What Happened to You Isn’t the End of the Story

Well, today we are in week number five. Well, today we are in week number five. We're concluding the message series on We're concluding the message series on We're concluding the message series on the book of Esther. And what I want to the book of Esther. And what I want to the book of Esther. And what I want to do is I want to talk to those of you who do is I want to talk to those of you who do is I want to talk to those of you who have something in your life that you'd have something in your life that you'd have something in your life that you'd like to see change, but you're worried like to see change, but you're worried like to see change, but you're worried that it's too late. You'd love to see that it's too late. You'd love to see that it's too late. You'd love to see something. It could be uh you hope for a something. It could be uh you hope for a something. It could be uh you hope for a godly marriage, but you think, man, godly marriage, but you think, man, godly marriage, but you think, man, maybe it's too late for me to have a maybe it's too late for me to have a maybe it's too late for me to have a godly marriage. Or you've been praying godly marriage. Or you've been praying godly marriage. Or you've been praying and praying and praying that you'd feel and praying and praying that you'd feel and praying and praying that you'd feel better in your health and you wonder if better in your health and you wonder if better in your health and you wonder if I could ever ever feel better. Or maybe I could ever ever feel better. Or maybe I could ever ever feel better. Or maybe you're hoping to overcome some kind of you're hoping to overcome some kind of you're hoping to overcome some kind of habit, that one thing that you've habit, that one thing that you've habit, that one thing that you've confessed over and over and over again. confessed over and over and over again. confessed over and over and over again. And the harder you try, the more it And the harder you try, the more it And the harder you try, the more it seems to come back, and you wonder, can seems to come back, and you wonder, can seems to come back, and you wonder, can I ever change this habit? It could be a I ever change this habit? It could be a I ever change this habit? It could be a dream, something that you've been hoping dream, something that you've been hoping dream, something that you've been hoping to do one day, and you wonder, is it too to do one day, and you wonder, is it too to do one day, and you wonder, is it too late for that dream? Or maybe the thing late for that dream? Or maybe the thing late for that dream? Or maybe the thing that you've been just taking to God in that you've been just taking to God in that you've been just taking to God in prayer, believing like the persistent prayer, believing like the persistent prayer, believing like the persistent widow that comes again and again. and widow that comes again and again. and widow that comes again and again. and God, I believe you can do this, but he God, I believe you can do this, but he God, I believe you can do this, but he hasn't. And you wonder, could he ever do hasn't. And you wonder, could he ever do hasn't. And you wonder, could he ever do it? Um Esther had maybe some similar it? Um Esther had maybe some similar it? Um Esther had maybe some similar questions, and today we're going to see questions, and today we're going to see questions, and today we're going to see God's answer as we wrap up the message God's answer as we wrap up the message God's answer as we wrap up the message series on Esther. Would you pray with series on Esther. Would you pray with series on Esther. Would you pray with me? Uh Father, I thank you that your me? Uh Father, I thank you that your me? Uh Father, I thank you that your Holy Spirit is prepared to speak to Holy Spirit is prepared to speak to Holy Spirit is prepared to speak to every person here. God, would you open every person here. God, would you open every person here. God, would you open up our hearts to hear what you want to up our hearts to hear what you want to up our hearts to hear what you want to say? I pray God that your word would say? I pray God that your word would say? I pray God that your word would accomplish your perfect purposes in accomplish your perfect purposes in accomplish your perfect purposes in every single life and that your Holy every single life and that your Holy every single life and that your Holy Spirit would do a work in us so we could Spirit would do a work in us so we could Spirit would do a work in us so we could be your church in this world. We pray be your church in this world. We pray be your church in this world. We pray this in Jesus name. And if you agree,

this in Jesus name. And if you agree, this in Jesus name. And if you agree, say amen. Type it in the comment say amen. Type it in the comment say amen. Type it in the comment section. Amen. We're glad you're with us section. Amen. We're glad you're with us section. Amen. We're glad you're with us online. All right, online. All right, online. All right, let's review the book of Esther. For let's review the book of Esther. For let's review the book of Esther. For those of you that say, "We've been those of you that say, "We've been those of you that say, "We've been reviewing every week. I'm tired of the reviewing every week. I'm tired of the reviewing every week. I'm tired of the review." Congratulations to you. That review." Congratulations to you. That review." Congratulations to you. That means you've been coming to church. Good means you've been coming to church. Good means you've been coming to church. Good job for you. This is for the rest of the job for you. This is for the rest of the job for you. This is for the rest of the people. So, we're going to review. There people. So, we're going to review. There people. So, we're going to review. There are five main characters in the book of are five main characters in the book of are five main characters in the book of Esther. The starting lineup starts with Esther. The starting lineup starts with Esther. The starting lineup starts with the drunk king, King Xerxes. If you the drunk king, King Xerxes. If you the drunk king, King Xerxes. If you remember, he's throwing big parties. remember, he's throwing big parties. remember, he's throwing big parties. He's drunk and wants to show off his He's drunk and wants to show off his He's drunk and wants to show off his beautiful wife, the queen, Queen Vast. beautiful wife, the queen, Queen Vast. beautiful wife, the queen, Queen Vast. He says, "Hey babe, come out. I want to He says, "Hey babe, come out. I want to He says, "Hey babe, come out. I want to show you off." And she says, "No, I'm show you off." And she says, "No, I'm show you off." And she says, "No, I'm tired of being objectified. I'm not tired of being objectified. I'm not tired of being objectified. I'm not going to do it." He gets embarrassed. He going to do it." He gets embarrassed. He going to do it." He gets embarrassed. He gets humiliated. He gets his feelings gets humiliated. He gets his feelings gets humiliated. He gets his feelings hurt. So he banishes the queen and hurt. So he banishes the queen and hurt. So he banishes the queen and suddenly there's an opening and they suddenly there's an opening and they suddenly there's an opening and they need to fill the queen's role. So they need to fill the queen's role. So they need to fill the queen's role. So they do a nationwide search. We got to find a do a nationwide search. We got to find a do a nationwide search. We got to find a new queen. One of the girls chosen as a new queen. One of the girls chosen as a new queen. One of the girls chosen as a potential candidate is a little Jewish potential candidate is a little Jewish potential candidate is a little Jewish orphan girl named Esther who after a orphan girl named Esther who after a orphan girl named Esther who after a year process is chosen to be the queen.

year process is chosen to be the queen. year process is chosen to be the queen. But Esther has to hide her identity. But Esther has to hide her identity. But Esther has to hide her identity. Why? because she's in a Persian culture Why? because she's in a Persian culture Why? because she's in a Persian culture and she's Jewish and the Persian people and she's Jewish and the Persian people and she's Jewish and the Persian people hated the Jewish people. So now she's a hated the Jewish people. So now she's a hated the Jewish people. So now she's a Jewish queen keeping her Jewish identity Jewish queen keeping her Jewish identity Jewish queen keeping her Jewish identity secret. Then she has a cousin. What's secret. Then she has a cousin. What's secret. Then she has a cousin. What's his name? If you know it, say it out his name? If you know it, say it out his name? If you know it, say it out loud. It's loud. It's loud. It's >> very good. Good. God, good job. Good >> very good. Good. God, good job. Good >> very good. Good. God, good job. Good job. Good job. Gold star. Gold star. job. Good job. Gold star. Gold star. job. Good job. Gold star. Gold star. Gold star. Gold star. Morai. A good and Gold star. Gold star. Morai. A good and Gold star. Gold star. Morai. A good and honorable man. Uh there's the bad guy. honorable man. Uh there's the bad guy. honorable man. Uh there's the bad guy. What's his name? What's his name? What's his name? >> Hmon. The bad guy Hmon who rises in >> Hmon. The bad guy Hmon who rises in >> Hmon. The bad guy Hmon who rises in power. And Hmon hates Mori, who's power. And Hmon hates Mori, who's power. And Hmon hates Mori, who's Esther's cousin. See why we're Esther's cousin. See why we're Esther's cousin. See why we're reviewing? Because this is really reviewing? Because this is really reviewing? Because this is really complicated. And Hmon, the bad guy, complicated. And Hmon, the bad guy, complicated. And Hmon, the bad guy, convinces the king to kill every Jewish convinces the king to kill every Jewish convinces the king to kill every Jewish person in the empire. The king falls for person in the empire. The king falls for person in the empire. The king falls for Hmon's plot. And then he makes this Hmon's plot. And then he makes this Hmon's plot. And then he makes this decree. And this decree is sealed. decree. And this decree is sealed. decree. And this decree is sealed. According to the law, the decree cannot According to the law, the decree cannot According to the law, the decree cannot be undone. So Morortei, who's Esther's be undone. So Morortei, who's Esther's be undone. So Morortei, who's Esther's cousin, says, "Esthers, you got to do cousin, says, "Esthers, you got to do cousin, says, "Esthers, you got to do something about this. I know it's a big something about this. I know it's a big something about this. I know it's a big risk to you. It could cost you your risk to you. It could cost you your risk to you. It could cost you your life, but maybe God puts you here for life, but maybe God puts you here for life, but maybe God puts you here for such a time as this." She prays about such a time as this." She prays about such a time as this." She prays about it. She takes an enormous risk and a it. She takes an enormous risk and a it. She takes an enormous risk and a step of faith and tells the king about step of faith and tells the king about step of faith and tells the king about Hmon's plot. The bad guy is exposed. The Hmon's plot. The bad guy is exposed. The Hmon's plot. The bad guy is exposed. The king then kills and executes Hmon, but king then kills and executes Hmon, but king then kills and executes Hmon, but the decree still stands. So, here's the decree still stands. So, here's the decree still stands. So, here's where we are. The bad guy is gone. The

where we are. The bad guy is gone. The where we are. The bad guy is gone. The villain is gone, but the verdict villain is gone, but the verdict villain is gone, but the verdict remains. There's still this decree to remains. There's still this decree to remains. There's still this decree to kill all the Jewish people. So, Esther kill all the Jewish people. So, Esther kill all the Jewish people. So, Esther now has the king's favor. He says, "Ask now has the king's favor. He says, "Ask now has the king's favor. He says, "Ask for anything that you want." And she for anything that you want." And she for anything that you want." And she could have said, "Hey, protect me." She could have said, "Hey, protect me." She could have said, "Hey, protect me." She could have asked for personal safety, could have asked for personal safety, could have asked for personal safety, but she doesn't. In Esther 8:6, here's but she doesn't. In Esther 8:6, here's but she doesn't. In Esther 8:6, here's what we read. She says,"For how can I what we read. She says,"For how can I what we read. She says,"For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? bear to see disaster fall on my people? bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of How can I bear to see the destruction of How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?" Her heart my family?" Her heart my family?" Her heart is breaking for the people that she is breaking for the people that she is breaking for the people that she loves. And she doesn't just say, "How loves. And she doesn't just say, "How loves. And she doesn't just say, "How can I stop this?" But she asked, "How can I stop this?" But she asked, "How can I stop this?" But she asked, "How can I bear this?" can I bear this?" can I bear this?" And some of you can relate to this And some of you can relate to this And some of you can relate to this because there are those of you, you have because there are those of you, you have because there are those of you, you have someone in your life right now that you someone in your life right now that you someone in your life right now that you love so much that their pain actually love so much that their pain actually love so much that their pain actually becomes your pain. If you're a parent, becomes your pain. If you're a parent, becomes your pain. If you're a parent, you probably experience this at some you probably experience this at some you probably experience this at some time. You watch your kids hurt and you time. You watch your kids hurt and you time. You watch your kids hurt and you want to fix it, but you can't fix it and want to fix it, but you can't fix it and want to fix it, but you can't fix it and it completely wrecks you. Or there's it completely wrecks you. Or there's it completely wrecks you. Or there's someone in your life, maybe they've got someone in your life, maybe they've got someone in your life, maybe they've got um they're stuck in an addiction and um they're stuck in an addiction and um they're stuck in an addiction and they can't overcome it and it's they can't overcome it and it's they can't overcome it and it's destroying them and you want to help, destroying them and you want to help, destroying them and you want to help, but you just can't help them. This is but you just can't help them. This is but you just can't help them. This is kind of where Esther is. Her people are kind of where Esther is. Her people are kind of where Esther is. Her people are vulnerable and she has all the power of vulnerable and she has all the power of vulnerable and she has all the power of the queen, but she's still powerless in the queen, but she's still powerless in the queen, but she's still powerless in this moment. And so all she can do is this moment. And so all she can do is this moment. And so all she can do is ask. And she does. She pleads with the ask. And she does. She pleads with the ask. And she does. She pleads with the king. And the king listens and does king. And the king listens and does king. And the king listens and does something remarkable in Esther 88. The

something remarkable in Esther 88. The something remarkable in Esther 88. The king says this, "Now write another king says this, "Now write another king says this, "Now write another decree." There's already a decree that decree." There's already a decree that decree." There's already a decree that says, "Kill all the Jewish people." Now, says, "Kill all the Jewish people." Now, says, "Kill all the Jewish people." Now, write another decree in the king's name write another decree in the king's name write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to in behalf of the Jews as seems best to in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you. Write a new decree and seal it with you. Write a new decree and seal it with you. Write a new decree and seal it with the king's signate ring. For no document the king's signate ring. For no document the king's signate ring. For no document written in the king's name and sealed written in the king's name and sealed written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked. In other with his ring can be revoked. In other with his ring can be revoked. In other words, there's this other decree that words, there's this other decree that words, there's this other decree that you can't undo. So the only thing you you can't undo. So the only thing you you can't undo. So the only thing you can do is write a new decree that can do is write a new decree that can do is write a new decree that overpowers the other one. Issue a new overpowers the other one. Issue a new overpowers the other one. Issue a new decree that overpowers the first one. If decree that overpowers the first one. If decree that overpowers the first one. If that sounds confusing, I'll explain it that sounds confusing, I'll explain it that sounds confusing, I'll explain it to you this way. to you this way. to you this way. In the GC household, I issued a nonnegotiable I issued a nonnegotiable decree. decree. decree. I told the family in my kingdom that we would never get a cat.

that we would never get a cat. And you say, "Now, Craig, why would we And you say, "Now, Craig, why would we And you say, "Now, Craig, why would we never get a cat?" And the reason is never get a cat?" And the reason is never get a cat?" And the reason is because because because cats are not Christians. And a few of you are applauding because And a few of you are applauding because you know this because you've had one you know this because you've had one you know this because you've had one before. And and if you if you think I'm before. And and if you if you think I'm before. And and if you if you think I'm being unfair, dogs love you being unfair, dogs love you being unfair, dogs love you unconditionally. unconditionally. unconditionally. Cats have terms and conditions. That is Cats have terms and conditions. That is Cats have terms and conditions. That is not the fruit of the spirit. And without not the fruit of the spirit. And without not the fruit of the spirit. And without the fruits of the spirit, you don't have the fruits of the spirit, you don't have the fruits of the spirit, you don't have the spirit of God living inside of you. the spirit of God living inside of you. the spirit of God living inside of you. And so my kids knew about the decree and And so my kids knew about the decree and And so my kids knew about the decree and they didn't like the king's they didn't like the king's they didn't like the king's decree. decree. decree. And so they pleaded with me and they And so they pleaded with me and they And so they pleaded with me and they begged and they prayed. True story. I begged and they prayed. True story. I begged and they prayed. True story. I had two campus pastors contact me had two campus pastors contact me had two campus pastors contact me personally telling me that my kids had personally telling me that my kids had personally telling me that my kids had submitted written prayer requests asking submitted written prayer requests asking submitted written prayer requests asking God to change the heart of their dad. God to change the heart of their dad. God to change the heart of their dad. But I had issued the decree. And then But I had issued the decree. And then But I had issued the decree. And then Amy came along and said, "Craig, maybe Amy came along and said, "Craig, maybe Amy came along and said, "Craig, maybe we soften the law."

we soften the law." we soften the law." But I could not do that for I am a man But I could not do that for I am a man But I could not do that for I am a man of integrity and had issued the decree. of integrity and had issued the decree. of integrity and had issued the decree. The decree must stand. And so she said, The decree must stand. And so she said, The decree must stand. And so she said, "Well, honey, "Well, honey, "Well, honey, how about if you don't do it for them, but you do it for me." but you do it for me." And now I'm trapped. And now I'm trapped. And now I'm trapped. I'd already made the law and I couldn't I'd already made the law and I couldn't I'd already made the law and I couldn't undo undo undo the law. So, the only thing I could do the law. So, the only thing I could do the law. So, the only thing I could do is overrule it. And so, technically, I is overrule it. And so, technically, I is overrule it. And so, technically, I kept my word. And this is very kept my word. And this is very kept my word. And this is very important. If you're not a parent yet, important. If you're not a parent yet, important. If you're not a parent yet, you need to understand that you need to understand that you need to understand that technically you have to stand by things. technically you have to stand by things. technically you have to stand by things. Technically, I kept my word. We never Technically, I kept my word. We never Technically, I kept my word. We never got a cat. We got two cats. AND NOT FOR MY KIDS, BUT FOR AMY. I kept AND NOT FOR MY KIDS, BUT FOR AMY. I kept my word. And maybe we got a few more in my word. And maybe we got a few more in my word. And maybe we got a few more in the years to come because yes, I'm a the years to come because yes, I'm a the years to come because yes, I'm a softy. Technically, I didn't break the softy. Technically, I didn't break the softy. Technically, I didn't break the first decree. We overruled it. Now, kind first decree. We overruled it. Now, kind first decree. We overruled it. Now, kind of a funny story, but to illustrate this of a funny story, but to illustrate this of a funny story, but to illustrate this is what's going on there. There is this is what's going on there. There is this is what's going on there. There is this decree that cannot be o cannot be decree that cannot be o cannot be decree that cannot be o cannot be undone. You can overrule it, and that's undone. You can overrule it, and that's undone. You can overrule it, and that's the only thing. And where does this the only thing. And where does this the only thing. And where does this apply to you? Well, some of you right apply to you? Well, some of you right apply to you? Well, some of you right now, you may be living with what we may now, you may be living with what we may now, you may be living with what we may call a decree that feels permanent. It's

call a decree that feels permanent. It's call a decree that feels permanent. It's something that happened in your life something that happened in your life something that happened in your life that you never ever wanted to happen. that you never ever wanted to happen. that you never ever wanted to happen. Something that you couldn't stop it. It Something that you couldn't stop it. It Something that you couldn't stop it. It might be the divorce. You never wanted might be the divorce. You never wanted might be the divorce. You never wanted that and now you found yourself divorced that and now you found yourself divorced that and now you found yourself divorced and it's real. Or the loss that happened and it's real. Or the loss that happened and it's real. Or the loss that happened and it still hurts to this very moment. and it still hurts to this very moment. and it still hurts to this very moment. Or the diagnosis that you're facing that Or the diagnosis that you're facing that Or the diagnosis that you're facing that the doctors say they've done the test the doctors say they've done the test the doctors say they've done the test and it's real. Or the anxiety that feels and it's real. Or the anxiety that feels and it's real. Or the anxiety that feels completely crushing to you. or the dream completely crushing to you. or the dream completely crushing to you. or the dream that you had that you always hoped for that you had that you always hoped for that you had that you always hoped for and now it feels dead and at first maybe and now it feels dead and at first maybe and now it feels dead and at first maybe you fought it and you asked God to you fought it and you asked God to you fought it and you asked God to change it and then nothing changed and change it and then nothing changed and change it and then nothing changed and somewhere along the way you stopped somewhere along the way you stopped somewhere along the way you stopped asking God to change it and you just asking God to change it and you just asking God to change it and you just kind of learn to live under it because kind of learn to live under it because kind of learn to live under it because that's what a decree often does. It it that's what a decree often does. It it that's what a decree often does. It it doesn't just describe what happens next, doesn't just describe what happens next, doesn't just describe what happens next, but it defines what you believe is who but it defines what you believe is who but it defines what you believe is who you are in in your life. And you think, you are in in your life. And you think, you are in in your life. And you think, well, I'm divorced and so I'm always well, I'm divorced and so I'm always well, I'm divorced and so I'm always going to be alone. Or I'm not feeling going to be alone. Or I'm not feeling going to be alone. Or I'm not feeling well right now, so I'll never ever feel well right now, so I'll never ever feel well right now, so I'll never ever feel good again. Or I made a big mistake. I good again. Or I made a big mistake. I good again. Or I made a big mistake. I did something I hate. I regret it. I did something I hate. I regret it. I did something I hate. I regret it. I wish I hadn't had done it, but now I wish I hadn't had done it, but now I wish I hadn't had done it, but now I feel like God's never going to bless me feel like God's never going to bless me feel like God's never going to bless me because of what I did. And that's why I because of what I did. And that's why I because of what I did. And that's why I want to speak directly to someone who want to speak directly to someone who want to speak directly to someone who feels like you're facing something feels like you're facing something feels like you're facing something that's final and tell you what right now that's final and tell you what right now that's final and tell you what right now that what happened to you is not who you that what happened to you is not who you that what happened to you is not who you are. Your identity are. Your identity are. Your identity is not your identity. It's not your is not your identity. It's not your is not your identity. It's not your name. It's not your final verdict. Now,

name. It's not your final verdict. Now, name. It's not your final verdict. Now, the enemy's verdict, it it may be real, the enemy's verdict, it it may be real, the enemy's verdict, it it may be real, but it's not final. but it's not final. but it's not final. And this is where Esther was. She's And this is where Esther was. She's And this is where Esther was. She's facing a decree that's very, very real. facing a decree that's very, very real. facing a decree that's very, very real. And that's where her people were. And And that's where her people were. And And that's where her people were. And the decree was sealed and it was legal the decree was sealed and it was legal the decree was sealed and it was legal and it was real. and it was real. and it was real. But real doesn't mean final. But real doesn't mean final. But real doesn't mean final. I'm going to say it again because if you I'm going to say it again because if you I'm going to say it again because if you haven't said amen yet, this is a really haven't said amen yet, this is a really haven't said amen yet, this is a really good place to say it. Real doesn't mean good place to say it. Real doesn't mean good place to say it. Real doesn't mean final. final. final. >> God can issue a new decree that >> God can issue a new decree that >> God can issue a new decree that overpowers the previous one because our overpowers the previous one because our overpowers the previous one because our God is all powerful. Our God is all God is all powerful. Our God is all God is all powerful. Our God is all good. Our God is ever present. Our God good. Our God is ever present. Our God good. Our God is ever present. Our God is with you. He sees you. And what you is with you. He sees you. And what you is with you. He sees you. And what you may be facing may be real, but real may be facing may be real, but real may be facing may be real, but real doesn't mean final. doesn't mean final. doesn't mean final. >> Esther 9:1. Here's what we see. The >> Esther 9:1. Here's what we see. The >> Esther 9:1. Here's what we see. The Bible says this. On that day, now what Bible says this. On that day, now what Bible says this. On that day, now what day is that day? On that on that day, day is that day? On that on that day, day is that day? On that on that day, that was the very day that the Jews were that was the very day that the Jews were that was the very day that the Jews were scheduled to be executed. On that very scheduled to be executed. On that very scheduled to be executed. On that very day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them. But quite the to overpower them. But quite the to overpower them. But quite the opposite happened. It was the Jews who opposite happened. It was the Jews who opposite happened. It was the Jews who overpowered their enemy. What did God overpowered their enemy. What did God overpowered their enemy. What did God do? God turned it around. God turned it do? God turned it around. God turned it do? God turned it around. God turned it around. God took something that looked around. God took something that looked around. God took something that looked real and was real, but it wasn't final.

real and was real, but it wasn't final. real and was real, but it wasn't final. And the good news is that's what our God And the good news is that's what our God And the good news is that's what our God does. Our God's been turning things does. Our God's been turning things does. Our God's been turning things around since we first needed grace. around since we first needed grace. around since we first needed grace. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And what I want to do is I want to >> And what I want to do is I want to >> And what I want to do is I want to explain to you the gospel and I'm going explain to you the gospel and I'm going explain to you the gospel and I'm going to go as slow and deliberate as I can to go as slow and deliberate as I can to go as slow and deliberate as I can because there are some of you who have because there are some of you who have because there are some of you who have grown up around this. You kind of know grown up around this. You kind of know grown up around this. You kind of know it and it's right here in your head. And it and it's right here in your head. And it and it's right here in your head. And I'm praying today it moves 18 in from I'm praying today it moves 18 in from I'm praying today it moves 18 in from your head down into your heart. I want your head down into your heart. I want your head down into your heart. I want you to hear it maybe like you've never you to hear it maybe like you've never you to hear it maybe like you've never ever heard it before. I want you to hear ever heard it before. I want you to hear ever heard it before. I want you to hear it like you've heard it for the very it like you've heard it for the very it like you've heard it for the very very first time. Do not tune it out. very first time. Do not tune it out. very first time. Do not tune it out. Don't don't don't explain it away as Don't don't don't explain it away as Don't don't don't explain it away as simply as I can. Every single one of us simply as I can. Every single one of us simply as I can. Every single one of us was created by God in his image to be in was created by God in his image to be in was created by God in his image to be in a relationship with him. But every a relationship with him. But every a relationship with him. But every single one of us, including you, single one of us, including you, single one of us, including you, including me, has turned away from God. including me, has turned away from God. including me, has turned away from God. We've lied. We've lied. We've lied. >> We've lusted. >> We've lusted. >> We've lusted. We've stolen, cheated, been been proud.

We've stolen, cheated, been been proud. We've stolen, cheated, been been proud. We've done what we wanted instead of We've done what we wanted instead of We've done what we wanted instead of whatever God wanted. And the Bible calls whatever God wanted. And the Bible calls whatever God wanted. And the Bible calls that sin. that sin. that sin. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> To be clear, sin is not just a mistake >> To be clear, sin is not just a mistake >> To be clear, sin is not just a mistake that we make. Sin separates us from a that we make. Sin separates us from a that we make. Sin separates us from a holy God. And sin comes with a decree. holy God. And sin comes with a decree. holy God. And sin comes with a decree. What is the decree? Romans 6:23 tells us What is the decree? Romans 6:23 tells us What is the decree? Romans 6:23 tells us this. For the wages of sin is death. this. For the wages of sin is death. this. For the wages of sin is death. >> That's the decree. >> That's the decree. >> That's the decree. Sin earns death. Because we've sinned, Sin earns death. Because we've sinned, Sin earns death. Because we've sinned, we deserve death. Not just physical we deserve death. Not just physical we deserve death. Not just physical death, but spiritual death. Separated death, but spiritual death. Separated death, but spiritual death. Separated from God because our sin separates us from God because our sin separates us from God because our sin separates us from him. We can't talk our way out of from him. We can't talk our way out of from him. We can't talk our way out of it. We can't work our way out of it. We it. We can't work our way out of it. We it. We can't work our way out of it. We can't be religious out of it. We can't can't be religious out of it. We can't can't be religious out of it. We can't be good enough to get out of it. The be good enough to get out of it. The be good enough to get out of it. The decree stands. decree stands. decree stands. So So So God didn't erase the decree.

God didn't erase the decree. God didn't erase the decree. God overpowered it. God overpowered it. God overpowered it. >> And what did he do? God became flesh. >> And what did he do? God became flesh. >> And what did he do? God became flesh. For God so loved the world that he sent For God so loved the world that he sent For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son Jesus. His son his one and only son Jesus. His son his one and only son Jesus. His son Jesus lived the life we couldn't live. Jesus lived the life we couldn't live. Jesus lived the life we couldn't live. Perfect in every way. A lamb without Perfect in every way. A lamb without Perfect in every way. A lamb without spot or wrinkle. Sinless life. And he spot or wrinkle. Sinless life. And he spot or wrinkle. Sinless life. And he died the death that we deserved. died the death that we deserved. died the death that we deserved. condemned, condemned, condemned, crucified, and buried. Watch this. The crucified, and buried. Watch this. The crucified, and buried. Watch this. The cross was real. cross was real. cross was real. The tomb was real. The tomb was real. The tomb was real. >> His death was real. >> His death was real. >> His death was real. >> But real doesn't mean final. >> But real doesn't mean final. >> But real doesn't mean final. >> Because three days later, when the stone >> Because three days later, when the stone >> Because three days later, when the stone was rolled away, Jesus was not there. was rolled away, Jesus was not there. was rolled away, Jesus was not there. And our good God issued a greater And our good God issued a greater And our good God issued a greater decree. The first decree is still there. decree. The first decree is still there. decree. The first decree is still there. What is it? For the wages of sin is What is it? For the wages of sin is What is it? For the wages of sin is death. But God overruled that and said, death. But God overruled that and said, death. But God overruled that and said, "BUT THE GIFT of God is eternal life IN "BUT THE GIFT of God is eternal life IN "BUT THE GIFT of God is eternal life IN CHRIST JESUS our Lord." Think about CHRIST JESUS our Lord." Think about CHRIST JESUS our Lord." Think about this. Whenever Jesus gave his life for this. Whenever Jesus gave his life for this. Whenever Jesus gave his life for my sins, for your sins on the cross, the my sins, for your sins on the cross, the my sins, for your sins on the cross, the enemy thought that he'd won.

enemy thought that he'd won. enemy thought that he'd won. But God had the final word. God's been But God had the final word. God's been But God had the final word. God's been turning things around since we needed turning things around since we needed turning things around since we needed grace. Hear it, feel it, internalize it. grace. Hear it, feel it, internalize it. grace. Hear it, feel it, internalize it. We've all sinned. We've all sinned. We've all sinned. >> We've all messed up. You feel that that >> We've all messed up. You feel that that >> We've all messed up. You feel that that that guilt and that sense like, "Oh, I I that guilt and that sense like, "Oh, I I that guilt and that sense like, "Oh, I I I feel dirty, so I want to work my way I feel dirty, so I want to work my way I feel dirty, so I want to work my way to YOU CAN'T WORK YOUR WAY TO HIM." to YOU CAN'T WORK YOUR WAY TO HIM." to YOU CAN'T WORK YOUR WAY TO HIM." >> The decree stands. Our sin separates us >> The decree stands. Our sin separates us >> The decree stands. Our sin separates us from God, but God who is full of mercy from God, but God who is full of mercy from God, but God who is full of mercy draws us with his loving kindness. draws us with his loving kindness. draws us with his loving kindness. Overpowered the first decree, did what Overpowered the first decree, did what Overpowered the first decree, did what we couldn't do for ourselves, sent his we couldn't do for ourselves, sent his we couldn't do for ourselves, sent his son to die in our place and raised him son to die in our place and raised him son to die in our place and raised him from the dead. So that anyone, it from the dead. So that anyone, it from the dead. So that anyone, it doesn't matter what you've done. Listen, doesn't matter what you've done. Listen, doesn't matter what you've done. Listen, doesn't matter how dark your life is, doesn't matter how dark your life is, doesn't matter how dark your life is, how much you've done wrong. Anyone who how much you've done wrong. Anyone who how much you've done wrong. Anyone who calls on his name, the name of Jesus, calls on his name, the name of Jesus, calls on his name, the name of Jesus, the name that is above every name, your the name that is above every name, your the name that is above every name, your sins would be forgiven, separated from sins would be forgiven, separated from sins would be forgiven, separated from you as far as the east is from the west, you as far as the east is from the west, you as far as the east is from the west, and your name written in the book of and your name written in the book of and your name written in the book of life. And you belong to him, not because life. And you belong to him, not because life. And you belong to him, not because you're good, but because he is that you're good, but because he is that you're good, but because he is that good. Anytime you want to give him some good. Anytime you want to give him some good. Anytime you want to give him some praise, wherever you are today, praise, wherever you are today, praise, wherever you are today, wherever, I hope you give him some wherever, I hope you give him some wherever, I hope you give him some praise because the old decree stands, praise because the old decree stands, praise because the old decree stands, but he over but he over but he over powered and our God powered and our God powered and our God is so good. And we see that in our story is so good. And we see that in our story is so good. And we see that in our story in the book of Esther. The king couldn't in the book of Esther. The king couldn't in the book of Esther. The king couldn't undo the decree, so he made a new one.

undo the decree, so he made a new one. undo the decree, so he made a new one. And the new decree said that the Jews And the new decree said that the Jews And the new decree said that the Jews had the right to defend themselves and had the right to defend themselves and had the right to defend themselves and to fight back. And so when the day came to fight back. And so when the day came to fight back. And so when the day came that they were supposed to be destroyed, that they were supposed to be destroyed, that they were supposed to be destroyed, it wasn't even close. The day of their it wasn't even close. The day of their it wasn't even close. The day of their destruction became the day of their destruction became the day of their destruction became the day of their deliverance. Look at look at God's word. deliverance. Look at look at God's word. deliverance. Look at look at God's word. Esther 9 verse 20 and 22 says Morortei Esther 9 verse 20 and 22 says Morortei Esther 9 verse 20 and 22 says Morortei recorded these events. And he sent recorded these events. And he sent recorded these events. And he sent letters to all the Jews to have them letters to all the Jews to have them letters to all the Jews to have them celebrate annually as their time when celebrate annually as their time when celebrate annually as their time when the Jews got relief from their enemies. the Jews got relief from their enemies. the Jews got relief from their enemies. As the month when their watch this when As the month when their watch this when As the month when their watch this when their sorrow was turned into joy and their sorrow was turned into joy and their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of their mourning into a day of their mourning into a day of celebration. When their sorrow was celebration. When their sorrow was celebration. When their sorrow was turned into joy and they find themselves turned into joy and they find themselves turned into joy and they find themselves their mourning turned into to dancing. their mourning turned into to dancing. their mourning turned into to dancing. The day that they were supposed to be The day that they were supposed to be The day that they were supposed to be destroyed became the day of their destroyed became the day of their destroyed became the day of their deliverance. And so that's why I want to deliverance. And so that's why I want to deliverance. And so that's why I want to talk to those of you who feel like talk to those of you who feel like talk to those of you who feel like you're waiting on something that may you're waiting on something that may you're waiting on something that may never come.

never come. never come. Whatever you're facing, Whatever you're facing, Whatever you're facing, do not mistake what's real for what's do not mistake what's real for what's do not mistake what's real for what's final. final. final. And I know many of you are facing And I know many of you are facing And I know many of you are facing something very real. The pain is real. something very real. The pain is real. something very real. The pain is real. The diagnosis is real. The diagnosis is real. The diagnosis is real. The betrayal, what they did to hurt you The betrayal, what they did to hurt you The betrayal, what they did to hurt you is real. The loss is real. We serve a is real. The loss is real. We serve a is real. The loss is real. We serve a God who's been turning things around God who's been turning things around God who's been turning things around since we first needed grace. We see it since we first needed grace. We see it since we first needed grace. We see it in Esther's story. And if you're open to in Esther's story. And if you're open to in Esther's story. And if you're open to the work of the power of the spirit in the work of the power of the spirit in the work of the power of the spirit in you, we will see it in your story. you, we will see it in your story. you, we will see it in your story. There are those of you that I believe There are those of you that I believe There are those of you that I believe God is issuing a new decree over your God is issuing a new decree over your God is issuing a new decree over your life even as we speak. Not the one that life even as we speak. Not the one that life even as we speak. Not the one that the enemy wrote. the enemy wrote. the enemy wrote. Not the one that's been haunting you Not the one that's been haunting you Not the one that's been haunting you your whole life. A new one with greater your whole life. A new one with greater your whole life. A new one with greater authority that overpowers all the authority that overpowers all the authority that overpowers all the others. others. others. Hear it, feel it, and believe it. You Hear it, feel it, and believe it. You Hear it, feel it, and believe it. You are not who they said that you are. You are not who they said that you are. You are not who they said that you are. You are not what that season says about you.

are not what that season says about you. are not what that season says about you. >> You're not defined by a failure that >> You're not defined by a failure that >> You're not defined by a failure that felt permanent in your life. The enemy felt permanent in your life. The enemy felt permanent in your life. The enemy doesn't get the final word over your doesn't get the final word over your doesn't get the final word over your life. Our good God does. life. Our good God does. life. Our good God does. >> Our God gets the final word. >> Our God gets the final word. >> Our God gets the final word. Now, Now, Now, I know what some of you are thinking. I know what some of you are thinking. I know what some of you are thinking. Well, easy for you to say, Pastor Craig, Well, easy for you to say, Pastor Craig, Well, easy for you to say, Pastor Craig, with your easy little cushy life and with your easy little cushy life and with your easy little cushy life and your stupid cats. your stupid cats. your stupid cats. We do not have any cats anymore. We are We do not have any cats anymore. We are We do not have any cats anymore. We are cat-free. Just so you know, completely cat-free. Just so you know, completely cat-free. Just so you know, completely cat-free to the glory of God. But we do have grandkids. So, oh dear. But we do have grandkids. So, oh dear. You never know what Amy will get with You never know what Amy will get with You never know what Amy will get with those things go. Um those things go. Um those things go. Um I'll tell you right now that there are I'll tell you right now that there are I'll tell you right now that there are um there are so many different areas of um there are so many different areas of um there are so many different areas of my my life where there are voices that my my life where there are voices that my my life where there are voices that feel like a final verdict. And um and my feel like a final verdict. And um and my feel like a final verdict. And um and my whole life, I'm not going to lie to you, whole life, I'm not going to lie to you, whole life, I'm not going to lie to you, my whole life, I've heard this voice my whole life, I've heard this voice my whole life, I've heard this voice over and over and over again that tells over and over and over again that tells over and over and over again that tells me, Craig, you're not enough. And me, Craig, you're not enough. And me, Craig, you're not enough. And I'll be every version of that you can I'll be every version of that you can I'll be every version of that you can imagine. You're not smart enough. You're imagine. You're not smart enough. You're imagine. You're not smart enough. You're not good enough. You're not spiritual not good enough. You're not spiritual not good enough. You're not spiritual enough. You'll never be enough.

enough. You'll never be enough. enough. You'll never be enough. And then the problem I have is that And then the problem I have is that And then the problem I have is that because I believe that it puts me into a because I believe that it puts me into a because I believe that it puts me into a tail spin because I care so much about tail spin because I care so much about tail spin because I care so much about you as as the flock entrusted to my you as as the flock entrusted to my you as as the flock entrusted to my care. And I want to I want to be there. care. And I want to I want to be there. care. And I want to I want to be there. I want to be available for everybody and I want to be available for everybody and I want to be available for everybody and I can't like I can't. And so what I can't like I can't. And so what I can't like I can't. And so what happens is sometimes I disappoint people happens is sometimes I disappoint people happens is sometimes I disappoint people that I love and it wrecks me and the that I love and it wrecks me and the that I love and it wrecks me and the voice says, "See, voice says, "See, voice says, "See, told you you weren't enough. See, I told told you you weren't enough. See, I told told you you weren't enough. See, I told you you're not a good pastor. See, I you you're not a good pastor. See, I you you're not a good pastor. See, I told you you will never ever be enough." told you you will never ever be enough." told you you will never ever be enough." And the hardest part about that decree I'll never be enough. I'll never be enough. I am not smart enough and I am not good I am not smart enough and I am not good I am not smart enough and I am not good enough and I still fall short and I enough and I still fall short and I enough and I still fall short and I still sin and I'm not I'm not sometimes still sin and I'm not I'm not sometimes still sin and I'm not I'm not sometimes spiritual enough.

spiritual enough. spiritual enough. That decree is true. I'm not enough. That decree is true. I'm not enough. That decree is true. I'm not enough. But truth is not final But truth is not final But truth is not final because my God issued a greater decree because my God issued a greater decree because my God issued a greater decree that overrules that. And the greater that overrules that. And the greater that overrules that. And the greater degree says, God says, "My grace is degree says, God says, "My grace is degree says, God says, "My grace is sufficient for you." And God says, "My sufficient for you." And God says, "My sufficient for you." And God says, "My power is made perfect in your weakness." power is made perfect in your weakness." power is made perfect in your weakness." And so all of the sudden, I can say, And so all of the sudden, I can say, And so all of the sudden, I can say, "Hey, I actually embrace that weakness. "Hey, I actually embrace that weakness. "Hey, I actually embrace that weakness. my not enoughness because in my not my not enoughness because in my not my not enoughness because in my not enoughness, his power is more than enoughness, his power is more than enoughness, his power is more than enoughness. I just said that. I don't enoughness. I just said that. I don't enoughness. I just said that. I don't know if it made sense, but you know what know if it made sense, but you know what know if it made sense, but you know what I'm saying. In my weakness, in my I'm saying. In my weakness, in my I'm saying. In my weakness, in my frailty, in my lack, his power is more frailty, in my lack, his power is more frailty, in my lack, his power is more than enough. His power is made perfect than enough. His power is made perfect than enough. His power is made perfect IN MY NOT ENOUGHNESS. So my not IN MY NOT ENOUGHNESS. So my not IN MY NOT ENOUGHNESS. So my not enoughness isn't really a weakness, but enoughness isn't really a weakness, but enoughness isn't really a weakness, but it's a conduit to his power to work it's a conduit to his power to work it's a conduit to his power to work through me. So when the devil tells me through me. So when the devil tells me through me. So when the devil tells me you're not enough, I can say, "Well, you're not enough, I can say, "Well, you're not enough, I can say, "Well, actually, you're right. I'm not enough.

actually, you're right. I'm not enough. actually, you're right. I'm not enough. But I serve a God who is more than But I serve a God who is more than But I serve a God who is more than enough and his power is working in me enough and his power is working in me enough and his power is working in me and through me right now." and through me right now." and through me right now." And so I pray when I and I'm I'm just And so I pray when I and I'm I'm just And so I pray when I and I'm I'm just like it's so when I tell you like hear like it's so when I tell you like hear like it's so when I tell you like hear the gospel like you've heard it for the the gospel like you've heard it for the the gospel like you've heard it for the first time. And and and I and I tell you first time. And and and I and I tell you first time. And and and I and I tell you like I I I I want you if I could talk to like I I I I want you if I could talk to like I I I I want you if I could talk to every single one of you personally. What every single one of you personally. What every single one of you personally. What I would do is I would look across the I would do is I would look across the I would do is I would look across the table and tell you the same thing I tell table and tell you the same thing I tell table and tell you the same thing I tell myself and that's this. Whatever voice myself and that's this. Whatever voice myself and that's this. Whatever voice has been naming you, accusing you, has been naming you, accusing you, has been naming you, accusing you, robbing you, lying to you. Don't give it robbing you, lying to you. Don't give it robbing you, lying to you. Don't give it authority that God never gave it. authority that God never gave it. authority that God never gave it. >> Don't give IT AUTHORITY THAT GOD NEVER >> Don't give IT AUTHORITY THAT GOD NEVER >> Don't give IT AUTHORITY THAT GOD NEVER gave it. gave it. gave it. GOD GETS THE FINAL WORD. GOD GETS THE FINAL WORD. GOD GETS THE FINAL WORD. >> And so you're if YOU'RE IN SOME PLACE IN >> And so you're if YOU'RE IN SOME PLACE IN >> And so you're if YOU'RE IN SOME PLACE IN YOUR life right now and you can't see YOUR life right now and you can't see YOUR life right now and you can't see his hand, his hand, his hand, Esther couldn't either. Esther couldn't either. Esther couldn't either. But watch this. God was working in all But watch this. God was working in all But watch this. God was working in all things. If you've been with us, think things. If you've been with us, think things. If you've been with us, think about it. Think about it. THINK ABOUT about it. Think about it. THINK ABOUT about it. Think about it. THINK ABOUT IT. WHERE WAS GOD WORKING? Where was God IT. WHERE WAS GOD WORKING? Where was God IT. WHERE WAS GOD WORKING? Where was God working? Through a drunk drunk king full working? Through a drunk drunk king full working? Through a drunk drunk king full of himself. through a defiant queen of himself. through a defiant queen of himself. through a defiant queen standing up for herself. through an standing up for herself. through an standing up for herself. through an empty throne, through a little Jewish empty throne, through a little Jewish empty throne, through a little Jewish orphan raised by her cousin, THROUGH AN orphan raised by her cousin, THROUGH AN orphan raised by her cousin, THROUGH AN UNEXPECTED CROWN, through a good deed UNEXPECTED CROWN, through a good deed UNEXPECTED CROWN, through a good deed with with Morai, from something that was with with Morai, from something that was with with Morai, from something that was recorded and then forgotten, then

recorded and then forgotten, then recorded and then forgotten, then through an evil decree, then a sleepless through an evil decree, then a sleepless through an evil decree, then a sleepless night and a boring book and one woman's night and a boring book and one woman's night and a boring book and one woman's bold step of faith. than a new decree bold step of faith. than a new decree bold step of faith. than a new decree that overruled the first decree that that overruled the first decree that that overruled the first decree that delivered a NATION AND SET SOME PEOPLE delivered a NATION AND SET SOME PEOPLE delivered a NATION AND SET SOME PEOPLE FREE. Come on church, don't just sit FREE. Come on church, don't just sit FREE. Come on church, don't just sit there. Give God praise. And what I want there. Give God praise. And what I want there. Give God praise. And what I want you to realize, you to realize, you to realize, remember week one, what was the unusual remember week one, what was the unusual remember week one, what was the unusual fact about the book of Esther? Do you fact about the book of Esther? Do you fact about the book of Esther? Do you remember what it is about God's name? remember what it is about God's name? remember what it is about God's name? Think what was it? God's name is never Think what was it? God's name is never Think what was it? God's name is never mentioned in the whole book. mentioned in the whole book. mentioned in the whole book. God's name is never mentioned in the God's name is never mentioned in the God's name is never mentioned in the whole book. whole book. whole book. And yet he's working in every detail on And yet he's working in every detail on And yet he's working in every detail on every page. And he was working in every every page. And he was working in every every page. And he was working in every detail then and he's working in every detail then and he's working in every detail then and he's working in every detail now. detail now. detail now. So if you're tempted to give up, So if you're tempted to give up, So if you're tempted to give up, don't. don't. don't. If you're tempted to stop praying, If you're tempted to stop praying, If you're tempted to stop praying, pray again.

pray again. pray again. If you stop dreaming, dream again. Why? If you stop dreaming, dream again. Why? If you stop dreaming, dream again. Why? Because your story isn't over. Because your story isn't over. Because your story isn't over. And real doesn't mean final. And real doesn't mean final. And real doesn't mean final. I came to tell somebody the truth of I came to tell somebody the truth of I came to tell somebody the truth of God's word that God gets the final word. God's word that God gets the final word. God's word that God gets the final word. And what he says about you is true. The And what he says about you is true. The And what he says about you is true. The devil is a liar. And God's word is true devil is a liar. And God's word is true devil is a liar. And God's word is true about you. So, Holy Spirit, do a healing about you. So, Holy Spirit, do a healing about you. So, Holy Spirit, do a healing work in a way that only you can do. God, work in a way that only you can do. God, work in a way that only you can do. God, renew our minds with truth. Silence the renew our minds with truth. Silence the renew our minds with truth. Silence the lies of the devil. And God, whatever lies of the devil. And God, whatever lies of the devil. And God, whatever ungodly decree has been issued over ungodly decree has been issued over ungodly decree has been issued over someone today, we pray that you would someone today, we pray that you would someone today, we pray that you would overrule it with your truth. As you're overrule it with your truth. As you're overrule it with your truth. As you're praying today at all of our churches, I praying today at all of our churches, I praying today at all of our churches, I want to talk directly to those of you want to talk directly to those of you want to talk directly to those of you who feel like there's something in your who feel like there's something in your who feel like there's something in your life that you want to change. And maybe life that you want to change. And maybe life that you want to change. And maybe you're worried that it's too late. Could you're worried that it's too late. Could you're worried that it's too late. Could be a diagnosis. Could be a financial be a diagnosis. Could be a financial be a diagnosis. Could be a financial situation. It could be a dream. It could situation. It could be a dream. It could situation. It could be a dream. It could be a relationship. It could be someone be a relationship. It could be someone be a relationship. It could be someone you're praying for to come to Jesus and you're praying for to come to Jesus and you're praying for to come to Jesus and it looks like they're never going to it looks like they're never going to it looks like they're never going to come. It could be uh your marriage. It come. It could be uh your marriage. It come. It could be uh your marriage. It could be something with a child. Those could be something with a child. Those could be something with a child. Those of you there's something in your life of you there's something in your life of you there's something in your life that that you're believing for change.

that that you're believing for change. that that you're believing for change. You believe so long you feel like it's You believe so long you feel like it's You believe so long you feel like it's not going to change. Would you raise not going to change. Would you raise not going to change. Would you raise your hand right now? All of our churches your hand right now? All of our churches your hand right now? All of our churches raise your hands. online, type in the raise your hands. online, type in the raise your hands. online, type in the comments section, I'm believing for God comments section, I'm believing for God comments section, I'm believing for God to show up and do something. How type it to show up and do something. How type it to show up and do something. How type it however you want to. That wasn't very however you want to. That wasn't very however you want to. That wasn't very good. I God, I'm I'm believing that good. I God, I'm I'm believing that good. I God, I'm I'm believing that you're going to hear my prayer. As your you're going to hear my prayer. As your you're going to hear my prayer. As your hands are raised up, just just as even hands are raised up, just just as even hands are raised up, just just as even as an act of worship toward God in as an act of worship toward God in as an act of worship toward God in heaven, we're going to pray. heaven, we're going to pray. heaven, we're going to pray. Father, you hear the cries of our heart. Father, you hear the cries of our heart. Father, you hear the cries of our heart. You've always been faithful. You've always been faithful. You've always been faithful. God, your word is true and your word God, your word is true and your word God, your word is true and your word always accomplishes your purposes. So always accomplishes your purposes. So always accomplishes your purposes. So God, right now, if we're facing God, right now, if we're facing God, right now, if we're facing something that is real and painful, God, something that is real and painful, God, something that is real and painful, God, we give you praise that real is not we give you praise that real is not we give you praise that real is not final. final. final. God, for every decree that's been spoken God, for every decree that's been spoken God, for every decree that's been spoken or issued over someone that is not your or issued over someone that is not your or issued over someone that is not your best, God, overrule it best, God, overrule it best, God, overrule it with your truth. with your truth. with your truth. God, we pray for miracles. We pray for God, we pray for miracles. We pray for God, we pray for miracles. We pray for breakthrough. We break for We pray for breakthrough. We break for We pray for breakthrough. We break for We pray for healing. God, we pray for restoration.

healing. God, we pray for restoration. healing. God, we pray for restoration. God, we pray for new relationships. God, God, we pray for new relationships. God, God, we pray for new relationships. God, we pray for healing of faith. we pray for healing of faith. we pray for healing of faith. God, we look to you believing by your God, we look to you believing by your God, we look to you believing by your power, you will overcome all the lies of power, you will overcome all the lies of power, you will overcome all the lies of the enemy. God, overcome them with your the enemy. God, overcome them with your the enemy. God, overcome them with your truth. truth. truth. As you keep praying today at all of our As you keep praying today at all of our As you keep praying today at all of our churches, there are those of you that churches, there are those of you that churches, there are those of you that you you you don't know where you stand you you you don't know where you stand you you you don't know where you stand with God. Let me talk to you again and with God. Let me talk to you again and with God. Let me talk to you again and I'm I want to slow this down. Nobody I'm I want to slow this down. Nobody I'm I want to slow this down. Nobody looking around and I want to slow this looking around and I want to slow this looking around and I want to slow this down. Do you know? Are you confident of down. Do you know? Are you confident of down. Do you know? Are you confident of where you stand with God? If you're not, where you stand with God? If you're not, where you stand with God? If you're not, just just listen very very carefully. just just listen very very carefully. just just listen very very carefully. Hear it. Maybe you've grown up around Hear it. Maybe you've grown up around Hear it. Maybe you've grown up around it. Hear it like you've never heard it it. Hear it like you've never heard it it. Hear it like you've never heard it before. before. before. God created all of us to know him. And God created all of us to know him. And God created all of us to know him. And all of us have turned to our own way. all of us have turned to our own way. all of us have turned to our own way. We've sinned. And there is a decree that We've sinned. And there is a decree that We've sinned. And there is a decree that says the wages of sin is death. Sin says the wages of sin is death. Sin says the wages of sin is death. Sin separates us from a holy God. But God separates us from a holy God. But God separates us from a holy God. But God overruled that decree. The wages of sin overruled that decree. The wages of sin overruled that decree. The wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal is death. But the gift of God is eternal is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Who life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Who life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Who is Jesus? He is the sinless son of God is Jesus? He is the sinless son of God is Jesus? He is the sinless son of God who didn't come to condemn the world but who didn't come to condemn the world but who didn't come to condemn the world but to forgive and to free the world. He did to forgive and to free the world. He did to forgive and to free the world. He did not come for those who are righteous. He not come for those who are righteous. He not come for those who are righteous. He came for sinners. He came for broken came for sinners. He came for broken came for sinners. He came for broken people. He came for those who are people. He came for those who are people. He came for those who are hurting. Jesus the son of God who was

hurting. Jesus the son of God who was hurting. Jesus the son of God who was without sin paid the price and died the without sin paid the price and died the without sin paid the price and died the death that we should have paid and died death that we should have paid and died death that we should have paid and died and we should have died and God raised and we should have died and God raised and we should have died and God raised him from the dead overruling the him from the dead overruling the him from the dead overruling the previous decree and now anyone who calls previous decree and now anyone who calls previous decree and now anyone who calls on his name would be forgiven today on his name would be forgiven today on his name would be forgiven today there are those of you you may have there are those of you you may have there are those of you you may have prayed a little prayer you you may have prayed a little prayer you you may have prayed a little prayer you you may have got baptized as a kid not really got baptized as a kid not really got baptized as a kid not really understood it you may have grown up in understood it you may have grown up in understood it you may have grown up in Sunday school you may be so far from God Sunday school you may be so far from God Sunday school you may be so far from God and can't even believe you're in church and can't even believe you're in church and can't even believe you're in church right now but there's something drawing right now but there's something drawing right now but there's something drawing you to him. What I want you to do today you to him. What I want you to do today you to him. What I want you to do today is I want you to recognize that that the is I want you to recognize that that the is I want you to recognize that that the new decree has overpowered it. And I new decree has overpowered it. And I new decree has overpowered it. And I want you to receive it. It is the gift want you to receive it. It is the gift want you to receive it. It is the gift of God. Scripture says that we're saved of God. Scripture says that we're saved of God. Scripture says that we're saved not by works, but by the grace of God not by works, but by the grace of God not by works, but by the grace of God through faith. It's the gift of eternal through faith. It's the gift of eternal through faith. It's the gift of eternal life. Today at all of our churches, life. Today at all of our churches, life. Today at all of our churches, those who say, "I really don't know those who say, "I really don't know those who say, "I really don't know where I stand, but I hear the gospel. where I stand, but I hear the gospel. where I stand, but I hear the gospel. This is the good news. It's such good This is the good news. It's such good This is the good news. It's such good news because you can't earn it. You news because you can't earn it. You news because you can't earn it. You don't deserve it. It is the gift of don't deserve it. It is the gift of don't deserve it. It is the gift of God." You say, "That's too good to be God." You say, "That's too good to be God." You say, "That's too good to be true. It's too good not to be true. true. It's too good not to be true. true. It's too good not to be true. That's how much God loves you. He sent That's how much God loves you. He sent That's how much God loves you. He sent his son to die in our place and was his son to die in our place and was his son to die in our place and was raised so you could be forgiven and raised so you could be forgiven and raised so you could be forgiven and experience God's grace in his life at experience God's grace in his life at experience God's grace in his life at all of our churches. Those who say, all of our churches. Those who say, all of our churches. Those who say, "That's me today. I'm stepping away from "That's me today. I'm stepping away from "That's me today. I'm stepping away from my sin. I'm calling on Jesus. When you my sin. I'm calling on Jesus. When you my sin. I'm calling on Jesus. When you do, he'll hear your prayer, forgive all do, he'll hear your prayer, forgive all do, he'll hear your prayer, forgive all your sins, and make you brand new."

your sins, and make you brand new." your sins, and make you brand new." Listen, you are not here by accident. Listen, you are not here by accident. Listen, you are not here by accident. It's by the providence of God this It's by the providence of God this It's by the providence of God this moment. Some of you, your heart's moment. Some of you, your heart's moment. Some of you, your heart's beating right now. You feel it like, beating right now. You feel it like, beating right now. You feel it like, "Should I do this?" Yeah, absolutely. "Should I do this?" Yeah, absolutely. "Should I do this?" Yeah, absolutely. that God's been drawing you here. You're that God's been drawing you here. You're that God's been drawing you here. You're here for this reason. This is your here for this reason. This is your here for this reason. This is your moment. This is your moment. This is the moment. This is your moment. This is the moment. This is your moment. This is the moment of your salvation. All of our moment of your salvation. All of our moment of your salvation. All of our churches, you say, "Okay, it's me. Yes, churches, you say, "Okay, it's me. Yes, churches, you say, "Okay, it's me. Yes, it's me. Yes, I need his grace. I need it's me. Yes, I need his grace. I need it's me. Yes, I need his grace. I need his forgiveness today. I'm stepping away his forgiveness today. I'm stepping away his forgiveness today. I'm stepping away from my sin. I'm giving my life to from my sin. I'm giving my life to from my sin. I'm giving my life to Jesus." When you do, he hears your Jesus." When you do, he hears your Jesus." When you do, he hears your prayers, forgives your sins, and makes prayers, forgives your sins, and makes prayers, forgives your sins, and makes you new. That's your prayer. And say, you new. That's your prayer. And say, you new. That's your prayer. And say, "Yes, Jesus. I give you my life." That's "Yes, Jesus. I give you my life." That's "Yes, Jesus. I give you my life." That's your prayer. Lift your hand high right your prayer. Lift your hand high right your prayer. Lift your hand high right now all over the place. And say, "Yes." now all over the place. And say, "Yes." now all over the place. And say, "Yes." God bless you there and right back here. God bless you there and right back here. God bless you there and right back here. Others saying, "Yes, Jesus." Right over Others saying, "Yes, Jesus." Right over Others saying, "Yes, Jesus." Right over there as well. Oh, praise God up here there as well. Oh, praise God up here there as well. Oh, praise God up here and yes here. right back there. God and yes here. right back there. God and yes here. right back there. God bless you guys. Come on, church. Give bless you guys. Come on, church. Give bless you guys. Come on, church. Give God some praise, both of you. Much love. God some praise, both of you. Much love. God some praise, both of you. Much love. Much love. Others today say, "Yes, Much love. Others today say, "Yes, Much love. Others today say, "Yes, Jesus. I surrender." Online, just type Jesus. I surrender." Online, just type Jesus. I surrender." Online, just type in the comment section, "I'm in the comment section, "I'm in the comment section, "I'm surrendering my life to Christ, church, surrendering my life to Christ, church, surrendering my life to Christ, church, in this holy moment." in this holy moment." in this holy moment." Would you just pray with those around Would you just pray with those around Would you just pray with those around you? Pray, "Heavenly Father, Father, you? Pray, "Heavenly Father, Father, you? Pray, "Heavenly Father, Father, >> I know I've sinned.

>> I know I've sinned. >> I know I've sinned. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> I turn from my sin. >> I turn from my sin. >> I turn from my sin. >> And I turn to Jesus. I turn to Jesus. >> And I turn to Jesus. I turn to Jesus. >> And I turn to Jesus. I turn to Jesus. Jesus, save me. Jesus, save me. Jesus, save me. >> Forgive my sins. >> Forgive my sins. >> Forgive my sins. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> I receive your gift. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> So I could know you >> So I could know you >> So I could know you >> so I could serve you >> so I could serve you >> so I could serve you >> with my whole life. My life is no longer >> with my whole life. My life is no longer >> with my whole life. My life is no longer my own. I give it all to you. my own. I give it all to you. my own. I give it all to you. God, thank you for new life. You have God, thank you for new life. You have God, thank you for new life. You have all of mine. In Jesus name I pray. all of mine. In Jesus name I pray. all of mine. In Jesus name I pray. Church, would you celebrate that? Come Church, would you celebrate that? Come Church, would you celebrate that? Come on, somebody. Come on. on, somebody. Come on. on, somebody. Come on. >> We can trust that God works through all >> We can trust that God works through all >> We can trust that God works through all of our circumstances, even when we of our circumstances, even when we of our circumstances, even when we struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his presence. To learn more about finding a presence. To learn more about finding a presence. To learn more about finding a faith that always sustains you, just faith that always sustains you, just faith that always sustains you, just click here.