Under Clear Blue Sky | Part 2 | Joel Thomas

Well, good morning. Welcome to North Well, good morning. Welcome to North Point. If we haven't had the chance to Point. If we haven't had the chance to Point. If we haven't had the chance to meet yet, my name is Holly. I'm the meet yet, my name is Holly. I'm the meet yet, my name is Holly. I'm the executive pastor around here. And if executive pastor around here. And if executive pastor around here. And if you're new, let me be the first one to you're new, let me be the first one to you're new, let me be the first one to say welcome. We're so glad that you're say welcome. We're so glad that you're say welcome. We're so glad that you're spending your summer Sundays with us. spending your summer Sundays with us. spending your summer Sundays with us. And however you found yourself here And however you found yourself here And however you found yourself here today, we're just glad that you're here today, we're just glad that you're here today, we're just glad that you're here this morning. And if you walked in and this morning. And if you walked in and this morning. And if you walked in and you thought, "This church is really you thought, "This church is really you thought, "This church is really big." Well, you're right. It is. But big." Well, you're right. It is. But big." Well, you're right. It is. But we've gotten really good at making a big we've gotten really good at making a big we've gotten really good at making a big church feel small. and we'd love to do church feel small. and we'd love to do church feel small. and we'd love to do that for you, too. Help you find your that for you, too. Help you find your that for you, too. Help you find your people or just answer any questions that people or just answer any questions that people or just answer any questions that you might have about North Point. And you might have about North Point. And you might have about North Point. And so, you probably notice this lovely crew so, you probably notice this lovely crew so, you probably notice this lovely crew of volunteers all in the red t-shirts. of volunteers all in the red t-shirts. of volunteers all in the red t-shirts. They are all around the building. Maybe They are all around the building. Maybe They are all around the building. Maybe they walked you to your seat or you'll they walked you to your seat or you'll they walked you to your seat or you'll see them standing at the doors. That's see them standing at the doors. That's see them standing at the doors. That's our guest services team. They are here our guest services team. They are here our guest services team. They are here for you. So, any questions you may have, for you. So, any questions you may have, for you. So, any questions you may have, they're here to answer them. But here's they're here to answer them. But here's they're here to answer them. But here's the the main idea. Here's what you need the the main idea. Here's what you need the the main idea. Here's what you need to know. We're on a mission around here. to know. We're on a mission around here. to know. We're on a mission around here. and that is to inspire people to follow and that is to inspire people to follow and that is to inspire people to follow Jesus. And there's a lot of churches on Jesus. And there's a lot of churches on Jesus. And there's a lot of churches on that mission with us. I'm going to tell that mission with us. I'm going to tell that mission with us. I'm going to tell you a little bit more about that later.

you a little bit more about that later. you a little bit more about that later. But here at North Point, we actually But here at North Point, we actually But here at North Point, we actually have two auditoriums. There's one right have two auditoriums. There's one right have two auditoriums. There's one right behind me just like this one. And our behind me just like this one. And our behind me just like this one. And our family ministry director, Ian Sullivan, family ministry director, Ian Sullivan, family ministry director, Ian Sullivan, is over there today. Ian, how's it going is over there today. Ian, how's it going is over there today. Ian, how's it going in the West this morning? in the West this morning? in the West this morning? >> It is going great. Is that right, Wes? >> It is going great. Is that right, Wes? >> It is going great. Is that right, Wes? It's going good over here, Holly. Uh we It's going good over here, Holly. Uh we It's going good over here, Holly. Uh we are having a blast. And another way to are having a blast. And another way to are having a blast. And another way to make our church feel small is to stay make our church feel small is to stay make our church feel small is to stay connected with us to know what's going connected with us to know what's going connected with us to know what's going on. One of the best ways to do that is on. One of the best ways to do that is on. One of the best ways to do that is to scan the QR code at the seatback in to scan the QR code at the seatback in to scan the QR code at the seatback in front of you and you can find out our front of you and you can find out our front of you and you can find out our top three. It changes every week and we top three. It changes every week and we top three. It changes every week and we tell you the top three things you need tell you the top three things you need tell you the top three things you need to know. And on that list this week is to know. And on that list this week is to know. And on that list this week is our food drive because you may not know our food drive because you may not know our food drive because you may not know this, but I spend most of my Sundays this, but I spend most of my Sundays this, but I spend most of my Sundays with middle schoolers. And one of the with middle schoolers. And one of the with middle schoolers. And one of the best questions I like to ask get the best questions I like to ask get the best questions I like to ask get the most cheers is, "Are you excited for most cheers is, "Are you excited for most cheers is, "Are you excited for summer?" because turns out students are summer?" because turns out students are summer?" because turns out students are ready to be done with school. So, they ready to be done with school. So, they ready to be done with school. So, they cheer really loud. But what you may not cheer really loud. But what you may not cheer really loud. But what you may not know about summer is that a lot of our know about summer is that a lot of our know about summer is that a lot of our kids and students in our community kids and students in our community kids and students in our community actually lose access [music] to reliable actually lose access [music] to reliable actually lose access [music] to reliable meals during the summer when they're not meals during the summer when they're not meals during the summer when they're not in school. And so, because of that, in school. And so, because of that, in school. And so, because of that, we're doing a food drive next Sunday to we're doing a food drive next Sunday to we're doing a food drive next Sunday to support three of our local organizations support three of our local organizations support three of our local organizations that are doing amazing work in our that are doing amazing work in our that are doing amazing work in our community and in the communities around community and in the communities around community and in the communities around us. And so I want you to visit that top us. And so I want you to visit that top us. And so I want you to visit that top three page. Find out what you can bring three page. Find out what you can bring three page. Find out what you can bring to church or you can just take a picture to church or you can just take a picture to church or you can just take a picture of uh this list on screen. And we also of uh this list on screen. And we also of uh this list on screen. And we also have an Amazon wish list online. If have an Amazon wish list online. If have an Amazon wish list online. If you're watching online or you can't be you're watching online or you can't be you're watching online or you can't be here next week, you don't have to just here next week, you don't have to just here next week, you don't have to just bring your food. You can send your food bring your food. You can send your food bring your food. You can send your food to us and we will make sure it gets to to us and we will make sure it gets to to us and we will make sure it gets to the right place at the right time. And

the right place at the right time. And the right place at the right time. And speaking of food, Holly, I actually speaking of food, Holly, I actually speaking of food, Holly, I actually brought a piece of food with me. brought a piece of food with me. brought a piece of food with me. >> Is that a potato? >> Is that a potato? >> Is that a potato? >> This is a potato. Uh because in middle >> This is a potato. Uh because in middle >> This is a potato. Uh because in middle school ministry we do some crazy things school ministry we do some crazy things school ministry we do some crazy things and we decided this Friday we should do and we decided this Friday we should do and we decided this Friday we should do something crazy with potatoes. We're something crazy with potatoes. We're something crazy with potatoes. We're doing Spuds with My Buds. And you're doing Spuds with My Buds. And you're doing Spuds with My Buds. And you're like that sounds wild. That's right like that sounds wild. That's right like that sounds wild. That's right where middle school lives. Wild. Uh but where middle school lives. Wild. Uh but where middle school lives. Wild. Uh but we are doing Spuds with My Buds from we are doing Spuds with My Buds from we are doing Spuds with My Buds from 6:30 to 8 this Friday. And it is a time 6:30 to 8 this Friday. And it is a time 6:30 to 8 this Friday. And it is a time for students to hang out with their for students to hang out with their for students to hang out with their small group. We're going to paint small group. We're going to paint small group. We're going to paint potatoes. We're going to eat potatoes. potatoes. We're going to eat potatoes. potatoes. We're going to eat potatoes. We might even launch some potatoes. We might even launch some potatoes. We might even launch some potatoes. Holly. Holly. Holly. >> What can you do with potatoes? >> What can you do with potatoes? >> What can you do with potatoes? >> What can't you do? It's going to be >> What can't you do? It's going to be >> What can't you do? It's going to be amazing. But we've got some amazing amazing. But we've got some amazing amazing. But we've got some amazing things happening this morning, Holly. things happening this morning, Holly. things happening this morning, Holly. Tell them about it. Tell them about it. Tell them about it. >> Yeah, that's right. We've got a great >> Yeah, that's right. We've got a great >> Yeah, that's right. We've got a great service coming your way. Joel's message service coming your way. Joel's message service coming your way. Joel's message is so good. He's going to be bringing us is so good. He's going to be bringing us is so good. He's going to be bringing us part two of Under Clear Blue Sky. But part two of Under Clear Blue Sky. But part two of Under Clear Blue Sky. But first, we're going to get started by first, we're going to get started by first, we're going to get started by singing with Aaron, Cara, Chase, Jess, singing with Aaron, Cara, Chase, Jess, singing with Aaron, Cara, Chase, Jess, Natasha, and Nate. And this first song Natasha, and Nate. And this first song Natasha, and Nate. And this first song is called Great Are You, Lord. And I is called Great Are You, Lord. And I is called Great Are You, Lord. And I don't know what you walked in with this don't know what you walked in with this don't know what you walked in with this morning. I don't know how that sentiment morning. I don't know how that sentiment morning. I don't know how that sentiment hits you. Maybe you're in a place where hits you. Maybe you're in a place where hits you. Maybe you're in a place where your faith is really strong and you're your faith is really strong and you're your faith is really strong and you're like, "Yeah, God is great." But maybe like, "Yeah, God is great." But maybe like, "Yeah, God is great." But maybe some of you walked in this morning and some of you walked in this morning and some of you walked in this morning and life is hard and you're carrying life is hard and you're carrying life is hard and you're carrying something heavy. [music] But here's what something heavy. [music] But here's what something heavy. [music] But here's what I know. And I know this just from years I know. And I know this just from years I know. And I know this just from years of being in ministry and seeing so many of being in ministry and seeing so many of being in ministry and seeing so many stories, something is true about every stories, something is true about every stories, something is true about every single one of us. [music] No matter how single one of us. [music] No matter how single one of us. [music] No matter how successful that you become in life, life successful that you become in life, life successful that you become in life, life eventually reminds you something that we eventually reminds you something that we eventually reminds you something that we wish we could forget. [music] And that wish we could forget. [music] And that wish we could forget. [music] And that is that we are not in control. And when is that we are not in control. And when is that we are not in control. And when this fact hits us, we have a choice. We

this fact hits us, we have a choice. We this fact hits us, we have a choice. We can trust ourselves or we can trust the can trust ourselves or we can trust the can trust ourselves or we can trust the one who gave us life in the first place. one who gave us life in the first place. one who gave us life in the first place. And so that's why we're going to sing And so that's why we're going to sing And so that's why we're going to sing this song this morning. It is a reminder this song this morning. It is a reminder this song this morning. It is a reminder that every breath is a gift and every that every breath is a gift and every that every breath is a gift and every breath points us back to the giver of breath points us back to the giver of breath points us back to the giver of life. [music] Let's stand and worship life. [music] Let's stand and worship life. [music] Let's stand and worship together. together. together. [snorts] [music] [music] >> It's your >> It's your >> It's your in our [singing] lives. in our [singing] lives. in our [singing] lives. So we pour out our praise. [music] We So we pour out our praise. [music] We So we pour out our praise. [music] We pour out [singing] our grace. It's your pour out [singing] our grace. It's your pour out [singing] our grace. It's your ins. ins. ins. So we [music] pour out our praise to So we [music] pour out our praise to So we [music] pour out our praise to you. you. you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Earth [music] will shout your praise.

>> Earth [music] will shout your praise. Our [singing] hearts will [music] cry. Our [singing] hearts will [music] cry. Our [singing] hearts will [music] cry. These bones will say, [singing] "Great These bones will say, [singing] "Great These bones will say, [singing] "Great [music] [music] [music] are you, Lord. [music] [music] Earth shout. Earth shout. Earth shout. Our hearts [music] Our hearts [music] Our hearts [music] will will will s [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] you you you [singing] [singing] [singing] great. [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.

All of the great things All of the great things [music and singing] you did. [music and singing] you did. [music and singing] you did. When did I throw away faith for the When did I throw away faith for the When did I throw away faith for the [music] [music] [music] impossible? How [music] did I start to believe How [music] did I start to believe that you weren't sufficient for [music] that you weren't sufficient for [music] that you weren't sufficient for [music] me? me? me? Why do I talk myself out of [singing] Why do I talk myself out of [singing] Why do I talk myself out of [singing] seeing [music] miracles? You [music] You [music] are [singing] are [singing] are [singing] more than able. You are [music] You are [music] more than [singing] able to deny [music] what the Lord [singing] to deny [music] what the Lord [singing] can do. can do. can do. [music] Now I see all that I [singing and music] Now I see all that I [singing and music] have.

have. have. Oh, I've got my confidence back. Oh, I've got my confidence back. Oh, I've got my confidence back. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] I'll put my trust in the one who I'll put my trust in the one who I'll put my trust in the one who [singing] still does mirales. [singing] still does mirales. [singing] still does mirales. You do [music] mirles. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] He's He's [music] [music and singing]

[music and singing] Heat. [music] [music] >> I found you and I love you >> I found you and I love you >> I found you and I love you forever. forever. forever. You [music] You [music] You [music] are more than [singing] able. I know for [music and singing] myself I know for [music and singing] myself you are more than able. [singing] you are more than able. [singing] you are more than able. [singing] [music] Who am I to deny what the Lord [music] Who am I to deny what the Lord [music] Who am I to deny what the Lord can [singing and music] do? [music] [music] >> And it's so [singing] good I almost >> And it's so [singing] good I almost >> And it's so [singing] good I almost can't believe can't believe can't believe far beyond [singing] far beyond [singing] far beyond [singing] what hearts could ever dream. [music] what hearts could ever dream. [music] what hearts could ever dream. [music] The God who [singing] set the galaxies

The God who [singing] set the galaxies The God who [singing] set the galaxies [music] in motion [music] in motion [music] in motion would descend would descend would descend to give [music and singing] his life for to give [music and singing] his life for to give [music and singing] his life for me. me. me. We're singing, "Oh, how great We're singing, "Oh, how great We're singing, "Oh, how great [music and singing] is the love of God. [music and singing] is the love of God. [music and singing] is the love of God. He paid our debt [singing and music] on He paid our debt [singing and music] on He paid our debt [singing and music] on that rug cross. that rug cross. that rug cross. For [music] all our days we [singing] For [music] all our days we [singing] For [music] all our days we [singing] will sing our Savior's praise. How will sing our Savior's praise. How will sing our Savior's praise. How [music] great is the love [singing] [music] great is the love [singing] [music] great is the love [singing] of God. of God. of God. This [music] is [singing] his name. This [music] is [singing] his name. This [music] is [singing] his name. And it's so kind. It leads [singing] us And it's so kind. It leads [singing] us And it's so kind. It leads [singing] us to repentance. to repentance. to repentance. And it's so [music and singing] bright. And it's so [music and singing] bright. And it's so [music and singing] bright. The darkness has to flee. The darkness has to flee. The darkness has to flee. Hallelujah. [music and singing] Hallelujah. [music and singing] Hallelujah. [music and singing] It clear my guilty sentence It clear my guilty sentence It clear my guilty sentence for I was bound. But now for I was bound. But now for I was bound. But now [music and singing] I stand singing. [music] singing. [music] [singing] How great is the love of [singing] How great is the love of [singing] How great is the love of [music] God?

Heat. Heat. [singing and music] Though I try, [singing and music] Though I try, [singing and music] my mind can't comprehend. my mind can't comprehend. my mind can't comprehend. [music] [music] [music] And it's so high, too marvelous for And it's so high, too marvelous for And it's so high, too marvelous for words. [singing] words. [singing] words. [singing] [music] [music] [music] And I could sing a million songs And I could sing a million songs And I could sing a million songs [singing and music] about you and barely [singing and music] about you and barely [singing and music] about you and barely scratch the surface of [singing] your scratch the surface of [singing] your scratch the surface of [singing] your word. word. word. this all my [music] life. The better this all my [music] life. The better this all my [music] life. The better [singing] I'll be waving [singing] I'll be waving [singing] I'll be waving my [music] hand. Don't cry. No matter my [music] hand. Don't cry. No matter my [music] hand. Don't cry. No matter what may come. what may come. what may come. And when [music] I [singing] rise to And when [music] I [singing] rise to And when [music] I [singing] rise to walk the streets of heaven, [music] I'll [singing] still be singing this I'll [singing] still be singing this song. Yes. [music] >> [music]

>> [music] >> Heat. How great is the [singing] love of God. How great is the [singing] love of God. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Well, thanks so much for singing with Well, thanks so much for singing with Well, thanks so much for singing with us. You guys can grab a seat. [music] us. You guys can grab a seat. [music] us. You guys can grab a seat. [music] We've been in a season of generosity We've been in a season of generosity We've been in a season of generosity with our deeper, wider [music] campaign, with our deeper, wider [music] campaign, with our deeper, wider [music] campaign, and we want to give you guys an update. and we want to give you guys an update. and we want to give you guys an update. So, check out this video. At the beginning of May, we hosted the At the beginning of May, we hosted the first ever Irresistible Church first ever Irresistible Church first ever Irresistible Church Conference. Over 1,600 leaders from Conference. Over 1,600 leaders from Conference. Over 1,600 leaders from partner churches [music] across the partner churches [music] across the partner churches [music] across the world gathered around one shared vision, world gathered around one shared vision, world gathered around one shared vision, an outward-facing church in every an outward-facing church in every an outward-facing church in every [music] community focused on reaching [music] community focused on reaching [music] community focused on reaching people far from God. Check this out.

people far from God. Check this out. people far from God. Check this out. [music] Oh my god. I'm just [music] grateful for Oh my god. I'm just [music] grateful for you. you. you. I'm just grateful for you. [music] >> My team and I are so excited about this >> My team and I are so excited about this conference. We came all the way from conference. We came all the way from conference. We came all the way from Korea. Korea. Korea. >> I can't wait [music] to meet the people >> I can't wait [music] to meet the people >> I can't wait [music] to meet the people on my call group. I think it's just on my call group. I think it's just on my call group. I think it's just going to be a really unifying time of going to be a really unifying time of going to be a really unifying time of just [music] loving Jesus together. >> Our common ground is a common cause, a >> Our common ground is a common cause, a common calling, and a common burden common calling, and a common burden common calling, and a common burden [music] to inspire and to equip people [music] to inspire and to equip people [music] to inspire and to equip people to follow Jesus. to follow Jesus. to follow Jesus. >> I have learned to prioritize getting >> I have learned to prioritize getting >> I have learned to prioritize getting people from the outside of the church. people from the outside of the church. people from the outside of the church. >> How are we showing up for our >> How are we showing up for our >> How are we showing up for our communities [music] on more than Sunday communities [music] on more than Sunday communities [music] on more than Sunday morning? How are we showing our morning? How are we showing our morning? How are we showing our communities that Jesus is on the move communities that Jesus is on the move communities that Jesus is on the move more so than just in a building?

more so than just in a building? more so than just in a building? >> I grew up surrounded [music] by in >> I grew up surrounded [music] by in >> I grew up surrounded [music] by in church people. I wish I would had uh a church people. I wish I would had uh a church people. I wish I would had uh a church like this when I was growing church like this when I was growing church like this when I was growing [music] up for them have a place to [music] up for them have a place to [music] up for them have a place to actually give Jesus a shot. actually give Jesus a shot. actually give Jesus a shot. >> Where we're based is a very unreached >> Where we're based is a very unreached >> Where we're based is a very unreached community and they come in broken and community and they come in broken and community and they come in broken and they're just [music] so accepted and they're just [music] so accepted and they're just [music] so accepted and loved and yet it's just been incredible loved and yet it's just been incredible loved and yet it's just been incredible to see their lives transformed by being to see their lives transformed by being to see their lives transformed by being an outward facing church. [music] [music] >> Truth is, in this room, there are people >> Truth is, in this room, there are people >> Truth is, in this room, there are people who showed up and they're in the middle who showed up and they're in the middle who showed up and they're in the middle of a fire. of a fire. of a fire. Some of you are facing the fire. And Some of you are facing the fire. And Some of you are facing the fire. And here's what we want you to know. In this here's what we want you to know. In this here's what we want you to know. In this movement, we face [music] fires movement, we face [music] fires movement, we face [music] fires together. together. together. >> The relationships I have with other >> The relationships I have with other >> The relationships I have with other churches, other pastors, [music] that's churches, other pastors, [music] that's churches, other pastors, [music] that's been a blessing. been a blessing. been a blessing. >> Our copper has made it out of the group >> Our copper has made it out of the group >> Our copper has made it out of the group chat. chat. chat. >> Yeah. and into real and it's all like >> Yeah. and into real and it's all like >> Yeah. and into real and it's all like counting down until we can sit together. counting down until we can sit together. counting down until we can sit together. >> Yeah. And we've had like life happen and >> Yeah. And we've had like life happen and >> Yeah. And we've had like life happen and we've prayed together. [music] [music] >> So when we get on a call group and >> So when we get on a call group and >> So when we get on a call group and you're like what's keeping you up at you're like what's keeping you up at you're like what's keeping you up at night and you say it and someone goes, night and you say it and someone goes, night and you say it and someone goes, "Yeah, me too. I'm going to make it. I'm "Yeah, me too. I'm going to make it. I'm "Yeah, me too. I'm going to make it. I'm going to be okay in this."

going to be okay in this." going to be okay in this." >> We can share things and we learn from >> We can share things and we learn from >> We can share things and we learn from each other and it's so good. It was each other and it's so good. It was each other and it's so good. It was helpful for me to know that I was not helpful for me to know that I was not helpful for me to know that I was not alone. We are not alone. We are together alone. We are not alone. We are together alone. We are not alone. We are together growing the kingdom of our king. growing the kingdom of our king. growing the kingdom of our king. [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> We [music] are to bring the kingdom of >> We [music] are to bring the kingdom of God that is here into reality and into God that is here into reality and into God that is here into reality and into fruition. And that's what this movement fruition. And that's what this movement fruition. And that's what this movement is all about. [music] is all about. [music] is all about. [music] This conference was more than just a This conference was more than just a This conference was more than just a place for these leaders to learn. It was place for these leaders to learn. It was place for these leaders to learn. It was a place to be strengthened, a place to a place to be strengthened, a place to a place to be strengthened, a place to be encouraged, to be reminded that be encouraged, to be reminded that be encouraged, to be reminded that [music] the work that God is doing in [music] the work that God is doing in [music] the work that God is doing in and through them in their communities is and through them in their communities is and through them in their communities is meaningful. It's needed and it's making meaningful. It's needed and it's making meaningful. It's needed and it's making a difference. Because of your a difference. Because of your a difference. Because of your generosity, these leaders returned home generosity, these leaders returned home generosity, these leaders returned home with renewed vision and a refreshed with renewed vision and a refreshed with renewed vision and a refreshed soul. What you're experiencing across soul. What you're experiencing across soul. What you're experiencing across our eight Atlanta area campuses Sunday our eight Atlanta area campuses Sunday our eight Atlanta area campuses Sunday after Sunday is being [music] replicated after Sunday is being [music] replicated after Sunday is being [music] replicated by an extraordinary network of leaders by an extraordinary network of leaders by an extraordinary network of leaders who are carrying it to their local

who are carrying it to their local who are carrying it to their local communities and changing lives. Thank communities and changing lives. Thank communities and changing lives. Thank you [music] you [music] you [music] to all of the people who made this to all of the people who made this to all of the people who made this network and conference possible. Thank network and conference possible. Thank network and conference possible. Thank you. Thank you for caring for us so you. Thank you for caring for us so you. Thank you for caring for us so well. well. well. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. the things that are happening this you. the things that are happening this you. the things that are happening this week are going to impact lives for week are going to impact lives for week are going to impact lives for generations. [music] So, thank you guys generations. [music] So, thank you guys generations. [music] So, thank you guys so much for just having a heart to do so much for just having a heart to do so much for just having a heart to do this kind of thing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. [applause] [applause] Yeah. That video is still so emotional Yeah. That video is still so emotional for me. Last month being a part of that for me. Last month being a part of that for me. Last month being a part of that conference, it was it was unbelievable. conference, it was it was unbelievable. conference, it was it was unbelievable. I got a chance to meet with several I got a chance to meet with several I got a chance to meet with several leaders. is I I taught some Irish leaders. is I I taught some Irish leaders. is I I taught some Irish pastors how to play pickle ball and that pastors how to play pickle ball and that pastors how to play pickle ball and that was a real trip. And then I uh I invited was a real trip. And then I uh I invited was a real trip. And then I uh I invited some Australian pastors to my house and some Australian pastors to my house and some Australian pastors to my house and we sat around and and I heard stories of we sat around and and I heard stories of we sat around and and I heard stories of what God is doing in their communities what God is doing in their communities what God is doing in their communities and it was just blowing my mind and and and it was just blowing my mind and and and it was just blowing my mind and and then I met with some leading ladies that then I met with some leading ladies that then I met with some leading ladies that are all in our network and we prayed for are all in our network and we prayed for are all in our network and we prayed for our churches in my office and then we our churches in my office and then we our churches in my office and then we all gathered in this room and we all gathered in this room and we all gathered in this room and we worshiped together and it was so worshiped together and it was so worshiped together and it was so special. And I wish you could have been special. And I wish you could have been special. And I wish you could have been there because you would have been so there because you would have been so there because you would have been so encouraged because the church, the big C encouraged because the church, the big C encouraged because the church, the big C church, it is strong and it is full of church, it is strong and it is full of church, it is strong and it is full of leaders that are on fire for their leaders that are on fire for their leaders that are on fire for their community to know Jesus. But here's what community to know Jesus. But here's what community to know Jesus. But here's what just continues to blow my mind. The type just continues to blow my mind. The type just continues to blow my mind. The type of church that you have created, each of church that you have created, each of church that you have created, each one of you, what you've role modeled,

one of you, what you've role modeled, one of you, what you've role modeled, it's being replicated all over the it's being replicated all over the it's being replicated all over the world. The way you gather, the way that world. The way you gather, the way that world. The way you gather, the way that your kids love church, the way that you your kids love church, the way that you your kids love church, the way that you group and you're in people's lives and group and you're in people's lives and group and you're in people's lives and you meet in homes and you know what's you meet in homes and you know what's you meet in homes and you know what's going on with people in your circle, and going on with people in your circle, and going on with people in your circle, and the way that you give and serve and love the way that you give and serve and love the way that you give and serve and love to your community. That is happening in to your community. That is happening in to your community. That is happening in more and more cities every day. And we more and more cities every day. And we more and more cities every day. And we got a big vision and we are not stopping got a big vision and we are not stopping got a big vision and we are not stopping with it until every community has a with it until every community has a with it until every community has a church like this because we believe that church like this because we believe that church like this because we believe that everybody needs to experience the love everybody needs to experience the love everybody needs to experience the love of Jesus. So if you're part of this of Jesus. So if you're part of this of Jesus. So if you're part of this deeper wider movement with us, thank deeper wider movement with us, thank deeper wider movement with us, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And it is not you. Thank you. Thank you. And it is not you. Thank you. Thank you. And it is not too late. You can get involved with too late. You can get involved with too late. You can get involved with deeper wider. And this is one of those deeper wider. And this is one of those deeper wider. And this is one of those things that you're going to look back things that you're going to look back things that you're going to look back and say, "I'm so glad I didn't miss and say, "I'm so glad I didn't miss and say, "I'm so glad I didn't miss that." because this is an incredible, that." because this is an incredible, that." because this is an incredible, incredible movement of God. incredible movement of God. incredible movement of God. And so at this time, if you will turn And so at this time, if you will turn And so at this time, if you will turn your attention to the screens for part your attention to the screens for part your attention to the screens for part two of Under Clear Blue Skies Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> Well, welcome back and welcome to all of >> Well, welcome back and welcome to all of you uh who uh are joining us for the you uh who uh are joining us for the you uh who uh are joining us for the first time. We're thrilled to have you first time. We're thrilled to have you first time. We're thrilled to have you with us. whether you're joining us with us. whether you're joining us with us. whether you're joining us online at one of our other Atlanta area online at one of our other Atlanta area online at one of our other Atlanta area locations across the country, around the locations across the country, around the locations across the country, around the world. Uh we're thrilled to have you world. Uh we're thrilled to have you world. Uh we're thrilled to have you with us today for part two of our with us today for part two of our with us today for part two of our message series about this epic story uh message series about this epic story uh message series about this epic story uh that um really uh we've kind of that um really uh we've kind of that um really uh we've kind of disregarded as a children's story. And disregarded as a children's story. And disregarded as a children's story. And last week we were unpacking this story last week we were unpacking this story last week we were unpacking this story uh in this series under Clear Blue Sky uh in this series under Clear Blue Sky uh in this series under Clear Blue Sky Noah uh and the flood. And uh just as a Noah uh and the flood. And uh just as a Noah uh and the flood. And uh just as a disclaimer up front, we spent a lot of disclaimer up front, we spent a lot of disclaimer up front, we spent a lot of time talking about this last week. The time talking about this last week. The time talking about this last week. The question we're wrestling with is not did question we're wrestling with is not did question we're wrestling with is not did it happen. It's a valuable question.

it happen. It's a valuable question. it happen. It's a valuable question. It's an important question. Uh there's It's an important question. Uh there's It's an important question. Uh there's people who've been debating this for a people who've been debating this for a people who've been debating this for a long time. Uh did it happen? How did it long time. Uh did it happen? How did it long time. Uh did it happen? How did it happen? Was there a global flood, a happen? Was there a global flood, a happen? Was there a global flood, a local flood? Uh what was the extent of local flood? Uh what was the extent of local flood? Uh what was the extent of the flood? Uh were there people that the flood? Uh were there people that the flood? Uh were there people that lived before and after that weren't on lived before and after that weren't on lived before and after that weren't on the boat? All those all those things. Um the boat? All those all those things. Um the boat? All those all those things. Um and and those are worthy questions. It's and and those are worthy questions. It's and and those are worthy questions. It's just not what we're focusing on in this just not what we're focusing on in this just not what we're focusing on in this series. In this series, we're asking a series. In this series, we're asking a series. In this series, we're asking a different question. The question is not different question. The question is not different question. The question is not did it happen, but what does it mean? did it happen, but what does it mean? did it happen, but what does it mean? This is an old old story and it's This is an old old story and it's This is an old old story and it's preserved and it's brilliant. It's in preserved and it's brilliant. It's in preserved and it's brilliant. It's in the midst it's couch in the midst of the midst it's couch in the midst of the midst it's couch in the midst of some brilliant literature and we've been some brilliant literature and we've been some brilliant literature and we've been sort of unpacking that literature sort of unpacking that literature sort of unpacking that literature because there's a a massive difference because there's a a massive difference because there's a a massive difference between understanding what happened and between understanding what happened and between understanding what happened and understanding what it means. You know understanding what it means. You know understanding what it means. You know this in life when you see circumstances this in life when you see circumstances this in life when you see circumstances and situations you can talk about what and situations you can talk about what and situations you can talk about what happened but what's makes it really happened but what's makes it really happened but what's makes it really valuable is when you understand what it valuable is when you understand what it valuable is when you understand what it means. And we spent a lot of time means. And we spent a lot of time means. And we spent a lot of time carefully considering the literary carefully considering the literary carefully considering the literary context and the structure of this context and the structure of this context and the structure of this narrative and the author's intentions narrative and the author's intentions narrative and the author's intentions trying to put on an ancient Hebrew trying to put on an ancient Hebrew trying to put on an ancient Hebrew mindset because that's who the original mindset because that's who the original mindset because that's who the original audience was and that's who it was audience was and that's who it was audience was and that's who it was written to. One of the things we said is written to. One of the things we said is written to. One of the things we said is uh the creation story, the backdrop of uh the creation story, the backdrop of uh the creation story, the backdrop of the creation story is critical for the creation story is critical for the creation story is critical for understanding that. And so we actually understanding that. And so we actually understanding that. And so we actually went back uh to the creation story and went back uh to the creation story and went back uh to the creation story and in the creation story uh we saw in the in the creation story uh we saw in the in the creation story uh we saw in the beginning were the waters. There were beginning were the waters. There were beginning were the waters. There were the waters that uh God's spirit was the waters that uh God's spirit was the waters that uh God's spirit was hovering over. That's what we're told in hovering over. That's what we're told in hovering over. That's what we're told in Genesis 1. And uh God's spirit was Genesis 1. And uh God's spirit was Genesis 1. And uh God's spirit was hovering over the waters. And then what hovering over the waters. And then what hovering over the waters. And then what God did was he separated the waters. He

God did was he separated the waters. He God did was he separated the waters. He separated the waters above from the separated the waters above from the separated the waters above from the waters below. And he made dry land in in waters below. And he made dry land in in waters below. And he made dry land in in between. And we talked about the fact between. And we talked about the fact between. And we talked about the fact that in the Genesis account, chapters 1 that in the Genesis account, chapters 1 that in the Genesis account, chapters 1 through three are about God separating. through three are about God separating. through three are about God separating. He separates the waters from the land. He separates the waters from the land. He separates the waters from the land. And he separates the um uh the the um And he separates the um uh the the um And he separates the um uh the the um the sun or the light from the dark. and the sun or the light from the dark. and the sun or the light from the dark. and and then he he creates. So there's and then he he creates. So there's and then he he creates. So there's separation in chapters 1 through 3 and separation in chapters 1 through 3 and separation in chapters 1 through 3 and expansion in chapter 4 through 6. And as expansion in chapter 4 through 6. And as expansion in chapter 4 through 6. And as God's separating the thing that he's God's separating the thing that he's God's separating the thing that he's describing that he's doing is he's describing that he's doing is he's describing that he's doing is he's taking chaos, which is what the waters taking chaos, which is what the waters taking chaos, which is what the waters represented in the beginning. It it was represented in the beginning. It it was represented in the beginning. It it was the the phrase the Hebrew phrase is to the the phrase the Hebrew phrase is to the the phrase the Hebrew phrase is to vavu, which means wild and waste. It's vavu, which means wild and waste. It's vavu, which means wild and waste. It's this chaotic waters and he's separating this chaotic waters and he's separating this chaotic waters and he's separating them and he's creating order. It's what them and he's creating order. It's what them and he's creating order. It's what he does in creation. And when we get to he does in creation. And when we get to he does in creation. And when we get to the end of the creation story at the end the end of the creation story at the end the end of the creation story at the end of chapter 1, seven times he looks at of chapter 1, seven times he looks at of chapter 1, seven times he looks at all the things that he created and he all the things that he created and he all the things that he created and he said it was good. He saw everything and said it was good. He saw everything and said it was good. He saw everything and he said it was good and then he gave it he said it was good and then he gave it he said it was good and then he gave it over to the man and his wife. He gave over to the man and his wife. He gave over to the man and his wife. He gave them uh the opportunity to rule over them uh the opportunity to rule over them uh the opportunity to rule over every living thing and he gave them this every living thing and he gave them this every living thing and he gave them this mandate to be fruitful and multiply. And mandate to be fruitful and multiply. And mandate to be fruitful and multiply. And the idea of being fruitful and and the idea of being fruitful and and the idea of being fruitful and and multiplying was to be fruitful with the multiplying was to be fruitful with the multiplying was to be fruitful with the good things that God had given them and good things that God had given them and good things that God had given them and then to multiply that good in the world.

then to multiply that good in the world. then to multiply that good in the world. As we get to chapter six in Genesis, As we get to chapter six in Genesis, As we get to chapter six in Genesis, which is where the flood story is, uh it which is where the flood story is, uh it which is where the flood story is, uh it opens with this idea uh that's now being opens with this idea uh that's now being opens with this idea uh that's now being echoed for a fourth time. It's the echoed for a fourth time. It's the echoed for a fourth time. It's the fourth uh in a series of stories where fourth uh in a series of stories where fourth uh in a series of stories where different than God, man saw something different than God, man saw something different than God, man saw something and instead of seeing the goodness God and instead of seeing the goodness God and instead of seeing the goodness God created, they saw something that seemed created, they saw something that seemed created, they saw something that seemed good to them. In the end, it resulted in good to them. In the end, it resulted in good to them. In the end, it resulted in evil. They took what they saw that evil. They took what they saw that evil. They took what they saw that seemed good. God gave what he saw as seemed good. God gave what he saw as seemed good. God gave what he saw as good to us and we took what we saw good to us and we took what we saw good to us and we took what we saw seemed good. It happened in the story of seemed good. It happened in the story of seemed good. It happened in the story of Eve in Genesis chapter 3 and with Cain Eve in Genesis chapter 3 and with Cain Eve in Genesis chapter 3 and with Cain in Genesis chapter 4 in chapter 5 with in Genesis chapter 4 in chapter 5 with in Genesis chapter 4 in chapter 5 with Lamech and now it's it's increasing the Lamech and now it's it's increasing the Lamech and now it's it's increasing the intensifying multiplication of evil of intensifying multiplication of evil of intensifying multiplication of evil of raw in the world is happening now in raw in the world is happening now in raw in the world is happening now in chapter 6 there's these cosmic beings chapter 6 there's these cosmic beings chapter 6 there's these cosmic beings these celestial beings and uh this the these celestial beings and uh this the these celestial beings and uh this the daughters of man uh who are operating daughters of man uh who are operating daughters of man uh who are operating outside the natural order of God's cre outside the natural order of God's cre outside the natural order of God's cre created intended order for the world and created intended order for the world and created intended order for the world and what's happening now is that the world, what's happening now is that the world, what's happening now is that the world, what's being described, we've spent a what's being described, we've spent a what's being described, we've spent a lot of time unpacking this last week, is lot of time unpacking this last week, is lot of time unpacking this last week, is that the world is collapsing back in on that the world is collapsing back in on that the world is collapsing back in on itself and and the waters, the itself and and the waters, the itself and and the waters, the floodwaters, the chaos is being brought floodwaters, the chaos is being brought floodwaters, the chaos is being brought back into the world. And man, because of back into the world. And man, because of back into the world. And man, because of man's choices, has brought chaos back man's choices, has brought chaos back man's choices, has brought chaos back into the midst of the order that God into the midst of the order that God into the midst of the order that God designed and he created in the world.

designed and he created in the world. designed and he created in the world. And this is the difference in the story. And this is the difference in the story. And this is the difference in the story. This is what we discovered last week is This is what we discovered last week is This is what we discovered last week is God's not angry. Maybe that's the the God's not angry. Maybe that's the the God's not angry. Maybe that's the the version of the story you grew up with. version of the story you grew up with. version of the story you grew up with. God's not angry and he's not wiping out God's not angry and he's not wiping out God's not angry and he's not wiping out humanity. And his anger, the text tells humanity. And his anger, the text tells humanity. And his anger, the text tells us that God is grieved. And what's us that God is grieved. And what's us that God is grieved. And what's actually happening is he's handing actually happening is he's handing actually happening is he's handing humanity over to its desires. humanity over to its desires. humanity over to its desires. And because of that, catastrophe is And because of that, catastrophe is And because of that, catastrophe is inevitable. The chaos is taking over and inevitable. The chaos is taking over and inevitable. The chaos is taking over and it's becoming pervasive and it's it's becoming pervasive and it's it's becoming pervasive and it's multiplying in the world. And before the multiplying in the world. And before the multiplying in the world. And before the story ever introduces an arc or a flood, story ever introduces an arc or a flood, story ever introduces an arc or a flood, it poses this question to us. And the it poses this question to us. And the it poses this question to us. And the question is, who gets to define what is question is, who gets to define what is question is, who gets to define what is good? Who gets to define what is good good? Who gets to define what is good good? Who gets to define what is good for you? When when it comes to the for you? When when it comes to the for you? When when it comes to the world, the big question that we start world, the big question that we start world, the big question that we start with is we see good differently than with is we see good differently than with is we see good differently than God. And the question that we we we kind God. And the question that we we we kind God. And the question that we we we kind of zeroed in on more specifically even of zeroed in on more specifically even of zeroed in on more specifically even than this uh last week is who possess than this uh last week is who possess than this uh last week is who possess possesses decision rights when it comes possesses decision rights when it comes possesses decision rights when it comes to what is good for your life. Today to what is good for your life. Today to what is good for your life. Today we're going to pick up uh sort of right we're going to pick up uh sort of right we're going to pick up uh sort of right where we left off last week and we're where we left off last week and we're where we left off last week and we're going to pick up in the story uh at the going to pick up in the story uh at the going to pick up in the story uh at the verse we left off with last week and verse we left off with last week and verse we left off with last week and we're going to wrestle with a second we're going to wrestle with a second we're going to wrestle with a second question that we're confronted with in question that we're confronted with in question that we're confronted with in this narrative and and we're going to this narrative and and we're going to this narrative and and we're going to get to the animals and we're going to get to the animals and we're going to get to the animals and we're going to get to the flood just not yet. We're get to the flood just not yet. We're get to the flood just not yet. We're going to get to those. But there's so going to get to those. But there's so going to get to those. But there's so much in this story and just remember much in this story and just remember much in this story and just remember God's grieving because of the God's grieving because of the God's grieving because of the catastrophe that's inevitable. And then catastrophe that's inevitable. And then catastrophe that's inevitable. And then Noah, we're told Noah found favor in the

Noah, we're told Noah found favor in the Noah, we're told Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. So imagine this is the eyes of the Lord. So imagine this is the eyes of the Lord. So imagine this is the author writing to the original audience author writing to the original audience author writing to the original audience and the the the imagery is that God's and the the the imagery is that God's and the the the imagery is that God's looking at all that's happened and he's looking at all that's happened and he's looking at all that's happened and he's grieved and his eyes rest on one named grieved and his eyes rest on one named grieved and his eyes rest on one named Noah Noah Noah who God favored. He favored him because who God favored. He favored him because who God favored. He favored him because of who Noah was. And if you're still of who Noah was. And if you're still of who Noah was. And if you're still wrestling with whether God was angry or wrestling with whether God was angry or wrestling with whether God was angry or whether he was grieved, Noah's name whether he was grieved, Noah's name whether he was grieved, Noah's name means to comfort or to console or to means to comfort or to console or to means to comfort or to console or to find rest. And so the author is telling find rest. And so the author is telling find rest. And so the author is telling us that God found some comfort and was us that God found some comfort and was us that God found some comfort and was consoled in all that he saw when he saw consoled in all that he saw when he saw consoled in all that he saw when he saw Noah because Noah was a righteous man, Noah because Noah was a righteous man, Noah because Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. And Noah blameless in his generation. And Noah blameless in his generation. And Noah walked with God. This is echoing also walked with God. This is echoing also walked with God. This is echoing also the Genesis when Genesis account when the Genesis when Genesis account when the Genesis when Genesis account when when the man and his wife walked in the when the man and his wife walked in the when the man and his wife walked in the cool of the day in the garden with God. cool of the day in the garden with God. cool of the day in the garden with God. And and by righteous, we're not being And and by righteous, we're not being And and by righteous, we're not being told that that Noah was perfect. That's told that that Noah was perfect. That's told that that Noah was perfect. That's not the idea that the author would have not the idea that the author would have not the idea that the author would have had in mind. He Noah did what was right had in mind. He Noah did what was right had in mind. He Noah did what was right as far as he could tell. He does what is as far as he could tell. He does what is as far as he could tell. He does what is right by God, which is what it means to right by God, which is what it means to right by God, which is what it means to be in a righteous relationship. When you be in a righteous relationship. When you be in a righteous relationship. When you do right by somebody, you're honoring do right by somebody, you're honoring do right by somebody, you're honoring who they are and you're honoring who who they are and you're honoring who who they are and you're honoring who they are in relationship to you. This they are in relationship to you. This they are in relationship to you. This happens uh uh with your boss as an happens uh uh with your boss as an happens uh uh with your boss as an employee. When you honor them and their employee. When you honor them and their employee. When you honor them and their position and who they are and the position and who they are and the position and who they are and the authority that they have, you're in authority that they have, you're in authority that they have, you're in right relationship. This happens between

right relationship. This happens between right relationship. This happens between parents and kids. When your when kids parents and kids. When your when kids parents and kids. When your when kids honor their parents, they stay in right honor their parents, they stay in right honor their parents, they stay in right relationship with them. This happens relationship with them. This happens relationship with them. This happens with teammates. Uh this happens with with teammates. Uh this happens with with teammates. Uh this happens with local authorities and law enforcement. local authorities and law enforcement. local authorities and law enforcement. To stay in right relationship, to have a To stay in right relationship, to have a To stay in right relationship, to have a righteous relationship is to do right by righteous relationship is to do right by righteous relationship is to do right by somebody. And God's Noah's doing right somebody. And God's Noah's doing right somebody. And God's Noah's doing right by God. So Noah God gives decides to by God. So Noah God gives decides to by God. So Noah God gives decides to give Noah instructions for how to give Noah instructions for how to give Noah instructions for how to prepare for what's coming. There's a prepare for what's coming. There's a prepare for what's coming. There's a catastrophe coming and God gives Noah catastrophe coming and God gives Noah catastrophe coming and God gives Noah instructions so that he can prepare. And instructions so that he can prepare. And instructions so that he can prepare. And this is what he says. Make yourself an this is what he says. Make yourself an this is what he says. Make yourself an ark. And it's not what you think. I'm ark. And it's not what you think. I'm ark. And it's not what you think. I'm I'm so excited about today. I've been I'm so excited about today. I've been I'm so excited about today. I've been waiting uh for this moment. Uh some of waiting uh for this moment. Uh some of waiting uh for this moment. Uh some of you know I like to draw. We're going to you know I like to draw. We're going to you know I like to draw. We're going to draw an arc, but not yet. Uh we have to draw an arc, but not yet. Uh we have to draw an arc, but not yet. Uh we have to talk about this word, this word ark. talk about this word, this word ark. talk about this word, this word ark. It's an interesting word. It's actually It's an interesting word. It's actually It's an interesting word. It's actually not even a Hebrew word. You're thinking, not even a Hebrew word. You're thinking, not even a Hebrew word. You're thinking, well, why is it in the Hebrew Bible? well, why is it in the Hebrew Bible? well, why is it in the Hebrew Bible? This word was a borrowed Egyptian word. This word was a borrowed Egyptian word. This word was a borrowed Egyptian word. It's the word tabbah. And it's it's sort It's the word tabbah. And it's it's sort It's the word tabbah. And it's it's sort of given it's been given uh some Hebrew of given it's been given uh some Hebrew of given it's been given uh some Hebrew uh linguistics to it, but it's a it's an uh linguistics to it, but it's a it's an uh linguistics to it, but it's a it's an Egyptian word, this word tabah. And the Egyptian word, this word tabah. And the Egyptian word, this word tabah. And the word actually it doesn't mean boat.

word actually it doesn't mean boat. word actually it doesn't mean boat. Believe it or not, that actually the Believe it or not, that actually the Believe it or not, that actually the boat if you were to or the the the word boat if you were to or the the the word boat if you were to or the the the word tabbah if you were to translate it tabbah if you were to translate it tabbah if you were to translate it literally, it means chest or box or literally, it means chest or box or literally, it means chest or box or coffin. This is this is what the word coffin. This is this is what the word coffin. This is this is what the word means. And and the Hebrew writer, he means. And and the Hebrew writer, he means. And and the Hebrew writer, he could have used the word on. Onia means could have used the word on. Onia means could have used the word on. Onia means ship. That's a that's a a word that's ship. That's a that's a a word that's ship. That's a that's a a word that's used in the Old Testament. It was used used in the Old Testament. It was used used in the Old Testament. It was used in the story of Jonah. The ancient in the story of Jonah. The ancient in the story of Jonah. The ancient Hebrew word for ship or boat is on. And Hebrew word for ship or boat is on. And Hebrew word for ship or boat is on. And he doesn't use that word. He conjures up he doesn't use that word. He conjures up he doesn't use that word. He conjures up the idea of this sort of this treasure the idea of this sort of this treasure the idea of this sort of this treasure chest is is the idea. And this is chest is is the idea. And this is chest is is the idea. And this is different than the ark of the covenant. different than the ark of the covenant. different than the ark of the covenant. Different word for ark there. But there Different word for ark there. But there Different word for ark there. But there is a relationship. You'll you'll see in is a relationship. You'll you'll see in is a relationship. You'll you'll see in a minute and we'll talk about later. But a minute and we'll talk about later. But a minute and we'll talk about later. But um uh this word I it it it was found um um uh this word I it it it was found um um uh this word I it it it was found um in a lot of ancient Egyptian writings. in a lot of ancient Egyptian writings. in a lot of ancient Egyptian writings. In fact, these tabas they were found in In fact, these tabas they were found in In fact, these tabas they were found in all of the Egyptian temples. And this is all of the Egyptian temples. And this is all of the Egyptian temples. And this is wild because um you know in the in the wild because um you know in the in the wild because um you know in the in the Egyptian temples there were these boxes Egyptian temples there were these boxes Egyptian temples there were these boxes and what they contained in these boxes and what they contained in these boxes and what they contained in these boxes is they contained images is they contained images is they contained images of gods. that that's what was in these of gods. that that's what was in these of gods. that that's what was in these Egyptian boxes. They were sort of idols Egyptian boxes. They were sort of idols Egyptian boxes. They were sort of idols or these were sort of sacred shrine or these were sort of sacred shrine or these were sort of sacred shrine boxes. And this word this word to this boxes. And this word this word to this boxes. And this word this word to this word to buy it only appears two times in word to buy it only appears two times in word to buy it only appears two times in the entire uh uh Old Testament the entire uh uh Old Testament the entire uh uh Old Testament scriptures. And um it it it appears in scriptures. And um it it it appears in scriptures. And um it it it appears in this story of Noah and it appears in one this story of Noah and it appears in one this story of Noah and it appears in one other story. Does anybody know the

other story. Does anybody know the other story. Does anybody know the story? story? story? Oh, this is so good. It's the story of Oh, this is so good. It's the story of Oh, this is so good. It's the story of Moses. Moses. Moses. the basket that God instructs his mother the basket that God instructs his mother the basket that God instructs his mother to make to preserve his life in the to make to preserve his life in the to make to preserve his life in the story of Moses. That basket, you'll see story of Moses. That basket, you'll see story of Moses. That basket, you'll see in a second, very similar instructions, in a second, very similar instructions, in a second, very similar instructions, is the only other place that that that is the only other place that that that is the only other place that that that this exists. And here's the point. The this exists. And here's the point. The this exists. And here's the point. The author wants us to think preservation. author wants us to think preservation. author wants us to think preservation. That's the idea that there's something That's the idea that there's something That's the idea that there's something valuable that needs to be preserved. And valuable that needs to be preserved. And valuable that needs to be preserved. And this is this word was intentionally this is this word was intentionally this is this word was intentionally chosen so that different than any other chosen so that different than any other chosen so that different than any other Hebrew word. In fact, this word is not a Hebrew word. In fact, this word is not a Hebrew word. In fact, this word is not a word that they would have used. They word that they would have used. They word that they would have used. They would have been familiar, but they they would have been familiar, but they they would have been familiar, but they they would not have used this word. He used would not have used this word. He used would not have used this word. He used this word so that they would think this word so that they would think this word so that they would think preservation. He says, "Make an ark and preservation. He says, "Make an ark and preservation. He says, "Make an ark and make it of gopher wood. Make rooms in make it of gopher wood. Make rooms in make it of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and out with the ark and cover it inside and out with the ark and cover it inside and out with pitch." I want you to remember that. pitch." I want you to remember that. pitch." I want you to remember that. Cover it inside and out with pitch. It's Cover it inside and out with pitch. It's Cover it inside and out with pitch. It's the same instructions Moses's mother was the same instructions Moses's mother was the same instructions Moses's mother was given. Make the basket. Make this ark to given. Make the basket. Make this ark to given. Make the basket. Make this ark to preserve Moses's life. There's chaos.

preserve Moses's life. There's chaos. preserve Moses's life. There's chaos. There's danger. The Pharaoh is killing There's danger. The Pharaoh is killing There's danger. The Pharaoh is killing all the firstborn babies so that he all the firstborn babies so that he all the firstborn babies so that he could preserve his kingdom. He could could preserve his kingdom. He could could preserve his kingdom. He could protect his kingdom. And he says, God protect his kingdom. And he says, God protect his kingdom. And he says, God says to Moses's mother, "Construct this says to Moses's mother, "Construct this says to Moses's mother, "Construct this ark, this basket, and cover it with ark, this basket, and cover it with ark, this basket, and cover it with pitch inside and out." Same language, pitch inside and out." Same language, pitch inside and out." Same language, same idea, same instructions. And he same idea, same instructions. And he same idea, same instructions. And he says this, this is how you are to make says this, this is how you are to make says this, this is how you are to make it. So construct this thing and cover it it. So construct this thing and cover it it. So construct this thing and cover it inside and out. And this is the size. So inside and out. And this is the size. So inside and out. And this is the size. So we we have very specific instructions. we we have very specific instructions. we we have very specific instructions. The length of the ark, the length of the The length of the ark, the length of the The length of the ark, the length of the ark is 300 cubits. Its breadth 50 ark is 300 cubits. Its breadth 50 ark is 300 cubits. Its breadth 50 cubits, excuse me, [clears throat] and cubits, excuse me, [clears throat] and cubits, excuse me, [clears throat] and its height 30 cubits. Now a cubit's its height 30 cubits. Now a cubit's its height 30 cubits. Now a cubit's about a foot and a half. So this the about a foot and a half. So this the about a foot and a half. So this the length of the ark is about 475 or excuse length of the ark is about 475 or excuse length of the ark is about 475 or excuse me, 450 ft, which is about a football me, 450 ft, which is about a football me, 450 ft, which is about a football field and a half. And its width is only field and a half. And its width is only field and a half. And its width is only about half of the width of a football about half of the width of a football about half of the width of a football field, about 75 feet. And its height is field, about 75 feet. And its height is field, about 75 feet. And its height is about 45 feet or about the size of a about 45 feet or about the size of a about 45 feet or about the size of a three-story building. So this is a very three-story building. So this is a very three-story building. So this is a very interesting structure. And it's it's not interesting structure. And it's it's not interesting structure. And it's it's not what was taught to you. Um as a matter what was taught to you. Um as a matter what was taught to you. Um as a matter of fact, if I take the literal of fact, if I take the literal of fact, if I take the literal directions and I draw what is described directions and I draw what is described directions and I draw what is described by the author of Genesis, this is what by the author of Genesis, this is what by the author of Genesis, this is what we get. If we draw something long and we get. If we draw something long and we get. If we draw something long and and maybe it should have even been a and maybe it should have even been a and maybe it should have even been a little bit longer, but some of you are little bit longer, but some of you are little bit longer, but some of you are like, "That's the oddest looking thing like, "That's the oddest looking thing like, "That's the oddest looking thing I've ever seen. It doesn't look like any I've ever seen. It doesn't look like any I've ever seen. It doesn't look like any arc I've ever seen. It looks like a big arc I've ever seen. It looks like a big arc I've ever seen. It looks like a big banker's box is what it looks like." And

banker's box is what it looks like." And banker's box is what it looks like." And that was the idea. He said, "I want you that was the idea. He said, "I want you that was the idea. He said, "I want you to create a big box." Dr. Michael to create a big box." Dr. Michael to create a big box." Dr. Michael Morales, uh, who, um, has done a lot of Morales, uh, who, um, has done a lot of Morales, uh, who, um, has done a lot of work, uh, on the Genesis story and the work, uh, on the Genesis story and the work, uh, on the Genesis story and the the the the first really the first five the the the first really the first five the the the first really the first five books of the Bible. um he's a a books of the Bible. um he's a a books of the Bible. um he's a a brilliant um uh academic uh and scholar brilliant um uh academic uh and scholar brilliant um uh academic uh and scholar when it comes to the Old Testament. He when it comes to the Old Testament. He when it comes to the Old Testament. He says this. He says, "While popular says this. He says, "While popular says this. He says, "While popular depictions of the ark often mislead one depictions of the ark often mislead one depictions of the ark often mislead one into viewing it as a boat." into viewing it as a boat." into viewing it as a boat." We Okay. The ark is not a boat. We Okay. The ark is not a boat. We Okay. The ark is not a boat. The vessel having no sails, no rudder, The vessel having no sails, no rudder, The vessel having no sails, no rudder, no orsman was not a boat. And Noah was no orsman was not a boat. And Noah was no orsman was not a boat. And Noah was no captain steering his own fate. The no captain steering his own fate. The no captain steering his own fate. The instructions to build the ark in Genesis instructions to build the ark in Genesis instructions to build the ark in Genesis 6 13-17 utilize three times as many 6 13-17 utilize three times as many 6 13-17 utilize three times as many verses than for the flood itself, verses than for the flood itself, verses than for the flood itself, demonstrating the emphasis on the ark demonstrating the emphasis on the ark demonstrating the emphasis on the ark itself as a means of deliverance. It's a itself as a means of deliverance. It's a itself as a means of deliverance. It's a means of preservation. They're not means of preservation. They're not means of preservation. They're not sailing anyway where they're not on a a sailing anyway where they're not on a a sailing anyway where they're not on a a trip to go to some dest destination.

trip to go to some dest destination. trip to go to some dest destination. This is about deliverance and it's about This is about deliverance and it's about This is about deliverance and it's about preservation. preservation. preservation. When the author uses the word tab and When the author uses the word tab and When the author uses the word tab and describes the shape of the box, they describes the shape of the box, they describes the shape of the box, they would have thought preservation of life. would have thought preservation of life. would have thought preservation of life. A and not only that, he goes on to say A and not only that, he goes on to say A and not only that, he goes on to say that the further description of the ark that the further description of the ark that the further description of the ark was symbolic of the temple. Look at was symbolic of the temple. Look at was symbolic of the temple. Look at this. Not only the word tab that would this. Not only the word tab that would this. Not only the word tab that would give hints of a temple. He says, "Make a give hints of a temple. He says, "Make a give hints of a temple. He says, "Make a roof for the ark and finish it uh to a roof for the ark and finish it uh to a roof for the ark and finish it uh to a cubit above and set a door on the side cubit above and set a door on the side cubit above and set a door on the side of the ark and make it with lower second of the ark and make it with lower second of the ark and make it with lower second and third decks." Now, this is and third decks." Now, this is and third decks." Now, this is important. This is this is fun. I I important. This is this is fun. I I important. This is this is fun. I I don't I don't I'm I'm using some um don't I don't I'm I'm using some um don't I don't I'm I'm using some um artistic liberties at this point, but artistic liberties at this point, but artistic liberties at this point, but but according to um the artist, which is but according to um the artist, which is but according to um the artist, which is me, uh this is what I imagine. This is me, uh this is what I imagine. This is me, uh this is what I imagine. This is this is what I imagine we're talking this is what I imagine we're talking this is what I imagine we're talking about. This is this is sort of what it about. This is this is sort of what it about. This is this is sort of what it looks like. And and and there's there's looks like. And and and there's there's looks like. And and and there's there's this roof that that get gets put on the this roof that that get gets put on the this roof that that get gets put on the ark. And then probably my guess is is is ark. And then probably my guess is is is ark. And then probably my guess is is is because there there there needed to be because there there there needed to be because there there there needed to be some vents at the top. He says only a some vents at the top. He says only a some vents at the top. He says only a cubit above. That's probably a little cubit above. That's probably a little cubit above. That's probably a little more in my drawing than a foot and foot more in my drawing than a foot and foot more in my drawing than a foot and foot and a half above. But but probably for and a half above. But but probably for and a half above. But but probably for some vents. And then it I'm not going to some vents. And then it I'm not going to some vents. And then it I'm not going to draw the door on the side because we're draw the door on the side because we're draw the door on the side because we're actually going to uh blow a gigantic actually going to uh blow a gigantic actually going to uh blow a gigantic hole in the side of the ark. And if we hole in the side of the ark. And if we hole in the side of the ark. And if we were to to to like carve open or uh dig were to to to like carve open or uh dig were to to to like carve open or uh dig a big hole in the side of the ark, one a big hole in the side of the ark, one a big hole in the side of the ark, one of the things we'd realize is that of the things we'd realize is that of the things we'd realize is that there's three as as it's described, what there's three as as it's described, what there's three as as it's described, what Noah was instructed to build was three

Noah was instructed to build was three Noah was instructed to build was three decks within the ark. So there was the decks within the ark. So there was the decks within the ark. So there was the lower deck which would have been down lower deck which would have been down lower deck which would have been down here at the bottom. Then a second deck here at the bottom. Then a second deck here at the bottom. Then a second deck here uh in the middle and then there was here uh in the middle and then there was here uh in the middle and then there was a third deck on top. A lower a middle a third deck on top. A lower a middle a third deck on top. A lower a middle or or a second as it as it says in the or or a second as it as it says in the or or a second as it as it says in the in the passage, a lower, a second, and a in the passage, a lower, a second, and a in the passage, a lower, a second, and a third deck. So So this is somewhat maybe third deck. So So this is somewhat maybe third deck. So So this is somewhat maybe what what was constructed inside the what what was constructed inside the what what was constructed inside the ark. And so this is actually probably ark. And so this is actually probably ark. And so this is actually probably and again um just my interpretation but and again um just my interpretation but and again um just my interpretation but based on the information that we're based on the information that we're based on the information that we're given and the information that uh as given and the information that uh as given and the information that uh as I've studied and and learned about this I've studied and and learned about this I've studied and and learned about this these ancient tabbas this is the image these ancient tabbas this is the image these ancient tabbas this is the image that would have come to mind. This is that would have come to mind. This is that would have come to mind. This is what they would have looked like. They what they would have looked like. They what they would have looked like. They would have they would have thought of a would have they would have thought of a would have they would have thought of a box with a roof on it and these ancient box with a roof on it and these ancient box with a roof on it and these ancient temples. The reason why um Michael temples. The reason why um Michael temples. The reason why um Michael Morales says it would it was images of a Morales says it would it was images of a Morales says it would it was images of a temple is because all the ancient temple is because all the ancient temple is because all the ancient temples had three levels to them. And temples had three levels to them. And temples had three levels to them. And all those ancient Egyptian temples they all those ancient Egyptian temples they all those ancient Egyptian temples they they had um uh levels of heaven, earth they had um uh levels of heaven, earth they had um uh levels of heaven, earth and wa the waters below. That's that's and wa the waters below. That's that's and wa the waters below. That's that's what it symbolized. And you got to what it symbolized. And you got to what it symbolized. And you got to remember the people who are reading this remember the people who are reading this remember the people who are reading this for the first time. And I know some of for the first time. And I know some of for the first time. And I know some of you that are new to church, you're like you that are new to church, you're like you that are new to church, you're like this are new to the Bible. These are this are new to the Bible. These are this are new to the Bible. These are people who've just come out of Egypt.

people who've just come out of Egypt. people who've just come out of Egypt. Maybe you've heard of the Exodus. They Maybe you've heard of the Exodus. They Maybe you've heard of the Exodus. They were enslaved. They were pulled out of were enslaved. They were pulled out of were enslaved. They were pulled out of Egypt and the Genesis writer is writing Egypt and the Genesis writer is writing Egypt and the Genesis writer is writing to them about their God and their to them about their God and their to them about their God and their history that they have no idea about history that they have no idea about history that they have no idea about because they've been enslaved for 40 because they've been enslaved for 40 because they've been enslaved for 40 years. Many of the next generation, they years. Many of the next generation, they years. Many of the next generation, they don't know any of this. And so, uh, don't know any of this. And so, uh, don't know any of this. And so, uh, because of their slavery, he's because of their slavery, he's because of their slavery, he's reintroducing them, uh, and he's using reintroducing them, uh, and he's using reintroducing them, uh, and he's using language, the Egyptian language, Taba. language, the Egyptian language, Taba. language, the Egyptian language, Taba. He's using these this imagery to help He's using these this imagery to help He's using these this imagery to help them understand the story and how it them understand the story and how it them understand the story and how it connects. And the creation story, by the connects. And the creation story, by the connects. And the creation story, by the way, just a few pages back, this this way, just a few pages back, this this way, just a few pages back, this this would have been um uh uh more echoes of would have been um uh uh more echoes of would have been um uh uh more echoes of Eden cuz Eden was sort of like a sacred Eden cuz Eden was sort of like a sacred Eden cuz Eden was sort of like a sacred temple area. That's that's how they temple area. That's that's how they temple area. That's that's how they would have understood it. And again, we would have understood it. And again, we would have understood it. And again, we have to remember we're parachuting in on have to remember we're parachuting in on have to remember we're parachuting in on a story in Genesis chapter 6, the flood a story in Genesis chapter 6, the flood a story in Genesis chapter 6, the flood story with Noah. But this is part of a story with Noah. But this is part of a story with Noah. But this is part of a bigger narrative. I mean, there's only bigger narrative. I mean, there's only bigger narrative. I mean, there's only five chapters before this. This is this five chapters before this. This is this five chapters before this. This is this is part of the the story. This is part is part of the the story. This is part is part of the the story. This is part of the flow of the book. And when they of the flow of the book. And when they of the flow of the book. And when they they heard this in these three levels, they heard this in these three levels, they heard this in these three levels, they would have realized that there's they would have realized that there's they would have realized that there's symbolism of the garden. And the truth symbolism of the garden. And the truth symbolism of the garden. And the truth is is when we're told in Genesis chapter is is when we're told in Genesis chapter is is when we're told in Genesis chapter 1 and two and three that when God 1 and two and three that when God 1 and two and three that when God constructed the world, he constructed constructed the world, he constructed constructed the world, he constructed Eden. And then east in the east of Eden, Eden. And then east in the east of Eden, Eden. And then east in the east of Eden, he created a garden for the man and his he created a garden for the man and his he created a garden for the man and his wife to live in. And then he in the wife to live in. And then he in the wife to live in. And then he in the middle of the garden, he constructed middle of the garden, he constructed middle of the garden, he constructed something and he he he he gave uh two he

something and he he he he gave uh two he something and he he he he gave uh two he gave him two specific trees in the gave him two specific trees in the gave him two specific trees in the middle of the garden. Some of you middle of the garden. Some of you middle of the garden. Some of you remember this. And they were they were remember this. And they were they were remember this. And they were they were the trees of life. The tree of life the trees of life. The tree of life the trees of life. The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and the tree of the knowledge of good and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We talked a little bit about and evil. We talked a little bit about and evil. We talked a little bit about that last week. the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge and the tree of the knowledge where they got in trouble. The knowledge where they got in trouble. The knowledge where they got in trouble. The knowledge of Tove of Tove of Tove and Rah. And this would have been one of and Rah. And this would have been one of and Rah. And this would have been one of the images, the three layers. It's why the images, the three layers. It's why the images, the three layers. It's why the the the language was written the way the the the language was written the way the the the language was written the way the the literary structure is the way it the the literary structure is the way it the the literary structure is the way it is in Genesis. And there's echoes of is in Genesis. And there's echoes of is in Genesis. And there's echoes of this here. Now, fast forward because this here. Now, fast forward because this here. Now, fast forward because this comes later. We don't have the this comes later. We don't have the this comes later. We don't have the benefit. We're not going to go this far benefit. We're not going to go this far benefit. We're not going to go this far in the story, but if we kept reading in the story, but if we kept reading in the story, but if we kept reading these people that have come out of these people that have come out of these people that have come out of Egypt, they're now in the wilderness, Egypt, they're now in the wilderness, Egypt, they're now in the wilderness, and God is having them construct a and God is having them construct a and God is having them construct a temple or or a tabernacle. It's a it's a temple or or a tabernacle. It's a it's a temple or or a tabernacle. It's a it's a it's a structure that they can uh that it's a structure that they can uh that it's a structure that they can uh that they can construct and then tear down they can construct and then tear down they can construct and then tear down when they move to a new place. And this when they move to a new place. And this when they move to a new place. And this is where they meet with God. Some of you is where they meet with God. Some of you is where they meet with God. Some of you have heard of the tabernacle. And in the have heard of the tabernacle. And in the have heard of the tabernacle. And in the wilderness, they constructed this wilderness, they constructed this wilderness, they constructed this tabernacle. And if you've ever seen a a tabernacle. And if you've ever seen a a tabernacle. And if you've ever seen a a drawing or a the way that the tabernacle drawing or a the way that the tabernacle drawing or a the way that the tabernacle was constructed is it looks something was constructed is it looks something was constructed is it looks something like this. And this this outer line like this. And this this outer line like this. And this this outer line represents an outer courts to the temple represents an outer courts to the temple represents an outer courts to the temple or to to the tabernacle. I keep saying or to to the tabernacle. I keep saying or to to the tabernacle. I keep saying the temple because the temple was the temple because the temple was the temple because the temple was constructed similarly um and followed

constructed similarly um and followed constructed similarly um and followed almost the same design later when the almost the same design later when the almost the same design later when the Solomon's temple was given. But there Solomon's temple was given. But there Solomon's temple was given. But there was this outer courts that you first was this outer courts that you first was this outer courts that you first entered into where uh you did some entered into where uh you did some entered into where uh you did some ceremonial cleansing. Um only certain ceremonial cleansing. Um only certain ceremonial cleansing. Um only certain people could go in the inner courts but people could go in the inner courts but people could go in the inner courts but people go in the outer courts to make people go in the outer courts to make people go in the outer courts to make sacrifices. And then there was the holy sacrifices. And then there was the holy sacrifices. And then there was the holy place. This was inside the tent. There place. This was inside the tent. There place. This was inside the tent. There was a holy place inside the tent. And was a holy place inside the tent. And was a holy place inside the tent. And then I don't have room to write this but then I don't have room to write this but then I don't have room to write this but the some of you have heard of this. The the some of you have heard of this. The the some of you have heard of this. The holy of holies. This is where the ark of holy of holies. This is where the ark of holy of holies. This is where the ark of the covenant was. And so you're the covenant was. And so you're the covenant was. And so you're beginning to see these three levels and beginning to see these three levels and beginning to see these three levels and and Eden and the the the design of the and Eden and the the the design of the and Eden and the the the design of the tabernacle that had a similar layout. tabernacle that had a similar layout. tabernacle that had a similar layout. Again, the temple that came later was Again, the temple that came later was Again, the temple that came later was Solomon. And it's because the ark, and Solomon. And it's because the ark, and Solomon. And it's because the ark, and I'm this is a madeup term, so just go I'm this is a madeup term, so just go I'm this is a madeup term, so just go with me for a second. We're getting to with me for a second. We're getting to with me for a second. We're getting to something that actually has something to something that actually has something to something that actually has something to do with you. I promise. The ark is a do with you. I promise. The ark is a do with you. I promise. The ark is a symbolic Eden temple, if you will. Um it symbolic Eden temple, if you will. Um it symbolic Eden temple, if you will. Um it it reflects ancient sacred spaces. God's it reflects ancient sacred spaces. God's it reflects ancient sacred spaces. God's saying, "I want you to construct saying, "I want you to construct saying, "I want you to construct construct a sacred sacred space um in construct a sacred sacred space um in construct a sacred sacred space um in this ark." And it's significant. These this ark." And it's significant. These this ark." And it's significant. These sacred spaces were significant because sacred spaces were significant because sacred spaces were significant because this is um where the preservation of this is um where the preservation of this is um where the preservation of life happened. This is this is where life happened. This is this is where life happened. This is this is where they ate of the tree of life in the they ate of the tree of life in the they ate of the tree of life in the middle of the garden. And this is where middle of the garden. And this is where middle of the garden. And this is where they communed with God. This is where they communed with God. This is where they communed with God. This is where they walked with God in the cool of the they walked with God in the cool of the they walked with God in the cool of the day. This is where in the holy of holies

day. This is where in the holy of holies day. This is where in the holy of holies they met with God. God gave instructions they met with God. God gave instructions they met with God. God gave instructions for the preservation of the people of for the preservation of the people of for the preservation of the people of God. This is where the the high priest God. This is where the the high priest God. This is where the the high priest would commune and he would relate with would commune and he would relate with would commune and he would relate with God. Some of you are thinking, "Okay, God. Some of you are thinking, "Okay, God. Some of you are thinking, "Okay, that's all so interesting. I don't know that's all so interesting. I don't know that's all so interesting. I don't know if all that's true or not, but I'll take if all that's true or not, but I'll take if all that's true or not, but I'll take your word for it. So what? your word for it. So what? your word for it. So what? So what? I'm so glad you asked." It's a So what? I'm so glad you asked." It's a So what? I'm so glad you asked." It's a great question. You should pat yourself great question. You should pat yourself great question. You should pat yourself on the back for asking the question. So on the back for asking the question. So on the back for asking the question. So what? Here's what the Apostle Paul wrote what? Here's what the Apostle Paul wrote what? Here's what the Apostle Paul wrote because this has to do with you. On the because this has to do with you. On the because this has to do with you. On the other side of Jesus, he gave his life so other side of Jesus, he gave his life so other side of Jesus, he gave his life so that you could have life and then he that you could have life and then he that you could have life and then he placed his life inside of you. The placed his life inside of you. The placed his life inside of you. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, he Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, he Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, he says, "Don't you realize that your body says, "Don't you realize that your body says, "Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in you and was given to you by lives in you and was given to you by lives in you and was given to you by God." God." God." Just give me a little attitude for a Just give me a little attitude for a Just give me a little attitude for a second. This, it's always dangerous when second. This, it's always dangerous when second. This, it's always dangerous when you draw people. So, I'm going to draw a you draw people. So, I'm going to draw a you draw people. So, I'm going to draw a circle. circle. circle. This is you. And the truth is, is your This is you. And the truth is, is your This is you. And the truth is, is your body body body is a temple. It's like a tabernacle.

is a temple. It's like a tabernacle. is a temple. It's like a tabernacle. It's like the garden. It's a sacred It's like the garden. It's a sacred It's like the garden. It's a sacred space. And God has placed his spirit, space. And God has placed his spirit, space. And God has placed his spirit, his presence inside of you. He's chosen his presence inside of you. He's chosen his presence inside of you. He's chosen to commune with you and preserve your to commune with you and preserve your to commune with you and preserve your life by leading and guiding you. 1 life by leading and guiding you. 1 life by leading and guiding you. 1 Thessalonians 5, this is still the Thessalonians 5, this is still the Thessalonians 5, this is still the Apostle Paul. He says, "May the God of Apostle Paul. He says, "May the God of Apostle Paul. He says, "May the God of peace make you holy in every way." peace make you holy in every way." peace make you holy in every way." Meaning align your life to God's life. Meaning align your life to God's life. Meaning align your life to God's life. It's sort of the same idea of right It's sort of the same idea of right It's sort of the same idea of right relationship in every way. And may your relationship in every way. And may your relationship in every way. And may your whole spirit and your soul and body be whole spirit and your soul and body be whole spirit and your soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus kept blameless until our Lord Jesus kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes. Here's the image. you Christ comes. Here's the image. you Christ comes. Here's the image. you you're you're complicated, by the way. you're you're complicated, by the way. you're you're complicated, by the way. Did you know that? Um [snorts] your your Did you know that? Um [snorts] your your Did you know that? Um [snorts] your your spouse probably told you that or your spouse probably told you that or your spouse probably told you that or your ex-spouse or exboyfriend or girlfriend, ex-spouse or exboyfriend or girlfriend, ex-spouse or exboyfriend or girlfriend, you're complicated. You are. And the you're complicated. You are. And the you're complicated. You are. And the Bible even confirms it. It says you're Bible even confirms it. It says you're Bible even confirms it. It says you're complicated. You have three parts. You complicated. You have three parts. You complicated. You have three parts. You have a body, you have a soul, and you have a body, you have a soul, and you have a body, you have a soul, and you have a spirit. And they're different. have a spirit. And they're different. have a spirit. And they're different. They're different parts of you. There's They're different parts of you. There's They're different parts of you. There's not three of you. There's just three not three of you. There's just three not three of you. There's just three parts of who you are. And your body is parts of who you are. And your body is parts of who you are. And your body is the physical part of you. It's the part the physical part of you. It's the part the physical part of you. It's the part everybody sees. It's it's not just the everybody sees. It's it's not just the everybody sees. It's it's not just the physical part when people see when they physical part when people see when they physical part when people see when they look to you. It's the activity of your look to you. It's the activity of your look to you. It's the activity of your life. It's what you do. It's your life. It's what you do. It's your life. It's what you do. It's your actions. It's how you live your life.

actions. It's how you live your life. actions. It's how you live your life. It's what people see. That's that's the It's what people see. That's that's the It's what people see. That's that's the physical part of you, your body. Then physical part of you, your body. Then physical part of you, your body. Then there's your soul. And your soul is your there's your soul. And your soul is your there's your soul. And your soul is your mind and your will and your emotions. It mind and your will and your emotions. It mind and your will and your emotions. It it's your own individual consciousness. it's your own individual consciousness. it's your own individual consciousness. It's what makes you unique. It's what It's what makes you unique. It's what It's what makes you unique. It's what people experience because what's people experience because what's people experience because what's happening on the inside of you always happening on the inside of you always happening on the inside of you always finds its way outside your mind and your finds its way outside your mind and your finds its way outside your mind and your will and your emotions. It controls the will and your emotions. It controls the will and your emotions. It controls the physicality of your life. We know that physicality of your life. We know that physicality of your life. We know that even through neuroscience. And then even through neuroscience. And then even through neuroscience. And then there's your spirit. And this is what there's your spirit. And this is what there's your spirit. And this is what the scriptures teach is that your spirit the scriptures teach is that your spirit the scriptures teach is that your spirit was given to you by God. It's an was given to you by God. It's an was given to you by God. It's an immaterial life force that brought you immaterial life force that brought you immaterial life force that brought you to life in the beginning when God to life in the beginning when God to life in the beginning when God Genesis chapter 1 breathed life ruah Genesis chapter 1 breathed life ruah Genesis chapter 1 breathed life ruah into the man and into the woman. That's into the man and into the woman. That's into the man and into the woman. That's how they have life. And this is you, how they have life. And this is you, how they have life. And this is you, your body, your soul, and your spirit. your body, your soul, and your spirit. your body, your soul, and your spirit. Let me ask you this question. What if Let me ask you this question. What if Let me ask you this question. What if this is the point of the story for us?

this is the point of the story for us? this is the point of the story for us? What if we were meant to think about our What if we were meant to think about our What if we were meant to think about our lives this way? lives this way? lives this way? to see our lives as a sacred space like to see our lives as a sacred space like to see our lives as a sacred space like all these other sacred spaces. An arc all these other sacred spaces. An arc all these other sacred spaces. An arc that if constructed well can endure that if constructed well can endure that if constructed well can endure life's storms life's storms life's storms and keep us from catastrophe. and keep us from catastrophe. and keep us from catastrophe. See, here's the second question I think See, here's the second question I think See, here's the second question I think the narrative is asking us before we get the narrative is asking us before we get the narrative is asking us before we get to the flood, before we get to the to the flood, before we get to the to the flood, before we get to the animals. The second question we're animals. The second question we're animals. The second question we're confronting with confronted with is confronting with confronted with is confronting with confronted with is whose instructions are constructing our whose instructions are constructing our whose instructions are constructing our lives. Noah was given very specific lives. Noah was given very specific lives. Noah was given very specific instructions. Now this question is much instructions. Now this question is much instructions. Now this question is much more invasive than the first question. more invasive than the first question. more invasive than the first question. The question last week, who gets to The question last week, who gets to The question last week, who gets to define what is good for you is is an define what is good for you is is an define what is good for you is is an important question, but but it's more important question, but but it's more important question, but but it's more general. This is specific. It's who is general. This is specific. It's who is general. This is specific. It's who is primarily instructing instructing what primarily instructing instructing what primarily instructing instructing what you are constructing in your life.

you are constructing in your life. you are constructing in your life. You're building something. You're You're building something. You're You're building something. You're building a career. You're building a building a career. You're building a building a career. You're building a life. You're building a family. And life. You're building a family. And life. You're building a family. And you're constructing something. Who is you're constructing something. Who is you're constructing something. Who is the primary instructor for what you are the primary instructor for what you are the primary instructor for what you are constructing? Whose instructions are constructing? Whose instructions are constructing? Whose instructions are constructing your life? Remember Noah, constructing your life? Remember Noah, constructing your life? Remember Noah, he was instructed very specifically he was instructed very specifically he was instructed very specifically about how to construct the ark. And part about how to construct the ark. And part about how to construct the ark. And part of those instructions was to make sure of those instructions was to make sure of those instructions was to make sure you didn't just construct it on the you didn't just construct it on the you didn't just construct it on the outside. outside. outside. It is to say it's not just about what It is to say it's not just about what It is to say it's not just about what happens in terms of what people see or happens in terms of what people see or happens in terms of what people see or behavior modification. This is the whole behavior modification. This is the whole behavior modification. This is the whole self. Noah was instructed to fortify the self. Noah was instructed to fortify the self. Noah was instructed to fortify the ark, to fortify this sacred space inside ark, to fortify this sacred space inside ark, to fortify this sacred space inside and out. and out. and out. So let me ask you who instructions are So let me ask you who instructions are So let me ask you who instructions are constructing your outer life, constructing your outer life, constructing your outer life, your your relational life, your your your relational life, your your your relational life, your professional life, your financial life.

professional life, your financial life. professional life, your financial life. Whose instructions are constructing your Whose instructions are constructing your Whose instructions are constructing your inner life, your personal life, your inner life, your personal life, your inner life, your personal life, your emotional well-being, your mental emotional well-being, your mental emotional well-being, your mental health, your identity, the way in which health, your identity, the way in which health, your identity, the way in which you see yourself. whose instructions are you see yourself. whose instructions are you see yourself. whose instructions are constructing the parts of you that constructing the parts of you that constructing the parts of you that nobody else sees. nobody else sees. nobody else sees. And whose instructions are constructing And whose instructions are constructing And whose instructions are constructing your spiritual life, the ways in which your spiritual life, the ways in which your spiritual life, the ways in which you connect with God, your devotion to you connect with God, your devotion to you connect with God, your devotion to him, your communion with God. This is him, your communion with God. This is him, your communion with God. This is how we connect with God is by our how we connect with God is by our how we connect with God is by our spirit. His spirit has come into us to spirit. His spirit has come into us to spirit. His spirit has come into us to commune in a sacred space in you. And he commune in a sacred space in you. And he commune in a sacred space in you. And he wants to lead and guide you. That's the wants to lead and guide you. That's the wants to lead and guide you. That's the idea of the spirit of the law. You've idea of the spirit of the law. You've idea of the spirit of the law. You've heard the letter of the law, the spirit heard the letter of the law, the spirit heard the letter of the law, the spirit of the law. God gave all sorts of laws. of the law. God gave all sorts of laws. of the law. God gave all sorts of laws. Jesus gave us all sorts of instructions Jesus gave us all sorts of instructions Jesus gave us all sorts of instructions and the spirit guides us in that. That's and the spirit guides us in that. That's and the spirit guides us in that. That's how we commune with God to transform our how we commune with God to transform our how we commune with God to transform our inner life and our outer life.

inner life and our outer life. inner life and our outer life. Remember Jesus came as a rabbi. He came Remember Jesus came as a rabbi. He came Remember Jesus came as a rabbi. He came to teach us and he discipled his to teach us and he discipled his to teach us and he discipled his followers in a certain way of living. In followers in a certain way of living. In followers in a certain way of living. In fact, his Jesus's first followers were fact, his Jesus's first followers were fact, his Jesus's first followers were known as followers of the way because known as followers of the way because known as followers of the way because Jesus taught a very specific way to find Jesus taught a very specific way to find Jesus taught a very specific way to find true life, abundant life, fullness of true life, abundant life, fullness of true life, abundant life, fullness of life. And these followers of the way, life. And these followers of the way, life. And these followers of the way, they discipled others in the way that they discipled others in the way that they discipled others in the way that Jesus discipled them in. And he Jesus discipled them in. And he Jesus discipled them in. And he instructed them, they instructed them in instructed them, they instructed them in instructed them, they instructed them in the way of Jesus. And Jesus's teachings the way of Jesus. And Jesus's teachings the way of Jesus. And Jesus's teachings over and over, he addressed and answered over and over, he addressed and answered over and over, he addressed and answered life's most complicated questions. life's most complicated questions. life's most complicated questions. Now, this is important because Now, this is important because Now, this is important because you you need to be thoughtful about you you need to be thoughtful about you you need to be thoughtful about who's instructing your life because who's instructing your life because who's instructing your life because whomever or whatever you look to for whomever or whatever you look to for whomever or whatever you look to for answers in life to the most difficult or answers in life to the most difficult or answers in life to the most difficult or the most simple questions, wherever you the most simple questions, wherever you the most simple questions, wherever you go to find answers in life is who or go to find answers in life is who or go to find answers in life is who or what is discipling you? That's what's what is discipling you? That's what's what is discipling you? That's what's actually constructing your life is where actually constructing your life is where actually constructing your life is where you go to find answers. That's the you go to find answers. That's the you go to find answers. That's the instructions that we get. And here's the instructions that we get. And here's the instructions that we get. And here's the problem. The day today in the in the problem. The day today in the in the problem. The day today in the in the world that which we live, we don't want world that which we live, we don't want world that which we live, we don't want to take the time to unpack all of this to take the time to unpack all of this to take the time to unpack all of this stuff and understand all this stuff to stuff and understand all this stuff to stuff and understand all this stuff to figure out the way in which God wants us figure out the way in which God wants us figure out the way in which God wants us to go. We just want to go to chat or to to go. We just want to go to chat or to to go. We just want to go to chat or to Google or to Claude and it's like, "Hey, Google or to Claude and it's like, "Hey, Google or to Claude and it's like, "Hey, tell me and help me understand." And you tell me and help me understand." And you tell me and help me understand." And you may say, "Well, but I ask it to tell me may say, "Well, but I ask it to tell me may say, "Well, but I ask it to tell me what the Bible says." Here's what I want

what the Bible says." Here's what I want what the Bible says." Here's what I want you to know. This is this is dangerous. you to know. This is this is dangerous. you to know. This is this is dangerous. You do your own research. You can find You do your own research. You can find You do your own research. You can find out why that doesn't work for yourself. out why that doesn't work for yourself. out why that doesn't work for yourself. These internet tools are not designed to These internet tools are not designed to These internet tools are not designed to tell you the truth. tell you the truth. tell you the truth. >> They're not. They're not. Don't clap >> They're not. They're not. Don't clap >> They're not. They're not. Don't clap yet. I'm going to be I'm going to be I'm yet. I'm going to be I'm going to be I'm yet. I'm going to be I'm going to be I'm going to make you mad in a second. It's going to make you mad in a second. It's going to make you mad in a second. It's okay. [laughter] They're designed to keep your attention They're designed to keep your attention and they're winning. and they're winning. and they're winning. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> They show you what you want to see and >> They show you what you want to see and >> They show you what you want to see and they tell you what you want to hear. they tell you what you want to hear. they tell you what you want to hear. They're not concerned with you. They're not concerned with you. They're not concerned with you. To them, your life is not a sacred To them, your life is not a sacred To them, your life is not a sacred space, but it is to your heavenly space, but it is to your heavenly space, but it is to your heavenly father. to the algorithm. father. to the algorithm. father. to the algorithm. You are just simply somebody that the You are just simply somebody that the You are just simply somebody that the algorithm is designed to keep you algorithm is designed to keep you algorithm is designed to keep you engaged and scrolling and chatting engaged and scrolling and chatting engaged and scrolling and chatting and distracted and distracted and distracted from the instructions that would from the instructions that would from the instructions that would preserve your life and allow you to walk preserve your life and allow you to walk preserve your life and allow you to walk with God. And if we're honest, most of with God. And if we're honest, most of with God. And if we're honest, most of us don't really need more instructions us don't really need more instructions us don't really need more instructions or direction in life anyway. We've just or direction in life anyway. We've just or direction in life anyway. We've just we've just decided that we want to be we've just decided that we want to be we've just decided that we want to be the primary instructors of our own lives the primary instructors of our own lives the primary instructors of our own lives and we're following our own instructions and we're following our own instructions and we're following our own instructions and we're looking to places that will and we're looking to places that will and we're looking to places that will confirm or affirm the things that we confirm or affirm the things that we confirm or affirm the things that we want to do in our own life as opposed to want to do in our own life as opposed to want to do in our own life as opposed to following the instructions of God following the instructions of God following the instructions of God because we see things that seem good to

because we see things that seem good to because we see things that seem good to us us us and we're looking for somebody to give and we're looking for somebody to give and we're looking for somebody to give us permission and instructions that we us permission and instructions that we us permission and instructions that we can go do that. And when that's the can go do that. And when that's the can go do that. And when that's the case, the responsibility for the outcome case, the responsibility for the outcome case, the responsibility for the outcome is on us. is on us. is on us. It's on those instructions and those It's on those instructions and those It's on those instructions and those instructing us. It's not on God. We want instructing us. It's not on God. We want instructing us. It's not on God. We want to ask why would God allow this to to ask why would God allow this to to ask why would God allow this to happen? Why would God allow this flood? happen? Why would God allow this flood? happen? Why would God allow this flood? Why would God send a flood? Let me ask Why would God send a flood? Let me ask Why would God send a flood? Let me ask you a question. This this question was you a question. This this question was you a question. This this question was been asked many times about floods in been asked many times about floods in been asked many times about floods in our world. 2005 Hurricane Katrina, our world. 2005 Hurricane Katrina, our world. 2005 Hurricane Katrina, terrible, a terrible catastrophe of the terrible, a terrible catastrophe of the terrible, a terrible catastrophe of the flood when it flooded New Orleans. And flood when it flooded New Orleans. And flood when it flooded New Orleans. And many of us think, myself included, we many of us think, myself included, we many of us think, myself included, we think, "How could God allow how could a think, "How could God allow how could a think, "How could God allow how could a good God allow something like that to good God allow something like that to good God allow something like that to happen?" happen?" happen?" I don't know what you think about Jordan I don't know what you think about Jordan I don't know what you think about Jordan Peterson, but in his rule tw his rules, Peterson, but in his rule tw his rules, Peterson, but in his rule tw his rules, his book 12 rules for life. Um, I read his book 12 rules for life. Um, I read his book 12 rules for life. Um, I read something I did not know about this something I did not know about this something I did not know about this story that reframed the whole idea for story that reframed the whole idea for story that reframed the whole idea for me and reframed this whole idea of what me and reframed this whole idea of what me and reframed this whole idea of what God sent or what God caused or what God God sent or what God caused or what God God sent or what God caused or what God allowed. And his take on this disaster allowed. And his take on this disaster allowed. And his take on this disaster was sobering. This is what he says. He was sobering. This is what he says. He was sobering. This is what he says. He says that when the hurricane hit New says that when the hurricane hit New says that when the hurricane hit New Orleans and the town sunk under the Orleans and the town sunk under the Orleans and the town sunk under the waves or sank under the waves, was that waves or sank under the waves, was that waves or sank under the waves, was that a natural disaster? That's the question a natural disaster? That's the question a natural disaster? That's the question he's asking. It's not that no one knew.

he's asking. It's not that no one knew. he's asking. It's not that no one knew. The Flood Control Act of 1965, which I The Flood Control Act of 1965, which I The Flood Control Act of 1965, which I did not even know existed. The Flood did not even know existed. The Flood did not even know existed. The Flood Control Act of 1965 mandated Control Act of 1965 mandated Control Act of 1965 mandated improvements in the levy system that improvements in the levy system that improvements in the levy system that held back Lake Poncha Train. There was held back Lake Poncha Train. There was held back Lake Poncha Train. There was actually there was actually legislation actually there was actually legislation actually there was actually legislation that was passed mandating that this levy that was passed mandating that this levy that was passed mandating that this levy system they knew there were problems system they knew there were problems system they knew there were problems that it would be fixed because Lake that it would be fixed because Lake that it would be fixed because Lake Ponat train um if the levy system broke Ponat train um if the levy system broke Ponat train um if the levy system broke which is what happened in Katrina it which is what happened in Katrina it which is what happened in Katrina it would flood the the city of whole city would flood the the city of whole city would flood the the city of whole city of New Orleans which is below sea level of New Orleans which is below sea level of New Orleans which is below sea level killing thousands of people. killing thousands of people. killing thousands of people. The system was to be completed by 1978. The system was to be completed by 1978. The system was to be completed by 1978. They gave them 13 years. They gave them 13 years. They gave them 13 years. 40 years later, only 60% of the work had 40 years later, only 60% of the work had 40 years later, only 60% of the work had been done in 2005. been done in 2005. been done in 2005. A hurricane is an act of God. But A hurricane is an act of God. But A hurricane is an act of God. But failure to prepare when the necessity failure to prepare when the necessity failure to prepare when the necessity for preparation is well known, that's for preparation is well known, that's for preparation is well known, that's sin. sin. sin. Come on. Come on. Come on. You avoid catastrophe by constructing You avoid catastrophe by constructing You avoid catastrophe by constructing your life according to wise your life according to wise your life according to wise instructions.

instructions. instructions. Where are you getting your wisdom from? Where are you getting your wisdom from? Where are you getting your wisdom from? who's instructing what you're who's instructing what you're who's instructing what you're constructing in your life. This story, constructing in your life. This story, constructing in your life. This story, these stories, this whole narrative, in these stories, this whole narrative, in these stories, this whole narrative, in fact, if you if if you put it all fact, if you if if you put it all fact, if you if if you put it all together, if you're reading this whole together, if you're reading this whole together, if you're reading this whole story, especially from a an ancient story, especially from a an ancient story, especially from a an ancient Hebrew context, these stories are Hebrew context, these stories are Hebrew context, these stories are showing us that everything else in the showing us that everything else in the showing us that everything else in the world outside of following the world outside of following the world outside of following the instructions of God is not only unwise, instructions of God is not only unwise, instructions of God is not only unwise, it's sinning. it's sinning. it's sinning. Now, some of you feel judgment by that. Now, some of you feel judgment by that. Now, some of you feel judgment by that. It's like, I'm sinning. You're pointing It's like, I'm sinning. You're pointing It's like, I'm sinning. You're pointing your finger, call me a sinner. Let's your finger, call me a sinner. Let's your finger, call me a sinner. Let's leave God out of it for a second. Forget leave God out of it for a second. Forget leave God out of it for a second. Forget sinning against God. You're sinning sinning against God. You're sinning sinning against God. You're sinning against future you. against future you. against future you. Because when you operate according to Because when you operate according to Because when you operate according to poor instructions, when you follow poor instructions, when you follow poor instructions, when you follow partial information and people who don't partial information and people who don't partial information and people who don't have your best interest at heart, like have your best interest at heart, like have your best interest at heart, like your God who's grieved when you don't your God who's grieved when you don't your God who's grieved when you don't follow his instructions, the storms begin the storms begin and the flood is coming.

and the flood is coming. and the flood is coming. An important detail in the story, the An important detail in the story, the An important detail in the story, the outcome. We'll get to this next week. outcome. We'll get to this next week. outcome. We'll get to this next week. The saving and the rescuing, the The saving and the rescuing, the The saving and the rescuing, the preserving. Th this didn't depend on preserving. Th this didn't depend on preserving. Th this didn't depend on Noah. God gave, remember, God's a giver. Noah. God gave, remember, God's a giver. Noah. God gave, remember, God's a giver. God gave Noah a gift, a very specific God gave Noah a gift, a very specific God gave Noah a gift, a very specific gift with very specific instructions gift with very specific instructions gift with very specific instructions about how to build the ark. Noah's about how to build the ark. Noah's about how to build the ark. Noah's responsibility was obedience. responsibility was obedience. responsibility was obedience. God's responsibility was the outcomes. God's responsibility was the outcomes. God's responsibility was the outcomes. And Noah followed the instructions. He And Noah followed the instructions. He And Noah followed the instructions. He was obedient. God was saying, "Look, if was obedient. God was saying, "Look, if was obedient. God was saying, "Look, if you'll build the ark according to my you'll build the ark according to my you'll build the ark according to my instructions, things will go well for instructions, things will go well for instructions, things will go well for you. I promise they'll go for well well you. I promise they'll go for well well you. I promise they'll go for well well for you." And Noah could not have for you." And Noah could not have for you." And Noah could not have conceived of what his family was going conceived of what his family was going conceived of what his family was going to face. Most scholars agree that Noah to face. Most scholars agree that Noah to face. Most scholars agree that Noah had no concept of the flood or of heavy had no concept of the flood or of heavy had no concept of the flood or of heavy rainfall. He couldn't have. In fact, the rainfall. He couldn't have. In fact, the rainfall. He couldn't have. In fact, the author of Hebrews regarding the story of author of Hebrews regarding the story of author of Hebrews regarding the story of Noah, he says this. He says uh by faith Noah, he says this. He says uh by faith Noah, he says this. He says uh by faith Noah when warned about things not yet Noah when warned about things not yet Noah when warned about things not yet seen meaning in the history of the world seen meaning in the history of the world seen meaning in the history of the world not yet seen in holy fear he built an not yet seen in holy fear he built an not yet seen in holy fear he built an ark. This things not yet seen was not ark. This things not yet seen was not ark. This things not yet seen was not merely that the flood waters hadn't merely that the flood waters hadn't merely that the flood waters hadn't started to rise yet but that Noah was started to rise yet but that Noah was started to rise yet but that Noah was trusting God about a reality that was trusting God about a reality that was trusting God about a reality that was beyond his own lived experience.

beyond his own lived experience. beyond his own lived experience. Noah had no idea what was coming. And by Noah had no idea what was coming. And by Noah had no idea what was coming. And by faith, Noah obeyed instructions and faith, Noah obeyed instructions and faith, Noah obeyed instructions and constructed the ark. He constructed a constructed the ark. He constructed a constructed the ark. He constructed a preservation box. preservation box. preservation box. What if that's what God is wanting you What if that's what God is wanting you What if that's what God is wanting you to realize from this story? to realize from this story? to realize from this story? You see, Noah acted by faith. Faith is You see, Noah acted by faith. Faith is You see, Noah acted by faith. Faith is not acting without information. God not acting without information. God not acting without information. God gives us instructions and directions. gives us instructions and directions. gives us instructions and directions. He's not acting asking us to act without He's not acting asking us to act without He's not acting asking us to act without information. But faith is acting without information. But faith is acting without information. But faith is acting without confirmation. confirmation. confirmation. Confirmation of what's going to happen Confirmation of what's going to happen Confirmation of what's going to happen and what's going to come. We don't know and what's going to come. We don't know and what's going to come. We don't know the future. You don't have evidence. You the future. You don't have evidence. You the future. You don't have evidence. You don't have proof. Noah had no conception don't have proof. Noah had no conception don't have proof. Noah had no conception of what was coming. And yet, under clear of what was coming. And yet, under clear of what was coming. And yet, under clear blue sky, blue sky, blue sky, Noah preddecided Noah preddecided Noah preddecided he would trust God. Even if God's he would trust God. Even if God's he would trust God. Even if God's instructions seemed absurd to him, to instructions seemed absurd to him, to instructions seemed absurd to him, to his family, to other people, he decided his family, to other people, he decided his family, to other people, he decided he was going to follow God's he was going to follow God's he was going to follow God's instructions. Now, I've been open about instructions. Now, I've been open about instructions. Now, I've been open about this story. I've told some of you before this story. I've told some of you before this story. I've told some of you before um uh many years ago that one of this um uh many years ago that one of this um uh many years ago that one of this greatest storms of my life that I didn't greatest storms of my life that I didn't greatest storms of my life that I didn't see coming uh was in 1992.

see coming uh was in 1992. see coming uh was in 1992. But the rain started in the summer of But the rain started in the summer of But the rain started in the summer of 1990 1990 1990 when I first heard the words, "Your dad when I first heard the words, "Your dad when I first heard the words, "Your dad has cancer." The clouds began to form. The clouds began to form. And after a year plus of surgery and And after a year plus of surgery and And after a year plus of surgery and radiation and treatments, And I remember my dad was at home and on And I remember my dad was at home and on one particular night my mom had us all one particular night my mom had us all one particular night my mom had us all gather around and we prayed for my dad. gather around and we prayed for my dad. gather around and we prayed for my dad. We did this often and we went to bed and We did this often and we went to bed and We did this often and we went to bed and my dad was struggling. my dad was struggling. my dad was struggling. He was up late He was up late He was up late and he was really wrestling and we later and he was really wrestling and we later and he was really wrestling and we later realized he was fighting for his life. realized he was fighting for his life. realized he was fighting for his life. And I remember my mom telling us a story And I remember my mom telling us a story And I remember my mom telling us a story about coming around his bed and sitting about coming around his bed and sitting about coming around his bed and sitting with him for a while. with him for a while. with him for a while. And after he struggled and struggled, And after he struggled and struggled, And after he struggled and struggled, maybe maybe maybe inspired by the spirit of God, my mom inspired by the spirit of God, my mom inspired by the spirit of God, my mom said to my dad, "Glenn, you have led us said to my dad, "Glenn, you have led us said to my dad, "Glenn, you have led us and taught us all these years to follow and taught us all these years to follow and taught us all these years to follow God with our lives, and we're going to continue to do that.

and we're going to continue to do that. and he will take care of us. and he will take care of us. and he will take care of us. We're going to be okay. We're going to be okay. We're going to be okay. And with that, my dad took his last And with that, my dad took his last And with that, my dad took his last breath. See, some of you, you see a storm See, some of you, you see a storm brewing on the horizon. brewing on the horizon. brewing on the horizon. You're not sure what to do. Maybe it's You're not sure what to do. Maybe it's You're not sure what to do. Maybe it's not up to you. Maybe it's one of those not up to you. Maybe it's one of those not up to you. Maybe it's one of those unavoidable, inevitable storms life unavoidable, inevitable storms life unavoidable, inevitable storms life brings our way. brings our way. brings our way. Some of you, you don't. You're standing Some of you, you don't. You're standing Some of you, you don't. You're standing under clear blue sky. You see no storms. under clear blue sky. You see no storms. under clear blue sky. You see no storms. You see no clouds. You see no clouds. You see no clouds. Everything seems calm and smooth, which Everything seems calm and smooth, which Everything seems calm and smooth, which in my experience is usually what happens in my experience is usually what happens in my experience is usually what happens right before there's a storm. Now, I right before there's a storm. Now, I right before there's a storm. Now, I don't wish any of that on you, but don't wish any of that on you, but don't wish any of that on you, but here's what you need to know. Jesus here's what you need to know. Jesus here's what you need to know. Jesus warned us that while we're still in this warned us that while we're still in this warned us that while we're still in this world, we will have trouble. world, we will have trouble. world, we will have trouble. And he also firmed the story of Noah. He And he also firmed the story of Noah. He And he also firmed the story of Noah. He said in the time of Noah, and I'm said in the time of Noah, and I'm said in the time of Noah, and I'm paraphrasing, people were living without paraphrasing, people were living without paraphrasing, people were living without any concern or worry or trouble about any concern or worry or trouble about any concern or worry or trouble about what was headed their way what was headed their way what was headed their way and they operated according to their own and they operated according to their own and they operated according to their own will and their own will and their own will and their own desires desires desires and God gave them over to their desires and the floodwaters came and the floodwaters came and it was a catastrophe. So, let me and it was a catastrophe. So, let me and it was a catastrophe. So, let me just ask you one more time before we just ask you one more time before we just ask you one more time before we finish.

finish. finish. whose instructions whose instructions whose instructions are constructing your life. are constructing your life. are constructing your life. If you knew a storm was coming or If you knew a storm was coming or If you knew a storm was coming or another storm was coming or likely, another storm was coming or likely, another storm was coming or likely, wouldn't you want to be ready? What wouldn't you want to be ready? What wouldn't you want to be ready? What could you do today to fortify your life could you do today to fortify your life could you do today to fortify your life inside and out to withstand a storm? inside and out to withstand a storm? inside and out to withstand a storm? This is where your faith matters. Where This is where your faith matters. Where This is where your faith matters. Where it matters today it matters today it matters today for what life might bring someday. for what life might bring someday. for what life might bring someday. Let me pray for you. Let me pray for you. Let me pray for you. God, I just ask for your mercy today for God, I just ask for your mercy today for God, I just ask for your mercy today for somebody who's in the middle of the somebody who's in the middle of the somebody who's in the middle of the storm and they haven't constructed the way you and they haven't constructed the way you instructed. instructed. instructed. or for somebody who sees a storm on the or for somebody who sees a storm on the or for somebody who sees a storm on the horizon. I ask for your mercy for them horizon. I ask for your mercy for them horizon. I ask for your mercy for them too too too that in your mercy that you would help that in your mercy that you would help that in your mercy that you would help them to humble themselves in this them to humble themselves in this them to humble themselves in this moment. Or somebody who doesn't even see moment. Or somebody who doesn't even see moment. Or somebody who doesn't even see the storm that's right around the the storm that's right around the the storm that's right around the corner. We need your mercy for that as corner. We need your mercy for that as corner. We need your mercy for that as well. Just in the same way you had mercy well. Just in the same way you had mercy well. Just in the same way you had mercy on Noah, make it clear to us.

make it clear to us. I imagine as we've been sitting here, I imagine as we've been sitting here, I imagine as we've been sitting here, somebody's thought about something in somebody's thought about something in somebody's thought about something in their inner life or their outer life their inner life or their outer life their inner life or their outer life that's not aligned with your that's not aligned with your that's not aligned with your instructions instructions instructions and eventually it's not going to go and eventually it's not going to go and eventually it's not going to go well. The floodwaters are going to come. I pray you for your mercy you rescue I pray you for your mercy you rescue them from the catastrophe that could them from the catastrophe that could them from the catastrophe that could happen. I pray that we would all take happen. I pray that we would all take happen. I pray that we would all take heed. We would look at Noah and realize heed. We would look at Noah and realize heed. We would look at Noah and realize that constructing our lives according to that constructing our lives according to that constructing our lives according to your instructions is the best thing we your instructions is the best thing we your instructions is the best thing we can do to experience the life to can do to experience the life to can do to experience the life to preserve our life but to experience the preserve our life but to experience the preserve our life but to experience the type of life you designed and it is type of life you designed and it is type of life you designed and it is where we walk with you and meet with where we walk with you and meet with where we walk with you and meet with you. you. you. We trust all this in your name. Amen. We trust all this in your name. Amen. We trust all this in your name. Amen. >> Amen. Hey, that was such an important >> Amen. Hey, that was such an important >> Amen. Hey, that was such an important message. I want you to know what to do message. I want you to know what to do message. I want you to know what to do with it. Okay? Whatever you're walking with it. Okay? Whatever you're walking with it. Okay? Whatever you're walking through, whatever your storm looks like, through, whatever your storm looks like, through, whatever your storm looks like, we've got a way to walk with you. we've got a way to walk with you. we've got a way to walk with you. Whether it's finances or job or whatever Whether it's finances or job or whatever Whether it's finances or job or whatever you've got going on, really renew. If you've got going on, really renew. If you've got going on, really renew. If you're trying to reconstruct your life you're trying to reconstruct your life you're trying to reconstruct your life and your thoughts and and how you're and your thoughts and and how you're and your thoughts and and how you're operating with God, that is one of our operating with God, that is one of our operating with God, that is one of our best kept secrets. I've actually done it best kept secrets. I've actually done it best kept secrets. I've actually done it twice, okay? So, I highly recommend twice, okay? So, I highly recommend twice, okay? So, I highly recommend that. But whatever step that you're that. But whatever step that you're that. But whatever step that you're looking for, I promise you we've got it.

looking for, I promise you we've got it. looking for, I promise you we've got it. And so if you want to have that And so if you want to have that And so if you want to have that conversation, stop by Connections today conversation, stop by Connections today conversation, stop by Connections today because we would love to talk with you. because we would love to talk with you. because we would love to talk with you. Well, hey, don't forget food drive is Well, hey, don't forget food drive is Well, hey, don't forget food drive is next week. So pick up those items at the next week. So pick up those items at the next week. So pick up those items at the grocery store this week and let's love grocery store this week and let's love grocery store this week and let's love on our community. Thank you so much for on our community. Thank you so much for on our community. Thank you so much for being here. You guys are dismissed and being here. You guys are dismissed and being here. You guys are dismissed and we will see you in the halls.