Here Comes the Son | J.D. Greear

Howdy. Howdy. Uh my name is Carson Keith. My wife and Uh my name is Carson Keith. My wife and Uh my name is Carson Keith. My wife and I have called the Summit home for about I have called the Summit home for about I have called the Summit home for about 4 years now. 4 years now. 4 years now. Today's sermon comes from Jude 1:20-25. But you beloved, But you beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy building yourselves up in your most holy building yourselves up in your most holy faith faith faith >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep >> and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep >> and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting yourselves in the love of God, waiting yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have that leads to eternal life. And have that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt. Save others by mercy on those who doubt. Save others by mercy on those who doubt. Save others by snatching them out of the fire. To snatching them out of the fire. To snatching them out of the fire. To others show mercy with fear, hating even others show mercy with fear, hating even others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to the garment stained by the flesh. Now to the garment stained by the flesh. Now to him who is able to keep you from him who is able to keep you from him who is able to keep you from stumbling, to present you blameless stumbling, to present you blameless stumbling, to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with before the presence of his glory with before the presence of his glory with great joy, [music] great joy, [music] great joy, [music] to the only God our savior, through to the only God our savior, through to the only God our savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, [music] Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, [music] Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, [music] majesty, dominion, and authority before majesty, dominion, and authority before majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen. all time and now and forever. Amen. all time and now and forever. Amen. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. of God. of God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> You may be seated. All right. Jude, if you have not found All right. Jude, if you have not found that in your Bible, it is the last that in your Bible, it is the last that in your Bible, it is the last second to last book of the Bible. Uh so second to last book of the Bible. Uh so second to last book of the Bible. Uh so find your way there. Uh Jude, we're find your way there. Uh Jude, we're find your way there. Uh Jude, we're going to be in the last part of the going to be in the last part of the going to be in the last part of the chapter there. One of my kids' favorite chapter there. One of my kids' favorite chapter there. One of my kids' favorite stories that they love for me to tell stories that they love for me to tell stories that they love for me to tell from my college days involves a good from my college days involves a good from my college days involves a good friend of mine. His name was Keith who friend of mine. His name was Keith who friend of mine. His name was Keith who had perfected the ability to trip and had perfected the ability to trip and had perfected the ability to trip and fall in public places in really dramatic fall in public places in really dramatic fall in public places in really dramatic ways. So we go to the movies and he ways. So we go to the movies and he ways. So we go to the movies and he would spend $22 at the concession stand would spend $22 at the concession stand would spend $22 at the concession stand buying the extra-large Coke and the

buying the extra-large Coke and the buying the extra-large Coke and the bottomless popcorn. And then he would bottomless popcorn. And then he would bottomless popcorn. And then he would stage his come into the theater a few stage his come into the theater a few stage his come into the theater a few minutes after the previews had started minutes after the previews had started minutes after the previews had started and he would stand down front in front and he would stand down front in front and he would stand down front in front of the screen and he would yell out, of the screen and he would yell out, of the screen and he would yell out, "Guys, where are you? Where are you?" "Guys, where are you? Where are you?" "Guys, where are you? Where are you?" And then he'd act like he saw us and he And then he'd act like he saw us and he And then he'd act like he saw us and he would walk across the front of the would walk across the front of the would walk across the front of the theater. And right when he got to the theater. And right when he got to the theater. And right when he got to the middle of the screen, he let out this middle of the screen, he let out this middle of the screen, he let out this guttural groan, go, guttural groan, go, guttural groan, go, then he trip and he throw his popcorn then he trip and he throw his popcorn then he trip and he throw his popcorn and Coke high into the air and land on and Coke high into the air and land on and Coke high into the air and land on his face. Now, sadly, we did not have his face. Now, sadly, we did not have his face. Now, sadly, we did not have cell phones with little cameras on them cell phones with little cameras on them cell phones with little cameras on them back then to capture any of this, or back then to capture any of this, or back then to capture any of this, or maybe that's actually fortunate for our maybe that's actually fortunate for our maybe that's actually fortunate for our sake. Uh but either way, I got no video sake. Uh but either way, I got no video sake. Uh but either way, I got no video and I got no video evidence of this. Uh and I got no video evidence of this. Uh and I got no video evidence of this. Uh but the best one he ever did but the best one he ever did but the best one he ever did was during our junior year of college. was during our junior year of college. was during our junior year of college. Our student body was holding a Our student body was holding a Our student body was holding a convocation in the largest theater on convocation in the largest theater on convocation in the largest theater on campus. Uh so he told me to sit on the campus. Uh so he told me to sit on the campus. Uh so he told me to sit on the aisle and he said when I pass by your aisle and he said when I pass by your aisle and he said when I pass by your seat, put out your foot and I'm going to seat, put out your foot and I'm going to seat, put out your foot and I'm going to act like I trip over it. act like I trip over it. act like I trip over it. So sure enough, y'all, he comes in late. So sure enough, y'all, he comes in late. So sure enough, y'all, he comes in late. The college president was already up The college president was already up The college president was already up front addressing everybody and I look front addressing everybody and I look front addressing everybody and I look back and I notice that he's got this back and I notice that he's got this back and I notice that he's got this huge stack of books and papers in his huge stack of books and papers in his huge stack of books and papers in his hands and he starts coming down the hands and he starts coming down the hands and he starts coming down the aisle. It's about 7 minutes after the aisle. It's about 7 minutes after the aisle. It's about 7 minutes after the thing has started and immediately I thing has started and immediately I thing has started and immediately I started to second-guess this plan.

started to second-guess this plan. started to second-guess this plan. But y'all, I'm a man of my word. So when But y'all, I'm a man of my word. So when But y'all, I'm a man of my word. So when he gets to me, I put out my foot and he gets to me, I put out my foot and he gets to me, I put out my foot and when he trips over it, he throws that when he trips over it, he throws that when he trips over it, he throws that books and papers just like 20 ft into books and papers just like 20 ft into books and papers just like 20 ft into the air and he lands on his face and it the air and he lands on his face and it the air and he lands on his face and it makes this huge commotion and the makes this huge commotion and the makes this huge commotion and the president actually stopped and said, president actually stopped and said, president actually stopped and said, "Hey, can we get this guy some help down "Hey, can we get this guy some help down "Hey, can we get this guy some help down here?" here?" here?" And then my friend did something I was And then my friend did something I was And then my friend did something I was not suspecting. He turned the joke not suspecting. He turned the joke not suspecting. He turned the joke around entirely on me cuz he gets up, he around entirely on me cuz he gets up, he around entirely on me cuz he gets up, he gathers up all of his stuff and the gathers up all of his stuff and the gathers up all of his stuff and the whole place is looking at him. He whole place is looking at him. He whole place is looking at him. He gathers all his stuff up and then he gathers all his stuff up and then he gathers all his stuff up and then he turns around and he just glares at me turns around and he just glares at me turns around and he just glares at me like I'm the one who had actually like I'm the one who had actually like I'm the one who had actually tripped him. The girl sitting next to tripped him. The girl sitting next to tripped him. The girl sitting next to me, who I did not know at the time, said me, who I did not know at the time, said me, who I did not know at the time, said to me, "What the devil's wrong, man? to me, "What the devil's wrong, man? to me, "What the devil's wrong, man? That was really wrong." That was really wrong." That was really wrong." And that girl's name was Veronica. No, And that girl's name was Veronica. No, And that girl's name was Veronica. No, I'm just kidding about that last detail. I'm just kidding about that last detail. I'm just kidding about that last detail. That last detail I made up, okay? That's That last detail I made up, okay? That's That last detail I made up, okay? That's not true. But listen, there are a lot of not true. But listen, there are a lot of not true. But listen, there are a lot of reasons that my friends and I don't do reasons that my friends and I don't do reasons that my friends and I don't do that kind of stuff anymore, but one of that kind of stuff anymore, but one of that kind of stuff anymore, but one of them is that as you get older, falling them is that as you get older, falling them is that as you get older, falling becomes a much more serious thing. Amen?

becomes a much more serious thing. Amen? becomes a much more serious thing. Amen? Am I right everybody over the age of 35? Am I right everybody over the age of 35? Am I right everybody over the age of 35? According to the World Health According to the World Health According to the World Health Organization, falling is the second Organization, falling is the second Organization, falling is the second leading cause of unintentional injury leading cause of unintentional injury leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. death worldwide. death worldwide. Claims almost 864,000 Claims almost 864,000 Claims almost 864,000 lives every year. lives every year. lives every year. I share that because Jude wrote his I share that because Jude wrote his I share that because Jude wrote his letter because he is concerned letter because he is concerned letter because he is concerned about the church that he loves stumbling about the church that he loves stumbling about the church that he loves stumbling and falling. Jude's final words to this and falling. Jude's final words to this and falling. Jude's final words to this church are about how they can keep church are about how they can keep church are about how they can keep themselves from doing so. See, if you themselves from doing so. See, if you themselves from doing so. See, if you were here the last couple of weeks, you were here the last couple of weeks, you were here the last couple of weeks, you know that Jude explains that in know that Jude explains that in know that Jude explains that in literally every generation of human literally every generation of human literally every generation of human history, there have been false teachers history, there have been false teachers history, there have been false teachers that have tried to infiltrate God's that have tried to infiltrate God's that have tried to infiltrate God's people and corrupt them from within. And people and corrupt them from within. And people and corrupt them from within. And by the way, let me just use this by the way, let me just use this by the way, let me just use this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our teaching team for carrying the to our teaching team for carrying the to our teaching team for carrying the heavy load last weekend. Several weeks heavy load last weekend. Several weeks heavy load last weekend. Several weeks ago in preparation for this series, I ago in preparation for this series, I ago in preparation for this series, I read all the weird stuff about Michael read all the weird stuff about Michael read all the weird stuff about Michael the Archangel wrestling with Satan and the Archangel wrestling with Satan and the Archangel wrestling with Satan and demons cohabitating with human women and demons cohabitating with human women and demons cohabitating with human women and resulting in a race of superhumans and resulting in a race of superhumans and resulting in a race of superhumans and all the stuff about Sodom and Gomorrah all the stuff about Sodom and Gomorrah all the stuff about Sodom and Gomorrah and I thought, you know, I just feel and I thought, you know, I just feel and I thought, you know, I just feel like God is calling me to take a week like God is calling me to take a week like God is calling me to take a week off that week. And so, thank you off that week. And so, thank you off that week. And so, thank you teaching team for carrying that load for teaching team for carrying that load for teaching team for carrying that load for me. But Jude concludes this letter by me. But Jude concludes this letter by me. But Jude concludes this letter by explaining to this church how they can explaining to this church how they can explaining to this church how they can avoid stumbling and falling like avoid stumbling and falling like avoid stumbling and falling like previous generations have. You see, when previous generations have. You see, when previous generations have. You see, when you read all these stories from the you read all these stories from the you read all these stories from the middle of Jude, you're inevitably left middle of Jude, you're inevitably left middle of Jude, you're inevitably left with the question, what hope is there

with the question, what hope is there with the question, what hope is there for us? for us? for us? I mean, none of those people intended to I mean, none of those people intended to I mean, none of those people intended to fall, right? Unlike my friend Keith, fall, right? Unlike my friend Keith, fall, right? Unlike my friend Keith, nobody plans to stumble and fall. And nobody plans to stumble and fall. And nobody plans to stumble and fall. And so, you ask, if they couldn't keep so, you ask, if they couldn't keep so, you ask, if they couldn't keep themselves from falling, how can we? themselves from falling, how can we? themselves from falling, how can we? The central command that Jude gives in The central command that Jude gives in The central command that Jude gives in these verses is just one. He says, here these verses is just one. He says, here these verses is just one. He says, here it is, keep yourselves in the love of it is, keep yourselves in the love of it is, keep yourselves in the love of God. God. God. This is how you keep yourself from This is how you keep yourself from This is how you keep yourself from stumbling and falling. Keep yourself in stumbling and falling. Keep yourself in stumbling and falling. Keep yourself in the love of God. And I say this is the the love of God. And I say this is the the love of God. And I say this is the central command, listen, for a central command, listen, for a central command, listen, for a grammatical reason. grammatical reason. grammatical reason. You see that word keep right there in You see that word keep right there in You see that word keep right there in Greek, that is the only verb in this Greek, that is the only verb in this Greek, that is the only verb in this whole sentence. whole sentence. whole sentence. The other three words there that look The other three words there that look The other three words there that look [clears throat] to us like verbs, [clears throat] to us like verbs, [clears throat] to us like verbs, building and praying and waiting, those building and praying and waiting, those building and praying and waiting, those are actually participles. are actually participles. are actually participles. Meaning in Greek, they're all ways that Meaning in Greek, they're all ways that Meaning in Greek, they're all ways that you apply the one central verb. Building you apply the one central verb. Building you apply the one central verb. Building up, praying in, waiting for are three up, praying in, waiting for are three up, praying in, waiting for are three practical ways that you keep yourselves practical ways that you keep yourselves practical ways that you keep yourselves in the love of God, but the central in the love of God, but the central in the love of God, but the central command that guides this whole passage, command that guides this whole passage, command that guides this whole passage, the secret to not falling away, is to the secret to not falling away, is to the secret to not falling away, is to keep yourself in the love of God. Jude's keep yourself in the love of God. Jude's keep yourself in the love of God. Jude's going to do three things in this going to do three things in this going to do three things in this conclusion. First, he's going to show us conclusion. First, he's going to show us conclusion. First, he's going to show us how we can keep ourselves in the love of how we can keep ourselves in the love of how we can keep ourselves in the love of God. We're going to spend the bulk of God. We're going to spend the bulk of God. We're going to spend the bulk of our time right here. Then number two, he our time right here. Then number two, he our time right here. Then number two, he shows us how we can help keep others in shows us how we can help keep others in shows us how we can help keep others in the love of God. And then lastly, he is the love of God. And then lastly, he is the love of God. And then lastly, he is going to conclude the whole book showing going to conclude the whole book showing going to conclude the whole book showing us how ultimately we should depend on

us how ultimately we should depend on us how ultimately we should depend on Jesus to keep us from falling away. Jesus to keep us from falling away. Jesus to keep us from falling away. Y'all, this book ends in such a Y'all, this book ends in such a Y'all, this book ends in such a beautiful way, one of the most beautiful beautiful way, one of the most beautiful beautiful way, one of the most beautiful endings of any New Testament book. He endings of any New Testament book. He endings of any New Testament book. He commands us to keep ourselves in the commands us to keep ourselves in the commands us to keep ourselves in the love of God. But in the end, he says love of God. But in the end, he says love of God. But in the end, he says ultimately, you trust Jesus to do it. ultimately, you trust Jesus to do it. ultimately, you trust Jesus to do it. So, I've entitled this final message, So, I've entitled this final message, So, I've entitled this final message, Here Comes the Sun. Here Comes the Sun. Here Comes the Sun. And yes, that means that we have managed And yes, that means that we have managed And yes, that means that we have managed to name every sermon in this series to name every sermon in this series to name every sermon in this series after a Beatles song. We had Hey Jude after a Beatles song. We had Hey Jude after a Beatles song. We had Hey Jude and then Yesterday and now Here Comes and then Yesterday and now Here Comes and then Yesterday and now Here Comes the Sun. And just for fun, y'all, just the Sun. And just for fun, y'all, just the Sun. And just for fun, y'all, just for fun, I might sprinkle in a few other for fun, I might sprinkle in a few other for fun, I might sprinkle in a few other other Beatles titles into this message. other Beatles titles into this message. other Beatles titles into this message. So, if you hear one, just raise your So, if you hear one, just raise your So, if you hear one, just raise your hand and I will give you 100 points for hand and I will give you 100 points for hand and I will give you 100 points for each one that you catch, okay? Points each one that you catch, okay? Points each one that you catch, okay? Points are absolutely worthless at the Summit are absolutely worthless at the Summit are absolutely worthless at the Summit Church and you cannot buy anything with Church and you cannot buy anything with Church and you cannot buy anything with them, but they're fun to collect, okay? them, but they're fun to collect, okay? them, but they're fun to collect, okay? So, here we go. First, how do we keep So, here we go. First, how do we keep So, here we go. First, how do we keep ourselves in the love of God? ourselves in the love of God? ourselves in the love of God? Well, first I want you to notice the Well, first I want you to notice the Well, first I want you to notice the specific wording of this command because specific wording of this command because specific wording of this command because it's very important. Keep yourselves in it's very important. Keep yourselves in it's very important. Keep yourselves in the love of God. That implies that the love of God. That implies that the love of God. That implies that you're already in it.

you're already in it. you're already in it. Want you to notice, Jude doesn't say Want you to notice, Jude doesn't say Want you to notice, Jude doesn't say strive after the love of God or work to strive after the love of God or work to strive after the love of God or work to earn the love of God as if the love of earn the love of God as if the love of earn the love of God as if the love of God were something you could earn or God were something you could earn or God were something you could earn or obtain. obtain. obtain. You see, the essence of the gospel, You see, the essence of the gospel, You see, the essence of the gospel, listen, is that you cannot earn the love listen, is that you cannot earn the love listen, is that you cannot earn the love of God. God's love is only ever given as of God. God's love is only ever given as of God. God's love is only ever given as a gift. As a wise man once said, can't a gift. As a wise man once said, can't a gift. As a wise man once said, can't buy me love. buy me love. buy me love. 100 points for everybody who caught that 100 points for everybody who caught that 100 points for everybody who caught that one, okay? I am almost positive the one, okay? I am almost positive the one, okay? I am almost positive the bottle Beatles were not thinking of the bottle Beatles were not thinking of the bottle Beatles were not thinking of the gospel when they wrote that song, but it gospel when they wrote that song, but it gospel when they wrote that song, but it is true that God's love is only ever is true that God's love is only ever is true that God's love is only ever bestowed as a gift. We often say around bestowed as a gift. We often say around bestowed as a gift. We often say around here, listen, this is the gospel. here, listen, this is the gospel. here, listen, this is the gospel. There's nothing that you can do There's nothing that you can do There's nothing that you can do that would make God love you any more that would make God love you any more that would make God love you any more than he does right at this moment. than he does right at this moment. than he does right at this moment. In fact, there's nothing you have done In fact, there's nothing you have done In fact, there's nothing you have done in your past that would make him love in your past that would make him love in your past that would make him love you any less. God gives his love fully you any less. God gives his love fully you any less. God gives his love fully and completely to you as a gift of and completely to you as a gift of and completely to you as a gift of grace. Wes Smith, who is our college grace. Wes Smith, who is our college grace. Wes Smith, who is our college pastor, explained this to a bunch of pastor, explained this to a bunch of pastor, explained this to a bunch of college students the other day in a way college students the other day in a way college students the other day in a way that I really loved. He pointed out that that I really loved. He pointed out that that I really loved. He pointed out that when we're in heaven, when we're in heaven, when we're in heaven, when we're absolutely perfect, when we when we're absolutely perfect, when we when we're absolutely perfect, when we are sin-free, are sin-free, are sin-free, God will not love us one bit more than God will not love us one bit more than God will not love us one bit more than he does right now at this moment.

he does right now at this moment. he does right now at this moment. His love is given to us entirely as a His love is given to us entirely as a His love is given to us entirely as a gift. So, the love of God is not gift. So, the love of God is not gift. So, the love of God is not something you have to earn, but it is something you have to earn, but it is something you have to earn, but it is something, catch this, that you have to something, catch this, that you have to something, catch this, that you have to keep yourselves within. keep yourselves within. keep yourselves within. Think of it like you and I were standing Think of it like you and I were standing Think of it like you and I were standing outside when it suddenly began to pour outside when it suddenly began to pour outside when it suddenly began to pour down rain, and so I offer you protection down rain, and so I offer you protection down rain, and so I offer you protection under my umbrella. under my umbrella. under my umbrella. I'm the one providing the umbrella. It's I'm the one providing the umbrella. It's I'm the one providing the umbrella. It's mine. I'm holding it. It's free for you, mine. I'm holding it. It's free for you, mine. I'm holding it. It's free for you, but you have to stay underneath it to but you have to stay underneath it to but you have to stay underneath it to reap its benefits. If I'm holding it reap its benefits. If I'm holding it reap its benefits. If I'm holding it here and you move over there, it's not here and you move over there, it's not here and you move over there, it's not doing you any good. I've still got the doing you any good. I've still got the doing you any good. I've still got the umbrella for you. You're just not taking umbrella for you. You're just not taking umbrella for you. You're just not taking advantage of it. Well, the same thing is advantage of it. Well, the same thing is advantage of it. Well, the same thing is true of the love of Jesus. It's always true of the love of Jesus. It's always true of the love of Jesus. It's always there. It's always freely provided, but there. It's always freely provided, but there. It's always freely provided, but you have to choose to stay underneath you have to choose to stay underneath you have to choose to stay underneath it. it. it. Listen, we got a really good Listen, we got a really good Listen, we got a really good illustration of this at the Last Supper, illustration of this at the Last Supper, illustration of this at the Last Supper, John 13. John 13. John 13. Two of the disciples, John and Judas. By Two of the disciples, John and Judas. By Two of the disciples, John and Judas. By the way, scripture makes clear they were the way, scripture makes clear they were the way, scripture makes clear they were sitting on either side of Jesus. sitting on either side of Jesus. sitting on either side of Jesus. Judas, the one who would ultimately Judas, the one who would ultimately Judas, the one who would ultimately betray Jesus, and John, the disciple betray Jesus, and John, the disciple betray Jesus, and John, the disciple that is especially close to Jesus. The that is especially close to Jesus. The that is especially close to Jesus. The Gospels make clear, hear me, that Jesus Gospels make clear, hear me, that Jesus Gospels make clear, hear me, that Jesus loved them both.

loved them both. loved them both. In fact, one of the last things Jesus In fact, one of the last things Jesus In fact, one of the last things Jesus did at the Last Supper was he extended did at the Last Supper was he extended did at the Last Supper was he extended an offer of love directly to Judas. an offer of love directly to Judas. an offer of love directly to Judas. Judas rejects it and goes out to betray Judas rejects it and goes out to betray Judas rejects it and goes out to betray Jesus. John stays right next to Jesus, Jesus. John stays right next to Jesus, Jesus. John stays right next to Jesus, literally leaning his head back on literally leaning his head back on literally leaning his head back on Jesus's chest. Jesus's chest. Jesus's chest. The point is the love of Jesus was there The point is the love of Jesus was there The point is the love of Jesus was there for both of them. That umbrella was for both of them. That umbrella was for both of them. That umbrella was there, but John leaned into it and Judas there, but John leaned into it and Judas there, but John leaned into it and Judas put himself outside of it. put himself outside of it. put himself outside of it. Listen to me, friend. I can say this to Listen to me, friend. I can say this to Listen to me, friend. I can say this to every single one of you in this room. every single one of you in this room. every single one of you in this room. The love of God is for you this weekend. The love of God is for you this weekend. The love of God is for you this weekend. The cross has not moved. God has not The cross has not moved. God has not The cross has not moved. God has not changed his heart towards you. His offer changed his heart towards you. His offer changed his heart towards you. His offer still stands. Everyone who calls on the still stands. Everyone who calls on the still stands. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. That's name of the Lord shall be saved. That's name of the Lord shall be saved. That's got no expiration date on it. The got no expiration date on it. The got no expiration date on it. The umbrella is here. Jesus has done umbrella is here. Jesus has done umbrella is here. Jesus has done everything necessary to save you. He has everything necessary to save you. He has everything necessary to save you. He has died to pay for every one of your sins, died to pay for every one of your sins, died to pay for every one of your sins, the ones you have committed, the ones the ones you have committed, the ones the ones you have committed, the ones you committed yesterday, and the ones you committed yesterday, and the ones you committed yesterday, and the ones you'll commit tomorrow. He has never you'll commit tomorrow. He has never you'll commit tomorrow. He has never stopped loving you or longing for you to stopped loving you or longing for you to stopped loving you or longing for you to come home. If you are far from God come home. If you are far from God come home. If you are far from God today, you don't have a thousand miles today, you don't have a thousand miles today, you don't have a thousand miles to travel to reach back to him. You to travel to reach back to him. You to travel to reach back to him. You don't have a bunch of work to do to make don't have a bunch of work to do to make don't have a bunch of work to do to make amends with him. It only takes one step amends with him. It only takes one step amends with him. It only takes one step of faith and surrender to bring you home of faith and surrender to bring you home of faith and surrender to bring you home because the umbrella is there.

because the umbrella is there. because the umbrella is there. What Jude does next What Jude does next What Jude does next Some of you are super nervous that I Some of you are super nervous that I Some of you are super nervous that I opened cuz you're superstitious an opened cuz you're superstitious an opened cuz you're superstitious an umbrella in here, okay? Next I'm going umbrella in here, okay? Next I'm going umbrella in here, okay? Next I'm going to bring a black cat up here, okay? And to bring a black cat up here, okay? And to bring a black cat up here, okay? And then I'm going to smash a mirror and then I'm going to smash a mirror and then I'm going to smash a mirror and that's going to be a hard day's night that's going to be a hard day's night that's going to be a hard day's night for everybody, okay? All right, and for everybody, okay? All right, and for everybody, okay? All right, and that's another 100 points for somebody. that's another 100 points for somebody. that's another 100 points for somebody. What Jude does next What Jude does next What Jude does next is he gives us three practical ways that is he gives us three practical ways that is he gives us three practical ways that we can keep ourselves under this we can keep ourselves under this we can keep ourselves under this umbrella. Three ways that we can keep umbrella. Three ways that we can keep umbrella. Three ways that we can keep our hearts from wandering away down the our hearts from wandering away down the our hearts from wandering away down the long and winding road away from his long and winding road away from his long and winding road away from his love, okay? There you go, another 100 love, okay? There you go, another 100 love, okay? There you go, another 100 points. points. points. Again, keep is the verb. Keep is the Again, keep is the verb. Keep is the Again, keep is the verb. Keep is the verb. The three participles are how we verb. The three participles are how we verb. The three participles are how we apply the verb. Now, one warning. apply the verb. Now, one warning. apply the verb. Now, one warning. When I give you these three three When I give you these three three When I give you these three three things, you got to be very careful. things, you got to be very careful. things, you got to be very careful. You don't earn God's love by doing these You don't earn God's love by doing these You don't earn God's love by doing these things. things. things. That's always how we're attempted to That's always how we're attempted to That's always how we're attempted to apply them. If you do these things, God apply them. If you do these things, God apply them. If you do these things, God will love you more. No. These three will love you more. No. These three will love you more. No. These three things simply help you stay tethered to things simply help you stay tethered to things simply help you stay tethered to the reality that God has given you his the reality that God has given you his the reality that God has given you his love freely as a gift. love freely as a gift. love freely as a gift. Here's the first one. He says building Here's the first one. He says building Here's the first one. He says building yourselves up in the most holy faith.

yourselves up in the most holy faith. yourselves up in the most holy faith. First way you keep yourselves in the First way you keep yourselves in the First way you keep yourselves in the love of God is by building ourselves up love of God is by building ourselves up love of God is by building ourselves up in the faith. As we saw the first week, in the faith. As we saw the first week, in the faith. As we saw the first week, the most holy faith the most holy faith the most holy faith refers to that deposit of faith that was refers to that deposit of faith that was refers to that deposit of faith that was given to us once for all through the given to us once for all through the given to us once for all through the apostles recorded in the Bible. apostles recorded in the Bible. apostles recorded in the Bible. Question is, what does it mean to build Question is, what does it mean to build Question is, what does it mean to build yourselves up in the faith? It means to yourselves up in the faith? It means to yourselves up in the faith? It means to fortify your mind in the truth of the fortify your mind in the truth of the fortify your mind in the truth of the gospel, to teach yourself to see all gospel, to teach yourself to see all gospel, to teach yourself to see all things through the lens of God's word. things through the lens of God's word. things through the lens of God's word. Doesn't matter that you own a Bible. Doesn't matter that you own a Bible. Doesn't matter that you own a Bible. It matters how much of that Bible is It matters how much of that Bible is It matters how much of that Bible is inside of you. inside of you. inside of you. D. Martin Lloyd Jones was a British D. Martin Lloyd Jones was a British D. Martin Lloyd Jones was a British physician turned pastor physician turned pastor physician turned pastor who in the 1960s wrote a book called who in the 1960s wrote a book called who in the 1960s wrote a book called spiritual depression. spiritual depression. spiritual depression. In that book, Lloyd-Jones argued that In that book, Lloyd-Jones argued that In that book, Lloyd-Jones argued that most of our spiritual struggles, our most of our spiritual struggles, our most of our spiritual struggles, our spiritual depression, he said, comes spiritual depression, he said, comes spiritual depression, he said, comes from listening to ourselves from listening to ourselves from listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves.

We spend our days, he said, asking our We spend our days, he said, asking our hearts how they feel hearts how they feel hearts how they feel when what we ought to do is tell our when what we ought to do is tell our when what we ought to do is tell our hearts what God's word says. hearts what God's word says. hearts what God's word says. That means the most important sermons That means the most important sermons That means the most important sermons you're ever going to hear are not the you're ever going to hear are not the you're ever going to hear are not the ones I preach from the stage right here. ones I preach from the stage right here. ones I preach from the stage right here. The most important sermons you're ever The most important sermons you're ever The most important sermons you're ever going to hear are the ones you preach to going to hear are the ones you preach to going to hear are the ones you preach to yourselves day by day. yourselves day by day. yourselves day by day. By the way, this is why a pet peeve of By the way, this is why a pet peeve of By the way, this is why a pet peeve of mine is when a worship pastor None of mine is when a worship pastor None of mine is when a worship pastor None of our worship pastors do this, our worship pastors do this, our worship pastors do this, but it's a pet peeve of mine when a but it's a pet peeve of mine when a but it's a pet peeve of mine when a worship pastor opens up a worship worship pastor opens up a worship worship pastor opens up a worship service by saying, "Well, GOOD TO SEE service by saying, "Well, GOOD TO SEE service by saying, "Well, GOOD TO SEE EVERYBODY. HOW Y'ALL FEELING TODAY?" EVERYBODY. HOW Y'ALL FEELING TODAY?" EVERYBODY. HOW Y'ALL FEELING TODAY?" AND I WANT TO shout out from the AND I WANT TO shout out from the AND I WANT TO shout out from the audience, I feel lost and confused and audience, I feel lost and confused and audience, I feel lost and confused and discouraged and condemned. I didn't come discouraged and condemned. I didn't come discouraged and condemned. I didn't come in here to get in touch with my in here to get in touch with my in here to get in touch with my feelings. I came in here to hear what feelings. I came in here to hear what feelings. I came in here to hear what God's word says. God's word says. God's word says. Don't ask me how I feel. Give me some Don't ask me how I feel. Give me some Don't ask me how I feel. Give me some good news. good news. good news. Jude says that keeping yourself in the Jude says that keeping yourself in the Jude says that keeping yourself in the love of God means fortifying your heart love of God means fortifying your heart love of God means fortifying your heart against the corrupting influence of against the corrupting influence of against the corrupting influence of false messages false messages false messages because everywhere around us, he says, because everywhere around us, he says, because everywhere around us, he says, that's what the whole book is about, that's what the whole book is about, that's what the whole book is about, you got a corrupt world trying to bring you got a corrupt world trying to bring you got a corrupt world trying to bring you down.

you down. you down. And you can't just turn off those And you can't just turn off those And you can't just turn off those voices, y'all. You can't hide away in voices, y'all. You can't hide away in voices, y'all. You can't hide away in your yellow submarine. No, okay? There your yellow submarine. No, okay? There your yellow submarine. No, okay? There you go. That's an easy one. you go. That's an easy one. you go. That's an easy one. The corrupting influences are The corrupting influences are The corrupting influences are everywhere, and you're not going to be everywhere, and you're not going to be everywhere, and you're not going to be able to resist the deceptiveness of able to resist the deceptiveness of able to resist the deceptiveness of false teaching unless you have fortified false teaching unless you have fortified false teaching unless you have fortified yourselves, unless you've built yourselves, unless you've built yourselves, unless you've built yourselves up in the faith. yourselves up in the faith. yourselves up in the faith. One of my favorite illustrations of this One of my favorite illustrations of this One of my favorite illustrations of this goes back to the OG Nicolas Cage goes back to the OG Nicolas Cage goes back to the OG Nicolas Cage illustration of this church. illustration of this church. illustration of this church. The illustration that literally started The illustration that literally started The illustration that literally started it all 15 years ago. That's a whole it all 15 years ago. That's a whole it all 15 years ago. That's a whole story in and of itself that I'll tell story in and of itself that I'll tell story in and of itself that I'll tell you sometime, but in this original you sometime, but in this original you sometime, but in this original Nicolas Cage illustration that I used, Nicolas Cage illustration that I used, Nicolas Cage illustration that I used, it was from his movie The Rock. it was from his movie The Rock. it was from his movie The Rock. In this movie, there's some bad guys who In this movie, there's some bad guys who In this movie, there's some bad guys who steal a green poison nuclear gas and steal a green poison nuclear gas and steal a green poison nuclear gas and they threaten to destroy San Francisco they threaten to destroy San Francisco they threaten to destroy San Francisco with it. So, they establish a little with it. So, they establish a little with it. So, they establish a little operation center at Alcatraz, The Rock. operation center at Alcatraz, The Rock. operation center at Alcatraz, The Rock. The green nuclear gas is extremely The green nuclear gas is extremely The green nuclear gas is extremely dangerous. If you're exposed to the gas, dangerous. If you're exposed to the gas, dangerous. If you're exposed to the gas, it eats your face off, really nasty it eats your face off, really nasty it eats your face off, really nasty stuff. If you get exposed to it, the stuff. If you get exposed to it, the stuff. If you get exposed to it, the only hope of escape, the only hope of only hope of escape, the only hope of only hope of escape, the only hope of survival, is an antidote that you have survival, is an antidote that you have survival, is an antidote that you have to inject directly into your heart using to inject directly into your heart using to inject directly into your heart using this needle that is like that long.

this needle that is like that long. this needle that is like that long. Well, at the climax of the movie, Well, at the climax of the movie, Well, at the climax of the movie, Nicolas Cage is wrestling with one of Nicolas Cage is wrestling with one of Nicolas Cage is wrestling with one of the bad guys the bad guys the bad guys who's got one of the green nuclear gas who's got one of the green nuclear gas who's got one of the green nuclear gas containers in his backpack and Nicolas containers in his backpack and Nicolas containers in his backpack and Nicolas Cage takes it and shoves it in the bad Cage takes it and shoves it in the bad Cage takes it and shoves it in the bad guy's mouth and punches him in the face guy's mouth and punches him in the face guy's mouth and punches him in the face and the ball of green nuclear gas breaks and the ball of green nuclear gas breaks and the ball of green nuclear gas breaks open and starts to eating the guy's face open and starts to eating the guy's face open and starts to eating the guy's face off, which you think is a good thing, off, which you think is a good thing, off, which you think is a good thing, but then Nicolas Cage realizes that he's but then Nicolas Cage realizes that he's but then Nicolas Cage realizes that he's now been exposed to the green nuclear now been exposed to the green nuclear now been exposed to the green nuclear gas, so he starts to run away from the gas, so he starts to run away from the gas, so he starts to run away from the gas through the halls of Alcatraz, but gas through the halls of Alcatraz, but gas through the halls of Alcatraz, but the green nuclear gas just follows him. the green nuclear gas just follows him. the green nuclear gas just follows him. Nicolas turns down corridor after Nicolas turns down corridor after Nicolas turns down corridor after corridor trying to get away from the corridor trying to get away from the corridor trying to get away from the green nuclear gas, but every time the green nuclear gas, but every time the green nuclear gas, but every time the gas just somehow knows where he is and gas just somehow knows where he is and gas just somehow knows where he is and it just follows him. Finally, Nicolas it just follows him. Finally, Nicolas it just follows him. Finally, Nicolas Cage comes to a point where he cannot go Cage comes to a point where he cannot go Cage comes to a point where he cannot go any farther, but then he remembers that any farther, but then he remembers that any farther, but then he remembers that he's got a vial of the antidote in his he's got a vial of the antidote in his he's got a vial of the antidote in his backpack, so he pulls it out and he backpack, so he pulls it out and he backpack, so he pulls it out and he unsheathes the the needle and he hovers unsheathes the the needle and he hovers unsheathes the the needle and he hovers that needle over his heart and builds that needle over his heart and builds that needle over his heart and builds that drama in that scene like only that drama in that scene like only that drama in that scene like only Nicolas Cage can. Nicolas Cage can. Nicolas Cage can. And y'all, that needle is so long and And y'all, that needle is so long and And y'all, that needle is so long and you're thinking, "Don't do it, Nick.

you're thinking, "Don't do it, Nick. you're thinking, "Don't do it, Nick. DON'T DO IT. IT'S BETTER just to get DON'T DO IT. IT'S BETTER just to get DON'T DO IT. IT'S BETTER just to get eaten by the green nuclear gas." But as eaten by the green nuclear gas." But as eaten by the green nuclear gas." But as the music swells, he shoves that needle the music swells, he shoves that needle the music swells, he shoves that needle into his heart and he pushes in the into his heart and he pushes in the into his heart and he pushes in the antidote and he is saved. antidote and he is saved. antidote and he is saved. And that's basically the end of the And that's basically the end of the And that's basically the end of the movie. movie. movie. That, friends, is what Jude says the That, friends, is what Jude says the That, friends, is what Jude says the word of God is like, okay? word of God is like, okay? word of God is like, okay? Everything in this world, Jude is Everything in this world, Jude is Everything in this world, Jude is saying, is working to corrupt you. And saying, is working to corrupt you. And saying, is working to corrupt you. And to make matters worse, sin lives in your to make matters worse, sin lives in your to make matters worse, sin lives in your own heart, also. own heart, also. own heart, also. So, the corrupting message of the world So, the corrupting message of the world So, the corrupting message of the world actually appeals to your flesh. actually appeals to your flesh. actually appeals to your flesh. That means there's nowhere you can That means there's nowhere you can That means there's nowhere you can escape. escape. escape. Your only hope is to get the word of God Your only hope is to get the word of God Your only hope is to get the word of God deep into your heart. deep into your heart. deep into your heart. See, I know that some of you are trying See, I know that some of you are trying See, I know that some of you are trying to outrun discouragement or fear or to outrun discouragement or fear or to outrun discouragement or fear or shame this weekend. And you got some shame this weekend. And you got some shame this weekend. And you got some little step process to try to keep little step process to try to keep little step process to try to keep negative thoughts away. I'm just telling negative thoughts away. I'm just telling negative thoughts away. I'm just telling you, you can't. you, you can't. you, you can't. That gas is everywhere. That gas is everywhere. That gas is everywhere. It never stops coming for you. Some of It never stops coming for you. Some of It never stops coming for you. Some of you are trying to outrun temptation. you are trying to outrun temptation. you are trying to outrun temptation. There's nowhere you can run. There's nowhere you can run. There's nowhere you can run. The answer is not running faster. The The answer is not running faster. The The answer is not running faster. The answer is getting the gospel deeper.

answer is getting the gospel deeper. answer is getting the gospel deeper. So, before I move on to our second So, before I move on to our second So, before I move on to our second thing, thing, thing, let me just ask you to consider let me just ask you to consider let me just ask you to consider how well how well how well are you built up in the faith? are you built up in the faith? are you built up in the faith? This year at student camp, I asked our This year at student camp, I asked our This year at student camp, I asked our students that same question. students that same question. students that same question. And I gave our high school students a And I gave our high school students a And I gave our high school students a little quiz little quiz little quiz to get them to consider how much of to get them to consider how much of to get them to consider how much of their lives were actually saturated and their lives were actually saturated and their lives were actually saturated and fortified by God's word. Here's how the fortified by God's word. Here's how the fortified by God's word. Here's how the little quiz worked. I gave them a little quiz worked. I gave them a little quiz worked. I gave them a portion of a lyric from a popular song. portion of a lyric from a popular song. portion of a lyric from a popular song. And then I asked them to complete that And then I asked them to complete that And then I asked them to complete that lyric if they could. lyric if they could. lyric if they could. I'm going to give you the same quiz, and I'm going to give you the same quiz, and I'm going to give you the same quiz, and I'm going to use the exact same songs I I'm going to use the exact same songs I I'm going to use the exact same songs I gave to them to see how you do. Tell you gave to them to see how you do. Tell you gave to them to see how you do. Tell you what, if you get them right, I'll give what, if you get them right, I'll give what, if you get them right, I'll give you 100 points for each of these, okay? you 100 points for each of these, okay? you 100 points for each of these, okay? Any Ella Langly fans out there? Any Ella Langly fans out there? Any Ella Langly fans out there? She's from Texas. I can She's from Texas. I can She's from Texas. I can There you go. Okay, pretty good. All There you go. Okay, pretty good. All There you go. Okay, pretty good. All right. Any Swifties? Swiftie fans? Okay. right. Any Swifties? Swiftie fans? Okay. right. Any Swifties? Swiftie fans? Okay. All right. Romeo, take me somewhere I All right. Romeo, take me somewhere I All right. Romeo, take me somewhere I can can can There you go. A more of you knew that There you go. A more of you knew that There you go. A more of you knew that than just said that. I know you're than just said that. I know you're than just said that. I know you're embarrassed, but you know it. Let me embarrassed, but you know it. Let me embarrassed, but you know it. Let me reach back a few years. All right. Katy reach back a few years. All right. Katy reach back a few years. All right. Katy Perry.

Perry. Perry. Baby, you're a firework. Come on. Baby, you're a firework. Come on. Baby, you're a firework. Come on. There you go. Come on now. All right, There you go. Come on now. All right, There you go. Come on now. All right, more of you know that. There's like five more of you know that. There's like five more of you know that. There's like five of you participating right now. By the of you participating right now. By the of you participating right now. By the way, some of you older people are way, some of you older people are way, some of you older people are sitting there all smug and sitting there all smug and sitting there all smug and self-righteous thinking, "Well, I don't self-righteous thinking, "Well, I don't self-righteous thinking, "Well, I don't know any of those songs." know any of those songs." know any of those songs." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> All right, finish this one if you know >> All right, finish this one if you know >> All right, finish this one if you know it. Just a small-town girl living in a it. Just a small-town girl living in a it. Just a small-town girl living in a See? I didn't have to give you the name See? I didn't have to give you the name See? I didn't have to give you the name of the band on that one. of the band on that one. of the band on that one. So, don't be so smug and self-righteous. So, don't be so smug and self-righteous. So, don't be so smug and self-righteous. Plus, you've known every Beatles song Plus, you've known every Beatles song Plus, you've known every Beatles song I've referenced so far. I've referenced so far. I've referenced so far. The point is, many of us are pretty well The point is, many of us are pretty well The point is, many of us are pretty well versed on what Ella and Taylor and Katy versed on what Ella and Taylor and Katy versed on what Ella and Taylor and Katy and Steve think about life. and Steve think about life. and Steve think about life. Can you finish these lyrics? Can you finish these lyrics? Can you finish these lyrics? Fear not, for I am with you. Be not Fear not, for I am with you. Be not Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will I heard one of you. I heard one of you. Y'all, he's telling you how not to be Y'all, he's telling you how not to be Y'all, he's telling you how not to be afraid or dismayed. That feels pretty afraid or dismayed. That feels pretty afraid or dismayed. That feels pretty important to me. important to me. important to me. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous I will uphold you with my righteous I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. right hand. right hand. How about this one? Hebrews 11:1. Now, How about this one? Hebrews 11:1. Now, How about this one? Hebrews 11:1. Now, faith is faith is faith is murmur murmur murmur He's telling you what faith is.

He's telling you what faith is. He's telling you what faith is. It's the assurance of things hoped for, It's the assurance of things hoped for, It's the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 1 the conviction of things not seen. 1 the conviction of things not seen. 1 John 4:10. This is love, not that we John 4:10. This is love, not that we John 4:10. This is love, not that we loved God, loved God, loved God, murmur murmur murmur Y'all, this one feels important. He's Y'all, this one feels important. He's Y'all, this one feels important. He's literally defining for you what love is literally defining for you what love is literally defining for you what love is according to God, and that's going to be according to God, and that's going to be according to God, and that's going to be the pattern for how you love your the pattern for how you love your the pattern for how you love your spouse. spouse. spouse. Not that we loved God, but that he loved Not that we loved God, but that he loved Not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning us and sent his son as an atoning us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Y'all, these are sacrifice for our sins. Y'all, these are sacrifice for our sins. Y'all, these are not obscure verses I pulled out. These not obscure verses I pulled out. These not obscure verses I pulled out. These are key promises in the Bible. are key promises in the Bible. are key promises in the Bible. I'm just saying, is it possible I'm just saying, is it possible I'm just saying, is it possible that you know Taylor's thoughts that you know Taylor's thoughts that you know Taylor's thoughts on love more than you know God's on love more than you know God's on love more than you know God's thoughts on love? thoughts on love? thoughts on love? Listen, Taylor just got married, and I Listen, Taylor just got married, and I Listen, Taylor just got married, and I wish her well in her marriage. I'm sure wish her well in her marriage. I'm sure wish her well in her marriage. I'm sure it was a thing. it was a thing. it was a thing. But, let's just all be honest, okay? But, let's just all be honest, okay? But, let's just all be honest, okay? None of us can say for sure that she's None of us can say for sure that she's None of us can say for sure that she's still going to be married to Travis in still going to be married to Travis in still going to be married to Travis in 10 years. 10 years. 10 years. History and situations like this would History and situations like this would History and situations like this would suggest maybe not. suggest maybe not. suggest maybe not. Nick Cage is on his fifth marriage, and Nick Cage is on his fifth marriage, and Nick Cage is on his fifth marriage, and if he can't make it, what hope is there if he can't make it, what hope is there if he can't make it, what hope is there for anyone in Hollywood? Am I right?

for anyone in Hollywood? Am I right? for anyone in Hollywood? Am I right? So, I don't know where she's going to be So, I don't know where she's going to be So, I don't know where she's going to be in 10 years. I really don't. in 10 years. I really don't. in 10 years. I really don't. But, I can promise you that God's love But, I can promise you that God's love But, I can promise you that God's love will still be as strong 10,000 years will still be as strong 10,000 years will still be as strong 10,000 years from now as it ever was. from now as it ever was. from now as it ever was. To keep yourselves in the love of God, To keep yourselves in the love of God, To keep yourselves in the love of God, you got to know it. you got to know it. you got to know it. So, here's how you can do that, okay? I So, here's how you can do that, okay? I So, here's how you can do that, okay? I want to make this as practical as want to make this as practical as want to make this as practical as possible for you. You need to prioritize possible for you. You need to prioritize possible for you. You need to prioritize small group this semester. small group this semester. small group this semester. Yeah, but it's another night out in the Yeah, but it's another night out in the Yeah, but it's another night out in the week. Yes, it is. week. Yes, it is. week. Yes, it is. But, you got to prioritize it because But, you got to prioritize it because But, you got to prioritize it because it's how you actually get to know the it's how you actually get to know the it's how you actually get to know the scriptures. scriptures. scriptures. You got to memorize verses. You got to memorize verses. You got to memorize verses. You got to start a daily quiet time if You got to start a daily quiet time if You got to start a daily quiet time if you don't do one. I even put four down you don't do one. I even put four down you don't do one. I even put four down here that my family uses. They're here that my family uses. They're here that my family uses. They're members of our family. Of course, some members of our family. Of course, some members of our family. Of course, some of Daily Revival, naturally. Like Your of Daily Revival, naturally. Like Your of Daily Revival, naturally. Like Your 365 is one that I'll use periodically. 365 is one that I'll use periodically. 365 is one that I'll use periodically. Sing by the Worship Initiative, that's Sing by the Worship Initiative, that's Sing by the Worship Initiative, that's one of my wife's favorites. The Bible one of my wife's favorites. The Bible one of my wife's favorites. The Bible Recap is a great way to take yourself Recap is a great way to take yourself Recap is a great way to take yourself through the Bible. I remember the great through the Bible. I remember the great through the Bible. I remember the great Chinese evangelist Leland Wang, he's one Chinese evangelist Leland Wang, he's one Chinese evangelist Leland Wang, he's one of the founders of the exploding Chinese of the founders of the exploding Chinese of the founders of the exploding Chinese church. He encouraged Chinese Christians church. He encouraged Chinese Christians church. He encouraged Chinese Christians in the 1950s to adopt the rule, "No in the 1950s to adopt the rule, "No in the 1950s to adopt the rule, "No Bible, no breakfast."

Bible, no breakfast." Bible, no breakfast." I'm not going to take any physical I'm not going to take any physical I'm not going to take any physical nourishment into this body until I have nourishment into this body until I have nourishment into this body until I have fed my soul on God's word first. That is fed my soul on God's word first. That is fed my soul on God's word first. That is a principle I adopted when I was a a principle I adopted when I was a a principle I adopted when I was a teenager, and I've lived by it for teenager, and I've lived by it for teenager, and I've lived by it for nearly 40 years now. nearly 40 years now. nearly 40 years now. Getting with God is the first thing I do Getting with God is the first thing I do Getting with God is the first thing I do in the morning, and it's what you should in the morning, and it's what you should in the morning, and it's what you should do, too. do, too. do, too. You should read Christian books. You're You should read Christian books. You're You should read Christian books. You're like, "Which one should I read?" If you like, "Which one should I read?" If you like, "Which one should I read?" If you just get my transcript, actually at the just get my transcript, actually at the just get my transcript, actually at the bottom you'll see a footnote, and I put bottom you'll see a footnote, and I put bottom you'll see a footnote, and I put about 15 in there for you that you can about 15 in there for you that you can about 15 in there for you that you can start with. start with. start with. You need to listen to podcasts where You need to listen to podcasts where You need to listen to podcasts where people discuss the Bible. people discuss the Bible. people discuss the Bible. All right, we have a new one, in fact, All right, we have a new one, in fact, All right, we have a new one, in fact, we're starting here called The Bullpen. we're starting here called The Bullpen. we're starting here called The Bullpen. And it's like the post-sermon discussion And it's like the post-sermon discussion And it's like the post-sermon discussion where we're going to go deeper into the where we're going to go deeper into the where we're going to go deeper into the passage, talk about related things, passage, talk about related things, passage, talk about related things, stuff going on in the culture, difficult stuff going on in the culture, difficult stuff going on in the culture, difficult questions. questions. questions. My point to you is that rather than My point to you is that rather than My point to you is that rather than filling up your mind with meaningless filling up your mind with meaningless filling up your mind with meaningless blather all day, blather all day, blather all day, secular music, secular music, secular music, two randos talking about the latest two randos talking about the latest two randos talking about the latest starting lineup for a sports team, starting lineup for a sports team, starting lineup for a sports team, maybe what you should do is fill your maybe what you should do is fill your maybe what you should do is fill your heart and mind with God's promises. heart and mind with God's promises. heart and mind with God's promises. Second way we keep ourselves in the love Second way we keep ourselves in the love Second way we keep ourselves in the love of God is he says we pray in the Holy of God is he says we pray in the Holy of God is he says we pray in the Holy Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. So, the Christian life is not just a So, the Christian life is not just a So, the Christian life is not just a knowledge thing. The Christian life is a knowledge thing. The Christian life is a knowledge thing. The Christian life is a spiritual power thing. spiritual power thing. spiritual power thing. It's not just education that changes It's not just education that changes It's not just education that changes you. It's spirit-empowered you. It's spirit-empowered you. It's spirit-empowered transformation that changes you. transformation that changes you. transformation that changes you. Filling your head with theological facts Filling your head with theological facts Filling your head with theological facts is not enough. is not enough. is not enough. The promises of scripture have to be The promises of scripture have to be The promises of scripture have to be turned into cries for help turned into cries for help turned into cries for help by which you release the very by which you release the very by which you release the very resurrection power of God. And yes, resurrection power of God. And yes, resurrection power of God. And yes, there was one of you that caught that there was one of you that caught that there was one of you that caught that one there. A name of another great one there. A name of another great one there. A name of another great Beatles song. That's an obscure one. Beatles song. That's an obscure one. Beatles song. That's an obscure one. Give yourself 200 points, okay? Give yourself 200 points, okay? Give yourself 200 points, okay? D. Martin Lloyd-Jones, whom I quoted D. Martin Lloyd-Jones, whom I quoted D. Martin Lloyd-Jones, whom I quoted earlier, earlier, earlier, went on to say this, "I spend half my went on to say this, "I spend half my went on to say this, "I spend half my time time time telling Christians to study doctrine and telling Christians to study doctrine and telling Christians to study doctrine and the other half telling them doctrine is the other half telling them doctrine is the other half telling them doctrine is not enough." not enough." not enough." Y'all listen, this Bible Y'all listen, this Bible Y'all listen, this Bible is not a book of facts. It's a book of is not a book of facts. It's a book of is not a book of facts. It's a book of promises. promises. promises. Over 3,000 of them if you're counting. Over 3,000 of them if you're counting. Over 3,000 of them if you're counting. Many of them activated by prayer alone. Many of them activated by prayer alone. Many of them activated by prayer alone. Meaning it's just a promise on the page Meaning it's just a promise on the page Meaning it's just a promise on the page until you pick it up and you claim it by until you pick it up and you claim it by until you pick it up and you claim it by prayer. prayer. prayer. So, don't just read through your Bible So, don't just read through your Bible So, don't just read through your Bible each morning, pray through your Bible.

each morning, pray through your Bible. each morning, pray through your Bible. Any passage that doesn't lead you to cry Any passage that doesn't lead you to cry Any passage that doesn't lead you to cry out to God for help, out to God for help, out to God for help, well, then you've read it wrongly. well, then you've read it wrongly. well, then you've read it wrongly. By the way, I want you to notice that By the way, I want you to notice that By the way, I want you to notice that little phrase in the Holy Spirit. In the little phrase in the Holy Spirit. In the little phrase in the Holy Spirit. In the Holy We pray in the Holy Spirit. Holy We pray in the Holy Spirit. Holy We pray in the Holy Spirit. See, prayer is not just a one-way See, prayer is not just a one-way See, prayer is not just a one-way conversation with God in which you tell conversation with God in which you tell conversation with God in which you tell God a bunch of stuff he already knows God a bunch of stuff he already knows God a bunch of stuff he already knows anyway. anyway. anyway. If that were the point of prayer, then If that were the point of prayer, then If that were the point of prayer, then that would be very inefficient. that would be very inefficient. that would be very inefficient. Us telling God a bunch of stuff he Us telling God a bunch of stuff he Us telling God a bunch of stuff he already knows. No, prayer is supposed to already knows. No, prayer is supposed to already knows. No, prayer is supposed to be a two-way communion between you and be a two-way communion between you and be a two-way communion between you and God. God. God. There's a fellowship with God aspect to There's a fellowship with God aspect to There's a fellowship with God aspect to prayer. This is part of what makes prayer. This is part of what makes prayer. This is part of what makes Christianity dynamic and fresh in your Christianity dynamic and fresh in your Christianity dynamic and fresh in your life. You're not praying to a distant life. You're not praying to a distant life. You're not praying to a distant God or learning facts about a god man God or learning facts about a god man God or learning facts about a god man that walked the earth 2,000 years ago. that walked the earth 2,000 years ago. that walked the earth 2,000 years ago. You are communing with a present spirit You are communing with a present spirit You are communing with a present spirit who is active within you. who is active within you. who is active within you. Like I've told you, the Holy Spirit Like I've told you, the Holy Spirit Like I've told you, the Holy Spirit shows up 59 times in the book of Acts. shows up 59 times in the book of Acts. shows up 59 times in the book of Acts. In 36 of the 59, he is In 36 of the 59, he is In 36 of the 59, he is speaking. speaking. speaking. You say, "Well, that was then. That was You say, "Well, that was then. That was You say, "Well, that was then. That was back in the days of the apostles. Things back in the days of the apostles. Things back in the days of the apostles. Things are different now." Listen, you know, I are different now." Listen, you know, I are different now." Listen, you know, I get it.

get it. get it. There were some special things happening There were some special things happening There were some special things happening back in the first century. They were back in the first century. They were back in the first century. They were writing the Bible. That was pretty writing the Bible. That was pretty writing the Bible. That was pretty special. special. special. But I am sorry. But I am sorry. But I am sorry. You cannot convince me that the only You cannot convince me that the only You cannot convince me that the only book book book the only narrative account that God gave the only narrative account that God gave the only narrative account that God gave us describing what it looks like to walk us describing what it looks like to walk us describing what it looks like to walk in the spirit, I'm talking about the in the spirit, I'm talking about the in the spirit, I'm talking about the book of Acts. book of Acts. book of Acts. You're telling me that that book is You're telling me that that book is You're telling me that that book is filled with a bunch of stories of people filled with a bunch of stories of people filled with a bunch of stories of people we have nothing in common with. I'm we have nothing in common with. I'm we have nothing in common with. I'm sorry, I just don't buy that. sorry, I just don't buy that. sorry, I just don't buy that. It's like John Newton, the Puritan It's like John Newton, the Puritan It's like John Newton, the Puritan author of Amazing Grace, said, "How author of Amazing Grace, said, "How author of Amazing Grace, said, "How could it be possible could it be possible could it be possible that that which was so essential that that which was so essential that that which was so essential to the spiritual life of the early to the spiritual life of the early to the spiritual life of the early church church church has become irrelevant in ours?" has become irrelevant in ours?" has become irrelevant in ours?" You pray in the spirit. Let me tell you You pray in the spirit. Let me tell you You pray in the spirit. Let me tell you how I try to practice this in my own how I try to practice this in my own how I try to practice this in my own prayer time each day. prayer time each day. prayer time each day. Every morning, Every morning, Every morning, I try to spend some of my prayer time I try to spend some of my prayer time I try to spend some of my prayer time listening. listening. listening. I divided up my prayer time into I divided up my prayer time into I divided up my prayer time into categories, categories of things and categories, categories of things and categories, categories of things and groups of people that I pray for in groups of people that I pray for in groups of people that I pray for in various days of the week. various days of the week. various days of the week. Often, I will say, as I did this morning Often, I will say, as I did this morning Often, I will say, as I did this morning when I prayed, when I prayed, when I prayed, "God, as I pray through each of these "God, as I pray through each of these "God, as I pray through each of these people on this list, if you have people on this list, if you have people on this list, if you have something specific you want me to pray something specific you want me to pray something specific you want me to pray for this person, for this person, for this person, some promise you want me to claim for some promise you want me to claim for some promise you want me to claim for them, some word of encouragement, some them, some word of encouragement, some them, some word of encouragement, some word of warning you want me to give to word of warning you want me to give to word of warning you want me to give to them, put that on my heart as I pray.

them, put that on my heart as I pray. them, put that on my heart as I pray. And often when I pray for that person, And often when I pray for that person, And often when I pray for that person, sometimes I'll stop and I'll just be sometimes I'll stop and I'll just be sometimes I'll stop and I'll just be quiet. quiet. quiet. Listen, I always say this, and this is Listen, I always say this, and this is Listen, I always say this, and this is very important. Some of you desperately very important. Some of you desperately very important. Some of you desperately need to hear this next line I'm going to need to hear this next line I'm going to need to hear this next line I'm going to give. The first thing that pops in my give. The first thing that pops in my give. The first thing that pops in my heart, heart, heart, I do not necessarily or automatically I do not necessarily or automatically I do not necessarily or automatically conclude was from the Holy Spirit. conclude was from the Holy Spirit. conclude was from the Holy Spirit. But it might be. But it might be. But it might be. And so I start there. And so I start there. And so I start there. Sometimes that will prompt me to say to Sometimes that will prompt me to say to Sometimes that will prompt me to say to this person, I said this to a friend this person, I said this to a friend this person, I said this to a friend this last week, "Hey, you know, when I this last week, "Hey, you know, when I this last week, "Hey, you know, when I was praying for you, this promise really was praying for you, this promise really was praying for you, this promise really came into my heart in a heavy way. came into my heart in a heavy way. came into my heart in a heavy way. I don't know for sure, I don't know for sure, I don't know for sure, but I wonder if there's something in but I wonder if there's something in but I wonder if there's something in this promise that God is wanting to say this promise that God is wanting to say this promise that God is wanting to say to you right now." to you right now." to you right now." And in this case, my friend actually And in this case, my friend actually And in this case, my friend actually said to me, "That is exactly what I said to me, "That is exactly what I said to me, "That is exactly what I needed to hear." And he told me about needed to hear." And he told me about needed to hear." And he told me about the situation that he was going through. the situation that he was going through. the situation that he was going through. I have friends who do this kind of stuff I have friends who do this kind of stuff I have friends who do this kind of stuff with me, and often it is so encouraging with me, and often it is so encouraging with me, and often it is so encouraging and it is life-giving. and it is life-giving. and it is life-giving. Now, I want to be clear. Now, I want to be clear. Now, I want to be clear. A lot of times Christianity means A lot of times Christianity means A lot of times Christianity means walking by faith when you're not feeling walking by faith when you're not feeling walking by faith when you're not feeling anything. anything. anything. A lot of my Christian life is like that. A lot of my Christian life is like that. A lot of my Christian life is like that. I don't get up every morning and feel I don't get up every morning and feel I don't get up every morning and feel warm fuzzies fluttering around in my warm fuzzies fluttering around in my warm fuzzies fluttering around in my heart.

heart. heart. But still, Jude says an important part But still, Jude says an important part But still, Jude says an important part of keeping yourself in the love of God, of keeping yourself in the love of God, of keeping yourself in the love of God, staying tethered to the love of God, is staying tethered to the love of God, is staying tethered to the love of God, is praying in the Holy Spirit. By the way, praying in the Holy Spirit. By the way, praying in the Holy Spirit. By the way, that's what our 21 days of prayer are that's what our 21 days of prayer are that's what our 21 days of prayer are all about. 21 days where you can really all about. 21 days where you can really all about. 21 days where you can really focus on on practicing this, not just focus on on practicing this, not just focus on on practicing this, not just praying, but praying in the spirit. praying, but praying in the spirit. praying, but praying in the spirit. All right, let's keep moving. Number All right, let's keep moving. Number All right, let's keep moving. Number three, the third thing here. Practice three, the third thing here. Practice three, the third thing here. Practice number three, letter C. number three, letter C. number three, letter C. Says we keep ourselves in the love of Says we keep ourselves in the love of Says we keep ourselves in the love of God by waiting for the mercy of our Lord God by waiting for the mercy of our Lord God by waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. An important component An important component An important component in keeping yourselves in the love of God in keeping yourselves in the love of God in keeping yourselves in the love of God is living in earnest expectation is living in earnest expectation is living in earnest expectation of Jesus's soon return. of Jesus's soon return. of Jesus's soon return. I I've told you guys before that the I I've told you guys before that the I I've told you guys before that the church culture I grew up in was heavy on church culture I grew up in was heavy on church culture I grew up in was heavy on rapture teaching. rapture teaching. rapture teaching. And by heavy, I mean we had our yearly And by heavy, I mean we had our yearly And by heavy, I mean we had our yearly prophecy conferences. prophecy conferences. prophecy conferences. And we heard sermons all the time about And we heard sermons all the time about And we heard sermons all the time about how Jesus could come literally at any how Jesus could come literally at any how Jesus could come literally at any moment and rapture the church away. moment and rapture the church away. moment and rapture the church away. Sometimes for Sunday night church, Sometimes for Sunday night church, Sometimes for Sunday night church, we'd show end times films we'd show end times films we'd show end times films with live action guillotines.

with live action guillotines. with live action guillotines. We had detailed charts up around the We had detailed charts up around the We had detailed charts up around the church about what contemporary political church about what contemporary political church about what contemporary political figures best represented the figures best represented the figures best represented the seven-headed beast of Revelation. seven-headed beast of Revelation. seven-headed beast of Revelation. And so I grew up expecting the rapture And so I grew up expecting the rapture And so I grew up expecting the rapture at any moment. at any moment. at any moment. And on more than one occasion, this is And on more than one occasion, this is And on more than one occasion, this is not an exaggeration, on more than one not an exaggeration, on more than one not an exaggeration, on more than one occasion, as a kid, if I yelled up the occasion, as a kid, if I yelled up the occasion, as a kid, if I yelled up the stairs and my mom and dad did not stairs and my mom and dad did not stairs and my mom and dad did not respond immediately, I would run up the respond immediately, I would run up the respond immediately, I would run up the stairs in a panic stairs in a panic stairs in a panic just sure that I was going to find their just sure that I was going to find their just sure that I was going to find their clothes in a pile on the floor, that I clothes in a pile on the floor, that I clothes in a pile on the floor, that I had been left behind because I wasn't had been left behind because I wasn't had been left behind because I wasn't really saved. really saved. really saved. By the way, I'm not sure why we always By the way, I'm not sure why we always By the way, I'm not sure why we always assume people would be raptured naked, assume people would be raptured naked, assume people would be raptured naked, but we did, okay? but we did, okay? but we did, okay? Some of you know exactly what I'm Some of you know exactly what I'm Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about. talking about. talking about. I would suggest I would suggest I would suggest that churches like ours now have the that churches like ours now have the that churches like ours now have the opposite problem. opposite problem. opposite problem. We rarely think or talk about Christ We rarely think or talk about Christ We rarely think or talk about Christ returning anymore. returning anymore. returning anymore. I mean, just ask yourself, I mean, just ask yourself, I mean, just ask yourself, when was the last time you had the when was the last time you had the when was the last time you had the thought, thought, thought, "Today, "Today, "Today, today might be the day of Jesus' today might be the day of Jesus' today might be the day of Jesus' return."

return." return." See, Jude says to keep yourselves in the See, Jude says to keep yourselves in the See, Jude says to keep yourselves in the love of God, love of God, love of God, you actually think about that almost you actually think about that almost you actually think about that almost every day. every day. every day. You live in a posture of waiting for, You live in a posture of waiting for, You live in a posture of waiting for, expecting his return, ready for it to expecting his return, ready for it to expecting his return, ready for it to happen at any moment. Did you know the happen at any moment. Did you know the happen at any moment. Did you know the second coming of Christ is the most second coming of Christ is the most second coming of Christ is the most talked about doctrine in the Bible? talked about doctrine in the Bible? talked about doctrine in the Bible? It's mentioned roughly 1,845 times. It's mentioned roughly 1,845 times. It's mentioned roughly 1,845 times. That's because the apostles understood That's because the apostles understood That's because the apostles understood that we won't live rightly until we that we won't live rightly until we that we won't live rightly until we learn to live expectantly. learn to live expectantly. learn to live expectantly. You see, without an expectation of You see, without an expectation of You see, without an expectation of Christ's return, Christ's return, Christ's return, suffering suffering suffering is going to feel really heavy and really is going to feel really heavy and really is going to feel really heavy and really permanent to you. permanent to you. permanent to you. It's going to feel devastating. It's going to feel devastating. It's going to feel devastating. This is good as life is going to get. This is good as life is going to get. This is good as life is going to get. Criticism from others is really going to Criticism from others is really going to Criticism from others is really going to sting you. It's going to define you. sting you. It's going to define you. sting you. It's going to define you. It's going to crush you. It's going to crush you. It's going to crush you. Materialism is going to feel really Materialism is going to feel really Materialism is going to feel really compelling to you. compelling to you. compelling to you. I mean, you'll be like, "YOLO, right? I mean, you'll be like, "YOLO, right? I mean, you'll be like, "YOLO, right? This is life. Get all you can. Hold on This is life. Get all you can. Hold on This is life. Get all you can. Hold on to it. You don't want to be miserable to it. You don't want to be miserable to it. You don't want to be miserable forever." forever." forever." So, you need to have You got to have a So, you need to have You got to have a So, you need to have You got to have a good life, so get all this stuff. This good life, so get all this stuff. This good life, so get all this stuff. This is as good as it's going to get. If you is as good as it's going to get. If you is as good as it's going to get. If you don't see life as brief and Jesus is don't see life as brief and Jesus is don't see life as brief and Jesus is close, the pill of comfort and luxury close, the pill of comfort and luxury close, the pill of comfort and luxury will be too strong.

will be too strong. will be too strong. And you'll probably stay involved in And you'll probably stay involved in And you'll probably stay involved in church, church, church, but your passions will be in those but your passions will be in those but your passions will be in those material things. material things. material things. You take vacations all the time, own new You take vacations all the time, own new You take vacations all the time, own new stuff, multiply. You just do all this stuff, multiply. You just do all this stuff, multiply. You just do all this stuff. stuff. stuff. You don't long for his return, you long You don't long for his return, you long You don't long for his return, you long for things on earth. If you don't live for things on earth. If you don't live for things on earth. If you don't live with an earnest expectation of Christ's with an earnest expectation of Christ's with an earnest expectation of Christ's return, I promise you, listen, sinful return, I promise you, listen, sinful return, I promise you, listen, sinful temptations will be too hard for you to temptations will be too hard for you to temptations will be too hard for you to resist. resist. resist. There'll be some temptation, and you'll There'll be some temptation, and you'll There'll be some temptation, and you'll think, "I know that's wrong, think, "I know that's wrong, think, "I know that's wrong, but what is life if I can't have this but what is life if I can't have this but what is life if I can't have this pleasure?" pleasure?" pleasure?" You're in an unfulfilling marriage, and You're in an unfulfilling marriage, and You're in an unfulfilling marriage, and there's the opportunity for adultery, there's the opportunity for adultery, there's the opportunity for adultery, and you think, "Is life even worth and you think, "Is life even worth and you think, "Is life even worth living if this miserable marriage is as living if this miserable marriage is as living if this miserable marriage is as good as it gets? good as it gets? good as it gets? I need that simple pleasure to feel I need that simple pleasure to feel I need that simple pleasure to feel alive." alive." alive." Listen, that's how sin works. You forget Listen, that's how sin works. You forget Listen, that's how sin works. You forget the brevity of life and the imminence of the brevity of life and the imminence of the brevity of life and the imminence of Christ, and you start to live like this Christ, and you start to live like this Christ, and you start to live like this world is all there is. But see, if you know he's returning But see, if you know he's returning soon, and you're in a posture of soon, and you're in a posture of soon, and you're in a posture of waiting, you'll be able to endure all of waiting, you'll be able to endure all of waiting, you'll be able to endure all of those things. It's kind of like I have a those things. It's kind of like I have a those things. It's kind of like I have a hard time turning down a snack when I'm hard time turning down a snack when I'm hard time turning down a snack when I'm hungry.

hungry. hungry. Unless Unless Unless I know I know I know there's a big meal coming right around there's a big meal coming right around there's a big meal coming right around the corner. the corner. the corner. If I don't know when my next meal is If I don't know when my next meal is If I don't know when my next meal is coming, I'm not going to be able to say coming, I'm not going to be able to say coming, I'm not going to be able to say no to that Snickers bar. no to that Snickers bar. no to that Snickers bar. But if I know you're taking me out to a But if I know you're taking me out to a But if I know you're taking me out to a deluxe steak dinner with appetizers and deluxe steak dinner with appetizers and deluxe steak dinner with appetizers and sides and desserts, I will say no to the sides and desserts, I will say no to the sides and desserts, I will say no to the Snickers bar out of anticipation for the Snickers bar out of anticipation for the Snickers bar out of anticipation for the coming meal. coming meal. coming meal. Thomas à Kempis said it much more Thomas à Kempis said it much more Thomas à Kempis said it much more eloquently than that. He to whom eloquently than that. He to whom eloquently than that. He to whom eternity is sweet eternity is sweet eternity is sweet can easily part with earthly things. can easily part with earthly things. can easily part with earthly things. If you know heaven is indescribably If you know heaven is indescribably If you know heaven is indescribably sweet, you can forego the earthly sweet, you can forego the earthly sweet, you can forego the earthly Snickers. Snickers. Snickers. So, Jude says, stay in a posture of So, Jude says, stay in a posture of So, Jude says, stay in a posture of earnest expectation of Christ's return. earnest expectation of Christ's return. earnest expectation of Christ's return. Now, some of you are like, "Wait, wait a Now, some of you are like, "Wait, wait a Now, some of you are like, "Wait, wait a minute, pastor. minute, pastor. minute, pastor. Jude told them to live in earnest Jude told them to live in earnest Jude told them to live in earnest expectation of Jesus' return, but Jesus expectation of Jesus' return, but Jesus expectation of Jesus' return, but Jesus didn't come back in their lifetime." didn't come back in their lifetime." didn't come back in their lifetime." In fact, it's been 2,000 years and he In fact, it's been 2,000 years and he In fact, it's been 2,000 years and he still hasn't come back. still hasn't come back. still hasn't come back. So, were all these apostles wrong to So, were all these apostles wrong to So, were all these apostles wrong to live with that sense of imminence? live with that sense of imminence? live with that sense of imminence? No. No. No. See, the attitude of readiness is more See, the attitude of readiness is more See, the attitude of readiness is more about your posture toward this world about your posture toward this world about your posture toward this world than it is about you knowing the than it is about you knowing the than it is about you knowing the specifics of a timeline.

specifics of a timeline. specifics of a timeline. God God wants us to live with the God God wants us to live with the God God wants us to live with the constant awareness that this world is constant awareness that this world is constant awareness that this world is not our home. Summit Church, he really not our home. Summit Church, he really not our home. Summit Church, he really could come today. could come today. could come today. You believe that? You believe that? You believe that? He could come before you pull out of He could come before you pull out of He could come before you pull out of that parking lot. that parking lot. that parking lot. If you believe that, you probably won't If you believe that, you probably won't If you believe that, you probably won't be so rude to the guy that's directing be so rude to the guy that's directing be so rude to the guy that's directing you. you. you. He could come before I finish this met He could come before I finish this met He could come before I finish this met before I finish this sentence, he could before I finish this sentence, he could before I finish this sentence, he could come. come. come. See, if you really believe that, you See, if you really believe that, you See, if you really believe that, you would take sin more seriously and would take sin more seriously and would take sin more seriously and suffering less so. suffering less so. suffering less so. Don't put repentance on tomorrow's to-do Don't put repentance on tomorrow's to-do Don't put repentance on tomorrow's to-do list. He really could come today. list. He really could come today. list. He really could come today. So, there you go. So, there you go. So, there you go. Those are three ways you keep yourselves Those are three ways you keep yourselves Those are three ways you keep yourselves in the love of God. in the love of God. in the love of God. Now, really quick, I told you that was Now, really quick, I told you that was Now, really quick, I told you that was the bulk of the message. the bulk of the message. the bulk of the message. What Jude does after he does that What Jude does after he does that What Jude does after he does that is he then gives two parting things to is he then gives two parting things to is he then gives two parting things to close the letter. close the letter. close the letter. After saying, "Here's how you keep After saying, "Here's how you keep After saying, "Here's how you keep yourselves in the love of God," yourselves in the love of God," yourselves in the love of God," he's like, "Here's how you can help keep he's like, "Here's how you can help keep he's like, "Here's how you can help keep others in the love of God, too." others in the love of God, too." others in the love of God, too." See, Christianity is never a solo See, Christianity is never a solo See, Christianity is never a solo project. It's something we do together. project. It's something we do together. project. It's something we do together. So, Jude's last instructions are about So, Jude's last instructions are about So, Jude's last instructions are about how we can come together to help each how we can come together to help each how we can come together to help each other not stumble and fall.

other not stumble and fall. other not stumble and fall. 100 points for a handful of you, okay? 100 points for a handful of you, okay? 100 points for a handful of you, okay? That's another great Beatles song. Verse That's another great Beatles song. Verse That's another great Beatles song. Verse 22, "Have mercy on those who doubt." 22, "Have mercy on those who doubt." 22, "Have mercy on those who doubt." "Save others," he says, "by snatching "Save others," he says, "by snatching "Save others," he says, "by snatching them out of the fire. them out of the fire. them out of the fire. To others show mercy with fear, hating To others show mercy with fear, hating To others show mercy with fear, hating even the garments stained by the flesh. even the garments stained by the flesh. even the garments stained by the flesh. What's significant here What's significant here What's significant here is that Jude tells us is that Jude tells us is that Jude tells us that we have to approach different that we have to approach different that we have to approach different people people people who are struggling with the allure of who are struggling with the allure of who are struggling with the allure of the world differently depending on who the world differently depending on who the world differently depending on who they are. they are. they are. There are some, he says, There are some, he says, There are some, he says, that you need to show compassion to. that you need to show compassion to. that you need to show compassion to. Have mercy on those who doubt. The word Have mercy on those who doubt. The word Have mercy on those who doubt. The word mercy there indicates how a parent mercy there indicates how a parent mercy there indicates how a parent treats a child who has fallen down. You treats a child who has fallen down. You treats a child who has fallen down. You speak gently and tenderly to them. speak gently and tenderly to them. speak gently and tenderly to them. Others, he says, you should confront. Others, he says, you should confront. Others, he says, you should confront. You should snatch them out of the fire. You should snatch them out of the fire. You should snatch them out of the fire. By the way, that phrase is most likely By the way, that phrase is most likely By the way, that phrase is most likely a reference to Lot, a reference to Lot, a reference to Lot, who you might remember got seduced to who you might remember got seduced to who you might remember got seduced to live in Sodom and Gomorrah. It was live in Sodom and Gomorrah. It was live in Sodom and Gomorrah. It was corrupting his family, so his uncle corrupting his family, so his uncle corrupting his family, so his uncle Abraham prayed for him. Couple of angels Abraham prayed for him. Couple of angels Abraham prayed for him. Couple of angels went into Sodom, literally took Lot and went into Sodom, literally took Lot and went into Sodom, literally took Lot and his family by the hand and pulled him his family by the hand and pulled him his family by the hand and pulled him out of the city out of the city out of the city before God destroyed it by fire.

before God destroyed it by fire. before God destroyed it by fire. Jude sees in that a picture Jude sees in that a picture Jude sees in that a picture of what we got to do with some people. of what we got to do with some people. of what we got to do with some people. I'm reminded of one of our UNC students I'm reminded of one of our UNC students I'm reminded of one of our UNC students a few years ago. a few years ago. a few years ago. He was on the UNC baseball team. He was on the UNC baseball team. He was on the UNC baseball team. Used to go into his buddies' rooms on Used to go into his buddies' rooms on Used to go into his buddies' rooms on Sunday morning and literally pull the Sunday morning and literally pull the Sunday morning and literally pull the covers off of them covers off of them covers off of them and tell them they were going to church. and tell them they were going to church. and tell them they were going to church. They'd be all hungover and protesting They'd be all hungover and protesting They'd be all hungover and protesting and he would literally pull them out of and he would literally pull them out of and he would literally pull them out of bed and they'd come sit in our final bed and they'd come sit in our final bed and they'd come sit in our final service service service still hungover, still looking and still hungover, still looking and still hungover, still looking and smelling like death, smelling like death, smelling like death, but they were there. but they were there. but they were there. You're like, well, that sounds You're like, well, that sounds You're like, well, that sounds aggressive. Yeah, well, we baptized aggressive. Yeah, well, we baptized aggressive. Yeah, well, we baptized several of them. several of them. several of them. And by the way, one of them became one And by the way, one of them became one And by the way, one of them became one of our church planters a couple of years of our church planters a couple of years of our church planters a couple of years ago. ago. ago. So, So, So, I wouldn't be too critical. I wouldn't be too critical. I wouldn't be too critical. Some you speak tenderly to, others you Some you speak tenderly to, others you Some you speak tenderly to, others you confront. Jesus did this, right? confront. Jesus did this, right? confront. Jesus did this, right? I mean, he loudly denounced the I mean, he loudly denounced the I mean, he loudly denounced the Pharisees. Pharisees. Pharisees. And he he he also sat down intimately And he he he also sat down intimately And he he he also sat down intimately with a couple of them. Nicodemus, Joseph with a couple of them. Nicodemus, Joseph with a couple of them. Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, they were both Pharisees. of Arimathea, they were both Pharisees. of Arimathea, they were both Pharisees. With those guys, he had gentle, tender, With those guys, he had gentle, tender, With those guys, he had gentle, tender, quiet conversations.

quiet conversations. quiet conversations. You say, "Well, how do I know which You say, "Well, how do I know which You say, "Well, how do I know which approach to use? The tender mercy approach to use? The tender mercy approach to use? The tender mercy approach or the snatching approach?" approach or the snatching approach?" approach or the snatching approach?" Well, obviously, it's based on their Well, obviously, it's based on their Well, obviously, it's based on their heart. heart. heart. For example, there are times For example, there are times For example, there are times that I'm dealing with somebody in sexual that I'm dealing with somebody in sexual that I'm dealing with somebody in sexual sin, and I pick up sin, and I pick up sin, and I pick up that there's a lot of confusion and pain that there's a lot of confusion and pain that there's a lot of confusion and pain going on there. going on there. going on there. I've talked with teenagers, for example, I've talked with teenagers, for example, I've talked with teenagers, for example, who were struggling with the same-sex who were struggling with the same-sex who were struggling with the same-sex attraction, attraction, attraction, who just couldn't understand why God had who just couldn't understand why God had who just couldn't understand why God had not immediately taken this attraction not immediately taken this attraction not immediately taken this attraction away from them when they asked him to. away from them when they asked him to. away from them when they asked him to. Or maybe they've been villainized or Or maybe they've been villainized or Or maybe they've been villainized or alienated by their family and friends, alienated by their family and friends, alienated by their family and friends, made them feel like they were barely made them feel like they were barely made them feel like they were barely even human. even human. even human. And I know that what they need in that And I know that what they need in that And I know that what they need in that moment is compassion and kindness, even moment is compassion and kindness, even moment is compassion and kindness, even as I speak the truth plainly to them. as I speak the truth plainly to them. as I speak the truth plainly to them. I know that what they most need at that I know that what they most need at that I know that what they most need at that moment is not somebody thundering from moment is not somebody thundering from moment is not somebody thundering from the pulpit at them. They need the pulpit at them. They need the pulpit at them. They need understanding and compassion. I've understanding and compassion. I've understanding and compassion. I've learned that for a lot of teenagers, learned that for a lot of teenagers, learned that for a lot of teenagers, even more painful to them than the even more painful to them than the even more painful to them than the same-sex attraction is the problem of same-sex attraction is the problem of same-sex attraction is the problem of unanswered prayer. unanswered prayer. unanswered prayer. Why didn't God immediately take away Why didn't God immediately take away Why didn't God immediately take away this desire when they asked him to?

this desire when they asked him to? this desire when they asked him to? And that affects how I talk with them, And that affects how I talk with them, And that affects how I talk with them, of course. of course. of course. Other times, however, I discern that Other times, however, I discern that Other times, however, I discern that what I'm dealing with is somebody who is what I'm dealing with is somebody who is what I'm dealing with is somebody who is brazen and defiant in their sexual brazen and defiant in their sexual brazen and defiant in their sexual rebellion, somebody who thinks they are rebellion, somebody who thinks they are rebellion, somebody who thinks they are wiser than God is, and so I take more of wiser than God is, and so I take more of wiser than God is, and so I take more of a prophetic tone with them. a prophetic tone with them. a prophetic tone with them. Knowing which posture to take is Knowing which posture to take is Knowing which posture to take is something you have to discern by the something you have to discern by the something you have to discern by the spirit. spirit. spirit. In both cases, though, hear this, in In both cases, though, hear this, in In both cases, though, hear this, in both cases, you have to tell them the both cases, you have to tell them the both cases, you have to tell them the full truth. full truth. full truth. Notice, Jude says, "We warn them, Notice, Jude says, "We warn them, Notice, Jude says, "We warn them, hating even the garment stained by the hating even the garment stained by the hating even the garment stained by the flesh." That's a euphemism, Jewish flesh." That's a euphemism, Jewish flesh." That's a euphemism, Jewish euphemism for sex. euphemism for sex. euphemism for sex. Means even when you're tender, you're Means even when you're tender, you're Means even when you're tender, you're clear about the evil of sin. clear about the evil of sin. clear about the evil of sin. Listen, I know what society is like Listen, I know what society is like Listen, I know what society is like right now. right now. right now. I know there are a lot of us I know there are a lot of us I know there are a lot of us who, in the name of gentleness and who, in the name of gentleness and who, in the name of gentleness and respect and toleration, will not speak respect and toleration, will not speak respect and toleration, will not speak truth to a friend who has gotten into truth to a friend who has gotten into truth to a friend who has gotten into sexual sin. sexual sin. sexual sin. That is not love, Christian. That is That is not love, Christian. That is That is not love, Christian. That is cowardice. cowardice. cowardice. Sexual sin, gender confusion, those Sexual sin, gender confusion, those Sexual sin, gender confusion, those things have devastating effects on those things have devastating effects on those things have devastating effects on those who embrace them. And if you love who embrace them. And if you love who embrace them. And if you love somebody, you will warn them against it.

somebody, you will warn them against it. somebody, you will warn them against it. Please do not be a coward when your Please do not be a coward when your Please do not be a coward when your friend needs the truth. Love always friend needs the truth. Love always friend needs the truth. Love always tells the truth. Love warns. Love tells the truth. Love warns. Love tells the truth. Love warns. Love confronts. Love runs in the burning confronts. Love runs in the burning confronts. Love runs in the burning houses to snatch people from the fire. houses to snatch people from the fire. houses to snatch people from the fire. That brings us to Jude's ultimate That brings us to Jude's ultimate That brings us to Jude's ultimate conclusion. conclusion. conclusion. How ultimately it's Jesus who keeps us How ultimately it's Jesus who keeps us How ultimately it's Jesus who keeps us in the love of God. in the love of God. in the love of God. Look at verse 24. Now to him who is able Look at verse 24. Now to him who is able Look at verse 24. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling to keep you from stumbling to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the and to present you blameless before the and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, presence of his glory with great joy, presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God our savior through Jesus to the only God our savior through Jesus to the only God our savior through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, dominion, authority dominion, authority dominion, authority before all time, now and forever because before all time, now and forever because before all time, now and forever because salvation belongs to him forever and salvation belongs to him forever and salvation belongs to him forever and ever. Amen. ever. Amen. ever. Amen. Here's Jude ends his book by saying, Here's Jude ends his book by saying, Here's Jude ends his book by saying, the only Jesus who can keep you. the only Jesus who can keep you. the only Jesus who can keep you. By the way, this is a beautiful example By the way, this is a beautiful example By the way, this is a beautiful example of parallelism. Verse 21, of parallelism. Verse 21, of parallelism. Verse 21, he says, keep yourselves in the love of he says, keep yourselves in the love of he says, keep yourselves in the love of God. God. God. Verse 24, now to him who's able to keep Verse 24, now to him who's able to keep Verse 24, now to him who's able to keep you. you. you. Only Jesus can do it. It's like I told Only Jesus can do it. It's like I told Only Jesus can do it. It's like I told you the very first week in this series, you the very first week in this series, you the very first week in this series, the example of my kids when they were the example of my kids when they were the example of my kids when they were little little little standing with me in the ocean.

standing with me in the ocean. standing with me in the ocean. Told you it's not the strength of their Told you it's not the strength of their Told you it's not the strength of their hold on me, but the strength of my hold hold on me, but the strength of my hold hold on me, but the strength of my hold on them that keeps them safe on them that keeps them safe on them that keeps them safe in the crashing waves. If it were up to in the crashing waves. If it were up to in the crashing waves. If it were up to any of us, any of us, any of us, we'd lose hold of Jesus and wander out we'd lose hold of Jesus and wander out we'd lose hold of Jesus and wander out from under the protection of his love. from under the protection of his love. from under the protection of his love. The other night, three of my kids and I The other night, three of my kids and I The other night, three of my kids and I were talking were talking were talking >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and one of them brought up the passage >> and one of them brought up the passage >> and one of them brought up the passage in Luke where just before the in Luke where just before the in Luke where just before the temptation, temptation, temptation, Jesus said to Peter, "Satan has desired Jesus said to Peter, "Satan has desired Jesus said to Peter, "Satan has desired you, Peter, to sift you like wheat." you, Peter, to sift you like wheat." you, Peter, to sift you like wheat." And one of my kids said, "Dad, And one of my kids said, "Dad, And one of my kids said, "Dad, I've never heard that verse before. I I've never heard that verse before. I I've never heard that verse before. I read it in my quiet time. How come read it in my quiet time. How come read it in my quiet time. How come you've never preached on that verse? you've never preached on that verse? you've never preached on that verse? You've never told us this verse. And they said what what we figured out And they said what what we figured out was the question was if Jesus was going was the question was if Jesus was going was the question was if Jesus was going to tell to tell to tell Peter that he was praying for them, why Peter that he was praying for them, why Peter that he was praying for them, why did he pray this for them? did he pray this for them? did he pray this for them? Like I'll be like, Jesus, if you know Like I'll be like, Jesus, if you know Like I'll be like, Jesus, if you know Satan's going to sift me like wheat and Satan's going to sift me like wheat and Satan's going to sift me like wheat and you're going to pray for me, pray that you're going to pray for me, pray that you're going to pray for me, pray that Satan would leave me alone. Satan would leave me alone. Satan would leave me alone. Fair? Fair? Fair? He said, "No, no, I'm going to pray He said, "No, no, I'm going to pray He said, "No, no, I'm going to pray something better for you, Peter.

something better for you, Peter. something better for you, Peter. I'm going to pray that God will give you I'm going to pray that God will give you I'm going to pray that God will give you faith to endure Satan's attack." faith to endure Satan's attack." faith to endure Satan's attack." Listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Had Jesus not prayed that for Peter, Peter would have permanently fallen Peter would have permanently fallen away. away. away. What kept Peter grounded was Jesus' What kept Peter grounded was Jesus' What kept Peter grounded was Jesus' prayer for him right here, that promise. prayer for him right here, that promise. prayer for him right here, that promise. What Jesus prayed for him is what kept What Jesus prayed for him is what kept What Jesus prayed for him is what kept Peter in the faith. That was Peter's Peter in the faith. That was Peter's Peter in the faith. That was Peter's hope. Christian, that's your hope, too. hope. Christian, that's your hope, too. hope. Christian, that's your hope, too. Listen to me. [music] Jesus this morning Listen to me. [music] Jesus this morning Listen to me. [music] Jesus this morning is praying for you. is praying for you. is praying for you. Maybe you feel weak. Maybe you feel weak. Maybe you feel weak. Hey, I got good news. He never grows Hey, I got good news. He never grows Hey, I got good news. He never grows weary. weary. weary. In fact, God's word tells us those who In fact, God's word tells us those who In fact, God's word tells us those who wait upon the Lord will renew their wait upon the Lord will renew their wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up on wings strength. They will mount up on wings strength. They will mount up on wings with eagles. They'll fly spiritually. with eagles. They'll fly spiritually. with eagles. They'll fly spiritually. Maybe you feel like you've messed up too Maybe you feel like you've messed up too Maybe you feel like you've messed up too many times and there's just no hope for many times and there's just no hope for many times and there's just no hope for you. Jesus says, "No, the steadfast love you. Jesus says, "No, the steadfast love you. Jesus says, "No, the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies of the Lord never ceases. His mercies of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every never come to an end. They are new every never come to an end. They are new every morning." morning." morning." When you're tired and ready to give up, When you're tired and ready to give up, When you're tired and ready to give up, he's just getting started. he's just getting started. he's just getting started. The gospel is that God did not choose The gospel is that God did not choose The gospel is that God did not choose you, friend, because you were righteous.

you, friend, because you were righteous. you, friend, because you were righteous. He didn't choose you because you were He didn't choose you because you were He didn't choose you because you were strong. He chose us when we were guilty strong. He chose us when we were guilty strong. He chose us when we were guilty and dead in our sins and we weren't and dead in our sins and we weren't and dead in our sins and we weren't looking for him at all. He stepped into looking for him at all. He stepped into looking for him at all. He stepped into our lives and gave us his righteousness our lives and gave us his righteousness our lives and gave us his righteousness and his life. And here's the deal. If and his life. And here's the deal. If and his life. And here's the deal. If God didn't look to our righteousness or God didn't look to our righteousness or God didn't look to our righteousness or our strength in us to save us, he's not our strength in us to save us, he's not our strength in us to save us, he's not looking to those things to keep us, looking to those things to keep us, looking to those things to keep us, either. either. either. Maybe you've fallen again and again and Maybe you've fallen again and again and Maybe you've fallen again and again and you're not sure why you should even try you're not sure why you should even try you're not sure why you should even try standing back up anymore. I'll tell you standing back up anymore. I'll tell you standing back up anymore. I'll tell you why you should try because 2,000 years why you should try because 2,000 years why you should try because 2,000 years ago in a cold dark grave a dead man came ago in a cold dark grave a dead man came ago in a cold dark grave a dead man came back to life. back to life. back to life. And he stood up. And he stood up. And he stood up. And when you don't have the power to And when you don't have the power to And when you don't have the power to stand up, he stands up in you. stand up, he stands up in you. stand up, he stands up in you. Some of your future is no longer defined Some of your future is no longer defined Some of your future is no longer defined by the failures of your past. Your by the failures of your past. Your by the failures of your past. Your future is defined by an empty tomb. future is defined by an empty tomb. future is defined by an empty tomb. Jude doesn't conclude this book saying, Jude doesn't conclude this book saying, Jude doesn't conclude this book saying, "Hey, now to those of you "Hey, now to those of you "Hey, now to those of you strong in faith." strong in faith." strong in faith." He ends by saying, "Now to him who is He ends by saying, "Now to him who is He ends by saying, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling." able to keep you from stumbling." able to keep you from stumbling." If you make it, If you make it, If you make it, it's going to be because of Jesus' it's going to be because of Jesus' it's going to be because of Jesus' strength, not yours.

strength, not yours. strength, not yours. So, lean on him. So, lean on him. So, lean on him. Friend, hear me. This umbrella is here Friend, hear me. This umbrella is here Friend, hear me. This umbrella is here for you. for you. for you. It's offered to all who will come It's offered to all who will come It's offered to all who will come underneath it. It is for the weak. underneath it. It is for the weak. underneath it. It is for the weak. You may not feel strong enough to make You may not feel strong enough to make You may not feel strong enough to make it as a Christian. I got good news for it as a Christian. I got good news for it as a Christian. I got good news for you. You don't need to be. He's got you. You don't need to be. He's got you. You don't need to be. He's got strength enough for the both of you. strength enough for the both of you. strength enough for the both of you. You may not feel like you're worthy You may not feel like you're worthy You may not feel like you're worthy enough to earn God's love. Hey, you're enough to earn God's love. Hey, you're enough to earn God's love. Hey, you're not. not. not. Good news, you don't have to be. His Good news, you don't have to be. His Good news, you don't have to be. His love is offered to you freely as a gift. love is offered to you freely as a gift. love is offered to you freely as a gift. Jesus' love and forgiveness is given to Jesus' love and forgiveness is given to Jesus' love and forgiveness is given to all who will receive them by faith. His all who will receive them by faith. His all who will receive them by faith. His resurrection power [music] is all given resurrection power [music] is all given resurrection power [music] is all given to anybody to anybody to anybody who will just come to him and receive who will just come to him and receive who will just come to him and receive it. Want you bow your heads if you would. Want you bow your heads if you would. At all of our campuses, bow your heads. I just sense in here this morning that I just sense in here this morning that there are are some of you that are ready there are are some of you that are ready there are are some of you that are ready to give up. In fact, truth be told, you're In fact, truth be told, you're struggling. You don't have the strength to keep You don't have the strength to keep going on. going on. going on. Maybe it's to be [music] a parent. Maybe it's to be [music] a parent. Maybe it's to be [music] a parent. Maybe it's to say no to a temptation. Maybe it's to say no to a temptation. Maybe it's to say no to a temptation. Maybe it's to suppress through a Maybe it's to suppress through a Maybe it's to suppress through a struggle. Maybe it's to keep going. I struggle. Maybe it's to keep going. I struggle. Maybe it's to keep going. I don't know what it is.

Here's what I want us to do at all Here's what I want us to do at all campuses. Could you [music] just stand campuses. Could you [music] just stand campuses. Could you [music] just stand to your feet right now? Everybody, let's to your feet right now? Everybody, let's to your feet right now? Everybody, let's stand together. stand together. stand together. I want us to stand and want our worship I want us to stand and want our worship I want us to stand and want our worship teams to come. [music] teams to come. [music] teams to come. [music] In just a minute, I'm going to open up In just a minute, I'm going to open up In just a minute, I'm going to open up these altars. Well, have on the prayer on the sides, Well, have on the prayer on the sides, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> elders, prayer team members. You guys go >> elders, prayer team members. You guys go >> elders, prayer team members. You guys go ahead and get in place. ahead and get in place. ahead and get in place. They're there to pray with you if you They're there to pray with you if you They're there to pray with you if you need it. need it. need it. I'm going to invite others of you if you I'm going to invite others of you if you I'm going to invite others of you if you want to pray with them, fine. You want want to pray with them, fine. You want want to pray with them, fine. You want to come down here and just kneel, bring to come down here and just kneel, bring to come down here and just kneel, bring a friend, come down here and just say, a friend, come down here and just say, a friend, come down here and just say, "God, I need your help." "God, I need your help." "God, I need your help." Some of you need to come down here and Some of you need to come down here and Some of you need to come down here and just ask him for help. Ask him for his just ask him for help. Ask him for his just ask him for help. Ask him for his spirit. spirit. spirit. Again, we're here to pray with you if Again, we're here to pray with you if Again, we're here to pray with you if you want or you can just pray by you want or you can just pray by you want or you can just pray by yourself [music] or with a friend. Now, yourself [music] or with a friend. Now, yourself [music] or with a friend. Now, some of you are like, "Well, can I stay some of you are like, "Well, can I stay some of you are like, "Well, can I stay in my seat and do that?" Yeah, of course in my seat and do that?" Yeah, of course in my seat and do that?" Yeah, of course you can. you can. you can. Right? Right? Right? God is never farther from you than a cry God is never farther from you than a cry God is never farther from you than a cry of faith and that you can do that of faith and that you can do that of faith and that you can do that anywhere. anywhere. anywhere. But, there's something [music] But, there's something [music] But, there's something [music] declarative about coming down to tell declarative about coming down to tell declarative about coming down to tell Jesus you need his help, right? Jesus you need his help, right? Jesus you need his help, right? Yeah, you can pray in your seat, but I Yeah, you can pray in your seat, but I Yeah, you can pray in your seat, but I guarantee you it will make a bigger guarantee you it will make a bigger guarantee you it will make a bigger impact in your heart if you come to this impact in your heart if you come to this impact in your heart if you come to this altar and tell Jesus you need his help. altar and tell Jesus you need his help. altar and tell Jesus you need his help. I promise you. I promise you he will I promise you. I promise you he will I promise you. I promise you he will meet you here.

Let me give one other invitation before Let me give one other invitation before I I I bring up our worship teams and call you bring up our worship teams and call you bring up our worship teams and call you to respond. to respond. to respond. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Some of you have never surrendered your >> Some of you have never surrendered your >> Some of you have never surrendered your heart to Jesus. heart to Jesus. heart to Jesus. You've never given your life to him. You've never given your life to him. You've never given your life to him. You've never received him as your You've never received him as your You've never received him as your savior. You've hovered right around that savior. You've hovered right around that savior. You've hovered right around that line and you're thinking about it this line and you're thinking about it this line and you're thinking about it this morning. I'm going to invite you to this morning. I'm going to invite you to this morning. I'm going to invite you to this morning cross the line of faith and morning cross the line of faith and morning cross the line of faith and receive Jesus. I'll give you an action receive Jesus. I'll give you an action receive Jesus. I'll give you an action step. step. step. I want you to come down and talk to one I want you to come down and talk to one I want you to come down and talk to one of these people on the sides and just of these people on the sides and just of these people on the sides and just say, say, say, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> "I want to give my life to Jesus." and >> "I want to give my life to Jesus." and >> "I want to give my life to Jesus." and they will pray with you and they will they will pray with you and they will they will pray with you and they will pray over you and they will show you pray over you and they will show you pray over you and they will show you what that means, okay? what that means, okay? what that means, okay? So, I'm going to pray So, I'm going to pray So, I'm going to pray and then when I say amen at all of our and then when I say amen at all of our and then when I say amen at all of our campuses as our worship teams come, campuses as our worship teams come, campuses as our worship teams come, [music] [music] [music] I want you to use these altars to I want you to use these altars to I want you to use these altars to respond respond respond the way the spirit is putting in your the way the spirit is putting in your the way the spirit is putting in your heart to respond. Father, I pray in heart to respond. Father, I pray in heart to respond. Father, I pray in Jesus' name for the descent of the Holy Spirit. for the descent of the Holy Spirit. Come, Come, Come, minister in this moment and accomplish minister in this moment and accomplish minister in this moment and accomplish what you want to accomplish. I pray in what you want to accomplish. I pray in what you want to accomplish. I pray in Jesus' name. Jesus' name. Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. [music] Amen. In Jesus' name. [music] Amen. In Jesus' name. [music] Amen. We open these altars, you come even now. We open these altars, you come even now. We open these altars, you come even now. Our worship teams will come and use this Our worship teams will come and use this Our worship teams will come and use this time for prayer.