Pastor Jack Graham | Altar Call | Prestonwood Baptist Church

[music] [music] The angels cry [music] [music] and all creation cry. Well, hey there everybody. This is

Well, hey there everybody. This is Michelle and [music] on behalf of our Michelle and [music] on behalf of our Michelle and [music] on behalf of our senior pastor, Dr. Jack Graham. It is my senior pastor, Dr. Jack Graham. It is my senior pastor, Dr. Jack Graham. It is my privilege to welcome you to our online privilege to welcome you to our online privilege to welcome you to our online service right here at our Plano campus service right here at our Plano campus service right here at our Plano campus and you are in for a real treat today. and you are in for a real treat today. and you are in for a real treat today. [music] This is going to be a great [music] This is going to be a great [music] This is going to be a great series because we're continuing the series because we're continuing the series because we're continuing the follow series with Pastor Graham. He's follow series with Pastor Graham. He's follow series with Pastor Graham. He's got a great message that you do not want got a great message that you do not want got a great message that you do not want to miss. But before we get to that, he's to miss. But before we get to that, he's to miss. But before we get to that, he's going to be having a conversation with going to be having a conversation with going to be having a conversation with Eric Mataxis right here [music] on our Eric Mataxis right here [music] on our Eric Mataxis right here [music] on our stage. Eric has a brand new book out stage. Eric has a brand new book out stage. Eric has a brand new book out called Revolution, and you can get that called Revolution, and you can get that called Revolution, and you can get that wherever books are sold. It's a big wherever books are sold. It's a big wherever books are sold. It's a big book, I'm warning you, but it's a book book, I'm warning you, but it's a book book, I'm warning you, but it's a book that we all need to be reading. [music] that we all need to be reading. [music] that we all need to be reading. [music] So text a friend right now, invite them. So text a friend right now, invite them. So text a friend right now, invite them. I know they would love to hear some of I know they would love to hear some of I know they would love to hear some of that conversation. And maybe this is that conversation. And maybe this is that conversation. And maybe this is your very first time. And if it is, your very first time. And if it is, your very first time. And if it is, would you do me [music] a favor and text would you do me [music] a favor and text would you do me [music] a favor and text the word connect to the number 74788? the word connect to the number 74788? the word connect to the number 74788? That's connect [music] to the number That's connect [music] to the number That's connect [music] to the number 74788. And this is maybe not your first 74788. And this is maybe not your first 74788. And this is maybe not your first time, but would you tell us where you're time, but would you tell us where you're time, but would you tell us where you're joining us from? I know many of you join joining us from? I know many of you join joining us from? I know many of you join us from across the street [music] and us from across the street [music] and us from across the street [music] and around the world. I know the Griffin around the world. I know the Griffin around the world. I know the Griffin family is on vacation right now and they family is on vacation right now and they family is on vacation right now and they are watching online. Welcome to y'all. are watching online. Welcome to y'all. are watching online. Welcome to y'all. We're so [music] glad you're here. We've We're so [music] glad you're here. We've We're so [music] glad you're here. We've got a great team in the chat. So, if you got a great team in the chat. So, if you got a great team in the chat. So, if you have any questions, you want to send us have any questions, you want to send us have any questions, you want to send us a prayer or even a praise report, we a prayer or even a praise report, we a prayer or even a praise report, we would love to know. You can drop that in would love to know. You can drop that in would love to know. You can drop that in the comments or fill out our online the comments or fill out our online the comments or fill out our online prayer form at any time and we'll be prayer form at any time and we'll be prayer form at any time and we'll be sure and pray with you. Well, I want to sure and pray with you. Well, I want to sure and pray with you. Well, I want to invite you to get up on your feet invite you to get up on your feet invite you to get up on your feet because from right where you are, a because from right where you are, a because from right where you are, a worship service [music] begins now.

Good morning. Are you ready to worship Good morning. Are you ready to worship the Lord today? Let's stand to our feet. the Lord today? Let's stand to our feet. the Lord today? Let's stand to our feet. It's a beautiful [music] day to lift up It's a beautiful [music] day to lift up It's a beautiful [music] day to lift up the name of Jesus. Amen. We enter in with [music] thanksgiving. We enter in with [music] thanksgiving. We come before you with hearts of We come before you with hearts of We come before you with hearts of [music] praise, [music] praise, [music] praise, a million reasons [singing] to worship, a million reasons [singing] to worship, a million reasons [singing] to worship, and sing a [music] song of amazing and sing a [music] song of amazing and sing a [music] song of amazing grace. grace. grace. In every season, you're faithful. In every season, you're faithful. In every season, you're faithful. [music] [music] [music] I'm still amazed [singing] by the things I'm still amazed [singing] by the things I'm still amazed [singing] by the things you've done. you've done. you've done. I'm counting all of these blessings I'm counting all of these blessings I'm counting all of these blessings [music] [music] [music] from generation [singing] from generation [singing] from generation [singing] to generation. Over to generation. Over to generation. Over [music] and over [music] and over [music] and over from age to age over [music and singing] and over. over [music and singing] and over. Exalt his name.

Exalt his name. Exalt his name. [music] [music] [music] Sing [singing] praise. Sing [singing] praise. Sing [singing] praise. Praise. Praise. Praise. Lift up the one [music and singing] who Lift up the one [music and singing] who Lift up the one [music and singing] who is worthy. He is great. is worthy. He is great. is worthy. He is great. So great [music] So great [music] So great [music] and worthy [singing] of all of the glory and worthy [singing] of all of the glory and worthy [singing] of all of the glory we sing. You are the God who moves mountains. You are the God who moves mountains. [music] [music] [music] You have the [singing] power to calm the You have the [singing] power to calm the You have the [singing] power to calm the sea. sea. sea. You are the miracle [music and singing] You are the miracle [music and singing] You are the miracle [music and singing] worker. worker. worker. So Jesus, let it [music and singing] So Jesus, let it [music and singing] So Jesus, let it [music and singing] begin in me. begin in me. begin in me. Over and over Over and over Over and over from h [music] to over [music] and over. over [music] and over. Exalt his name. [music] Sing praise.

[music] Sing praise. Praise. Praise. Praise. Lift [music] up the [singing] one who is Lift [music] up the [singing] one who is Lift [music] up the [singing] one who is worthy. worthy. worthy. is great. is great. is great. So, So, So, worthy of all of [music] the glory worthy of all of [music] the glory worthy of all of [music] the glory praise. praise. praise. [music] [music] [music] Lift up the one who [singing] is worthy. Lift up the one who [singing] is worthy. Lift up the one who [singing] is worthy. He is praise. He is praise. He is praise. So great, [music] So great, [music] So great, [music] worthy [singing] of all the glory. We worthy [singing] of all the glory. We worthy [singing] of all the glory. We sing. sing. sing. [music] You're the lion [music and singing] of You're the lion [music and singing] of Judah. Judah. Judah. He's the ancient [singing] of days, He's the ancient [singing] of days, He's the ancient [singing] of days, the kinsman redeemer, the lamb who was slain. the lamb who was slain. He's reigning [music] forever.

He's reigning [music] forever. He's reigning [music] forever. In his mighty estee is making a way. Lion of Judah. is making a way. Lion of Judah. >> Lion [music and singing] of Judah. >> Lion [music and singing] of Judah. >> Lion [music and singing] of Judah. You're the ancient of days. You're the ancient of days. You're the ancient of days. The kings and redeemer. The kings and redeemer. The kings and redeemer. [music and singing] The lamb who was slain. He's waiting The lamb who was slain. He's waiting forever. He's waiting [music] forever. He's waiting [music] forever. He's waiting [music] forever. forever. forever. Oh, he's mighty [music] to say praise. praise. Praise. Praise. Praise. Lift up the one [music] who is worthy. Lift up the one [music] who is worthy. Lift up the one [music] who is worthy. He is great. He is great. He is great. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So great. >> So great. >> So great. He's worthy [singing] He's worthy [singing] He's worthy [singing] of all of the glory. Receive praise.

of all of the glory. Receive praise. of all of the glory. Receive praise. [music] [music] [music] Praise. Praise. Praise. Lift up the one who [music] is worthy. Lift up the one who [music] is worthy. Lift up the one who [music] is worthy. He is He is He is so [music] great. so [music] great. so [music] great. Worthy of all the glory. We sing. [music] [music] We praise your name Jesus. Thank [music] you Jesus. Thank [music] you Jesus. Oh we sing praise. [music] Good morning. Are you glad to be here Good morning. Are you glad to be here today? There's only one name that's today? There's only one name that's today? There's only one name that's worth praising. [music] His name is worth praising. [music] His name is worth praising. [music] His name is Jesus Christ. And we're so glad that you Jesus Christ. And we're so glad that you Jesus Christ. And we're so glad that you are joining us today to do that. Would are joining us today to do that. Would are joining us today to do that. Would you take a second and greet someone next you take a second and greet someone next you take a second and greet someone next to you? to you? to you? Meet someone new. It is a good day to be Meet someone new. It is a good day to be Meet someone new. It is a good day to be in the house of the Lord and with in the house of the Lord and with in the house of the Lord and with [music] his family.

Now, as you take [music] a seat, we're Now, as you take [music] a seat, we're going to celebrate with those who are going to celebrate with those who are going to celebrate with those who are coming in the waters of baptism today. coming in the waters of baptism today. coming in the waters of baptism today. >> Yeah, just like that. Perfect. >> Yeah, just like that. Perfect. >> Yeah, just like that. Perfect. We have two who are being baptized this We have two who are being baptized this We have two who are being baptized this morning testifying to their faith in morning testifying to their faith in morning testifying to their faith in Christ. This is Charlotte Pal. Christ. This is Charlotte Pal. Christ. This is Charlotte Pal. Charlotte, are you following Christ in Charlotte, are you following Christ in Charlotte, are you following Christ in baptism this morning because you know baptism this morning because you know baptism this morning because you know you've trusted him as your Lord and you've trusted him as your Lord and you've trusted him as your Lord and Savior? Savior? Savior? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Well, that confession of your faith in >> Well, that confession of your faith in >> Well, that confession of your faith in Jesus Christ as your savior in obedience Jesus Christ as your savior in obedience Jesus Christ as your savior in obedience to his command, I baptize you, my to his command, I baptize you, my to his command, I baptize you, my sister, in the name of the Father, the sister, in the name of the Father, the sister, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. >> This is Alexandria Pavlov. >> This is Alexandria Pavlov. Alexandria, are you following Christ in Alexandria, are you following Christ in Alexandria, are you following Christ in baptism this morning because you know baptism this morning because you know baptism this morning because you know you've trusted him as your Lord and you've trusted him as your Lord and you've trusted him as your Lord and Savior? Savior? Savior? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> On that confession of your faith in >> On that confession of your faith in >> On that confession of your faith in Jesus Christ as your savior and in Jesus Christ as your savior and in Jesus Christ as your savior and in obedience to his command symbolizing the obedience to his command symbolizing the obedience to his command symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of our death, burial, and resurrection of our death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, I baptize you, my sister, in the Lord, I baptize you, my sister, in the Lord, I baptize you, my sister, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. buried with Christ in Holy Spirit. buried with Christ in Holy Spirit. buried with Christ in baptism unto death, raised to walk in baptism unto death, raised to walk in baptism unto death, raised to walk in newness of life. God bless you.

newness of life. God bless you. newness of life. God bless you. Amen. And we welcome you today. So glad Amen. And we welcome you today. So glad Amen. And we welcome you today. So glad that you are here online. Welcome. Uh that you are here online. Welcome. Uh that you are here online. Welcome. Uh just talking to a number of people this just talking to a number of people this just talking to a number of people this week uh just coincidentally really uh week uh just coincidentally really uh week uh just coincidentally really uh randomly uh about their online randomly uh about their online randomly uh about their online participation. These were people in participation. These were people in participation. These were people in other states and other places and some other states and other places and some other states and other places and some because of illness couldn't be here and because of illness couldn't be here and because of illness couldn't be here and others because of travel. So, you know, others because of travel. So, you know, others because of travel. So, you know, we got about 20% of our people that are we got about 20% of our people that are we got about 20% of our people that are out from, uh, July to August in and out, out from, uh, July to August in and out, out from, uh, July to August in and out, but uh, you can stay connected. You can but uh, you can stay connected. You can but uh, you can stay connected. You can stay online wherever you are. I was just stay online wherever you are. I was just stay online wherever you are. I was just with a family a moment ago who came to with a family a moment ago who came to with a family a moment ago who came to Christ, came to our church as a result Christ, came to our church as a result Christ, came to our church as a result of the online outreach of Fresston Wood. of the online outreach of Fresston Wood. of the online outreach of Fresston Wood. So, all of you online, we welcome you. So, all of you online, we welcome you. So, all of you online, we welcome you. And if you're in the room, welcome. Uh, And if you're in the room, welcome. Uh, And if you're in the room, welcome. Uh, if you're our guest, there's a number if you're our guest, there's a number if you're our guest, there's a number 74788. 74788. 74788. Text the word connect and we would love Text the word connect and we would love Text the word connect and we would love to get to know you better. This is how to get to know you better. This is how to get to know you better. This is how we can well connect with you. And I we can well connect with you. And I we can well connect with you. And I promise you, we're not going to belabor promise you, we're not going to belabor promise you, we're not going to belabor uh your text time, but uh and you can uh your text time, but uh and you can uh your text time, but uh and you can opt out anytime if you want, but this is opt out anytime if you want, but this is opt out anytime if you want, but this is a way you can uh get to know us a little a way you can uh get to know us a little a way you can uh get to know us a little more and we can get to know you. So more and we can get to know you. So more and we can get to know you. So 74788, that's the that's the magic 74788, that's the that's the magic 74788, that's the that's the magic number, and the word is connect. And number, and the word is connect. And number, and the word is connect. And even better, if you'd like uh uh to know even better, if you'd like uh uh to know even better, if you'd like uh uh to know someone and and ask some questions about someone and and ask some questions about someone and and ask some questions about Preston Wood, go to guest central, which Preston Wood, go to guest central, which Preston Wood, go to guest central, which is in the atrium, the lobby, uh right is in the atrium, the lobby, uh right is in the atrium, the lobby, uh right outside these doors right here. We have outside these doors right here. We have outside these doors right here. We have a gift we'd like to give you, one of my a gift we'd like to give you, one of my a gift we'd like to give you, one of my books, which is called Are You Fit for books, which is called Are You Fit for books, which is called Are You Fit for Life? That's actually from the book of Life? That's actually from the book of Life? That's actually from the book of Philippians in the New Testament. And

Philippians in the New Testament. And Philippians in the New Testament. And we'd love to make that as our gift to we'd love to make that as our gift to we'd love to make that as our gift to you if you are a guest at Prestonwood. you if you are a guest at Prestonwood. you if you are a guest at Prestonwood. All right, church. Uh we've looked All right, church. Uh we've looked All right, church. Uh we've looked forward to this. And that is Eric forward to this. And that is Eric forward to this. And that is Eric Bataxis is in the house. Eric, come on Bataxis is in the house. Eric, come on Bataxis is in the house. Eric, come on up here. And um [applause] up here. And um [applause] up here. And um [applause] man, we just had uh take a seat right man, we just had uh take a seat right man, we just had uh take a seat right here. Eric on the Beastro chair. Don't here. Eric on the Beastro chair. Don't here. Eric on the Beastro chair. Don't you look good? Doesn't he look really you look good? Doesn't he look really you look good? Doesn't he look really New Yorkish? Because he's from New York. New Yorkish? Because he's from New York. New Yorkish? Because he's from New York. I perceived that as an insult and and uh I perceived that as an insult and and uh I perceived that as an insult and and uh but he needed a break, so we got him to but he needed a break, so we got him to but he needed a break, so we got him to Texas. Texas. Texas. >> Praise the Lord. I love it here. I do. >> Praise the Lord. I love it here. I do. >> Praise the Lord. I love it here. I do. You know, I do. And I love this church. You know, I do. And I love this church. You know, I do. And I love this church. Well, I don't want to take a lot of our Well, I don't want to take a lot of our Well, I don't want to take a lot of our time, your time, because we want to hear time, your time, because we want to hear time, your time, because we want to hear from you giving a long introduction. from you giving a long introduction. from you giving a long introduction. But, you know, when they introduce the But, you know, when they introduce the But, you know, when they introduce the president, they just say, you know, the president, they just say, you know, the president, they just say, you know, the president. So, this is Eric Mataxis. president. So, this is Eric Mataxis. president. So, this is Eric Mataxis. He's written many wonderful books, He's written many wonderful books, He's written many wonderful books, including Bonhaofer, bestseller. He's a including Bonhaofer, bestseller. He's a including Bonhaofer, bestseller. He's a New York Times best-selling author. He's New York Times best-selling author. He's New York Times best-selling author. He's a commentator, a communicator, a a commentator, a communicator, a a commentator, a communicator, a preacher, a writer. Uh he's the most preacher, a writer. Uh he's the most preacher, a writer. Uh he's the most interesting man in the world, Eric interesting man in the world, Eric interesting man in the world, Eric Mataxis. and uh his newest book is Mataxis. and uh his newest book is Mataxis. and uh his newest book is revolutionary and it's called revolution revolutionary and it's called revolution revolutionary and it's called revolution one word and the subtitle the birth of one word and the subtitle the birth of one word and the subtitle the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the greatest nation in the history of the greatest nation in the history of the world and that would be the United the world and that would be the United the world and that would be the United States of America and we are still States of America and we are still States of America and we are still celebrating celebrating celebrating [applause] [applause] [applause] we are still celebrating America 250 the we are still celebrating America 250 the we are still celebrating America 250 the whole whole whole >> we just begun >> we just begun >> we just begun >> you I like that uh I think you're the

>> you I like that uh I think you're the >> you I like that uh I think you're the first one uh the Simquins centennial You first one uh the Simquins centennial You first one uh the Simquins centennial You said no super centennial. I think said no super centennial. I think said no super centennial. I think >> I I to I spoke to the president about >> I I to I spoke to the president about >> I I to I spoke to the president about this. I'm not kidding. I said you you this. I'm not kidding. I said you you this. I'm not kidding. I said you you got to call it the super centennial got to call it the super centennial got to call it the super centennial because when we remember bsentennial because when we remember bsentennial because when we remember bsentennial some of us here it was America's some of us here it was America's some of us here it was America's bicesentennial. We're all excited. I bicesentennial. We're all excited. I bicesentennial. We're all excited. I said this is America's super centennial said this is America's super centennial said this is America's super centennial because nobody is going to say because nobody is going to say because nobody is going to say semiquincentennial. Certainly not semiquincentennial. Certainly not semiquincentennial. Certainly not president Trump. Right. No kidding. So president Trump. Right. No kidding. So president Trump. Right. No kidding. So we so on the cover of the book I call it we so on the cover of the book I call it we so on the cover of the book I call it the super centennial. I think it's more the super centennial. I think it's more the super centennial. I think it's more festive. festive. festive. >> There it is. And and the book is here at >> There it is. And and the book is here at >> There it is. And and the book is here at our bookstore. Eric's going to sign our bookstore. Eric's going to sign our bookstore. Eric's going to sign after the services and more about that after the services and more about that after the services and more about that in a little bit. But we want to talk in a little bit. But we want to talk in a little bit. But we want to talk about uh America 250. As he said, it's about uh America 250. As he said, it's about uh America 250. As he said, it's just beginning uh because you know what just beginning uh because you know what just beginning uh because you know what a great time. I keep saying what a great a great time. I keep saying what a great a great time. I keep saying what a great time to be alive in in this time, this time to be alive in in this time, this time to be alive in in this time, this epic in history. And then to look back epic in history. And then to look back epic in history. And then to look back and to learn from our founders and our and to learn from our founders and our and to learn from our founders and our founding uh in this country and and the founding uh in this country and and the founding uh in this country and and the revolution. So, Eric, um, and this is revolution. So, Eric, um, and this is revolution. So, Eric, um, and this is already from multiple weeks a New York already from multiple weeks a New York already from multiple weeks a New York Times best-selling book, and and we'll Times best-selling book, and and we'll Times best-selling book, and and we'll talk about why it is in a moment, but, talk about why it is in a moment, but, talk about why it is in a moment, but, uh, when you when you speak about uh, when you when you speak about uh, when you when you speak about American Revolution, how is this American Revolution, how is this American Revolution, how is this different from all the other revolutions different from all the other revolutions different from all the other revolutions we've heard about in history, the we've heard about in history, the we've heard about in history, the Bolevik, Russian, the French Revolution, Bolevik, Russian, the French Revolution, Bolevik, Russian, the French Revolution, and uh, you know, the revolutions that and uh, you know, the revolutions that and uh, you know, the revolutions that take place in Cuba and some Latin take place in Cuba and some Latin take place in Cuba and some Latin American countries, all these American countries, all these American countries, all these revolutions. I mean the Beatles said you revolutions. I mean the Beatles said you revolutions. I mean the Beatles said you say you want a revolution. So what is say you want a revolution. So what is say you want a revolution. So what is the revolution and why is the American

the revolution and why is the American the revolution and why is the American Revolution different from all of the Is Revolution different from all of the Is Revolution different from all of the Is it cultural, political, spiritual? it cultural, political, spiritual? it cultural, political, spiritual? >> It's not it's not just different. It is >> It's not it's not just different. It is >> It's not it's not just different. It is the only revolution in the history of the only revolution in the history of the only revolution in the history of the world that accomplished what it set the world that accomplished what it set the world that accomplished what it set out to accomplish. That is a fact of out to accomplish. That is a fact of out to accomplish. That is a fact of history. When people dare to compare the history. When people dare to compare the history. When people dare to compare the French Revolution, the French Revolution French Revolution, the French Revolution French Revolution, the French Revolution is a tragic joke. Uh, the spirit of 1776 is a tragic joke. Uh, the spirit of 1776 is a tragic joke. Uh, the spirit of 1776 is at war with the spirit of 1789. The is at war with the spirit of 1789. The is at war with the spirit of 1789. The French Revolution was godless. It it French Revolution was godless. It it French Revolution was godless. It it pushed God out. They said, "We don't pushed God out. They said, "We don't pushed God out. They said, "We don't want a king." And and then, you know, we want a king." And and then, you know, we want a king." And and then, you know, we said, "We don't want a king." Well, the said, "We don't want a king." Well, the said, "We don't want a king." Well, the the similarity ends there because we we the similarity ends there because we we the similarity ends there because we we get rid of King George III. They uh kill get rid of King George III. They uh kill get rid of King George III. They uh kill their king and queen and then they start their king and queen and then they start their king and queen and then they start killing the priests and nuns. They were killing the priests and nuns. They were killing the priests and nuns. They were an anti-clerical, anti-church, anti-God an anti-clerical, anti-church, anti-God an anti-clerical, anti-church, anti-God revolution taken over by people we would revolution taken over by people we would revolution taken over by people we would think of as as woke uh as Marxist even think of as as woke uh as Marxist even think of as as woke uh as Marxist even though that is long before Marx. But it though that is long before Marx. But it though that is long before Marx. But it was a godless revolution and the reason was a godless revolution and the reason was a godless revolution and the reason our revolution succeeded and that's our revolution succeeded and that's our revolution succeeded and that's ultimately that's what is at the heart ultimately that's what is at the heart ultimately that's what is at the heart of this book. Even though this book is of this book. Even though this book is of this book. Even though this book is not about anything, this book is the not about anything, this book is the not about anything, this book is the story of the American Revolution. All story of the American Revolution. All story of the American Revolution. All the stories Lexington and conquered it's the stories Lexington and conquered it's the stories Lexington and conquered it's just the story. But at the heart of just the story. But at the heart of just the story. But at the heart of that, you see, is that the men of our that, you see, is that the men of our that, you see, is that the men of our revolution said, "We want to bow before revolution said, "We want to bow before revolution said, "We want to bow before God." And that needs to be known. If God." And that needs to be known. If God." And that needs to be known. If you're watching the Ken Burns PBS you're watching the Ken Burns PBS you're watching the Ken Burns PBS version, they're not going to mention version, they're not going to mention version, they're not going to mention that. Uh, and for 50 years in America, that. Uh, and for 50 years in America, that. Uh, and for 50 years in America, we've pushed these ideas out. These are we've pushed these ideas out. These are we've pushed these ideas out. These are not avoidable. This is at the heart.

not avoidable. This is at the heart. not avoidable. This is at the heart. This is not Christian history. This is This is not Christian history. This is This is not Christian history. This is history. This is the truth. And so, the history. This is the truth. And so, the history. This is the truth. And so, the Bolevik Revolution, obviously, the Bolevik Revolution, obviously, the Bolevik Revolution, obviously, the Marxist revolutions and the French Marxist revolutions and the French Marxist revolutions and the French Revolution, they wanted to push God out. Revolution, they wanted to push God out. Revolution, they wanted to push God out. Our revolution said, "We want to get rid Our revolution said, "We want to get rid Our revolution said, "We want to get rid of an earthly king and we want to bow of an earthly king and we want to bow of an earthly king and we want to bow before God, our king." And they were before God, our king." And they were before God, our king." And they were explicit about that. And every American explicit about that. And every American explicit about that. And every American needs to know that whether you're needs to know that whether you're needs to know that whether you're Christian or non-Christian, that's Christian or non-Christian, that's Christian or non-Christian, that's American history. And that's why our American history. And that's why our American history. And that's why our revolution succeeded because they said, revolution succeeded because they said, revolution succeeded because they said, "If we bow before God as the Israelites "If we bow before God as the Israelites "If we bow before God as the Israelites did in the Old Testament uh in the Sinai did in the Old Testament uh in the Sinai did in the Old Testament uh in the Sinai wilderness, we get out from under wilderness, we get out from under wilderness, we get out from under Pharaoh and we get out of Egypt and we Pharaoh and we get out of Egypt and we Pharaoh and we get out of Egypt and we look to the Lord directly." That's what look to the Lord directly." That's what look to the Lord directly." That's what the American Revolution was doing. And the American Revolution was doing. And the American Revolution was doing. And as Americans, we need to understand as Americans, we need to understand as Americans, we need to understand that's historical fact. That's not just that's historical fact. That's not just that's historical fact. That's not just something we say in church. That's something we say in church. That's something we say in church. That's historical fact. And we need to get that historical fact. And we need to get that historical fact. And we need to get that out because that's our only hope as a out because that's our only hope as a out because that's our only hope as a nation. nation. nation. >> Correct. And uh some want to re Yes. >> Correct. And uh some want to re Yes. >> Correct. And uh some want to re Yes. Amen. Some want to rewrite our history. Amen. Some want to rewrite our history. Amen. Some want to rewrite our history. So it's good that you're writing actual So it's good that you're writing actual So it's good that you're writing actual history and not through a lens of history and not through a lens of history and not through a lens of culture, but through the actual history culture, but through the actual history culture, but through the actual history that happened. And uh clearly that happened. And uh clearly that happened. And uh clearly when you read the revolution, when you when you read the revolution, when you when you read the revolution, when you study it, the hand of God moved in ways study it, the hand of God moved in ways study it, the hand of God moved in ways that are inexplicable, unexplainable, that are inexplicable, unexplainable, that are inexplicable, unexplainable, apart from the fact that America is a apart from the fact that America is a apart from the fact that America is a miracle and not an accident, but the miracle and not an accident, but the miracle and not an accident, but the founders often spoke of the providences founders often spoke of the providences founders often spoke of the providences of God. They even it was almost like a of God. They even it was almost like a of God. They even it was almost like a synonym for the name of God, synonym for the name of God, synonym for the name of God, providences. And and and yet and and so providences. And and and yet and and so providences. And and and yet and and so God's hand of favor from the beginning God's hand of favor from the beginning God's hand of favor from the beginning has been on this country. Yeah.

has been on this country. Yeah. has been on this country. Yeah. >> And uh reflect on that and in the story. >> And uh reflect on that and in the story. >> And uh reflect on that and in the story. I mean, do you see God's hand moving? I mean, do you see God's hand moving? I mean, do you see God's hand moving? And even in the founders who were not And even in the founders who were not And even in the founders who were not deist or secular is they were Christians deist or secular is they were Christians deist or secular is they were Christians and believers, right? and believers, right? and believers, right? >> They were as Christian as anybody in >> They were as Christian as anybody in >> They were as Christian as anybody in this church and more. I'm telling you this church and more. I'm telling you this church and more. I'm telling you right now that that lie that they were right now that that lie that they were right now that that lie that they were deists or that you could get American deists or that you could get American deists or that you could get American liberty and equality apart from the God liberty and equality apart from the God liberty and equality apart from the God of the Bible is insanity. That's a lie. of the Bible is insanity. That's a lie. of the Bible is insanity. That's a lie. Uh it doesn't mean everybody has to be a Uh it doesn't mean everybody has to be a Uh it doesn't mean everybody has to be a Christian but the men who who were Christian but the men who who were Christian but the men who who were involved in this they were Christians uh involved in this they were Christians uh involved in this they were Christians uh even the ones that were not that even the ones that were not that even the ones that were not that Christian I mean you could take Christian I mean you could take Christian I mean you could take Jefferson and Franklin even they got Jefferson and Franklin even they got Jefferson and Franklin even they got this memo that this is what we're doing this memo that this is what we're doing this memo that this is what we're doing we're going back to Sinai we're looking we're going back to Sinai we're looking we're going back to Sinai we're looking directly to God when when Franklin and directly to God when when Franklin and directly to God when when Franklin and Jefferson okay these again the least Jefferson okay these again the least Jefferson okay these again the least religious uh of the founders were asked religious uh of the founders were asked religious uh of the founders were asked to create a national seal for the new to create a national seal for the new to create a national seal for the new nation uh Franklin comes up with the nation uh Franklin comes up with the nation uh Franklin comes up with the image of Moses overseeing the parting image of Moses overseeing the parting image of Moses overseeing the parting ing of the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army ing of the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army ing of the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army drowning. That's pretty Old Testament, drowning. That's pretty Old Testament, drowning. That's pretty Old Testament, right? right? right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh you guys tracking with that?

>> Uh you guys tracking with that? >> Uh you guys tracking with that? >> Okay. Jefferson came up with the image >> Okay. Jefferson came up with the image >> Okay. Jefferson came up with the image of the Israelites in the wilderness of the Israelites in the wilderness of the Israelites in the wilderness following the pillar of fire and the following the pillar of fire and the following the pillar of fire and the cloud. They every single one of them cloud. They every single one of them cloud. They every single one of them knew this is what the new nation is knew this is what the new nation is knew this is what the new nation is about. We are going back to uh to the about. We are going back to uh to the about. We are going back to uh to the Sinai wilderness to make a covenant with Sinai wilderness to make a covenant with Sinai wilderness to make a covenant with God. And when we talk about God's God. And when we talk about God's God. And when we talk about God's smiling on their efforts, they knew that smiling on their efforts, they knew that smiling on their efforts, they knew that we're in a covenant with God. No we're in a covenant with God. No we're in a covenant with God. No different than John Winthre uh coming different than John Winthre uh coming different than John Winthre uh coming over here in 1630 in the Arbella saying over here in 1630 in the Arbella saying over here in 1630 in the Arbella saying we want to be a shining city on a hill. we want to be a shining city on a hill. we want to be a shining city on a hill. They got that memo. This is what they They got that memo. This is what they They got that memo. This is what they were about. And they said, "If we honor were about. And they said, "If we honor were about. And they said, "If we honor the Lord in fasting and prayer and the Lord in fasting and prayer and the Lord in fasting and prayer and humble ourselves before him, behave in a humble ourselves before him, behave in a humble ourselves before him, behave in a way that honors him, he will honor us. way that honors him, he will honor us. way that honors him, he will honor us. And if we do not, he will not." They And if we do not, he will not." They And if we do not, he will not." They they were completely um uh humiliating they were completely um uh humiliating they were completely um uh humiliating themselves before God and saying, "Lord, themselves before God and saying, "Lord, themselves before God and saying, "Lord, if you don't help us, we will not if you don't help us, we will not if you don't help us, we will not succeed. This is your cause. This is a succeed. This is your cause. This is a succeed. This is your cause. This is a sacred cause. It's as you we'll say in sacred cause. It's as you we'll say in sacred cause. It's as you we'll say in your sermon, they wanted to be aligned your sermon, they wanted to be aligned your sermon, they wanted to be aligned with the will of the Lord." And so I I with the will of the Lord." And so I I with the will of the Lord." And so I I keep saying this is not a Christian keep saying this is not a Christian keep saying this is not a Christian book, but when you tell the truth about book, but when you tell the truth about book, but when you tell the truth about the founding and again this is the story the founding and again this is the story the founding and again this is the story from the beginning of how it started from the beginning of how it started from the beginning of how it started through Lexington and conquered all the through Lexington and conquered all the through Lexington and conquered all the way to the end. When you tell those way to the end. When you tell those way to the end. When you tell those stories and you see who the men were stories and you see who the men were stories and you see who the men were involved and what they were trying to involved and what they were trying to involved and what they were trying to do, it is inescapably dramatically do, it is inescapably dramatically do, it is inescapably dramatically Christian and and I I want to get that Christian and and I I want to get that Christian and and I I want to get that word out to every American. Again, word out to every American. Again, word out to every American. Again, whether you're Christian or not, you whether you're Christian or not, you whether you're Christian or not, you need to know this is our history. And need to know this is our history. And need to know this is our history. And also to understand that the men of the also to understand that the men of the also to understand that the men of the revolution perceived it that way. They revolution perceived it that way. They revolution perceived it that way. They they didn't, in other words, if you they didn't, in other words, if you they didn't, in other words, if you interviewed them, they would say that interviewed them, they would say that interviewed them, they would say that that's what we were about. And so I

that's what we were about. And so I that's what we were about. And so I quote them in the book. George quote them in the book. George quote them in the book. George Washington, John Adams, every single one Washington, John Adams, every single one Washington, John Adams, every single one of them understood this is what we're of them understood this is what we're of them understood this is what we're doing. We're trying to create a nation doing. We're trying to create a nation doing. We're trying to create a nation on God's plan. This is this is a um on God's plan. This is this is a um on God's plan. This is this is a um Samuel Adams talks about the trying to Samuel Adams talks about the trying to Samuel Adams talks about the trying to bring it's like the reformation of bring it's like the reformation of bring it's like the reformation of politics to bring God's values into politics to bring God's values into politics to bring God's values into government. And so they all knew they government. And so they all knew they government. And so they all knew they were about that. And at this season in were about that. And at this season in were about that. And at this season in our history, every American needs to to our history, every American needs to to our history, every American needs to to relearn this because this has been relearn this because this has been relearn this because this has been pushed out of the culture. And that's pushed out of the culture. And that's pushed out of the culture. And that's why we are so subject to being confused. why we are so subject to being confused. why we are so subject to being confused. Many people are being confused. You Many people are being confused. You Many people are being confused. You mentioned New York. You you you know, mentioned New York. You you you know, mentioned New York. You you you know, you don't elect Marxists unless you you don't elect Marxists unless you you don't elect Marxists unless you don't know your history. And many many don't know your history. And many many don't know your history. And many many Americans don't know it. So here we are. Americans don't know it. So here we are. Americans don't know it. So here we are. >> Well, exactly. But you know, talking >> Well, exactly. But you know, talking >> Well, exactly. But you know, talking about some of these great founders of about some of these great founders of about some of these great founders of the nation and tell us a few stories the nation and tell us a few stories the nation and tell us a few stories maybe in the book. I mean, we know maybe in the book. I mean, we know maybe in the book. I mean, we know Jefferson Adams and and you told me Jefferson Adams and and you told me Jefferson Adams and and you told me early on as you were writing this book early on as you were writing this book early on as you were writing this book that Adam is is really kind of the that Adam is is really kind of the that Adam is is really kind of the unsung unsung unsung >> he's the hero >> he's the hero >> he's the hero >> hero of the whole thing. I mean, you >> hero of the whole thing. I mean, you >> hero of the whole thing. I mean, you obviously got Washington who was a obviously got Washington who was a obviously got Washington who was a Christian.

Christian. Christian. >> No, nobody compares to Washington, but >> No, nobody compares to Washington, but >> No, nobody compares to Washington, but the closest is John Adams. And John the closest is John Adams. And John the closest is John Adams. And John Adams was a total committed, outspoken Adams was a total committed, outspoken Adams was a total committed, outspoken bibleelbelieving Christian. And I bibleelbelieving Christian. And I bibleelbelieving Christian. And I believe one of the reasons people keep believe one of the reasons people keep believe one of the reasons people keep pushing Jefferson to the four and they pushing Jefferson to the four and they pushing Jefferson to the four and they push Adams away is because a lot of push Adams away is because a lot of push Adams away is because a lot of these uh secular folks, they see these uh secular folks, they see these uh secular folks, they see Jefferson as, you know, he symbolizes Jefferson as, you know, he symbolizes Jefferson as, you know, he symbolizes what we believe. Well, first of all, what we believe. Well, first of all, what we believe. Well, first of all, that's not true. But they've used him in that's not true. But they've used him in that's not true. But they've used him in a way to push this idea that you can get a way to push this idea that you can get a way to push this idea that you can get liberty and justice for all in America liberty and justice for all in America liberty and justice for all in America without the God of the Bible. And without the God of the Bible. And without the God of the Bible. And there's nobody and I would even argue there's nobody and I would even argue there's nobody and I would even argue even Jefferson himself agreed with that. even Jefferson himself agreed with that. even Jefferson himself agreed with that. But John Adams to me uh he he is the But John Adams to me uh he he is the But John Adams to me uh he he is the model and he's all through the book. I model and he's all through the book. I model and he's all through the book. I didn't plan it that way, but just when didn't plan it that way, but just when didn't plan it that way, but just when you look at the story, he was there you look at the story, he was there you look at the story, he was there before the beginning. He was there after before the beginning. He was there after before the beginning. He was there after the end. Uh and I I I just think we need the end. Uh and I I I just think we need the end. Uh and I I I just think we need to they're making a monument to him in to they're making a monument to him in to they're making a monument to him in Washington DC. It's 200 years late, but Washington DC. It's 200 years late, but Washington DC. It's 200 years late, but they started making it. I'm excited they started making it. I'm excited they started making it. I'm excited about That's good to know. Yeah, I just about That's good to know. Yeah, I just about That's good to know. Yeah, I just rewatched the the John Adams series uh rewatched the the John Adams series uh rewatched the the John Adams series uh that that came up several years ago and that that came up several years ago and that that came up several years ago and I was I was really moved by it. But um I was I was really moved by it. But um I was I was really moved by it. But um you know, you were talking about reading you know, you were talking about reading you know, you were talking about reading and and and this is reading history uh and and and this is reading history uh and and and this is reading history uh through really the lens of a biblical through really the lens of a biblical through really the lens of a biblical worldview uh for because you are a worldview uh for because you are a worldview uh for because you are a Christian and you've written as you say Christian and you've written as you say Christian and you've written as you say it's is it's history. It's not Christian it's is it's history. It's not Christian it's is it's history. It's not Christian history but the Christian faith is woven history but the Christian faith is woven history but the Christian faith is woven when when talk people ask about when when talk people ask about when when talk people ask about Washington. Was Washington a Christian?

Washington. Was Washington a Christian? Washington. Was Washington a Christian? Well, when I went to his tomb, I was Well, when I went to his tomb, I was Well, when I went to his tomb, I was just there. Yes. Took a group down and just there. Yes. Took a group down and just there. Yes. Took a group down and the inside of Washington's tomb and the inside of Washington's tomb and the inside of Washington's tomb and Martha there with him. I am the Martha there with him. I am the Martha there with him. I am the resurrection and the life. He who resurrection and the life. He who resurrection and the life. He who believes in me. Though he be dead, yet believes in me. Though he be dead, yet believes in me. Though he be dead, yet shall he live. So, I think Washington shall he live. So, I think Washington shall he live. So, I think Washington clearly lived and died in faith. clearly lived and died in faith. clearly lived and died in faith. >> I I mean, when I did the research, you >> I I mean, when I did the research, you >> I I mean, when I did the research, you know, people think, "Oh, I'm smart. I know, people think, "Oh, I'm smart. I know, people think, "Oh, I'm smart. I know all this stuff." Trust me, that's know all this stuff." Trust me, that's know all this stuff." Trust me, that's not true. I know very little going into not true. I know very little going into not true. I know very little going into it. I just know enough that I want to it. I just know enough that I want to it. I just know enough that I want to write a book. I start doing the write a book. I start doing the write a book. I start doing the research. the evidence for the Christian research. the evidence for the Christian research. the evidence for the Christian faith of Washington, it almost becomes a faith of Washington, it almost becomes a faith of Washington, it almost becomes a joke that anyone would ever call him a joke that anyone would ever call him a joke that anyone would ever call him a deist. And and you realize people are deist. And and you realize people are deist. And and you realize people are lying when people say he's a deist. I lying when people say he's a deist. I lying when people say he's a deist. I mean, if you had the misfortune of mean, if you had the misfortune of mean, if you had the misfortune of watching the Ken Burns PBS documentary, watching the Ken Burns PBS documentary, watching the Ken Burns PBS documentary, they pretend like these guys are deists they pretend like these guys are deists they pretend like these guys are deists like Washington's aist. And I thought like Washington's aist. And I thought like Washington's aist. And I thought that that's not just that's not even that that's not just that's not even that that's not just that's not even debatable. I mean, he was a debatable. I mean, he was a debatable. I mean, he was a firebreathing Christian. And and it firebreathing Christian. And and it firebreathing Christian. And and it comes out over and over and over. The comes out over and over and over. The comes out over and over and over. The first thing he commands his officer when first thing he commands his officer when first thing he commands his officer when he takes the command of the army in July he takes the command of the army in July he takes the command of the army in July 1775 in Boston, he commands his officers 1775 in Boston, he commands his officers 1775 in Boston, he commands his officers the first order that that their their the first order that that their their the first order that that their their troops must be no swearing uh drinking, troops must be no swearing uh drinking, troops must be no swearing uh drinking, gambling, and they got to attend uh gambling, and they got to attend uh gambling, and they got to attend uh divine services on Sunday morning. They divine services on Sunday morning. They divine services on Sunday morning. They all understood, he understood, John all understood, he understood, John all understood, he understood, John Adams understood, we have to humble Adams understood, we have to humble Adams understood, we have to humble ourselves before God. This is a a a ourselves before God. This is a a a ourselves before God. This is a a a Christian effort and we need the Lord to Christian effort and we need the Lord to Christian effort and we need the Lord to smile on us. We're making a covenant smile on us. We're making a covenant smile on us. We're making a covenant with God. That is the true story of with God. That is the true story of with God. That is the true story of American history. And so when I wrote American history. And so when I wrote American history. And so when I wrote this book, this is not a Christian book this book, this is not a Christian book this book, this is not a Christian book or a conservative book. This is a a book or a conservative book. This is a a book or a conservative book. This is a a book you can give to anybody that's not a you can give to anybody that's not a you can give to anybody that's not a Marxist lunatic. Um, but the fact of the

Marxist lunatic. Um, but the fact of the Marxist lunatic. Um, but the fact of the matter is when you tell the true story, matter is when you tell the true story, matter is when you tell the true story, you you you don't try to make it woke or you you you don't try to make it woke or you you you don't try to make it woke or don't try to bend it at into an don't try to bend it at into an don't try to bend it at into an anti-American direction. It comes out as anti-American direction. It comes out as anti-American direction. It comes out as extraordinarily Christian and you start extraordinarily Christian and you start extraordinarily Christian and you start thinking, how have I lived my life and thinking, how have I lived my life and thinking, how have I lived my life and not known this? And so that's why I I not known this? And so that's why I I not known this? And so that's why I I it's my hope for the nation that it's my hope for the nation that it's my hope for the nation that Americans would know our true story. Americans would know our true story. Americans would know our true story. This is our true story. And this is This is our true story. And this is This is our true story. And this is nothing revisionist in here. I mean, nothing revisionist in here. I mean, nothing revisionist in here. I mean, I've got a million sources. The book I've got a million sources. The book I've got a million sources. The book could be twice as long. I mean, I could could be twice as long. I mean, I could could be twice as long. I mean, I could have uh put a thousand more quotes in. have uh put a thousand more quotes in. have uh put a thousand more quotes in. But I just think we need to know the But I just think we need to know the But I just think we need to know the story. And we also need to rejoice and story. And we also need to rejoice and story. And we also need to rejoice and celebrate these men who suffered. Some celebrate these men who suffered. Some celebrate these men who suffered. Some of them died for what they believed was of them died for what they believed was of them died for what they believed was God's cause. This was a sacred. This is God's cause. This was a sacred. This is God's cause. This was a sacred. This is not some political thing. This is not not some political thing. This is not not some political thing. This is not Che Guavara. This is not Lenin. This was Che Guavara. This is not Lenin. This was Che Guavara. This is not Lenin. This was a godly men engaged in a godly cause. a godly men engaged in a godly cause. a godly men engaged in a godly cause. They understood that when you squeeze They understood that when you squeeze They understood that when you squeeze the Bible, you get liberty pops out. the Bible, you get liberty pops out. the Bible, you get liberty pops out. Okay, the idea of liberty comes from the Okay, the idea of liberty comes from the Okay, the idea of liberty comes from the scripture and they understood this idea scripture and they understood this idea scripture and they understood this idea and they brought it into history. So, we and they brought it into history. So, we and they brought it into history. So, we need to know that uh and we need to get need to know that uh and we need to get need to know that uh and we need to get the word out because we cannot save the the word out because we cannot save the the word out because we cannot save the nation. Um unless most Americans get nation. Um unless most Americans get nation. Um unless most Americans get this, unless many Americans become born this, unless many Americans become born this, unless many Americans become born again and accept Jesus. Um, and unless again and accept Jesus. Um, and unless again and accept Jesus. Um, and unless we link the idea of liberty that we have we link the idea of liberty that we have we link the idea of liberty that we have had been blessed with with the Bible had been blessed with with the Bible had been blessed with with the Bible because there's no other way you get because there's no other way you get because there's no other way you get liberty except from out of the Bible.

liberty except from out of the Bible. liberty except from out of the Bible. >> Amen. It is true. >> Amen. It is true. >> Amen. It is true. >> It's just not debatable. >> It's just not debatable. >> It's just not debatable. >> So reading reading is is so very >> So reading reading is is so very >> So reading reading is is so very important. And you've used that word important. And you've used that word important. And you've used that word several times. Obviously, this is a book several times. Obviously, this is a book several times. Obviously, this is a book to read. And I I read a startling to read. And I I read a startling to read. And I I read a startling statistic the other day that says, you statistic the other day that says, you statistic the other day that says, you know, 40 to 50% of Americans never read know, 40 to 50% of Americans never read know, 40 to 50% of Americans never read a book. a book. a book. >> Yeah. and and and that's a tragedy. You >> Yeah. and and and that's a tragedy. You >> Yeah. and and and that's a tragedy. You know, I grew up with my grandfather know, I grew up with my grandfather know, I grew up with my grandfather reading me the Bible and and the stories reading me the Bible and and the stories reading me the Bible and and the stories of the presidents actually in addition of the presidents actually in addition of the presidents actually in addition to the Bible and and history. And I've to the Bible and and history. And I've to the Bible and and history. And I've loved history from the beginning. It's loved history from the beginning. It's loved history from the beginning. It's why we have a bookstore uh to carry why we have a bookstore uh to carry why we have a bookstore uh to carry Bibles and great books and uh we want to Bibles and great books and uh we want to Bibles and great books and uh we want to put resources in uh people's hands so put resources in uh people's hands so put resources in uh people's hands so they can know and love God and know how they can know and love God and know how they can know and love God and know how to follow him and and so so we've got to follow him and and so so we've got to follow him and and so so we've got this book in in the bookstore of course this book in in the bookstore of course this book in in the bookstore of course and Eric's going to be signing after the and Eric's going to be signing after the and Eric's going to be signing after the service. But uh you know readers are you service. But uh you know readers are you service. But uh you know readers are you know my grandfather always said readers know my grandfather always said readers know my grandfather always said readers are leaders and I believe that and and are leaders and I believe that and and are leaders and I believe that and and readers lead well. So challenge us, you readers lead well. So challenge us, you readers lead well. So challenge us, you know, I want you to read this book, but know, I want you to read this book, but know, I want you to read this book, but but you know, because if people can keep but you know, because if people can keep but you know, because if people can keep you in ignorance and and stop you from you in ignorance and and stop you from you in ignorance and and stop you from reading, you're doomed not to liberty, reading, you're doomed not to liberty, reading, you're doomed not to liberty, but to bondage.

but to bondage. but to bondage. >> Well, even more important than reading >> Well, even more important than reading >> Well, even more important than reading my book, please buy several copies. my book, please buy several copies. my book, please buy several copies. That's the most [laughter] that's the I That's the most [laughter] that's the I That's the most [laughter] that's the I don't care what you do with it. Give don't care what you do with it. Give don't care what you do with it. Give them away, but it wouldn't kill you to them away, but it wouldn't kill you to them away, but it wouldn't kill you to buy the No, I I I joke around the buy the No, I I I joke around the buy the No, I I I joke around the reading thing. I picked this up again. reading thing. I picked this up again. reading thing. I picked this up again. This is in doing the research on this This is in doing the research on this This is in doing the research on this book. John Adams writes about this and book. John Adams writes about this and book. John Adams writes about this and others but John Adams writes about this. others but John Adams writes about this. others but John Adams writes about this. This is a biblical idea. This is a re This is a biblical idea. This is a re This is a biblical idea. This is a re the whole idea of the American the whole idea of the American the whole idea of the American Revolution comes out of the reformation. Revolution comes out of the reformation. Revolution comes out of the reformation. Have you heard about that? Have you heard about that? Have you heard about that? >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> It comes out of the reformation that we >> It comes out of the reformation that we >> It comes out of the reformation that we need to read the Bible for ourselves. We need to read the Bible for ourselves. We need to read the Bible for ourselves. We need to understand the Bible. We need to need to understand the Bible. We need to need to understand the Bible. We need to understand these ideas. So it was a understand these ideas. So it was a understand these ideas. So it was a fundamental reformation Puritan idea fundamental reformation Puritan idea fundamental reformation Puritan idea right right in there in in uh right right in there in in uh right right in there in in uh Massachusetts in the 17th century into Massachusetts in the 17th century into Massachusetts in the 17th century into the 18th century that we need to the 18th century that we need to the 18th century that we need to establish schools. They established establish schools. They established establish schools. They established Harvard University for God's purposes Harvard University for God's purposes Harvard University for God's purposes before it went insane and woke. Uh they before it went insane and woke. Uh they before it went insane and woke. Uh they established it for God's purposes to to established it for God's purposes to to established it for God's purposes to to teach the Bible to teach ministers of teach the Bible to teach ministers of teach the Bible to teach ministers of the faith to teach the Bible. And they the faith to teach the Bible. And they the faith to teach the Bible. And they understood that all of this stuff is at understood that all of this stuff is at understood that all of this stuff is at the heart of our faith is that we're the heart of our faith is that we're the heart of our faith is that we're supposed to use our minds and understand supposed to use our minds and understand supposed to use our minds and understand with our minds that God has given us our with our minds that God has given us our with our minds that God has given us our minds to reason and that's the only way minds to reason and that's the only way minds to reason and that's the only way you get a just a society that you get a you get a just a society that you get a you get a just a society that you get a society where where the people are free.

society where where the people are free. society where where the people are free. They understood these ideas come out of They understood these ideas come out of They understood these ideas come out of the Bible, but that the people are the Bible, but that the people are the Bible, but that the people are responsible for reading the Bible, responsible for reading the Bible, responsible for reading the Bible, studying the Bible, understanding the studying the Bible, understanding the studying the Bible, understanding the Bible. And so when the Stamp Act came in Bible. And so when the Stamp Act came in Bible. And so when the Stamp Act came in 1765, which kind of kicks off all the 1765, which kind of kicks off all the 1765, which kind of kicks off all the trouble, um John Adams and others who trouble, um John Adams and others who trouble, um John Adams and others who were, you know, staunch Christians, they were, you know, staunch Christians, they were, you know, staunch Christians, they perceived this as the British trying to perceived this as the British trying to perceived this as the British trying to enslave uh the American colonies to suck enslave uh the American colonies to suck enslave uh the American colonies to suck us back uh into to subjugate us by us back uh into to subjugate us by us back uh into to subjugate us by creating an ignorant population by by creating an ignorant population by by creating an ignorant population by by taxing paper. I should have said the taxing paper. I should have said the taxing paper. I should have said the Stamp Act was paper um in order to make Stamp Act was paper um in order to make Stamp Act was paper um in order to make newspapers go out of business. In other newspapers go out of business. In other newspapers go out of business. In other words, they saw that that that the words, they saw that that that the words, they saw that that that the British didn't like this idea of these British didn't like this idea of these British didn't like this idea of these Christian Americans um reading and Christian Americans um reading and Christian Americans um reading and thinking for themselves and they were thinking for themselves and they were thinking for themselves and they were kind of at war with that. So, there's a kind of at war with that. So, there's a kind of at war with that. So, there's a spiritual battle, a cultural war in the spiritual battle, a cultural war in the spiritual battle, a cultural war in the midst of all this. And at the heart of midst of all this. And at the heart of midst of all this. And at the heart of it is people standing with the scripture it is people standing with the scripture it is people standing with the scripture who are the American colonists, the who are the American colonists, the who are the American colonists, the leaders in the in the in the the leaders in the in the in the the leaders in the in the in the the revolution revolution revolution over and against the British who the over and against the British who the over and against the British who the British elites were very uh corrupt and British elites were very uh corrupt and British elites were very uh corrupt and cynical. And not only were they not cynical. And not only were they not cynical. And not only were they not godly, but they were mocking of the godly, but they were mocking of the godly, but they were mocking of the Christian faith of of the Americans.

Christian faith of of the Americans. Christian faith of of the Americans. It's it's an extraordinary thing. I It's it's an extraordinary thing. I It's it's an extraordinary thing. I didn't realize it. And the way they were didn't realize it. And the way they were didn't realize it. And the way they were they were barbaric during the war. They they were barbaric during the war. They they were barbaric during the war. They were not they did not have a Christian were not they did not have a Christian were not they did not have a Christian worldview, but the Americans had a worldview, but the Americans had a worldview, but the Americans had a Christian worldview. And you see that Christian worldview. And you see that Christian worldview. And you see that over and over and over. Uh and part of over and over and over. Uh and part of over and over and over. Uh and part of that worldview is we're going to think that worldview is we're going to think that worldview is we're going to think for ourselves. We're going to read for for ourselves. We're going to read for for ourselves. We're going to read for ourselves. And so that's something that ourselves. And so that's something that ourselves. And so that's something that you can only be subjugated to a big you can only be subjugated to a big you can only be subjugated to a big state uh if you are ignorant. And so it state uh if you are ignorant. And so it state uh if you are ignorant. And so it is up to us part of of of using our is up to us part of of of using our is up to us part of of of using our muscles that that the Lord gave us to muscles that that the Lord gave us to muscles that that the Lord gave us to think uh that th those are biblical think uh that th those are biblical think uh that th those are biblical values and we get that out of the values and we get that out of the values and we get that out of the reformation. We don't get it from the reformation. We don't get it from the reformation. We don't get it from the French enlightenment. We get it from the French enlightenment. We get it from the French enlightenment. We get it from the from the from the scripture and the from the from the scripture and the from the from the scripture and the reformation. So that's really at the reformation. So that's really at the reformation. So that's really at the heart of our faith heart of our faith heart of our faith >> and and so I would say lighten up on Tik >> and and so I would say lighten up on Tik >> and and so I would say lighten up on Tik Tok and Instagram and scrolling and Tok and Instagram and scrolling and Tok and Instagram and scrolling and screening and all and read a good book. screening and all and read a good book. screening and all and read a good book. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And read good books and you know start >> And read good books and you know start >> And read good books and you know start with a revolution because you know with a revolution because you know with a revolution because you know >> Amen. We have >> Amen. We have >> Amen. We have >> and you can listen to the audio book. I >> and you can listen to the audio book. I >> and you can listen to the audio book. I want to interrupt. There's no shame. want to interrupt. There's no shame. want to interrupt. There's no shame. There's no shame in listening to There's no shame in listening to There's no shame in listening to audiobook. I read the audio book. It's audiobook. I read the audio book. It's audiobook. I read the audio book. It's 27 hours, but if you do it at 1.3, you 27 hours, but if you do it at 1.3, you 27 hours, but if you do it at 1.3, you zip through it in 22 hours. So, zip through it in 22 hours. So, zip through it in 22 hours. So, >> that's awesome.

>> that's awesome. >> that's awesome. >> Yeah. But it's I read it and it was a >> Yeah. But it's I read it and it was a >> Yeah. But it's I read it and it was a big effort. It was a lot of work. Yeah. big effort. It was a lot of work. Yeah. big effort. It was a lot of work. Yeah. >> Yeah. And and but you know, we teach >> Yeah. And and but you know, we teach >> Yeah. And and but you know, we teach biblical worldview here at Prestonwood biblical worldview here at Prestonwood biblical worldview here at Prestonwood from our pulpit, through our Bible from our pulpit, through our Bible from our pulpit, through our Bible teaching ministries, uh through our teaching ministries, uh through our teaching ministries, uh through our student ministry, our children, the student ministry, our children, the student ministry, our children, the whole thing. And then Prestonwood whole thing. And then Prestonwood whole thing. And then Prestonwood Christian Academy, Dr. Jeremiah Johnson Christian Academy, Dr. Jeremiah Johnson Christian Academy, Dr. Jeremiah Johnson here, pastor of apologetics leads us. here, pastor of apologetics leads us. here, pastor of apologetics leads us. We've got a big worldview conference We've got a big worldview conference We've got a big worldview conference coming up in the fall. Love for all of coming up in the fall. Love for all of coming up in the fall. Love for all of you to come to that. We we want to teach you to come to that. We we want to teach you to come to that. We we want to teach biblical worldview and Christian biblical worldview and Christian biblical worldview and Christian worldview, Christc centered biblical worldview, Christc centered biblical worldview, Christc centered biblical worldview, and that's what we do. And worldview, and that's what we do. And worldview, and that's what we do. And and so that's why we do these books and and so that's why we do these books and and so that's why we do these books and resources and why we preach what we resources and why we preach what we resources and why we preach what we preach. But Eric, one thing I can say preach. But Eric, one thing I can say preach. But Eric, one thing I can say about you, uh, kind of wrapping up here, about you, uh, kind of wrapping up here, about you, uh, kind of wrapping up here, uh, you're a writer, you're author, uh, you're a writer, you're author, uh, you're a writer, you're author, you're all these things, speaker, you're all these things, speaker, you're all these things, speaker, communicator, you're smart, but you're a communicator, you're smart, but you're a communicator, you're smart, but you're a patriot, patriot, patriot, and you love America. We've been talking and you love America. We've been talking and you love America. We've been talking about that a lot. about that a lot. about that a lot. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Tell us why you love America, why you >> Tell us why you love America, why you >> Tell us why you love America, why you love this country. I love this country. I love this country. I >> I'll tell you, um, my mother and father, >> I'll tell you, um, my mother and father, >> I'll tell you, um, my mother and father, my dad came from Greece in 1955. My mom my dad came from Greece in 1955. My mom my dad came from Greece in 1955. My mom came from East Germany in 1954. They came from East Germany in 1954. They came from East Germany in 1954. They taught me to hate communism.

taught me to hate communism. taught me to hate communism. Uh, and even without teaching me to love Uh, and even without teaching me to love Uh, and even without teaching me to love America, they taught me to love America America, they taught me to love America America, they taught me to love America from before I could even uh talk from before I could even uh talk from before I could even uh talk basically because they lived through the basically because they lived through the basically because they lived through the hell. They understand the reality of hell. They understand the reality of hell. They understand the reality of communism. Communism is satanic. It is communism. Communism is satanic. It is communism. Communism is satanic. It is anti- good. Anything Marxist is anti- anti- good. Anything Marxist is anti- anti- good. Anything Marxist is anti- good. Anything big state, big government good. Anything big state, big government good. Anything big state, big government is anti- good. the the ideas of the is anti- good. the the ideas of the is anti- good. the the ideas of the scripture translate into American scripture translate into American scripture translate into American liberty, which it's the Lord's will that liberty, which it's the Lord's will that liberty, which it's the Lord's will that the whole world could experience it. And the whole world could experience it. And the whole world could experience it. And so I I was taught that as a kid to know so I I was taught that as a kid to know so I I was taught that as a kid to know the wickedness of of communism. And I the wickedness of of communism. And I the wickedness of of communism. And I remember uh in my last book or one of my remember uh in my last book or one of my remember uh in my last book or one of my last books, I wrote a book called If You last books, I wrote a book called If You last books, I wrote a book called If You Can Keep It. I talk about in fifth Can Keep It. I talk about in fifth Can Keep It. I talk about in fifth grade, June 14th, 1973, grade, June 14th, 1973, grade, June 14th, 1973, it was Flag Day. Uh and it was the first it was Flag Day. Uh and it was the first it was Flag Day. Uh and it was the first time I'd experienced this and my my time I'd experienced this and my my time I'd experienced this and my my heart swelled at the time because you heart swelled at the time because you heart swelled at the time because you know we sang my country tis of thee and know we sang my country tis of thee and know we sang my country tis of thee and I just realized at that early age that I just realized at that early age that I just realized at that early age that we're we have to love our country and we're we have to love our country and we're we have to love our country and and and I'll be honest with you it and and I'll be honest with you it and and I'll be honest with you it doesn't matter what country you come doesn't matter what country you come doesn't matter what country you come from. You should love your family. You from. You should love your family. You from. You should love your family. You should love whatever culture you're should love whatever culture you're should love whatever culture you're from. You should be proud of it. But we from. You should be proud of it. But we from. You should be proud of it. But we in America have been given a gift we do in America have been given a gift we do in America have been given a gift we do not deserve. We do not deserve to live not deserve. We do not deserve to live not deserve. We do not deserve to live in this free glorious country. It is a in this free glorious country. It is a in this free glorious country. It is a gift from God. And if we do not gift from God. And if we do not gift from God. And if we do not appreciate it and love it and teach it appreciate it and love it and teach it appreciate it and love it and teach it to our children, if we don't do that, it to our children, if we don't do that, it to our children, if we don't do that, it goes away. And we've been living in a goes away. And we've been living in a goes away. And we've been living in a time in my lifetime where America has time in my lifetime where America has time in my lifetime where America has been denigrated. Every negative thing been denigrated. Every negative thing been denigrated. Every negative thing has been said. And this is to speak

has been said. And this is to speak has been said. And this is to speak curses. This is no different than if you curses. This is no different than if you curses. This is no different than if you say to your kid, "You're never going to say to your kid, "You're never going to say to your kid, "You're never going to amount to anything." And you repeat the amount to anything." And you repeat the amount to anything." And you repeat the the mistakes they've made over and over. the mistakes they've made over and over. the mistakes they've made over and over. You are cursing them. We are called to You are cursing them. We are called to You are cursing them. We are called to love this nation, to call this nation love this nation, to call this nation love this nation, to call this nation higher, and to to rejoice uh when we get higher, and to to rejoice uh when we get higher, and to to rejoice uh when we get stuff right. We have we have reversed so stuff right. We have we have reversed so stuff right. We have we have reversed so many wrongs in this nation, and we're we many wrongs in this nation, and we're we many wrongs in this nation, and we're we always want to do that. Most nations are always want to do that. Most nations are always want to do that. Most nations are not doing that. Okay? China is not not doing that. Okay? China is not not doing that. Okay? China is not interested in reversing their their interested in reversing their their interested in reversing their their wickedness. Uh but this nation, that's wickedness. Uh but this nation, that's wickedness. Uh but this nation, that's who we are and that's who we are from who we are and that's who we are from who we are and that's who we are from the beginning. Which is why I want the beginning. Which is why I want the beginning. Which is why I want everybody to know the story of our everybody to know the story of our everybody to know the story of our beginning because you understand this is beginning because you understand this is beginning because you understand this is our DNA. Washington said uh Lincoln said our DNA. Washington said uh Lincoln said our DNA. Washington said uh Lincoln said we are conceived in liberty. Conceived we are conceived in liberty. Conceived we are conceived in liberty. Conceived in liberty and dedicated nation that all in liberty and dedicated nation that all in liberty and dedicated nation that all men are created equal. That is who we men are created equal. That is who we men are created equal. That is who we are in our heart in our core. And we are in our heart in our core. And we are in our heart in our core. And we cannot stray from that. And to the cannot stray from that. And to the cannot stray from that. And to the extent that our culture has strayed from extent that our culture has strayed from extent that our culture has strayed from that, we got to get back to it. And I that, we got to get back to it. And I that, we got to get back to it. And I believe in our 250th year right now in believe in our 250th year right now in believe in our 250th year right now in our super centennial, God has appointed our super centennial, God has appointed our super centennial, God has appointed this hour, this summer for us to this hour, this summer for us to this hour, this summer for us to reacquaint ourselves and to tell reacquaint ourselves and to tell reacquaint ourselves and to tell everybody this is the way back. If we everybody this is the way back. If we everybody this is the way back. If we don't if most Americans don't begin to don't if most Americans don't begin to don't if most Americans don't begin to get this stuff um and begin to reverse get this stuff um and begin to reverse get this stuff um and begin to reverse this messed up idea that's been pushed this messed up idea that's been pushed this messed up idea that's been pushed on us for the last 50 or so years, uh we on us for the last 50 or so years, uh we on us for the last 50 or so years, uh we will lose everything. And I don't will lose everything. And I don't will lose everything. And I don't believe we will. I believe we're on the believe we will. I believe we're on the believe we will. I believe we're on the right path. But I think that knowing our right path. But I think that knowing our right path. But I think that knowing our history is at the very heart of it. And history is at the very heart of it. And history is at the very heart of it. And when you know our history, you cannot when you know our history, you cannot when you know our history, you cannot help but love this nation and just help but love this nation and just help but love this nation and just really get choked up at the joy that we really get choked up at the joy that we really get choked up at the joy that we get to live in this country. So I praise get to live in this country. So I praise get to live in this country. So I praise God for this nation.

God for this nation. God for this nation. >> What a great answer. What a great >> What a great answer. What a great >> What a great answer. What a great answer. We do love America and we love answer. We do love America and we love answer. We do love America and we love it enough to pray for our country uh to it enough to pray for our country uh to it enough to pray for our country uh to be a light in the darkness and um as a be a light in the darkness and um as a be a light in the darkness and um as a church be on the forefront of a new church be on the forefront of a new church be on the forefront of a new spiritual awakening. This country was spiritual awakening. This country was spiritual awakening. This country was born between two great awakenings and we born between two great awakenings and we born between two great awakenings and we need another one and we pray that it need another one and we pray that it need another one and we pray that it happens. We want to be on the front edge happens. We want to be on the front edge happens. We want to be on the front edge of that. of that. of that. >> We want to keep the the surge of >> We want to keep the the surge of >> We want to keep the the surge of patriotism rolling uh in the country. I patriotism rolling uh in the country. I patriotism rolling uh in the country. I I'm I'm hopeful. I really am just seeing I'm I'm hopeful. I really am just seeing I'm I'm hopeful. I really am just seeing in the celebrations of the 4th of the in the celebrations of the 4th of the in the celebrations of the 4th of the 250th uh the surge of uh of of love for 250th uh the surge of uh of of love for 250th uh the surge of uh of of love for country and and uh and love for our country and and uh and love for our country and and uh and love for our leadership. And even when we disagree leadership. And even when we disagree leadership. And even when we disagree politically, we can unite in liberty and politically, we can unite in liberty and politically, we can unite in liberty and pursue those things which matter most in pursue those things which matter most in pursue those things which matter most in the sight of God. And so give Eric a the sight of God. And so give Eric a the sight of God. And so give Eric a hand. Thank him for being here. hand. Thank him for being here. hand. Thank him for being here. >> Thank you for having me. Thank you, my >> Thank you for having me. Thank you, my >> Thank you for having me. Thank you, my brother. brother. brother. It's the revolution or revolution. It's the revolution or revolution. It's the revolution or revolution. [applause] [applause] [applause] So again, uh you can you can meet Eric So again, uh you can you can meet Eric So again, uh you can you can meet Eric uh after the service. He'll be he'll be uh after the service. He'll be he'll be uh after the service. He'll be he'll be signing the book. What you do is you go signing the book. What you do is you go signing the book. What you do is you go to the bookstore, you purchase the book, to the bookstore, you purchase the book, to the bookstore, you purchase the book, and then there'll be a line and uh Eric and then there'll be a line and uh Eric and then there'll be a line and uh Eric would love to meet you and sign your would love to meet you and sign your would love to meet you and sign your book there. This is the time for our book there. This is the time for our book there. This is the time for our offering in the service. And thank you offering in the service. And thank you offering in the service. And thank you for being so faithful this summer. Our for being so faithful this summer. Our for being so faithful this summer. Our attendance is good and our giving is attendance is good and our giving is attendance is good and our giving is really good this summer. And so, thank really good this summer. And so, thank really good this summer. And so, thank you because, as you know, the mission you because, as you know, the mission you because, as you know, the mission goes on. Speaking of loving America, goes on. Speaking of loving America, goes on. Speaking of loving America, we're sending our students, our best and

we're sending our students, our best and we're sending our students, our best and our brightest, our students to Boston our brightest, our students to Boston our brightest, our students to Boston and New York here in a couple of weeks and New York here in a couple of weeks and New York here in a couple of weeks to spread the gospel uh in two great to spread the gospel uh in two great to spread the gospel uh in two great American cities who need the love and American cities who need the love and American cities who need the love and the hope of Christ. Isn't that good? the hope of Christ. Isn't that good? the hope of Christ. Isn't that good? We're sending uh our students We're sending uh our students We're sending uh our students >> uh to do that. Our choir was just in DC >> uh to do that. Our choir was just in DC >> uh to do that. Our choir was just in DC and and sang at the Kennedy Center and and and sang at the Kennedy Center and and and sang at the Kennedy Center and that was great. And I added it up. I that was great. And I added it up. I that was great. And I added it up. I spent I took four different trips to spent I took four different trips to spent I took four different trips to Washington DC since Easter for various Washington DC since Easter for various Washington DC since Easter for various purposes but uh all of it because of my purposes but uh all of it because of my purposes but uh all of it because of my love for America and my desire to preach love for America and my desire to preach love for America and my desire to preach and teach God's word uh in our nation's and teach God's word uh in our nation's and teach God's word uh in our nation's capital but in every capital in every capital but in every capital in every capital but in every capital in every city in every community let freedom ring city in every community let freedom ring city in every community let freedom ring and uh America is the first one to show and uh America is the first one to show and uh America is the first one to show up when there's trouble in our country up when there's trouble in our country up when there's trouble in our country and in the world when there's a crisis and in the world when there's a crisis and in the world when there's a crisis when there's a national tragedy when there's a national tragedy when there's a national tragedy and down in Venezuela. And then to go and down in Venezuela. And then to go and down in Venezuela. And then to go America sent missionaries, the first America sent missionaries, the first America sent missionaries, the first missionaries to South Korea where I just missionaries to South Korea where I just missionaries to South Korea where I just preached back in May. Uh American preached back in May. Uh American preached back in May. Uh American missionaries, primarily American missionaries, primarily American missionaries, primarily American missionaries went and brought the missionaries went and brought the missionaries went and brought the message of hope. And now South Korea, message of hope. And now South Korea, message of hope. And now South Korea, you would consider it a Christianized you would consider it a Christianized you would consider it a Christianized country. So many Christians in South country. So many Christians in South country. So many Christians in South Korea. I preached to thousands of Korea. I preached to thousands of Korea. I preached to thousands of Christians in some of the biggest Christians in some of the biggest Christians in some of the biggest churches I've ever seen in South Korea.

churches I've ever seen in South Korea. churches I've ever seen in South Korea. That's America on the move. That's That's America on the move. That's That's America on the move. That's Christians in America on the move. And Christians in America on the move. And Christians in America on the move. And down in Venezuela where these terrible down in Venezuela where these terrible down in Venezuela where these terrible earthquakes have taken place, uh Marines earthquakes have taken place, uh Marines earthquakes have taken place, uh Marines showed up first and many Americans but showed up first and many Americans but showed up first and many Americans but Christians. And we as a church are Christians. And we as a church are Christians. And we as a church are involved in this. Uh we have asked uh involved in this. Uh we have asked uh involved in this. Uh we have asked uh Texas Ranger Hall of Famer, great a Texas Ranger Hall of Famer, great a Texas Ranger Hall of Famer, great a Elvis Andrews, a member of Prestonwood, Elvis Andrews, a member of Prestonwood, Elvis Andrews, a member of Prestonwood, he and his family to spearhead an effort he and his family to spearhead an effort he and his family to spearhead an effort in support of financial support, in support of financial support, in support of financial support, prayerful support, spiritual ministry in prayerful support, spiritual ministry in prayerful support, spiritual ministry in Venezuela. We have partners as we've Venezuela. We have partners as we've Venezuela. We have partners as we've been giving uh and we've given almost been giving uh and we've given almost been giving uh and we've given almost $200,000 so far to the Venezuelan fund. $200,000 so far to the Venezuelan fund. $200,000 so far to the Venezuelan fund. So, you can be a part of that. Pray for So, you can be a part of that. Pray for So, you can be a part of that. Pray for Prestonwood Espanol. 2 o'clock this Prestonwood Espanol. 2 o'clock this Prestonwood Espanol. 2 o'clock this afternoon. Many v Venezuelan uh uh afternoon. Many v Venezuelan uh uh afternoon. Many v Venezuelan uh uh people are members of our Prestonwood people are members of our Prestonwood people are members of our Prestonwood congregation. Uh maybe 20% are from congregation. Uh maybe 20% are from congregation. Uh maybe 20% are from Venezuela, including Elvis Andrews, Venezuela, including Elvis Andrews, Venezuela, including Elvis Andrews, Robinson Torinos, who played for the Robinson Torinos, who played for the Robinson Torinos, who played for the Rangers. He has an organization. We're Rangers. He has an organization. We're Rangers. He has an organization. We're working with that. Franklin Graham and working with that. Franklin Graham and working with that. Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse, of course. along with Samaritan's Purse, of course. along with Samaritan's Purse, of course. along with uh Southern Baptist Missions and the uh Southern Baptist Missions and the uh Southern Baptist Missions and the Baptist Convention of Venezuela. There's Baptist Convention of Venezuela. There's Baptist Convention of Venezuela. There's some strong Baptist churches down in some strong Baptist churches down in some strong Baptist churches down in Venezuela. We're working with these. So, Venezuela. We're working with these. So, Venezuela. We're working with these. So, uh this is all a part of our giving. So, uh this is all a part of our giving. So, uh this is all a part of our giving. So, that's over and above. There's a tab on that's over and above. There's a tab on that's over and above. There's a tab on your online giving uh where you can give your online giving uh where you can give your online giving uh where you can give to the Venezuelan fund and then a to the Venezuelan fund and then a to the Venezuelan fund and then a regular tithe and offering because it's regular tithe and offering because it's regular tithe and offering because it's the budget giving the the the ministry the budget giving the the the ministry the budget giving the the the ministry budget that keeps the the ministry budget that keeps the the ministry budget that keeps the the ministry moving forward. and we're doing well moving forward. and we're doing well moving forward. and we're doing well here in the middle of the summer. So, here in the middle of the summer. So, here in the middle of the summer. So, thank you for being a part of this.

thank you for being a part of this. thank you for being a part of this. We're going to pray, receive the We're going to pray, receive the We're going to pray, receive the offering, worship some more, and then offering, worship some more, and then offering, worship some more, and then I'm going to be back to preach a message I'm going to be back to preach a message I'm going to be back to preach a message on knowing and doing God's will as we on knowing and doing God's will as we on knowing and doing God's will as we follow Christ. Lord, thank you for this follow Christ. Lord, thank you for this follow Christ. Lord, thank you for this time now to give. We thank you for those time now to give. We thank you for those time now to give. We thank you for those who have gone before us, who have who have gone before us, who have who have gone before us, who have served, have given, have worked, and served, have given, have worked, and served, have given, have worked, and even died in sacrifice for our country even died in sacrifice for our country even died in sacrifice for our country and for the world. We pray, oh God, that and for the world. We pray, oh God, that and for the world. We pray, oh God, that uh on fronts in the world where our uh on fronts in the world where our uh on fronts in the world where our troops are now in Iran, we pray for our troops are now in Iran, we pray for our troops are now in Iran, we pray for our troops, we pray [music] that they would troops, we pray [music] that they would troops, we pray [music] that they would return soon and safely. We we pray for return soon and safely. We we pray for return soon and safely. We we pray for our president as he leads the nation and our president as he leads the nation and our president as he leads the nation and the world in its opposition to tyranny the world in its opposition to tyranny the world in its opposition to tyranny of all kinds. And we ask, oh God, that of all kinds. And we ask, oh God, that of all kinds. And we ask, oh God, that we would most of all be a conduit of we would most of all be a conduit of we would most of all be a conduit of gospel witness to the world. and that gospel witness to the world. and that gospel witness to the world. and that our church uh that we the people of our church uh that we the people of our church uh that we the people of Prestonwood would would be personally Prestonwood would would be personally Prestonwood would would be personally engaged in our culture standing for engaged in our culture standing for engaged in our culture standing for truth and righteousness that you would truth and righteousness that you would truth and righteousness that you would enable us that you would protect us and enable us that you would protect us and enable us that you would protect us and provide for us and through your church provide for us and through your church provide for us and through your church that we can bless our community and the that we can bless our community and the that we can bless our community and the world in Jesus name. Amen.

world in Jesus name. Amen. world in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. I've sung so many songs, cried out at I've sung so many songs, cried out at the top of my lungs. My heart's still the top of my lungs. My heart's still the top of my lungs. My heart's still reaching for [music] something deeper, reaching for [music] something deeper, reaching for [music] something deeper, something more. Give me old, give me something more. Give me old, give me something more. Give me old, give me new. I just [music] want to [singing] new. I just [music] want to [singing] new. I just [music] want to [singing] sing the truth here in these praises. sing the truth here in these praises. sing the truth here in these praises. Let [music and singing] me see Jesus. Let [music and singing] me see Jesus. Let [music and singing] me see Jesus. Isn't he [singing] wonderful? Isn't he [singing] wonderful? Isn't he [singing] wonderful? Isn't he [music] glorious? Isn't he [music] glorious? Isn't he [music] glorious? Isn't [singing] he powerful?

Isn't [singing] he powerful? Isn't [singing] he powerful? Is any good [music] to us? He's brighter Is any good [music] to us? He's brighter Is any good [music] to us? He's brighter than any sun. than any sun. than any sun. Greater than [music] any storm. Greater than [music] any storm. Greater than [music] any storm. [singing] [singing] [singing] He's faithful forever, Lord. Oh, [music] He's faithful forever, Lord. Oh, [music] He's faithful forever, Lord. Oh, [music] let me see Jesus. Walk through the open Walk through the open [singing and music] door that leads to [singing and music] door that leads to [singing and music] door that leads to where you are. where you are. where you are. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Angels cry holy [singing] now. Oh heaven >> Angels cry holy [singing] now. Oh heaven >> Angels cry holy [singing] now. Oh heaven bowing down at the [music] center one bowing down at the [music] center one bowing down at the [music] center one throne where only [singing] one name throne where only [singing] one name throne where only [singing] one name belongs. Holy [music] Spirit lead us. We belongs. Holy [music] Spirit lead us. We belongs. Holy [music] Spirit lead us. We will [singing] see Jesus. will [singing] see Jesus. will [singing] see Jesus. Holy Spirit lead us. We worship Holy Spirit lead us. We worship Holy Spirit lead us. We worship [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. [music and singing] Jesus. Isn't he wonderful? Isn't he wonderful? Isn't he wonderful? Isn't he glorious? [music] Isn't he powerful?

Isn't he powerful? [music] Isn't he good to us? He's [music] Isn't he good to us? He's [music] Isn't he good to us? He's greater than any [music] son, greater than any [music] son, greater than any [music] son, greater than any star. greater than any star. greater than any star. He's faithful forever. [music] He's faithful forever. [music] He's faithful forever. [music] Lord, let me see. Jesus Lord, let me see. Jesus Lord, let me see. Jesus is [music] he is [music] he is [music] he is he glorious [music] is he powerful is he powerful is he good to us he's brighter [music] is he good to us he's brighter [music] is he good to us he's brighter [music] than any sun than any sun than any sun gater than any [music] s [singing] gater than any [music] s [singing] gater than any [music] s [singing] he's faithful forever more he's faithful forever more he's faithful forever more let me see Jesus Oh, let me see Jesus. Oh, let me see Jesus. [music] And it's all [singing] And it's all [singing] for you. [music] My salvation.

My salvation. It's all for [singing and music] you. It's all for [singing and music] you. It's all for [singing and music] you. Heaven's procession Heaven's procession Heaven's procession is all for you. is all for you. is all for you. The song of creation. [music] The song of creation. [music] The song of creation. [music] You're worthy [singing] of it all. You You're worthy [singing] of it all. You You're worthy [singing] of it all. You are worthy of it all. are worthy of it all. are worthy of it all. It's all [music and singing] It's all [music and singing] It's all [music and singing] for you. for you. for you. My heart's salvation. My heart's salvation. My heart's salvation. It's all [music] for you. It's all [music] for you. It's all [music] for you. Heaven's position. Heaven's position. Heaven's position. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] The song of creation. The song of creation. You're worthy [music] of [singing] it You're worthy [music] of [singing] it You're worthy [music] of [singing] it all. You are worthy of it all. You are all. You are worthy of it all. You are all. You are worthy of it all. You are [music] worthy of [singing] it all. You [music] worthy of [singing] it all. You [music] worthy of [singing] it all. You are worthy of it all.

>> Is he glorious? >> Is he glorious? Is [music] he powerful? Is [music] he powerful? Is [music] he powerful? Is he good to us? He's gone. [music] He's faithful forever. [music] He's faithful forever. [music] Let me see. Jesus. [music] [music] He's brighter than any sun. [singing] [music] [music] Oh, he's faithful forever. Oh, he's faithful forever. Oh, he's faithful forever. Oh, let [music] me see Jesus. Isn't he wonderful? [music and singing] Isn't he wonderful? [music and singing] Isn't he glorious?

Isn't he glorious? Isn't he glorious? Isn't he powerful? [music and singing] Isn't he good to us? Isn't he good to us? >> He's brighter than any son, >> He's brighter than any son, >> He's brighter than any son, greater [singing] than any storm. greater [singing] than any storm. greater [singing] than any storm. He's faithful [music] forever more. Oh, He's faithful [music] forever more. Oh, He's faithful [music] forever more. Oh, let me see Jesus. [music] I cast my mind I cast my mind to Cal to Cal to Cal where Jesus bled [singing] and died for me. and died for me. I see his wounds, I see his wounds, I see his wounds, his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. My savior [singing] My savior [singing] My savior [singing] on on on that cursed tree. His body bound, body bound, entrenched [music and singing] entrenched [music and singing] entrenched [music and singing] in tears.

in tears. in tears. They laid him down They laid him down They laid him down in [singing and music] Joseph to in [singing and music] Joseph to in [singing and music] Joseph to the entrance seal the entrance seal the entrance seal by heavy [singing] by heavy [singing] by heavy [singing] stones. stones. stones. Messiah [music] still Messiah [music] still Messiah [music] still and all [singing] and all [singing] and all [singing] alone. alone. alone. We lift him up. We give him praise. We lift him up. We give him praise. We lift him up. We give him praise. Oh, praise the name of Oh, praise the name of Oh, praise the name of [singing and music] the Lord our God. [singing and music] the Lord our God. [singing and music] the Lord our God. Oh, praise his name forever [music] Oh, praise his name forever [music] Oh, praise his name forever [music] more. [singing] more. [singing] more. [singing] For endless days we will [music] sing For endless days we will [music] sing For endless days we will [music] sing your praise, oh [singing] Lord. Oh Lord your praise, oh [singing] Lord. Oh Lord your praise, oh [singing] Lord. Oh Lord our God. [music] Then on [singing] the third [music] Then on [singing] the third [music] at break of dawn, at break of dawn, at break of dawn, the [music and singing] son of heaven the [music and singing] son of heaven the [music and singing] son of heaven rose again.

rose again. rose again. Oh tremble again. [music] Oh tremble again. [music] Oh tremble again. [music] Where is your [singing] feet? Where is your [singing] feet? Where is your [singing] feet? The angels [music] for Christ the King. for Christ the King. [music] Oh, praise the [singing] name [music] of Oh, praise the [singing] name [music] of the Lord our God. Oh, praise [music] his the Lord our God. Oh, praise [music] his the Lord our God. Oh, praise [music] his [singing] name forever [singing] name forever [singing] name forever more. For in [music] this [singing] days more. For in [music] this [singing] days more. For in [music] this [singing] days we will see your praise. Oh we will see your praise. Oh we will see your praise. Oh Lord our God [music and singing] shall return shall return in [singing] robes of white. in [singing] robes of white. in [singing] robes of white. The blazing [music] sun The blazing [music] sun The blazing [music] sun shall pierce [singing] the night. shall pierce [singing] the night. shall pierce [singing] the night. And I will rise And I will rise And I will rise among [singing] among [singing] among [singing] the saints.

the saints. the saints. My gaze [music] fixed My gaze [music] fixed My gaze [music] fixed on Jesus [singing] on Jesus [singing] on Jesus [singing] face. Do you believe it? Are you looking face. Do you believe it? Are you looking face. Do you believe it? Are you looking forward to it? We get to meet him again. forward to it? We get to meet him again. forward to it? We get to meet him again. See him face to face. We lift [music] See him face to face. We lift [music] See him face to face. We lift [music] our voices in our hands. You sing, "Oh, our voices in our hands. You sing, "Oh, our voices in our hands. You sing, "Oh, praise. Heat. Heat. Heat. praise. Heat. Heat. Heat. praise. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] the [music] name of the [singing] Lord the [music] name of the [singing] Lord God. [music] God. [music] God. [music] Oh, praise his name forever. In this face we will see our face. Oh In this face we will see our face. Oh [music] praise praise [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Our [music] Our [music] God. God. God. Hallelujah. take God's word and turn with me to take God's word and turn with me to Romans 12:es 1 and 2. And I want to take Romans 12:es 1 and 2. And I want to take Romans 12:es 1 and 2. And I want to take about 15 or 20 minutes to talk to you about 15 or 20 minutes to talk to you about 15 or 20 minutes to talk to you about finding fulfilling following the about finding fulfilling following the about finding fulfilling following the will of God for your life. This is our will of God for your life. This is our will of God for your life. This is our message series, follow walking with message series, follow walking with message series, follow walking with Jesus every day. Why? Because the Jesus every day. Why? Because the Jesus every day. Why? Because the Christian life is not a sometime thing.

Christian life is not a sometime thing. Christian life is not a sometime thing. It's an all-time thing. And to follow It's an all-time thing. And to follow It's an all-time thing. And to follow Jesus means that we give him our lives. Jesus means that we give him our lives. Jesus means that we give him our lives. And when we give him our lives And when we give him our lives And when we give him our lives completely and totally and commit to completely and totally and commit to completely and totally and commit to him, that means that he leads us and we him, that means that he leads us and we him, that means that he leads us and we follow him. And when we follow him, we follow him. And when we follow him, we follow him. And when we follow him, we walk right into the will of God for our walk right into the will of God for our walk right into the will of God for our lives. There are two verses found in lives. There are two verses found in lives. There are two verses found in Romans 12, God's inherent, infallible Romans 12, God's inherent, infallible Romans 12, God's inherent, infallible word. These are great verses. If you are word. These are great verses. If you are word. These are great verses. If you are familiar uh with your Bible, you are familiar uh with your Bible, you are familiar uh with your Bible, you are familiar with these verses. If not, if familiar with these verses. If not, if familiar with these verses. If not, if this is the first time to maybe look at this is the first time to maybe look at this is the first time to maybe look at God's word for a while or for you, then God's word for a while or for you, then God's word for a while or for you, then these are verses to note, to remember, these are verses to note, to remember, these are verses to note, to remember, and uh to believe. For what the and uh to believe. For what the and uh to believe. For what the scripture says is, I appeal to you scripture says is, I appeal to you scripture says is, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of therefore, brothers, by the mercies of therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living God, to present your bodies as a living God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, holy and acceptable holy and acceptable holy and acceptable unto you and your reasonable act of unto you and your reasonable act of unto you and your reasonable act of worship. And then verse two goes on to worship. And then verse two goes on to worship. And then verse two goes on to say, "And don't be conformed to this say, "And don't be conformed to this say, "And don't be conformed to this world, world, world, but be transformed but be transformed but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by by the renewing of your mind, that by by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will testing you may discern what is the will testing you may discern what is the will of God." What is the will of God? Here's of God." What is the will of God? Here's of God." What is the will of God? Here's what we know. It is good and acceptable what we know. It is good and acceptable what we know. It is good and acceptable and perfect. The will of God is perfect.

and perfect. The will of God is perfect. and perfect. The will of God is perfect. It is good. It is acceptable. And when It is good. It is acceptable. And when It is good. It is acceptable. And when you walk in the will of God, when you you walk in the will of God, when you you walk in the will of God, when you follow Jesus and live in obedience and follow Jesus and live in obedience and follow Jesus and live in obedience and in alignment to his word and his will. I in alignment to his word and his will. I in alignment to his word and his will. I have a word for the year each year and have a word for the year each year and have a word for the year each year and my word this year is align. Align my word this year is align. Align my word this year is align. Align because I want to align my will with his because I want to align my will with his because I want to align my will with his will. My life with his life. The will. My life with his life. The will. My life with his life. The Christian life is his life living in me. Christian life is his life living in me. Christian life is his life living in me. It is all of my life uh in him and all It is all of my life uh in him and all It is all of my life uh in him and all of his life in me. And so walking with of his life in me. And so walking with of his life in me. And so walking with Jesus is is to come to the altar of Jesus is is to come to the altar of Jesus is is to come to the altar of surrender and devotion and dedication surrender and devotion and dedication surrender and devotion and dedication and commitment. I just did a wedding and commitment. I just did a wedding and commitment. I just did a wedding ceremony last evening uh and it was a ceremony last evening uh and it was a ceremony last evening uh and it was a beautiful ceremony. A fantastic young beautiful ceremony. A fantastic young beautiful ceremony. A fantastic young couple, a part of our church family and couple, a part of our church family and couple, a part of our church family and and they went to an altar. we uh with a and they went to an altar. we uh with a and they went to an altar. we uh with a cross and and they gave their vows to cross and and they gave their vows to cross and and they gave their vows to one another and expressed their love and one another and expressed their love and one another and expressed their love and devotion and dedication and commitment devotion and dedication and commitment devotion and dedication and commitment to one another because they wanted to to one another because they wanted to to one another because they wanted to honor God with their lives and their honor God with their lives and their honor God with their lives and their marriage and and before the company of marriage and and before the company of marriage and and before the company of witnesses and their families and they witnesses and their families and they witnesses and their families and they express these vows at an altar and an express these vows at an altar and an express these vows at an altar and an altar decision is an important decision.

altar decision is an important decision. altar decision is an important decision. So I'm calling this message as we've So I'm calling this message as we've So I'm calling this message as we've been talking about the call of God to been talking about the call of God to been talking about the call of God to follow Christ in our lives. I'm calling follow Christ in our lives. I'm calling follow Christ in our lives. I'm calling this one altar call. In just a few this one altar call. In just a few this one altar call. In just a few moments, I'm going to invite you to come moments, I'm going to invite you to come moments, I'm going to invite you to come and respond to the message and the and respond to the message and the and respond to the message and the gospel and to the work of the Holy gospel and to the work of the Holy gospel and to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and to come forward. Spirit in your life and to come forward. Spirit in your life and to come forward. Now this is not literally an altar but Now this is not literally an altar but Now this is not literally an altar but uh it is a place of decision and we used uh it is a place of decision and we used uh it is a place of decision and we used to call this the altar call but it's the to call this the altar call but it's the to call this the altar call but it's the public invitation and and I guarantee public invitation and and I guarantee public invitation and and I guarantee you it is the will of God for many of you it is the will of God for many of you it is the will of God for many of you today to make that public confession you today to make that public confession you today to make that public confession of your faith in Jesus Christ because of your faith in Jesus Christ because of your faith in Jesus Christ because God is not willing that any should God is not willing that any should God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to perish but that all should come to perish but that all should come to repentance. God's will for your life is repentance. God's will for your life is repentance. God's will for your life is that you would know him and that you that you would know him and that you that you would know him and that you would follow him. And so many apparently would follow him. And so many apparently would follow him. And so many apparently think that the way to live the Christian think that the way to live the Christian think that the way to live the Christian life is just sort of date God to date life is just sort of date God to date life is just sort of date God to date Jesus. No, you're going to get married. Jesus. No, you're going to get married. Jesus. No, you're going to get married. You're going to come to the altar. You're going to come to the altar. You're going to come to the altar. You're going to love him and serve him You're going to love him and serve him You're going to love him and serve him and follow him all the days of your and follow him all the days of your and follow him all the days of your life. You're not just dating God. You're life. You're not just dating God. You're life. You're not just dating God. You're not just coming to church because it's a not just coming to church because it's a not just coming to church because it's a commodity to receive, but because it is commodity to receive, but because it is commodity to receive, but because it is a life to give. That's why the scripture a life to give. That's why the scripture a life to give. That's why the scripture says, "Present your bodies." Meaning all says, "Present your bodies." Meaning all says, "Present your bodies." Meaning all of you present yourselves. You know, we of you present yourselves. You know, we of you present yourselves. You know, we are body, soul, and spirit. So it means are body, soul, and spirit. So it means are body, soul, and spirit. So it means to give your body because your body if to give your body because your body if to give your body because your body if you are a believer belongs to God. What you are a believer belongs to God. What you are a believer belongs to God. What do you not know that your body is the do you not know that your body is the do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? He died for temple of the Holy Spirit? He died for temple of the Holy Spirit? He died for you. He rose again. He lives in you. So you. He rose again. He lives in you. So you. He rose again. He lives in you. So you belong to God. You don't belong to you belong to God. You don't belong to you belong to God. You don't belong to yourself anymore. You belong to him

yourself anymore. You belong to him yourself anymore. You belong to him outright. He owns you when you have put outright. He owns you when you have put outright. He owns you when you have put your faith and trust in him. And so uh your faith and trust in him. And so uh your faith and trust in him. And so uh to to surrender your life, to yield your to to surrender your life, to yield your to to surrender your life, to yield your life, to give your life, to present your life, to give your life, to present your life, to give your life, to present your life, I have somewhat of a formula I life, I have somewhat of a formula I life, I have somewhat of a formula I like to remember when it comes to like to remember when it comes to like to remember when it comes to knowing and doing and fulfilling the knowing and doing and fulfilling the knowing and doing and fulfilling the will of God in my life. And that is, will of God in my life. And that is, will of God in my life. And that is, listen to this, presentation. Present listen to this, presentation. Present listen to this, presentation. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice your bodies as a living sacrifice your bodies as a living sacrifice plus plus plus transformation. transformation. transformation. Let your mind be renewed Let your mind be renewed Let your mind be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit and the by the power of the Holy Spirit and the by the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God word of God word of God equals revelation equals revelation equals revelation that you might discern, know and do that you might discern, know and do that you might discern, know and do God's will. So there it is. Presentation God's will. So there it is. Presentation God's will. So there it is. Presentation plus transformation of our minds equals plus transformation of our minds equals plus transformation of our minds equals revelation. Now life is the sum total of revelation. Now life is the sum total of revelation. Now life is the sum total of the choices we make. You probably know the choices we make. You probably know the choices we make. You probably know that. And that means that we should make that. And that means that we should make that. And that means that we should make good and godly choices as we follow good and godly choices as we follow good and godly choices as we follow Christ. And typically that includes all Christ. And typically that includes all Christ. And typically that includes all the big things, who we marry, our jobs, the big things, who we marry, our jobs, the big things, who we marry, our jobs, our careers, where we live, all those our careers, where we live, all those our careers, where we live, all those big things. And I often get questions as big things. And I often get questions as big things. And I often get questions as a pastor through the years. I suppose a pastor through the years. I suppose a pastor through the years. I suppose the number one question that I get is the number one question that I get is the number one question that I get is how can I hear from God? How can I know how can I hear from God? How can I know how can I hear from God? How can I know what to do? What are the next steps for what to do? What are the next steps for what to do? What are the next steps for my life? Who should I marry? Should I my life? Who should I marry? Should I my life? Who should I marry? Should I make this decision? There are big make this decision? There are big make this decision? There are big decisions that we make and certainly the decisions that we make and certainly the decisions that we make and certainly the will of God includes all those big will of God includes all those big will of God includes all those big things. But you know it also includes

things. But you know it also includes things. But you know it also includes the daily things, the little things, the the daily things, the little things, the the daily things, the little things, the smaller things that have great smaller things that have great smaller things that have great consequences in our lives because we are consequences in our lives because we are consequences in our lives because we are making decisions every single day. And making decisions every single day. And making decisions every single day. And those decisions that we make should be those decisions that we make should be those decisions that we make should be in obedience to the word of God and the in obedience to the word of God and the in obedience to the word of God and the will of God in our lives because will of God in our lives because will of God in our lives because ultimately it's that series of of ultimately it's that series of of ultimately it's that series of of choices that we make throughout the days choices that we make throughout the days choices that we make throughout the days of our lives that write the stories of of our lives that write the stories of of our lives that write the stories of our lives. our lives. our lives. When you get to the end, the story will When you get to the end, the story will When you get to the end, the story will be written. The question is, will you be written. The question is, will you be written. The question is, will you have lived it in the will of God? And have lived it in the will of God? And have lived it in the will of God? And let me remind you that God will choose let me remind you that God will choose let me remind you that God will choose for you. The will of God is not for you. The will of God is not for you. The will of God is not something you have to do. is something something you have to do. is something something you have to do. is something you get to do. you get to do. you get to do. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> That deserves more than one amen. The >> That deserves more than one amen. The >> That deserves more than one amen. The will of God is something you get to do. will of God is something you get to do. will of God is something you get to do. You get to do it. And it's always God. I You get to do it. And it's always God. I You get to do it. And it's always God. I say that God would choose for you what say that God would choose for you what say that God would choose for you what you would choose for yourself if you had you would choose for yourself if you had you would choose for yourself if you had sense enough to choose it. sense enough to choose it. sense enough to choose it. >> God's will. It's good. It's perfect. It >> God's will. It's good. It's perfect. It >> God's will. It's good. It's perfect. It is acceptable. And it is available to is acceptable. And it is available to is acceptable. And it is available to you. You don't have to chase it or you. You don't have to chase it or you. You don't have to chase it or struggle to find it. It is available to struggle to find it. It is available to struggle to find it. It is available to you as you ask him and invite him to you as you ask him and invite him to you as you ask him and invite him to accomplish his purposes in your life.

accomplish his purposes in your life. accomplish his purposes in your life. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it come. Your will be done on earth as it come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." And that's not just big is in heaven." And that's not just big is in heaven." And that's not just big picture world. It's your world. Your picture world. It's your world. Your picture world. It's your world. Your kingdom is praying like this. Lord, rule kingdom is praying like this. Lord, rule kingdom is praying like this. Lord, rule in me. Reign in me. May your kingdom in me. Reign in me. May your kingdom in me. Reign in me. May your kingdom come in my life. come in my life. come in my life. May your will be done on earth as it is May your will be done on earth as it is May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus modeled this even when in heaven. Jesus modeled this even when in heaven. Jesus modeled this even when he went to the garden of Gethsemane to he went to the garden of Gethsemane to he went to the garden of Gethsemane to give his life in the will of God to the give his life in the will of God to the give his life in the will of God to the father and to the sacrifice of uh of sin father and to the sacrifice of uh of sin father and to the sacrifice of uh of sin on the cross. He prayed Lord let this on the cross. He prayed Lord let this on the cross. He prayed Lord let this cup pass from me but cup pass from me but cup pass from me but Lord Lord Lord I will do your will. I will do your will. I will do your will. I will follow you. I will follow you. I will follow you. >> Let the cup pass but nevertheless >> Let the cup pass but nevertheless >> Let the cup pass but nevertheless your will father. and he prayed this and your will father. and he prayed this and your will father. and he prayed this and so should we pray the will of God. So so should we pray the will of God. So so should we pray the will of God. So how do you know the will of God for your how do you know the will of God for your how do you know the will of God for your life? You can know one just start by life? You can know one just start by life? You can know one just start by desiring it. You want it. That's a big desiring it. You want it. That's a big desiring it. You want it. That's a big part of it as you surrender your life to part of it as you surrender your life to part of it as you surrender your life to the Lord. Desire it. Why? Because of the the Lord. Desire it. Why? Because of the the Lord. Desire it. Why? Because of the mercies of Christ.

mercies of Christ. mercies of Christ. Because of the mercies of Christ. And Because of the mercies of Christ. And Because of the mercies of Christ. And because we desire it, because we desire it, because we desire it, then we develop it, we discover it. And then we develop it, we discover it. And then we develop it, we discover it. And very quickly, I've got a few steps that very quickly, I've got a few steps that very quickly, I've got a few steps that will help you walk right in to the will will help you walk right in to the will will help you walk right in to the will of God in your life. And it starts with of God in your life. And it starts with of God in your life. And it starts with what we've been talking about, which is what we've been talking about, which is what we've been talking about, which is surrender surrender surrender because of the mercies of God. It's the because of the mercies of God. It's the because of the mercies of God. It's the surrender principle. because of the surrender principle. because of the surrender principle. because of the mercies of God. Talking about all the mercies of God. Talking about all the mercies of God. Talking about all the love of God, the grace of God leading up love of God, the grace of God leading up love of God, the grace of God leading up to Romans 12, all these great chapters to Romans 12, all these great chapters to Romans 12, all these great chapters in the book of Romans, talking about in the book of Romans, talking about in the book of Romans, talking about salvation, talking about grace, talking salvation, talking about grace, talking salvation, talking about grace, talking about spiritfilled living, talking about about spiritfilled living, talking about about spiritfilled living, talking about uh the love of God, all these things uh the love of God, all these things uh the love of God, all these things because of what Christ has done for us, because of what Christ has done for us, because of what Christ has done for us, all these mercies of God, they meet us all these mercies of God, they meet us all these mercies of God, they meet us every single morning, don't they? Great every single morning, don't they? Great every single morning, don't they? Great is thy faithfulness. And so because of is thy faithfulness. And so because of is thy faithfulness. And so because of these mercies that come from God, these mercies that come from God, these mercies that come from God, because of God's faithfulness, we like because of God's faithfulness, we like because of God's faithfulness, we like the psalmist say,"Lord, what should I the psalmist say,"Lord, what should I the psalmist say,"Lord, what should I give to you for all of your benefits give to you for all of your benefits give to you for all of your benefits towards me?" Psalm 116 and verse 12.

towards me?" Psalm 116 and verse 12. towards me?" Psalm 116 and verse 12. Because of the mercies of Christ, we Because of the mercies of Christ, we Because of the mercies of Christ, we follow Jesus and we say, "Lord, you're follow Jesus and we say, "Lord, you're follow Jesus and we say, "Lord, you're the potter. I'm the clay. Mold me and the potter. I'm the clay. Mold me and the potter. I'm the clay. Mold me and make me after your way." Ephesians 2:10 make me after your way." Ephesians 2:10 make me after your way." Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are his workmanship, created says, "We are his workmanship, created says, "We are his workmanship, created in Jesus Christ unto good works which he in Jesus Christ unto good works which he in Jesus Christ unto good works which he has prepared for us before the world." has prepared for us before the world." has prepared for us before the world." So when you say yes to God, you just put So when you say yes to God, you just put So when you say yes to God, you just put your yes on the table. Start there. your yes on the table. Start there. your yes on the table. Start there. Start with a full surrender to say, Start with a full surrender to say, Start with a full surrender to say, "Lord," say what I said when I was a "Lord," say what I said when I was a "Lord," say what I said when I was a 15year-old boy or something similar. 15year-old boy or something similar. 15year-old boy or something similar. Lord, I take hands off my life. It's no Lord, I take hands off my life. It's no Lord, I take hands off my life. It's no longer mine. I want to be a living longer mine. I want to be a living longer mine. I want to be a living sacrifice. Now, this is Old Testament sacrifice. Now, this is Old Testament sacrifice. Now, this is Old Testament language about the sacrifices and of language about the sacrifices and of language about the sacrifices and of course the sacrifices in the Old course the sacrifices in the Old course the sacrifices in the Old Testament had to do with taking an Testament had to do with taking an Testament had to do with taking an animal, slaying the animal and offering animal, slaying the animal and offering animal, slaying the animal and offering it as a sacrifice for sin and for it as a sacrifice for sin and for it as a sacrifice for sin and for redemption. But now, since Christ is the redemption. But now, since Christ is the redemption. But now, since Christ is the ultimate and final and total sacrifice, ultimate and final and total sacrifice, ultimate and final and total sacrifice, the lamb of God who takes away the sin the lamb of God who takes away the sin the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, we now follow Christ of the world, we now follow Christ of the world, we now follow Christ and we say we are living sacrifices. We and we say we are living sacrifices. We and we say we are living sacrifices. We crawl on the altar. We get on the altar crawl on the altar. We get on the altar crawl on the altar. We get on the altar of surrender to the Lord, of sacrifice of surrender to the Lord, of sacrifice of surrender to the Lord, of sacrifice to the Lord.

to the Lord. to the Lord. The problem, you know, the problem with The problem, you know, the problem with The problem, you know, the problem with a living sacrifice, however, don't you? a living sacrifice, however, don't you? a living sacrifice, however, don't you? Living sacrifices tend to crawl off the Living sacrifices tend to crawl off the Living sacrifices tend to crawl off the altar. altar. altar. And I find myself, don't you, sometimes And I find myself, don't you, sometimes And I find myself, don't you, sometimes wanting to get off the altar and go my wanting to get off the altar and go my wanting to get off the altar and go my own way, do my own thing. own way, do my own thing. own way, do my own thing. And so I have to get myself back on the And so I have to get myself back on the And so I have to get myself back on the altar, the altar of surrender, the altar altar, the altar of surrender, the altar altar, the altar of surrender, the altar of devotion of devotion of devotion to God. They used to keep the sacrifices to God. They used to keep the sacrifices to God. They used to keep the sacrifices on the altar with two flesh hooks. And on the altar with two flesh hooks. And on the altar with two flesh hooks. And someone said those two flesh hooks are someone said those two flesh hooks are someone said those two flesh hooks are devotion and discipline. devotion and discipline. devotion and discipline. Devotion and discipline as we are all on Devotion and discipline as we are all on Devotion and discipline as we are all on the altar. And when you get on the altar the altar. And when you get on the altar the altar. And when you get on the altar and you give your life to the Lord, when and you give your life to the Lord, when and you give your life to the Lord, when you present your body, mind, soul, and you present your body, mind, soul, and you present your body, mind, soul, and spirit to God, when you give yourself spirit to God, when you give yourself spirit to God, when you give yourself unreservedly to him, then he starts unreservedly to him, then he starts unreservedly to him, then he starts leading you. And you'll say like the leading you. And you'll say like the leading you. And you'll say like the psalmist said, I heard a voice from psalmist said, I heard a voice from psalmist said, I heard a voice from behind me saying, "This is the way. Walk behind me saying, "This is the way. Walk behind me saying, "This is the way. Walk in it." In the Old Testament, it was in it." In the Old Testament, it was in it." In the Old Testament, it was expressed in this way. I being in the expressed in this way. I being in the expressed in this way. I being in the way, the Lord led me. So, you get on the way, the Lord led me. So, you get on the way, the Lord led me. So, you get on the way. You get on the path of surrender.

way. You get on the path of surrender. way. You get on the path of surrender. Uh Eric wrote that book on Bonhaofer. It Uh Eric wrote that book on Bonhaofer. It Uh Eric wrote that book on Bonhaofer. It was Bonhaofer the the Christian pastor was Bonhaofer the the Christian pastor was Bonhaofer the the Christian pastor who died as a martyr in Germany who said who died as a martyr in Germany who said who died as a martyr in Germany who said to be a Christian is to come and die and to be a Christian is to come and die and to be a Christian is to come and die and follow Christ. Now we live but it's the follow Christ. Now we live but it's the follow Christ. Now we live but it's the willingness to die to self and follow willingness to die to self and follow willingness to die to self and follow Christ. So there's surrender. There's Christ. So there's surrender. There's Christ. So there's surrender. There's the surrender principle. And then the surrender principle. And then the surrender principle. And then there's the scripture principle. there's the scripture principle. there's the scripture principle. The scripture principle. Now, I've The scripture principle. Now, I've The scripture principle. Now, I've talked about this so much from this talked about this so much from this talked about this so much from this place, from this pulpit that I'm not place, from this pulpit that I'm not place, from this pulpit that I'm not going to go hard and long on this today, going to go hard and long on this today, going to go hard and long on this today, but just as a reminder, God's word is but just as a reminder, God's word is but just as a reminder, God's word is God's will. And it's impossible for any God's will. And it's impossible for any God's will. And it's impossible for any of us to know what God wants us to do of us to know what God wants us to do of us to know what God wants us to do with our lives apart from a consistent, with our lives apart from a consistent, with our lives apart from a consistent, faithful, prayerful reading, studying, faithful, prayerful reading, studying, faithful, prayerful reading, studying, dedication, devotion, meditation upon dedication, devotion, meditation upon dedication, devotion, meditation upon God's word. It is in the word of God God's word. It is in the word of God God's word. It is in the word of God that our minds are transformed. We begin that our minds are transformed. We begin that our minds are transformed. We begin thinking differently. We see the world thinking differently. We see the world thinking differently. We see the world through the lens of scripture. And through the lens of scripture. And through the lens of scripture. And therefore, we're not we're not conformed therefore, we're not we're not conformed therefore, we're not we're not conformed to the world. You see, the world wants to the world. You see, the world wants to the world. You see, the world wants to conform you, but God's calling you to to conform you, but God's calling you to to conform you, but God's calling you to be a nonconformist.

be a nonconformist. be a nonconformist. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> The Christian way, the Christ way. And >> The Christian way, the Christ way. And >> The Christian way, the Christ way. And so, don't let the world squeeze you into so, don't let the world squeeze you into so, don't let the world squeeze you into its mold. That's the way Philillips put its mold. That's the way Philillips put its mold. That's the way Philillips put it. He said, ' Don't let, this is a it. He said, ' Don't let, this is a it. He said, ' Don't let, this is a paraphrase of this verse, don't let the paraphrase of this verse, don't let the paraphrase of this verse, don't let the world squeeze you into his mold. world squeeze you into his mold. world squeeze you into his mold. The world wants to squeeze the life out The world wants to squeeze the life out The world wants to squeeze the life out of you. And it is the world that will of you. And it is the world that will of you. And it is the world that will compromise you in your dedication and compromise you in your dedication and compromise you in your dedication and devotion. So, the world is hitting us devotion. So, the world is hitting us devotion. So, the world is hitting us hard constantly with lies and slander hard constantly with lies and slander hard constantly with lies and slander and untruth and unbelief. And so as and untruth and unbelief. And so as and untruth and unbelief. And so as Christians, we need to make sure that Christians, we need to make sure that Christians, we need to make sure that we're not being changed we're not being changed we're not being changed by the world, but that we are being by the world, but that we are being by the world, but that we are being changed by the word. That the word of changed by the word. That the word of changed by the word. That the word of God is changing us. And so our minds are God is changing us. And so our minds are God is changing us. And so our minds are renewed. We now have the mind of Christ. renewed. We now have the mind of Christ. renewed. We now have the mind of Christ. Colossians 1:9. Colossians 1:9. Colossians 1:9. Colossians 1:9 says, "And so from the Colossians 1:9 says, "And so from the Colossians 1:9 says, "And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray day we heard, we have not ceased to pray day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled for you, asking that you may be filled for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all with the knowledge of his will in all with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." wisdom and spiritual understanding." wisdom and spiritual understanding." Wisdom comes from the word of God.

Wisdom comes from the word of God. Wisdom comes from the word of God. Wisdom is seeing things from God's Wisdom is seeing things from God's Wisdom is seeing things from God's perspective. And so now you because of perspective. And so now you because of perspective. And so now you because of scripture, you're getting the word of scripture, you're getting the word of scripture, you're getting the word of God in your your mind is being God in your your mind is being God in your your mind is being transformed. Saturate your heart and transformed. Saturate your heart and transformed. Saturate your heart and mind with scripture. Your mind is a mind with scripture. Your mind is a mind with scripture. Your mind is a battleground. I read just this week that battleground. I read just this week that battleground. I read just this week that we think about 40 to 50,000 thoughts a we think about 40 to 50,000 thoughts a we think about 40 to 50,000 thoughts a day. I don't know if that's right or day. I don't know if that's right or day. I don't know if that's right or not. We think a lot of thoughts. And not. We think a lot of thoughts. And not. We think a lot of thoughts. And this particular study said half the this particular study said half the this particular study said half the thoughts that people think are negative thoughts that people think are negative thoughts that people think are negative or toxic. Imagine that or toxic. Imagine that or toxic. Imagine that thought upon thought upon thought upon thought upon thought upon thought upon thought upon thought upon thought upon thought bombarding you with negativity thought bombarding you with negativity thought bombarding you with negativity or unbelief or sinful thoughts. This is or unbelief or sinful thoughts. This is or unbelief or sinful thoughts. This is the world conforming us into his into. the world conforming us into his into. the world conforming us into his into. So the only thing that can change that So the only thing that can change that So the only thing that can change that is the sword of the spirit which is the is the sword of the spirit which is the is the sword of the spirit which is the word of God in this battle for our word of God in this battle for our word of God in this battle for our minds. So there is the surrender minds. So there is the surrender minds. So there is the surrender principle. There's the scripture principle. There's the scripture principle. There's the scripture principle. Psalm 119:105, one of my principle. Psalm 119:105, one of my principle. Psalm 119:105, one of my favorites. Your word is a lamp into my favorites. Your word is a lamp into my favorites. Your word is a lamp into my feet and a light to my path. Then feet and a light to my path. Then feet and a light to my path. Then there's the serenity principle. We're there's the serenity principle. We're there's the serenity principle. We're talking about finding, following, talking about finding, following, talking about finding, following, fulfilling the will of God for our fulfilling the will of God for our fulfilling the will of God for our lives. Bringing our all to the altar.

lives. Bringing our all to the altar. lives. Bringing our all to the altar. The serenity principle. Colossians 3:15 The serenity principle. Colossians 3:15 The serenity principle. Colossians 3:15 talks about the peace of God guarding talks about the peace of God guarding talks about the peace of God guarding and guiding us within. This is a peace and guiding us within. This is a peace and guiding us within. This is a peace the confidence that comes from God's the confidence that comes from God's the confidence that comes from God's will and from will and from will and from a sweet surrender. a sweet surrender. a sweet surrender. No longer resisting and fighting, No longer resisting and fighting, No longer resisting and fighting, struggling struggling struggling to do what is right, to do what is good, to do what is right, to do what is good, to do what is right, to do what is good, to do God's will. But this sweet to do God's will. But this sweet to do God's will. But this sweet surrender brings a great peace because surrender brings a great peace because surrender brings a great peace because with God's presence comes his peace. And with God's presence comes his peace. And with God's presence comes his peace. And so God's peace is with you. When you so God's peace is with you. When you so God's peace is with you. When you follow Christ, follow Christ, follow Christ, his peace he gives to you. And this his peace he gives to you. And this his peace he gives to you. And this includes includes includes uh a prayerful waiting and listening uh a prayerful waiting and listening uh a prayerful waiting and listening to God. Which brings me to the next to God. Which brings me to the next to God. Which brings me to the next which is the spirit principle. Romans which is the spirit principle. Romans which is the spirit principle. Romans 8:14 says, "As many as are led by the 8:14 says, "As many as are led by the 8:14 says, "As many as are led by the spirit of God, these are the children of spirit of God, these are the children of spirit of God, these are the children of God." So we have the objective God." So we have the objective God." So we have the objective word of God, the will of God. As we make word of God, the will of God. As we make word of God, the will of God. As we make it our own, as we as we listen and live it our own, as we as we listen and live it our own, as we as we listen and live out the word of God in our lives, out the word of God in our lives, out the word of God in our lives, there's the internal peace that comes.

there's the internal peace that comes. there's the internal peace that comes. And I didn't get to amplify it, but I And I didn't get to amplify it, but I And I didn't get to amplify it, but I just want to say, you know, when you just want to say, you know, when you just want to say, you know, when you have a decision to make, ask God to give have a decision to make, ask God to give have a decision to make, ask God to give you peace about that decision. you peace about that decision. you peace about that decision. And sometimes God says, "It's time to And sometimes God says, "It's time to And sometimes God says, "It's time to go." Sometimes he says, "It's slow. Slow go." Sometimes he says, "It's slow. Slow go." Sometimes he says, "It's slow. Slow down just a minute." Or maybe he says, down just a minute." Or maybe he says, down just a minute." Or maybe he says, "It's time to grow before I give you or "It's time to grow before I give you or "It's time to grow before I give you or open that door. what you need. It's time open that door. what you need. It's time open that door. what you need. It's time to grow some more to get you ready. And to grow some more to get you ready. And to grow some more to get you ready. And then sometimes God says no and he closes then sometimes God says no and he closes then sometimes God says no and he closes the door. But it comes with with peace. the door. But it comes with with peace. the door. But it comes with with peace. Well, there's this spiritual principle Well, there's this spiritual principle Well, there's this spiritual principle then the eternal I being in the way the then the eternal I being in the way the then the eternal I being in the way the Lord led me. I like that. I being in the Lord led me. I like that. I being in the Lord led me. I like that. I being in the way the Lord led me. And I word love the way the Lord led me. And I word love the way the Lord led me. And I word love the word led as many as are led by the word led as many as are led by the word led as many as are led by the spirit of God. He doesn't drive us. He spirit of God. He doesn't drive us. He spirit of God. He doesn't drive us. He doesn't coersse us. He doesn't twist our doesn't coersse us. He doesn't twist our doesn't coersse us. He doesn't twist our arms. but rather he invites us to follow arms. but rather he invites us to follow arms. but rather he invites us to follow him. Savior, like a shepherd, lead us him. Savior, like a shepherd, lead us him. Savior, like a shepherd, lead us much. We need your tender care. It's a much. We need your tender care. It's a much. We need your tender care. It's a great wedding song, by the way, if great wedding song, by the way, if great wedding song, by the way, if you're looking for one. He jer He you're looking for one. He jer He you're looking for one. He jer He graciously guides us. He speaks in a graciously guides us. He speaks in a graciously guides us. He speaks in a still small voice. So you got to cut out still small voice. So you got to cut out still small voice. So you got to cut out the world and the shouting and and all the world and the shouting and and all the world and the shouting and and all of the the bleagering bitterness that's of the the bleagering bitterness that's of the the bleagering bitterness that's in the world and listen to the Holy in the world and listen to the Holy in the world and listen to the Holy Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. There's the external leadership and then There's the external leadership and then There's the external leadership and then there's this eternal this subjective there's this eternal this subjective there's this eternal this subjective leadership. I don't know how to explain leadership. I don't know how to explain leadership. I don't know how to explain this to you except you know that you this to you except you know that you this to you except you know that you know when the spirit of God is leading know when the spirit of God is leading know when the spirit of God is leading you. Now, be careful. The spirit of God you. Now, be careful. The spirit of God you. Now, be careful. The spirit of God will never lead you to do anything will never lead you to do anything will never lead you to do anything outside the purposes and plans and will outside the purposes and plans and will outside the purposes and plans and will of God in the Bible. So, don't so don't of God in the Bible. So, don't so don't of God in the Bible. So, don't so don't pray for God to lead you into pray for God to lead you into pray for God to lead you into disobedience of some kind. That's not disobedience of some kind. That's not disobedience of some kind. That's not going to happen. If it does happen, it's going to happen. If it does happen, it's going to happen. If it does happen, it's not from God. not from God. not from God. But the Holy Spirit prompts us. The Holy But the Holy Spirit prompts us. The Holy But the Holy Spirit prompts us. The Holy Spirit uh moves us. The Holy Spirit Spirit uh moves us. The Holy Spirit Spirit uh moves us. The Holy Spirit inspires us. The Holy Spirit speaks to inspires us. The Holy Spirit speaks to inspires us. The Holy Spirit speaks to us. And then the final us. And then the final us. And then the final is the saints, the principle of the is the saints, the principle of the is the saints, the principle of the saints, the saint principle. saints, the saint principle. saints, the saint principle. Proverbs 11:14, where there's no Proverbs 11:14, where there's no Proverbs 11:14, where there's no guidance of people falls, but in an guidance of people falls, but in an guidance of people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there's safety. abundance of counselors, there's safety. abundance of counselors, there's safety. And so when you're seeking the will of And so when you're seeking the will of And so when you're seeking the will of God to review, surrender your life God to review, surrender your life God to review, surrender your life completely to the Lord. Take hands off, completely to the Lord. Take hands off, completely to the Lord. Take hands off, put your yes on the table and say and put your yes on the table and say and put your yes on the table and say and pray something like this. Lord, your pray something like this. Lord, your pray something like this. Lord, your will anywhere, anytime, any place.

will anywhere, anytime, any place. will anywhere, anytime, any place. Are you willing to pray that? Are you willing to pray that? Are you willing to pray that? Remember, this is what is best for you. Remember, this is what is best for you. Remember, this is what is best for you. Eric Liddell, the great Scottish runner Eric Liddell, the great Scottish runner Eric Liddell, the great Scottish runner and ultimately a missionary, Eric and ultimately a missionary, Eric and ultimately a missionary, Eric Little, I should say. fame motion mix Little, I should say. fame motion mix Little, I should say. fame motion mix picture was made about his story when he picture was made about his story when he picture was made about his story when he refused to run in the Olympics the 100 refused to run in the Olympics the 100 refused to run in the Olympics the 100 years ago I believe yesterday in the in years ago I believe yesterday in the in years ago I believe yesterday in the in the world Olympics the world Olympics the world Olympics uh he was slated to run the 100yard dash uh he was slated to run the 100yard dash uh he was slated to run the 100yard dash which was his event but he refused to which was his event but he refused to which was his event but he refused to run it because it ended up being on run it because it ended up being on run it because it ended up being on Sunday the Lord's day and he said I'm Sunday the Lord's day and he said I'm Sunday the Lord's day and he said I'm not going to run on Sunday not going to run on Sunday not going to run on Sunday and so they conscripted him because he and so they conscripted him because he and so they conscripted him because he was such a great runner to run the 400 was such a great runner to run the 400 was such a great runner to run the 400 which he had barely if ever had run that which he had barely if ever had run that which he had barely if ever had run that race But Eric ends up winning the 400. race But Eric ends up winning the 400. race But Eric ends up winning the 400. They asked him, "How did you do that?" They asked him, "How did you do that?" They asked him, "How did you do that?" He said, "Well, I ran the two first 200 He said, "Well, I ran the two first 200 He said, "Well, I ran the two first 200 as fast as I could." And then I ran the as fast as I could." And then I ran the as fast as I could." And then I ran the second 200 faster. second 200 faster. second 200 faster. And that's how he did it. And he said, And that's how he did it. And he said, And that's how he did it. And he said, when asked, "Why do you run?" He said, when asked, "Why do you run?" He said, when asked, "Why do you run?" He said, "When I run, I feel God's pleasure.

"When I run, I feel God's pleasure. "When I run, I feel God's pleasure. I feel God's pleasure." He went on to be I feel God's pleasure." He went on to be I feel God's pleasure." He went on to be a missionary and died on the missionary a missionary and died on the missionary a missionary and died on the missionary mission field because he gave his all mission field because he gave his all mission field because he gave his all for Christ. Now for Christ. Now for Christ. Now when you follow Christ, you may live, when you follow Christ, you may live, when you follow Christ, you may live, you may die, but whether you live or you may die, but whether you live or you may die, but whether you live or whether you die, you are the Lord's. whether you die, you are the Lord's. whether you die, you are the Lord's. And so Eric Little made a statement that And so Eric Little made a statement that And so Eric Little made a statement that I want to show you today in closing this I want to show you today in closing this I want to show you today in closing this message. He said, "Many of us are message. He said, "Many of us are message. He said, "Many of us are missing something in life because we are missing something in life because we are missing something in life because we are after the second best. after the second best. after the second best. We go after secondary things. We go after secondary things. We go after secondary things. I put before you what I have found to be I put before you what I have found to be I put before you what I have found to be the best the best the best one who is worthy of all our devotion. one who is worthy of all our devotion. one who is worthy of all our devotion. Jesus Christ. He is the savior for the Jesus Christ. He is the savior for the Jesus Christ. He is the savior for the young and the old. Lord, here I am. young and the old. Lord, here I am. young and the old. Lord, here I am. >> Would to God that every one of us would >> Would to God that every one of us would >> Would to God that every one of us would say that. Lord, here I am. Like Isaiah say that. Lord, here I am. Like Isaiah say that. Lord, here I am. Like Isaiah in Isaiah 6, Lord, here am I. in Isaiah 6, Lord, here am I. in Isaiah 6, Lord, here am I. sin be. sin be. sin be. May I be willing to to do your will? And May I be willing to to do your will? And May I be willing to to do your will? And let me just ask you, would you at least let me just ask you, would you at least let me just ask you, would you at least be willing to be willing be willing to be willing be willing to be willing to say and know and do Lord, to say and know and do Lord, to say and know and do Lord, I follow you.

I follow you. I follow you. So in the church in the saints principle So in the church in the saints principle So in the church in the saints principle when you're seeking will of God the will when you're seeking will of God the will when you're seeking will of God the will of God seek Christians of God seek Christians of God seek Christians that God puts in your life that God puts in your life that God puts in your life that are trustworthy friends that are trustworthy friends that are trustworthy friends who know and understand who know and understand who know and understand the work of the spirit and the truth of the work of the spirit and the truth of the work of the spirit and the truth of the Bible. a pastor. I hope I'm helping the Bible. a pastor. I hope I'm helping the Bible. a pastor. I hope I'm helping you today you today you today >> in knowing the will of God for your life >> in knowing the will of God for your life >> in knowing the will of God for your life and motivating you and moving you in and motivating you and moving you in and motivating you and moving you in this direction to follow him. this direction to follow him. this direction to follow him. A Christian counselor, A Christian counselor, A Christian counselor, a prayer warrior. a prayer warrior. a prayer warrior. God gave us the church, a company of God gave us the church, a company of God gave us the church, a company of believers to encourage one another, to believers to encourage one another, to believers to encourage one another, to equip one another, to instruct one equip one another, to instruct one equip one another, to instruct one another, to train one another in another, to train one another in another, to train one another in disciplehip, in affirmation and devotion disciplehip, in affirmation and devotion disciplehip, in affirmation and devotion and ovation. And I like that word we and ovation. And I like that word we and ovation. And I like that word we sang in that song. I hadn't seen it in a sang in that song. I hadn't seen it in a sang in that song. I hadn't seen it in a song. We give our ovation, song. We give our ovation, song. We give our ovation, our adoration to the Lord. our adoration to the Lord. our adoration to the Lord. So that's the altar call.

So that's the altar call. So that's the altar call. Come to the altar. Come to the altar. Come to the altar. Come to Jesus Come to Jesus Come to Jesus and lay your life on the line. and lay your life on the line. and lay your life on the line. Don't allow your brain, your mind, your Don't allow your brain, your mind, your Don't allow your brain, your mind, your life to be squeezed into the world life to be squeezed into the world life to be squeezed into the world system, the anti-God, antirist system of system, the anti-God, antirist system of system, the anti-God, antirist system of this world, the philosophies, the vain this world, the philosophies, the vain this world, the philosophies, the vain lies and slanders of this world. Don't lies and slanders of this world. Don't lies and slanders of this world. Don't let it happen to you. Cleanse your let it happen to you. Cleanse your let it happen to you. Cleanse your brain. Correct your mind. Transformed by brain. Correct your mind. Transformed by brain. Correct your mind. Transformed by the power of God's word and God's the power of God's word and God's the power of God's word and God's spirit, the renewing of your mind. And spirit, the renewing of your mind. And spirit, the renewing of your mind. And when you do, when you do, when you do, you will prove, you will demonstrate the you will prove, you will demonstrate the you will prove, you will demonstrate the good, the perfect, and I might add, good, the perfect, and I might add, good, the perfect, and I might add, precious, precious, precious, pure pure pure will of God for your life. will of God for your life. will of God for your life. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Stand with me, please, everyone >> Stand with me, please, everyone >> Stand with me, please, everyone standing. standing. standing. So, here's the altar call, and I'm going So, here's the altar call, and I'm going So, here's the altar call, and I'm going to ask that no one be leaving. This is a to ask that no one be leaving. This is a to ask that no one be leaving. This is a tender time in the service. This is a tender time in the service. This is a tender time in the service. This is a reverential moment. Thank you for reverential moment. Thank you for reverential moment. Thank you for staying through the message and not staying through the message and not staying through the message and not moving around moving around moving around and for staying through the invitation and for staying through the invitation and for staying through the invitation as we pray for those who are going to as we pray for those who are going to as we pray for those who are going to come to the altar online. There's a come to the altar online. There's a come to the altar online. There's a number 74788. Text Jesus to that number.

number 74788. Text Jesus to that number. number 74788. Text Jesus to that number. make wherever you are maybe in your own make wherever you are maybe in your own make wherever you are maybe in your own living room just to get on your knees living room just to get on your knees living room just to get on your knees and make it an altar of devotion and and make it an altar of devotion and and make it an altar of devotion and decision to follow Christ and text that decision to follow Christ and text that decision to follow Christ and text that text that number Jesus or if you see a text that number Jesus or if you see a text that number Jesus or if you see a hand on the screen a little little guy hand on the screen a little little guy hand on the screen a little little guy with a hand check that box to say I'm with a hand check that box to say I'm with a hand check that box to say I'm raising a hand I'm lifting my life raising a hand I'm lifting my life raising a hand I'm lifting my life before the Lord but in this room before the Lord but in this room before the Lord but in this room upstairs we have pastors and ministers upstairs we have pastors and ministers upstairs we have pastors and ministers we have ministers here on the lower we have ministers here on the lower we have ministers here on the lower level I'm going to ask you to come to level I'm going to ask you to come to level I'm going to ask you to come to the altar to come to this place of the altar to come to this place of the altar to come to this place of decision decision decision and publicly follow Christ. Some of you and publicly follow Christ. Some of you and publicly follow Christ. Some of you need a church home, a church family. You need a church home, a church family. You need a church home, a church family. You know, you don't want to date Jesus or know, you don't want to date Jesus or know, you don't want to date Jesus or date the church, but or or or date uh date the church, but or or or date uh date the church, but or or or date uh God. You know, I would also encourage God. You know, I would also encourage God. You know, I would also encourage you to some of you just stop dating the you to some of you just stop dating the you to some of you just stop dating the church, okay? It's time to get married. church, okay? It's time to get married. church, okay? It's time to get married. It's time to make a move. It's time to It's time to make a move. It's time to It's time to make a move. It's time to put a ring on it, right? Because you put a ring on it, right? Because you put a ring on it, right? Because you know just hanging out at church and know just hanging out at church and know just hanging out at church and visiting church perpetually visiting church perpetually visiting church perpetually and never joining, never committing, and never joining, never committing, and never joining, never committing, that's like living together without that's like living together without that's like living together without getting married.

getting married. getting married. So I want to ask you if you need a So I want to ask you if you need a So I want to ask you if you need a church home to commit your life church home to commit your life church home to commit your life to follow Jes. You've been praying and asking God to You've been praying and asking God to know and do his will. Start here and know and do his will. Start here and know and do his will. Start here and start now in Jesus name. Let's sing it start now in Jesus name. Let's sing it start now in Jesus name. Let's sing it together at the cross. Come on. together at the cross. Come on. together at the cross. Come on. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> Who be the first to come? >> Just come to the nearest dial and make >> Just come to the nearest dial and make that decision public for Christ online that decision public for Christ online that decision public for Christ online 74788 [music] Jesus. >> God bless this one. Let's cheer her on. >> God bless this one. Let's cheer her on. [music] And this fellow right here. God [music] And this fellow right here. God [music] And this fellow right here. God bless him as he comes. And another. And bless him as he comes. And another. And bless him as he comes. And another. And another right here right now. Come on. another right here right now. Come on. another right here right now. Come on. [music and singing] together [music] together [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] wide [music] [music] here.

>> Well, this has been an incredible >> Well, this has been an incredible service today. I hope that you have service today. I hope that you have service today. I hope that you have enjoyed it. I hope that you'll share enjoyed it. I hope that you'll share enjoyed it. I hope that you'll share this with a friend. And if you prayed this with a friend. And if you prayed this with a friend. And if you prayed that prayer with pastor today and that prayer with pastor today and that prayer with pastor today and accepted Jesus, [music] would you let us accepted Jesus, [music] would you let us accepted Jesus, [music] would you let us know by texting the word Jesus to the know by texting the word Jesus to the know by texting the word Jesus to the number 74788? number 74788? number 74788? That's Jesus to the number 74788. That's Jesus to the number 74788. That's Jesus to the number 74788. And when you do, we have a team that'll And when you do, we have a team that'll And when you do, we have a team that'll reach out, answer [music] any questions reach out, answer [music] any questions reach out, answer [music] any questions that you might have, and also get some that you might have, and also get some that you might have, and also get some awesome resources in your hand. This has awesome resources in your hand. This has awesome resources in your hand. This has been a great service today. We're been a great service today. We're been a great service today. We're looking forward to seeing you right back looking forward to seeing you right back looking forward to seeing you right back here next time. Have a great week.