How to Overcome Fear

Good morning. How's everybody doing? Good morning. How's everybody doing? >> Good. Well, I'm so excited to get to be >> Good. Well, I'm so excited to get to be >> Good. Well, I'm so excited to get to be here uh this morning. Um if you've been here uh this morning. Um if you've been here uh this morning. Um if you've been at Southeast, then you have seen me at Southeast, then you have seen me at Southeast, then you have seen me before. So, thank you for not before. So, thank you for not before. So, thank you for not complaining so that they invited me back complaining so that they invited me back complaining so that they invited me back again. I'm excited to get to be with you again. I'm excited to get to be with you again. I'm excited to get to be with you today. And thank you everybody for today. And thank you everybody for today. And thank you everybody for always being so warm and welcoming. And always being so warm and welcoming. And always being so warm and welcoming. And I'm going to put your hospitality to the I'm going to put your hospitality to the I'm going to put your hospitality to the test because I brought my wife with me test because I brought my wife with me test because I brought my wife with me this time. So my wife got to come hang this time. So my wife got to come hang this time. So my wife got to come hang with us. So if y'all could do me a with us. So if y'all could do me a with us. So if y'all could do me a favor. [applause and cheering] favor. [applause and cheering] favor. [applause and cheering] Yes. She if you knew her, you would clap louder, if you knew her, you would clap louder, you know. Um but my wife is back there, you know. Um but my wife is back there, you know. Um but my wife is back there, so if y'all would just say, "Hey, so if y'all would just say, "Hey, so if y'all would just say, "Hey, Jessica." Jessica." Jessica." >> Okay. I think she feels welcome now. >> Okay. I think she feels welcome now. >> Okay. I think she feels welcome now. Thank you. Um I am going to pray and Thank you. Um I am going to pray and Thank you. Um I am going to pray and we'll get into God's word. Father, we come before you in Jesus Father, we come before you in Jesus name. name. name. There is nobody like you, God. There is nobody like you, God. There is nobody like you, God. There is nobody as good, as strong, as There is nobody as good, as strong, as There is nobody as good, as strong, as powerful, as gracious, powerful, as gracious, powerful, as gracious, Father. Um some of the comfort that that Father. Um some of the comfort that that Father. Um some of the comfort that that that we feel this morning is [snorts] that we feel this morning is [snorts] that we feel this morning is [snorts] um that we're in your hands.

um that we're in your hands. um that we're in your hands. So, Father, we pray that you would speak So, Father, we pray that you would speak So, Father, we pray that you would speak to us from your word. you'd help us to to us from your word. you'd help us to to us from your word. you'd help us to hear from you. Help us to respond to hear from you. Help us to respond to hear from you. Help us to respond to you. God, please give me grace. Um to you. God, please give me grace. Um to you. God, please give me grace. Um to only say what you've already said. only say what you've already said. only say what you've already said. Father, you know where everybody's at, Father, you know where everybody's at, Father, you know where everybody's at, what they need to hear. Father, we pray what they need to hear. Father, we pray what they need to hear. Father, we pray your spirit would work that this your spirit would work that this your spirit would work that this wouldn't just be time to hear my words, wouldn't just be time to hear my words, wouldn't just be time to hear my words, but that we would hear from you. And we but that we would hear from you. And we but that we would hear from you. And we ask in Jesus name. Amen. ask in Jesus name. Amen. ask in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Well, I have the privilege this morning Well, I have the privilege this morning Well, I have the privilege this morning of continuing in the series that y'all of continuing in the series that y'all of continuing in the series that y'all just started about the kingdom of God. just started about the kingdom of God. just started about the kingdom of God. And we're going to talk this morning And we're going to talk this morning And we're going to talk this morning about power. We're going to talk about about power. We're going to talk about about power. We're going to talk about power this morning. And I want to start power this morning. And I want to start power this morning. And I want to start by asking you to imagine a scenario and by asking you to imagine a scenario and by asking you to imagine a scenario and imagine what you would do if you found imagine what you would do if you found imagine what you would do if you found yourself in this situation. yourself in this situation. yourself in this situation. What would you do if you were sitting at What would you do if you were sitting at What would you do if you were sitting at home one day doing whatever it is you home one day doing whatever it is you home one day doing whatever it is you like to do to pass the time? So maybe like to do to pass the time? So maybe like to do to pass the time? So maybe that's scrolling your phone, maybe that's scrolling your phone, maybe that's scrolling your phone, maybe that's playing a game with your family, that's playing a game with your family, that's playing a game with your family, eating a meal with your friends, eating a meal with your friends, eating a meal with your friends, and your phone rings and you look down and your phone rings and you look down and your phone rings and you look down at your phone and it's a number that you at your phone and it's a number that you at your phone and it's a number that you don't recognize. Now me, if I don't don't recognize. Now me, if I don't don't recognize. Now me, if I don't recognize a number, I do not answer that recognize a number, I do not answer that recognize a number, I do not answer that phone.

phone. phone. Sometimes I recognize a number and I Sometimes I recognize a number and I Sometimes I recognize a number and I still don't answer the phone. But let's still don't answer the phone. But let's still don't answer the phone. But let's say you make worse decisions than me. say you make worse decisions than me. say you make worse decisions than me. So, you see that and you answer it and So, you see that and you answer it and So, you see that and you answer it and you pick it up and you hear a voice on you pick it up and you hear a voice on you pick it up and you hear a voice on the other end that you don't recognize the other end that you don't recognize the other end that you don't recognize either. And that voice says to you, "I'm either. And that voice says to you, "I'm either. And that voice says to you, "I'm sorry for your loss." And you say, sorry for your loss." And you say, sorry for your loss." And you say, "Wait, wait, what loss are you talking "Wait, wait, what loss are you talking "Wait, wait, what loss are you talking about?" And you find out that you have about?" And you find out that you have about?" And you find out that you have an unknown relative that passed away. an unknown relative that passed away. an unknown relative that passed away. They said, "You you know, you've lost They said, "You you know, you've lost They said, "You you know, you've lost your uncle Ray." And you're like, "I your uncle Ray." And you're like, "I your uncle Ray." And you're like, "I don't I didn't know Uncle Ray." And the don't I didn't know Uncle Ray." And the don't I didn't know Uncle Ray." And the person on the other end is like, "You person on the other end is like, "You person on the other end is like, "You going to want to know Uncle Ray." going to want to know Uncle Ray." going to want to know Uncle Ray." They said, "Uncle Ray left you a billion They said, "Uncle Ray left you a billion They said, "Uncle Ray left you a billion dollars." dollars." dollars." And you're like, "Oh, I think I remember And you're like, "Oh, I think I remember And you're like, "Oh, I think I remember Uncle Ray." Oh, man. He was so nice. See, now I have a billion dollars. What See, now I have a billion dollars. What What do you do next with a billion What do you do next with a billion What do you do next with a billion dollars? It's almost too much to dollars? It's almost too much to dollars? It's almost too much to consider because it changes everything. consider because it changes everything. consider because it changes everything. Unless you're a billionaire already, Unless you're a billionaire already, Unless you're a billionaire already, which in fact, I'd love to meet you which in fact, I'd love to meet you which in fact, I'd love to meet you afterwards, but afterwards, but afterwards, but it changes everything for us.

it changes everything for us. it changes everything for us. Some of us already know what we would do Some of us already know what we would do Some of us already know what we would do if we, you know, randomly got a whole if we, you know, randomly got a whole if we, you know, randomly got a whole bunch more money. We know what people we bunch more money. We know what people we bunch more money. We know what people we like to help. We know what kind of car like to help. We know what kind of car like to help. We know what kind of car we might want or what kind of places we we might want or what kind of places we we might want or what kind of places we might want to go. But the reason that might want to go. But the reason that might want to go. But the reason that changes so many decisions is as human changes so many decisions is as human changes so many decisions is as human beings, we make decisions based on what beings, we make decisions based on what beings, we make decisions based on what we have the means to do, right? Based on we have the means to do, right? Based on we have the means to do, right? Based on the resources that we have. But if you the resources that we have. But if you the resources that we have. But if you now have resources outside yourself, you now have resources outside yourself, you now have resources outside yourself, you calculate all those decisions way calculate all those decisions way calculate all those decisions way differently. You said no to things that differently. You said no to things that differently. You said no to things that you can say yes to now. You said yes to you can say yes to now. You said yes to you can say yes to now. You said yes to things that you don't have to say yes to things that you don't have to say yes to things that you don't have to say yes to anymore. There's a new there's a new way anymore. There's a new there's a new way anymore. There's a new there's a new way you're thinking about it. You're not you're thinking about it. You're not you're thinking about it. You're not thinking can I. You're thinking should thinking can I. You're thinking should thinking can I. You're thinking should I. I. I. This is one of the realities of being a This is one of the realities of being a This is one of the realities of being a human being is we are limited and we human being is we are limited and we human being is we are limited and we have to make decisions based on what we have to make decisions based on what we have to make decisions based on what we actually have. And that's part of you actually have. And that's part of you actually have. And that's part of you know accepting what it means to be human know accepting what it means to be human know accepting what it means to be human in a broken world. There are so many in a broken world. There are so many in a broken world. There are so many areas of our lives where we are areas of our lives where we are areas of our lives where we are powerless where we need some kind of powerless where we need some kind of powerless where we need some kind of influx of power to be able to do influx of power to be able to do influx of power to be able to do something. Things we can't do that we something. Things we can't do that we something. Things we can't do that we would like to do. The good news is this.

would like to do. The good news is this. would like to do. The good news is this. There is a king who reigns over There is a king who reigns over There is a king who reigns over everything who has power over everything who has power over everything who has power over everything. And that king shares his everything. And that king shares his everything. And that king shares his power. power. power. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> A lot of people don't like the powerful, >> A lot of people don't like the powerful, >> A lot of people don't like the powerful, right? You started talking to people right? You started talking to people right? You started talking to people about those who are most powerful and about those who are most powerful and about those who are most powerful and people's whole mood changes because when people's whole mood changes because when people's whole mood changes because when people think about those who are people think about those who are people think about those who are powerful, they often use their power powerful, they often use their power powerful, they often use their power just to get more power at the expense of just to get more power at the expense of just to get more power at the expense of everybody else. I want you to know that everybody else. I want you to know that everybody else. I want you to know that the King of Kings who is all powerful the King of Kings who is all powerful the King of Kings who is all powerful even over those who seem the most even over those who seem the most even over those who seem the most powerful does not use his power to take powerful does not use his power to take powerful does not use his power to take advantage of you. Instead, that king advantage of you. Instead, that king advantage of you. Instead, that king says, "I'm powerful over all things." says, "I'm powerful over all things." says, "I'm powerful over all things." And he uses his power to benefit you. And he uses his power to benefit you. And he uses his power to benefit you. He doesn't try to siphon more power away He doesn't try to siphon more power away He doesn't try to siphon more power away from us. He shares his great power with from us. He shares his great power with from us. He shares his great power with us. us. us. >> There's a God in the heavens who sent >> There's a God in the heavens who sent >> There's a God in the heavens who sent his son Jesus. Who came preaching the his son Jesus. Who came preaching the his son Jesus. Who came preaching the kingdom of God to wrestle back our world kingdom of God to wrestle back our world kingdom of God to wrestle back our world from evil, from evil, from evil, died and resurrected from the grave and died and resurrected from the grave and died and resurrected from the grave and his name is Jesus.

his name is Jesus. his name is Jesus. Now, I don't know about you, I love a Now, I don't know about you, I love a Now, I don't know about you, I love a good sequel to something, whether good sequel to something, whether good sequel to something, whether that's, you know, a book or a movie. You that's, you know, a book or a movie. You that's, you know, a book or a movie. You know, like when you like something and know, like when you like something and know, like when you like something and then you find out there's a sequel. I then you find out there's a sequel. I then you find out there's a sequel. I don't mean like Cars 5 or whatever Pixar don't mean like Cars 5 or whatever Pixar don't mean like Cars 5 or whatever Pixar is doing right now. I mean like a good is doing right now. I mean like a good is doing right now. I mean like a good sequel. You love the story and now sequel. You love the story and now sequel. You love the story and now there's another one. There is an amazing there's another one. There is an amazing there's another one. There is an amazing sequel like that in God's word. It is sequel like that in God's word. It is sequel like that in God's word. It is called the book of Acts. So if you would called the book of Acts. So if you would called the book of Acts. So if you would open the book of Acts with me, open the book of Acts with me, open the book of Acts with me, Luke and the Gospel of Luke of course Luke and the Gospel of Luke of course Luke and the Gospel of Luke of course writes one of the gospels that is the writes one of the gospels that is the writes one of the gospels that is the story of the life and the ministry of story of the life and the ministry of story of the life and the ministry of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And at the end of Luke, like in the And at the end of Luke, like in the And at the end of Luke, like in the other gospels, Jesus resurrects from the other gospels, Jesus resurrects from the other gospels, Jesus resurrects from the grave, grave, grave, ascends into heaven, ascends into heaven, ascends into heaven, and in the book of Acts, we see the and in the book of Acts, we see the and in the book of Acts, we see the risen Jesus in chapter one tell his risen Jesus in chapter one tell his risen Jesus in chapter one tell his apostles, "Hey, I'm sending you out. apostles, "Hey, I'm sending you out. apostles, "Hey, I'm sending you out. Wait for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Wait for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Wait for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will come [music] give you power. Spirit will come [music] give you power. Spirit will come [music] give you power. You'll go out to be my witnesses." We're You'll go out to be my witnesses." We're You'll go out to be my witnesses." We're going to look at chapter three. As you going to look at chapter three. As you going to look at chapter three. As you go through the book of Acts, you begin go through the book of Acts, you begin go through the book of Acts, you begin to see that Jesus, though he has to see that Jesus, though he has to see that Jesus, though he has ascended into heaven, his work on earth ascended into heaven, his work on earth ascended into heaven, his work on earth is not done. Jesus is continuing his is not done. Jesus is continuing his is not done. Jesus is continuing his work through his people. So, we're going work through his people. So, we're going work through his people. So, we're going to look at Acts chapter 3, starting at to look at Acts chapter 3, starting at to look at Acts chapter 3, starting at verse one. If you got it, say, "I got verse one. If you got it, say, "I got verse one. If you got it, say, "I got it."

it." it." >> If you need a second, say, "Hold on." >> If you need a second, say, "Hold on." >> If you need a second, say, "Hold on." All right. I give you a second. Acts All right. I give you a second. Acts All right. I give you a second. Acts chapter 3, starting at verse one. If chapter 3, starting at verse one. If chapter 3, starting at verse one. If you've never read Acts, if you get to you've never read Acts, if you get to you've never read Acts, if you get to the the New Testament, there's Matthew, the the New Testament, there's Matthew, the the New Testament, there's Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Those are the four Mark, Luke, John. Those are the four Mark, Luke, John. Those are the four gospels. And Acts is right after that. gospels. And Acts is right after that. gospels. And Acts is right after that. Acts chapter 3, Acts chapter 3, Acts chapter 3, starting at verse one. This is what starting at verse one. This is what starting at verse one. This is what God's word says. God's word says. God's word says. Now, Peter and John were going up to the Now, Peter and John were going up to the Now, Peter and John were going up to the temple for the time of prayer at 3:00 in temple for the time of prayer at 3:00 in temple for the time of prayer at 3:00 in the afternoon. the afternoon. the afternoon. A man who was lame from birth was being A man who was lame from birth was being A man who was lame from birth was being carried there. carried there. carried there. He was placed each day at the temple He was placed each day at the temple He was placed each day at the temple gate called beautiful so that he could gate called beautiful so that he could gate called beautiful so that he could beg from those entering the temple. When beg from those entering the temple. When beg from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the he saw Peter and John about to enter the he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for money. Peter along temple, he asked for money. Peter along temple, he asked for money. Peter along with John looked straight at him and with John looked straight at him and with John looked straight at him and said, "Look at us." So he turned to them said, "Look at us." So he turned to them said, "Look at us." So he turned to them expecting to get something from them. expecting to get something from them. expecting to get something from them. But Peter said, "I don't have silver or But Peter said, "I don't have silver or But Peter said, "I don't have silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In gold, but what I do have I give you. In gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk."

get up and walk." get up and walk." Then taking him by the right hand, he Then taking him by the right hand, he Then taking him by the right hand, he raised him up. And at once his feet and raised him up. And at once his feet and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankles became strong. So he jumped up ankles became strong. So he jumped up ankles became strong. So he jumped up and started to walk. And he entered the and started to walk. And he entered the and started to walk. And he entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and temple with them, walking, leaping, and temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him praising God. All the people saw him praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God. And they walking and praising God. And they walking and praising God. And they recognized that he was the one who used recognized that he was the one who used recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the beautiful gate of to sit and beg at the beautiful gate of to sit and beg at the beautiful gate of the temple. So they were filled with awe the temple. So they were filled with awe the temple. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to and astonishment at what had happened to and astonishment at what had happened to him. This is God's word. him. This is God's word. him. This is God's word. If there's anybody in this room who is If there's anybody in this room who is If there's anybody in this room who is under the illusion that, oh, God is under the illusion that, oh, God is under the illusion that, oh, God is really powerful and he did a bunch of really powerful and he did a bunch of really powerful and he did a bunch of powerful stuff in the past and I know powerful stuff in the past and I know powerful stuff in the past and I know he's going to come back in power and do he's going to come back in power and do he's going to come back in power and do amazing things in the future. And right amazing things in the future. And right amazing things in the future. And right now, we're in the the in between. I want now, we're in the the in between. I want now, we're in the the in between. I want you to know that that is false. you to know that that is false. you to know that that is false. >> We don't just get to look back at God's >> We don't just get to look back at God's >> We don't just get to look back at God's power and look forward to God's power. power and look forward to God's power. power and look forward to God's power. God's power is real right now. God's power is real right now. God's power is real right now. >> The work of Jesus has not stopped and >> The work of Jesus has not stopped and >> The work of Jesus has not stopped and it's not on pause. God is still at work it's not on pause. God is still at work it's not on pause. God is still at work in power. King Jesus shares his power.

in power. King Jesus shares his power. in power. King Jesus shares his power. So we're going to talk about how he does So we're going to talk about how he does So we're going to talk about how he does that in three points. All right. The that in three points. All right. The that in three points. All right. The first one is this. That he sees our first one is this. That he sees our first one is this. That he sees our need. need. need. He sees our need. He sees our need. He sees our need. All of us are a lot more needy than I All of us are a lot more needy than I All of us are a lot more needy than I think we like to admit to ourselves or think we like to admit to ourselves or think we like to admit to ourselves or other people. And I'll give you one other people. And I'll give you one other people. And I'll give you one example. this week as I was starting to example. this week as I was starting to example. this week as I was starting to work on this sermon, I was in my living work on this sermon, I was in my living work on this sermon, I was in my living room and I saw like a light flicker and room and I saw like a light flicker and room and I saw like a light flicker and then the power was out of my whole then the power was out of my whole then the power was out of my whole house. house. house. Um, and you know, you don't really think Um, and you know, you don't really think Um, and you know, you don't really think about how much you rely on power until about how much you rely on power until about how much you rely on power until you don't have it. So, I was like, "All you don't have it. So, I was like, "All you don't have it. So, I was like, "All right, well, just, you know, I I'll just right, well, just, you know, I I'll just right, well, just, you know, I I'll just see if it comes back really quick." I'm see if it comes back really quick." I'm see if it comes back really quick." I'm like, "I'll just eat some lunch. I can't like, "I'll just eat some lunch. I can't like, "I'll just eat some lunch. I can't make lunch. make lunch. make lunch. I don't have any power." And I'm like, I don't have any power." And I'm like, I don't have any power." And I'm like, "All right, I just let me just get a "All right, I just let me just get a "All right, I just let me just get a drink of water from the fridge." No. drink of water from the fridge." No. drink of water from the fridge." No. Nope. Nope. Nope. power. power. power. Couldn't listen to music. Couldn't Couldn't listen to music. Couldn't Couldn't listen to music. Couldn't answer an email. I was avoiding that answer an email. I was avoiding that answer an email. I was avoiding that anyway. So, that was fun. anyway. So, that was fun. anyway. So, that was fun. I couldn't make coffee. I couldn't even I couldn't make coffee. I couldn't even I couldn't make coffee. I couldn't even see the book I was trying to read. I see the book I was trying to read. I see the book I was trying to read. I couldn't charge my phone. So, I was couldn't charge my phone. So, I was couldn't charge my phone. So, I was like, you know what? I'm going to just like, you know what? I'm going to just like, you know what? I'm going to just go work somewhere else. I got in my car go work somewhere else. I got in my car go work somewhere else. I got in my car and I'm like, I can't even open a garage and I'm like, I can't even open a garage and I'm like, I can't even open a garage door. [laughter] door. [laughter] door. [laughter] Had to like do the manual thing.

Had to like do the manual thing. Had to like do the manual thing. You don't really think about how much You don't really think about how much You don't really think about how much you need power until you don't have it. you need power until you don't have it. you need power until you don't have it. You need power to accomplish anything. You need power to accomplish anything. You need power to accomplish anything. And of course, the electric company is And of course, the electric company is And of course, the electric company is sending us little texts because they sending us little texts because they sending us little texts because they know we're somewhere in desperation. And know we're somewhere in desperation. And know we're somewhere in desperation. And they're the only ones who can do they're the only ones who can do they're the only ones who can do something about it. something about it. something about it. Jesus in his kindness sees the neediness Jesus in his kindness sees the neediness Jesus in his kindness sees the neediness of this man. of this man. of this man. This man has been laid from birth. And This man has been laid from birth. And This man has been laid from birth. And we get to see the stage that God sets we get to see the stage that God sets we get to see the stage that God sets for those needs to be met. So look with for those needs to be met. So look with for those needs to be met. So look with me at verse one again because it gives me at verse one again because it gives me at verse one again because it gives us a setting a little bit. It says, "Now us a setting a little bit. It says, "Now us a setting a little bit. It says, "Now Peter and John were going up to the Peter and John were going up to the Peter and John were going up to the temple for the time of prayer at 3 in temple for the time of prayer at 3 in temple for the time of prayer at 3 in the afternoon." the afternoon." the afternoon." You know, just just to give you a little You know, just just to give you a little You know, just just to give you a little bit of context, Jews would go to the bit of context, Jews would go to the bit of context, Jews would go to the temple in the morning to pray and a temple in the morning to pray and a temple in the morning to pray and a second time in the afternoon, a few second time in the afternoon, a few second time in the afternoon, a few hours before sunset. So the text says hours before sunset. So the text says hours before sunset. So the text says 3:00, it literally says the 9inth hour. 3:00, it literally says the 9inth hour. 3:00, it literally says the 9inth hour. So they were going there and of course So they were going there and of course So they were going there and of course Peter and John are um you know, they're Peter and John are um you know, they're Peter and John are um you know, they're not a part of the Jewish community in not a part of the Jewish community in not a part of the Jewish community in the way that they had been. that they're the way that they had been. that they're the way that they had been. that they're followers of Jesus. So, as they go to followers of Jesus. So, as they go to followers of Jesus. So, as they go to the temple, it seems clear to me that the temple, it seems clear to me that the temple, it seems clear to me that one of their um intentions is to be one of their um intentions is to be one of their um intentions is to be witnesses of this Jesus, to say to these witnesses of this Jesus, to say to these witnesses of this Jesus, to say to these people, "Hey, this God you've come to people, "Hey, this God you've come to people, "Hey, this God you've come to this temple to pray to has already sent this temple to pray to has already sent this temple to pray to has already sent your savior and his name is Jesus." And your savior and his name is Jesus." And your savior and his name is Jesus." And God gives them an incredible stage God gives them an incredible stage God gives them an incredible stage for the power of Jesus to be shown. This for the power of Jesus to be shown. This for the power of Jesus to be shown. This is what it says in verse two. It says, is what it says in verse two. It says, is what it says in verse two. It says, "A man who was lame from birth was being "A man who was lame from birth was being "A man who was lame from birth was being carried there to the temple. He was carried there to the temple. He was carried there to the temple. He was placed each day at the temple gate

placed each day at the temple gate placed each day at the temple gate called beautiful so that he could beg called beautiful so that he could beg called beautiful so that he could beg from those entering the temple. When he from those entering the temple. When he from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the saw Peter and John about to enter the saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for money." We'll stop temple, he asked for money." We'll stop temple, he asked for money." We'll stop there for a moment. there for a moment. there for a moment. Now, of course, lame isn't a word that Now, of course, lame isn't a word that Now, of course, lame isn't a word that we would use to refer to his condition we would use to refer to his condition we would use to refer to his condition now, but what Luke meant by that is that now, but what Luke meant by that is that now, but what Luke meant by that is that he was unable to walk. He was paralyzed. he was unable to walk. He was paralyzed. he was unable to walk. He was paralyzed. He couldn't use his legs and feet. And He couldn't use his legs and feet. And He couldn't use his legs and feet. And it's not just that he was par paralyzed it's not just that he was par paralyzed it's not just that he was par paralyzed currently. It says he was lame from currently. It says he was lame from currently. It says he was lame from birth. birth. birth. Other translations say lame from his Other translations say lame from his Other translations say lame from his mother's womb. So this is not someone mother's womb. So this is not someone mother's womb. So this is not someone who just got injured in a car accident who just got injured in a car accident who just got injured in a car accident or developed a condition later in life. or developed a condition later in life. or developed a condition later in life. This man has never walked in his entire This man has never walked in his entire This man has never walked in his entire life. His legs and feet have never life. His legs and feet have never life. His legs and feet have never supported his weight one time. That supported his weight one time. That supported his weight one time. That means he can't get anywhere himself. means he can't get anywhere himself. means he can't get anywhere himself. That means he can't work. So what we're That means he can't work. So what we're That means he can't work. So what we're seeing is not an unusual day for him. It seeing is not an unusual day for him. It seeing is not an unusual day for him. It says they took him every day. The says they took him every day. The says they took him every day. The wheelchair hadn't been invented yet. He wheelchair hadn't been invented yet. He wheelchair hadn't been invented yet. He couldn't get surgery. He couldn't call couldn't get surgery. He couldn't call couldn't get surgery. He couldn't call an Uber. This was the only way he would an Uber. This was the only way he would an Uber. This was the only way he would be able to get there. He is needy. He's be able to get there. He is needy. He's be able to get there. He is needy. He's helpless. He's dependent on other helpless. He's dependent on other helpless. He's dependent on other people. And he can't even go into the people. And he can't even go into the people. And he can't even go into the temple. He's prohibited from going into temple. He's prohibited from going into temple. He's prohibited from going into the temple because he's lame. And what's the temple because he's lame. And what's the temple because he's lame. And what's interesting to me is it's not that no interesting to me is it's not that no interesting to me is it's not that no one cares about him at all cuz people one cares about him at all cuz people one cares about him at all cuz people are carrying him every single day to the are carrying him every single day to the are carrying him every single day to the temple to beg, but they are limited in temple to beg, but they are limited in temple to beg, but they are limited in the ways that they can help him.

the ways that they can help him. the ways that they can help him. Have you ever found yourself wanting to Have you ever found yourself wanting to Have you ever found yourself wanting to be helpful to somebody, but you can be helpful to somebody, but you can be helpful to somebody, but you can sense your limitations? sense your limitations? sense your limitations? Um Luke in in the Gospel of Luke, he Um Luke in in the Gospel of Luke, he Um Luke in in the Gospel of Luke, he writes about this woman. Have y'all ever writes about this woman. Have y'all ever writes about this woman. Have y'all ever heard the story about the woman who heard the story about the woman who heard the story about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment? touched the hem of Jesus' garment? touched the hem of Jesus' garment? She also had people who were limited in She also had people who were limited in She also had people who were limited in their ability to try to help her. It their ability to try to help her. It their ability to try to help her. It says that she had been bleeding for 12 says that she had been bleeding for 12 says that she had been bleeding for 12 years. years. years. That she had spent all her money on That she had spent all her money on That she had spent all her money on doctors who could not do anything to doctors who could not do anything to doctors who could not do anything to help her. They were limited. They were help her. They were limited. They were help her. They were limited. They were powerless. And yet in this crowd as powerless. And yet in this crowd as powerless. And yet in this crowd as Jesus is going by, she touches the hem Jesus is going by, she touches the hem Jesus is going by, she touches the hem of his garment and she is healed because of his garment and she is healed because of his garment and she is healed because the king shares his power. the king shares his power. the king shares his power. >> So with all these people who want to >> So with all these people who want to >> So with all these people who want to help are limited, the power of Jesus is help are limited, the power of Jesus is help are limited, the power of Jesus is unlimited. unlimited. unlimited. One of the things I find interesting One of the things I find interesting One of the things I find interesting about this man being carried every day about this man being carried every day about this man being carried every day is that when you suffer in the same way is that when you suffer in the same way is that when you suffer in the same way day after day after day like this man day after day after day like this man day after day after day like this man did is very lonely and isolated.

did is very lonely and isolated. did is very lonely and isolated. You know, even people who understand, You know, even people who understand, You know, even people who understand, even people who know your suffering and even people who know your suffering and even people who know your suffering and who see you every day, they don't they who see you every day, they don't they who see you every day, they don't they don't fully understand because their don't fully understand because their don't fully understand because their lives go on. But this man, lives go on. But this man, lives go on. But this man, I imagine that he may have felt unseen, I imagine that he may have felt unseen, I imagine that he may have felt unseen, right? I imagine he would have felt right? I imagine he would have felt right? I imagine he would have felt forgotten forgotten forgotten as he sat outside that temple gate and as he sat outside that temple gate and as he sat outside that temple gate and people went into a place he wasn't even people went into a place he wasn't even people went into a place he wasn't even allowed to go in day after day after allowed to go in day after day after allowed to go in day after day after day. One of the incredible things we see day. One of the incredible things we see day. One of the incredible things we see in scripture is that there is none of in scripture is that there is none of in scripture is that there is none of us, no matter how unseen we feel by the us, no matter how unseen we feel by the us, no matter how unseen we feel by the people around us, God sees our need. people around us, God sees our need. people around us, God sees our need. You know, he may have thought there's no You know, he may have thought there's no You know, he may have thought there's no way I'm ever going to be healed. If God way I'm ever going to be healed. If God way I'm ever going to be healed. If God was going to heal me, he would have done was going to heal me, he would have done was going to heal me, he would have done that already. that already. that already. Family, I I want you to know this. If Family, I I want you to know this. If Family, I I want you to know this. If you're someone who feels like you've you're someone who feels like you've you're someone who feels like you've been suffering day after day, you have been suffering day after day, you have been suffering day after day, you have trials that have not left. The people trials that have not left. The people trials that have not left. The people who used to care is not at the front of who used to care is not at the front of who used to care is not at the front of their minds anymore. You don't get those their minds anymore. You don't get those their minds anymore. You don't get those I'm praying for you texts anymore. If I'm praying for you texts anymore. If I'm praying for you texts anymore. If you feel unseen and forgotten, allow me you feel unseen and forgotten, allow me you feel unseen and forgotten, allow me to be the one to remind you that God to be the one to remind you that God to be the one to remind you that God sees you.

sees you. sees you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. God is aware. God is aware. God is aware. I want you to pray, but even before you I want you to pray, but even before you I want you to pray, but even before you do, God knows what you need. do, God knows what you need. do, God knows what you need. And God saw this man. The same God who And God saw this man. The same God who And God saw this man. The same God who knit us together in our mother's womb. knit us together in our mother's womb. knit us together in our mother's womb. And in Psalm 139 says he he sees our And in Psalm 139 says he he sees our And in Psalm 139 says he he sees our unformed bodies in the womb when nobody unformed bodies in the womb when nobody unformed bodies in the womb when nobody else could see them. God saw that same else could see them. God saw that same else could see them. God saw that same God sees all of us. There is nobody God sees all of us. There is nobody God sees all of us. There is nobody who's so small or unimportant or who's so small or unimportant or who's so small or unimportant or insignificant that God doesn't see. insignificant that God doesn't see. insignificant that God doesn't see. The book of Acts is really important. The book of Acts is really important. The book of Acts is really important. There's all this incredible important There's all this incredible important There's all this incredible important stuff happening in the history of the stuff happening in the history of the stuff happening in the history of the church and God is forming and the gospel church and God is forming and the gospel church and God is forming and the gospel is going to the Gentiles. And God sees is going to the Gentiles. And God sees is going to the Gentiles. And God sees this man's needs. God sees you and your this man's needs. God sees you and your this man's needs. God sees you and your needs. And even if you're here today and needs. And even if you're here today and needs. And even if you're here today and you're like, I don't know where I am you're like, I don't know where I am you're like, I don't know where I am with Jesus. with Jesus. with Jesus. I don't even know what I think about I don't even know what I think about I don't even know what I think about God. I want you to know even if you God. I want you to know even if you God. I want you to know even if you don't see God, God sees you. don't see God, God sees you. don't see God, God sees you. >> God sees you and he loves you. And every >> God sees you and he loves you. And every >> God sees you and he loves you. And every breath you breathe, God has breath you breathe, God has breath you breathe, God has handed that breath to you and he's handed that breath to you and he's handed that breath to you and he's sustaining you. And even now, it's sustaining you. And even now, it's sustaining you. And even now, it's trying to draw your attention.

trying to draw your attention. trying to draw your attention. This is what it says in verse three. This is what it says in verse three. This is what it says in verse three. When he saw Peter and John about to When he saw Peter and John about to When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for money. enter the temple, he asked for money. enter the temple, he asked for money. Peter along with John looked straight at Peter along with John looked straight at Peter along with John looked straight at him and said, "Look at us." So he turned him and said, "Look at us." So he turned him and said, "Look at us." So he turned to them expecting to get something from to them expecting to get something from to them expecting to get something from them. He makes the same ask to Peter and them. He makes the same ask to Peter and them. He makes the same ask to Peter and John that he makes to everybody every John that he makes to everybody every John that he makes to everybody every single day. Can you give me some money? single day. Can you give me some money? single day. Can you give me some money? this is the only way that I can navigate this is the only way that I can navigate this is the only way that I can navigate this world. Can you give me something? this world. Can you give me something? this world. Can you give me something? And what happens here is something that And what happens here is something that And what happens here is something that happens to anybody happens to anybody happens to anybody who talks to God is sometimes we will who talks to God is sometimes we will who talks to God is sometimes we will ask for something and God has something ask for something and God has something ask for something and God has something much better in mind for us. much better in mind for us. much better in mind for us. Number one, he sees our need. Number Number one, he sees our need. Number Number one, he sees our need. Number two, how the king shares his power. two, how the king shares his power. two, how the king shares his power. Number two, he breaks through Number two, he breaks through Number two, he breaks through brokenness. brokenness. brokenness. He breaks through brokenness. Y'all still with me? Y'all still with me? All right, just checking y'all kind of All right, just checking y'all kind of All right, just checking y'all kind of quiet. You know, sometimes we imagine that God is bound sometimes we imagine that God is bound and limited in the same ways that we are and limited in the same ways that we are and limited in the same ways that we are by the same things we are. Right? For by the same things we are. Right? For by the same things we are. Right? For people, our work is only as good as the people, our work is only as good as the people, our work is only as good as the tools we use to do the work. Our meals tools we use to do the work. Our meals tools we use to do the work. Our meals are only as good as the ingredients.

are only as good as the ingredients. are only as good as the ingredients. Some of y'all, you're going to go home Some of y'all, you're going to go home Some of y'all, you're going to go home for lunch and you just going to have to for lunch and you just going to have to for lunch and you just going to have to make some out of what's in the fridge. make some out of what's in the fridge. make some out of what's in the fridge. We call those struggle meals. We call those struggle meals. We call those struggle meals. And you going to be like, you got some And you going to be like, you got some And you going to be like, you got some relish, relish, relish, some pepperonis, some pepperonis, some pepperonis, one English muffin for some reason, and one English muffin for some reason, and one English muffin for some reason, and you going to have to make something that you going to have to make something that you going to have to make something that you should never tell anybody about you should never tell anybody about you should never tell anybody about because this is what you have. You just because this is what you have. You just because this is what you have. You just got to, you know, make some out of what got to, you know, make some out of what got to, you know, make some out of what you got. There's a reason that the you got. There's a reason that the you got. There's a reason that the phrase is when life hands you lemons, phrase is when life hands you lemons, phrase is when life hands you lemons, you you you >> make lemonade. Not necessarily cuz >> make lemonade. Not necessarily cuz >> make lemonade. Not necessarily cuz that's just what you want, but it's like that's just what you want, but it's like that's just what you want, but it's like this is the best thing I can make out of this is the best thing I can make out of this is the best thing I can make out of lemons. lemons. lemons. We imagine that God sometimes in the We imagine that God sometimes in the We imagine that God sometimes in the ways that he wants to work is bound by ways that he wants to work is bound by ways that he wants to work is bound by the circumstances that get handed to the circumstances that get handed to the circumstances that get handed to him. I would love to remind you that one him. I would love to remind you that one him. I would love to remind you that one time life handed Jesus water and he made time life handed Jesus water and he made time life handed Jesus water and he made wine. wine. wine. >> Jesus is not bound in the ways that we >> Jesus is not bound in the ways that we >> Jesus is not bound in the ways that we are. Jesus can break through uh unal are. Jesus can break through uh unal are. Jesus can break through uh unal circumstances and he can break through circumstances and he can break through circumstances and he can break through brokenness. And we get an opportunity to brokenness. And we get an opportunity to brokenness. And we get an opportunity to see him do that because not only do we see him do that because not only do we see him do that because not only do we have the brokenness of this man, we have have the brokenness of this man, we have have the brokenness of this man, we have these imperfect vessels that he wants to these imperfect vessels that he wants to these imperfect vessels that he wants to use, Peter and John. It's not like he's use, Peter and John. It's not like he's use, Peter and John. It's not like he's like, "How can I help this man? And how like, "How can I help this man? And how like, "How can I help this man? And how can I figure out how to do that through can I figure out how to do that through can I figure out how to do that through the powers that Peter and John already the powers that Peter and John already the powers that Peter and John already have?" Listen what happens in verse 6 have?" Listen what happens in verse 6 have?" Listen what happens in verse 6 after he's asked Peter for money. He after he's asked Peter for money. He after he's asked Peter for money. He says Peter said, "I don't have silver or says Peter said, "I don't have silver or says Peter said, "I don't have silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In gold, but what I do have I give you. In gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." get up and walk." get up and walk." Oh my goodness. Can you imagine what Oh my goodness. Can you imagine what Oh my goodness. Can you imagine what thoughts were going through this man's thoughts were going through this man's thoughts were going through this man's head? head? head? He asked for 75 cents and he received He asked for 75 cents and he received He asked for 75 cents and he received healing. healing. healing. Can you imagine Can you imagine Can you imagine now? You know, Peter's saying, you know, now? You know, Peter's saying, you know, now? You know, Peter's saying, you know, I don't have silver or gold, but what I I don't have silver or gold, but what I I don't have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you. I don't want you to do have, I give you. I don't want you to do have, I give you. I don't want you to imagine that Peter had some cash on him. imagine that Peter had some cash on him. imagine that Peter had some cash on him. He was like just pretending like, "Oh He was like just pretending like, "Oh He was like just pretending like, "Oh man, I left my wallet at the house." man, I left my wallet at the house." man, I left my wallet at the house." Peter and John were not uh on staff at a Peter and John were not uh on staff at a Peter and John were not uh on staff at a big church. They were not sought after big church. They were not sought after big church. They were not sought after conference speakers. They were not conference speakers. They were not conference speakers. They were not Christian influences. These were Christian influences. These were Christian influences. These were apostles. apostles. apostles. Peter did not have any money on him. Peter did not have any money on him. Peter did not have any money on him. And in a world where uh the highest And in a world where uh the highest And in a world where uh the highest values are silver and gold, I love values are silver and gold, I love values are silver and gold, I love seeing God in his kingdom say, "No, no, seeing God in his kingdom say, "No, no, seeing God in his kingdom say, "No, no, I don't have silver and gold." The thing I don't have silver and gold." The thing I don't have silver and gold." The thing that is your pathway to everything that that is your pathway to everything that that is your pathway to everything that you think you need. I actually have you think you need. I actually have you think you need. I actually have something better. It's so interesting something better. It's so interesting something better. It's so interesting that he says, "But what I do have, I that he says, "But what I do have, I that he says, "But what I do have, I give you." It's like how It's very give you." It's like how It's very give you." It's like how It's very interesting how God works. I want you to interesting how God works. I want you to interesting how God works. I want you to remember what I talked about in Acts 1 remember what I talked about in Acts 1 remember what I talked about in Acts 1 that that Jesus said, "Hey, the Holy that that Jesus said, "Hey, the Holy that that Jesus said, "Hey, the Holy Spirit is going to come upon you and Spirit is going to come upon you and Spirit is going to come upon you and you're going to be able to go out as my you're going to be able to go out as my you're going to be able to go out as my witnesses." Even before that, Matthew witnesses." Even before that, Matthew witnesses." Even before that, Matthew 10:1, uh it says this, "Summoning his 12 10:1, uh it says this, "Summoning his 12 10:1, uh it says this, "Summoning his 12 disciples, he gave them authority over disciples, he gave them authority over disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to unclean spirits to drive them out and to unclean spirits to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness." Peter heal every disease and sickness." Peter heal every disease and sickness." Peter was not born with superpowers.

was not born with superpowers. was not born with superpowers. Um Peter was a regular dude. Um Peter was a regular dude. Um Peter was a regular dude. But Jesus wanting to do his work and But Jesus wanting to do his work and But Jesus wanting to do his work and continue his work said I am going to continue his work said I am going to continue his work said I am going to give them authority and I'm going to give them authority and I'm going to give them authority and I'm going to allow uh them to be used as tools of my allow uh them to be used as tools of my allow uh them to be used as tools of my power. So Peter commands him to get up power. So Peter commands him to get up power. So Peter commands him to get up and he does which is crazy how the king and he does which is crazy how the king and he does which is crazy how the king shares his power. This doesn't work like shares his power. This doesn't work like shares his power. This doesn't work like this in any other way. Like if I built a this in any other way. Like if I built a this in any other way. Like if I built a close friendship with Mike Tyson, close friendship with Mike Tyson, close friendship with Mike Tyson, I can't just box all of a sudden. I can't just box all of a sudden. I can't just box all of a sudden. It's not like, "Oh, I'm friends with It's not like, "Oh, I'm friends with It's not like, "Oh, I'm friends with Mike Tyson. I got his number on my phone Mike Tyson. I got his number on my phone Mike Tyson. I got his number on my phone and I'm just acting real aggressive to and I'm just acting real aggressive to and I'm just acting real aggressive to people like I dare somebody to make me people like I dare somebody to make me people like I dare somebody to make me swing." No, I that doesn't help me. swing." No, I that doesn't help me. swing." No, I that doesn't help me. He can't just share his skills with me. He can't just share his skills with me. He can't just share his skills with me. But there is something unique about But there is something unique about But there is something unique about Jesus. That Jesus you is uniquely Jesus. That Jesus you is uniquely Jesus. That Jesus you is uniquely willing and able to share his power willing and able to share his power willing and able to share his power because that's how he's achieving his because that's how he's achieving his because that's how he's achieving his work in the world. And that is a work in the world. And that is a work in the world. And that is a blessing to me cuz I don't know about blessing to me cuz I don't know about blessing to me cuz I don't know about you but I desperately need the power of you but I desperately need the power of you but I desperately need the power of God. God. God. I am deeply aware of my own brokenness I am deeply aware of my own brokenness I am deeply aware of my own brokenness and limitations and weakness. And if you and limitations and weakness. And if you and limitations and weakness. And if you are not aware of your own brokenness and are not aware of your own brokenness and are not aware of your own brokenness and weakness and limitations, it's not cuz weakness and limitations, it's not cuz weakness and limitations, it's not cuz you are not broken and weak and limited.

you are not broken and weak and limited. you are not broken and weak and limited. That's it. That's it. That's it. >> And my prayer is that you would humble >> And my prayer is that you would humble >> And my prayer is that you would humble yourself before God has to forcefully yourself before God has to forcefully yourself before God has to forcefully humble you. humble you. humble you. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> We all desperately need the power of >> We all desperately need the power of >> We all desperately need the power of God. You may say, "Trip, why do I need God. You may say, "Trip, why do I need God. You may say, "Trip, why do I need the power of God? The stuff that God is the power of God? The stuff that God is the power of God? The stuff that God is calling me to do is regular." >> Some of the things we think of as >> Some of the things we think of as regular or things that are outside of regular or things that are outside of regular or things that are outside of our own power. You know, you think about our own power. You know, you think about our own power. You know, you think about Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 says, "I came to Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 says, "I came to Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 says, "I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much you in weakness, in fear, and in much you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching trembling. My speech and my preaching trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of were not with persuasive words of were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the wisdom, but with a demonstration of the wisdom, but with a demonstration of the spirit's power, so that your faith may spirit's power, so that your faith may spirit's power, so that your faith may not be based on human wisdom, but on not be based on human wisdom, but on not be based on human wisdom, but on God's power. In 2 Corinthians 10, uh God's power. In 2 Corinthians 10, uh God's power. In 2 Corinthians 10, uh Paul is talking about um every thought Paul is talking about um every thought Paul is talking about um every thought and intention that comes against God. and intention that comes against God. and intention that comes against God. And he says that we in the gospel have And he says that we in the gospel have And he says that we in the gospel have divine power to destroy strongholds. You divine power to destroy strongholds. You divine power to destroy strongholds. You don't just need power for miraculous uh don't just need power for miraculous uh don't just need power for miraculous uh um acts of healing. We need power for um acts of healing. We need power for um acts of healing. We need power for everything that God has called us to do. everything that God has called us to do. everything that God has called us to do. You loving others requires God's power.

You loving others requires God's power. You loving others requires God's power. You being patient requires God's power. You being patient requires God's power. You being patient requires God's power. You being consistent requires God's You being consistent requires God's You being consistent requires God's power. You training for godliness. You power. You training for godliness. You power. You training for godliness. You parenting, if you've got kids, you know parenting, if you've got kids, you know parenting, if you've got kids, you know you need God's power. you need God's power. you need God's power. My son is my my kids are in a new stage. My son is my my kids are in a new stage. My son is my my kids are in a new stage. My my oldest is a freshman in high My my oldest is a freshman in high My my oldest is a freshman in high school, which sounds weird to say. I school, which sounds weird to say. I school, which sounds weird to say. I don't feel like I'm old enough for that. don't feel like I'm old enough for that. don't feel like I'm old enough for that. Don't tell anybody. But my oldest is a Don't tell anybody. But my oldest is a Don't tell anybody. But my oldest is a freshman in high school. And I'm like, I freshman in high school. And I'm like, I freshman in high school. And I'm like, I I understand very clearly that I do not I understand very clearly that I do not I understand very clearly that I do not have within myself the power to form him have within myself the power to form him have within myself the power to form him into exactly the young man that I want into exactly the young man that I want into exactly the young man that I want him to be. I desperately need God's him to be. I desperately need God's him to be. I desperately need God's power. Being a good husband or wife power. Being a good husband or wife power. Being a good husband or wife requires God's power. I was talking to a requires God's power. I was talking to a requires God's power. I was talking to a friend um one time who who's just going friend um one time who who's just going friend um one time who who's just going through a really hard time and I was through a really hard time and I was through a really hard time and I was trying to walk with him. We were on the trying to walk with him. We were on the trying to walk with him. We were on the phone for over an hour. He's saying, phone for over an hour. He's saying, phone for over an hour. He's saying, "Trip, I don't know what to do." And I "Trip, I don't know what to do." And I "Trip, I don't know what to do." And I said to him, "Bro, I don't know what to said to him, "Bro, I don't know what to said to him, "Bro, I don't know what to do either. I don't have all the answers do either. I don't have all the answers do either. I don't have all the answers and I can't fix this on my own, but I and I can't fix this on my own, but I and I can't fix this on my own, but I just want to show up and be faithful. just want to show up and be faithful. just want to show up and be faithful. And my hope, my trust is that God in his And my hope, my trust is that God in his And my hope, my trust is that God in his power can do something that I can't."

power can do something that I can't." power can do something that I can't." >> That's right. family. I want to ask you >> That's right. family. I want to ask you >> That's right. family. I want to ask you what what what God Well, I I want to tell you the the God Well, I I want to tell you the the God Well, I I want to tell you the the work that God has called us to is work work that God has called us to is work work that God has called us to is work that we cannot do. That's right. that we cannot do. That's right. that we cannot do. That's right. >> We desperately need his power. Now, I >> We desperately need his power. Now, I >> We desperately need his power. Now, I will remind you that in the book of will remind you that in the book of will remind you that in the book of Acts, we have a a really unique Acts, we have a a really unique Acts, we have a a really unique situation, right? So, I I don't want you situation, right? So, I I don't want you situation, right? So, I I don't want you to imagine like, oh, because God shares to imagine like, oh, because God shares to imagine like, oh, because God shares his power, I can just command things and his power, I can just command things and his power, I can just command things and everything is just going to work. everything is just going to work. everything is just going to work. because you would have some people, you because you would have some people, you because you would have some people, you know, pulling up their bank apps and know, pulling up their bank apps and know, pulling up their bank apps and commanding things over their bank commanding things over their bank commanding things over their bank accounts immediately. Just to be clear, accounts immediately. Just to be clear, accounts immediately. Just to be clear, there are specific kinds of authority he there are specific kinds of authority he there are specific kinds of authority he was giving the apostles. This was a was giving the apostles. This was a was giving the apostles. This was a really unique time in the history of the really unique time in the history of the really unique time in the history of the church. But of course, the Bible does church. But of course, the Bible does church. But of course, the Bible does talk about spiritual gifts that are talk about spiritual gifts that are talk about spiritual gifts that are given. It does talk about gifts of given. It does talk about gifts of given. It does talk about gifts of healing. What I want to say is for healing. What I want to say is for healing. What I want to say is for whatever God has called us to in whatever God has called us to in whatever God has called us to in whatever ways that he has gifted us, we whatever ways that he has gifted us, we whatever ways that he has gifted us, we desperately need his power. And we want to orient ourselves in that And we want to orient ourselves in that way way way to continue the work, the ministry that to continue the work, the ministry that to continue the work, the ministry that Jesus has done. Jesus was always healing Jesus has done. Jesus was always healing Jesus has done. Jesus was always healing the lame in the gospels and of course the lame in the gospels and of course the lame in the gospels and of course he's now doing it through his apostles.

he's now doing it through his apostles. he's now doing it through his apostles. And I want to ask you, what kind of work And I want to ask you, what kind of work And I want to ask you, what kind of work that Jesus was doing in the gospels as a that Jesus was doing in the gospels as a that Jesus was doing in the gospels as a part of his ministry is he calling you part of his ministry is he calling you part of his ministry is he calling you to continue in to continue in to continue in some of us, it's hard to think of an some of us, it's hard to think of an some of us, it's hard to think of an answer because we don't often look at answer because we don't often look at answer because we don't often look at the work of Jesus. family. I want you to the work of Jesus. family. I want you to the work of Jesus. family. I want you to keep looking at Jesus. keep looking at Jesus. keep looking at Jesus. Oh, I don't want anything more for you Oh, I don't want anything more for you Oh, I don't want anything more for you than to be like Jesus. There's nothing than to be like Jesus. There's nothing than to be like Jesus. There's nothing better for you than to be like Jesus. better for you than to be like Jesus. better for you than to be like Jesus. And what work has Jesus called you to? And what work has Jesus called you to? And what work has Jesus called you to? Who can you love that Jesus has called Who can you love that Jesus has called Who can you love that Jesus has called you to love? What is Southeast Christian you to love? What is Southeast Christian you to love? What is Southeast Christian Church known for in this city? It should be continuing the work and It should be continuing the work and ministry of Jesus. I I I love hearing ministry of Jesus. I I I love hearing ministry of Jesus. I I I love hearing about the the food pack. 2 million about the the food pack. 2 million about the the food pack. 2 million meals. That's incredible. meals. That's incredible. meals. That's incredible. That's that's continuing the the work of That's that's continuing the the work of That's that's continuing the the work of Jesus. And we need his power for that. Jesus. And we need his power for that. Jesus. And we need his power for that. My prayer is that God will make clear to My prayer is that God will make clear to My prayer is that God will make clear to you what that looks like in your life you what that looks like in your life you what that looks like in your life this week. If we look around the world, this week. If we look around the world, this week. If we look around the world, the power of Jesus is desperately the power of Jesus is desperately the power of Jesus is desperately needed. And we, needed. And we, needed. And we, weak, limited, broken little us, we get weak, limited, broken little us, we get weak, limited, broken little us, we get to be recipients of God's power and we to be recipients of God's power and we to be recipients of God's power and we get to be conduits of God's power.

I'm a I'm a big sports fan and sometimes I'm a I'm a big sports fan and sometimes there'll be someone and they'll talk there'll be someone and they'll talk there'll be someone and they'll talk about and they'll be like blah blah and about and they'll be like blah blah and about and they'll be like blah blah and NBA champion and I'm like champion I NBA champion and I'm like champion I NBA champion and I'm like champion I don't remember and I'm like oh he didn't don't remember and I'm like oh he didn't don't remember and I'm like oh he didn't get to play but he was a part of that get to play but he was a part of that get to play but he was a part of that team. He got to be a part of something team. He got to be a part of something team. He got to be a part of something incredible which to be clear the best incredible which to be clear the best incredible which to be clear the best team I was a part of was a horrible high team I was a part of was a horrible high team I was a part of was a horrible high school team. So shout out to them. school team. So shout out to them. school team. So shout out to them. God has said you get to be a part of the God has said you get to be a part of the God has said you get to be a part of the incredible powerful work that get the incredible powerful work that get the incredible powerful work that get the privilege that you get to be used as a privilege that you get to be used as a privilege that you get to be used as a conduit of God's power is greater than conduit of God's power is greater than conduit of God's power is greater than anything else you can imagine. Last last anything else you can imagine. Last last anything else you can imagine. Last last thing I'll say here is this. There's thing I'll say here is this. There's thing I'll say here is this. There's another story I was reminded of. Do another story I was reminded of. Do another story I was reminded of. Do y'all remember the story where there was y'all remember the story where there was y'all remember the story where there was a a paralytic man and his friends were a a paralytic man and his friends were a a paralytic man and his friends were trying to take him to Jesus. It was so trying to take him to Jesus. It was so trying to take him to Jesus. It was so crowded they couldn't get him to Jesus. crowded they couldn't get him to Jesus. crowded they couldn't get him to Jesus. So they climbed on the roof. So they climbed on the roof. So they climbed on the roof. I I don't think my friends would even I I don't think my friends would even I I don't think my friends would even trust me to carry him on the roof. Nor trust me to carry him on the roof. Nor trust me to carry him on the roof. Nor should they. They climb up on the roof should they. They climb up on the roof should they. They climb up on the roof and they lower him down through the roof and they lower him down through the roof and they lower him down through the roof and he gets healed. They're like, "We and he gets healed. They're like, "We and he gets healed. They're like, "We just got to get him to Jesus." just got to get him to Jesus." just got to get him to Jesus." >> That's it. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> This guy's friends who are taking him to >> This guy's friends who are taking him to >> This guy's friends who are taking him to the temple gate. They They don't think the temple gate. They They don't think the temple gate. They They don't think they're taking him to Jesus. They're they're taking him to Jesus. They're they're taking him to Jesus. They're just taking him to the temple gate to just taking him to the temple gate to just taking him to the temple gate to beg. But God in his power and in his beg. But God in his power and in his beg. But God in his power and in his kindness kindness kindness heals this man through Peter and John heals this man through Peter and John heals this man through Peter and John still made a way for him to encounter still made a way for him to encounter still made a way for him to encounter the power of Jesus. And I'll say this, the power of Jesus. And I'll say this, the power of Jesus. And I'll say this, um, this means that anywhere can be um, this means that anywhere can be um, this means that anywhere can be someone where someone can be brought to someone where someone can be brought to someone where someone can be brought to Jesus if the people of Jesus are doing Jesus if the people of Jesus are doing Jesus if the people of Jesus are doing the work of Jesus.

the work of Jesus. the work of Jesus. >> Yeah. that a room like this full of the >> Yeah. that a room like this full of the >> Yeah. that a room like this full of the people of Jesus, somebody being brought people of Jesus, somebody being brought people of Jesus, somebody being brought here could be somebody being brought to here could be somebody being brought to here could be somebody being brought to Jesus because it's full of people who Jesus because it's full of people who Jesus because it's full of people who take it seriously that we are called to take it seriously that we are called to take it seriously that we are called to do the work of Jesus. Somebody new do the work of Jesus. Somebody new do the work of Jesus. Somebody new showing up at your job could be someone showing up at your job could be someone showing up at your job could be someone being brought to Jesus because someone being brought to Jesus because someone being brought to Jesus because someone who is a follower of Jesus is doing the who is a follower of Jesus is doing the who is a follower of Jesus is doing the work of Jesus. Family, we want to take work of Jesus. Family, we want to take work of Jesus. Family, we want to take the work of Jesus seriously the work of Jesus seriously the work of Jesus seriously >> and ask God, will you please work >> and ask God, will you please work >> and ask God, will you please work powerfully through me? It's a privilege It's a privilege and and and I'll say this. Um and and and I'll say this. Um and and and I'll say this. Um it's a privilege that that I want us to take seriously. I I that I want us to take seriously. I I talked to a new friend recently who told talked to a new friend recently who told talked to a new friend recently who told me that she had had a chronic illness me that she had had a chronic illness me that she had had a chronic illness for a long time, a very long time. for a long time, a very long time. for a long time, a very long time. Something the hardest parts of her life. Something the hardest parts of her life. Something the hardest parts of her life. She has a conversation with someone who She has a conversation with someone who She has a conversation with someone who says, "Hey, I don't do this normally. says, "Hey, I don't do this normally. says, "Hey, I don't do this normally. But let me let me pray for you that you But let me let me pray for you that you But let me let me pray for you that you would be healed.

would be healed. would be healed. And soon after she's healed, And soon after she's healed, And soon after she's healed, >> no pain. Now, now let me tell you the >> no pain. Now, now let me tell you the >> no pain. Now, now let me tell you the the gentleman who prayed first said, "I the gentleman who prayed first said, "I the gentleman who prayed first said, "I don't do this." He didn't like try to don't do this." He didn't like try to don't do this." He didn't like try to sell himself to some huge healer. He sell himself to some huge healer. He sell himself to some huge healer. He said, "Well, oh, I I feel led to pray said, "Well, oh, I I feel led to pray said, "Well, oh, I I feel led to pray for you." And God in his power used an for you." And God in his power used an for you." And God in his power used an ordinary person to do powerful things. ordinary person to do powerful things. ordinary person to do powerful things. family. Do not let anybody convince you family. Do not let anybody convince you family. Do not let anybody convince you that God is done doing powerful things. that God is done doing powerful things. that God is done doing powerful things. Also, don't let anybody convince you Also, don't let anybody convince you Also, don't let anybody convince you that he can't use you to do powerful that he can't use you to do powerful that he can't use you to do powerful things. things. things. >> Here's what Peter says. As as if I want >> Here's what Peter says. As as if I want >> Here's what Peter says. As as if I want to remind you, in the name of Jesus, to remind you, in the name of Jesus, to remind you, in the name of Jesus, Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk. He Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk. He Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk. He doesn't say in my own power. It's in the doesn't say in my own power. It's in the doesn't say in my own power. It's in the name of Jesus. And we're not talking name of Jesus. And we're not talking name of Jesus. And we're not talking about just the syllables, Jesus. We're about just the syllables, Jesus. We're about just the syllables, Jesus. We're talking about the the authority of talking about the the authority of talking about the the authority of Jesus, the credibility of Jesus, the Jesus, the credibility of Jesus, the Jesus, the credibility of Jesus, the reputation of Jesus, the power of Jesus. reputation of Jesus, the power of Jesus. reputation of Jesus, the power of Jesus. He says, "Get up and walk." You may say, He says, "Get up and walk." You may say, He says, "Get up and walk." You may say, "But that's Peter. He's special. "But that's Peter. He's special. "But that's Peter. He's special. I'm just me." I just want to remind you I'm just me." I just want to remind you I'm just me." I just want to remind you that this is the same Peter who at the that this is the same Peter who at the that this is the same Peter who at the end of the Gospels, Jesus said, "Hey, end of the Gospels, Jesus said, "Hey, end of the Gospels, Jesus said, "Hey, before the rooster crows, you're going before the rooster crows, you're going before the rooster crows, you're going to deny me three times. This is not to deny me three times. This is not to deny me three times. This is not someone who's especially worthy."

And he says, "Lord, I would never deny And he says, "Lord, I would never deny you." And someone says after Jesus has you." And someone says after Jesus has you." And someone says after Jesus has been arrested, they say, "Hey, ain't you been arrested, they say, "Hey, ain't you been arrested, they say, "Hey, ain't you one of the dudes who was with Jesus?" one of the dudes who was with Jesus?" one of the dudes who was with Jesus?" And Peter's like, "Who Jesus? I don't And Peter's like, "Who Jesus? I don't And Peter's like, "Who Jesus? I don't even know who that is." even know who that is." even know who that is." And denies him three times just as Jesus And denies him three times just as Jesus And denies him three times just as Jesus said. said. said. And yet this same Peter And yet this same Peter And yet this same Peter who didn't even want to be associated who didn't even want to be associated who didn't even want to be associated with the name of Jesus is now healing with the name of Jesus is now healing with the name of Jesus is now healing people in the name of Jesus. people in the name of Jesus. people in the name of Jesus. There is nothing that you have done There is nothing that you have done There is nothing that you have done [applause] that excludes you from being used by that excludes you from being used by Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> If you trust Jesus and submit to Jesus, >> If you trust Jesus and submit to Jesus, >> If you trust Jesus and submit to Jesus, Jesus can use you to do powerful things. >> And you know, if there's someone that's >> And you know, if there's someone that's like, "No, he's talking about them, not like, "No, he's talking about them, not like, "No, he's talking about them, not me. I'm talking to you. I'm talking to me. I'm talking to you. I'm talking to me. I'm talking to you. I'm talking to you. It's his power, not ours. I spent you. It's his power, not ours. I spent you. It's his power, not ours. I spent more time there than I meant to. So now more time there than I meant to. So now more time there than I meant to. So now I have to figure out what else I need to I have to figure out what else I need to I have to figure out what else I need to skip. Lord help me.

I'll just say this. What Peter and John I'll just say this. What Peter and John did was show up and be faithful. did was show up and be faithful. did was show up and be faithful. >> They didn't say, you know, they they >> They didn't say, you know, they they >> They didn't say, you know, they they didn't say miraculous string of phrases. didn't say miraculous string of phrases. didn't say miraculous string of phrases. They showed up. They were faithful. And They showed up. They were faithful. And They showed up. They were faithful. And God's power showed up. I want you to God's power showed up. I want you to God's power showed up. I want you to think through where in my life do I just think through where in my life do I just think through where in my life do I just need to show up and be faithful? There need to show up and be faithful? There need to show up and be faithful? There are some things we feel called to, but are some things we feel called to, but are some things we feel called to, but we're like, I don't know. I don't think we're like, I don't know. I don't think we're like, I don't know. I don't think I can do that. Well, I'll confess, I I can do that. Well, I'll confess, I I can do that. Well, I'll confess, I don't like to do stuff that I'm not don't like to do stuff that I'm not don't like to do stuff that I'm not great at. I like feeling like I did it great at. I like feeling like I did it great at. I like feeling like I did it good and I know I can do a good job. good and I know I can do a good job. good and I know I can do a good job. Sometimes God has called you to show up Sometimes God has called you to show up Sometimes God has called you to show up in weakness and be faithful and let him in weakness and be faithful and let him in weakness and be faithful and let him work. work. work. >> If you're aware, no, no, no, I'm weak, >> If you're aware, no, no, no, I'm weak, >> If you're aware, no, no, no, I'm weak, then I want to say, you are exactly in then I want to say, you are exactly in then I want to say, you are exactly in the right place cuz God loves to do the right place cuz God loves to do the right place cuz God loves to do things in a way where it's clear that things in a way where it's clear that things in a way where it's clear that it's his power and not yours. it's his power and not yours. it's his power and not yours. >> Show up and be faithful. But I don't >> Show up and be faithful. But I don't >> Show up and be faithful. But I don't know what the next step is. No, no, you know what the next step is. No, no, you know what the next step is. No, no, you know what this step is. show up and be know what this step is. show up and be know what this step is. show up and be faithful. And there's a God who loves to faithful. And there's a God who loves to faithful. And there's a God who loves to share his power and to use his power for share his power and to use his power for share his power and to use his power for his glory and for our good. his glory and for our good. his glory and for our good. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> So look at how unremarkable what Peter >> So look at how unremarkable what Peter >> So look at how unremarkable what Peter does. So he say, "Can I have money?" does. So he say, "Can I have money?" does. So he say, "Can I have money?" Holds his hand out. Peter taking him by Holds his hand out. Peter taking him by Holds his hand out. Peter taking him by the right hand, he raised him up and the right hand, he raised him up and the right hand, he raised him up and once his feet and ankles became strong.

once his feet and ankles became strong. once his feet and ankles became strong. So he jumped up and started to walk and So he jumped up and started to walk and So he jumped up and started to walk and he entered the temple with them walking, he entered the temple with them walking, he entered the temple with them walking, leaping and praising God. leaping and praising God. leaping and praising God. He jumped up. this man who's never He jumped up. this man who's never He jumped up. this man who's never walked. You know, think about most walked. You know, think about most walked. You know, think about most people's first steps. Most people's people's first steps. Most people's people's first steps. Most people's first steps could barely be called steps first steps could barely be called steps first steps could barely be called steps if we're honest. It's kind of a drunken if we're honest. It's kind of a drunken if we're honest. It's kind of a drunken falling slowly thing that you do in falling slowly thing that you do in falling slowly thing that you do in between two family members as a baby. between two family members as a baby. between two family members as a baby. This man is a grown man with grown legs This man is a grown man with grown legs This man is a grown man with grown legs and feet taking his first steps. And and feet taking his first steps. And and feet taking his first steps. And he's not stumbling. He's not dragging he's not stumbling. He's not dragging he's not stumbling. He's not dragging his feet. He jumps up his feet. He jumps up his feet. He jumps up >> and he leaps >> and he leaps >> and he leaps >> and he walks and he praises God. a >> and he walks and he praises God. a >> and he walks and he praises God. a miraculous show of God's power and he miraculous show of God's power and he miraculous show of God's power and he was giving God the glory for it. Some of was giving God the glory for it. Some of was giving God the glory for it. Some of us like to do the equivalent of the us like to do the equivalent of the us like to do the equivalent of the walking and leaping but without the walking and leaping but without the walking and leaping but without the praising where God has shown up in power praising where God has shown up in power praising where God has shown up in power and we cry out to him in desperation. and we cry out to him in desperation. and we cry out to him in desperation. God please do this and that and then God please do this and that and then God please do this and that and then when God shows up in power we forget when God shows up in power we forget when God shows up in power we forget about the desperation altogether. about the desperation altogether. about the desperation altogether. I want to encourage you this is how you I want to encourage you this is how you I want to encourage you this is how you respond to God showing up in power with respond to God showing up in power with respond to God showing up in power with praise.

He sees our needs. He breaks through He sees our needs. He breaks through brokenness. Finally, number three, he brokenness. Finally, number three, he brokenness. Finally, number three, he shows his work. He shows his work. I shows his work. He shows his work. I shows his work. He shows his work. I love um I'm a creative. I love watching love um I'm a creative. I love watching love um I'm a creative. I love watching uh documentaries and shows where it uh documentaries and shows where it uh documentaries and shows where it shows how people make things. I'll watch shows how people make things. I'll watch shows how people make things. I'll watch anything that shows how people make anything that shows how people make anything that shows how people make things, even if I don't care about what things, even if I don't care about what things, even if I don't care about what they made. One time I found myself they made. One time I found myself they made. One time I found myself watching a 60-second Tik Tok about watching a 60-second Tik Tok about watching a 60-second Tik Tok about artisal pencil sharpening. I was like, artisal pencil sharpening. I was like, artisal pencil sharpening. I was like, man, Lord, forgive me. I should have man, Lord, forgive me. I should have man, Lord, forgive me. I should have done something different with that. But done something different with that. But done something different with that. But I just like to see people make anything. I just like to see people make anything. I just like to see people make anything. I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't have said that. um I'm going to lose credibility, but um I'm going to lose credibility, but um I'm going to lose credibility, but sometimes when I see something about how sometimes when I see something about how sometimes when I see something about how someone who made some art made it, I'm someone who made some art made it, I'm someone who made some art made it, I'm so impressed that I want to learn more so impressed that I want to learn more so impressed that I want to learn more about the artist. I want to go back and about the artist. I want to go back and about the artist. I want to go back and see everything that that person has done see everything that that person has done see everything that that person has done cuz I'm like, if they can make this, I cuz I'm like, if they can make this, I cuz I'm like, if they can make this, I want to see what else they do. Jesus want to see what else they do. Jesus want to see what else they do. Jesus often will do things like this, like often will do things like this, like often will do things like this, like heal this man with the express purpose heal this man with the express purpose heal this man with the express purpose of peing the interest of people who of peing the interest of people who of peing the interest of people who don't know about him. That people would don't know about him. That people would don't know about him. That people would say, "If Jesus can't do that, I want to say, "If Jesus can't do that, I want to say, "If Jesus can't do that, I want to know what else he can do." And look at know what else he can do." And look at know what else he can do." And look at how they respond to this man walking and how they respond to this man walking and how they respond to this man walking and leaping in the temple. Verse 9, all the leaping in the temple. Verse 9, all the leaping in the temple. Verse 9, all the people saw him walking and praising God, people saw him walking and praising God, people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized that he was the one and they recognized that he was the one and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the beautiful who used to sit and beg at the beautiful who used to sit and beg at the beautiful gate of the temple. So they were filled gate of the temple. So they were filled gate of the temple. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had with awe and astonishment at what had with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.

happened to him. happened to him. Somebody may have said, "No, maybe Somebody may have said, "No, maybe Somebody may have said, "No, maybe you're mistaken. It's not him." And you're mistaken. It's not him." And you're mistaken. It's not him." And they're like, "No, no, we know him. We they're like, "No, no, we know him. We they're like, "No, no, we know him. We saw him every day the same way the saw him every day the same way the saw him every day the same way the security guard I know who's outside my security guard I know who's outside my security guard I know who's outside my kids school when I drop them off. who kids school when I drop them off. who kids school when I drop them off. who you better listen to him. He takes his you better listen to him. He takes his you better listen to him. He takes his job very seriously. When he say go, you job very seriously. When he say go, you job very seriously. When he say go, you better go. It's like me and him are better go. It's like me and him are better go. It's like me and him are friends. I've seen him and interacted friends. I've seen him and interacted friends. I've seen him and interacted with him so many times. I know him. with him so many times. I know him. with him so many times. I know him. They're saying no. We know this man. He They're saying no. We know this man. He They're saying no. We know this man. He lays outside the temple. Now he is lays outside the temple. Now he is lays outside the temple. Now he is inside the temple inside the temple inside the temple >> walking and leaping and jumping and >> walking and leaping and jumping and >> walking and leaping and jumping and praising God. And they are in awe and praising God. And they are in awe and praising God. And they are in awe and astonished at the power. And Peter says, astonished at the power. And Peter says, astonished at the power. And Peter says, "Hey, why y'all so amazed imagining that "Hey, why y'all so amazed imagining that "Hey, why y'all so amazed imagining that it's us?" He said, "No, no. the God of it's us?" He said, "No, no. the God of it's us?" He said, "No, no. the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who sent his Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who sent his Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who sent his son Jesus. He's the one who's displaying son Jesus. He's the one who's displaying son Jesus. He's the one who's displaying his power. his power. his power. You know, sometimes we don't always You know, sometimes we don't always You know, sometimes we don't always respond to God's power with awe and respond to God's power with awe and respond to God's power with awe and astonishment, but we should sometimes astonishment, but we should sometimes astonishment, but we should sometimes he's been we we get a little he's been we we get a little he's been we we get a little desensitized. We get used to it, start desensitized. We get used to it, start desensitized. We get used to it, start to take it for granted. Kind of a silly to take it for granted. Kind of a silly to take it for granted. Kind of a silly example of this is, like I said, example of this is, like I said, example of this is, like I said, [snorts] I'm a basketball fan and LeBron [snorts] I'm a basketball fan and LeBron [snorts] I'm a basketball fan and LeBron James is objectively the second greatest James is objectively the second greatest James is objectively the second greatest basketball player of all time. So, basketball player of all time. So, basketball player of all time. So, I remember one time me and my wife was I remember one time me and my wife was I remember one time me and my wife was watching something and she's like, watching something and she's like, watching something and she's like, "LeBron's in the finals again. It's so "LeBron's in the finals again. It's so "LeBron's in the finals again. It's so boring. Let somebody else have a chance.

boring. Let somebody else have a chance. boring. Let somebody else have a chance. Why don't you just retire?" And I was Why don't you just retire?" And I was Why don't you just retire?" And I was appalled. I scooted over on the couch a little bit I scooted over on the couch a little bit to add a little distance between us to to add a little distance between us to to add a little distance between us to represent physically what was happening represent physically what was happening represent physically what was happening internally. internally. internally. And I said, "How dare you? He's been so good for so long, we're He's been so good for so long, we're starting to take it for granted starting to take it for granted starting to take it for granted when actually instead of being less when actually instead of being less when actually instead of being less impressed because we've seen this impressed because we've seen this impressed because we've seen this before, we should be more impressed that before, we should be more impressed that before, we should be more impressed that he's still doing that like that after he's still doing that like that after he's still doing that like that after all this time. Here's where I'm going. all this time. Here's where I'm going. all this time. Here's where I'm going. I'm not trying to get you into LeBron I'm not trying to get you into LeBron I'm not trying to get you into LeBron James. James. James. Sometimes we get so used to God being Sometimes we get so used to God being Sometimes we get so used to God being good and faithful and powerful good and faithful and powerful good and faithful and powerful >> that it starts to feel normal to us >> that it starts to feel normal to us >> that it starts to feel normal to us >> when instead we should be blown away >> when instead we should be blown away >> when instead we should be blown away that not only was God this powerful that not only was God this powerful that not only was God this powerful 2,000 years ago but he is right now. 2,000 years ago but he is right now. 2,000 years ago but he is right now. >> Not only in this time did every single >> Not only in this time did every single >> Not only in this time did every single day like clockwork his new mercies rise day like clockwork his new mercies rise day like clockwork his new mercies rise up with the sun.

up with the sun. up with the sun. >> Same thing today. Not only then did he >> Same thing today. Not only then did he >> Same thing today. Not only then did he hold the universe together by the word hold the universe together by the word hold the universe together by the word of his power. Same thing today. And not of his power. Same thing today. And not of his power. Same thing today. And not only then was he sharing his power, same only then was he sharing his power, same only then was he sharing his power, same thing today. Do not let the consistency thing today. Do not let the consistency thing today. Do not let the consistency of God's power and goodness desensitize of God's power and goodness desensitize of God's power and goodness desensitize you to how amazing it is that he's so you to how amazing it is that he's so you to how amazing it is that he's so good and so powerful. Yeah, >> if he was good but not powerful, then he >> if he was good but not powerful, then he couldn't really do much about that couldn't really do much about that couldn't really do much about that goodness. If he was powerful but not goodness. If he was powerful but not goodness. If he was powerful but not good, then we should be afraid cuz we good, then we should be afraid cuz we good, then we should be afraid cuz we never know what someone so powerful never know what someone so powerful never know what someone so powerful would do. But he's so good and so would do. But he's so good and so would do. But he's so good and so powerful. powerful. powerful. What a God. I'll say this. If you if you are here I'll say this. If you if you are here and you um you're not really sure where and you um you're not really sure where and you um you're not really sure where you are with God and you're like, "Oh, I you are with God and you're like, "Oh, I you are with God and you're like, "Oh, I hear you talking about this power of hear you talking about this power of hear you talking about this power of God, this power of Jesus. I don't I God, this power of Jesus. I don't I God, this power of Jesus. I don't I haven't experienced that." Well, I want haven't experienced that." Well, I want haven't experienced that." Well, I want you to know this. The Bible says part of you to know this. The Bible says part of you to know this. The Bible says part of what Jesus is doing with these he's what Jesus is doing with these he's what Jesus is doing with these he's doing for you.

doing for you. doing for you. You're unsure. Is he really who he said You're unsure. Is he really who he said You're unsure. Is he really who he said he is? Jesus saying, "Well, let me show he is? Jesus saying, "Well, let me show he is? Jesus saying, "Well, let me show you this big display of my power. Let me you this big display of my power. Let me you this big display of my power. Let me draw your attention." And isn't that draw your attention." And isn't that draw your attention." And isn't that enough for you to consider this Jesus? enough for you to consider this Jesus? enough for you to consider this Jesus? Another way that the the Bible talks Another way that the the Bible talks Another way that the the Bible talks about the power, it says Romans 1:16, it about the power, it says Romans 1:16, it about the power, it says Romans 1:16, it says um Paul said, "He's unashamed at says um Paul said, "He's unashamed at says um Paul said, "He's unashamed at the gospel, for it is the power of God the gospel, for it is the power of God the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe." One for salvation to all who believe." One for salvation to all who believe." One of the most remarkable displays of God's of the most remarkable displays of God's of the most remarkable displays of God's power is the good news is the good news that Jesus laid his life down that Jesus laid his life down that Jesus laid his life down to raise us up. to raise us up. to raise us up. When I said earlier, people don't really When I said earlier, people don't really When I said earlier, people don't really like the powerful because they they use like the powerful because they they use like the powerful because they they use their power to get more power and to their power to get more power and to their power to get more power and to make a bigger gap between them and the make a bigger gap between them and the make a bigger gap between them and the little people. Jesus did the exact little people. Jesus did the exact little people. Jesus did the exact opposite. The King of Kings who reigned opposite. The King of Kings who reigned opposite. The King of Kings who reigned for from all eternity past didn't for from all eternity past didn't for from all eternity past didn't distance himself from us. Even as we distance himself from us. Even as we distance himself from us. Even as we spat in his face, he said, "I'm going to spat in his face, he said, "I'm going to spat in his face, he said, "I'm going to become like you." He put on human flesh. become like you." He put on human flesh. become like you." He put on human flesh. And this Jesus lived a perfect life.

And this Jesus lived a perfect life. And this Jesus lived a perfect life. Jesus as a kid never Jesus as a kid never Jesus as a kid never disrespected his parents. Jesus never disrespected his parents. Jesus never disrespected his parents. Jesus never looked on somebody with lust. Jesus looked on somebody with lust. Jesus looked on somebody with lust. Jesus never sought revenge. never sought revenge. never sought revenge. Absolutely perfect. And it's that same Absolutely perfect. And it's that same Absolutely perfect. And it's that same Jesus who then died for our sins. Jesus who then died for our sins. Jesus who then died for our sins. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Laid his life down. But he's saying, Laid his life down. But he's saying, Laid his life down. But he's saying, "Oh, this one with all this power was "Oh, this one with all this power was "Oh, this one with all this power was killed by ordinary human being." No, no. killed by ordinary human being." No, no. killed by ordinary human being." No, no. He took his life back up. For most He took his life back up. For most He took his life back up. For most people, their death is the end of their people, their death is the end of their people, their death is the end of their story. Not Jesus. He got up from the story. Not Jesus. He got up from the story. Not Jesus. He got up from the grave with all power. He got out of the grave with all power. He got out of the grave with all power. He got out of the grave victorious over death, victorious grave victorious over death, victorious grave victorious over death, victorious over evil, victorious over the devil. over evil, victorious over the devil. over evil, victorious over the devil. [applause] As the ultimate receipt, like I am the As the ultimate receipt, like I am the king that I said I was. And he says, king that I said I was. And he says, king that I said I was. And he says, "Now come after me. "Now come after me. "Now come after me. Be a citizen of this kingdom Be a citizen of this kingdom Be a citizen of this kingdom with the benevolent king who shares his with the benevolent king who shares his with the benevolent king who shares his power." If you're here today and you power." If you're here today and you power." If you're here today and you don't know Jesus, Jesus invites you to don't know Jesus, Jesus invites you to don't know Jesus, Jesus invites you to forgiveness of sins, to becoming more like him, to becoming more like him, to joy, to hope, to joy, to hope, to joy, to hope, Jesus calls you to come after him.

Jesus calls you to come after him. Jesus calls you to come after him. Um, and he offers that to all of us. For Um, and he offers that to all of us. For Um, and he offers that to all of us. For those of us who do know Jesus, my prayer those of us who do know Jesus, my prayer those of us who do know Jesus, my prayer is that you would not live right now as is that you would not live right now as is that you would not live right now as if we're talking. This is not a memorial if we're talking. This is not a memorial if we're talking. This is not a memorial service. Last thing I'll say, we're not service. Last thing I'll say, we're not service. Last thing I'll say, we're not talking about a great man from the past talking about a great man from the past talking about a great man from the past who who's no longer with us. We're not who who's no longer with us. We're not who who's no longer with us. We're not here just talking about Jesus. We came here just talking about Jesus. We came here just talking about Jesus. We came here today to meet with him. here today to meet with him. here today to meet with him. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> He's present with us. [snorts] He's >> He's present with us. [snorts] He's >> He's present with us. [snorts] He's still working in us. His power is still working in us. His power is still working in us. His power is present with us. Now, the only hope that present with us. Now, the only hope that present with us. Now, the only hope that I'm not wasting my time is the spirit I'm not wasting my time is the spirit I'm not wasting my time is the spirit and power of God. and power of God. and power of God. I'm not wise enough to change your life I'm not wise enough to change your life I'm not wise enough to change your life at all, but the power of God is strong at all, but the power of God is strong at all, but the power of God is strong enough. enough. enough. My prayer is that we would go into our My prayer is that we would go into our My prayer is that we would go into our weeks not like we have hard things to do weeks not like we have hard things to do weeks not like we have hard things to do on our own, but that we would feel as on our own, but that we would feel as on our own, but that we would feel as those who are sent out by a king who those who are sent out by a king who those who are sent out by a king who empowers us by his grace.