Is Revival Coming?

I know for some of you this weekend is I know for some of you this weekend is complicated. Like you love this country, complicated. Like you love this country, complicated. Like you love this country, but you're also worried about it. Like but you're also worried about it. Like but you're also worried about it. Like you see what's happening in the you see what's happening in the you see what's happening in the headlines and in culture, conversations headlines and in culture, conversations headlines and in culture, conversations around your dinner table, and you feel around your dinner table, and you feel around your dinner table, and you feel something that can be hard to name. It's something that can be hard to name. It's something that can be hard to name. It's not quite fear or anger. not quite fear or anger. not quite fear or anger. Something maybe closer to grief, like Something maybe closer to grief, like Something maybe closer to grief, like watching someone you love make choices watching someone you love make choices watching someone you love make choices that you can't stop them from making, that you can't stop them from making, that you can't stop them from making, but you're sure of where it's leading. but you're sure of where it's leading. but you're sure of where it's leading. So, look, I'm not going to stand up here So, look, I'm not going to stand up here So, look, I'm not going to stand up here and pretend that away. I'm not going to and pretend that away. I'm not going to and pretend that away. I'm not going to give you a pep talk about how everything give you a pep talk about how everything give you a pep talk about how everything is fine in our country, cuz I don't is fine in our country, cuz I don't is fine in our country, cuz I don't think you'd believe me, and I don't think you'd believe me, and I don't think you'd believe me, and I don't think I'd believe it myself. But here's think I'd believe it myself. But here's think I'd believe it myself. But here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to take what I'm going to do. I'm going to take what I'm going to do. I'm going to take you back 250 years in American history you back 250 years in American history you back 250 years in American history and then several thousand years into and then several thousand years into and then several thousand years into ancient Egypt ancient Egypt ancient Egypt because I think the story of a man named because I think the story of a man named because I think the story of a man named Joseph in the book of Genesis actually Joseph in the book of Genesis actually Joseph in the book of Genesis actually has a lot to say about this moment in has a lot to say about this moment in has a lot to say about this moment in America. So stay with me. We're going to America. So stay with me. We're going to America. So stay with me. We're going to celebrate. We're going to look at celebrate. We're going to look at celebrate. We're going to look at scripture and I hope by the time we're scripture and I hope by the time we're scripture and I hope by the time we're done, we're going to leave here with done, we're going to leave here with done, we're going to leave here with something much more useful than a something much more useful than a something much more useful than a political platform or the latest hot political platform or the latest hot political platform or the latest hot take. 250 years ago, something happened take. 250 years ago, something happened take. 250 years ago, something happened that changed the world. A group of men, that changed the world. A group of men, that changed the world. A group of men, like imperfect and complicated men, but like imperfect and complicated men, but like imperfect and complicated men, but courageous men, signed their names to a courageous men, signed their names to a courageous men, signed their names to a document that declared something the document that declared something the document that declared something the world had never heard a nation declare world had never heard a nation declare world had never heard a nation declare before. that all people are created

before. that all people are created before. that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their equal, that they are endowed by their equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. creator with certain unalienable rights. creator with certain unalienable rights. Among those are life, liberty, and the Among those are life, liberty, and the Among those are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And there's pursuit of happiness. And there's pursuit of happiness. And there's something telling about some of the something telling about some of the something telling about some of the language that's tucked in to the end of language that's tucked in to the end of language that's tucked in to the end of the Declaration of Independence. It's the Declaration of Independence. It's the Declaration of Independence. It's easy to overlook because it's not easy to overlook because it's not easy to overlook because it's not political language. It's actually political language. It's actually political language. It's actually theological. It says with a firm theological. It says with a firm theological. It says with a firm reliance on the protection of divine reliance on the protection of divine reliance on the protection of divine providence, a reliance on divine providence, a reliance on divine providence, a reliance on divine providence, it's a dependence on God. providence, it's a dependence on God. providence, it's a dependence on God. And so it's not an accident that this And so it's not an accident that this And so it's not an accident that this document opens with God as creator and document opens with God as creator and document opens with God as creator and it closes with God as protector. Like it closes with God as protector. Like it closes with God as protector. Like these men, whatever their faults, these men, whatever their faults, these men, whatever their faults, believed that God was not a spec what believed that God was not a spec what believed that God was not a spec what was a spectator to what they were doing. was a spectator to what they were doing. was a spectator to what they were doing. So they knew what they were risking. So they knew what they were risking. So they knew what they were risking. Benjamin Franklin in the room that day Benjamin Franklin in the room that day Benjamin Franklin in the room that day said, "We must all hang together or most said, "We must all hang together or most said, "We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately." assuredly we will all hang separately." assuredly we will all hang separately." A lot's happened in the last 250 years.

A lot's happened in the last 250 years. A lot's happened in the last 250 years. Washington crosses the Delaware. An army Washington crosses the Delaware. An army Washington crosses the Delaware. An army of farmers and tradesmen defeat the most of farmers and tradesmen defeat the most of farmers and tradesmen defeat the most powerful military empire on earth. powerful military empire on earth. powerful military empire on earth. Abraham Lincoln stood on the steps of Abraham Lincoln stood on the steps of Abraham Lincoln stood on the steps of the capital in the final months of the the capital in the final months of the the capital in the final months of the Civil War and he called the nation to Civil War and he called the nation to Civil War and he called the nation to humility. He said, "Both sides, quotes, humility. He said, "Both sides, quotes, humility. He said, "Both sides, quotes, read the same Bible and pray to the same read the same Bible and pray to the same read the same Bible and pray to the same God." It was the most divided moment in God." It was the most divided moment in God." It was the most divided moment in our country's history. And he reached our country's history. And he reached our country's history. And he reached for scripture to find a way through. for scripture to find a way through. for scripture to find a way through. One night on December 31st in 1862, One night on December 31st in 1862, One night on December 31st in 1862, enslaved and free black Americans enslaved and free black Americans enslaved and free black Americans gathered in churches and in private gathered in churches and in private gathered in churches and in private homes all across the country waiting for homes all across the country waiting for homes all across the country waiting for the news of the Emancipation the news of the Emancipation the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect. At the Proclamation to take effect. At the Proclamation to take effect. At the stroke of midnight, the news broke. It stroke of midnight, the news broke. It stroke of midnight, the news broke. It was received that this had been passed was received that this had been passed was received that this had been passed and there were prayers of gratitude, and there were prayers of gratitude, and there were prayers of gratitude, songs of joy as people fell to their songs of joy as people fell to their songs of joy as people fell to their knees and they thanked God. In 1869, knees and they thanked God. In 1869, knees and they thanked God. In 1869, there was the transcontinental railroad.

there was the transcontinental railroad. there was the transcontinental railroad. A nation had stitched itself together A nation had stitched itself together A nation had stitched itself together from coast to coast through mountains from coast to coast through mountains from coast to coast through mountains and plains, impossible terrain on sheer and plains, impossible terrain on sheer and plains, impossible terrain on sheer will and perseverance. In 1903, will and perseverance. In 1903, will and perseverance. In 1903, um, Orville and Wilbur Wright, bicycle um, Orville and Wilbur Wright, bicycle um, Orville and Wilbur Wright, bicycle mechanics from Ohio, took a 12se mechanics from Ohio, took a 12se mechanics from Ohio, took a 12se secondond flight across 120 ft of North secondond flight across 120 ft of North secondond flight across 120 ft of North Carolina beach and 66 years later, we Carolina beach and 66 years later, we Carolina beach and 66 years later, we were on the moon. 1969, were on the moon. 1969, were on the moon. 1969, Neil Armstrong stood on the surface on Neil Armstrong stood on the surface on Neil Armstrong stood on the surface on the moon, as far as you know, and he the moon, as far as you know, and he the moon, as far as you know, and he planted an American flag. A little known planted an American flag. A little known planted an American flag. A little known fact is that Buzz Aldrin did something fact is that Buzz Aldrin did something fact is that Buzz Aldrin did something before taking a single step. He took out before taking a single step. He took out before taking a single step. He took out a small communion kit that his pastor a small communion kit that his pastor a small communion kit that his pastor had given him. And he took communion on had given him. And he took communion on had given him. And he took communion on the surface of the moon. the surface of the moon. the surface of the moon. Men stormed beaches to liberate people Men stormed beaches to liberate people Men stormed beaches to liberate people they had never met. Immigrants crossed they had never met. Immigrants crossed they had never met. Immigrants crossed oceans with nothing but a suitcase and a oceans with nothing but a suitcase and a oceans with nothing but a suitcase and a dream. And they built something from dream. And they built something from dream. And they built something from scratch. A generation marched peacefully scratch. A generation marched peacefully scratch. A generation marched peacefully and changed the conscience of a country. and changed the conscience of a country. and changed the conscience of a country. Ordinary heroes ran towards buildings in Ordinary heroes ran towards buildings in Ordinary heroes ran towards buildings in New York. like 250 years. There's plenty New York. like 250 years. There's plenty New York. like 250 years. There's plenty we could criticize and critique, but we could criticize and critique, but we could criticize and critique, but today's a day we celebrate, like we have today's a day we celebrate, like we have today's a day we celebrate, like we have gratitude. And when we look back over gratitude. And when we look back over gratitude. And when we look back over 250 years and we think about the history 250 years and we think about the history 250 years and we think about the history of our country, we tend to look through of our country, we tend to look through of our country, we tend to look through like a political lens, like we focus on like a political lens, like we focus on like a political lens, like we focus on the wars and the presidents, the the wars and the presidents, the the wars and the presidents, the amendments and the elections.

amendments and the elections. amendments and the elections. But it is the spiritual history that I But it is the spiritual history that I But it is the spiritual history that I really want us to appreciate today. really want us to appreciate today. really want us to appreciate today. It's a history of a God who has refused It's a history of a God who has refused It's a history of a God who has refused like repeatedly and stubbornly let this like repeatedly and stubbornly let this like repeatedly and stubbornly let this country go dark. To help us have a frame country go dark. To help us have a frame country go dark. To help us have a frame for what's happened to this country for what's happened to this country for what's happened to this country spiritually, I want to take you to spiritually, I want to take you to spiritually, I want to take you to ancient Egypt. We have been studying the ancient Egypt. We have been studying the ancient Egypt. We have been studying the book of Genesis since the beginning of book of Genesis since the beginning of book of Genesis since the beginning of the year. And we're currently going the year. And we're currently going the year. And we're currently going through the life of Joseph. And in through the life of Joseph. And in through the life of Joseph. And in Genesis 41, a man named Joseph has had Genesis 41, a man named Joseph has had Genesis 41, a man named Joseph has had uh the worst decade imaginable. Sold uh the worst decade imaginable. Sold uh the worst decade imaginable. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely into slavery by his brothers, falsely into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by his boss's wife, thrown into accused by his boss's wife, thrown into accused by his boss's wife, thrown into prison, forgotten by the one person who prison, forgotten by the one person who prison, forgotten by the one person who promised to help him get him out. And by promised to help him get him out. And by promised to help him get him out. And by the time we reach chapter 41, like the time we reach chapter 41, like the time we reach chapter 41, like Joseph has every reason to be bitter, to Joseph has every reason to be bitter, to Joseph has every reason to be bitter, to be hopeless. be hopeless. be hopeless. But then Pharaoh has a dream. But then Pharaoh has a dream. But then Pharaoh has a dream. Seven fat cows, like seven fat, healthy Seven fat cows, like seven fat, healthy Seven fat cows, like seven fat, healthy cows in his dream, come up out of the cows in his dream, come up out of the cows in his dream, come up out of the Nile. And then seven starving, ugly, Nile. And then seven starving, ugly, Nile. And then seven starving, ugly, like barely hanging on cows come up like barely hanging on cows come up like barely hanging on cows come up behind him and devour the fat ones. He behind him and devour the fat ones. He behind him and devour the fat ones. He wakes up sweating.

wakes up sweating. wakes up sweating. He has another dream, kind of a very He has another dream, kind of a very He has another dream, kind of a very similar dream, and he is disturbed. He similar dream, and he is disturbed. He similar dream, and he is disturbed. He calls every wise man in Egypt to calls every wise man in Egypt to calls every wise man in Egypt to interpret the dream, but nobody knows interpret the dream, but nobody knows interpret the dream, but nobody knows what they mean. But somebody remembers a what they mean. But somebody remembers a what they mean. But somebody remembers a Hebrew in prison named Joseph who was Hebrew in prison named Joseph who was Hebrew in prison named Joseph who was said to be able to interpret dreams. And said to be able to interpret dreams. And said to be able to interpret dreams. And so Joseph is pulled out of his prison so Joseph is pulled out of his prison so Joseph is pulled out of his prison cell. He's cleaned up and he is brought cell. He's cleaned up and he is brought cell. He's cleaned up and he is brought before the most powerful man in the before the most powerful man in the before the most powerful man in the world. And he just says it plainly. world. And he just says it plainly. world. And he just says it plainly. Genesis 41 29-30. Genesis 41 29-30. Genesis 41 29-30. 7 years of great abundance are coming 7 years of great abundance are coming 7 years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt and then 7 throughout the land of Egypt and then 7 throughout the land of Egypt and then 7 years of famine will follow them. Seven years of famine will follow them. Seven years of famine will follow them. Seven years of plenty, seven years of famine. years of plenty, seven years of famine. years of plenty, seven years of famine. The famine will be so severe it will The famine will be so severe it will The famine will be so severe it will consume everything that the abundance consume everything that the abundance consume everything that the abundance produced and it will spread across the produced and it will spread across the produced and it will spread across the entire known world. And then Joseph does entire known world. And then Joseph does entire known world. And then Joseph does something bold like pretty risky like something bold like pretty risky like something bold like pretty risky like Pharaoh asks for an interpretation but Pharaoh asks for an interpretation but Pharaoh asks for an interpretation but Joseph doesn't stop there. He also gives Joseph doesn't stop there. He also gives Joseph doesn't stop there. He also gives him a strategy. In other words, he him a strategy. In other words, he him a strategy. In other words, he doesn't just tell him what it means. He doesn't just tell him what it means. He doesn't just tell him what it means. He tells Pharaoh, "Here's what you should tells Pharaoh, "Here's what you should tells Pharaoh, "Here's what you should do about it." Joseph says, "Find a wise do about it." Joseph says, "Find a wise do about it." Joseph says, "Find a wise man and appoint him over the land and man and appoint him over the land and man and appoint him over the land and collect 1/5th of every harvest during collect 1/5th of every harvest during collect 1/5th of every harvest during the good years. Store it in every city the good years. Store it in every city the good years. Store it in every city so that the nation will be ready when so that the nation will be ready when so that the nation will be ready when the famine comes." And Pharaoh looks the famine comes." And Pharaoh looks the famine comes." And Pharaoh looks around the room and he looks back at around the room and he looks back at around the room and he looks back at Joseph who just gave this advice and Joseph who just gave this advice and Joseph who just gave this advice and he's like, "Well, who's going to be he's like, "Well, who's going to be he's like, "Well, who's going to be better than you?" and he puts his better than you?" and he puts his better than you?" and he puts his signate ring on Joseph's hand, gold signate ring on Joseph's hand, gold signate ring on Joseph's hand, gold chain around Joseph's neck, and he gives

chain around Joseph's neck, and he gives chain around Joseph's neck, and he gives him authority over all of Egypt. him authority over all of Egypt. him authority over all of Egypt. Suddenly, Joseph is second only to Suddenly, Joseph is second only to Suddenly, Joseph is second only to Pharaoh himself, the second most Pharaoh himself, the second most Pharaoh himself, the second most powerful man in the world now, is powerful man in the world now, is powerful man in the world now, is Joseph. And he gets to work. Genesis 41 Joseph. And he gets to work. Genesis 41 Joseph. And he gets to work. Genesis 41 says, "He gathered up all the food and says, "He gathered up all the food and says, "He gathered up all the food and he stored it in the cities. And for he stored it in the cities. And for he stored it in the cities. And for seven years, while all of Egypt is seven years, while all of Egypt is seven years, while all of Egypt is eating well and living comfortably and eating well and living comfortably and eating well and living comfortably and enjoying abundance, like Joseph is enjoying abundance, like Joseph is enjoying abundance, like Joseph is filling storehouses, every city, every filling storehouses, every city, every filling storehouses, every city, every region, the Bible says that the grain region, the Bible says that the grain region, the Bible says that the grain became like sand on the seashore. They became like sand on the seashore. They became like sand on the seashore. They stopped counting it because there was stopped counting it because there was stopped counting it because there was too much to measure. So there's not too much to measure. So there's not too much to measure. So there's not really a dramatic moment, no big scene, really a dramatic moment, no big scene, really a dramatic moment, no big scene, just Joseph faithfully working, storing, just Joseph faithfully working, storing, just Joseph faithfully working, storing, believing that what God said was going believing that what God said was going believing that what God said was going to happen was really going to happen. to happen was really going to happen. to happen was really going to happen. And for seven years he does something And for seven years he does something And for seven years he does something about it before a single person feels about it before a single person feels about it before a single person feels hungry. So what saved a generation hungry. So what saved a generation hungry. So what saved a generation really what saved the known world was a really what saved the known world was a really what saved the known world was a man who took the revelation from God man who took the revelation from God man who took the revelation from God seriously enough to do something about seriously enough to do something about seriously enough to do something about it even though most of the people at the it even though most of the people at the it even though most of the people at the time thought it wasn't necessary.

time thought it wasn't necessary. time thought it wasn't necessary. Genesis 41 says all the earth then came Genesis 41 says all the earth then came Genesis 41 says all the earth then came to Egypt and to Joseph to buy grain to Egypt and to Joseph to buy grain to Egypt and to Joseph to buy grain because the famine was severe over all because the famine was severe over all because the famine was severe over all the earth. like not just Egypt, not just the earth. like not just Egypt, not just the earth. like not just Egypt, not just the immediate neighbors, like people the immediate neighbors, like people the immediate neighbors, like people came from every direction, every nation, came from every direction, every nation, came from every direction, every nation, every background, all of them hungry. every background, all of them hungry. every background, all of them hungry. And so, Joseph's story is not just And so, Joseph's story is not just And so, Joseph's story is not just ancient history. It's a template of how ancient history. It's a template of how ancient history. It's a template of how God reveals and how God provides and how God reveals and how God provides and how God reveals and how God provides and how God raises up people at just the right God raises up people at just the right God raises up people at just the right time. It's an example of someone being time. It's an example of someone being time. It's an example of someone being faithful during a time when nobody else faithful during a time when nobody else faithful during a time when nobody else seemed that concerned. Like everybody seemed that concerned. Like everybody seemed that concerned. Like everybody else was pretty comfortable. But Joseph, else was pretty comfortable. But Joseph, else was pretty comfortable. But Joseph, like he had different eyes for what was like he had different eyes for what was like he had different eyes for what was happening and for what one day would happening and for what one day would happening and for what one day would happen. And so God, I believe, has been happen. And so God, I believe, has been happen. And so God, I believe, has been doing that kind of work on American soil doing that kind of work on American soil doing that kind of work on American soil for 250 years. Every time this nation for 250 years. Every time this nation for 250 years. Every time this nation has gone spiritually dark. Every time has gone spiritually dark. Every time has gone spiritually dark. Every time there's been a spiritual famine of some there's been a spiritual famine of some there's been a spiritual famine of some kind, God has appointed someone willing kind, God has appointed someone willing kind, God has appointed someone willing to fill storehouses. I'm going to tell to fill storehouses. I'm going to tell to fill storehouses. I'm going to tell you about some of those moments in you about some of those moments in you about some of those moments in American history. I want to introduce American history. I want to introduce American history. I want to introduce you to some of those people. Looking you to some of those people. Looking you to some of those people. Looking back over the past 250 years of America, back over the past 250 years of America, back over the past 250 years of America, we see that about every about every 50 we see that about every about every 50 we see that about every about every 50 years, almost like clockwork, there's a years, almost like clockwork, there's a years, almost like clockwork, there's a spiritual famine followed by spiritual spiritual famine followed by spiritual spiritual famine followed by spiritual awakening. Like God opens up a awakening. Like God opens up a awakening. Like God opens up a storehouse and people who are storehouse and people who are storehouse and people who are spiritually starving come from all over.

spiritually starving come from all over. spiritually starving come from all over. So let's start in 1734 in Northampton, So let's start in 1734 in Northampton, So let's start in 1734 in Northampton, Massachusetts. The American colonies Massachusetts. The American colonies Massachusetts. The American colonies were in spiritual famine. The churches were in spiritual famine. The churches were in spiritual famine. The churches were formal and cold. A generation a were formal and cold. A generation a were formal and cold. A generation a generation had grown up treating God as generation had grown up treating God as generation had grown up treating God as a intellectual exercise at best like a intellectual exercise at best like a intellectual exercise at best like nobody was really being saved. Nobody nobody was really being saved. Nobody nobody was really being saved. Nobody was really changing. It's tradition. But was really changing. It's tradition. But was really changing. It's tradition. But then a pastor named Jonathan Edwards then a pastor named Jonathan Edwards then a pastor named Jonathan Edwards preached a famous sermon called Sinners preached a famous sermon called Sinners preached a famous sermon called Sinners in the hands of an angry God. And the in the hands of an angry God. And the in the hands of an angry God. And the language in that sermon is pretty language in that sermon is pretty language in that sermon is pretty terrifying. He pictures spiders dangling terrifying. He pictures spiders dangling terrifying. He pictures spiders dangling over flames, a pit of hell opening be over flames, a pit of hell opening be over flames, a pit of hell opening be beneath your feet, and God's wrath beneath your feet, and God's wrath beneath your feet, and God's wrath burning like fire. And so, like Joseph, burning like fire. And so, like Joseph, burning like fire. And so, like Joseph, he is speaking truth even when it's hard he is speaking truth even when it's hard he is speaking truth even when it's hard to hear. But it woke the church up. When to hear. But it woke the church up. When to hear. But it woke the church up. When you read that sermon, you picture a man you read that sermon, you picture a man you read that sermon, you picture a man preaching it who's thundering from a preaching it who's thundering from a preaching it who's thundering from a pulpit, you know, pounding the lectern. pulpit, you know, pounding the lectern. pulpit, you know, pounding the lectern. But that wasn't Jonathan Edwards. Like, But that wasn't Jonathan Edwards. Like, But that wasn't Jonathan Edwards. Like, he didn't have a commanding voice or he didn't have a commanding voice or he didn't have a commanding voice or dramatic gestures. His eyesight was so dramatic gestures. His eyesight was so dramatic gestures. His eyesight was so bad he had to hold his manuscript a few bad he had to hold his manuscript a few bad he had to hold his manuscript a few inches from his face to read it. But he inches from his face to read it. But he inches from his face to read it. But he spoke truth and he preached about grace spoke truth and he preached about grace spoke truth and he preached about grace like he believed it. And people came like he believed it. And people came like he believed it. And people came flooding to Jesus. George Whitfield flooding to Jesus. George Whitfield flooding to Jesus. George Whitfield followed crosses the Atlantic and he followed crosses the Atlantic and he followed crosses the Atlantic and he starts preaching to like 30,000 people starts preaching to like 30,000 people starts preaching to like 30,000 people at a time in open fields because no at a time in open fields because no at a time in open fields because no building could hold the crowds. When he building could hold the crowds. When he building could hold the crowds. When he assessed the American churches, he was assessed the American churches, he was assessed the American churches, he was honest with his conclusion. He said,

honest with his conclusion. He said, honest with his conclusion. He said, "The reason congregations are so dead is "The reason congregations are so dead is "The reason congregations are so dead is because dead men preach to them." And he because dead men preach to them." And he because dead men preach to them." And he preached like a man on fire. And so the preached like a man on fire. And so the preached like a man on fire. And so the first great awakening spread across first great awakening spread across first great awakening spread across colonies, across denominations, across colonies, across denominations, across colonies, across denominations, across class lines. 50 years later, we find class lines. 50 years later, we find class lines. 50 years later, we find ourselves now in Kentucky, a field in ourselves now in Kentucky, a field in ourselves now in Kentucky, a field in Kentucky about 90 miles from where I'm Kentucky about 90 miles from where I'm Kentucky about 90 miles from where I'm preaching this. In August of 1801, in a preaching this. In August of 1801, in a preaching this. In August of 1801, in a Presbyterian meeting house in Bourbon Presbyterian meeting house in Bourbon Presbyterian meeting house in Bourbon County, Kentucky, in a place called Cane County, Kentucky, in a place called Cane County, Kentucky, in a place called Cane Ridge, 20,000 people descend on this Ridge, 20,000 people descend on this Ridge, 20,000 people descend on this field and they'd come in wagons, dirt field and they'd come in wagons, dirt field and they'd come in wagons, dirt roads, hunters, gamblers, people who had roads, hunters, gamblers, people who had roads, hunters, gamblers, people who had never set foot in church came. They came never set foot in church came. They came never set foot in church came. They came from every direction because something from every direction because something from every direction because something was happening and word had spread. Seven was happening and word had spread. Seven was happening and word had spread. Seven preachers would stand throughout the preachers would stand throughout the preachers would stand throughout the field on stumps and wagons and logs and field on stumps and wagons and logs and field on stumps and wagons and logs and they would preach simultaneously to they would preach simultaneously to they would preach simultaneously to these crowds. An eyewitness said that these crowds. An eyewitness said that these crowds. An eyewitness said that the crowd was so loud it was like the the crowd was so loud it was like the the crowd was so loud it was like the roar of Niagara Falls. Like people would roar of Niagara Falls. Like people would roar of Niagara Falls. Like people would fall to the ground under conviction and fall to the ground under conviction and fall to the ground under conviction and they would repent for hours.

they would repent for hours. they would repent for hours. That's just 90 90 minutes from here in a That's just 90 90 minutes from here in a That's just 90 90 minutes from here in a field. Like most people would drive past field. Like most people would drive past field. Like most people would drive past that now without even knowing it exists. that now without even knowing it exists. that now without even knowing it exists. I mean it doesn't look like much. old I mean it doesn't look like much. old I mean it doesn't look like much. old log meeting house, some trees, a log meeting house, some trees, a log meeting house, some trees, a historical marker that most people have historical marker that most people have historical marker that most people have never stopped to read. But what happened never stopped to read. But what happened never stopped to read. But what happened in that field 224 years ago, it changed in that field 224 years ago, it changed in that field 224 years ago, it changed the world. Changed the world in ways the world. Changed the world in ways the world. Changed the world in ways that are still rippling today, that are still rippling today, that are still rippling today, 50 years later. 50 years later. 50 years later. 1857, 1857, 1857, a former businessman named Jeremiah a former businessman named Jeremiah a former businessman named Jeremiah Landfire had this burden. So he rented a Landfire had this burden. So he rented a Landfire had this burden. So he rented a room above a church in Fulton Street. room above a church in Fulton Street. room above a church in Fulton Street. It's in lower Manhattan. And he made a It's in lower Manhattan. And he made a It's in lower Manhattan. And he made a simple flyer. He passed it out around simple flyer. He passed it out around simple flyer. He passed it out around the neighborhood. Just said, "Prayer the neighborhood. Just said, "Prayer the neighborhood. Just said, "Prayer meeting 12:00 to 1:00 for merchants, meeting 12:00 to 1:00 for merchants, meeting 12:00 to 1:00 for merchants, mechanics, clerks, strangers, and mechanics, clerks, strangers, and mechanics, clerks, strangers, and businessmen." He sat alone in that room businessmen." He sat alone in that room businessmen." He sat alone in that room for 30 minutes. And finally, a single for 30 minutes. And finally, a single for 30 minutes. And finally, a single person arrived. Six people would person arrived. Six people would person arrived. Six people would eventually show up. He didn't cancel it eventually show up. He didn't cancel it eventually show up. He didn't cancel it because of poor attendance. Came back because of poor attendance. Came back because of poor attendance. Came back the next week, there were 20. The week the next week, there were 20. The week the next week, there were 20. The week after 40 and then the stock market after 40 and then the stock market after 40 and then the stock market crashed and banks collapsed and 30,000 crashed and banks collapsed and 30,000 crashed and banks collapsed and 30,000 men lost their jobs in New York City men lost their jobs in New York City men lost their jobs in New York City alone. And suddenly the whole city was alone. And suddenly the whole city was alone. And suddenly the whole city was hungry, desperate enough to pray. And hungry, desperate enough to pray. And hungry, desperate enough to pray. And that meeting started to happen daily.

that meeting started to happen daily. that meeting started to happen daily. Spread to other buildings, other cities, Spread to other buildings, other cities, Spread to other buildings, other cities, other states, lawyers, physicians, other states, lawyers, physicians, other states, lawyers, physicians, merchants, clerks. They'd tie their merchants, clerks. They'd tie their merchants, clerks. They'd tie their horses up outside. They'd come in just horses up outside. They'd come in just horses up outside. They'd come in just for even five minutes on their lunch for even five minutes on their lunch for even five minutes on their lunch break just to get on their knees and break just to get on their knees and break just to get on their knees and pray. pray. pray. Within 18 months, an estimated 1 million Within 18 months, an estimated 1 million Within 18 months, an estimated 1 million people had come to Jesus. That's like people had come to Jesus. That's like people had come to Jesus. That's like more than 3% of the nation's population more than 3% of the nation's population more than 3% of the nation's population being swept into the kingdom by prayer being swept into the kingdom by prayer being swept into the kingdom by prayer of one ordinary man who waited alone in of one ordinary man who waited alone in of one ordinary man who waited alone in an empty room. Hungry and desperate an empty room. Hungry and desperate an empty room. Hungry and desperate people came by the hundreds of people came by the hundreds of people came by the hundreds of thousands. No famous preacher, no thousands. No famous preacher, no thousands. No famous preacher, no platform, no marketing strategy, just a platform, no marketing strategy, just a platform, no marketing strategy, just a man who believed that prayer was the man who believed that prayer was the man who believed that prayer was the work. work. work. 50 years later, 1906, 50 years later, 1906, 50 years later, 1906, Isuza Street, Los Angeles, Isuza Street, Los Angeles, Isuza Street, Los Angeles, God does what apparently God loves to God does what apparently God loves to God does what apparently God loves to do. He finds the one person that nobody do. He finds the one person that nobody do. He finds the one person that nobody would have chosen, William Seymour. He would have chosen, William Seymour. He would have chosen, William Seymour. He is the oneeyed son of a formerly is the oneeyed son of a formerly is the oneeyed son of a formerly enslaved family from rural Louisiana.

enslaved family from rural Louisiana. enslaved family from rural Louisiana. This is back in Jim Crow, America. He This is back in Jim Crow, America. He This is back in Jim Crow, America. He wanted to learn the Bible more than wanted to learn the Bible more than wanted to learn the Bible more than anything else. And so he found this anything else. And so he found this anything else. And so he found this Bible school in Houston, Texas, run by a Bible school in Houston, Texas, run by a Bible school in Houston, Texas, run by a man named Charles Palmer. And Palmer let man named Charles Palmer. And Palmer let man named Charles Palmer. And Palmer let him attend, but not inside the him attend, but not inside the him attend, but not inside the classroom. So Seymour had to sit in the classroom. So Seymour had to sit in the classroom. So Seymour had to sit in the hallway outside the classroom and listen hallway outside the classroom and listen hallway outside the classroom and listen through the wall. But that's what he did through the wall. But that's what he did through the wall. But that's what he did every single day. And then someone in every single day. And then someone in every single day. And then someone in Los Angeles heard about this man and Los Angeles heard about this man and Los Angeles heard about this man and invited him to come preach at their invited him to come preach at their invited him to come preach at their small church. He came and he preached on small church. He came and he preached on small church. He came and he preached on Sunday, but he wasn't invited back the Sunday, but he wasn't invited back the Sunday, but he wasn't invited back the next Sunday. But William Seymour, as you next Sunday. But William Seymour, as you next Sunday. But William Seymour, as you might guess, is not a man who could be might guess, is not a man who could be might guess, is not a man who could be easily set aside. So, he found a house easily set aside. So, he found a house easily set aside. So, he found a house and he started praying. He called a and he started praying. He called a and he started praying. He called a 10-day fast. Three days into that fast, 10-day fast. Three days into that fast, 10-day fast. Three days into that fast, eight men were on their knees together. eight men were on their knees together. eight men were on their knees together. The neighbors came to see what was The neighbors came to see what was The neighbors came to see what was happening and the crowds began to swell. happening and the crowds began to swell. happening and the crowds began to swell. The front porch eventually collapsed The front porch eventually collapsed The front porch eventually collapsed under the weight of the people. And under the weight of the people. And under the weight of the people. And soon, it was three prayer meetings a soon, it was three prayer meetings a soon, it was three prayer meetings a day, seven days a week for three day, seven days a week for three day, seven days a week for three straight years. And then in 1906 when straight years. And then in 1906 when straight years. And then in 1906 when churches were as segregated as churches were as segregated as churches were as segregated as everything else like everything else like everything else like there was hard lines that had been drawn there was hard lines that had been drawn there was hard lines that had been drawn between black and white like between black and white like between black and white like but there at Isuza Streak the color line but there at Isuza Streak the color line but there at Isuza Streak the color line dissolved like black worshippers, white dissolved like black worshippers, white dissolved like black worshippers, white worshippers, Latino, Asian, illiterate, worshippers, Latino, Asian, illiterate, worshippers, Latino, Asian, illiterate, poor, wealthy people who had nowhere poor, wealthy people who had nowhere poor, wealthy people who had nowhere else to go. All of them come together on else to go. All of them come together on else to go. All of them come together on that same dirt floor. A white southern that same dirt floor. A white southern that same dirt floor. A white southern preacher named Frank Bartleman came to preacher named Frank Bartleman came to preacher named Frank Bartleman came to investigate and here's what he wrote. He

investigate and here's what he wrote. He investigate and here's what he wrote. He saw this diversity and he said, "The saw this diversity and he said, "The saw this diversity and he said, "The colorline has been washed away by the colorline has been washed away by the colorline has been washed away by the bloodline." bloodline." bloodline." Secular newspapers came to mock it. Secular newspapers came to mock it. Secular newspapers came to mock it. Critics said it was undignified. It was Critics said it was undignified. It was Critics said it was undignified. It was embarrassing. It wasn't real embarrassing. It wasn't real embarrassing. It wasn't real Christianity. But the people kept Christianity. But the people kept Christianity. But the people kept coming. They were hungry. The crowd was coming. They were hungry. The crowd was coming. They were hungry. The crowd was well-dressed. Sometimes skeptical well-dressed. Sometimes skeptical well-dressed. Sometimes skeptical preachers came to expose it as fraud. preachers came to expose it as fraud. preachers came to expose it as fraud. and then they would end up on the dirt and then they would end up on the dirt and then they would end up on the dirt floor in repentance. But William floor in repentance. But William floor in repentance. But William Seymour, the man who had learned Seymour, the man who had learned Seymour, the man who had learned scripture sitting in that hallway cuz he scripture sitting in that hallway cuz he scripture sitting in that hallway cuz he wasn't allowed in the classroom. He wasn't allowed in the classroom. He wasn't allowed in the classroom. He preached every service with his face preached every service with his face preached every service with his face hidden behind a wooden shoe box cuz he hidden behind a wooden shoe box cuz he hidden behind a wooden shoe box cuz he didn't want anybody looking at him. He didn't want anybody looking at him. He didn't want anybody looking at him. He wanted them looking at God. And revival wanted them looking at God. And revival wanted them looking at God. And revival spread from that building across the spread from that building across the spread from that building across the country and around the world. 50 years country and around the world. 50 years country and around the world. 50 years later, 1970, later, 1970, later, 1970, a dying church of about 25 people in a dying church of about 25 people in a dying church of about 25 people in Costa Mesa, California, cracked open its Costa Mesa, California, cracked open its Costa Mesa, California, cracked open its doors to barefoot hippies that nobody doors to barefoot hippies that nobody doors to barefoot hippies that nobody else wanted. Pastor Chuck Smith admitted else wanted. Pastor Chuck Smith admitted else wanted. Pastor Chuck Smith admitted that he had written them off, but it was that he had written them off, but it was that he had written them off, but it was his wife Kay who said no. And she had his wife Kay who said no. And she had his wife Kay who said no. And she had this burden, and she insisted to her this burden, and she insisted to her this burden, and she insisted to her husband that he do something about this.

husband that he do something about this. husband that he do something about this. And there was an elder who wasn't happy And there was an elder who wasn't happy And there was an elder who wasn't happy about all these young hippies coming to about all these young hippies coming to about all these young hippies coming to church. So he put a sign on the front church. So he put a sign on the front church. So he put a sign on the front door said no bare feet allowed. But door said no bare feet allowed. But door said no bare feet allowed. But Pastor Chuck Smith tore that down and he Pastor Chuck Smith tore that down and he Pastor Chuck Smith tore that down and he said he would rip up the carpet before said he would rip up the carpet before said he would rip up the carpet before he turned away anyone. he turned away anyone. he turned away anyone. And 1970 alone. Thousands of people came And 1970 alone. Thousands of people came And 1970 alone. Thousands of people came to be baptized in the Pacific Ocean to be baptized in the Pacific Ocean to be baptized in the Pacific Ocean there. Historians say that the Jesus there. Historians say that the Jesus there. Historians say that the Jesus movement reached more lost people than movement reached more lost people than movement reached more lost people than either of the great awakenings before either of the great awakenings before either of the great awakenings before them. Two to three million young people them. Two to three million young people them. Two to three million young people got swept into the kingdom through this got swept into the kingdom through this got swept into the kingdom through this church that almost kept their doors church that almost kept their doors church that almost kept their doors closed. closed. closed. And so I just need you to look at this And so I just need you to look at this And so I just need you to look at this here. 1734 here. 1734 here. 1734 50 years Can 50 years after that 50 years Can 50 years after that 50 years Can 50 years after that Holden Street. 50 years after that Isuza Holden Street. 50 years after that Isuza Holden Street. 50 years after that Isuza 50 years after that the Jesus movement. 50 years after that the Jesus movement. 50 years after that the Jesus movement. And the Jesus movement was the last And the Jesus movement was the last And the Jesus movement was the last major revival in American history. major revival in American history. major revival in American history. Anyone want to guess how many years ago Anyone want to guess how many years ago Anyone want to guess how many years ago that was?

that was? that was? That's right about 50 years. That's right about 50 years. That's right about 50 years. And God has been moving. In fact, in the And God has been moving. In fact, in the And God has been moving. In fact, in the last 12 months as a church, we've last 12 months as a church, we've last 12 months as a church, we've baptized over 5,000 people in our church baptized over 5,000 people in our church baptized over 5,000 people in our church alone. And so, it's just clear that alone. And so, it's just clear that alone. And so, it's just clear that something is happening. What's also something is happening. What's also something is happening. What's also clear is that there is a famine in the clear is that there is a famine in the clear is that there is a famine in the land. Like in our city tonight, there is land. Like in our city tonight, there is land. Like in our city tonight, there is a teenager sitting alone in a room a teenager sitting alone in a room a teenager sitting alone in a room scrolling through their phone at 1:00 scrolling through their phone at 1:00 scrolling through their phone at 1:00 a.m. and they are so lonely they can a.m. and they are so lonely they can a.m. and they are so lonely they can barely breathe. And they don't know it barely breathe. And they don't know it barely breathe. And they don't know it yet, but what they're actually yet, but what they're actually yet, but what they're actually experiencing is famine. Like they are experiencing is famine. Like they are experiencing is famine. Like they are hungry. They are starving for Jesus. hungry. They are starving for Jesus. hungry. They are starving for Jesus. There's a young couple who built their There's a young couple who built their There's a young couple who built their life on what they were told would make life on what they were told would make life on what they were told would make them happy. Like they got the house and them happy. Like they got the house and them happy. Like they got the house and the job and the new kids and they lie the job and the new kids and they lie the job and the new kids and they lie awake at night though with this quiet awake at night though with this quiet awake at night though with this quiet feeling that something is still missing. feeling that something is still missing. feeling that something is still missing. They can't name it, but it's that They can't name it, but it's that They can't name it, but it's that hunger. A man in his 40s who's done hunger. A man in his 40s who's done hunger. A man in his 40s who's done everything right on paper, but he lost everything right on paper, but he lost everything right on paper, but he lost all of it. And nobody in the world can all of it. And nobody in the world can all of it. And nobody in the world can address the hunger that he finds himself address the hunger that he finds himself address the hunger that he finds himself struggling with. There's a college struggling with. There's a college struggling with. There's a college student, student, student, college student on a campus college student on a campus college student on a campus supposed to be part of the most supposed to be part of the most supposed to be part of the most connected generation in human history.

connected generation in human history. connected generation in human history. But the student is desperately alone But the student is desperately alone But the student is desperately alone experimenting with everything available experimenting with everything available experimenting with everything available trying to fill something that only one trying to fill something that only one trying to fill something that only one can fill. Jesus who is the bread of can fill. Jesus who is the bread of can fill. Jesus who is the bread of life. And even this weekend, Fourth of life. And even this weekend, Fourth of life. And even this weekend, Fourth of July weekend, there are millions of July weekend, there are millions of July weekend, there are millions of Americans lighting fireworks and flying Americans lighting fireworks and flying Americans lighting fireworks and flying flags. And they are genuinely hoping, flags. And they are genuinely hoping, flags. And they are genuinely hoping, like genuinely believing that the right like genuinely believing that the right like genuinely believing that the right election and the right party and the election and the right party and the election and the right party and the right person and the right office is right person and the right office is right person and the right office is going to finally fix what is broken in going to finally fix what is broken in going to finally fix what is broken in this country. And they're not wrong to this country. And they're not wrong to this country. And they're not wrong to love their nation. But they are wrong love their nation. But they are wrong love their nation. But they are wrong because what they are looking for is not because what they are looking for is not because what they are looking for is not going to be found in Washington DC. It going to be found in Washington DC. It going to be found in Washington DC. It will only be found in the church because will only be found in the church because will only be found in the church because it's only found in Jesus. The famine is it's only found in Jesus. The famine is it's only found in Jesus. The famine is here and people are hungry, but they here and people are hungry, but they here and people are hungry, but they need a storehouse. need a storehouse. need a storehouse. So, here's the question I want us to So, here's the question I want us to So, here's the question I want us to land on as we turn 250 years old. How land on as we turn 250 years old. How land on as we turn 250 years old. How does the church celebrate this birthday? does the church celebrate this birthday? does the church celebrate this birthday? I mean, fireworks and cookouts are I mean, fireworks and cookouts are I mean, fireworks and cookouts are awesome. Enjoy time with your family. awesome. Enjoy time with your family. awesome. Enjoy time with your family. But there is a spiritual famine in the But there is a spiritual famine in the But there is a spiritual famine in the land. And I want to give you just four land. And I want to give you just four land. And I want to give you just four ways the church should celebrate ways the church should celebrate ways the church should celebrate America's 250th birthday. Number one, we America's 250th birthday. Number one, we America's 250th birthday. Number one, we pray like we're desperate.

pray like we're desperate. pray like we're desperate. Every single revival on that timeline Every single revival on that timeline Every single revival on that timeline was preceded, like not accompanied, but was preceded, like not accompanied, but was preceded, like not accompanied, but preceded by extraordinary and sustained preceded by extraordinary and sustained preceded by extraordinary and sustained corporate prayer. Not a 30-se secondond corporate prayer. Not a 30-se secondond corporate prayer. Not a 30-se secondond prayer before a meeting, but people on prayer before a meeting, but people on prayer before a meeting, but people on their knees sometimes for hours on dirty their knees sometimes for hours on dirty their knees sometimes for hours on dirty floors. And I just want to challenge you floors. And I just want to challenge you floors. And I just want to challenge you to spend more time talking to God and to spend more time talking to God and to spend more time talking to God and praying for this country than you do praying for this country than you do praying for this country than you do listening to political pundits talk listening to political pundits talk listening to political pundits talk about this country. I can only imagine about this country. I can only imagine about this country. I can only imagine the desperate prayers that Joseph prayed the desperate prayers that Joseph prayed the desperate prayers that Joseph prayed from prison. And again, the prayers he from prison. And again, the prayers he from prison. And again, the prayers he prayed during those seven years where prayed during those seven years where prayed during those seven years where he's ruling over Egypt. When Pharaoh he's ruling over Egypt. When Pharaoh he's ruling over Egypt. When Pharaoh asked Joseph to interpret the dream, asked Joseph to interpret the dream, asked Joseph to interpret the dream, Joseph said something. He said, "Well, Joseph said something. He said, "Well, Joseph said something. He said, "Well, it's not going to be me. It's going to it's not going to be me. It's going to it's not going to be me. It's going to be God." He understood where his power be God." He understood where his power be God." He understood where his power came from. The best thing we can do for came from. The best thing we can do for came from. The best thing we can do for America in its 250th year is to be a America in its 250th year is to be a America in its 250th year is to be a house of prayer. Number two, house of prayer. Number two, house of prayer. Number two, we reach the people nobody else is we reach the people nobody else is we reach the people nobody else is reaching. Like every revival in American reaching. Like every revival in American reaching. Like every revival in American history was fueled by reaching people history was fueled by reaching people history was fueled by reaching people the church had written off. College the church had written off. College the church had written off. College students, barefoot hippies, uh a oneeyed students, barefoot hippies, uh a oneeyed students, barefoot hippies, uh a oneeyed son of a slave, gamblers, and son of a slave, gamblers, and son of a slave, gamblers, and prostitutes in a Kentucky field. And prostitutes in a Kentucky field. And prostitutes in a Kentucky field. And again and again, what we see in these again and again, what we see in these again and again, what we see in these revivals is that there was an emphasis revivals is that there was an emphasis revivals is that there was an emphasis on lost people, but also the next on lost people, but also the next on lost people, but also the next generation. And there is a generation generation. And there is a generation generation. And there is a generation right outside the doors of this church right outside the doors of this church right outside the doors of this church that we are doubling down on reaching.

that we are doubling down on reaching. that we are doubling down on reaching. Like we've talked about this a lot as Like we've talked about this a lot as Like we've talked about this a lot as part of our move journey that we're part of our move journey that we're part of our move journey that we're going all in to reach the next going all in to reach the next going all in to reach the next generations. generations. generations. But we recognize there is a spiritual But we recognize there is a spiritual But we recognize there is a spiritual hunger in these generations and we are hunger in these generations and we are hunger in these generations and we are going to open up the storehouses. But going to open up the storehouses. But going to open up the storehouses. But what I've noticed is sometimes the what I've noticed is sometimes the what I've noticed is sometimes the people with the greatest access to the people with the greatest access to the people with the greatest access to the storehouse are the least burdened by the storehouse are the least burdened by the storehouse are the least burdened by the hunger outside of it. Like when you've hunger outside of it. Like when you've hunger outside of it. Like when you've eaten wealth for a long time, it's easy eaten wealth for a long time, it's easy eaten wealth for a long time, it's easy to forget what it's like to be starving. to forget what it's like to be starving. to forget what it's like to be starving. It's easy to get comfortable with the It's easy to get comfortable with the It's easy to get comfortable with the abundance. But there are people abundance. But there are people abundance. But there are people who are so hungry. And maybe you've been who are so hungry. And maybe you've been who are so hungry. And maybe you've been in our church and you've walked with God in our church and you've walked with God in our church and you've walked with God for decades and you've raised your kids for decades and you've raised your kids for decades and you've raised your kids in church and you've served and you've in church and you've served and you've in church and you've served and you've been faithful and I'm so thankful for been faithful and I'm so thankful for been faithful and I'm so thankful for that. But don't forget that the greatest that. But don't forget that the greatest that. But don't forget that the greatest gift that you can give this country on gift that you can give this country on gift that you can give this country on its 250th ver birthday is not a vote or its 250th ver birthday is not a vote or its 250th ver birthday is not a vote or a political opinion. It's not a post. a political opinion. It's not a post. a political opinion. It's not a post. It's opening up the storehouse for a It's opening up the storehouse for a It's opening up the storehouse for a young person to know Jesus. young person to know Jesus. young person to know Jesus. That might mean seven years of That might mean seven years of That might mean seven years of sacrifice. It might mean giving up some sacrifice. It might mean giving up some sacrifice. It might mean giving up some preferences. It might mean sacrificing preferences. It might mean sacrificing preferences. It might mean sacrificing some comfort with the way things have some comfort with the way things have some comfort with the way things have always been done.

always been done. always been done. It might mean funding a ministry that It might mean funding a ministry that It might mean funding a ministry that you'll never personally benefit from. It you'll never personally benefit from. It you'll never personally benefit from. It might mean showing up for students who might mean showing up for students who might mean showing up for students who don't look like you. don't look like you. don't look like you. Maybe people who don't protect the Maybe people who don't protect the Maybe people who don't protect the carpet the way you think they should and carpet the way you think they should and carpet the way you think they should and show up in bare feet. But Joseph filled show up in bare feet. But Joseph filled show up in bare feet. But Joseph filled a storehouse for seven years so that a storehouse for seven years so that a storehouse for seven years so that people he had never met could eat. Like people he had never met could eat. Like people he had never met could eat. Like he never met most of the people that his he never met most of the people that his he never met most of the people that his faithfulness saved. May that be said of faithfulness saved. May that be said of faithfulness saved. May that be said of you and me that we prepared and we you and me that we prepared and we you and me that we prepared and we worked for a generation that is not our worked for a generation that is not our worked for a generation that is not our own. Number three, own. Number three, own. Number three, we tell the truth about hunger. Like we tell the truth about hunger. Like we tell the truth about hunger. Like Joseph didn't walk into Pharaoh's throne Joseph didn't walk into Pharaoh's throne Joseph didn't walk into Pharaoh's throne room and soften the message. The wise room and soften the message. The wise room and soften the message. The wise men of Egypt said nothing. Partly men of Egypt said nothing. Partly men of Egypt said nothing. Partly because they didn't want to deliver bad because they didn't want to deliver bad because they didn't want to deliver bad news. Joseph told the truth. Seven years news. Joseph told the truth. Seven years news. Joseph told the truth. Seven years of famine are coming and it's going to of famine are coming and it's going to of famine are coming and it's going to be severe and we need to act now. And I be severe and we need to act now. And I be severe and we need to act now. And I would just say the church has to be would just say the church has to be would just say the church has to be willing to say what's true even when the willing to say what's true even when the willing to say what's true even when the culture doesn't want to hear it. There culture doesn't want to hear it. There culture doesn't want to hear it. There is a spiritual hunger in this country.

is a spiritual hunger in this country. is a spiritual hunger in this country. There are millions of people who feel it There are millions of people who feel it There are millions of people who feel it but they haven't named it. But the but they haven't named it. But the but they haven't named it. But the famine is going to arrive in their famine is going to arrive in their famine is going to arrive in their lives. Like a relationship's going to lives. Like a relationship's going to lives. Like a relationship's going to fall apart or diagnosis is going to fall apart or diagnosis is going to fall apart or diagnosis is going to come. Something they've built their life come. Something they've built their life come. Something they've built their life on is going to fail. Addiction is going on is going to fail. Addiction is going on is going to fail. Addiction is going to take over. War might break out or a to take over. War might break out or a to take over. War might break out or a pandemic might break out. And their pandemic might break out. And their pandemic might break out. And their hunger is going to be undeniable. And hunger is going to be undeniable. And hunger is going to be undeniable. And the church's job is not to pretend that the church's job is not to pretend that the church's job is not to pretend that everything's fine. The church's job is everything's fine. The church's job is everything's fine. The church's job is to be honest about the hunger and then to be honest about the hunger and then to be honest about the hunger and then to point to the only one who can satisfy to point to the only one who can satisfy to point to the only one who can satisfy it. Number four, it. Number four, it. Number four, we do the invisible work. There is we do the invisible work. There is we do the invisible work. There is nothing glamorous about filling nothing glamorous about filling nothing glamorous about filling storehouses like Joseph spent seven storehouses like Joseph spent seven storehouses like Joseph spent seven years doing work that nobody filmed, years doing work that nobody filmed, years doing work that nobody filmed, nobody celebrated. There's no dramatic nobody celebrated. There's no dramatic nobody celebrated. There's no dramatic scene, no big moment. just grain city by scene, no big moment. just grain city by scene, no big moment. just grain city by city, storehouse by storehouse, day city, storehouse by storehouse, day city, storehouse by storehouse, day after day because he believed that what after day because he believed that what after day because he believed that what God said he would do, he would do. God said he would do, he would do. God said he would do, he would do. And revival, I believe that is coming And revival, I believe that is coming And revival, I believe that is coming will not be built on like some single will not be built on like some single will not be built on like some single electric Sunday. It'll be built on electric Sunday. It'll be built on electric Sunday. It'll be built on ordinary, faithful, unglamorous work of ordinary, faithful, unglamorous work of ordinary, faithful, unglamorous work of people who filled storehouses and got on people who filled storehouses and got on people who filled storehouses and got on their knees when everybody else was their knees when everybody else was their knees when everybody else was comfortable. Maybe it's a small group comfortable. Maybe it's a small group comfortable. Maybe it's a small group leader who shows up when there's only leader who shows up when there's only leader who shows up when there's only four people. Maybe it's a camp volunteer four people. Maybe it's a camp volunteer four people. Maybe it's a camp volunteer who goes sleepless nights so kids can who goes sleepless nights so kids can who goes sleepless nights so kids can meet Jesus. Maybe it's the person who meet Jesus. Maybe it's the person who meet Jesus. Maybe it's the person who keeps praying for their family member keeps praying for their family member keeps praying for their family member and refuses to give up. Maybe it's the and refuses to give up. Maybe it's the and refuses to give up. Maybe it's the student ministry leader who keeps student ministry leader who keeps student ministry leader who keeps showing up for teenagers who seem

showing up for teenagers who seem showing up for teenagers who seem completely uninterested. completely uninterested. completely uninterested. And look, this is how we celebrate 250 And look, this is how we celebrate 250 And look, this is how we celebrate 250 years as a nation. years as a nation. years as a nation. So, let me take you back back up the So, let me take you back back up the So, let me take you back back up the road to Cane Ridge, just 90 miles from road to Cane Ridge, just 90 miles from road to Cane Ridge, just 90 miles from where I'm standing. The pastor who where I'm standing. The pastor who where I'm standing. The pastor who hosted that revival was a Presbyterian hosted that revival was a Presbyterian hosted that revival was a Presbyterian minister named Barton Stone. What he minister named Barton Stone. What he minister named Barton Stone. What he experienced in that field wrecked him experienced in that field wrecked him experienced in that field wrecked him like in the best possible way. He walked like in the best possible way. He walked like in the best possible way. He walked away convinced that the church had away convinced that the church had away convinced that the church had buried Jesus under layers of tradition buried Jesus under layers of tradition buried Jesus under layers of tradition and denominationalism. and denominationalism. and denominationalism. And God wanted something different. He And God wanted something different. He And God wanted something different. He wanted something simple and biblical. wanted something simple and biblical. wanted something simple and biblical. New Testament Christianity, no creed but New Testament Christianity, no creed but New Testament Christianity, no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible. and he Christ, no book but the Bible. and he Christ, no book but the Bible. and he walked away from his denomination to walked away from his denomination to walked away from his denomination to start a movement that we call the start a movement that we call the start a movement that we call the restoration movement. restoration movement. restoration movement. That's our movement. That's where we That's our movement. That's where we That's our movement. That's where we come from. So when I tell you that the come from. So when I tell you that the come from. So when I tell you that the Kohl's from Cane Ridge lit every major Kohl's from Cane Ridge lit every major Kohl's from Cane Ridge lit every major revival throughout the world, I'm not revival throughout the world, I'm not revival throughout the world, I'm not just giving you a history lesson. I'm just giving you a history lesson. I'm just giving you a history lesson. I'm telling you where we came from. This telling you where we came from. This telling you where we came from. This church has Can Ridge in its bones.

church has Can Ridge in its bones. church has Can Ridge in its bones. Revival is not something we observe from Revival is not something we observe from Revival is not something we observe from a distance. It's in our spiritual DNA. a distance. It's in our spiritual DNA. a distance. It's in our spiritual DNA. So, America turns 250 this weekend and So, America turns 250 this weekend and So, America turns 250 this weekend and most of the celebrations will be about most of the celebrations will be about most of the celebrations will be about what the nation has built. The what the nation has built. The what the nation has built. The Constitution, the military, monuments, Constitution, the military, monuments, Constitution, the military, monuments, and all those things matter. But the and all those things matter. But the and all those things matter. But the most remarkable thing about the last 250 most remarkable thing about the last 250 most remarkable thing about the last 250 years. It's not what America has built. years. It's not what America has built. years. It's not what America has built. It's what God has been doing. like every It's what God has been doing. like every It's what God has been doing. like every 50 years, like clockwork, in the face of 50 years, like clockwork, in the face of 50 years, like clockwork, in the face of our worst failures and our deepest our worst failures and our deepest our worst failures and our deepest famine, like the coals just continue to famine, like the coals just continue to famine, like the coals just continue to burn. burn. burn. And what I want you to know on this And what I want you to know on this And what I want you to know on this Fourth of July weekend is that those Fourth of July weekend is that those Fourth of July weekend is that those coals will not get cold in our church coals will not get cold in our church coals will not get cold in our church like my prayer is God would do it again like my prayer is God would do it again like my prayer is God would do it again and we would be right in the middle of and we would be right in the middle of and we would be right in the middle of it. I want to close by giving you one. it. I want to close by giving you one. it. I want to close by giving you one. The number is 2,000. We are 7 years away The number is 2,000. We are 7 years away The number is 2,000. We are 7 years away from celebrating 2,000 years since the from celebrating 2,000 years since the from celebrating 2,000 years since the death and resurrection of Jesus and the death and resurrection of Jesus and the death and resurrection of Jesus and the beginning of the church. It's coming in beginning of the church. It's coming in beginning of the church. It's coming in 2033.

2033. 2033. And I just believe that these seven And I just believe that these seven And I just believe that these seven years are going to be some of the most years are going to be some of the most years are going to be some of the most spiritually significant years in the spiritually significant years in the spiritually significant years in the history of the world. We're getting history of the world. We're getting history of the world. We're getting closer and closer to the return of closer and closer to the return of closer and closer to the return of Jesus. Joseph had seven years. Seven Jesus. Joseph had seven years. Seven Jesus. Joseph had seven years. Seven years of plenty to prepare for what was years of plenty to prepare for what was years of plenty to prepare for what was coming. And he used every single one of coming. And he used every single one of coming. And he used every single one of them. Not because he was disciplined them. Not because he was disciplined them. Not because he was disciplined especially or not because he was especially or not because he was especially or not because he was ambitious but because he believed like ambitious but because he believed like ambitious but because he believed like he believed that God was going to do he believed that God was going to do he believed that God was going to do what he said he was going to do and he what he said he was going to do and he what he said he was going to do and he acted on it. He acted on it before acted on it. He acted on it before acted on it. He acted on it before anybody else felt the hunger. And in anybody else felt the hunger. And in anybody else felt the hunger. And in 2033 2,000 years will have passed since 2033 2,000 years will have passed since 2033 2,000 years will have passed since Jesus looked at his disciples who had no Jesus looked at his disciples who had no Jesus looked at his disciples who had no building and no budget and no platform building and no budget and no platform building and no budget and no platform and no strategy. And he said something and no strategy. And he said something and no strategy. And he said something that should have been laughable. He said that should have been laughable. He said that should have been laughable. He said in Matthew, "I will build my church and in Matthew, "I will build my church and in Matthew, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail the gates of hell will not prevail the gates of hell will not prevail against it." He didn't say he might against it." He didn't say he might against it." He didn't say he might build his church. He didn't say he would build his church. He didn't say he would build his church. He didn't say he would try. He didn't say, "Let me see what I try. He didn't say, "Let me see what I try. He didn't say, "Let me see what I can do." He said he would. He promised. can do." He said he would. He promised. can do." He said he would. He promised. It's the only thing he promised that he It's the only thing he promised that he It's the only thing he promised that he would build. He never promised to build would build. He never promised to build would build. He never promised to build a nation. He never promised to build a a nation. He never promised to build a a nation. He never promised to build a government. He never promised to build a government. He never promised to build a government. He never promised to build a political party. He never promised a political party. He never promised a political party. He never promised a political platform. He promised to build political platform. He promised to build political platform. He promised to build a church.

a church. a church. 2,000 years through persecutions and 2,000 years through persecutions and 2,000 years through persecutions and plagues and darkness and and through plagues and darkness and and through plagues and darkness and and through revivals, he has kept his promise revivals, he has kept his promise revivals, he has kept his promise century after century, generation after century after century, generation after century after century, generation after generation. And so on this 250th year, generation. And so on this 250th year, generation. And so on this 250th year, let it be said of us as a church that let it be said of us as a church that let it be said of us as a church that when the hungry come, the storehouse is when the hungry come, the storehouse is when the hungry come, the storehouse is open.