America This Is Your Wake-Up Call | Greg Laurie

I believe we have two options in front I believe we have two options in front of us as a nation right now. Judgment or of us as a nation right now. Judgment or of us as a nation right now. Judgment or revival. And by revival, I mean a revival. And by revival, I mean a revival. And by revival, I mean a spiritual awakening. And if we don't spiritual awakening. And if we don't spiritual awakening. And if we don't have another spiritual awakening in have another spiritual awakening in have another spiritual awakening in America, I believe that judgment is America, I believe that judgment is America, I believe that judgment is inevitable. [music] >> Hey, I heard a story about a woman that >> Hey, I heard a story about a woman that was walking down the beach in Southern was walking down the beach in Southern was walking down the beach in Southern California and she looks and sees a California and she looks and sees a California and she looks and sees a bottle embedded in the sand. She reaches bottle embedded in the sand. She reaches bottle embedded in the sand. She reaches down, picks it up, wipes that sand off, down, picks it up, wipes that sand off, down, picks it up, wipes that sand off, and a genie appears. True story. And the and a genie appears. True story. And the and a genie appears. True story. And the genie says, "Oh master, I will grant to genie says, "Oh master, I will grant to genie says, "Oh master, I will grant to you one wish." She says, "Wait, one you one wish." She says, "Wait, one you one wish." She says, "Wait, one wish? What happened to three wishes?" wish? What happened to three wishes?" wish? What happened to three wishes?" The genie said, "Times are hard. We had The genie said, "Times are hard. We had The genie said, "Times are hard. We had to cut back." One wish. She thinks about to cut back." One wish. She thinks about to cut back." One wish. She thinks about it for a moment, says, "Wow." And then it for a moment, says, "Wow." And then it for a moment, says, "Wow." And then she reaches into her bag and pulls out a she reaches into her bag and pulls out a she reaches into her bag and pulls out a map of the Middle East and says, map of the Middle East and says, map of the Middle East and says, "Jeanie, I want to see peace in the "Jeanie, I want to see peace in the "Jeanie, I want to see peace in the Middle East. They're always fighting Middle East. They're always fighting Middle East. They're always fighting there. All of this conflict." Yes, peace there. All of this conflict." Yes, peace there. All of this conflict." Yes, peace in the Middle East. And she thought in the Middle East. And she thought in the Middle East. And she thought about it for a moment, thought, "Wait, about it for a moment, thought, "Wait, about it for a moment, thought, "Wait, if I only get one wish?" She said, "Let if I only get one wish?" She said, "Let if I only get one wish?" She said, "Let me amend that, Genie. I want peace in me amend that, Genie. I want peace in me amend that, Genie. I want peace in all of the world. Global peace. That is all of the world. Global peace. That is all of the world. Global peace. That is my one wish." And Genie looks at the my one wish." And Genie looks at the my one wish." And Genie looks at the map, says, "Are you crazy? This is map, says, "Are you crazy? This is map, says, "Are you crazy? This is unreasonable. Come up with something unreasonable. Come up with something unreasonable. Come up with something else." Hm. [clears throat] She thinks

else." Hm. [clears throat] She thinks else." Hm. [clears throat] She thinks about it for a moment. She goes, "I've about it for a moment. She goes, "I've about it for a moment. She goes, "I've got it. I have never found the right got it. I have never found the right got it. I have never found the right man. Man, I have searched for the right man. Man, I have searched for the right man. Man, I have searched for the right guy and I can't find him. But this man guy and I can't find him. But this man guy and I can't find him. But this man has to be special. He has to be has to be special. He has to be has to be special. He has to be considerate and fun. And he needs to considerate and fun. And he needs to considerate and fun. And he needs to enjoy cooking. And he needs to help with enjoy cooking. And he needs to help with enjoy cooking. And he needs to help with the housekeeping. And he needs to spend the housekeeping. And he needs to spend the housekeeping. And he needs to spend time with my family instead of sitting time with my family instead of sitting time with my family instead of sitting around watching sports all day long. And around watching sports all day long. And around watching sports all day long. And the woman continues, "He needs to the woman continues, "He needs to the woman continues, "He needs to smother me with love and affection for smother me with love and affection for smother me with love and affection for the rest of my life." That's it, Genie. the rest of my life." That's it, Genie. the rest of my life." That's it, Genie. My wish is for a good man. And Jeanie My wish is for a good man. And Jeanie My wish is for a good man. And Jeanie lets out a sign and says, "Let me see lets out a sign and says, "Let me see lets out a sign and says, "Let me see that map again." You know, some things that map again." You know, some things that map again." You know, some things just don't seem possible, do they? But just don't seem possible, do they? But just don't seem possible, do they? But listen, the Bible says, "With God, listen, the Bible says, "With God, listen, the Bible says, "With God, nothing is impossible." nothing is impossible." nothing is impossible." So, I want to talk a little bit with you So, I want to talk a little bit with you So, I want to talk a little bit with you about our country. I believe it's the about our country. I believe it's the about our country. I believe it's the greatest nation on the face of the greatest nation on the face of the greatest nation on the face of the earth, the United States of America. But earth, the United States of America. But earth, the United States of America. But there is an evil encroaching into our there is an evil encroaching into our there is an evil encroaching into our society and culture in America like society and culture in America like society and culture in America like never before. Socialism and outright never before. Socialism and outright never before. Socialism and outright communism are permeating our nation communism are permeating our nation communism are permeating our nation right now. There are people who want to right now. There are people who want to right now. There are people who want to undermine and destroy this great undermine and destroy this great undermine and destroy this great country. In many ways, our nation is in country. In many ways, our nation is in country. In many ways, our nation is in a state of moral and spiritual crisis.

a state of moral and spiritual crisis. a state of moral and spiritual crisis. At home, the family is under increasing At home, the family is under increasing At home, the family is under increasing attack. And the bottom line is the attack. And the bottom line is the attack. And the bottom line is the breakdown of the family is at the root breakdown of the family is at the root breakdown of the family is at the root of almost all of our societal problems of almost all of our societal problems of almost all of our societal problems we see today. It's been said that a we see today. It's been said that a we see today. It's been said that a family can survive without a nation. But family can survive without a nation. But family can survive without a nation. But a nation cannot survive without the a nation cannot survive without the a nation cannot survive without the family. A man and a woman, a mother and family. A man and a woman, a mother and family. A man and a woman, a mother and a father, married in a faithful a father, married in a faithful a father, married in a faithful relationship. That is God's order. Then relationship. That is God's order. Then relationship. That is God's order. Then when children come, those children are when children come, those children are when children come, those children are raised in this intact home in a loving raised in this intact home in a loving raised in this intact home in a loving environment and even an environment of environment and even an environment of environment and even an environment of faith where they go to church together faith where they go to church together faith where they go to church together on Sunday, where they read the Bible on Sunday, where they read the Bible on Sunday, where they read the Bible together, where they pray together. together, where they pray together. together, where they pray together. Remember that old saying, the family Remember that old saying, the family Remember that old saying, the family that prays together stays together. Oh, that prays together stays together. Oh, that prays together stays together. Oh, people laugh at that now. I don't know people laugh at that now. I don't know people laugh at that now. I don't know if they're laughing anymore because our if they're laughing anymore because our if they're laughing anymore because our culture, our nation is unraveling culture, our nation is unraveling culture, our nation is unraveling because we have lost what is sometimes because we have lost what is sometimes because we have lost what is sometimes called the nuclear family. This called the nuclear family. This called the nuclear family. This foundation of our country and we tamper foundation of our country and we tamper foundation of our country and we tamper with God's order to our own peril. So, with God's order to our own peril. So, with God's order to our own peril. So, as we see the repercussions of that as we see the repercussions of that as we see the repercussions of that played out in our nation, we're seeing played out in our nation, we're seeing played out in our nation, we're seeing that we have swn the wind and we have that we have swn the wind and we have that we have swn the wind and we have reaped the whirlwind. As the Bible says, reaped the whirlwind. As the Bible says, reaped the whirlwind. As the Bible says, America, this is your wakeup call.

America, this is your wakeup call. America, this is your wakeup call. Speaking of wakeup calls, I was back in Speaking of wakeup calls, I was back in Speaking of wakeup calls, I was back in Alaska years ago with my friend Richie Alaska years ago with my friend Richie Alaska years ago with my friend Richie Fure. Uh Richie is a founding member of Fure. Uh Richie is a founding member of Fure. Uh Richie is a founding member of the legendary rock band Buffalo the legendary rock band Buffalo the legendary rock band Buffalo Springfield. He's a very strong Springfield. He's a very strong Springfield. He's a very strong Christian. He was a pastor for many Christian. He was a pastor for many Christian. He was a pastor for many years. So anyway, Richie and I are in years. So anyway, Richie and I are in years. So anyway, Richie and I are in Alaska and he's singing and I'm speaking Alaska and he's singing and I'm speaking Alaska and he's singing and I'm speaking and then we both had to fly home. Richie and then we both had to fly home. Richie and then we both had to fly home. Richie lives in Colorado. I live in California, lives in Colorado. I live in California, lives in Colorado. I live in California, so we had to get up in the morning and so we had to get up in the morning and so we had to get up in the morning and go our separate ways. And so I decided go our separate ways. And so I decided go our separate ways. And so I decided to do a fake wakeup call for Richie. So to do a fake wakeup call for Richie. So to do a fake wakeup call for Richie. So I called up the front desk and I said, I called up the front desk and I said, I called up the front desk and I said, "Hi, I need a wakeup call for this room "Hi, I need a wakeup call for this room "Hi, I need a wakeup call for this room number." And I gave them the room number number." And I gave them the room number number." And I gave them the room number of Richie, not even my room number that of Richie, not even my room number that of Richie, not even my room number that I'm calling from. I gave another room I'm calling from. I gave another room I'm calling from. I gave another room number. Call this room at 5:00 for a number. Call this room at 5:00 for a number. Call this room at 5:00 for a wakeup call. And then if they don't wakeup call. And then if they don't wakeup call. And then if they don't respond, I want you to call him back respond, I want you to call him back respond, I want you to call him back again at 5:30. Okay. So I I caught my again at 5:30. Okay. So I I caught my again at 5:30. Okay. So I I caught my flight, left, got home, and then a day flight, left, got home, and then a day flight, left, got home, and then a day later, Richie calls me and says, "Do you later, Richie calls me and says, "Do you later, Richie calls me and says, "Do you know what happened to me in Alaska?" I know what happened to me in Alaska?" I know what happened to me in Alaska?" I said, "No." He goes, "Well, I got a call said, "No." He goes, "Well, I got a call said, "No." He goes, "Well, I got a call at 5 in the morning. I knew it was at 5 in the morning. I knew it was at 5 in the morning. I knew it was probably a wakeup call that you set up, probably a wakeup call that you set up, probably a wakeup call that you set up, and so I ignored it." he said. So I went and so I ignored it." he said. So I went and so I ignored it." he said. So I went back to sleep and all of a [laughter] back to sleep and all of a [laughter] back to sleep and all of a [laughter] sudden some guy from the hotel is in my sudden some guy from the hotel is in my sudden some guy from the hotel is in my room shaking me to wake me up out of bed room shaking me to wake me up out of bed room shaking me to wake me up out of bed saying, "Sir, you're going to miss your saying, "Sir, you're going to miss your saying, "Sir, you're going to miss your flight." I said, "Wow, I didn't plan it flight." I said, "Wow, I didn't plan it flight." I said, "Wow, I didn't plan it that way, but it worked out pretty that way, but it worked out pretty that way, but it worked out pretty well." Talk about a wakeup call. Our well." Talk about a wakeup call. Our well." Talk about a wakeup call. Our wakeup call in America is saying it's

wakeup call in America is saying it's wakeup call in America is saying it's time to turn back to God. I believe we time to turn back to God. I believe we time to turn back to God. I believe we have two options in front of us as a have two options in front of us as a have two options in front of us as a nation right now. Judgment or revival. nation right now. Judgment or revival. nation right now. Judgment or revival. And by revival, I mean a spiritual And by revival, I mean a spiritual And by revival, I mean a spiritual awakening. And if we don't have another awakening. And if we don't have another awakening. And if we don't have another spiritual awakening like the last one spiritual awakening like the last one spiritual awakening like the last one called the Jesus Revolution in America, called the Jesus Revolution in America, called the Jesus Revolution in America, I believe that judgment is inevitable. I believe that judgment is inevitable. I believe that judgment is inevitable. Now look, judgment is coming to the Now look, judgment is coming to the Now look, judgment is coming to the whole world. It's coming to every nation whole world. It's coming to every nation whole world. It's coming to every nation in the world, including the United in the world, including the United in the world, including the United States, at some point, and it may come States, at some point, and it may come States, at some point, and it may come sooner than we think. But let's pray for sooner than we think. But let's pray for sooner than we think. But let's pray for a spiritual awakening. There was a man a spiritual awakening. There was a man a spiritual awakening. There was a man named Peter Marshall. He was a chaplain named Peter Marshall. He was a chaplain named Peter Marshall. He was a chaplain to the US Senate. And he once made this to the US Senate. And he once made this to the US Senate. And he once made this statement and I quote, "The choice statement and I quote, "The choice statement and I quote, "The choice before us is plain. Christ or chaos, before us is plain. Christ or chaos, before us is plain. Christ or chaos, conviction or compromise, discipline or conviction or compromise, discipline or conviction or compromise, discipline or disintegration." End quote. Well said. disintegration." End quote. Well said. disintegration." End quote. Well said. And I want to talk to you today about And I want to talk to you today about And I want to talk to you today about what I hope will happen in America, a what I hope will happen in America, a what I hope will happen in America, a spiritual awakening. So that gives me spiritual awakening. So that gives me spiritual awakening. So that gives me hope for the future of our nation. Yes, hope for the future of our nation. Yes, hope for the future of our nation. Yes, I acknowledge things are dark right now I acknowledge things are dark right now I acknowledge things are dark right now in our country. Woke ideology seems to in our country. Woke ideology seems to in our country. Woke ideology seems to be spreading through everything. We see be spreading through everything. We see be spreading through everything. We see it in our movies. We see it in our it in our movies. We see it in our it in our movies. We see it in our classroom. We see it in our politics. We classroom. We see it in our politics. We classroom. We see it in our politics. We see it pretty much everywhere. Yes, see it pretty much everywhere. Yes, see it pretty much everywhere. Yes, things are dark. But let me tell you why things are dark. But let me tell you why things are dark. But let me tell you why I have a genuine reason for hope. It's I have a genuine reason for hope. It's I have a genuine reason for hope. It's by returning to God and by returning to

by returning to God and by returning to by returning to God and by returning to the message that he has given us. We can the message that he has given us. We can the message that he has given us. We can all do that as a nation and we can do all do that as a nation and we can do all do that as a nation and we can do that individually. So, let's think for a that individually. So, let's think for a that individually. So, let's think for a few moments about the sermon on the few moments about the sermon on the few moments about the sermon on the mount. I love that. That's where Jesus mount. I love that. That's where Jesus mount. I love that. That's where Jesus spoke to his disciples. You know, it's a spoke to his disciples. You know, it's a spoke to his disciples. You know, it's a funny thing people envision Jesus as funny thing people envision Jesus as funny thing people envision Jesus as speaking to a multitude. But the fact is speaking to a multitude. But the fact is speaking to a multitude. But the fact is a multitude gathered there on the mount a multitude gathered there on the mount a multitude gathered there on the mount of biatitudes as we call it. And then we of biatitudes as we call it. And then we of biatitudes as we call it. And then we read that Jesus called his disciples to read that Jesus called his disciples to read that Jesus called his disciples to himself and spoke to them. So the sermon himself and spoke to them. So the sermon himself and spoke to them. So the sermon on the mount was not given to the on the mount was not given to the on the mount was not given to the multitude as much as it was given to his multitude as much as it was given to his multitude as much as it was given to his own followers. I bring this up because own followers. I bring this up because own followers. I bring this up because sometimes people say all the religion I sometimes people say all the religion I sometimes people say all the religion I need is found in the sermon on the need is found in the sermon on the need is found in the sermon on the mount. That's what I live by. Well, mount. That's what I live by. Well, mount. That's what I live by. Well, number one, I doubt you live by the number one, I doubt you live by the number one, I doubt you live by the sermon on the mount. I would take it a sermon on the mount. I would take it a sermon on the mount. I would take it a step further and say I doubt you've even step further and say I doubt you've even step further and say I doubt you've even read the sermon on the mount. The sermon read the sermon on the mount. The sermon read the sermon on the mount. The sermon on the mount as we call it are the words on the mount as we call it are the words on the mount as we call it are the words of Jesus to his own people. These words of Jesus to his own people. These words of Jesus to his own people. These words are for Christians only. And if we are for Christians only. And if we are for Christians only. And if we listen and obey what Jesus says to us on listen and obey what Jesus says to us on listen and obey what Jesus says to us on the sermon on the mount, it can first the sermon on the mount, it can first the sermon on the mount, it can first change us and then change our nation as change us and then change our nation as change us and then change our nation as well. Let me read to you what the Lord well. Let me read to you what the Lord well. Let me read to you what the Lord says. He says, "You are the salt of the says. He says, "You are the salt of the says. He says, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its flavor, earth. But if the salt loses its flavor, earth. But if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It's in good how shall it be seasoned? It's in good how shall it be seasoned? It's in good for nothing but to be thrown out and for nothing but to be thrown out and for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the trampled underfoot by men. You are the trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set light of the world. A city that is set light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor did they

on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor did they on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor did they light a lamp and put it under a basket light a lamp and put it under a basket light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand and it gives light to but on a lampstand and it gives light to but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house. So let your all who are in the house. So let your all who are in the house. So let your light so shine before men that they may light so shine before men that they may light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your see your good works and glorify your see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. Salt and light. Why father in heaven. Salt and light. Why father in heaven. Salt and light. Why did Jesus pick these two word pictures? did Jesus pick these two word pictures? did Jesus pick these two word pictures? Because the world is dark and the world Because the world is dark and the world Because the world is dark and the world is corrupt. So the world needs salt is corrupt. So the world needs salt is corrupt. So the world needs salt because it is corrupt and it needs light because it is corrupt and it needs light because it is corrupt and it needs light because it's dark. The biblical world on because it's dark. The biblical world on because it's dark. The biblical world on our culture is very simple. It's dark our culture is very simple. It's dark our culture is very simple. It's dark and it's getting darker. Like many and it's getting darker. Like many and it's getting darker. Like many people before I was a Christian, I people before I was a Christian, I people before I was a Christian, I believe that man was basically good and believe that man was basically good and believe that man was basically good and we just occasionally did bad things. But we just occasionally did bad things. But we just occasionally did bad things. But then when I began to read the Bible, I then when I began to read the Bible, I then when I began to read the Bible, I read a different message. The Bible read a different message. The Bible read a different message. The Bible teaches that man is basically bad. In teaches that man is basically bad. In teaches that man is basically bad. In fact, he's bad to the bone. He's a fact, he's bad to the bone. He's a fact, he's bad to the bone. He's a sinner and he sins because he is a sinner and he sins because he is a sinner and he sins because he is a sinner. That's our nature. But God can sinner. That's our nature. But God can sinner. That's our nature. But God can intervene and he can change things. But intervene and he can change things. But intervene and he can change things. But look at the way our culture is going look at the way our culture is going look at the way our culture is going right now. As an example, look at right now. As an example, look at right now. As an example, look at scientific knowledge, medical knowledge, scientific knowledge, medical knowledge, scientific knowledge, medical knowledge, technological knowledge. But we can't technological knowledge. But we can't technological knowledge. But we can't change our nature. We can't change our change our nature. We can't change our change our nature. We can't change our bend toward evil. Why? Because this bend toward evil. Why? Because this bend toward evil. Why? Because this world is a very dark place in need of world is a very dark place in need of world is a very dark place in need of some light. And even a little light some light. And even a little light some light. And even a little light would help. That's where we come in as would help. That's where we come in as would help. That's where we come in as Christians acting as agents of both salt Christians acting as agents of both salt Christians acting as agents of both salt and light. But sadly, this world is

and light. But sadly, this world is and light. But sadly, this world is going to get worse before it gets going to get worse before it gets going to get worse before it gets better. The Bible says in the end times, better. The Bible says in the end times, better. The Bible says in the end times, and I believe we're in the end times, I and I believe we're in the end times, I and I believe we're in the end times, I believe we're in the last days. I believe we're in the last days. I believe we're in the last days. I believe Christ could come at any time. believe Christ could come at any time. believe Christ could come at any time. And speaking of the last days, the And speaking of the last days, the And speaking of the last days, the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3, evil Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3, evil Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3, evil men and impostors will proceed from bad men and impostors will proceed from bad men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. to worse, deceiving and being deceived. to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Let's talk about AI or artificial Let's talk about AI or artificial Let's talk about AI or artificial intelligence and look at some of the intelligence and look at some of the intelligence and look at some of the challenges it poses. You know, we've challenges it poses. You know, we've challenges it poses. You know, we've never been more capable and yet never never been more capable and yet never never been more capable and yet never more dangerous to ourselves. We we have more dangerous to ourselves. We we have more dangerous to ourselves. We we have medical breakthroughs because of AI that medical breakthroughs because of AI that medical breakthroughs because of AI that would seem miraculous to previous would seem miraculous to previous would seem miraculous to previous generations. Yet the same technology generations. Yet the same technology generations. Yet the same technology that can translate the Bible into a that can translate the Bible into a that can translate the Bible into a thousand languages can also flood the thousand languages can also flood the thousand languages can also flood the internet with a thousand lies. The same internet with a thousand lies. The same internet with a thousand lies. The same intelligence that can write a symphony intelligence that can write a symphony intelligence that can write a symphony can also design a boweapon. And this can also design a boweapon. And this can also design a boweapon. And this deception can run deeper than many deception can run deeper than many deception can run deeper than many people realize. Did you know that over people realize. Did you know that over people realize. Did you know that over half of all internet activity is now half of all internet activity is now half of all internet activity is now generated not by people but by bots?

generated not by people but by bots? generated not by people but by bots? Fake accounts, artificial voices, Fake accounts, artificial voices, Fake accounts, artificial voices, artificial videos, armies of them. In artificial videos, armies of them. In artificial videos, armies of them. In many cases deployed by foreign many cases deployed by foreign many cases deployed by foreign governments specifically built to sow governments specifically built to sow governments specifically built to sow discord and to spread hatred. They don't discord and to spread hatred. They don't discord and to spread hatred. They don't even have to fire a single bullet. For even have to fire a single bullet. For even have to fire a single bullet. For some, AI is even taking the place of God some, AI is even taking the place of God some, AI is even taking the place of God himself. Basically, man has built a tool himself. Basically, man has built a tool himself. Basically, man has built a tool in his own image and now he bows before in his own image and now he bows before in his own image and now he bows before it and does what it tells him to do. I'm it and does what it tells him to do. I'm it and does what it tells him to do. I'm reminded of the statement of General reminded of the statement of General reminded of the statement of General Omar Bradley who in an armistice speech Omar Bradley who in an armistice speech Omar Bradley who in an armistice speech said way back in 1948 and I quote, "We said way back in 1948 and I quote, "We said way back in 1948 and I quote, "We have grasped the mystery of the atom and have grasped the mystery of the atom and have grasped the mystery of the atom and we've rejected the sermon on the mount. we've rejected the sermon on the mount. we've rejected the sermon on the mount. The world has achieved brilliance The world has achieved brilliance The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of without conscience. Ours is a world of without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. End nuclear giants and ethical infants. End nuclear giants and ethical infants. End quote. Swap the word atom for quote. Swap the word atom for quote. Swap the word atom for [clears throat] the word algorithm and [clears throat] the word algorithm and [clears throat] the word algorithm and he could be describing today. So instead he could be describing today. So instead he could be describing today. So instead of getting better, we've gotten worse.

of getting better, we've gotten worse. of getting better, we've gotten worse. Man's discoveries and accomplishments Man's discoveries and accomplishments Man's discoveries and accomplishments have simply provided new ways for us to have simply provided new ways for us to have simply provided new ways for us to show ourselves what we really are, show ourselves what we really are, show ourselves what we really are, sinful and wicked. So modern man has sinful and wicked. So modern man has sinful and wicked. So modern man has only invented more ways to corrupt and only invented more ways to corrupt and only invented more ways to corrupt and destroy himself. As an example, we go destroy himself. As an example, we go destroy himself. As an example, we go from war to greater war. We go from from war to greater war. We go from from war to greater war. We go from crime to greater crime. Because our crime to greater crime. Because our crime to greater crime. Because our heart is dark, the spiral is always heart is dark, the spiral is always heart is dark, the spiral is always downward. It's never upward. Think back downward. It's never upward. Think back downward. It's never upward. Think back to the 19th century as an example of to the 19th century as an example of to the 19th century as an example of this. There was a buoyant optimism as we this. There was a buoyant optimism as we this. There was a buoyant optimism as we came to the end of that century and the came to the end of that century and the came to the end of that century and the beginning of the 20th century. Author beginning of the 20th century. Author beginning of the 20th century. Author Mark Twain described that time as the Mark Twain described that time as the Mark Twain described that time as the guilded age. A new philosophy was guilded age. A new philosophy was guilded age. A new philosophy was emerging as a new millennium dawn and emerging as a new millennium dawn and emerging as a new millennium dawn and man believed he was going to build man believed he was going to build man believed he was going to build literally heaven on earth. It's thought literally heaven on earth. It's thought literally heaven on earth. It's thought that man could even best nature and even that man could even best nature and even that man could even best nature and even best God through technology. And in that best God through technology. And in that best God through technology. And in that day it wasn't AI or computers or rockets day it wasn't AI or computers or rockets day it wasn't AI or computers or rockets or anything of that nature. The or anything of that nature. The or anything of that nature. The cuttingedge technology of that day was cuttingedge technology of that day was cuttingedge technology of that day was ship building. So they decided to build ship building. So they decided to build ship building. So they decided to build the largest, most luxurious cruise ship the largest, most luxurious cruise ship the largest, most luxurious cruise ship the world had ever seen. It would the world had ever seen. It would the world had ever seen. It would harness the latest tech. It would be harness the latest tech. It would be harness the latest tech. It would be virtually unsyninkable. It launched and virtually unsyninkable. It launched and virtually unsyninkable. It launched and they called it fittingly the Titanic.

they called it fittingly the Titanic. they called it fittingly the Titanic. Interestingly, the vice president of Interestingly, the vice president of Interestingly, the vice president of White Star Line who created the Titanic White Star Line who created the Titanic White Star Line who created the Titanic said it was unsinkable. And by the way, said it was unsinkable. And by the way, said it was unsinkable. And by the way, he said that while it was sinking, it he said that while it was sinking, it he said that while it was sinking, it was said God himself could not sink this was said God himself could not sink this was said God himself could not sink this ship. Well, you know the rest of that ship. Well, you know the rest of that ship. Well, you know the rest of that story. Someone hearing me say this might story. Someone hearing me say this might story. Someone hearing me say this might say, "That's right, Greg. The world's say, "That's right, Greg. The world's say, "That's right, Greg. The world's going to hell in a hand basket, and going to hell in a hand basket, and going to hell in a hand basket, and there's nothing we can do about it. So, there's nothing we can do about it. So, there's nothing we can do about it. So, let's just build a Christian city, and let's just build a Christian city, and let's just build a Christian city, and we'll have Christian stores, and we'll we'll have Christian stores, and we'll we'll have Christian stores, and we'll have Christian cars, and we'll have have Christian cars, and we'll have have Christian cars, and we'll have Christian food. We'll have Christian Christian food. We'll have Christian Christian food. We'll have Christian dogs, and Christian cats." Maybe that's dogs, and Christian cats." Maybe that's dogs, and Christian cats." Maybe that's going too far. But I would disagree if going too far. But I would disagree if going too far. But I would disagree if that's the position you hold because the that's the position you hold because the that's the position you hold because the point is we don't want to isolate. We point is we don't want to isolate. We point is we don't want to isolate. We want to infiltrate as Christians in our want to infiltrate as Christians in our want to infiltrate as Christians in our culture. So we may try to remove culture. So we may try to remove culture. So we may try to remove ourselves and our children from the ourselves and our children from the ourselves and our children from the culture, but the bottom line is the culture, but the bottom line is the culture, but the bottom line is the culture will still find us. And in culture will still find us. And in culture will still find us. And in trying to do this, we sometimes end up trying to do this, we sometimes end up trying to do this, we sometimes end up building a Christian subculture. Our our building a Christian subculture. Our our building a Christian subculture. Our our objective is I want to go a whole day objective is I want to go a whole day objective is I want to go a whole day without any contact with anything of the without any contact with anything of the without any contact with anything of the world. But listen, Jesus has not called world. But listen, Jesus has not called world. But listen, Jesus has not called us to isolate. Jesus has called us to us to isolate. Jesus has called us to us to isolate. Jesus has called us to infiltrate, infiltrate, infiltrate, not to evade, but to invade. We're meant not to evade, but to invade. We're meant not to evade, but to invade. We're meant to impact the culture without being to impact the culture without being to impact the culture without being compromised by it. And I know that's a compromised by it. And I know that's a compromised by it. And I know that's a tricky balance. Jesus put it this way in tricky balance. Jesus put it this way in tricky balance. Jesus put it this way in John 17. He said to the father, "I'm not John 17. He said to the father, "I'm not John 17. He said to the father, "I'm not asking you to take them out of the

asking you to take them out of the asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the world, but to keep them safe from the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of the world evil one. They are not part of the world evil one. They are not part of the world anymore than I am. As you sent me into anymore than I am. As you sent me into anymore than I am. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the the world, I am sending them into the the world, I am sending them into the world." Did you catch that? Jesus is world." Did you catch that? Jesus is world." Did you catch that? Jesus is sending us into the world. What are his sending us into the world. What are his sending us into the world. What are his words to us on what we call the great words to us on what we call the great words to us on what we call the great commission? He says, "Go into all the commission? He says, "Go into all the commission? He says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel." So Jesus, world and preach the gospel." So Jesus, world and preach the gospel." So Jesus, our commanderin-chief, is sending us our commanderin-chief, is sending us our commanderin-chief, is sending us into the world. This is a battle. It's a into the world. This is a battle. It's a into the world. This is a battle. It's a spiritual battle. The Christian life is spiritual battle. The Christian life is spiritual battle. The Christian life is not a playground. It's a battleground. not a playground. It's a battleground. not a playground. It's a battleground. And in this battle that we're all And in this battle that we're all And in this battle that we're all engaged in, we're either advancing or engaged in, we're either advancing or engaged in, we're either advancing or retreating. We're either gaining ground retreating. We're either gaining ground retreating. We're either gaining ground or we're losing ground. So, as or we're losing ground. So, as or we're losing ground. So, as believers, we need to realize that we believers, we need to realize that we believers, we need to realize that we are behind enemy lines. So, I was are behind enemy lines. So, I was are behind enemy lines. So, I was watching a World War II film a while watching a World War II film a while watching a World War II film a while ago, and there's a scene where the ago, and there's a scene where the ago, and there's a scene where the commanding officer tells the commanding officer tells the commanding officer tells the paratroopers of Easy Company who are paratroopers of Easy Company who are paratroopers of Easy Company who are dropped behind enemy lines. A Panzer dropped behind enemy lines. A Panzer dropped behind enemy lines. A Panzer Division is about to cut the road south, Division is about to cut the road south, Division is about to cut the road south, "Looks like you guys are going to be "Looks like you guys are going to be "Looks like you guys are going to be surrounded." And the lieutenant in surrounded." And the lieutenant in surrounded." And the lieutenant in charge of Easy Company says, "We're charge of Easy Company says, "We're charge of Easy Company says, "We're paratroopers, Lieutenant. We're supposed paratroopers, Lieutenant. We're supposed paratroopers, Lieutenant. We're supposed to be surrounded.

to be surrounded. to be surrounded. And you know what? That's true of the And you know what? That's true of the And you know what? That's true of the church. We're paratroopers. We're church. We're paratroopers. We're church. We're paratroopers. We're supposed to be surrounded. We've been supposed to be surrounded. We've been supposed to be surrounded. We've been dropped in by God himself behind enemy dropped in by God himself behind enemy dropped in by God himself behind enemy lines. And I know it feels that way lines. And I know it feels that way lines. And I know it feels that way sometimes. You look around and all you sometimes. You look around and all you sometimes. You look around and all you see is the enemy at work wreaking havoc see is the enemy at work wreaking havoc see is the enemy at work wreaking havoc in the lives of countless people. So the in the lives of countless people. So the in the lives of countless people. So the question arises, how can we impact our question arises, how can we impact our question arises, how can we impact our culture and make a difference? It's culture and make a difference? It's culture and make a difference? It's coming back to what I said earlier. We coming back to what I said earlier. We coming back to what I said earlier. We must not isolate. We must infiltrate. We must not isolate. We must infiltrate. We must not isolate. We must infiltrate. We must influence people. You know, there's must influence people. You know, there's must influence people. You know, there's a whole category of people now who a whole category of people now who a whole category of people now who describe themselves as influencers. describe themselves as influencers. describe themselves as influencers. Maybe you're an influencer. Maybe you Maybe you're an influencer. Maybe you Maybe you're an influencer. Maybe you have a lot of people that follow you on have a lot of people that follow you on have a lot of people that follow you on your social media platform. But here's your social media platform. But here's your social media platform. But here's the bottom line. If you have a million the bottom line. If you have a million the bottom line. If you have a million followers or if you have 10 followers or followers or if you have 10 followers or followers or if you have 10 followers or no followers, you're still an influencer no followers, you're still an influencer no followers, you're still an influencer in a way. meaning that you influence in a way. meaning that you influence in a way. meaning that you influence people around you as a follower of Jesus people around you as a follower of Jesus people around you as a follower of Jesus by what you say and do. But the bottom by what you say and do. But the bottom by what you say and do. But the bottom line is every one of us has a sphere of line is every one of us has a sphere of line is every one of us has a sphere of influence. We all have our platform. We influence. We all have our platform. We influence. We all have our platform. We all have our pulpit so to speak. So use all have our pulpit so to speak. So use all have our pulpit so to speak. So use it and influence and permeate and it and influence and permeate and it and influence and permeate and infiltrate and affect other people as a infiltrate and affect other people as a infiltrate and affect other people as a follower of Jesus. Now others go in the follower of Jesus. Now others go in the follower of Jesus. Now others go in the opposite direction. They'll embrace opposite direction. They'll embrace opposite direction. They'll embrace everything culture offers without everything culture offers without everything culture offers without reservation. But that of course is a reservation. But that of course is a reservation. But that of course is a huge mistake. Much of our popular huge mistake. Much of our popular huge mistake. Much of our popular thought today runs contrary to

thought today runs contrary to thought today runs contrary to scripture. And our country is going scripture. And our country is going scripture. And our country is going through a massive cultural shift right through a massive cultural shift right through a massive cultural shift right now. So far from the original template now. So far from the original template now. So far from the original template that our founding fathers laid, America that our founding fathers laid, America that our founding fathers laid, America was clearly built on a Judeo-Christian was clearly built on a Judeo-Christian was clearly built on a Judeo-Christian foundation. And our founding fathers foundation. And our founding fathers foundation. And our founding fathers with a couple of exceptions were with a couple of exceptions were with a couple of exceptions were believers in Jesus Christ. Take George believers in Jesus Christ. Take George believers in Jesus Christ. Take George Washington, our first president, who Washington, our first president, who Washington, our first president, who made this statement, and I quote, "To made this statement, and I quote, "To made this statement, and I quote, "To the distinguished character of patriot, the distinguished character of patriot, the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to also it should be our highest glory to also it should be our highest glory to also add the more distinguished character of add the more distinguished character of add the more distinguished character of Christian." End quote. But some will Christian." End quote. But some will Christian." End quote. But some will say, "Oh, no. It's not true. America was say, "Oh, no. It's not true. America was say, "Oh, no. It's not true. America was not founded on Christian principles." not founded on Christian principles." not founded on Christian principles." It's not true. John Adams, our second It's not true. John Adams, our second It's not true. John Adams, our second president, made this statement. Quote, president, made this statement. Quote, president, made this statement. Quote, "The Constitution was made only for a "The Constitution was made only for a "The Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly moral and religious people. It is wholly moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any inadequate for the government of any inadequate for the government of any other." See, here's the thing that a lot other." See, here's the thing that a lot other." See, here's the thing that a lot of people don't know about American of people don't know about American of people don't know about American history. There's more than one George in history. There's more than one George in history. There's more than one George in our story. There's George Washington who our story. There's George Washington who our story. There's George Washington who led the continental armies uh in victory led the continental armies uh in victory led the continental armies uh in victory against the most powerful fighting force against the most powerful fighting force against the most powerful fighting force on the face of the earth at that time on the face of the earth at that time on the face of the earth at that time that of the United Kingdom. And of that of the United Kingdom. And of that of the United Kingdom. And of course then he became our first course then he became our first course then he became our first president. But what we don't realize is president. But what we don't realize is president. But what we don't realize is the other George in our story was named the other George in our story was named the other George in our story was named George Whitfield. George Whitfield came George Whitfield. George Whitfield came George Whitfield. George Whitfield came from England and came to the colonies from England and came to the colonies from England and came to the colonies and preached the gospel. And by the time

and preached the gospel. And by the time and preached the gospel. And by the time Whitfield was done, 80% of the colonists Whitfield was done, 80% of the colonists Whitfield was done, 80% of the colonists had heard him speak in person and had heard him speak in person and had heard him speak in person and thousands and thousands of them came to thousands and thousands of them came to thousands and thousands of them came to faith. There was a revival. It was the faith. There was a revival. It was the faith. There was a revival. It was the first great awakening in America. So first great awakening in America. So first great awakening in America. So that became the soil that our founding that became the soil that our founding that became the soil that our founding fathers like George Washington, Benjamin fathers like George Washington, Benjamin fathers like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and others put the seed in. So it was and others put the seed in. So it was and others put the seed in. So it was built on a moral foundation and built on a moral foundation and built on a moral foundation and specifically it was built on a biblical specifically it was built on a biblical specifically it was built on a biblical foundation and that's what makes America foundation and that's what makes America foundation and that's what makes America unique. unique. unique. So our culture is shifting. Our culture So our culture is shifting. Our culture So our culture is shifting. Our culture is drifting. It's our job as Christians is drifting. It's our job as Christians is drifting. It's our job as Christians to point people back to Christ or point to point people back to Christ or point to point people back to Christ or point people to Christ for the first time. How people to Christ for the first time. How people to Christ for the first time. How do we do this? Number one, we must stand do we do this? Number one, we must stand do we do this? Number one, we must stand for the truth whether it's popular or for the truth whether it's popular or for the truth whether it's popular or not. Now listen, this is a not. Now listen, this is a not. Now listen, this is a non-negotiable. There's no wavering non-negotiable. There's no wavering non-negotiable. There's no wavering here. We as Christians stand on what the here. We as Christians stand on what the here. We as Christians stand on what the Bible says on every topic. The Bible Bible says on every topic. The Bible Bible says on every topic. The Bible says, "Let God be true and every man a says, "Let God be true and every man a says, "Let God be true and every man a liar." And by the way, you don't get to liar." And by the way, you don't get to liar." And by the way, you don't get to pick and choose the parts of the Bible pick and choose the parts of the Bible pick and choose the parts of the Bible you like or don't like. Speaking of you like or don't like. Speaking of you like or don't like. Speaking of founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson had founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson had founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson had his own version of the Bible. uh his own version of the Bible. uh his own version of the Bible. uh Jefferson went out and apparently cut Jefferson went out and apparently cut Jefferson went out and apparently cut out all the portions of the Bible that out all the portions of the Bible that out all the portions of the Bible that dealt with miracles. He just saw Jesus dealt with miracles. He just saw Jesus dealt with miracles. He just saw Jesus as a moral and uh philosophical leader.

as a moral and uh philosophical leader. as a moral and uh philosophical leader. Well, you can't do that. You can't edit Well, you can't do that. You can't edit Well, you can't do that. You can't edit the Bible. You take what the Bible says the Bible. You take what the Bible says the Bible. You take what the Bible says on every topic. So, we must base what we on every topic. So, we must base what we on every topic. So, we must base what we do on what the scripture says. Number do on what the scripture says. Number do on what the scripture says. Number two, we must use a language that people two, we must use a language that people two, we must use a language that people understand. You know, I think sometimes understand. You know, I think sometimes understand. You know, I think sometimes as believers, we get frustrated because as believers, we get frustrated because as believers, we get frustrated because as we talk to people about our faith, as we talk to people about our faith, as we talk to people about our faith, they don't seem like they're listening. they don't seem like they're listening. they don't seem like they're listening. Well, maybe the reason is we're speaking Well, maybe the reason is we're speaking Well, maybe the reason is we're speaking in a different language. For instance, in a different language. For instance, in a different language. For instance, we'll go up to a non-believer and we'll we'll go up to a non-believer and we'll we'll go up to a non-believer and we'll say, "Excuse me, uh, uncircumcised say, "Excuse me, uh, uncircumcised say, "Excuse me, uh, uncircumcised Philistine. Let me ask you a question. Philistine. Let me ask you a question. Philistine. Let me ask you a question. Are you saved? Are you washed in the Are you saved? Are you washed in the Are you saved? Are you washed in the blood? And are you part of the body?" blood? And are you part of the body?" blood? And are you part of the body?" And then we don't understand why they And then we don't understand why they And then we don't understand why they don't even respond to us. Well, think don't even respond to us. Well, think don't even respond to us. Well, think about what you just said. It makes no about what you just said. It makes no about what you just said. It makes no sense. You just ask them if they're sense. You just ask them if they're sense. You just ask them if they're washed in blood and part of some body. washed in blood and part of some body. washed in blood and part of some body. They don't know what you're talking They don't know what you're talking They don't know what you're talking about. You might say, "Well, Greg, are about. You might say, "Well, Greg, are about. You might say, "Well, Greg, are you suggesting I don't use biblical you suggesting I don't use biblical you suggesting I don't use biblical terminology?" No. What I'm suggesting is terminology?" No. What I'm suggesting is terminology?" No. What I'm suggesting is you don't assume the person you're you don't assume the person you're you don't assume the person you're speaking to knows biblical terminology.

speaking to knows biblical terminology. speaking to knows biblical terminology. You know, I've been preaching the gospel You know, I've been preaching the gospel You know, I've been preaching the gospel for over 50 years, and I can tell you as for over 50 years, and I can tell you as for over 50 years, and I can tell you as I preach publicly and even talk to I preach publicly and even talk to I preach publicly and even talk to people privately, uh, people are more people privately, uh, people are more people privately, uh, people are more illiterate biblically today than they've illiterate biblically today than they've illiterate biblically today than they've ever been. They don't know anything ever been. They don't know anything ever been. They don't know anything about anything. So, we cannot assume about anything. So, we cannot assume about anything. So, we cannot assume that our listener understands what we that our listener understands what we that our listener understands what we mean when we use terms like saved, uh, mean when we use terms like saved, uh, mean when we use terms like saved, uh, regenerated, the need to repent, etc. We regenerated, the need to repent, etc. We regenerated, the need to repent, etc. We need to break down and explain need to break down and explain need to break down and explain everything to everyone. Paul put it this everything to everyone. Paul put it this everything to everyone. Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 9. He said, "I try way in 1 Corinthians 9. He said, "I try way in 1 Corinthians 9. He said, "I try to find common ground with everyone so I to find common ground with everyone so I to find common ground with everyone so I might bring them to Christ. I do all of might bring them to Christ. I do all of might bring them to Christ. I do all of this to spread the good news." Another this to spread the good news." Another this to spread the good news." Another translation puts that same thought of translation puts that same thought of translation puts that same thought of Paul this way. I have voluntarily become Paul this way. I have voluntarily become Paul this way. I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to a servant to any and all in order to a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people. The reach a wide range of people. The reach a wide range of people. The religious, the non-religious, the religious, the non-religious, the religious, the non-religious, the meticulous moralists, the loose living meticulous moralists, the loose living meticulous moralists, the loose living immoralists, the defeated, the immoralists, the defeated, the immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized, whoever perfectly said.

demoralized, whoever perfectly said. demoralized, whoever perfectly said. When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in John When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in John When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus in John chapter 3, he would be described as the chapter 3, he would be described as the chapter 3, he would be described as the meticulous moralist. This was a man that meticulous moralist. This was a man that meticulous moralist. This was a man that tried to live by the rules, that tried tried to live by the rules, that tried tried to live by the rules, that tried to live a good life, very religious. But to live a good life, very religious. But to live a good life, very religious. But the problem is Nicodemus, the deeply the problem is Nicodemus, the deeply the problem is Nicodemus, the deeply religious man, did not have a religious man, did not have a religious man, did not have a relationship with God. But then you go relationship with God. But then you go relationship with God. But then you go from John 3 to John 4, you come to the from John 3 to John 4, you come to the from John 3 to John 4, you come to the woman at the well. She had been married woman at the well. She had been married woman at the well. She had been married and divorced five times and was living and divorced five times and was living and divorced five times and was living with some dude at the moment when Jesus with some dude at the moment when Jesus with some dude at the moment when Jesus approached her. She would be the loose approached her. She would be the loose approached her. She would be the loose living immoralist. But notice how Christ living immoralist. But notice how Christ living immoralist. But notice how Christ engaged her and she ultimately became a engaged her and she ultimately became a engaged her and she ultimately became a believer on that day. When Paul spoke to believer on that day. When Paul spoke to believer on that day. When Paul spoke to the people in Acts 17 on Mars Hill, the people in Acts 17 on Mars Hill, the people in Acts 17 on Mars Hill, those would have been the non-religious, those would have been the non-religious, those would have been the non-religious, the secular people. When Simon Peter the secular people. When Simon Peter the secular people. When Simon Peter spoke to the people in Pentecost, those spoke to the people in Pentecost, those spoke to the people in Pentecost, those would have been religious people. And in would have been religious people. And in would have been religious people. And in every one of those situations, they every one of those situations, they every one of those situations, they adapted to their audience without adapted to their audience without adapted to their audience without compromising the content. Number three, compromising the content. Number three, compromising the content. Number three, we need to bring people the message of we need to bring people the message of we need to bring people the message of the gospel. Now look, when we share the the gospel. Now look, when we share the the gospel. Now look, when we share the gospel with people, some are going to gospel with people, some are going to gospel with people, some are going to respond favorably and come to faith and respond favorably and come to faith and respond favorably and come to faith and believe shockingly. So you'll just talk believe shockingly. So you'll just talk believe shockingly. So you'll just talk to them a little bit and they'll believe to them a little bit and they'll believe to them a little bit and they'll believe right there on the spot and then others right there on the spot and then others right there on the spot and then others will be very resistant. It just depends will be very resistant. It just depends will be very resistant. It just depends on the person. The Apostle Paul says in on the person. The Apostle Paul says in on the person. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2, "Now wherever we go, he 2 Corinthians 2, "Now wherever we go, he 2 Corinthians 2, "Now wherever we go, he uses us to tell others about the Lord

uses us to tell others about the Lord uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the good news like a sweet and to spread the good news like a sweet and to spread the good news like a sweet perfume. Our lives are like a fragrance perfume. Our lives are like a fragrance perfume. Our lives are like a fragrance presented by Christ to God." And this presented by Christ to God." And this presented by Christ to God." And this fragrance is perceived differently by fragrance is perceived differently by fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those those who are being saved and by those those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. Now, think about it who are perishing. Now, think about it who are perishing. Now, think about it this way. You know, some people wear way this way. You know, some people wear way this way. You know, some people wear way too much perfume or cologne. By the way, too much perfume or cologne. By the way, too much perfume or cologne. By the way, if you're a cologne wearer, less is if you're a cologne wearer, less is if you're a cologne wearer, less is more. Now, I don't really wear cologne more. Now, I don't really wear cologne more. Now, I don't really wear cologne myself, and the reason is I'm allergic myself, and the reason is I'm allergic myself, and the reason is I'm allergic to it. I even have an allergic reaction to it. I even have an allergic reaction to it. I even have an allergic reaction to those little cards that they put in to those little cards that they put in to those little cards that they put in magazines that are scented with cologne. magazines that are scented with cologne. magazines that are scented with cologne. Or if I'm walking to a department store Or if I'm walking to a department store Or if I'm walking to a department store and they say, "Can I give you a little and they say, "Can I give you a little and they say, "Can I give you a little of our cologne?" No, no, keep it away of our cologne?" No, no, keep it away of our cologne?" No, no, keep it away from me. So my experience goes back to from me. So my experience goes back to from me. So my experience goes back to high school where I used to wear high school where I used to wear high school where I used to wear something called Jade East and uh also something called Jade East and uh also something called Jade East and uh also there was another one called high there was another one called high there was another one called high karate. Do you remember those? You have karate. Do you remember those? You have karate. Do you remember those? You have to have lived a long time ago. But I do to have lived a long time ago. But I do to have lived a long time ago. But I do think they sell them still. But here's think they sell them still. But here's think they sell them still. But here's my point. Some people will like the my point. Some people will like the my point. Some people will like the smell of a certain cologne or perfume smell of a certain cologne or perfume smell of a certain cologne or perfume and others will not. The same is true and others will not. The same is true and others will not. The same is true with the gospel. You could compare it to with the gospel. You could compare it to with the gospel. You could compare it to garlic. Garlic is amazing when it's garlic. Garlic is amazing when it's garlic. Garlic is amazing when it's cooking. Garlic is amazing on food. It's cooking. Garlic is amazing on food. It's cooking. Garlic is amazing on food. It's not so amazing on your breath. So, not so amazing on your breath. So, not so amazing on your breath. So, here's my point. We go to some people here's my point. We go to some people here's my point. We go to some people with the gospel. They love the aroma of with the gospel. They love the aroma of with the gospel. They love the aroma of it. They love what it is. They embrace it. They love what it is. They embrace it. They love what it is. They embrace it. They respond to it. And you go to it. They respond to it. And you go to it. They respond to it. And you go to others with the gospel and they hate it.

others with the gospel and they hate it. others with the gospel and they hate it. And they oppose you for even bringing And they oppose you for even bringing And they oppose you for even bringing the message to them. But don't worry the message to them. But don't worry the message to them. But don't worry about that. Your job, my job, our job about that. Your job, my job, our job about that. Your job, my job, our job together is to bring the gospel to together is to bring the gospel to together is to bring the gospel to people and to live it out before them. people and to live it out before them. people and to live it out before them. Number four, before I can effectively Number four, before I can effectively Number four, before I can effectively tell someone about Jesus, I need to tell someone about Jesus, I need to tell someone about Jesus, I need to personally walk with Jesus. Why? Because personally walk with Jesus. Why? Because personally walk with Jesus. Why? Because nothing is a worse witness than a nothing is a worse witness than a nothing is a worse witness than a hypocritical Christian. There are some hypocritical Christian. There are some hypocritical Christian. There are some people that I would actually ask to not people that I would actually ask to not people that I would actually ask to not preach the gospel because they preach the gospel because they preach the gospel because they contradict it by the way that they live contradict it by the way that they live contradict it by the way that they live and as a result they undermine it. and as a result they undermine it. and as a result they undermine it. Listen to this. What this culture is Listen to this. What this culture is Listen to this. What this culture is looking for is authenticity, not looking for is authenticity, not looking for is authenticity, not perfection. Authenticity. In other perfection. Authenticity. In other perfection. Authenticity. In other words, we must be before we can words, we must be before we can words, we must be before we can effectively say. We need to practice effectively say. We need to practice effectively say. We need to practice what we preach. So let's go back to what we preach. So let's go back to what we preach. So let's go back to being salt. Jesus said again, remember being salt. Jesus said again, remember being salt. Jesus said again, remember you're the salt of the earth. You're the you're the salt of the earth. You're the you're the salt of the earth. You're the light of the world. What does it mean to light of the world. What does it mean to light of the world. What does it mean to be salt? Jesus says if the salt loses be salt? Jesus says if the salt loses be salt? Jesus says if the salt loses its flavor, it's good for nothing. Now, its flavor, it's good for nothing. Now, its flavor, it's good for nothing. Now, going back historically, salt had going back historically, salt had going back historically, salt had enormous value in Jesus' day. The Romans enormous value in Jesus' day. The Romans enormous value in Jesus' day. The Romans believe that except for the sun, nothing believe that except for the sun, nothing believe that except for the sun, nothing was more valuable than salt. Sometimes was more valuable than salt. Sometimes was more valuable than salt. Sometimes Roman soldiers were even paid in salt.

Roman soldiers were even paid in salt. Roman soldiers were even paid in salt. That's where we get the phrase, hey, That's where we get the phrase, hey, That's where we get the phrase, hey, he's not worth his salt. So, let's he's not worth his salt. So, let's he's not worth his salt. So, let's understand what salt represented back at understand what salt represented back at understand what salt represented back at this time and what salt actually did so this time and what salt actually did so this time and what salt actually did so we can understand how it applies to us. we can understand how it applies to us. we can understand how it applies to us. Number one, in the first century, salt Number one, in the first century, salt Number one, in the first century, salt preserved. So, if you went out and preserved. So, if you went out and preserved. So, if you went out and caught some fish, you had to eat that caught some fish, you had to eat that caught some fish, you had to eat that fish really quickly because you could fish really quickly because you could fish really quickly because you could not refrigerate it. So, if you couldn't not refrigerate it. So, if you couldn't not refrigerate it. So, if you couldn't eat it quickly, you would rub salt in it eat it quickly, you would rub salt in it eat it quickly, you would rub salt in it to preserve it. You would do the same to preserve it. You would do the same to preserve it. You would do the same with other kinds of meat as well. You with other kinds of meat as well. You with other kinds of meat as well. You would take the meat, cut it into slender would take the meat, cut it into slender would take the meat, cut it into slender strips and soak it in a salt solution. strips and soak it in a salt solution. strips and soak it in a salt solution. You know, maybe our modern equivalent is You know, maybe our modern equivalent is You know, maybe our modern equivalent is beef jerky. You know, those little beef jerky. You know, those little beef jerky. You know, those little strips of beef that you can buy in the strips of beef that you can buy in the strips of beef that you can buy in the market that cost like $100 a bag. market that cost like $100 a bag. market that cost like $100 a bag. That's, you know, preserved meat. So, That's, you know, preserved meat. So, That's, you know, preserved meat. So, the main function of salt at that time the main function of salt at that time the main function of salt at that time was to preserve something. Now, in the was to preserve something. Now, in the was to preserve something. Now, in the same way, we as Christians are acting as same way, we as Christians are acting as same way, we as Christians are acting as salt in our culture and we're here to salt in our culture and we're here to salt in our culture and we're here to preserve. What does that mean? It means preserve. What does that mean? It means preserve. What does that mean? It means as believers, we stand up for what is as believers, we stand up for what is as believers, we stand up for what is true. We speak out against what is true. We speak out against what is true. We speak out against what is wrong. That is part of our job. So, wrong. That is part of our job. So, wrong. That is part of our job. So, preaching the gospel is, yes, and I'll preaching the gospel is, yes, and I'll preaching the gospel is, yes, and I'll get to this in a moment, proclaiming the get to this in a moment, proclaiming the get to this in a moment, proclaiming the truth to others, but it's also standing truth to others, but it's also standing truth to others, but it's also standing for what is right and true in our for what is right and true in our for what is right and true in our culture. We're preserving. I mean, culture. We're preserving. I mean, culture. We're preserving. I mean, bottom line, the very presence of a bottom line, the very presence of a bottom line, the very presence of a Christian can change a conversation.

Christian can change a conversation. Christian can change a conversation. Have you ever walked into a room where Have you ever walked into a room where Have you ever walked into a room where maybe some people are telling a dirty maybe some people are telling a dirty maybe some people are telling a dirty joke and the moment you walk in, the joke and the moment you walk in, the joke and the moment you walk in, the joke stops and they kind of smile, hey joke stops and they kind of smile, hey joke stops and they kind of smile, hey man, how you doing? Okay. And then you man, how you doing? Okay. And then you man, how you doing? Okay. And then you walk out and they pick their story back walk out and they pick their story back walk out and they pick their story back up. That's not a bad thing. That's a up. That's not a bad thing. That's a up. That's not a bad thing. That's a good thing because that means that you good thing because that means that you good thing because that means that you represent Jesus Christ. You just changed represent Jesus Christ. You just changed represent Jesus Christ. You just changed the temperature of the room. You know, a the temperature of the room. You know, a the temperature of the room. You know, a question you can ask yourself is, are question you can ask yourself is, are question you can ask yourself is, are you a thermostat or are you a you a thermostat or are you a you a thermostat or are you a thermometer? A thermometer tells you the thermometer? A thermometer tells you the thermometer? A thermometer tells you the temperature of a room. The thermostat temperature of a room. The thermostat temperature of a room. The thermostat affects the temperature of the room. I affects the temperature of the room. I affects the temperature of the room. I don't want to just be a thermometer don't want to just be a thermometer don't want to just be a thermometer blending in. I want to be a thermostat. blending in. I want to be a thermostat. blending in. I want to be a thermostat. I want to change the temperature of the I want to change the temperature of the I want to change the temperature of the room. I want to change the conversation. room. I want to change the conversation. room. I want to change the conversation. I want to preserve what is good and I want to preserve what is good and I want to preserve what is good and true. and I want to speak out against true. and I want to speak out against true. and I want to speak out against what is evil. So Christians are the what is evil. So Christians are the what is evil. So Christians are the preserving influence in our world today. preserving influence in our world today. preserving influence in our world today. The Bible tells us an event is coming The Bible tells us an event is coming The Bible tells us an event is coming when all true followers of Jesus will be when all true followers of Jesus will be when all true followers of Jesus will be caught up in a moment in the twinkling caught up in a moment in the twinkling caught up in a moment in the twinkling of an eye into the presence of the Lord.

of an eye into the presence of the Lord. of an eye into the presence of the Lord. This event is sometimes called the This event is sometimes called the This event is sometimes called the rapture. Uh the word rapture comes from rapture. Uh the word rapture comes from rapture. Uh the word rapture comes from a Greek word uh rapturus which is based a Greek word uh rapturus which is based a Greek word uh rapturus which is based on another word harpazo in the Greek on another word harpazo in the Greek on another word harpazo in the Greek which means to be taken by force. So the which means to be taken by force. So the which means to be taken by force. So the lord will come for his people will be lord will come for his people will be lord will come for his people will be caught up to meet the lord in the air caught up to meet the lord in the air caught up to meet the lord in the air and then the antichrist will be and then the antichrist will be and then the antichrist will be revealed. The bible also calls him the revealed. The bible also calls him the revealed. The bible also calls him the beast. If satan never had a son this is beast. If satan never had a son this is beast. If satan never had a son this is him. And this wicked man, the him. And this wicked man, the him. And this wicked man, the antichrist, will bring about a time of antichrist, will bring about a time of antichrist, will bring about a time of deception. And he will be in power deception. And he will be in power deception. And he will be in power during a time called the great during a time called the great during a time called the great tribulation period that will last seven tribulation period that will last seven tribulation period that will last seven years. And you will see darkness break years. And you will see darkness break years. And you will see darkness break out and evil on display. How is it that out and evil on display. How is it that out and evil on display. How is it that can happen? Because a preserving can happen? Because a preserving can happen? Because a preserving influence in the world has been removed. influence in the world has been removed. influence in the world has been removed. That is the church. The Bible says in 2 That is the church. The Bible says in 2 That is the church. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2, "The mystery of Thessalonians 2, "The mystery of Thessalonians 2, "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he lawlessness is already at work. Only he lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains will do so until he is who now restrains will do so until he is who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way." And then that taken out of the way." And then that taken out of the way." And then that lawless one will be revealed according lawless one will be revealed according lawless one will be revealed according to the work of Satan without power, to the work of Satan without power, to the work of Satan without power, signs, and lying wonders whom the Lord signs, and lying wonders whom the Lord signs, and lying wonders whom the Lord will consume with the breath of his will consume with the breath of his will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy with the brightness of mouth and destroy with the brightness of mouth and destroy with the brightness of his coming. So bottom line is the his coming. So bottom line is the his coming. So bottom line is the preserving force in the world today is preserving force in the world today is preserving force in the world today is the church. Just like salt, once we're the church. Just like salt, once we're the church. Just like salt, once we're removed from the earth, caught up to removed from the earth, caught up to removed from the earth, caught up to meet the Lord in the air, all hell

meet the Lord in the air, all hell meet the Lord in the air, all hell breaks loose with the leadership of the breaks loose with the leadership of the breaks loose with the leadership of the Antichrist. That's why our presence Antichrist. That's why our presence Antichrist. That's why our presence makes a difference. Jesus said, "You are makes a difference. Jesus said, "You are makes a difference. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." [music] Another the salt of the earth." [music] Another the salt of the earth." [music] Another thing that salt does is it stimulates thing that salt does is it stimulates thing that salt does is it stimulates thirst. You know how it goes. You go to thirst. You know how it goes. You go to thirst. You know how it goes. You go to the movies and and maybe you you order the movies and and maybe you you order the movies and and maybe you you order some popcorn and you know they'll offer some popcorn and you know they'll offer some popcorn and you know they'll offer you three sizes. Here's a really small you three sizes. Here's a really small you three sizes. Here's a really small one that's $50. Here's a bigger one one that's $50. Here's a bigger one one that's $50. Here's a bigger one that's $100 and here's a really gigantic that's $100 and here's a really gigantic that's $100 and here's a really gigantic one that you can refill over and over one that you can refill over and over one that you can refill over and over again for $102. Oh, they want you to buy again for $102. Oh, they want you to buy again for $102. Oh, they want you to buy the big one and then you buy it and it's the big one and then you buy it and it's the big one and then you buy it and it's maybe overs salted and so you go back maybe overs salted and so you go back maybe overs salted and so you go back and you buy a soft drink that costs and you buy a soft drink that costs and you buy a soft drink that costs another $75. But the point is when you another $75. But the point is when you another $75. But the point is when you eat something salty, it does stimulate eat something salty, it does stimulate eat something salty, it does stimulate thirst. And I think that when we're thirst. And I think that when we're thirst. And I think that when we're walking with Jesus Christ as we ought walking with Jesus Christ as we ought walking with Jesus Christ as we ought to, we will stimulate a spiritual thirst to, we will stimulate a spiritual thirst to, we will stimulate a spiritual thirst and other people for God. Let me and other people for God. Let me and other people for God. Let me illustrate. I was in Israel years ago illustrate. I was in Israel years ago illustrate. I was in Israel years ago leading a tour and I had a tour guide leading a tour and I had a tour guide leading a tour and I had a tour guide who I was having constant discussions who I was having constant discussions who I was having constant discussions with and this guy liked to argue and with and this guy liked to argue and with and this guy liked to argue and disagree and we went back and forth for disagree and we went back and forth for disagree and we went back and forth for hours and hours as we drove around the hours and hours as we drove around the hours and hours as we drove around the Holy Land together. And I never really Holy Land together. And I never really Holy Land together. And I never really made much progress with this tour guide.

made much progress with this tour guide. made much progress with this tour guide. And uh one day we came to the end of our And uh one day we came to the end of our And uh one day we came to the end of our journey and the driver came to me and journey and the driver came to me and journey and the driver came to me and said, "I've been listening to your said, "I've been listening to your said, "I've been listening to your conversations with your tour guide." I conversations with your tour guide." I conversations with your tour guide." I said, "Right." And he said, "And I'm said, "Right." And he said, "And I'm said, "Right." And he said, "And I'm really jealous of your relationship with really jealous of your relationship with really jealous of your relationship with God." Now, what's interesting about this God." Now, what's interesting about this God." Now, what's interesting about this is the Bible says that we as Gentiles, is the Bible says that we as Gentiles, is the Bible says that we as Gentiles, non-Jews, have been grafted into the non-Jews, have been grafted into the non-Jews, have been grafted into the promises of Israel, the promises given promises of Israel, the promises given promises of Israel, the promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And so we to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And so we to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And so we are being blessed by these promises are being blessed by these promises are being blessed by these promises given to God's people. But God says and given to God's people. But God says and given to God's people. But God says and this happens to provoke them to this happens to provoke them to this happens to provoke them to jealousy. jealousy. jealousy. So in a very technical sense, this So in a very technical sense, this So in a very technical sense, this Jewish driver was saying to me that I as Jewish driver was saying to me that I as Jewish driver was saying to me that I as a non-Jewish person who was a believer a non-Jewish person who was a believer a non-Jewish person who was a believer in Jesus and I had been grafted into the in Jesus and I had been grafted into the in Jesus and I had been grafted into the promises of God was saying and doing promises of God was saying and doing promises of God was saying and doing something that made him jealous for a something that made him jealous for a something that made him jealous for a relationship with God. So he invited me relationship with God. So he invited me relationship with God. So he invited me over to his home and he gave me and my over to his home and he gave me and my over to his home and he gave me and my wife a wonderful meal. In fact, we wife a wonderful meal. In fact, we wife a wonderful meal. In fact, we filled up in the first course and didn't filled up in the first course and didn't filled up in the first course and didn't know there were four more courses to know there were four more courses to know there were four more courses to come. He had his entire family, maybe 30 come. He had his entire family, maybe 30 come. He had his entire family, maybe 30 people gathered together in his front people gathered together in his front people gathered together in his front room. Some of his children were serving room. Some of his children were serving room. Some of his children were serving in the IDF, the Israeli Defense Forces.

in the IDF, the Israeli Defense Forces. in the IDF, the Israeli Defense Forces. And he said to me, "Say to all of my And he said to me, "Say to all of my And he said to me, "Say to all of my family what you are saying to that tour family what you are saying to that tour family what you are saying to that tour guide." So I was able to share the guide." So I was able to share the guide." So I was able to share the gospel with this man's entire family. So gospel with this man's entire family. So gospel with this man's entire family. So I think because he saw something in us I think because he saw something in us I think because he saw something in us that was desirable, it created a that was desirable, it created a that was desirable, it created a spiritual thirst in him. The greatest spiritual thirst in him. The greatest spiritual thirst in him. The greatest compliment that can be paid to a compliment that can be paid to a compliment that can be paid to a Christian is when a non-believer says, Christian is when a non-believer says, Christian is when a non-believer says, "I want what you have. Why are you so "I want what you have. Why are you so "I want what you have. Why are you so joyful? Why do you have peace in the joyful? Why do you have peace in the joyful? Why do you have peace in the midst of your hardships and difficulties midst of your hardships and difficulties midst of your hardships and difficulties in life? How do you keep going as you in life? How do you keep going as you in life? How do you keep going as you do? I want what you have. Salt do? I want what you have. Salt do? I want what you have. Salt stimulates thirst. But first I need to stimulates thirst. But first I need to stimulates thirst. But first I need to be thirsty for God. The psalmist writes, be thirsty for God. The psalmist writes, be thirsty for God. The psalmist writes, "Is the deer pants for flowing streams? "Is the deer pants for flowing streams? "Is the deer pants for flowing streams? So my soul pants for you, oh God." Let So my soul pants for you, oh God." Let So my soul pants for you, oh God." Let me ask you a question. Do you hunger and me ask you a question. Do you hunger and me ask you a question. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Jesus said, thirst for righteousness? Jesus said, thirst for righteousness? Jesus said, "If you hunger and thirst after "If you hunger and thirst after "If you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you will be filled." So righteousness, you will be filled." So righteousness, you will be filled." So let it start with you. But don't be let it start with you. But don't be let it start with you. But don't be crippled by sin and be living a crippled by sin and be living a crippled by sin and be living a compromised life because that will turn compromised life because that will turn compromised life because that will turn away to the best of your ability. As I away to the best of your ability. As I away to the best of your ability. As I said earlier, live a godly life, not a said earlier, live a godly life, not a said earlier, live a godly life, not a perfect life. You're going to fall perfect life. You're going to fall perfect life. You're going to fall short. We all do. Sometimes we even have short. We all do. Sometimes we even have short. We all do. Sometimes we even have to apologize for things that we say and to apologize for things that we say and to apologize for things that we say and do as Christians. I remember years ago I do as Christians. I remember years ago I do as Christians. I remember years ago I was uh going to get pizza with a friend was uh going to get pizza with a friend was uh going to get pizza with a friend and we went to a restaurant and uh as I and we went to a restaurant and uh as I and we went to a restaurant and uh as I was sitting there I looked over at a

was sitting there I looked over at a was sitting there I looked over at a table next to me and there was a man table next to me and there was a man table next to me and there was a man that looked very familiar to me. And I that looked very familiar to me. And I that looked very familiar to me. And I said, "Excuse me, is your name Paul?" said, "Excuse me, is your name Paul?" said, "Excuse me, is your name Paul?" And he said, "Yes, it is." I said, And he said, "Yes, it is." I said, And he said, "Yes, it is." I said, "Paul, we went to elementary school "Paul, we went to elementary school "Paul, we went to elementary school together." You know, some people look together." You know, some people look together." You know, some people look the same that they look when they were the same that they look when they were the same that they look when they were younger, just they're bigger now. But younger, just they're bigger now. But younger, just they're bigger now. But other people change so much. Paul looked other people change so much. Paul looked other people change so much. Paul looked exactly the same. He goes, "Yes." "Well, exactly the same. He goes, "Yes." "Well, exactly the same. He goes, "Yes." "Well, who are you?" I said, "Well, I'm Greg who are you?" I said, "Well, I'm Greg who are you?" I said, "Well, I'm Greg Lori." "Well, I didn't look anything uh Lori." "Well, I didn't look anything uh Lori." "Well, I didn't look anything uh like I looked in elementary school. My like I looked in elementary school. My like I looked in elementary school. My hair was blonde and parted on the side hair was blonde and parted on the side hair was blonde and parted on the side when I had hair. Beautiful blonde hair, when I had hair. Beautiful blonde hair, when I had hair. Beautiful blonde hair, by the way. I had a great wave. Now I by the way. I had a great wave. Now I by the way. I had a great wave. Now I just have beach. Very sad." Anyway, but just have beach. Very sad." Anyway, but just have beach. Very sad." Anyway, but now at this point, as I was talking to now at this point, as I was talking to now at this point, as I was talking to Paul, my hair was parted in the middle Paul, my hair was parted in the middle Paul, my hair was parted in the middle down to my shoulders and I had a beard. down to my shoulders and I had a beard. down to my shoulders and I had a beard. And so, he didn't recognize me. And he And so, he didn't recognize me. And he And so, he didn't recognize me. And he said, "You know, Greg, I remember you. said, "You know, Greg, I remember you. said, "You know, Greg, I remember you. You were always getting in trouble in You were always getting in trouble in You were always getting in trouble in school. You were always getting sent to school. You were always getting sent to school. You were always getting sent to the principal's office for disrupting the principal's office for disrupting the principal's office for disrupting the class." I said, "Yeah, that's true. the class." I said, "Yeah, that's true. the class." I said, "Yeah, that's true. But Paul, I've changed." He said, But Paul, I've changed." He said, But Paul, I've changed." He said, "Really?" I said, "Yes, Paul. I've "Really?" I said, "Yes, Paul. I've "Really?" I said, "Yes, Paul. I've become a Christian." He said, "What?"

become a Christian." He said, "What?" become a Christian." He said, "What?" Said, "I'm a Christian now, Paul. I'm Said, "I'm a Christian now, Paul. I'm Said, "I'm a Christian now, Paul. I'm not the old Greg you used to know." And not the old Greg you used to know." And not the old Greg you used to know." And then I said, "And not only that, I'm a then I said, "And not only that, I'm a then I said, "And not only that, I'm a pastor of a church." I think Paul's pastor of a church." I think Paul's pastor of a church." I think Paul's thinking, "Who are they giving churches thinking, "Who are they giving churches thinking, "Who are they giving churches to these days? Are you kidding me?" And to these days? Are you kidding me?" And to these days? Are you kidding me?" And I said, "No, I'm a different person and I said, "No, I'm a different person and I said, "No, I'm a different person and Christ has changed my life." And Paul Christ has changed my life." And Paul Christ has changed my life." And Paul said, 'Well, Greg, I I can see you seem said, 'Well, Greg, I I can see you seem said, 'Well, Greg, I I can see you seem to be happier and you seem to be to be happier and you seem to be to be happier and you seem to be changed. That's wonderful. I said, changed. That's wonderful. I said, changed. That's wonderful. I said, "Well, it's nice to talk to you, Paul." "Well, it's nice to talk to you, Paul." "Well, it's nice to talk to you, Paul." Meanwhile, my friend had to go to the Meanwhile, my friend had to go to the Meanwhile, my friend had to go to the restroom for a moment and we're waiting restroom for a moment and we're waiting restroom for a moment and we're waiting for our pizza and it arrives. And I had for our pizza and it arrives. And I had for our pizza and it arrives. And I had a devious thought. I thought, wouldn't a devious thought. I thought, wouldn't a devious thought. I thought, wouldn't it be really funny to, you know, I it be really funny to, you know, I it be really funny to, you know, I already told you I did a prank wakeup already told you I did a prank wakeup already told you I did a prank wakeup call to my other friend. So now to this call to my other friend. So now to this call to my other friend. So now to this guy, I thought it would be funny if I guy, I thought it would be funny if I guy, I thought it would be funny if I took the hot red pepper flakes and took the hot red pepper flakes and took the hot red pepper flakes and poured them over his side of the pizza. poured them over his side of the pizza. poured them over his side of the pizza. Then when he eats it, you know, it'll be Then when he eats it, you know, it'll be Then when he eats it, you know, it'll be hot. It'll be hilarious. So I take out hot. It'll be hilarious. So I take out hot. It'll be hilarious. So I take out the pepper flakes. I'm pouring them on the pepper flakes. I'm pouring them on the pepper flakes. I'm pouring them on my friend's side of the pizza. And I'd my friend's side of the pizza. And I'd my friend's side of the pizza. And I'd forgotten about Paul, who I'd been forgotten about Paul, who I'd been forgotten about Paul, who I'd been talking to, and I hear him say, "Haven't talking to, and I hear him say, "Haven't talking to, and I hear him say, "Haven't changed much, have you, Greg?" Oh, changed much, have you, Greg?" Oh, changed much, have you, Greg?" Oh, busted. See how sometimes we mess up and busted. See how sometimes we mess up and busted. See how sometimes we mess up and we have to apologize. But to the best of we have to apologize. But to the best of we have to apologize. But to the best of your ability, live a godly life and your ability, live a godly life and your ability, live a godly life and don't put red pepper flakes on your don't put red pepper flakes on your don't put red pepper flakes on your friend's pizza.

friend's pizza. friend's pizza. You see, we cannot be used by God to You see, we cannot be used by God to You see, we cannot be used by God to stop the corruption of sin in others if stop the corruption of sin in others if stop the corruption of sin in others if sin has corrupted us. Going back to the sin has corrupted us. Going back to the sin has corrupted us. Going back to the statement of our Lord again, you're the statement of our Lord again, you're the statement of our Lord again, you're the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses salt of the earth, but if the salt loses salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It's good for nothing but to be thrown It's good for nothing but to be thrown It's good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Good out and trampled underfoot by men. Good out and trampled underfoot by men. Good for nothing. So years ago, I traveled for nothing. So years ago, I traveled for nothing. So years ago, I traveled overseas to Europe to be at a speaking overseas to Europe to be at a speaking overseas to Europe to be at a speaking conference and Kathy was with me and conference and Kathy was with me and conference and Kathy was with me and Jonathan was a very little guy, little Jonathan was a very little guy, little Jonathan was a very little guy, little toddler at that point. And so, you know, toddler at that point. And so, you know, toddler at that point. And so, you know, when you travel, you have all of this when you travel, you have all of this when you travel, you have all of this hardware you take with us. I had a hardware you take with us. I had a hardware you take with us. I had a stroller and I needed a backpack to stroller and I needed a backpack to stroller and I needed a backpack to carry him as well. and I came across carry him as well. and I came across carry him as well. and I came across something called a backpack stroller. something called a backpack stroller. something called a backpack stroller. This seemed brilliant to me. So, I This seemed brilliant to me. So, I This seemed brilliant to me. So, I bought it without trying it first. So, I bought it without trying it first. So, I bought it without trying it first. So, I get overseas and I I pull it out of the get overseas and I I pull it out of the get overseas and I I pull it out of the box and I use it as a backpack and it box and I use it as a backpack and it box and I use it as a backpack and it was the worst backpack ever cuz they had was the worst backpack ever cuz they had was the worst backpack ever cuz they had these big wheels that dug into my back. these big wheels that dug into my back. these big wheels that dug into my back. I was like in pain carrying them around.

I was like in pain carrying them around. I was like in pain carrying them around. So, it was the worst backpack. But then So, it was the worst backpack. But then So, it was the worst backpack. But then as a stroller, it was equally lame as a stroller, it was equally lame as a stroller, it was equally lame because it didn't have back wheels to because it didn't have back wheels to because it didn't have back wheels to support it. So you had to hold it up the support it. So you had to hold it up the support it. So you had to hold it up the entire time. So I finally abandoned it. entire time. So I finally abandoned it. entire time. So I finally abandoned it. You know, it was good for nothing. And You know, it was good for nothing. And You know, it was good for nothing. And guess what? A Christian that isn't guess what? A Christian that isn't guess what? A Christian that isn't salty, a Christian that isn't walking salty, a Christian that isn't walking salty, a Christian that isn't walking with God as they ought to are as useless with God as they ought to are as useless with God as they ought to are as useless as a backpack stroller. [music] So as a backpack stroller. [music] So as a backpack stroller. [music] So unsalty salt is pointless. It's like a unsalty salt is pointless. It's like a unsalty salt is pointless. It's like a Coke that's lost its carbonation. It's Coke that's lost its carbonation. It's Coke that's lost its carbonation. It's like tepid coffee or even worse decaf like tepid coffee or even worse decaf like tepid coffee or even worse decaf coffee. You know, some people go into a coffee. You know, some people go into a coffee. You know, some people go into a coffee place and they'll say, "I'll have coffee place and they'll say, "I'll have coffee place and they'll say, "I'll have a lowfat latte decaf with some vanilla." a lowfat latte decaf with some vanilla." a lowfat latte decaf with some vanilla." Oh gosh, stop. Just go to 31 flavors. Oh gosh, stop. Just go to 31 flavors. Oh gosh, stop. Just go to 31 flavors. You know, get coffee with caffeine and You know, get coffee with caffeine and You know, get coffee with caffeine and be a salty Christian and be a Christian be a salty Christian and be a Christian be a salty Christian and be a Christian that makes a difference wherever you go. that makes a difference wherever you go. that makes a difference wherever you go. But then Jesus also says in the sermon But then Jesus also says in the sermon But then Jesus also says in the sermon on the mount, you are the light of the on the mount, you are the light of the on the mount, you are the light of the world. A city that's set on a hill world. A city that's set on a hill world. A city that's set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who lampstand, and it gives light to all who lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. So taken together, are in the house. So taken together, are in the house. So taken together, salt and light paint a vivid picture.

salt and light paint a vivid picture. salt and light paint a vivid picture. Salt is hidden. Light is obvious. Salt Salt is hidden. Light is obvious. Salt Salt is hidden. Light is obvious. Salt works secretly. Light works openly. Salt works secretly. Light works openly. Salt works secretly. Light works openly. Salt works from within. Light works from works from within. Light works from works from within. Light works from without. Salt is more the indirect without. Salt is more the indirect without. Salt is more the indirect influence of the gospel. Light is the influence of the gospel. Light is the influence of the gospel. Light is the direct communication of the gospel. Salt direct communication of the gospel. Salt direct communication of the gospel. Salt works primarily through our living. works primarily through our living. works primarily through our living. Light works primarily through what we Light works primarily through what we Light works primarily through what we say to others. Salt is largely negative. say to others. Salt is largely negative. say to others. Salt is largely negative. It can corruption, but it cannot It can corruption, but it cannot It can corruption, but it cannot change corruption into incorruption. But change corruption into incorruption. But change corruption into incorruption. But light in contrast is more positive. So, light in contrast is more positive. So, light in contrast is more positive. So, how are we to let our light so shine? how are we to let our light so shine? how are we to let our light so shine? Well, one thing that light does, it Well, one thing that light does, it Well, one thing that light does, it exposes the darkness. Have you ever lost exposes the darkness. Have you ever lost exposes the darkness. Have you ever lost something? Say in your car at night, something? Say in your car at night, something? Say in your car at night, maybe that burrito you were eating on maybe that burrito you were eating on maybe that burrito you were eating on the way home a month ago, and you you the way home a month ago, and you you the way home a month ago, and you you don't you dropped it, you don't know don't you dropped it, you don't know don't you dropped it, you don't know where it went. You turn on the light and where it went. You turn on the light and where it went. You turn on the light and there it is. Oh, wow. I wonder where there it is. Oh, wow. I wonder where there it is. Oh, wow. I wonder where that went. Uh, light doesn't just expose that went. Uh, light doesn't just expose that went. Uh, light doesn't just expose the problem. It shows you the way out of the problem. It shows you the way out of the problem. It shows you the way out of the problem. When I was in darkness, I the problem. When I was in darkness, I the problem. When I was in darkness, I couldn't see, much less find the door.

couldn't see, much less find the door. couldn't see, much less find the door. But when the light switched on, when I But when the light switched on, when I But when the light switched on, when I saw my need for Jesus Christ, when I saw my need for Jesus Christ, when I saw my need for Jesus Christ, when I heard the gospel, when the light went heard the gospel, when the light went heard the gospel, when the light went on, everything changed for me. So, we on, everything changed for me. So, we on, everything changed for me. So, we need to let our light so shine before need to let our light so shine before need to let our light so shine before men so they will see their need for men so they will see their need for men so they will see their need for Jesus Christ. Here's another interesting Jesus Christ. Here's another interesting Jesus Christ. Here's another interesting thing. When Jesus says, "You are the thing. When Jesus says, "You are the thing. When Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of salt of the earth. You are the light of salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. It could better be the world. It could better be the world. It could better be translated, you and you alone are the translated, you and you alone are the translated, you and you alone are the salt of the earth. You and you alone are salt of the earth. You and you alone are salt of the earth. You and you alone are the light of the world. Think of it this the light of the world. Think of it this the light of the world. Think of it this way. What kind of world would we live in way. What kind of world would we live in way. What kind of world would we live in if every Christian behave just like you if every Christian behave just like you if every Christian behave just like you do? How many people would be drawn to do? How many people would be drawn to do? How many people would be drawn to the gospel or turned off by it? What the gospel or turned off by it? What the gospel or turned off by it? What kind of general opinion do you think kind of general opinion do you think kind of general opinion do you think people would have of Christianity if you people would have of Christianity if you people would have of Christianity if you were its sole representative? Now, you were its sole representative? Now, you were its sole representative? Now, you might be saying, "Well, Greg, that's might be saying, "Well, Greg, that's might be saying, "Well, Greg, that's kind of a a lot of pressure to put on kind of a a lot of pressure to put on kind of a a lot of pressure to put on one person." Well, maybe. But here's the one person." Well, maybe. But here's the one person." Well, maybe. But here's the fact of the matter. You are the only fact of the matter. You are the only fact of the matter. You are the only representative of Jesus Christ that many representative of Jesus Christ that many representative of Jesus Christ that many non-believers are ever going to see.

non-believers are ever going to see. non-believers are ever going to see. They may never read the Bible, but They may never read the Bible, but They may never read the Bible, but they're going to read your life. It's they're going to read your life. It's they're going to read your life. It's been said, "Christians are walking been said, "Christians are walking been said, "Christians are walking epistles written by God and read by men. epistles written by God and read by men. epistles written by God and read by men. You are the salty of the earth. You are You are the salty of the earth. You are You are the salty of the earth. You are the light of the world." So let's wrap the light of the world." So let's wrap the light of the world." So let's wrap this up. Is there any hope for America? this up. Is there any hope for America? this up. Is there any hope for America? Yes, there is. And there are three Yes, there is. And there are three Yes, there is. And there are three things we need to do. Number one, as things we need to do. Number one, as things we need to do. Number one, as they said, we need to infiltrate, not they said, we need to infiltrate, not they said, we need to infiltrate, not isolate. Be both salt and light. God has isolate. Be both salt and light. God has isolate. Be both salt and light. God has dropped us behind enemy lines. Our job dropped us behind enemy lines. Our job dropped us behind enemy lines. Our job is to infiltrate, to permeate, to is to infiltrate, to permeate, to is to infiltrate, to permeate, to saturate, not to evade, but to invade. saturate, not to evade, but to invade. saturate, not to evade, but to invade. To live the Christian life with To live the Christian life with To live the Christian life with authenticity. We need to be salt and authenticity. We need to be salt and authenticity. We need to be salt and light in the culture. Ew. Totoer said it light in the culture. Ew. Totoer said it light in the culture. Ew. Totoer said it well. The world, he said, is waiting to well. The world, he said, is waiting to well. The world, he said, is waiting to hear an authentic voice. A voice from hear an authentic voice. A voice from hear an authentic voice. A voice from God, not an echo of what others are God, not an echo of what others are God, not an echo of what others are doing and saying, but an authentic doing and saying, but an authentic doing and saying, but an authentic voice. Be an authentic voice. Number voice. Be an authentic voice. Number voice. Be an authentic voice. Number two, we need to pray. We need to turn to two, we need to pray. We need to turn to two, we need to pray. We need to turn to God as a nation, and we need to turn to God as a nation, and we need to turn to God as a nation, and we need to turn to God as individuals. Remember the words God as individuals. Remember the words God as individuals. Remember the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 where the Lord of 2 Chronicles 7:14 where the Lord of 2 Chronicles 7:14 where the Lord said, "If my people which are called by said, "If my people which are called by said, "If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray my name will humble themselves and pray my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their and seek my face and turn from their and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from wicked ways, then I will hear from wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal heaven and forgive their sin and heal heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land." That was given contextually their land." That was given contextually their land." That was given contextually to Israel, but it applies principally to

to Israel, but it applies principally to to Israel, but it applies principally to any nation, including ours. We need to any nation, including ours. We need to any nation, including ours. We need to humble ourselves and pray and seek his humble ourselves and pray and seek his humble ourselves and pray and seek his face. And notice that it says, "Turn face. And notice that it says, "Turn face. And notice that it says, "Turn from our wicked ways. Let it begin with from our wicked ways. Let it begin with from our wicked ways. Let it begin with us. Let revival start with you and let us. Let revival start with you and let us. Let revival start with you and let it start with me." And number three, we it start with me." And number three, we it start with me." And number three, we need to preach this message of the need to preach this message of the need to preach this message of the gospel. God has told us to go into all gospel. God has told us to go into all gospel. God has told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. America the world and preach the gospel. America the world and preach the gospel. America needs to hear the gospel. America needs needs to hear the gospel. America needs needs to hear the gospel. America needs to see the gospel. Remember Jesus said, to see the gospel. Remember Jesus said, to see the gospel. Remember Jesus said, "You and you alone are the light of the "You and you alone are the light of the "You and you alone are the light of the world." So yes, there is hope for world." So yes, there is hope for world." So yes, there is hope for America and there's hope for you. Now, America and there's hope for you. Now, America and there's hope for you. Now, let me say this in closing. Maybe as let me say this in closing. Maybe as let me say this in closing. Maybe as you're listening to this podcast or you're listening to this podcast or you're listening to this podcast or watching it, you're thinking, "Well, I watching it, you're thinking, "Well, I watching it, you're thinking, "Well, I don't really have this relationship with don't really have this relationship with don't really have this relationship with God." Well, here's the good news. Christ God." Well, here's the good news. Christ God." Well, here's the good news. Christ can change your life. Jesus can forgive can change your life. Jesus can forgive can change your life. Jesus can forgive you of your sin. You see, you're you of your sin. You see, you're you of your sin. You see, you're separated from God because of your sin.

separated from God because of your sin. separated from God because of your sin. The Bible says, "All have sinned and The Bible says, "All have sinned and The Bible says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." But fallen short of the glory of God." But fallen short of the glory of God." But the Bible also says, "While we were yet the Bible also says, "While we were yet the Bible also says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." I love the sinners, Christ died for us." I love the sinners, Christ died for us." I love the way the Apostle Paul personalized it way the Apostle Paul personalized it way the Apostle Paul personalized it when he said, "He loved me and he gave when he said, "He loved me and he gave when he said, "He loved me and he gave himself for me." Listen, Jesus loved you himself for me." Listen, Jesus loved you himself for me." Listen, Jesus loved you and gave himself for you. And if you and gave himself for you. And if you and gave himself for you. And if you will turn from your sin and ask Christ will turn from your sin and ask Christ will turn from your sin and ask Christ to come into your life, he will forgive to come into your life, he will forgive to come into your life, he will forgive you and come into your heart and life you and come into your heart and life you and come into your heart and life and change you and change your eternal and change you and change your eternal and change you and change your eternal address from hell to heaven. He's only a address from hell to heaven. He's only a address from hell to heaven. He's only a prayer away. If you would like to ask prayer away. If you would like to ask prayer away. If you would like to ask Jesus to come into your life, you could Jesus to come into your life, you could Jesus to come into your life, you could just pray a prayer with me right now. just pray a prayer with me right now. just pray a prayer with me right now. I'll pray it out loud. And if you want I'll pray it out loud. And if you want I'll pray it out loud. And if you want to be forgiven of your sin, if you want to be forgiven of your sin, if you want to be forgiven of your sin, if you want Jesus to come into your life, why don't Jesus to come into your life, why don't Jesus to come into your life, why don't you just pray this after me? Just pray. you just pray this after me? Just pray. you just pray this after me? Just pray. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior who but I know that you're the savior who but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross from my sin and rose died on the cross from my sin and rose died on the cross from my sin and rose again from the dead. I turn from my sin again from the dead. I turn from my sin again from the dead. I turn from my sin now, and I choose to follow you from now, and I choose to follow you from now, and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. In Jesus name I this moment forward. In Jesus name I this moment forward. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. If you just prayed that pray. Amen. If you just prayed that pray. Amen. If you just prayed that prayer, I want you to know that Christ prayer, I want you to know that Christ prayer, I want you to know that Christ has come to live in your heart and he has come to live in your heart and he has come to live in your heart and he has forgiven you of all of your sins.

has forgiven you of all of your sins. has forgiven you of all of your sins. And I want to help you get started on And I want to help you get started on And I want to help you get started on the right foot and following Jesus the right foot and following Jesus the right foot and following Jesus Christ. And I want to send you at no Christ. And I want to send you at no Christ. And I want to send you at no charge a free copy of the New Testament. charge a free copy of the New Testament. charge a free copy of the New Testament. We call it the New Believer's Bible, a We call it the New Believer's Bible, a We call it the New Believer's Bible, a special edition of the New Testament and special edition of the New Testament and special edition of the New Testament and the New Living Translation with hundreds the New Living Translation with hundreds the New Living Translation with hundreds of notes that I wrote. There's an image of notes that I wrote. There's an image of notes that I wrote. There's an image of it on the screen. And if you'll of it on the screen. And if you'll of it on the screen. And if you'll contact us at Harvest, we'll send you contact us at Harvest, we'll send you contact us at Harvest, we'll send you your own copy of the New Believers your own copy of the New Believers your own copy of the New Believers Bible. You might also go to our website, Bible. You might also go to our website, Bible. You might also go to our website, nood.org. nood.org. nood.org. kowgod.org. You can find out more there. Hey, until You can find out more there. Hey, until next time, God bless you. Hey, thanks next time, God bless you. Hey, thanks next time, God bless you. Hey, thanks for joining me today. Subscribe to my for joining me today. Subscribe to my for joining me today. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, follow me on social YouTube channel, follow me on social YouTube channel, follow me on social media, and be sure to download the media, and be sure to download the media, and be sure to download the Harvest Plus app, where you will find Harvest Plus app, where you will find Harvest Plus app, where you will find exclusive content just for you. See you exclusive content just for you. See you exclusive content just for you. See you next time. [music]