Faith-Filled Days | Pastor Daniel Floyd

Well, welcome to church everybody. We do Well, welcome to church everybody. We do want to say good morning again. Welcome want to say good morning again. Welcome want to say good morning again. Welcome to all of our campuses, everyone joining to all of our campuses, everyone joining to all of our campuses, everyone joining us online on demand later in the week. us online on demand later in the week. us online on demand later in the week. Of course, our prison campuses and our Of course, our prison campuses and our Of course, our prison campuses and our gateway gatherings and anyone that may gateway gatherings and anyone that may gateway gatherings and anyone that may be visiting for the first time or the be visiting for the first time or the be visiting for the first time or the first time in a long time. We're glad first time in a long time. We're glad first time in a long time. We're glad you're here. Come on, every campus. put you're here. Come on, every campus. put you're here. Come on, every campus. put their hands together for those that may their hands together for those that may their hands together for those that may be with us for the first time in a be with us for the first time in a be with us for the first time in a little bit. little bit. little bit. Glad you're here. Starting a new series Glad you're here. Starting a new series Glad you're here. Starting a new series today called Best Days. But before we today called Best Days. But before we today called Best Days. But before we get into that, I want to bring your get into that, I want to bring your get into that, I want to bring your attention to a few things coming up this attention to a few things coming up this attention to a few things coming up this fall. Just want to get it on your radar fall. Just want to get it on your radar fall. Just want to get it on your radar because you will want to be a part of because you will want to be a part of because you will want to be a part of this at your campus. Number one is this this at your campus. Number one is this this at your campus. Number one is this September the 13th, everybody. We're September the 13th, everybody. We're September the 13th, everybody. We're going to do a teaching series called going to do a teaching series called going to do a teaching series called This Is Us. And really, if you call This Is Us. And really, if you call This Is Us. And really, if you call Gateway Home, you're going to want to be Gateway Home, you're going to want to be Gateway Home, you're going to want to be in the room for this because we're going in the room for this because we're going in the room for this because we're going to be talking about vision for the to be talking about vision for the to be talking about vision for the future. Um, since we've got here, people future. Um, since we've got here, people future. Um, since we've got here, people are like, "What do you vision for the are like, "What do you vision for the are like, "What do you vision for the future?" I was like, "Give me a year and future?" I was like, "Give me a year and future?" I was like, "Give me a year and let me fill this place out and love on let me fill this place out and love on let me fill this place out and love on people." And so, now we're going to people." And so, now we're going to people." And so, now we're going to we're going to talk about what does God we're going to talk about what does God we're going to talk about what does God have for us? Really talking about what have for us? Really talking about what have for us? Really talking about what what I think from my own theology, what what I think from my own theology, what what I think from my own theology, what is the purpose of the church, why are we is the purpose of the church, why are we is the purpose of the church, why are we here, and uh why what mission are we on here, and uh why what mission are we on here, and uh why what mission are we on together? And so, we're going to be together? And so, we're going to be together? And so, we're going to be talking about that. Then, September 24th talking about that. Then, September 24th talking about that. Then, September 24th is women's night.

is women's night. is women's night. >> [cheering] >> So, get registered for that if you >> So, get registered for that if you haven't yet. And uh and then on October haven't yet. And uh and then on October haven't yet. And uh and then on October 24th, this is going to be a very special 24th, this is going to be a very special 24th, this is going to be a very special day. Something brand new we're starting day. Something brand new we're starting day. Something brand new we're starting as a church. And it's called this serve as a church. And it's called this serve as a church. And it's called this serve my city. And so, the goal of this day, my city. And so, the goal of this day, my city. And so, the goal of this day, listen, is to mobilize every single listen, is to mobilize every single listen, is to mobilize every single person that calls Gateway Home on this person that calls Gateway Home on this person that calls Gateway Home on this one day to serve your city in some way. one day to serve your city in some way. one day to serve your city in some way. We'll give you more information. We're We'll give you more information. We're We'll give you more information. We're going to have lots of projects, lots of going to have lots of projects, lots of going to have lots of projects, lots of opportunities to make a difference to opportunities to make a difference to opportunities to make a difference to what the Bible says, give a cup of cold what the Bible says, give a cup of cold what the Bible says, give a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus. How many of water in the name of Jesus. How many of water in the name of Jesus. How many of you know that our communities don't need you know that our communities don't need you know that our communities don't need to know what we're against? They need to to know what we're against? They need to to know what we're against? They need to know what we're for. know what we're for. know what we're for. >> And we're for the gospel. We're for >> And we're for the gospel. We're for >> And we're for the gospel. We're for transformed lives. We're for making a transformed lives. We're for making a transformed lives. We're for making a difference in the lives of people. We're difference in the lives of people. We're difference in the lives of people. We're for living on the mission of Jesus. And for living on the mission of Jesus. And for living on the mission of Jesus. And so, it's a beautiful, beautiful way to so, it's a beautiful, beautiful way to so, it's a beautiful, beautiful way to do that. That's in October. And then of do that. That's in October. And then of do that. That's in October. And then of course in December we're going to do course in December we're going to do course in December we're going to do love my city offering again where 100% love my city offering again where 100% love my city offering again where 100% of that will be given away to local of that will be given away to local of that will be given away to local community partners and then it'll be community partners and then it'll be community partners and then it'll be candle light everybody. And then 2027 just like that. Glad I could encourage just like that. Glad I could encourage you today. And then of course we'll kick you today. And then of course we'll kick you today. And then of course we'll kick off the year with prayer and fasting. 12 off the year with prayer and fasting. 12 off the year with prayer and fasting. 12 days of prayer and fasting. So if you days of prayer and fasting. So if you days of prayer and fasting. So if you weren't able to be a part of that last weren't able to be a part of that last weren't able to be a part of that last year powerful time so many answered year powerful time so many answered year powerful time so many answered prayer and uh so so much good stuff prayer and uh so so much good stuff prayer and uh so so much good stuff coming up. All right. So don't miss out.

coming up. All right. So don't miss out. coming up. All right. So don't miss out. be a part, lean in. Um, but let's pray be a part, lean in. Um, but let's pray be a part, lean in. Um, but let's pray before we get into the word. Father, we before we get into the word. Father, we before we get into the word. Father, we love you and we honor you. Holy Spirit, love you and we honor you. Holy Spirit, love you and we honor you. Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts today through your speak to our hearts today through your speak to our hearts today through your word. We believe it has the power to word. We believe it has the power to word. We believe it has the power to change us and transform us. We don't change us and transform us. We don't change us and transform us. We don't want to just do church. We want to hear want to just do church. We want to hear want to just do church. We want to hear from you. So, we pray this in faith in from you. So, we pray this in faith in from you. So, we pray this in faith in the name of Jesus. Everybody said, the name of Jesus. Everybody said, the name of Jesus. Everybody said, "Amen." Amen. How many of you uh you "Amen." Amen. How many of you uh you "Amen." Amen. How many of you uh you would admit like me that anytime you go would admit like me that anytime you go would admit like me that anytime you go anywhere before you go, you're most anywhere before you go, you're most anywhere before you go, you're most likely checking the reviews? Anybody likely checking the reviews? Anybody likely checking the reviews? Anybody looking at reviews, reading reviews, looking at reviews, reading reviews, looking at reviews, reading reviews, restaurants, hotels, restaurants, hotels, restaurants, hotels, vacations, resorts, right? Reading the vacations, resorts, right? Reading the vacations, resorts, right? Reading the reviews, checking the reviews. Have you reviews, checking the reviews. Have you reviews, checking the reviews. Have you ever noticed that they're like there's ever noticed that they're like there's ever noticed that they're like there's two extremes. Either it was awful two extremes. Either it was awful two extremes. Either it was awful and they're letting everybody know, or and they're letting everybody know, or and they're letting everybody know, or it was life-changing and the best thing it was life-changing and the best thing it was life-changing and the best thing ever and they're letting everybody know. ever and they're letting everybody know. ever and they're letting everybody know. How many of you know that the truth is How many of you know that the truth is How many of you know that the truth is somewhere in the middle? Like the the somewhere in the middle? Like the the somewhere in the middle? Like the the honesty, like you got the critic that honesty, like you got the critic that honesty, like you got the critic that nothing is good, they're giving it a one nothing is good, they're giving it a one nothing is good, they're giving it a one star. The person that thinks everything star. The person that thinks everything star. The person that thinks everything is wonderful and you know, they're is wonderful and you know, they're is wonderful and you know, they're giving it a five star. But some of the giving it a five star. But some of the giving it a five star. But some of the most honest are in the middle. They're most honest are in the middle. They're most honest are in the middle. They're like a three-st star review. They're like a three-st star review. They're like a three-st star review. They're like, "It was fine.

like, "It was fine. like, "It was fine. It was good. It was good. It was good. Don't think it was great, but it was all Don't think it was great, but it was all Don't think it was great, but it was all right. I'll come back. It was It wasn't right. I'll come back. It was It wasn't right. I'll come back. It was It wasn't amazing. It wasn't horrible. It was just amazing. It wasn't horrible. It was just amazing. It wasn't horrible. It was just me me me kind of okay." Some of you have been kind of okay." Some of you have been kind of okay." Some of you have been there. You've been to those restaurants. there. You've been to those restaurants. there. You've been to those restaurants. You've been to that place, right? It's You've been to that place, right? It's You've been to that place, right? It's like me. And I was thinking about this like me. And I was thinking about this like me. And I was thinking about this and I thought, how many of us maybe if and I thought, how many of us maybe if and I thought, how many of us maybe if we were given an honest review of our we were given an honest review of our we were given an honest review of our life would give ourselves a three star. life would give ourselves a three star. life would give ourselves a three star. Like it's not thriving, Like it's not thriving, Like it's not thriving, but it's not falling apart. It's just but it's not falling apart. It's just but it's not falling apart. It's just kind of meh. I'm getting up, going to kind of meh. I'm getting up, going to kind of meh. I'm getting up, going to school, go to work, do the thing, come school, go to work, do the thing, come school, go to work, do the thing, come home, same routine, dinner, get home, same routine, dinner, get home, same routine, dinner, get everybody to bed, everybody to bed, everybody to bed, watch Netflix for a few minutes, go to watch Netflix for a few minutes, go to watch Netflix for a few minutes, go to sleep, get up and do the next thing the sleep, get up and do the next thing the sleep, get up and do the next thing the next day, do it over. It's not It's not next day, do it over. It's not It's not next day, do it over. It's not It's not amazing. Life isn't like thriving. It's amazing. Life isn't like thriving. It's amazing. Life isn't like thriving. It's not like I'm filled with joy and man, I not like I'm filled with joy and man, I not like I'm filled with joy and man, I can't wait to attack the day and it's can't wait to attack the day and it's can't wait to attack the day and it's awesome and I don't want to run away.

awesome and I don't want to run away. awesome and I don't want to run away. just kind of me. There's actually an just kind of me. There's actually an just kind of me. There's actually an article written in 2021 by a article written in 2021 by a article written in 2021 by a psychologist named Adam Grant and he psychologist named Adam Grant and he psychologist named Adam Grant and he gave language to this. He said it's gave language to this. He said it's gave language to this. He said it's called languishing. called languishing. called languishing. He said it's the it's the middle He said it's the it's the middle He said it's the it's the middle stepchild of mental health that it's not stepchild of mental health that it's not stepchild of mental health that it's not that we're not thriving or flourishing that we're not thriving or flourishing that we're not thriving or flourishing and we're not depressed, we're just kind and we're not depressed, we're just kind and we're not depressed, we're just kind of languishing. It's life isn't vibrant. of languishing. It's life isn't vibrant. of languishing. It's life isn't vibrant. It's like we're looking through the lens It's like we're looking through the lens It's like we're looking through the lens of a foggy lens. And it's not that we of a foggy lens. And it's not that we of a foggy lens. And it's not that we don't know where we're going. We're just don't know where we're going. We're just don't know where we're going. We're just kind of stuck and life is moving. We kind of stuck and life is moving. We kind of stuck and life is moving. We don't feel like we're really moving. don't feel like we're really moving. don't feel like we're really moving. There's there's nothing out in front of There's there's nothing out in front of There's there's nothing out in front of us that's really thriving and excited us that's really thriving and excited us that's really thriving and excited for and anticipating and we're not for and anticipating and we're not for and anticipating and we're not filled with expectation anymore. We're filled with expectation anymore. We're filled with expectation anymore. We're just kind of just kind of just kind of eh. And I think this so describes Revelation And I think this so describes Revelation chapter 3, the church at Leodysia. You chapter 3, the church at Leodysia. You chapter 3, the church at Leodysia. You never read Revelation. John is writing never read Revelation. John is writing never read Revelation. John is writing to seven churches in the church at to seven churches in the church at to seven churches in the church at Leodysia. He says, "This is what God Leodysia. He says, "This is what God Leodysia. He says, "This is what God says to you. You're not hot and you're says to you. You're not hot and you're says to you. You're not hot and you're not cold. You're lukewarm." And that not cold. You're lukewarm." And that not cold. You're lukewarm." And that turns my stomach.

turns my stomach. turns my stomach. I'm just giving you the Bible. My name's I'm just giving you the Bible. My name's I'm just giving you the Bible. My name's Daniel. I'm your friend. And I think sometimes if we were really And I think sometimes if we were really honest and we were to give our faith honest and we were to give our faith honest and we were to give our faith a one, two, three, four, five star a one, two, three, four, five star a one, two, three, four, five star review, some of us would say we'd give review, some of us would say we'd give review, some of us would say we'd give it a three star. it a three star. it a three star. We're not really thriving in our faith, We're not really thriving in our faith, We're not really thriving in our faith, but it's not like we're walking away but it's not like we're walking away but it's not like we're walking away from God either. from God either. from God either. It's not vibrant and on fire as some It's not vibrant and on fire as some It's not vibrant and on fire as some would say and it's not anticipating the would say and it's not anticipating the would say and it's not anticipating the good things of God and it's not one that good things of God and it's not one that good things of God and it's not one that is so leaned into the things of God but is so leaned into the things of God but is so leaned into the things of God but it's also we're not like walking we're it's also we're not like walking we're it's also we're not like walking we're not like done with our faith we're just not like done with our faith we're just not like done with our faith we're just kind of like eh like I just I go to kind of like eh like I just I go to kind of like eh like I just I go to church stand up sing the four songs church stand up sing the four songs church stand up sing the four songs greet someone greet someone greet someone sat down watch the video. He's going to sat down watch the video. He's going to sat down watch the video. He's going to get up and talk for 35 minutes or 40 if get up and talk for 35 minutes or 40 if get up and talk for 35 minutes or 40 if he's been off a week.

Go home. Go home. There's a Bible laying there. Not really There's a Bible laying there. Not really There's a Bible laying there. Not really sure I look at it much. Turn to it when sure I look at it much. Turn to it when sure I look at it much. Turn to it when I'm in crisis. I'm in crisis. I'm in crisis. And then just keep going. It's not great And then just keep going. It's not great And then just keep going. It's not great and it's not falling apart. It's just and it's not falling apart. It's just and it's not falling apart. It's just man, and can I tell you that is not what man, and can I tell you that is not what man, and can I tell you that is not what God wants for you. God wants for you. God wants for you. That's not what God wants for his That's not what God wants for his That's not what God wants for his church. Can I tell you a languishing church. Can I tell you a languishing church. Can I tell you a languishing church isn't a transformational church. church isn't a transformational church. church isn't a transformational church. That a languishing church isn't a church That a languishing church isn't a church That a languishing church isn't a church that changes the world. That that makes that changes the world. That that makes that changes the world. That that makes a major difference and eternal impact a major difference and eternal impact a major difference and eternal impact with eternal return on the investment of with eternal return on the investment of with eternal return on the investment of our life. That's not what hap that's not our life. That's not what hap that's not our life. That's not what hap that's not what God wants for you. He wants you to what God wants for you. He wants you to what God wants for you. He wants you to have a faith that is flourishing, that have a faith that is flourishing, that have a faith that is flourishing, that is thriving. That your best days, can I is thriving. That your best days, can I is thriving. That your best days, can I tell you? They're your faithfilled days. tell you? They're your faithfilled days. tell you? They're your faithfilled days. Your best days are the days where your Your best days are the days where your Your best days are the days where your faith is on fire. And I I just want to faith is on fire. And I I just want to faith is on fire. And I I just want to if I could just maybe shake you a little if I could just maybe shake you a little if I could just maybe shake you a little bit today. If I could give you a gentle bit today. If I could give you a gentle bit today. If I could give you a gentle pastoral shake and go, are you pastoral shake and go, are you pastoral shake and go, are you languishing? languishing? languishing? Is your faith thriving? Do you look back Is your faith thriving? Do you look back Is your faith thriving? Do you look back in your journey of faith and go, there in your journey of faith and go, there in your journey of faith and go, there was a time where I was more in love with was a time where I was more in love with was a time where I was more in love with Jesus, more passionate about my worship, Jesus, more passionate about my worship, Jesus, more passionate about my worship, more into the word of God than I am more into the word of God than I am more into the word of God than I am right now? If so, you could have a right now? If so, you could have a right now? If so, you could have a three-star faith.

three-star faith. three-star faith. And God doesn't want you to live that And God doesn't want you to live that And God doesn't want you to live that way. Matter of fact, without faith, it's way. Matter of fact, without faith, it's way. Matter of fact, without faith, it's impossible to please God. So the only impossible to please God. So the only impossible to please God. So the only life that is pleasing to God is the life life that is pleasing to God is the life life that is pleasing to God is the life of faith. It's the life where we live of faith. It's the life where we live of faith. It's the life where we live according to his promises and his according to his promises and his according to his promises and his principles and we go allin with Jesus. principles and we go allin with Jesus. principles and we go allin with Jesus. That is the one that honors God. So I That is the one that honors God. So I That is the one that honors God. So I would ask you, you don't have to raise would ask you, you don't have to raise would ask you, you don't have to raise your hand. your hand. your hand. Is it a languishing faith? Is it a Is it a languishing faith? Is it a Is it a languishing faith? Is it a fragile faith? Is it a frantic faith? fragile faith? Is it a frantic faith? fragile faith? Is it a frantic faith? When something hits my life that's bad, When something hits my life that's bad, When something hits my life that's bad, God, please, please, please God, please, please, please God, please, please, please or is it an on fire faith, a thriving, or is it an on fire faith, a thriving, or is it an on fire faith, a thriving, flourishing because your best days are flourishing because your best days are flourishing because your best days are your faithfilled days. So, if we're your faithfilled days. So, if we're your faithfilled days. So, if we're going to have that kind of faith, we got going to have that kind of faith, we got going to have that kind of faith, we got to know what faith is. Hebrews 11 says to know what faith is. Hebrews 11 says to know what faith is. Hebrews 11 says this, "Faith shows the reality of what this, "Faith shows the reality of what this, "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for." Here's the phrase, "It's we hope for." Here's the phrase, "It's we hope for." Here's the phrase, "It's the evidence of things we cannot see."

the evidence of things we cannot see." the evidence of things we cannot see." So faith isn't this ethereal thing out So faith isn't this ethereal thing out So faith isn't this ethereal thing out here. Faith isn't a feeling that you here. Faith isn't a feeling that you here. Faith isn't a feeling that you have during worship. Faith is not have during worship. Faith is not have during worship. Faith is not goosebumps on your arms and hair goosebumps on your arms and hair goosebumps on your arms and hair standing up on the back of your neck. standing up on the back of your neck. standing up on the back of your neck. That's not it. Faith is evidence. In That's not it. Faith is evidence. In That's not it. Faith is evidence. In other words, it is an action in your other words, it is an action in your other words, it is an action in your life that when you take it, people life that when you take it, people life that when you take it, people around you go, you trust God. around you go, you trust God. around you go, you trust God. In other words, let me say it this way. In other words, let me say it this way. In other words, let me say it this way. If I were to follow you around for a If I were to follow you around for a If I were to follow you around for a day, would I see any any evidence that day, would I see any any evidence that day, would I see any any evidence that would stand up in court that you trust would stand up in court that you trust would stand up in court that you trust God? God? God? That's what faith is. Faith is the That's what faith is. Faith is the That's what faith is. Faith is the evidence. It's tangible. It's evidence. It's tangible. It's evidence. It's tangible. It's observable. It's I can see it in your observable. It's I can see it in your observable. It's I can see it in your life. Faith is what you all demonstrated life. Faith is what you all demonstrated life. Faith is what you all demonstrated today. today. today. No matter where you are, if you're No matter where you are, if you're No matter where you are, if you're seated, I doubt any of you turned around seated, I doubt any of you turned around seated, I doubt any of you turned around and tested the chair. I don't think you pushed on it and said, I don't think you pushed on it and said, "Did building services tighten these "Did building services tighten these "Did building services tighten these bolts? bolts? bolts? Are these chairs good to go?" No, you Are these chairs good to go?" No, you Are these chairs good to go?" No, you demonstrated faith by just being seated, demonstrated faith by just being seated, demonstrated faith by just being seated, expecting the chair to hold you. Your expecting the chair to hold you. Your expecting the chair to hold you. Your evidence is that you bent your knees and evidence is that you bent your knees and evidence is that you bent your knees and sit down. That's the evidence that you sit down. That's the evidence that you sit down. That's the evidence that you trusted that the chair would hold you.

trusted that the chair would hold you. trusted that the chair would hold you. Are you with me? The same thing is true Are you with me? The same thing is true Are you with me? The same thing is true in your faith. The evidence is whenever in your faith. The evidence is whenever in your faith. The evidence is whenever you can't see it and it hasn't even come you can't see it and it hasn't even come you can't see it and it hasn't even come to pass yet, you trust the promise of to pass yet, you trust the promise of to pass yet, you trust the promise of God and live as though what God said is God and live as though what God said is God and live as though what God said is true, not what everybody else has said true, not what everybody else has said true, not what everybody else has said is true. And so, all of us have been is true. And so, all of us have been is true. And so, all of us have been given a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 given a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 given a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 tells us. It says that we shouldn't tells us. It says that we shouldn't tells us. It says that we shouldn't think of ourselves more highly than we think of ourselves more highly than we think of ourselves more highly than we should. We shouldn't have a bloated should. We shouldn't have a bloated should. We shouldn't have a bloated view. But what it says we should have view. But what it says we should have view. But what it says we should have sober judgment and we should in sober judgment and we should in sober judgment and we should in accordance with what? The faith that accordance with what? The faith that accordance with what? The faith that God's distributed. So God distributed God's distributed. So God distributed God's distributed. So God distributed faith to everybody. You have a measure faith to everybody. You have a measure faith to everybody. You have a measure of faith. Now your job is to grow that of faith. Now your job is to grow that of faith. Now your job is to grow that faith and to strengthen that faith. But faith and to strengthen that faith. But faith and to strengthen that faith. But here's the challenging news everybody. here's the challenging news everybody. here's the challenging news everybody. You ready? You ready? You ready? It doesn't grow in comfort. It doesn't grow in comfort. It doesn't grow in comfort. Faith never grows on the mountaintops of Faith never grows on the mountaintops of Faith never grows on the mountaintops of life. It grows in the valleys of life. life. It grows in the valleys of life. life. It grows in the valleys of life. It doesn't grow in the comfortable It doesn't grow in the comfortable It doesn't grow in the comfortable places. It grows in the uncomfortable places. It grows in the uncomfortable places. It grows in the uncomfortable places. Matter of fact, faith needs places. Matter of fact, faith needs places. Matter of fact, faith needs resistance to grow. Just like your resistance to grow. Just like your resistance to grow. Just like your muscles don't grow by admiring them.

>> They grow by loading them >> They grow by loading them >> with a heavier weight and then a heavier >> with a heavier weight and then a heavier >> with a heavier weight and then a heavier weight and then a heavier weight. And weight and then a heavier weight. And weight and then a heavier weight. And that is actually what grows it is the that is actually what grows it is the that is actually what grows it is the resistance of it. And so you are resistance of it. And so you are resistance of it. And so you are responsible to grow your faith. And it responsible to grow your faith. And it responsible to grow your faith. And it doesn't matter if you have a little bit doesn't matter if you have a little bit doesn't matter if you have a little bit of faith. Bible says the faith the size of faith. Bible says the faith the size of faith. Bible says the faith the size of a muder seed can say to this mountain of a muder seed can say to this mountain of a muder seed can say to this mountain be moved and it'll be moved. be moved and it'll be moved. be moved and it'll be moved. So God has given you faith. Your job is So God has given you faith. Your job is So God has given you faith. Your job is to embrace the growing of that faith. to embrace the growing of that faith. to embrace the growing of that faith. And so if your best days are your And so if your best days are your And so if your best days are your faithfilled days, faithfilled days, faithfilled days, then what do we got to know about a then what do we got to know about a then what do we got to know about a growing faith and a faith that is on growing faith and a faith that is on growing faith and a faith that is on fire? I want to share with you four fire? I want to share with you four fire? I want to share with you four things that I think we learn from things that I think we learn from things that I think we learn from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo from Daniel chapter 3. If you've been around Daniel chapter 3. If you've been around Daniel chapter 3. If you've been around the Bible, you may be familiar with this the Bible, you may be familiar with this the Bible, you may be familiar with this story. If not, it's a fascinating story. story. If not, it's a fascinating story. story. If not, it's a fascinating story. Daniel chapter 3 in the Old Testament. Daniel chapter 3 in the Old Testament. Daniel chapter 3 in the Old Testament. If you have a copy of the scriptures, If you have a copy of the scriptures, If you have a copy of the scriptures, you can turn there. If not, it'll be on you can turn there. If not, it'll be on you can turn there. If not, it'll be on the screen. It says this in verse 4 of the screen. It says this in verse 4 of the screen. It says this in verse 4 of Daniel chapter 3. It said that King Daniel chapter 3. It said that King Daniel chapter 3. It said that King Nebuchadnezzar has created this golden Nebuchadnezzar has created this golden Nebuchadnezzar has created this golden image and he's about to make everybody image and he's about to make everybody image and he's about to make everybody bow down to it. And this is what we're bow down to it. And this is what we're bow down to it. And this is what we're reading. It said, "Then the herald reading. It said, "Then the herald reading. It said, "Then the herald loudly proclaimed, this is what you are loudly proclaimed, this is what you are loudly proclaimed, this is what you are commanded to do, oh peoples, nations, commanded to do, oh peoples, nations, commanded to do, oh peoples, nations, and men of every language." So no matter and men of every language." So no matter and men of every language." So no matter who you are, as soon as you hear the who you are, as soon as you hear the who you are, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, liar, sound of the horn, flute, zither, liar, sound of the horn, flute, zither, liar, heart, pipes, and all kinds. So when the heart, pipes, and all kinds. So when the heart, pipes, and all kinds. So when the band starts playing, you must fall down band starts playing, you must fall down band starts playing, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King and worship the image of gold that King and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship will does not fall down and worship will does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing

immediately be thrown into a blazing immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. So here's the picture. There's furnace. So here's the picture. There's furnace. So here's the picture. There's a furnace, a furnace, a furnace, fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar has fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar has fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar has said, "You've got to bow down to this said, "You've got to bow down to this said, "You've got to bow down to this golden image, this false god, and golden image, this false god, and golden image, this false god, and whoever doesn't bow down, they're going whoever doesn't bow down, they're going whoever doesn't bow down, they're going to be thrown into the flames." So it's to be thrown into the flames." So it's to be thrown into the flames." So it's either bow or die. That's the choices. either bow or die. That's the choices. either bow or die. That's the choices. And so you have these three Hebrew boys, And so you have these three Hebrew boys, And so you have these three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo, and they Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo, and they Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo, and they decide because we serve the one true decide because we serve the one true decide because we serve the one true living God, we're not going to bow down living God, we're not going to bow down living God, we're not going to bow down to any golden image. And so they get to any golden image. And so they get to any golden image. And so they get brought before brought before brought before um the king. And the Bible says this in um the king. And the Bible says this in um the king. And the Bible says this in verse 12 of Daniel chapter 3. It says, verse 12 of Daniel chapter 3. It says, verse 12 of Daniel chapter 3. It says, "But there are some Jews whom you have "But there are some Jews whom you have "But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of set over the affairs of the province of set over the affairs of the province of Babylon." So time out. They had been Babylon." So time out. They had been Babylon." So time out. They had been brought, Israel's in exile. They had brought, Israel's in exile. They had brought, Israel's in exile. They had been brought into Babylon, but they had been brought into Babylon, but they had been brought into Babylon, but they had been given positions of authority. So been given positions of authority. So been given positions of authority. So these weren't just somebody on the these weren't just somebody on the these weren't just somebody on the fringe of the crowd. These were leaders. fringe of the crowd. These were leaders. fringe of the crowd. These were leaders. These were influential people. And it These were influential people. And it These were influential people. And it says, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo, says, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo, says, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo, who pay no attention to you, oh king.

who pay no attention to you, oh king. who pay no attention to you, oh king. They neither serve your gods nor worship They neither serve your gods nor worship They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up. the image of gold you have set up. the image of gold you have set up. Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo." So these men were brought Abedneo." So these men were brought Abedneo." So these men were brought before the king. Thought number one for before the king. Thought number one for before the king. Thought number one for a growing faith is this. A growing faith a growing faith is this. A growing faith a growing faith is this. A growing faith expects opposition. expects opposition. expects opposition. You got to know this. You got to know this. You got to know this. If you're going to grow your faith, If you're going to grow your faith, If you're going to grow your faith, expect opposition. expect opposition. expect opposition. Expect for resistance to come into your Expect for resistance to come into your Expect for resistance to come into your life. These boys, they had to expect life. These boys, they had to expect life. These boys, they had to expect opposition. They they knew if we don't opposition. They they knew if we don't opposition. They they knew if we don't bow, we're going to be brought for the bow, we're going to be brought for the bow, we're going to be brought for the king and thrown into the the furnace. king and thrown into the the furnace. king and thrown into the the furnace. And so there's an expectation of And so there's an expectation of And so there's an expectation of opposition. Can I tell you though, the opposition. Can I tell you though, the opposition. Can I tell you though, the danger of opposition is opposition can danger of opposition is opposition can danger of opposition is opposition can get us so narrow-minded and myopic. get us so narrow-minded and myopic. get us so narrow-minded and myopic. Opposition can cause us to think, "This Opposition can cause us to think, "This Opposition can cause us to think, "This is only happening to me. I'm the only is only happening to me. I'm the only is only happening to me. I'm the only one going through this." We can begin to one going through this." We can begin to one going through this." We can begin to say things like, "God, why are you doing say things like, "God, why are you doing say things like, "God, why are you doing this to me?" this to me?" this to me?" It's like Elijah. He thinks that there It's like Elijah. He thinks that there It's like Elijah. He thinks that there he's he's like, "I'm the only prophet he's he's like, "I'm the only prophet he's he's like, "I'm the only prophet left. I'm the only one in the whole left. I'm the only one in the whole left. I'm the only one in the whole nation serving God." And God's like, nation serving God." And God's like, nation serving God." And God's like, "Chill out, Elijah. I've got 7,000 "Chill out, Elijah. I've got 7,000 "Chill out, Elijah. I've got 7,000 people that still bow their knee to G.

people that still bow their knee to G. people that still bow their knee to G. You know, so we can get so myopic and You know, so we can get so myopic and You know, so we can get so myopic and thank God, why are you doing this to me? thank God, why are you doing this to me? thank God, why are you doing this to me? And I would propose that God isn't doing And I would propose that God isn't doing And I would propose that God isn't doing it to you that but God will leverage it it to you that but God will leverage it it to you that but God will leverage it if you'll allow him for your good and if you'll allow him for your good and if you'll allow him for your good and for your benefit. for your benefit. for your benefit. When have you ever noticed this? Maybe When have you ever noticed this? Maybe When have you ever noticed this? Maybe you've been walking with Jesus enough to you've been walking with Jesus enough to you've been walking with Jesus enough to know this that the moment you decide to know this that the moment you decide to know this that the moment you decide to go allin like I'm not going to have a go allin like I'm not going to have a go allin like I'm not going to have a languishing faith. I'm just not going to languishing faith. I'm just not going to languishing faith. I'm just not going to do like church on the weekend. Just do like church on the weekend. Just do like church on the weekend. Just check the box and do the things. We're check the box and do the things. We're check the box and do the things. We're in, you know, south. That's what we go in, you know, south. That's what we go in, you know, south. That's what we go through. It's how we do it. That and through. It's how we do it. That and through. It's how we do it. That and then you just something happens and you then you just something happens and you then you just something happens and you go, man, I'm going allin with God. And go, man, I'm going allin with God. And go, man, I'm going allin with God. And maybe you start serving and you're maybe you start serving and you're maybe you start serving and you're reading your Bible daily and you're reading your Bible daily and you're reading your Bible daily and you're praying and you begin returning the praying and you begin returning the praying and you begin returning the tithe that belongs to God and you go all tithe that belongs to God and you go all tithe that belongs to God and you go all in. Have you ever noticed that the in. Have you ever noticed that the in. Have you ever noticed that the moment you start going allin for God, it moment you start going allin for God, it moment you start going allin for God, it seems like everything starts to push seems like everything starts to push seems like everything starts to push against you? against you? against you? Because do you think that for a moment Because do you think that for a moment Because do you think that for a moment that the enemy wants you to move from a that the enemy wants you to move from a that the enemy wants you to move from a threest star review to a fivestar threest star review to a fivestar threest star review to a fivestar review? Like do you really think he's review? Like do you really think he's review? Like do you really think he's going to sit back and be like, "That's going to sit back and be like, "That's going to sit back and be like, "That's amazing. amazing. amazing. I'm so proud of you. You're like loving I'm so proud of you. You're like loving I'm so proud of you. You're like loving God more. You're serving others. You're God more. You're serving others. You're God more. You're serving others. You're forgiving and not holding bitterness."

forgiving and not holding bitterness." forgiving and not holding bitterness." No. The moment you begin to get all in No. The moment you begin to get all in No. The moment you begin to get all in and lean into God, the enemy is and lean into God, the enemy is and lean into God, the enemy is definitely going to push against you. definitely going to push against you. definitely going to push against you. But here's what the Bible says that what But here's what the Bible says that what But here's what the Bible says that what the enemy means for evil in your life, the enemy means for evil in your life, the enemy means for evil in your life, God means for good in your life. Paul God means for good in your life. Paul God means for good in your life. Paul told us in Romans, we're going to clap. told us in Romans, we're going to clap. told us in Romans, we're going to clap. Let's all clap. All right. Let's all clap. All right. Let's all clap. All right. [applause] Honestly, it's been a year. We should Honestly, it's been a year. We should know that by now. If some of us are know that by now. If some of us are know that by now. If some of us are going to clap, we all clap. Okay. Just going to clap, we all clap. Okay. Just going to clap, we all clap. Okay. Just saying. Paul said in Romans that God has saying. Paul said in Romans that God has saying. Paul said in Romans that God has a way of working all things together for a way of working all things together for a way of working all things together for the good of those who love him and are the good of those who love him and are the good of those who love him and are the called according to his purpose. He the called according to his purpose. He the called according to his purpose. He didn't say God works all the good didn't say God works all the good didn't say God works all the good things. things. things. Said he works all of them if we'll allow Said he works all of them if we'll allow Said he works all of them if we'll allow him. But too many times opposition hits him. But too many times opposition hits him. But too many times opposition hits and instead of pressing in, we back off and instead of pressing in, we back off and instead of pressing in, we back off and go, I I didn't want this. I this is and go, I I didn't want this. I this is and go, I I didn't want this. I this is a I didn't want this challenge. But I'm a I didn't want this challenge. But I'm a I didn't want this challenge. But I'm telling you that if you'll lean in, it telling you that if you'll lean in, it telling you that if you'll lean in, it is actually the opposition that is is actually the opposition that is is actually the opposition that is growing the muscle of faith in you. Let growing the muscle of faith in you. Let growing the muscle of faith in you. Let me illustrate it this way. Whenever I me illustrate it this way. Whenever I me illustrate it this way. Whenever I was doing a lot of races, I was running was doing a lot of races, I was running was doing a lot of races, I was running a couple marathons, half marathons, tons a couple marathons, half marathons, tons a couple marathons, half marathons, tons of 10Ks, 5Ks, all that. And in one race, of 10Ks, 5Ks, all that. And in one race, of 10Ks, 5Ks, all that. And in one race, I was actually I was actually running at I was actually I was actually running at I was actually I was actually running at Disney, running a half marathon. I'd Disney, running a half marathon. I'd Disney, running a half marathon. I'd just come through the Magic Kingdom, just come through the Magic Kingdom, just come through the Magic Kingdom, taking a left, going out the back side taking a left, going out the back side taking a left, going out the back side of it, and I felt something down this IT of it, and I felt something down this IT of it, and I felt something down this IT band. I felt it, a pain just shoot from band. I felt it, a pain just shoot from band. I felt it, a pain just shoot from my hip to my kneecap. So, I walked for a

my hip to my kneecap. So, I walked for a my hip to my kneecap. So, I walked for a minute and then I tried to run again and minute and then I tried to run again and minute and then I tried to run again and it just wouldn't go. And tried to run it just wouldn't go. And tried to run it just wouldn't go. And tried to run again, it just wouldn't go. So, I I was again, it just wouldn't go. So, I I was again, it just wouldn't go. So, I I was like, I'm finishing and if you if you're like, I'm finishing and if you if you're like, I'm finishing and if you if you're not fast enough, they have a bus that not fast enough, they have a bus that not fast enough, they have a bus that picks you up. I was like, that bus will picks you up. I was like, that bus will picks you up. I was like, that bus will not get me not get me not get me cuz they got to clear you out to open cuz they got to clear you out to open cuz they got to clear you out to open the park. So, I was like, this I'm not the park. So, I was like, this I'm not the park. So, I was like, this I'm not getting picked up by this bus. And so, I getting picked up by this bus. And so, I getting picked up by this bus. And so, I I hobbled, ran the rest of it, and made I hobbled, ran the rest of it, and made I hobbled, ran the rest of it, and made it across the finish line. We got back it across the finish line. We got back it across the finish line. We got back and anytime I got over three miles, my and anytime I got over three miles, my and anytime I got over three miles, my anti-band would flare again. And I just anti-band would flare again. And I just anti-band would flare again. And I just I couldn't do it every time anytime I I couldn't do it every time anytime I I couldn't do it every time anytime I ran three miles flare up again. So I ran three miles flare up again. So I ran three miles flare up again. So I finally went to a physical therapist and finally went to a physical therapist and finally went to a physical therapist and athletic trainer and I was like, "Hey, athletic trainer and I was like, "Hey, athletic trainer and I was like, "Hey, this is what's going on." And he's like, this is what's going on." And he's like, this is what's going on." And he's like, "What's we got to strengthen your IT "What's we got to strengthen your IT "What's we got to strengthen your IT band." So we got to get the inflammation band." So we got to get the inflammation band." So we got to get the inflammation down and we got to strengthen your IT down and we got to strengthen your IT down and we got to strengthen your IT band. And he goes, "Here's how we're band. And he goes, "Here's how we're band. And he goes, "Here's how we're going to do it. We're going to teach you going to do it. We're going to teach you going to do it. We're going to teach you to run a different way." So I had to to run a different way." So I had to to run a different way." So I had to relearn how I run. And then he said, relearn how I run. And then he said, relearn how I run. And then he said, "I'm going to give you this band." And "I'm going to give you this band." And "I'm going to give you this band." And the band everybody un when it wasn't the band everybody un when it wasn't the band everybody un when it wasn't stretched was about this big around. stretched was about this big around. stretched was about this big around. He said, "You're going to pull that up He said, "You're going to pull that up He said, "You're going to pull that up over both of your legs and then I want over both of your legs and then I want over both of your legs and then I want you to squat and I want you to do this."

you to squat and I want you to do this." you to squat and I want you to do this." And he would just make me do this. And And he would just make me do this. And And he would just make me do this. And the pain, everybody, I was like, "What the pain, everybody, I was like, "What the pain, everybody, I was like, "What are you doing to me?" He's like, "No, are you doing to me?" He's like, "No, are you doing to me?" He's like, "No, I'm helping you." I'm helping you." I'm helping you." You know what I learned though is the You know what I learned though is the You know what I learned though is the physical therapist wasn't targeting my physical therapist wasn't targeting my physical therapist wasn't targeting my pain. He was targeting my weakness to pain. He was targeting my weakness to pain. He was targeting my weakness to get rid of the pain. get rid of the pain. get rid of the pain. And can I tell you something? that when And can I tell you something? that when And can I tell you something? that when God is wanting to grow your faith, he God is wanting to grow your faith, he God is wanting to grow your faith, he will use opposition in your life. And will use opposition in your life. And will use opposition in your life. And he's not targeting your pain. He's he's not targeting your pain. He's he's not targeting your pain. He's targeting your weakness. Because if he targeting your weakness. Because if he targeting your weakness. Because if he can strengthen that muscle of faith in can strengthen that muscle of faith in can strengthen that muscle of faith in your life, it'll reduce the pain in your your life, it'll reduce the pain in your your life, it'll reduce the pain in your life. And a lot of us are like, "God, life. And a lot of us are like, "God, life. And a lot of us are like, "God, we're praying, God, take the pain away. we're praying, God, take the pain away. we're praying, God, take the pain away. God, stop the issue. God, fix the God, stop the issue. God, fix the God, stop the issue. God, fix the thing." And some guys, God in a miracle thing." And some guys, God in a miracle thing." And some guys, God in a miracle moment does it in your life. But a lot moment does it in your life. But a lot moment does it in your life. But a lot of times, God will give you a band and of times, God will give you a band and of times, God will give you a band and go, I need you to squat and I need you go, I need you to squat and I need you go, I need you to squat and I need you to do some side. I need to strengthen to do some side. I need to strengthen to do some side. I need to strengthen the weak area of your faith so that you the weak area of your faith so that you the weak area of your faith so that you can handle what is coming down the road can handle what is coming down the road can handle what is coming down the road in your life. Can I tell you, God knows in your life. Can I tell you, God knows in your life. Can I tell you, God knows your life beginning to end. [applause] your life beginning to end. [applause] your life beginning to end. [applause] God stands outside of time and eternity God stands outside of time and eternity God stands outside of time and eternity and sees your life beginning to end. So and sees your life beginning to end. So and sees your life beginning to end. So he saw the day you were born, the day he saw the day you were born, the day he saw the day you were born, the day you would die at the same time. And so you would die at the same time. And so you would die at the same time. And so do you not think that God knows what is do you not think that God knows what is do you not think that God knows what is coming next month in your life, next coming next month in your life, next coming next month in your life, next year in your life, three years from your year in your life, three years from your year in your life, three years from your life and a good good father, which he life and a good good father, which he life and a good good father, which he is, prepares his children in advance. So is, prepares his children in advance. So is, prepares his children in advance. So it could be that the fire you are it could be that the fire you are it could be that the fire you are walking through right now is developing walking through right now is developing walking through right now is developing a muscle of faith in you that you are a muscle of faith in you that you are a muscle of faith in you that you are going to need in 2028. And God is going, going to need in 2028. And God is going, going to need in 2028. And God is going, I see what's coming. I'm going to get

I see what's coming. I'm going to get I see what's coming. I'm going to get them ready now. But some of us were them ready now. But some of us were them ready now. But some of us were jumping out and resisting it instead of jumping out and resisting it instead of jumping out and resisting it instead of leaning into it. And so we continue to leaning into it. And so we continue to leaning into it. And so we continue to not get progress. We continue to not get progress. We continue to not get progress. We continue to languish. And it's the same thing over languish. And it's the same thing over languish. And it's the same thing over and over. And there's no passion in our and over. And there's no passion in our and over. And there's no passion in our relationship with God. There's no fire relationship with God. There's no fire relationship with God. There's no fire in our faith. in our faith. in our faith. Could it be because we've Could it be because we've Could it be because we've stepped back instead of leaned in? stepped back instead of leaned in? stepped back instead of leaned in? Or maybe we thought following Jesus was Or maybe we thought following Jesus was Or maybe we thought following Jesus was blessings blessings blessings and all blessings and and all blessings and and all blessings and fairy tales and roses. fairy tales and roses. fairy tales and roses. We just wanted long hair flowy Jesus. We just wanted long hair flowy Jesus. We just wanted long hair flowy Jesus. Bless children. God's good all the time. Bless children. God's good all the time. Bless children. God's good all the time. Now, he didn't promise to remove the Now, he didn't promise to remove the Now, he didn't promise to remove the fire. He just said, "I'll show up in the fire. He just said, "I'll show up in the fire. He just said, "I'll show up in the fire when you're in it." fire when you're in it." fire when you're in it." Verse 16 says this says that Shadrach, Verse 16 says this says that Shadrach, Verse 16 says this says that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the Meshach, and Abednego replied to the Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king on Nebuchadnezzar, "We do not need king on Nebuchadnezzar, "We do not need king on Nebuchadnezzar, "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this to defend ourselves before you in this to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

matter. matter. If we are thrown into the blazing If we are thrown into the blazing If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to furnace, the God we serve is able to furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us save us from it, and he will rescue us save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he from your hand, O king. But even if he from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, oh king, does not, we want you to know, oh king, does not, we want you to know, oh king, that we will not serve your gods or that we will not serve your gods or that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set worship the image of gold you have set worship the image of gold you have set up." Thought number two, a faith on fire up." Thought number two, a faith on fire up." Thought number two, a faith on fire is one that establishes convictions. The these young boys, they were The these young boys, they were teenagers most likely at the time. teenagers most likely at the time. teenagers most likely at the time. These young boys, you can tell from what These young boys, you can tell from what These young boys, you can tell from what they said, they had already established they said, they had already established they said, they had already established in their heart before they ever got in in their heart before they ever got in in their heart before they ever got in front of the king. This is what we are front of the king. This is what we are front of the king. This is what we are holding fast to. holding fast to. holding fast to. We are holding firm to some things We are holding firm to some things We are holding firm to some things before we can I tell you something. the before we can I tell you something. the before we can I tell you something. the when when you're standing at the door of when when you're standing at the door of when when you're standing at the door of the fire, that's not the time to figure the fire, that's not the time to figure the fire, that's not the time to figure out whether or not you believe God is out whether or not you believe God is out whether or not you believe God is who he said he is. who he said he is. who he said he is. >> When when you're about to be tossed in >> When when you're about to be tossed in >> When when you're about to be tossed in it, that's not the time to to wonder, do it, that's not the time to to wonder, do it, that's not the time to to wonder, do you believe that he's the God that can you believe that he's the God that can you believe that he's the God that can move mountains and split waters and can move mountains and split waters and can move mountains and split waters and can take down a Goliath and can open blinded take down a Goliath and can open blinded take down a Goliath and can open blinded eyes and can cause a resurrection to eyes and can cause a resurrection to eyes and can cause a resurrection to happen in the life of a dead man. That happen in the life of a dead man. That happen in the life of a dead man. That is not the time. You've got to establish is not the time. You've got to establish is not the time. You've got to establish some things before you get into the some things before you get into the some things before you get into the fire. And these boys had that already fire. And these boys had that already fire. And these boys had that already established and you see it in the verse established and you see it in the verse established and you see it in the verse it said, "Oh king, don't worry about us.

it said, "Oh king, don't worry about us. it said, "Oh king, don't worry about us. Our God is able." Our God is able." Our God is able." And you have to settle that in your And you have to settle that in your And you have to settle that in your heart. Is God able? Is he just a a good heart. Is God able? Is he just a a good heart. Is God able? Is he just a a good luck charm, a trinket, an add-on to your luck charm, a trinket, an add-on to your luck charm, a trinket, an add-on to your life? Or is he God Almighty? The one who life? Or is he God Almighty? The one who life? Or is he God Almighty? The one who spoke the earth into existence in all spoke the earth into existence in all spoke the earth into existence in all the universe and galaxies. That he is the universe and galaxies. That he is the universe and galaxies. That he is the God that breathed into dirt and the God that breathed into dirt and the God that breathed into dirt and created Adam. He is the God that took a created Adam. He is the God that took a created Adam. He is the God that took a rib out of Adam and created woman. He is rib out of Adam and created woman. He is rib out of Adam and created woman. He is the God that caused the Red Sea apart the God that caused the Red Sea apart the God that caused the Red Sea apart for the nation of Israel, bought water for the nation of Israel, bought water for the nation of Israel, bought water out of a rock. That he is the God that out of a rock. That he is the God that out of a rock. That he is the God that took down Goliath with a little stone took down Goliath with a little stone took down Goliath with a little stone and a sling. That he is the God that and a sling. That he is the God that and a sling. That he is the God that caused Jesus to get out of the tomb and caused Jesus to get out of the tomb and caused Jesus to get out of the tomb and come alive again, proving that he is the come alive again, proving that he is the come alive again, proving that he is the son of God. And he is not just stop. He son of God. And he is not just stop. He son of God. And he is not just stop. He didn't stop at the tomb, but that he didn't stop at the tomb, but that he didn't stop at the tomb, but that he built a church in the BOOK OF ACTS FULL built a church in the BOOK OF ACTS FULL built a church in the BOOK OF ACTS FULL of the power and the fire and the of the power and the fire and the of the power and the fire and the presence of God that now thousands of presence of God that now thousands of presence of God that now thousands of years later we are beneficiaries of our years later we are beneficiaries of our years later we are beneficiaries of our God is well aable. You got to settle God is well aable. You got to settle God is well aable. You got to settle that in your heart. [applause] You've got to have your feet in concrete You've got to have your feet in concrete on that on that on that because the winds will blow.

because the winds will blow. because the winds will blow. I thought this was about our best days. I thought this was about our best days. I thought this was about our best days. That should be all encouraging. Your That should be all encouraging. Your That should be all encouraging. Your best days are your faithfilled days best days are your faithfilled days best days are your faithfilled days because your faithfilled days can take because your faithfilled days can take because your faithfilled days can take an awful day and make it your best day an awful day and make it your best day an awful day and make it your best day because you have the strength of God on because you have the strength of God on because you have the strength of God on the inside of you in the middle of it. the inside of you in the middle of it. the inside of you in the middle of it. They said he's wellable. But I want you They said he's wellable. But I want you They said he's wellable. But I want you to know what they said next because they to know what they said next because they to know what they said next because they didn't stop there. didn't stop there. didn't stop there. And I think this is so important to And I think this is so important to And I think this is so important to point out because point out because point out because some of us, we want to have an only if some of us, we want to have an only if some of us, we want to have an only if faith. faith. faith. Our God is well aable. Only if he spares Our God is well aable. Only if he spares Our God is well aable. Only if he spares us out of the furnace. But these young us out of the furnace. But these young us out of the furnace. But these young boys had an even if faith. They said, boys had an even if faith. They said, boys had an even if faith. They said, 'Oh king, we want you to know our God is 'Oh king, we want you to know our God is 'Oh king, we want you to know our God is able, but if he makes a different able, but if he makes a different able, but if he makes a different choice, we still won't bow before your choice, we still won't bow before your choice, we still won't bow before your gods. And only if faith is a gods. And only if faith is a gods. And only if faith is a transactional faith. God, if you cause transactional faith. God, if you cause transactional faith. God, if you cause the deal to go through, I'll keep the deal to go through, I'll keep the deal to go through, I'll keep worshiping you. If you heal my body, worshiping you. If you heal my body, worshiping you. If you heal my body, I'll keep honoring you. God, I'll keep I'll keep honoring you. God, I'll keep I'll keep honoring you. God, I'll keep attending church if you make this happen attending church if you make this happen attending church if you make this happen for me. God, I'll keep doing this. If my for me. God, I'll keep doing this. If my for me. God, I'll keep doing this. If my kid would come back through you, I'll kid would come back through you, I'll kid would come back through you, I'll I'll keep That's a transactional faith.

I'll keep That's a transactional faith. I'll keep That's a transactional faith. If you do this, I'll do that. And if you If you do this, I'll do that. And if you If you do this, I'll do that. And if you do this, if you scratch my back, God, do this, if you scratch my back, God, do this, if you scratch my back, God, I'll scratch yours. Can I tell you, God I'll scratch yours. Can I tell you, God I'll scratch yours. Can I tell you, God isn't in the back scratching business. isn't in the back scratching business. isn't in the back scratching business. He is God Almighty and we are not. That He is God Almighty and we are not. That He is God Almighty and we are not. That he is king of the universe and we are he is king of the universe and we are he is king of the universe and we are not. We are his subjects, his servants. not. We are his subjects, his servants. not. We are his subjects, his servants. These boys said we serve God regardless. These boys said we serve God regardless. These boys said we serve God regardless. And even if he doesn't spare us, we're And even if he doesn't spare us, we're And even if he doesn't spare us, we're not bowing. Even if it doesn't turn out not bowing. Even if it doesn't turn out not bowing. Even if it doesn't turn out the way I want, I'm not bowing. I think the way I want, I'm not bowing. I think the way I want, I'm not bowing. I think the world needs some even if Christians the world needs some even if Christians the world needs some even if Christians that are like, I'm staying in the fight. that are like, I'm staying in the fight. that are like, I'm staying in the fight. If I end up in the fire, I know he'll be If I end up in the fire, I know he'll be If I end up in the fire, I know he'll be with me in the fire. But even if, I'm with me in the fire. But even if, I'm with me in the fire. But even if, I'm going to keep serving. I'm going to keep going to keep serving. I'm going to keep going to keep serving. I'm going to keep praying. I'm going to keep giving. I'm praying. I'm going to keep giving. I'm praying. I'm going to keep giving. I'm going to keep reading my word. I'm going going to keep reading my word. I'm going going to keep reading my word. I'm going to keep being a light to those around to keep being a light to those around to keep being a light to those around me. I'm not giving up. I'm not backing me. I'm not giving up. I'm not backing me. I'm not giving up. I'm not backing down. Come on. Do I got an even if kind down. Come on. Do I got an even if kind down. Come on. Do I got an even if kind of people today? I've got an even if of people today? I've got an even if of people today? I've got an even if faith, not an only if. faith, not an only if. faith, not an only if. This is the God that we serve and this This is the God that we serve and this This is the God that we serve and this is what he deserves. That we'd settle is what he deserves. That we'd settle is what he deserves. That we'd settle some things in our heart. Settle some some things in our heart. Settle some some things in our heart. Settle some convictions and go, "Come," they say it convictions and go, "Come," they say it convictions and go, "Come," they say it in Tennessee where I grew up. Come hell in Tennessee where I grew up. Come hell in Tennessee where I grew up. Come hell or high water.

or high water. or high water. I don't even know what that means. I don't even know what that means. I don't even know what that means. I just know it's bad. I know hell's bad I just know it's bad. I know hell's bad I just know it's bad. I know hell's bad and I know water isn't good if it floods and I know water isn't good if it floods and I know water isn't good if it floods your house. I'm figuring your house. I'm figuring your house. I'm figuring In other words, whatever life throws at In other words, whatever life throws at In other words, whatever life throws at me, me, me, >> I've settled some things in my heart, >> I've settled some things in my heart, >> I've settled some things in my heart, even if even if even if I think about Job. Even if he slay me, I think about Job. Even if he slay me, I think about Job. Even if he slay me, yet will I serve him. I think about yet will I serve him. I think about yet will I serve him. I think about Habach. Habach. Habach. No fruit on the fig tree, no produce, no No fruit on the fig tree, no produce, no No fruit on the fig tree, no produce, no crop, no provision. Yet I will rejoice crop, no provision. Yet I will rejoice crop, no provision. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. in the Lord. in the Lord. I think about Horatio Spafford. I think about Horatio Spafford. I think about Horatio Spafford. 19 1873 19 1873 19 1873 Horatio Spafford is living in America Horatio Spafford is living in America Horatio Spafford is living in America with his family and four daughters. He with his family and four daughters. He with his family and four daughters. He puts his wife and his four daughters on puts his wife and his four daughters on puts his wife and his four daughters on a boat to go across the pond to London. a boat to go across the pond to London. a boat to go across the pond to London. That vessel collides with another That vessel collides with another That vessel collides with another vessel. His four daughters die.

vessel. His four daughters die. vessel. His four daughters die. His wife sends him a telegram that says His wife sends him a telegram that says His wife sends him a telegram that says this. Saved alone. this. Saved alone. this. Saved alone. She's the only one that made it. She's the only one that made it. She's the only one that made it. Horatio Spafford would soon after get on Horatio Spafford would soon after get on Horatio Spafford would soon after get on a boat and make his way to London. a boat and make his way to London. a boat and make his way to London. And he would get over the part of the And he would get over the part of the And he would get over the part of the water. He would ask them, "Tell me where water. He would ask them, "Tell me where water. He would ask them, "Tell me where the vessel went down. Where are my the vessel went down. Where are my the vessel went down. Where are my daughters bodies?" daughters bodies?" daughters bodies?" And over that he would write these And over that he would write these And over that he would write these words. this hymn. words. this hymn. words. this hymn. When peace like a river When peace like a river When peace like a river attendeth attendeth attendeth my way, my way, my way, when sorrows like sea billows [singing] when sorrows like sea billows [singing] when sorrows like sea billows [singing] roll, he's on the water. Whatever roll, he's on the water. Whatever roll, he's on the water. Whatever [singing] my lot, thou hast taught me to [singing] my lot, thou hast taught me to [singing] my lot, thou hast taught me to say, say, say, it is well. it is well. it is well. It is well with It is well with It is well with my soul.

my soul. my soul. That's even if faith, That's even if faith, That's even if faith, not only if. If you're ever going to not only if. If you're ever going to not only if. If you're ever going to grow your faith, grow your faith, grow your faith, if you're ever going to have a faith is if you're ever going to have a faith is if you're ever going to have a faith is on fire, you got to settle some on fire, you got to settle some on fire, you got to settle some convictions that it's even if God, not convictions that it's even if God, not convictions that it's even if God, not only if. The scripture goes on to tell us that The scripture goes on to tell us that then Nebuchadnezzar was furious because then Nebuchadnezzar was furious because then Nebuchadnezzar was furious because they didn't bow and because of what they they didn't bow and because of what they they didn't bow and because of what they said. said. said. And Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo and And Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo and And Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo and his attitude toward them changed because his attitude toward them changed because his attitude toward them changed because they did have favor with him. That's how they did have favor with him. That's how they did have favor with him. That's how they got the positions in government they got the positions in government they got the positions in government they had. they had. they had. So he ordered the furnace heated seven So he ordered the furnace heated seven So he ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. and commanded times hotter than usual. and commanded times hotter than usual. and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his some of the strongest soldiers in his some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedneo and throw them into the blazing Abedneo and throw them into the blazing Abedneo and throw them into the blazing furnace. Let me say this quickly. furnace. Let me say this quickly. furnace. Let me say this quickly. Number three, Number three, Number three, a growing growing faith, a faith on fire a growing growing faith, a faith on fire a growing growing faith, a faith on fire in trust outcomes.

In other words, I love the quote by Dr. In other words, I love the quote by Dr. Charles Stanley, the late Dr. Charles Charles Stanley, the late Dr. Charles Charles Stanley, the late Dr. Charles Stanley, the pastor of First Baptist Stanley, the pastor of First Baptist Stanley, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta. He would say this all Church in Atlanta. He would say this all Church in Atlanta. He would say this all the time. Maybe his most famous quote. the time. Maybe his most famous quote. the time. Maybe his most famous quote. Obey God and leave all the consequences Obey God and leave all the consequences Obey God and leave all the consequences to him. to him. to him. That's the that's the heart of this That's the that's the heart of this That's the that's the heart of this thought is that a growing faith, a faith thought is that a growing faith, a faith thought is that a growing faith, a faith that on fire just goes, God, I'll obey that on fire just goes, God, I'll obey that on fire just goes, God, I'll obey you and however it turns out, I leave you and however it turns out, I leave you and however it turns out, I leave all the consequences to you. I just know all the consequences to you. I just know all the consequences to you. I just know my job is to trust you, to be faithful my job is to trust you, to be faithful my job is to trust you, to be faithful to you, [music] and to walk with you, to you, [music] and to walk with you, to you, [music] and to walk with you, and you take care of the consequences. and you take care of the consequences. and you take care of the consequences. I had this thought too though. I had this thought too though. I had this thought too though. Maybe the text doesn't tell us. This is Maybe the text doesn't tell us. This is Maybe the text doesn't tell us. This is speculation, but just maybe they could speculation, but just maybe they could speculation, but just maybe they could entrust outcomes and they had the entrust outcomes and they had the entrust outcomes and they had the strength to stand because they stood strength to stand because they stood strength to stand because they stood together. together. together. How many of you know it's hard when How many of you know it's hard when How many of you know it's hard when everybody's bowing and you're standing everybody's bowing and you're standing everybody's bowing and you're standing alone? alone? alone? There was three of them. Could I just There was three of them. Could I just There was three of them. Could I just put a plug in? It's why you need to be put a plug in? It's why you need to be put a plug in? It's why you need to be in a group.

in a group. in a group. That's why you need to be in a group. That's why you need to be in a group. That's why you need to be in a group. That's why every one of you like, I've That's why every one of you like, I've That's why every one of you like, I've read the Bible. read the Bible. read the Bible. Okay? Okay? Okay? You need to be in a group. Why? You need You need to be in a group. Why? You need You need to be in a group. Why? You need community. You need people that can community. You need people that can community. You need people that can stand with you in the fire. stand with you in the fire. stand with you in the fire. You need people that can walk with you You need people that can walk with you You need people that can walk with you in the fire. You need people that'll go, in the fire. You need people that'll go, in the fire. You need people that'll go, "Keep obeying God. Keep trusting him." "Keep obeying God. Keep trusting him." "Keep obeying God. Keep trusting him." You need people that will celebrate with You need people that will celebrate with You need people that will celebrate with you when you're on the mountaintop. You you when you're on the mountaintop. You you when you're on the mountaintop. You need people that'll laugh with you and need people that'll laugh with you and need people that'll laugh with you and laugh at you. laugh at you. laugh at you. Come on, somebody. Come on, somebody. Come on, somebody. >> None of us is that important. Don't take >> None of us is that important. Don't take >> None of us is that important. Don't take yourself so seriously. You need people that'll have the joy You need people that'll have the joy with you and the sorrow, the mountaintop with you and the sorrow, the mountaintop with you and the sorrow, the mountaintop and the valley and everything in and the valley and everything in and the valley and everything in between. between. between. They entrusted the outcomes. Let me give They entrusted the outcomes. Let me give They entrusted the outcomes. Let me give you the final thought. you the final thought. you the final thought. Says that King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to Says that King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to Says that King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet. So he threw him in the fire. his feet. So he threw him in the fire. his feet. So he threw him in the fire. If you know the story, the fire killed If you know the story, the fire killed If you know the story, the fire killed the soldiers that put him in because it the soldiers that put him in because it the soldiers that put him in because it was heated seven times hotter.

was heated seven times hotter. was heated seven times hotter. And so he leaped to his feet in his And so he leaped to his feet in his And so he leaped to his feet in his amazement and asked his adviserss, amazement and asked his adviserss, amazement and asked his adviserss, "Weren't there three men that we tied up "Weren't there three men that we tied up "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" And they and threw into the fire?" And they and threw into the fire?" And they replied, "Certainly, your majesty." He replied, "Certainly, your majesty." He replied, "Certainly, your majesty." He said, "Look, I see four men walking said, "Look, I see four men walking said, "Look, I see four men walking around in the fire unbound and unharmed, around in the fire unbound and unharmed, around in the fire unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the and the fourth looks like a son of the and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." Now, theologians call this a gods." Now, theologians call this a gods." Now, theologians call this a christophony. It's an appearance of christophony. It's an appearance of christophony. It's an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. Jesus in the Old Testament. Jesus in the Old Testament. And so thought number four is this. A And so thought number four is this. A And so thought number four is this. A faith on fire is one that encounters the faith on fire is one that encounters the faith on fire is one that encounters the fourth man. A faith on fire encounters the fourth A faith on fire encounters the fourth man. man. man. Can I preach this to you for a minute? They knew God They knew God could save them outside of the fire, could save them outside of the fire, could save them outside of the fire, but they met him face to face inside the but they met him face to face inside the but they met him face to face inside the fire. fire. fire. There's a level of knowing God that you There's a level of knowing God that you There's a level of knowing God that you can't know outside the furnace. can't know outside the furnace. can't know outside the furnace. >> You have to walk through the fire. >> You have to walk through the fire. >> You have to walk through the fire. There's a level of intimacy that you There's a level of intimacy that you There's a level of intimacy that you don't get to have with God until you've don't get to have with God until you've don't get to have with God until you've walked through something with God. until walked through something with God. until walked through something with God. until you've been in the fire. They knew about you've been in the fire. They knew about you've been in the fire. They knew about his ability and they had conviction his ability and they had conviction his ability and they had conviction about his ability, but they met him and about his ability, but they met him and about his ability, but they met him and encountered him inside the fire. Let me encountered him inside the fire. Let me encountered him inside the fire. Let me say it this way. In the fire is where say it this way. In the fire is where say it this way. In the fire is where your theology becomes testimony.

your theology becomes testimony. your theology becomes testimony. Where it goes from I know about it to Where it goes from I know about it to Where it goes from I know about it to I've experienced it and now I've lived I've experienced it and now I've lived I've experienced it and now I've lived it and now I have the authority to speak it and now I have the authority to speak it and now I have the authority to speak about it. And whenever you have about it. And whenever you have about it. And whenever you have experienced it and lived it and now you experienced it and lived it and now you experienced it and lived it and now you have the authority to speak about it and have the authority to speak about it and have the authority to speak about it and you come out on the other side of the you come out on the other side of the you come out on the other side of the fire and the Bible says that they came fire and the Bible says that they came fire and the Bible says that they came out and they did not even smell like out and they did not even smell like out and they did not even smell like smoke. smoke. smoke. That the fire only thing it did was That the fire only thing it did was That the fire only thing it did was singe the ropes that were on their hands singe the ropes that were on their hands singe the ropes that were on their hands and they did not even smell like smoke. and they did not even smell like smoke. and they did not even smell like smoke. Whenever you walk that journey, this is Whenever you walk that journey, this is Whenever you walk that journey, this is the whole point of a faith that is on the whole point of a faith that is on the whole point of a faith that is on fire is that it would go from I know fire is that it would go from I know fire is that it would go from I know about it, I'm convicted about it to I've about it, I'm convicted about it to I've about it, I'm convicted about it to I've lived it and now I can testify of the lived it and now I can testify of the lived it and now I can testify of the goodness of God and your furnace becomes goodness of God and your furnace becomes goodness of God and your furnace becomes your pull pit and becomes the place that your pull pit and becomes the place that your pull pit and becomes the place that you declare the goodness of God to the you declare the goodness of God to the you declare the goodness of God to the world around you and they see what it world around you and they see what it world around you and they see what it looks like to know Jesus and to walk looks like to know Jesus and to walk looks like to know Jesus and to walk with him. And I would I would declare with him. And I would I would declare with him. And I would I would declare over your life, some of you are walking over your life, some of you are walking over your life, some of you are walking through fire right now. And I just want through fire right now. And I just want through fire right now. And I just want to say if you'll LEAN INTO GOD, YOU ARE to say if you'll LEAN INTO GOD, YOU ARE to say if you'll LEAN INTO GOD, YOU ARE COMING out of that fire and you will COMING out of that fire and you will COMING out of that fire and you will come out and not smell like smoke.

[music] [music] And here's what I believe is that a And here's what I believe is that a And here's what I believe is that a church family, we've been through some church family, we've been through some church family, we've been through some fire, fire, fire, >> but our fire is turning into our pulpit. >> but our fire is turning into our pulpit. >> but our fire is turning into our pulpit. >> And it will become the place from which >> And it will become the place from which >> And it will become the place from which we declare the goodness of God. And our we declare the goodness of God. And our we declare the goodness of God. And our best days are not behind us. They are in best days are not behind us. They are in best days are not behind us. They are in front of us. And God is not done with front of us. And God is not done with front of us. And God is not done with this church, but he will build it. And this church, but he will build it. And this church, but he will build it. And the gates of hell and the fire of hell the gates of hell and the fire of hell the gates of hell and the fire of hell will not stand against it. And I would will not stand against it. And I would will not stand against it. And I would declare and propose that we have come declare and propose that we have come declare and propose that we have come through the fire. AND WE DON'T EVEN through the fire. AND WE DON'T EVEN through the fire. AND WE DON'T EVEN SMELL LIKE SMOKE. And we are more full SMELL LIKE SMOKE. And we are more full SMELL LIKE SMOKE. And we are more full OF FAITH, FULL OF PASSION, FULL OF OF FAITH, FULL OF PASSION, FULL OF OF FAITH, FULL OF PASSION, FULL OF FAITH, FULL OF EXPECTANCY FOR THE DAYS FAITH, FULL OF EXPECTANCY FOR THE DAYS FAITH, FULL OF EXPECTANCY FOR THE DAYS AHEAD. OUR BEST DAYS are in front of us. AHEAD. OUR BEST DAYS are in front of us. AHEAD. OUR BEST DAYS are in front of us. WE'RE NOT DONE GROWING. WE'RE NOT DONE WE'RE NOT DONE GROWING. WE'RE NOT DONE WE'RE NOT DONE GROWING. WE'RE NOT DONE REACHING. WE'RE NOT DONE GIVING. WE'RE REACHING. WE'RE NOT DONE GIVING. WE'RE REACHING. WE'RE NOT DONE GIVING. WE'RE NOT DONE SERVING. WE'RE NOT DONE TELLING NOT DONE SERVING. WE'RE NOT DONE TELLING NOT DONE SERVING. WE'RE NOT DONE TELLING THE WORLD ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF OUR GOD THE WORLD ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF OUR GOD THE WORLD ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF OUR GOD WHO IS WORTHY of all of our praise. COME WHO IS WORTHY of all of our praise. COME WHO IS WORTHY of all of our praise. COME ON IN EVERY CAMPUS, GIVE HIM YOUR VERY ON IN EVERY CAMPUS, GIVE HIM YOUR VERY ON IN EVERY CAMPUS, GIVE HIM YOUR VERY BEST UNTO THE LORD DESERVES GLORY AND BEST UNTO THE LORD DESERVES GLORY AND BEST UNTO THE LORD DESERVES GLORY AND HONOR.

HONOR. HONOR. [applause and music] [applause and music] [applause and music] SO, FATHER, we honor you today. SO, FATHER, we honor you today. SO, FATHER, we honor you today. We lay our lives before you today. We lay our lives before you today. We lay our lives before you today. We say you're worthy. We say you're worthy. We say you're worthy. We thank you that you are in the fire We thank you that you are in the fire We thank you that you are in the fire with us. That we can know you about you with us. That we can know you about you with us. That we can know you about you on the outside of the furnace, but man, on the outside of the furnace, but man, on the outside of the furnace, but man, we encounter you in the furnace. we encounter you in the furnace. we encounter you in the furnace. So, we thank you that you never leave So, we thank you that you never leave So, we thank you that you never leave us, never forsake us. I pray for every us, never forsake us. I pray for every us, never forsake us. I pray for every person today person today person today that is walking through the fire right that is walking through the fire right that is walking through the fire right now. now. now. Spirit of the living God, Spirit of the living God, Spirit of the living God, would you strengthen them in this would you strengthen them in this would you strengthen them in this moment? moment? moment? Would they know that you have not left Would they know that you have not left Would they know that you have not left them, you have not abandoned them, you them, you have not abandoned them, you them, you have not abandoned them, you have not forsaken them, but you are in have not forsaken them, but you are in have not forsaken them, but you are in the fire with them, the fire with them, the fire with them, working things for their good and for working things for their good and for working things for their good and for your [music] glory, your [music] glory, your [music] glory, strengthening things on the inside of strengthening things on the inside of strengthening things on the inside of them that they never knew they needed them that they never knew they needed them that they never knew they needed strength for. You are a good therapist. strength for. You are a good therapist. strength for. You are a good therapist. You're not attacking our pain. You are You're not attacking our pain. You are You're not attacking our pain. You are strengthening our weaknesses.

So may courage come into them today. So may courage come into them today. Strength come into them today. Strength come into them today. Strength come into them today. With every head bowed, every eye closed. With every head bowed, every eye closed. With every head bowed, every eye closed. Maybe you're here today and you've never Maybe you're here today and you've never Maybe you're here today and you've never taken the most important step of faith taken the most important step of faith taken the most important step of faith that you'll ever take. And that's to that you'll ever take. And that's to that you'll ever take. And that's to surrender your life to Jesus. surrender your life to Jesus. surrender your life to Jesus. I don't know how in the world you can I don't know how in the world you can I don't know how in the world you can walk through a fire and walk through it walk through a fire and walk through it walk through a fire and walk through it without God. without God. without God. I don't know how you can live dayto day I don't know how you can live dayto day I don't know how you can live dayto day without the presence of God in your without the presence of God in your without the presence of God in your life. life. life. And some of you need to take that step. And some of you need to take that step. And some of you need to take that step. For some of you, there was a day where For some of you, there was a day where For some of you, there was a day where you were walking with Jesus, but you you were walking with Jesus, but you you were walking with Jesus, but you strayed away and you know it. strayed away and you know it. strayed away and you know it. You may even show up to your campus, but You may even show up to your campus, but You may even show up to your campus, but you know in your heart you're far from you know in your heart you're far from you know in your heart you're far from God. God. God. And today is the day. Today's the day. And today is the day. Today's the day. And today is the day. Today's the day. Draw that line in the sand. Say, "I'm Draw that line in the sand. Say, "I'm Draw that line in the sand. Say, "I'm stepping over. I'm fully in with Jesus." stepping over. I'm fully in with Jesus." stepping over. I'm fully in with Jesus." We're going to pray in just a moment, We're going to pray in just a moment, We're going to pray in just a moment, and no one's going to come to you or and no one's going to come to you or and no one's going to come to you or point you out, but if you say that to point you out, but if you say that to point you out, but if you say that to me, "Pastor, I I need a fresh start in me, "Pastor, I I need a fresh start in me, "Pastor, I I need a fresh start in God today." When I count to three, you God today." When I count to three, you God today." When I count to three, you just shoot your hand up. All right? One, just shoot your hand up. All right? One, just shoot your hand up. All right? One, two, three. Just shoot your hand up two, three. Just shoot your hand up two, three. Just shoot your hand up high. Say, "I need a fresh start in high. Say, "I need a fresh start in high. Say, "I need a fresh start in God." I see you. Just keep it up. Keep God." I see you. Just keep it up. Keep God." I see you. Just keep it up. Keep it up at every campus. God bless you and it up at every campus. God bless you and it up at every campus. God bless you and you.

you. you. You can put them down. Church, let's You can put them down. Church, let's You can put them down. Church, let's pray this out loud for the benefit of pray this out loud for the benefit of pray this out loud for the benefit of those who just slipped up their hand. those who just slipped up their hand. those who just slipped up their hand. Just say, "Jesus, I need you. Just say, "Jesus, I need you. Just say, "Jesus, I need you. >> I need you. >> I need you. >> I need you. >> I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. >> I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. >> I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. >> I believe you died for me. >> I believe you died for me. >> I believe you died for me. >> I believe God raised you from the dead. >> I believe God raised you from the dead. >> I believe God raised you from the dead. >> Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. >> Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. >> Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for a brand new beginning. Thank you for a brand new beginning. Thank you for a brand new beginning. >> In Jesus name, everyone said a big >> In Jesus name, everyone said a big >> In Jesus name, everyone said a big amen." amen." amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Come on every campus, celebrate >> Amen. Come on every campus, celebrate >> Amen. Come on every campus, celebrate those who made that decision.