them. And cut them in half and separate them. And cut them in half and separate them. And then if I was going to cut a covenant then if I was going to cut a covenant then if I was going to cut a covenant with you, I would walk a figure eight with you, I would walk a figure eight with you, I would walk a figure eight through those through those pieces. Then through those through those pieces. Then through those through those pieces. Then you would walk a figure eight through you would walk a figure eight through you would walk a figure eight through those pieces. We'd be bound together, those pieces. We'd be bound together, those pieces. We'd be bound together, blood, blood brothers, blood sisters, blood, blood brothers, blood sisters, blood, blood brothers, blood sisters, that kind of a thing. That's a covenant. that kind of a thing. That's a covenant. that kind of a thing. That's a covenant. Today, we have a covenant of marriage. Today, we have a covenant of marriage. Today, we have a covenant of marriage. And that's that's the two of us agreeing And that's that's the two of us agreeing And that's that's the two of us agreeing and bonding together. But it happened and bonding together. But it happened and bonding together. But it happened different that day with Abram. The Bible different that day with Abram. The Bible different that day with Abram. The Bible basically says that after Abram cut the basically says that after Abram cut the basically says that after Abram cut the pieces and separated them, a deep sleep pieces and separated them, a deep sleep pieces and separated them, a deep sleep came upon him. And I'm thinking that's came upon him. And I'm thinking that's came upon him. And I'm thinking that's so he couldn't mess it up. so he couldn't mess it up. so he couldn't mess it up. How many of you know some of us guys How many of you know some of us guys How many of you know some of us guys just need naps every now and then or just need naps every now and then or just need naps every now and then or we'll just mess it up. But it says a we'll just mess it up. But it says a we'll just mess it up. But it says a deep sleep came upon Abram. And then it deep sleep came upon Abram. And then it deep sleep came upon Abram. And then it says God walked through the pieces. God says God walked through the pieces. God says God walked through the pieces. God walked through the pieces for both walked through the pieces for both walked through the pieces for both himself and for Abram. Basically meaning himself and for Abram. Basically meaning himself and for Abram. Basically meaning this covenant is bound because I bound this covenant is bound because I bound this covenant is bound because I bound it. It's not bound because of it. It's not bound because of it. It's not bound because of performance. Meaning if you do something performance. Meaning if you do something performance. Meaning if you do something wrong, covenant broken. No, God said I'm wrong, covenant broken. No, God said I'm wrong, covenant broken. No, God said I'm forming this covenant. Sounds a whole forming this covenant. Sounds a whole forming this covenant. Sounds a whole lot like the cross to me. Jesus saying, lot like the cross to me. Jesus saying, lot like the cross to me. Jesus saying, "I'll pay your penalty so that you can

"I'll pay your penalty so that you can "I'll pay your penalty so that you can enter covenant with me and be born enter covenant with me and be born enter covenant with me and be born again." It's a beautiful, beautiful again." It's a beautiful, beautiful again." It's a beautiful, beautiful picture. But I got to thinking the other picture. But I got to thinking the other picture. But I got to thinking the other day, why did he put it, why did he put day, why did he put it, why did he put day, why did he put it, why did he put Abram in a deep sleep? The first time Abram in a deep sleep? The first time Abram in a deep sleep? The first time you remember in scripture someone went you remember in scripture someone went you remember in scripture someone went into a deep sleep was Adam. And under into a deep sleep was Adam. And under into a deep sleep was Adam. And under under that godly anesthetic or under that godly anesthetic or under that godly anesthetic or anesthesia, God took a rib from Adam and anesthesia, God took a rib from Adam and anesthesia, God took a rib from Adam and formed woman. Deep sleep. I'm thinking formed woman. Deep sleep. I'm thinking formed woman. Deep sleep. I'm thinking deep sleep again. God's doing surgery on deep sleep again. God's doing surgery on deep sleep again. God's doing surgery on Abram. Because this wasn't just about a Abram. Because this wasn't just about a Abram. Because this wasn't just about a name change. This was about a heart name change. This was about a heart name change. This was about a heart change. Oh, and by the way, why did he change. Oh, and by the way, why did he change. Oh, and by the way, why did he change his name from Abram to Abraham? change his name from Abram to Abraham? change his name from Abram to Abraham? Because God took part of his name and Because God took part of his name and Because God took part of his name and meshed it with Abram's name. And Yahweh meshed it with Abram's name. And Yahweh meshed it with Abram's name. And Yahweh now was Abraham. now was Abraham. now was Abraham. Sarah Sarai, his wife was now Sarah took Sarah Sarai, his wife was now Sarah took Sarah Sarai, his wife was now Sarah took part of Yahway. Sarah, God said, "I'm part of Yahway. Sarah, God said, "I'm part of Yahway. Sarah, God said, "I'm cutting covenant. You're mine." Such a cutting covenant. You're mine." Such a cutting covenant. You're mine." Such a beautiful picture. But can I tell you beautiful picture. But can I tell you beautiful picture. But can I tell you that the only way the promise ever could that the only way the promise ever could that the only way the promise ever could happen was when Abram laid it all down happen was when Abram laid it all down happen was when Abram laid it all down and became one with God. Therefore, the and became one with God. Therefore, the and became one with God. Therefore, the only way you only way you only way you and I will ever fulfill the call of God and I will ever fulfill the call of God and I will ever fulfill the call of God on our life is in covenant with Jesus, on our life is in covenant with Jesus, on our life is in covenant with Jesus, walking in obedience to him. When we walking in obedience to him. When we walking in obedience to him. When we stray, stray, stray, there's no way. We've got to draw near.

there's no way. We've got to draw near. there's no way. We've got to draw near. And when we draw near and we walk in And when we draw near and we walk in And when we draw near and we walk in relationship, although sometimes we've relationship, although sometimes we've relationship, although sometimes we've got to walk in forgiveness and and got to walk in forgiveness and and got to walk in forgiveness and and restoration and being rebuilt and being restoration and being rebuilt and being restoration and being rebuilt and being restored and being redeemed, we need all restored and being redeemed, we need all restored and being redeemed, we need all of it. All of that's relationship with of it. All of that's relationship with of it. All of that's relationship with God. That's why religion will never God. That's why religion will never God. That's why religion will never work. It has to be relationship with work. It has to be relationship with work. It has to be relationship with God. That's why performance will never God. That's why performance will never God. That's why performance will never work. It has to be relationship with work. It has to be relationship with work. It has to be relationship with God. Oh, and by the way, when Abram God. Oh, and by the way, when Abram God. Oh, and by the way, when Abram became Abraham and he cut covenant, we became Abraham and he cut covenant, we became Abraham and he cut covenant, we were beneficiaries of that obedience. were beneficiaries of that obedience. were beneficiaries of that obedience. Let me read it to you. This is the last Let me read it to you. This is the last Let me read it to you. This is the last passage. Galatians 3 verse 7. Therefore, passage. Galatians 3 verse 7. Therefore, passage. Galatians 3 verse 7. Therefore, know that only those who are of faith know that only those who are of faith know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the scripture are sons of Abraham. And the scripture are sons of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the foreseeing that God would justify the foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles. That's us. I know we have some Gentiles. That's us. I know we have some Gentiles. That's us. I know we have some Jewish people in the room. I I Jewish people in the room. I I Jewish people in the room. I I understand that. But we're brothers and understand that. But we're brothers and understand that. But we're brothers and sisters through Christ. Now, we got sisters through Christ. Now, we got sisters through Christ. Now, we got included. When Abram saw the stars of included. When Abram saw the stars of included. When Abram saw the stars of the sky and God said, "I'm giving you the sky and God said, "I'm giving you the sky and God said, "I'm giving you children more than the stars of the children more than the stars of the children more than the stars of the sky." When Abram saw the sands of the sky." When Abram saw the sands of the sky." When Abram saw the sands of the sea and God said, "I'm going to give you sea and God said, "I'm going to give you sea and God said, "I'm going to give you more children than the sands of the more children than the sands of the more children than the sands of the sea." Abram was seeing us. We were the sea." Abram was seeing us. We were the sea." Abram was seeing us. We were the ones being included. Every nation can be ones being included. Every nation can be ones being included. Every nation can be saved through the power of the blood saved through the power of the blood saved through the power of the blood that started with Abram and now ends that started with Abram and now ends that started with Abram and now ends with Christ. That's a beautiful with Christ. That's a beautiful with Christ. That's a beautiful covenant. Let me read on. Says, 'In you covenant. Let me read on. Says, 'In you covenant. Let me read on. Says, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed. So all the nations shall be blessed. So all the nations shall be blessed. So then those who are of faith are blessed then those who are of faith are blessed then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. And then verse

with believing Abraham. And then verse with believing Abraham. And then verse 29 says, and if you belong to Christ, 29 says, and if you belong to Christ, 29 says, and if you belong to Christ, then you're Abraham's seed, heirs then you're Abraham's seed, heirs then you're Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise. according to the promise. according to the promise. You've heard the song, You've heard the song, You've heard the song, Father Abraham. Father Abraham. Father Abraham. How many sons? How many sons? How many sons? How many sons? How many of you know How many sons? How many of you know How many sons? How many of you know that? as father Abraham help me out. I that? as father Abraham help me out. I that? as father Abraham help me out. I am one of them and so are you. So let's am one of them and so are you. So let's am one of them and so are you. So let's just praise the Lord. Right arm, left just praise the Lord. Right arm, left just praise the Lord. Right arm, left arm. YOU REMEMBER THAT? COME ON. THAT'S arm. YOU REMEMBER THAT? COME ON. THAT'S arm. YOU REMEMBER THAT? COME ON. THAT'S TALKING ABOUT YOU. That's talking about TALKING ABOUT YOU. That's talking about TALKING ABOUT YOU. That's talking about us. Oh, what an incredible story. You can't Oh, what an incredible story. You can't make this stuff up. make this stuff up. make this stuff up. The journey was halfway. Are you kidding The journey was halfway. Are you kidding The journey was halfway. Are you kidding me? You can't make this stuff up. I'm so me? You can't make this stuff up. I'm so me? You can't make this stuff up. I'm so grateful. I declare over you right now, grateful. I declare over you right now, grateful. I declare over you right now, there's a calling of God on your life. there's a calling of God on your life. there's a calling of God on your life. You can't settle for halfway. It's time You can't settle for halfway. It's time You can't settle for halfway. It's time to believe again. It's time to take the to believe again. It's time to take the to believe again. It's time to take the next step of faith. God will meet you next step of faith. God will meet you next step of faith. God will meet you there because he has a great purpose for there because he has a great purpose for there because he has a great purpose for your life.

your life. your life. On May the 26th in the year 1700, On May the 26th in the year 1700, On May the 26th in the year 1700, Count Nicholas Zenzandorf was born in Count Nicholas Zenzandorf was born in Count Nicholas Zenzandorf was born in Dresden, Germany into one of the Dresden, Germany into one of the Dresden, Germany into one of the wealthiest noble families in Europe. He wealthiest noble families in Europe. He wealthiest noble families in Europe. He was a count, which means he inherited was a count, which means he inherited was a count, which means he inherited wealth, land, influence, and a future in wealth, land, influence, and a future in wealth, land, influence, and a future in government. He could have spent his life government. He could have spent his life government. He could have spent his life chasing power and prestige. But as a chasing power and prestige. But as a chasing power and prestige. But as a young man, he stood one day before a young man, he stood one day before a young man, he stood one day before a painting of Jesus wearing a crown of painting of Jesus wearing a crown of painting of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns. And beneath the painting were thorns. And beneath the painting were thorns. And beneath the painting were these words, these words, these words, "This I have done for thee. What hast "This I have done for thee. What hast "This I have done for thee. What hast thou done for me?" thou done for me?" thou done for me?" That question changed everything in his That question changed everything in his That question changed everything in his life. He later said, "I've loved Jesus life. He later said, "I've loved Jesus life. He later said, "I've loved Jesus for a long time, but I've never really for a long time, but I've never really for a long time, but I've never really done anything for him, and from this day done anything for him, and from this day done anything for him, and from this day forward, I will do whatever he asked." forward, I will do whatever he asked." forward, I will do whatever he asked." Instead of building a greater estate for Instead of building a greater estate for Instead of building a greater estate for himself, he opened his land to himself, he opened his land to himself, he opened his land to persecuted Christians from Moravia who persecuted Christians from Moravia who persecuted Christians from Moravia who were fleeing for their lives. They were fleeing for their lives. They were fleeing for their lives. They formed a little village called Hearn formed a little village called Hearn formed a little village called Hearn Hut. At first, the people argued and Hut. At first, the people argued and Hut. At first, the people argued and struggled to get along. But after months struggled to get along. But after months struggled to get along. But after months of prayer and repentance, the Holy of prayer and repentance, the Holy of prayer and repentance, the Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way in 1727.

Spirit moved in a powerful way in 1727. Spirit moved in a powerful way in 1727. And out of that revival came a prayer And out of that revival came a prayer And out of that revival came a prayer meeting that never stopped. Someone was meeting that never stopped. Someone was meeting that never stopped. Someone was praying every hour of every day for more praying every hour of every day for more praying every hour of every day for more than 100 years. Think about it. A than 100 years. Think about it. A than 100 years. Think about it. A 100year unbroken prayer prayer chain. 100year unbroken prayer prayer chain. 100year unbroken prayer prayer chain. That prayer meeting didn't stay in That prayer meeting didn't stay in That prayer meeting didn't stay in Germany. It produced missionaries known Germany. It produced missionaries known Germany. It produced missionaries known as the Moravians who carried the gospel as the Moravians who carried the gospel as the Moravians who carried the gospel around the world, including to the around the world, including to the around the world, including to the American colonies and the Native American colonies and the Native American colonies and the Native American Indians. Years later, a American Indians. Years later, a American Indians. Years later, a discouraged young preacher by the name discouraged young preacher by the name discouraged young preacher by the name of John Wesley met those Moravian of John Wesley met those Moravian of John Wesley met those Moravian believers. Their peace, their faith, and believers. Their peace, their faith, and believers. Their peace, their faith, and their love for Christ changed him. their love for Christ changed him. their love for Christ changed him. Wesley's own spiritual awakening helped Wesley's own spiritual awakening helped Wesley's own spiritual awakening helped ignite the Methodist revival which ignite the Methodist revival which ignite the Methodist revival which became one of the great engines of the became one of the great engines of the became one of the great engines of the first and the second great awakening in first and the second great awakening in first and the second great awakening in America. I'm telling you, if it hadn't America. I'm telling you, if it hadn't America. I'm telling you, if it hadn't been for all of this trail and the great been for all of this trail and the great been for all of this trail and the great awakenings in America, Christianity awakenings in America, Christianity awakenings in America, Christianity would not look like it looks right now would not look like it looks right now would not look like it looks right now in this country. It all traces back to in this country. It all traces back to in this country. It all traces back to one man who simply said, "Lord, one man who simply said, "Lord, one man who simply said, "Lord, everything I have belongs to you." One everything I have belongs to you." One everything I have belongs to you." One act of obedience became a village. One act of obedience became a village. One act of obedience became a village. One village became a prayer meeting. One village became a prayer meeting. One village became a prayer meeting. One prayer meeting became a missionary prayer meeting became a missionary prayer meeting became a missionary movement. One missionary movement helped movement. One missionary movement helped movement. One missionary movement helped spark revival on two continents. And to spark revival on two continents. And to spark revival on two continents. And to this day, there's a prayer meeting 247 this day, there's a prayer meeting 247 this day, there's a prayer meeting 247 in Moravian Falls, North Carolina in Moravian Falls, North Carolina in Moravian Falls, North Carolina because of one man's obedience. I want because of one man's obedience. I want because of one man's obedience. I want to say something to you. When Pastor to say something to you. When Pastor to say something to you. When Pastor Daniel got here, one of the first things Daniel got here, one of the first things Daniel got here, one of the first things he did in January was a 12 days was 12

he did in January was a 12 days was 12 he did in January was a 12 days was 12 days of prayer and fasting. I felt days of prayer and fasting. I felt days of prayer and fasting. I felt something shift in me during those 12 something shift in me during those 12 something shift in me during those 12 days. Something new is going on in this days. Something new is going on in this days. Something new is going on in this place. You see, we weren't called to place. You see, we weren't called to place. You see, we weren't called to just be a church that prays. We were just be a church that prays. We were just be a church that prays. We were called to be a praying church. That's called to be a praying church. That's called to be a praying church. That's different. God's raising up something in different. God's raising up something in different. God's raising up something in this place. And every one of you has a this place. And every one of you has a this place. And every one of you has a calling to step into. If you don't know calling to step into. If you don't know calling to step into. If you don't know the Lord, your next step is to step into the Lord, your next step is to step into the Lord, your next step is to step into salvation. But if you know the Lord, salvation. But if you know the Lord, salvation. But if you know the Lord, then your next step is to step into the then your next step is to step into the then your next step is to step into the obedience of baptism. But what after obedience of baptism. But what after obedience of baptism. But what after that? Then step into getting discipled. that? Then step into getting discipled. that? Then step into getting discipled. Step into getting spiritfilled. Step Step into getting spiritfilled. Step Step into getting spiritfilled. Step into whatever it is. Go on a mission into whatever it is. Go on a mission into whatever it is. Go on a mission trip. Go somewhere. Go across town and trip. Go somewhere. Go across town and trip. Go somewhere. Go across town and give some food to someone in need. What give some food to someone in need. What give some food to someone in need. What is the next step? Because as you step is the next step? Because as you step is the next step? Because as you step into it, then God begins to show you into it, then God begins to show you into it, then God begins to show you more the future. It's much like uh more the future. It's much like uh more the future. It's much like uh Psalms 119. Psalms 119. Psalms 119. Thy word, your word is a lamp to my feet Thy word, your word is a lamp to my feet Thy word, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. You'll only see and a light to my path. You'll only see and a light to my path. You'll only see that far that far that far until you step. And as you step and the until you step. And as you step and the until you step. And as you step and the light begin to move, you begin to get light begin to move, you begin to get light begin to move, you begin to get your future just your future just your future just your future just your future just your future just revealed revealed revealed because of your obedience. God's because of your obedience. God's because of your obedience. God's speaking to you. It's time to obey.

speaking to you. It's time to obey. speaking to you. It's time to obey. Whatever your next step is, would you Whatever your next step is, would you Whatever your next step is, would you bow your heads with me and close your bow your heads with me and close your bow your heads with me and close your eyes? eyes? eyes? There are some of you in this room. I There are some of you in this room. I There are some of you in this room. I really, really want to help you with really, really want to help you with really, really want to help you with your next step. When I was 16 years old, your next step. When I was 16 years old, your next step. When I was 16 years old, a pastor helped me. a pastor helped me. a pastor helped me. That night, as he was preaching the That night, as he was preaching the That night, as he was preaching the gospel and talking about how much Jesus gospel and talking about how much Jesus gospel and talking about how much Jesus loved us, he asked a two a two-part loved us, he asked a two a two-part loved us, he asked a two a two-part question that I want to ask you. question that I want to ask you. question that I want to ask you. But before I ask it, I want you to go But before I ask it, I want you to go But before I ask it, I want you to go with me to this mindset for just a with me to this mindset for just a with me to this mindset for just a moment. moment. moment. Some of you have grown up in church Some of you have grown up in church Some of you have grown up in church and because you've believed in God for a and because you've believed in God for a and because you've believed in God for a long, long time, long, long time, long, long time, you just believe that everything that you just believe that everything that you just believe that everything that you're experiencing right now must be you're experiencing right now must be you're experiencing right now must be salvation because you've believed in God salvation because you've believed in God salvation because you've believed in God a long, long time. I've heard it said a long, long time. I've heard it said a long, long time. I've heard it said that Christians or those that should I that Christians or those that should I that Christians or those that should I say it this way, church members say it this way, church members say it this way, church members sometimes are the hardest ones to sometimes are the hardest ones to sometimes are the hardest ones to convince they're lost. convince they're lost. convince they're lost. And at the age of 16, a church member, And at the age of 16, a church member, And at the age of 16, a church member, this is the question that was asked. If this is the question that was asked. If this is the question that was asked. If you died right now, where would you go?

you died right now, where would you go? you died right now, where would you go? The second part of the question was, if The second part of the question was, if The second part of the question was, if you're saved, how do you know? I you're saved, how do you know? I you're saved, how do you know? I couldn't answer either one of those. I couldn't answer either one of those. I couldn't answer either one of those. I was a church member. I was religious. was a church member. I was religious. was a church member. I was religious. I'd actually been baptized, I'd actually been baptized, I'd actually been baptized, but I didn't know the Lord. but I didn't know the Lord. but I didn't know the Lord. There are some of you in this room that There are some of you in this room that There are some of you in this room that fit you. fit you. fit you. And I want to help you. I want to pray And I want to help you. I want to pray And I want to help you. I want to pray with you. I want to help you invite with you. I want to help you invite with you. I want to help you invite Jesus into your life to begin a Jesus into your life to begin a Jesus into your life to begin a relationship of faith. relationship of faith. relationship of faith. If you'd say to me right now, "Pastor If you'd say to me right now, "Pastor If you'd say to me right now, "Pastor Mark, if I died today, I don't know Mark, if I died today, I don't know Mark, if I died today, I don't know where I'd go, where I'd go, where I'd go, but I want to settle this with the Lord. but I want to settle this with the Lord. but I want to settle this with the Lord. I want to help you do that. I'm going to I want to help you do that. I'm going to I want to help you do that. I'm going to lead you in a prayer. I'm not going to lead you in a prayer. I'm not going to lead you in a prayer. I'm not going to embarrass you. I'm just going to help embarrass you. I'm just going to help embarrass you. I'm just going to help you. But I want to know who I'm praying you. But I want to know who I'm praying you. But I want to know who I'm praying with. So, if you'd say to me right now, with. So, if you'd say to me right now, with. So, if you'd say to me right now, Pastor Mark, that's me. If I died right Pastor Mark, that's me. If I died right Pastor Mark, that's me. If I died right now, I don't know where where I'd go. I now, I don't know where where I'd go. I now, I don't know where where I'd go. I I want to settle this with the Lord. I I want to settle this with the Lord. I I want to settle this with the Lord. I want to know that I'm saved. Would you want to know that I'm saved. Would you want to know that I'm saved. Would you just lift your hand all over this just lift your hand all over this just lift your hand all over this auditorium? Just quickly, I just want to auditorium? Just quickly, I just want to auditorium? Just quickly, I just want to know who I'm leading in prayer. I'm know who I'm leading in prayer. I'm know who I'm leading in prayer. I'm going to pray with every one of you as a going to pray with every one of you as a going to pray with every one of you as a group. I see those hands. Some in the group. I see those hands. Some in the group. I see those hands. Some in the balcony across the middle. I see you. I balcony across the middle. I see you. I balcony across the middle. I see you. I see you over to my right and to your see you over to my right and to your see you over to my right and to your left. I see you. Anyone else before we left. I see you. Anyone else before we left. I see you. Anyone else before we pray, just say, "I want to be part of pray, just say, "I want to be part of pray, just say, "I want to be part of this prayer. I don't know if I died this prayer. I don't know if I died this prayer. I don't know if I died today where I'd go." I don't know. and I today where I'd go." I don't know. and I today where I'd go." I don't know. and I want to. All right, for the sake of want to. All right, for the sake of want to. All right, for the sake of those that raised their hand, you can those that raised their hand, you can those that raised their hand, you can put your hands down. For the sake of put your hands down. For the sake of put your hands down. For the sake of those that raised their hand, let's pray those that raised their hand, let's pray those that raised their hand, let's pray this prayer out loud together, let's all this prayer out loud together, let's all this prayer out loud together, let's all help them invite Christ into their life.

help them invite Christ into their life. help them invite Christ into their life. Would you pray right now? Would you just Would you pray right now? Would you just Would you pray right now? Would you just say, "Lord Jesus, Jesus, say, "Lord Jesus, Jesus, say, "Lord Jesus, Jesus, >> thank you for dying on the cross. >> thank you for dying on the cross. >> thank you for dying on the cross. Thank you for paying for my sins. Thank you for paying for my sins. Thank you for paying for my sins. I ask you today to forgive me I ask you today to forgive me I ask you today to forgive me and to cleanse me. I turn my heart and to cleanse me. I turn my heart and to cleanse me. I turn my heart toward you toward you toward you and I declare that you are my savior. and I declare that you are my savior. and I declare that you are my savior. I accept you as my savior and lord. I accept you as my savior and lord. I accept you as my savior and lord. Come into my heart and save me and Come into my heart and save me and Come into my heart and save me and cleanse me and give me that assurance cleanse me and give me that assurance cleanse me and give me that assurance that I might know in Jesus name. Amen. that I might know in Jesus name. Amen. that I might know in Jesus name. Amen. And can we thank the Lord for those that And can we thank the Lord for those that And can we thank the Lord for those that just prayed?