The King the World Needs | Sunday Message

Hey there, thanks for listening to the Hey there, thanks for listening to the Greg Lori Podcast, a ministry supported Greg Lori Podcast, a ministry supported Greg Lori Podcast, a ministry supported by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lori, by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lori, by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lori, encouraging you if you want to find out encouraging you if you want to find out encouraging you if you want to find out more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about how to become a Harvest more about how to become a Harvest more about how to become a Harvest partner, just go to harvest.org. partner, just go to harvest.org. partner, just go to harvest.org. [applause] 250 250 years of freedom. 250 years of years of freedom. 250 years of years of freedom. 250 years of independence. Incredible. We're so independence. Incredible. We're so independence. Incredible. We're so thankful. so thankful to get to thankful. so thankful to get to thankful. so thankful to get to celebrate it uh with our friends, with celebrate it uh with our friends, with celebrate it uh with our friends, with our family members, and blow up a small our family members, and blow up a small our family members, and blow up a small part of it in our neighborhoods right part of it in our neighborhoods right part of it in our neighborhoods right through fireworks. Leaving my house this through fireworks. Leaving my house this through fireworks. Leaving my house this morning, it looked like a war zone. Like morning, it looked like a war zone. Like morning, it looked like a war zone. Like the earth is scorched. There's munitions the earth is scorched. There's munitions the earth is scorched. There's munitions laying around on the ground, mortars laying around on the ground, mortars laying around on the ground, mortars that have hit cars. Like it was it was that have hit cars. Like it was it was that have hit cars. Like it was it was crazy craziness. Uh but an amazing day crazy craziness. Uh but an amazing day crazy craziness. Uh but an amazing day for sure. And listen, um, as I've gotten for sure. And listen, um, as I've gotten for sure. And listen, um, as I've gotten older and become more interested in our older and become more interested in our older and become more interested in our nation's history, uh, it is undeniable nation's history, uh, it is undeniable nation's history, uh, it is undeniable that as you look at the history of that as you look at the history of that as you look at the history of America that you see the providence of America that you see the providence of America that you see the providence of God. It is impossible that you do not God. It is impossible that you do not God. It is impossible that you do not see God's hand on our nation. So many see God's hand on our nation. So many see God's hand on our nation. So many times, America could have ceased to times, America could have ceased to times, America could have ceased to exist or never have existed in the first exist or never have existed in the first exist or never have existed in the first place if it were not for supernatural place if it were not for supernatural place if it were not for supernatural intervention. That's my personal intervention. That's my personal intervention. That's my personal conviction as well as many other conviction as well as many other conviction as well as many other Christians and historians as well and Christians and historians as well and Christians and historians as well and and American patriots. America, it is and American patriots. America, it is and American patriots. America, it is not an accident. It's not an accident.

not an accident. It's not an accident. not an accident. It's not an accident. This isn't just a bunch of farmers and This isn't just a bunch of farmers and This isn't just a bunch of farmers and patriots and people that didn't want to patriots and people that didn't want to patriots and people that didn't want to be taxed getting together and say, "Oh, be taxed getting together and say, "Oh, be taxed getting together and say, "Oh, why don't we overthrow the reigning why don't we overthrow the reigning why don't we overthrow the reigning superpower of the world, Britain, you superpower of the world, Britain, you superpower of the world, Britain, you know, the United Kingdom, England. Why know, the United Kingdom, England. Why know, the United Kingdom, England. Why don't we overthrow them?" No, no, no. don't we overthrow them?" No, no, no. don't we overthrow them?" No, no, no. That is not how it happened. It was not That is not how it happened. It was not That is not how it happened. It was not an accident. And we see as I mentioned an accident. And we see as I mentioned an accident. And we see as I mentioned that Jesus Christ has been at the center that Jesus Christ has been at the center that Jesus Christ has been at the center from the very inception when our from the very inception when our from the very inception when our constitution was being assembled in constitution was being assembled in constitution was being assembled in 1787. This was 11 years after we fought 1787. This was 11 years after we fought 1787. This was 11 years after we fought our war for independence in 1776. our war for independence in 1776. our war for independence in 1776. There was a gathering of men who were 55 There was a gathering of men who were 55 There was a gathering of men who were 55 men who were uh some of our our founding men who were uh some of our our founding men who were uh some of our our founding forefathers as well as governors and forefathers as well as governors and forefathers as well as governors and other politicians uh that came together other politicians uh that came together other politicians uh that came together to basically write this incredible to basically write this incredible to basically write this incredible document that we know today as the uh as document that we know today as the uh as document that we know today as the uh as the uh the Constitution, excuse me, the the uh the Constitution, excuse me, the the uh the Constitution, excuse me, the Constitution of the United States. And Constitution of the United States. And Constitution of the United States. And this document is really what has this document is really what has this document is really what has outlined what it means to be an outlined what it means to be an outlined what it means to be an American. our rights, our freedoms, our American. our rights, our freedoms, our American. our rights, our freedoms, our liberties that separates America from liberties that separates America from liberties that separates America from every other nation. And as these men every other nation. And as these men every other nation. And as these men were really wrestling to put different were really wrestling to put different were really wrestling to put different things in and what not to put in, after things in and what not to put in, after things in and what not to put in, after 116 days at this event called the 116 days at this event called the 116 days at this event called the Constitutional Convention uh that took Constitutional Convention uh that took Constitutional Convention uh that took place in Philadelphia for 116 days, they place in Philadelphia for 116 days, they place in Philadelphia for 116 days, they debated and argued and ultimately they debated and argued and ultimately they debated and argued and ultimately they came to a standstill and the whole thing came to a standstill and the whole thing came to a standstill and the whole thing began to fall apart. And some of the began to fall apart. And some of the began to fall apart. And some of the people that were there actually wrote uh people that were there actually wrote uh people that were there actually wrote uh in journals and in letters how they

in journals and in letters how they in journals and in letters how they thought in that moment that literally thought in that moment that literally thought in that moment that literally America could have ceased to exist. It America could have ceased to exist. It America could have ceased to exist. It could have fractured apart. It could could have fractured apart. It could could have fractured apart. It could have broken off. All the different have broken off. All the different have broken off. All the different governors. Oh, we're going to defect. governors. Oh, we're going to defect. governors. Oh, we're going to defect. We're going to start our own country. We're going to start our own country. We're going to start our own country. You know, independent, separate, You know, independent, separate, You know, independent, separate, whatever. It could have all fallen whatever. It could have all fallen whatever. It could have all fallen apart. But it was Benjamin Franklin at apart. But it was Benjamin Franklin at apart. But it was Benjamin Franklin at 81 years old who stood up and changed 81 years old who stood up and changed 81 years old who stood up and changed the temperature in the room with this the temperature in the room with this the temperature in the room with this statement. He directed his comments to statement. He directed his comments to statement. He directed his comments to the man that was presiding over the the man that was presiding over the the man that was presiding over the constitutional convention, who was our constitutional convention, who was our constitutional convention, who was our first president, George Washington. And first president, George Washington. And first president, George Washington. And he said these words to President George he said these words to President George he said these words to President George Washington. Washington. Washington. I've lived, sir, a long time, and the I've lived, sir, a long time, and the I've lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing longer I live, the more convincing longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this, that God governs proofs I see of this, that God governs proofs I see of this, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his cannot fall to the ground without his cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire notice, is it probable that an empire notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been can rise without his aid? We have been can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings assured, sir, in the sacred writings assured, sir, in the sacred writings that except the Lord build, they labor that except the Lord build, they labor that except the Lord build, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe in vain that build it. I firmly believe in vain that build it. I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without this, and I also believe that without this, and I also believe that without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in his concurring aid, we shall succeed in his concurring aid, we shall succeed in the political building no better than the political building no better than the political building no better than the builders of Babel. Benjamin Franklin the builders of Babel. Benjamin Franklin the builders of Babel. Benjamin Franklin understood something many Christians understood something many Christians understood something many Christians today miss and that is what we find in today miss and that is what we find in today miss and that is what we find in Psalm 127 which he quoted which says Psalm 127 which he quoted which says Psalm 127 which he quoted which says unless the Lord builds the house they unless the Lord builds the house they unless the Lord builds the house they labor in vain who build it. Unless the labor in vain who build it. Unless the labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city the watchman stays Lord guards the city the watchman stays Lord guards the city the watchman stays awake in vain. America is worth awake in vain. America is worth awake in vain. America is worth celebrating. And if we want to see her celebrating. And if we want to see her celebrating. And if we want to see her best days in front of her in the future,

best days in front of her in the future, best days in front of her in the future, it must keep faith in God at the center it must keep faith in God at the center it must keep faith in God at the center and our dependence on him as the and our dependence on him as the and our dependence on him as the foundation. foundation. foundation. And as much as some might tell you, And as much as some might tell you, And as much as some might tell you, yeah, you can clap for that. I'm just yeah, you can clap for that. I'm just yeah, you can clap for that. I'm just going to keep moving along. Sorry. going to keep moving along. Sorry. going to keep moving along. Sorry. Sometimes there are statements are like, Sometimes there are statements are like, Sometimes there are statements are like, "Oh, it's worth applause. I'm just going "Oh, it's worth applause. I'm just going "Oh, it's worth applause. I'm just going to keep Yeah, whatever. All right. So, to keep Yeah, whatever. All right. So, to keep Yeah, whatever. All right. So, and as as much as some might tell you, and as as much as some might tell you, and as as much as some might tell you, um, this is not going to happen through um, this is not going to happen through um, this is not going to happen through legislation. We are not going to become legislation. We are not going to become legislation. We are not going to become a great nation by passing more laws and a great nation by passing more laws and a great nation by passing more laws and electing more leaders. Yes, we want to electing more leaders. Yes, we want to electing more leaders. Yes, we want to pass the right laws. Yes, we want to pass the right laws. Yes, we want to pass the right laws. Yes, we want to elect the correct leaders. But it will elect the correct leaders. But it will elect the correct leaders. But it will not be accomplished solely through those not be accomplished solely through those not be accomplished solely through those things. We see the template for national things. We see the template for national things. We see the template for national success. We see the template God gives success. We see the template God gives success. We see the template God gives to us for how we can survive and thrive to us for how we can survive and thrive to us for how we can survive and thrive as a nation. It's found in 2 Chronicles as a nation. It's found in 2 Chronicles as a nation. It's found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Many of you know it. The Lord says 7:14. Many of you know it. The Lord says 7:14. Many of you know it. The Lord says this, "If my people who are called by my this, "If my people who are called by my this, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and name will humble themselves and pray and name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked seek my face and turn from their wicked seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and ways, then I will hear from heaven and ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their will forgive their sin and heal their will forgive their sin and heal their land." That is a math equation. That is land." That is a math equation. That is land." That is a math equation. That is a template right there. How do we want a template right there. How do we want a template right there. How do we want to see America thrive? How do we see to see America thrive? How do we see to see America thrive? How do we see this nation turn back to God? It tells this nation turn back to God? It tells this nation turn back to God? It tells us right there if my people God doesn't us right there if my people God doesn't us right there if my people God doesn't point his finger at the White House. He point his finger at the White House. He point his finger at the White House. He points his finger at his house, at his points his finger at his house, at his points his finger at his house, at his people. If my people who are called by people. If my people who are called by people. If my people who are called by my name, not the political parties, not my name, not the political parties, not my name, not the political parties, not the president, the church. And that is

the president, the church. And that is the president, the church. And that is where revival starts. That is where it where revival starts. That is where it where revival starts. That is where it has started. And that is where it will has started. And that is where it will has started. And that is where it will start again. Today we're looking at Luke start again. Today we're looking at Luke start again. Today we're looking at Luke chapter 19. A very interesting passage chapter 19. A very interesting passage chapter 19. A very interesting passage of scripture. Great timing honestly with of scripture. Great timing honestly with of scripture. Great timing honestly with this weekend. And it's interesting this weekend. And it's interesting this weekend. And it's interesting because we see Jesus riding into because we see Jesus riding into because we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem. And this event, we know it Jerusalem. And this event, we know it Jerusalem. And this event, we know it today as the triumphal entry. This was today as the triumphal entry. This was today as the triumphal entry. This was just days before Jesus was ultimately just days before Jesus was ultimately just days before Jesus was ultimately going to be crucified on a cross on that going to be crucified on a cross on that going to be crucified on a cross on that Good Friday and just a couple days later Good Friday and just a couple days later Good Friday and just a couple days later would rise again from the dead. And so would rise again from the dead. And so would rise again from the dead. And so Jesus before that though rode into Jesus before that though rode into Jesus before that though rode into Jerusalem and he was heralded as the Jerusalem and he was heralded as the Jerusalem and he was heralded as the Messiah, the long awaited king that the Messiah, the long awaited king that the Messiah, the long awaited king that the Jews have been waiting for ever since Jews have been waiting for ever since Jews have been waiting for ever since the book of Genesis. God's people at the book of Genesis. God's people at the book of Genesis. God's people at this time, the Israelites, were living this time, the Israelites, were living this time, the Israelites, were living under a pagan nation. Their faith was under a pagan nation. Their faith was under a pagan nation. Their faith was under attack. Their culture and values under attack. Their culture and values under attack. Their culture and values were slipping through their fingers. And were slipping through their fingers. And were slipping through their fingers. And they wanted, they longed for a Messiah they wanted, they longed for a Messiah they wanted, they longed for a Messiah to deal with Rome. They wanted a to deal with Rome. They wanted a to deal with Rome. They wanted a deliverer, someone that would overthrow deliverer, someone that would overthrow deliverer, someone that would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel to her the Romans and restore Israel to her the Romans and restore Israel to her former glory. Someone to fix it. They former glory. Someone to fix it. They former glory. Someone to fix it. They wanted someone to make Jerusalem great wanted someone to make Jerusalem great wanted someone to make Jerusalem great again. Right?

again. Right? again. Right? But Jesus came to deal with something But Jesus came to deal with something But Jesus came to deal with something far more foundational than political far more foundational than political far more foundational than political reform. Far greater than overcoming the reform. Far greater than overcoming the reform. Far greater than overcoming the Romans or even rebuilding the walls of Romans or even rebuilding the walls of Romans or even rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Let's read about it together Jerusalem. Let's read about it together Jerusalem. Let's read about it together now in Luke chapter 19 starting in verse now in Luke chapter 19 starting in verse now in Luke chapter 19 starting in verse 28. I've titled this message the king 28. I've titled this message the king 28. I've titled this message the king the world needs. And then Jesus went on ahead going up to And then Jesus went on ahead going up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass that when Jerusalem. And it came to pass that when Jerusalem. And it came to pass that when he drew near to Bethage in Bethany at he drew near to Bethage in Bethany at he drew near to Bethage in Bethany at the mountain called Olivet, that he sent the mountain called Olivet, that he sent the mountain called Olivet, that he sent two of his disciples, saying, "Go into two of his disciples, saying, "Go into two of his disciples, saying, "Go into the village opposite you. Whereas you the village opposite you. Whereas you the village opposite you. Whereas you enter, you will find a colt tied on enter, you will find a colt tied on enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and which no one has ever sat. Loose it and which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. And if anyone asks you, bring it here. And if anyone asks you, bring it here. And if anyone asks you, why are you loosing it, thus you shall why are you loosing it, thus you shall why are you loosing it, thus you shall say to him, because the Lord has need of say to him, because the Lord has need of say to him, because the Lord has need of it." So those who were sent went their it." So those who were sent went their it." So those who were sent went their way and found it just as he said to way and found it just as he said to way and found it just as he said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, them. But as they were loosing the colt, them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are the owners of it said to them, "Why are the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" And they said, you loosing the colt?" And they said, you loosing the colt?" And they said, "The Lord has need of him." And they "The Lord has need of him." And they "The Lord has need of him." And they brought him to Jesus, and they threw brought him to Jesus, and they threw brought him to Jesus, and they threw their own clothes on the cult, and they their own clothes on the cult, and they their own clothes on the cult, and they sent Jesus on him. Now, I this is one of sent Jesus on him. Now, I this is one of sent Jesus on him. Now, I this is one of those moments that like I really want to those moments that like I really want to those moments that like I really want to look behind the scenes. How exactly did look behind the scenes. How exactly did look behind the scenes. How exactly did this go down? Like they Jesus said this go down? Like they Jesus said this go down? Like they Jesus said exactly how it happened. Of course, he's exactly how it happened. Of course, he's exactly how it happened. Of course, he's he's God in the flesh, so we understand he's God in the flesh, so we understand he's God in the flesh, so we understand that. But the guy is just like, "Oh that. But the guy is just like, "Oh that. But the guy is just like, "Oh yeah, take my baby donkey. No big deal."

yeah, take my baby donkey. No big deal." yeah, take my baby donkey. No big deal." Like, "Yeah, you can totally have that. Like, "Yeah, you can totally have that. Like, "Yeah, you can totally have that. I would never do that." what happened in I would never do that." what happened in I would never do that." what happened in order for this guy to just understand order for this guy to just understand order for this guy to just understand they said the magic password and he they said the magic password and he they said the magic password and he allowed them to take his property. It'll allowed them to take his property. It'll allowed them to take his property. It'll be one of those things we get to heaven. be one of those things we get to heaven. be one of those things we get to heaven. We'll have to look back on. So, let's We'll have to look back on. So, let's We'll have to look back on. So, let's continue. Uh it says in uh verse 35, continue. Uh it says in uh verse 35, continue. Uh it says in uh verse 35, "And so again, they brought him to "And so again, they brought him to "And so again, they brought him to Jesus. They threw their own clothes on Jesus. They threw their own clothes on Jesus. They threw their own clothes on the colt and they set Jesus on him. And the colt and they set Jesus on him. And the colt and they set Jesus on him. And as he went, many spread their clothes on as he went, many spread their clothes on as he went, many spread their clothes on the road." Verse 37. And then as he was the road." Verse 37. And then as he was the road." Verse 37. And then as he was now drawing near the descent of the now drawing near the descent of the now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude, Mount of Olives, the whole multitude, Mount of Olives, the whole multitude, commentators speculate up to a h 100,000 commentators speculate up to a h 100,000 commentators speculate up to a h 100,000 people of the disciples began to rejoice people of the disciples began to rejoice people of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all and praise God with a loud voice for all and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying, the mighty works they had seen, saying, the mighty works they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king who comes in the "Blessed is the king who comes in the "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." And some of the glory in the highest." And some of the glory in the highest." And some of the Pharisees called to him from the crowd, Pharisees called to him from the crowd, Pharisees called to him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But Jesus answered and said to them,"I tell Jesus answered and said to them,"I tell Jesus answered and said to them,"I tell you that if these should keep quiet, you that if these should keep quiet, you that if these should keep quiet, even the stones would immediately cry even the stones would immediately cry even the stones would immediately cry out." Let's pray. Lord, we ask now that out." Let's pray. Lord, we ask now that out." Let's pray. Lord, we ask now that as we look at this event that took place as we look at this event that took place as we look at this event that took place over 2,000 years ago, we see, Lord, that over 2,000 years ago, we see, Lord, that over 2,000 years ago, we see, Lord, that it it still has implications for us it it still has implications for us it it still has implications for us today. We ask that you would speak to us today. We ask that you would speak to us today. We ask that you would speak to us through your word personally, Lord. that through your word personally, Lord. that through your word personally, Lord. that you would speak to our hearts, Father, you would speak to our hearts, Father, you would speak to our hearts, Father, that you would continue to provide for that you would continue to provide for that you would continue to provide for our nation and protect her and our nation and protect her and our nation and protect her and ultimately guide her. Lord, we look to ultimately guide her. Lord, we look to ultimately guide her. Lord, we look to you. You have been our foundation in the you. You have been our foundation in the you. You have been our foundation in the past and Lord, our heart is you would past and Lord, our heart is you would past and Lord, our heart is you would continue to be the foundation of our

continue to be the foundation of our continue to be the foundation of our country today, for future generations, country today, for future generations, country today, for future generations, for another 250 years. Lord, we pray for another 250 years. Lord, we pray for another 250 years. Lord, we pray that you would do that. We pray you that you would do that. We pray you that you would do that. We pray you would do it in our hearts, in our would do it in our hearts, in our would do it in our hearts, in our church. Lord, we look to you and we pray church. Lord, we look to you and we pray church. Lord, we look to you and we pray that you would bless this time of Bible that you would bless this time of Bible that you would bless this time of Bible study. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. study. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. study. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. So that brings us to point number Amen. So that brings us to point number Amen. So that brings us to point number one, our first point for those of you one, our first point for those of you one, our first point for those of you taking notes. And it's always a good taking notes. And it's always a good taking notes. And it's always a good idea to take notes in church because you idea to take notes in church because you idea to take notes in church because you don't remember most of the things I say don't remember most of the things I say don't remember most of the things I say when you walk out of here. So putting when you walk out of here. So putting when you walk out of here. So putting pen to paper can help with that. First pen to paper can help with that. First pen to paper can help with that. First point, number one, is a nation's hope. A point, number one, is a nation's hope. A point, number one, is a nation's hope. A nation's hope. You know, throughout nation's hope. You know, throughout nation's hope. You know, throughout Jesus ministry, uh he was always trying Jesus ministry, uh he was always trying Jesus ministry, uh he was always trying to keep a low profile. He was always to keep a low profile. He was always to keep a low profile. He was always trying to keep things kind of under the trying to keep things kind of under the trying to keep things kind of under the radar. The miracles that he was doing, radar. The miracles that he was doing, radar. The miracles that he was doing, the teachings that he gave, the signs the teachings that he gave, the signs the teachings that he gave, the signs that verified he was the Messiah, he was that verified he was the Messiah, he was that verified he was the Messiah, he was the king that the Israelites, the Jews the king that the Israelites, the Jews the king that the Israelites, the Jews were waiting for for all of these years. were waiting for for all of these years. were waiting for for all of these years. He tried to keep it under the radar. He He tried to keep it under the radar. He He tried to keep it under the radar. He was always telling them, "Don't tell was always telling them, "Don't tell was always telling them, "Don't tell anybody. Don't share what you have seen anybody. Don't share what you have seen anybody. Don't share what you have seen today." Well, today it wasn't that. He today." Well, today it wasn't that. He today." Well, today it wasn't that. He accepted their praise. He accepted the accepted their praise. He accepted the accepted their praise. He accepted the title of Messiah publicly. He accepted title of Messiah publicly. He accepted title of Messiah publicly. He accepted the title of King. Even just days the title of King. Even just days the title of King. Even just days earlier from the triumphal entry, Jesus earlier from the triumphal entry, Jesus earlier from the triumphal entry, Jesus had just performed his magnum opus. His had just performed his magnum opus. His had just performed his magnum opus. His greatest miracle to date, he raised a greatest miracle to date, he raised a greatest miracle to date, he raised a man from the dead, Lazarus, one of his man from the dead, Lazarus, one of his man from the dead, Lazarus, one of his good close friends. Lazarus had been good close friends. Lazarus had been good close friends. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. Dead in a tomb for 4 dead for 4 days. Dead in a tomb for 4 dead for 4 days. Dead in a tomb for 4 days. Now, I don't know if there's like days. Now, I don't know if there's like days. Now, I don't know if there's like a sliding scale of like dead to really a sliding scale of like dead to really a sliding scale of like dead to really dead or like how that works. Lazarus was dead or like how that works. Lazarus was dead or like how that works. Lazarus was on the really dead side. Four days. He

on the really dead side. Four days. He on the really dead side. Four days. He literally would have begun to stink. uh literally would have begun to stink. uh literally would have begun to stink. uh his sister objected to Jesus rolling his sister objected to Jesus rolling his sister objected to Jesus rolling away the stone because he would have away the stone because he would have away the stone because he would have smelled. It literally says this, "Lord, smelled. It literally says this, "Lord, smelled. It literally says this, "Lord, he he will stinkketh is actually what he he will stinkketh is actually what he he will stinkketh is actually what the King James said." And uh the the the King James said." And uh the the the King James said." And uh the the process of decomposition would have process of decomposition would have process of decomposition would have began to take place. He would have began to take place. He would have began to take place. He would have become swollen. Um rigamortis would have become swollen. Um rigamortis would have become swollen. Um rigamortis would have set in. This is a guy that was really set in. This is a guy that was really set in. This is a guy that was really dead, right? This isn't just like a dead, right? This isn't just like a dead, right? This isn't just like a quick little healing. This is a big quick little healing. This is a big quick little healing. This is a big deal. Well, Jesus said to him, "Lazarus, deal. Well, Jesus said to him, "Lazarus, deal. Well, Jesus said to him, "Lazarus, come forth." And he came out of that come forth." And he came out of that come forth." And he came out of that grave, hopping out of his grave clothes. grave, hopping out of his grave clothes. grave, hopping out of his grave clothes. And he did it in front of a whole lot of And he did it in front of a whole lot of And he did it in front of a whole lot of people. There was a lot of people around people. There was a lot of people around people. There was a lot of people around that saw it. And then what did they do? that saw it. And then what did they do? that saw it. And then what did they do? They went they went and told everybody. They went they went and told everybody. They went they went and told everybody. They told everybody about what just They told everybody about what just They told everybody about what just happened. They couldn't keep it to happened. They couldn't keep it to happened. They couldn't keep it to themselves. And it just so happened to themselves. And it just so happened to themselves. And it just so happened to be over the the journey, the the week be over the the journey, the the week be over the the journey, the the week leading into Passover weekend. Passover leading into Passover weekend. Passover leading into Passover weekend. Passover weekend is like the 4th of July, you weekend is like the 4th of July, you weekend is like the 4th of July, you know, on the peninsula in Newport Beach know, on the peninsula in Newport Beach know, on the peninsula in Newport Beach or in Huntington Beach or like, you or in Huntington Beach or like, you or in Huntington Beach or like, you know, somewhere in Maui, wherever you know, somewhere in Maui, wherever you know, somewhere in Maui, wherever you guys all gather in Maui for the biggest guys all gather in Maui for the biggest guys all gather in Maui for the biggest spots, you know, like the most crowded spots, you know, like the most crowded spots, you know, like the most crowded places. That's what it would have been places. That's what it would have been places. That's what it would have been like uh in the days leading up to the like uh in the days leading up to the like uh in the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It was Passover crucifixion of Jesus. It was Passover crucifixion of Jesus. It was Passover weekend.

weekend. weekend. Crowds and pilgrims would have swelled Crowds and pilgrims would have swelled Crowds and pilgrims would have swelled up into the millions above the city's up into the millions above the city's up into the millions above the city's already large population. And so Jesus already large population. And so Jesus already large population. And so Jesus as he enters into Jerusalem after as he enters into Jerusalem after as he enters into Jerusalem after performing this miracle with all the performing this miracle with all the performing this miracle with all the crowds swelling, he didn't receive just crowds swelling, he didn't receive just crowds swelling, he didn't receive just like some polite little golf clap as he like some polite little golf clap as he like some polite little golf clap as he came in. This was a fullthroated long came in. This was a fullthroated long came in. This was a fullthroated long live the king moment. The victorious live the king moment. The victorious live the king moment. The victorious king, the Messiah of Israel has just king, the Messiah of Israel has just king, the Messiah of Israel has just shown up and we're ready to do battle shown up and we're ready to do battle shown up and we're ready to do battle for him. For the first time, the people for him. For the first time, the people for him. For the first time, the people are not intimidated by the scoffing and are not intimidated by the scoffing and are not intimidated by the scoffing and the rebuke of the religious leaders who the rebuke of the religious leaders who the rebuke of the religious leaders who kept them under their thumbs. They kept them under their thumbs. They kept them under their thumbs. They weren't afraid of the Roman soldiers who weren't afraid of the Roman soldiers who weren't afraid of the Roman soldiers who were posted up in uniform with their were posted up in uniform with their were posted up in uniform with their swords and spears and helmets and swords and spears and helmets and swords and spears and helmets and shields. They were saying, "Jesus is our shields. They were saying, "Jesus is our shields. They were saying, "Jesus is our king. That's our guy right there. Jesus king. That's our guy right there. Jesus king. That's our guy right there. Jesus is king." And they're living again, is king." And they're living again, is king." And they're living again, remember, under Roman occupation. remember, under Roman occupation. remember, under Roman occupation. There's foreign soldiers on the streets, There's foreign soldiers on the streets, There's foreign soldiers on the streets, foreign laws imposed in their lives. foreign laws imposed in their lives. foreign laws imposed in their lives. Their culture was slowly being digested Their culture was slowly being digested Their culture was slowly being digested by a pagan empire. Their children were by a pagan empire. Their children were by a pagan empire. Their children were growing up in a world that mocked growing up in a world that mocked growing up in a world that mocked everything that they held sacred. Their everything that they held sacred. Their everything that they held sacred. Their desires were legitimate. The Israelites, desires were legitimate. The Israelites, desires were legitimate. The Israelites, the Jews, they longed for justice. They the Jews, they longed for justice. They the Jews, they longed for justice. They wanted leadership that would confront wanted leadership that would confront wanted leadership that would confront evil. They wanted their own national evil. They wanted their own national evil. They wanted their own national sovereignty and they wanted to protect sovereignty and they wanted to protect sovereignty and they wanted to protect their culture, their family, and their their culture, their family, and their their culture, their family, and their faith. They wanted their nation back.

faith. They wanted their nation back. faith. They wanted their nation back. Now, notice that Jesus does not condemn Now, notice that Jesus does not condemn Now, notice that Jesus does not condemn them for this. He doesn't rebuke the them for this. He doesn't rebuke the them for this. He doesn't rebuke the crowd. He does not say your desire for a crowd. He does not say your desire for a crowd. He does not say your desire for a strong nation is evil. And he doesn't strong nation is evil. And he doesn't strong nation is evil. And he doesn't tell them to stop being so political. To tell them to stop being so political. To tell them to stop being so political. To the point the Pharisees told Jesus to the point the Pharisees told Jesus to the point the Pharisees told Jesus to tell the his disciples to to shut up and tell the his disciples to to shut up and tell the his disciples to to shut up and to be quiet. And he refuses. And what to be quiet. And he refuses. And what to be quiet. And he refuses. And what does he say to him? Hey, if I tell them does he say to him? Hey, if I tell them does he say to him? Hey, if I tell them to be quiet, even the stones will cry to be quiet, even the stones will cry to be quiet, even the stones will cry out. Now, some would say they would tell out. Now, some would say they would tell out. Now, some would say they would tell us that we need to stop as Christians us that we need to stop as Christians us that we need to stop as Christians being so political, right? Christians being so political, right? Christians being so political, right? Christians shouldn't be political. caring about the shouldn't be political. caring about the shouldn't be political. caring about the direction of the nation is beneath you. direction of the nation is beneath you. direction of the nation is beneath you. You know, don't worry about that stuff. You know, don't worry about that stuff. You know, don't worry about that stuff. Worry about your church and whatever Worry about your church and whatever Worry about your church and whatever else. Okay. To that I would say I'll else. Okay. To that I would say I'll else. Okay. To that I would say I'll stop being so political when politics stop being so political when politics stop being so political when politics stop getting so theological. Politics stop getting so theological. Politics stop getting so theological. Politics continue to attack things that are continue to attack things that are continue to attack things that are clearly defined in scripture. The clearly defined in scripture. The clearly defined in scripture. The sanctity of life, gender, sexuality, sanctity of life, gender, sexuality, sanctity of life, gender, sexuality, marriage. When the world decides and the marriage. When the world decides and the marriage. When the world decides and the culture decides to stop attacking culture decides to stop attacking culture decides to stop attacking theological topics, maybe we can talk theological topics, maybe we can talk theological topics, maybe we can talk about that. But to the point actually we about that. But to the point actually we about that. But to the point actually we should be involved in politics. Aside should be involved in politics. Aside should be involved in politics. Aside from those things [applause] from those things [applause] from those things [applause] as Christians we should care about the as Christians we should care about the as Christians we should care about the direction of our nation. Others would direction of our nation. Others would direction of our nation. Others would say that we as Christians should be you say that we as Christians should be you say that we as Christians should be you know pacifists and yeah not care. Uh the know pacifists and yeah not care. Uh the know pacifists and yeah not care. Uh the other side would say Christianity has other side would say Christianity has other side would say Christianity has again no place in American politics.

again no place in American politics. again no place in American politics. Well, to that I would say and quote, our Well, to that I would say and quote, our Well, to that I would say and quote, our second president, John Adams, one of the second president, John Adams, one of the second president, John Adams, one of the founding fathers who set the record founding fathers who set the record founding fathers who set the record clear in a letter which he wrote to clear in a letter which he wrote to clear in a letter which he wrote to Thomas Jefferson. He said, "The general Thomas Jefferson. He said, "The general Thomas Jefferson. He said, "The general principles on which the fathers achieved principles on which the fathers achieved principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles independence were the general principles independence were the general principles of Christianity." Full stop. Those of Christianity." Full stop. Those of Christianity." Full stop. Those general principles of Christianity are general principles of Christianity are general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the as eternal and immutable as the as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God. existence and attributes of God. existence and attributes of God. I want you to hear me clearly on this I want you to hear me clearly on this I want you to hear me clearly on this 250th Independence Day weekend. A nation 250th Independence Day weekend. A nation 250th Independence Day weekend. A nation where the gospel can be freely preached where the gospel can be freely preached where the gospel can be freely preached is worth fighting for. We can proclaim is worth fighting for. We can proclaim is worth fighting for. We can proclaim the gospel publicly without fear, the gospel publicly without fear, the gospel publicly without fear, without shame. A government that without shame. A government that without shame. A government that protects its people and confronts evil. protects its people and confronts evil. protects its people and confronts evil. These are conditions that the gospel These are conditions that the gospel These are conditions that the gospel flourishes under. And the people in Luke flourishes under. And the people in Luke flourishes under. And the people in Luke chapter 19 are not wrong for wanting chapter 19 are not wrong for wanting chapter 19 are not wrong for wanting that for their own country. They wanted that for their own country. They wanted that for their own country. They wanted that. They wanted to be able to worship that. They wanted to be able to worship that. They wanted to be able to worship freely. They wanted to be able to rule freely. They wanted to be able to rule freely. They wanted to be able to rule and govern themselves according to what and govern themselves according to what and govern themselves according to what their scriptures had to say. They wanted their scriptures had to say. They wanted their scriptures had to say. They wanted that for their own country. But here's that for their own country. But here's that for their own country. But here's the thing. The conflict that Jesus came the thing. The conflict that Jesus came the thing. The conflict that Jesus came to deal with wasn't Rome. It was us. It to deal with wasn't Rome. It was us. It to deal with wasn't Rome. It was us. It was all of us. It was mankind.

was all of us. It was mankind. was all of us. It was mankind. The restoration, the revolution that The restoration, the revolution that The restoration, the revolution that Jesus came to bring wasn't a national Jesus came to bring wasn't a national Jesus came to bring wasn't a national one. It wasn't a political one. It was one. It wasn't a political one. It was one. It wasn't a political one. It was spiritual because Jesus knew at the spiritual because Jesus knew at the spiritual because Jesus knew at the foundation of everything in our lives, foundation of everything in our lives, foundation of everything in our lives, if we want to see success in it, he if we want to see success in it, he if we want to see success in it, he needs to be at the center. His glory needs to be at the center. His glory needs to be at the center. His glory needs to be paramount. Jesus didn't come needs to be paramount. Jesus didn't come needs to be paramount. Jesus didn't come to rule as an earthly king, but an to rule as an earthly king, but an to rule as an earthly king, but an eternal one. But the people in Jesus day eternal one. But the people in Jesus day eternal one. But the people in Jesus day were so busy reinventing Jesus to be the were so busy reinventing Jesus to be the were so busy reinventing Jesus to be the Messiah. They wanted the political Messiah. They wanted the political Messiah. They wanted the political deliverer that they wanted that they deliverer that they wanted that they deliverer that they wanted that they missed the Messiah they needed. They missed the Messiah they needed. They missed the Messiah they needed. They missed the Messiah that Jesus actually missed the Messiah that Jesus actually missed the Messiah that Jesus actually came to be. That brings us to point came to be. That brings us to point came to be. That brings us to point number two, the terms of peace. Let's number two, the terms of peace. Let's number two, the terms of peace. Let's continue reading in verse 41. Now, as continue reading in verse 41. Now, as continue reading in verse 41. Now, as Jesus drew near, he saw the city of Jesus drew near, he saw the city of Jesus drew near, he saw the city of Jerusalem and he wept over it. And he Jerusalem and he wept over it. And he Jerusalem and he wept over it. And he said, "If you had known, even you, said, "If you had known, even you, said, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things especially in this your day, the things especially in this your day, the things that make for peace, but now they are that make for peace, but now they are that make for peace, but now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will hidden from your eyes. For days will hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will come upon you when your enemies will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround build an embankment around you, surround build an embankment around you, surround you, and close in on every side, and you, and close in on every side, and you, and close in on every side, and level you and your children within you level you and your children within you level you and your children within you to the ground, and they will not leave to the ground, and they will not leave to the ground, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another because in you one stone upon another because in you one stone upon another because you did not know the time of your you did not know the time of your you did not know the time of your visitation." Let's pause there. Really visitation." Let's pause there. Really visitation." Let's pause there. Really interesting little scene we have there interesting little scene we have there interesting little scene we have there coming from Jesus. Why was Jesus coming from Jesus. Why was Jesus coming from Jesus. Why was Jesus weeping? Why was he grieving at the one weeping? Why was he grieving at the one weeping? Why was he grieving at the one moment that the crowd got it right? They moment that the crowd got it right? They moment that the crowd got it right? They were calling him king. They were calling

were calling him king. They were calling were calling him king. They were calling him Messiah. Why was he grieving? Why him Messiah. Why was he grieving? Why him Messiah. Why was he grieving? Why was he weeping? Well, they recognized was he weeping? Well, they recognized was he weeping? Well, they recognized Jesus as Messiah. They recognized him as Jesus as Messiah. They recognized him as Jesus as Messiah. They recognized him as king. But ultimately, we see a city full king. But ultimately, we see a city full king. But ultimately, we see a city full of people who called themselves God's of people who called themselves God's of people who called themselves God's people, right? who had every prophet, people, right? who had every prophet, people, right? who had every prophet, every scripture, every uh every promise, every scripture, every uh every promise, every scripture, every uh every promise, every sign pointing to this very moment. every sign pointing to this very moment. every sign pointing to this very moment. And yet they had actually missed it. And yet they had actually missed it. And yet they had actually missed it. They missed it. Jesus said, "You did not They missed it. Jesus said, "You did not They missed it. Jesus said, "You did not know the time of your visitation." know the time of your visitation." know the time of your visitation." G. Campbell Morgan, who's a a famous G. Campbell Morgan, who's a a famous G. Campbell Morgan, who's a a famous Bible commentator and scholar and pastor Bible commentator and scholar and pastor Bible commentator and scholar and pastor who's now with the Lord, um offers this who's now with the Lord, um offers this who's now with the Lord, um offers this insight into this very moment. He says insight into this very moment. He says insight into this very moment. He says the cry the cry the cry Jesus cry was that of a frustrated Jesus cry was that of a frustrated Jesus cry was that of a frustrated desire. He had visited the city with the desire. He had visited the city with the desire. He had visited the city with the desire to deliver it from the things of desire to deliver it from the things of desire to deliver it from the things of destruction and with the offers of the destruction and with the offers of the destruction and with the offers of the things of peace. The spiritual blindness things of peace. The spiritual blindness things of peace. The spiritual blindness of the rulers and people was such that of the rulers and people was such that of the rulers and people was such that they did not discern the meaning of the they did not discern the meaning of the they did not discern the meaning of the visitation. The result was inevitable.

visitation. The result was inevitable. visitation. The result was inevitable. There could be no escape from There could be no escape from There could be no escape from destruction. Jesus is weeping here destruction. Jesus is weeping here destruction. Jesus is weeping here because it's all over for Jerusalem. because it's all over for Jerusalem. because it's all over for Jerusalem. It's all over for Jerusalem. God has It's all over for Jerusalem. God has It's all over for Jerusalem. God has passed judgment upon them. Jesus said passed judgment upon them. Jesus said passed judgment upon them. Jesus said earlier in Matthew 23, "Oh Jerusalem, earlier in Matthew 23, "Oh Jerusalem, earlier in Matthew 23, "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills her Jerusalem, the one who kills her Jerusalem, the one who kills her prophets and stones those who are sent prophets and stones those who are sent prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather to her. How often I wanted to gather to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers your children together as a hen gathers your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were her chicks under her wings, but you were her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. See, your house is left to not willing. See, your house is left to not willing. See, your house is left to you desolate. the things that make for you desolate. the things that make for you desolate. the things that make for your peace. your peace. your peace. You know, I've read this story many You know, I've read this story many You know, I've read this story many times as of you. Um, and I've always times as of you. Um, and I've always times as of you. Um, and I've always just kind of read this. Okay. Yeah. just kind of read this. Okay. Yeah. just kind of read this. Okay. Yeah. Right. The things that make for your Right. The things that make for your Right. The things that make for your peace. Jesus came to bring peace into peace. Jesus came to bring peace into peace. Jesus came to bring peace into the world and ultimately uh you know, the world and ultimately uh you know, the world and ultimately uh you know, peace with God. That's the main reason peace with God. That's the main reason peace with God. That's the main reason why he came, right? And it's why he came, right? And it's why he came, right? And it's interesting, but as you look here, uh, interesting, but as you look here, uh, interesting, but as you look here, uh, the things that make for your peace, was the things that make for your peace, was the things that make for your peace, was it referring to peace with God? Yes. it referring to peace with God? Yes. it referring to peace with God? Yes. Absolutely. And Jesus paid for that with Absolutely. And Jesus paid for that with Absolutely. And Jesus paid for that with his death on the cross with his own his death on the cross with his own his death on the cross with his own blood. But it wasn't just spiritual blood. But it wasn't just spiritual blood. But it wasn't just spiritual peace. It wasn't just spiritual peace peace. It wasn't just spiritual peace peace. It wasn't just spiritual peace Jesus is talking about here. Not just Jesus is talking about here. Not just Jesus is talking about here. Not just spiritual deliverance he's referring to.

spiritual deliverance he's referring to. spiritual deliverance he's referring to. It was also political and physical It was also political and physical It was also political and physical literal peace. Jesus seems to be literal peace. Jesus seems to be literal peace. Jesus seems to be inferring that Roman peace, peace with inferring that Roman peace, peace with inferring that Roman peace, peace with the Romans, deliverance from the Romans the Romans, deliverance from the Romans the Romans, deliverance from the Romans was possible if they accepted Jesus as was possible if they accepted Jesus as was possible if they accepted Jesus as the Messiah he came to be, which was the Messiah he came to be, which was the Messiah he came to be, which was spiritual, spiritual deliverance, the spiritual, spiritual deliverance, the spiritual, spiritual deliverance, the true Messiah. Because a little less than true Messiah. Because a little less than true Messiah. Because a little less than 40 years later and the words of Jesus 40 years later and the words of Jesus 40 years later and the words of Jesus came true, there was an embankment came true, there was an embankment came true, there was an embankment surrounding the city. They did kill surrounding the city. They did kill surrounding the city. They did kill everyone, men, women, and children. The everyone, men, women, and children. The everyone, men, women, and children. The temple was torn down. Jerusalem was temple was torn down. Jerusalem was temple was torn down. Jerusalem was destroyed in AD.70. The siege of Titus, destroyed in AD.70. The siege of Titus, destroyed in AD.70. The siege of Titus, a Roman general came and squashed this a Roman general came and squashed this a Roman general came and squashed this Roman uh excuse me, this Jewish Roman uh excuse me, this Jewish Roman uh excuse me, this Jewish rebellion that was taking place in rebellion that was taking place in rebellion that was taking place in Jerusalem. And they leveled it. It was Jerusalem. And they leveled it. It was Jerusalem. And they leveled it. It was done. Jesus was exactly right. He done. Jesus was exactly right. He done. Jesus was exactly right. He prophesied it to the tea. David Guzzek, prophesied it to the tea. David Guzzek, prophesied it to the tea. David Guzzek, another pastor and Bible commentator, uh another pastor and Bible commentator, uh another pastor and Bible commentator, uh said who actually came to Christ hearing said who actually came to Christ hearing said who actually came to Christ hearing my dad preach, which is pretty cool. Uh my dad preach, which is pretty cool. Uh my dad preach, which is pretty cool. Uh David Guzzk said Jesus knew that their David Guzzk said Jesus knew that their David Guzzk said Jesus knew that their desire for a political Messiah would desire for a political Messiah would desire for a political Messiah would bring total destruction in less than a bring total destruction in less than a bring total destruction in less than a generation. They missed it. They generation. They missed it. They generation. They missed it. They misunderstood why Jesus came. They misunderstood why Jesus came. They misunderstood why Jesus came. They wanted Jesus to be a political messiah, wanted Jesus to be a political messiah, wanted Jesus to be a political messiah, but he came for a much greater purpose.

but he came for a much greater purpose. but he came for a much greater purpose. And they rejected him. They rejected And they rejected him. They rejected And they rejected him. They rejected that. And today in America, the greatest that. And today in America, the greatest that. And today in America, the greatest threat to us is not a political party. threat to us is not a political party. threat to us is not a political party. It's not our national debt. It's not It's not our national debt. It's not It's not our national debt. It's not open borders. It's not even China. All open borders. It's not even China. All open borders. It's not even China. All those things matter. They matter very those things matter. They matter very those things matter. They matter very much. But it's not the most important much. But it's not the most important much. But it's not the most important thing. The most important thing is for thing. The most important thing is for thing. The most important thing is for America to turn back to what made us a America to turn back to what made us a America to turn back to what made us a light to the nations in the first place. light to the nations in the first place. light to the nations in the first place. We as a nation and as a people need to We as a nation and as a people need to We as a nation and as a people need to turn back to the true light of the turn back to the true light of the turn back to the true light of the world, the source of that light, which world, the source of that light, which world, the source of that light, which is Jesus Christ. America at her best is Jesus Christ. America at her best is Jesus Christ. America at her best [applause] [applause] [applause] has never been the source of that light. has never been the source of that light. has never been the source of that light. America has never been the source of America has never been the source of America has never been the source of that light. We are simply a mirror that light. We are simply a mirror that light. We are simply a mirror reflecting Jesus, the light of the reflecting Jesus, the light of the reflecting Jesus, the light of the world. Israel's desire. Thank you. Yes, world. Israel's desire. Thank you. Yes, world. Israel's desire. Thank you. Yes, you can you can applaud. Um [applause] you can you can applaud. Um [applause] you can you can applaud. Um [applause] I thought it was a good point, too. I thought it was a good point, too. I thought it was a good point, too. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Israel's desire 2,000 years ago for Israel's desire 2,000 years ago for Israel's desire 2,000 years ago for political reform. This is the problem.

political reform. This is the problem. political reform. This is the problem. Her desire for political reform was Her desire for political reform was Her desire for political reform was higher than her desire for spiritual higher than her desire for spiritual higher than her desire for spiritual reform. And it resulted in their reform. And it resulted in their reform. And it resulted in their destruction. See, they missed the most destruction. See, they missed the most destruction. See, they missed the most important thing. They wanted the rulers. important thing. They wanted the rulers. important thing. They wanted the rulers. They wanted the laws, but they didn't They wanted the laws, but they didn't They wanted the laws, but they didn't want the heart of God. They didn't want want the heart of God. They didn't want want the heart of God. They didn't want Jesus. And that is why Jesus wept. That Jesus. And that is why Jesus wept. That Jesus. And that is why Jesus wept. That is why he sobbed over Jerusalem. He wept is why he sobbed over Jerusalem. He wept is why he sobbed over Jerusalem. He wept over a city he loved because they were over a city he loved because they were over a city he loved because they were headed towards destruction. And today, headed towards destruction. And today, headed towards destruction. And today, the most patriotic thing that you can do the most patriotic thing that you can do the most patriotic thing that you can do on America's 250th anniversary of being on America's 250th anniversary of being on America's 250th anniversary of being independent, being a nation, the most independent, being a nation, the most independent, being a nation, the most important thing you can do for your important thing you can do for your important thing you can do for your country is not wave a flag on your country is not wave a flag on your country is not wave a flag on your porch. It is to have a broken heart for porch. It is to have a broken heart for porch. It is to have a broken heart for the 350 million people who need a the 350 million people who need a the 350 million people who need a savior, not another politician. savior, not another politician. savior, not another politician. [applause] The greatest threat that America faces The greatest threat that America faces today is not from her enemies. It is today is not from her enemies. It is today is not from her enemies. It is from a sleeping and apathetic church. from a sleeping and apathetic church. from a sleeping and apathetic church. That is the greatest threat to America.

That is the greatest threat to America. That is the greatest threat to America. Do not miss your visitation. Now, maybe Do not miss your visitation. Now, maybe Do not miss your visitation. Now, maybe you're wondering, Jonathan, I'm just one you're wondering, Jonathan, I'm just one you're wondering, Jonathan, I'm just one person. What can I do? I'm not a person. What can I do? I'm not a person. What can I do? I'm not a president. I'm not a politician. I'm a president. I'm not a politician. I'm a president. I'm not a politician. I'm a mom. I'm a dad. I'm a teacher. Uh you mom. I'm a dad. I'm a teacher. Uh you mom. I'm a dad. I'm a teacher. Uh you I'm a grandparent. I'm retired. I I'm a I'm a grandparent. I'm retired. I I'm a I'm a grandparent. I'm retired. I I'm a construction worker. What can I do? construction worker. What can I do? construction worker. What can I do? Well, Jesus seems to give us the answer Well, Jesus seems to give us the answer Well, Jesus seems to give us the answer to that question as we see what was on to that question as we see what was on to that question as we see what was on the top of his priority list as he rode the top of his priority list as he rode the top of his priority list as he rode into Jerusalem. Let's look now at verse into Jerusalem. Let's look now at verse into Jerusalem. Let's look now at verse 45. 45. 45. And so then Jesus went into the temple. And so then Jesus went into the temple. And so then Jesus went into the temple. And he began to drive out those who And he began to drive out those who And he began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, bought and sold in it, saying to them, bought and sold in it, saying to them, "It is written, my house is a house of "It is written, my house is a house of "It is written, my house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of prayer, but you have made it a den of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." And he was teaching daily in thieves." And he was teaching daily in thieves." And he was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the the temple. But the chief priests, the the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people scribes, and the leaders of the people scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy him and were unable to sought to destroy him and were unable to sought to destroy him and were unable to do anything for all the people were very do anything for all the people were very do anything for all the people were very attentive to hear him. That brings us to attentive to hear him. That brings us to attentive to hear him. That brings us to point number three. Finally, cleansing point number three. Finally, cleansing point number three. Finally, cleansing the temple. Cleansing the temple. Isn't the temple. Cleansing the temple. Isn't the temple. Cleansing the temple. Isn't that perfectly fitting what Jesus came that perfectly fitting what Jesus came that perfectly fitting what Jesus came to do? So to answer my question, what to do? So to answer my question, what to do? So to answer my question, what can one person do? How can one person can one person do? How can one person can one person do? How can one person change one family? How can we turn change one family? How can we turn change one family? How can we turn America back to God? How can we see America back to God? How can we see America back to God? How can we see national prosperity? It starts with us.

national prosperity? It starts with us. national prosperity? It starts with us. It starts with us in our homes, in our It starts with us in our homes, in our It starts with us in our homes, in our church. Jesus wipes his tears and he church. Jesus wipes his tears and he church. Jesus wipes his tears and he rides not to Pilot's home, the governor rides not to Pilot's home, the governor rides not to Pilot's home, the governor of Judea. He doesn't ride to Caesar into of Judea. He doesn't ride to Caesar into of Judea. He doesn't ride to Caesar into Rome, right? And put Caesar in a Rome, right? And put Caesar in a Rome, right? And put Caesar in a headlock. headlock. headlock. No, he rides to the temple, to God's No, he rides to the temple, to God's No, he rides to the temple, to God's people, to his house. Come back to 2 people, to his house. Come back to 2 people, to his house. Come back to 2 Chronicles 7:14. What is the template Chronicles 7:14. What is the template Chronicles 7:14. What is the template for national revival? What is the for national revival? What is the for national revival? What is the template? To see national prosperity and template? To see national prosperity and template? To see national prosperity and see our nation thrive and do well and see our nation thrive and do well and see our nation thrive and do well and last for another 250 years. 2 Chronicles last for another 250 years. 2 Chronicles last for another 250 years. 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people who were called by my 7:14. If my people who were called by my 7:14. If my people who were called by my name will humble themselves and pray and name will humble themselves and pray and name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked seek my face and turn from their wicked seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and ways, then I will hear from heaven and ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their will forgive their sin and heal their will forgive their sin and heal their land. The revolution Jesus came to start land. The revolution Jesus came to start land. The revolution Jesus came to start was never going to begin in the halls of was never going to begin in the halls of was never going to begin in the halls of government. It has always started with government. It has always started with government. It has always started with his people. It has always started with his people. It has always started with his people. It has always started with his people. We as Christians must be the his people. We as Christians must be the his people. We as Christians must be the ones who help guide our nation. We must ones who help guide our nation. We must ones who help guide our nation. We must be the fabric that our country is made be the fabric that our country is made be the fabric that our country is made of. George Washington, our first of. George Washington, our first of. George Washington, our first president, said it best when he said president, said it best when he said president, said it best when he said this. George Washington said this. Why this. George Washington said this. Why this. George Washington said this. Why don't they teach this in schools? To the don't they teach this in schools? To the don't they teach this in schools? To the distinguished character of patriot, it distinguished character of patriot, it distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add to should be our highest glory to add to should be our highest glory to add to the more distinguished character of the more distinguished character of the more distinguished character of Christian. Come on. This is who American Christian. Come on. This is who American Christian. Come on. This is who American citizens, the best type of American citizens, the best type of American citizens, the best type of American citizens are to be are followers of citizens are to be are followers of citizens are to be are followers of Jesus Christ. That's incredible for our Jesus Christ. That's incredible for our Jesus Christ. That's incredible for our first president to say that. Listen,

first president to say that. Listen, first president to say that. Listen, America cannot be the best and truest America cannot be the best and truest America cannot be the best and truest version of herself. If Christians are in version of herself. If Christians are in version of herself. If Christians are in a state of compromise, if we're living a state of compromise, if we're living a state of compromise, if we're living in a state of compromise, faith and in a state of compromise, faith and in a state of compromise, faith and obedience to God must be at the center obedience to God must be at the center obedience to God must be at the center of our nation. If we want to flourish, of our nation. If we want to flourish, of our nation. If we want to flourish, at the center of our lives, at the at the center of our lives, at the at the center of our lives, at the center of our families, at the center of center of our families, at the center of center of our families, at the center of our businesses, at the center of our our businesses, at the center of our our businesses, at the center of our hobbies, at the center of everything we hobbies, at the center of everything we hobbies, at the center of everything we do should be God's glory. That's why God do should be God's glory. That's why God do should be God's glory. That's why God created us to bring us glory. Did you created us to bring us glory. Did you created us to bring us glory. Did you know that he did? [applause] know that he did? [applause] know that he did? [applause] And when you glorify him, when you And when you glorify him, when you And when you glorify him, when you worship him, when you surrender your worship him, when you surrender your worship him, when you surrender your needs and put his needs above your own needs and put his needs above your own needs and put his needs above your own and his glory ahead of your own, that is and his glory ahead of your own, that is and his glory ahead of your own, that is when you find the truest sense of peace, when you find the truest sense of peace, when you find the truest sense of peace, the truest sense of fulfillment and the the truest sense of fulfillment and the the truest sense of fulfillment and the truest sense of joy and and life. You truest sense of joy and and life. You truest sense of joy and and life. You are fulfilling the purpose for which you are fulfilling the purpose for which you are fulfilling the purpose for which you were created. When you glorify God, when were created. When you glorify God, when were created. When you glorify God, when you seek to bring him joy rather than you seek to bring him joy rather than you seek to bring him joy rather than just yourself, right? It's been said, if just yourself, right? It's been said, if just yourself, right? It's been said, if you aim at earth, you get neither earth you aim at earth, you get neither earth you aim at earth, you get neither earth nor heaven. But when you aim at heaven, nor heaven. But when you aim at heaven, nor heaven. But when you aim at heaven, you get earth thrown in as well.

you get earth thrown in as well. you get earth thrown in as well. >> We need to have Christ at the center of >> We need to have Christ at the center of >> We need to have Christ at the center of everything. But it starts with us everything. But it starts with us everything. But it starts with us because what we tolerate in our own because what we tolerate in our own because what we tolerate in our own temples, right? We're the temple of the temples, right? We're the temple of the temples, right? We're the temple of the living God. Jesus said, "Tear this living God. Jesus said, "Tear this living God. Jesus said, "Tear this temple down and in three days I will temple down and in three days I will temple down and in three days I will raise it up." And he says that we are raise it up." And he says that we are raise it up." And he says that we are now the temple of God. The Holy Spirit now the temple of God. The Holy Spirit now the temple of God. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. There is no temple. dwells within us. There is no temple. dwells within us. There is no temple. There is no temple in Jerusalem today. There is no temple in Jerusalem today. There is no temple in Jerusalem today. They have a wall like a retaining wall They have a wall like a retaining wall They have a wall like a retaining wall that was like not even touching the that was like not even touching the that was like not even touching the temple. That's the closest thing that temple. That's the closest thing that temple. That's the closest thing that they have and they go and they wail at they have and they go and they wail at they have and they go and they wail at it. We don't have to wail today because it. We don't have to wail today because it. We don't have to wail today because we have the spirit of the living God we have the spirit of the living God we have the spirit of the living God living inside of us. And so what we living inside of us. And so what we living inside of us. And so what we tolerate inside of our temples, it tolerate inside of our temples, it tolerate inside of our temples, it matters. matters. matters. What we tolerate in our temple matters. What we tolerate in our temple matters. What we tolerate in our temple matters. It will eventually corrupt everything It will eventually corrupt everything It will eventually corrupt everything around us if we allow it to be around us if we allow it to be around us if we allow it to be adulterated one table at a time, one adulterated one table at a time, one adulterated one table at a time, one stronghold after another. What we allow stronghold after another. What we allow stronghold after another. What we allow in private will always become public. in private will always become public. in private will always become public. What you allow in your private life will What you allow in your private life will What you allow in your private life will always come out into the light. The always come out into the light. The always come out into the light. The Bible talks about this. Bible's very Bible talks about this. Bible's very Bible talks about this. Bible's very clear. What you allow in your private clear. What you allow in your private clear. What you allow in your private life will always become public. Now, life will always become public. Now, life will always become public. Now, many of you know about the Jesus many of you know about the Jesus many of you know about the Jesus revolution. You've heard about it.

revolution. You've heard about it. revolution. You've heard about it. There's a movie made about it uh that There's a movie made about it uh that There's a movie made about it uh that chronicles basically the last great chronicles basically the last great chronicles basically the last great American revival that took place in the American revival that took place in the American revival that took place in the late 1960s, early 1970s. and it tells it late 1960s, early 1970s. and it tells it late 1960s, early 1970s. and it tells it through the lens of a young man named through the lens of a young man named through the lens of a young man named Greg Lori who happens to be my dad and Greg Lori who happens to be my dad and Greg Lori who happens to be my dad and the pastor of this church and it's a the pastor of this church and it's a the pastor of this church and it's a great movie if you haven't seen it but great movie if you haven't seen it but great movie if you haven't seen it but basically there was a pastor of a basically there was a pastor of a basically there was a pastor of a dwindling church in Southern California dwindling church in Southern California dwindling church in Southern California in Costa Mesa just down the street from in Costa Mesa just down the street from in Costa Mesa just down the street from where I'm standing right now where we where I'm standing right now where we where I'm standing right now where we are and uh the church was called Calvary are and uh the church was called Calvary are and uh the church was called Calvary Chapel and it was an aging congregation Chapel and it was an aging congregation Chapel and it was an aging congregation and they had a decision to make. They and they had a decision to make. They and they had a decision to make. They could either let these young people in could either let these young people in could either let these young people in as they were, which were the hippies, or as they were, which were the hippies, or as they were, which were the hippies, or they could continue to do things the way they could continue to do things the way they could continue to do things the way that they've always done them. Well, that they've always done them. Well, that they've always done them. Well, they made the decision to open the doors they made the decision to open the doors they made the decision to open the doors to the hippies. Chuck famously washed to the hippies. Chuck famously washed to the hippies. Chuck famously washed the feet of the hippies as they came the feet of the hippies as they came the feet of the hippies as they came into the church and allowed them to come into the church and allowed them to come into the church and allowed them to come in barefoot. And uh that changed in barefoot. And uh that changed in barefoot. And uh that changed everything. It changed absolutely everything. It changed absolutely everything. It changed absolutely everything. As a result of that, my dad everything. As a result of that, my dad everything. As a result of that, my dad came to Christ. My dad came to be a came to Christ. My dad came to be a came to Christ. My dad came to be a pastor and and teach. And of course, pastor and and teach. And of course, pastor and and teach. And of course, this church launched out of it as a this church launched out of it as a this church launched out of it as a result. But a few years after Chuck went result. But a few years after Chuck went result. But a few years after Chuck went to heaven, uh my dad asked Chuck if he to heaven, uh my dad asked Chuck if he to heaven, uh my dad asked Chuck if he thought we would ever see another Jesus thought we would ever see another Jesus thought we would ever see another Jesus movement. Chuck is today kind of known movement. Chuck is today kind of known movement. Chuck is today kind of known as a really significant figure, even as a really significant figure, even as a really significant figure, even being called the father of the Jesus being called the father of the Jesus being called the father of the Jesus movement because he made this very movement because he made this very movement because he made this very impactful decision and incredible impactful decision and incredible impactful decision and incredible spiritual fruit has come out of his spiritual fruit has come out of his spiritual fruit has come out of his ministry. My dad asked Chuck this ministry. My dad asked Chuck this ministry. My dad asked Chuck this question. He said, "Chuck, do you think question. He said, "Chuck, do you think question. He said, "Chuck, do you think we'll ever see another Jesus movement?

we'll ever see another Jesus movement? we'll ever see another Jesus movement? Do you think we'll ever see another Do you think we'll ever see another Do you think we'll ever see another spiritual revival in America?" And Chuck spiritual revival in America?" And Chuck spiritual revival in America?" And Chuck said to my dad, "I don't know, Greg. I said to my dad, "I don't know, Greg. I said to my dad, "I don't know, Greg. I don't know if we are desperate enough." don't know if we are desperate enough." don't know if we are desperate enough." I think that's really true. Listen, you I think that's really true. Listen, you I think that's really true. Listen, you don't have to be a genius to see that don't have to be a genius to see that don't have to be a genius to see that there's conflict in America. That we're there's conflict in America. That we're there's conflict in America. That we're divided. Things are polarized. They're divided. Things are polarized. They're divided. Things are polarized. They're black, we're white, we're black, they're black, we're white, we're black, they're black, we're white, we're black, they're white. You know, it's just right down white. You know, it's just right down white. You know, it's just right down the middle. We can't agree on anything. the middle. We can't agree on anything. the middle. We can't agree on anything. Anybody can see that. But that's only Anybody can see that. But that's only Anybody can see that. But that's only the first step to the problem. Do you the first step to the problem. Do you the first step to the problem. Do you care enough to do something about it? care enough to do something about it? care enough to do something about it? Are you desperate enough to actually Are you desperate enough to actually Are you desperate enough to actually take action? And what can you do? 2 take action? And what can you do? 2 take action? And what can you do? 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves called by my name will humble themselves called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from and pray and seek my face and turn from and pray and seek my face and turn from their sin, then I will forgive their sin their sin, then I will forgive their sin their sin, then I will forgive their sin and heal their land." Listen, this is and heal their land." Listen, this is and heal their land." Listen, this is what we are to do. Are we desperate what we are to do. Are we desperate what we are to do. Are we desperate enough? Jesus was. He was desperate enough? Jesus was. He was desperate enough? Jesus was. He was desperate enough to weep and ride into a city that enough to weep and ride into a city that enough to weep and ride into a city that rejected him. He was desperate enough to rejected him. He was desperate enough to rejected him. He was desperate enough to go right to the heart and go to the go right to the heart and go to the go right to the heart and go to the temple. He was desperate enough to walk temple. He was desperate enough to walk temple. He was desperate enough to walk into that building when nobody else had into that building when nobody else had into that building when nobody else had the courage to. Now, it's important to the courage to. Now, it's important to the courage to. Now, it's important to know that this was actually the second know that this was actually the second know that this was actually the second time Jesus cleansed the temple. The time Jesus cleansed the temple. The time Jesus cleansed the temple. The first time Jesus cleansed the temple at first time Jesus cleansed the temple at first time Jesus cleansed the temple at the very beginning of his ministry. You the very beginning of his ministry. You the very beginning of his ministry. You remember that's when he fastened the remember that's when he fastened the remember that's when he fastened the whip of cords and literally made a whip whip of cords and literally made a whip whip of cords and literally made a whip and he was whipping people and whipping and he was whipping people and whipping and he was whipping people and whipping the money changers and flipping tables the money changers and flipping tables the money changers and flipping tables over and coins are rolling and you know over and coins are rolling and you know over and coins are rolling and you know guys are running out and he did it a

guys are running out and he did it a guys are running out and he did it a second time at the end of his ministry, second time at the end of his ministry, second time at the end of his ministry, the end of his earthly ministry. the end of his earthly ministry. the end of his earthly ministry. Now, it's important to note that the Now, it's important to note that the Now, it's important to note that the reason Jesus reason Jesus reason Jesus was so upset about this is not because was so upset about this is not because was so upset about this is not because they were selling like t-shirts, you they were selling like t-shirts, you they were selling like t-shirts, you know, Passover AD33, like you know, know, Passover AD33, like you know, know, Passover AD33, like you know, their little shirt with like a Jewish their little shirt with like a Jewish their little shirt with like a Jewish flag or something. It's not that they flag or something. It's not that they flag or something. It's not that they were like selling merchandise or selling were like selling merchandise or selling were like selling merchandise or selling water bottles like, "Oh, we have a water bottles like, "Oh, we have a water bottles like, "Oh, we have a bookstore, Pastor Jonathan." Like, are bookstore, Pastor Jonathan." Like, are bookstore, Pastor Jonathan." Like, are we like, "Would Jesus be very happy with we like, "Would Jesus be very happy with we like, "Would Jesus be very happy with that?" Here's what they were doing. that?" Here's what they were doing. that?" Here's what they were doing. Okay. basically the religious leaders of Okay. basically the religious leaders of Okay. basically the religious leaders of the day. They were being a burden for the day. They were being a burden for the day. They were being a burden for people to come and worship the Lord. As people to come and worship the Lord. As people to come and worship the Lord. As pilgrims came and and wanted to pilgrims came and and wanted to pilgrims came and and wanted to celebrate in Jerusalem for the Passover celebrate in Jerusalem for the Passover celebrate in Jerusalem for the Passover celebration, which of course was when celebration, which of course was when celebration, which of course was when the people of the Israelites were the people of the Israelites were the people of the Israelites were liberated from Egypt, right? Moses came liberated from Egypt, right? Moses came liberated from Egypt, right? Moses came and all of that happened, the plagues and all of that happened, the plagues and all of that happened, the plagues and everything. This was a feast to and everything. This was a feast to and everything. This was a feast to remember that, the greatest of all the remember that, the greatest of all the remember that, the greatest of all the feasts. And so Jewish pilgrims would feasts. And so Jewish pilgrims would feasts. And so Jewish pilgrims would come from all over the world to Israel come from all over the world to Israel come from all over the world to Israel to Jerusalem to celebrate this. And they to Jerusalem to celebrate this. And they to Jerusalem to celebrate this. And they would bring with them an animal to would bring with them an animal to would bring with them an animal to sacrifice to the Lord. Now God asked for sacrifice to the Lord. Now God asked for sacrifice to the Lord. Now God asked for the first fruit. So if you were a farmer the first fruit. So if you were a farmer the first fruit. So if you were a farmer or you, you know, bred sheep and you had or you, you know, bred sheep and you had or you, you know, bred sheep and you had a litter of sheep. I don't know if you a litter of sheep. I don't know if you a litter of sheep. I don't know if you call it a litter of sheep, but you have call it a litter of sheep, but you have call it a litter of sheep, but you have a bunch of sheep. You would take the a bunch of sheep. You would take the a bunch of sheep. You would take the first and you would take the best sheep first and you would take the best sheep first and you would take the best sheep and you would set it aside and you would and you would set it aside and you would and you would set it aside and you would say, "That's the Lord's sheep. We're not say, "That's the Lord's sheep. We're not say, "That's the Lord's sheep. We're not going to sell it. We're not going to eat going to sell it. We're not going to eat going to sell it. We're not going to eat it. We're not going to use it for our it. We're not going to use it for our it. We're not going to use it for our purposes. We're going to set it aside purposes. We're going to set it aside purposes. We're going to set it aside for the Lord. Now, that would have an for the Lord. Now, that would have an for the Lord. Now, that would have an economic impact on you, right? That economic impact on you, right? That economic impact on you, right? That little extra money could help you get little extra money could help you get little extra money could help you get ahead in life. So, this was a sacrifice.

ahead in life. So, this was a sacrifice. ahead in life. So, this was a sacrifice. People would set that animal aside. They People would set that animal aside. They People would set that animal aside. They would handfeed it. They'd name it. It'd would handfeed it. They'd name it. It'd would handfeed it. They'd name it. It'd be more like a pet than anything, right? be more like a pet than anything, right? be more like a pet than anything, right? It'd sit at the table with them. That's It'd sit at the table with them. That's It'd sit at the table with them. That's the Lord's sheep. And then when Passover the Lord's sheep. And then when Passover the Lord's sheep. And then when Passover time came around, they would bring that time came around, they would bring that time came around, they would bring that little sheep with them. The whole family little sheep with them. The whole family little sheep with them. The whole family helped raise it. And they would bring it helped raise it. And they would bring it helped raise it. And they would bring it to the priest at the temple and they to the priest at the temple and they to the priest at the temple and they would say, "Here's our sacrifice that would say, "Here's our sacrifice that would say, "Here's our sacrifice that we're giving to the Lord today." This is we're giving to the Lord today." This is we're giving to the Lord today." This is what outraged Jesus so much. The temple what outraged Jesus so much. The temple what outraged Jesus so much. The temple leaders would take that sheep sometimes leaders would take that sheep sometimes leaders would take that sheep sometimes and they would say, "Oh, see this lamb? and they would say, "Oh, see this lamb? and they would say, "Oh, see this lamb? It's not the right kind of lamb." Or It's not the right kind of lamb." Or It's not the right kind of lamb." Or this lamb, you see this little blemish this lamb, you see this little blemish this lamb, you see this little blemish over here? It's got like this little over here? It's got like this little over here? It's got like this little chipped nail on the bottom here. We chipped nail on the bottom here. We chipped nail on the bottom here. We can't sacrifice this lamb. And so what can't sacrifice this lamb. And so what can't sacrifice this lamb. And so what we'll do is we'll buy this lamb from you we'll do is we'll buy this lamb from you we'll do is we'll buy this lamb from you for, you know, onetenth of what it's for, you know, onetenth of what it's for, you know, onetenth of what it's actually worth. and we'll buy it from actually worth. and we'll buy it from actually worth. and we'll buy it from you. And then we'll sell you one of our you. And then we'll sell you one of our you. And then we'll sell you one of our hiked up lambs. It's injected with hiked up lambs. It's injected with hiked up lambs. It's injected with steroids and Botox and you know the the steroids and Botox and you know the the steroids and Botox and you know the the fur is bleached and it's perfect and we fur is bleached and it's perfect and we fur is bleached and it's perfect and we scraped off some of those imperfections scraped off some of those imperfections scraped off some of those imperfections with a razor blade earlier and you know with a razor blade earlier and you know with a razor blade earlier and you know you you won't even notice and we'll sell you you won't even notice and we'll sell you you won't even notice and we'll sell it to you for three times the price. And it to you for three times the price. And it to you for three times the price. And so they were gouging people. They were so they were gouging people. They were so they were gouging people. They were taking advantage. They were being a taking advantage. They were being a taking advantage. They were being a barrier from people to go and worship barrier from people to go and worship barrier from people to go and worship the Lord. or they would come in with the Lord. or they would come in with the Lord. or they would come in with their foreign currency and they wanted their foreign currency and they wanted their foreign currency and they wanted to go and buy a pigeon or they wanted to to go and buy a pigeon or they wanted to to go and buy a pigeon or they wanted to buy a sheep and as they came in with buy a sheep and as they came in with buy a sheep and as they came in with their currency they'd say, "Oh, well the their currency they'd say, "Oh, well the their currency they'd say, "Oh, well the normal exchange rate is, you know, $1 to normal exchange rate is, you know, $1 to normal exchange rate is, you know, $1 to $1.50 is the exchange rate normally."

$1.50 is the exchange rate normally." $1.50 is the exchange rate normally." Well, right now it's $1 to $3. Okay, so Well, right now it's $1 to $3. Okay, so Well, right now it's $1 to $3. Okay, so we're they're just completely gouging we're they're just completely gouging we're they're just completely gouging people. This is what upset Jesus so people. This is what upset Jesus so people. This is what upset Jesus so greatly. They were taking advantage of greatly. They were taking advantage of greatly. They were taking advantage of people. And so he went into the temple people. And so he went into the temple people. And so he went into the temple which had been compromised and he which had been compromised and he which had been compromised and he flipped it all the tables over and he flipped it all the tables over and he flipped it all the tables over and he cleaned house again for a second time cleaned house again for a second time cleaned house again for a second time because Jesus wasn't done with his because Jesus wasn't done with his because Jesus wasn't done with his people. His work wasn't done. And I want people. His work wasn't done. And I want people. His work wasn't done. And I want to tell you today, he's not done with to tell you today, he's not done with to tell you today, he's not done with this country either. He's not done with this country either. He's not done with this country either. He's not done with us today. [applause] God has not us today. [applause] God has not us today. [applause] God has not forgotten the prayers of the pilgrims forgotten the prayers of the pilgrims forgotten the prayers of the pilgrims who landed on these shores. He has not who landed on these shores. He has not who landed on these shores. He has not forgotten the 55 men in Philadelphia who forgotten the 55 men in Philadelphia who forgotten the 55 men in Philadelphia who stopped arguing and bowed their heads stopped arguing and bowed their heads stopped arguing and bowed their heads and asked God for his help and invited and asked God for his help and invited and asked God for his help and invited his intervention. America is not an his intervention. America is not an his intervention. America is not an accident and her best days will not be accident and her best days will not be accident and her best days will not be determined in Washington. They will be determined in Washington. They will be determined in Washington. They will be determined by all of us. Because a determined by all of us. Because a determined by all of us. Because a nation of cleansed temples is an nation of cleansed temples is an nation of cleansed temples is an unstoppable nation. A church committed unstoppable nation. A church committed unstoppable nation. A church committed to prayer is more powerful than any to prayer is more powerful than any to prayer is more powerful than any army. And a people who are desperate army. And a people who are desperate army. And a people who are desperate enough to say as the psalmist said in enough to say as the psalmist said in enough to say as the psalmist said in Psalm 139, "Search me, oh God, and know Psalm 139, "Search me, oh God, and know Psalm 139, "Search me, oh God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts my heart. Try me and know my thoughts my heart. Try me and know my thoughts and see if there is any wicked way and see if there is any wicked way and see if there is any wicked way within me and lead me in the way of within me and lead me in the way of within me and lead me in the way of everlasting." Are you desperate enough everlasting." Are you desperate enough everlasting." Are you desperate enough to say that? Yeah, we all can identify to say that? Yeah, we all can identify to say that? Yeah, we all can identify the problems. Are you desperate enough the problems. Are you desperate enough the problems. Are you desperate enough to do something about it? Are you to do something about it? Are you to do something about it? Are you desperate enough to say, "Yes, Lord.

desperate enough to say, "Yes, Lord. desperate enough to say, "Yes, Lord. Change me. Purify this temple. Cleanse Change me. Purify this temple. Cleanse Change me. Purify this temple. Cleanse me from anything that is making you a me from anything that is making you a me from anything that is making you a second position in my life. Remove that second position in my life. Remove that second position in my life. Remove that thing." Are you desperate enough to say thing." Are you desperate enough to say thing." Are you desperate enough to say that? And I want to ask you in closing, that? And I want to ask you in closing, that? And I want to ask you in closing, do you need your temple cleanse? do you need your temple cleanse? do you need your temple cleanse? I'll say it. Yes, I do. We all do. We I'll say it. Yes, I do. We all do. We I'll say it. Yes, I do. We all do. We all need our temple cleanse. We all have all need our temple cleanse. We all have all need our temple cleanse. We all have sin in our life. We all have things that sin in our life. We all have things that sin in our life. We all have things that we could be delivered from and need we could be delivered from and need we could be delivered from and need God's intervention in. Yeah. God's intervention in. Yeah. God's intervention in. Yeah. Each and every one of us, we need our Each and every one of us, we need our Each and every one of us, we need our temple cleansed. A lot of times when we temple cleansed. A lot of times when we temple cleansed. A lot of times when we first come to Christ, it's like the first come to Christ, it's like the first come to Christ, it's like the first time he cleanses the temple. He first time he cleanses the temple. He first time he cleanses the temple. He removes all that stuff. We're a new removes all that stuff. We're a new removes all that stuff. We're a new creation, brand new blank slate. It's creation, brand new blank slate. It's creation, brand new blank slate. It's incredible. But as time goes on, some of incredible. But as time goes on, some of incredible. But as time goes on, some of that stuff comes creeping back in and that stuff comes creeping back in and that stuff comes creeping back in and it's a distraction and it tears you down it's a distraction and it tears you down it's a distraction and it tears you down and it ultimately distracts you from and it ultimately distracts you from and it ultimately distracts you from God. You need your temple cleansed. Are God. You need your temple cleansed. Are God. You need your temple cleansed. Are you willing enough to say, "Yes, Lord. you willing enough to say, "Yes, Lord. you willing enough to say, "Yes, Lord. Search me, know my heart, try me, know Search me, know my heart, try me, know Search me, know my heart, try me, know my thoughts. Is there any wicked way in my thoughts. Is there any wicked way in my thoughts. Is there any wicked way in me? Show me the way of everlasting. We me? Show me the way of everlasting. We me? Show me the way of everlasting. We all need to pray that prayer as all need to pray that prayer as all need to pray that prayer as believers. But as we close now, maybe believers. But as we close now, maybe believers. But as we close now, maybe there's some here today who have never there's some here today who have never there's some here today who have never had their temple cleansed. They've never had their temple cleansed. They've never had their temple cleansed. They've never been forgiven of their sin. They've been forgiven of their sin. They've been forgiven of their sin. They've never put their faith in Jesus Christ.

never put their faith in Jesus Christ. never put their faith in Jesus Christ. And you're walking around today with a And you're walking around today with a And you're walking around today with a burden of guilt and shame that you were burden of guilt and shame that you were burden of guilt and shame that you were not designed to carry around with you. not designed to carry around with you. not designed to carry around with you. the things that you've done, the sins the things that you've done, the sins the things that you've done, the sins that you've committed, they were keeping that you've committed, they were keeping that you've committed, they were keeping you from God. But this is the good news. you from God. But this is the good news. you from God. But this is the good news. Jesus came for your sin. Jesus came for Jesus came for your sin. Jesus came for Jesus came for your sin. Jesus came for you. That was the problem that he came you. That was the problem that he came you. That was the problem that he came for. That was the very heart of the for. That was the very heart of the for. That was the very heart of the matter. He knew we couldn't have matter. He knew we couldn't have matter. He knew we couldn't have anything good if we were not first made anything good if we were not first made anything good if we were not first made right with him. Would you like to have right with him. Would you like to have right with him. Would you like to have that? Would you like to know that when that? Would you like to know that when that? Would you like to know that when you die, you can go to heaven? You can. you die, you can go to heaven? You can. you die, you can go to heaven? You can. You can walk out of here a brand new You can walk out of here a brand new You can walk out of here a brand new person, a new creation. 2 Corinthians person, a new creation. 2 Corinthians person, a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man is in Christ, 5:17 says, "If any man is in Christ, 5:17 says, "If any man is in Christ, they are an allgether new creation. Old they are an allgether new creation. Old they are an allgether new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have passed away. Behold, all things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." God can do that things have become new." God can do that things have become new." God can do that for you today. He can make you a new for you today. He can make you a new for you today. He can make you a new creation. Let's pray now. Father, we creation. Let's pray now. Father, we creation. Let's pray now. Father, we thank you for your word. We thank you thank you for your word. We thank you thank you for your word. We thank you for these truths that we find in for these truths that we find in for these truths that we find in scripture. Lord, as our heart is to live scripture. Lord, as our heart is to live scripture. Lord, as our heart is to live in a prosperous nation, a good nation, a in a prosperous nation, a good nation, a in a prosperous nation, a good nation, a true nation that is free from corruption true nation that is free from corruption true nation that is free from corruption and free from moral rot and decay. Lord, and free from moral rot and decay. Lord, and free from moral rot and decay. Lord, our heart, our request, Lord, is that our heart, our request, Lord, is that our heart, our request, Lord, is that you would intervene. We look to you. You you would intervene. We look to you. You you would intervene. We look to you. You are the only person. You are the only are the only person. You are the only are the only person. You are the only thing that can come and fix this and thing that can come and fix this and thing that can come and fix this and bring resolution, Lord, so that we for bring resolution, Lord, so that we for bring resolution, Lord, so that we for the sake of our children and the sake of our children and the sake of our children and grandchildren and descendants on in the grandchildren and descendants on in the grandchildren and descendants on in the future will be able to survive and future will be able to survive and future will be able to survive and thrive and ultimately worship you thrive and ultimately worship you thrive and ultimately worship you freely. Lord, intervene. Step in. Start

freely. Lord, intervene. Step in. Start freely. Lord, intervene. Step in. Start with us, Lord. Purify us as a people. with us, Lord. Purify us as a people. with us, Lord. Purify us as a people. Lord, anything that's within us that is Lord, anything that's within us that is Lord, anything that's within us that is impure, remove it from our lives. Bring impure, remove it from our lives. Bring impure, remove it from our lives. Bring our attention to it. Bring it up to the our attention to it. Bring it up to the our attention to it. Bring it up to the top of our minds even now. that sin we top of our minds even now. that sin we top of our minds even now. that sin we struggle with, that thing that we spend struggle with, that thing that we spend struggle with, that thing that we spend too much time doing, that that passion, too much time doing, that that passion, too much time doing, that that passion, that vice that's got a hold of us that that vice that's got a hold of us that that vice that's got a hold of us that we can't get free from. Lord, help us to we can't get free from. Lord, help us to we can't get free from. Lord, help us to take action to remove that, to be free take action to remove that, to be free take action to remove that, to be free from it, because Lord, you came to set from it, because Lord, you came to set from it, because Lord, you came to set us free. We should not reinslave us free. We should not reinslave us free. We should not reinslave ourselves to these things. Help us, ourselves to these things. Help us, ourselves to these things. Help us, Lord. And while our heads are bowed and Lord. And while our heads are bowed and Lord. And while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying our eyes are closed and we're praying our eyes are closed and we're praying together, if you've never put your faith together, if you've never put your faith together, if you've never put your faith in Jesus Christ today and you would like in Jesus Christ today and you would like in Jesus Christ today and you would like to have that, you can. this Fourth of to have that, you can. this Fourth of to have that, you can. this Fourth of July weekend. You want to talk about the July weekend. You want to talk about the July weekend. You want to talk about the best thing you could do for our country? best thing you could do for our country? best thing you could do for our country? It's actually to put your faith in God, It's actually to put your faith in God, It's actually to put your faith in God, but more importantly for you to have the but more importantly for you to have the but more importantly for you to have the hope of heaven, to not be sent to hell hope of heaven, to not be sent to hell hope of heaven, to not be sent to hell because you rejected Jesus, because you rejected Jesus, because you rejected Jesus, to [snorts] not head to destruction to [snorts] not head to destruction to [snorts] not head to destruction because you rejected Jesus like the because you rejected Jesus like the because you rejected Jesus like the people in Jerusalem did over 2,000 years people in Jerusalem did over 2,000 years people in Jerusalem did over 2,000 years ago. You can have the hope of heaven ago. You can have the hope of heaven ago. You can have the hope of heaven today. You can be forgiven of your sin today. You can be forgiven of your sin today. You can be forgiven of your sin and you can have life and life more and you can have life and life more and you can have life and life more abundantly. Which is why Jesus came, his abundantly. Which is why Jesus came, his abundantly. Which is why Jesus came, his own mission statement. I came to give own mission statement. I came to give own mission statement. I came to give life and life more abundantly. He'll do life and life more abundantly. He'll do life and life more abundantly. He'll do that for you. Would you like that? If that for you. Would you like that? If that for you. Would you like that? If so, wherever you are, if you're watching so, wherever you are, if you're watching so, wherever you are, if you're watching here, Harvest Orange County, on the here, Harvest Orange County, on the here, Harvest Orange County, on the island of Maui, Harvest Riverside, island of Maui, Harvest Riverside, island of Maui, Harvest Riverside, wherever you might be at a later date wherever you might be at a later date wherever you might be at a later date even, you pray this now. Pray this out even, you pray this now. Pray this out even, you pray this now. Pray this out loud. Say this. Dear God, I know that loud. Say this. Dear God, I know that loud. Say this. Dear God, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that Jesus is

I'm a sinner, but I know that Jesus is I'm a sinner, but I know that Jesus is the savior the savior 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 I turn from my sin. Now, and I turn from my sin. Now, and I turn from my sin. Now, from this moment forward, from this moment forward, from this moment forward, I look to you as the Lord of my life. I look to you as the Lord of my life. I look to you as the Lord of my life. Lord, would you help me to walk with you Lord, would you help me to walk with you Lord, would you help me to walk with you and to know your voice? Fill me with and to know your voice? Fill me with and to know your voice? Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Make me a new your Holy Spirit. Make me a new your Holy Spirit. Make me a new creation. creation. creation. take these burden of sin and shame today take these burden of sin and shame today take these burden of sin and shame today in Jesus name I ask. Amen. Amen. God in Jesus name I ask. Amen. Amen. God in Jesus name I ask. Amen. Amen. God bless you that pray that just now. bless you that pray that just now. bless you that pray that just now. Congratulations. [applause] Congratulations. [applause] Congratulations. [applause] 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. And to find out how to know harvest.org. And to find out how to know harvest.org. And to find out how to know God personally, go to harvest.org or and God personally, go to harvest.org or and God personally, go to harvest.org or and click on know