(2 Chronicles 15:5) | Dr. Tony Evans

On behalf of my wife Carla and I, we are On behalf of my wife Carla and I, we are honored, privileged to be at this great honored, privileged to be at this great honored, privileged to be at this great church with this great history and this church with this great history and this church with this great history and this great ministry, this great impact. And great ministry, this great impact. And great ministry, this great impact. And uh I'm privileged to be here. I was here uh I'm privileged to be here. I was here uh I'm privileged to be here. I was here in 2013 for a men's conference. in 2013 for a men's conference. in 2013 for a men's conference. And um I've been a little bit upset that And um I've been a little bit upset that And um I've been a little bit upset that it took me to this point to be invited it took me to this point to be invited it took me to this point to be invited back. I called Pastor Mike. I said, "Look, I called Pastor Mike. I said, "Look, y'all haven't invited me back." y'all haven't invited me back." y'all haven't invited me back." He said, "Well, you okay, He said, "Well, you okay, He said, "Well, you okay, but they've they've really gotten used but they've they've really gotten used but they've they've really gotten used to me now." to me now." to me now." And between me and David Platt, you And between me and David Platt, you And between me and David Platt, you know, there's know, there's know, there's we have a certain standard. we have a certain standard. we have a certain standard. We operate at a certain level and for We operate at a certain level and for We operate at a certain level and for for where our church is and for what our for where our church is and for what our for where our church is and for what our church needs, I don't think you're quite church needs, I don't think you're quite church needs, I don't think you're quite ready yet. ready yet. ready yet. So, I was a little bit evangelically So, I was a little bit evangelically So, I was a little bit evangelically ticked off when he told me that. And I ticked off when he told me that. And I ticked off when he told me that. And I said, "But I really want to come back.

said, "But I really want to come back. said, "But I really want to come back. You know, it's a great church. I really You know, it's a great church. I really You know, it's a great church. I really want to come back." He said, "Send me a want to come back." He said, "Send me a want to come back." He said, "Send me a CD." So, I sent him a CD and he listened to So, I sent him a CD and he listened to it. it. it. He said, "We know you're definitely He said, "We know you're definitely He said, "We know you're definitely improving. You you're moving in the improving. You you're moving in the improving. You you're moving in the right direction, right direction, right direction, but this is McLean Bible Church, and you but this is McLean Bible Church, and you but this is McLean Bible Church, and you know, it just know, it just know, it just you're just not where we need you to be you're just not where we need you to be you're just not where we need you to be for for for our our membership." for for for our our membership." for for for our our membership." I said, "Well, I really want to come I said, "Well, I really want to come I said, "Well, I really want to come back. I I I'll practice." And so, you back. I I I'll practice." And so, you back. I I I'll practice." And so, you know, I practiced a little bit. I said, know, I practiced a little bit. I said, know, I practiced a little bit. I said, "Can I send you another CD?" He said, "Can I send you another CD?" He said, "Can I send you another CD?" He said, "Okay, I'll I'll listen. But I just, you "Okay, I'll I'll listen. But I just, you "Okay, I'll I'll listen. But I just, you know, me and David Platt, we I just know, me and David Platt, we I just know, me and David Platt, we I just don't know that you're quite there yet. don't know that you're quite there yet. don't know that you're quite there yet. [snorts] So I sent him another CD and he [snorts] So I sent him another CD and he [snorts] So I sent him another CD and he listened to it. I called him and see listened to it. I called him and see listened to it. I called him and see what he thought. He said, "You're what he thought. He said, "You're what he thought. He said, "You're trying. You're you're definitely trying, trying. You're you're definitely trying, trying. You're you're definitely trying, but but but for this church, you're you're just not for this church, you're you're just not for this church, you're you're just not ready yet." ready yet." ready yet." I said, "I'll come for free." He said, I said, "I'll come for free." He said, I said, "I'll come for free." He said, "Now you're ready." So I am grateful.

I am grateful. to be here. Thank you so much. I got to to be here. Thank you so much. I got to to be here. Thank you so much. I got to meet uh uh Mike and Ashley and it's just meet uh uh Mike and Ashley and it's just meet uh uh Mike and Ashley and it's just a a great great privilege and of course a a great great privilege and of course a a great great privilege and of course have followed the ministry of this have followed the ministry of this have followed the ministry of this church and the impact you've had through church and the impact you've had through church and the impact you've had through your leadership over the years. And so your leadership over the years. And so your leadership over the years. And so thank you for allowing me to be be part thank you for allowing me to be be part thank you for allowing me to be be part of this uh great gathering today for of this uh great gathering today for of this uh great gathering today for these these two services and of course these these two services and of course these these two services and of course the uh other campuses as well. In Europe some years ago, they had a In Europe some years ago, they had a interesting way to determine interesting way to determine interesting way to determine whether someone who was confined to a whether someone who was confined to a whether someone who was confined to a sanitarium sanitarium sanitarium was cognitively was cognitively was cognitively healthy enough healthy enough healthy enough to leave to be set back into the general to leave to be set back into the general to leave to be set back into the general population. population. population. And the crude way that they would seek And the crude way that they would seek And the crude way that they would seek to do that back in years gone by was to to do that back in years gone by was to to do that back in years gone by was to put an inmate in a janitor's closet.

put an inmate in a janitor's closet. put an inmate in a janitor's closet. They would put the inmate in the They would put the inmate in the They would put the inmate in the janitor's closet and janitor's closet and janitor's closet and put a stopper in the sink and run the put a stopper in the sink and run the put a stopper in the sink and run the water until it overflowed the bowl. water until it overflowed the bowl. water until it overflowed the bowl. As the water overflowed the bowl, they As the water overflowed the bowl, they As the water overflowed the bowl, they would give the inmate a mop and tell would give the inmate a mop and tell would give the inmate a mop and tell them to mop up the mess that was them to mop up the mess that was them to mop up the mess that was overflowing overflowing overflowing from the bowl with a stopper in it. The from the bowl with a stopper in it. The from the bowl with a stopper in it. The supervisor would leave the inmate in the supervisor would leave the inmate in the supervisor would leave the inmate in the janitor's closet for a few moments and janitor's closet for a few moments and janitor's closet for a few moments and then return. then return. then return. If when they returned, the stopper was If when they returned, the stopper was If when they returned, the stopper was still in the sink, the water was still still in the sink, the water was still still in the sink, the water was still overflowing, and they were mopping, they overflowing, and they were mopping, they overflowing, and they were mopping, they knew that they were not cognitively well knew that they were not cognitively well knew that they were not cognitively well enough to leave enough to leave enough to leave because they hadn't figured out the root because they hadn't figured out the root because they hadn't figured out the root of the problem. of the problem. of the problem. The stopper was still in the sink. The The stopper was still in the sink. The The stopper was still in the sink. The water was overflowing. And they were water was overflowing. And they were water was overflowing. And they were still trying to mop up the mess, which still trying to mop up the mess, which still trying to mop up the mess, which means they could never solve the dilemma means they could never solve the dilemma means they could never solve the dilemma because [snorts] they hadn't gotten to because [snorts] they hadn't gotten to because [snorts] they hadn't gotten to the root.

the root. the root. >> I'm sure when you look in our world >> I'm sure when you look in our world >> I'm sure when you look in our world today, there is a lot of mess to be today, there is a lot of mess to be today, there is a lot of mess to be mopped up. mopped up. mopped up. >> Amen. There a lot of chaos, confusion, >> Amen. There a lot of chaos, confusion, >> Amen. There a lot of chaos, confusion, calamity, conflict. calamity, conflict. calamity, conflict. And there are a lot of mops being slung And there are a lot of mops being slung And there are a lot of mops being slung to mop up the mess. to mop up the mess. to mop up the mess. There are economic mops and social mops There are economic mops and social mops There are economic mops and social mops and political mops and racial mops all and political mops and racial mops all and political mops and racial mops all trying to mop up the mess. and the mops trying to mop up the mess. and the mops trying to mop up the mess. and the mops have been being slung for years only to have been being slung for years only to have been being slung for years only to see that the mess continues to see that the mess continues to see that the mess continues to accumulate. accumulate. accumulate. So if you would allow me this morning, So if you would allow me this morning, So if you would allow me this morning, I'm would like to talk to you I'm would like to talk to you I'm would like to talk to you without a mop. without a mop. without a mop. I want to talk to you about a stopper I want to talk to you about a stopper I want to talk to you about a stopper >> because >> because >> because if we can remove the stopper, if we can remove the stopper, if we can remove the stopper, we can stop the mess. Which means we we can stop the mess. Which means we we can stop the mess. Which means we don't have to spend all of our time with don't have to spend all of our time with don't have to spend all of our time with a mop.

a mop. a mop. >> Oh, I got one here in the front. I I got >> Oh, I got one here in the front. I I got >> Oh, I got one here in the front. I I got one in 2 Coronicles chapter 15 in 2 Coronicles chapter 15 verse 5 reads this way. verse 5 reads this way. verse 5 reads this way. It says, It says, It says, "In those times there was no peace to "In those times there was no peace to "In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in. him who went out or to him who came in. him who went out or to him who came in. For many disturbances afflicted all the For many disturbances afflicted all the For many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands, inhabitants of the lands, inhabitants of the lands, nation was crushed by nation and city by nation was crushed by nation and city by nation was crushed by nation and city by city. city. city. It says many disturbances afflicted It says many disturbances afflicted It says many disturbances afflicted afflicted everybody. Everybody was being afflicted everybody. Everybody was being afflicted everybody. Everybody was being disturbed. First of all, individuals to disturbed. First of all, individuals to disturbed. First of all, individuals to him him him to the individual there was no peace. to the individual there was no peace. to the individual there was no peace. They were living in personal conflict. They were living in personal conflict. They were living in personal conflict. And if you can't live with you, And if you can't live with you, And if you can't live with you, anybody around you is going to be in anybody around you is going to be in anybody around you is going to be in trouble too. Because if you are in trouble too. Because if you are in trouble too. Because if you are in conflict with yourself conflict with yourself conflict with yourself and when we look at the lack of [snorts] and when we look at the lack of [snorts] and when we look at the lack of [snorts] continuity of life today, people continuity of life today, people continuity of life today, people struggling to live with themselves. I struggling to live with themselves. I struggling to live with themselves. I mean, if I didn't do what I do for my mean, if I didn't do what I do for my mean, if I didn't do what I do for my responsibility in ministry, I would be a responsibility in ministry, I would be a responsibility in ministry, I would be a secular non-Christian psychiatrist. cuz secular non-Christian psychiatrist. cuz secular non-Christian psychiatrist. cuz then I could charge people $300 an hour then I could charge people $300 an hour then I could charge people $300 an hour to tell them why they need to come back to tell them why they need to come back to tell them why they need to come back next week.

next week. next week. Because people are living in conflict Because people are living in conflict Because people are living in conflict with themselves. with themselves. with themselves. But he says not only were they living in But he says not only were they living in But he says not only were they living in conflict with themselves, they were conflict with themselves, they were conflict with themselves, they were living when they came out and when they living when they came out and when they living when they came out and when they went back in. That is when they went went back in. That is when they went went back in. That is when they went home. There was not only personal home. There was not only personal home. There was not only personal conflict, there was familial conflict, conflict, there was familial conflict, conflict, there was familial conflict, family instability. family instability. family instability. When you look at the divorce, when you When you look at the divorce, when you When you look at the divorce, when you look at the conflict, when you look at look at the conflict, when you look at look at the conflict, when you look at the abuse, when you look at the family the abuse, when you look at the family the abuse, when you look at the family rebellion, you see households that are rebellion, you see households that are rebellion, you see households that are disturbed. disturbed. disturbed. When you look at what's happening with When you look at what's happening with When you look at what's happening with our teenagers who are running wild and our teenagers who are running wild and our teenagers who are running wild and running loose all over the nation and running loose all over the nation and running loose all over the nation and it's clear that the home is not it's clear that the home is not it's clear that the home is not functioning effectively. functioning effectively. functioning effectively. It is clear that there is no peace to It is clear that there is no peace to It is clear that there is no peace to the individual. the individual. the individual. And when they go home, when they go back And when they go home, when they go back And when they go home, when they go back in, there's conflict there. in, there's conflict there. in, there's conflict there. IT SAYS CITY ROSE UP AGAINST CITY. I'll IT SAYS CITY ROSE UP AGAINST CITY. I'll IT SAYS CITY ROSE UP AGAINST CITY. I'll call that urban conflict.

call that urban conflict. call that urban conflict. Community instability. Community instability. Community instability. When you look at the racial divide, the When you look at the racial divide, the When you look at the racial divide, the political divide, the class divide, the political divide, the class divide, the political divide, the class divide, the gender divide, you see instability gender divide, you see instability gender divide, you see instability in our centers of communal living. in our centers of communal living. in our centers of communal living. It says nation rose up against nation. It says nation rose up against nation. It says nation rose up against nation. That's international chaos, confusion, That's international chaos, confusion, That's international chaos, confusion, and instability. And of course, we're in and instability. And of course, we're in and instability. And of course, we're in the midst of that worldwide today. the midst of that worldwide today. the midst of that worldwide today. So whether it's individual or familial So whether it's individual or familial So whether it's individual or familial or communitywide or international, it or communitywide or international, it or communitywide or international, it says many disturbances afflicted all the says many disturbances afflicted all the says many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the land. Everybody was inhabitants of the land. Everybody was inhabitants of the land. Everybody was in trouble. in trouble. in trouble. But then we're hit with a phrase, a But then we're hit with a phrase, a But then we're hit with a phrase, a phrase you wouldn't expect phrase you wouldn't expect phrase you wouldn't expect because the end of verse six says, "For because the end of verse six says, "For because the end of verse six says, "For God troubled them God troubled them God troubled them with every kind of distress." I would with every kind of distress." I would with every kind of distress." I would have thought with all of this confusion, have thought with all of this confusion, have thought with all of this confusion, it would have said the devil troubled it would have said the devil troubled it would have said the devil troubled them with every kind of distress. BUT them with every kind of distress. BUT them with every kind of distress. BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT WE READ.

THAT'S NOT WHAT WE READ. THAT'S NOT WHAT WE READ. WE READ GOD SAYING, "YOU SEE ALL THIS WE READ GOD SAYING, "YOU SEE ALL THIS WE READ GOD SAYING, "YOU SEE ALL THIS CHAOS, blame me, CHAOS, blame me, CHAOS, blame me, for God troubled them with every kind of for God troubled them with every kind of for God troubled them with every kind of distress." Now, distress." Now, distress." Now, IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, it doesn't matter who you elect. it doesn't matter who you elect. it doesn't matter who you elect. IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, it doesn't IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, it doesn't IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, it doesn't matter what program you institute. matter what program you institute. matter what program you institute. IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, IT DOESN'T IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, IT DOESN'T IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT strategy MATTER WHAT strategy MATTER WHAT strategy you inculcate. you inculcate. you inculcate. IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, only God is your IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, only God is your IF GOD IS YOUR PROBLEM, only God is your solution. solution. solution. >> It says, "For God troubled them with >> It says, "For God troubled them with >> It says, "For God troubled them with every kind of distress." every kind of distress." every kind of distress." In the Old Testament, In the Old Testament, In the Old Testament, when God was dissatisfied, when God was dissatisfied, when God was dissatisfied, there would be the active wrath of God. there would be the active wrath of God. there would be the active wrath of God. He would come down and bring judgment, He would come down and bring judgment, He would come down and bring judgment, the flood, or destruction of Sodom and the flood, or destruction of Sodom and the flood, or destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, or the opening up of the earth Gomorrah, or the opening up of the earth Gomorrah, or the opening up of the earth where God uh uh uh incarcerated Kora and where God uh uh uh incarcerated Kora and where God uh uh uh incarcerated Kora and his family, or the 10 plagues of his family, or the 10 plagues of his family, or the 10 plagues of Pharaoh, God would directly bring Pharaoh, God would directly bring Pharaoh, God would directly bring judgment. However, with the DEATH OF judgment. However, with the DEATH OF judgment. However, with the DEATH OF CHRIST IN HISTORY, 2 Corinthians 5 tells CHRIST IN HISTORY, 2 Corinthians 5 tells CHRIST IN HISTORY, 2 Corinthians 5 tells us that THE DEATH OF CHRIST RECONCILED us that THE DEATH OF CHRIST RECONCILED us that THE DEATH OF CHRIST RECONCILED the world to God. So that now you AND I the world to God. So that now you AND I the world to God. So that now you AND I DON'T HAVE THE active wrath of God. We

DON'T HAVE THE active wrath of God. We DON'T HAVE THE active wrath of God. We have the passive wrath of God. That's have the passive wrath of God. That's have the passive wrath of God. That's explained in Romans chapter 1. Because explained in Romans chapter 1. Because explained in Romans chapter 1. Because people no longer wanted to keep the people no longer wanted to keep the people no longer wanted to keep the knowledge of God. Verse 24, verse 26, knowledge of God. Verse 24, verse 26, knowledge of God. Verse 24, verse 26, verse 28 says God turned them over. That verse 28 says God turned them over. That verse 28 says God turned them over. That is God released man to life without him. is God released man to life without him. is God released man to life without him. Since you don't want me, you don't have Since you don't want me, you don't have Since you don't want me, you don't have to have me. Let's see how life works to have me. Let's see how life works to have me. Let's see how life works without me. So he turned them over to an without me. So he turned them over to an without me. So he turned them over to an abandonment abandonment abandonment of departure from him. So whether it's of departure from him. So whether it's of departure from him. So whether it's the active wrath of God in the Old the active wrath of God in the Old the active wrath of God in the Old Testament or the passive wrath of God in Testament or the passive wrath of God in Testament or the passive wrath of God in the New Testament, the chaos is the the New Testament, the chaos is the the New Testament, the chaos is the result of THE DISTRESS THAT GOD EITHER result of THE DISTRESS THAT GOD EITHER result of THE DISTRESS THAT GOD EITHER causes Old Testament or allows New causes Old Testament or allows New causes Old Testament or allows New Testament. But it is the dis it is a Testament. But it is the dis it is a Testament. But it is the dis it is a description of his displeasure with men description of his displeasure with men description of his displeasure with men having abandoned him. SO having abandoned him. SO having abandoned him. SO THERE IS CHAOS IN THE LAND. You and I THERE IS CHAOS IN THE LAND. You and I THERE IS CHAOS IN THE LAND. You and I are seeing chaos in the land. Life, are seeing chaos in the land. Life, are seeing chaos in the land. Life, family, community, nation, same family, community, nation, same family, community, nation, same situation, different method of situation, different method of situation, different method of expressing God's wrath. So the question expressing God's wrath. So the question expressing God's wrath. So the question then is what was the cause of the then is what was the cause of the then is what was the cause of the crisis? the crisis you face, the crisis crisis? the crisis you face, the crisis crisis? the crisis you face, the crisis families that you know face, the crisis

families that you know face, the crisis families that you know face, the crisis our community face, the crisis that the our community face, the crisis that the our community face, the crisis that the world faces. If God is the cause or or world faces. If God is the cause or or world faces. If God is the cause or or if the basis of the crisis, what were if the basis of the crisis, what were if the basis of the crisis, what were the ingredients that led to the wrath of the ingredients that led to the wrath of the ingredients that led to the wrath of God that allowed the discontinuity to God that allowed the discontinuity to God that allowed the discontinuity to take place in these spheres of living? take place in these spheres of living? take place in these spheres of living? Well, verse three tells us there were Well, verse three tells us there were Well, verse three tells us there were three reasons why there was all of these three reasons why there was all of these three reasons why there was all of these disturbances and chaos in the world. It disturbances and chaos in the world. It disturbances and chaos in the world. It says the first reason in those days it says the first reason in those days it says the first reason in those days it says for many days an extended period of says for many days an extended period of says for many days an extended period of time Israel was without the true God. time Israel was without the true God. time Israel was without the true God. So the first reason why there was chaos So the first reason why there was chaos So the first reason why there was chaos is that the true God was missing. is that the true God was missing. is that the true God was missing. It did not say God was missing. It said It did not say God was missing. It said It did not say God was missing. It said the true God was missing. When you don't the true God was missing. When you don't the true God was missing. When you don't have the true God, that means you have have the true God, that means you have have the true God, that means you have false gods.

false gods. false gods. >> False gods ARE CALLED IDOLS. AN IDOL is >> False gods ARE CALLED IDOLS. AN IDOL is >> False gods ARE CALLED IDOLS. AN IDOL is a noun, a person, place, thing, or a noun, a person, place, thing, or a noun, a person, place, thing, or thought that you look to as your source. thought that you look to as your source. thought that you look to as your source. An idol is any noun that becomes your An idol is any noun that becomes your An idol is any noun that becomes your source. source. source. IDOLS WERE NOT JUST looked to for IDOLS WERE NOT JUST looked to for IDOLS WERE NOT JUST looked to for something to worship. Idols were looked something to worship. Idols were looked something to worship. Idols were looked to and worship for something they could to and worship for something they could to and worship for something they could produce for you. So people would look to produce for you. So people would look to produce for you. So people would look to idols to help it to rain. People would idols to help it to rain. People would idols to help it to rain. People would look to idols to help crops to grow. look to idols to help crops to grow. look to idols to help crops to grow. People would look TO IDOLS FOR HEALING People would look TO IDOLS FOR HEALING People would look TO IDOLS FOR HEALING IN THEIR BODIES. People look for idols IN THEIR BODIES. People look for idols IN THEIR BODIES. People look for idols for the thing that they idolize to for the thing that they idolize to for the thing that they idolize to produce something for them that would produce something for them that would produce something for them that would benefit them. Which is why an idol benefit them. Which is why an idol benefit them. Which is why an idol became an object of worship. In Western became an object of worship. In Western became an object of worship. In Western civilization, we don't worship rocks and civilization, we don't worship rocks and civilization, we don't worship rocks and stones in the sky. And we we have stones in the sky. And we we have stones in the sky. And we we have American idols. These are sophisticated American idols. These are sophisticated American idols. These are sophisticated idols of worship. We worship skin color, idols of worship. We worship skin color, idols of worship. We worship skin color, so we have racial idolatry. We worship so we have racial idolatry. We worship so we have racial idolatry. We worship politics, so we have political idolatry.

politics, so we have political idolatry. politics, so we have political idolatry. We worship money, so we have We worship money, so we have We worship money, so we have materialistic idolatry. WE WORSHIP materialistic idolatry. WE WORSHIP materialistic idolatry. WE WORSHIP STATUS, SO WE HAVE identity uh uh uh STATUS, SO WE HAVE identity uh uh uh STATUS, SO WE HAVE identity uh uh uh idols. And we are looking to those as a idols. And we are looking to those as a idols. And we are looking to those as a source of value and significance. source of value and significance. source of value and significance. When you look at anything other than the When you look at anything other than the When you look at anything other than the true God as the source of life, that true God as the source of life, that true God as the source of life, that person, place, thing or thought becomes person, place, thing or thought becomes person, place, thing or thought becomes an idol which means something else has an idol which means something else has an idol which means something else has taken the place of God even while you taken the place of God even while you taken the place of God even while you may go to worship. So he says that the may go to worship. So he says that the may go to worship. So he says that the true God was missing. We have the name true God was missing. We have the name true God was missing. We have the name God while we worship idols. God while we worship idols. God while we worship idols. >> So that the true God is missing. I had >> So that the true God is missing. I had >> So that the true God is missing. I had to go to Walmart some time ago to go to Walmart some time ago to go to Walmart some time ago to buy some things. And you have to to buy some things. And you have to to buy some things. And you have to understand I hate anything with Mart in understand I hate anything with Mart in understand I hate anything with Mart in its name. its name. its name. IF MART IS IN ITS NAME, I DON'T WANT TO IF MART IS IN ITS NAME, I DON'T WANT TO IF MART IS IN ITS NAME, I DON'T WANT TO FOOL WITH IT. BUT I HAD TO GO TO WALMART FOOL WITH IT. BUT I HAD TO GO TO WALMART FOOL WITH IT. BUT I HAD TO GO TO WALMART TO GET SOME THINGS. And I WANTED TO BE TO GET SOME THINGS. And I WANTED TO BE TO GET SOME THINGS. And I WANTED TO BE THE FIRST ONE IN and the first one out THE FIRST ONE IN and the first one out THE FIRST ONE IN and the first one out because I don't like to deal WITH MARTS.

because I don't like to deal WITH MARTS. because I don't like to deal WITH MARTS. WHEN I DROVE UP TO WALMART, THE REST OF WHEN I DROVE UP TO WALMART, THE REST OF WHEN I DROVE UP TO WALMART, THE REST OF DALLAS HAD beaten me there. THE PARKING DALLAS HAD beaten me there. THE PARKING DALLAS HAD beaten me there. THE PARKING LOT WAS JAM-PACKED with cars. I'm trying LOT WAS JAM-PACKED with cars. I'm trying LOT WAS JAM-PACKED with cars. I'm trying to figure out why are all these people to figure out why are all these people to figure out why are all these people here so early. So, I go in, I get in here so early. So, I go in, I get in here so early. So, I go in, I get in this long line. I'm in Walmart. Get my this long line. I'm in Walmart. Get my this long line. I'm in Walmart. Get my goods. I'M STANDING IN LINE. AND I'm goods. I'M STANDING IN LINE. AND I'm goods. I'M STANDING IN LINE. AND I'm trying to figure out why are all these trying to figure out why are all these trying to figure out why are all these people here so early. And then I people here so early. And then I people here so early. And then I discover that this Walmart was having a discover that this Walmart was having a discover that this Walmart was having a store-wide sale. So everything was on store-wide sale. So everything was on store-wide sale. So everything was on sale. So everybody had showed up to get sale. So everybody had showed up to get sale. So everybody had showed up to get their goods at reduced prices. As I their goods at reduced prices. As I their goods at reduced prices. As I stood in line, it dawned on me, that's stood in line, it dawned on me, that's stood in line, it dawned on me, that's our problem. Everybody wants God. They our problem. Everybody wants God. They our problem. Everybody wants God. They just want him on discount. just want him on discount. just want him on discount. >> As long as God will come on discount, >> As long as God will come on discount, >> As long as God will come on discount, WE'LL SHOP THERE. THE MOMENT HE comes at WE'LL SHOP THERE. THE MOMENT HE comes at WE'LL SHOP THERE. THE MOMENT HE comes at full price, we'll shop elsewhere. So, full price, we'll shop elsewhere. So, full price, we'll shop elsewhere. So, people don't want the true God. They people don't want the true God. They people don't want the true God. They want a God they can control. They want a want a God they can control. They want a want a God they can control. They want a God they can define. They want a God God they can define. They want a God God they can define. They want a God that that that that that they can that that that that that they can that that that that that they can influence. THEY DON'T WANT THE GOD AS HE influence. THEY DON'T WANT THE GOD AS HE influence. THEY DON'T WANT THE GOD AS HE REVEALS himself to be. They want the God REVEALS himself to be. They want the God REVEALS himself to be. They want the God that they want him to become. And the that they want him to become. And the that they want him to become. And the moment THAT YOU HAVE THAT GOD, you don't moment THAT YOU HAVE THAT GOD, you don't moment THAT YOU HAVE THAT GOD, you don't have the true God. And when you don't have the true God. And when you don't have the true God. And when you don't have the true God, you place yourself in have the true God, you place yourself in have the true God, you place yourself in an idolatrous situation. AND THIS THIS an idolatrous situation. AND THIS THIS an idolatrous situation. AND THIS THIS FALSEENESS OF GOD KNOWN AS idolatry is FALSEENESS OF GOD KNOWN AS idolatry is FALSEENESS OF GOD KNOWN AS idolatry is showing up in so many ways. THAT'S WHY showing up in so many ways. THAT'S WHY showing up in so many ways. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE ALL OF these illegitimate WE HAVE ALL OF these illegitimate WE HAVE ALL OF these illegitimate divisions because we're worshiping false

divisions because we're worshiping false divisions because we're worshiping false gods. THE GOD OF POLITICS, FOR EXAMPLE, gods. THE GOD OF POLITICS, FOR EXAMPLE, gods. THE GOD OF POLITICS, FOR EXAMPLE, AS THOUGH GOD rides the backs of dunkeys AS THOUGH GOD rides the backs of dunkeys AS THOUGH GOD rides the backs of dunkeys or elephants because we have confused uh or elephants because we have confused uh or elephants because we have confused uh uh uh God's house with the White House. uh uh God's house with the White House. uh uh God's house with the White House. WE'VE REFUSED GOD'S house with the House WE'VE REFUSED GOD'S house with the House WE'VE REFUSED GOD'S house with the House of Congress, NOT UNDERSTANDING THAT GOD of Congress, NOT UNDERSTANDING THAT GOD of Congress, NOT UNDERSTANDING THAT GOD HAS A WHOLE another agenda. REMINDS ME HAS A WHOLE another agenda. REMINDS ME HAS A WHOLE another agenda. REMINDS ME OF JOSHUA CHAPTER 5. Joshua [snorts] is OF JOSHUA CHAPTER 5. Joshua [snorts] is OF JOSHUA CHAPTER 5. Joshua [snorts] is doing reconnaissance around the walls of doing reconnaissance around the walls of doing reconnaissance around the walls of Jericho. And he's walking around the Jericho. And he's walking around the Jericho. And he's walking around the walls of Jericho. He sees this captain walls of Jericho. He sees this captain walls of Jericho. He sees this captain over here leading this big army. over here leading this big army. over here leading this big army. Joshua's mama didn't raise no dummy. He Joshua's mama didn't raise no dummy. He Joshua's mama didn't raise no dummy. He goes over to the captain and said, goes over to the captain and said, goes over to the captain and said, "WHOSE SIDE are you on? Cuz if you're on "WHOSE SIDE are you on? Cuz if you're on "WHOSE SIDE are you on? Cuz if you're on our side, then you're going to help us our side, then you're going to help us our side, then you're going to help us against Jericho. If you're on Jericho's against Jericho. If you're on Jericho's against Jericho. If you're on Jericho's side, you're going to help Jericho side, you're going to help Jericho side, you're going to help Jericho against us." SO BEFORE I GO OUT HERE TO against us." SO BEFORE I GO OUT HERE TO against us." SO BEFORE I GO OUT HERE TO BATTLE, whose side are you on? The BATTLE, whose side are you on? The BATTLE, whose side are you on? The captain looked at Joshua and said, "I captain looked at Joshua and said, "I captain looked at Joshua and said, "I think you're confused. I'm neither on think you're confused. I'm neither on think you're confused. I'm neither on your side nor am I on their side. I'm your side nor am I on their side. I'm your side nor am I on their side. I'm captain of the Lord's army. I did not captain of the Lord's army. I did not captain of the Lord's army. I did not come to take sides. I come to take over.

come to take sides. I come to take over. come to take sides. I come to take over. You see, when you have to understand who You see, when you have to understand who You see, when you have to understand who God is, [applause] God is, [applause] God is, [applause] then the systems of this world don't then the systems of this world don't then the systems of this world don't become your idolatrous definition. When become your idolatrous definition. When become your idolatrous definition. When you look at the issue of the idol of you look at the issue of the idol of you look at the issue of the idol of race, which is divided and continues to race, which is divided and continues to race, which is divided and continues to divide the country, we we we we we get divide the country, we we we we we get divide the country, we we we we we get confused when when when Peter was eating confused when when when Peter was eating confused when when when Peter was eating pork chops with the Gentiles in Genesis pork chops with the Gentiles in Genesis pork chops with the Gentiles in Genesis chapter 2 cuz he found out they knew how chapter 2 cuz he found out they knew how chapter 2 cuz he found out they knew how to cook. And and uh he finally was told to cook. And and uh he finally was told to cook. And and uh he finally was told it's okay to eat pork and pork chops and it's okay to eat pork and pork chops and it's okay to eat pork and pork chops and chidlins and pig feet. And he found that chidlins and pig feet. And he found that chidlins and pig feet. And he found that out in in Acts chapter 10. Don't call out in in Acts chapter 10. Don't call out in in Acts chapter 10. Don't call unclean what I call clean. So he crosses unclean what I call clean. So he crosses unclean what I call clean. So he crosses over, goes to the soul shack, finds out over, goes to the soul shack, finds out over, goes to the soul shack, finds out how they cook pork, AND HE'S SITTING OUT how they cook pork, AND HE'S SITTING OUT how they cook pork, AND HE'S SITTING OUT EATING with the Gentiles, tell his EATING with the Gentiles, tell his EATING with the Gentiles, tell his homeboys, the Jews showed up. When the homeboys, the Jews showed up. When the homeboys, the Jews showed up. When the Jews showed up, he was so intimidated by Jews showed up, he was so intimidated by Jews showed up, he was so intimidated by them. He left the Gentiles sitting them. He left the Gentiles sitting them. He left the Gentiles sitting there. Paul said, "When I saw that, I there. Paul said, "When I saw that, I there. Paul said, "When I saw that, I condemned Peter before them all. And I condemned Peter before them all. And I condemned Peter before them all. And I told Peter a verse we like to quote. I told Peter a verse we like to quote. I told Peter a verse we like to quote. I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live yet not I. It's Christ who lives I live yet not I. It's Christ who lives I live yet not I. It's Christ who lives in me. the life which I now live. I live in me. the life which I now live. I live in me. the life which I now live. I live by faith in the son of God who loved me by faith in the son of God who loved me by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20.

and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20. and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20. That great verse is not a verse just out That great verse is not a verse just out That great verse is not a verse just out there hanging. That's a verse that Paul there hanging. That's a verse that Paul there hanging. That's a verse that Paul quotes to Peter to tell them, Peter, you quotes to Peter to tell them, Peter, you quotes to Peter to tell them, Peter, you have forgotten your identity. You're not have forgotten your identity. You're not have forgotten your identity. You're not black first. You're not white first. black first. You're not white first. black first. You're not white first. You're a follower of Christ first. And You're a follower of Christ first. And You're a follower of Christ first. And everything submits to that. everything submits to that. everything submits to that. [applause] [applause] [applause] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> But because we've allowed the culture to >> But because we've allowed the culture to >> But because we've allowed the culture to tell us our self- definitionf and we tell us our self- definitionf and we tell us our self- definitionf and we ALLOWED THAT TO DEFINE US rather than ALLOWED THAT TO DEFINE US rather than ALLOWED THAT TO DEFINE US rather than placing that definition under the placing that definition under the placing that definition under the authority of our Christian commitment, authority of our Christian commitment, authority of our Christian commitment, we've allowed race to become an idol. we've allowed race to become an idol. we've allowed race to become an idol. And that means that God has been reduced And that means that God has been reduced And that means that God has been reduced and pushed to the sidelines in the and pushed to the sidelines in the and pushed to the sidelines in the significance of skin color. AND ALL OF significance of skin color. AND ALL OF significance of skin color. AND ALL OF THAT MEANS THAT THE TRUE GOD is missing. THAT MEANS THAT THE TRUE GOD is missing. THAT MEANS THAT THE TRUE GOD is missing. He says there was no true God. So why He says there was no true God. So why He says there was no true God. So why was there no true God? Well, verse three was there no true God? Well, verse three was there no true God? Well, verse three tells you because the second thing that tells you because the second thing that tells you because the second thing that was missing is he says there was no was missing is he says there was no was missing is he says there was no teaching priest. teaching priest. teaching priest. He didn't say there were no preachers. He didn't say there were no preachers. He didn't say there were no preachers. He just said they weren't talking about He just said they weren't talking about He just said they weren't talking about nothing.

nothing. nothing. He said there was no teaching priests. He said there was no teaching priests. He said there was no teaching priests. There were plenty of priests, but what There were plenty of priests, but what There were plenty of priests, but what they were SAYING AND WHAT GOD was saying they were SAYING AND WHAT GOD was saying they were SAYING AND WHAT GOD was saying was not the same thing. There are TWO was not the same thing. There are TWO was not the same thing. There are TWO ANSWERS TO EVERY QUESTION. GOD'S answer ANSWERS TO EVERY QUESTION. GOD'S answer ANSWERS TO EVERY QUESTION. GOD'S answer and everybody else's and everybody else and everybody else's and everybody else and everybody else's and everybody else is wrong. When their view disagrees with is wrong. When their view disagrees with is wrong. When their view disagrees with God's view, what we have to do is have a God's view, what we have to do is have a God's view, what we have to do is have a radical to take a book title. We have to radical to take a book title. We have to radical to take a book title. We have to have a radical return to the authority have a radical return to the authority have a radical return to the authority of scripture. There was no teaching of scripture. There was no teaching of scripture. There was no teaching priest. They were not communicating priest. They were not communicating priest. They were not communicating biblical truth. They were communicating biblical truth. They were communicating biblical truth. They were communicating cultural truth. They were communicating cultural truth. They were communicating cultural truth. They were communicating uh uh uh you know true uh information uh uh uh you know true uh information uh uh uh you know true uh information with a little Jesus sprinkled on it. with a little Jesus sprinkled on it. with a little Jesus sprinkled on it. They were not returning to the They were not returning to the They were not returning to the authoritative authoritative authoritative word of God. You know when the Cowboys word of God. You know when the Cowboys word of God. You know when the Cowboys beat up on the Red Redskins beat up on the Red Redskins beat up on the Red Redskins or the Commanders, whatever you want to or the Commanders, whatever you want to or the Commanders, whatever you want to call them, there are there are three teams that there are there are three teams that come on the field. Okay? You got the come on the field. Okay? You got the come on the field. Okay? You got the commanders, you got the cowboys, which commanders, you got the cowboys, which commanders, you got the cowboys, which means you're going to have three hours means you're going to have three hours means you're going to have three hours of conflict. That's going to be three of conflict. That's going to be three of conflict. That's going to be three hours of conflict because those two hours of conflict because those two hours of conflict because those two teams are never going to get along.

teams are never going to get along. teams are never going to get along. They're always going to have a different They're always going to have a different They're always going to have a different perspective because they have different perspective because they have different perspective because they have different goals they're going toward. One team is goals they're going toward. One team is goals they're going toward. One team is going this way, another team is going going this way, another team is going going this way, another team is going that way, which means conflict is that way, which means conflict is that way, which means conflict is inevitable. inevitable. inevitable. In the midst of this conflict will be In the midst of this conflict will be In the midst of this conflict will be seven officials. Every NFL game has seven officials. Every NFL game has seven officials. Every NFL game has seven officials. Those seven officials seven officials. Those seven officials seven officials. Those seven officials are clearly identified cuz they got are clearly identified cuz they got are clearly identified cuz they got black and white jerseys on. They don't black and white jerseys on. They don't black and white jerseys on. They don't have the jerseys of this team or the have the jerseys of this team or the have the jerseys of this team or the jerseys of that team because they don't jerseys of that team because they don't jerseys of that team because they don't belong to either team. They belong to belong to either team. They belong to belong to either team. They belong to 345 Park Avenue, which is where the NFL 345 Park Avenue, which is where the NFL 345 Park Avenue, which is where the NFL offices are located. Each one of these offices are located. Each one of these offices are located. Each one of these officials has been handed a book. This officials has been handed a book. This officials has been handed a book. This book gives other all the governing book gives other all the governing book gives other all the governing guidelines by which all decisions are to guidelines by which all decisions are to guidelines by which all decisions are to be made on the field of play. Their be made on the field of play. Their be made on the field of play. Their personal opinions must be subject to personal opinions must be subject to personal opinions must be subject to that book. Whichever team they prefers that book. Whichever team they prefers that book. Whichever team they prefers is irrelevant cuz they have to make all is irrelevant cuz they have to make all is irrelevant cuz they have to make all their decisions based on this book. They their decisions based on this book. They their decisions based on this book. They understand sometimes they going to be understand sometimes they going to be understand sometimes they going to be booed and sometimes they going to be booed and sometimes they going to be booed and sometimes they going to be cheered. But how people respond to them cheered. But how people respond to them cheered. But how people respond to them is inconsequential because all their is inconsequential because all their is inconsequential because all their decisions must be made based on the decisions must be made based on the decisions must be made based on the book. THERE'S GOING TO BE CONFLICT on book. THERE'S GOING TO BE CONFLICT on book. THERE'S GOING TO BE CONFLICT on the field, but their decisions are based the field, but their decisions are based the field, but their decisions are based on the book. We got too many Christians on the book. We got too many Christians on the book. We got too many Christians who've joined teams and have traded in who've joined teams and have traded in who've joined teams and have traded in their jerseys cuz they're no longer their jerseys cuz they're no longer their jerseys cuz they're no longer operating based on the book. IT IS THE

operating based on the book. IT IS THE operating based on the book. IT IS THE WORD OF GOD, THE BOOK THAT is to be the WORD OF GOD, THE BOOK THAT is to be the WORD OF GOD, THE BOOK THAT is to be the basis of all decision makingaking by the basis of all decision makingaking by the basis of all decision makingaking by the people of God. BUT BECAUSE THERE WEREN'T people of God. BUT BECAUSE THERE WEREN'T people of God. BUT BECAUSE THERE WEREN'T teaching priests, a mist in the pull pit teaching priests, a mist in the pull pit teaching priests, a mist in the pull pit becomes a fog in the pew. And when the becomes a fog in the pew. And when the becomes a fog in the pew. And when the pullpit has compromised the word of God, pullpit has compromised the word of God, pullpit has compromised the word of God, you can't expect the pew to compromise you can't expect the pew to compromise you can't expect the pew to compromise the word of God. He says there was no the word of God. He says there was no the word of God. He says there was no teaching preached. If you said, TONY teaching preached. If you said, TONY teaching preached. If you said, TONY EVANS, MY LIFE IS IN CRISIS. What should EVANS, MY LIFE IS IN CRISIS. What should EVANS, MY LIFE IS IN CRISIS. What should I do? I'm going to try to understand I do? I'm going to try to understand I do? I'm going to try to understand what you're going through. I'm going to what you're going through. I'm going to what you're going through. I'm going to identify the biblical principles that identify the biblical principles that identify the biblical principles that address what you're going through. I'm address what you're going through. I'm address what you're going through. I'm going to give you practical steps to going to give you practical steps to going to give you practical steps to apply those principles to your problems. apply those principles to your problems. apply those principles to your problems. And then I'm going to ask the Holy And then I'm going to ask the Holy And then I'm going to ask the Holy Spirit to bless your obedience to those Spirit to bless your obedience to those Spirit to bless your obedience to those principles to rectify what is happening principles to rectify what is happening principles to rectify what is happening in the crisis of your life. If you bring in the crisis of your life. If you bring in the crisis of your life. If you bring your family to me and said, TONY EVANS, your family to me and said, TONY EVANS, your family to me and said, TONY EVANS, MY FAMILY IS FALLING APART. I'm going to MY FAMILY IS FALLING APART. I'm going to MY FAMILY IS FALLING APART. I'm going to seek to identify the issues that are seek to identify the issues that are seek to identify the issues that are your family are facing. What are the your family are facing. What are the your family are facing. What are the biblical principles that speak to that biblical principles that speak to that biblical principles that speak to that issue? What are the acts you should do issue? What are the acts you should do issue? What are the acts you should do to apply those principles to your to apply those principles to your to apply those principles to your situation? Then I'm going to pray that situation? Then I'm going to pray that situation? Then I'm going to pray that the Holy Spirit empowers your obedience the Holy Spirit empowers your obedience the Holy Spirit empowers your obedience to those principles to bring healing to to those principles to bring healing to to those principles to bring healing to your home. If you brought the church to your home. If you brought the church to your home. If you brought the church to me and said, "My church is in conflict."

me and said, "My church is in conflict." me and said, "My church is in conflict." I'm going to take I'm going to I'm going to take I'm going to I'm going to take I'm going to understand what the issues are. I'm understand what the issues are. I'm understand what the issues are. I'm going to identify the biblical going to identify the biblical going to identify the biblical principles that speak to that issue. I'm principles that speak to that issue. I'm principles that speak to that issue. I'm going to give you practical steps to going to give you practical steps to going to give you practical steps to apply those principles. I'm going to ask apply those principles. I'm going to ask apply those principles. I'm going to ask the Holy Spirit to bless your obedience the Holy Spirit to bless your obedience the Holy Spirit to bless your obedience to those principles to bring healing to to those principles to bring healing to to those principles to bring healing to your ecclesiastical structure. If your your ecclesiastical structure. If your your ecclesiastical structure. If your nation is in trouble and the Congress nation is in trouble and the Congress nation is in trouble and the Congress says that our nation is falling apart, says that our nation is falling apart, says that our nation is falling apart, WHAT I'M NOT GOING TO DO IS change books WHAT I'M NOT GOING TO DO IS change books WHAT I'M NOT GOING TO DO IS change books because we got too many people changing because we got too many people changing because we got too many people changing books. It's the same book cuz God is the books. It's the same book cuz God is the books. It's the same book cuz God is the author of government. And I'm going to author of government. And I'm going to author of government. And I'm going to identify the problem. I'm going to look identify the problem. I'm going to look identify the problem. I'm going to look at the biblical principles. I'm going to at the biblical principles. I'm going to at the biblical principles. I'm going to give the practical steps to apply the give the practical steps to apply the give the practical steps to apply the biblical principles. I'm going pray the biblical principles. I'm going pray the biblical principles. I'm going pray the Holy Spirit blesses the obedience to Holy Spirit blesses the obedience to Holy Spirit blesses the obedience to those principles TO BRING HEALING TO THE those principles TO BRING HEALING TO THE those principles TO BRING HEALING TO THE NATION. YOU DON'T CHANGE BOOKS. THE WORD NATION. YOU DON'T CHANGE BOOKS. THE WORD NATION. YOU DON'T CHANGE BOOKS. THE WORD OF GOD IS THE standard by which OF GOD IS THE standard by which OF GOD IS THE standard by which decisions are to be made. AND THAT'S WHY decisions are to be made. AND THAT'S WHY decisions are to be made. AND THAT'S WHY BELONGING TO THIS church where there are BELONGING TO THIS church where there are BELONGING TO THIS church where there are teaching priests who are going to INSIST teaching priests who are going to INSIST teaching priests who are going to INSIST THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS THE FINAL THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS THE FINAL THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY by which all decisions are to AUTHORITY by which all decisions are to AUTHORITY by which all decisions are to be made is THE BASIS BY WHICH YOU GET be made is THE BASIS BY WHICH YOU GET be made is THE BASIS BY WHICH YOU GET THE INVOLVEMENT OF God to override the THE INVOLVEMENT OF God to override the THE INVOLVEMENT OF God to override the chaos that people are facing. So the chaos that people are facing. So the chaos that people are facing. So the first thing that was taking place was first thing that was taking place was first thing that was taking place was THERE WAS NO TRUE GOD. The reason there THERE WAS NO TRUE GOD. The reason there THERE WAS NO TRUE GOD. The reason there was no true God is because there was no was no true God is because there was no was no true God is because there was no teaching priest. And the RESULT NUMBER teaching priest. And the RESULT NUMBER teaching priest. And the RESULT NUMBER THREE OF verse three is that there were

THREE OF verse three is that there were THREE OF verse three is that there were there was no law. People made up their there was no law. People made up their there was no law. People made up their own rules. Cuz when you don't have a own rules. Cuz when you don't have a own rules. Cuz when you don't have a divine standard, people become their own divine standard, people become their own divine standard, people become their own standard or they go on Tik Tok to get a standard or they go on Tik Tok to get a standard or they go on Tik Tok to get a standard or they go on Instagram to get standard or they go on Instagram to get standard or they go on Instagram to get a standard, you know. So, so, so they go a standard, you know. So, so, so they go a standard, you know. So, so, so they go to Twitter to get a standard. And so you to Twitter to get a standard. And so you to Twitter to get a standard. And so you go all over the place because you have go all over the place because you have go all over the place because you have not locked yourself down to the fixed not locked yourself down to the fixed not locked yourself down to the fixed standard. So there is no law. There is standard. So there is no law. There is standard. So there is no law. There is no standard that is the governing no standard that is the governing no standard that is the governing standard by which all decisions are to standard by which all decisions are to standard by which all decisions are to be made. My son Jonathan who has taken be made. My son Jonathan who has taken be made. My son Jonathan who has taken over the daily responsibilities at our over the daily responsibilities at our over the daily responsibilities at our church now church now church now uh he he played for the Red uh Redskins uh he he played for the Red uh Redskins uh he he played for the Red uh Redskins for for one year and um he was um a for for one year and um he was um a for for one year and um he was um a fullback and so yeah. Amen. Okay. So, fullback and so yeah. Amen. Okay. So, fullback and so yeah. Amen. Okay. So, so when he was 11 years old, he came to so when he was 11 years old, he came to so when he was 11 years old, he came to my office. He said, "Dad, my office. He said, "Dad, my office. He said, "Dad, come on. I got to show you something." I come on. I got to show you something." I come on. I got to show you something." I said, "What?" He said, "No, you got to said, "What?" He said, "No, you got to said, "What?" He said, "No, you got to see this." So, he takes me over to the see this." So, he takes me over to the see this." So, he takes me over to the church gym. I go over to the church gym.

church gym. I go over to the church gym. church gym. I go over to the church gym. I said, "What? Why you bring me over I said, "What? Why you bring me over I said, "What? Why you bring me over here?" He said, "Because I want you to here?" He said, "Because I want you to here?" He said, "Because I want you to see me dunk the basketball." Now, he's see me dunk the basketball." Now, he's see me dunk the basketball." Now, he's 11 years old. He's this high. I said, 11 years old. He's this high. I said, 11 years old. He's this high. I said, "Say what?" I you I want you you got to "Say what?" I you I want you you got to "Say what?" I you I want you you got to see this. I said, "Okay, let me see see this. I said, "Okay, let me see see this. I said, "Okay, let me see this." He takes the basketball. He this." He takes the basketball. He this." He takes the basketball. He dribbles the basketball. He then runs up dribbles the basketball. He then runs up dribbles the basketball. He then runs up to the hoop, jumps up. Boom. 11 years to the hoop, jumps up. Boom. 11 years to the hoop, jumps up. Boom. 11 years old, this high, dunks the basketball. old, this high, dunks the basketball. old, this high, dunks the basketball. Before you get too impressed, Before you get too impressed, Before you get too impressed, he got the custodian to lower the rim he got the custodian to lower the rim he got the custodian to lower the rim from 10 feet to six feet. So what he did was change the standard. So what he did was change the standard. He brought it from 10 feet down to six He brought it from 10 feet down to six He brought it from 10 feet down to six feet, dunked it and impressed HIMSELF feet, dunked it and impressed HIMSELF feet, dunked it and impressed HIMSELF AND TRIED TO IMPRESS me with a lower AND TRIED TO IMPRESS me with a lower AND TRIED TO IMPRESS me with a lower standard. See what the culture does is standard. See what the culture does is standard. See what the culture does is lower the standard. THEN WHEN YOU DUNK lower the standard. THEN WHEN YOU DUNK lower the standard. THEN WHEN YOU DUNK AT THE LOWER STANDARD, you think you AT THE LOWER STANDARD, you think you AT THE LOWER STANDARD, you think you done something. The idea IS FOR US NOT done something. The idea IS FOR US NOT done something. The idea IS FOR US NOT TO BRING DOWN GOD'S STANDARD but to grow TO BRING DOWN GOD'S STANDARD but to grow TO BRING DOWN GOD'S STANDARD but to grow up to his standard so that his standard up to his standard so that his standard up to his standard so that his standard SETS THE GOVERNING guidelines by which SETS THE GOVERNING guidelines by which SETS THE GOVERNING guidelines by which all decisions are to be made. [applause] all decisions are to be made. [applause] all decisions are to be made. [applause] It says there was no law. People made up It says there was no law. People made up It says there was no law. People made up their own standards, their own rules and their own standards, their own rules and their own standards, their own rules and as a result there was chaos in the land.

as a result there was chaos in the land. as a result there was chaos in the land. There was confusion in the land. You There was confusion in the land. You There was confusion in the land. You know, [snorts] know, [snorts] know, [snorts] my favorite fruit is not apple. I know my favorite fruit is not apple. I know my favorite fruit is not apple. I know an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I know that's the saying, but I'm not into know that's the saying, but I'm not into know that's the saying, but I'm not into them apples. I'm an orange kind of guy. them apples. I'm an orange kind of guy. them apples. I'm an orange kind of guy. A banana kind of guy. I'm not an apple A banana kind of guy. I'm not an apple A banana kind of guy. I'm not an apple guy. Well, I'm kind of not an apple guy guy. Well, I'm kind of not an apple guy guy. Well, I'm kind of not an apple guy except at the Texas State Fair. I love except at the Texas State Fair. I love except at the Texas State Fair. I love them apples cuz them are candy apples at them apples cuz them are candy apples at them apples cuz them are candy apples at the Texas State Fair at the Texas State the Texas State Fair at the Texas State the Texas State Fair at the Texas State Fair. Them are candy apples. And I love Fair. Them are candy apples. And I love Fair. Them are candy apples. And I love them apples cuz those are apples dipped them apples cuz those are apples dipped them apples cuz those are apples dipped in liquid sugar. Okay. So So those are in liquid sugar. Okay. So So those are in liquid sugar. Okay. So So those are those are those are sweet apples. those are those are sweet apples. those are those are sweet apples. My doctor told me My doctor told me My doctor told me once you dip that a apple in liquid once you dip that a apple in liquid once you dip that a apple in liquid sugar, you have nullified its effect sugar, you have nullified its effect sugar, you have nullified its effect cuz you done dipped it in liquid sugar. cuz you done dipped it in liquid sugar. cuz you done dipped it in liquid sugar. The the apple is nutritional nutritional The the apple is nutritional nutritional The the apple is nutritional nutritional but you've dipped it into something but you've dipped it into something but you've dipped it into something that's going to nullify its benefit.

that's going to nullify its benefit. that's going to nullify its benefit. What a lot of people do is they come to What a lot of people do is they come to What a lot of people do is they come to church for the word then they leave and church for the word then they leave and church for the word then they leave and dip it in human opinion. preaching. dip it in human opinion. preaching. dip it in human opinion. preaching. >> They dip God's word in secular thought. >> They dip God's word in secular thought. >> They dip God's word in secular thought. >> They dick they they they dip God's word >> They dick they they they dip God's word >> They dick they they they dip God's word in cultural acceptability. in cultural acceptability. in cultural acceptability. >> And then they wonder why the word >> And then they wonder why the word >> And then they wonder why the word DOESN'T WORK. IT'S NOT THAT THE WORD DOESN'T WORK. IT'S NOT THAT THE WORD DOESN'T WORK. IT'S NOT THAT THE WORD DOESN'T WORK. IT'S JUST IT'S BEEN DOESN'T WORK. IT'S JUST IT'S BEEN DOESN'T WORK. IT'S JUST IT'S BEEN COMPROMISED. COMPROMISED. COMPROMISED. It's been compromised by secular thought It's been compromised by secular thought It's been compromised by secular thought and and and and cultural acceptance and and and and and cultural acceptance and and and and and cultural acceptance and racial identity and political racial identity and political racial identity and political commitment. And it's been nullified. And commitment. And it's been nullified. And commitment. And it's been nullified. And therefore the word is not doing what the therefore the word is not doing what the therefore the word is not doing what the word was created to do because you do word was created to do because you do word was created to do because you do the Bible says nullify the word of God the Bible says nullify the word of God the Bible says nullify the word of God with your tradition. with your tradition. with your tradition. >> You can cancel the word of God from >> You can cancel the word of God from >> You can cancel the word of God from doing what the word of God is designed doing what the word of God is designed doing what the word of God is designed to do because it's been dipped to do because it's been dipped to do because it's been dipped >> into the secular culture. And he says as >> into the secular culture. And he says as >> into the secular culture. And he says as a result there was chaos everywhere a result there was chaos everywhere a result there was chaos everywhere all over the land. all over the land. all over the land. So So So there's crisis everywhere and God says there's crisis everywhere and God says there's crisis everywhere and God says blame me.

blame me. blame me. There is a There is a There is a reason for the crisis. No true God, no reason for the crisis. No true God, no reason for the crisis. No true God, no teaching priest, no law. teaching priest, no law. teaching priest, no law. So is there a cure for the crisis in So is there a cure for the crisis in So is there a cure for the crisis in your life, in your family, in a church, your life, in your family, in a church, your life, in your family, in a church, in a society? Is there a cure? Now, of in a society? Is there a cure? Now, of in a society? Is there a cure? Now, of course, we all know that the greatest course, we all know that the greatest course, we all know that the greatest cure is the return of Christ, cure is the return of Christ, cure is the return of Christ, okay? Because then we we don't have to okay? Because then we we don't have to okay? Because then we we don't have to deal with this anymore. If Christ comes deal with this anymore. If Christ comes deal with this anymore. If Christ comes back tomorrow, back tomorrow, back tomorrow, we are cur we we we we are we are fine we are cur we we we we are we are fine we are cur we we we we are we are fine if we've trusted Christ. if we've trusted Christ. if we've trusted Christ. But what if he doesn't come back for But what if he doesn't come back for But what if he doesn't come back for another hundred years or 200 years? another hundred years or 200 years? another hundred years or 200 years? Well, you better worry about that Well, you better worry about that Well, you better worry about that because that's your children and your because that's your children and your because that's your children and your grandchildren and your grandchildren and your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren and they're going to great-grandchildren and they're going to great-grandchildren and they're going to grow up in some kind of world. [snorts] grow up in some kind of world. [snorts] grow up in some kind of world. [snorts] You you never use the rapture as an You you never use the rapture as an You you never use the rapture as an excuse for inertia.

excuse for inertia. excuse for inertia. You never lo use the return of Christ as You never lo use the return of Christ as You never lo use the return of Christ as an excuse not to make things better. an excuse not to make things better. an excuse not to make things better. If he comes back, fine. Don't worry. If If he comes back, fine. Don't worry. If If he comes back, fine. Don't worry. If he doesn't come back for a while, you he doesn't come back for a while, you he doesn't come back for a while, you better worry because you still are better worry because you still are better worry because you still are living in a world of crisis. So the living in a world of crisis. So the living in a world of crisis. So the question short of the return of Christ question short of the return of Christ question short of the return of Christ is, is there a solution to the chaos is, is there a solution to the chaos is, is there a solution to the chaos that God himself allows? Verse four that God himself allows? Verse four that God himself allows? Verse four tells us, tells us, tells us, we read in verse four of 2 Chronicles we read in verse four of 2 Chronicles we read in verse four of 2 Chronicles 15, "But in their distress, 15, "But in their distress, 15, "But in their distress, they turned to the Lord God of Israel, they turned to the Lord God of Israel, they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought him, and he let them and they sought him, and he let them and they sought him, and he let them find him." find him." find him." Oh, okay. Oh, okay. Oh, okay. In their distress, In their distress, In their distress, what distress? The distress that God what distress? The distress that God what distress? The distress that God caused. See, verse six says, "God caused caused. See, verse six says, "God caused caused. See, verse six says, "God caused the distress." Verse four says it was in the distress." Verse four says it was in the distress." Verse four says it was in their distress, the distress that God their distress, the distress that God their distress, the distress that God himself caused.

himself caused. himself caused. When things got bad enough, long enough, When things got bad enough, long enough, When things got bad enough, long enough, low enough, deep enough, low enough, deep enough, low enough, deep enough, then they wanted to return to God. Ah, then they wanted to return to God. Ah, then they wanted to return to God. Ah, then they wanted to get God back on the then they wanted to get God back on the then they wanted to get God back on the front page and out of the editorial front page and out of the editorial front page and out of the editorial section. section. section. It says when things got bad enough, in It says when things got bad enough, in It says when things got bad enough, in other words, God will let things keep other words, God will let things keep other words, God will let things keep going south until we look up. going south until we look up. going south until we look up. >> God will let things get worse and worse >> God will let things get worse and worse >> God will let things get worse and worse and worse and worse and more distressful and worse and worse and more distressful and worse and worse and more distressful and more distressful and more pain and and more distressful and more pain and and more distressful and more pain and more difficulty until there is a return. more difficulty until there is a return. more difficulty until there is a return. It says, "In their distress," the It says, "In their distress," the It says, "In their distress," the distress that God himself caused, distress that God himself caused, distress that God himself caused, they sought the Lord God of Israel. Oh, they sought the Lord God of Israel. Oh, they sought the Lord God of Israel. Oh, don't read that too fast. don't read that too fast. don't read that too fast. They didn't seek God. They didn't seek God. They didn't seek God. It says they sought the Lord God. It says they sought the Lord God. It says they sought the Lord God. >> Ah, we have an additional name for God.

>> Ah, we have an additional name for God. >> Ah, we have an additional name for God. The distress was caused by God. verse The distress was caused by God. verse The distress was caused by God. verse six go six go six go but the return was to the Lord God. Now but the return was to the Lord God. Now but the return was to the Lord God. Now there are 85 names for God approximately there are 85 names for God approximately there are 85 names for God approximately in the Old Testament. Every time God in the Old Testament. Every time God in the Old Testament. Every time God gives a name, he's giving you some new gives a name, he's giving you some new gives a name, he's giving you some new information about himself. So the names information about himself. So the names information about himself. So the names of God, one of my books is called the of God, one of my books is called the of God, one of my books is called the names of God. And and and when you walk names of God. And and and when you walk names of God. And and and when you walk through the names of God, each name is through the names of God, each name is through the names of God, each name is giving you new information because God giving you new information because God giving you new information because God is inexhaustible. But when you go to is inexhaustible. But when you go to is inexhaustible. But when you go to heaven, by the way, the reason you're heaven, by the way, the reason you're heaven, by the way, the reason you're going to live in heaven forever is it's going to live in heaven forever is it's going to live in heaven forever is it's going to take forever to discover all going to take forever to discover all going to take forever to discover all that God is. So it's going to take you that God is. So it's going to take you that God is. So it's going to take you have to live that long in order to have to live that long in order to have to live that long in order to discover all he is because he's discover all he is because he's discover all he is because he's infinite. So when God wants us to infinite. So when God wants us to infinite. So when God wants us to discover something new about himself, he discover something new about himself, he discover something new about himself, he would attach name to it. So go O D God would attach name to it. So go O D God would attach name to it. So go O D God is the name Elohim. is the name Elohim. is the name Elohim. Elohim is the name in Genesis 1. In the Elohim is the name in Genesis 1. In the Elohim is the name in Genesis 1. In the beginning, God g beginning, God g beginning, God g Elohim, Hebrew name, created the heavens Elohim, Hebrew name, created the heavens Elohim, Hebrew name, created the heavens and the earth. All through Genesis 1, and the earth. All through Genesis 1, and the earth. All through Genesis 1, that's the only name you'll see. You that's the only name you'll see. You that's the only name you'll see. You will only see Elohim, G O D, because God will only see Elohim, G O D, because God will only see Elohim, G O D, because God in Genesis 1 is showing you his power.

in Genesis 1 is showing you his power. in Genesis 1 is showing you his power. He's creative genius. That's his power He's creative genius. That's his power He's creative genius. That's his power name. Elohim is his power name. It's his name. Elohim is his power name. It's his name. Elohim is his power name. It's his his ex Neilo name. He can create things his ex Neilo name. He can create things his ex Neilo name. He can create things out of nothing. And so, so that's all out of nothing. And so, so that's all out of nothing. And so, so that's all Genesis 1. That's all you'll see. Power, Genesis 1. That's all you'll see. Power, Genesis 1. That's all you'll see. Power, the power of God to create. the power of God to create. the power of God to create. But in Genesis chapter 2 verse4, But in Genesis chapter 2 verse4, But in Genesis chapter 2 verse4, God adds a name to his name. God adds a name to his name. God adds a name to his name. Capital L, capital O, capital R, capital Capital L, capital O, capital R, capital Capital L, capital O, capital R, capital D. Beginning in Genesis 2:4, you read D. Beginning in Genesis 2:4, you read D. Beginning in Genesis 2:4, you read the Lord God. And from then on down, you the Lord God. And from then on down, you the Lord God. And from then on down, you see the Lord God, the Lord God, the Lord see the Lord God, the Lord God, the Lord see the Lord God, the Lord God, the Lord God, the Lord God, the Lord God. NOT God, the Lord God, the Lord God. NOT God, the Lord God, the Lord God. NOT JUST GO. WHY IN Genesis 2:4 and JUST GO. WHY IN Genesis 2:4 and JUST GO. WHY IN Genesis 2:4 and following do you see the Lord God and following do you see the Lord God and following do you see the Lord God and not just the God that's in Genesis 1? not just the God that's in Genesis 1? not just the God that's in Genesis 1? Because the Hebrew word for capital L, Because the Hebrew word for capital L, Because the Hebrew word for capital L, capital O, capital R, capital D is the capital O, capital R, capital D is the capital O, capital R, capital D is the Hebrew name Yahweh or you and I would Hebrew name Yahweh or you and I would Hebrew name Yahweh or you and I would say Jehovah. The Hebrew name Yahweh is say Jehovah. The Hebrew name Yahweh is say Jehovah. The Hebrew name Yahweh is his covenantal name or his relational his covenantal name or his relational his covenantal name or his relational name. So the reason he adds capital L, name. So the reason he adds capital L, name. So the reason he adds capital L, capital O, capital R, capital D in capital O, capital R, capital D in capital O, capital R, capital D in Genesis chapter 2:4 is because he's Genesis chapter 2:4 is because he's Genesis chapter 2:4 is because he's creating man. And when he creates man, creating man. And when he creates man, creating man. And when he creates man, he doesn't create man just for power. He he doesn't create man just for power. He he doesn't create man just for power. He creates man for relationship. So when he creates man for relationship. So when he creates man for relationship. So when he creates man, he says, I'm not only the creates man, he says, I'm not only the creates man, he says, I'm not only the powerful God, I'm the powerful God who powerful God, I'm the powerful God who powerful God, I'm the powerful God who exists in relationship. Which is why in exists in relationship. Which is why in exists in relationship. Which is why in Genesis chapter 3 when Satan shows up,

Genesis chapter 3 when Satan shows up, Genesis chapter 3 when Satan shows up, he says half God said, not half the Lord he says half God said, not half the Lord he says half God said, not half the Lord God said. Because Satan doesn't mind you God said. Because Satan doesn't mind you God said. Because Satan doesn't mind you wanting God's power as long as you don't wanting God's power as long as you don't wanting God's power as long as you don't have God's relationship. So in Genesis have God's relationship. So in Genesis have God's relationship. So in Genesis chap in 2 Coronicles chapter 4, it says chap in 2 Coronicles chapter 4, it says chap in 2 Coronicles chapter 4, it says when they returned to the Lord God, they when they returned to the Lord God, they when they returned to the Lord God, they didn't just want to see what God can do. didn't just want to see what God can do. didn't just want to see what God can do. They wanted to have a relationship with They wanted to have a relationship with They wanted to have a relationship with the God who could do it. If you want to the God who could do it. If you want to the God who could do it. If you want to see God enter into your distress, you see God enter into your distress, you see God enter into your distress, you have to pursue a relationship and not have to pursue a relationship and not have to pursue a relationship and not just his deliverance. See, everybody just his deliverance. See, everybody just his deliverance. See, everybody wants his power, but they don't just wants his power, but they don't just wants his power, but they don't just they don't necessarily want his they don't necessarily want his they don't necessarily want his relationship. And God says it's when relationship. And God says it's when relationship. And God says it's when they return to the Lord God. When they they return to the Lord God. When they they return to the Lord God. When they return relationally to him, then they return relationally to him, then they return relationally to him, then they could experience him intervening and he could experience him intervening and he could experience him intervening and he lets them find him. YOU WON'T FIND GOD lets them find him. YOU WON'T FIND GOD lets them find him. YOU WON'T FIND GOD when you're only looking for his power. when you're only looking for his power. when you're only looking for his power. You find God's power when you're You find God's power when you're You find God's power when you're pursuing the relationship, when you want pursuing the relationship, when you want pursuing the relationship, when you want Lord God. And so when they return to the Lord God. And so when they return to the Lord God. And so when they return to the Lord God, it says he let them find him.

Lord God, it says he let them find him. Lord God, it says he let them find him. Okay? Uh Okay? Uh Okay? Uh I had a problem in my garage. My garage I had a problem in my garage. My garage I had a problem in my garage. My garage door would not open. door would not open. door would not open. I pushed the button. I'm pushing the I pushed the button. I'm pushing the I pushed the button. I'm pushing the button. Pushing the button. Pushing the button. Pushing the button. Pushing the button. Pushing the button. Pushing the button. Nothing's happening. button. Nothing's happening. button. Nothing's happening. Everything's plugged in. So, you know, Everything's plugged in. So, you know, Everything's plugged in. So, you know, I'm plugged into the to the carrot. It's I'm plugged into the to the carrot. It's I'm plugged into the to the carrot. It's not working. I go to try to lift the not working. I go to try to lift the not working. I go to try to lift the garage door. It's too heavy. garage door. It's too heavy. garage door. It's too heavy. All that means is I'm stuck. My car's in All that means is I'm stuck. My car's in All that means is I'm stuck. My car's in the garage. I can't drive. I can't go to the garage. I can't drive. I can't go to the garage. I can't drive. I can't go to my meeting because I'm trapped. my meeting because I'm trapped. my meeting because I'm trapped. And I'm trapped in a situation I can't And I'm trapped in a situation I can't And I'm trapped in a situation I can't fix cuz I'm pushing buttons. I'm trying fix cuz I'm pushing buttons. I'm trying fix cuz I'm pushing buttons. I'm trying to lift it up. trying to use all my to lift it up. trying to use all my to lift it up. trying to use all my strength, strength, strength, but nothing is working. but nothing is working. but nothing is working. So, I pick up my phone and I call my So, I pick up my phone and I call my So, I pick up my phone and I call my garage guy and I say, "Help. garage guy and I say, "Help. garage guy and I say, "Help. I need to be delivered I need to be delivered I need to be delivered FROM BEING TRAPPED IN MY GARAGE. Deliver FROM BEING TRAPPED IN MY GARAGE. Deliver FROM BEING TRAPPED IN MY GARAGE. Deliver me. I need you to come OVER HERE. I'VE me. I need you to come OVER HERE. I'VE me. I need you to come OVER HERE. I'VE GOT TO SEE MY SITUATION CHANGE. I GOT TO GOT TO SEE MY SITUATION CHANGE. I GOT TO GOT TO SEE MY SITUATION CHANGE. I GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE. DELIVER ME.

GET OUT OF HERE. DELIVER ME. GET OUT OF HERE. DELIVER ME. my garage guy. He says, "Well, will you my garage guy. He says, "Well, will you my garage guy. He says, "Well, will you do me a favor do me a favor do me a favor and hold the phone in your ear? I keep and hold the phone in your ear? I keep and hold the phone in your ear? I keep talking to me, but walk over to the talking to me, but walk over to the talking to me, but walk over to the garage door." So, I got the phone in my garage door." So, I got the phone in my garage door." So, I got the phone in my ear and I'm walking over to the garage ear and I'm walking over to the garage ear and I'm walking over to the garage door. He says, "Look down to the right." door. He says, "Look down to the right." door. He says, "Look down to the right." I look down, look down to the left. I I look down, look down to the left. I I look down, look down to the left. I look down. Say, "You see those two look down. Say, "You see those two look down. Say, "You see those two little square canisters?" I said, little square canisters?" I said, little square canisters?" I said, "Yeah." He says, "Where are they "Yeah." He says, "Where are they "Yeah." He says, "Where are they pointing?" Well, I said, "The one on the pointing?" Well, I said, "The one on the pointing?" Well, I said, "The one on the right is pointing to the one on the right is pointing to the one on the right is pointing to the one on the left, and the one on the left is pointed left, and the one on the left is pointed left, and the one on the left is pointed straight ahead." straight ahead." straight ahead." Oh, he says, "That's your problem. Oh, he says, "That's your problem. Oh, he says, "That's your problem. They're out of alignment." They're out of alignment." They're out of alignment." He says, "The one on the right is He says, "The one on the right is He says, "The one on the right is pointing to the one on the left, but the pointing to the one on the left, but the pointing to the one on the left, but the one on the left is not pointing back at one on the left is not pointing back at one on the left is not pointing back at the one on the right. So, they're not the one on the right. So, they're not the one on the right. So, they're not communicating." communicating." communicating." He says, "You don't need me to leave He says, "You don't need me to leave He says, "You don't need me to leave from where I am to come the way you are from where I am to come the way you are from where I am to come the way you are to fix your problem. You just need to to fix your problem. You just need to to fix your problem. You just need to get things in alignment. And if you get get things in alignment. And if you get get things in alignment. And if you get things in alignment, I think your things in alignment, I think your things in alignment, I think your problem will be resolved." So I took the problem will be resolved." So I took the problem will be resolved." So I took the one over here that was out of alignment, one over here that was out of alignment, one over here that was out of alignment, turned it to the one over here so that turned it to the one over here so that turned it to the one over here so that they could talk to each other. Went over they could talk to each other. Went over they could talk to each other. Went over and pushed THE BUTTON AND VOILA, A and pushed THE BUTTON AND VOILA, A and pushed THE BUTTON AND VOILA, A MIRACLE, the door opened up. YOU KNOW MIRACLE, the door opened up. YOU KNOW MIRACLE, the door opened up. YOU KNOW WHY THE DOOR OPENED UP? IT OPENED UP WHY THE DOOR OPENED UP? IT OPENED UP WHY THE DOOR OPENED UP? IT OPENED UP BECAUSE THINGS GOT in alignment. See, I BECAUSE THINGS GOT in alignment. See, I BECAUSE THINGS GOT in alignment. See, I wanted him to come over and deliver me.

wanted him to come over and deliver me. wanted him to come over and deliver me. He said he don't need to leave where he He said he don't need to leave where he He said he don't need to leave where he is to come over to deliver me. If I get is to come over to deliver me. If I get is to come over to deliver me. If I get stuff in alignment, then I have stuff in alignment, then I have stuff in alignment, then I have positioned myself for a deliverance. I positioned myself for a deliverance. I positioned myself for a deliverance. I have positioned myself for a change. have positioned myself for a change. have positioned myself for a change. See, a lot of us want God to leave See, a lot of us want God to leave See, a lot of us want God to leave heaven and come down here and fix our heaven and come down here and fix our heaven and come down here and fix our problem. He says, "It's okay to problem. He says, "It's okay to problem. He says, "It's okay to communicate with me, but when you communicate with me, but when you communicate with me, but when you communicate with me, I don't have to communicate with me, I don't have to communicate with me, I don't have to change my my location. All I you got to change my my location. All I you got to change my my location. All I you got to do is get in alignment with me. And when do is get in alignment with me. And when do is get in alignment with me. And when you're in alignment, then you'll see the you're in alignment, then you'll see the you're in alignment, then you'll see the intervention that can bring harmony to intervention that can bring harmony to intervention that can bring harmony to the chaotic situation you may be in the chaotic situation you may be in the chaotic situation you may be in personally in your family, in your personally in your family, in your personally in your family, in your community, or in your nation. Our community, or in your nation. Our community, or in your nation. Our problem is we are operating out of problem is we are operating out of problem is we are operating out of alignment. And when we're operating out alignment. And when we're operating out alignment. And when we're operating out of alignment, of alignment, of alignment, we don't see the movement of God. We we don't see the movement of God. We we don't see the movement of God. We don't see the presence of God, the power don't see the presence of God, the power don't see the presence of God, the power of God. That doesn't mean there won't be of God. That doesn't mean there won't be of God. That doesn't mean there won't be crisis. It means the crisis will no crisis. It means the crisis will no crisis. It means the crisis will no longer define you. It will no longer longer define you. It will no longer longer define you. It will no longer dictate to you. Because you're now in dictate to you. Because you're now in dictate to you. Because you're now in alignment. It says, "And when they got alignment. It says, "And when they got alignment. It says, "And when they got in alignment, in alignment, in alignment, because of their distress, he let them because of their distress, he let them because of their distress, he let them find him.

find him. find him. You ever played hide and seek with your You ever played hide and seek with your You ever played hide and seek with your kids and you play hide and seek kids and you play hide and seek kids and you play hide and seek and they getting tired of looking? and they getting tired of looking? and they getting tired of looking? Okay, it's fun at first, but after a Okay, it's fun at first, but after a Okay, it's fun at first, but after a while if they can't find you, they they while if they can't find you, they they while if they can't find you, they they get a little ticked off and they'll get a little ticked off and they'll get a little ticked off and they'll scream, "MAMA, DADDY, WHERE ARE YOU?" scream, "MAMA, DADDY, WHERE ARE YOU?" scream, "MAMA, DADDY, WHERE ARE YOU?" And when they get DESPERATE And when they get DESPERATE And when they get DESPERATE AND CRY OUT, you make yourself AND CRY OUT, you make yourself AND CRY OUT, you make yourself locatable. You'll make a little noise or locatable. You'll make a little noise or locatable. You'll make a little noise or you'll peek out a little bit. You'll you'll peek out a little bit. You'll you'll peek out a little bit. You'll make yourself locatable because they're make yourself locatable because they're make yourself locatable because they're desperate to locate you. [snorts] The desperate to locate you. [snorts] The desperate to locate you. [snorts] The question God wants to know is how question God wants to know is how question God wants to know is how desperate are you to locate me? How desperate are you to locate me? How desperate are you to locate me? How desperate are you from me? Because he desperate are you from me? Because he desperate are you from me? Because he says he let them find him. And then the says he let them find him. And then the says he let them find him. And then the next chapter, verse 15, says, "And God next chapter, verse 15, says, "And God next chapter, verse 15, says, "And God gave them rest." gave them rest." gave them rest." We're living in a time of crisis. We're We're living in a time of crisis. We're We're living in a time of crisis. We're living in a time of chaos. living in a time of chaos. living in a time of chaos. We're living in a time of confusion.

We're living in a time of confusion. We're living in a time of confusion. But Christ be not come. This only sets But Christ be not come. This only sets But Christ be not come. This only sets us up for an opportunity to see heaven's us up for an opportunity to see heaven's us up for an opportunity to see heaven's intervention in history. You know, 911 intervention in history. You know, 911 intervention in history. You know, 911 will will be a day that we will remember will will be a day that we will remember will will be a day that we will remember as a day of infamy. as a day of infamy. as a day of infamy. 19 men from halfway around the world 19 men from halfway around the world 19 men from halfway around the world came over here and shut down the most came over here and shut down the most came over here and shut down the most powerful country in the history of powerful country in the history of powerful country in the history of America. America. America. 19 men from halfway around the world. 19 men from halfway around the world. 19 men from halfway around the world. Oh, in the name of their God, came over Oh, in the name of their God, came over Oh, in the name of their God, came over here. And you'll never travel like you here. And you'll never travel like you here. And you'll never travel like you used to travel before 9/11 because of used to travel before 9/11 because of used to travel before 9/11 because of terrorism. They forever changed how we terrorism. They forever changed how we terrorism. They forever changed how we move about because 19 men in the name of move about because 19 men in the name of move about because 19 men in the name of the wrong God the wrong God the wrong God came over here and changed the whole came over here and changed the whole came over here and changed the whole trajectory of a nation. So, help me do trajectory of a nation. So, help me do trajectory of a nation. So, help me do the math. the math. the math. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> If 19 men in the name of the wrong God >> If 19 men in the name of the wrong God >> If 19 men in the name of the wrong God can change how a nation operates, what can change how a nation operates, what can change how a nation operates, what do you think all these Christians in do you think all these Christians in do you think all these Christians in this house in the name of the true God this house in the name of the true God this house in the name of the true God can do when we go public for Jesus can do when we go public for Jesus can do when we go public for Jesus Christ? This is not a time for secret Christ? This is not a time for secret Christ? This is not a time for secret agent Christians. This is not a time for agent Christians. This is not a time for agent Christians. This is not a time for for spiritual CIRA representatives. This for spiritual CIRA representatives. This for spiritual CIRA representatives. This is not a time for covert operatives.

is not a time for covert operatives. is not a time for covert operatives. Everybody else is coming out the closet. Everybody else is coming out the closet. Everybody else is coming out the closet. We might as well come out too in this We might as well come out too in this We might as well come out too in this time to make your VOICE HEARD FOR THE time to make your VOICE HEARD FOR THE time to make your VOICE HEARD FOR THE name of Jesus Christ so that it is clear name of Jesus Christ so that it is clear name of Jesus Christ so that it is clear there is a people OF GOD WHO WORSHIP the there is a people OF GOD WHO WORSHIP the there is a people OF GOD WHO WORSHIP the true God BASED ON HIS AUTHORITATIVE WORD true God BASED ON HIS AUTHORITATIVE WORD true God BASED ON HIS AUTHORITATIVE WORD using his rule BOOK AS THE STANDARD AND using his rule BOOK AS THE STANDARD AND using his rule BOOK AS THE STANDARD AND YOU GOT TO DEAL WITH OUR GOD WHEN YOU YOU GOT TO DEAL WITH OUR GOD WHEN YOU YOU GOT TO DEAL WITH OUR GOD WHEN YOU DEAL WITH US BECAUSE WE'RE DEAL WITH US BECAUSE WE'RE DEAL WITH US BECAUSE WE'RE UNAPOLOGETICALLY UNAPOLOGETICALLY UNAPOLOGETICALLY AND YES RADICAL FOLLOWERS OF Jesus AND YES RADICAL FOLLOWERS OF Jesus AND YES RADICAL FOLLOWERS OF Jesus Christ. FATHER, BLESS THIS HOUSE as Christ. FATHER, BLESS THIS HOUSE as Christ. FATHER, BLESS THIS HOUSE as these saints serve you in Jesus' name. these saints serve you in Jesus' name. these saints serve you in Jesus' name. Amen.