What Are You Fighting?

There are a lot of ways that you can There are a lot of ways that you can start a sermon. Like you can open with a start a sermon. Like you can open with a start a sermon. Like you can open with a joke. Kind of loosens people up. And joke. Kind of loosens people up. And joke. Kind of loosens people up. And listen, a lot of people grew up in listen, a lot of people grew up in listen, a lot of people grew up in churches where people didn't really churches where people didn't really churches where people didn't really smile. The first church I ever preached smile. The first church I ever preached smile. The first church I ever preached at. There was this um man named Hershel at. There was this um man named Hershel at. There was this um man named Hershel who was a greeter at the front door. And who was a greeter at the front door. And who was a greeter at the front door. And we had this thing we did, right? He he we had this thing we did, right? He he we had this thing we did, right? He he would have this look on his face like would have this look on his face like would have this look on his face like somebody just canceled the potluck. And somebody just canceled the potluck. And somebody just canceled the potluck. And I I would walk in on Sunday mornings. I I would walk in on Sunday mornings. I I would walk in on Sunday mornings. I'd shake his hand. I'd say, "Hel, good I'd shake his hand. I'd say, "Hel, good I'd shake his hand. I'd say, "Hel, good morning." And Hershel would say every morning." And Hershel would say every morning." And Hershel would say every Sunday, "Well, we'll see." Like Sunday, "Well, we'll see." Like Sunday, "Well, we'll see." Like sometimes people in church need to sometimes people in church need to sometimes people in church need to smile. And it helps people kind of smile. And it helps people kind of smile. And it helps people kind of prepare to hear sometimes the message prepare to hear sometimes the message prepare to hear sometimes the message that might be a bit difficult. Like you that might be a bit difficult. Like you that might be a bit difficult. Like you can open a sermon with something that is can open a sermon with something that is can open a sermon with something that is especially relevant like a headline or a especially relevant like a headline or a especially relevant like a headline or a statistic, something that makes people, statistic, something that makes people, statistic, something that makes people, you know, sit up and lean in because it you know, sit up and lean in because it you know, sit up and lean in because it comes from what's happening in the world comes from what's happening in the world comes from what's happening in the world around us. It it connects the sermon around us. It it connects the sermon around us. It it connects the sermon that people are about to hear with the that people are about to hear with the that people are about to hear with the tension that they're actually living in.

tension that they're actually living in. tension that they're actually living in. You can open a sermon with a story, like You can open a sermon with a story, like You can open a sermon with a story, like a personal story, something a little a personal story, something a little a personal story, something a little vulnerable, maybe uh self-deprecating vulnerable, maybe uh self-deprecating vulnerable, maybe uh self-deprecating enough to make people say to themselves, enough to make people say to themselves, enough to make people say to themselves, "Oh, good." Like, "He's a mess, too. "Oh, good." Like, "He's a mess, too. "Oh, good." Like, "He's a mess, too. It's not just me." And that can help It's not just me." And that can help It's not just me." And that can help build some trust in the message. I'm build some trust in the message. I'm build some trust in the message. I'm just saying there are lots of ways that just saying there are lots of ways that just saying there are lots of ways that you can start a sermon. Which got me you can start a sermon. Which got me you can start a sermon. Which got me thinking like, how did Jesus do it? thinking like, how did Jesus do it? thinking like, how did Jesus do it? Like, how did he start his first sermon? Like, how did he start his first sermon? Like, how did he start his first sermon? And what we're going to see is he didn't And what we're going to see is he didn't And what we're going to see is he didn't warm up the room with a joke like, "Hey, warm up the room with a joke like, "Hey, warm up the room with a joke like, "Hey, what's the deal with these fishermen?" what's the deal with these fishermen?" what's the deal with these fishermen?" He didn't do that. He didn't start with He didn't do that. He didn't start with He didn't do that. He didn't start with a statistic about how hard life was a statistic about how hard life was a statistic about how hard life was under Roman occupation. He didn't begin under Roman occupation. He didn't begin under Roman occupation. He didn't begin with this relatable story about growing with this relatable story about growing with this relatable story about growing up in Nazareth. Instead, he starts with up in Nazareth. Instead, he starts with up in Nazareth. Instead, he starts with a single word, a word that would have a single word, a word that would have a single word, a word that would have made everyone uncomfortable. It's in made everyone uncomfortable. It's in made everyone uncomfortable. It's in Matthew 4:1 17. Matthew 4:1 17. Matthew 4:1 17. says, "From that time on, Jesus began to says, "From that time on, Jesus began to says, "From that time on, Jesus began to preach. Repent for the kingdom of heaven preach. Repent for the kingdom of heaven preach. Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near. No warm-up, no crowd has come near. No warm-up, no crowd has come near. No warm-up, no crowd work, no icebreaker." He like starts work, no icebreaker." He like starts work, no icebreaker." He like starts with the word repent.

with the word repent. with the word repent. Now, the truth is, if you study the Now, the truth is, if you study the Now, the truth is, if you study the gospels, Jesus would often start his gospels, Jesus would often start his gospels, Jesus would often start his teaching with a little humor or a story, teaching with a little humor or a story, teaching with a little humor or a story, but his ministry begins like his but his ministry begins like his but his ministry begins like his preaching begins with one word, and it's preaching begins with one word, and it's preaching begins with one word, and it's repent. repent. repent. If Jesus had a uh communi communications If Jesus had a uh communi communications If Jesus had a uh communi communications team, like that word would have gotten team, like that word would have gotten team, like that word would have gotten washed from the first draft. Jesus, hey, washed from the first draft. Jesus, hey, washed from the first draft. Jesus, hey, why don't you just go straight into the why don't you just go straight into the why don't you just go straight into the kingdom of heaven has come near. Skip kingdom of heaven has come near. Skip kingdom of heaven has come near. Skip repent. Or or better yet, Jesus, start repent. Or or better yet, Jesus, start repent. Or or better yet, Jesus, start with a miracle like the water to wine with a miracle like the water to wine with a miracle like the water to wine thing. Huge hit. Crowds love it. Do that thing. Huge hit. Crowds love it. Do that thing. Huge hit. Crowds love it. Do that every time. But he starts with the word every time. But he starts with the word every time. But he starts with the word repent which either means Jesus is repent which either means Jesus is repent which either means Jesus is really bad at introductions or really bad at introductions or really bad at introductions or repentance is the whole point. Like repentance is the whole point. Like repentance is the whole point. Like repentance is the only right response repentance is the only right response repentance is the only right response when confronted with the preaching of when confronted with the preaching of when confronted with the preaching of Jesus announcing the reality of the Jesus announcing the reality of the Jesus announcing the reality of the kingdom of heaven. kingdom of heaven. kingdom of heaven. And so this week we're starting a new And so this week we're starting a new And so this week we're starting a new series called the kingdom is real. And series called the kingdom is real. And series called the kingdom is real. And each week we are going to be confronted each week we are going to be confronted each week we are going to be confronted with the reality of the kingdom of with the reality of the kingdom of with the reality of the kingdom of heaven. And our right response each week heaven. And our right response each week heaven. And our right response each week is going to be repentance.

is going to be repentance. is going to be repentance. Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven. And a lot of us believe in the kingdom And a lot of us believe in the kingdom And a lot of us believe in the kingdom of heaven the way we might believe in of heaven the way we might believe in of heaven the way we might believe in Antarctica. Like we believe it's real. Antarctica. Like we believe it's real. Antarctica. Like we believe it's real. Um but we're not really sure how to find Um but we're not really sure how to find Um but we're not really sure how to find it on a map. Like we don't really think it on a map. Like we don't really think it on a map. Like we don't really think about it. Doesn't really impact our about it. Doesn't really impact our about it. Doesn't really impact our lives today. But yeah, you know, it's lives today. But yeah, you know, it's lives today. But yeah, you know, it's out there somewhere. out there somewhere. out there somewhere. If you ask a hundred people like, If you ask a hundred people like, If you ask a hundred people like, "What's the kingdom of heaven? How would "What's the kingdom of heaven? How would "What's the kingdom of heaven? How would you define that? What's that mean?" you define that? What's that mean?" you define that? What's that mean?" About 95 out of a hundred would say, About 95 out of a hundred would say, About 95 out of a hundred would say, "The kingdom of heaven, that's where you "The kingdom of heaven, that's where you "The kingdom of heaven, that's where you go when you die. That's that's where you go when you die. That's that's where you go when you die. That's that's where you go when you die." But Jesus uses the go when you die." But Jesus uses the go when you die." But Jesus uses the language kingdom of heaven constantly. language kingdom of heaven constantly. language kingdom of heaven constantly. And he almost never means that. So in And he almost never means that. So in And he almost never means that. So in Matthew's gospel, the language is Matthew's gospel, the language is Matthew's gospel, the language is kingdom of heaven. In in Mark and Luke, kingdom of heaven. In in Mark and Luke, kingdom of heaven. In in Mark and Luke, it's the kingdom of God. The word it's the kingdom of God. The word it's the kingdom of God. The word kingdom in Greek doesn't primarily mean kingdom in Greek doesn't primarily mean kingdom in Greek doesn't primarily mean like a a territory. It means reign. And like a a territory. It means reign. And like a a territory. It means reign. And it means a king has come. And so when it means a king has come. And so when it means a king has come. And so when you hear the word kingdom in the you hear the word kingdom in the you hear the word kingdom in the Gospels, don't think of realm. Think of Gospels, don't think of realm. Think of Gospels, don't think of realm. Think of the word rule. The kingdom of heaven is the word rule. The kingdom of heaven is the word rule. The kingdom of heaven is not so much where you go when you die.

not so much where you go when you die. not so much where you go when you die. It's what breaks through when you It's what breaks through when you It's what breaks through when you finally surrender. The kingdom of heaven finally surrender. The kingdom of heaven finally surrender. The kingdom of heaven is the reality of God's rule and reign is the reality of God's rule and reign is the reality of God's rule and reign breaking in to our ordinary lives right breaking in to our ordinary lives right breaking in to our ordinary lives right here and right now. And when your eyes here and right now. And when your eyes here and right now. And when your eyes are open to it, like when you start to are open to it, like when you start to are open to it, like when you start to see the kingdom of heaven breaking see the kingdom of heaven breaking see the kingdom of heaven breaking through, it just changes things. Like through, it just changes things. Like through, it just changes things. Like when the kingdom of heaven becomes real when the kingdom of heaven becomes real when the kingdom of heaven becomes real to you, it changes how you pray. It it to you, it changes how you pray. It it to you, it changes how you pray. It it changes the way you spend money. It changes the way you spend money. It changes the way you spend money. It changes the way you see people. It gives changes the way you see people. It gives changes the way you see people. It gives you this purpose. It gives you hope that you this purpose. It gives you hope that you this purpose. It gives you hope that isn't dependent on circumstances. It it isn't dependent on circumstances. It it isn't dependent on circumstances. It it allows you to filter everything through allows you to filter everything through allows you to filter everything through lens the lens of eternity. And there are lens the lens of eternity. And there are lens the lens of eternity. And there are these moments where I'm just overwhelmed these moments where I'm just overwhelmed these moments where I'm just overwhelmed by the reality of the kingdom of heaven. by the reality of the kingdom of heaven. by the reality of the kingdom of heaven. Moments where the kingdom of heaven Moments where the kingdom of heaven Moments where the kingdom of heaven breaks through into our world and it breaks through into our world and it breaks through into our world and it just gets my attention. just gets my attention. just gets my attention. I got to tell you about this device I've I got to tell you about this device I've I got to tell you about this device I've started to wear. I've got it around my started to wear. I've got it around my started to wear. I've got it around my neck here. It's uh it's this little neck here. It's uh it's this little neck here. It's uh it's this little white square. Can you see this? It it white square. Can you see this? It it white square. Can you see this? It it sits on the back of my spine and when I sits on the back of my spine and when I sits on the back of my spine and when I slouch it sends an electric signal, like slouch it sends an electric signal, like slouch it sends an electric signal, like an electric shock into my spine. Like an electric shock into my spine. Like an electric shock into my spine. Like it's nothing too dramatic. Like I'm not it's nothing too dramatic. Like I'm not it's nothing too dramatic. Like I'm not being tortured up here. It's like a shot being tortured up here. It's like a shot being tortured up here. It's like a shot collar for people with bad posture. Like collar for people with bad posture. Like collar for people with bad posture. Like it's meant to get my attention. It's it's meant to get my attention. It's it's meant to get my attention. It's meant to fix my posture. I I ordered off meant to fix my posture. I I ordered off meant to fix my posture. I I ordered off Amazon. When when it arrived, my wife Amazon. When when it arrived, my wife Amazon. When when it arrived, my wife opens the box and she's like, "What is opens the box and she's like, "What is opens the box and she's like, "What is this?" And I said, "That, my dear, is

this?" And I said, "That, my dear, is this?" And I said, "That, my dear, is your replacement." Like, you no longer your replacement." Like, you no longer your replacement." Like, you no longer have to say to me, "Stand up straight, have to say to me, "Stand up straight, have to say to me, "Stand up straight, shoulders back. Like, you don't have to shoulders back. Like, you don't have to shoulders back. Like, you don't have to be the posture police in my life be the posture police in my life be the posture police in my life anymore. Like, you are fired." anymore. Like, you are fired." anymore. Like, you are fired." and she seemed a little skeptical of and she seemed a little skeptical of and she seemed a little skeptical of this thing, a little disappointed like I this thing, a little disappointed like I this thing, a little disappointed like I was taking away some of her purpose in was taking away some of her purpose in was taking away some of her purpose in life. life. life. But the reason I need this thing is my But the reason I need this thing is my But the reason I need this thing is my natural position had become oh uh my natural position had become oh uh my natural position had become oh uh my natural position had become that like natural position had become that like natural position had become that like slouch like nobody wakes up one day and slouch like nobody wakes up one day and slouch like nobody wakes up one day and decides I'm going to have terrible decides I'm going to have terrible decides I'm going to have terrible posture. It's just like a thousand small posture. It's just like a thousand small posture. It's just like a thousand small surreners surreners surreners haunted over a laptop. nobody in the haunted over a laptop. nobody in the haunted over a laptop. nobody in the room saying anything about it. Like room saying anything about it. Like room saying anything about it. Like years of my body like negotiating for years of my body like negotiating for years of my body like negotiating for the position that takes the least amount the position that takes the least amount the position that takes the least amount of effort. of effort. of effort. And by the time I noticed it, like And by the time I noticed it, like And by the time I noticed it, like slouching wasn't the exception. It was slouching wasn't the exception. It was slouching wasn't the exception. It was just uh me. It was my default. It was my just uh me. It was my default. It was my just uh me. It was my default. It was my resting state. And and so left alone resting state. And and so left alone resting state. And and so left alone with no outside correction, my body with no outside correction, my body with no outside correction, my body doesn't drift towards good posture. Like doesn't drift towards good posture. Like doesn't drift towards good posture. Like nobody has to train you to slouch. You nobody has to train you to slouch. You nobody has to train you to slouch. You just have to stop paying attention and just have to stop paying attention and just have to stop paying attention and then gravity and convenience does the then gravity and convenience does the then gravity and convenience does the rest. And I think this is what happens rest. And I think this is what happens rest. And I think this is what happens to us often times spiritually. And to us often times spiritually. And to us often times spiritually. And nobody decides in this one dramatic nobody decides in this one dramatic nobody decides in this one dramatic moment. I'm going to stop living like moment. I'm going to stop living like moment. I'm going to stop living like the kingdom is real. It's it's smaller

the kingdom is real. It's it's smaller the kingdom is real. It's it's smaller than that. It's slower than that. It's a than that. It's slower than that. It's a than that. It's slower than that. It's a thousand mornings where you wake up and thousand mornings where you wake up and thousand mornings where you wake up and you you don't pray. It's a thousand you you don't pray. It's a thousand you you don't pray. It's a thousand decisions that get made without the decisions that get made without the decisions that get made without the kingdom in mind. It's it's a thousand kingdom in mind. It's it's a thousand kingdom in mind. It's it's a thousand Sundays where you go to church for a Sundays where you go to church for a Sundays where you go to church for a little tuneup and then you just really little tuneup and then you just really little tuneup and then you just really don't think about it the other six days don't think about it the other six days don't think about it the other six days of the week. It's a thousand moments of the week. It's a thousand moments of the week. It's a thousand moments where you let that group chat form your where you let that group chat form your where you let that group chat form your soul and and your outrage before you let soul and and your outrage before you let soul and and your outrage before you let Jesus form anything. And then one day Jesus form anything. And then one day Jesus form anything. And then one day you look up and you realize you look up and you realize you look up and you realize this slouch, this posture, this this slouch, this posture, this this slouch, this posture, this spiritual apathy. It's not a phase spiritual apathy. It's not a phase spiritual apathy. It's not a phase you're going through. It's just you now. you're going through. It's just you now. you're going through. It's just you now. It's your resting state. It's your resting state. It's your resting state. And so what this device has taught me, And so what this device has taught me, And so what this device has taught me, it doesn't fix my posture, right? It's it doesn't fix my posture, right? It's it doesn't fix my posture, right? It's not doing the work for me. It never once not doing the work for me. It never once not doing the work for me. It never once like physically pulls my shoulders back like physically pulls my shoulders back like physically pulls my shoulders back and tells me to stand up straight. All and tells me to stand up straight. All and tells me to stand up straight. All it can do is interrupt me. It can get my it can do is interrupt me. It can get my it can do is interrupt me. It can get my attention. It can break through the attention. It can break through the attention. It can break through the distractions. It can break through my distractions. It can break through my distractions. It can break through my apathy. It It makes me aware of the apathy. It It makes me aware of the apathy. It It makes me aware of the drift. It wakes me up at least for a drift. It wakes me up at least for a drift. It wakes me up at least for a second. But the actual, you know, stand second. But the actual, you know, stand second. But the actual, you know, stand up straight part like that's still on up straight part like that's still on up straight part like that's still on me.

me. me. I I really believe that this is what I I really believe that this is what I I really believe that this is what happens when the kingdom of heaven happens when the kingdom of heaven happens when the kingdom of heaven breaks through into our world. breaks through into our world. breaks through into our world. It creates this moment where [snorts] It creates this moment where [snorts] It creates this moment where [snorts] our eyes are open. Wakes us up. Wakes us our eyes are open. Wakes us up. Wakes us our eyes are open. Wakes us up. Wakes us up from the monotony of life. It up from the monotony of life. It up from the monotony of life. It confronts our spiritual slouch. confronts our spiritual slouch. confronts our spiritual slouch. The slouch that we've stopped noticing. The slouch that we've stopped noticing. The slouch that we've stopped noticing. This kind of the small little shock that This kind of the small little shock that This kind of the small little shock that says you've drifted again. You didn't says you've drifted again. You didn't says you've drifted again. You didn't even feel it happening. You're sleeping even feel it happening. You're sleeping even feel it happening. You're sleeping again and you need to wake up. again and you need to wake up. again and you need to wake up. When I think of moments like this where When I think of moments like this where When I think of moments like this where the kingdom of heaven breaks through, I the kingdom of heaven breaks through, I the kingdom of heaven breaks through, I think of times when I'm in the baptistry think of times when I'm in the baptistry think of times when I'm in the baptistry and I'm listening to people share their and I'm listening to people share their and I'm listening to people share their story with me. I'm standing waist deep story with me. I'm standing waist deep story with me. I'm standing waist deep in water and I'm listen listening to in water and I'm listen listening to in water and I'm listen listening to somebody's like 60-second version of somebody's like 60-second version of somebody's like 60-second version of their whole lives. There's brokenness their whole lives. There's brokenness their whole lives. There's brokenness and there's confusion and there's shame. and there's confusion and there's shame. and there's confusion and there's shame. But then there's this two-word But then there's this two-word But then there's this two-word transition. And this two-word transition transition. And this two-word transition transition. And this two-word transition shows up again and again in a hundred shows up again and again in a hundred shows up again and again in a hundred different stories. It is the hinge that different stories. It is the hinge that different stories. It is the hinge that one story after another tends to swing one story after another tends to swing one story after another tends to swing on, especially in the baptistry. The two on, especially in the baptistry. The two on, especially in the baptistry. The two words, words, words, but God.

but God. but God. I thought my addiction was going to be I thought my addiction was going to be I thought my addiction was going to be the last chapter of my story. But God, I the last chapter of my story. But God, I the last chapter of my story. But God, I thought I was too far gone to be thought I was too far gone to be thought I was too far gone to be forgiven. But God, I thought my marriage forgiven. But God, I thought my marriage forgiven. But God, I thought my marriage was something that could never be put was something that could never be put was something that could never be put together. But God, I thought the together. But God, I thought the together. But God, I thought the diagnosis was going to be the end of me. diagnosis was going to be the end of me. diagnosis was going to be the end of me. But God, I thought the way I grew up was But God, I thought the way I grew up was But God, I thought the way I grew up was going to be my kid's story, too. But going to be my kid's story, too. But going to be my kid's story, too. But God. And those two words, but God, like God. And those two words, but God, like God. And those two words, but God, like those are kingdom of heaven breaking those are kingdom of heaven breaking those are kingdom of heaven breaking through words. And I just want you to through words. And I just want you to through words. And I just want you to notice something about that phrase, but notice something about that phrase, but notice something about that phrase, but God. Like nobody in the water ever says, God. Like nobody in the water ever says, God. Like nobody in the water ever says, "But I but I got my act together. But "But I but I got my act together. But "But I but I got my act together. But but I finally figured it out. But I but I finally figured it out. But I but I finally figured it out. But I finally tried hard enough." Like the finally tried hard enough." Like the finally tried hard enough." Like the story doesn't pivot on but I the story story doesn't pivot on but I the story story doesn't pivot on but I the story pivots on but God. And that phrase is an pivots on but God. And that phrase is an pivots on but God. And that phrase is an announcement that the king has shown up, announcement that the king has shown up, announcement that the king has shown up, that the kingdom has broken through. And that the kingdom has broken through. And that the kingdom has broken through. And when the king shows up, addiction loses when the king shows up, addiction loses when the king shows up, addiction loses its grip and and shame stops winning.

its grip and and shame stops winning. its grip and and shame stops winning. When the king shows up, he steps into a When the king shows up, he steps into a When the king shows up, he steps into a story that you thought was finished and story that you thought was finished and story that you thought was finished and he says, "Uh, I got another chapter to he says, "Uh, I got another chapter to he says, "Uh, I got another chapter to write." write." write." >> And so sometimes standing in that water, >> And so sometimes standing in that water, >> And so sometimes standing in that water, I can't help but whisper to myself, I can't help but whisper to myself, I can't help but whisper to myself, "It's all real." "It's all real." "It's all real." I I I I whispered that in the baptistry, but I I whispered that in the baptistry, but I I whispered that in the baptistry, but I I once whispered it in a hospital room. I once whispered it in a hospital room. I once whispered it in a hospital room. I walked in to visit a family whose I walked in to visit a family whose I walked in to visit a family whose little girl was still born. little girl was still born. little girl was still born. And so the father was sitting in a chair And so the father was sitting in a chair And so the father was sitting in a chair beside the bed holding his daughter's beside the bed holding his daughter's beside the bed holding his daughter's lifeless body against his chest. lifeless body against his chest. lifeless body against his chest. And then in that room with the nurse And then in that room with the nurse And then in that room with the nurse standing quietly by the door, the family standing quietly by the door, the family standing quietly by the door, the family joins hands around the bed where the joins hands around the bed where the joins hands around the bed where the mother is lying and they start singing mother is lying and they start singing mother is lying and they start singing through tears. How great is our God? How through tears. How great is our God? How through tears. How great is our God? How great is our God? It just came out of great is our God? It just came out of great is our God? It just came out of them. them. them. And all I could do was whisper. It's all And all I could do was whisper. It's all And all I could do was whisper. It's all real.

real. real. I whispered that once I whispered that once I whispered that once right back here. couple in their 60s sat right back here. couple in their 60s sat right back here. couple in their 60s sat in this sanctuary and shared with me in this sanctuary and shared with me in this sanctuary and shared with me that the weekend before they had driven that the weekend before they had driven that the weekend before they had driven four hours to a prison to visit the man four hours to a prison to visit the man four hours to a prison to visit the man who had murdered their son three years who had murdered their son three years who had murdered their son three years earlier. They didn't go to yell at him. earlier. They didn't go to yell at him. earlier. They didn't go to yell at him. They didn't go looking for closure. They didn't go looking for closure. They didn't go looking for closure. Rather, they had been praying for this Rather, they had been praying for this Rather, they had been praying for this man by name every day for three years. man by name every day for three years. man by name every day for three years. and they were finally ready to do the and they were finally ready to do the and they were finally ready to do the thing that they thought would be thing that they thought would be thing that they thought would be impossible to do to forgive him face to impossible to do to forgive him face to impossible to do to forgive him face to face. And so they sat across from him in face. And so they sat across from him in face. And so they sat across from him in this prison across from him at a metal this prison across from him at a metal this prison across from him at a metal table, a guard close enough to overhear table, a guard close enough to overhear table, a guard close enough to overhear and they said, "We forgive you." And and they said, "We forgive you." And and they said, "We forgive you." And then they told this man why they were then they told this man why they were then they told this man why they were able to forgive him. And they shared the able to forgive him. And they shared the able to forgive him. And they shared the gospel. They shared Jesus with him. And gospel. They shared Jesus with him. And gospel. They shared Jesus with him. And as I listened, I just whispered to as I listened, I just whispered to as I listened, I just whispered to myself, "It's all real. It's all real." myself, "It's all real. It's all real." myself, "It's all real. It's all real." I I whispered it once a few years back I I whispered it once a few years back I I whispered it once a few years back now. I was watching a couple in our now. I was watching a couple in our now. I was watching a couple in our church adopt a 9-year-old boy who had church adopt a 9-year-old boy who had church adopt a 9-year-old boy who had been in and out of six potential homes.

been in and out of six potential homes. been in and out of six potential homes. Six times, someone had decided he's too Six times, someone had decided he's too Six times, someone had decided he's too much. And I stood in a courtroom on that much. And I stood in a courtroom on that much. And I stood in a courtroom on that day, and a judge asked this boy, "Do you day, and a judge asked this boy, "Do you day, and a judge asked this boy, "Do you understand what's happening to you understand what's happening to you understand what's happening to you today?" And he nodded yes. big grin on today?" And he nodded yes. big grin on today?" And he nodded yes. big grin on his face and and then he started crying, his face and and then he started crying, his face and and then he started crying, kind of half crying, half laughing, just kind of half crying, half laughing, just kind of half crying, half laughing, just overwhelmed by the the moment of it. And overwhelmed by the the moment of it. And overwhelmed by the the moment of it. And his new mom and dad come around him and his new mom and dad come around him and his new mom and dad come around him and his new siblings come around him and his new siblings come around him and his new siblings come around him and they celebrate. He had almost come to they celebrate. He had almost come to they celebrate. He had almost come to the conclusion that it was never going the conclusion that it was never going the conclusion that it was never going to happen and then it happened. And I to happen and then it happened. And I to happen and then it happened. And I said to myself, it's all real. said to myself, it's all real. said to myself, it's all real. I have seen the kingdom come in church, I have seen the kingdom come in church, I have seen the kingdom come in church, but I've seen it in hospital rooms. I've but I've seen it in hospital rooms. I've but I've seen it in hospital rooms. I've seen it come in prison visitation areas. seen it come in prison visitation areas. seen it come in prison visitation areas. I've seen it in courtrooms. And in those I've seen it in courtrooms. And in those I've seen it in courtrooms. And in those moments, it's like my eyes are open. moments, it's like my eyes are open. moments, it's like my eyes are open. I I recognize this reality that's always I I recognize this reality that's always I I recognize this reality that's always been there, but sometimes I'm just been there, but sometimes I'm just been there, but sometimes I'm just distracted and I'm busy and I lose sight distracted and I'm busy and I lose sight distracted and I'm busy and I lose sight of it. I want to go ma back to Matthew of it. I want to go ma back to Matthew of it. I want to go ma back to Matthew 4:17 here for a moment. We read what 4:17 here for a moment. We read what 4:17 here for a moment. We read what Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, but there's something really um but there's something really um but there's something really um significant about the context of this significant about the context of this significant about the context of this verse. Like it clues us in on when and verse. Like it clues us in on when and verse. Like it clues us in on when and where Jesus says this. And it turns out where Jesus says this. And it turns out where Jesus says this. And it turns out that it matters a lot. So look at this that it matters a lot. So look at this that it matters a lot. So look at this verse again. It says, "From that time verse again. It says, "From that time verse again. It says, "From that time on, from that time on, Jesus began to on, from that time on, Jesus began to on, from that time on, Jesus began to preach, repent, for the kingdom of preach, repent, for the kingdom of preach, repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." From that time heaven has come near." From that time heaven has come near." From that time on. Okay. From what time on? Well,

on. Okay. From what time on? Well, on. Okay. From what time on? Well, Matthew is pointing backward. Matthew is pointing backward. Matthew is pointing backward. He's referencing what just happened in He's referencing what just happened in He's referencing what just happened in chapter 4. And so the question is, okay, chapter 4. And so the question is, okay, chapter 4. And so the question is, okay, well, what happened right before Jesus well, what happened right before Jesus well, what happened right before Jesus stood up and said, "Repent for the stood up and said, "Repent for the stood up and said, "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is real." Well, if you kingdom of heaven is real." Well, if you kingdom of heaven is real." Well, if you go back to the beginning of chapter 4, go back to the beginning of chapter 4, go back to the beginning of chapter 4, like same chapter, just like 13 verses like same chapter, just like 13 verses like same chapter, just like 13 verses earlier, verse one says, "Jesus was led earlier, verse one says, "Jesus was led earlier, verse one says, "Jesus was led by the spirit into the wilderness by the spirit into the wilderness by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." to be tempted by the devil." to be tempted by the devil." So Jesus has spent 40 days with no food. So Jesus has spent 40 days with no food. So Jesus has spent 40 days with no food. He is all alone. And then at the end of He is all alone. And then at the end of He is all alone. And then at the end of this 40 days, the enemy attacks like this 40 days, the enemy attacks like this 40 days, the enemy attacks like three times. The enemy comes at him. three times. The enemy comes at him. three times. The enemy comes at him. He's weak and he's hungry and he's He's weak and he's hungry and he's He's weak and he's hungry and he's alone. And Satan's like, "Okay, now's alone. And Satan's like, "Okay, now's alone. And Satan's like, "Okay, now's the time." And he attacks. But but the time." And he attacks. But but the time." And he attacks. But but here's the point. Jesus had just stepped here's the point. Jesus had just stepped here's the point. Jesus had just stepped off the battlefield. So when Jesus steps off the battlefield. So when Jesus steps off the battlefield. So when Jesus steps off the battlefield and begins speaking off the battlefield and begins speaking off the battlefield and begins speaking of the kingdom, he's not stepping out of of the kingdom, he's not stepping out of of the kingdom, he's not stepping out of his office like he is speaking with the his office like he is speaking with the his office like he is speaking with the dust of the battlefield still on his dust of the battlefield still on his dust of the battlefield still on his feet. And so when he declares the feet. And so when he declares the feet. And so when he declares the kingdom of heaven has come, this isn't kingdom of heaven has come, this isn't kingdom of heaven has come, this isn't just like this poetic language.

just like this poetic language. just like this poetic language. It it's not just like a an announcement It it's not just like a an announcement It it's not just like a an announcement before the sermon starts. Like this is a before the sermon starts. Like this is a before the sermon starts. Like this is a declaration of war. war against sin and declaration of war. war against sin and declaration of war. war against sin and war against darkness, war against shame, war against darkness, war against shame, war against darkness, war against shame, war against death itself. war against death itself. war against death itself. And so when Jesus spoke about the And so when Jesus spoke about the And so when Jesus spoke about the kingdom of heaven, he was declaring war kingdom of heaven, he was declaring war kingdom of heaven, he was declaring war against the kingdom of darkness. And against the kingdom of darkness. And against the kingdom of darkness. And whenever he speaks about the kingdom of whenever he speaks about the kingdom of whenever he speaks about the kingdom of heaven, there's almost always an enemy. heaven, there's almost always an enemy. heaven, there's almost always an enemy. There always a battle. So the kingdom is There always a battle. So the kingdom is There always a battle. So the kingdom is real and the battle is real. John 10:10, real and the battle is real. John 10:10, real and the battle is real. John 10:10, Jesus said, "The thief has come to kill, Jesus said, "The thief has come to kill, Jesus said, "The thief has come to kill, steal, and destroy, but I've come that steal, and destroy, but I've come that steal, and destroy, but I've come that they may have life and habit to the they may have life and habit to the they may have life and habit to the full." Jesus says, "My kingdom has come full." Jesus says, "My kingdom has come full." Jesus says, "My kingdom has come to bring the fullness of life, but to bring the fullness of life, but to bring the fullness of life, but there's an enemy. there's an enemy. there's an enemy. The battle is real. The battle is real. The battle is real. There's kingdom of light, kingdom of There's kingdom of light, kingdom of There's kingdom of light, kingdom of darkness, which brings us to Ephesians darkness, which brings us to Ephesians darkness, which brings us to Ephesians chapter 6. Paul is writing in a prison. chapter 6. Paul is writing in a prison. chapter 6. Paul is writing in a prison. and he's chained to a soldier and he's and he's chained to a soldier and he's and he's chained to a soldier and he's going to use that image to help us going to use that image to help us going to use that image to help us understand what we should look like if understand what we should look like if understand what we should look like if we're going to live like the battle is we're going to live like the battle is we're going to live like the battle is real. Ephesians 6:12. But our struggle real. Ephesians 6:12. But our struggle real. Ephesians 6:12. But our struggle like it's real. Our battle is real. Our like it's real. Our battle is real. Our like it's real. Our battle is real. Our struggle is real. But it's not against struggle is real. But it's not against struggle is real. But it's not against flesh and blood, but against rulers and flesh and blood, but against rulers and flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities, against powers of this dark authorities, against powers of this dark authorities, against powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of world, against the spiritual forces of world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. So Paul evil in the heavenly realms. So Paul evil in the heavenly realms. So Paul says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. There is a real says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. There is a real says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. There is a real battle, but you may not be fighting it.

battle, but you may not be fighting it. battle, but you may not be fighting it. Like the real battle is not against Like the real battle is not against Like the real battle is not against flesh and blood, which means flesh and blood, which means flesh and blood, which means a lot of us are in a battle, but it's a lot of us are in a battle, but it's a lot of us are in a battle, but it's not the real battle. Like you think the not the real battle. Like you think the not the real battle. Like you think the enemy is your mother-in-law. Yeah, it's enemy is your mother-in-law. Yeah, it's enemy is your mother-in-law. Yeah, it's not your mother-in-law. not your mother-in-law. not your mother-in-law. You think the enemy is that coworker You think the enemy is that coworker You think the enemy is that coworker that's been talking behind your back and that's been talking behind your back and that's been talking behind your back and you know what you would say if he ever you know what you would say if he ever you know what you would say if he ever said it to your face? said it to your face? said it to your face? Like your enemy is not whoever you're Like your enemy is not whoever you're Like your enemy is not whoever you're arguing with in your car, even though arguing with in your car, even though arguing with in your car, even though they're not even in your car. Like they're not even in your car. Like they're not even in your car. Like you're by yourself and you're still you're by yourself and you're still you're by yourself and you're still arguing. Like that's not the enemy. arguing. Like that's not the enemy. arguing. Like that's not the enemy. There is a battle, but your battle is There is a battle, but your battle is There is a battle, but your battle is not against your unbelieving spouse not against your unbelieving spouse not against your unbelieving spouse who's making fun of you for being here. who's making fun of you for being here. who's making fun of you for being here. It It's not against the professor who's It It's not against the professor who's It It's not against the professor who's going to belittle your faith this going to belittle your faith this going to belittle your faith this semester. Your battle is not against the semester. Your battle is not against the semester. Your battle is not against the person dating your child who seems to person dating your child who seems to person dating your child who seems to undermine everything you believe. Like undermine everything you believe. Like undermine everything you believe. Like you do have a real enemy, you do have a real enemy, you do have a real enemy, but your real enemy isn't the coworker but your real enemy isn't the coworker but your real enemy isn't the coworker who stabs you in the back. It's not the who stabs you in the back. It's not the who stabs you in the back. It's not the political extremist who's getting you political extremist who's getting you political extremist who's getting you riled up online. It's not the relative riled up online. It's not the relative riled up online. It's not the relative who gossips about you. And and the who gossips about you. And and the who gossips about you. And and the church, like we have an enemy, but the church, like we have an enemy, but the church, like we have an enemy, but the the enemy is not the activist judge or the enemy is not the activist judge or the enemy is not the activist judge or the Muslim extremist or this political the Muslim extremist or this political the Muslim extremist or this political group. Like they're not the enemy.

group. Like they're not the enemy. group. Like they're not the enemy. They are the hostages of the enemy. They are the hostages of the enemy. They are the hostages of the enemy. The real enemy is thrilled when you get The real enemy is thrilled when you get The real enemy is thrilled when you get caught up fighting his hostages. So caught up fighting his hostages. So caught up fighting his hostages. So yeah, the kingdom is real and the battle yeah, the kingdom is real and the battle yeah, the kingdom is real and the battle is real. Paul uses the image of a is real. Paul uses the image of a is real. Paul uses the image of a soldier to help us understand what a soldier to help us understand what a soldier to help us understand what a person who recognizes the reality of the person who recognizes the reality of the person who recognizes the reality of the battle should be wearing. He gives us battle should be wearing. He gives us battle should be wearing. He gives us this picture of a soldier and that means this picture of a soldier and that means this picture of a soldier and that means the church then is an army. And yet the church then is an army. And yet the church then is an army. And yet sometimes I just step back and I kind of sometimes I just step back and I kind of sometimes I just step back and I kind of wonder is the is the church more of an wonder is the is the church more of an wonder is the is the church more of an audience than an army. If you think audience than an army. If you think audience than an army. If you think through this like an audience gathers through this like an audience gathers through this like an audience gathers but an army assembles. Like an audience but an army assembles. Like an audience but an army assembles. Like an audience shows up when it's convenient. An army shows up when it's convenient. An army shows up when it's convenient. An army shows up when it costs something. An shows up when it costs something. An shows up when it costs something. An audience wants a good seat. An army audience wants a good seat. An army audience wants a good seat. An army wants a good position. Like I know some wants a good position. Like I know some wants a good position. Like I know some of you love your good seat. You you've of you love your good seat. You you've of you love your good seat. You you've got strong feelings about the seat got strong feelings about the seat got strong feelings about the seat you're sitting in right now. There's you're sitting in right now. There's you're sitting in right now. There's people around here who've been sitting people around here who've been sitting people around here who've been sitting in the seat they're in since 2007. And in the seat they're in since 2007. And in the seat they're in since 2007. And if somebody comes in and sits in your if somebody comes in and sits in your if somebody comes in and sits in your seat, you're just going to stand there seat, you're just going to stand there seat, you're just going to stand there until they get the hint. I'm just until they get the hint. I'm just until they get the hint. I'm just saying, an army doesn't care where it saying, an army doesn't care where it saying, an army doesn't care where it sits. An army cares where it stands.

sits. An army cares where it stands. sits. An army cares where it stands. An audience evaluates the message. An An audience evaluates the message. An An audience evaluates the message. An army receives marching and orders. An army receives marching and orders. An army receives marching and orders. An audience says, "I didn't get much out of audience says, "I didn't get much out of audience says, "I didn't get much out of it today." An army says, "I know my it today." An army says, "I know my it today." An army says, "I know my assignment. I'm on mission." An audience assignment. I'm on mission." An audience assignment. I'm on mission." An audience comes to be moved. An army comes to be comes to be moved. An army comes to be comes to be moved. An army comes to be deployed. Like if you want to build an deployed. Like if you want to build an deployed. Like if you want to build an audience, entertain them. If you want to audience, entertain them. If you want to audience, entertain them. If you want to build an army, train them. If you want build an army, train them. If you want build an army, train them. If you want an audience, tell them there's a show. an audience, tell them there's a show. an audience, tell them there's a show. If you want an army, tell them there's a If you want an army, tell them there's a If you want an army, tell them there's a war. And so, in case there's any war. And so, in case there's any war. And so, in case there's any confusion, let me say it plainly. confusion, let me say it plainly. confusion, let me say it plainly. There's a war. There is a war for your There's a war. There is a war for your There's a war. There is a war for your soul. There is a war for your marriage. soul. There is a war for your marriage. soul. There is a war for your marriage. [applause] [applause] [applause] and and and and and and and and and there's a war for your kids. Like you there's a war for your kids. Like you there's a war for your kids. Like you think they're just in their room think they're just in their room think they're just in their room scrolling on their phones. scrolling on their phones. scrolling on their phones. They're not just scrolling, they're They're not just scrolling, they're They're not just scrolling, they're fighting. They're in a battle and a lot fighting. They're in a battle and a lot fighting. They're in a battle and a lot of them are fighting alone and losing. of them are fighting alone and losing. of them are fighting alone and losing. There is a war for your peace. Like the There is a war for your peace. Like the There is a war for your peace. Like the enemy doesn't need to break you. He just enemy doesn't need to break you. He just enemy doesn't need to break you. He just needs to keep you too busy to to be needs to keep you too busy to to be needs to keep you too busy to to be intentional. There's a war for your intentional. There's a war for your intentional. There's a war for your integrity. And it's not going to likely integrity. And it's not going to likely integrity. And it's not going to likely be lost in one in one dramatic decision.

be lost in one in one dramatic decision. be lost in one in one dramatic decision. It'll be lost the way, you know, posture It'll be lost the way, you know, posture It'll be lost the way, you know, posture gets lost, a thousand small surreners gets lost, a thousand small surreners gets lost, a thousand small surreners that nobody sees. And there's a war for that nobody sees. And there's a war for that nobody sees. And there's a war for our church. But it's not being fought our church. But it's not being fought our church. But it's not being fought against the culture out there. It's against the culture out there. It's against the culture out there. It's being fought by whether or not people in being fought by whether or not people in being fought by whether or not people in here will pick up their armor. here will pick up their armor. here will pick up their armor. >> Like the battle is real. We just don't >> Like the battle is real. We just don't >> Like the battle is real. We just don't always have eyes to see it. always have eyes to see it. always have eyes to see it. One of my uh favorite scenes in the One of my uh favorite scenes in the One of my uh favorite scenes in the Bible is tucked into the Old Testament Bible is tucked into the Old Testament Bible is tucked into the Old Testament book of 2 Kings. The prophet Elisha has book of 2 Kings. The prophet Elisha has book of 2 Kings. The prophet Elisha has become a problem for the king of Aam. become a problem for the king of Aam. become a problem for the king of Aam. And so every military move Aam makes, And so every military move Aam makes, And so every military move Aam makes, Elisha knows about it in advance and Elisha knows about it in advance and Elisha knows about it in advance and tips off the king of Israel. So the king tips off the king of Israel. So the king tips off the king of Israel. So the king of Aam does what you know any of Aam does what you know any of Aam does what you know any frustrated, embarrassed, angry king frustrated, embarrassed, angry king frustrated, embarrassed, angry king might do. He sends an army. Not like a might do. He sends an army. Not like a might do. He sends an army. Not like a squad, but like a whole a whole army, squad, but like a whole a whole army, squad, but like a whole a whole army, chariots, horses, the whole thing. So an chariots, horses, the whole thing. So an chariots, horses, the whole thing. So an army is sent after Elisha and during the army is sent after Elisha and during the army is sent after Elisha and during the night the night it surrounds the city of night the night it surrounds the city of night the night it surrounds the city of Dothan where Elisha is staying and Dothan where Elisha is staying and Dothan where Elisha is staying and Elisha's servant who's staying with him Elisha's servant who's staying with him Elisha's servant who's staying with him wakes up early the next morning you know wakes up early the next morning you know wakes up early the next morning you know just a morning like any other morning just a morning like any other morning just a morning like any other morning makes some coffee opens the door steps makes some coffee opens the door steps makes some coffee opens the door steps outside outside outside and he sees an [snorts] army an entire and he sees an [snorts] army an entire and he sees an [snorts] army an entire army frantically he looks around for a army frantically he looks around for a army frantically he looks around for a way out but there is like there is no way out but there is like there is no way out but there is like there is no way out they are completely surrounded way out they are completely surrounded way out they are completely surrounded did. And so he runs back inside and he did. And so he runs back inside and he did. And so he runs back inside and he tells Elisha, he says, "Oh no, my Lord, tells Elisha, he says, "Oh no, my Lord, tells Elisha, he says, "Oh no, my Lord, what what shall we do now? What do we do what what shall we do now? What do we do what what shall we do now? What do we do now?" And Elisha says, "Don't be afraid.

now?" And Elisha says, "Don't be afraid. now?" And Elisha says, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than Those who are with us are more than Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." those who are with them." those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." And the Lord opened so that he may see." And the Lord opened so that he may see." And the Lord opened up the servant's eyes and he looked up up the servant's eyes and he looked up up the servant's eyes and he looked up and he saw that the hills were full of and he saw that the hills were full of and he saw that the hills were full of chariots of fire all around Elisha. chariots of fire all around Elisha. chariots of fire all around Elisha. And so he prays, "God, open his eyes And so he prays, "God, open his eyes And so he prays, "God, open his eyes that he might see." And the servant's that he might see." And the servant's that he might see." And the servant's eyes are open eyes are open eyes are open and he sees they are surrounded by and he sees they are surrounded by and he sees they are surrounded by heaven's armies. But if you go back and heaven's armies. But if you go back and heaven's armies. But if you go back and you look a little bit more closely at you look a little bit more closely at you look a little bit more closely at this, like what Elisha actually says to this, like what Elisha actually says to this, like what Elisha actually says to his servant before his eyes are open, his servant before his eyes are open, his servant before his eyes are open, Elisha says, "Those who are with us are Elisha says, "Those who are with us are Elisha says, "Those who are with us are more are greater than those who are with more are greater than those who are with more are greater than those who are with them." It's [clears throat] interesting. them." It's [clears throat] interesting. them." It's [clears throat] interesting. You would think he would say, "Those who You would think he would say, "Those who You would think he would say, "Those who are with us are greater than them." are with us are greater than them." are with us are greater than them." Somebody says, "Those who are with us Somebody says, "Those who are with us Somebody says, "Those who are with us are greater than those who are with are greater than those who are with are greater than those who are with them." In other words, it wasn't just them." In other words, it wasn't just them." In other words, it wasn't just the armies of the kingdom of heaven the armies of the kingdom of heaven the armies of the kingdom of heaven there that day, but the kingdom of there that day, but the kingdom of there that day, but the kingdom of darkness was also there. So from the darkness was also there. So from the darkness was also there. So from the servant's perspective, the battle was servant's perspective, the battle was servant's perspective, the battle was between him and Elisha and the army.

between him and Elisha and the army. between him and Elisha and the army. That wasn't the real battle. The real That wasn't the real battle. The real That wasn't the real battle. The real battle was the kingdom of heaven against battle was the kingdom of heaven against battle was the kingdom of heaven against the kingdom of darkness. And the the kingdom of darkness. And the the kingdom of darkness. And the servant's eyes are open. And I guess he servant's eyes are open. And I guess he servant's eyes are open. And I guess he probably whispered to himself, "It's all probably whispered to himself, "It's all probably whispered to himself, "It's all real." real." real." I I want to spend just a couple minutes I I want to spend just a couple minutes I I want to spend just a couple minutes making this personal because I think making this personal because I think making this personal because I think it's one thing to say it's there's a it's one thing to say it's there's a it's one thing to say it's there's a real battle. It's another thing to live real battle. It's another thing to live real battle. It's another thing to live like it. So I I want to give you some like it. So I I want to give you some like it. So I I want to give you some some symptoms of someone who stops some symptoms of someone who stops some symptoms of someone who stops living like the battle is real. living like the battle is real. living like the battle is real. Let me give you one verse to kind of Let me give you one verse to kind of Let me give you one verse to kind of hang on to throughout this is first hang on to throughout this is first hang on to throughout this is first Peter 5'8. Be alert and of sober mind. Peter 5'8. Be alert and of sober mind. Peter 5'8. Be alert and of sober mind. Be clearminded. Be be awake. Be focused. Be clearminded. Be be awake. Be focused. Be clearminded. Be be awake. Be focused. Eyes open because your enemy, the devil, Eyes open because your enemy, the devil, Eyes open because your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion prowls around like a roaring lion prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. And so looking for someone to devour. And so looking for someone to devour. And so Peter kind of uses this hunting Peter kind of uses this hunting Peter kind of uses this hunting metaphor. metaphor. metaphor. And the kind of hunter he chooses for And the kind of hunter he chooses for And the kind of hunter he chooses for the enemy is a lion. A lion doesn't just the enemy is a lion. A lion doesn't just the enemy is a lion. A lion doesn't just charge into the middle of a herd. A lion charge into the middle of a herd. A lion charge into the middle of a herd. A lion is patient. A lion watches. A lion is is patient. A lion watches. A lion is is patient. A lion watches. A lion is looking for the one who has drifted, the looking for the one who has drifted, the looking for the one who has drifted, the one who's fallen a little bit behind, one who's fallen a little bit behind, one who's fallen a little bit behind, the one who's wandered off, not really the one who's wandered off, not really the one who's wandered off, not really paying attention.

paying attention. paying attention. And so a few symptoms of someone who And so a few symptoms of someone who And so a few symptoms of someone who isn't living like there's a battle. isn't living like there's a battle. isn't living like there's a battle. Number one, you're shocked when the Number one, you're shocked when the Number one, you're shocked when the attack comes. attack comes. attack comes. Like, if you really believe the battle Like, if you really believe the battle Like, if you really believe the battle is real, then stop acting so surprised is real, then stop acting so surprised is real, then stop acting so surprised when you're attacked. Like, soldiers when you're attacked. Like, soldiers when you're attacked. Like, soldiers don't come home from deployment and say, don't come home from deployment and say, don't come home from deployment and say, "You'll not you're not going to believe "You'll not you're not going to believe "You'll not you're not going to believe what happened to me over there. People what happened to me over there. People what happened to me over there. People are shooting at me." But that's how we are shooting at me." But that's how we are shooting at me." But that's how we act. Like if something is coming at you act. Like if something is coming at you act. Like if something is coming at you and it's again and again like at the and it's again and again like at the and it's again and again like at the same time when you're vulnerable like at same time when you're vulnerable like at same time when you're vulnerable like at 11:40 at night like the enemy knows 11:40 at night like the enemy knows 11:40 at night like the enemy knows that's when to come after you or right that's when to come after you or right that's when to come after you or right after a fight with your spouse or um after a fight with your spouse or um after a fight with your spouse or um after you've had two drinks or after you've had two drinks or after you've had two drinks or when you're in a hotel room out of town. when you're in a hotel room out of town. when you're in a hotel room out of town. like it happens again and again and like it happens again and again and like it happens again and again and again and it's like we're living on a again and it's like we're living on a again and it's like we're living on a playground instead of a battleground playground instead of a battleground playground instead of a battleground because we we act surprised every time. because we we act surprised every time. because we we act surprised every time. So one symptom is that that we just get So one symptom is that that we just get So one symptom is that that we just get caught off guard again and again caught off guard again and again caught off guard again and again if we understood the battle is real we if we understood the battle is real we if we understood the battle is real we wouldn't be surprised.

wouldn't be surprised. wouldn't be surprised. Symptom number two you treat spiritual Symptom number two you treat spiritual Symptom number two you treat spiritual disciplines as optional. disciplines as optional. disciplines as optional. Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 6, Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 6, Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 6, put on the full armor of God so that you put on the full armor of God so that you put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the enemy. I can take your stand against the enemy. I can take your stand against the enemy. I I just want to challenge you to go home I just want to challenge you to go home I just want to challenge you to go home and read that that whole chapter, and read that that whole chapter, and read that that whole chapter, Ephesians 6. Like armor is not an Ephesians 6. Like armor is not an Ephesians 6. Like armor is not an accessory for the believer. It is a accessory for the believer. It is a accessory for the believer. It is a requirement because you're you're doing requirement because you're you're doing requirement because you're you're doing battle. Last week I was speaking at this battle. Last week I was speaking at this battle. Last week I was speaking at this conference in Utah and my wife went with conference in Utah and my wife went with conference in Utah and my wife went with me. We celebrated our 31st wedding me. We celebrated our 31st wedding me. We celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary together, hiking in the anniversary together, hiking in the anniversary together, hiking in the mountains at 31 years and and we're mountains at 31 years and and we're mountains at 31 years and and we're planning on these hikes. I packed myself planning on these hikes. I packed myself planning on these hikes. I packed myself initially. I packed some basketball initially. I packed some basketball initially. I packed some basketball shorts, a t-shirt, tennis shoes. I I shorts, a t-shirt, tennis shoes. I I shorts, a t-shirt, tennis shoes. I I look like I was dressed for a pickup look like I was dressed for a pickup look like I was dressed for a pickup game. My wife looks at what I'm packing game. My wife looks at what I'm packing game. My wife looks at what I'm packing and she's like, "No, that's that's not and she's like, "No, that's that's not and she's like, "No, that's that's not reality." And so she orders me hiking reality." And so she orders me hiking reality." And so she orders me hiking shoes and like some wool socks and a shoes and like some wool socks and a shoes and like some wool socks and a backpack with a tube coming out of it so backpack with a tube coming out of it so backpack with a tube coming out of it so I can stay hydrated like as if I was I can stay hydrated like as if I was I can stay hydrated like as if I was going to take it so seriously. I don't going to take it so seriously. I don't going to take it so seriously. I don't have time to stop and pull a water have time to stop and pull a water have time to stop and pull a water bottle out of the backpack. But she she bottle out of the backpack. But she she bottle out of the backpack. But she she wasn't correcting my fashion. She was wasn't correcting my fashion. She was wasn't correcting my fashion. She was making sure I was dressed for reality.

making sure I was dressed for reality. making sure I was dressed for reality. Like she wanted me to be dressed for the Like she wanted me to be dressed for the Like she wanted me to be dressed for the reality of where we were going and where reality of where we were going and where reality of where we were going and where we were going to be and the conditions we were going to be and the conditions we were going to be and the conditions we were going to be in. And this is what we were going to be in. And this is what we were going to be in. And this is what Paul does in Ephesians 6. He says, Paul does in Ephesians 6. He says, Paul does in Ephesians 6. He says, "Look, I know where you're heading. "Look, I know where you're heading. "Look, I know where you're heading. Like, I know the climate that you're in Like, I know the climate that you're in Like, I know the climate that you're in and what you're wearing. It's not going and what you're wearing. It's not going and what you're wearing. It's not going to work." And so, here's how you should to work." And so, here's how you should to work." And so, here's how you should be dressing if you really believe the be dressing if you really believe the be dressing if you really believe the battle is real. In verse 18, he battle is real. In verse 18, he battle is real. In verse 18, he specifically mentions prayer. I think specifically mentions prayer. I think specifically mentions prayer. I think how you pray really tells a story about how you pray really tells a story about how you pray really tells a story about whether you actually believe the battle whether you actually believe the battle whether you actually believe the battle is real. Because the person who treats is real. Because the person who treats is real. Because the person who treats prayer like a last resort instead of a prayer like a last resort instead of a prayer like a last resort instead of a first response doesn't really believe first response doesn't really believe first response doesn't really believe that there's a battle. that there's a battle. that there's a battle. Same is true in the way you worship. Do Same is true in the way you worship. Do Same is true in the way you worship. Do you kind of worship because you like the you kind of worship because you like the you kind of worship because you like the music or the feeling or the emotion or music or the feeling or the emotion or music or the feeling or the emotion or do you worship as a weapon? do you worship as a weapon? do you worship as a weapon? Symptom number three, your response to Symptom number three, your response to Symptom number three, your response to sin is always behavioral and it's never sin is always behavioral and it's never sin is always behavioral and it's never spiritual. spiritual. spiritual. like you put your confidence in your own like you put your confidence in your own like you put your confidence in your own willpower instead of picking up the real willpower instead of picking up the real willpower instead of picking up the real weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "The weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "The weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons we fight with are not the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world." And so willpower weapons of this world." And so willpower weapons of this world." And so willpower is just an example of of one of those is just an example of of one of those is just an example of of one of those worldly weapons worldly weapons worldly weapons where [snorts] we think, "Okay, I'm where [snorts] we think, "Okay, I'm where [snorts] we think, "Okay, I'm going to make this happen. I I'm I'm going to make this happen. I I'm I'm going to make this happen. I I'm I'm going to do it myself. I'm going to be going to do it myself. I'm going to be going to do it myself. I'm going to be more determined."

more determined." more determined." And when that's our weapon, And when that's our weapon, And when that's our weapon, it's like uh swaying a plastic sword at it's like uh swaying a plastic sword at it's like uh swaying a plastic sword at a lion. and then being shocked that we a lion. and then being shocked that we a lion. and then being shocked that we keep losing. If you want victory, then keep losing. If you want victory, then keep losing. If you want victory, then you have to understand your enemy and you have to understand your enemy and you have to understand your enemy and you need spiritual weapons to put on the you need spiritual weapons to put on the you need spiritual weapons to put on the full armor of God. Symptom number four full armor of God. Symptom number four full armor of God. Symptom number four is you're unbothered by isolation. is you're unbothered by isolation. is you're unbothered by isolation. Like you think, I can follow Jesus by Like you think, I can follow Jesus by Like you think, I can follow Jesus by myself. Go back to this lion metaphor myself. Go back to this lion metaphor myself. Go back to this lion metaphor that Peter uses. He prowls around that Peter uses. He prowls around that Peter uses. He prowls around looking for someone to devour. And and looking for someone to devour. And and looking for someone to devour. And and so a lion doesn't hunt the herd. He's so a lion doesn't hunt the herd. He's so a lion doesn't hunt the herd. He's just looking for whoever steps away from just looking for whoever steps away from just looking for whoever steps away from it. And most people who wander off from it. And most people who wander off from it. And most people who wander off from the herd and they get attacked like they the herd and they get attacked like they the herd and they get attacked like they don't mean to wander off. Like I don't don't mean to wander off. Like I don't don't mean to wander off. Like I don't think that happens often or somebody think that happens often or somebody think that happens often or somebody announces, "Hey, I'm wandering off." announces, "Hey, I'm wandering off." announces, "Hey, I'm wandering off." Like they just stop showing showing up Like they just stop showing showing up Like they just stop showing showing up and then they stop being missed and then and then they stop being missed and then and then they stop being missed and then they're alone on the edge of a treeine they're alone on the edge of a treeine they're alone on the edge of a treeine and they don't understand why it's all and they don't understand why it's all and they don't understand why it's all so hard. If you believe the battle is so hard. If you believe the battle is so hard. If you believe the battle is real, then don't isolate yourself. It's real, then don't isolate yourself. It's real, then don't isolate yourself. It's like we need each other. You don't skip like we need each other. You don't skip like we need each other. You don't skip out on church for 6 weeks. You you you out on church for 6 weeks. You you you out on church for 6 weeks. You you you make sure you have somebody in your life make sure you have somebody in your life make sure you have somebody in your life who can ask you hard questions and have who can ask you hard questions and have who can ask you hard questions and have hard conversations. Somebody that hard conversations. Somebody that hard conversations. Somebody that notices when you start to slouch notices when you start to slouch notices when you start to slouch spiritually. Symptom number five, you use words other than sin.

you use words other than sin. You've stopped using the word sin and You've stopped using the word sin and You've stopped using the word sin and you prefer words that are more you prefer words that are more you prefer words that are more comfortable. So you say, "Well, it was comfortable. So you say, "Well, it was comfortable. So you say, "Well, it was an accident. It was a mistake and I've an accident. It was a mistake and I've an accident. It was a mistake and I've been struggling or it's a failure." been struggling or it's a failure." been struggling or it's a failure." We've got this whole vocabulary built We've got this whole vocabulary built We've got this whole vocabulary built around not calling sin sin. But here's around not calling sin sin. But here's around not calling sin sin. But here's the problem with every one of those the problem with every one of those the problem with every one of those words. Like repentance doesn't really words. Like repentance doesn't really words. Like repentance doesn't really seem like the response. It doesn't work. seem like the response. It doesn't work. seem like the response. It doesn't work. Like it's hard to repent of a mistake. Like it's hard to repent of a mistake. Like it's hard to repent of a mistake. It was just a mistake. Didn't mean to do It was just a mistake. Didn't mean to do It was just a mistake. Didn't mean to do it. Same with accident. It was just an it. Same with accident. It was just an it. Same with accident. It was just an accident. Hard to repent of an accident. accident. Hard to repent of an accident. accident. Hard to repent of an accident. You can't repent of a struggle because You can't repent of a struggle because You can't repent of a struggle because hey, I'm trying. Repentance really only hey, I'm trying. Repentance really only hey, I'm trying. Repentance really only works with sin. And so if you really works with sin. And so if you really works with sin. And so if you really believe the battle is real, repentance believe the battle is real, repentance believe the battle is real, repentance is a regular part of your life. Not to is a regular part of your life. Not to is a regular part of your life. Not to shame you, but to free you. And so this shame you, but to free you. And so this shame you, but to free you. And so this is what Jesus says. He says, "Repent. is what Jesus says. He says, "Repent. is what Jesus says. He says, "Repent. The kingdom of heaven is near." Like The kingdom of heaven is near." Like The kingdom of heaven is near." Like your response to the kingdom of heaven your response to the kingdom of heaven your response to the kingdom of heaven should be responses. I I think for a lot should be responses. I I think for a lot should be responses. I I think for a lot of us it's hard is because the word of us it's hard is because the word of us it's hard is because the word repent is a word that we think of as repent is a word that we think of as repent is a word that we think of as being written on a cardboard sign and being written on a cardboard sign and being written on a cardboard sign and held by a man on a street corner or or held by a man on a street corner or or held by a man on a street corner or or maybe it's a word you associate with an maybe it's a word you associate with an maybe it's a word you associate with an angry preacher who's yelling redfaced angry preacher who's yelling redfaced angry preacher who's yelling redfaced pounding the pulpit like repent sounds pounding the pulpit like repent sounds pounding the pulpit like repent sounds like a shaming word like a a religious like a shaming word like a a religious like a shaming word like a a religious word to make you feel worse about word to make you feel worse about word to make you feel worse about yourself.

yourself. yourself. That's not the gospel. That's not what That's not the gospel. That's not what That's not the gospel. That's not what that word means in the Greek. That word that word means in the Greek. That word that word means in the Greek. That word means change your mind and then change means change your mind and then change means change your mind and then change your direction. your direction. your direction. So it's not really even a religious So it's not really even a religious So it's not really even a religious word. It it's and it's not really an word. It it's and it's not really an word. It it's and it's not really an emotion. It's it's it's turning. It's emotion. It's it's it's turning. It's emotion. It's it's it's turning. It's really a military word of um turnabout really a military word of um turnabout really a military word of um turnabout face where you're going one direction face where you're going one direction face where you're going one direction and you stop because you realize it's and you stop because you realize it's and you stop because you realize it's the wrong way and you turn and you go a the wrong way and you turn and you go a the wrong way and you turn and you go a different way. different way. different way. And that's not really a religious thing. And that's not really a religious thing. And that's not really a religious thing. This is what smart people do. If you This is what smart people do. If you This is what smart people do. If you realize you're going the wrong realize you're going the wrong realize you're going the wrong direction, you stop going that direction, you stop going that direction, you stop going that direction. direction. direction. And you repent. And this should be a And you repent. And this should be a And you repent. And this should be a regular part of our lives. If we believe regular part of our lives. If we believe regular part of our lives. If we believe the kingdom is real, I have a word that the kingdom is real, I have a word that the kingdom is real, I have a word that I sometimes use instead of sin. I sometimes use instead of sin. I sometimes use instead of sin. It's it's one word that often keeps me It's it's one word that often keeps me It's it's one word that often keeps me from living like the battle is real. from living like the battle is real. from living like the battle is real. It's a respectable word. And I didn't It's a respectable word. And I didn't It's a respectable word. And I didn't realize I was using it instead of sin.

realize I was using it instead of sin. realize I was using it instead of sin. Instead of using the word sin, I like to Instead of using the word sin, I like to Instead of using the word sin, I like to use the word busy. use the word busy. use the word busy. I've said it a thousand times. I've said I've said it a thousand times. I've said I've said it a thousand times. I've said it to some of you. I've said it to my it to some of you. I've said it to my it to some of you. I've said it to my wife, to my kids. I've said it to God, wife, to my kids. I've said it to God, wife, to my kids. I've said it to God, and to myself. and to myself. and to myself. I'm not sinning. I'm busy. I'm not sinning. I'm busy. I'm not sinning. I'm busy. I'll just say maybe it's it's a busy I'll just say maybe it's it's a busy I'll just say maybe it's it's a busy season. Hard to repent of a busy season. season. Hard to repent of a busy season. season. Hard to repent of a busy season. A few months ago, I woke up early on a A few months ago, I woke up early on a A few months ago, I woke up early on a Tuesday morning and I went to elder Tuesday morning and I went to elder Tuesday morning and I went to elder prayer time at 7:00 a.m. I get on my prayer time at 7:00 a.m. I get on my prayer time at 7:00 a.m. I get on my knees with the elders and I'm suddenly knees with the elders and I'm suddenly knees with the elders and I'm suddenly struck by something. It's really struck by something. It's really struck by something. It's really embarrassing for me to admit. I was embarrassing for me to admit. I was embarrassing for me to admit. I was struck by the fact that the last time I struck by the fact that the last time I struck by the fact that the last time I had actually prayed had actually prayed had actually prayed was the Tuesday before that. Like a week was the Tuesday before that. Like a week was the Tuesday before that. Like a week had gone by. I had preached, I had had gone by. I had preached, I had had gone by. I had preached, I had written, I had led without really written, I had led without really written, I had led without really praying. like, yeah, maybe some prayers praying. like, yeah, maybe some prayers praying. like, yeah, maybe some prayers before meals, but I mean like really before meals, but I mean like really before meals, but I mean like really praying, thoughtfully, intentionally praying, thoughtfully, intentionally praying, thoughtfully, intentionally praying. And so I I I'm on my knees praying. And so I I I'm on my knees praying. And so I I I'm on my knees there trying to explain to God. I'm not there trying to explain to God. I'm not there trying to explain to God. I'm not repenting. I'm managing. I'm like, God, repenting. I'm managing. I'm like, God, repenting. I'm managing. I'm like, God, it's been I've been busy. You get it.

it's been I've been busy. You get it. it's been I've been busy. You get it. You get it. Like I I'm using the word You get it. Like I I'm using the word You get it. Like I I'm using the word busy. busy. busy. But as I knelt down, But as I knelt down, But as I knelt down, I could feel the tears rolling up in my I could feel the tears rolling up in my I could feel the tears rolling up in my eyes. I tried to explain again to God, God, I tried to explain again to God, God, I've been busy doing what you asked me I've been busy doing what you asked me I've been busy doing what you asked me to do. And yet, I knew down deep like it to do. And yet, I knew down deep like it to do. And yet, I knew down deep like it wasn't the right word. Busy wasn't the wasn't the right word. Busy wasn't the wasn't the right word. Busy wasn't the right word. This is one of the best right word. This is one of the best right word. This is one of the best tricks the enemy has played on me. tricks the enemy has played on me. tricks the enemy has played on me. Because in my line of work, like Because in my line of work, like Because in my line of work, like busyiness can look like fa faithfulness. busyiness can look like fa faithfulness. busyiness can look like fa faithfulness. I can prepare a message on prayer I can prepare a message on prayer I can prepare a message on prayer instead of praying. I can talk about God instead of praying. I can talk about God instead of praying. I can talk about God for a living and then go almost a week for a living and then go almost a week for a living and then go almost a week without saying anything to God. And I without saying anything to God. And I without saying anything to God. And I don't know of another job quite like don't know of another job quite like don't know of another job quite like that where you can be that far away and that where you can be that far away and that where you can be that far away and then from the outside it it looks like then from the outside it it looks like then from the outside it it looks like devotion. devotion. devotion. I had been so busy talking about God I had been so busy talking about God I had been so busy talking about God that I wasn't talking to him. And then that I wasn't talking to him. And then that I wasn't talking to him. And then it dawned on me maybe maybe I I have it dawned on me maybe maybe I I have it dawned on me maybe maybe I I have used this word busy instead of sin in used this word busy instead of sin in used this word busy instead of sin in other ways too.

other ways too. other ways too. Because when I have been short with one Because when I have been short with one Because when I have been short with one of my kids, of my kids, of my kids, when I'm impatient, when I'm impatient, when I'm impatient, get angry, I don't say I'm sinning. I get angry, I don't say I'm sinning. I get angry, I don't say I'm sinning. I say, "Hey, I've got a lot going on right say, "Hey, I've got a lot going on right say, "Hey, I've got a lot going on right now. It's a busy season." now. It's a busy season." now. It's a busy season." When my wife is telling me something and When my wife is telling me something and When my wife is telling me something and I'm kind of looking at her and nodding I'm kind of looking at her and nodding I'm kind of looking at her and nodding and I'm not really paying attention, I don't say I'm not honoring you. I I don't say I'm not honoring you. I don't say I'm sinning. I say, "I'm don't say I'm sinning. I say, "I'm don't say I'm sinning. I say, "I'm distracted." You understand? It's busy distracted." You understand? It's busy distracted." You understand? It's busy right now. And 31 years in, she really right now. And 31 years in, she really right now. And 31 years in, she really doesn't get frustrated anymore. Not doesn't get frustrated anymore. Not doesn't get frustrated anymore. Not really. She kind of just accepts the really. She kind of just accepts the really. She kind of just accepts the fact that there are these stretches fact that there are these stretches fact that there are these stretches where I'm in the house, but I'm not where I'm in the house, but I'm not where I'm in the house, but I'm not home. And I've been okay with that home. And I've been okay with that home. And I've been okay with that because, you know, it's my schedule. And because, you know, it's my schedule. And because, you know, it's my schedule. And it's hard to repent of a schedule. It's it's hard to repent of a schedule. It's it's hard to repent of a schedule. It's just a schedule [sighs] just a schedule [sighs] just a schedule [sighs] when I haven't been the spiritual leader when I haven't been the spiritual leader when I haven't been the spiritual leader my family needs. like where there's been my family needs. like where there's been my family needs. like where there's been stretches where my kids spiritual stretches where my kids spiritual stretches where my kids spiritual leadership came more from my sermons leadership came more from my sermons leadership came more from my sermons that they heard in church. I don't say that they heard in church. I don't say that they heard in church. I don't say I've I've neglected that role.

I've I've neglected that role. I've I've neglected that role. I don't call it sin. I just say it's a I don't call it sin. I just say it's a I don't call it sin. I just say it's a busy season. busy season. busy season. And here's the part that's hard to say And here's the part that's hard to say And here's the part that's hard to say out loud. Like sometimes I'm busy and in out loud. Like sometimes I'm busy and in out loud. Like sometimes I'm busy and in my busy season I'm more focused on my busy season I'm more focused on my busy season I'm more focused on building an audience than an army. Now, building an audience than an army. Now, building an audience than an army. Now, some of it's disobedience and some of or some of it's disobedience and some of or some of it's disobedience and some of or some of it's obedience, some of it's some of it's obedience, some of it's some of it's obedience, some of it's faithfulness, but but a lot of it's faithfulness, but but a lot of it's faithfulness, but but a lot of it's protecting a reputation or trying to protecting a reputation or trying to protecting a reputation or trying to impress a room, impress a room, impress a room, but a busy season isn't something you but a busy season isn't something you but a busy season isn't something you can really repent of. It's something you can really repent of. It's something you can really repent of. It's something you survive. It's something you can explain. survive. It's something you can explain. survive. It's something you can explain. It's something that everybody else has It's something that everybody else has It's something that everybody else has to just tolerate until it passes. And to just tolerate until it passes. And to just tolerate until it passes. And I've been in a busy season for about 25 I've been in a busy season for about 25 I've been in a busy season for about 25 years. And at some point, years. And at some point, years. And at some point, it stopped being a season and it just it stopped being a season and it just it stopped being a season and it just started becoming my posture, started becoming my posture, started becoming my posture, my default, my resting state. I'm 50 my default, my resting state. I'm 50 my default, my resting state. I'm 50 years old and I'd like to stop lying years old and I'd like to stop lying years old and I'd like to stop lying about it. It's not a season. It's a sin. about it. It's not a season. It's a sin. about it. It's not a season. It's a sin. It's hard to repent of a season. I I It's hard to repent of a season. I I It's hard to repent of a season. I I told you about the baptistry, standing told you about the baptistry, standing told you about the baptistry, standing waist deep in that water, listening to waist deep in that water, listening to waist deep in that water, listening to story after story, hearing those two story after story, hearing those two story after story, hearing those two words, but God. But God.

words, but God. But God. words, but God. But God. I just want you to notice where that I just want you to notice where that I just want you to notice where that phrase shows up in a person's story. It phrase shows up in a person's story. It phrase shows up in a person's story. It doesn't show up in the part where they doesn't show up in the part where they doesn't show up in the part where they have it all together. It shows up in the have it all together. It shows up in the have it all together. It shows up in the part where they finally stop pretending. part where they finally stop pretending. part where they finally stop pretending. Like every time the turn comes, the Like every time the turn comes, the Like every time the turn comes, the kingdom of heaven breaks through right kingdom of heaven breaks through right kingdom of heaven breaks through right after someone tells the truth about after someone tells the truth about after someone tells the truth about themselves. themselves. themselves. I know that some of you are longing for I know that some of you are longing for I know that some of you are longing for a but God moment in your story a but God moment in your story a but God moment in your story and you felt discouraged for a while or and you felt discouraged for a while or and you felt discouraged for a while or you felt worn out for a while and you're you felt worn out for a while and you're you felt worn out for a while and you're ready for some hope and you're ready for ready for some hope and you're ready for ready for some hope and you're ready for some redemption and you're ready you're some redemption and you're ready you're some redemption and you're ready you're ready for him to do something beautiful ready for him to do something beautiful ready for him to do something beautiful out of some things that are broken. The out of some things that are broken. The out of some things that are broken. The best way I know to invite a but God best way I know to invite a but God best way I know to invite a but God moment into your life is repentance. moment into your life is repentance. moment into your life is repentance. It's it's surrender. The kingdom of It's it's surrender. The kingdom of It's it's surrender. The kingdom of heaven breaks through in those moments. heaven breaks through in those moments. heaven breaks through in those moments. where you when you see the truth about where you when you see the truth about where you when you see the truth about yourself, it invites God to break yourself, it invites God to break yourself, it invites God to break through. It invites a but God moment.

through. It invites a but God moment. through. It invites a but God moment. Well, Elisha prayed a simple prayer over Well, Elisha prayed a simple prayer over Well, Elisha prayed a simple prayer over his servant, and it is the prayer I want his servant, and it is the prayer I want his servant, and it is the prayer I want to pray over you. God, open their eyes to pray over you. God, open their eyes to pray over you. God, open their eyes that they may see.