Building God's Kingdom | Building Stronger Households

So today we're starting a new series So today we're starting a new series called Building Stronger Households. called Building Stronger Households. called Building Stronger Households. Building stronger households. And and we Building stronger households. And and we Building stronger households. And and we got this from scripture. It's found in got this from scripture. It's found in got this from scripture. It's found in Psalm 127:1. Maybe you've heard this Psalm 127:1. Maybe you've heard this Psalm 127:1. Maybe you've heard this verse before. Put it up on the screen. verse before. Put it up on the screen. verse before. Put it up on the screen. It says, "Unless the Lord builds the It says, "Unless the Lord builds the It says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, house, house, >> the builders, what? They labor in vain." >> the builders, what? They labor in vain." >> the builders, what? They labor in vain." Unless the Lord builds the house, the Unless the Lord builds the house, the Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. We want the Lord builders labor in vain. We want the Lord builders labor in vain. We want the Lord desperately to build this church. Uh we desperately to build this church. Uh we desperately to build this church. Uh we want the Lord desperately to build our want the Lord desperately to build our want the Lord desperately to build our families because if you're anything like families because if you're anything like families because if you're anything like me, you have a couple toddlers who are me, you have a couple toddlers who are me, you have a couple toddlers who are trying to tear down your family right trying to tear down your family right trying to tear down your family right now in your house. All right. Uh we we now in your house. All right. Uh we we now in your house. All right. Uh we we desperately want the Lord to build and desperately want the Lord to build and desperately want the Lord to build and raise our our children in partnership raise our our children in partnership raise our our children in partnership with us. We want the Lord to build our with us. We want the Lord to build our with us. We want the Lord to build our relationships. But before we get into relationships. But before we get into relationships. But before we get into some of those topics first, we we cannot some of those topics first, we we cannot some of those topics first, we we cannot move on from this series. We cannot move move on from this series. We cannot move move on from this series. We cannot move on and talk about other things without on and talk about other things without on and talk about other things without first remembering that God wants us to first remembering that God wants us to first remembering that God wants us to partner with him in building his partner with him in building his partner with him in building his kingdom. Can I get an amen?

kingdom. Can I get an amen? kingdom. Can I get an amen? >> Uh the title of this sermon today is >> Uh the title of this sermon today is >> Uh the title of this sermon today is simply building God's kingdom. Building simply building God's kingdom. Building simply building God's kingdom. Building God's kingdom. Would you write that down God's kingdom. Would you write that down God's kingdom. Would you write that down on your notes somewhere? That's the on your notes somewhere? That's the on your notes somewhere? That's the topic of today. Building God's kingdom. topic of today. Building God's kingdom. topic of today. Building God's kingdom. Building the the kingdom of God. In this Building the the kingdom of God. In this Building the the kingdom of God. In this series, we're going to get to a place series, we're going to get to a place series, we're going to get to a place where we're going to talk on marriage, where we're going to talk on marriage, where we're going to talk on marriage, where we're going to talk on raising where we're going to talk on raising where we're going to talk on raising children. We're going to we're going to children. We're going to we're going to children. We're going to we're going to hear from Pastor Harry in just a week on hear from Pastor Harry in just a week on hear from Pastor Harry in just a week on some of these topics. Uh we're going to some of these topics. Uh we're going to some of these topics. Uh we're going to talk about leaving a legacy. We're going talk about leaving a legacy. We're going talk about leaving a legacy. We're going to talk about our church family, too, as to talk about our church family, too, as to talk about our church family, too, as we launch our life groups again here in we launch our life groups again here in we launch our life groups again here in a couple weeks. But today, I want to do a couple weeks. But today, I want to do a couple weeks. But today, I want to do something a little bit different. Before something a little bit different. Before something a little bit different. Before we talk about the family, before we talk we talk about the family, before we talk we talk about the family, before we talk about the household, I I want to talk about the household, I I want to talk about the household, I I want to talk about the person who is not a part of about the person who is not a part of about the person who is not a part of God's family yet. God's family yet. God's family yet. I want to talk about the person who I want to talk about the person who I want to talk about the person who doesn't know what it's like to live with doesn't know what it's like to live with doesn't know what it's like to live with God. what it what it's like to live in God. what it what it's like to live in God. what it what it's like to live in peace and harmony with the Lord. Those peace and harmony with the Lord. Those peace and harmony with the Lord. Those who are lost, who have not been found who are lost, who have not been found who are lost, who have not been found yet, yet, yet, >> my name is Tanner Bezette. Maybe like I >> my name is Tanner Bezette. Maybe like I >> my name is Tanner Bezette. Maybe like I said earlier or if I haven't had the said earlier or if I haven't had the said earlier or if I haven't had the chance to meet you, I come from Conway, chance to meet you, I come from Conway, chance to meet you, I come from Conway, Arkansas. That's where I was raised. I Arkansas. That's where I was raised. I Arkansas. That's where I was raised. I moved here with my wife in 2019. I was moved here with my wife in 2019. I was moved here with my wife in 2019. I was raised in church. I love to tell a raised in church. I love to tell a raised in church. I love to tell a little bit about my story every now and little bit about my story every now and little bit about my story every now and then. I was raised in church, introduced then. I was raised in church, introduced then. I was raised in church, introduced to God at a really young age, but by to God at a really young age, but by to God at a really young age, but by high school, I kind of started to follow high school, I kind of started to follow high school, I kind of started to follow my my own way. Uh I started to seek my my own way. Uh I started to seek my my own way. Uh I started to seek validation from literally everybody, validation from literally everybody, validation from literally everybody, which obviously, you know, if if you're which obviously, you know, if if you're which obviously, you know, if if you're seeking validation from the world, seeking validation from the world, seeking validation from the world, you'll you'll never get there. You'll you'll you'll never get there. You'll you'll you'll never get there. You'll never get everybody's approval. So, it

never get everybody's approval. So, it never get everybody's approval. So, it left me in a place of like immense left me in a place of like immense left me in a place of like immense anxiety. I was overwhelmed by anxiety anxiety. I was overwhelmed by anxiety anxiety. I was overwhelmed by anxiety every single day. I woke up that way for every single day. I woke up that way for every single day. I woke up that way for 5 years. I live that way. Just carrying 5 years. I live that way. Just carrying 5 years. I live that way. Just carrying the weight of seeking people's approval, the weight of seeking people's approval, the weight of seeking people's approval, carrying the weight of anxious thoughts. carrying the weight of anxious thoughts. carrying the weight of anxious thoughts. And then when I was 19 years old, this And then when I was 19 years old, this And then when I was 19 years old, this was in 2014, August the 25th, almost 12 was in 2014, August the 25th, almost 12 was in 2014, August the 25th, almost 12 years ago. Yeah. Almost 12 years ago, in years ago. Yeah. Almost 12 years ago, in years ago. Yeah. Almost 12 years ago, in a couple weeks, I was at my fraternity a couple weeks, I was at my fraternity a couple weeks, I was at my fraternity house at the University of Arkansas my house at the University of Arkansas my house at the University of Arkansas my sophomore year. And the Lord showed up sophomore year. And the Lord showed up sophomore year. And the Lord showed up and he met me again right there in that and he met me again right there in that and he met me again right there in that room. And he showed me a better way. And room. And he showed me a better way. And room. And he showed me a better way. And I chose to follow that way. And ever I chose to follow that way. And ever I chose to follow that way. And ever since I have followed his way, the since I have followed his way, the since I have followed his way, the Lord's way, Jesus's way, he replaced my Lord's way, Jesus's way, he replaced my Lord's way, Jesus's way, he replaced my seeking of validation, my anxious seeking of validation, my anxious seeking of validation, my anxious thoughts with a joy, with a peace, with thoughts with a joy, with a peace, with thoughts with a joy, with a peace, with a clarity of mind that I wake up with a clarity of mind that I wake up with a clarity of mind that I wake up with every single day now. And it is now my every single day now. And it is now my every single day now. And it is now my my life ambition. I have a lot of life my life ambition. I have a lot of life my life ambition. I have a lot of life to live. I have a lot to still learn, to live. I have a lot to still learn, to live. I have a lot to still learn, but it is my life ambition to talk about but it is my life ambition to talk about but it is my life ambition to talk about a Jesus who set me free and and wants to a Jesus who set me free and and wants to a Jesus who set me free and and wants to set other people free as well. That's set other people free as well. That's set other people free as well. That's that's my story. And I I I tell you this that's my story. And I I I tell you this that's my story. And I I I tell you this to point you to scripture because what to point you to scripture because what to point you to scripture because what happened to me is exactly what you see happened to me is exactly what you see happened to me is exactly what you see Jesus rejoice in what heaven rejoices Jesus rejoice in what heaven rejoices Jesus rejoice in what heaven rejoices behind as well. In Luke 15 verse 7, it behind as well. In Luke 15 verse 7, it behind as well. In Luke 15 verse 7, it says, "I tell you that in the same way says, "I tell you that in the same way says, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven there will be more rejoicing in heaven there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one." Everybody say one.

over one." Everybody say one. over one." Everybody say one. There will be more rejoicing in heaven There will be more rejoicing in heaven There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 over one sinner who repents than over 99 over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to righteous persons who do not need to righteous persons who do not need to repent. repent. repent. Jesus has an incredible [snorts] Jesus has an incredible [snorts] Jesus has an incredible [snorts] desire to reach those who are lost. And desire to reach those who are lost. And desire to reach those who are lost. And in this 30 minute sermon, I just hope in this 30 minute sermon, I just hope in this 30 minute sermon, I just hope that your desire to reach the same thing that your desire to reach the same thing that your desire to reach the same thing that he wants to reach, which are those that he wants to reach, which are those that he wants to reach, which are those who are lost, begins to increase inside who are lost, begins to increase inside who are lost, begins to increase inside of you as well. I have been waiting of you as well. I have been waiting of you as well. I have been waiting eagerly to preach this sermon to you eagerly to preach this sermon to you eagerly to preach this sermon to you since April. I have a friend by the name since April. I have a friend by the name since April. I have a friend by the name of Pastor Miles McFersonson who created of Pastor Miles McFersonson who created of Pastor Miles McFersonson who created this ministry called Just One about this ministry called Just One about this ministry called Just One about sharing your faith and how to make it sharing your faith and how to make it sharing your faith and how to make it super simple and practical for super simple and practical for super simple and practical for everybody. And I called him and I said, everybody. And I called him and I said, everybody. And I called him and I said, "Bro, I want to teach this to the "Bro, I want to teach this to the "Bro, I want to teach this to the church." And and he helped me get church." And and he helped me get church." And and he helped me get prepared for this moment. So, here we prepared for this moment. So, here we prepared for this moment. So, here we go. All right, without further ado, I go. All right, without further ado, I go. All right, without further ado, I want to start off with a question. I want to start off with a question. I want to start off with a question. I need everybody to participate in this need everybody to participate in this need everybody to participate in this question. If you are here and you are in question. If you are here and you are in question. If you are here and you are in the room and you would say that you are the room and you would say that you are the room and you would say that you are a believer, if you would say that I am a a believer, if you would say that I am a a believer, if you would say that I am a Christian, I want you to raise up your Christian, I want you to raise up your Christian, I want you to raise up your hand in the sky and keep it up. Keep it hand in the sky and keep it up. Keep it hand in the sky and keep it up. Keep it up. All right? All right. In church, up. All right? All right. In church, up. All right? All right. In church, when we ask you to lift up your hand, we when we ask you to lift up your hand, we when we ask you to lift up your hand, we ask you to put your elbow above your ask you to put your elbow above your ask you to put your elbow above your ear. Okay? Up high. We don't do the ear. Okay? Up high. We don't do the ear. Okay? Up high. We don't do the T-Rex stuff in church. We lift we lift T-Rex stuff in church. We lift we lift T-Rex stuff in church. We lift we lift our hands up high. Keep them up. Keep our hands up high. Keep them up. Keep our hands up high. Keep them up. Keep them up. I want you to look around the them up. I want you to look around the them up. I want you to look around the room at the other Christians, at the room at the other Christians, at the room at the other Christians, at the other believers. All right? If your hand other believers. All right? If your hand other believers. All right? If your hand is not up, look around the room. Come is not up, look around the room. Come is not up, look around the room. Come on. If your hand is not up, that's okay.

on. If your hand is not up, that's okay. on. If your hand is not up, that's okay. We love you. God's got a plan for you. We love you. God's got a plan for you. We love you. God's got a plan for you. This is not to single you out. This is This is not to single you out. This is This is not to single you out. This is to single out all the Christians in the to single out all the Christians in the to single out all the Christians in the room. All right. Look at each other. room. All right. Look at each other. room. All right. Look at each other. Look at each other. Wave at each other. Look at each other. Wave at each other. Look at each other. Wave at each other. You see all the hands? Do you see all You see all the hands? Do you see all You see all the hands? Do you see all the hands? Awesome. You can put your the hands? Awesome. You can put your the hands? Awesome. You can put your hands down. If if you raised your hand, hands down. If if you raised your hand, hands down. If if you raised your hand, then then that means at one point in then then that means at one point in then then that means at one point in life you said, "I cannot do this alone. life you said, "I cannot do this alone. life you said, "I cannot do this alone. I I I need someone to help free me of my I I I need someone to help free me of my I I I need someone to help free me of my darkness, of my pain, of my shame, of my darkness, of my pain, of my shame, of my darkness, of my pain, of my shame, of my addiction." And so you you called out to addiction." And so you you called out to addiction." And so you you called out to God one day and he came to your rescue. God one day and he came to your rescue. God one day and he came to your rescue. Okay. If Jesus met you in your darkness Okay. If Jesus met you in your darkness Okay. If Jesus met you in your darkness one time and pulled you from that slime, one time and pulled you from that slime, one time and pulled you from that slime, can we just give him some praise in the can we just give him some praise in the can we just give him some praise in the room? If he did that for you, if he did room? If he did that for you, if he did room? If he did that for you, if he did that for you, that's that's your story, that for you, that's that's your story, that for you, that's that's your story, right? If you raised your hand and right? If you raised your hand and right? If you raised your hand and accepted Christ, though, that also means accepted Christ, though, that also means accepted Christ, though, that also means that you said yes to whatever it is that that you said yes to whatever it is that that you said yes to whatever it is that God has asked you to do. God has asked you to do. God has asked you to do. Whether it makes me uncomfortable, Whether it makes me uncomfortable, Whether it makes me uncomfortable, whether it's something I do or do not whether it's something I do or do not whether it's something I do or do not want to do, to be a Christ follower want to do, to be a Christ follower want to do, to be a Christ follower means I don't just say, "Yeah, he means I don't just say, "Yeah, he means I don't just say, "Yeah, he rescued me, but whatever it is that your rescued me, but whatever it is that your rescued me, but whatever it is that your word tells me to do, I'll do it." And word tells me to do, I'll do it." And word tells me to do, I'll do it." And so, with that being said, I want to ask so, with that being said, I want to ask so, with that being said, I want to ask you another question.

you another question. you another question. If everybody in Christianity all across If everybody in Christianity all across If everybody in Christianity all across the world shared their faith the way the world shared their faith the way the world shared their faith the way that you do, would anybody be saved? that you do, would anybody be saved? that you do, would anybody be saved? How how many people would be saved? If How how many people would be saved? If How how many people would be saved? If if people shared their faith the way if people shared their faith the way if people shared their faith the way that you share it, how much of a that you share it, how much of a that you share it, how much of a difference would be made in the world difference would be made in the world difference would be made in the world around you? Some people would say, around you? Some people would say, around you? Some people would say, right, that man, because I want to say, right, that man, because I want to say, right, that man, because I want to say, actually, let me pause and go back. I I actually, let me pause and go back. I I actually, let me pause and go back. I I would say that sharing your faith is our would say that sharing your faith is our would say that sharing your faith is our most important responsibility as most important responsibility as most important responsibility as Christians. Some some people would say, Christians. Some some people would say, Christians. Some some people would say, "No, it's disciplehip. It's it's Bible "No, it's disciplehip. It's it's Bible "No, it's disciplehip. It's it's Bible study. It's worship." And while all study. It's worship." And while all study. It's worship." And while all those things are absolutely incredibly those things are absolutely incredibly those things are absolutely incredibly important, okay, I would totally agree important, okay, I would totally agree important, okay, I would totally agree with that. If all we ever do though is with that. If all we ever do though is with that. If all we ever do though is have worship and Bible study in here and have worship and Bible study in here and have worship and Bible study in here and we never do anything out there, then we never do anything out there, then we never do anything out there, then what's going to happen to the world out what's going to happen to the world out what's going to happen to the world out there? What's going to happen? The the there? What's going to happen? The the there? What's going to happen? The the example that I have used for this before example that I have used for this before example that I have used for this before and I'll use it again is whenever we as and I'll use it again is whenever we as and I'll use it again is whenever we as a church stop living for our faith and a church stop living for our faith and a church stop living for our faith and sharing our faith out there. What sharing our faith out there. What sharing our faith out there. What happens is exactly what happened to the happens is exactly what happened to the happens is exactly what happened to the city called Amsterdam there in the city called Amsterdam there in the city called Amsterdam there in the Netherlands in the 1700s. Amsterdam Netherlands in the 1700s. Amsterdam Netherlands in the 1700s. Amsterdam maybe you didn't know this quick history maybe you didn't know this quick history maybe you didn't know this quick history lesson was was known for its immaculate lesson was was known for its immaculate lesson was was known for its immaculate cathedrals and places of Christian cathedrals and places of Christian cathedrals and places of Christian worship and people from all over the worship and people from all over the worship and people from all over the globe would travel there to worship in globe would travel there to worship in globe would travel there to worship in these beautiful churches. All right. 400 these beautiful churches. All right. 400 these beautiful churches. All right. 400 years later, now 21st century, fast years later, now 21st century, fast years later, now 21st century, fast forward to today. What is Amsterdam forward to today. What is Amsterdam forward to today. What is Amsterdam known for? It It's known for its heavy

known for? It It's known for its heavy known for? It It's known for its heavy drug usage. Uh it's known for its sex drug usage. Uh it's known for its sex drug usage. Uh it's known for its sex district, its human trafficking. All of district, its human trafficking. All of district, its human trafficking. All of these churches that were once filled these churches that were once filled these churches that were once filled with godly people worshiping have now with godly people worshiping have now with godly people worshiping have now been converted into restaurants, have been converted into restaurants, have been converted into restaurants, have now been converted into museums and now been converted into museums and now been converted into museums and libraries. And here's a picture of one libraries. And here's a picture of one libraries. And here's a picture of one in Amsterdam that was recently converted in Amsterdam that was recently converted in Amsterdam that was recently converted into a skate park. Look at that. Okay. into a skate park. Look at that. Okay. into a skate park. Look at that. Okay. What happened? I'll tell you exactly What happened? I'll tell you exactly What happened? I'll tell you exactly what happened. Christians, they stopped what happened. Christians, they stopped what happened. Christians, they stopped sharing their faith out there. And and sharing their faith out there. And and sharing their faith out there. And and so instead of the world becoming more so instead of the world becoming more so instead of the world becoming more like the church, the church became more like the church, the church became more like the church, the church became more like the world. And though, yeah, we like the world. And though, yeah, we like the world. And though, yeah, we live in the Bible belt, we we live in live in the Bible belt, we we live in live in the Bible belt, we we live in Little Rock, I just want y'all to know Little Rock, I just want y'all to know Little Rock, I just want y'all to know some of the things that are going on some of the things that are going on some of the things that are going on outside of the four walls of this church outside of the four walls of this church outside of the four walls of this church right now. There are atheistic groups right now. There are atheistic groups right now. There are atheistic groups that meet in our city that are that are that meet in our city that are that are that meet in our city that are that are proclaiming a false doctrine. Uh there's proclaiming a false doctrine. Uh there's proclaiming a false doctrine. Uh there's violence all throughout our city. violence all throughout our city. violence all throughout our city. There's gang violence all throughout our There's gang violence all throughout our There's gang violence all throughout our city. There are Muslim mosques that are city. There are Muslim mosques that are city. There are Muslim mosques that are being built in our city. Schools that being built in our city. Schools that being built in our city. Schools that are being built in our cities. And we are being built in our cities. And we are being built in our cities. And we would be naive to think that if I don't would be naive to think that if I don't would be naive to think that if I don't live more boldly for my faith, love like live more boldly for my faith, love like live more boldly for my faith, love like Christ did, share my faith like Christ Christ did, share my faith like Christ Christ did, share my faith like Christ did, maybe in my generation I won't see did, maybe in my generation I won't see did, maybe in my generation I won't see much of a change. But what happens in much of a change. But what happens in much of a change. But what happens in one, two, three generations from now if one, two, three generations from now if one, two, three generations from now if we don't start to live a little bit we don't start to live a little bit we don't start to live a little bit different, right? And so God has called different, right? And so God has called different, right? And so God has called us to be people who are bold like this.

us to be people who are bold like this. us to be people who are bold like this. My proposal to you is that yeah, we are My proposal to you is that yeah, we are My proposal to you is that yeah, we are to come to church and have Bible study. to come to church and have Bible study. to come to church and have Bible study. Yeah, we are to come to church and Yeah, we are to come to church and Yeah, we are to come to church and worship and grow in our faith. Why? So worship and grow in our faith. Why? So worship and grow in our faith. Why? So that we can take what we're learning and that we can take what we're learning and that we can take what we're learning and go and make disciples out there. Can I go and make disciples out there. Can I go and make disciples out there. Can I get an amen? Can I get an amen? Right. get an amen? Can I get an amen? Right. get an amen? Can I get an amen? Right. As I teach you how to share your faith As I teach you how to share your faith As I teach you how to share your faith this morning, I I want you to think this morning, I I want you to think this morning, I I want you to think about the one just just one person one about the one just just one person one about the one just just one person one person that God is calling you to share person that God is calling you to share person that God is calling you to share your faith with, to share the gospel your faith with, to share the gospel your faith with, to share the gospel with. Because listen to me, there are with. Because listen to me, there are with. Because listen to me, there are people in our lives, there are people in people in our lives, there are people in people in our lives, there are people in our world who if they are not introduced our world who if they are not introduced our world who if they are not introduced to Christ, they're going to die and to Christ, they're going to die and to Christ, they're going to die and they're going to go to hell. But but if they're going to go to hell. But but if they're going to go to hell. But but if they are introduced to Christ, they they are introduced to Christ, they they are introduced to Christ, they could be saved from the hell that they could be saved from the hell that they could be saved from the hell that they are in now. All right? At one point or are in now. All right? At one point or are in now. All right? At one point or another, every single one of us, we were another, every single one of us, we were another, every single one of us, we were that one for somebody. I want you to that one for somebody. I want you to that one for somebody. I want you to think about the person that the name of think about the person that the name of think about the person that the name of the person in your past who more than the person in your past who more than the person in your past who more than anybody else pointed you to Christ who anybody else pointed you to Christ who anybody else pointed you to Christ who more than anybody else said, "My aim, my more than anybody else said, "My aim, my more than anybody else said, "My aim, my goal in life is to get this person at goal in life is to get this person at goal in life is to get this person at the feet of Jesus and for them to the feet of Jesus and for them to the feet of Jesus and for them to surrender their life to the Lord and go surrender their life to the Lord and go surrender their life to the Lord and go all out for Jesus." Who was that person all out for Jesus." Who was that person all out for Jesus." Who was that person for you? Maybe it was a pastor. Maybe it for you? Maybe it was a pastor. Maybe it for you? Maybe it was a pastor. Maybe it was a relative. Maybe it was a friend.

was a relative. Maybe it was a friend. was a relative. Maybe it was a friend. Your spouse. I want you to think about Your spouse. I want you to think about Your spouse. I want you to think about their name. You got their name? All their name. You got their name? All their name. You got their name? All right. On the count of three, I just right. On the count of three, I just right. On the count of three, I just want you to say their name out loud. You want you to say their name out loud. You want you to say their name out loud. You ready? One, two, three. Say it. ready? One, two, three. Say it. ready? One, two, three. Say it. What our world desperately needs, What our world desperately needs, What our world desperately needs, listen. What our world desperately needs listen. What our world desperately needs listen. What our world desperately needs is for you to be that name for somebody is for you to be that name for somebody is for you to be that name for somebody else. else. else. for for for you to be the name that they for for for you to be the name that they for for for you to be the name that they speak whenever they say it was it was speak whenever they say it was it was speak whenever they say it was it was them that pointed me to Jesus. Um who's them that pointed me to Jesus. Um who's them that pointed me to Jesus. Um who's the one I talk about, you know, God the one I talk about, you know, God the one I talk about, you know, God wanting us to go after one. That's our wanting us to go after one. That's our wanting us to go after one. That's our responsibility. Who is that? Acts 18 responsibility. Who is that? Acts 18 responsibility. Who is that? Acts 18 says, "But you will receive power when says, "But you will receive power when says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you the Holy Spirit comes on you and you the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem." Say will be my witnesses in Jerusalem." Say will be my witnesses in Jerusalem." Say Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. >> And in Judea, say Judea. >> And in Judea, say Judea. >> And in Judea, say Judea. >> Samaria. Say Samaria. and to the ends of >> Samaria. Say Samaria. and to the ends of >> Samaria. Say Samaria. and to the ends of the earth. Say the ends of the earth. the earth. Say the ends of the earth. the earth. Say the ends of the earth. The ends of the earth. The ends of the earth. The ends of the earth. >> Okay, this is really cool. Watch this. >> Okay, this is really cool. Watch this. >> Okay, this is really cool. Watch this. Jerusalem, that's your family. Jerusalem, that's your family. Jerusalem, that's your family. Judea, that's your friends. Judea, that's your friends. Judea, that's your friends. Samaria, that's your enemies. Some of Samaria, that's your enemies. Some of Samaria, that's your enemies. Some of y'all don't know this yet, but God even y'all don't know this yet, but God even y'all don't know this yet, but God even wants you to reach those who don't like wants you to reach those who don't like wants you to reach those who don't like you. The ends of the earth, that's you. The ends of the earth, that's you. The ends of the earth, that's people that you do not know yet. Here's people that you do not know yet. Here's people that you do not know yet. Here's our prayer today as we talk about our prayer today as we talk about our prayer today as we talk about sharing our faith. Lord, prepare me for sharing our faith. Lord, prepare me for sharing our faith. Lord, prepare me for that one. prepare me for the one that that one. prepare me for the one that that one. prepare me for the one that you have set before me who I'm called to you have set before me who I'm called to you have set before me who I'm called to go share my faith with, share the gospel go share my faith with, share the gospel go share my faith with, share the gospel with. When we say that word gospel, with. When we say that word gospel, with. When we say that word gospel, that's kind of a Christian term. We've that's kind of a Christian term. We've that's kind of a Christian term. We've all heard it before. And if I was to ask all heard it before. And if I was to ask all heard it before. And if I was to ask you, what is the gospel? I'm sure you you, what is the gospel? I'm sure you you, what is the gospel? I'm sure you would say something about Jesus going to

would say something about Jesus going to would say something about Jesus going to the cross, dying for our sin. It's kind the cross, dying for our sin. It's kind the cross, dying for our sin. It's kind of a Christian term that we have learned of a Christian term that we have learned of a Christian term that we have learned in in church. But that word gospel in in in church. But that word gospel in in in church. But that word gospel in the Greek is this word you can put on the Greek is this word you can put on the Greek is this word you can put on the screen uh uangalan. the screen uh uangalan. the screen uh uangalan. And and what it means in the Greek is And and what it means in the Greek is And and what it means in the Greek is that it is a public declaration of that it is a public declaration of that it is a public declaration of victory. Uh a public announcement. It's victory. Uh a public announcement. It's victory. Uh a public announcement. It's somebody declaring that the war is over. somebody declaring that the war is over. somebody declaring that the war is over. It's somebody declaring that somebody is It's somebody declaring that somebody is It's somebody declaring that somebody is the king. Uh and so that that's the the king. Uh and so that that's the the king. Uh and so that that's the gospel. It's the declaration that Jesus gospel. It's the declaration that Jesus gospel. It's the declaration that Jesus died and rose again for our sin and now died and rose again for our sin and now died and rose again for our sin and now he sits at the right hand uh side of the he sits at the right hand uh side of the he sits at the right hand uh side of the throne of the father and someday he'll throne of the father and someday he'll throne of the father and someday he'll return for us. The gospel is a public return for us. The gospel is a public return for us. The gospel is a public declaration of good news unto a lost declaration of good news unto a lost declaration of good news unto a lost world. The only way for it to be the world. The only way for it to be the world. The only way for it to be the good news is if we publicly declare it. good news is if we publicly declare it. good news is if we publicly declare it. If if we don't speak it, if we don't If if we don't speak it, if we don't If if we don't speak it, if we don't vocalize it, then it is not good news. vocalize it, then it is not good news. vocalize it, then it is not good news. Uh, have you ever noticed that some Uh, have you ever noticed that some Uh, have you ever noticed that some people uh they don't have a problem people uh they don't have a problem people uh they don't have a problem declaring certain things? Certain declaring certain things? Certain declaring certain things? Certain things, right? Uh, I was in youth things, right? Uh, I was in youth things, right? Uh, I was in youth ministry for for years and y'all y'all ministry for for years and y'all y'all ministry for for years and y'all y'all should see some of the text messages I should see some of the text messages I should see some of the text messages I read between newly dating couples. All read between newly dating couples. All read between newly dating couples. All right? They've been dating for like right? They've been dating for like right? They've been dating for like three days and they didn't have a three days and they didn't have a three days and they didn't have a problem declaring their feelings for one problem declaring their feelings for one problem declaring their feelings for one another three days into dating. The guy another three days into dating. The guy another three days into dating. The guy would be like, "Hey, I know this is kind would be like, "Hey, I know this is kind would be like, "Hey, I know this is kind of crazy. We've been talking for two and of crazy. We've been talking for two and of crazy. We've been talking for two and a half days, like 48 hours, but I just a half days, like 48 hours, but I just a half days, like 48 hours, but I just got to tell you I love you. And I'm got to tell you I love you. And I'm got to tell you I love you. And I'm like, "No, you don't, bro." You know, like, "No, you don't, bro." You know, like, "No, you don't, bro." You know, they'd be texting late at night, like, they'd be texting late at night, like, they'd be texting late at night, like, "I don't want to say good night. I just

"I don't want to say good night. I just "I don't want to say good night. I just love texting you. How about you say good love texting you. How about you say good love texting you. How about you say good night?" And the girl's like, "No, you night?" And the girl's like, "No, you night?" And the girl's like, "No, you say good night." And then the guy's say good night." And then the guy's say good night." And then the guy's like, "No, you you say good night." Back like, "No, you you say good night." Back like, "No, you you say good night." Back and forth, back and forth. The guy would and forth, back and forth. The guy would and forth, back and forth. The guy would be like, "I've seen texts that say, be like, "I've seen texts that say, be like, "I've seen texts that say, "Girl, I need you more than I need "Girl, I need you more than I need "Girl, I need you more than I need oxygen." Like, "No, you don't." oxygen." Like, "No, you don't." oxygen." Like, "No, you don't." If if loving you is wrong, I don't want If if loving you is wrong, I don't want If if loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right. You know, like I've seen to be right. You know, like I've seen to be right. You know, like I've seen I've seen these crazy declarations of I've seen these crazy declarations of I've seen these crazy declarations of feelings. H how about how about a new feelings. H how about how about a new feelings. H how about how about a new grandparent? You don't you don't have to grandparent? You don't you don't have to grandparent? You don't you don't have to teach or convince a new grandparent to teach or convince a new grandparent to teach or convince a new grandparent to declare their love for their new declare their love for their new declare their love for their new grandbaby. You don't have to do that. grandbaby. You don't have to do that. grandbaby. You don't have to do that. You'll you you'll you'll be beside them You'll you you'll you'll be beside them You'll you you'll you'll be beside them and I'm guaranteeing you they'll have a and I'm guaranteeing you they'll have a and I'm guaranteeing you they'll have a picture already loaded up probably on picture already loaded up probably on picture already loaded up probably on their screen saver. You know, sweet their screen saver. You know, sweet their screen saver. You know, sweet grandma like this is little Timmy. He's grandma like this is little Timmy. He's grandma like this is little Timmy. He's everything to me. He's the sweetest and everything to me. He's the sweetest and everything to me. He's the sweetest and most angel-like baby you've ever seen in most angel-like baby you've ever seen in most angel-like baby you've ever seen in your entire life. Isn't he perfect? And your entire life. Isn't he perfect? And your entire life. Isn't he perfect? And you look at the picture and Timmy looks you look at the picture and Timmy looks you look at the picture and Timmy looks like a little alien, you know? But like like a little alien, you know? But like like a little alien, you know? But like it doesn't even matter because because it doesn't even matter because because it doesn't even matter because because grandma lo loves Timmy with her with her grandma lo loves Timmy with her with her grandma lo loves Timmy with her with her whole heart. Like we don't have a whole heart. Like we don't have a whole heart. Like we don't have a problem declaring our love for certain problem declaring our love for certain problem declaring our love for certain things, then then why do we have a things, then then why do we have a things, then then why do we have a problem declaring God's love for the problem declaring God's love for the problem declaring God's love for the world? Why? You know, I've noticed that world? Why? You know, I've noticed that world? Why? You know, I've noticed that guys like they don't have a problem guys like they don't have a problem guys like they don't have a problem declaring and making an argument for who declaring and making an argument for who declaring and making an argument for who they think the GOAT is in basketball. Uh they think the GOAT is in basketball. Uh they think the GOAT is in basketball. Uh get around them. They'll have like a get around them. They'll have like a get around them. They'll have like a fivepoint rehearsed argument for why fivepoint rehearsed argument for why fivepoint rehearsed argument for why they think LeBron James is the goat. You they think LeBron James is the goat. You they think LeBron James is the goat. You know, they're like, "He's got all the know, they're like, "He's got all the know, they're like, "He's got all the accolades. He's he's got he's got the accolades. He's he's got he's got the accolades. He's he's got he's got the the assists, the the durability, the assists, the the durability, the assists, the the durability, alltime points. He's won on multiple

alltime points. He's won on multiple alltime points. He's won on multiple championships on on multiple teams." championships on on multiple teams." championships on on multiple teams." Five-point rehearsed argument. But that Five-point rehearsed argument. But that Five-point rehearsed argument. But that same guy can't give me one reason, one same guy can't give me one reason, one same guy can't give me one reason, one argument for why I should follow Jesus. argument for why I should follow Jesus. argument for why I should follow Jesus. And I'm like, man, learn an argument And I'm like, man, learn an argument And I'm like, man, learn an argument that matters. Like, like, learn an that matters. Like, like, learn an that matters. Like, like, learn an argument that has to do with something argument that has to do with something argument that has to do with something between the difference of whether or not between the difference of whether or not between the difference of whether or not I'm going to spend an eternity with God I'm going to spend an eternity with God I'm going to spend an eternity with God in heaven or somewhere where I don't in heaven or somewhere where I don't in heaven or somewhere where I don't want to be. Like, let's stand on that want to be. Like, let's stand on that want to be. Like, let's stand on that argument. And so, with that being said, argument. And so, with that being said, argument. And so, with that being said, I want to give you five reasons. Five I want to give you five reasons. Five I want to give you five reasons. Five reasons quickly. I'm going to go through reasons quickly. I'm going to go through reasons quickly. I'm going to go through these of why we should all be sharing these of why we should all be sharing these of why we should all be sharing our faith. why every single one of us our faith. why every single one of us our faith. why every single one of us should get this heart of evangelism should get this heart of evangelism should get this heart of evangelism insideed us inside of us to say I got to insideed us inside of us to say I got to insideed us inside of us to say I got to do something and the first reason is do something and the first reason is do something and the first reason is this. It's because Jesus came seeking this. It's because Jesus came seeking this. It's because Jesus came seeking the lost. the lost. the lost. Jesus himself he came for one reason to Jesus himself he came for one reason to Jesus himself he came for one reason to seek those who are lost. John 19:10 for seek those who are lost. John 19:10 for seek those who are lost. John 19:10 for the son of man that's Jesus came to seek the son of man that's Jesus came to seek the son of man that's Jesus came to seek and save the lost. and save the lost. and save the lost. If if you have been found by Christ, I If if you have been found by Christ, I If if you have been found by Christ, I got a news flash for you. He's not got a news flash for you. He's not got a news flash for you. He's not looking for you. He's looking for looking for you. He's looking for looking for you. He's looking for somebody else. He found you. He's given somebody else. He found you. He's given somebody else. He found you. He's given you the Holy Spirit. He's given you the you the Holy Spirit. He's given you the you the Holy Spirit. He's given you the word. And now he's going to look for word. And now he's going to look for word. And now he's going to look for somebody else who was lost. So my somebody else who was lost. So my somebody else who was lost. So my question to you is, are you going with question to you is, are you going with question to you is, are you going with him? Are you going where he's going? As him? Are you going where he's going? As him? Are you going where he's going? As a Christ follower, I'm called to love a Christ follower, I'm called to love a Christ follower, I'm called to love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, walk like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, walk like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, walk like Jesus, and I'll tell you where like Jesus, and I'll tell you where like Jesus, and I'll tell you where Jesus is walking. He's walking to go Jesus is walking. He's walking to go Jesus is walking. He's walking to go find somebody who is lost. And so I'll find somebody who is lost. And so I'll find somebody who is lost. And so I'll ask you again, are you are you going

ask you again, are you are you going ask you again, are you are you going with them? You know, my favorite uh with them? You know, my favorite uh with them? You know, my favorite uh sport in the world is is football. sport in the world is is football. sport in the world is is football. Anybody like football in here? We're a Anybody like football in here? We're a Anybody like football in here? We're a few weeks away from it starting. few weeks away from it starting. few weeks away from it starting. Preseason NFL already started. Get your Preseason NFL already started. Get your Preseason NFL already started. Get your picks ready for fantasy. All right, it's picks ready for fantasy. All right, it's picks ready for fantasy. All right, it's go time. Uh I love football. Football's go time. Uh I love football. Football's go time. Uh I love football. Football's God's favorite sport. It's uh it's the God's favorite sport. It's uh it's the God's favorite sport. It's uh it's the most it's the most important sport. What most it's the most important sport. What most it's the most important sport. What I love about football is that you can I love about football is that you can I love about football is that you can you can give the ball to a 200lb guy and you can give the ball to a 200lb guy and you can give the ball to a 200lb guy and then he can run through the gap and then then he can run through the gap and then then he can run through the gap and then he can get met by two other 300lb he can get met by two other 300lb he can get met by two other 300lb football players. All right, that's 600 football players. All right, that's 600 football players. All right, that's 600 lb against 200 lb. That's a 3 to1 ratio lb against 200 lb. That's a 3 to1 ratio lb against 200 lb. That's a 3 to1 ratio for those who are a little bit more for those who are a little bit more for those who are a little bit more advanced to math. All right. And so advanced to math. All right. And so advanced to math. All right. And so he'll go through the gap, he'll get hit he'll go through the gap, he'll get hit he'll go through the gap, he'll get hit from both sides. Sounds like a like a from both sides. Sounds like a like a from both sides. Sounds like a like a car crash. He'll fall to the ground. car crash. He'll fall to the ground. car crash. He'll fall to the ground. He'll pop right back up. He'll go into He'll pop right back up. He'll go into He'll pop right back up. He'll go into the huddle and he'll say, "Give me the the huddle and he'll say, "Give me the the huddle and he'll say, "Give me the ball again." That's why I love football. ball again." That's why I love football. ball again." That's why I love football. All right. How many of you know that in All right. How many of you know that in All right. How many of you know that in your faith every now and then you're your faith every now and then you're your faith every now and then you're going to get hit. You're going to get going to get hit. You're going to get going to get hit. You're going to get punched in the mouth. The devil's going punched in the mouth. The devil's going punched in the mouth. The devil's going to get his. But then what do we do as to get his. But then what do we do as to get his. But then what do we do as Christians? We stand back up. We go back Christians? We stand back up. We go back Christians? We stand back up. We go back into the huddle. We say, "Lord, give me into the huddle. We say, "Lord, give me into the huddle. We say, "Lord, give me the ball again." That right there is why the ball again." That right there is why the ball again." That right there is why football is the most important sport.

football is the most important sport. football is the most important sport. All right. I love I I I love going to a All right. I love I I I love going to a All right. I love I I I love going to a football game. I I I love watching the football game. I I I love watching the football game. I I I love watching the action. action. action. No one goes to a football game to watch No one goes to a football game to watch No one goes to a football game to watch the huddle. You don't just go watch them the huddle. You don't just go watch them the huddle. You don't just go watch them huddle and like call the play spider two huddle and like call the play spider two huddle and like call the play spider two wide banana and then they like break but wide banana and then they like break but wide banana and then they like break but then just huddle again. Like you don't then just huddle again. Like you don't then just huddle again. Like you don't go for that. You go to watch them see go for that. You go to watch them see go for that. You go to watch them see what they're going to do after they've what they're going to do after they've what they're going to do after they've they've broken out of the huddle. Right. they've broken out of the huddle. Right. they've broken out of the huddle. Right. Listen, this church right here, this Listen, this church right here, this Listen, this church right here, this this is the huddle. This this isn't the this is the huddle. This this isn't the this is the huddle. This this isn't the main event. The the world, they're not main event. The the world, they're not main event. The the world, they're not watching what's going on in here. watching what's going on in here. watching what's going on in here. They're waiting and they're watching to They're waiting and they're watching to They're waiting and they're watching to see what Christians are going to do when see what Christians are going to do when see what Christians are going to do when they break the huddle and go run the they break the huddle and go run the they break the huddle and go run the play and say, "Jesus found me. He wants play and say, "Jesus found me. He wants play and say, "Jesus found me. He wants to find you, too. He found me when I was to find you, too. He found me when I was to find you, too. He found me when I was lost. He extended his love to me, and lost. He extended his love to me, and lost. He extended his love to me, and he'll do it for you as well." That's the he'll do it for you as well." That's the he'll do it for you as well." That's the play that the world is waiting on. Can I play that the world is waiting on. Can I play that the world is waiting on. Can I get an amen? get an amen? get an amen? >> Number two, all right, write this down. >> Number two, all right, write this down. >> Number two, all right, write this down. We should share our faith because it We should share our faith because it We should share our faith because it proves you're a Jesus follower.

proves you're a Jesus follower. proves you're a Jesus follower. >> It proves that you are a follower of >> It proves that you are a follower of >> It proves that you are a follower of Christ when we do. Mark 1:17. Then Jesus Christ when we do. Mark 1:17. Then Jesus Christ when we do. Mark 1:17. Then Jesus said to them, "Follow me." Say, "Follow said to them, "Follow me." Say, "Follow said to them, "Follow me." Say, "Follow me." me." me." >> Follow me. >> Follow me. >> Follow me. >> Say, "Follow me." >> Say, "Follow me." >> Say, "Follow me." >> Follow me. >> Follow me. >> Follow me. >> Y'all are doing really good over here. >> Y'all are doing really good over here. >> Y'all are doing really good over here. Follow me and I will make you become Follow me and I will make you become Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men. All right. fishers of men. All right. fishers of men. All right. That that implies, listen, keep that That that implies, listen, keep that That that implies, listen, keep that verse up there. Follow me. I'll make you verse up there. Follow me. I'll make you verse up there. Follow me. I'll make you fishers of men. That that implies that fishers of men. That that implies that fishers of men. That that implies that if I am not fishing for men, if I am not if I am not fishing for men, if I am not if I am not fishing for men, if I am not sharing my faith, then I am not sharing my faith, then I am not sharing my faith, then I am not following Jesus. following Jesus. following Jesus. See, sometimes we redefine what being a See, sometimes we redefine what being a See, sometimes we redefine what being a Christian means. I go to church once a Christian means. I go to church once a Christian means. I go to church once a week. I have a Bible with my my name week. I have a Bible with my my name week. I have a Bible with my my name written on it. I've had it for 30 years. written on it. I've had it for 30 years. written on it. I've had it for 30 years. I open it sometimes. I worship. I even I open it sometimes. I worship. I even I open it sometimes. I worship. I even put my hands up sometimes. No. To to be put my hands up sometimes. No. To to be put my hands up sometimes. No. To to be a Christian means I live my life the way a Christian means I live my life the way a Christian means I live my life the way Jesus did. And Jesus lived his life Jesus did. And Jesus lived his life Jesus did. And Jesus lived his life going after the lost. That's what he has going after the lost. That's what he has going after the lost. That's what he has called us to do. That's what he did. You called us to do. That's what he did. You called us to do. That's what he did. You know, fishing implies different kinds of know, fishing implies different kinds of know, fishing implies different kinds of bait. uh you use different kinds of bait bait. uh you use different kinds of bait bait. uh you use different kinds of bait and lures to catch different kinds of of and lures to catch different kinds of of and lures to catch different kinds of of fish. Just like there's different fish. Just like there's different fish. Just like there's different strategies to reach the lost in our strategies to reach the lost in our strategies to reach the lost in our world. Some people use apologetics, some world. Some people use apologetics, some world. Some people use apologetics, some people serve, um some people pray, some people serve, um some people pray, some people serve, um some people pray, some people do street preaching. All of those people do street preaching. All of those people do street preaching. All of those are different tactics, but listen to me, are different tactics, but listen to me, are different tactics, but listen to me, there's only one gospel there's only one gospel there's only one gospel and and we got to be ready to share that and and we got to be ready to share that and and we got to be ready to share that gospel whenever the opportunity presents gospel whenever the opportunity presents gospel whenever the opportunity presents itself. May maybe you've heard before, itself. May maybe you've heard before, itself. May maybe you've heard before, maybe you've heard the phrase, preach maybe you've heard the phrase, preach maybe you've heard the phrase, preach the gospel and use words when necessary.

the gospel and use words when necessary. the gospel and use words when necessary. Y'all ever heard that before? Preach the Y'all ever heard that before? Preach the Y'all ever heard that before? Preach the gospel with your life, use words when gospel with your life, use words when gospel with your life, use words when necess Don't say that. Don't say that. necess Don't say that. Don't say that. necess Don't say that. Don't say that. People can only know the clarity of the People can only know the clarity of the People can only know the clarity of the gospel with your words. gospel with your words. gospel with your words. >> Yeah, people can see that your life is >> Yeah, people can see that your life is >> Yeah, people can see that your life is different and be affected by that. But different and be affected by that. But different and be affected by that. But you know what's not going to happen? No you know what's not going to happen? No you know what's not going to happen? No one is going to look at the way you live one is going to look at the way you live one is going to look at the way you live your life and say, "Now, I know exactly your life and say, "Now, I know exactly your life and say, "Now, I know exactly what I need to do. I need to go home. I what I need to do. I need to go home. I what I need to do. I need to go home. I need to say the sinner's prayer. I need need to say the sinner's prayer. I need need to say the sinner's prayer. I need to get down and kneel before the Lord to get down and kneel before the Lord to get down and kneel before the Lord and confess all my sin to him. And then and confess all my sin to him. And then and confess all my sin to him. And then I need to go buy a Bible. And then I I need to go buy a Bible. And then I I need to go buy a Bible. And then I need to get water baptized. No, they're need to get water baptized. No, they're need to get water baptized. No, they're not going to do that. What they will do not going to do that. What they will do not going to do that. What they will do is they will see how you live your life. is they will see how you live your life. is they will see how you live your life. And they will come to you and say, "Why And they will come to you and say, "Why And they will come to you and say, "Why do you live so differently?" And then in do you live so differently?" And then in do you live so differently?" And then in that moment, you're going to have to be that moment, you're going to have to be that moment, you're going to have to be ready to share the gospel. Y'all got it? ready to share the gospel. Y'all got it? ready to share the gospel. Y'all got it? Number three, write this down. We should Number three, write this down. We should Number three, write this down. We should share our faith because it is why you share our faith because it is why you share our faith because it is why you have Holy Spirit power. have Holy Spirit power. have Holy Spirit power. It's why you have the gift and the power It's why you have the gift and the power It's why you have the gift and the power of the Holy Spirit upon your life for of the Holy Spirit upon your life for of the Holy Spirit upon your life for this very reason. Acts 18, I read this this very reason. Acts 18, I read this this very reason. Acts 18, I read this earlier. But you will receive power when earlier. But you will receive power when earlier. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you the Holy Spirit comes on you and you the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses. Say witnesses.

will be my witnesses. Say witnesses. will be my witnesses. Say witnesses. >> Witnesses. >> Witnesses. >> Witnesses. >> In other words, God's saying, I'm giving >> In other words, God's saying, I'm giving >> In other words, God's saying, I'm giving you power you power you power so that so that you can be a witness. so that so that you can be a witness. so that so that you can be a witness. You see, many of us, we we think that You see, many of us, we we think that You see, many of us, we we think that with becoming a Christian, God will like with becoming a Christian, God will like with becoming a Christian, God will like elevate the business leader I am. He'll elevate the business leader I am. He'll elevate the business leader I am. He'll elevate the the athlete I am. He'll make elevate the the athlete I am. He'll make elevate the the athlete I am. He'll make me better at all these things. And yes, me better at all these things. And yes, me better at all these things. And yes, those things can increase with practice those things can increase with practice those things can increase with practice and preparation. But the sole main first and preparation. But the sole main first and preparation. But the sole main first reason God has given you power is so reason God has given you power is so reason God has given you power is so that you can be a witness. that you can be a witness. that you can be a witness. This this year, Emily and I took a few This this year, Emily and I took a few This this year, Emily and I took a few different trips. Uh we we did a mission different trips. Uh we we did a mission different trips. Uh we we did a mission trip with the church that we sponsor in trip with the church that we sponsor in trip with the church that we sponsor in Costa Rica. Preached at a few different Costa Rica. Preached at a few different Costa Rica. Preached at a few different places. And on one of those trips, we we places. And on one of those trips, we we places. And on one of those trips, we we are on a plane and seated next to us is are on a plane and seated next to us is are on a plane and seated next to us is another lady about our age. And I just another lady about our age. And I just another lady about our age. And I just felt like that day the Lord said, "She's felt like that day the Lord said, "She's felt like that day the Lord said, "She's your one. She's your one. She's the one your one. She's your one. She's the one your one. She's your one. She's the one I want you to share your faith with." I want you to share your faith with." I want you to share your faith with." But I got to confess to you, I was But I got to confess to you, I was But I got to confess to you, I was nervous. It's so so crazy how I can I nervous. It's so so crazy how I can I nervous. It's so so crazy how I can I can come up here and and preach in front can come up here and and preach in front can come up here and and preach in front of a few hundred people and last night of a few hundred people and last night of a few hundred people and last night 1600 students and like not really be 1600 students and like not really be 1600 students and like not really be nervous and then I just I'm called to nervous and then I just I'm called to nervous and then I just I'm called to share my faith with one person and I'll share my faith with one person and I'll share my faith with one person and I'll get scared and like I'll feel like I get scared and like I'll feel like I get scared and like I'll feel like I don't I don't know I don't know what to don't I don't know I don't know what to don't I don't know I don't know what to say, right? Because there's an enemy out say, right? Because there's an enemy out say, right? Because there's an enemy out there doesn't want me to say it. That's there doesn't want me to say it. That's there doesn't want me to say it. That's probably what's going on. And I just probably what's going on. And I just probably what's going on. And I just remember going half the flight without remember going half the flight without remember going half the flight without being bold enough to speak up and to being bold enough to speak up and to being bold enough to speak up and to share my faith with her. pilot comes share my faith with her. pilot comes share my faith with her. pilot comes over the intercom and he says, "Hey, over the intercom and he says, "Hey, over the intercom and he says, "Hey, we're about to make our descent into the we're about to make our descent into the we're about to make our descent into the Atlanta area." Whatever. And I'm like, Atlanta area." Whatever. And I'm like, Atlanta area." Whatever. And I'm like, "My goodness, I'm running out of time."

"My goodness, I'm running out of time." "My goodness, I'm running out of time." I still just didn't feel like I had the I still just didn't feel like I had the I still just didn't feel like I had the faith, the boldness to say anything faith, the boldness to say anything faith, the boldness to say anything until I remembered, no, God has given me until I remembered, no, God has given me until I remembered, no, God has given me power for this. This is why I'm on this power for this. This is why I'm on this power for this. This is why I'm on this earth. He's given me power to do this earth. He's given me power to do this earth. He's given me power to do this exact same thing that I'm supposed to do exact same thing that I'm supposed to do exact same thing that I'm supposed to do right here. I also knew that if I'm right here. I also knew that if I'm right here. I also knew that if I'm going to teach our church on sharing our going to teach our church on sharing our going to teach our church on sharing our faith, and I wasn't willing to do it faith, and I wasn't willing to do it faith, and I wasn't willing to do it myself, then I'd be a hypocrite. So, I myself, then I'd be a hypocrite. So, I myself, then I'd be a hypocrite. So, I looked over at her, and I just was bold. looked over at her, and I just was bold. looked over at her, and I just was bold. I was like, "Hey, do you know who Jesus I was like, "Hey, do you know who Jesus I was like, "Hey, do you know who Jesus is?" And y'all, the power of the Holy is?" And y'all, the power of the Holy is?" And y'all, the power of the Holy Spirit entered the chat, entered the Spirit entered the chat, entered the Spirit entered the chat, entered the conversation with us. He was like the conversation with us. He was like the conversation with us. He was like the third person in the convo right there. third person in the convo right there. third person in the convo right there. Boom. And I'm telling you, I got to hear Boom. And I'm telling you, I got to hear Boom. And I'm telling you, I got to hear her story. She hadn't been to church in her story. She hadn't been to church in her story. She hadn't been to church in over two decades. We got her connected over two decades. We got her connected over two decades. We got her connected to a church, shared emails. She's now to a church, shared emails. She's now to a church, shared emails. She's now going to start going to church. And going to start going to church. And going to start going to church. And God's going to meet her there. She's God's going to meet her there. She's God's going to meet her there. She's going to give her life to the Lord. I going to give her life to the Lord. I going to give her life to the Lord. I know it. I I believe it. It's why God know it. I I believe it. It's why God know it. I I believe it. It's why God has given us Holy Spirit power to be has given us Holy Spirit power to be has given us Holy Spirit power to be able to step into those moments and do able to step into those moments and do able to step into those moments and do things. You may say, "I've seen power things. You may say, "I've seen power things. You may say, "I've seen power like when Billy Graham preaches. like when Billy Graham preaches. like when Billy Graham preaches. I' I've seen power with like those I' I've seen power with like those I' I've seen power with like those videos of of people who are street videos of of people who are street videos of of people who are street preachers and they always have like the preachers and they always have like the preachers and they always have like the the perfect response. I don't I don't the perfect response. I don't I don't the perfect response. I don't I don't got power like that." Yeah, you do.

got power like that." Yeah, you do. got power like that." Yeah, you do. Yeah, you do. You've just never stepped Yeah, you do. You've just never stepped Yeah, you do. You've just never stepped into the very reason you were given into the very reason you were given into the very reason you were given power in the first place. power in the first place. power in the first place. step step into a conversation where step step into a conversation where step step into a conversation where you're sharing your faith and watch you're sharing your faith and watch you're sharing your faith and watch God's power show up and back you up in a God's power show up and back you up in a God's power show up and back you up in a way he never has before. We all pray and way he never has before. We all pray and way he never has before. We all pray and talk about seeing a move of God. If you talk about seeing a move of God. If you talk about seeing a move of God. If you want to see a move of God, then make a want to see a move of God, then make a want to see a move of God, then make a move. Watch the Holy Spirit push you move. Watch the Holy Spirit push you move. Watch the Holy Spirit push you into that convo. Amen. All right. Number into that convo. Amen. All right. Number into that convo. Amen. All right. Number four, we should share our faith because four, we should share our faith because four, we should share our faith because it explains our source of hope. It it explains our source of hope. It it explains our source of hope. It explains our source of hope. 1 Peter explains our source of hope. 1 Peter explains our source of hope. 1 Peter 3:15 says, 'Always be prepared to give 3:15 says, 'Always be prepared to give 3:15 says, 'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to an answer to everyone who asks you to an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you give the reason for the hope that you give the reason for the hope that you have, for the hope that you have. Quick have, for the hope that you have. Quick have, for the hope that you have. Quick study in the 50s, there were these uh study in the 50s, there were these uh study in the 50s, there were these uh mice who were um they they put them into mice who were um they they put them into mice who were um they they put them into these buckets to see how long they could these buckets to see how long they could these buckets to see how long they could swim before they drowned. These swim before they drowned. These swim before they drowned. These scientists and they were able to tread scientists and they were able to tread scientists and they were able to tread water for for 15 minutes. And then after water for for 15 minutes. And then after water for for 15 minutes. And then after 15 minutes, they they began to sink. And 15 minutes, they they began to sink. And 15 minutes, they they began to sink. And so the scientists, they grabbed them up so the scientists, they grabbed them up so the scientists, they grabbed them up out of the water and they dried them off out of the water and they dried them off out of the water and they dried them off and they let them rest and and they gave and they let them rest and and they gave and they let them rest and and they gave them a snack and then they put them back them a snack and then they put them back them a snack and then they put them back in the water and they gave them they put in the water and they gave them they put in the water and they gave them they put them back in the water to see how long them back in the water to see how long them back in the water to see how long they could they could swim the next they could they could swim the next they could they could swim the next time. Uh the next time, guess how long time. Uh the next time, guess how long time. Uh the next time, guess how long they they swam? It it wasn't 15 minutes.

they they swam? It it wasn't 15 minutes. they they swam? It it wasn't 15 minutes. It wasn't 30 minutes. It wasn't an hour. It wasn't 30 minutes. It wasn't an hour. It wasn't 30 minutes. It wasn't an hour. It wasn't two hours. It wasn't Listen, It wasn't two hours. It wasn't Listen, It wasn't two hours. It wasn't Listen, it wasn't 24 hours. These rats were able it wasn't 24 hours. These rats were able it wasn't 24 hours. These rats were able to swim the second time for 60 hours. to swim the second time for 60 hours. to swim the second time for 60 hours. You can go look this up. From 15 minutes You can go look this up. From 15 minutes You can go look this up. From 15 minutes to 60 hours. What was the difference? to 60 hours. What was the difference? to 60 hours. What was the difference? The second time they expected that The second time they expected that The second time they expected that somebody was going to come save them. somebody was going to come save them. somebody was going to come save them. All right. The reason Christians can go All right. The reason Christians can go All right. The reason Christians can go through tough times and really hard through tough times and really hard through tough times and really hard seasons and not be affected is because seasons and not be affected is because seasons and not be affected is because our hope is not on our world and our our hope is not on our world and our our hope is not on our world and our circumstances and the things that are circumstances and the things that are circumstances and the things that are happening to us. But our hope is built happening to us. But our hope is built happening to us. But our hope is built on the fact that Jesus died and rose on the fact that Jesus died and rose on the fact that Jesus died and rose again for my faith. He's not going to again for my faith. He's not going to again for my faith. He's not going to abandon me. He pulled me from my abandon me. He pulled me from my abandon me. He pulled me from my darkness before. So I guarantee you he darkness before. So I guarantee you he darkness before. So I guarantee you he will pull me from this thing again. And will pull me from this thing again. And will pull me from this thing again. And so somebody's going to see the way you so somebody's going to see the way you so somebody's going to see the way you live your life and how you're unaffected live your life and how you're unaffected live your life and how you're unaffected and they're going to be like, "Why is and they're going to be like, "Why is and they're going to be like, "Why is your hope just different than everybody your hope just different than everybody your hope just different than everybody else?" And that's going to be intriguing else?" And that's going to be intriguing else?" And that's going to be intriguing to other people. It's the source of hope to other people. It's the source of hope to other people. It's the source of hope in our life. That's why we should be in our life. That's why we should be in our life. That's why we should be sharing our faith. So, how many of you sharing our faith. So, how many of you sharing our faith. So, how many of you would just say, um, man, it's a good would just say, um, man, it's a good would just say, um, man, it's a good thing. It's a good thing to share our thing. It's a good thing to share our thing. It's a good thing to share our faith. We should all be doing this. If faith. We should all be doing this. If faith. We should all be doing this. If you agree that sharing your faith is a you agree that sharing your faith is a you agree that sharing your faith is a good thing, say amen.

good thing, say amen. good thing, say amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Number five, it is sin not to share. Number five, it is sin not to share. Number five, it is sin not to share. Okay, you just said it was a good thing. Okay, you just said it was a good thing. Okay, you just said it was a good thing. You just agreed with me. You just said You just agreed with me. You just said You just agreed with me. You just said amen. Maybe I set you up. But look at amen. Maybe I set you up. But look at amen. Maybe I set you up. But look at this verse. James 4:17. this verse. James 4:17. this verse. James 4:17. If anyone then knows the good they ought If anyone then knows the good they ought If anyone then knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sinful. to do and doesn't do it, it is sinful. to do and doesn't do it, it is sinful. Okay, we're we're walking around with Okay, we're we're walking around with Okay, we're we're walking around with the greatest news on the planet. the greatest news on the planet. the greatest news on the planet. And there's people beside us who are And there's people beside us who are And there's people beside us who are drowning. drowning. drowning. And we just look over at them and we And we just look over at them and we And we just look over at them and we shrug. I wouldn't know what to say. I'm shrug. I wouldn't know what to say. I'm shrug. I wouldn't know what to say. I'm too embarrassed. I just I'm nervous. I'm I'm scared. I just I'm nervous. I'm I'm scared. Listen, we need to get over ourselves. Listen, we need to get over ourselves. Listen, we need to get over ourselves. We need to get over ourselves. On that We need to get over ourselves. On that We need to get over ourselves. On that plane, I had to get over myself. This is plane, I had to get over myself. This is plane, I had to get over myself. This is why this is why Jesus came. And so, what why this is why Jesus came. And so, what why this is why Jesus came. And so, what we're about to do is I'm going to This we're about to do is I'm going to This we're about to do is I'm going to This is going to look different than normal. is going to look different than normal. is going to look different than normal. Okay, I've been talking a lot. I'm about Okay, I've been talking a lot. I'm about Okay, I've been talking a lot. I'm about to have y'all start talking. I'm going to have y'all start talking. I'm going to have y'all start talking. I'm going to take you guys through three super to take you guys through three super to take you guys through three super simple practices quickly on how to share simple practices quickly on how to share simple practices quickly on how to share your faith, how to lead somebody to your faith, how to lead somebody to your faith, how to lead somebody to Christ, okay? And what we're going to do Christ, okay? And what we're going to do Christ, okay? And what we're going to do is we're going to turn to one another.

is we're going to turn to one another. is we're going to turn to one another. 60 seconds each for these and then we're 60 seconds each for these and then we're 60 seconds each for these and then we're going to wrap down the service. We're going to wrap down the service. We're going to wrap down the service. We're going to close it down. 60 seconds each. going to close it down. 60 seconds each. going to close it down. 60 seconds each. We're going to turn to one another. We're going to turn to one another. We're going to turn to one another. We're going to start talking to one We're going to start talking to one We're going to start talking to one another. Okay? Just you and one other another. Okay? Just you and one other another. Okay? Just you and one other person. 60 seconds. That that's all. If person. 60 seconds. That that's all. If person. 60 seconds. That that's all. If you don't want to talk to the person you don't want to talk to the person you don't want to talk to the person beside you, then when they look at you, beside you, then when they look at you, beside you, then when they look at you, you can give them the Heisman. All you can give them the Heisman. All you can give them the Heisman. All right, that's just this. When they turn right, that's just this. When they turn right, that's just this. When they turn to you, you can just go, "Uh-uh." You to you, you can just go, "Uh-uh." You to you, you can just go, "Uh-uh." You know, that's fine. But but you don't know, that's fine. But but you don't know, that's fine. But but you don't have to talk to them, but at least But have to talk to them, but at least But have to talk to them, but at least But at least let them talk to you, right? at least let them talk to you, right? at least let them talk to you, right? Let them practice on somebody with a bad Let them practice on somebody with a bad Let them practice on somebody with a bad attitude. Gotcha. attitude. Gotcha. attitude. Gotcha. And so what we're going to do, what And so what we're going to do, what And so what we're going to do, what we're going to do is we're going to turn we're going to do is we're going to turn we're going to do is we're going to turn to one another and I'm going to teach to one another and I'm going to teach to one another and I'm going to teach you how to share your story, how to you how to share your story, how to you how to share your story, how to share your your personal story, how to share your your personal story, how to share your your personal story, how to share your testimony. Here's what's so share your testimony. Here's what's so share your testimony. Here's what's so cool about a testimony. I can speak a 35 cool about a testimony. I can speak a 35 cool about a testimony. I can speak a 35 minute sermon and then leave the stage minute sermon and then leave the stage minute sermon and then leave the stage and like, you know, a couple people be and like, you know, a couple people be and like, you know, a couple people be like, "Great." Or we could get a like, "Great." Or we could get a like, "Great." Or we could get a 17-year-old up here to share their 17-year-old up here to share their 17-year-old up here to share their testimony in two minutes and the whole testimony in two minutes and the whole testimony in two minutes and the whole room would give a standing ovation. Why? room would give a standing ovation. Why? room would give a standing ovation. Why? Because there is power in a testimony. Because there is power in a testimony. Because there is power in a testimony. Maybe you know exactly how to share your Maybe you know exactly how to share your Maybe you know exactly how to share your testimony. Maybe you have no idea how testimony. Maybe you have no idea how testimony. Maybe you have no idea how to. All right, we're going to make it as to. All right, we're going to make it as to. All right, we're going to make it as plain and simple as possible for anybody plain and simple as possible for anybody plain and simple as possible for anybody to understand. and put this slide on the to understand. and put this slide on the to understand. and put this slide on the screen behind me. This is how you share screen behind me. This is how you share screen behind me. This is how you share your story right here. Okay? In three your story right here. Okay? In three your story right here. Okay? In three phase, three phrases, one statement phase, three phrases, one statement phase, three phrases, one statement each, you say, "I was blank, then Jesus each, you say, "I was blank, then Jesus each, you say, "I was blank, then Jesus blank. Since then, blank." Okay, I want blank. Since then, blank." Okay, I want blank. Since then, blank." Okay, I want y'all to say this with me. Ready? From y'all to say this with me. Ready? From y'all to say this with me. Ready? From the top. From before Jesus. You ready?

the top. From before Jesus. You ready? the top. From before Jesus. You ready? One, two, three. Before Jesus, I was One, two, three. Before Jesus, I was One, two, three. Before Jesus, I was then Jesus. Since then. All right. For then Jesus. Since then. All right. For then Jesus. Since then. All right. For me, it would be this simple. But before me, it would be this simple. But before me, it would be this simple. But before Jesus, I was overwhelmed with anxiety Jesus, I was overwhelmed with anxiety Jesus, I was overwhelmed with anxiety because I was seeking validation from because I was seeking validation from because I was seeking validation from like everybody. And then Jesus found me like everybody. And then Jesus found me like everybody. And then Jesus found me and he loved me. And since then, I have and he loved me. And since then, I have and he loved me. And since then, I have just been overwhelmed by his joy, by his just been overwhelmed by his joy, by his just been overwhelmed by his joy, by his peace, and by his clarity. It's that peace, and by his clarity. It's that peace, and by his clarity. It's that simple. I want you to fill in the lines simple. I want you to fill in the lines simple. I want you to fill in the lines for you. And after 60 seconds, okay, I'm for you. And after 60 seconds, okay, I'm for you. And after 60 seconds, okay, I'm going to call y'all back and we'll move going to call y'all back and we'll move going to call y'all back and we'll move to the next section. Turn to one to the next section. Turn to one to the next section. Turn to one another, okay? One-on-one. Fill in the another, okay? One-on-one. Fill in the another, okay? One-on-one. Fill in the phrases for you. Start talking in phrases for you. Start talking in phrases for you. Start talking in church. One, two, three. Ready, set, go.

right, 10 seconds. If the other person right, 10 seconds. If the other person hasn't started talking now, you better hasn't started talking now, you better hasn't started talking now, you better do it quick. do it quick. do it quick. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] All right, clap once if you can hear me. right, clap once if you can hear me. Clap twice. Clap twice. Clap twice. You You may You may think You You may You may think You You may You may think that's so that's so simple, that's so that's so simple, that's so that's so simple, but listen, people don't know what you but listen, people don't know what you but listen, people don't know what you think they know. think they know. think they know. Even Even in the Bible belt, pe people Even Even in the Bible belt, pe people Even Even in the Bible belt, pe people do not know what you think they know. do not know what you think they know. do not know what you think they know. It's as easy as this. You go up to It's as easy as this. You go up to It's as easy as this. You go up to somebody because you know they're going somebody because you know they're going somebody because you know they're going through a hard season of life and you through a hard season of life and you through a hard season of life and you just say, "Hey man, I know you're going just say, "Hey man, I know you're going just say, "Hey man, I know you're going through a hard time right now. Can I can through a hard time right now. Can I can through a hard time right now. Can I can I tell you what helped me? I was I was I tell you what helped me? I was I was I tell you what helped me? I was I was lost, overwhelmed by anxiety, seeking lost, overwhelmed by anxiety, seeking lost, overwhelmed by anxiety, seeking validation from everybody. And then validation from everybody. And then validation from everybody. And then Jesus found me. He loved me. And ever Jesus found me. He loved me. And ever Jesus found me. He loved me. And ever since then, my feet have been set on since then, my feet have been set on since then, my feet have been set on solid ground. I'm living a new life. I'm solid ground. I'm living a new life. I'm solid ground. I'm living a new life. I'm full of joy. I'm full of purpose." See full of joy. I'm full of purpose." See full of joy. I'm full of purpose." See how easy that is? And then the second how easy that is? And then the second how easy that is? And then the second thing you do after that is you say, "My thing you do after that is you say, "My thing you do after that is you say, "My life changed when I prayed a prayer as life changed when I prayed a prayer as life changed when I prayed a prayer as simple as ABC." So everything for me simple as ABC." So everything for me simple as ABC." So everything for me changed the moment I said a prayer.

changed the moment I said a prayer. changed the moment I said a prayer. Here's the gospel. As simple as ABC. Put Here's the gospel. As simple as ABC. Put Here's the gospel. As simple as ABC. Put that screen or that next screen up that screen or that next screen up that screen or that next screen up behind me real fast. When we do this, behind me real fast. When we do this, behind me real fast. When we do this, you you want to keep it simple enough you you want to keep it simple enough you you want to keep it simple enough for those who don't know Jesus, for for those who don't know Jesus, for for those who don't know Jesus, for those who don't know the gospel to not those who don't know the gospel to not those who don't know the gospel to not get lost. I I think what we do sometimes get lost. I I think what we do sometimes get lost. I I think what we do sometimes and and it kind of gets complicated is and and it kind of gets complicated is and and it kind of gets complicated is we try to throw too much into our story. we try to throw too much into our story. we try to throw too much into our story. We try to throw too many passages into We try to throw too many passages into We try to throw too many passages into our story. If you start throwing out our story. If you start throwing out our story. If you start throwing out quoting 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, all quoting 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, all quoting 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, all that, they're going to be like, that, they're going to be like, that, they're going to be like, "Chronicles and Narnia, what? Like, what "Chronicles and Narnia, what? Like, what "Chronicles and Narnia, what? Like, what are you what are you talking about?" are you what are you talking about?" are you what are you talking about?" We're going to we're going to try to We're going to we're going to try to We're going to we're going to try to keep it as simple as we as we possibly keep it as simple as we as we possibly keep it as simple as we as we possibly can. I gave you guys the prompt right can. I gave you guys the prompt right can. I gave you guys the prompt right here. You're going to look at them and here. You're going to look at them and here. You're going to look at them and say, "My life changed the moment I said say, "My life changed the moment I said say, "My life changed the moment I said a prayer as simple as ABC. I admitted a prayer as simple as ABC. I admitted a prayer as simple as ABC. I admitted that I was a sinner. I believe that that I was a sinner. I believe that that I was a sinner. I believe that Jesus died and rose again for my sin and Jesus died and rose again for my sin and Jesus died and rose again for my sin and I confessed with my mouth that he was I confessed with my mouth that he was I confessed with my mouth that he was Lord and asked him to forgive me. It's Lord and asked him to forgive me. It's Lord and asked him to forgive me. It's it's that simple right there. Okay. So, it's that simple right there. Okay. So, it's that simple right there. Okay. So, 60 seconds, turn to one another, read 60 seconds, turn to one another, read 60 seconds, turn to one another, read through this prompt together because through this prompt together because through this prompt together because what happens is as you start to practice what happens is as you start to practice what happens is as you start to practice this, it becomes muscle memory. And so, this, it becomes muscle memory. And so, this, it becomes muscle memory. And so, if we don't practice it here, we're not if we don't practice it here, we're not if we don't practice it here, we're not going to be prepared out there. All going to be prepared out there. All going to be prepared out there. All right? So, turn to one another. 60 right? So, turn to one another. 60 right? So, turn to one another. 60 seconds. Go through the slide right now.

seconds. Go through the slide right now. seconds. Go through the slide right now. One, two, three, go. Okay, 10 seconds Okay, 10 seconds and then we're going to wrap this up. right, clap once so you can hear me. right, clap once so you can hear me. Okay, it's as simple as this. Listen, Okay, it's as simple as this. Listen, Okay, it's as simple as this. Listen, listen, listen, listen, listen. Hey, I listen, listen, listen, listen. Hey, I listen, listen, listen, listen. Hey, I heard your family is going through like heard your family is going through like heard your family is going through like a really rough patch right now. Hey, I a really rough patch right now. Hey, I a really rough patch right now. Hey, I heard business isn't isn't going so heard business isn't isn't going so heard business isn't isn't going so well. Hey, I I heard your folks are I well. Hey, I I heard your folks are I well. Hey, I I heard your folks are I heard you had I heard you buried heard you had I heard you buried heard you had I heard you buried somebody in your family this year. I somebody in your family this year. I somebody in your family this year. I know life has to be hard. Can I tell you know life has to be hard. Can I tell you know life has to be hard. Can I tell you what helped me?

what helped me? what helped me? I used to be overwhelmed by anxiety. I I used to be overwhelmed by anxiety. I I used to be overwhelmed by anxiety. I was lost. I was in pain. God found me. was lost. I was in pain. God found me. was lost. I was in pain. God found me. He saved me. He set my feet on solid He saved me. He set my feet on solid He saved me. He set my feet on solid ground. Ever since then, I have been ground. Ever since then, I have been ground. Ever since then, I have been living a a new life full of joy. living a a new life full of joy. living a a new life full of joy. Everything changed for me as soon as I Everything changed for me as soon as I Everything changed for me as soon as I said a prayer as simple as ABC. I said a prayer as simple as ABC. I said a prayer as simple as ABC. I admitted I was a sinner. I believe that admitted I was a sinner. I believe that admitted I was a sinner. I believe that Jesus died and rose again for my sin. Jesus died and rose again for my sin. Jesus died and rose again for my sin. And I confess with my mouth that he was And I confess with my mouth that he was And I confess with my mouth that he was Lord. Every everything changed. See how Lord. Every everything changed. See how Lord. Every everything changed. See how easy that is, right? Okay. Okay. And easy that is, right? Okay. Okay. And easy that is, right? Okay. Okay. And then number three, then you're going to then number three, then you're going to then number three, then you're going to ask them. This is the third section. Do ask them. This is the third section. Do ask them. This is the third section. Do do you want to pray? Would you like to do you want to pray? Would you like to do you want to pray? Would you like to pray to receive Christ? Would you like pray to receive Christ? Would you like pray to receive Christ? Would you like to pray to receive Christ? You're going to pray to receive Christ? You're going to pray to receive Christ? You're going to ask them that. Sometimes they'll say to ask them that. Sometimes they'll say to ask them that. Sometimes they'll say yes, sometimes they'll say no. At that yes, sometimes they'll say no. At that yes, sometimes they'll say no. At that point, you've done all you can do. The point, you've done all you can do. The point, you've done all you can do. The rest is in God's hands. All right? So, rest is in God's hands. All right? So, rest is in God's hands. All right? So, take that pressure off of you. You've take that pressure off of you. You've take that pressure off of you. You've done everything you can do up to that done everything you can do up to that done everything you can do up to that moment. They may say yes. And in that moment. They may say yes. And in that moment. They may say yes. And in that moment, then you get to lead them then moment, then you get to lead them then moment, then you get to lead them then through a prayer that we just talked through a prayer that we just talked through a prayer that we just talked about called the ABCs. The ABCs. Put about called the ABCs. The ABCs. Put about called the ABCs. The ABCs. Put that last slide up on the screen right that last slide up on the screen right that last slide up on the screen right behind me. Again, it's important that behind me. Again, it's important that behind me. Again, it's important that when you pray for somebody, you give when you pray for somebody, you give when you pray for somebody, you give them time to then say it out loud. You them time to then say it out loud. You them time to then say it out loud. You don't want to rush through a prayer like don't want to rush through a prayer like don't want to rush through a prayer like this. You say one phrase, you pause, this. You say one phrase, you pause, this. You say one phrase, you pause, they repeat it. It's like it's like a they repeat it. It's like it's like a they repeat it. It's like it's like a pastor giving a giving an altar call up pastor giving a giving an altar call up pastor giving a giving an altar call up here on the stage, giving the person here on the stage, giving the person here on the stage, giving the person time to respond out there. All right, so time to respond out there. All right, so time to respond out there. All right, so let's read through this slide together let's read through this slide together let's read through this slide together really quick from the top. You ready?

really quick from the top. You ready? really quick from the top. You ready? We're going to do repeat after me one We're going to do repeat after me one We're going to do repeat after me one line at a time. And we're going to start line at a time. And we're going to start line at a time. And we're going to start at Dear God. Okay, y'all ready? One, at Dear God. Okay, y'all ready? One, at Dear God. Okay, y'all ready? One, two, three. Dear God, two, three. Dear God, two, three. Dear God, I admit that I've sinned. I admit that I've sinned. I admit that I've sinned. I believe Jesus died and rose again for I believe Jesus died and rose again for I believe Jesus died and rose again for me. me. me. I confess him as my Lord and Savior. I confess him as my Lord and Savior. I confess him as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, change me, and fill Please forgive me, change me, and fill Please forgive me, change me, and fill me with your Holy Spirit in Jesus name. me with your Holy Spirit in Jesus name. me with your Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen. You'all ready to lead the person Amen. You'all ready to lead the person Amen. You'all ready to lead the person beside you to the Lord? beside you to the Lord? beside you to the Lord? No. Okay. All right. Turn to one another No. Okay. All right. Turn to one another No. Okay. All right. Turn to one another one more time. Turn to one another one one more time. Turn to one another one one more time. Turn to one another one more time. Take them through this prayer more time. Take them through this prayer more time. Take them through this prayer and then we're done. Keys, you can join and then we're done. Keys, you can join and then we're done. Keys, you can join me up here. We're going to worship in me up here. We're going to worship in me up here. We're going to worship in just a second. One, two, three, go. Lead just a second. One, two, three, go. Lead just a second. One, two, three, go. Lead them through this prayer from the top.

All right, 10 seconds and then we're All right, 10 seconds and then we're done. done. done. Hear a few people wrapping up their Hear a few people wrapping up their Hear a few people wrapping up their combos or their prayers. Okay, just remember remember. Okay, just remember remember. Repeat this after me. Say, say there's Repeat this after me. Say, say there's Repeat this after me. Say, say there's one. Come on, say there's one. God has one. Come on, say there's one. God has one. Come on, say there's one. God has one for you. One. And now you know one for you. One. And now you know one for you. One. And now you know exactly how to do it. Go practice this. exactly how to do it. Go practice this. exactly how to do it. Go practice this. Continue to practice it daily. Look, the Continue to practice it daily. Look, the Continue to practice it daily. Look, the moment you give your heart to the Lord moment you give your heart to the Lord moment you give your heart to the Lord and you declare with your mouth that he and you declare with your mouth that he and you declare with your mouth that he is Lord, there is a power that comes is Lord, there is a power that comes is Lord, there is a power that comes over you to [music] do this type of over you to [music] do this type of over you to [music] do this type of thing. Everybody is declaring something thing. Everybody is declaring something thing. Everybody is declaring something except for Christians. it seems like except for Christians. it seems like except for Christians. it seems like sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. And so, and so let's let's be the And so, and so let's let's be the And so, and so let's let's be the church. Let's at least start here. Let's church. Let's at least start here. Let's church. Let's at least start here. Let's be a church that goes out here and lives be a church that goes out here and lives be a church that goes out here and lives boldly in our faith, declaring the boldly in our faith, declaring the boldly in our faith, declaring the gospel everywhere we go by sharing our gospel everywhere we go by sharing our gospel everywhere we go by sharing our story, walking people through the ABCs, story, walking people through the ABCs, story, walking people through the ABCs, and then praying over them. That that's and then praying over them. That that's and then praying over them. That that's what we are called to do. And so, right what we are called to do. And so, right what we are called to do. And so, right now, I just want to ask you to bow your now, I just want to ask you to bow your now, I just want to ask you to bow your heads and close your eyes all over this heads and close your eyes all over this heads and close your eyes all over this room. Even as we go through a simple room. Even as we go through a simple room. Even as we go through a simple teaching on how to share your faith, I'm teaching on how to share your faith, I'm teaching on how to share your faith, I'm curious if there's anybody here you want curious if there's anybody here you want curious if there's anybody here you want to get right with God. We just talked to get right with God. We just talked to get right with God. We just talked about how to do it. It's called ABC. I'm about how to do it. It's called ABC. I'm about how to do it. It's called ABC. I'm going to lead you through a prayer. If going to lead you through a prayer. If going to lead you through a prayer. If you're not right with him, if you're you're not right with him, if you're you're not right with him, if you're away from God, maybe you've never you away from God, maybe you've never you away from God, maybe you've never you you've never prayed to receive Christ.

you've never prayed to receive Christ. you've never prayed to receive Christ. You can do that right here in this You can do that right here in this You can do that right here in this moment. It would be the honor of my moment. It would be the honor of my moment. It would be the honor of my life, y'all, to pray with you. I've been life, y'all, to pray with you. I've been life, y'all, to pray with you. I've been waiting for this moment. Repeat after waiting for this moment. Repeat after waiting for this moment. Repeat after [music] me if that's you. Say, "Dear [music] me if that's you. Say, "Dear [music] me if that's you. Say, "Dear Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I admit that I'm a sinner, I admit that I'm a sinner, I admit that I'm a sinner, but I believe that you died and rose but I believe that you died and rose but I believe that you died and rose again for my sin. again for my sin. again for my sin. I confess with my mouth that you were I confess with my mouth that you were I confess with my mouth that you were Lord, Lord, Lord, and I ask you to forgive me of my sin. and I ask you to forgive me of my sin. and I ask you to forgive me of my sin. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, change me, change me, change me, guide me, guide me, guide me, and teach me how to live boldly and teach me how to live boldly and teach me how to live boldly for you in Jesus mighty name. With every for you in Jesus mighty name. With every for you in Jesus mighty name. With every head still bowed and eyes still closed, head still bowed and eyes still closed, head still bowed and eyes still closed, if you said that prayer today, [music] if you said that prayer today, [music] if you said that prayer today, [music] would you just raise your hand so I know would you just raise your hand so I know would you just raise your hand so I know who I prayed with here in this room? If who I prayed with here in this room? If who I prayed with here in this room? If you said that prayer to receive Christ you said that prayer to receive Christ you said that prayer to receive Christ just now. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. just now. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. just now. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Come on. I want to see you. I want to Come on. I want to see you. I want to Come on. I want to see you. I want to see the hands. I want to see who it is. see the hands. I want to see who it is. see the hands. I want to see who it is. Thank you, God. Thank [music] you, Thank you, God. Thank [music] you, Thank you, God. Thank [music] you, Jesus. Maybe about a dozen hands in the Jesus. Maybe about a dozen hands in the Jesus. Maybe about a dozen hands in the room here today. People getting right room here today. People getting right room here today. People getting right with God. He is good. He is awesome.