Word And Spirit | R.T. Kendall

Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, what's up church? Hey, what's up church? It's good to be in the house of the Lord It's good to be in the house of the Lord It's good to be in the house of the Lord tonight. We're going to lift high his tonight. We're going to lift high his tonight. We're going to lift high his holy name. We can sing this song holy name. We can sing this song holy name. We can sing this song together. Sing worship our king.

worship our king. Come let us bow at his feet. He has done Come let us bow at his feet. He has done Come let us bow at his feet. He has done great. great. great. Yes. Yes. Yes. See what the Savior has done. See what the Savior has done. See what the Savior has done. See how his love overcomes. See how his love overcomes. See how his love overcomes. He has a great Oh, hero of heaven. You conquered the Oh, hero of heaven. You conquered the grave. You free every captive and break grave. You free every captive and break grave. You free every captive and break every chain. Oh God, you have done great every chain. Oh God, you have done great every chain. Oh God, you have done great things. You dancing your freedom things. You dancing your freedom things. You dancing your freedom alive. Oh Jesus, my savior, your name alive. Oh Jesus, my savior, your name alive. Oh Jesus, my savior, your name lifted high. Oh God, you have done faithful through every storm.

faithful through every storm. You'll be faithful forever more. You'll be faithful forever more. You'll be faithful forever more. You have the great and I know you will do it again and I know you will do it again for your promises. Yes. And amen. God for your promises. Yes. And amen. God for your promises. Yes. And amen. God will do great. Halleluah Halleluah God above it all. Halleluah God above it all. Halleluah God above it all. Halleluah God.

God. God. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. You have done great things. You have done great things. You have done great things. Oh Oh Oh halleluah. Oh hero of heaven. You conquer the Oh hero of heaven. You conquer the grave. You free every captive and break grave. You free every captive and break grave. You free every captive and break every chain. Oh God, you have the rain. every chain. Oh God, you have the rain. every chain. Oh God, you have the rain. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Come on, church.

Come on, church. We celebrated the grief. It feels good to worship the grief. It feels good to worship Jesus. It feels good to lift high his Jesus. It feels good to lift high his Jesus. It feels good to lift high his name together, to sing out loud name together, to sing out loud name together, to sing out loud together. The same truth about who he together. The same truth about who he together. The same truth about who he is, the same truth about what he's is, the same truth about what he's is, the same truth about what he's doing. My name is M. Brock. I am a doing. My name is M. Brock. I am a doing. My name is M. Brock. I am a worship leader from Charlotte, North worship leader from Charlotte, North worship leader from Charlotte, North Carolina. And it is just such a pleasure Carolina. And it is just such a pleasure Carolina. And it is just such a pleasure to be in Southern California. So nice. to be in Southern California. So nice. to be in Southern California. So nice. Got the big windows open. We don't have Got the big windows open. We don't have Got the big windows open. We don't have that at my church. I I wish we did. Um, that at my church. I I wish we did. Um, that at my church. I I wish we did. Um, hey, before we just continue to worship, hey, before we just continue to worship, hey, before we just continue to worship, I want to share a quick story about this I want to share a quick story about this I want to share a quick story about this next song. So, we wrote this song uh at next song. So, we wrote this song uh at next song. So, we wrote this song uh at a church I was on staff at several years a church I was on staff at several years a church I was on staff at several years ago, and we wrote this song because we ago, and we wrote this song because we ago, and we wrote this song because we wanted a song that was like an altar wanted a song that was like an altar wanted a song that was like an altar call song. We wanted a song that after call song. We wanted a song that after call song. We wanted a song that after we gave the invitation that we could we gave the invitation that we could we gave the invitation that we could play this song for people to come and play this song for people to come and play this song for people to come and receive Jesus. That was like the the receive Jesus. That was like the the receive Jesus. That was like the the mindset and the heart for this song. And mindset and the heart for this song. And mindset and the heart for this song. And then as soon as we started actually then as soon as we started actually then as soon as we started actually playing this song in church, we playing this song in church, we playing this song in church, we realized, man, this song is not just for realized, man, this song is not just for realized, man, this song is not just for people to come meet Jesus for the first people to come meet Jesus for the first people to come meet Jesus for the first time. This is a song for every single time. This is a song for every single time. This is a song for every single person every single day. Because every person every single day. Because every person every single day. Because every single day we have got to come to the single day we have got to come to the single day we have got to come to the feet of Jesus. Every single day we can feet of Jesus. Every single day we can feet of Jesus. Every single day we can say, "I am hurting. I am broken. I am in say, "I am hurting. I am broken. I am in say, "I am hurting. I am broken. I am in desperate need of a savior." And he will desperate need of a savior." And he will desperate need of a savior." And he will always welcome us in. So let's just always welcome us in. So let's just always welcome us in. So let's just cling to that as we continue just to cling to that as we continue just to cling to that as we continue just to worship God in the presence of his name.

Sing. Sing. Are you hurting and broken within? Are you hurting and broken within? Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of sin. Overwhelmed by the weight of sin. Overwhelmed by the weight of sin. Jesus is calling. Have you come to the end of yourself? Have you come to the end of yourself? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling. Oh, come to Oh, come to the altar. the altar. the altar. The father's arms are open wide. The father's arms are open wide. The father's arms are open wide. Forgiveness Forgiveness Forgiveness was falling was falling was falling the precious blood of Jesus Christ. leave behind your regrets and mistakes.

leave behind your regrets and mistakes. on today. There's no reason to wait cuz on today. There's no reason to wait cuz on today. There's no reason to wait cuz Jesus is calling. Bring your sorrows and trade them for Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy. joy. joy. From the ashes, a new life for From the ashes, a new life for From the ashes, a new life for Jesus is calling out. Yes, he Jesus is calling out. Yes, he Jesus is calling out. Yes, he will come to will come to will come to the altar. the altar. the altar. The father's arms are open The father's arms are open The father's arms are open for Blood of Jesus Blood of Jesus Christ.

go every voice in this place. go every voice in this place. Oh what a Savior. Christ is risen. Christ is risen. Yes, he is. Yes, he is alive. So bow Yes, he is. Yes, he is alive. So bow Yes, he is. Yes, he is alive. So bow down before him down before him down before him for he is Lord of all. Sing hallelu. Christ is risen. Christ is risen. Oh Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. We sing together. We sing together. Christ is my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand and everything the rock on which I stand and everything around me.

around me. around me. Yes. Yes. Yes. I'll never be. I'll never be. I'll never be. I put my faith in you. He's never let me down. He's faithful to He's never let me down. He's faithful to generation. Oh, I would fail now. Oh, I would fail now. He won't He won't He won't know. know. know. Oh, he and I still got joy in chaos. and I still got joy in chaos. I've got peace that makes no sense. So, I've got peace that makes no sense. So, I've got peace that makes no sense. So, I won't be going under. I won't be going under. I won't be going under. I'm not held by my own strength cuz I I'm not held by my own strength cuz I I'm not held by my own strength cuz I build my life on Jesus. He's never let me down. Faithful in He's never let me down. Faithful in every season.

He won't. He won't. Come on. Come on. Come on. Christ is my f I put my I put my Jesus. He's never let me down. Stay on the He's never let me down. Stay on the generation. So I will. Come on. We believe it. So I will. Come on. We believe it. He won't rain came the wind.

rain came the wind. My house is built on you. My house is built on you. My house is built on you. I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it through. We believe rain came with blue. through. We believe rain came with blue. through. We believe rain came with blue. My heart builds on Oh, this is our prayer now, Lord. Oh, this is our prayer now, Lord. We believe it now. We believe it now. We believe it now. Our house is built on. We're building on Our house is built on. We're building on Our house is built on. We're building on our firm foundations. I'm going to make I'm going to make whatever you're facing. Whatever it is whatever you're facing. Whatever it is whatever you're facing. Whatever it is that's right in front of you that feels that's right in front of you that feels that's right in front of you that feels impossible.

Yeah. Yeah. He won't never will. He won't never will. He won't never will. He won't fail. Can we all close our eyes in this place Can we all close our eyes in this place right now? right now? right now? Man, we are in the presence of Jesus Man, we are in the presence of Jesus Man, we are in the presence of Jesus right now. The Holy Spirit fills this right now. The Holy Spirit fills this right now. The Holy Spirit fills this place. place. place. He dwells in our praises. He dwells in our praises. He dwells in our praises. And those are not empty words. He won't fail us. He never will. He won't fail us. He never will. He is with us always. And we respond to him. And we respond to him. We respond to his truth. We respond to We respond to his truth. We respond to We respond to his truth. We respond to his mercy, to his grace. his mercy, to his grace. his mercy, to his grace. Oh, we love you, Lord.

Oh, we love you, Lord. Oh, we love you, Lord. Oh, we worship you, Jesus. you, you, oh my soul, oh my soul, oh my soul, rejoice. Let it be a sweet, sweet Let it be a sweet, sweet sound sound sound in your ear. Can we just sing that one in your ear. Can we just sing that one in your ear. Can we just sing that one more time?

more time? more time? And I love you, Lord. you, you, oh my soul. and take joy, and take joy, my king. Yes, we take joy my king. Yes, we take joy my king. Yes, we take joy in in in what you hear. what you hear. what you hear. And let it be a sweet, sweet And let it be a sweet, sweet And let it be a sweet, sweet sound. Oh, let it be a sweet, sweet sound. Oh, let it be a sweet, sweet sound. Oh, let it be a sweet, sweet sound. sound. sound. Let it be a sweet Let it be a sweet Let it be a sweet sweet sweet sweet sound.

sound. sound. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. In your In your In your ear. >> God, we praise you and we thank you for >> God, we praise you and we thank you for being our firm foundation. We thank you being our firm foundation. We thank you being our firm foundation. We thank you that you are someone that we can put our that you are someone that we can put our that you are someone that we can put our trust, our hope, and our love in. We trust, our hope, and our love in. We trust, our hope, and our love in. We love you and we pray this in Jesus name. love you and we pray this in Jesus name. love you and we pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Welcome to Saddleback Church. I'm so Welcome to Saddleback Church. I'm so Welcome to Saddleback Church. I'm so grateful that you're joining us for grateful that you're joining us for grateful that you're joining us for church today. You can access our digital church today. You can access our digital church today. You can access our digital program by hitting the link in the program by hitting the link in the program by hitting the link in the description down below or by downloading description down below or by downloading description down below or by downloading our Saddleback app and finding it there. our Saddleback app and finding it there. our Saddleback app and finding it there. Now, if you're new here or if this is Now, if you're new here or if this is Now, if you're new here or if this is your first time, we want to specifically your first time, we want to specifically your first time, we want to specifically welcome you. And so, you can go to the welcome you. And so, you can go to the welcome you. And so, you can go to the app, select online community as your app, select online community as your app, select online community as your campus, and hit the new here button so campus, and hit the new here button so campus, and hit the new here button so that we can personally reach out to you, that we can personally reach out to you, that we can personally reach out to you, welcome you, and help you get connected welcome you, and help you get connected welcome you, and help you get connected to our church. Well, this weekend we are to our church. Well, this weekend we are to our church. Well, this weekend we are kicking off our offtheshelf series where kicking off our offtheshelf series where kicking off our offtheshelf series where each week for the next four weeks, we each week for the next four weeks, we each week for the next four weeks, we are inviting guest best-selling authors are inviting guest best-selling authors are inviting guest best-selling authors to come and share stories and wisdom to come and share stories and wisdom to come and share stories and wisdom with our church. And each week, we want with our church. And each week, we want with our church. And each week, we want to give you guys the opportunity to read to give you guys the opportunity to read to give you guys the opportunity to read some of the books by these authors. And some of the books by these authors. And some of the books by these authors. And so, after service each week, we're going so, after service each week, we're going so, after service each week, we're going to let you guys know how you can to let you guys know how you can to let you guys know how you can purchase and buy these books. But we purchase and buy these books. But we purchase and buy these books. But we also want to have a little bit of fun.

also want to have a little bit of fun. also want to have a little bit of fun. So each week we're going to be giving So each week we're going to be giving So each week we're going to be giving away five of the books by the guest away five of the books by the guest away five of the books by the guest speaker and you're going to have an speaker and you're going to have an speaker and you're going to have an opportunity to be entered to win one of opportunity to be entered to win one of opportunity to be entered to win one of those five books. All you got to do is those five books. All you got to do is those five books. All you got to do is fill out the next steps card in the fill out the next steps card in the fill out the next steps card in the Saddleback app. That's all you got to Saddleback app. That's all you got to Saddleback app. That's all you got to do. Fill out the next steps card in the do. Fill out the next steps card in the do. Fill out the next steps card in the Saddleback app and you'll be entered to Saddleback app and you'll be entered to Saddleback app and you'll be entered to receive one of the books that we're receive one of the books that we're receive one of the books that we're giving away. So before service ends giving away. So before service ends giving away. So before service ends today, go to the Saddleback app, fill today, go to the Saddleback app, fill today, go to the Saddleback app, fill out the next steps card. Well, this out the next steps card. Well, this out the next steps card. Well, this weekend here at Saddak is also very weekend here at Saddak is also very weekend here at Saddak is also very special because we had our very first special because we had our very first special because we had our very first Love Local Serve Day where we invited Love Local Serve Day where we invited Love Local Serve Day where we invited our entire church family to go out into our entire church family to go out into our entire church family to go out into their communities and to serve to be the their communities and to serve to be the their communities and to serve to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to spread hands and feet of Jesus and to spread hands and feet of Jesus and to spread love and hope to others. And it's been love and hope to others. And it's been love and hope to others. And it's been an awesome experience. I got to go to an awesome experience. I got to go to an awesome experience. I got to go to one of our local community colleges that one of our local community colleges that one of our local community colleges that I actually attended and I got to walk I actually attended and I got to walk I actually attended and I got to walk around the entire campus praying over around the entire campus praying over around the entire campus praying over the students, the buildings, the rooms, the students, the buildings, the rooms, the students, the buildings, the rooms, the professors, the staff, all of it. It the professors, the staff, all of it. It the professors, the staff, all of it. It was such a great experience and I'm was such a great experience and I'm was such a great experience and I'm hearing so many stories about how you hearing so many stories about how you hearing so many stories about how you guys are going out in your communities guys are going out in your communities guys are going out in your communities and serving as well. I've heard of you and serving as well. I've heard of you and serving as well. I've heard of you guys donating food and resources to guys donating food and resources to guys donating food and resources to those who are in need to daycarees. I've those who are in need to daycarees. I've those who are in need to daycarees. I've heard of you guys putting together care heard of you guys putting together care heard of you guys putting together care packages for local first responders, packages for local first responders, packages for local first responders, spending time with your neighbors, spending time with your neighbors, spending time with your neighbors, crocheting coasters for people. It's crocheting coasters for people. It's crocheting coasters for people. It's been so awesome hearing each of the ways been so awesome hearing each of the ways been so awesome hearing each of the ways that you guys are showing up in your that you guys are showing up in your that you guys are showing up in your communities. And so we want to say thank communities. And so we want to say thank communities. And so we want to say thank you. Thank you for showing up, for being you. Thank you for showing up, for being you. Thank you for showing up, for being the hands and feet of Jesus, for being a the hands and feet of Jesus, for being a the hands and feet of Jesus, for being a part of our love local serve day, and part of our love local serve day, and part of our love local serve day, and for showing up and showing love to for showing up and showing love to for showing up and showing love to others. We love you guys so much. You others. We love you guys so much. You others. We love you guys so much. You guys are the absolute best. Well, serve guys are the absolute best. Well, serve guys are the absolute best. Well, serve day isn't the only exciting thing day isn't the only exciting thing day isn't the only exciting thing happening here at Saddleback. Let's go

happening here at Saddleback. Let's go happening here at Saddleback. Let's go ahead and join the rest of our church ahead and join the rest of our church ahead and join the rest of our church family and find out what else is family and find out what else is family and find out what else is happening here at Saddleback. happening here at Saddleback. happening here at Saddleback. Hey everybody, I am so glad that you're Hey everybody, I am so glad that you're Hey everybody, I am so glad that you're here in church today. This is a great here in church today. This is a great here in church today. This is a great weekend. So many great things that God weekend. So many great things that God weekend. So many great things that God is doing all across our campuses. In is doing all across our campuses. In is doing all across our campuses. In fact, this weekend as we had our Love fact, this weekend as we had our Love fact, this weekend as we had our Love Local Serve Day, which you've already Local Serve Day, which you've already Local Serve Day, which you've already heard about, God used thousands of heard about, God used thousands of heard about, God used thousands of people all across Southern California to people all across Southern California to people all across Southern California to love, to impact the communities around love, to impact the communities around love, to impact the communities around our campuses. And from my heart to you, our campuses. And from my heart to you, our campuses. And from my heart to you, I want to say thank you. I want to say I want to say thank you. I want to say I want to say thank you. I want to say thank you for pouring out your life, for thank you for pouring out your life, for thank you for pouring out your life, for serving, for rolling up your sleeves to serving, for rolling up your sleeves to serving, for rolling up your sleeves to represent Jesus. There are thousands of represent Jesus. There are thousands of represent Jesus. There are thousands of lives and communities all across our lives and communities all across our lives and communities all across our region that will be forever impacted as region that will be forever impacted as region that will be forever impacted as a result of what God did through you a result of what God did through you a result of what God did through you this weekend. I also want to say thank this weekend. I also want to say thank this weekend. I also want to say thank you for your generosity. You know, this you for your generosity. You know, this you for your generosity. You know, this whole event happened because of your whole event happened because of your whole event happened because of your giving. In fact, about a year and a half giving. In fact, about a year and a half giving. In fact, about a year and a half ago when we did our dream now ago when we did our dream now ago when we did our dream now initiative, we said one of the big initiative, we said one of the big initiative, we said one of the big emphasis that we have is that we want to emphasis that we have is that we want to emphasis that we have is that we want to love local. We want to love the local love local. We want to love the local love local. We want to love the local community around our campuses. And this community around our campuses. And this community around our campuses. And this survey was directly connected to that survey was directly connected to that survey was directly connected to that love local vision initiative. So your love local vision initiative. So your love local vision initiative. So your giving on a regular basis and in giving on a regular basis and in giving on a regular basis and in particular your giving to Dream Now has particular your giving to Dream Now has particular your giving to Dream Now has already made a difference in the already made a difference in the already made a difference in the community around us. Now I want to community around us. Now I want to community around us. Now I want to invite you if this is your home church invite you if this is your home church invite you if this is your home church or you're a follower of Jesus to or you're a follower of Jesus to or you're a follower of Jesus to participate today in your giving. God participate today in your giving. God participate today in your giving. God loves when we give from a heart of loves when we give from a heart of loves when we give from a heart of gratitude. It's a part of our worship.

gratitude. It's a part of our worship. gratitude. It's a part of our worship. Giving back to him is our saying thank Giving back to him is our saying thank Giving back to him is our saying thank you for all that you've done in our you for all that you've done in our you for all that you've done in our lives. So today you can participate in lives. So today you can participate in lives. So today you can participate in your giving through the app or there your giving through the app or there your giving through the app or there will be a time at the end of the service will be a time at the end of the service will be a time at the end of the service that you can join as there will be some that you can join as there will be some that you can join as there will be some buckets passed around. Now also this buckets passed around. Now also this buckets passed around. Now also this weekend is activate. Activate's weekend is activate. Activate's weekend is activate. Activate's happening at all of our campuses. This happening at all of our campuses. This happening at all of our campuses. This is very important. Activate is your is very important. Activate is your is very important. Activate is your starting point. So if you're new to starting point. So if you're new to starting point. So if you're new to Saddleach or you're not yet connected, Saddleach or you're not yet connected, Saddleach or you're not yet connected, activate is happening uh you get to hear activate is happening uh you get to hear activate is happening uh you get to hear about our vision. You get to hear our about our vision. You get to hear our about our vision. You get to hear our history. You also get to hear more about history. You also get to hear more about history. You also get to hear more about how you can get connected and what we how you can get connected and what we how you can get connected and what we have as a church family to serve you. On have as a church family to serve you. On have as a church family to serve you. On top of that, activate is designed really top of that, activate is designed really top of that, activate is designed really as an opportunity to get connected for as an opportunity to get connected for as an opportunity to get connected for us to know you and you to know this us to know you and you to know this us to know you and you to know this church. And so you can sign up in your church. And so you can sign up in your church. And so you can sign up in your app or you can just show up at your app or you can just show up at your app or you can just show up at your local campus to be a part of this local campus to be a part of this local campus to be a part of this weekend's activate. Now, in just a weekend's activate. Now, in just a weekend's activate. Now, in just a moment, Pastor RT Kendall, Dr. RT moment, Pastor RT Kendall, Dr. RT moment, Pastor RT Kendall, Dr. RT Kendall is going to come and bring the Kendall is going to come and bring the Kendall is going to come and bring the message. And I do have to say on a message. And I do have to say on a message. And I do have to say on a personal level, God has used RT in a personal level, God has used RT in a personal level, God has used RT in a massive way to impact my life massive way to impact my life massive way to impact my life personally. Uh I personally read over a personally. Uh I personally read over a personally. Uh I personally read over a dozen of his books. Several of them dozen of his books. Several of them dozen of his books. Several of them transformed my life, shifted direction transformed my life, shifted direction transformed my life, shifted direction of my life in very powerful ways. The of my life in very powerful ways. The of my life in very powerful ways. The book he talked about just a couple of book he talked about just a couple of book he talked about just a couple of years ago with learning to totally years ago with learning to totally years ago with learning to totally forgive others, changed my outlook on forgive others, changed my outlook on forgive others, changed my outlook on relationships, and learning to love and relationships, and learning to love and relationships, and learning to love and forgive those who've hurt me. Now forgive those who've hurt me. Now forgive those who've hurt me. Now today's message is going to be on the today's message is going to be on the today's message is going to be on the book the word and the spirit. And this book the word and the spirit. And this book the word and the spirit. And this message really is about living in the message really is about living in the message really is about living in the fullness of God's word and the fullness

fullness of God's word and the fullness fullness of God's word and the fullness of the power that comes from the Holy of the power that comes from the Holy of the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. This is a timely message. It's a Spirit. This is a timely message. It's a Spirit. This is a timely message. It's a timely message for what God is doing in timely message for what God is doing in timely message for what God is doing in our world, what he's doing in our our world, what he's doing in our our world, what he's doing in our nation, and what he's doing in our nation, and what he's doing in our nation, and what he's doing in our church. And not only is it a timely church. And not only is it a timely church. And not only is it a timely message, it's a message that has the message, it's a message that has the message, it's a message that has the power to impact you. the more that we power to impact you. the more that we power to impact you. the more that we live in accordance with God's word and live in accordance with God's word and live in accordance with God's word and his spirit under that power, it changes his spirit under that power, it changes his spirit under that power, it changes everything in our lives. So today, as he everything in our lives. So today, as he everything in our lives. So today, as he comes, it's good for you to know this is comes, it's good for you to know this is comes, it's good for you to know this is his birthday weekend. I'll let him tell his birthday weekend. I'll let him tell his birthday weekend. I'll let him tell you which birthday it is, but I do want you which birthday it is, but I do want you which birthday it is, but I do want to invite you all of our campuses. Let's to invite you all of our campuses. Let's to invite you all of our campuses. Let's show some Saddleback love and give a show some Saddleback love and give a show some Saddleback love and give a warm welcome to Dr. RT Kendall. >> Don't do that. Please don't do that. >> Don't do that. Please don't do that. Okay, it's enough. Okay, it's enough. Okay, it's enough. Okay, okay. okay. Well, it was a great honor when Andy Well, it was a great honor when Andy Well, it was a great honor when Andy Wood invited me a couple years ago. Wood invited me a couple years ago. Wood invited me a couple years ago. Double honor to be back and I pray that Double honor to be back and I pray that Double honor to be back and I pray that I will be a blessing. I need to say a I will be a blessing. I need to say a I will be a blessing. I need to say a word about the chair.

word about the chair. word about the chair. Thought you might want to wonder. Couple Thought you might want to wonder. Couple Thought you might want to wonder. Couple years ago, a little bit of vertigo began years ago, a little bit of vertigo began years ago, a little bit of vertigo began to set in. And then five weeks ago, I to set in. And then five weeks ago, I to set in. And then five weeks ago, I had a fall and I had a concussion. And had a fall and I had a concussion. And had a fall and I had a concussion. And so my balance problem is really so my balance problem is really so my balance problem is really augmented by these two things. And and augmented by these two things. And and augmented by these two things. And and uh so I've been sitting for the last uh so I've been sitting for the last uh so I've been sitting for the last couple years. Uh if you have a problem couple years. Uh if you have a problem couple years. Uh if you have a problem with this, get over it. I want to read to you from the book of I want to read to you from the book of Acts, chapter 3. Acts, chapter 3, Acts, chapter 3. Acts, chapter 3, Acts, chapter 3. Acts, chapter 3, beginning at verse one. May I ask you beginning at verse one. May I ask you beginning at verse one. May I ask you this? Have you ever wondered why Jesus this? Have you ever wondered why Jesus this? Have you ever wondered why Jesus did not heal this man? 40 years old, did not heal this man? 40 years old, did not heal this man? 40 years old, never walked. And Jesus went right by never walked. And Jesus went right by never walked. And Jesus went right by him several times but didn't heal him.

him several times but didn't heal him. him several times but didn't heal him. And then one day Peter and John were And then one day Peter and John were And then one day Peter and John were going up to the temple for the time of going up to the temple for the time of going up to the temple for the time of prayer at 3 in the afternoon. prayer at 3 in the afternoon. prayer at 3 in the afternoon. A man who was lame from birth was being A man who was lame from birth was being A man who was lame from birth was being carried there. He was placed carried there. He was placed carried there. He was placed each day at the temple gate called each day at the temple gate called each day at the temple gate called beautiful beautiful beautiful so that he could beg from those entering so that he could beg from those entering so that he could beg from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John the temple. When he saw Peter and John the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for about to enter the temple, he asked for about to enter the temple, he asked for money. Peter along with John looked money. Peter along with John looked money. Peter along with John looked straight at him and said, "Look at us." straight at him and said, "Look at us." straight at him and said, "Look at us." So he turned to them expecting to get So he turned to them expecting to get So he turned to them expecting to get something from them. But Peter said, "I something from them. But Peter said, "I something from them. But Peter said, "I don't have silver or gold, but what I do don't have silver or gold, but what I do don't have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus have, I give you. In the name of Jesus have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." Then taking him by the right hand, he Then taking him by the right hand, he Then taking him by the right hand, he raised him up, and at once his feet and raised him up, and at once his feet and raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. So he jumped up ankles became strong. So he jumped up ankles became strong. So he jumped up and started to walk. And he entered the and started to walk. And he entered the and started to walk. And he entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and temple with them walking, leaping, and temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him praising God. All the people saw him praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God. And they walking and praising God. And they walking and praising God. And they recognized that he was the same man who recognized that he was the same man who recognized that he was the same man who used to sit and beg at the beautiful used to sit and beg at the beautiful used to sit and beg at the beautiful gate of the temple. So they were filled

gate of the temple. So they were filled gate of the temple. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had with awe and astonishment at what had with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him. But Peter then later happened to him. But Peter then later happened to him. But Peter then later said, "Why does this surprise you?" said, "Why does this surprise you?" said, "Why does this surprise you?" May God be pleased to bless the reading May God be pleased to bless the reading May God be pleased to bless the reading and the preaching of this his most holy and the preaching of this his most holy and the preaching of this his most holy and infallible and infallible and infallible word. word. word. Brief word of prayer. Brief word of prayer. Brief word of prayer. Heavenly Father, I pray now for the Heavenly Father, I pray now for the Heavenly Father, I pray now for the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus by your sprinkling of the blood of Jesus by your sprinkling of the blood of Jesus by your spirit to rest upon every mind in this spirit to rest upon every mind in this spirit to rest upon every mind in this place in order that their perception place in order that their perception place in order that their perception of what I say will be heard as you of what I say will be heard as you of what I say will be heard as you intend. intend. intend. Cleanse my tongue that I will be your Cleanse my tongue that I will be your Cleanse my tongue that I will be your transparent instrument to say everything transparent instrument to say everything transparent instrument to say everything that needs to be said, nothing that that needs to be said, nothing that that needs to be said, nothing that doesn't need to be said. Help me to be doesn't need to be said. Help me to be doesn't need to be said. Help me to be very very clear, very very clear, very very clear, very very simple and may this word bring very very simple and may this word bring very very simple and may this word bring honor and glory to your name. I pray honor and glory to your name. I pray honor and glory to your name. I pray this in Jesus' name.

this in Jesus' name. this in Jesus' name. Amen. I speak to you on the subject the word I speak to you on the subject the word and the spirit. and the spirit. and the spirit. And I want to do so in the light of this And I want to do so in the light of this And I want to do so in the light of this passage that I've read with particular passage that I've read with particular passage that I've read with particular reference how the Holy Spirit relates to reference how the Holy Spirit relates to reference how the Holy Spirit relates to this situation and this story. And so this situation and this story. And so this situation and this story. And so Peter and John on their way to a prayer Peter and John on their way to a prayer Peter and John on their way to a prayer meeting that's where they were headed meeting that's where they were headed meeting that's where they were headed 3:00 planned prayer meeting at the 3:00 planned prayer meeting at the 3:00 planned prayer meeting at the temple and they were going to that temple and they were going to that temple and they were going to that point. Now the things I want to say point. Now the things I want to say point. Now the things I want to say about the Holy Spirit, I begin with this about the Holy Spirit, I begin with this about the Holy Spirit, I begin with this and this is so important. The sameness and this is so important. The sameness and this is so important. The sameness of the spirit. of the spirit. of the spirit. The sameness of the spirit. In other The sameness of the spirit. In other The sameness of the spirit. In other words, the way he was 2,000 years ago, words, the way he was 2,000 years ago, words, the way he was 2,000 years ago, he's that way today. he's that way today. he's that way today. Hebrews chapter 13:8. Hebrews chapter 13:8. Hebrews chapter 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

today and forever. today and forever. And so also the Holy Spirit is the same And so also the Holy Spirit is the same And so also the Holy Spirit is the same yesterday and today and forever. Psalm yesterday and today and forever. Psalm yesterday and today and forever. Psalm 127, you are the same. Malachi 3:6, I am 127, you are the same. Malachi 3:6, I am 127, you are the same. Malachi 3:6, I am the Lord. I do not change. the Lord. I do not change. the Lord. I do not change. Well, in October Well, in October Well, in October 1992, 1992, 1992, uh we had in Wembley Conference Center uh we had in Wembley Conference Center uh we had in Wembley Conference Center in London the first word and spirit in London the first word and spirit in London the first word and spirit conference. And uh it was there that I conference. And uh it was there that I conference. And uh it was there that I made this statement that in my view made this statement that in my view made this statement that in my view there has been a silent divorce in the there has been a silent divorce in the there has been a silent divorce in the church speaking generally between the church speaking generally between the church speaking generally between the word word word uh and the spirit. Now when there's a uh and the spirit. Now when there's a uh and the spirit. Now when there's a divorce sometimes the children stay with divorce sometimes the children stay with divorce sometimes the children stay with the mother sometimes the children stay the mother sometimes the children stay the mother sometimes the children stay with the father. In this divorce, you with the father. In this divorce, you with the father. In this divorce, you got those that are on the word side and got those that are on the word side and got those that are on the word side and those that are on the spirit side.

those that are on the spirit side. those that are on the spirit side. What's the difference? Well, take those What's the difference? Well, take those What's the difference? Well, take those on the word side. What is the message? on the word side. What is the message? on the word side. What is the message? Well, they're very clear. The honor of Well, they're very clear. The honor of Well, they're very clear. The honor of God's name will not be restored until we God's name will not be restored until we God's name will not be restored until we get back to the word, sound doctrine, get back to the word, sound doctrine, get back to the word, sound doctrine, get back to reformation teaching, get back to reformation teaching, get back to reformation teaching, justification by faith, sovereignty of justification by faith, sovereignty of justification by faith, sovereignty of God, assurance of salvation. Until we God, assurance of salvation. Until we God, assurance of salvation. Until we get back to these teachings, the honor get back to these teachings, the honor get back to these teachings, the honor of God's name will not be restored. of God's name will not be restored. of God's name will not be restored. What's wrong with that emphasis? What's wrong with that emphasis? What's wrong with that emphasis? Nothing. It's exactly right. It's what I Nothing. It's exactly right. It's what I Nothing. It's exactly right. It's what I believe. believe. believe. Those on the spirit side, what is their Those on the spirit side, what is their Those on the spirit side, what is their message? Oh, it's very, very clear. The message? Oh, it's very, very clear. The message? Oh, it's very, very clear. The honor of God's name will not be restored honor of God's name will not be restored honor of God's name will not be restored until we get back to the book of Acts until we get back to the book of Acts until we get back to the book of Acts where there were signs, wonders, where there were signs, wonders, where there were signs, wonders, miracles. We had when they had a prayer miracles. We had when they had a prayer miracles. We had when they had a prayer meeting, the place was shaken. Get into meeting, the place was shaken. Get into meeting, the place was shaken. Get into Peter's shadow, you're healed. Lie to Peter's shadow, you're healed. Lie to Peter's shadow, you're healed. Lie to the Holy Spirit, you're struck dead.

the Holy Spirit, you're struck dead. the Holy Spirit, you're struck dead. And until we have that kind of power, And until we have that kind of power, And until we have that kind of power, the honor of God's name will not be the honor of God's name will not be the honor of God's name will not be restored. restored. restored. What's wrong with that emphasis? What's wrong with that emphasis? What's wrong with that emphasis? Nothing. It's exactly right. It's what I Nothing. It's exactly right. It's what I Nothing. It's exactly right. It's what I believe. The problem is so it seems to believe. The problem is so it seems to believe. The problem is so it seems to me and in my old age I've had the me and in my old age I've had the me and in my old age I've had the privilege of traveling all over the privilege of traveling all over the privilege of traveling all over the world and there may be exceptions and I world and there may be exceptions and I world and there may be exceptions and I be thankful for when they are but be thankful for when they are but be thankful for when they are but generally speaking wherever I go it's generally speaking wherever I go it's generally speaking wherever I go it's either a word church or a spirit church either a word church or a spirit church either a word church or a spirit church and you can tell and not know in 30 and you can tell and not know in 30 and you can tell and not know in 30 seconds is it are you in a word church seconds is it are you in a word church seconds is it are you in a word church or is this a spirit church and So the or is this a spirit church and So the or is this a spirit church and So the problem is it's one or the other. And uh problem is it's one or the other. And uh problem is it's one or the other. And uh when Jesus said to the Pharisees, you do when Jesus said to the Pharisees, you do when Jesus said to the Pharisees, you do not know the power of God or the not know the power of God or the not know the power of God or the scriptures, they didn't know either one. scriptures, they didn't know either one. scriptures, they didn't know either one. And so in some churches today, they And so in some churches today, they And so in some churches today, they don't have either. But it's often the don't have either. But it's often the don't have either. But it's often the case one or the other. And what I long case one or the other. And what I long case one or the other. And what I long for that the day will come when the two for that the day will come when the two for that the day will come when the two together together together meet. And then there will be spontaneous meet. And then there will be spontaneous meet. And then there will be spontaneous combustion. And that is what is needed.

combustion. And that is what is needed. combustion. And that is what is needed. And that has been my burden in my old And that has been my burden in my old And that has been my burden in my old ages. I say and wherever I go to see ages. I say and wherever I go to see ages. I say and wherever I go to see that two come together and it not be one that two come together and it not be one that two come together and it not be one or the other. Well, that's what I mean or the other. Well, that's what I mean or the other. Well, that's what I mean by sameness of the spirit. You see, by sameness of the spirit. You see, by sameness of the spirit. You see, there's those who teach that uh it's there's those who teach that uh it's there's those who teach that uh it's called cessationism, called cessationism, called cessationism, that this miracle ceased 2,000 years that this miracle ceased 2,000 years that this miracle ceased 2,000 years ago. That's not true. There's not a ago. That's not true. There's not a ago. That's not true. There's not a anything in the Bible about it. It's anything in the Bible about it. It's anything in the Bible about it. It's only a theory. People make it into a only a theory. People make it into a only a theory. People make it into a doctrine, which is very, very sad. But I doctrine, which is very, very sad. But I doctrine, which is very, very sad. But I want to talk now about the sovereignty want to talk now about the sovereignty want to talk now about the sovereignty of the spirit. Now, what do I mean by of the spirit. Now, what do I mean by of the spirit. Now, what do I mean by sovereignty? Well, it mirrors the sovereignty? Well, it mirrors the sovereignty? Well, it mirrors the sovereignty of God. He said to Moses, sovereignty of God. He said to Moses, sovereignty of God. He said to Moses, Exodus 33, I will have mercy on whom I Exodus 33, I will have mercy on whom I Exodus 33, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. I will be gracious to will have mercy. I will be gracious to will have mercy. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious. Well, here's whom I will be gracious. Well, here's whom I will be gracious. Well, here's the question. Why didn't Jesus heal this the question. Why didn't Jesus heal this the question. Why didn't Jesus heal this man? I know people who say, "Well, if man? I know people who say, "Well, if man? I know people who say, "Well, if Jesus comes to your house, everybody's Jesus comes to your house, everybody's Jesus comes to your house, everybody's going to get healed." That's just not going to get healed." That's just not going to get healed." That's just not true. Jesus walked right by him. walk true. Jesus walked right by him. walk true. Jesus walked right by him. walk right by him. And uh you remember this right by him. And uh you remember this right by him. And uh you remember this about Jesus. This may surprise you.

about Jesus. This may surprise you. about Jesus. This may surprise you. Jesus was not his own man. Jesus was not his own man. Jesus was not his own man. He said so. John 5:19, the son can do He said so. John 5:19, the son can do He said so. John 5:19, the son can do nothing of himself but what he sees the nothing of himself but what he sees the nothing of himself but what he sees the father do. Well, sovereignty of the father do. Well, sovereignty of the father do. Well, sovereignty of the spirit is the holy spirit suddenly spirit is the holy spirit suddenly spirit is the holy spirit suddenly wanted to heal this man. Why not? Before wanted to heal this man. Why not? Before wanted to heal this man. Why not? Before Jesus said, "When the Holy Spirit comes, Jesus said, "When the Holy Spirit comes, Jesus said, "When the Holy Spirit comes, he will not speak on his own." The King he will not speak on his own." The King he will not speak on his own." The King James says he will not speak of himself. James says he will not speak of himself. James says he will not speak of himself. It's a bad translation. Jesus said, It's a bad translation. Jesus said, It's a bad translation. Jesus said, "When the Holy Spirit comes, he will not "When the Holy Spirit comes, he will not "When the Holy Spirit comes, he will not speak on his own." What this shows is speak on his own." What this shows is speak on his own." What this shows is that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are identical in this way. Jesus would do identical in this way. Jesus would do identical in this way. Jesus would do nothing of himself, but what he sees the nothing of himself, but what he sees the nothing of himself, but what he sees the father do. So the Holy Spirit will do father do. So the Holy Spirit will do father do. So the Holy Spirit will do nothing of himself. He won't speak on nothing of himself. He won't speak on nothing of himself. He won't speak on his own. In other words, there's unity. his own. In other words, there's unity. his own. In other words, there's unity. There's no rivalry. There's no There's no rivalry. There's no There's no rivalry. There's no difference in the trinity, the father, difference in the trinity, the father, difference in the trinity, the father, son, and holy spirit. And so the son, and holy spirit. And so the son, and holy spirit. And so the sovereignty of the spirit must not be sovereignty of the spirit must not be sovereignty of the spirit must not be forgotten. After Jesus said to forgotten. After Jesus said to forgotten. After Jesus said to Nicodemus, you must be born again, he Nicodemus, you must be born again, he Nicodemus, you must be born again, he went on to say, the spirit of the wind went on to say, the spirit of the wind went on to say, the spirit of the wind blows where it will. You know where it's blows where it will. You know where it's blows where it will. You know where it's coming from. You not can't tell where coming from. You not can't tell where coming from. You not can't tell where it's going. So is everyone that is born it's going. So is everyone that is born it's going. So is everyone that is born of God. And so the Holy Spirit of God. And so the Holy Spirit of God. And so the Holy Spirit determines what his servants do. And for determines what his servants do. And for determines what his servants do. And for some reason, some reason, some reason, God was not pleased. I sometimes wonder God was not pleased. I sometimes wonder God was not pleased. I sometimes wonder that maybe Jesus as he's walking by

that maybe Jesus as he's walking by that maybe Jesus as he's walking by seeing this crippled man. He must have seeing this crippled man. He must have seeing this crippled man. He must have said, "Father, shall we heal him?" And I said, "Father, shall we heal him?" And I said, "Father, shall we heal him?" And I wonder, it's just a little speculation. wonder, it's just a little speculation. wonder, it's just a little speculation. Maybe the father said, "I'm saving him Maybe the father said, "I'm saving him Maybe the father said, "I'm saving him for Peter and John." But anyway, he for Peter and John." But anyway, he for Peter and John." But anyway, he didn't heal him. And so we we wonder, didn't heal him. And so we we wonder, didn't heal him. And so we we wonder, why doesn't God do what we ask him to why doesn't God do what we ask him to why doesn't God do what we ask him to do? This is something we need to learn. do? This is something we need to learn. do? This is something we need to learn. And I wish I could get this over. It's And I wish I could get this over. It's And I wish I could get this over. It's so important. You cannot make God do so important. You cannot make God do so important. You cannot make God do things. things. things. You can't make him do anything. And you You can't make him do anything. And you You can't make him do anything. And you must bow to a sovereignty. It's a must bow to a sovereignty. It's a must bow to a sovereignty. It's a message that I think so many message that I think so many message that I think so many charismatics need to hear. But I want to charismatics need to hear. But I want to charismatics need to hear. But I want to third go to a third point. Sensitivity third go to a third point. Sensitivity third go to a third point. Sensitivity of the spirit. This in my opinion is the of the spirit. This in my opinion is the of the spirit. This in my opinion is the most neglected and important teaching most neglected and important teaching most neglected and important teaching regarding the person of the Holy Spirit. regarding the person of the Holy Spirit. regarding the person of the Holy Spirit. Uh it's something people just haven't Uh it's something people just haven't Uh it's something people just haven't thought about that the third person thought about that the third person thought about that the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is a very sensitive person.

is a very sensitive person. is a very sensitive person. Now I wanted to write a book on the Now I wanted to write a book on the Now I wanted to write a book on the sensitivity of the spirit. People quote sensitivity of the spirit. People quote sensitivity of the spirit. People quote the book as being sensitivity to the the book as being sensitivity to the the book as being sensitivity to the spirit. It's part of that. It comes to spirit. It's part of that. It comes to spirit. It's part of that. It comes to that. But that's not the point I want to that. But that's not the point I want to that. But that's not the point I want to make. make. make. The person the third person of the The person the third person of the The person the third person of the trinity is a very trinity is a very trinity is a very very sensitive person. very sensitive person. very sensitive person. Now when we speak of a person being Now when we speak of a person being Now when we speak of a person being sensitive or hyper sensitive uh it's not sensitive or hyper sensitive uh it's not sensitive or hyper sensitive uh it's not a compliment. a compliment. a compliment. You've heard them say be careful around You've heard them say be careful around You've heard them say be careful around this person. They get their feelings this person. They get their feelings this person. They get their feelings hurt very easy. Well this is the way the hurt very easy. Well this is the way the hurt very easy. Well this is the way the Holy Spirit is. You say, "Well, he ought Holy Spirit is. You say, "Well, he ought Holy Spirit is. You say, "Well, he ought not be like that." But that's the way he not be like that." But that's the way he not be like that." But that's the way he is. He's a very sensitive person. In is. He's a very sensitive person. In is. He's a very sensitive person. In fact, when Paul said in Ephesians fact, when Paul said in Ephesians fact, when Paul said in Ephesians chapter 4:30, chapter 4:30, chapter 4:30, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God with "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God with "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of whom you were sealed for the day of whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The word grieve comes from redemption." The word grieve comes from redemption." The word grieve comes from a Greek word that means get your a Greek word that means get your a Greek word that means get your feelings hurt.

feelings hurt. feelings hurt. You say, "Surely you can't hurt the You say, "Surely you can't hurt the You say, "Surely you can't hurt the feelings of the Holy Spirit." Yes, you feelings of the Holy Spirit." Yes, you feelings of the Holy Spirit." Yes, you can. And I'll tell you how you do it. can. And I'll tell you how you do it. can. And I'll tell you how you do it. You see, all Christians have the Holy You see, all Christians have the Holy You see, all Christians have the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit may be Spirit, but the Holy Spirit may be Spirit, but the Holy Spirit may be grieved. grieved. grieved. And the Holy Spirit in you grieved that And the Holy Spirit in you grieved that And the Holy Spirit in you grieved that means the anointing as it were lifts. Or means the anointing as it were lifts. Or means the anointing as it were lifts. Or you take the word grieve. You say, you take the word grieve. You say, you take the word grieve. You say, "Well, how can you grieve the spirit?" "Well, how can you grieve the spirit?" "Well, how can you grieve the spirit?" He tells you the very next verse, "Let He tells you the very next verse, "Let He tells you the very next verse, "Let all bitterness, anger, clamor, evil all bitterness, anger, clamor, evil all bitterness, anger, clamor, evil speaking be put away from any speaking be put away from any speaking be put away from any unforgiveness." unforgiveness." unforgiveness." This is what grieves the Holy Spirit. This is what grieves the Holy Spirit. This is what grieves the Holy Spirit. John chapter 1, John chapter 1, John chapter 1, John the Baptist explains how he knew John the Baptist explains how he knew John the Baptist explains how he knew that Jesus was the Messiah. that Jesus was the Messiah. that Jesus was the Messiah. He said, "He who sent me said, when you He said, "He who sent me said, when you He said, "He who sent me said, when you see the dove come down and remain see the dove come down and remain see the dove come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the is the one who will baptize with the is the one who will baptize with the spirit."

spirit." spirit." Now, what does this mean? Well, you know Now, what does this mean? Well, you know Now, what does this mean? Well, you know about the dove, I'm sure, but many about the dove, I'm sure, but many about the dove, I'm sure, but many people haven't seen this point. He comes people haven't seen this point. He comes people haven't seen this point. He comes down and remains. down and remains. down and remains. Now, I'm sure many of you understand you Now, I'm sure many of you understand you Now, I'm sure many of you understand you you've had this happen to you. The Holy you've had this happen to you. The Holy you've had this happen to you. The Holy Spirit will just come down. And when he Spirit will just come down. And when he Spirit will just come down. And when he comes down, there is nothing like it. It comes down, there is nothing like it. It comes down, there is nothing like it. It doesn't happen every day. Uh with me at doesn't happen every day. Uh with me at doesn't happen every day. Uh with me at least. But when the Holy Spirit comes least. But when the Holy Spirit comes least. But when the Holy Spirit comes down and you think, "Oh, this is so down and you think, "Oh, this is so down and you think, "Oh, this is so good. Lord, oh don't go. Don't go. good. Lord, oh don't go. Don't go. good. Lord, oh don't go. Don't go. Please stay. Please stay." Please stay. Please stay." Please stay. Please stay." But for some reason But for some reason But for some reason the he doesn't remain. the he doesn't remain. the he doesn't remain. It's like the dove flies away. It's like the dove flies away. It's like the dove flies away. What made that happen? Holy Spirit came What made that happen? Holy Spirit came What made that happen? Holy Spirit came down on Jesus and he remained. When the down on Jesus and he remained. When the down on Jesus and he remained. When the Holy Spirit came down on Jesus, he said, Holy Spirit came down on Jesus, he said, Holy Spirit came down on Jesus, he said, "I like it here. I'm just going to "I like it here. I'm just going to "I like it here. I'm just going to stay." Jesus never ever stay." Jesus never ever stay." Jesus never ever grieved the Holy Spirit, grieved the Holy Spirit, grieved the Holy Spirit, but we do. And so we feel his presence but we do. And so we feel his presence but we do. And so we feel his presence and the day goes on, you think, "Well, and the day goes on, you think, "Well, and the day goes on, you think, "Well, what happened? Why why don't I feel what what happened? Why why don't I feel what what happened? Why why don't I feel what I felt hours ago?"

I felt hours ago?" I felt hours ago?" Maybe you were on the telephone and got Maybe you were on the telephone and got Maybe you were on the telephone and got angry with somebody. You had an argument angry with somebody. You had an argument angry with somebody. You had an argument with your wife. Uh maybe you're driving with your wife. Uh maybe you're driving with your wife. Uh maybe you're driving down the down the down the interstate and there's a car in front of interstate and there's a car in front of interstate and there's a car in front of you going slow. You roll down your you going slow. You roll down your you going slow. You roll down your window. What's the matter with you? window. What's the matter with you? window. What's the matter with you? the dove just flies away. the dove just flies away. the dove just flies away. You're in a supermarket and you're You're in a supermarket and you're You're in a supermarket and you're really wanting to get going and you're really wanting to get going and you're really wanting to get going and you're at the cash register and you're in a at the cash register and you're in a at the cash register and you're in a hurry and there's a sweet little old hurry and there's a sweet little old hurry and there's a sweet little old lady in front of you counting her change lady in front of you counting her change lady in front of you counting her change and you go, "Oh, and you go, "Oh, and you go, "Oh, you wanted her to hear you." She did, you wanted her to hear you." She did, you wanted her to hear you." She did, but so did the dove. He just flies away. but so did the dove. He just flies away. but so did the dove. He just flies away. And here's the problem. And here's the problem. And here's the problem. The Holy Spirit will not bend the rules The Holy Spirit will not bend the rules The Holy Spirit will not bend the rules for any of us. for any of us. for any of us. And in if I were to say to you, And in if I were to say to you, And in if I were to say to you, the easiest thing in the world to do is the easiest thing in the world to do is the easiest thing in the world to do is to grieve the Holy Spirit, you may need to grieve the Holy Spirit, you may need to grieve the Holy Spirit, you may need some time to absorb it, but you'll find some time to absorb it, but you'll find some time to absorb it, but you'll find out it's it's the easiest thing in the out it's it's the easiest thing in the out it's it's the easiest thing in the world. Or another way to put it, the world. Or another way to put it, the world. Or another way to put it, the hardest thing in the world to do is to hardest thing in the world to do is to hardest thing in the world to do is to keep from grieving. I remember preaching keep from grieving. I remember preaching keep from grieving. I remember preaching in Florence, Alabama.

in Florence, Alabama. in Florence, Alabama. And as we pastor and I were walking into And as we pastor and I were walking into And as we pastor and I were walking into the pulpit, he turned to me. I don't the pulpit, he turned to me. I don't the pulpit, he turned to me. I don't know why he did this. He said, "What's a know why he did this. He said, "What's a know why he did this. He said, "What's a veteran like you got to say to a young veteran like you got to say to a young veteran like you got to say to a young whippers snapper like me?" whippers snapper like me?" whippers snapper like me?" I said, I said, I said, "I'll tell you. "I'll tell you. "I'll tell you. Find out what grieves the Holy Spirit Find out what grieves the Holy Spirit Find out what grieves the Holy Spirit and don't do that. and don't do that. and don't do that. And you've got your work cut out for you And you've got your work cut out for you And you've got your work cut out for you because it's so easy to grieve the because it's so easy to grieve the because it's so easy to grieve the spirit. You do it when you don't realize spirit. You do it when you don't realize spirit. You do it when you don't realize it. You say, "Well, that's not fair." it. You say, "Well, that's not fair." it. You say, "Well, that's not fair." I'm telling you, it's the most I'm telling you, it's the most I'm telling you, it's the most challenging teaching I've ever come challenging teaching I've ever come challenging teaching I've ever come across. across. across. A British couple A British couple A British couple were sent by their denomination were sent by their denomination were sent by their denomination to Israel as missionaries and they were to Israel as missionaries and they were to Israel as missionaries and they were given a home in which to live near given a home in which to live near given a home in which to live near Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. They discovered after they were there a They discovered after they were there a They discovered after they were there a few days that a dove had come to live in few days that a dove had come to live in few days that a dove had come to live in the eve of the roof of their house. And the eve of the roof of their house. And the eve of the roof of their house. And they were so excited. It's like a seal they were so excited. It's like a seal they were so excited. It's like a seal of God on their being in Israel.

of God on their being in Israel. of God on their being in Israel. But they noticed that every time they But they noticed that every time they But they noticed that every time they would slam a door, the dove would fly would slam a door, the dove would fly would slam a door, the dove would fly away. Every time they would get into an away. Every time they would get into an away. Every time they would get into an argument with each other and they start argument with each other and they start argument with each other and they start shouting, the dove would fly away. shouting, the dove would fly away. shouting, the dove would fly away. And one day, Sandy said to Bernice, he And one day, Sandy said to Bernice, he And one day, Sandy said to Bernice, he told this story all over Britain. told this story all over Britain. told this story all over Britain. Have you noticed the dove? Oh yes, she Have you noticed the dove? Oh yes, she Have you noticed the dove? Oh yes, she said, it's like it's seal of God in our said, it's like it's seal of God in our said, it's like it's seal of God in our being in Israel. Have you noticed every being in Israel. Have you noticed every being in Israel. Have you noticed every time we slam a door, dove flies away. time we slam a door, dove flies away. time we slam a door, dove flies away. Every time we get into an argument with Every time we get into an argument with Every time we get into an argument with each other and shout, "The dove flies each other and shout, "The dove flies each other and shout, "The dove flies away." She said, "I'm so afraid that he away." She said, "I'm so afraid that he away." She said, "I'm so afraid that he will fly away and not come back." will fly away and not come back." will fly away and not come back." He just looked at her and said, "We want He just looked at her and said, "We want He just looked at her and said, "We want to keep the dove here, don't we?" She to keep the dove here, don't we?" She to keep the dove here, don't we?" She said, "Yes." And then this was the said, "Yes." And then this was the said, "Yes." And then this was the statement. statement. statement. Either the dove adjusts to us or we Either the dove adjusts to us or we Either the dove adjusts to us or we adjust to the dove. And it changed their adjust to the dove. And it changed their adjust to the dove. And it changed their lives. And that was just to keep him lives. And that was just to keep him lives. And that was just to keep him burned in their house. The Holy Spirit burned in their house. The Holy Spirit burned in their house. The Holy Spirit is a hundred times more sensitive than is a hundred times more sensitive than is a hundred times more sensitive than that. And we can find out what grieves that. And we can find out what grieves that. And we can find out what grieves him and keep from causing the dove to him and keep from causing the dove to him and keep from causing the dove to fly away.

fly away. fly away. Did you know that pigeons and doves are Did you know that pigeons and doves are Did you know that pigeons and doves are in the same family? in the same family? in the same family? Anatomically, they're identical. Anatomically, they're identical. Anatomically, they're identical. Temperamentally, they're different. Temperamentally, they're different. Temperamentally, they're different. Anatomically, Anatomically, Anatomically, any veterinarian will tell you you any veterinarian will tell you you any veterinarian will tell you you operate on a pigeon or a dove. It's the operate on a pigeon or a dove. It's the operate on a pigeon or a dove. It's the same body, same structure, spine, same body, same structure, spine, same body, same structure, spine, gallbladder, everything the same. gallbladder, everything the same. gallbladder, everything the same. A pigeon is just a fat dove. A pigeon is just a fat dove. A pigeon is just a fat dove. But they're all together different. But they're all together different. But they're all together different. Whereas the dove is a symbol of the Holy Whereas the dove is a symbol of the Holy Whereas the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the pigeon is a symbol of the Spirit, the pigeon is a symbol of the Spirit, the pigeon is a symbol of the counterfeit. counterfeit. counterfeit. And so pigeons and doves are different And so pigeons and doves are different And so pigeons and doves are different temperamentally. temperamentally. temperamentally. A dove is gentle. A dove is gentle. A dove is gentle. A pigeon is boisterous. A pigeon is boisterous. A pigeon is boisterous. A dove is sweet and loving. A dove is sweet and loving. A dove is sweet and loving. The opposite with a pigeon. A pigeon, The opposite with a pigeon. A pigeon, The opposite with a pigeon. A pigeon, however, you can train.

however, you can train. however, you can train. You can train a pigeon. You can't train You can train a pigeon. You can't train You can train a pigeon. You can't train a dove. And so the dove, a symbol of the a dove. And so the dove, a symbol of the a dove. And so the dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We can't manipulate the Holy Spirit. We can't manipulate the Holy Spirit. We can't manipulate the dove. You can't get near a dove. You dove. You can't get near a dove. You dove. You can't get near a dove. You walk up to a pigeon and pick him up. walk up to a pigeon and pick him up. walk up to a pigeon and pick him up. Some people have heard him say, "You Some people have heard him say, "You Some people have heard him say, "You should have been in the service Sunday. should have been in the service Sunday. should have been in the service Sunday. The Holy Ghost came down." Really? Oh The Holy Ghost came down." Really? Oh The Holy Ghost came down." Really? Oh yeah. yeah. yeah. You get to the bottom of it, you found You get to the bottom of it, you found You get to the bottom of it, you found out it was pigeon religion. out it was pigeon religion. out it was pigeon religion. Some people because there's noise and Some people because there's noise and Some people because there's noise and waving flags. That's the Holy Ghost. We waving flags. That's the Holy Ghost. We waving flags. That's the Holy Ghost. We need to learn the authentic Holy Spirit. need to learn the authentic Holy Spirit. need to learn the authentic Holy Spirit. We may not like this, but it's so easy We may not like this, but it's so easy We may not like this, but it's so easy to grieve him. And we all want the dove to grieve him. And we all want the dove to grieve him. And we all want the dove to come down. We want the fire to fall, to come down. We want the fire to fall, to come down. We want the fire to fall, but we need to learn how to keep the but we need to learn how to keep the but we need to learn how to keep the dove so that he's not grieved. And I'm dove so that he's not grieved. And I'm dove so that he's not grieved. And I'm telling you, this will change your life. telling you, this will change your life. telling you, this will change your life. Let it grip you. So, we're talking about Let it grip you. So, we're talking about Let it grip you. So, we're talking about the sensitivity of the spirit. Now, the sensitivity of the spirit. Now, the sensitivity of the spirit. Now, here's my point in bringing this up.

here's my point in bringing this up. here's my point in bringing this up. How did Peter and John know to stop and How did Peter and John know to stop and How did Peter and John know to stop and heal that crippled man? They're on their heal that crippled man? They're on their heal that crippled man? They're on their way to a prayer meeting. They've done way to a prayer meeting. They've done way to a prayer meeting. They've done that before and suddenly they stop. that before and suddenly they stop. that before and suddenly they stop. It's because they were in tune with the It's because they were in tune with the It's because they were in tune with the Holy Spirit. They heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. They heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. They heard the voice of the spirit. spirit. spirit. They had not grieved the spirit. Had They had not grieved the spirit. Had They had not grieved the spirit. Had they had an argument with their wives they had an argument with their wives they had an argument with their wives just as they walked out the door, they just as they walked out the door, they just as they walked out the door, they would have made it onto the prayer would have made it onto the prayer would have made it onto the prayer meeting. meeting. meeting. Had, let's say, when Peter says to the Had, let's say, when Peter says to the Had, let's say, when Peter says to the crippled man, "Look at us." What if John crippled man, "Look at us." What if John crippled man, "Look at us." What if John said, "Wait, wait, Peter, why why are said, "Wait, wait, Peter, why why are said, "Wait, wait, Peter, why why are you the one that gets to say look at us? you the one that gets to say look at us? you the one that gets to say look at us? Why can't I once in a while say it?" The Why can't I once in a while say it?" The Why can't I once in a while say it?" The dove would have just flown away. They'd dove would have just flown away. They'd dove would have just flown away. They'd have made it to the prayer meeting. have made it to the prayer meeting. have made it to the prayer meeting. I'll tell you an interesting story. A I'll tell you an interesting story. A I'll tell you an interesting story. A friend of mine, Sam Song is here. He friend of mine, Sam Song is here. He friend of mine, Sam Song is here. He will know the night I was preaching in will know the night I was preaching in will know the night I was preaching in Soul, Korea Soul, Korea Soul, Korea uh a year or so ago uh a year or so ago uh a year or so ago and a lady came up to me after the and a lady came up to me after the and a lady came up to me after the service and said, "I work with AI.

service and said, "I work with AI. service and said, "I work with AI. That's what I do." She says, "Tell me, That's what I do." She says, "Tell me, That's what I do." She says, "Tell me, do you think that artificial do you think that artificial do you think that artificial intelligence intelligence intelligence uh can imitate the voice of the Holy uh can imitate the voice of the Holy uh can imitate the voice of the Holy Spirit?" Spirit?" Spirit?" And I thought I said I can answer you. I And I thought I said I can answer you. I And I thought I said I can answer you. I hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in proportion to how little I have grieved proportion to how little I have grieved proportion to how little I have grieved the spirit. And she was blown away. She the spirit. And she was blown away. She the spirit. And she was blown away. She said, "Ai cannot do that." You see, this said, "Ai cannot do that." You see, this said, "Ai cannot do that." You see, this is the one thing when it comes to is the one thing when it comes to is the one thing when it comes to experiencing God where you bypass AI and experiencing God where you bypass AI and experiencing God where you bypass AI and this is something Christians need to this is something Christians need to this is something Christians need to discover. When you are sensitive and you discover. When you are sensitive and you discover. When you are sensitive and you hear his voice and you know what to do. hear his voice and you know what to do. hear his voice and you know what to do. Well, I come to the fourth point, the Well, I come to the fourth point, the Well, I come to the fourth point, the spontaneity of the spirit. You see, they spontaneity of the spirit. You see, they spontaneity of the spirit. You see, they were on their way to a scheduled prayer were on their way to a scheduled prayer were on their way to a scheduled prayer meeting. But what if they wanted to be meeting. But what if they wanted to be meeting. But what if they wanted to be legalistic and Peter says, "Look at us."

legalistic and Peter says, "Look at us." legalistic and Peter says, "Look at us." And and John says, "Look, we can't do And and John says, "Look, we can't do And and John says, "Look, we can't do this. We got to get get to that prayer this. We got to get get to that prayer this. We got to get get to that prayer meeting." Oh, no. God wants to heal this meeting." Oh, no. God wants to heal this meeting." Oh, no. God wants to heal this man. No, Peter, we got to get to the man. No, Peter, we got to get to the man. No, Peter, we got to get to the prayer meeting. You see, some people are prayer meeting. You see, some people are prayer meeting. You see, some people are stuck like that. But where the spirit of stuck like that. But where the spirit of stuck like that. But where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. And I the Lord is, there is liberty. And I the Lord is, there is liberty. And I wonder how many really experience this. wonder how many really experience this. wonder how many really experience this. And so, there's this spontaneity about And so, there's this spontaneity about And so, there's this spontaneity about the Holy Spirit. And there are so many the Holy Spirit. And there are so many the Holy Spirit. And there are so many Christians that have no I don't mean to Christians that have no I don't mean to Christians that have no I don't mean to be unfair, but have no idea what this is be unfair, but have no idea what this is be unfair, but have no idea what this is like. And I pray that my message today like. And I pray that my message today like. And I pray that my message today will have an effect on you to get you to will have an effect on you to get you to will have an effect on you to get you to want to know how real all of this is. want to know how real all of this is. want to know how real all of this is. Well, what happened was that the man was Well, what happened was that the man was Well, what happened was that the man was healed instantly. He had never walked a healed instantly. He had never walked a healed instantly. He had never walked a day in his life. Instantly, he's walking day in his life. Instantly, he's walking day in his life. Instantly, he's walking around and everybody is excited. They around and everybody is excited. They around and everybody is excited. They can't believe it. And the word gets out can't believe it. And the word gets out can't believe it. And the word gets out all over Jerusalem here. It was a all over Jerusalem here. It was a all over Jerusalem here. It was a household name. Everybody knew.

household name. Everybody knew. household name. Everybody knew. Everybody knew about this crippled man. Everybody knew about this crippled man. Everybody knew about this crippled man. And now he's he's jumping up and down And now he's he's jumping up and down And now he's he's jumping up and down and they're all coming everywhere. and they're all coming everywhere. and they're all coming everywhere. We come now to the fifth point that I We come now to the fifth point that I We come now to the fifth point that I want to make. The surprise want to make. The surprise want to make. The surprise of the spirit. And so they come of the spirit. And so they come of the spirit. And so they come gathering gathering gathering and they say to Peter and John, "What's and they say to Peter and John, "What's and they say to Peter and John, "What's going on? What is this?" And Peter going on? What is this?" And Peter going on? What is this?" And Peter says,"Wh does this surprise you?" says,"Wh does this surprise you?" says,"Wh does this surprise you?" You see, it shows what can happen with You see, it shows what can happen with You see, it shows what can happen with the power of God when you believe and the power of God when you believe and the power of God when you believe and you're not tied to something that will you're not tied to something that will you're not tied to something that will keep you bound. And this is the amazing keep you bound. And this is the amazing keep you bound. And this is the amazing thing. Why does this surprise you? Well, thing. Why does this surprise you? Well, thing. Why does this surprise you? Well, I we at Westminster Chapel uh the last I we at Westminster Chapel uh the last I we at Westminster Chapel uh the last two years I was there uh I can tell you two years I was there uh I can tell you two years I was there uh I can tell you that it was a word church when I that it was a word church when I that it was a word church when I arrived. It was word and spirit when I arrived. It was word and spirit when I arrived. It was word and spirit when I left. left. left. And we started having healing meetings, And we started having healing meetings, And we started having healing meetings, anointing with oil.

anointing with oil. anointing with oil. And uh one Friday night after our school And uh one Friday night after our school And uh one Friday night after our school of theology, of theology, of theology, a lady came up to me after the service a lady came up to me after the service a lady came up to me after the service and she said, "I want to convert. and she said, "I want to convert. and she said, "I want to convert. Can I talk to you?" I said, "What do you Can I talk to you?" I said, "What do you Can I talk to you?" I said, "What do you mean you want to want to convert?" She mean you want to want to convert?" She mean you want to want to convert?" She said, "I'm a Muslim. I want to convert said, "I'm a Muslim. I want to convert said, "I'm a Muslim. I want to convert to Christianity." to Christianity." to Christianity." Well, I didn't take her seriously. I Well, I didn't take her seriously. I Well, I didn't take her seriously. I just said, "Well, that's very nice. See just said, "Well, that's very nice. See just said, "Well, that's very nice. See you Sunday after the service. You come you Sunday after the service. You come you Sunday after the service. You come and see me after the service." Sunday. I and see me after the service." Sunday. I and see me after the service." Sunday. I thought I'd never see her again. She was thought I'd never see her again. She was thought I'd never see her again. She was first in the queue Sunday and she came first in the queue Sunday and she came first in the queue Sunday and she came in. Her name was Maya in. Her name was Maya in. Her name was Maya and she was a Muslim and she gave her and she was a Muslim and she gave her and she was a Muslim and she gave her testimony and it was obviously she was testimony and it was obviously she was testimony and it was obviously she was converted soundly. Eventually she became converted soundly. Eventually she became converted soundly. Eventually she became a member of the church. I baptized her. a member of the church. I baptized her. a member of the church. I baptized her. But I didn't know what I'm going to tell But I didn't know what I'm going to tell But I didn't know what I'm going to tell you now. you now. you now. What brought all this on? And it's a What brought all this on? And it's a What brought all this on? And it's a long story just to fast forward long story just to fast forward long story just to fast forward after she had received the anointing of after she had received the anointing of after she had received the anointing of oil on a Sunday evening. The following oil on a Sunday evening. The following oil on a Sunday evening. The following Thursday, she was wheeled in to the Thursday, she was wheeled in to the Thursday, she was wheeled in to the operating room at a London hospital operating room at a London hospital operating room at a London hospital and they gave it took an X-ray, one more and they gave it took an X-ray, one more and they gave it took an X-ray, one more X-ray.

X-ray. X-ray. And the surgeon comes in and says, And the surgeon comes in and says, And the surgeon comes in and says, "Maya, "Maya, "Maya, we're not going to operate. we're not going to operate. we're not going to operate. There's no cancer. She had throat There's no cancer. She had throat There's no cancer. She had throat cancer. She was healed." And I thought of the question, "Why does And I thought of the question, "Why does this surprise you?" I have to say it this surprise you?" I have to say it this surprise you?" I have to say it did, did, did, but why should it? but why should it? but why should it? One Sunday night, One Sunday night, One Sunday night, a couple from Peru in speaking in broken a couple from Peru in speaking in broken a couple from Peru in speaking in broken English came up to me and this sweet English came up to me and this sweet English came up to me and this sweet little lady said, "You heal me last little lady said, "You heal me last little lady said, "You heal me last week. Heal my husband." week. Heal my husband." week. Heal my husband." I said, "What?" She said, "Last week you I said, "What?" She said, "Last week you I said, "What?" She said, "Last week you prayed for me, I'm healed." I prayed for prayed for me, I'm healed." I prayed for prayed for me, I'm healed." I prayed for you. Yeah. She says, "This leg was big, you. Yeah. She says, "This leg was big, you. Yeah. She says, "This leg was big, swollen. swollen. swollen. This leg's regular. You prayed for me last week. The next You prayed for me last week. The next day, this leg the same size as this leg. day, this leg the same size as this leg. day, this leg the same size as this leg. No medicine, no doctor. Now pray for my No medicine, no doctor. Now pray for my No medicine, no doctor. Now pray for my husband.

husband. husband. I said, "Okay, what's the matter with I said, "Okay, what's the matter with I said, "Okay, what's the matter with you?" She He said, "Uh, I don't sleep. you?" She He said, "Uh, I don't sleep. you?" She He said, "Uh, I don't sleep. Haven't had a good sleep at 25 years. I Haven't had a good sleep at 25 years. I Haven't had a good sleep at 25 years. I can't sleep. The demons kicked me out of can't sleep. The demons kicked me out of can't sleep. The demons kicked me out of the bed. the bed. the bed. Well, I brought a deacon over. We made Well, I brought a deacon over. We made Well, I brought a deacon over. We made laid hands on him. O, I could have, you laid hands on him. O, I could have, you laid hands on him. O, I could have, you know, the easy way out out of come out know, the easy way out out of come out know, the easy way out out of come out of him. I I didn't do that. I just We of him. I I didn't do that. I just We of him. I I didn't do that. I just We prayed for him, anointed him with oil. prayed for him, anointed him with oil. prayed for him, anointed him with oil. Came back the following week. He said, Came back the following week. He said, Came back the following week. He said, "I slept three nights this week. First "I slept three nights this week. First "I slept three nights this week. First time in 25 years. Would you have another time in 25 years. Would you have another time in 25 years. Would you have another go?" I said, "Okay." So, we prayed for go?" I said, "Okay." So, we prayed for go?" I said, "Okay." So, we prayed for him again. him again. him again. The following week he came back slept The following week he came back slept The following week he came back slept seven nights a week like a baby and for seven nights a week like a baby and for seven nights a week like a baby and for the rest of the time before they went the rest of the time before they went the rest of the time before they went back to Peru slept like a baby night back to Peru slept like a baby night back to Peru slept like a baby night after night. after night. after night. Why does this surprise you? It just Why does this surprise you? It just Why does this surprise you? It just shows the power of God and how it all shows the power of God and how it all shows the power of God and how it all connects to get to know the way of the connects to get to know the way of the connects to get to know the way of the spirit because Jesus is the same. The spirit because Jesus is the same. The spirit because Jesus is the same. The Holy Spirit is the same. Nothing should Holy Spirit is the same. Nothing should Holy Spirit is the same. Nothing should surprise us when it comes to the power surprise us when it comes to the power surprise us when it comes to the power of God.

of God. of God. And so And so And so the sameness of the spirit, the sameness of the spirit, the sameness of the spirit, the sovereignty of the spirit, the sovereignty of the spirit, the sovereignty of the spirit, the sensitivity of the spirit, the the sensitivity of the spirit, the the sensitivity of the spirit, the spontaneity of the spirit, the surprise spontaneity of the spirit, the surprise spontaneity of the spirit, the surprise of the spirit, but finally of the spirit, but finally of the spirit, but finally the strategy the strategy the strategy of the spirit. of the spirit. of the spirit. We asked at the beginning, why didn't We asked at the beginning, why didn't We asked at the beginning, why didn't Jesus heal him? Jesus heal him? Jesus heal him? Ah, Ah, Ah, there was a strategy, there was a strategy, there was a strategy, a divine strategy. a divine strategy. a divine strategy. God was saving him for Peter and John God was saving him for Peter and John God was saving him for Peter and John because God knew the day would come when because God knew the day would come when because God knew the day would come when the Jerusalem church the Jerusalem church the Jerusalem church would need encouragement. They would would need encouragement. They would would need encouragement. They would need a platform. You say, "Well, they need a platform. You say, "Well, they need a platform. You say, "Well, they had a platform. They had 3,000 people had a platform. They had 3,000 people had a platform. They had 3,000 people converted. That was on the day of converted. That was on the day of converted. That was on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost. Pentecost. Yes, many converted, but most of those Yes, many converted, but most of those Yes, many converted, but most of those went back to other countries, over 20 went back to other countries, over 20 went back to other countries, over 20 countries. And the Jerusalem church was countries. And the Jerusalem church was countries. And the Jerusalem church was a handful.

a handful. a handful. And so, the Jerusalem believers needed And so, the Jerusalem believers needed And so, the Jerusalem believers needed encouragement and they would need a encouragement and they would need a encouragement and they would need a miracle that they could have a platform miracle that they could have a platform miracle that they could have a platform and be noticed. And God gave them. And and be noticed. And God gave them. And and be noticed. And God gave them. And this crippled man was healed. And now this crippled man was healed. And now this crippled man was healed. And now Peter has an audience of thousands Peter has an audience of thousands Peter has an audience of thousands around saying what's going on? around saying what's going on? around saying what's going on? He had the platform. The question is how He had the platform. The question is how He had the platform. The question is how did he use the platform? did he use the platform? did he use the platform? Did he say look at us? Did he say look at us? Did he say look at us? This is what the faith healers do on TV. This is what the faith healers do on TV. This is what the faith healers do on TV. Look at us. Look at us. Look at us. Peter said don't look at us. It's not Peter said don't look at us. It's not Peter said don't look at us. It's not us. He pointed them to Jesus. us. He pointed them to Jesus. us. He pointed them to Jesus. The strategy is that they would get a The strategy is that they would get a The strategy is that they would get a chance to preach the gospel and chance to preach the gospel and chance to preach the gospel and thousands were converted. thousands were converted. thousands were converted. You see, the most important thing if God You see, the most important thing if God You see, the most important thing if God were to give Saddleback Church a level were to give Saddleback Church a level were to give Saddleback Church a level of the spirit where there's power, the of the spirit where there's power, the of the spirit where there's power, the question is what would you do with it?

question is what would you do with it? question is what would you do with it? You'd be put on your honor. You'd be put on your honor. You'd be put on your honor. And so the most important thing is to And so the most important thing is to And so the most important thing is to see people saved, not just to see them healed so it'll not just to see them healed so it'll make news. See, the question is, do you know for See, the question is, do you know for sure that if you were to die today, sure that if you were to die today, sure that if you were to die today, would you go to heaven? And I'm going to would you go to heaven? And I'm going to would you go to heaven? And I'm going to ask you that right now before I close. I ask you that right now before I close. I ask you that right now before I close. I want everybody listen to me. Question want everybody listen to me. Question want everybody listen to me. Question for you. Don't apply it to the one next for you. Don't apply it to the one next for you. Don't apply it to the one next to you. You do you know for sure that if to you. You do you know for sure that if to you. You do you know for sure that if you were to die today, you would go to you were to die today, you would go to you were to die today, you would go to heaven, do you? heaven, do you? heaven, do you? And if you were to stand before God, you And if you were to stand before God, you And if you were to stand before God, you will. will. will. And if he were to ask you, he might. And if he were to ask you, he might. And if he were to ask you, he might. Why should I let you into my heaven? Why should I let you into my heaven? Why should I let you into my heaven? What would you say? What would you say? What would you say? Think a moment. Think a moment. Think a moment. Suppose it was the real thing and you're Suppose it was the real thing and you're Suppose it was the real thing and you're standing before God. Oh, by the way, you standing before God. Oh, by the way, you standing before God. Oh, by the way, you will stand alone.

will stand alone. will stand alone. You won't have your best friend or your You won't have your best friend or your You won't have your best friend or your parent parent parent to whisper the answer. Here's what to whisper the answer. Here's what to whisper the answer. Here's what you're supposed to say. You're standing you're supposed to say. You're standing you're supposed to say. You're standing before God. He says, "Why should I let before God. He says, "Why should I let before God. He says, "Why should I let you into my heaven? There's only one you into my heaven? There's only one you into my heaven? There's only one answer. Give the right answer, you're answer. Give the right answer, you're answer. Give the right answer, you're in. Give the wrong answer, you have to in. Give the wrong answer, you have to in. Give the wrong answer, you have to go someplace else. And in case you go someplace else. And in case you go someplace else. And in case you didn't know, didn't know, didn't know, it means hell. it means hell. it means hell. And so what would you say? I'm asking And so what would you say? I'm asking And so what would you say? I'm asking you right now. What comes to your mind? you right now. What comes to your mind? you right now. What comes to your mind? What you'd say to God? What you'd say to God? What you'd say to God? If by now it has not already come to If by now it has not already come to If by now it has not already come to your mind that you would say because your mind that you would say because your mind that you would say because Jesus died for me. If that did not come Jesus died for me. If that did not come Jesus died for me. If that did not come to your mind, to your mind, to your mind, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes for I wouldn't want to be in your shoes for I wouldn't want to be in your shoes for anything in the world. But that can all anything in the world. But that can all anything in the world. But that can all change change change right now. I'm going to give you a right now. I'm going to give you a right now. I'm going to give you a prayer to pray. prayer to pray. prayer to pray. Pray it if you mean it. If you don't Pray it if you mean it. If you don't Pray it if you mean it. If you don't mean it, don't say it. Don't pray it.

mean it, don't say it. Don't pray it. mean it, don't say it. Don't pray it. You don't need to say it out loud You don't need to say it out loud You don't need to say it out loud because God will hear you. He hear your because God will hear you. He hear your because God will hear you. He hear your heart. I want you to pray this prayer heart. I want you to pray this prayer heart. I want you to pray this prayer right now. right now. right now. Lord Jesus, I need you. Lord Jesus, I need you. Lord Jesus, I need you. I want you. I want you. I want you. I know I'm a sinner. I know I'm a sinner. I know I'm a sinner. I'm sorry for my sins. I'm sorry for my sins. I'm sorry for my sins. Wash my sins away by your blood. Wash my sins away by your blood. Wash my sins away by your blood. I invite your Holy Spirit to come into I invite your Holy Spirit to come into I invite your Holy Spirit to come into my heart. As best as I know how, I give you my As best as I know how, I give you my life. That's it. Did you pray that prayer? Did That's it. Did you pray that prayer? Did you? Are you ashamed that you prayed you? Are you ashamed that you prayed you? Are you ashamed that you prayed that prayer? Why do you ask, RT? Because that prayer? Why do you ask, RT? Because that prayer? Why do you ask, RT? Because Jesus said, Jesus said, Jesus said, "If you're ashamed of me, I'll be "If you're ashamed of me, I'll be "If you're ashamed of me, I'll be ashamed of you." ashamed of you." ashamed of you." Jesus said, "If you confess me before Jesus said, "If you confess me before Jesus said, "If you confess me before people, I will confess you before my people, I will confess you before my people, I will confess you before my father.

father. father. Going to ask you to do something that Going to ask you to do something that Going to ask you to do something that you never thought you would do when you you never thought you would do when you you never thought you would do when you came to this church today. But if you came to this church today. But if you came to this church today. But if you prayed that prayer prayed that prayer prayed that prayer in the next 10 seconds, in the next 10 seconds, in the next 10 seconds, I'm going to ask you to stand up." But I'm going to ask you to stand up." But I'm going to ask you to stand up." But I'm addressing not just those here but I'm addressing not just those here but I'm addressing not just those here but at other campuses wherever you are where at other campuses wherever you are where at other campuses wherever you are where you are you are you are in the next 10 seconds I'm going to ask in the next 10 seconds I'm going to ask in the next 10 seconds I'm going to ask you to stand up you say in front of all you to stand up you say in front of all you to stand up you say in front of all these people yes these people yes these people yes 5 4 3 2 1 If you prayed the prayer stand 5 4 3 2 1 If you prayed the prayer stand 5 4 3 2 1 If you prayed the prayer stand your feet your feet your feet remain standing remain standing remain standing okay you can stop clapping. But remain okay you can stop clapping. But remain okay you can stop clapping. But remain standing. Stop clapping, but remain standing. Stop clapping, but remain standing. Stop clapping, but remain standing. standing. standing. Now, you that are standing, well done. Now, you that are standing, well done. Now, you that are standing, well done. Some of you probably were saved before Some of you probably were saved before Some of you probably were saved before today. today. today. But there are some standing. You've But there are some standing. You've But there are some standing. You've never prayed a prayer like that before never prayed a prayer like that before never prayed a prayer like that before or stood to confess Christ. And if or stood to confess Christ. And if or stood to confess Christ. And if you're one of those, you never prayed a you're one of those, you never prayed a you're one of those, you never prayed a prayer like that.

prayer like that. prayer like that. Would you like to know what just Would you like to know what just Would you like to know what just happened to you? happened to you? happened to you? You just got born again. Happy birthday. You just got born again. Happy birthday. You just got born again. Happy birthday. And now you can be seated. Amen. What a wonderful and powerful Amen. What a wonderful and powerful message from Dr. RT Kendall. I love that message from Dr. RT Kendall. I love that message from Dr. RT Kendall. I love that through the story of Peter and John, we through the story of Peter and John, we through the story of Peter and John, we see that the works of the spirit are see that the works of the spirit are see that the works of the spirit are always pointing us to Jesus. And if you always pointing us to Jesus. And if you always pointing us to Jesus. And if you prayed that prayer with RT and you prayed that prayer with RT and you prayed that prayer with RT and you decided to say yes to Jesus for the very decided to say yes to Jesus for the very decided to say yes to Jesus for the very first time, congratulations. That is the first time, congratulations. That is the first time, congratulations. That is the best decision that you will ever make best decision that you will ever make best decision that you will ever make and we would love to know about it. We and we would love to know about it. We and we would love to know about it. We would love to pray for you and to walk would love to pray for you and to walk would love to pray for you and to walk with you in that. So you can let us know with you in that. So you can let us know with you in that. So you can let us know by filling out the next steps card in by filling out the next steps card in by filling out the next steps card in the Saddleback app so that we can walk the Saddleback app so that we can walk the Saddleback app so that we can walk with you in that. The next steps card is with you in that. The next steps card is with you in that. The next steps card is also a great way for you to let us know also a great way for you to let us know also a great way for you to let us know if there's another next step that you if there's another next step that you if there's another next step that you want to take in your faith. Whatever want to take in your faith. Whatever want to take in your faith. Whatever that may be, you can let us know there. that may be, you can let us know there. that may be, you can let us know there. As you're filling that out, let's go As you're filling that out, let's go As you're filling that out, let's go ahead and join the rest of our church ahead and join the rest of our church ahead and join the rest of our church family as we worship through singing.

family as we worship through singing. family as we worship through singing. >> Holy anointing only from you. The power >> Holy anointing only from you. The power >> Holy anointing only from you. The power of your presence. of your presence. of your presence. Pour your spirit out. It's our prayer. Pour your spirit out. It's our prayer. Pour your spirit out. It's our prayer. Pour your spirit out. Yes, we need a Pour your spirit out. Yes, we need a Pour your spirit out. Yes, we need a fresh wind. We need a fresh wind. fresh wind. We need a fresh wind. fresh wind. We need a fresh wind. The fragrance of heaven. The fragrance of heaven. The fragrance of heaven. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Holy anointing. Holy anointing. Holy anointing. The power of your presence. The power of your presence. The power of your presence. Pour your spirit out. We want you. Pour Pour your spirit out. We want you. Pour Pour your spirit out. We want you. Pour your spirit out. your spirit out. your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Spirit. Pour your Pour your spirit out. Spirit. Pour your Pour your spirit out. Spirit. Pour your spirit out. Spirit. Pour your spirit spirit out. Spirit. Pour your spirit spirit out. Spirit. Pour your spirit out. out. out. Would you pour your spirit out on our Would you pour your spirit out on our Would you pour your spirit out on our church? Pour your spirit out on our church? Pour your spirit out on our church? Pour your spirit out on our lives. Pour your spirit out.

lives. Pour your spirit out. lives. Pour your spirit out. Just pour your spirit out. Just pour your spirit out. Just pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. So we sing and let all the redeemed So we sing and let all the redeemed So we sing and let all the redeemed prophesy prophesy prophesy and sing cuz we can hear the wind and sing cuz we can hear the wind and sing cuz we can hear the wind blowing. It's the Holy Spirit blowing. blowing. It's the Holy Spirit blowing. blowing. It's the Holy Spirit blowing. He's here right now. And boom upon our He's here right now. And boom upon our He's here right now. And boom upon our praise. praise. praise. Son and daughter sing. Son and daughter sing. Son and daughter sing. We can hear the wind blow away. Let the We can hear the wind blow away. Let the We can hear the wind blow away. Let the redeemer of the Lord say, "Let the redee redeemer of the Lord say, "Let the redee redeemer of the Lord say, "Let the redee prophesy prophesy prophesy and see." and see." and see." We can hear the wind.

of heaven of heaven for your spirit for your spirit for your spirit is glorious. The holy anointing, The holy anointing, the power of your presence. the power of your presence. the power of your presence. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Pour your spirit out. Thank you so much again for joining us Thank you so much again for joining us for church today. Once again, fill out for church today. Once again, fill out for church today. Once again, fill out the next steps card in the Saddleback the next steps card in the Saddleback the next steps card in the Saddleback app so that you can be entered to win app so that you can be entered to win app so that you can be entered to win one of the five books that we're giving one of the five books that we're giving one of the five books that we're giving away this week. The Next Steps card is a away this week. The Next Steps card is a away this week. The Next Steps card is a great way for you to let us know if great way for you to let us know if great way for you to let us know if there's a next step in your faith that there's a next step in your faith that there's a next step in your faith that you want to take or if you have a prayer you want to take or if you have a prayer you want to take or if you have a prayer request that we can be praying for. So, request that we can be praying for. So, request that we can be praying for. So, be sure to fill that out in the be sure to fill that out in the be sure to fill that out in the Saddleback app. If you're looking to Saddleback app. If you're looking to Saddleback app. If you're looking to purchase Dr. RT Kendall's book, you can purchase Dr. RT Kendall's book, you can purchase Dr. RT Kendall's book, you can go ahead and use the QR code on your go ahead and use the QR code on your go ahead and use the QR code on your screen and it'll take you to a link screen and it'll take you to a link screen and it'll take you to a link where you can purchase his book there. where you can purchase his book there. where you can purchase his book there. Next week we are continuing our Next week we are continuing our Next week we are continuing our offtheshelf series and we're inviting offtheshelf series and we're inviting offtheshelf series and we're inviting Pastor Aaron Graham to join us. Aaron Pastor Aaron Graham to join us. Aaron Pastor Aaron Graham to join us. Aaron Graham is the lead pastor of the Graham is the lead pastor of the Graham is the lead pastor of the district church and he's the author of district church and he's the author of district church and he's the author of Unshakable Faith: How to Stand Firm in a Unshakable Faith: How to Stand Firm in a Unshakable Faith: How to Stand Firm in a Culture of Lies. So, we are so excited Culture of Lies. So, we are so excited Culture of Lies. So, we are so excited for that and we hope that you'll join us for that and we hope that you'll join us for that and we hope that you'll join us for that next week. Once again, thank for that next week. Once again, thank for that next week. Once again, thank you guys for joining us. We love you so, you guys for joining us. We love you so, you guys for joining us. We love you so, so much. We hope you have the best week so much. We hope you have the best week so much. We hope you have the best week ever and we'll see you back here for ever and we'll see you back here for ever and we'll see you back here for church next week.