Traditional Service — “How Far Will God Go?”, Tom Hayes

[music] [music] Good morning and welcome. We're really Good morning and welcome. We're really Good morning and welcome. We're really glad you're with us today. If you glad you're with us today. If you glad you're with us today. If you haven't already, feel free to say hello haven't already, feel free to say hello haven't already, feel free to say hello in the chat. [music] It's a great way to in the chat. [music] It's a great way to in the chat. [music] It's a great way to connect with others who are joining us connect with others who are joining us connect with others who are joining us online. I'll be there as well if [music] online. I'll be there as well if [music] online. I'll be there as well if [music] you have any questions or prayer you have any questions or prayer you have any questions or prayer requests. We'll begin worship in just a requests. We'll begin worship in just a requests. We'll begin worship in just a moment. So, thank you for [music] being moment. So, thank you for [music] being moment. So, thank you for [music] being here. >> Heat.

>> Heat. [music] >> That's exactly the way an organ is >> That's exactly the way an organ is supposed to sound. Yeah. Thank you, supposed to sound. Yeah. Thank you, supposed to sound. Yeah. Thank you, Philip, for that. Well, good morning and Philip, for that. Well, good morning and Philip, for that. Well, good morning and welcome. This is our place of worship. welcome. This is our place of worship. welcome. This is our place of worship. We're glad you're here. Paul said in We're glad you're here. Paul said in We're glad you're here. Paul said in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always." And again, I say rejoice. Our always." And again, I say rejoice. Our always." And again, I say rejoice. Our first song is called Rejoice. And if first song is called Rejoice. And if first song is called Rejoice. And if we'll pay attention to the lyrics, it we'll pay attention to the lyrics, it we'll pay attention to the lyrics, it will teach us what that verse means in will teach us what that verse means in will teach us what that verse means in Philippians 4:4. Would you stand Philippians 4:4. Would you stand Philippians 4:4. Would you stand together as we begin singing [music] [music] [singing] and we rejoice and we rejoice delight [music and singing] in the You

delight [music and singing] in the You delight [music and singing] in the You show us show us show us lift up your voice. lift up your voice. lift up your voice. His gentleness [music and singing] join our hearts to praise. join our hearts to praise. We gather. [music and singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing and music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] Rejoice and be [music and singing] Rejoice and be [music and singing] anxious for nothing. anxious for nothing. anxious for nothing. Pray for all that you [music] need.

Pray for all that you [music] need. Pray for all that you [music] need. Come with a [singing] song of Come with a [singing] song of Come with a [singing] song of thanksgiving. thanksgiving. thanksgiving. [music] May our requests at his feet. [music] May our requests at his feet. [music] May our requests at his feet. His peace will fall [music and singing] His peace will fall [music and singing] His peace will fall [music and singing] upon us to guard our hearts and mind. upon us to guard our hearts and mind. upon us to guard our hearts and mind. Christ who eternal [singing and music] Christ who eternal [singing and music] Christ who eternal [singing and music] the shepherd of our lives with eternal the shepherd of our lives with eternal the shepherd of our lives with eternal [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] Rejoice [music] in the Lord now and Rejoice [music] in the Lord now and [singing] [singing] [singing] tell of the good [music] he has done.

tell of the good [music] he has done. tell of the good [music] he has done. Worship [singing] the Lord to remember Worship [singing] the Lord to remember Worship [singing] the Lord to remember [music] [music] [music] all of the joy yet to come. The hope all of the joy yet to come. The hope all of the joy yet to come. The hope that burns within [music and singing] that burns within [music and singing] that burns within [music and singing] us. The joy cannot destroy us. The joy cannot destroy us. The joy cannot destroy the praise [music] that's never ending. the praise [music] that's never ending. the praise [music] that's never ending. We say again [singing] We say again [singing] We say again [singing] rejoice with these bread. [music] rejoice with these bread. [music] rejoice with these bread. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Praise [music] the Lord. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Time to pray. Well, good morning Stone Brier. My name Well, good morning Stone Brier. My name is Joey Dean and it is my honor to serve is Joey Dean and it is my honor to serve is Joey Dean and it is my honor to serve here with our young adult ministries.

here with our young adult ministries. here with our young adult ministries. Whoop! I got some in here. That's right. Whoop! I got some in here. That's right. Whoop! I got some in here. That's right. Most of them are upstairs in our young Most of them are upstairs in our young Most of them are upstairs in our young adults class today. Um I just want to in adults class today. Um I just want to in adults class today. Um I just want to in uh welcome you this morning if you are a uh welcome you this morning if you are a uh welcome you this morning if you are a visitor with us today. We want to tell visitor with us today. We want to tell visitor with us today. We want to tell you an extra special welcome this you an extra special welcome this you an extra special welcome this morning. I'd love to invite you to morning. I'd love to invite you to morning. I'd love to invite you to connect with us at our next steps desk connect with us at our next steps desk connect with us at our next steps desk out in the atrium, which is where you out in the atrium, which is where you out in the atrium, which is where you can find out all sorts of information can find out all sorts of information can find out all sorts of information about the things that are going on at about the things that are going on at about the things that are going on at this church and how you can take your this church and how you can take your this church and how you can take your next steps with Jesus. Also, today, if next steps with Jesus. Also, today, if next steps with Jesus. Also, today, if you would love for someone to pray for you would love for someone to pray for you would love for someone to pray for you or with you about anything, I'd you or with you about anything, I'd you or with you about anything, I'd invite you to connect with our prayer invite you to connect with our prayer invite you to connect with our prayer team uh through the back doors. We have team uh through the back doors. We have team uh through the back doors. We have our prayer rooms as you head out towards our prayer rooms as you head out towards our prayer rooms as you head out towards the atrium and there are people there the atrium and there are people there the atrium and there are people there that would love to be able to pray with that would love to be able to pray with that would love to be able to pray with you today. And speaking of prayer, I you today. And speaking of prayer, I you today. And speaking of prayer, I would encourage all of us to continue would encourage all of us to continue would encourage all of us to continue praying for our missions teams which are praying for our missions teams which are praying for our missions teams which are actively engaged all over the world this actively engaged all over the world this actively engaged all over the world this summer. We have had teams in Romania and summer. We have had teams in Romania and summer. We have had teams in Romania and Ireland and domestically. We had a team Ireland and domestically. We had a team Ireland and domestically. We had a team of our high school students go to serve of our high school students go to serve of our high school students go to serve at the Johnny and Friends camp. All of at the Johnny and Friends camp. All of at the Johnny and Friends camp. All of those teams are safely back in country, those teams are safely back in country, those teams are safely back in country, but our team in Poland is there right but our team in Poland is there right but our team in Poland is there right now for about another week. So, I'd now for about another week. So, I'd now for about another week. So, I'd encourage you to please be praying for encourage you to please be praying for encourage you to please be praying for them that the spirit would continue them that the spirit would continue them that the spirit would continue moving through the investments that were moving through the investments that were moving through the investments that were made and the ones that are being made in made and the ones that are being made in made and the ones that are being made in Poland right now and that God would work Poland right now and that God would work Poland right now and that God would work powerfully in those areas. Well, I was powerfully in those areas. Well, I was powerfully in those areas. Well, I was blessed to be on a mission trip in blessed to be on a mission trip in blessed to be on a mission trip in Ireland over the last two weeks. It was Ireland over the last two weeks. It was Ireland over the last two weeks. It was an amazing trip. It's a beautiful

an amazing trip. It's a beautiful an amazing trip. It's a beautiful country where the Holy Spirit is clearly country where the Holy Spirit is clearly country where the Holy Spirit is clearly moving amongst the people. While we were moving amongst the people. While we were moving amongst the people. While we were there, I actually got to see Pastor there, I actually got to see Pastor there, I actually got to see Pastor Jonathan and his family. They've come Jonathan and his family. They've come Jonathan and his family. They've come over to spend some time with their over to spend some time with their over to spend some time with their extended family, and it was really extended family, and it was really extended family, and it was really beautiful to see them all there beautiful to see them all there beautiful to see them all there together, and it was a great reminder to together, and it was a great reminder to together, and it was a great reminder to me. I've been in ministry uh full-time me. I've been in ministry uh full-time me. I've been in ministry uh full-time for over 20 years now and I can tell you for over 20 years now and I can tell you for over 20 years now and I can tell you that those times of rest and that those times of rest and that those times of rest and reconnection are absolutely vital to the reconnection are absolutely vital to the reconnection are absolutely vital to the health of a pastor, his family, and the health of a pastor, his family, and the health of a pastor, his family, and the health of a church. So, I would health of a church. So, I would health of a church. So, I would encourage you if you love your pastor to encourage you if you love your pastor to encourage you if you love your pastor to be praying for him and his family for be praying for him and his family for be praying for him and his family for their rest and for their filling as they their rest and for their filling as they their rest and for their filling as they are enjoying some wonderful time with are enjoying some wonderful time with are enjoying some wonderful time with family. And in Pastor Jonathan's family. And in Pastor Jonathan's family. And in Pastor Jonathan's absence, we are blessed to have Dr. Tom absence, we are blessed to have Dr. Tom absence, we are blessed to have Dr. Tom Hayes to be sharing God's word with us Hayes to be sharing God's word with us Hayes to be sharing God's word with us today. He has been on staff with us for today. He has been on staff with us for today. He has been on staff with us for about eight years, wasn't it? Here at about eight years, wasn't it? Here at about eight years, wasn't it? Here at Stone Brier in the missions department Stone Brier in the missions department Stone Brier in the missions department and his wife was on staff here as well. and his wife was on staff here as well. and his wife was on staff here as well. And currently he serves at Insight for And currently he serves at Insight for And currently he serves at Insight for Living where he's been there for over a Living where he's been there for over a Living where he's been there for over a decade, but they still call Stonebrier decade, but they still call Stonebrier decade, but they still call Stonebrier their home church. And it's truly an their home church. And it's truly an their home church. And it's truly an honor to have Dr. Hayes here with us honor to have Dr. Hayes here with us honor to have Dr. Hayes here with us today. And I know I heard the first hour today. And I know I heard the first hour today. And I know I heard the first hour you are going to be blessed by God's you are going to be blessed by God's you are going to be blessed by God's word this morning. At this point in our word this morning. At this point in our word this morning. At this point in our service, we always like to take a moment service, we always like to take a moment service, we always like to take a moment to connect with one another. So, I'd to connect with one another. So, I'd to connect with one another. So, I'd encourage you to stand to find someone encourage you to stand to find someone encourage you to stand to find someone that you don't know and introduce that you don't know and introduce that you don't know and introduce yourself to them this morning.

All right. Well, as you take your seats, All right. Well, as you take your seats, I'd like to encourage us to turn our I'd like to encourage us to turn our I'd like to encourage us to turn our attention to our video screens for our attention to our video screens for our attention to our video screens for our Stonebrier Minute, where we're going to Stonebrier Minute, where we're going to Stonebrier Minute, where we're going to learn a little bit more about some learn a little bit more about some learn a little bit more about some offerings from our marriage ministries offerings from our marriage ministries offerings from our marriage ministries today. Howdy. We're Steven and April Woodward, Howdy. We're Steven and April Woodward, and we've been a part of Sober's and we've been a part of Sober's and we've been a part of Sober's marriage ministry for [music] many marriage ministry for [music] many marriage ministry for [music] many years. One of the things we've loved years. One of the things we've loved years. One of the things we've loved most is being reminded that we're not most is being reminded that we're not most is being reminded that we're not meant to do marriage alone. We need meant to do marriage alone. We need meant to do marriage alone. We need other couples encouraging us, learning other couples encouraging us, learning other couples encouraging us, learning with us, and walking alongside us. with us, and walking alongside us. with us, and walking alongside us. >> That's why we're excited about Midweek >> That's why we're excited about Midweek >> That's why we're excited about Midweek Marriage Mix this fall. It's a [music] Marriage Mix this fall. It's a [music] Marriage Mix this fall. It's a [music] chance to step away from the busyiness chance to step away from the busyiness chance to step away from the busyiness of the week, have some fun, enjoy of the week, have some fun, enjoy of the week, have some fun, enjoy fellowship with other couples, and fellowship with other couples, and fellowship with other couples, and invest in your marriage. invest in your marriage. invest in your marriage. >> Each week, we'll focus on a different >> Each week, we'll focus on a different >> Each week, we'll focus on a different topic to help couples grow together. And topic to help couples grow together. And topic to help couples grow together. And this [music] fall, we'll be focusing on this [music] fall, we'll be focusing on this [music] fall, we'll be focusing on oneness. What it means to truly be oneness. What it means to truly be oneness. What it means to truly be united as a husband and wife. [music] united as a husband and wife. [music] united as a husband and wife. [music] It's more than just being together. It's It's more than just being together. It's It's more than just being together. It's learning how God designed marriage to learning how God designed marriage to learning how God designed marriage to work when we become an us instead of work when we become an us instead of work when we become an us instead of just two individuals. Whether [music] just two individuals. Whether [music] just two individuals. Whether [music] you've been married for years or just you've been married for years or just you've been married for years or just starting out, we'd love for you to join starting out, we'd love for you to join starting out, we'd love for you to join us on Wednesday nights this fall. Come us on Wednesday nights this fall. Come us on Wednesday nights this fall. Come connect with other couples, laugh connect with other couples, laugh connect with other couples, laugh together, and be encouraged with together, and be encouraged with together, and be encouraged with biblical wisdom and practical tools to biblical wisdom and practical tools to biblical wisdom and practical tools to strengthen your marriage. Find all the strengthen your marriage. Find all the strengthen your marriage. Find all the details and sign up at details and sign up at details and sign up at stonebrier.org/events stonebrier.org/events stonebrier.org/events or on the Stonebrier app. We hope to see or on the Stonebrier app. We hope to see or on the Stonebrier app. We hope to see you there. [music] [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [singing] >> My go

>> My go [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] peace peace peace over all victorious [music and singing] over all victorious [music and singing] over all victorious [music and singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> All >> All >> All of [music] [music] [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing and music] [singing and music] might as

[music] [music] [singing] My dwelling [singing and music] My dwelling [singing and music] place is God most high, my refuge place is God most high, my refuge place is God most high, my refuge [music and singing] and my fortress.

[music and singing] and my fortress. [music and singing] and my fortress. When plague and pestilence [singing] When plague and pestilence [singing] When plague and pestilence [singing] draw [music] nigh, I'm hidden in his draw [music] nigh, I'm hidden in his draw [music] nigh, I'm hidden in his presence. presence. presence. Where terrors fall [music and singing] Where terrors fall [music and singing] Where terrors fall [music and singing] and arrows fly, his shield will be my and arrows fly, his shield will be my and arrows fly, his shield will be my safety. safety. safety. When stones [music] across my [singing] When stones [music] across my [singing] When stones [music] across my [singing] pathway lie in unel's wings I'm pathway lie in unel's wings I'm pathway lie in unel's wings I'm carrying. My dwelling [singing] place is God most My dwelling [singing] place is God most high. A present [singing and music] help high. A present [singing and music] help high. A present [singing and music] help in danger. in danger. in danger. I resure [singing and music] him in I resure [singing and music] him in I resure [singing and music] him in love's pure light beneath my master's love's pure light beneath my master's love's pure light beneath my master's favor. [singing and music] favor. [singing and music] favor. [singing and music] He freed me from the father's snare He freed me from the father's snare He freed me from the father's snare where sin [singing] where sin [singing] where sin [singing] and shame [music] had bound me. Deceived and shame [music] had bound me. Deceived and shame [music] had bound me. Deceived [singing] I'd made [music] my refuge [singing] I'd made [music] my refuge [singing] I'd made [music] my refuge there. Till fearless [singing] there. Till fearless [singing] there. Till fearless [singing] he came for me.

he came for me. he came for me. Wonderful, [singing] powerful, [music] Wonderful, [singing] powerful, [music] Wonderful, [singing] powerful, [music] my hope and my defender. my hope and my defender. my hope and my defender. Mighty [singing] God, my dwelling [singing] my dwelling [singing] place forever. place forever. place forever. [music] >> My dwelling place [music and singing] is >> My dwelling place [music and singing] is God most high. I'll never seek another God most high. I'll never seek another God most high. I'll never seek another [music] for I am [singing] his and he is mine.

for I am [singing] his and he is mine. My heart [music and singing] he'll keep My heart [music and singing] he'll keep My heart [music and singing] he'll keep forever. forever. forever. I know the name [music and singing] on I know the name [music and singing] on I know the name [music and singing] on whom I call. He promises whom I call. He promises whom I call. He promises to [singing] to [singing] to [singing] answer [music] answer [music] answer [music] with life. He satisfies with life. He satisfies with life. He satisfies my soul [music] and crowns me with my soul [music] and crowns me with my soul [music] and crowns me with [singing] his pleasure. [singing] his pleasure. [singing] his pleasure. Wonderful, [music] Wonderful, [music] Wonderful, [music] powerful, powerful, powerful, my hope and mighty [music] my hope and mighty [music] my hope and mighty [music] defender, defender, defender, mighty [singing] God. Emmanuel, mighty [singing] God. Emmanuel, mighty [singing] God. Emmanuel, my dwelling [music and singing] my dwelling [music and singing] my dwelling [music and singing] place forever. Wonderful, [music] Wonderful, [music] [singing] powerful, [singing] powerful, [singing] powerful, my hope and my defender. my hope and my defender. my hope and my defender. Mighty [music and singing] God Emmanuel, Mighty [music and singing] God Emmanuel, Mighty [music and singing] God Emmanuel, my dwelling place [music] my dwelling place [music] my dwelling place [music] forever.

forever. forever. [singing] [singing] [singing] My dwelling place [music] My dwelling place [music] My dwelling place [music] forever. >> We Not [singing] a [music] >> We Not [singing] a [music] for I have redeemed you. for I have redeemed you. for I have redeemed you. Be not [music and singing] a Be not [music and singing] a Be not [music and singing] a call to my name. call to my name. call to my name. My [music and singing] love for you is My [music and singing] love for you is My [music and singing] love for you is everlasting.

My [music and singing] love for you My [music and singing] love for you shall have no [singing] end. shall have no [singing] end. shall have no [singing] end. When you pass through the waterers, When you pass through the waterers, When you pass through the waterers, [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] I will surround you. When you [singing] I will surround you. When you [singing] I will surround you. When you [singing] pass [music] through the pass [music] through the pass [music] through the will. When you [singing and music] walk When you [singing and music] walk through the fire, you will not be through the fire, you will not be through the fire, you will not be [singing] consumed. You [music] are my joy. You [music] are my joy. You are [singing] my [music] child. You are [singing] my [music] child. You are [singing] my [music] child. You are so precious [singing] You are so precious [singing] You are so precious [singing] to me. Be not [singing and music] Be not [singing and music] afraid afraid afraid for I have redeemed [singing and music] for I have redeemed [singing and music] for I have redeemed [singing and music] you. Be not afraid.

you. Be not afraid. you. Be not afraid. I call your [singing] I call your [singing] I call your [singing] name. [music] name. [music] name. [music] My love for you My love for you My love for you is [singing and music] everlasting. My love for you shall My love for you shall [music and singing] end. end. When you [music] pass through the water, When you [music] pass through the water, When you [music] pass through the water, [singing] I will [music] surround you. [singing] I will [music] surround you. [singing] I will [music] surround you. When you pass through the [music] When you pass through the [music] When you pass through the [music] will. will. will. [singing] [singing] [singing] When you walk through the fire, you will When you walk through the fire, you will When you walk through the fire, you will not [music] be on. [singing] You [music] You [music] are my child. are my child. are my child. [singing] You are my child. [music] You [singing] are so preious You [singing] are so preious to me. [singing and music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You are my [singing] child >> You are my [singing] child >> You are my [singing] child and I love you always. [singing] and I love you always. [singing] and I love you always. [singing] Just [music] hold on my hand and I leave Just [music] hold on my hand and I leave Just [music] hold on my hand and I leave you [singing] home. [music]

you [singing] home. [music] When you feel lost, When you feel lost, always remember [singing] always remember [singing] always remember [singing] I am [music] right here. Just call out I am [music] right here. Just call out I am [music] right here. Just call out [singing] my name. [singing] my name. [singing] my name. When you pass through the waterers, When you pass through the waterers, When you pass through the waterers, [singing] [singing] [singing] I will surround you. When you [music] I will surround you. When you [music] I will surround you. When you [music] pass [singing] through the pass [singing] through the pass [singing] through the will [singing] when [music] you walk through the fire, when [music] you walk through the fire, you will not [music and singing] be you will not [music and singing] be you will not [music and singing] be consumed. You [singing] are my [music] You [singing] are my [music] child. You are my child. You are my child. You are my child. You are my child. You are my child. You are my child. You are [music and singing] You are [music and singing] so precious so precious so precious to me.

Well, as we prepare to receive our Well, as we prepare to receive our offering this morning, I'd like to call offering this morning, I'd like to call offering this morning, I'd like to call your attention to the song that we'll be your attention to the song that we'll be your attention to the song that we'll be playing with the offeratory. It is well playing with the offeratory. It is well playing with the offeratory. It is well with my soul. with my soul. with my soul. This beautiful hymn contrasts the bleak This beautiful hymn contrasts the bleak This beautiful hymn contrasts the bleak struggles that we sometimes face in life struggles that we sometimes face in life struggles that we sometimes face in life with the blessed hope that we have in with the blessed hope that we have in with the blessed hope that we have in Jesus Christ. The opening verse states, Jesus Christ. The opening verse states, Jesus Christ. The opening verse states, "When peace like a river attendeth my "When peace like a river attendeth my "When peace like a river attendeth my way, or when sorrows like sea billows way, or when sorrows like sea billows way, or when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well. It is well with me to say, it is well. It is well with me to say, it is well. It is well with my soul." You know, sometimes in life it my soul." You know, sometimes in life it my soul." You know, sometimes in life it seems if we are floating peacefully seems if we are floating peacefully seems if we are floating peacefully along, and other times it's as if trials along, and other times it's as if trials along, and other times it's as if trials are tossing us about in a stormy sea. are tossing us about in a stormy sea. are tossing us about in a stormy sea. But no matter our outward circumstances, But no matter our outward circumstances, But no matter our outward circumstances, if we are in Christ, then our soul can if we are in Christ, then our soul can if we are in Christ, then our soul can remain steadfastly remain steadfastly remain steadfastly secure. And part of how Jesus led people secure. And part of how Jesus led people secure. And part of how Jesus led people to this blessed assurance was through to this blessed assurance was through to this blessed assurance was through meeting their physical needs. Whether it meeting their physical needs. Whether it meeting their physical needs. Whether it was healing the sick or feeding the was healing the sick or feeding the was healing the sick or feeding the hungry or ministering to the hungry or ministering to the hungry or ministering to the marginalized, Jesus brought people hope marginalized, Jesus brought people hope marginalized, Jesus brought people hope in their dire circumstances in their dire circumstances in their dire circumstances in order to lead them to the eternal in order to lead them to the eternal in order to lead them to the eternal hope offered through God, his grace, and hope offered through God, his grace, and hope offered through God, his grace, and his love. So I want to encourage you his love. So I want to encourage you his love. So I want to encourage you that as you give to the ministries that that as you give to the ministries that that as you give to the ministries that God does right here through Stonebrier, God does right here through Stonebrier, God does right here through Stonebrier, you have a chance to do the same thing.

you have a chance to do the same thing. you have a chance to do the same thing. to bring hope to the hopeless, to help to bring hope to the hopeless, to help to bring hope to the hopeless, to help people who may be going through dire people who may be going through dire people who may be going through dire straits, to be able to say, "It is well straits, to be able to say, "It is well straits, to be able to say, "It is well with my soul." Such as all those who are with my soul." Such as all those who are with my soul." Such as all those who are suffering right now in Venezuela. If suffering right now in Venezuela. If suffering right now in Venezuela. If you're not aware, on June 24th, they you're not aware, on June 24th, they you're not aware, on June 24th, they were struck with a devastating pair of were struck with a devastating pair of were struck with a devastating pair of earthquakes that left over 4,300 earthquakes that left over 4,300 earthquakes that left over 4,300 dead, almost 17,000 injured, and more dead, almost 17,000 injured, and more dead, almost 17,000 injured, and more than 18,000 people without homes. And than 18,000 people without homes. And than 18,000 people without homes. And because of your generosity, we were able because of your generosity, we were able because of your generosity, we were able to immediately provide $25,000 to to immediately provide $25,000 to to immediately provide $25,000 to ministries such as Unto and Samaritan's ministries such as Unto and Samaritan's ministries such as Unto and Samaritan's Purse, which are well-vetted gospel Purse, which are well-vetted gospel Purse, which are well-vetted gospel centered ministries supporting on the centered ministries supporting on the centered ministries supporting on the ground disaster relief efforts to be ground disaster relief efforts to be ground disaster relief efforts to be able to provide some hope to people in a able to provide some hope to people in a able to provide some hope to people in a very hopeless situation. That's just one very hopeless situation. That's just one very hopeless situation. That's just one of the many examples of ways that our of the many examples of ways that our of the many examples of ways that our community and global outreach ministries community and global outreach ministries community and global outreach ministries seek to love our neighbors across the seek to love our neighbors across the seek to love our neighbors across the street and around the world. And so we street and around the world. And so we street and around the world. And so we thank you for your generosity in thank you for your generosity in thank you for your generosity in partnering with the gospel as we seek to partnering with the gospel as we seek to partnering with the gospel as we seek to spread God's love all around this world.

spread God's love all around this world. spread God's love all around this world. Please join me as we pray. Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for your grace and your mercy, for your love your grace and your mercy, for your love your grace and your mercy, for your love and your kindness. and your kindness. and your kindness. We are so grateful, Lord, that you're We are so grateful, Lord, that you're We are so grateful, Lord, that you're ever present even in our times of need ever present even in our times of need ever present even in our times of need and trials. and trials. and trials. And father, we are also thankful for the And father, we are also thankful for the And father, we are also thankful for the opportunities we have to provide that opportunities we have to provide that opportunities we have to provide that hope to point people towards you even in hope to point people towards you even in hope to point people towards you even in the midst of their circumstances. the midst of their circumstances. the midst of their circumstances. Whether that's through our benevolence Whether that's through our benevolence Whether that's through our benevolence ministries, our community outreach, our ministries, our community outreach, our ministries, our community outreach, our global engagement, Lord, these wonderful global engagement, Lord, these wonderful global engagement, Lord, these wonderful opportunities we have to meet physical opportunities we have to meet physical opportunities we have to meet physical needs and to point people to Christ. We needs and to point people to Christ. We needs and to point people to Christ. We pray that's exactly what you would do pray that's exactly what you would do pray that's exactly what you would do through these gifts and offerings. You through these gifts and offerings. You through these gifts and offerings. You would draw people towards you. We pray would draw people towards you. We pray would draw people towards you. We pray all of this in the mighty name of our all of this in the mighty name of our all of this in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

[music] [music] Heat. [music]

[music] Heat. >> Good morning.

>> Good morning. It's good to see you all here today and It's good to see you all here today and It's good to see you all here today and also it's good to see you online. Thank also it's good to see you online. Thank also it's good to see you online. Thank you for joining us, including my mom in you for joining us, including my mom in you for joining us, including my mom in Missouri. So, hi mom. Always had to Missouri. So, hi mom. Always had to Missouri. So, hi mom. Always had to start off well with that. Thank you also start off well with that. Thank you also start off well with that. Thank you also to Dr. Murphy. Thank you, Jonathan, for to Dr. Murphy. Thank you, Jonathan, for to Dr. Murphy. Thank you, Jonathan, for the opportunity to preach today. in my the opportunity to preach today. in my the opportunity to preach today. in my own home church. Uh such a joy it is to own home church. Uh such a joy it is to own home church. Uh such a joy it is to be uh part of Stone Bryer for these many be uh part of Stone Bryer for these many be uh part of Stone Bryer for these many many years. many years. many years. I was captivated. I was captivated. I was captivated. My eyes just riveted to the television. My eyes just riveted to the television. My eyes just riveted to the television. I I I while I was watching at the same I I I while I was watching at the same I I I while I was watching at the same time I didn't really want to be time I didn't really want to be time I didn't really want to be watching. watching. watching. My wife Katie couldn't watch. She went My wife Katie couldn't watch. She went My wife Katie couldn't watch. She went into the bedroom. into the bedroom. into the bedroom. It was January 25th, It was January 25th, It was January 25th, 2026, just earlier this year, 2026, just earlier this year, 2026, just earlier this year, and I was watching a man named Alex and I was watching a man named Alex and I was watching a man named Alex Honold free solo climb the Taipei 101 Honold free solo climb the Taipei 101 Honold free solo climb the Taipei 101 tower on the island of Taiwan.

tower on the island of Taiwan. tower on the island of Taiwan. If you're not familiar with the term If you're not familiar with the term If you're not familiar with the term free soloing, it meant that he was free soloing, it meant that he was free soloing, it meant that he was climbing without any safety harness, climbing without any safety harness, climbing without any safety harness, rope, nets, absolutely nothing at all. rope, nets, absolutely nothing at all. rope, nets, absolutely nothing at all. He he's obviously experienced at this He he's obviously experienced at this He he's obviously experienced at this and had done this many times before, and had done this many times before, and had done this many times before, including famously climbing the rock including famously climbing the rock including famously climbing the rock feature in Yoseite National Park called feature in Yoseite National Park called feature in Yoseite National Park called El Capitan where he free solo climbed up El Capitan where he free solo climbed up El Capitan where he free solo climbed up the side of that. There's a movie made the side of that. There's a movie made the side of that. There's a movie made about that and also named Free Solo. about that and also named Free Solo. about that and also named Free Solo. I've seen the Free Solo movie and I've seen the Free Solo movie and I've seen the Free Solo movie and watching that in and of itself was watching that in and of itself was watching that in and of itself was stressful. In the movie, here's a man stressful. In the movie, here's a man stressful. In the movie, here's a man climbing up the side of a rock with no climbing up the side of a rock with no climbing up the side of a rock with no safety features in any way, shape, or safety features in any way, shape, or safety features in any way, shape, or form. Multiple people in harnesses and form. Multiple people in harnesses and form. Multiple people in harnesses and ropes around him simply to film him. ropes around him simply to film him. ropes around him simply to film him. None of them close enough that could None of them close enough that could None of them close enough that could have done any uh could have helped at have done any uh could have helped at have done any uh could have helped at all if he slipped and fell. But while it all if he slipped and fell. But while it all if he slipped and fell. But while it was still stressful to watch, I was also was still stressful to watch, I was also was still stressful to watch, I was also aware that he lived. He he made it aware that he lived. He he made it aware that he lived. He he made it through that climb. So while it was through that climb. So while it was through that climb. So while it was stressful, it still there was kind of a stressful, it still there was kind of a stressful, it still there was kind of a calming sense at the same time. However, calming sense at the same time. However, calming sense at the same time. However, as I was watching him climb the Taipei as I was watching him climb the Taipei as I was watching him climb the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan, it there were 101 building in Taiwan, it there were 101 building in Taiwan, it there were cameras there, but it wasn't to record cameras there, but it wasn't to record cameras there, but it wasn't to record him to turn into a movie later. This him to turn into a movie later. This him to turn into a movie later. This time they were live streaming the climb time they were live streaming the climb time they were live streaming the climb on Netflix.

on Netflix. on Netflix. So while watching live, we had no idea So while watching live, we had no idea So while watching live, we had no idea if he was going to climb to the top of if he was going to climb to the top of if he was going to climb to the top of this structure or slip, fall, this structure or slip, fall, this structure or slip, fall, and die. [snorts] and die. [snorts] and die. [snorts] It was so riveting and compelling to It was so riveting and compelling to It was so riveting and compelling to watch and at the same time so stressful. watch and at the same time so stressful. watch and at the same time so stressful. I couldn't turn away. I couldn't uh stop I couldn't turn away. I couldn't uh stop I couldn't turn away. I couldn't uh stop watching. It was interesting to say the watching. It was interesting to say the watching. It was interesting to say the least. least. least. I've been to the top of the Taipei 101 I've been to the top of the Taipei 101 I've been to the top of the Taipei 101 building. Uh I took the elevator. I building. Uh I took the elevator. I building. Uh I took the elevator. I didn't climb the outside. And so I've didn't climb the outside. And so I've didn't climb the outside. And so I've seen the city from nearly the same view seen the city from nearly the same view seen the city from nearly the same view that Alex Honold have. And it's that Alex Honold have. And it's that Alex Honold have. And it's stunning. It's beautiful. It's amazing. stunning. It's beautiful. It's amazing. stunning. It's beautiful. It's amazing. Taipei 101 was for six years the tallest Taipei 101 was for six years the tallest Taipei 101 was for six years the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. building in the world from 2004 to 2010. building in the world from 2004 to 2010. Its height is just under 1,700 Its height is just under 1,700 Its height is just under 1,700 feet. And if you've seen the structure, feet. And if you've seen the structure, feet. And if you've seen the structure, it's kind of a series of uh pagodike it's kind of a series of uh pagodike it's kind of a series of uh pagodike structures that go all the way up to the structures that go all the way up to the structures that go all the way up to the 1700 feet. So every 50 or 100 feet he's 1700 feet. So every 50 or 100 feet he's 1700 feet. So every 50 or 100 feet he's having to climb over these structures, having to climb over these structures, having to climb over these structures, climb up over these structures, climb up climb up over these structures, climb up climb up over these structures, climb up over just fascinating to watch. Uh it's over just fascinating to watch. Uh it's over just fascinating to watch. Uh it's no longer the tallest building in the no longer the tallest building in the no longer the tallest building in the world. That goes now to a building you world. That goes now to a building you world. That goes now to a building you may have heard of in the city of Dubai may have heard of in the city of Dubai may have heard of in the city of Dubai called Bur the Burj Khalifa. Uh it's called Bur the Burj Khalifa. Uh it's called Bur the Burj Khalifa. Uh it's about 2700 ft off the ground. I've been about 2700 ft off the ground. I've been about 2700 ft off the ground. I've been there as well. uh not on top or outside there as well. uh not on top or outside there as well. uh not on top or outside the building as Alex Hnold would have the building as Alex Hnold would have the building as Alex Hnold would have liked to have done, but it's a liked to have done, but it's a liked to have done, but it's a fascinating view, beautiful and stunning

fascinating view, beautiful and stunning fascinating view, beautiful and stunning uh uh site from up top the the Burj uh uh site from up top the the Burj uh uh site from up top the the Burj Khalifa. It's actually only going to be Khalifa. It's actually only going to be Khalifa. It's actually only going to be the tallest building in the world for the tallest building in the world for the tallest building in the world for about two more years because they're about two more years because they're about two more years because they're currently building a structure in Jedha, currently building a structure in Jedha, currently building a structure in Jedha, Saudi Arabia called the Jedha Tower, Saudi Arabia called the Jedha Tower, Saudi Arabia called the Jedha Tower, which is going to be 3,300 which is going to be 3,300 which is going to be 3,300 feet in the air. And then just last feet in the air. And then just last feet in the air. And then just last month, my family had the opportunity to month, my family had the opportunity to month, my family had the opportunity to be in Barcelona, Spain, where we got to be in Barcelona, Spain, where we got to be in Barcelona, Spain, where we got to see a church, which is now the tallest see a church, which is now the tallest see a church, which is now the tallest church in the world called the Sigrada church in the world called the Sigrada church in the world called the Sigrada Familia, Catholic church there. Uh just Familia, Catholic church there. Uh just Familia, Catholic church there. Uh just recently in June of this year, actually recently in June of this year, actually recently in June of this year, actually uh finished building the church. The the uh finished building the church. The the uh finished building the church. The the central tower was completed. It's called central tower was completed. It's called central tower was completed. It's called the Jesus tower. takes it now to a place the Jesus tower. takes it now to a place the Jesus tower. takes it now to a place of 655 ft uh sorry 566 feet in the air. of 655 ft uh sorry 566 feet in the air. of 655 ft uh sorry 566 feet in the air. It actually begun construction in 1882. It actually begun construction in 1882. It actually begun construction in 1882. So it's been 150 years in development So it's been 150 years in development So it's been 150 years in development with different uh challenges along the with different uh challenges along the with different uh challenges along the way. But why am I talking about all way. But why am I talking about all way. But why am I talking about all these tall buildings and structures? I these tall buildings and structures? I these tall buildings and structures? I think it's because people human humans think it's because people human humans think it's because people human humans humanity have always been consumed with humanity have always been consumed with humanity have always been consumed with height.

height. height. We keep track of records about height. We keep track of records about height. We keep track of records about height. Just just a few months ago, I was at a Just just a few months ago, I was at a Just just a few months ago, I was at a basketball practice. I've always been a basketball practice. I've always been a basketball practice. I've always been a basketball player. I was helping at the basketball player. I was helping at the basketball player. I was helping at the program and at this had a gentleman with program and at this had a gentleman with program and at this had a gentleman with me. So, this is a a gym full of me. So, this is a a gym full of me. So, this is a a gym full of basketball players. And the person basketball players. And the person basketball players. And the person walking with me is a 7 foot2 walking with me is a 7 foot2 walking with me is a 7 foot2 uh former player. And as we're walking uh former player. And as we're walking uh former player. And as we're walking around six times in 30 minutes, people around six times in 30 minutes, people around six times in 30 minutes, people said, "How tall are you?" You know, just said, "How tall are you?" You know, just said, "How tall are you?" You know, just constantly consumed with height. We keep constantly consumed with height. We keep constantly consumed with height. We keep track of records about height. Tallest track of records about height. Tallest track of records about height. Tallest human ever to live was 8 feet 10 in. We human ever to live was 8 feet 10 in. We human ever to live was 8 feet 10 in. We keep track of height of the tallest keep track of height of the tallest keep track of height of the tallest church as I mentioned, the tallest church as I mentioned, the tallest church as I mentioned, the tallest building, the tallest mountain both building, the tallest mountain both building, the tallest mountain both above, you know, coming out of the earth above, you know, coming out of the earth above, you know, coming out of the earth as well as in the ocean. We keep track as well as in the ocean. We keep track as well as in the ocean. We keep track of the tallest waterfall, tallest of the tallest waterfall, tallest of the tallest waterfall, tallest bridge, tallest dam, tallest roller bridge, tallest dam, tallest roller bridge, tallest dam, tallest roller coaster, tallest sand castle, tallest coaster, tallest sand castle, tallest coaster, tallest sand castle, tallest sunflower, tallest snowman, and what sunflower, tallest snowman, and what sunflower, tallest snowman, and what would surely be most fascinating to my would surely be most fascinating to my would surely be most fascinating to my 13-year-old, the tallest Lego tower, 13-year-old, the tallest Lego tower, 13-year-old, the tallest Lego tower, which happens to be in Milan, Italy, and which happens to be in Milan, Italy, and which happens to be in Milan, Italy, and stands 114 feet tall and took 550,000 stands 114 feet tall and took 550,000 stands 114 feet tall and took 550,000 Lego bricks to build.

Lego bricks to build. Lego bricks to build. No word if Alex Honold has climbed on No word if Alex Honold has climbed on No word if Alex Honold has climbed on that one yet, either. that one yet, either. that one yet, either. But humans are consumed with height. But humans are consumed with height. But humans are consumed with height. Why is it so fascinating to us? Now, I Why is it so fascinating to us? Now, I Why is it so fascinating to us? Now, I think there's two main reasons. One is think there's two main reasons. One is think there's two main reasons. One is just simply the attention that height just simply the attention that height just simply the attention that height draws. Everywhere you go, you see these draws. Everywhere you go, you see these draws. Everywhere you go, you see these these these big cities, these big these these big cities, these big these these big cities, these big buildings uh with this height with these buildings uh with this height with these buildings uh with this height with these heights. I love mountains. I love being heights. I love mountains. I love being heights. I love mountains. I love being in the mountains. And while most of you in the mountains. And while most of you in the mountains. And while most of you would, if you've been in this area, you would, if you've been in this area, you would, if you've been in this area, you know that eastern Colorado is quite know that eastern Colorado is quite know that eastern Colorado is quite featureless and flat, as you drive west featureless and flat, as you drive west featureless and flat, as you drive west on like I7 heading towards Denver, you on like I7 heading towards Denver, you on like I7 heading towards Denver, you see the mountains pop up in front of see the mountains pop up in front of see the mountains pop up in front of you, and I just can't take my eyes off you, and I just can't take my eyes off you, and I just can't take my eyes off of them. I'm just uh enraptured by of them. I'm just uh enraptured by of them. I'm just uh enraptured by those. It's also fun sometimes to be in those. It's also fun sometimes to be in those. It's also fun sometimes to be in a very tall building and see people a very tall building and see people a very tall building and see people trying to crane their necks, lift their trying to crane their necks, lift their trying to crane their necks, lift their heads all the way up to the top to see heads all the way up to the top to see heads all the way up to the top to see and they're stumbling around because and they're stumbling around because and they're stumbling around because they can't keep their balance because they can't keep their balance because they can't keep their balance because the height just fascinates them. They're the height just fascinates them. They're the height just fascinates them. They're just aware of it. They're just think just aware of it. They're just think just aware of it. They're just think it's a it's an amazing thing.

I think the second reason that we're I think the second reason that we're fascinated by heights so much, fascinated by heights so much, fascinated by heights so much, especially as it comes to buildings, is especially as it comes to buildings, is especially as it comes to buildings, is we think to ourselves, what did it take we think to ourselves, what did it take we think to ourselves, what did it take to build that? You know, if you're like to build that? You know, if you're like to build that? You know, if you're like me, you wonder about the the engineering me, you wonder about the the engineering me, you wonder about the the engineering and the design, the materials and the design, the materials and the design, the materials themselves, the tools, the equipment, themselves, the tools, the equipment, themselves, the tools, the equipment, and really just the human ingenuity to and really just the human ingenuity to and really just the human ingenuity to build these tall buildings all over the build these tall buildings all over the build these tall buildings all over the world. world. world. If you're like me, my wife's heard many If you're like me, my wife's heard many If you're like me, my wife's heard many times as we would encounter an older times as we would encounter an older times as we would encounter an older building that's tall, and I would just building that's tall, and I would just building that's tall, and I would just say, "How did they build this without say, "How did they build this without say, "How did they build this without modern equipment and modern structures, modern equipment and modern structures, modern equipment and modern structures, modern uh building methods?" We're just modern uh building methods?" We're just modern uh building methods?" We're just in awe of what it takes to build these in awe of what it takes to build these in awe of what it takes to build these things. things. things. Human ingenuity is amazing. Human ingenuity is amazing. Human ingenuity is amazing. That background about towers gives us That background about towers gives us That background about towers gives us good perspective on our passage of good perspective on our passage of good perspective on our passage of scripture today. If you've not guessed scripture today. If you've not guessed scripture today. If you've not guessed already, we're going to talk about the already, we're going to talk about the already, we're going to talk about the Tower of Babel. And that story is found Tower of Babel. And that story is found Tower of Babel. And that story is found in Genesis 11. Story is well known and in Genesis 11. Story is well known and in Genesis 11. Story is well known and is what often happens when I already say is what often happens when I already say is what often happens when I already say something like the Tower of Babel, we something like the Tower of Babel, we something like the Tower of Babel, we would already have an understanding of would already have an understanding of would already have an understanding of the meaning or the the background of the the meaning or the the background of the the meaning or the the background of the story, the meaning of it, its impact.

story, the meaning of it, its impact. story, the meaning of it, its impact. And many of these many of us would have And many of these many of us would have And many of these many of us would have heard uh this story of the Tower of heard uh this story of the Tower of heard uh this story of the Tower of Babel explained it even as children in Babel explained it even as children in Babel explained it even as children in Sunday school. And while we will look at Sunday school. And while we will look at Sunday school. And while we will look at what that childlike understanding is what that childlike understanding is what that childlike understanding is about the Tower of Babel, there's more about the Tower of Babel, there's more about the Tower of Babel, there's more to this story that I don't want you to to this story that I don't want you to to this story that I don't want you to miss. miss. miss. And so, if you have your Bibles with And so, if you have your Bibles with And so, if you have your Bibles with you, open to Genesis 11. But then, if you, open to Genesis 11. But then, if you, open to Genesis 11. But then, if you could actually close your Bible, put you could actually close your Bible, put you could actually close your Bible, put put your finger in place, hold it there, put your finger in place, hold it there, put your finger in place, hold it there, or you can just look up this way. Don't or you can just look up this way. Don't or you can just look up this way. Don't follow along. I think sometimes when we follow along. I think sometimes when we follow along. I think sometimes when we know these stories, we're almost reading know these stories, we're almost reading know these stories, we're almost reading ahead of what's happening. So, if you ahead of what's happening. So, if you ahead of what's happening. So, if you could close your minds to the past and could close your minds to the past and could close your minds to the past and just listen as I read this story to us. just listen as I read this story to us. just listen as I read this story to us. I'm reading from the New International I'm reading from the New International I'm reading from the New International I'm sorry, the New American Standard I'm sorry, the New American Standard I'm sorry, the New American Standard Version. Now, the whole earth used the Version. Now, the whole earth used the Version. Now, the whole earth used the same language and the same words. same language and the same words. same language and the same words. It came about as they journeyed east It came about as they journeyed east It came about as they journeyed east that they found a plain land of Shinar that they found a plain land of Shinar that they found a plain land of Shinar and settled there. They said to one and settled there. They said to one and settled there. They said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and another, "Come, let us make bricks and another, "Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly." And they used burn them thoroughly." And they used burn them thoroughly." And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for brick for stone, and they used tar for brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. They said, "Come, let us build mortar. They said, "Come, let us build mortar. They said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city and a tower whose for ourselves a city and a tower whose for ourselves a city and a tower whose top will reach into heaven. Let us make top will reach into heaven. Let us make top will reach into heaven. Let us make a name for ourselves, a name for ourselves, a name for ourselves, otherwise we will be scattered otherwise we will be scattered otherwise we will be scattered abroad over all the earth." The Lord abroad over all the earth." The Lord abroad over all the earth." The Lord came down to see the city and the tower came down to see the city and the tower came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the

which the sons of men had built. And the which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, "Behold, Lord said, "Behold, Lord said, "Behold, they are one people, they are one people, they are one people, and they all have one language, and this and they all have one language, and this and they all have one language, and this is what they've this is what they have is what they've this is what they have is what they've this is what they have begun to do. And now nothing which they begun to do. And now nothing which they begun to do. And now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for purpose to do will be impossible for purpose to do will be impossible for them. them. them. Come, let us go down there and confuse Come, let us go down there and confuse Come, let us go down there and confuse their language, so that they will not their language, so that they will not their language, so that they will not understand one another's speech." So the understand one another's speech." So the understand one another's speech." So the Lord scattered them abroad from there Lord scattered them abroad from there Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the earth. Then they over the face of the earth. Then they over the face of the earth. Then they stopped building the city. stopped building the city. stopped building the city. Therefore, its name was called Babel Therefore, its name was called Babel Therefore, its name was called Babel because there the Lord confused the because there the Lord confused the because there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth. And from language of the whole earth. And from language of the whole earth. And from there, the Lord scattered them abroad there, the Lord scattered them abroad there, the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of the earth. over the face of the earth. over the face of the earth. So, I think there's three lessons that So, I think there's three lessons that So, I think there's three lessons that we can learn from this story. It's a we can learn from this story. It's a we can learn from this story. It's a story as we read through it. Again, just story as we read through it. Again, just story as we read through it. Again, just you can open your Bibles back there to you can open your Bibles back there to you can open your Bibles back there to it. You you see little pieces there and it. You you see little pieces there and it. You you see little pieces there and in in verse two, it says that they've uh in in verse two, it says that they've uh in in verse two, it says that they've uh these are people that have that found a these are people that have that found a these are people that have that found a plane in the land of Shinar. This is plane in the land of Shinar. This is plane in the land of Shinar. This is current day Iraq. Uh and in that place current day Iraq. Uh and in that place current day Iraq. Uh and in that place they have the technology to build with they have the technology to build with they have the technology to build with mortar and with bricks. And so they've mortar and with bricks. And so they've mortar and with bricks. And so they've been able to conceive and dream and been able to conceive and dream and been able to conceive and dream and think about what they could do uh in think about what they could do uh in think about what they could do uh in that place. They determined to make a that place. They determined to make a that place. They determined to make a name for themselves. They determined to name for themselves. They determined to name for themselves. They determined to not scatter. They determined to build not scatter. They determined to build not scatter. They determined to build this great city with a great tower.

this great city with a great tower. this great city with a great tower. We'll tower above all the area there. We'll tower above all the area there. We'll tower above all the area there. This particular group of people, as This particular group of people, as This particular group of people, as we'll hear in just a moment, have come we'll hear in just a moment, have come we'll hear in just a moment, have come to this place. But they're not alone in to this place. But they're not alone in to this place. But they're not alone in the earth. There's others around the the earth. There's others around the the earth. There's others around the earth that see this. The Lord observes earth that see this. The Lord observes earth that see this. The Lord observes what happens. Of course, he knew in what happens. Of course, he knew in what happens. Of course, he knew in advance, but the Lord observes what advance, but the Lord observes what advance, but the Lord observes what happens, comes down and squashes their happens, comes down and squashes their happens, comes down and squashes their plans, and uh executes his own plan for plans, and uh executes his own plan for plans, and uh executes his own plan for what's going to happen there that day. what's going to happen there that day. what's going to happen there that day. So, so what are these three lessons that So, so what are these three lessons that So, so what are these three lessons that we can learn from this passage? we can learn from this passage? we can learn from this passage? The first lesson is this that the The first lesson is this that the The first lesson is this that the [snorts] sin of pride [snorts] sin of pride [snorts] sin of pride brings the sin of pride brings pain, brings the sin of pride brings pain, brings the sin of pride brings pain, chaos, and broken relationships. chaos, and broken relationships. chaos, and broken relationships. The sin of pride brings pain, chaos, and The sin of pride brings pain, chaos, and The sin of pride brings pain, chaos, and broken [clears throat] relationships. If broken [clears throat] relationships. If broken [clears throat] relationships. If you're like me, this is the story that I you're like me, this is the story that I you're like me, this is the story that I really grasped as a 5-year-old, really grasped as a 5-year-old, really grasped as a 5-year-old, 8-year-old, 10-year-old, whatever year 8-year-old, 10-year-old, whatever year 8-year-old, 10-year-old, whatever year old I was in Sunday school all through old I was in Sunday school all through old I was in Sunday school all through the years. Hearing this story taught, the years. Hearing this story taught, the years. Hearing this story taught, it's taught that pride brings about this it's taught that pride brings about this it's taught that pride brings about this situation. That pride in what you can situation. That pride in what you can situation. That pride in what you can achieve and what you can do leads to the achieve and what you can do leads to the achieve and what you can do leads to the sort of destruction that happened there sort of destruction that happened there sort of destruction that happened there at the Tower of Babel. I'm sure my at the Tower of Babel. I'm sure my at the Tower of Babel. I'm sure my Sunday school teachers taught the whole Sunday school teachers taught the whole Sunday school teachers taught the whole meaning. I'm sure they they kind of gave meaning. I'm sure they they kind of gave meaning. I'm sure they they kind of gave out everything that was there available out everything that was there available out everything that was there available to them. But in my six-year-old mind, to them. But in my six-year-old mind, to them. But in my six-year-old mind, all I could grasp was, "Pride is bad."

all I could grasp was, "Pride is bad." all I could grasp was, "Pride is bad." So, let's look again at that a little So, let's look again at that a little So, let's look again at that a little bit more specifically in verse four bit more specifically in verse four bit more specifically in verse four where it says, "Come, let us build for where it says, "Come, let us build for where it says, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city and a tower whose top ourselves a city and a tower whose top ourselves a city and a tower whose top will reach into heaven and let us make will reach into heaven and let us make will reach into heaven and let us make for ourselves a name." for ourselves a name." for ourselves a name." Other versions, the New Living Other versions, the New Living Other versions, the New Living Translation says the way they translate Translation says the way they translate Translation says the way they translate that is we want to become famous. that is we want to become famous. that is we want to become famous. So you have to realize that these people So you have to realize that these people So you have to realize that these people weren't really known. They had no weren't really known. They had no weren't really known. They had no national identity at this point. There national identity at this point. There national identity at this point. There was no nation of Israel, Egypt, Assyria was no nation of Israel, Egypt, Assyria was no nation of Israel, Egypt, Assyria in the way that we would understand it. in the way that we would understand it. in the way that we would understand it. Uh there was no Samaritans or Jews or Uh there was no Samaritans or Jews or Uh there was no Samaritans or Jews or any of these things that come along any of these things that come along any of these things that come along later in times. This is a group of later in times. This is a group of later in times. This is a group of people who from Genesis 7 and8 it's the people who from Genesis 7 and8 it's the people who from Genesis 7 and8 it's the sons and descendants of the family of sons and descendants of the family of sons and descendants of the family of Noah. And so as they've spread out Noah. And so as they've spread out Noah. And so as they've spread out throughout the earth some of them have throughout the earth some of them have throughout the earth some of them have come to this place in Shinar and they come to this place in Shinar and they come to this place in Shinar and they don't they they just really don't have a don't they they just really don't have a don't they they just really don't have a national identity. So when they're national identity. So when they're national identity. So when they're thinking to themselves I want to build a thinking to themselves I want to build a thinking to themselves I want to build a name. I want to be famous. I want to be name. I want to be famous. I want to be name. I want to be famous. I want to be known. It's because they didn't have known. It's because they didn't have known. It's because they didn't have anything before that.

anything before that. anything before that. But it shows that even in those early But it shows that even in those early But it shows that even in those early days, there was this prideful vain days, there was this prideful vain days, there was this prideful vain glorious mindset that's common to people glorious mindset that's common to people glorious mindset that's common to people then and now both. By the way, it then and now both. By the way, it then and now both. By the way, it reminds me of the passage in James reminds me of the passage in James reminds me of the passage in James chapter 3:16 where James says, "For chapter 3:16 where James says, "For chapter 3:16 where James says, "For where you have envy and selfish where you have envy and selfish where you have envy and selfish ambition, ambition, ambition, there you find disorder in every evil there you find disorder in every evil there you find disorder in every evil practice." practice." practice." But let's think about why did it matter But let's think about why did it matter But let's think about why did it matter to these people to have a tower, to have to these people to have a tower, to have to these people to have a tower, to have a city, to have a name, to be famous. a city, to have a name, to be famous. a city, to have a name, to be famous. Why did it matter Why did it matter Why did it matter back then? People wanted to convince back then? People wanted to convince back then? People wanted to convince themselves and anyone who would happen themselves and anyone who would happen themselves and anyone who would happen by their great city and tower that they by their great city and tower that they by their great city and tower that they were powerful, they were creative, that were powerful, they were creative, that were powerful, they were creative, that they were mighty, that they were strong, they were mighty, that they were strong, they were mighty, that they were strong, that they were wealthy. These things that they were wealthy. These things that they were wealthy. These things mattered in their worldly perspective. mattered in their worldly perspective. mattered in their worldly perspective. Because in a worldly perspective, Because in a worldly perspective, Because in a worldly perspective, what matters to you is what you can see what matters to you is what you can see what matters to you is what you can see with your own eyes. People would make with your own eyes. People would make with your own eyes. People would make judgments about others that would lead judgments about others that would lead judgments about others that would lead to their own actions. They would to their own actions. They would to their own actions. They would determine what was best for themselves determine what was best for themselves determine what was best for themselves based on what they saw in other people.

based on what they saw in other people. based on what they saw in other people. Things they liked, they emulated. Things Things they liked, they emulated. Things Things they liked, they emulated. Things they didn't like, they tried to cancel they didn't like, they tried to cancel they didn't like, they tried to cancel out. They were concerned about people out. They were concerned about people out. They were concerned about people that were strong, powerful, and wealthy. that were strong, powerful, and wealthy. that were strong, powerful, and wealthy. So they wanted to project to themsel So they wanted to project to themsel So they wanted to project to themsel from themselves that they were strong, from themselves that they were strong, from themselves that they were strong, powerful and wealthy. And what a person powerful and wealthy. And what a person powerful and wealthy. And what a person judges in others are really statements judges in others are really statements judges in others are really statements about what that person believes to be about what that person believes to be about what that person believes to be important. They took pride in what other important. They took pride in what other important. They took pride in what other people would think about them. And they people would think about them. And they people would think about them. And they wanted to be known and they wanted to be wanted to be known and they wanted to be wanted to be known and they wanted to be famous. These people felt that by having famous. These people felt that by having famous. These people felt that by having a great city and a tall tower that they a great city and a tall tower that they a great city and a tall tower that they would project this strength and power. would project this strength and power. would project this strength and power. And they wanted themselves to be And they wanted themselves to be And they wanted themselves to be measured by what others could see with measured by what others could see with measured by what others could see with their own eyes. their own eyes. their own eyes. These people made a value judgment and These people made a value judgment and These people made a value judgment and said that what's most important to us is said that what's most important to us is said that what's most important to us is what people will say about us. They what people will say about us. They what people will say about us. They wanted to be famous and well known. wanted to be famous and well known. wanted to be famous and well known. Well, they are. Well, they are. Well, they are. Ironically, not in the way that they Ironically, not in the way that they Ironically, not in the way that they thought they would. They wanted to be thought they would. They wanted to be thought they would. They wanted to be known as a strong and mighty people who known as a strong and mighty people who known as a strong and mighty people who could build a great city and build a could build a great city and build a could build a great city and build a tower. Instead, tower. Instead, tower. Instead, their name is now synonymous with their name is now synonymous with their name is now synonymous with confusion.

confusion. confusion. Instead of being famous for what they Instead of being famous for what they Instead of being famous for what they wanted to project about themselves, they wanted to project about themselves, they wanted to project about themselves, they are famous for their own pride and what are famous for their own pride and what are famous for their own pride and what ensued from it. Pain, confusion, and ensued from it. Pain, confusion, and ensued from it. Pain, confusion, and broken relationships. broken relationships. broken relationships. Is that still true today? Do people Is that still true today? Do people Is that still true today? Do people still struggle with pride today? Just still struggle with pride today? Just still struggle with pride today? Just people still want to project something people still want to project something people still want to project something about themselves that they think others about themselves that they think others about themselves that they think others will judge highly of. will judge highly of. will judge highly of. Yeah, absolutely. And unfortunately, Yeah, absolutely. And unfortunately, Yeah, absolutely. And unfortunately, it's not just present in the world. it's not just present in the world. it's not just present in the world. Oftentimes, it's even present in the Oftentimes, it's even present in the Oftentimes, it's even present in the church. CS Lewis, one of the just church. CS Lewis, one of the just church. CS Lewis, one of the just brilliant authors, written so many great brilliant authors, written so many great brilliant authors, written so many great books. In his classic book, Mere books. In his classic book, Mere books. In his classic book, Mere Christianity, has these three quotes Christianity, has these three quotes Christianity, has these three quotes about pride that I think are tremendous. about pride that I think are tremendous. about pride that I think are tremendous. First, pride gets no pleasure out of First, pride gets no pleasure out of First, pride gets no pleasure out of having something, having something, having something, only out of having more of it than the only out of having more of it than the only out of having more of it than the next person. It is the comparison that next person. It is the comparison that next person. It is the comparison that makes you proud. The pleasure of being makes you proud. The pleasure of being makes you proud. The pleasure of being above the rest. above the rest. above the rest. Once the element of competition is gone, Once the element of competition is gone, Once the element of competition is gone, pride is gone.

pride is gone. pride is gone. A little further on, he says, "The A little further on, he says, "The A little further on, he says, "The Christians are right. It is pride which Christians are right. It is pride which Christians are right. It is pride which has been the chief cause of misery in has been the chief cause of misery in has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the every nation and every family since the every nation and every family since the world began. world began. world began. And finally, in the most clear terms, And finally, in the most clear terms, And finally, in the most clear terms, pride pride pride is a spiritual cancer. is a spiritual cancer. is a spiritual cancer. It eats up the very possibility It eats up the very possibility It eats up the very possibility of love, contentment, of love, contentment, of love, contentment, or even common sense. Do people still make judgments about Do people still make judgments about themselves and others based on what they themselves and others based on what they themselves and others based on what they see with human eyes? see with human eyes? see with human eyes? Yes, Yes, Yes, we ourselves unfortunately make value we ourselves unfortunately make value we ourselves unfortunately make value judgments about others and us based on judgments about others and us based on judgments about others and us based on what we see with our eyes. We judge what we see with our eyes. We judge what we see with our eyes. We judge people based on how they look, where people based on how they look, where people based on how they look, where they live, what they drive, where they they live, what they drive, where they they live, what they drive, where they go on vacation, who they're married to, go on vacation, who they're married to, go on vacation, who they're married to, who they date, what they do for a who they date, what they do for a who they date, what they do for a living, etc., etc., etc. We constantly living, etc., etc., etc. We constantly living, etc., etc., etc. We constantly spend time thinking about what we can spend time thinking about what we can spend time thinking about what we can evaluate in others.

evaluate in others. evaluate in others. If we live with that same worldly If we live with that same worldly If we live with that same worldly perspective as the world does, then perspective as the world does, then perspective as the world does, then we'll be consumed just as they are. When we'll be consumed just as they are. When we'll be consumed just as they are. When we view others only through the judgment we view others only through the judgment we view others only through the judgment of them based on what we can see on the of them based on what we can see on the of them based on what we can see on the outside instead of living as God outside instead of living as God outside instead of living as God intends, viewing people as he does, intends, viewing people as he does, intends, viewing people as he does, then we will then we will struggle with then we will then we will struggle with then we will then we will struggle with the same sin of pride that the people in the same sin of pride that the people in the same sin of pride that the people in Babel did. They wanted to be famous. Babel did. They wanted to be famous. Babel did. They wanted to be famous. They wanted to be known. They wanted to They wanted to be known. They wanted to They wanted to be known. They wanted to have an identity have an identity have an identity that they thought was important. They that they thought was important. They that they thought was important. They wanted to be judged that way. But as wanted to be judged that way. But as wanted to be judged that way. But as believers, we're called to live above believers, we're called to live above believers, we're called to live above that. We should view others based on that. We should view others based on that. We should view others based on what God sees in them. And what we what God sees in them. And what we what God sees in them. And what we should project from ourselves is should project from ourselves is should project from ourselves is thinking about what God has done on our thinking about what God has done on our thinking about what God has done on our behalf. We should live humbly and behalf. We should live humbly and behalf. We should live humbly and graciously. We should live lives focused graciously. We should live lives focused graciously. We should live lives focused on God's eternal work, not what we on God's eternal work, not what we on God's eternal work, not what we pridefully deem important in this moment pridefully deem important in this moment pridefully deem important in this moment in time. The sin of pride brings only in time. The sin of pride brings only in time. The sin of pride brings only pain, chaos, and broken relationships.

pain, chaos, and broken relationships. pain, chaos, and broken relationships. Again, that's the that's the the message Again, that's the that's the the message Again, that's the that's the the message that I think I grasped as a 5-year-old that I think I grasped as a 5-year-old that I think I grasped as a 5-year-old to some extent, 8-year-old, 10-year-old, to some extent, 8-year-old, 10-year-old, to some extent, 8-year-old, 10-year-old, many of you would have had that same many of you would have had that same many of you would have had that same thing. These last two points are ones thing. These last two points are ones thing. These last two points are ones that as an adult I've come to see is that as an adult I've come to see is that as an adult I've come to see is really what I would say is the main really what I would say is the main really what I would say is the main meaning of this of the uh story of the meaning of this of the uh story of the meaning of this of the uh story of the Tower of Babel. The second thing I've Tower of Babel. The second thing I've Tower of Babel. The second thing I've learned is this is that the sin of learned is this is that the sin of learned is this is that the sin of disobedience disobedience disobedience causes people to miss God's greatest causes people to miss God's greatest causes people to miss God's greatest blessings. blessings. blessings. This second sin that's talked about in This second sin that's talked about in This second sin that's talked about in the story is one I missed, but it's the story is one I missed, but it's the story is one I missed, but it's right there hiding in plain sight. It's right there hiding in plain sight. It's right there hiding in plain sight. It's also in verse four. So, if you would also in verse four. So, if you would also in verse four. So, if you would look back with me in the text, I'll read look back with me in the text, I'll read look back with me in the text, I'll read again from the beginning of that verse. again from the beginning of that verse. again from the beginning of that verse. The people said, "Come, let us build for The people said, "Come, let us build for The people said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city and a tower whose top ourselves a city and a tower whose top ourselves a city and a tower whose top will reach into the heavens. Let us make will reach into the heavens. Let us make will reach into the heavens. Let us make for ourselves a name. Otherwise, for ourselves a name. Otherwise, for ourselves a name. Otherwise, here it is. We will be scattered abroad here it is. We will be scattered abroad here it is. We will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth."

over the face of the whole earth." over the face of the whole earth." Now, why would they say that? Now, why would they say that? Now, why would they say that? Seems like an interesting thought, Seems like an interesting thought, Seems like an interesting thought, right? Well, to understand that, we right? Well, to understand that, we right? Well, to understand that, we really need to back up a couple chapters really need to back up a couple chapters really need to back up a couple chapters for the sake of time. I I'll I'll I'll for the sake of time. I I'll I'll I'll for the sake of time. I I'll I'll I'll tell you the passage and then read it to tell you the passage and then read it to tell you the passage and then read it to you. But in Genesis chapter 1, we have you. But in Genesis chapter 1, we have you. But in Genesis chapter 1, we have this during this amazing story of this during this amazing story of this during this amazing story of creation, we come to verses 26 and 27 creation, we come to verses 26 and 27 creation, we come to verses 26 and 27 where God says that he makes man in his where God says that he makes man in his where God says that he makes man in his own image, man and woman in his own own image, man and woman in his own own image, man and woman in his own image. And he gives us this dignity and image. And he gives us this dignity and image. And he gives us this dignity and this purpose and projects onto us the this purpose and projects onto us the this purpose and projects onto us the goodness of God to display among the goodness of God to display among the goodness of God to display among the people of the earth. It's this amazing people of the earth. It's this amazing people of the earth. It's this amazing passage, Genesis 1:26 and 27. And then passage, Genesis 1:26 and 27. And then passage, Genesis 1:26 and 27. And then immediately after that in verse 28 is immediately after that in verse 28 is immediately after that in verse 28 is this the very first words God spoke to this the very first words God spoke to this the very first words God spoke to them. The first command that he gives is them. The first command that he gives is them. The first command that he gives is he says this in Genesis 1:28. he says this in Genesis 1:28. he says this in Genesis 1:28. Be fruitful, multiply, Be fruitful, multiply, Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth. fill the earth. fill the earth. We'll cover what that means a little bit We'll cover what that means a little bit We'll cover what that means a little bit later, why he wants him to fill the later, why he wants him to fill the later, why he wants him to fill the earth. But right now, I want you to see earth. But right now, I want you to see earth. But right now, I want you to see God's intent even in creation was that God's intent even in creation was that God's intent even in creation was that people would scatter. Well, we see it people would scatter. Well, we see it people would scatter. Well, we see it again just a few chapters later in again just a few chapters later in again just a few chapters later in Genesis chapter nine. This now comes on Genesis chapter nine. This now comes on Genesis chapter nine. This now comes on the heels of the Noah Noah and the the the heels of the Noah Noah and the the the heels of the Noah Noah and the the ark story in Genesis 7 and 8. And at the ark story in Genesis 7 and 8. And at the ark story in Genesis 7 and 8. And at the end of that passage, end of chapter 8, end of that passage, end of chapter 8, end of that passage, end of chapter 8, we come to where Noah and his family is we come to where Noah and his family is we come to where Noah and his family is is back safely on solid ground. They is back safely on solid ground. They is back safely on solid ground. They build an altar. They worship God and build an altar. They worship God and build an altar. They worship God and they are grateful for what he's done for they are grateful for what he's done for they are grateful for what he's done for them. And then in verse or chapter 9

them. And then in verse or chapter 9 them. And then in verse or chapter 9 verse one the very next verse says this. verse one the very next verse says this. verse one the very next verse says this. God blessed Noah and his sons and said God blessed Noah and his sons and said God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them be fruitful multiply scatter and to them be fruitful multiply scatter and to them be fruitful multiply scatter and fill the earth. fill the earth. fill the earth. The instruction was pretty clear. God The instruction was pretty clear. God The instruction was pretty clear. God wanted there to be no confusion of what wanted there to be no confusion of what wanted there to be no confusion of what he wanted. So he said it twice. he wanted. So he said it twice. he wanted. So he said it twice. Different generations, different groups Different generations, different groups Different generations, different groups of people, the same exact message. of people, the same exact message. of people, the same exact message. However, at the Tower of Babel, However, at the Tower of Babel, However, at the Tower of Babel, the people didn't want a scatter. the people didn't want a scatter. the people didn't want a scatter. They wanted to build a mighty city. They They wanted to build a mighty city. They They wanted to build a mighty city. They wanted to build a great tower. They wanted to build a great tower. They wanted to build a great tower. They wanted to make a name for themselves. wanted to make a name for themselves. wanted to make a name for themselves. They wanted it their way. They can't They wanted it their way. They can't They wanted it their way. They can't claim ignorance. The command was obvious claim ignorance. The command was obvious claim ignorance. The command was obvious that had been passed down from their that had been passed down from their that had been passed down from their ancestors because their response was, ancestors because their response was, ancestors because their response was, "No, we don't want to scatter." "No, we don't want to scatter." "No, we don't want to scatter." These people thought they had a better These people thought they had a better These people thought they had a better plan than whatever God had come up with. plan than whatever God had come up with. plan than whatever God had come up with. They had a choice. They could do it They had a choice. They could do it They had a choice. They could do it their way or God's way.

their way or God's way. their way or God's way. And they chose their way. And they chose their way. And they chose their way. Because of their pride and because of Because of their pride and because of Because of their pride and because of their willful disobedience, God came their willful disobedience, God came their willful disobedience, God came down to stop the building of the city down to stop the building of the city down to stop the building of the city and tower and spread them throughout all and tower and spread them throughout all and tower and spread them throughout all the earth. These people could have could the earth. These people could have could the earth. These people could have could have been part of the fulfillment of have been part of the fulfillment of have been part of the fulfillment of God's plan and they could have done it God's plan and they could have done it God's plan and they could have done it with joy and they could have with joy and they could have with joy and they could have participated and been part of what God participated and been part of what God participated and been part of what God was doing uh with this grand purpose. was doing uh with this grand purpose. was doing uh with this grand purpose. these early chapters of Genesis, the these early chapters of Genesis, the these early chapters of Genesis, the Bible doesn't explain why God wanted Bible doesn't explain why God wanted Bible doesn't explain why God wanted humanity spread over the earth. Again, humanity spread over the earth. Again, humanity spread over the earth. Again, we'll cover that. He simply and we'll cover that. He simply and we'll cover that. He simply and repeatedly gave them the command. repeatedly gave them the command. repeatedly gave them the command. And yet, these people chose to do their And yet, these people chose to do their And yet, these people chose to do their own thing. own thing. own thing. And in their ignorance of what they And in their ignorance of what they And in their ignorance of what they think might come next if we follow God's think might come next if we follow God's think might come next if we follow God's plan, plan, plan, they chose to do their own thing with they chose to do their own thing with they chose to do their own thing with what they thought was a controlled what they thought was a controlled what they thought was a controlled outcome that they had power over. God outcome that they had power over. God outcome that they had power over. God proved that wasn't true. proved that wasn't true. proved that wasn't true. How about you? How about you? How about you? Are you living in disobedience?

Are you living in disobedience? Are you living in disobedience? Are you purposefully choosing to go left Are you purposefully choosing to go left Are you purposefully choosing to go left when God calls you right? when God calls you right? when God calls you right? But the heart of this first sin of pride But the heart of this first sin of pride But the heart of this first sin of pride was the desire to be famous and known. was the desire to be famous and known. was the desire to be famous and known. The heart of this sin is simply a desire The heart of this sin is simply a desire The heart of this sin is simply a desire to have your own way. to have your own way. to have your own way. It's birthed in pride because you It's birthed in pride because you It's birthed in pride because you believe that you know what's best for believe that you know what's best for believe that you know what's best for your life moving forward. your life moving forward. your life moving forward. You believe that you know the best job You believe that you know the best job You believe that you know the best job for your life. You believe you know what for your life. You believe you know what for your life. You believe you know what the right relationships are to hold, the right relationships are to hold, the right relationships are to hold, where you should live. You believe you where you should live. You believe you where you should live. You believe you know the way to spend your time, your know the way to spend your time, your know the way to spend your time, your money, your energy, your interests. money, your energy, your interests. money, your energy, your interests. Again, that lift is list is exhaustive. Again, that lift is list is exhaustive. Again, that lift is list is exhaustive. You want your way You want your way You want your way and you won't let the God of the and you won't let the God of the and you won't let the God of the universe interrupt your plans. universe interrupt your plans. universe interrupt your plans. You believe you know what's best in You believe you know what's best in You believe you know what's best in spite of the fact that God alone can see spite of the fact that God alone can see spite of the fact that God alone can see across generations, across time, across across generations, across time, across across generations, across time, across every situation that we could imagine or every situation that we could imagine or every situation that we could imagine or not. not. not. God is wiser.

God is wiser. God is wiser. And and listen, I get the challenge of And and listen, I get the challenge of And and listen, I get the challenge of following God when you don't know why following God when you don't know why following God when you don't know why and when you don't know what comes next. and when you don't know what comes next. and when you don't know what comes next. And listen, wouldn't it be great if God And listen, wouldn't it be great if God And listen, wouldn't it be great if God just revealed the entire plan to us all just revealed the entire plan to us all just revealed the entire plan to us all in one time? If he said, "I want you to in one time? If he said, "I want you to in one time? If he said, "I want you to go do this job so that you have this go do this job so that you have this go do this job so that you have this opportunity and these relationships and opportunity and these relationships and opportunity and these relationships and you end up here. I want or I want you to you end up here. I want or I want you to you end up here. I want or I want you to buy this house so you can do this with buy this house so you can do this with buy this house so you can do this with your neighbors and go that there." Or, your neighbors and go that there." Or, your neighbors and go that there." Or, "I want you to marry this person." or I "I want you to marry this person." or I "I want you to marry this person." or I don't want you to marry this person don't want you to marry this person don't want you to marry this person because because because and we want to because because because and we want to because because because and we want to settle on the fact that we need to know settle on the fact that we need to know settle on the fact that we need to know all the details of what's coming. all the details of what's coming. all the details of what's coming. Yet God in his infinite wisdom Yet God in his infinite wisdom Yet God in his infinite wisdom has chosen to simply reveal the next has chosen to simply reveal the next has chosen to simply reveal the next step. And you can choose to be faithful in And you can choose to be faithful in that step, that command, that step, that command, that step, that command, and then trust that God is good. and then trust that God is good. and then trust that God is good. And that every step after that, his And that every step after that, his And that every step after that, his goodness will show itself. Now, please goodness will show itself. Now, please goodness will show itself. Now, please don't hear me say every step is easy.

don't hear me say every step is easy. don't hear me say every step is easy. It's not at all what I'm trying to say. It's not at all what I'm trying to say. It's not at all what I'm trying to say. What what I am trying to say is I What what I am trying to say is I What what I am trying to say is I believe God is good. And just as Romans believe God is good. And just as Romans believe God is good. And just as Romans 8:28 says, that God works for the good 8:28 says, that God works for the good 8:28 says, that God works for the good of those who love him, who've been of those who love him, who've been of those who love him, who've been called according to his purposes. I called according to his purposes. I called according to his purposes. I believe that about our God, that he is believe that about our God, that he is believe that about our God, that he is good. So I implore you, I beg you, yield good. So I implore you, I beg you, yield good. So I implore you, I beg you, yield yourself to God's plan, and you'll find yourself to God's plan, and you'll find yourself to God's plan, and you'll find that faithfully following God's plan for that faithfully following God's plan for that faithfully following God's plan for your life will ultimately lead to this your life will ultimately lead to this your life will ultimately lead to this deeper peace and greater joy than you deeper peace and greater joy than you deeper peace and greater joy than you can ever have by going your own way. can ever have by going your own way. can ever have by going your own way. When we spend our time worry about When we spend our time worry about When we spend our time worry about worrying about the plan and the details worrying about the plan and the details worrying about the plan and the details and what comes next and there we we we and what comes next and there we we we and what comes next and there we we we we shift our eyes away from what God we shift our eyes away from what God we shift our eyes away from what God wants us to be encapsulated with. He wants us to be encapsulated with. He wants us to be encapsulated with. He wants us to be riveted by him. He wants wants us to be riveted by him. He wants wants us to be riveted by him. He wants us to to live in worship of him. He us to to live in worship of him. He us to to live in worship of him. He wants us to be in awe of him. But when wants us to be in awe of him. But when wants us to be in awe of him. But when we think of what but God what about next we think of what but God what about next we think of what but God what about next or what comes after that then we shift or what comes after that then we shift or what comes after that then we shift our focus from his perfect being to our our focus from his perfect being to our our focus from his perfect being to our limited vision limited vision limited vision and we we get to the point where we see and we we get to the point where we see and we we get to the point where we see only our plan instead of his goodness.

only our plan instead of his goodness. only our plan instead of his goodness. So the the sin of disobedience So the the sin of disobedience So the the sin of disobedience causes people to miss out on life's causes people to miss out on life's causes people to miss out on life's greatest blessings. greatest blessings. greatest blessings. So that takes us to the third point and So that takes us to the third point and So that takes us to the third point and really the third one is tied in deeply really the third one is tied in deeply really the third one is tied in deeply with the second one and what I would say with the second one and what I would say with the second one and what I would say to you is what I really think the entire to you is what I really think the entire to you is what I really think the entire point of the story of the Tower of Babel point of the story of the Tower of Babel point of the story of the Tower of Babel is certainly it's relevant about pride. is certainly it's relevant about pride. is certainly it's relevant about pride. It's relevant about disobedience. But It's relevant about disobedience. But It's relevant about disobedience. But it's it what I read the scripture now it's it what I read the scripture now it's it what I read the scripture now this is what I see the the the key this is what I see the the the key this is what I see the the the key message of this message of this message of this God and here's the point. God will go to God and here's the point. God will go to God and here's the point. God will go to great lengths for his plan to be great lengths for his plan to be great lengths for his plan to be achieved. achieved. achieved. God will go to great lengths for his God will go to great lengths for his God will go to great lengths for his plans to be achieved. See, this point is plans to be achieved. See, this point is plans to be achieved. See, this point is is tied strongly to the last one that is tied strongly to the last one that is tied strongly to the last one that God will work to achieve his plans. God will work to achieve his plans. God will work to achieve his plans. Let's look at this tower the story Let's look at this tower the story Let's look at this tower the story again. The the people didn't want to be again. The the people didn't want to be again. The the people didn't want to be scattered. And I mentioned that was scattered. And I mentioned that was scattered. And I mentioned that was because of or maybe said in spite of the because of or maybe said in spite of the because of or maybe said in spite of the fact that God gave them this clear fact that God gave them this clear fact that God gave them this clear instruction to scatter, they didn't want instruction to scatter, they didn't want instruction to scatter, they didn't want to. And he wanted them spread out. And I to. And he wanted them spread out. And I to. And he wanted them spread out. And I promised you I'd tell you this. So the promised you I'd tell you this. So the promised you I'd tell you this. So the the question is why?

the question is why? the question is why? Why did God want them to spread out? Why did God want them to spread out? Why did God want them to spread out? What was the plan that God was working? What was the plan that God was working? What was the plan that God was working? Well, to know that part of the plan, I'm Well, to know that part of the plan, I'm Well, to know that part of the plan, I'm going to jump ahead in time to going to jump ahead in time to going to jump ahead in time to Revelation chapter 7. And while we don't Revelation chapter 7. And while we don't Revelation chapter 7. And while we don't have time to to go there and look have time to to go there and look have time to to go there and look through all those different passages, through all those different passages, through all those different passages, it's a it's a passage where Jesus is it's a it's a passage where Jesus is it's a it's a passage where Jesus is giving John this revelation, this view, giving John this revelation, this view, giving John this revelation, this view, this vision into the future. And in this vision into the future. And in this vision into the future. And in Revelation 7:es 9 and 10, he says this. Revelation 7:es 9 and 10, he says this. Revelation 7:es 9 and 10, he says this. After these things, I looked and and and After these things, I looked and and and After these things, I looked and and and behold, behold, behold, a great multitude which no one could a great multitude which no one could a great multitude which no one could count from, listen, count from, listen, count from, listen, every nation, every tribe, every people, every nation, every tribe, every people, every nation, every tribe, every people, and every language, standing before the and every language, standing before the and every language, standing before the throne of God, the throne of the Lamb, throne of God, the throne of the Lamb, throne of God, the throne of the Lamb, clothed in white robes. palm branches clothed in white robes. palm branches clothed in white robes. palm branches were in their hands and they cried out were in their hands and they cried out were in their hands and they cried out with a loud voice saying, "Salvation with a loud voice saying, "Salvation with a loud voice saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the belongs to our God who sits on the belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb." Do you get that throne and to the Lamb." Do you get that throne and to the Lamb." Do you get that from every nation, every tribe, every from every nation, every tribe, every from every nation, every tribe, every tongue, every language?

tongue, every language? tongue, every language? I'm reminded of an opportunity that I'm reminded of an opportunity that I'm reminded of an opportunity that Katie and I had in the year 2004. Katie and I had in the year 2004. Katie and I had in the year 2004. She and I led a group of 12 college She and I led a group of 12 college She and I led a group of 12 college students on a mission trip to Athens, students on a mission trip to Athens, students on a mission trip to Athens, Greece during the summer Olympics. And Greece during the summer Olympics. And Greece during the summer Olympics. And so we were part of doing evangelism work so we were part of doing evangelism work so we were part of doing evangelism work uh to people really from that gathered uh to people really from that gathered uh to people really from that gathered from all over the world as true is what from all over the world as true is what from all over the world as true is what happens in the Olympics. happens in the Olympics. happens in the Olympics. Well, one night it was told there was Well, one night it was told there was Well, one night it was told there was going to be a worship service and so we going to be a worship service and so we going to be a worship service and so we took our 12 college students uh to be took our 12 college students uh to be took our 12 college students uh to be part of this service and and there was a part of this service and and there was a part of this service and and there was a band there from the UK who was leading band there from the UK who was leading band there from the UK who was leading worship songs worship songs worship songs and I paused and I looked around and I paused and I looked around and I paused and I looked around and I I saw people from every nation on and I I saw people from every nation on and I I saw people from every nation on earth worshiping together. earth worshiping together. earth worshiping together. It's a beautiful sight. It was this It's a beautiful sight. It was this It's a beautiful sight. It was this glimpse, an earthly glimpse of what glimpse, an earthly glimpse of what glimpse, an earthly glimpse of what Revelation 7 will be like one day. We'll Revelation 7 will be like one day. We'll Revelation 7 will be like one day. We'll never forget that night never forget that night never forget that night in the story of the the Tower of Babel. in the story of the the Tower of Babel. in the story of the the Tower of Babel. The people didn't want to scatter.

The people didn't want to scatter. The people didn't want to scatter. Yet God's plan is always unfolding. And Yet God's plan is always unfolding. And Yet God's plan is always unfolding. And after the commanding the people twice, after the commanding the people twice, after the commanding the people twice, Genesis 1, Genesis 9 to scatter, he Genesis 1, Genesis 9 to scatter, he Genesis 1, Genesis 9 to scatter, he would ensure that his plan occurred. And would ensure that his plan occurred. And would ensure that his plan occurred. And this is what I think the biggest point this is what I think the biggest point this is what I think the biggest point is of the story. God has a plan and will is of the story. God has a plan and will is of the story. God has a plan and will see it true. He'll go to great lengths see it true. He'll go to great lengths see it true. He'll go to great lengths to make that happen. Think about it like to make that happen. Think about it like to make that happen. Think about it like this. Tower of Babel story as far as we this. Tower of Babel story as far as we this. Tower of Babel story as far as we know is about 2200 2400 BC. know is about 2200 2400 BC. know is about 2200 2400 BC. So given the 2400 number could be the So given the 2400 number could be the So given the 2400 number could be the most. This is now 2026. So we're talking most. This is now 2026. So we're talking most. This is now 2026. So we're talking about almost 4500 years ago the Tower of about almost 4500 years ago the Tower of about almost 4500 years ago the Tower of Babel story happened. Well, we've not Babel story happened. Well, we've not Babel story happened. Well, we've not yet seen the fulfillment of Revelation yet seen the fulfillment of Revelation yet seen the fulfillment of Revelation 7. And so, we don't know when Jesus 7. And so, we don't know when Jesus 7. And so, we don't know when Jesus comes back. We don't know when those comes back. We don't know when those comes back. We don't know when those dates will happen in the future. But dates will happen in the future. But dates will happen in the future. But what we know is Jesus could come back what we know is Jesus could come back what we know is Jesus could come back today, tomorrow, or a thousand years today, tomorrow, or a thousand years today, tomorrow, or a thousand years into the future. Which means the into the future. Which means the into the future. Which means the fulfillment of Revelation 7 fulfillment of Revelation 7 fulfillment of Revelation 7 was at least was at least was at least 4500 years 4500 years 4500 years from the Tower of Babel to Revelation 7.

God was working 5,000 years in advance God was working 5,000 years in advance to ensure that his plan would happen. to ensure that his plan would happen. to ensure that his plan would happen. There's other there's other There's other there's other There's other there's other opportunities. There's other aspects of opportunities. There's other aspects of opportunities. There's other aspects of this plan that folds out over scripture. this plan that folds out over scripture. this plan that folds out over scripture. And he's ensuring that these things all And he's ensuring that these things all And he's ensuring that these things all take place in his timing, in his take place in his timing, in his take place in his timing, in his purpose, in his way. That's not the purpose, in his way. That's not the purpose, in his way. That's not the focus of the message today. The focus of focus of the message today. The focus of focus of the message today. The focus of the message today is what lengths will the message today is what lengths will the message today is what lengths will he go to? What will he do? How far will he go to? What will he do? How far will he go to? What will he do? How far will he go to see his purposes fulfilled? Well, in the Tower of Babel story, to Well, in the Tower of Babel story, to overcome the resistance of the people, overcome the resistance of the people, overcome the resistance of the people, he was willing to confuse their he was willing to confuse their he was willing to confuse their language, thwart their plans. He language, thwart their plans. He language, thwart their plans. He separated friends and family to ensure separated friends and family to ensure separated friends and family to ensure that his plan moved forward. that his plan moved forward. that his plan moved forward. to Moses. He spoke through a burning to Moses. He spoke through a burning to Moses. He spoke through a burning bush so that Moses would know it was a bush so that Moses would know it was a bush so that Moses would know it was a powerful God that was directing him to powerful God that was directing him to powerful God that was directing him to do something that seemed both difficult do something that seemed both difficult do something that seemed both difficult and even foolish. and even foolish. and even foolish. To Balam, God used a donkey. If you To Balam, God used a donkey. If you To Balam, God used a donkey. If you don't know that story, look it up. It's don't know that story, look it up. It's don't know that story, look it up. It's incredible. God used a donkey to first incredible. God used a donkey to first incredible. God used a donkey to first save Balam's life from going into the save Balam's life from going into the save Balam's life from going into the angel and then used the the voice of the angel and then used the the voice of the angel and then used the the voice of the donkey to teach and to tell Balam that donkey to teach and to tell Balam that donkey to teach and to tell Balam that what he was doing was wrong. that wasn't what he was doing was wrong. that wasn't what he was doing was wrong. that wasn't following God's plan. To overwhelm following God's plan. To overwhelm following God's plan. To overwhelm Jonah's pride, you've heard the last few Jonah's pride, you've heard the last few Jonah's pride, you've heard the last few months, our pastor's done a brilliant months, our pastor's done a brilliant months, our pastor's done a brilliant job of going through the book of Jonah job of going through the book of Jonah job of going through the book of Jonah with us. And to overwhelm Jonah's pride, with us. And to overwhelm Jonah's pride, with us. And to overwhelm Jonah's pride, God used a fish and a worm to make sure God used a fish and a worm to make sure God used a fish and a worm to make sure his purpose for Nineveh was achieved, his purpose for Nineveh was achieved, his purpose for Nineveh was achieved, but also a chance to teach Jonah about but also a chance to teach Jonah about but also a chance to teach Jonah about [clears throat] the love that God has [clears throat] the love that God has [clears throat] the love that God has for all people.

for all people. for all people. To Job, God will speak from a whirlwind. To Job, God will speak from a whirlwind. To Job, God will speak from a whirlwind. To Moses, To Moses, To Moses, it will be a still small voice. it will be a still small voice. it will be a still small voice. To Samuel, he'll call out three times. To Samuel, he'll call out three times. To Samuel, he'll call out three times. To David, he'll use a teenager with a To David, he'll use a teenager with a To David, he'll use a teenager with a stone to slay a giant. And in this stone to slay a giant. And in this stone to slay a giant. And in this beautiful reversal of the story of Tower beautiful reversal of the story of Tower beautiful reversal of the story of Tower of Babel in Acts chapter 2, when Peter of Babel in Acts chapter 2, when Peter of Babel in Acts chapter 2, when Peter is preaching, he preaches in his is preaching, he preaches in his is preaching, he preaches in his language, but people from all different language, but people from all different language, but people from all different nations around the world hear it and nations around the world hear it and nations around the world hear it and understand it in their own language. How understand it in their own language. How understand it in their own language. How far will God go to ensure his plans are far will God go to ensure his plans are far will God go to ensure his plans are achieved? achieved? achieved? As far as he desires. He'll do as much As far as he desires. He'll do as much As far as he desires. He'll do as much as he wants. To me, the question is not as he wants. To me, the question is not as he wants. To me, the question is not how far will God go. We have story after how far will God go. We have story after how far will God go. We have story after story, an example of what God will do. story, an example of what God will do. story, an example of what God will do. To me, the question is, how will you To me, the question is, how will you To me, the question is, how will you respond when you see God moving? respond when you see God moving? respond when you see God moving? See, I believe the spirit of God is See, I believe the spirit of God is See, I believe the spirit of God is alive in every believer, faithfully alive in every believer, faithfully alive in every believer, faithfully guiding us to know what we should be guiding us to know what we should be guiding us to know what we should be doing. But for some reason, we resist doing. But for some reason, we resist doing. But for some reason, we resist that. Sometimes it's because we think that. Sometimes it's because we think that. Sometimes it's because we think what God is asking us to do might be what God is asking us to do might be what God is asking us to do might be foolish or because we don't believe foolish or because we don't believe foolish or because we don't believe we're capable of doing whatever God puts we're capable of doing whatever God puts we're capable of doing whatever God puts before us. Or like we said earlier, we before us. Or like we said earlier, we before us. Or like we said earlier, we don't want to take the next step when we don't want to take the next step when we don't want to take the next step when we don't know what the following steps will don't know what the following steps will don't know what the following steps will be. We tell ourselves that we're willing be. We tell ourselves that we're willing be. We tell ourselves that we're willing to follow God, but in practice, to follow God, but in practice, to follow God, but in practice, we only do what we believe we should do we only do what we believe we should do we only do what we believe we should do or want to do.

or want to do. or want to do. We aren't willing to take the one step We aren't willing to take the one step We aren't willing to take the one step forward when we don't know what the 10 forward when we don't know what the 10 forward when we don't know what the 10 steps are in front of it or after that. steps are in front of it or after that. steps are in front of it or after that. your willingness to be part of this plan your willingness to be part of this plan your willingness to be part of this plan in whatever way that God desires, in whatever way that God desires, in whatever way that God desires, your your decision to join with him in your your decision to join with him in your your decision to join with him in this plan is when you experience this this plan is when you experience this this plan is when you experience this deeper joy and lasting peace that comes deeper joy and lasting peace that comes deeper joy and lasting peace that comes from that willful obedience. from that willful obedience. from that willful obedience. You see, I stand here today You see, I stand here today You see, I stand here today 100% convinced that I'm exactly in the 100% convinced that I'm exactly in the 100% convinced that I'm exactly in the right place that I'm supposed to be right place that I'm supposed to be right place that I'm supposed to be right now. I don't say that with any right now. I don't say that with any right now. I don't say that with any pride, but when I tell you the story, pride, but when I tell you the story, pride, but when I tell you the story, you'll be able to see it was clearly God you'll be able to see it was clearly God you'll be able to see it was clearly God moving step by step. moving step by step. moving step by step. In the fall of 2004, Katie and I uh In the fall of 2004, Katie and I uh In the fall of 2004, Katie and I uh lived in southwest Missouri. I'd been in lived in southwest Missouri. I'd been in lived in southwest Missouri. I'd been in ministry for more than 10 years or so at ministry for more than 10 years or so at ministry for more than 10 years or so at that point, and I was looking at that point, and I was looking at that point, and I was looking at opportunities to do some master's work opportunities to do some master's work opportunities to do some master's work uh to to better prepare myself to do uh to to better prepare myself to do uh to to better prepare myself to do mission work around the world. After mission work around the world. After mission work around the world. After researching multiple universities and researching multiple universities and researching multiple universities and seminaries, we decided that it was seminaries, we decided that it was seminaries, we decided that it was Weaton College at the time, now Weaten Weaton College at the time, now Weaten Weaton College at the time, now Weaten University, uh at just outside of University, uh at just outside of University, uh at just outside of Chicago, that was the right place for Chicago, that was the right place for Chicago, that was the right place for us. So, fall of 2004, we gathered up. We us. So, fall of 2004, we gathered up. We us. So, fall of 2004, we gathered up. We we uh went up for a few days to the we uh went up for a few days to the we uh went up for a few days to the Chicago area to do kind of a Chicago area to do kind of a Chicago area to do kind of a reconnaissance trip. We wanted to look reconnaissance trip. We wanted to look reconnaissance trip. We wanted to look at the places to live and what jobs at the places to live and what jobs at the places to live and what jobs Katie might have as she was going to be Katie might have as she was going to be Katie might have as she was going to be the one to primarily support us while I the one to primarily support us while I the one to primarily support us while I focused on school. And of course, we focused on school. And of course, we focused on school. And of course, we wanted to meet with the school. And so, wanted to meet with the school. And so, wanted to meet with the school. And so, staying at a hotel, been there a couple

staying at a hotel, been there a couple staying at a hotel, been there a couple days. The morning we're going to go to days. The morning we're going to go to days. The morning we're going to go to the university. We go out to our car and the university. We go out to our car and the university. We go out to our car and there's a flat tire. there's a flat tire. there's a flat tire. So, the the car had had problem with So, the the car had had problem with So, the the car had had problem with this tire before we left on the trip and this tire before we left on the trip and this tire before we left on the trip and it had been in the shop and been it had been in the shop and been it had been in the shop and been repaired and they'd used an air gun to repaired and they'd used an air gun to repaired and they'd used an air gun to kind of tighten to tighten the lug nuts. kind of tighten to tighten the lug nuts. kind of tighten to tighten the lug nuts. And so, even though I'm literally And so, even though I'm literally And so, even though I'm literally standing on the tire iron, I cannot get standing on the tire iron, I cannot get standing on the tire iron, I cannot get the lug nuts off. And so we're delayed a the lug nuts off. And so we're delayed a the lug nuts off. And so we're delayed a long period of time. So by the time we long period of time. So by the time we long period of time. So by the time we get to Weaton, of course, we've already get to Weaton, of course, we've already get to Weaton, of course, we've already missed the appointments that were set up missed the appointments that were set up missed the appointments that were set up for us. And so we still met with people, for us. And so we still met with people, for us. And so we still met with people, we talked with people, we heard about we talked with people, we heard about we talked with people, we heard about the school. And even though the visit the school. And even though the visit the school. And even though the visit wasn't really the best visit, didn't wasn't really the best visit, didn't wasn't really the best visit, didn't fulfill all the purposes, we were fulfill all the purposes, we were fulfill all the purposes, we were convinced it was the right place for us convinced it was the right place for us convinced it was the right place for us to go. So, even as we drove back to to go. So, even as we drove back to to go. So, even as we drove back to southwest Missouri and continued our southwest Missouri and continued our southwest Missouri and continued our lives there, she continued to look for lives there, she continued to look for lives there, she continued to look for jobs and I completed an application, jobs and I completed an application, jobs and I completed an application, paid the $25 fee, mailed it off to paid the $25 fee, mailed it off to paid the $25 fee, mailed it off to Weaton uh to get their reply.

Weaton uh to get their reply. Weaton uh to get their reply. Well, interestingly enough, they cashed Well, interestingly enough, they cashed Well, interestingly enough, they cashed my check for $25, my check for $25, my check for $25, but they never have actually responded but they never have actually responded but they never have actually responded to me of to know whether I've been to me of to know whether I've been to me of to know whether I've been accepted or not accepted to attend accepted or not accepted to attend accepted or not accepted to attend Wheaten University. So, a side note, if Wheaten University. So, a side note, if Wheaten University. So, a side note, if any of you know anybody at Wheaten, if any of you know anybody at Wheaten, if any of you know anybody at Wheaten, if you could give them a call, it would you could give them a call, it would you could give them a call, it would help kind of find out uh what's going on help kind of find out uh what's going on help kind of find out uh what's going on there. Uh kind of a funny instance, but there. Uh kind of a funny instance, but there. Uh kind of a funny instance, but we just didn't know, but we didn't want we just didn't know, but we didn't want we just didn't know, but we didn't want to give up. We felt we were doing the to give up. We felt we were doing the to give up. We felt we were doing the right thing. So, we kept searching, kept right thing. So, we kept searching, kept right thing. So, we kept searching, kept looking, kept trying until finally we looking, kept trying until finally we looking, kept trying until finally we realized, I just don't think God is in realized, I just don't think God is in realized, I just don't think God is in this. And so, at the time, while we this. And so, at the time, while we this. And so, at the time, while we lived in Southwest Missouri, her parents lived in Southwest Missouri, her parents lived in Southwest Missouri, her parents lived down here in the Dallas area. So lived down here in the Dallas area. So lived down here in the Dallas area. So in a visit to see them in the spring of in a visit to see them in the spring of in a visit to see them in the spring of 2005, we went over to Southwestern 2005, we went over to Southwestern 2005, we went over to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I'd grown Baptist Theological Seminary. I'd grown Baptist Theological Seminary. I'd grown up in the Southern Baptist Church uh for up in the Southern Baptist Church uh for up in the Southern Baptist Church uh for another visit. So we spent half a day another visit. So we spent half a day another visit. So we spent half a day there touring the campus, meeting the there touring the campus, meeting the there touring the campus, meeting the president, talking with faculty, and as president, talking with faculty, and as president, talking with faculty, and as we left campus that day, we thought we left campus that day, we thought we left campus that day, we thought it's [snorts] not it. Couldn't explain it's [snorts] not it. Couldn't explain it's [snorts] not it. Couldn't explain why. We drove away a little deflated why. We drove away a little deflated why. We drove away a little deflated because we didn't know what was next.

because we didn't know what was next. because we didn't know what was next. and dropped her off at her parents house and dropped her off at her parents house and dropped her off at her parents house and decided that I would uh go visit and decided that I would uh go visit and decided that I would uh go visit another school in the area that I'd had another school in the area that I'd had another school in the area that I'd had a couple of friends go to and graduate a couple of friends go to and graduate a couple of friends go to and graduate from. from. from. And so I drove over to the campus of And so I drove over to the campus of And so I drove over to the campus of Dallas Theological Seminary, DTS in Dallas Theological Seminary, DTS in Dallas Theological Seminary, DTS in downtown Dallas. And to be honest, and downtown Dallas. And to be honest, and downtown Dallas. And to be honest, and to be clear, I didn't know anything to be clear, I didn't know anything to be clear, I didn't know anything about the programs. I didn't know about the programs. I didn't know about the programs. I didn't know anything about the cost. I didn't know anything about the cost. I didn't know anything about the cost. I didn't know where to go on campus. And to be overly where to go on campus. And to be overly where to go on campus. And to be overly clear, I had no idea what I expected to clear, I had no idea what I expected to clear, I had no idea what I expected to happen when I walked onto campus. Yet 10 seconds, Yet 10 seconds, get out of my car, get out of my car, get out of my car, 10 seconds walking onto the campus, and 10 seconds walking onto the campus, and 10 seconds walking onto the campus, and I knew that was exactly where God had I knew that was exactly where God had I knew that was exactly where God had us. It was the right place. It was his us. It was the right place. It was his us. It was the right place. It was his plan. It was his guidance. plan. It was his guidance. plan. It was his guidance. So we moved that summer, 2005. I began So we moved that summer, 2005. I began So we moved that summer, 2005. I began attending at DTS. attending at DTS. attending at DTS. Then then the next year, 2006, I've hit Then then the next year, 2006, I've hit Then then the next year, 2006, I've hit it off really well with one of my it off really well with one of my it off really well with one of my professors at DTS. Some of you may professors at DTS. Some of you may professors at DTS. Some of you may remember the name, Dr. Mark Young. Mark remember the name, Dr. Mark Young. Mark remember the name, Dr. Mark Young. Mark and Priscilla were in this church for and Priscilla were in this church for and Priscilla were in this church for many years. He and Priscilla are great many years. He and Priscilla are great many years. He and Priscilla are great mentors to Katie and I. And uh as I was mentors to Katie and I. And uh as I was mentors to Katie and I. And uh as I was developing this good relationship with developing this good relationship with developing this good relationship with Mark at the seminary doing work, he Mark at the seminary doing work, he Mark at the seminary doing work, he invited me to come to Stone Brier to invited me to come to Stone Brier to invited me to come to Stone Brier to serve as uh his intern here in the serve as uh his intern here in the serve as uh his intern here in the missions department, which I did missions department, which I did missions department, which I did beginning in the spring of 2007.

beginning in the spring of 2007. beginning in the spring of 2007. And then upon graduation from DTS, he And then upon graduation from DTS, he And then upon graduation from DTS, he created a job for me here that I could created a job for me here that I could created a job for me here that I could uh work underneath him in the missions uh work underneath him in the missions uh work underneath him in the missions department. Uh less than a year later, department. Uh less than a year later, department. Uh less than a year later, like all good mentors, he left so I like all good mentors, he left so I like all good mentors, he left so I could have his job. has happened could have his job. has happened could have his job. has happened sometimes. Chuck uh felt felt it was sometimes. Chuck uh felt felt it was sometimes. Chuck uh felt felt it was right to promote me into that role and I right to promote me into that role and I right to promote me into that role and I began to serve under Chuck for what was began to serve under Chuck for what was began to serve under Chuck for what was about an seven more years uh here about an seven more years uh here about an seven more years uh here serving on staff. A beautiful and serving on staff. A beautiful and serving on staff. A beautiful and wonderful time. wonderful time. wonderful time. Well, Chuck and Cynthia then came to Well, Chuck and Cynthia then came to Well, Chuck and Cynthia then came to Katie and I and invited us to go over to Katie and I and invited us to go over to Katie and I and invited us to go over to Insight for Living and leave the church, Insight for Living and leave the church, Insight for Living and leave the church, our missions pastor role here, go over our missions pastor role here, go over our missions pastor role here, go over to Insight for Living to uh take care of to Insight for Living to uh take care of to Insight for Living to uh take care of their international ministries there, their international ministries there, their international ministries there, which I've done and still do now 11 which I've done and still do now 11 which I've done and still do now 11 years later and have the privilege and years later and have the privilege and years later and have the privilege and blessing of ministering in more than 80 blessing of ministering in more than 80 blessing of ministering in more than 80 countries around the world uh at this countries around the world uh at this countries around the world uh at this time. It's an incredible opportunity. time. It's an incredible opportunity. time. It's an incredible opportunity. But as I look at that story, we tried, But as I look at that story, we tried, But as I look at that story, we tried, we wanted, we thought God was leading us we wanted, we thought God was leading us we wanted, we thought God was leading us to Wheaten, to Wheaten, to Wheaten, but God was directing our steps.

but God was directing our steps. but God was directing our steps. And our willingness to listen, our And our willingness to listen, our And our willingness to listen, our willingness to take a step back from willingness to take a step back from willingness to take a step back from what we thought was right, our what we thought was right, our what we thought was right, our willingness to say, "God, are you in willingness to say, "God, are you in willingness to say, "God, are you in this?" led us to realize he was closing this?" led us to realize he was closing this?" led us to realize he was closing doors in Chicago and opening doors in doors in Chicago and opening doors in doors in Chicago and opening doors in Dallas. Dallas. Dallas. And so as I stand here today, there's no And so as I stand here today, there's no And so as I stand here today, there's no way that she or I in the fall of 2004 way that she or I in the fall of 2004 way that she or I in the fall of 2004 could have outlined the steps that have could have outlined the steps that have could have outlined the steps that have led to me standing in this pulpit at led to me standing in this pulpit at led to me standing in this pulpit at this point in time. And so that's kind this point in time. And so that's kind this point in time. And so that's kind of the big grand narrative of our lives of the big grand narrative of our lives of the big grand narrative of our lives that have led us to this place to know that have led us to this place to know that have led us to this place to know we're where we're supposed to be. But we're where we're supposed to be. But we're where we're supposed to be. But even I would say it's clear to me how even I would say it's clear to me how even I would say it's clear to me how and why I'm standing here in this and why I'm standing here in this and why I'm standing here in this moment. moment. moment. Because during my time at Insight for Because during my time at Insight for Because during my time at Insight for Living, I was introduced to a man named Living, I was introduced to a man named Living, I was introduced to a man named Dr. Jonathan Murphy Dr. Jonathan Murphy Dr. Jonathan Murphy and Jonathan and I began a deep and Jonathan and I began a deep and Jonathan and I began a deep friendship. These last six or seven friendship. These last six or seven friendship. These last six or seven years have been a wonderful time to years have been a wonderful time to years have been a wonderful time to learn each other's hearts, know each learn each other's hearts, know each learn each other's hearts, know each other's families, hear each other's other's families, hear each other's other's families, hear each other's desires for the church, me at Insight, desires for the church, me at Insight, desires for the church, me at Insight, him at Stonebrier, him at Stonebrier, him at Stonebrier, and a wonderful opportunity. I was and a wonderful opportunity. I was and a wonderful opportunity. I was humbled when a few months ago Jonathan humbled when a few months ago Jonathan humbled when a few months ago Jonathan asked me if I would serve in the pulpit asked me if I would serve in the pulpit asked me if I would serve in the pulpit today.

today. today. So I can tell you each and every step. So I can tell you each and every step. So I can tell you each and every step. It's not about me not taking pride in It's not about me not taking pride in It's not about me not taking pride in it. What I am saying is by following it. What I am saying is by following it. What I am saying is by following God's plan and and going through the God's plan and and going through the God's plan and and going through the doors he was opening, it gives us a doors he was opening, it gives us a doors he was opening, it gives us a confidence and it gives us a deep joy, a confidence and it gives us a deep joy, a confidence and it gives us a deep joy, a lasting peace, kind of this willingness lasting peace, kind of this willingness lasting peace, kind of this willingness to say, God, wherever you want us to go, to say, God, wherever you want us to go, to say, God, wherever you want us to go, we want to be there and we want to serve we want to be there and we want to serve we want to be there and we want to serve there. Because while God's plan is both there. Because while God's plan is both there. Because while God's plan is both this grand and meta narrative that he this grand and meta narrative that he this grand and meta narrative that he sets in motion thousands of years in sets in motion thousands of years in sets in motion thousands of years in advance for the Tower of Babel and advance for the Tower of Babel and advance for the Tower of Babel and Revelation 7, Revelation 7, Revelation 7, God loves you God loves you God loves you enough enough enough that he has a personal and intimate plan that he has a personal and intimate plan that he has a personal and intimate plan for your life and how you can be part of for your life and how you can be part of for your life and how you can be part of his grand narrative on earth for all his grand narrative on earth for all his grand narrative on earth for all mankind. mankind. mankind. And when you try to follow, sometimes And when you try to follow, sometimes And when you try to follow, sometimes you follow or you see closed doors, you follow or you see closed doors, you follow or you see closed doors, sometimes you see open doors. But what sometimes you see open doors. But what sometimes you see open doors. But what matters to God, what matters to you in matters to God, what matters to you in matters to God, what matters to you in this moment is to say, God, I want to be this moment is to say, God, I want to be this moment is to say, God, I want to be there. I want to be where you want me to there. I want to be where you want me to there. I want to be where you want me to be, and I want to follow through with be, and I want to follow through with be, and I want to follow through with your commands.

See, the story of the Tower of Babel, See, the story of the Tower of Babel, I think the childlike version, the I think the childlike version, the I think the childlike version, the childlike understanding is it's just childlike understanding is it's just childlike understanding is it's just about pride and people trying to make a about pride and people trying to make a about pride and people trying to make a name for themselves. But what I see now name for themselves. But what I see now name for themselves. But what I see now when I read is God has this amazing when I read is God has this amazing when I read is God has this amazing plan. And so when I ask the question, plan. And so when I ask the question, plan. And so when I ask the question, what is God willing to do? How far is what is God willing to do? How far is what is God willing to do? How far is God willing to go? What is he willing to God willing to go? What is he willing to God willing to go? What is he willing to see play out in the grand narrative or see play out in the grand narrative or see play out in the grand narrative or in your individual life? I say to you in your individual life? I say to you in your individual life? I say to you anything he wants at any point he wants anything he wants at any point he wants anything he wants at any point he wants in any way he wants. And if you joyfully in any way he wants. And if you joyfully in any way he wants. And if you joyfully and willfully yield yourselves over to and willfully yield yourselves over to and willfully yield yourselves over to that, you'll find that joy and that that, you'll find that joy and that that, you'll find that joy and that peace, that confidence, that comfort, peace, that confidence, that comfort, peace, that confidence, that comfort, that life that's better than any life that life that's better than any life that life that's better than any life you could ever imagine on your own. you could ever imagine on your own. you could ever imagine on your own. However, you might be like the people of However, you might be like the people of However, you might be like the people of the Tower of Babel who were overcome by the Tower of Babel who were overcome by the Tower of Babel who were overcome by their own pride, their own desire to be their own pride, their own desire to be their own pride, their own desire to be famous, their own desire to have their famous, their own desire to have their famous, their own desire to have their way. way. way. In that case, you will continue to In that case, you will continue to In that case, you will continue to struggle with purpose, and you won't struggle with purpose, and you won't struggle with purpose, and you won't know this peace and joy that I talk know this peace and joy that I talk know this peace and joy that I talk about today.

about today. about today. God was willing to squash the will of God was willing to squash the will of God was willing to squash the will of people 5,000 years in advance of his people 5,000 years in advance of his people 5,000 years in advance of his plan to see fulfilled in Revelation 7. plan to see fulfilled in Revelation 7. plan to see fulfilled in Revelation 7. What will God do What will God do What will God do in your life? in your life? in your life? How far will God go to ensure you are How far will God go to ensure you are How far will God go to ensure you are following his plans? following his plans? following his plans? So, I'd sum up the whole lesson today So, I'd sum up the whole lesson today So, I'd sum up the whole lesson today like this. like this. like this. God has a plan for people, for all God has a plan for people, for all God has a plan for people, for all humanity, humanity, humanity, including you. including you. including you. If you run from sins like pride and If you run from sins like pride and If you run from sins like pride and disobedience, and if you choose to yield disobedience, and if you choose to yield disobedience, and if you choose to yield yourself to his plan and his purpose, yourself to his plan and his purpose, yourself to his plan and his purpose, you'll discover the Christian life that you'll discover the Christian life that you'll discover the Christian life that is filled with a deep peace and an is filled with a deep peace and an is filled with a deep peace and an abiding joy that will sustain you all abiding joy that will sustain you all abiding joy that will sustain you all the days of your life. the days of your life. the days of your life. Let's pray together. Father, thank you that your scripture, Father, thank you that your scripture, this Bible is so rich. It's so full.

this Bible is so rich. It's so full. this Bible is so rich. It's so full. It's got such meaning that we can It's got such meaning that we can It's got such meaning that we can understand things about it when we're understand things about it when we're understand things about it when we're five years old, when we're 50 years old, five years old, when we're 50 years old, five years old, when we're 50 years old, and beyond. We can understand it as new and beyond. We can understand it as new and beyond. We can understand it as new believers and as learned scholars. Lord, believers and as learned scholars. Lord, believers and as learned scholars. Lord, your text continues to have meaning your text continues to have meaning your text continues to have meaning after meaning after meaning to give us after meaning after meaning to give us after meaning after meaning to give us hope and grace and peace and life and hope and grace and peace and life and hope and grace and peace and life and fulfillment. And Lord, certainly you fulfillment. And Lord, certainly you fulfillment. And Lord, certainly you want to give us this joy. You want to want to give us this joy. You want to want to give us this joy. You want to give us this purpose to live alongside give us this purpose to live alongside give us this purpose to live alongside your plan and your purpose. your plan and your purpose. your plan and your purpose. Help this church, Lord. Help me Help this church, Lord. Help me Help this church, Lord. Help me be faithful to you. be faithful to you. be faithful to you. Really is about you. Really is about you. Really is about you. And we pray all this in your name. Amen. And we pray all this in your name. Amen. And we pray all this in your name. Amen. >> Tom, thank you for sharing with us from >> Tom, thank you for sharing with us from >> Tom, thank you for sharing with us from your head and your heart. Yeah. Before your head and your heart. Yeah. Before your head and your heart. Yeah. Before [applause] we leave, let's sing that last stanza of we leave, let's sing that last stanza of Like a River Glorious. Would you stand Like a River Glorious. Would you stand Like a River Glorious. Would you stand up, please?

>> [music] >> [music] >> Every heart >> Every heart >> Every heart full of fall full of fall full of fall traced of heart [music] by the son of God. [music] by the son of God. [music] We may trust him all We may trust him all We may trust him all for us to do. for us to do. for us to do. [music] They who trust him [music] They who trust him [music] They who trust him find him true. [music] find him true. [music] find him true. [music] Stay all of Stay all of Stay all of our hearts are fully blessed. our hearts are fully blessed. our hearts are fully blessed. finding [music] as he promised finding [music] as he promised finding [music] as he promised perfect his son. perfect his son. perfect his son. [music] [music] [music] Thank you for being here this morning. Thank you for being here this morning. Thank you for being here this morning. Bless you.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] Before you go, we'd love to know how we Before you go, we'd love to know how we can care [music] for you. You can head can care [music] for you. You can head can care [music] for you. You can head to stonebryer.org/guest to stonebryer.org/guest to stonebryer.org/guest to fill out a guest card, share a prayer to fill out a guest card, share a prayer to fill out a guest card, share a prayer request, and find ways to connect with request, and find ways to connect with request, and find ways to connect with our church family. We'd love to see you our church family. We'd love to see you our church family. We'd love to see you again next Sunday. [music] Have a great again next Sunday. [music] Have a great again next Sunday. [music] Have a great week.