Hope for America | Sunday Message

Hey there, thanks for listening to the Hey there, thanks for listening to the Greg Laurie podcast, a ministry Greg Laurie podcast, a ministry Greg Laurie podcast, a ministry supported by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg supported by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg supported by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Laurie encouraging you, if you want to Laurie encouraging you, if you want to Laurie encouraging you, if you want to find out more about Harvest Ministries find out more about Harvest Ministries find out more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about how to become a and learn more about how to become a and learn more about how to become a Harvest Partner, just go to harvest.org. Harvest Partner, just go to harvest.org. Harvest Partner, just go to harvest.org. I told you the story before of a lady I told you the story before of a lady I told you the story before of a lady that was walking down the beach here in that was walking down the beach here in that was walking down the beach here in Southern California and she saw shiny Southern California and she saw shiny Southern California and she saw shiny object embedded in the sand. She reached object embedded in the sand. She reached object embedded in the sand. She reached down to pick it up and it was a lamp and down to pick it up and it was a lamp and down to pick it up and it was a lamp and as she rubbed the sand off, a genie as she rubbed the sand off, a genie as she rubbed the sand off, a genie appeared. This is a true story. appeared. This is a true story. appeared. This is a true story. And the genie said, "Oh master, I will And the genie said, "Oh master, I will And the genie said, "Oh master, I will grant you one wish." She said, "One grant you one wish." She said, "One grant you one wish." She said, "One wish? What happened to three wishes?" He wish? What happened to three wishes?" He wish? What happened to three wishes?" He said, "We've had to cut back. Uh just said, "We've had to cut back. Uh just said, "We've had to cut back. Uh just one wish." She goes, "Wow, one wish." one wish." She goes, "Wow, one wish." one wish." She goes, "Wow, one wish." And she pulls out a map of the Middle And she pulls out a map of the Middle And she pulls out a map of the Middle East. She says, "Genie, look at the mess East. She says, "Genie, look at the mess East. She says, "Genie, look at the mess this part of the world is in. They're this part of the world is in. They're this part of the world is in. They're always fighting, always at war. So, I always fighting, always at war. So, I always fighting, always at war. So, I know what my wish is. My wish is for know what my wish is. My wish is for know what my wish is. My wish is for peace in the Middle East." The genie peace in the Middle East." The genie peace in the Middle East." The genie looks at the map, he says, "You know, looks at the map, he says, "You know, looks at the map, he says, "You know, I'm sorry. That that that She goes, I'm sorry. That that that She goes, I'm sorry. That that that She goes, "Wait, I want to change it. I want peace "Wait, I want to change it. I want peace "Wait, I want to change it. I want peace in all of the world. I want global in all of the world. I want global in all of the world. I want global peace. That's my wish." He goes, "That peace. That's my wish." He goes, "That peace. That's my wish." He goes, "That that's ridiculous. I cannot do that.

that's ridiculous. I cannot do that. that's ridiculous. I cannot do that. Come up with something else." She said, Come up with something else." She said, Come up with something else." She said, "Well, "Well, "Well, I've always wanted to find a good man. I've always wanted to find a good man. I've always wanted to find a good man. A good man that would love me, who would A good man that would love me, who would A good man that would love me, who would be considerate and love to cook and love be considerate and love to cook and love be considerate and love to cook and love house cleaning. A good man that would house cleaning. A good man that would house cleaning. A good man that would not want to just sit around on the couch not want to just sit around on the couch not want to just sit around on the couch and watch sports, but but would do all and watch sports, but but would do all and watch sports, but but would do all the things that I want him to do and the things that I want him to do and the things that I want him to do and most importantly, a good man who would most importantly, a good man who would most importantly, a good man who would smother me with affection. That's my smother me with affection. That's my smother me with affection. That's my wish, genie. I want one good man." The wish, genie. I want one good man." The wish, genie. I want one good man." The genie said, "Let me see that map again. genie said, "Let me see that map again. genie said, "Let me see that map again. Okay." Okay." Okay." How many of you have heard that joke? How many of you have heard that joke? How many of you have heard that joke? Raise your hand. What do you want, a Raise your hand. What do you want, a Raise your hand. What do you want, a medal? Okay. medal? Okay. medal? Okay. How many of you have never heard the How many of you have never heard the How many of you have never heard the joke? Raise your hand. Okay, never heard joke? Raise your hand. Okay, never heard joke? Raise your hand. Okay, never heard it. How many of you who have never heard it. How many of you who have never heard it. How many of you who have never heard it thought it was fairly funny? Raise it thought it was fairly funny? Raise it thought it was fairly funny? Raise your hand. What? You didn't even like your hand. What? You didn't even like your hand. What? You didn't even like it? Okay. it? Okay. it? Okay. How many of you who have heard it How many of you who have heard it How many of you who have heard it thought it was still amusing? thought it was still amusing? thought it was still amusing? Okay, thank you for that support. Okay, thank you for that support. Okay, thank you for that support. How many of you never want to hear that How many of you never want to hear that How many of you never want to hear that joke again? Raise your hand. [laughter] joke again? Raise your hand. [laughter] joke again? Raise your hand. [laughter] Go ahead.

Go ahead. Go ahead. People in the back, you don't count. People in the back, you don't count. People in the back, you don't count. You're in the back. You're in the back. You're in the back. I only listen to the people up here, you I only listen to the people up here, you I only listen to the people up here, you see? No, but um see? No, but um see? No, but um some things seem impossible. Like some things seem impossible. Like some things seem impossible. Like there's just no way. there's just no way. there's just no way. Maybe you're face facing a seemingly Maybe you're face facing a seemingly Maybe you're face facing a seemingly impossible situation right now. You're impossible situation right now. You're impossible situation right now. You're thinking there's no way this is going to thinking there's no way this is going to thinking there's no way this is going to be resolved. There's no way I'm going to be resolved. There's no way I'm going to be resolved. There's no way I'm going to get out of this. There's no way this get out of this. There's no way this get out of this. There's no way this problem is going to be fixed. And we problem is going to be fixed. And we problem is going to be fixed. And we look at our nation and we look at the look at our nation and we look at the look at our nation and we look at the trend, the direction it's taking among trend, the direction it's taking among trend, the direction it's taking among many people, especially the young, and many people, especially the young, and many people, especially the young, and we say there's no way to fix America. we say there's no way to fix America. we say there's no way to fix America. It's impossible. It's impossible. It's impossible. But with God, all things are possible. But with God, all things are possible. But with God, all things are possible. God could change the course of our God could change the course of our God could change the course of our nation, and we need it. nation, and we need it. nation, and we need it. We see evil encroaching into our society We see evil encroaching into our society We see evil encroaching into our society in some ways like never before. in some ways like never before. in some ways like never before. Socialism and outright communism is now Socialism and outright communism is now Socialism and outright communism is now destroying our country. And it's destroying our country. And it's destroying our country. And it's happening largely among younger people.

happening largely among younger people. happening largely among younger people. We're facing a moral and a spiritual We're facing a moral and a spiritual We're facing a moral and a spiritual crisis. Of course, the family has been crisis. Of course, the family has been crisis. Of course, the family has been under attack for decades. And the family under attack for decades. And the family under attack for decades. And the family is the very foundation of a nation. As is the very foundation of a nation. As is the very foundation of a nation. As I've said before, and it's been said, uh I've said before, and it's been said, uh I've said before, and it's been said, uh a family can survive without a nation, a family can survive without a nation, a family can survive without a nation, but a nation cannot survive without the but a nation cannot survive without the but a nation cannot survive without the family. And it seems like so many have family. And it seems like so many have family. And it seems like so many have done their level best to do everything done their level best to do everything done their level best to do everything to destroy the American family. To to destroy the American family. To to destroy the American family. To redefine the family, to even redefine redefine the family, to even redefine redefine the family, to even redefine what a man and a woman are. All of these what a man and a woman are. All of these what a man and a woman are. All of these things happening simultaneously. And we things happening simultaneously. And we things happening simultaneously. And we see the results of it, and we tamper see the results of it, and we tamper see the results of it, and we tamper with God's order at our own peril. And I with God's order at our own peril. And I with God's order at our own peril. And I believe God is giving us a wake-up call. believe God is giving us a wake-up call. believe God is giving us a wake-up call. And that wake-up call is for the church. And that wake-up call is for the church. And that wake-up call is for the church. We need to wake up. We need to wake up. We need to wake up. Years ago I was in Alaska with a friend Years ago I was in Alaska with a friend Years ago I was in Alaska with a friend of mine, Richie Furay. Richie was a of mine, Richie Furay. Richie was a of mine, Richie Furay. Richie was a founding member of the rock band Buffalo founding member of the rock band Buffalo founding member of the rock band Buffalo Springfield, very strong Christian, very Springfield, very strong Christian, very Springfield, very strong Christian, very talented musician. So, he was singing talented musician. So, he was singing talented musician. So, he was singing and I was speaking somewhere. And so, we and I was speaking somewhere. And so, we and I was speaking somewhere. And so, we were leaving the next day. He was going were leaving the next day. He was going were leaving the next day. He was going to Colorado where he lives. I was flying to Colorado where he lives. I was flying to Colorado where he lives. I was flying to California. And we were doing pranks to California. And we were doing pranks to California. And we were doing pranks on each other for the trip and so, I on each other for the trip and so, I on each other for the trip and so, I thought it would be funny to give him a thought it would be funny to give him a thought it would be funny to give him a really early wake-up call. So, I just really early wake-up call. So, I just really early wake-up call. So, I just called from my room. I didn't say I was called from my room. I didn't say I was called from my room. I didn't say I was in his room. I just said, "Hello, can I in his room. I just said, "Hello, can I in his room. I just said, "Hello, can I get a wake-up call for this room at 5:00 get a wake-up call for this room at 5:00 get a wake-up call for this room at 5:00 in the morning? And then do another in the morning? And then do another in the morning? And then do another wake-up call at 5:30 in case they don't wake-up call at 5:30 in case they don't wake-up call at 5:30 in case they don't respond to the first one." Okay, so I respond to the first one." Okay, so I respond to the first one." Okay, so I caught my plane. I flew back home. A day

caught my plane. I flew back home. A day caught my plane. I flew back home. A day passes and Richie calls me. He says, "Do passes and Richie calls me. He says, "Do passes and Richie calls me. He says, "Do you know what happened in Alaska?" I go, you know what happened in Alaska?" I go, you know what happened in Alaska?" I go, "What?" He says, "I get a wake-up call "What?" He says, "I get a wake-up call "What?" He says, "I get a wake-up call at 5:00 in the morning. I know you set at 5:00 in the morning. I know you set at 5:00 in the morning. I know you set it up. I ignored it." it up. I ignored it." it up. I ignored it." He says, "And then a little time passes He says, "And then a little time passes He says, "And then a little time passes and all of a sudden some guy walked into and all of a sudden some guy walked into and all of a sudden some guy walked into my room. He was shaking me out of my bed my room. He was shaking me out of my bed my room. He was shaking me out of my bed saying, 'Wake up. Wake up. You're going saying, 'Wake up. Wake up. You're going saying, 'Wake up. Wake up. You're going TO MISS YOUR FLIGHT.'" TO MISS YOUR FLIGHT.'" TO MISS YOUR FLIGHT.'" I said, "Sometimes things just work out, I said, "Sometimes things just work out, I said, "Sometimes things just work out, don't they?" I mean, that was a prank don't they?" I mean, that was a prank don't they?" I mean, that was a prank that went better than I could have ever that went better than I could have ever that went better than I could have ever hoped it would go. So, that's a pretty hoped it would go. So, that's a pretty hoped it would go. So, that's a pretty harsh wake-up call. harsh wake-up call. harsh wake-up call. But I think we're seeing things around But I think we're seeing things around But I think we're seeing things around us right now that are wake-up calls. us right now that are wake-up calls. us right now that are wake-up calls. Like, "Whoa, what is going on? How did Like, "Whoa, what is going on? How did Like, "Whoa, what is going on? How did this How did that person just get this How did that person just get this How did that person just get elected? How did this law just get elected? How did this law just get elected? How did this law just get passed? Why is that happening in the passed? Why is that happening in the passed? Why is that happening in the streets over here? Why are we facing streets over here? Why are we facing streets over here? Why are we facing this problem right now?" And it's only this problem right now?" And it's only this problem right now?" And it's only getting worse. Peter Marshall, the getting worse. Peter Marshall, the getting worse. Peter Marshall, the former chaplain of the US Senate, once former chaplain of the US Senate, once former chaplain of the US Senate, once made this statement and I quote, "The made this statement and I quote, "The made this statement and I quote, "The choice before us is plain. Christ or choice before us is plain. Christ or choice before us is plain. Christ or chaos.

chaos. chaos. Conviction or compromise, discipline or Conviction or compromise, discipline or Conviction or compromise, discipline or disintegration. End quote. Very well disintegration. End quote. Very well disintegration. End quote. Very well said. Christ or chaos. That's the choice said. Christ or chaos. That's the choice said. Christ or chaos. That's the choice we're facing now. Having said all of we're facing now. Having said all of we're facing now. Having said all of this, I have hope for America, but it's this, I have hope for America, but it's this, I have hope for America, but it's a hope in God. And it's a hope in divine a hope in God. And it's a hope in divine a hope in God. And it's a hope in divine intervention. And Jesus lays out for us intervention. And Jesus lays out for us intervention. And Jesus lays out for us here in this Sermon on the Mount here in this Sermon on the Mount here in this Sermon on the Mount effectively a blueprint of what we as effectively a blueprint of what we as effectively a blueprint of what we as Christians can do and should do to Christians can do and should do to Christians can do and should do to affect our nation, to affect our affect our nation, to affect our affect our nation, to affect our culture, to affect those around us. culture, to affect those around us. culture, to affect those around us. Matthew chapter 5, verse 13. Read with Matthew chapter 5, verse 13. Read with Matthew chapter 5, verse 13. Read with me. Jesus says, "You are the salt of the me. Jesus says, "You are the salt of the me. Jesus 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 good for how shall it be seasoned? It's good for how shall it be seasoned? It's good for nothing but to be thrown out and nothing but to be thrown out and nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the trampled under foot by men. You are the trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is on a light of the world. A city that is on a light of the world. A city that is on a on a hill cannot be hidden. So, neither on a hill cannot be hidden. So, neither on a hill cannot be hidden. So, neither do they light a lamp and put it under a do they light a lamp and put it under a do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand. And it gives basket, but on a lampstand. And it gives basket, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all that are in the house. So, light to all that are in the house. So, light to all that are in the house. So, let your light so shine before men, that let your light so shine before men, that let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify they may see your good works and glorify they may see your good works and glorify your father your father your father in heaven." We'll stop there. Salt and in heaven." We'll stop there. Salt and in heaven." We'll stop there. Salt and light. Why did Jesus use these two word light. Why did Jesus use these two word light. Why did Jesus use these two word pictures? Because the world is dark and pictures? Because the world is dark and pictures? Because the world is dark and the world is corrupt. The world needs the world is corrupt. The world needs the world is corrupt. The world needs salt because it is corrupt and it needs salt because it is corrupt and it needs salt because it is corrupt and it needs light because it's dark. The biblical

light because it's dark. The biblical light because it's dark. The biblical worldview on human nature is man is not worldview on human nature is man is not worldview on human nature is man is not basically good. basically good. basically good. It actually teaches the opposite, that It actually teaches the opposite, that It actually teaches the opposite, that man is basically bad, bad to the bone, man is basically bad, bad to the bone, man is basically bad, bad to the bone, if you will. We're sinful and we act on if you will. We're sinful and we act on if you will. We're sinful and we act on those sinful impulses. There is no those sinful impulses. There is no those sinful impulses. There is no inherent goodness in man. And this is inherent goodness in man. And this is inherent goodness in man. And this is only demonstrated in all of the dramatic only demonstrated in all of the dramatic only demonstrated in all of the dramatic advance as we've had on so many fronts, advance as we've had on so many fronts, advance as we've had on so many fronts, scientific advancements, medical scientific advancements, medical scientific advancements, medical advancements, the growth of our advancements, the growth of our advancements, the growth of our knowledge is with technology, but we knowledge is with technology, but we knowledge is with technology, but we never have our heart changed. And so, never have our heart changed. And so, never have our heart changed. And so, the Bible tells us that that our heart the Bible tells us that that our heart the Bible tells us that that our heart is deceitfully wicked, who can know it? is deceitfully wicked, who can know it? is deceitfully wicked, who can know it? And the Bible even tells us it'll get And the Bible even tells us it'll get And the Bible even tells us it'll get worse in the end times. Some folks, I worse in the end times. Some folks, I worse in the end times. Some folks, I believe we're in the end times. I believe we're in the end times. 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 we're seeing Bible prophecies believe we're seeing Bible prophecies believe we're seeing Bible prophecies fulfilled. Here's how it works. All the fulfilled. Here's how it works. All the fulfilled. Here's how it works. All the big prophecies, all the big events that big prophecies, all the big events that big prophecies, all the big events that we look to in many ways are closely we look to in many ways are closely we look to in many ways are closely stacked together. You've got the stacked together. You've got the stacked together. You've got the emergence of the Antichrist, then you emergence of the Antichrist, then you emergence of the Antichrist, then you have the great tribulation period, then have the great tribulation period, then have the great tribulation period, then you have the abomination of desolation, you have the abomination of desolation, you have the abomination of desolation, then you have the Battle of Armageddon, then you have the Battle of Armageddon, then you have the Battle of Armageddon, then you have the second coming, and then you have the second coming, and then you have the second coming, and then you have the millennial reign of then you have the millennial reign of then you have the millennial reign of Christ. These events are are all within Christ. These events are are all within Christ. These events are are all within a short span of time. And once the first a short span of time. And once the first a short span of time. And once the first domino falls, the others will fall in domino falls, the others will fall in domino falls, the others will fall in rapid succession. We haven't seen the rapid succession. We haven't seen the rapid succession. We haven't seen the first domino fall. What's the next first domino fall. What's the next first domino fall. What's the next domino to fall? I believe it's the

domino to fall? I believe it's the domino to fall? I believe it's the rapture of the church. When the Lord rapture of the church. When the Lord rapture of the church. When the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a himself will descend from heaven with a himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, shout, with the voice of the Archangel, shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and the dead in Christ will rise first, and the dead in Christ will rise first, and the dead in Christ will rise first, and we who are still alive and remaining and we who are still alive and remaining and we who are still alive and remaining shall be caught up together with them in shall be caught up together with them in shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, and so shall we ever be with the clouds, and so shall we ever be with the clouds, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Then the Antichrist emerges, the Lord. Then the Antichrist emerges, the Lord. Then the Antichrist emerges, you see. you see. you see. So, So, So, but you see foreshadows of Armageddon. but you see foreshadows of Armageddon. but you see foreshadows of Armageddon. You see things that say to us, man, this You see things that say to us, man, this You see things that say to us, man, this could happen in any time. The things as could happen in any time. The things as could happen in any time. The things as I already touched on, happening with I already touched on, happening with I already touched on, happening with technology alone, are staggering. I technology alone, are staggering. I technology alone, are staggering. I mean, take artificial intelligence. Man mean, take artificial intelligence. Man mean, take artificial intelligence. Man has never been more capable and never has never been more capable and never has never been more capable and never more dangerous to himself. AI has given more dangerous to himself. AI has given more dangerous to himself. AI has given us medical breakthroughs throughs that us medical breakthroughs throughs that us medical breakthroughs throughs that would seem miraculous to previous would seem miraculous to previous would seem miraculous to previous generations. But, the same technique can generations. But, the same technique can generations. But, the same technique can translate the Bible into a thousand translate the Bible into a thousand translate the Bible into a thousand languages, can flood the internet with a languages, can flood the internet with a languages, can flood the internet with a thousand lies. thousand lies. thousand lies. The same intelligence The same intelligence The same intelligence that can write a symphony, can also that can write a symphony, can also that can write a symphony, can also design a bioweapon. And the deception design a bioweapon. And the deception design a bioweapon. And the deception runs deeper and more deeply than many runs deeper and more deeply than many runs deeper and more deeply than many people realize. Did you know that people realize. Did you know that people realize. Did you know that almost half, maybe even almost half, maybe even almost half, maybe even half or possibly even more of all half or possibly even more of all half or possibly even more of all internet internet activity is generated internet internet activity is generated internet internet activity is generated by bots. By bots. These are not people.

by bots. By bots. These are not people. by bots. By bots. These are not people. These are bots, fake accounts, These are bots, fake accounts, These are bots, fake accounts, artificial voices, in many cases artificial voices, in many cases artificial voices, in many cases deployed by foreign governments deployed by foreign governments deployed by foreign governments specifically to sow discord and to specifically to sow discord and to specifically to sow discord and to spread hatred without firing a single spread hatred without firing a single spread hatred without firing a single bullet. And it's being weaponized and bullet. And it's being weaponized and bullet. And it's being weaponized and used to divide us right now. And you see used to divide us right now. And you see used to divide us right now. And you see this only growing. this only growing. this only growing. Man has created this artificial Man has created this artificial Man has created this artificial intelligence in his own image. He's intelligence in his own image. He's intelligence in his own image. He's built a tool in his own image, maybe a built a tool in his own image, maybe a built a tool in his own image, maybe a god in his own image. And then he bows god in his own image. And then he bows god in his own image. And then he bows before it and does what it tells him to before it and does what it tells him to before it and does what it tells him to do. AI has been used do. AI has been used do. AI has been used to encourage people to actually commit to encourage people to actually commit to encourage people to actually commit suicide because they develop these weird suicide because they develop these weird suicide because they develop these weird relationships relationships relationships with bots or with whatever they think with bots or with whatever they think with bots or with whatever they think they're communicating with, which isn't they're communicating with, which isn't they're communicating with, which isn't a person at all. But, in some ways they a person at all. But, in some ways they a person at all. But, in some ways they think about it. These are scary times. think about it. These are scary times. think about it. These are scary times. Years ago in 1948, Years ago in 1948, Years ago in 1948, General Omar Bradley said in his speech, General Omar Bradley said in his speech, General Omar Bradley said in his speech, quote, "We have grasped the mystery of quote, "We have grasped the mystery of quote, "We have grasped the mystery of the atom and we rejected the Sermon on the atom and we rejected the Sermon on the atom and we rejected the Sermon on the Mount. Our world has achieved the Mount. Our world has achieved the Mount. Our world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a brilliance without conscience. Ours is a brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical world of nuclear giants and ethical world of nuclear giants and ethical infants." End quote. You could swap atom infants." End quote. You could swap atom infants." End quote. You could swap atom for algorithm and that could be for algorithm and that could be for algorithm and that could be describing today.

describing today. describing today. So, instead of getting better, we've So, instead of getting better, we've So, instead of getting better, we've only gotten worse. With all of our only gotten worse. With all of our only gotten worse. With all of our advances, with all of our new learning, advances, with all of our new learning, advances, with all of our new learning, we just go from bad to worse. We go from we just go from bad to worse. We go from we just go from bad to worse. We go from war to greater war. We go from crime to war to greater war. We go from crime to war to greater war. We go from crime to greater crime. greater crime. greater crime. Think back historically for a moment to Think back historically for a moment to Think back historically for a moment to the the the beginning of the 20th century. There was beginning of the 20th century. There was beginning of the 20th century. There was a buoyant optimism in the air. a buoyant optimism in the air. a buoyant optimism in the air. Uh man thought that he was going to Uh man thought that he was going to Uh man thought that he was going to create a utopia on earth, a heaven on create a utopia on earth, a heaven on create a utopia on earth, a heaven on earth. And the counterpart to the space earth. And the counterpart to the space earth. And the counterpart to the space race of today would have been race of today would have been race of today would have been shipbuilding. shipbuilding. shipbuilding. And it was decided that the biggest, And it was decided that the biggest, And it was decided that the biggest, most luxurious most luxurious most luxurious cruise ship ever made would be built. cruise ship ever made would be built. cruise ship ever made would be built. And it was aptly called Titanic. And it was aptly called Titanic. And it was aptly called Titanic. And it was a marvel, for sure. I mean, And it was a marvel, for sure. I mean, And it was a marvel, for sure. I mean, it's hard for us to understand what it it's hard for us to understand what it it's hard for us to understand what it would have been like back then to look would have been like back then to look would have been like back then to look at a thing like that that was created. at a thing like that that was created. at a thing like that that was created. And everybody wanted to be on the maiden And everybody wanted to be on the maiden And everybody wanted to be on the maiden voyage. It was filled with some of the voyage. It was filled with some of the voyage. It was filled with some of the wealthiest people on the planet. There wealthiest people on the planet. There wealthiest people on the planet. There were millions and millions of dollars were millions and millions of dollars were millions and millions of dollars represented in the people that were on represented in the people that were on represented in the people that were on board. Today, it would have been board. Today, it would have been board. Today, it would have been billions and billions. And so, they billions and billions. And so, they billions and billions. And so, they launched it. And of course, we all know launched it. And of course, we all know launched it. And of course, we all know what happened next. It struck an iceberg what happened next. It struck an iceberg what happened next. It struck an iceberg and it was sinking on its maiden voyage.

and it was sinking on its maiden voyage. and it was sinking on its maiden voyage. And even as it was sinking, it became a And even as it was sinking, it became a And even as it was sinking, it became a news story. The Titanic has been hit by news story. The Titanic has been hit by news story. The Titanic has been hit by an iceberg. The VP of the company that an iceberg. The VP of the company that an iceberg. The VP of the company that built it said with absolute confidence, built it said with absolute confidence, built it said with absolute confidence, "Don't worry, it's unsinkable." "Don't worry, it's unsinkable." "Don't worry, it's unsinkable." Because they had designed it with all Because they had designed it with all Because they had designed it with all these little compartments that would these little compartments that would these little compartments that would close up and contain the water that was close up and contain the water that was close up and contain the water that was coming in. It was unsinkable. coming in. It was unsinkable. coming in. It was unsinkable. Famous last words. That became a Famous last words. That became a Famous last words. That became a metaphor for the times then. And only 2 metaphor for the times then. And only 2 metaphor for the times then. And only 2 years later, World War I broke out. So years later, World War I broke out. So years later, World War I broke out. So much for the optimism of man. So much much for the optimism of man. So much much for the optimism of man. So much for the solutions of man. And now we for the solutions of man. And now we for the solutions of man. And now we look at what's happening today and we look at what's happening today and we look at what's happening today and we see new technologies developing and it's see new technologies developing and it's see new technologies developing and it's time for us time for us time for us to turn back to God. That's what our to turn back to God. That's what our to turn back to God. That's what our nation was founded on. That's what we nation was founded on. That's what we nation was founded on. That's what we need to do. So what should we as Christians be doing So what should we as Christians be doing in the midst of all of this? Well, in the midst of all of this? Well, in the midst of all of this? Well, sometimes I think Christians want to sometimes I think Christians want to sometimes I think Christians want to just isolate. You know, we want to just isolate. You know, we want to just isolate. You know, we want to separate ourselves from the influence of separate ourselves from the influence of separate ourselves from the influence of culture. We want to raise our children culture. We want to raise our children culture. We want to raise our children in a little bubble and we want to live in a little bubble and we want to live in a little bubble and we want to live in that bubble ourselves, a little in that bubble ourselves, a little in that bubble ourselves, a little Christian subculture. Everything will be Christian subculture. Everything will be Christian subculture. Everything will be Christian. It will be Christian music Christian. It will be Christian music Christian. It will be Christian music and we'll go to a Christian restaurant and we'll go to a Christian restaurant and we'll go to a Christian restaurant and we'll drive a Christian car and our and we'll drive a Christian car and our and we'll drive a Christian car and our dogs will be Christians and our cats, dogs will be Christians and our cats, dogs will be Christians and our cats, maybe not our cats, but maybe not our cats, but maybe not our cats, but everything will just be Christian.

everything will just be Christian. everything will just be Christian. But that's not what God has told us to But that's not what God has told us to But that's not what God has told us to do. do. do. He has not told us to isolate. He has He has not told us to isolate. He has He has not told us to isolate. He has told us to infiltrate. told us to infiltrate. told us to infiltrate. He has not told us to evade. He has He has not told us to evade. He has He has not told us to evade. He has called us to invade. You see, as called us to invade. You see, as called us to invade. You see, as Christians, Jesus in his prayer to the Christians, Jesus in his prayer to the Christians, Jesus in his prayer to the Father in John 17 made this statement, Father in John 17 made this statement, Father in John 17 made this statement, Father, Father, Father, speaking of us, speaking of us, speaking of us, I'm not asking you take them out of the I'm not asking you take them out of the I'm not asking you take them out of the world, but I'm asking you keep them safe world, but I'm asking you keep them safe world, but I'm asking you keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of from the evil one. They are not part of from the evil one. They are not part of this world anymore than I am. As you this world anymore than I am. As you this world anymore than I am. As you sent me into the world, so I am sending sent me into the world, so I am sending sent me into the world, so I am sending them into the world. Isn't that them into the world. Isn't that them into the world. Isn't that interesting? He's sending us into the interesting? He's sending us into the interesting? He's sending us into the world, isn't he? world, isn't he? world, isn't he? He's told us to go into all the world He's told us to go into all the world He's told us to go into all the world and do what? and do what? and do what? Preach the gospel. Preach the gospel. Preach the gospel. So we're to go in the world, not to try So we're to go in the world, not to try So we're to go in the world, not to try to run from the world or evade the to run from the world or evade the to run from the world or evade the world. Now, we don't want to have the world. Now, we don't want to have the world. Now, we don't want to have the world influence us. We don't want the world influence us. We don't want the world influence us. We don't want the culture to permeate us, but we want to culture to permeate us, but we want to culture to permeate us, but we want to permeate the culture with the good news.

permeate the culture with the good news. permeate the culture with the good news. In many ways, we as Christians are In many ways, we as Christians are In many ways, we as Christians are behind enemy lines. I was watching a behind enemy lines. I was watching a behind enemy lines. I was watching a World War II film a while ago, and World War II film a while ago, and World War II film a while ago, and there's a scene where the commanding there's a scene where the commanding there's a scene where the commanding officer said to the paratroopers of Easy officer said to the paratroopers of Easy officer said to the paratroopers of Easy Company, Company, Company, "A Panzer division is about to cut the "A Panzer division is about to cut the "A Panzer division is about to cut the road south. Looks like you guys are road south. Looks like you guys are road south. Looks like you guys are going to be surrounded." And the going to be surrounded." And the going to be surrounded." And the lieutenant in charge of Easy Company lieutenant in charge of Easy Company lieutenant in charge of Easy Company says, "We're paratroopers, lieutenant. says, "We're paratroopers, lieutenant. says, "We're paratroopers, lieutenant. We're supposed to be surrounded." That's We're supposed to be surrounded." That's We're supposed to be surrounded." That's great. That's us. We're behind enemy great. That's us. We're behind enemy great. That's us. We're behind enemy lines. We're paratroopers. We're lines. We're paratroopers. We're lines. We're paratroopers. We're supposed to be surrounded. We're supposed to be surrounded. We're supposed to be surrounded. We're supposed to invade culture, permeate supposed to invade culture, permeate supposed to invade culture, permeate culture, and to the best of our culture, and to the best of our culture, and to the best of our abilities, influence culture. A very abilities, influence culture. A very abilities, influence culture. A very popular thing today is, of course, popular thing today is, of course, popular thing today is, of course, people are becoming what they call people are becoming what they call people are becoming what they call influencers. influencers. influencers. Well, everybody is an influencer. If you Well, everybody is an influencer. If you Well, everybody is an influencer. If you have 10 followers or if you have 10 have 10 followers or if you have 10 have 10 followers or if you have 10 million followers, you have a sphere of million followers, you have a sphere of million followers, you have a sphere of influence. You have your platform. You influence. You have your platform. You influence. You have your platform. You in effect have your pulpit. So, one in effect have your pulpit. So, one in effect have your pulpit. So, one tendency is, "Well, let's just separate tendency is, "Well, let's just separate tendency is, "Well, let's just separate ourselves and have no effect on culture ourselves and have no effect on culture ourselves and have no effect on culture at all." That's wrong. But others will at all." That's wrong. But others will at all." That's wrong. But others will embrace all culture without reservation, embrace all culture without reservation, embrace all culture without reservation, and the Bible tells us, "Don't be and the Bible tells us, "Don't be and the Bible tells us, "Don't be conformed to this world, but be conformed to this world, but be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your mind." And I touched on this already, mind." And I touched on this already, mind." And I touched on this already, but we do see socialism and communism but we do see socialism and communism but we do see socialism and communism candidates openly saying they hold to candidates openly saying they hold to candidates openly saying they hold to these principles being elected. We saw

these principles being elected. We saw these principles being elected. We saw the streets lately in New York. And and the streets lately in New York. And and the streets lately in New York. And and when you look back on revolutions, when you look back on revolutions, when you look back on revolutions, people call for a revolution. There's people call for a revolution. There's people call for a revolution. There's only been one successful revolution in only been one successful revolution in only been one successful revolution in world history, and it was the American world history, and it was the American world history, and it was the American Revolution. Let me explain why. Revolution. Let me explain why. Revolution. Let me explain why. Let me explain why. The French had a Let me explain why. The French had a Let me explain why. The French had a revolution on the heels of our revolution on the heels of our revolution on the heels of our revolution that led in the loss of many revolution that led in the loss of many revolution that led in the loss of many lives. Course there's the Russian lives. Course there's the Russian lives. Course there's the Russian Revolution, the Cuban Revolution, the Revolution, the Cuban Revolution, the Revolution, the Cuban Revolution, the Chinese Revolution. Those revolutions Chinese Revolution. Those revolutions Chinese Revolution. Those revolutions resulted in the deaths of millions of resulted in the deaths of millions of resulted in the deaths of millions of people, but the American Revolution people, but the American Revolution people, but the American Revolution produced something different and produced something different and produced something different and different. And that's because before different. And that's because before different. And that's because before there was a revolution, there was a there was a revolution, there was a there was a revolution, there was a revelation from God. revelation from God. revelation from God. It was rooted in a spiritual awakening It was rooted in a spiritual awakening It was rooted in a spiritual awakening that swept the United States. Largely that swept the United States. Largely that swept the United States. Largely through the preaching of George through the preaching of George through the preaching of George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards and others. Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards and others. Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards and others. And so when the American Revolution, And so when the American Revolution, And so when the American Revolution, this is one of the flags that they had this is one of the flags that they had this is one of the flags that they had at that time, appeal to heaven. There at that time, appeal to heaven. There at that time, appeal to heaven. There was a recognition that we need to turn was a recognition that we need to turn was a recognition that we need to turn to God, rooted in a spiritual awakening.

to God, rooted in a spiritual awakening. to God, rooted in a spiritual awakening. Consider George Washington, our first Consider George Washington, our first Consider George Washington, our first president, said, quote, "To the president, said, quote, "To the president, said, quote, "To the distinguished character of patriot, it distinguished character of patriot, it distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to have the should be our highest glory to have the should be our highest glory to have the more distinguished character of more distinguished character of more distinguished character of Christian." You know, people say of Christian." You know, people say of Christian." You know, people say of Washington, "Well, Washington wasn't Washington, "Well, Washington wasn't Washington, "Well, Washington wasn't really a Christian at all." Actually, he really a Christian at all." Actually, he really a Christian at all." Actually, he was. Did you know that George Washington was. Did you know that George Washington was. Did you know that George Washington read his Bible every day for 1 hour? read his Bible every day for 1 hour? read his Bible every day for 1 hour? He spoke many, many times of his faith He spoke many, many times of his faith He spoke many, many times of his faith in God. Then there's John Adams, who in God. Then there's John Adams, who in God. Then there's John Adams, who perhaps was even more overt in his faith perhaps was even more overt in his faith perhaps was even more overt in his faith than George Washington was, as you see than George Washington was, as you see than George Washington was, as you see from the many, many letters he wrote. from the many, many letters he wrote. from the many, many letters he wrote. And uh John Adams, who became our second And uh John Adams, who became our second And uh John Adams, who became 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's wholly moral and religious people. It's wholly moral and religious people. It's wholly inadequate for the government of any inadequate for the government of any inadequate for the government of any other." So, we understand that our roots other." So, we understand that our roots other." So, we understand that our roots are spiritual. So, we need to stand for are spiritual. So, we need to stand for are spiritual. So, we need to stand for the truth whether it is popular or not. the truth whether it is popular or not. the truth whether it is popular or not. We stand for the truth. We speak up for We stand for the truth. We speak up for We stand for the truth. We speak up for what is true. It's not for us to pick what is true. It's not for us to pick what is true. It's not for us to pick and choose the parts of the Bible we and choose the parts of the Bible we and choose the parts of the Bible we like and uh like and uh like and uh >> [applause] >> That was a very slow clap.

>> That was a very slow clap. But I appreciate it. Um But I appreciate it. Um But I appreciate it. Um Now I lost my point. What was that that Now I lost my point. What was that that Now I lost my point. What was that that I had something to say? But so we want I had something to say? But so we want I had something to say? But so we want to do what we can to speak up for what to do what we can to speak up for what to do what we can to speak up for what is true and we don't want to edit is true and we don't want to edit is true and we don't want to edit scripture. You can't go into the Bible scripture. You can't go into the Bible scripture. You can't go into the Bible like it's some kind of a celestial salad like it's some kind of a celestial salad like it's some kind of a celestial salad bar. bar. bar. And pick the parts you like and reject And pick the parts you like and reject And pick the parts you like and reject the parts you don't like. Uh it's all the parts you don't like. Uh it's all the parts you don't like. Uh it's all God's word. The Bible says, "Let God be God's word. The Bible says, "Let God be God's word. The Bible says, "Let God be true and every man a liar." So we true and every man a liar." So we true and every man a liar." So we understand that we need to reach the understand that we need to reach the understand that we need to reach the people around us. I love the way Paul people around us. I love the way Paul people around us. I love the way Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 9. He said, "I put it in 1 Corinthians 9. He said, "I put it in 1 Corinthians 9. He said, "I try to find common ground with everyone try to find common ground with everyone try to find common ground with everyone so I might bring them to Christ. I do so I might bring them to Christ. I do so I might bring them to Christ. I do all of this to spread the good news." all of this to spread the good news." all of this to spread the good news." Another translation puts it this way, Another translation puts it this way, Another translation puts it this way, Paul speaking, "I voluntarily become a Paul speaking, "I voluntarily become a Paul speaking, "I voluntarily become a servant by any and all in order to reach servant by any and all in order to reach servant by any and all in order to reach a wide range of people, religious, a wide range of people, religious, a wide range of people, religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, non-religious, meticulous moralists, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized, the demoralized, the demoralized, whoever." I like that. And that's what whoever." I like that. And that's what whoever." I like that. And that's what we are to do, to reach reach everyone we are to do, to reach reach everyone we are to do, to reach reach everyone with the message of the gospel. You with the message of the gospel. You with the message of the gospel. You know, back to the Titanic. Uh after the know, back to the Titanic. Uh after the know, back to the Titanic. Uh after the Titanic went down, there there were so Titanic went down, there there were so Titanic went down, there there were so many errors that took place. First of many errors that took place. First of many errors that took place. First of all, they didn't have enough lifeboats all, they didn't have enough lifeboats all, they didn't have enough lifeboats for everybody. But but even more but for everybody. But but even more but for everybody. But but even more but even worse, many of those lifeboats even worse, many of those lifeboats even worse, many of those lifeboats weren't even half filled. There'd be a weren't even half filled. There'd be a weren't even half filled. There'd be a lifeboat that could accommodate 60 lifeboat that could accommodate 60 lifeboat that could accommodate 60 people and they put 14 people on the

people and they put 14 people on the people and they put 14 people on the lifeboat. Meanwhile, people are just at lifeboat. Meanwhile, people are just at lifeboat. Meanwhile, people are just at sea without any flotation device. We sea without any flotation device. We sea without any flotation device. We know that Jack and Rose were hanging on know that Jack and Rose were hanging on know that Jack and Rose were hanging on a door, but everybody else a door, but everybody else a door, but everybody else We know all about that. That didn't even We know all about that. That didn't even We know all about that. That didn't even happen, but I mean, for real, people happen, but I mean, for real, people happen, but I mean, for real, people were just out there in the middle of the were just out there in the middle of the were just out there in the middle of the freezing ocean, and there was room in freezing ocean, and there was room in freezing ocean, and there was room in the lifeboats, and there was one the lifeboats, and there was one the lifeboats, and there was one particular lifeboat uh that had some particular lifeboat uh that had some particular lifeboat uh that had some folks on board. Unfortunately, their folks on board. Unfortunately, their folks on board. Unfortunately, their names will be remembered in history for names will be remembered in history for names will be remembered in history for the wrong reasons. Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon the wrong reasons. Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon the wrong reasons. Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon and his wife. and his wife. and his wife. And uh there was a lot of space in that And uh there was a lot of space in that And uh there was a lot of space in that lifeboat. And some of the crew were lifeboat. And some of the crew were lifeboat. And some of the crew were there on that lifeboat. But let's say there on that lifeboat. But let's say there on that lifeboat. But let's say let's go back and rescue these screaming let's go back and rescue these screaming let's go back and rescue these screaming people. And they said, "No, no, they people. And they said, "No, no, they people. And they said, "No, no, they could overtake us and swamp us and maybe could overtake us and swamp us and maybe could overtake us and swamp us and maybe sink our boat." And so they left those sink our boat." And so they left those sink our boat." And so they left those people to die. But there was one people to die. But there was one people to die. But there was one courageous officer that went right into courageous officer that went right into courageous officer that went right into the wreckage of Titanic as it was the wreckage of Titanic as it was the wreckage of Titanic as it was sinking, and he pulled people in. You sinking, and he pulled people in. You sinking, and he pulled people in. You know, we wonder, "What would I do under know, we wonder, "What would I do under know, we wonder, "What would I do under such circumstances? Would I have been such circumstances? Would I have been such circumstances? Would I have been the person saying, 'There's no room in the person saying, 'There's no room in the person saying, 'There's no room in my lifeboat, let them fend for my lifeboat, let them fend for my lifeboat, let them fend for themselves.'" Or would I have been the themselves.'" Or would I have been the themselves.'" Or would I have been the person saying, "Let's go in and rescue person saying, "Let's go in and rescue person saying, "Let's go in and rescue as many people as we can." You say, as many people as we can." You say, as many people as we can." You say, "Well, I would have rescued people."

"Well, I would have rescued people." "Well, I would have rescued people." Good, I maybe you would have. But you Good, I maybe you would have. But you Good, I maybe you would have. But you know what? know what? know what? A fate even worse than that is what A fate even worse than that is what A fate even worse than that is what people are facing right now. Separated people are facing right now. Separated people are facing right now. Separated from God, headed toward a certain from God, headed toward a certain from God, headed toward a certain judgment. Are we burying away saying, judgment. Are we burying away saying, judgment. Are we burying away saying, "I'm safe in my little boat. I'm secure "I'm safe in my little boat. I'm secure "I'm safe in my little boat. I'm secure here. I always sit in the same place here. I always sit in the same place here. I always sit in the same place every Sunday at church, and I know all every Sunday at church, and I know all every Sunday at church, and I know all of you too." of you too." of you too." And that's fine. I have no problem with And that's fine. I have no problem with And that's fine. I have no problem with that at all. Unless you hit someone who that at all. Unless you hit someone who that at all. Unless you hit someone who tries to sit there. I don't like that. tries to sit there. I don't like that. tries to sit there. I don't like that. So, try to share more. But um So, try to share more. But um So, try to share more. But um But the idea though is, you know, we But the idea though is, you know, we But the idea though is, you know, we we're safe in our boat, but do we think we're safe in our boat, but do we think we're safe in our boat, but do we think about people that need to be literally about people that need to be literally about people that need to be literally saved? That's the point that we need to saved? That's the point that we need to saved? That's the point that we need to remember. We need to infect our culture. remember. We need to infect our culture. remember. We need to infect our culture. But before I can tell people But before I can tell people But before I can tell people about Jesus, I need to live it. And about Jesus, I need to live it. And about Jesus, I need to live it. And that's where the idea of salt comes in. that's where the idea of salt comes in. that's where the idea of salt comes in. Jesus says, "You are the salt of the Jesus says, "You are the salt of the Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth." Now, we don't understand earth." Now, we don't understand earth." Now, we don't understand the value of salt in our culture today.

the value of salt in our culture today. the value of salt in our culture today. But, back in the first century, salt was But, back in the first century, salt was But, back in the first century, salt was a big deal. a big deal. a big deal. Salt was considered something of great Salt was considered something of great Salt was considered something of great value. Uh the Romans believed, except value. Uh the Romans believed, except value. Uh the Romans believed, except for the sun, it was the most valuable for the sun, it was the most valuable for the sun, it was the most valuable thing of all, salt. And uh one thing it thing of all, salt. And uh one thing it thing of all, salt. And uh one thing it was used for was to preserve something. was used for was to preserve something. was used for was to preserve something. To preserve their meat. Like, if you To preserve their meat. Like, if you To preserve their meat. Like, if you caught fish, you either ate it caught fish, you either ate it caught fish, you either ate it immediately, but you couldn't immediately, but you couldn't immediately, but you couldn't refrigerate it, needless to say. So, you refrigerate it, needless to say. So, you refrigerate it, needless to say. So, you rubbed salt on it. Our modern equivalent rubbed salt on it. Our modern equivalent rubbed salt on it. Our modern equivalent would be beef jerky. I was in a gas would be beef jerky. I was in a gas would be beef jerky. I was in a gas station yesterday getting my oil station yesterday getting my oil station yesterday getting my oil changed, and I saw bag of beef jerky and changed, and I saw bag of beef jerky and changed, and I saw bag of beef jerky and I thought, "That looks pretty good." And I thought, "That looks pretty good." And I thought, "That looks pretty good." And I decided to buy it. The guy said, I decided to buy it. The guy said, I decided to buy it. The guy said, "That's great beef jerky." Great. By the "That's great beef jerky." Great. By the "That's great beef jerky." Great. By the way, how much is it? $20. I put it back. way, how much is it? $20. I put it back. way, how much is it? $20. I put it back. Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? $20 for a bag of beef jerky? But, you $20 for a bag of beef jerky? But, you $20 for a bag of beef jerky? But, you know, salt preserves, and that's the know, salt preserves, and that's the know, salt preserves, and that's the effect that we should have in our effect that we should have in our effect that we should have in our culture. We're preserving. Coming back culture. We're preserving. Coming back culture. We're preserving. Coming back to what I was saying about the last to what I was saying about the last to what I was saying about the last days. days. days. Antichrist, Antichrist, Antichrist, who is a person, who is a person, who is a person, and will be a man of peace, and will be a man of peace, and will be a man of peace, and a powerful world leader, and a powerful world leader, and a powerful world leader, and he'll come with global solutions.

and he'll come with global solutions. and he'll come with global solutions. He's going to emerge on the scene, but He's going to emerge on the scene, but He's going to emerge on the scene, but he cannot he cannot he cannot be revealed until the church is removed. be revealed until the church is removed. be revealed until the church is removed. The Bible says, "He who now uh The Bible says, "He who now uh The Bible says, "He who now uh constrains will continue to do so until constrains will continue to do so until constrains will continue to do so until we are taken out of the way, and then we are taken out of the way, and then we are taken out of the way, and then that wicked one will be revealed, that's that wicked one will be revealed, that's that wicked one will be revealed, that's Antichrist, whom the Lord will destroy Antichrist, whom the Lord will destroy Antichrist, whom the Lord will destroy with the brightness of his coming." So, with the brightness of his coming." So, with the brightness of his coming." So, the idea that's being conveyed there is the idea that's being conveyed there is the idea that's being conveyed there is Antichrist can't emerge until the church Antichrist can't emerge until the church Antichrist can't emerge until the church is removed. Why? Because we're the is removed. Why? Because we're the is removed. Why? Because we're the preserving influence in the culture preserving influence in the culture preserving influence in the culture today. today. today. We're the ones that are going to speak We're the ones that are going to speak We're the ones that are going to speak up for what is true. We're the ones that up for what is true. We're the ones that up for what is true. We're the ones that are going to speak out against what is are going to speak out against what is are going to speak out against what is wrong. We're the ones that are going to wrong. We're the ones that are going to wrong. We're the ones that are going to affect our culture. But once the church affect our culture. But once the church affect our culture. But once the church is removed, then Antichrist can emerge. is removed, then Antichrist can emerge. is removed, then Antichrist can emerge. And by the way, that's why we should And by the way, that's why we should And by the way, that's why we should never be looking for Antichrist, but never be looking for Antichrist, but never be looking for Antichrist, but instead be looking for Jesus Christ. instead be looking for Jesus Christ. instead be looking for Jesus Christ. It's feudal to try to figure out who It's feudal to try to figure out who It's feudal to try to figure out who Antichrist is. Don't waste your time.

Antichrist is. Don't waste your time. Antichrist is. Don't waste your time. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And if you figure it out, something went >> And if you figure it out, something went >> And if you figure it out, something went really wrong. really wrong. really wrong. Because you, I, us, we're not supposed Because you, I, us, we're not supposed Because you, I, us, we're not supposed to be here when he emerges on the scene. to be here when he emerges on the scene. to be here when he emerges on the scene. So, salt So, salt So, salt has an effect of preserving. Salt also has an effect of preserving. Salt also has an effect of preserving. Salt also stimulates thirst. If you weren't stimulates thirst. If you weren't stimulates thirst. If you weren't walking with God as you ought to, you walking with God as you ought to, you walking with God as you ought to, you will as a result cause others to be will as a result cause others to be will as a result cause others to be thirsty for God. Years ago, we were in thirsty for God. Years ago, we were in thirsty for God. Years ago, we were in Israel. By the way, we're planning a Israel. By the way, we're planning a Israel. By the way, we're planning a trip to Israel next year. Did you know trip to Israel next year. Did you know trip to Israel next year. Did you know that? So, we'll see what happens, but that? So, we'll see what happens, but that? So, we'll see what happens, but we're praying that it all works out, and we're praying that it all works out, and we're praying that it all works out, and we have a lot of people very interested. we have a lot of people very interested. we have a lot of people very interested. But anyway, years ago, we were in But anyway, years ago, we were in But anyway, years ago, we were in Israel, and I had a very argumentative Israel, and I had a very argumentative Israel, and I had a very argumentative tour guide. This is, I think, my first tour guide. This is, I think, my first tour guide. This is, I think, my first trip over there. All he did was argue trip over there. All he did was argue trip over there. All he did was argue with me. So, so we would drive from site with me. So, so we would drive from site with me. So, so we would drive from site to site, and I would sit at the front of to site, and I would sit at the front of to site, and I would sit at the front of the bus, and he was in the front, and he the bus, and he was in the front, and he the bus, and he was in the front, and he was always hitting me with these was always hitting me with these was always hitting me with these questions. "Well, what about this? Well, questions. "Well, what about this? Well, questions. "Well, what about this? Well, what about that?" And to the best of my what about that?" And to the best of my what about that?" And to the best of my ability, I tried to reason with him and ability, I tried to reason with him and ability, I tried to reason with him and convince him as to why I believe Jesus convince him as to why I believe Jesus convince him as to why I believe Jesus Christ was the son of God and the Christ was the son of God and the Christ was the son of God and the Messiah of Israel, and so forth. And but Messiah of Israel, and so forth. And but Messiah of Israel, and so forth. And but I don't think I made any progress with I don't think I made any progress with I don't think I made any progress with him at all. His name was David. And one him at all. His name was David. And one him at all. His name was David. And one day, we were at the end of the tour, and day, we were at the end of the tour, and day, we were at the end of the tour, and and we're getting off the bus, and the and we're getting off the bus, and the and we're getting off the bus, and the guy who was driving the bus said to me, guy who was driving the bus said to me, guy who was driving the bus said to me, "I've been listening to your "I've been listening to your "I've been listening to your conversation, conversation, conversation, and I have to say, after hearing you and I have to say, after hearing you and I have to say, after hearing you talk for a while, I'm jealous of your talk for a while, I'm jealous of your talk for a while, I'm jealous of your relationship with God." I thought, "What relationship with God." I thought, "What relationship with God." I thought, "What an interesting statement.

an interesting statement. an interesting statement. Because the Bible says of Gentiles, of Because the Bible says of Gentiles, of Because the Bible says of Gentiles, of non-Jews, we've been grafted into the non-Jews, we've been grafted into the non-Jews, we've been grafted into the promises of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to promises of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to promises of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to provoke them to jealousy. provoke them to jealousy. provoke them to jealousy. Uh so they would say, "Wow, look at Uh so they would say, "Wow, look at Uh so they would say, "Wow, look at those Gentiles. You know, they have a those Gentiles. You know, they have a those Gentiles. You know, they have a relationship with our God. I want that relationship with our God. I want that relationship with our God. I want that relationship, too." Coming back to the relationship, too." Coming back to the relationship, too." Coming back to the driver, he said, "I want you to come to driver, he said, "I want you to come to driver, he said, "I want you to come to my home and I want you to speak to my my home and I want you to speak to my my home and I want you to speak to my entire family." He had a big family. entire family." He had a big family. entire family." He had a big family. I got to his home. I think there were 30 I got to his home. I think there were 30 I got to his home. I think there were 30 people there. All of his children, his people there. All of his children, his people there. All of his children, his grandchildren. They served us a grandchildren. They served us a grandchildren. They served us a delicious meal with multiple courses. delicious meal with multiple courses. delicious meal with multiple courses. Unfortunately, I filled up on the Unfortunately, I filled up on the Unfortunately, I filled up on the appetizers. I didn't know that four more appetizers. I didn't know that four more appetizers. I didn't know that four more courses were coming. courses were coming. courses were coming. And I was basically in a food coma when And I was basically in a food coma when And I was basically in a food coma when he said, "Now speak to everyone." But I he said, "Now speak to everyone." But I he said, "Now speak to everyone." But I woke up quickly. And I had the privilege woke up quickly. And I had the privilege woke up quickly. And I had the privilege to share the gospel with his entire to share the gospel with his entire to share the gospel with his entire family and tell them all why I believe family and tell them all why I believe family and tell them all why I believe that Jesus was the Messiah. So look, I'm that Jesus was the Messiah. So look, I'm that Jesus was the Messiah. So look, I'm not saying I did anything special. I not saying I did anything special. I not saying I did anything special. I think if you're just walking with the think if you're just walking with the think if you're just walking with the Lord as you ought to, then non-believers Lord as you ought to, then non-believers Lord as you ought to, then non-believers say, "I want what you have." What does say, "I want what you have." What does say, "I want what you have." What does salt do? It stimulates thirst. We should salt do? It stimulates thirst. We should salt do? It stimulates thirst. We should do the same, right?

>> [applause] >> [applause] >> And if you don't do this, >> And if you don't do this, >> And if you don't do this, according to Jesus, you're good for according to Jesus, you're good for according to Jesus, you're good for nothing. nothing. nothing. Look at verse 13, Matthew 5. "You're the Look at verse 13, Matthew 5. "You're the Look at verse 13, Matthew 5. "You're the salt of the earth. If the salt loses its salt of the earth. If the salt loses its salt of the earth. If the salt loses its flavor or saltiness, flavor or saltiness, flavor or saltiness, how will it be seasoned? It's good for how will it be seasoned? It's good for how will it be seasoned? It's good for nothing but to be trampled underfoot by nothing but to be trampled underfoot by nothing but to be trampled underfoot by men. Good for nothing." Years ago, we men. Good for nothing." Years ago, we men. Good for nothing." Years ago, we went to uh Europe uh to be at a pastor's went to uh Europe uh to be at a pastor's went to uh Europe uh to be at a pastor's conference. And so uh conference. And so uh conference. And so uh at that particular time, I I had a lot at that particular time, I I had a lot at that particular time, I I had a lot of hardware I was traveling with for uh of hardware I was traveling with for uh of hardware I was traveling with for uh Christopher, who was just a little baby Christopher, who was just a little baby Christopher, who was just a little baby still. And so I thought, man, I don't still. And so I thought, man, I don't still. And so I thought, man, I don't want to like take a want to like take a want to like take a backpack to carry him in and a stroller. backpack to carry him in and a stroller. backpack to carry him in and a stroller. Is there a solution? And I saw this Is there a solution? And I saw this Is there a solution? And I saw this thing advertised called backpack thing advertised called backpack thing advertised called backpack stroller. stroller. stroller. I thought perfect, I'll buy it. And I I thought perfect, I'll buy it. And I I thought perfect, I'll buy it. And I bought it. But I didn't try it out bought it. But I didn't try it out bought it. But I didn't try it out first. So I get over there to Europe and first. So I get over there to Europe and first. So I get over there to Europe and I unpack the back pack stroller and it I unpack the back pack stroller and it I unpack the back pack stroller and it was the most worthless invention of all was the most worthless invention of all was the most worthless invention of all time.

time. time. It had giant wheels that dug into my It had giant wheels that dug into my It had giant wheels that dug into my back, so it was painful to wear as a back, so it was painful to wear as a back, so it was painful to wear as a backpack and then it probably didn't backpack and then it probably didn't backpack and then it probably didn't have back wheels, so the entire time you have back wheels, so the entire time you have back wheels, so the entire time you pushed your baby around, you had to hold pushed your baby around, you had to hold pushed your baby around, you had to hold it up. You couldn't set it down or else it up. You couldn't set it down or else it up. You couldn't set it down or else you would lay him flat on the ground. you would lay him flat on the ground. you would lay him flat on the ground. Now, babies don't like that very much. Now, babies don't like that very much. Now, babies don't like that very much. And so I thought this is completely And so I thought this is completely And so I thought this is completely worthless. I threw it out and bought a worthless. I threw it out and bought a worthless. I threw it out and bought a stroller over there. stroller over there. stroller over there. But but that's what it's like when you But but that's what it's like when you But but that's what it's like when you are not salty, when you're not affecting are not salty, when you're not affecting are not salty, when you're not affecting other people as a Christian, you're like other people as a Christian, you're like other people as a Christian, you're like a backpack stroller. a backpack stroller. a backpack stroller. Or a decaf, low-fat latte. Don't be good for nothing. Be good for Don't be good for nothing. Be good for something. something. something. Be salty. Be salty. Be salty. But then that's interesting because But then that's interesting because But then that's interesting because Jesus then says, "You are the light of Jesus then says, "You are the light of Jesus then says, "You are the light of the world." First he says, "You're the the world." First he says, "You're the the world." First he says, "You're the salt." Then he says, "You're the light." salt." Then he says, "You're the light." salt." Then he says, "You're the light." In many ways, I earn the right to share In many ways, I earn the right to share In many ways, I earn the right to share my faith by being salt, which enables me my faith by being salt, which enables me my faith by being salt, which enables me to then be the light.

to then be the light. to then be the light. The greatest compliment that can be paid The greatest compliment that can be paid The greatest compliment that can be paid to a Christian is when someone says, to a Christian is when someone says, to a Christian is when someone says, "I admire you. "I admire you. "I admire you. I I look at your family. I look at your I I look at your family. I look at your I I look at your family. I look at your children. The way they behave. I look at children. The way they behave. I look at children. The way they behave. I look at your life. I look at the cheerfulness your life. I look at the cheerfulness your life. I look at the cheerfulness you have. The love you have for others. you have. The love you have for others. you have. The love you have for others. I look at the way you drive. Um I look at the way you drive. Um I look at the way you drive. Um We all laugh a little cuz I And I want to I want what you have. So And I want to I want what you have. So that means you've been salt. Now, you've that means you've been salt. Now, you've that means you've been salt. Now, you've earned the right to be light, so to earned the right to be light, so to earned the right to be light, so to speak. Well, let me tell you why I am speak. Well, let me tell you why I am speak. Well, let me tell you why I am the way that I am. Let me tell you about the way that I am. Let me tell you about the way that I am. Let me tell you about Jesus Christ and what he's done for me Jesus Christ and what he's done for me Jesus Christ and what he's done for me and also what he can do for you. So, we and also what he can do for you. So, we and also what he can do for you. So, we get it all put together. Salt is hidden. get it all put together. Salt is hidden. get it all put together. Salt is hidden. Light is obvious. Salt works secretly. Light is obvious. Salt works secretly. Light is obvious. Salt works secretly. Light works openly. Salt works from Light works openly. Salt works from Light works openly. Salt works from within. Light works from without. Salt within. Light works from without. Salt within. Light works from without. Salt is more indirect. Light is more direct. is more indirect. Light is more direct. is more indirect. Light is more direct. Salt is largely negative. Light is Salt is largely negative. Light is Salt is largely negative. Light is positive. Here's another thing you can positive. Here's another thing you can positive. Here's another thing you can do with light.

do with light. do with light. It it It it It it illuminates, right? So, if something's illuminates, right? So, if something's illuminates, right? So, if something's dark, it exposes dark, it exposes dark, it exposes the darkness. Have you ever lost things the darkness. Have you ever lost things the darkness. Have you ever lost things in your car at night and you can't find in your car at night and you can't find in your car at night and you can't find them? them? them? You know, and then you turn on the light You know, and then you turn on the light You know, and then you turn on the light and all of a sudden, there's that and all of a sudden, there's that and all of a sudden, there's that burrito I lost 1 month ago. burrito I lost 1 month ago. burrito I lost 1 month ago. I wonder where that went. And wow, it I wonder where that went. And wow, it I wonder where that went. And wow, it crawled up into the car seat. How did it crawled up into the car seat. How did it crawled up into the car seat. How did it do that? You know, so the idea is that do that? You know, so the idea is that do that? You know, so the idea is that light illuminates things. You see things light illuminates things. You see things light illuminates things. You see things differently when light shines. So, you differently when light shines. So, you differently when light shines. So, you know, you we need the light to find our know, you we need the light to find our know, you we need the light to find our way to Christ. way to Christ. way to Christ. And the light is switched on and we find And the light is switched on and we find And the light is switched on and we find our way to him. Now, there's an our way to him. Now, there's an our way to him. Now, there's an interesting little twist on the way interesting little twist on the way interesting little twist on the way Jesus says this. It could better be Jesus says this. It could better be Jesus says this. It could better be translated this way. Jesus speaking, translated this way. Jesus speaking, translated this way. Jesus speaking, "You and you alone are the salt of the "You and you alone are the salt of the "You and you alone are the salt of the earth. You and you alone are the light earth. You and you alone are the light earth. You and you alone are the light of the world." An interesting, "You and of the world." An interesting, "You and of the world." An interesting, "You and you alone are the salt of the earth. You you alone are the salt of the earth. You you alone are the salt of the earth. You and you alone are the light of the and you alone are the light of the and you alone are the light of the world." So, here's a question for you.

world." So, here's a question for you. world." So, here's a question for you. What kind of world would be we be living What kind of world would be we be living What kind of world would be we be living in today if every Christian behaved just in today if every Christian behaved just in today if every Christian behaved just like you? like you? like you? Would people be attracted to or turned Would people be attracted to or turned Would people be attracted to or turned off by our message? What kind of general off by our message? What kind of general off by our message? What kind of general opinion would people have of opinion would people have of opinion would people have of Christianity if you were its sole Christianity if you were its sole Christianity if you were its sole representative? representative? representative? You might say, "Well, Greg, don't you You might say, "Well, Greg, don't you You might say, "Well, Greg, don't you think that's a lot of pressure to put on think that's a lot of pressure to put on think that's a lot of pressure to put on one person?" Well, not really, because one person?" Well, not really, because one person?" Well, not really, because for some people you are the only for some people you are the only for some people you are the only Christian they know. Christian they know. Christian they know. You're the only Christian they've ever You're the only Christian they've ever You're the only Christian they've ever met, and I know it's a lot of pressure, met, and I know it's a lot of pressure, met, and I know it's a lot of pressure, but they're literally going to form an but they're literally going to form an but they're literally going to form an opinion of the Christian faith based on opinion of the Christian faith based on opinion of the Christian faith based on you. Is it fair? Probably not, but you. Is it fair? Probably not, but you. Is it fair? Probably not, but you're the only Christian they know you're the only Christian they know you're the only Christian they know except for those crazy people on except for those crazy people on except for those crazy people on television. television. television. Oh, wait, I'm on television. Well, Oh, wait, I'm on television. Well, Oh, wait, I'm on television. Well, they're not all crazy. they're not all crazy. they're not all crazy. But no, they're watching you, and But no, they're watching you, and But no, they're watching you, and frankly, frankly, frankly, they're kind of hoping you mess up. they're kind of hoping you mess up. they're kind of hoping you mess up. They're kind of hoping you'll be They're kind of hoping you'll be They're kind of hoping you'll be inconsistent. They're kind of hoping inconsistent. They're kind of hoping inconsistent. They're kind of hoping you'll say or do something that will you'll say or do something that will you'll say or do something that will justify their unbelief.

justify their unbelief. justify their unbelief. But if you live as a godly person, not But if you live as a godly person, not But if you live as a godly person, not perfectly, no one's going to live perfectly, no one's going to live perfectly, no one's going to live perfectly. perfectly. perfectly. But if you live faithfully as a But if you live faithfully as a But if you live faithfully as a Christian into the best of your ability, Christian into the best of your ability, Christian into the best of your ability, be the salt of the earth, be the light be the salt of the earth, be the light be the salt of the earth, be the light of the world, they're going to be drawn of the world, they're going to be drawn of the world, they're going to be drawn to your message. And so, we have to live to your message. And so, we have to live to your message. And so, we have to live in such a way. As it has been said, in such a way. As it has been said, in such a way. As it has been said, Christians are walking epistles written Christians are walking epistles written Christians are walking epistles written by God and read by men. Listen, you're by God and read by men. Listen, you're by God and read by men. Listen, you're the only Bible some people are ever the only Bible some people are ever the only Bible some people are ever going to read. going to read. going to read. Did you know there's five Gospels in the Did you know there's five Gospels in the Did you know there's five Gospels in the Bible? Bible? Bible? Greg, you're mistaken, there's four. Greg, you're mistaken, there's four. Greg, you're mistaken, there's four. Five. Five Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Five. Five Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Five. Five Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and you. John, and you. John, and you. You're the fifth Gospel. You're the fifth Gospel. You're the fifth Gospel. You're the one people are watching. You're the one people are watching. You're the one people are watching. You're the one people are reading. You're the one people are reading. You're the one people are reading. You're the one people are evaluating. You're the one people are evaluating. You're the one people are evaluating. 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. You and you alone are the salt of world. You and you alone are the salt of world. You and you alone are the salt of the earth. Don't say, "Well, let those the earth. Don't say, "Well, let those the earth. Don't say, "Well, let those other Christians do it." Yeah, let's other Christians do it." Yeah, let's other Christians do it." Yeah, let's pray they do, but guess what? You got to pray they do, but guess what? You got to pray they do, but guess what? You got to do it. I got to do it. We got to do it do it. I got to do it. We got to do it do it. I got to do it. We got to do it in our world and seek to make a in our world and seek to make a in our world and seek to make a difference.

difference. difference. And again, these are what the Lord tells And again, these are what the Lord tells And again, these are what the Lord tells us, the things he tells us to do. So, us, the things he tells us to do. So, us, the things he tells us to do. So, let's recap and conclude. Number one, let's recap and conclude. Number one, let's recap and conclude. Number one, as stated, we need to infiltrate, not as stated, we need to infiltrate, not as stated, we need to infiltrate, not isolate. To be both salt and light. Why? isolate. To be both salt and light. Why? isolate. To be both salt and light. Why? Because we've been dropped behind enemy Because we've been dropped behind enemy Because we've been dropped behind enemy lines. Our job is not to evade, but to lines. Our job is not to evade, but to lines. Our job is not to evade, but to invade. invade. invade. Live the Christian life of authenticity. Live the Christian life of authenticity. Live the Christian life of authenticity. It was A.W. Tozer, an outstanding It was A.W. Tozer, an outstanding It was A.W. Tozer, an outstanding author, who made this statement, quote, author, who made this statement, quote, author, who made this statement, quote, "The world is waiting to hear an "The world is waiting to hear an "The world is waiting to hear an authentic voice, a voice from God, not authentic voice, a voice from God, not authentic voice, a voice from God, not an echo of what others are doing and an echo of what others are doing and an echo of what others are doing and saying, saying, saying, but an authentic voice." but an authentic voice." but an authentic voice." End quote. Would you be that authentic End quote. Would you be that authentic End quote. Would you be that authentic voice in your sphere of influence? voice in your sphere of influence? voice in your sphere of influence? We need to pray, of course. We need to pray, of course. We need to pray, of course. God tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If God tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If God tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, my people, which are called by my name, my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek will humble themselves and pray and seek will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, my face and turn from their wicked ways, my face and turn from their wicked ways, then the Lord promises, I will hear from then the Lord promises, I will hear from then the Lord promises, 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."

their land." their land." We all want the Lord to heal our land, We all want the Lord to heal our land, We all want the Lord to heal our land, don't we? don't we? don't we? We all want to see a spiritual awakening We all want to see a spiritual awakening We all want to see a spiritual awakening in America, right? in America, right? in America, right? Well, we need to pray. Well, we need to pray. Well, we need to pray. But what else does God tell us to do? We But what else does God tell us to do? We But what else does God tell us to do? We need to humble ourselves. need to humble ourselves. need to humble ourselves. And we need to seek His face. Have you And we need to seek His face. Have you And we need to seek His face. Have you ever sought the face of God? ever sought the face of God? ever sought the face of God? It's not a quick prayer, it's where you It's not a quick prayer, it's where you It's not a quick prayer, it's where you take time, Lord, speak to me, reveal take time, Lord, speak to me, reveal take time, Lord, speak to me, reveal your will to me. your will to me. your will to me. Talk to me. Talk to me. Talk to me. And then turn from your wicked ways. Are And then turn from your wicked ways. Are And then turn from your wicked ways. Are there any wicked ways you need to turn there any wicked ways you need to turn there any wicked ways you need to turn from right now? from right now? from right now? Don't be sitting there thinking, I wish Don't be sitting there thinking, I wish Don't be sitting there thinking, I wish so-and-so was here to hear this message. so-and-so was here to hear this message. so-and-so was here to hear this message. The people that are supposed to hear The people that are supposed to hear The people that are supposed to hear this message are hearing it. this message are hearing it. this message are hearing it. That's why Jesus said, "He that has ears That's why Jesus said, "He that has ears That's why Jesus said, "He that has ears to hear, let him hear or listen." to hear, let him hear or listen." to hear, let him hear or listen." So, I have to ask myself the question, So, I have to ask myself the question, So, I have to ask myself the question, is there any wicked way, is there is there any wicked way, is there is there any wicked way, is there anything in my life that I am doing anything in my life that I am doing anything in my life that I am doing perhaps even habitually, continuously perhaps even habitually, continuously perhaps even habitually, continuously that's a sin? Well, God tells us to that's a sin? Well, God tells us to that's a sin? Well, God tells us to repent. "If my people, which are called repent. "If my people, which are called repent. "If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves and by my name, will humble themselves and by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from pray and seek my face and turn from pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways," God said God says, their wicked ways," God said God says, their wicked ways," God said God says, "I'll hear from heaven and forgive their "I'll hear from heaven and forgive their "I'll hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land." And of course, sin and heal their land." And of course, sin and heal their land." And of course, we need to preach the gospel.

we need to preach the gospel. we need to preach the gospel. We need to get the gospel out. One last We need to get the gospel out. One last We need to get the gospel out. One last reference to Titanic. reference to Titanic. reference to Titanic. On the night it sunk, On the night it sunk, On the night it sunk, there were a number of fatal mistakes there were a number of fatal mistakes there were a number of fatal mistakes made. made. made. The Titanic had already received The Titanic had already received The Titanic had already received multiple warnings from other ships multiple warnings from other ships multiple warnings from other ships through the day in the general area through the day in the general area through the day in the general area warning of ice. warning of ice. warning of ice. And one ship, known as the Californian, And one ship, known as the Californian, And one ship, known as the Californian, uh radioed to Titanic these words, and I uh radioed to Titanic these words, and I uh radioed to Titanic these words, and I quote, "Say, old man, quote, "Say, old man, quote, "Say, old man, we are stopped and surrounded by ice." we are stopped and surrounded by ice." we are stopped and surrounded by ice." End quote. End quote. End quote. And the Titanic radio operator, who was And the Titanic radio operator, who was And the Titanic radio operator, who was very busy and dealing with a lot of very busy and dealing with a lot of very busy and dealing with a lot of messages at the moment, messages at the moment, messages at the moment, sent this message back. sent this message back. sent this message back. "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy." "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy." "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy." Famous last words. Famous last words. Famous last words. They were warned. They knew icebergs They were warned. They knew icebergs They were warned. They knew icebergs were there. "You be careful." Oh, yeah. were there. "You be careful." Oh, yeah. were there. "You be careful." Oh, yeah. "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy." Wow.

"Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy." Wow. "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy." Wow. And then you know that that massive boat And then you know that that massive boat And then you know that that massive boat sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Now, sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Now, sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Now, there's people like this today. there's people like this today. there's people like this today. You know, God's Holy Spirit is speaking You know, God's Holy Spirit is speaking You know, God's Holy Spirit is speaking to them. Little wake-up calls. "Hey, to them. Little wake-up calls. "Hey, to them. Little wake-up calls. "Hey, man, you need to turn to me. You're on man, you need to turn to me. You're on man, you need to turn to me. You're on the wrong course. the wrong course. the wrong course. Don't go that way anymore." Little Don't go that way anymore." Little Don't go that way anymore." Little things to get your attention. Ah, we say things to get your attention. Ah, we say things to get your attention. Ah, we say Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy. I have Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy. I have Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy. I have things to do. things to do. things to do. I have social media that waste my time I have social media that waste my time I have social media that waste my time looking at. looking at. looking at. I have things on Netflix I need to binge I have things on Netflix I need to binge I have things on Netflix I need to binge on. on. on. I have parties I need to go to. I have I I have parties I need to go to. I have I I have parties I need to go to. I have I have the shopping I need to do. I have have the shopping I need to do. I have have the shopping I need to do. I have the You just have all these things the You just have all these things the You just have all these things you're engaging You're busy. Busy doing you're engaging You're busy. Busy doing you're engaging You're busy. Busy doing what? See, the Bible warns us to not what? See, the Bible warns us to not what? See, the Bible warns us to not harden our hearts if we could hear his harden our hearts if we could hear his harden our hearts if we could hear his voice. voice. voice. And when God is speaking to you, you And when God is speaking to you, you And when God is speaking to you, you need to listen. need to listen. need to listen. And Jesus said, "My sheep follow my And Jesus said, "My sheep follow my And Jesus said, "My sheep follow my voice." And I wonder if Jesus is voice." And I wonder if Jesus is voice." And I wonder if Jesus is speaking to someone right now. He might speaking to someone right now. He might speaking to someone right now. He might be speaking to someone who You're a be speaking to someone who You're a be speaking to someone who You're a Christian, but you've been living a Christian, but you've been living a Christian, but you've been living a double life. You're doing something you double life. You're doing something you double life. You're doing something you shouldn't be doing. Maybe you're having shouldn't be doing. Maybe you're having shouldn't be doing. Maybe you're having an affair. That's what we call it. It's an affair. That's what we call it. It's an affair. That's what we call it. It's not a nice word. Having an affair not a nice word. Having an affair not a nice word. Having an affair sounds like a cruise sounds like a cruise sounds like a cruise on the Titanic.

Oh, you mean you're in an adulterous Oh, you mean you're in an adulterous relationship. You mean you're living in relationship. You mean you're living in relationship. You mean you're living in sin. Yeah. Or hey, you're sleeping with sin. Yeah. Or hey, you're sleeping with sin. Yeah. Or hey, you're sleeping with your boyfriend or your girlfriend. Uh or your boyfriend or your girlfriend. Uh or your boyfriend or your girlfriend. Uh or you're living together. Well, that's you're living together. Well, that's you're living together. Well, that's sin. sin. sin. And the Lord says, "Don't do that. And the Lord says, "Don't do that. And the Lord says, "Don't do that. Repent." Repent." Repent." Or it might be gossiping or spreading Or it might be gossiping or spreading Or it might be gossiping or spreading lies, sowing division. lies, sowing division. lies, sowing division. Yeah, it might be a a myriad of things Yeah, it might be a a myriad of things Yeah, it might be a a myriad of things that can clutter our lives, things that that can clutter our lives, things that that can clutter our lives, things that can be sins against God. can be sins against God. can be sins against God. And he's saying, "Don't do that." He's And he's saying, "Don't do that." He's And he's saying, "Don't do that." He's warning you. Listen to the Lord. warning you. Listen to the Lord. warning you. Listen to the Lord. Because if you're his child, check it Because if you're his child, check it Because if you're his child, check it out. He's going to out. He's going to out. He's going to spank you if you're a bad boy or a bad spank you if you're a bad boy or a bad spank you if you're a bad boy or a bad girl. girl. girl. Because he loves you. Because he loves you. Because he loves you. Whom the Lord loves, he chastens. Whom the Lord loves, he chastens. Whom the Lord loves, he chastens. And he doesn't necessarily want to use And he doesn't necessarily want to use And he doesn't necessarily want to use that rod on you. that rod on you. that rod on you. He'd rather use that shepherd staff to He'd rather use that shepherd staff to He'd rather use that shepherd staff to pull you back in line. But if you keep pull you back in line. But if you keep pull you back in line. But if you keep going astray, he may do what he needs to going astray, he may do what he needs to going astray, he may do what he needs to do to get your attention. do to get your attention. do to get your attention. Maybe the Lord's saying to you right Maybe the Lord's saying to you right Maybe the Lord's saying to you right now, "Listen and repent and turn back to now, "Listen and repent and turn back to now, "Listen and repent and turn back to me and I will forgive you." And we say, me and I will forgive you." And we say, me and I will forgive you." And we say, "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy. Don't say "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy. Don't say "Shut up. Shut up. I'm busy. Don't say that." Listen.

that." Listen. that." Listen. Do what the Lord tells you to do. But Do what the Lord tells you to do. But Do what the Lord tells you to do. But there might be somebody here who has there might be somebody here who has there might be somebody here who has never heard any of this before. never heard any of this before. never heard any of this before. This is all new to you. This is all new to you. This is all new to you. Maybe you're watching Maybe you're watching Maybe you're watching uh us online or hearing this somewhere. uh us online or hearing this somewhere. uh us online or hearing this somewhere. But what Whoever you are, this is all But what Whoever you are, this is all But what Whoever you are, this is all new. This idea of Jesus Christ, a new. This idea of Jesus Christ, a new. This idea of Jesus Christ, a relationship with him. And here's the relationship with him. And here's the relationship with him. And here's the bottom line. bottom line. bottom line. You, I, us, we're all sinners. You, I, us, we're all sinners. You, I, us, we're all sinners. We've all broken God's commandments. We've all broken God's commandments. We've all broken God's commandments. We've all fallen short of his standards. We've all fallen short of his standards. We've all fallen short of his standards. But God loved you so much, he sent his But God loved you so much, he sent his But God loved you so much, he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross in your son Jesus to die on the cross in your son Jesus to die on the cross in your place and to rise again from the dead. place and to rise again from the dead. place and to rise again from the dead. And now Jesus Christ stands at the door And now Jesus Christ stands at the door And now Jesus Christ stands at the door of your life and he knocks and says, "If of your life and he knocks and says, "If of your life and he knocks and says, "If you hear his voice and open the door, you hear his voice and open the door, you hear his voice and open the door, he'll come in." he'll come in." he'll come in." Have you asked Jesus to come into your Have you asked Jesus to come into your Have you asked Jesus to come into your life yet? If not, you can do it now. I life yet? If not, you can do it now. I life yet? If not, you can do it now. I love that video that we showed earlier love that video that we showed earlier love that video that we showed earlier of that young man of that young man of that young man telling how he came to create came here telling how he came to create came here telling how he came to create came here to church. to church. to church. He heard the gospel. He heard the gospel. He heard the gospel. He had been in prison. He had been in prison. He had been in prison. He had lived a life apart from God, He had lived a life apart from God, He had lived a life apart from God, reaped the consequences of it.

reaped the consequences of it. reaped the consequences of it. But heard how Jesus loved him. He gave But heard how Jesus loved him. He gave But heard how Jesus loved him. He gave his life to the Lord. And look at him his life to the Lord. And look at him his life to the Lord. And look at him now. I was saying in the back room as now. I was saying in the back room as now. I was saying in the back room as we're watching it on the screen there. I we're watching it on the screen there. I we're watching it on the screen there. I said, "Only the gospel can do that. said, "Only the gospel can do that. said, "Only the gospel can do that. Only Christ can change a person. Oh, Only Christ can change a person. Oh, Only Christ can change a person. Oh, sure, maybe a person can be on drugs and sure, maybe a person can be on drugs and sure, maybe a person can be on drugs and get off drugs without the gospel, but get off drugs without the gospel, but get off drugs without the gospel, but they can't change their nature. They they can't change their nature. They they can't change their nature. They can't change the way that they are. And can't change the way that they are. And can't change the way that they are. And here he's a family man. He's a husband. here he's a family man. He's a husband. here he's a family man. He's a husband. He's a father. He's a changed man. I He's a father. He's a changed man. I He's a father. He's a changed man. I love that. That's what Jesus can do for love that. That's what Jesus can do for love that. That's what Jesus can do for you right now, no matter what. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You say, "Well, I haven't been to >> You say, "Well, I haven't been to >> You say, "Well, I haven't been to prison." Well, you don't you know, Jesus prison." Well, you don't you know, Jesus prison." Well, you don't you know, Jesus is here for the down and outers and the is here for the down and outers and the is here for the down and outers and the up and outers, too. up and outers, too. up and outers, too. Maybe you've kept all the rules and done Maybe you've kept all the rules and done Maybe you've kept all the rules and done all the right things and that's great, all the right things and that's great, all the right things and that's great, but you're still a sinner and you still but you're still a sinner and you still but you're still a sinner and you still need a savior. You need a savior as much need a savior. You need a savior as much need a savior. You need a savior as much as those people drowning in the ocean as those people drowning in the ocean as those people drowning in the ocean needed someone to pull them into the needed someone to pull them into the needed someone to pull them into the lifeboat and Jesus is ready to do that lifeboat and Jesus is ready to do that lifeboat and Jesus is ready to do that if you call out to him. One last Titanic if you call out to him. One last Titanic if you call out to him. One last Titanic story.

story. story. I watched a little series on it and I I watched a little series on it and I I watched a little series on it and I got all obsessed with it. got all obsessed with it. got all obsessed with it. Sorry. I'm I'm I'm over it soon. Maybe Sorry. I'm I'm I'm over it soon. Maybe Sorry. I'm I'm I'm over it soon. Maybe not, but not, but not, but one last story. So, there's this one guy one last story. So, there's this one guy one last story. So, there's this one guy and he's he's just in the ocean. He has and he's he's just in the ocean. He has and he's he's just in the ocean. He has no hope. No one's around him. no hope. No one's around him. no hope. No one's around him. And he just thinks maybe there is And he just thinks maybe there is And he just thinks maybe there is cuz it's so dark, he can't see anything. cuz it's so dark, he can't see anything. cuz it's so dark, he can't see anything. And he says, "Maybe there's someone that And he says, "Maybe there's someone that And he says, "Maybe there's someone that could help me." And he just yells out, could help me." And he just yells out, could help me." And he just yells out, "Ship ahoy!" He didn't see a ship, he "Ship ahoy!" He didn't see a ship, he "Ship ahoy!" He didn't see a ship, he just said, "Ship ahoy!" Well, there was just said, "Ship ahoy!" Well, there was just said, "Ship ahoy!" Well, there was a boat not far, one of the lifeboats had a boat not far, one of the lifeboats had a boat not far, one of the lifeboats had heard him. They went over, reached out, heard him. They went over, reached out, heard him. They went over, reached out, pulled him on. pulled him on. pulled him on. Rescued him. Why? Rescued him. Why? Rescued him. Why? Cuz he said, "Help." Cuz he said, "Help." Cuz he said, "Help." If you call out to the Lord, the Bible If you call out to the Lord, the Bible If you call out to the Lord, the Bible says he'll save you. says he'll save you. says he'll save you. Whoever will call upon the name of the Whoever will call upon the name of the Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Have you done that Lord will be saved. Have you done that Lord will be saved. Have you done that yet? You can do it right now through yet? You can do it right now through yet? You can do it right now through prayer. So, we're going to close with a prayer. So, we're going to close with a prayer. So, we're going to close with a word of prayer. word of prayer. word of prayer. And I'm going to extend an invitation to And I'm going to extend an invitation to And I'm going to extend an invitation to anybody here anybody here anybody here who needs Jesus in their life. who needs Jesus in their life. who needs Jesus in their life. They need to be forgiven of their sin. They need to be forgiven of their sin. They need to be forgiven of their sin. You want to go to heaven when you die or You want to go to heaven when you die or You want to go to heaven when you die or you're a prodigal son or daughter. You you're a prodigal son or daughter. You you're a prodigal son or daughter. You know what's up, you know what's right, know what's up, you know what's right, know what's up, you know what's right, but you've been living a double life and but you've been living a double life and but you've been living a double life and you need to repent. This is for both of you need to repent. This is for both of you need to repent. This is for both of you.

you. you. All of you, whoever you are. If you need All of you, whoever you are. If you need All of you, whoever you are. If you need to respond, to respond, to respond, do it now. Don't say to the Lord, "Shut do it now. Don't say to the Lord, "Shut do it now. Don't say to the Lord, "Shut up. I'm busy." Say, up. I'm busy." Say, up. I'm busy." Say, "Speak, Lord, I'm listening." "Speak, Lord, I'm listening." "Speak, Lord, I'm listening." Let's pray. Father, Let's pray. Father, Let's pray. Father, now I pray that you will speak to the now I pray that you will speak to the now I pray that you will speak to the hearts of any that have joined us who hearts of any that have joined us who hearts of any that have joined us who need to get right with you. need to get right with you. need to get right with you. You love them. You love them. You love them. Your desire is not to destroy them, Your desire is not to destroy them, Your desire is not to destroy them, but to restore them. but to restore them. but to restore them. They're your children if they know you They're your children if they know you They're your children if they know you already, but are going astray and you already, but are going astray and you already, but are going astray and you want them to become your children if want them to become your children if want them to become your children if they'll believe in Jesus now. Help them they'll believe in Jesus now. Help them they'll believe in Jesus now. Help them to do that. to do that. to do that. Now, while our heads are bowed and our Now, while our heads are bowed and our Now, while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying, if eyes are closed and we're praying, if eyes are closed and we're praying, if you want Jesus Christ to come into your you want Jesus Christ to come into your you want Jesus Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sin, life and forgive you of your sin, life and forgive you of your sin, if you want to know that you will go to if you want to know that you will go to if you want to know that you will go to heaven when you die, heaven when you die, heaven when you die, if you want to fill that big hole in if you want to fill that big hole in if you want to fill that big hole in your heart you've tried to fill with so your heart you've tried to fill with so your heart you've tried to fill with so many things this culture offers, many things this culture offers, many things this culture offers, if you want to find that peace if you want to find that peace if you want to find that peace that God promises, that joy, that that God promises, that joy, that that God promises, that joy, that purpose, if you're ready to say yes to purpose, if you're ready to say yes to purpose, if you're ready to say yes to Jesus, wherever you are, I want you to Jesus, wherever you are, I want you to Jesus, wherever you are, I want you to lift your hand up and I'm going to pray lift your hand up and I'm going to pray lift your hand up and I'm going to pray for you. Raise your hand up high where I for you. Raise your hand up high where I for you. Raise your hand up high where I can see it. You're saying, "I need Jesus can see it. You're saying, "I need Jesus can see it. You're saying, "I need Jesus today." Let me pray for you. God bless today." Let me pray for you. God bless today." Let me pray for you. God bless you. Yes. God bless you. Anybody else?

you. Yes. God bless you. Anybody else? you. Yes. God bless you. Anybody else? Raise your hand up high where I can see Raise your hand up high where I can see Raise your hand up high where I can see it. You want Christ to come into your it. You want Christ to come into your it. You want Christ to come into your life. God bless you. God bless you. life. God bless you. God bless you. life. God bless you. God bless you. I see you. I see you. I see you. How about up in the balcony? God bless How about up in the balcony? God bless How about up in the balcony? God bless you guys up there. God bless you. you guys up there. God bless you. you guys up there. God bless you. Now, some of you are watching the screen Now, some of you are watching the screen Now, some of you are watching the screen right now. I can't see you, but the Lord right now. I can't see you, but the Lord right now. I can't see you, but the Lord sees you. You could raise your hand as sees you. You could raise your hand as sees you. You could raise your hand as well. And God bless you who do. well. And God bless you who do. well. And God bless you who do. While our heads are still bowed, maybe While our heads are still bowed, maybe While our heads are still bowed, maybe I'm talking I'm talking I'm talking to a Christian who knows what's true and to a Christian who knows what's true and to a Christian who knows what's true and what's right, and you're not living it. what's right, and you're not living it. what's right, and you're not living it. You're living a double life in many You're living a double life in many You're living a double life in many ways, and you need to repent. This is ways, and you need to repent. This is ways, and you need to repent. This is your wake-up call. your wake-up call. your wake-up call. Will you listen? Will you respond? Will you listen? Will you respond? Will you listen? Will you respond? If that's you and you need to make a If that's you and you need to make a If that's you and you need to make a recommitment to Christ today, recommitment to Christ today, recommitment to Christ today, would you raise your hand up? would you raise your hand up? would you raise your hand up? This can be the moment where everything This can be the moment where everything This can be the moment where everything changes for you. God bless you. changes for you. God bless you. changes for you. God bless you. Anybody else? Anybody else? Anybody else? Jesus told the story of the prodigal son Jesus told the story of the prodigal son Jesus told the story of the prodigal son who came to his senses. who came to his senses. who came to his senses. Will you come to your senses today? Will you come to your senses today? Will you come to your senses today? If you need to make that recommitment, If you need to make that recommitment, If you need to make that recommitment, raise your hand up. Let me pray for you.

raise your hand up. Let me pray for you. raise your hand up. Let me pray for you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless each one of you. Now, I'm God bless each one of you. Now, I'm God bless each one of you. Now, I'm going to ask if you would please, every going to ask if you would please, every going to ask if you would please, every one of you that raised your hand, I want one of you that raised your hand, I want one of you that raised your hand, I want you to stand to your feet, and I'm going you to stand to your feet, and I'm going you to stand to your feet, and I'm going to lead you in a prayer. Just stand up. to lead you in a prayer. Just stand up. to lead you in a prayer. Just stand up. If you raised your hand, even if you did If you raised your hand, even if you did If you raised your hand, even if you did not, you want to make this commitment to not, you want to make this commitment to not, you want to make this commitment to Christ, this recommitment to Christ, Christ, this recommitment to Christ, Christ, this recommitment to Christ, stand to your feet, and I'm going to stand to your feet, and I'm going to stand to your feet, and I'm going to lead you in prayer. Stand up. lead you in prayer. Stand up. lead you in prayer. Stand up. Others are standing. You won't be alone Others are standing. You won't be alone Others are standing. You won't be alone if you stand. if you stand. if you stand. God bless you that are standing. Maybe God bless you that are standing. Maybe God bless you that are standing. Maybe you didn't raise your hand, but you want you didn't raise your hand, but you want you didn't raise your hand, but you want to make this commitment to Christ, to make this commitment to Christ, to make this commitment to Christ, or recommitment to Christ. This has been or recommitment to Christ. This has been or recommitment to Christ. This has been your wake-up call. Are you going to your wake-up call. Are you going to your wake-up call. Are you going to listen? listen? listen? Anybody else? Stand now. [snorts] Let me Anybody else? Stand now. [snorts] Let me Anybody else? Stand now. [snorts] Let me pray with you. pray with you. pray with you. I'll wait one more moment. I'll wait one more moment. I'll wait one more moment. Just stand. God bless you. Just stand. God bless you. Just stand. God bless you. Anybody else? Stand. Anybody else? Stand. Anybody else? Stand. God bless all of you. God bless all of you. God bless all of you. All right, I'm going to ask that as I All right, I'm going to ask that as I All right, I'm going to ask that as I pray this prayer, you would pray it out pray this prayer, you would pray it out pray this prayer, you would pray it out loud right where you're standing. Again, loud right where you're standing. Again, loud right where you're standing. Again, as I pray, pray this out loud after me, as I pray, pray this out loud after me, as I pray, pray this out loud after me, okay? Pray these words after me. Lord okay? Pray these words after me. Lord okay? Pray these words after me. Lord Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know you're the savior, but I know you're the savior, but I know you're the savior, who died on the cross for my sin, who died on the cross for my sin, who died on the cross for my sin, and rose again from the dead.

and rose again from the dead. and rose again from the dead. I turn from my sin, I turn from my sin, I turn from my sin, and I choose to follow you and I choose to follow you and I choose to follow you from this moment forward from this moment forward from this moment forward as my savior and my lord, as my savior and my lord, as my savior and my lord, as my god and my friend. as my god and my friend. as my god and my friend. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey everybody, thanks for listening to Hey everybody, thanks for listening to Hey everybody, thanks for listening to this podcast. To learn more about this podcast. To learn more about this podcast. To learn more about Harvest Ministries, follow this show and Harvest Ministries, follow this show and Harvest Ministries, follow this show and consider supporting it, just go to consider supporting it, just go to consider supporting it, just go to harvest.org. harvest.org. harvest.org. And to find out how to know God And to find out how to know God And to find out how to know God personally, go to harvest.org and click personally, go to harvest.org and click personally, go to harvest.org and click on know God.