Times Square Church July 6, 2026 57m

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THERE WAS NO HOPE FOR YOUR FUTURE - Tim Dilena

Name: JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THERE WAS NO HOPE FOR YOUR FUTURE - Tim Dilena
Uploaded: 2026-07-06T11:00:31+00:00
Duration: 57 min 18 s
Description: The sermon, drawing from an obscure passage in Joshua, emphasizes God's overwhelming grace that surpasses human failures and curses. It highlights that even when we feel beyond hope or have made grievous mistakes, God's forgiveness and ability to restore are absolute. The practical takeaway is to never doubt the power of God's grace, as He can mend and redeem us no matter how broken we feel.

Read full transcript 47 segments

We start, as many of you know, uh, We start, as many of you know, uh, chapter by chapter going into the book chapter by chapter going into the book chapter by chapter going into the book of Joshua this week. And I think this is of Joshua this week. And I think this is of Joshua this week. And I think this is such an important part because God began such an important part because God began such an important part because God began to put something on my heart for today. to put something on my heart for today. to put something on my heart for today. You have no idea, and I may I I'm not You have no idea, and I may I I'm not You have no idea, and I may I I'm not going to probably tell you today. Um, going to probably tell you today. Um, going to probably tell you today. Um, we'll see. But you have no idea what it we'll see. But you have no idea what it we'll see. But you have no idea what it took for me to get here today um to took for me to get here today um to took for me to get here today um to speak. I was yesterday speaking to speak. I was yesterday speaking to speak. I was yesterday speaking to leaders in Brussels, Belgium, and got on leaders in Brussels, Belgium, and got on leaders in Brussels, Belgium, and got on a flight to get here and it was nothing a flight to get here and it was nothing a flight to get here and it was nothing short of a miracle um that got me here. short of a miracle um that got me here. short of a miracle um that got me here. So, I said, "God, either either you're So, I said, "God, either either you're So, I said, "God, either either you're testing that Satan is attacking me or um testing that Satan is attacking me or um testing that Satan is attacking me or um you're testing me, but you must have you're testing me, but you must have you're testing me, but you must have something you want to say to everybody something you want to say to everybody something you want to say to everybody here." So, I'm I'm believing. I want to here." So, I'm I'm believing. I want to here." So, I'm I'm believing. I want to take you to an often skipped passage and take you to an often skipped passage and take you to an often skipped passage and chapter in the Bible. And I want you, chapter in the Bible. And I want you, chapter in the Bible. And I want you, you're going to see the unexpected grace you're going to see the unexpected grace you're going to see the unexpected grace of God today. Can I just say this? God's of God today. Can I just say this? God's of God today. Can I just say this? God's grace is greater than c the curses of grace is greater than c the curses of grace is greater than c the curses of men. God's grace is greater than the men. God's grace is greater than the men. God's grace is greater than the failures of people. And God's grace is failures of people. And God's grace is failures of people. And God's grace is greater than the lies of the enemy. And greater than the lies of the enemy. And greater than the lies of the enemy. And you're going to see God's grace in a you're going to see God's grace in a you're going to see God's grace in a very obscure list of 48 cities in the very obscure list of 48 cities in the very obscure list of 48 cities in the book of Joshua. I want to talk to you book of Joshua. I want to talk to you book of Joshua. I want to talk to you about these words. Just when you thought about these words. Just when you thought about these words. Just when you thought there was no hope for your future, here there was no hope for your future, here there was no hope for your future, here comes God's grace.
comes God's grace. comes God's grace. >> Just when you thought there was no hope >> Just when you thought there was no hope >> Just when you thought there was no hope for your future, here comes God's grace. for your future, here comes God's grace. for your future, here comes God's grace. This is for anyone that felt like you've This is for anyone that felt like you've This is for anyone that felt like you've messed up so bad that there's no coming messed up so bad that there's no coming messed up so bad that there's no coming back from this horrible decision. Don't back from this horrible decision. Don't back from this horrible decision. Don't count out the grace of God. Don't count count out the grace of God. Don't count count out the grace of God. Don't count it out. God can put the pieces back it out. God can put the pieces back it out. God can put the pieces back together. The Bible says he does not together. The Bible says he does not together. The Bible says he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us treat us as our sins deserve or repay us treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high according to our iniquities. For as high according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so as the heavens are above the earth, so as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear great is his love for those who fear great is his love for those who fear him. And as far as the east is from the him. And as far as the east is from the him. And as far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our west, so far he has removed our west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us. Can anyone say transgressions from us. Can anyone say transgressions from us. Can anyone say amen? amen? amen? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Father, in these next few moments, God, >> Father, in these next few moments, God, >> Father, in these next few moments, God, I know what you put on my heart and I'm I know what you put on my heart and I'm I know what you put on my heart and I'm going to pray that you would just help going to pray that you would just help going to pray that you would just help me. Give me the the clarity. Give me the me. Give me the the clarity. Give me the me. Give me the the clarity. Give me the help of the Holy Spirit. And let people help of the Holy Spirit. And let people help of the Holy Spirit. And let people that may have come into this place that may have come into this place that may have come into this place today, watching online, whether it's on today, watching online, whether it's on today, watching online, whether it's on Sunday or throughout the week, let them Sunday or throughout the week, let them Sunday or throughout the week, let them be blindsided by grace today. Let them be blindsided by grace today. Let them be blindsided by grace today. Let them experience the grace of God today.
experience the grace of God today. experience the grace of God today. Father, not just some theological Father, not just some theological Father, not just some theological explanation. Let the grace of God come explanation. Let the grace of God come explanation. Let the grace of God come today in a powerful way. In Jesus name today in a powerful way. In Jesus name today in a powerful way. In Jesus name we pray. And everybody said, "Amen." God we pray. And everybody said, "Amen." God we pray. And everybody said, "Amen." God bless you. You may be seated. Thank you bless you. You may be seated. Thank you bless you. You may be seated. Thank you so much. I was reading the story of something I was reading the story of something that happened a few years ago at a Bible that happened a few years ago at a Bible that happened a few years ago at a Bible college in the US. It was the final exam college in the US. It was the final exam college in the US. It was the final exam as they were coming as many of those are as they were coming as many of those are as they were coming as many of those are watching in the university were coming watching in the university were coming watching in the university were coming to the end of the spring semester and it to the end of the spring semester and it to the end of the spring semester and it was at this seminary. It was for their was at this seminary. It was for their was at this seminary. It was for their youth pastor's class. Let me read to you youth pastor's class. Let me read to you youth pastor's class. Let me read to you the story that took place. It said um the story that took place. It said um the story that took place. It said um the student said, "I left work early so the student said, "I left work early so the student said, "I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study I could have some uninterrupted study I could have some uninterrupted study time for my final exam in the youth time for my final exam in the youth time for my final exam in the youth ministry class at my Bible school in ministry class at my Bible school in ministry class at my Bible school in this Missouri Bible college. When I got this Missouri Bible college. When I got this Missouri Bible college. When I got to class, everybody was doing their last to class, everybody was doing their last to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying. The teacher came in minute studying. The teacher came in minute studying. The teacher came in said he would review some of the things said he would review some of the things said he would review some of the things before the test." His review came with before the test." His review came with before the test." His review came with the study guide, but there were some the study guide, but there were some the study guide, but there were some things that we didn't hear about, but things that we didn't hear about, but things that we didn't hear about, but the teacher said it was all in the book. the teacher said it was all in the book. the teacher said it was all in the book. So, we couldn't argue with that.
So, we couldn't argue with that. So, we couldn't argue with that. Finally, it was time to take the test. Finally, it was time to take the test. Finally, it was time to take the test. And then these are the words that many And then these are the words that many And then these are the words that many of us used to cringe hearing. As we of us used to cringe hearing. As we of us used to cringe hearing. As we distribute the test, leave them face distribute the test, leave them face distribute the test, leave them face down until everyone has one and I'll down until everyone has one and I'll down until everyone has one and I'll tell you when to start. The professor tell you when to start. The professor tell you when to start. The professor instructed us. Now, here's the part I instructed us. Now, here's the part I instructed us. Now, here's the part I want you to hear. He said, "When we turn want you to hear. He said, "When we turn want you to hear. He said, "When we turn them over, to my astonishment, every them over, to my astonishment, every them over, to my astonishment, every answer on the test was filled in. My answer on the test was filled in. My answer on the test was filled in. My name was even written on the exam in red name was even written on the exam in red name was even written on the exam in red ink, and the bottom of the last page ink, and the bottom of the last page ink, and the bottom of the last page said these words, "This is the end of said these words, "This is the end of said these words, "This is the end of the exam." All the answers on your tests the exam." All the answers on your tests the exam." All the answers on your tests are correct. You will receive an A on are correct. You will receive an A on are correct. You will receive an A on the final exam. The reason you passed the final exam. The reason you passed the final exam. The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the the test is because the creator of the the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All the work you test took it for you. All the work you test took it for you. All the work you did in preparation for this test did not did in preparation for this test did not did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A. You have just help you get the A. You have just help you get the A. You have just experienced grace. They said Dr. Huffy then went around the They said Dr. Huffy then went around the room and asked each student this, "What room and asked each student this, "What room and asked each student this, "What is your grade now?" And then he would is your grade now?" And then he would is your grade now?" And then he would say, "Did you deserve that grade? And say, "Did you deserve that grade? And say, "Did you deserve that grade? And how much did all your studying help you how much did all your studying help you how much did all your studying help you to get this final grade?" And then he to get this final grade?" And then he to get this final grade?" And then he said these final words. Some things you said these final words. Some things you said these final words. Some things you learn from lectures. Some things you learn from lectures. Some things you learn from lectures. Some things you learn from research, but some things you learn from research, but some things you learn from research, but some things you can only experience. You've just can only experience. You've just can only experience. You've just experienced grace.
experienced grace. experienced grace. I love those words. You just experienced I love those words. You just experienced I love those words. You just experienced grace. I'm going to read to you 48 names grace. I'm going to read to you 48 names grace. I'm going to read to you 48 names of cities. I'm going to go by fast. You of cities. I'm going to go by fast. You of cities. I'm going to go by fast. You may recognize one for others you may may recognize one for others you may may recognize one for others you may recognize two or three. I didn't recognize two or three. I didn't recognize two or three. I didn't recognize but just a few. But when I recognize but just a few. But when I recognize but just a few. But when I what I realized when I was reading this what I realized when I was reading this what I realized when I was reading this is I was reading grace. I was reading is I was reading grace. I was reading is I was reading grace. I was reading the mercy of God. 48 cities that meant the mercy of God. 48 cities that meant the mercy of God. 48 cities that meant grace. 48 cities in the book of Joshua grace. 48 cities in the book of Joshua grace. 48 cities in the book of Joshua that meant a second chance. It's an that meant a second chance. It's an that meant a second chance. It's an often over skipped over chapter because often over skipped over chapter because often over skipped over chapter because because the chapters that come next are because the chapters that come next are because the chapters that come next are really some powerful narratives in the really some powerful narratives in the really some powerful narratives in the book of Joshua. And it's easy to look at book of Joshua. And it's easy to look at book of Joshua. And it's easy to look at these cities that are just mentioned and these cities that are just mentioned and these cities that are just mentioned and just to leave it. It was given to a just to leave it. It was given to a just to leave it. It was given to a group of people that were told that they group of people that were told that they group of people that were told that they would get nothing in the promised land would get nothing in the promised land would get nothing in the promised land decades earlier because of their decades earlier because of their decades earlier because of their failures, because of their failures, because of their failures, because of their disappointments, and because their disappointments, and because their disappointments, and because their fathers said, "You won't get anything." fathers said, "You won't get anything." fathers said, "You won't get anything." And then grace stepped in and filled in And then grace stepped in and filled in And then grace stepped in and filled in the answers of the test. 48 cities were the answers of the test. 48 cities were the answers of the test. 48 cities were given to a group of people called the given to a group of people called the given to a group of people called the priests, the Levites. The Bible says in priests, the Levites. The Bible says in priests, the Levites. The Bible says in Joshua chapter 21:8, "Now the sons of Joshua chapter 21:8, "Now the sons of Joshua chapter 21:8, "Now the sons of Israel were gave by Lot to the Levites Israel were gave by Lot to the Levites Israel were gave by Lot to the Levites these cities with their pasture lands as these cities with their pasture lands as these cities with their pasture lands as the Lord had commanded through Moses."
the Lord had commanded through Moses." the Lord had commanded through Moses." Now folks, let me just read them to you Now folks, let me just read them to you Now folks, let me just read them to you and you're going to understand at some and you're going to understand at some and you're going to understand at some point why this is really a second point why this is really a second point why this is really a second chance. This was the grace of God. 48 chance. This was the grace of God. 48 chance. This was the grace of God. 48 cities they are given in the promised cities they are given in the promised cities they are given in the promised land. And here's the cities. Curth, land. And here's the cities. Curth, land. And here's the cities. Curth, Arba, Hebron, Libna, Jader, Ehtim, Moa, Arba, Hebron, Libna, Jader, Ehtim, Moa, Arba, Hebron, Libna, Jader, Ehtim, Moa, Holan, Deir, Aan, Judah, Beth, Sheamesh, Holan, Deir, Aan, Judah, Beth, Sheamesh, Holan, Deir, Aan, Judah, Beth, Sheamesh, Gibian, Gaba, Anat, Alman, Sheckchum, Gibian, Gaba, Anat, Alman, Sheckchum, Gibian, Gaba, Anat, Alman, Sheckchum, Gazer, Gibsium, Bethon, Elteeki, Gazer, Gibsium, Bethon, Elteeki, Gazer, Gibsium, Bethon, Elteeki, Gibbthon, Aelon, Gathyman, Teean, Golan, Gibbthon, Aelon, Gathyman, Teean, Golan, Gibbthon, Aelon, Gathyman, Teean, Golan, Beh, Beaish, Tea. I I practiced these a Beh, Beaish, Tea. I I practiced these a Beh, Beaish, Tea. I I practiced these a little bit. like Kishon, Deborah, little bit. like Kishon, Deborah, little bit. like Kishon, Deborah, Jarmoth, Enginium, Michel, Abdon, Jarmoth, Enginium, Michel, Abdon, Jarmoth, Enginium, Michel, Abdon, Helcath, Rehab, Kadesh, Hamoth, Door, Helcath, Rehab, Kadesh, Hamoth, Door, Helcath, Rehab, Kadesh, Hamoth, Door, Carton, Jacam, Carta, Dimna, Nahalo, Carton, Jacam, Carta, Dimna, Nahalo, Carton, Jacam, Carta, Dimna, Nahalo, Baser, Jahaz, Kadamoth, Mayafath, Baser, Jahaz, Kadamoth, Mayafath, Baser, Jahaz, Kadamoth, Mayafath, Methath, Brahmath, Mah, Mahanam, Methath, Brahmath, Mah, Mahanam, Methath, Brahmath, Mah, Mahanam, Heshban, and Jazar. You should just say Heshban, and Jazar. You should just say Heshban, and Jazar. You should just say amen for me getting through that right amen for me getting through that right amen for me getting through that right now.
now. now. And this is how the book ends. Let me And this is how the book ends. Let me And this is how the book ends. Let me read to you how the book ends. After all read to you how the book ends. After all read to you how the book ends. After all these cities, I'll explain this. Now, these cities, I'll explain this. Now, these cities, I'll explain this. Now, the Bible says this at the end of that the Bible says this at the end of that the Bible says this at the end of that chapter. Not one word failed from all chapter. Not one word failed from all chapter. Not one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of the good words God spoke to the house of the good words God spoke to the house of Israel. Everything came out right. I Israel. Everything came out right. I Israel. Everything came out right. I love that phrase. Everything came out love that phrase. Everything came out love that phrase. Everything came out right. This is so important. I want to right. This is so important. I want to right. This is so important. I want to take you on a journey for just a few take you on a journey for just a few take you on a journey for just a few minutes that some of you here today, I minutes that some of you here today, I minutes that some of you here today, I believe, are going to experience grace. believe, are going to experience grace. believe, are going to experience grace. Remember these words, God never fails. Remember these words, God never fails. Remember these words, God never fails. Remember, God keeps his promises. And Remember, God keeps his promises. And Remember, God keeps his promises. And remember, when you walk with God, remember, when you walk with God, remember, when you walk with God, everything comes out right. Joshua 21 is everything comes out right. Joshua 21 is everything comes out right. Joshua 21 is the end of the story of a man that the end of the story of a man that the end of the story of a man that seemingly messed up his whole future. seemingly messed up his whole future. seemingly messed up his whole future. This is so important. This is the story This is so important. This is the story This is so important. This is the story on how an angry man miserably gets a on how an angry man miserably gets a on how an angry man miserably gets a second chance and is used by God. In second chance and is used by God. In second chance and is used by God. In fact, it's how a murderer gets called fact, it's how a murderer gets called fact, it's how a murderer gets called into the ministry. And some of you are into the ministry. And some of you are into the ministry. And some of you are going, are you speaking about the going, are you speaking about the going, are you speaking about the Apostle Paul? This is centuries before Apostle Paul? This is centuries before Apostle Paul? This is centuries before the Apostle Paul. His man's name was the Apostle Paul. His man's name was the Apostle Paul. His man's name was Levi. And he killed a lot of people. And Levi. And he killed a lot of people. And Levi. And he killed a lot of people. And his father spoke words of death over him his father spoke words of death over him his father spoke words of death over him and cursed his future. But God was going and cursed his future. But God was going and cursed his future. But God was going to allow this man to experience grace.
to allow this man to experience grace. to allow this man to experience grace. After his conversion at 33 years old, After his conversion at 33 years old, After his conversion at 33 years old, the great Christian author CS Lewis who the great Christian author CS Lewis who the great Christian author CS Lewis who has books have touched so many from Mere has books have touched so many from Mere has books have touched so many from Mere Christianity, the Narnia series are just Christianity, the Narnia series are just Christianity, the Narnia series are just iconic. He said 20 years after being a iconic. He said 20 years after being a iconic. He said 20 years after being a Christian, he's 53 years old. He said he Christian, he's 53 years old. He said he Christian, he's 53 years old. He said he had this seismic recon conversion that had this seismic recon conversion that had this seismic recon conversion that just changed everything. He writes to a just changed everything. He writes to a just changed everything. He writes to a friend a letter describing this friend a letter describing this friend a letter describing this experience with the grace of God 20 experience with the grace of God 20 experience with the grace of God 20 years after conversion 20 years later. years after conversion 20 years later. years after conversion 20 years later. He's 53 years old and he began to say He's 53 years old and he began to say He's 53 years old and he began to say that describe the difference between that describe the difference between that describe the difference between this intellectual understanding of my this intellectual understanding of my this intellectual understanding of my sins are forgiven versus this sins are forgiven versus this sins are forgiven versus this experience. There are people here that experience. There are people here that experience. There are people here that can just tell you what grace is but has can just tell you what grace is but has can just tell you what grace is but has never experienced what the grace of God never experienced what the grace of God never experienced what the grace of God is. Listen to what Lewis writes to a is. Listen to what Lewis writes to a is. Listen to what Lewis writes to a friend. He said, "During the past year, friend. He said, "During the past year, friend. He said, "During the past year, a great joy has befallen me. Difficult a great joy has befallen me. Difficult a great joy has befallen me. Difficult though it is, I shall try to explain though it is, I shall try to explain though it is, I shall try to explain these in words. It is astonishing that these in words. It is astonishing that these in words. It is astonishing that sometimes we say we believe, but really sometimes we say we believe, but really sometimes we say we believe, but really in our heart we do not believe. For a in our heart we do not believe. For a in our heart we do not believe. For a long time, I believed in the forgiveness long time, I believed in the forgiveness long time, I believed in the forgiveness of my sins. But suddenly this truth of my sins. But suddenly this truth of my sins. But suddenly this truth appeared in my mind in so clear a light appeared in my mind in so clear a light appeared in my mind in so clear a light that I perceived that never before after that I perceived that never before after that I perceived that never before after confessions and absolutions that I had confessions and absolutions that I had confessions and absolutions that I had believed it with my whole heart. So believed it with my whole heart. So believed it with my whole heart. So great is the difference between a mere great is the difference between a mere great is the difference between a mere affirmation by my intellect and the affirmation by my intellect and the affirmation by my intellect and the faith that fixed in the very marrow as faith that fixed in the very marrow as faith that fixed in the very marrow as it were palpable inside of me that it
it were palpable inside of me that it it were palpable inside of me that it became so intense that it could be felt became so intense that it could be felt became so intense that it could be felt and touched. He was talking about this and touched. He was talking about this and touched. He was talking about this awakening in him. I I have to say Joshua awakening in him. I I have to say Joshua awakening in him. I I have to say Joshua 21 is palpable. You're going to feel 21 is palpable. You're going to feel 21 is palpable. You're going to feel something even greater than just reading something even greater than just reading something even greater than just reading 48 cities. What I thought was just a 48 cities. What I thought was just a 48 cities. What I thought was just a boring chapter of 48 cities was an boring chapter of 48 cities was an boring chapter of 48 cities was an actuality actuality. This awakening of actuality actuality. This awakening of actuality actuality. This awakening of grace. It was an experience that God grace. It was an experience that God grace. It was an experience that God does make everything come out right for does make everything come out right for does make everything come out right for those that will trust in him. It's an those that will trust in him. It's an those that will trust in him. It's an experience of grace that you didn't experience of grace that you didn't experience of grace that you didn't deserve. But it's by the mercy of Jesus deserve. But it's by the mercy of Jesus deserve. But it's by the mercy of Jesus Christ. It's experiencing Jesus that Christ. It's experiencing Jesus that Christ. It's experiencing Jesus that changes everything. I was telling some changes everything. I was telling some changes everything. I was telling some of our leaders, I said, "I was just gone of our leaders, I said, "I was just gone of our leaders, I said, "I was just gone for five days last week speaking to for five days last week speaking to for five days last week speaking to leaders and pastors in Brussels, and I leaders and pastors in Brussels, and I leaders and pastors in Brussels, and I said, "You couldn't you couldn't watch said, "You couldn't you couldn't watch said, "You couldn't you couldn't watch over the city for 5 days. You have a over the city for 5 days. You have a over the city for 5 days. You have a couple going up to the Empire State couple going up to the Empire State couple going up to the Empire State Building proposing to each other." I Building proposing to each other." I Building proposing to each other." I said, "You couldn't keep an eye on said, "You couldn't keep an eye on said, "You couldn't keep an eye on things. Then then you have all these things. Then then you have all these things. Then then you have all these ships and fireworks. You you couldn't ships and fireworks. You you couldn't ships and fireworks. You you couldn't stop the heatwave coming. And then stop the heatwave coming. And then stop the heatwave coming. And then finally, you have a wedding at Madison finally, you have a wedding at Madison finally, you have a wedding at Madison Square Garden with Taylor Swift." I Square Garden with Taylor Swift." I Square Garden with Taylor Swift." I said, "You couldn't keep things under said, "You couldn't keep things under said, "You couldn't keep things under control. I'm gone for 5 days."
control. I'm gone for 5 days." control. I'm gone for 5 days." I I I have to tell you, it it just I was I I I have to tell you, it it just I was I I I have to tell you, it it just I was I was laughing at this as someone was I was laughing at this as someone was I was laughing at this as someone was talking to me about this Taylor Swift talking to me about this Taylor Swift talking to me about this Taylor Swift wedding. No, no shade on her, but I just wedding. No, no shade on her, but I just wedding. No, no shade on her, but I just have to say something about fame today have to say something about fame today have to say something about fame today and with people and the culture we live and with people and the culture we live and with people and the culture we live in, folks. Because I tell you what's in, folks. Because I tell you what's in, folks. Because I tell you what's popular today won't be popular in a popular today won't be popular in a popular today won't be popular in a couple years. What you know now, one of couple years. What you know now, one of couple years. What you know now, one of my one of the people that I've read many my one of the people that I've read many my one of the people that I've read many of his books from Switzerland said this. of his books from Switzerland said this. of his books from Switzerland said this. He says there's four levels of fame. He He says there's four levels of fame. He He says there's four levels of fame. He said fa level number one is who is said fa level number one is who is said fa level number one is who is Taylor Swift? Level number two is that Taylor Swift? Level number two is that Taylor Swift? Level number two is that Taylor Swift? Level number three that's Taylor Swift? Level number three that's Taylor Swift? Level number three that's Taylor Swift. Level number four who is Taylor Swift. Level number four who is Taylor Swift. Level number four who is Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift. And it's nothing. It's you could put And it's nothing. It's you could put And it's nothing. It's you could put anybody's name in there. Because here's anybody's name in there. Because here's anybody's name in there. Because here's what you have to realize is that I want what you have to realize is that I want what you have to realize is that I want you to experience grace. Not Taylor. Not you to experience grace. Not Taylor. Not you to experience grace. Not Taylor. Not New York City and not even America. New York City and not even America. New York City and not even America. Because the only name that lasts forever Because the only name that lasts forever Because the only name that lasts forever is the name of Jesus Christ. That's the is the name of Jesus Christ. That's the is the name of Jesus Christ. That's the only thing that lasts forever only thing that lasts forever only thing that lasts forever because when we celebrate the 300th because when we celebrate the 300th because when we celebrate the 300th birthday of America, let me just be birthday of America, let me just be birthday of America, let me just be honest with you. Not many of you are honest with you. Not many of you are honest with you. Not many of you are going to be around. You're going to be going to be around. You're going to be going to be around. You're going to be with Jesus. So you go like, "No, but I with Jesus. So you go like, "No, but I with Jesus. So you go like, "No, but I work out and I eat tofu." You're not work out and I eat tofu." You're not work out and I eat tofu." You're not going to be here. You're going to be going to be here. You're going to be going to be here. You're going to be gone. You'll be out. Understand gone. You'll be out. Understand gone. You'll be out. Understand something. That's why the only name that something. That's why the only name that something. That's why the only name that really matters is Jesus Christ and really matters is Jesus Christ and really matters is Jesus Christ and experiencing who Jesus Christ is. So experiencing who Jesus Christ is. So experiencing who Jesus Christ is. So important that we recognize that today.
important that we recognize that today. important that we recognize that today. Jesus will always be here. He is He Jesus will always be here. He is He Jesus will always be here. He is He never changes. Now, let me just walk you never changes. Now, let me just walk you never changes. Now, let me just walk you through a quick journey today and show through a quick journey today and show through a quick journey today and show you grace today. Number one, I want to you grace today. Number one, I want to you grace today. Number one, I want to talk to you about this man named Levi. I talk to you about this man named Levi. I talk to you about this man named Levi. I want to talk to you about that day that want to talk to you about that day that want to talk to you about that day that messed up my whole future. I want you to messed up my whole future. I want you to messed up my whole future. I want you to put in your name there. What was that put in your name there. What was that put in your name there. What was that day that may have messed up? I want to day that may have messed up? I want to day that may have messed up? I want to tell you about Levi's day. The great tell you about Levi's day. The great tell you about Levi's day. The great London pastor D. Martin Lo Jones said it London pastor D. Martin Lo Jones said it London pastor D. Martin Lo Jones said it this. Grace always gives. Sin always this. Grace always gives. Sin always this. Grace always gives. Sin always takes away. Grace always gives. Sin takes away. Grace always gives. Sin takes away. Grace always gives. Sin always takes away. always takes away. always takes away. We all we always experience the takeaway We all we always experience the takeaway We all we always experience the takeaway of sin. The tribe of Levi, this man Levi of sin. The tribe of Levi, this man Levi of sin. The tribe of Levi, this man Levi is going to experience both. Sin took is going to experience both. Sin took is going to experience both. Sin took away in Genesis 34 and grace gave back away in Genesis 34 and grace gave back away in Genesis 34 and grace gave back in Joshua 21. I have to believe that in Joshua 21. I have to believe that in Joshua 21. I have to believe that when I read this list, I was shocked to when I read this list, I was shocked to when I read this list, I was shocked to see number 15 on the list. This is going see number 15 on the list. This is going see number 15 on the list. This is going to be important because number 15 on the to be important because number 15 on the to be important because number 15 on the Joshua 21 list, I think, is a trigger Joshua 21 list, I think, is a trigger Joshua 21 list, I think, is a trigger word. I'll explain it to you. It's the word. I'll explain it to you. It's the word. I'll explain it to you. It's the city of Sheckchum. It was a trigger word city of Sheckchum. It was a trigger word city of Sheckchum. It was a trigger word for this man. Let me explain to you what for this man. Let me explain to you what for this man. Let me explain to you what happened. In Genesis 34 is the day that happened. In Genesis 34 is the day that happened. In Genesis 34 is the day that Levi wished he could have lived over Levi wished he could have lived over Levi wished he could have lived over again. His sister Dina just got raped in again. His sister Dina just got raped in again. His sister Dina just got raped in the city of Sheckchum. And he is the city of Sheckchum. And he is the city of Sheckchum. And he is furious. It's where it all started for furious. It's where it all started for furious. It's where it all started for him. And now he's going to inherit the him. And now he's going to inherit the him. And now he's going to inherit the city that he failed in. Let me tell you city that he failed in. Let me tell you city that he failed in. Let me tell you about the failure. Jacob has just left about the failure. Jacob has just left about the failure. Jacob has just left his uncle Laban after some two decades his uncle Laban after some two decades his uncle Laban after some two decades of working for him and he's on his way
of working for him and he's on his way of working for him and he's on his way back home with his wife and his family. back home with his wife and his family. back home with his wife and his family. And they stop in this city called And they stop in this city called And they stop in this city called Sheckchum. A man named Haymore is Sheckchum. A man named Haymore is Sheckchum. A man named Haymore is attracted to Levi's sister Dina and and attracted to Levi's sister Dina and and attracted to Levi's sister Dina and and and in a sense date rapes her. He is and in a sense date rapes her. He is and in a sense date rapes her. He is attracted to her. Lures lures her in, attracted to her. Lures lures her in, attracted to her. Lures lures her in, rapes her, and then says, "I want to rapes her, and then says, "I want to rapes her, and then says, "I want to marry you. I'm in love with you." His marry you. I'm in love with you." His marry you. I'm in love with you." His anger, Levi's anger is so uncontrollable anger, Levi's anger is so uncontrollable anger, Levi's anger is so uncontrollable that he brings in his brother Simeon and that he brings in his brother Simeon and that he brings in his brother Simeon and they come up out of revenge. They come they come up out of revenge. They come they come up out of revenge. They come up with this elaborate plan that they up with this elaborate plan that they up with this elaborate plan that they are going to kill every male in are going to kill every male in are going to kill every male in Sheckchum. They are going to come in Sheckchum. They are going to come in Sheckchum. They are going to come in through this plan. This is what it says through this plan. This is what it says through this plan. This is what it says in Genesis 34:25. in Genesis 34:25. in Genesis 34:25. Two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, Dina's brothers, each took his sword and Dina's brothers, each took his sword and Dina's brothers, each took his sword and came upon the city unaware. and they came upon the city unaware. and they came upon the city unaware. and they killed every male in that city. You killed every male in that city. You killed every male in that city. You could read the story for yourself. It could read the story for yourself. It could read the story for yourself. It It's tragic. It's a It's a desert city. It's tragic. It's a It's a desert city. It's tragic. It's a It's a desert city. It's a nomadic city. Many historians It's a nomadic city. Many historians It's a nomadic city. Many historians believe there's probably a hundred believe there's probably a hundred believe there's probably a hundred people that he's killing there. A people that he's killing there. A people that he's killing there. A hundred pe 100 males that these two men hundred pe 100 males that these two men hundred pe 100 males that these two men killed out of revenge and out of anger.
killed out of revenge and out of anger. killed out of revenge and out of anger. I I was thinking about Levi and my mind I I was thinking about Levi and my mind I I was thinking about Levi and my mind went back to a man that I'll tell you a went back to a man that I'll tell you a went back to a man that I'll tell you a story. I I'll I'll tell you a story story. I I'll I'll tell you a story story. I I'll I'll tell you a story throughout. His name was Captain John. throughout. His name was Captain John. throughout. His name was Captain John. He he saw the power of God in his family He he saw the power of God in his family He he saw the power of God in his family just like Levi did but decided to live just like Levi did but decided to live just like Levi did but decided to live his own life. Where Levi's day that he his own life. Where Levi's day that he his own life. Where Levi's day that he wished he could live over was a day of wished he could live over was a day of wished he could live over was a day of revenge. Captain John wasn't out of revenge. Captain John wasn't out of revenge. Captain John wasn't out of revenge. He pursued greed in his life. revenge. He pursued greed in his life. revenge. He pursued greed in his life. Both Levi and Captain John destroyed the Both Levi and Captain John destroyed the Both Levi and Captain John destroyed the lives of so many people living for these lives of so many people living for these lives of so many people living for these two things. Greed and revenge. Captain two things. Greed and revenge. Captain two things. Greed and revenge. Captain John was captain of his own slave ship John was captain of his own slave ship John was captain of his own slave ship at the turn of the 18th century that at the turn of the 18th century that at the turn of the 18th century that would take families from West Africa. would take families from West Africa. would take families from West Africa. Some of the nations we mentioned even on Some of the nations we mentioned even on Some of the nations we mentioned even on the screen today would take na families the screen today would take na families the screen today would take na families complete fa families or even just rip complete fa families or even just rip complete fa families or even just rip away husbands and fathers or children away husbands and fathers or children away husbands and fathers or children and take them from the West African and take them from the West African and take them from the West African nations. Put them in chains and sell nations. Put them in chains and sell nations. Put them in chains and sell them into a life of slavery and them into a life of slavery and them into a life of slavery and servitude. Both of these men destroyed servitude. Both of these men destroyed servitude. Both of these men destroyed families and cities. Greed and revenge families and cities. Greed and revenge families and cities. Greed and revenge are the very things that began to do are the very things that began to do are the very things that began to do this. After Levi kills a hundred men and this. After Levi kills a hundred men and this. After Levi kills a hundred men and Simeon, I want to talk to you about when Simeon, I want to talk to you about when Simeon, I want to talk to you about when horrible words get carved into your horrible words get carved into your horrible words get carved into your soul. Horrible words were spoken over soul. Horrible words were spoken over soul. Horrible words were spoken over Levi's life from his dying father. His Levi's life from his dying father. His Levi's life from his dying father. His father's name is Jacob. Jacob would father's name is Jacob. Jacob would father's name is Jacob. Jacob would prophesy about the anger of his two prophesy about the anger of his two prophesy about the anger of his two sons. Just 15 chapters later, the final
sons. Just 15 chapters later, the final sons. Just 15 chapters later, the final words that Levi would hear from the lips words that Levi would hear from the lips words that Levi would hear from the lips of his own father is devastating. of his own father is devastating. of his own father is devastating. I want to read it to you out of the I want to read it to you out of the I want to read it to you out of the message. Listen to these words. This is message. Listen to these words. This is message. Listen to these words. This is what just before Jacob passes away, this what just before Jacob passes away, this what just before Jacob passes away, this is what he says over his son. Simeon and is what he says over his son. Simeon and is what he says over his son. Simeon and Levi, he says, you're two of a kind, Levi, he says, you're two of a kind, Levi, he says, you're two of a kind, ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I don't want anything to do with their don't want anything to do with their don't want anything to do with their vandas. I want no part in their bitter vandas. I want no part in their bitter vandas. I want no part in their bitter feuds. They kill men in fits of temper. feuds. They kill men in fits of temper. feuds. They kill men in fits of temper. They slash oxen on a whim, a curse on They slash oxen on a whim, a curse on They slash oxen on a whim, a curse on their uncontrollable anger, on their their uncontrollable anger, on their their uncontrollable anger, on their indiscriminate wrath. And then he says indiscriminate wrath. And then he says indiscriminate wrath. And then he says this, "I'll throw them out with the this, "I'll throw them out with the this, "I'll throw them out with the trash. trash. trash. I'll shred." And look at these words, I'll shred." And look at these words, I'll shred." And look at these words, "And I'll scatter them like confetti "And I'll scatter them like confetti "And I'll scatter them like confetti throughout Israel." throughout Israel." throughout Israel." One of the versions says, "I'm going to One of the versions says, "I'm going to One of the versions says, "I'm going to scatter them. They'll have no scatter them. They'll have no scatter them. They'll have no inheritance in Israel. They'll have inheritance in Israel. They'll have inheritance in Israel. They'll have nothing. This is a father speaking. This nothing. This is a father speaking. This nothing. This is a father speaking. This is a dad that's speaking over their is a dad that's speaking over their is a dad that's speaking over their lives. Can you imagine? Jacob had been lives. Can you imagine? Jacob had been lives. Can you imagine? Jacob had been storing this up against these two boys storing this up against these two boys storing this up against these two boys for decades, waiting for this moment. He for decades, waiting for this moment. He for decades, waiting for this moment. He just like let it out and lets it out just like let it out and lets it out just like let it out and lets it out just before his funeral. This is how just before his funeral. This is how just before his funeral. This is how he's been feeling. This this in a sense he's been feeling. This this in a sense he's been feeling. This this in a sense patriarch just says, "I want nothing to patriarch just says, "I want nothing to patriarch just says, "I want nothing to do with these two boys." Can you imagine do with these two boys." Can you imagine do with these two boys." Can you imagine these two boys hearing these words from these two boys hearing these words from these two boys hearing these words from the lips of their father? This had to be the lips of their father? This had to be the lips of their father? This had to be overwhelming.
overwhelming. overwhelming. Sin really does take away. It was going Sin really does take away. It was going Sin really does take away. It was going to try to take away their future, take to try to take away their future, take to try to take away their future, take take away a relationship with their take away a relationship with their take away a relationship with their father. I I realize more and more. Let father. I I realize more and more. Let father. I I realize more and more. Let me just say this to parents. Let me say me just say this to parents. Let me say me just say this to parents. Let me say this to me as a parent. Our children this to me as a parent. Our children this to me as a parent. Our children hearts are like wet cement. hearts are like wet cement. hearts are like wet cement. That when you say things, it gets carved That when you say things, it gets carved That when you say things, it gets carved in there and stays a long time. There in there and stays a long time. There in there and stays a long time. There are people that are sitting here today are people that are sitting here today are people that are sitting here today that you've had things that have been that you've had things that have been that you've had things that have been said to you by a father that are still said to you by a father that are still said to you by a father that are still that was wet cement on a young life, a that was wet cement on a young life, a that was wet cement on a young life, a young soul, a teenager, an elementary young soul, a teenager, an elementary young soul, a teenager, an elementary student, maybe even a college student. student, maybe even a college student. student, maybe even a college student. And and when they said those words, it's And and when they said those words, it's And and when they said those words, it's been etched inside of you. Can you been etched inside of you. Can you been etched inside of you. Can you imagine Levi hearing these words? I HOPE imagine Levi hearing these words? I HOPE imagine Levi hearing these words? I HOPE THEY SCATTER you like confetti over the THEY SCATTER you like confetti over the THEY SCATTER you like confetti over the promise. I I I want nothing to do with promise. I I I want nothing to do with promise. I I I want nothing to do with you. I throw you out with the trash. you. I throw you out with the trash. you. I throw you out with the trash. That's Jacob. Those words are haunting. That's Jacob. Those words are haunting. That's Jacob. Those words are haunting. And some of you sit here thinking to And some of you sit here thinking to And some of you sit here thinking to yourself, feeling the anxiety, feeling yourself, feeling the anxiety, feeling yourself, feeling the anxiety, feeling this mental anguish of what's come on this mental anguish of what's come on this mental anguish of what's come on you. When we were in Brussels you. When we were in Brussels you. When we were in Brussels and getting ready to speak, I was down and getting ready to speak, I was down and getting ready to speak, I was down in the lobby and I was studying, was in the lobby and I was studying, was in the lobby and I was studying, was reading something and pastorred all over reading something and pastorred all over reading something and pastorred all over the TV down there. the news comes on and the TV down there. the news comes on and the TV down there. the news comes on and it says if you've got mental anxiety, if it says if you've got mental anxiety, if it says if you've got mental anxiety, if you're struggling with this with with you're struggling with this with with you're struggling with this with with literally this mental literally this mental literally this mental that your mental wellness is is not
that your mental wellness is is not that your mental wellness is is not intact, there are new answers now. If intact, there are new answers now. If intact, there are new answers now. If you buy these new Nike shoes, you buy these new Nike shoes, you buy these new Nike shoes, I'm telling you, it's all over Europe. I'm telling you, it's all over Europe. I'm telling you, it's all over Europe. If you buy these $200 If you buy these $200 If you buy these $200 shoes, they put this new technology on shoes, they put this new technology on shoes, they put this new technology on the bottom, these bubbles on the bottom the bottom, these bubbles on the bottom the bottom, these bubbles on the bottom that help your mind to think better. If that help your mind to think better. If that help your mind to think better. If you would just wear these shoes, those you would just wear these shoes, those you would just wear these shoes, those who have been struggling with mental who have been struggling with mental who have been struggling with mental anxiety, you've got it all wrong. You anxiety, you've got it all wrong. You anxiety, you've got it all wrong. You got the wrong shoes. You've got the got the wrong shoes. You've got the got the wrong shoes. You've got the wrong shoes on. Can I Can I just help wrong shoes on. Can I Can I just help wrong shoes on. Can I Can I just help YOU TODAY? YOU CAN BUY 10 PAIRS OF NIKE YOU TODAY? YOU CAN BUY 10 PAIRS OF NIKE YOU TODAY? YOU CAN BUY 10 PAIRS OF NIKE SHOES. The only one THAT CAN KEEP YOUR SHOES. The only one THAT CAN KEEP YOUR SHOES. The only one THAT CAN KEEP YOUR MIND IN PERFECT peace is Jesus himself. I'M SORRY, NIKE. YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT. I'M SORRY, NIKE. YOU JUST CAN'T DO IT. BUBBLES ON YOUR BOTTOMS OF YOUR SHOES BUBBLES ON YOUR BOTTOMS OF YOUR SHOES BUBBLES ON YOUR BOTTOMS OF YOUR SHOES DOESN'T FIX YOUR MIND. Jesus fixes our DOESN'T FIX YOUR MIND. Jesus fixes our DOESN'T FIX YOUR MIND. Jesus fixes our minds and our souls.
minds and our souls. minds and our souls. >> Save your money. >> Save your money. >> Save your money. DON'T GO TO FIFTH AVENUE. DON'T GO TO FIFTH AVENUE. DON'T GO TO FIFTH AVENUE. >> You need to experience God's grace. >> You need to experience God's grace. >> You need to experience God's grace. >> Because God's word is greater than man's >> Because God's word is greater than man's >> Because God's word is greater than man's word. word. word. >> Sin always takes. Grace always gives. >> Sin always takes. Grace always gives. >> Sin always takes. Grace always gives. And while we were there, I was reminded And while we were there, I was reminded And while we were there, I was reminded of this. It just hit me. So when we were of this. It just hit me. So when we were of this. It just hit me. So when we were speaking to leaders, sometimes you speaking to leaders, sometimes you speaking to leaders, sometimes you forget how close the other countries forget how close the other countries forget how close the other countries are. some eight are. some eight are. some eight friends and pastors and leaders drove friends and pastors and leaders drove friends and pastors and leaders drove the two hours to come to this leaders the two hours to come to this leaders the two hours to come to this leaders conference in Brussels and they drove in conference in Brussels and they drove in conference in Brussels and they drove in from Amsterdam and two of the people from Amsterdam and two of the people from Amsterdam and two of the people that drove in are connected to the that drove in are connected to the that drove in are connected to the ministry here. It's the granddaughter ministry here. It's the granddaughter ministry here. It's the granddaughter and her husband that are pastors in and her husband that are pastors in and her husband that are pastors in Amsterdam who is the granddaughter of Amsterdam who is the granddaughter of Amsterdam who is the granddaughter of the first Teen Challenge graduate and the first Teen Challenge graduate and the first Teen Challenge graduate and drug addict to be set free when Teen drug addict to be set free when Teen drug addict to be set free when Teen Challenge opened its doors in Brooklyn. Challenge opened its doors in Brooklyn. Challenge opened its doors in Brooklyn. Her grandfather's name was Sunonny Her grandfather's name was Sunonny Her grandfather's name was Sunonny Arganzone Arganzone Arganzone and she was there. She's she's living and she was there. She's she's living and she was there. She's she's living out a heritage. And she reminded me of out a heritage. And she reminded me of out a heritage. And she reminded me of something that I just kept writing down something that I just kept writing down something that I just kept writing down because whenever I talk to their family because whenever I talk to their family because whenever I talk to their family members, listen to me carefully. They members, listen to me carefully. They members, listen to me carefully. They talk about my father. This is an talk about my father. This is an talk about my father. This is an emotional part for me. They talk about emotional part for me. They talk about emotional part for me. They talk about my dad. I I just pause and I'm going to my dad. I I just pause and I'm going to my dad. I I just pause and I'm going to tell you the story in a second. This is tell you the story in a second. This is tell you the story in a second. This is what I believe.
what I believe. what I believe. When you're growing up, your heart is When you're growing up, your heart is When you're growing up, your heart is like wet cement and you're hearing words like wet cement and you're hearing words like wet cement and you're hearing words carved in there. Words of life and words carved in there. Words of life and words carved in there. Words of life and words of death. Can I tell you some good news of death. Can I tell you some good news of death. Can I tell you some good news today? When you become a Christian, the today? When you become a Christian, the today? When you become a Christian, the Bible gives us a new heart that new Bible gives us a new heart that new Bible gives us a new heart that new words can be carved in there. New words can be carved in there. New words can be carved in there. New thoughts, new things, NEW TRUTHS, GOD'S thoughts, new things, NEW TRUTHS, GOD'S thoughts, new things, NEW TRUTHS, GOD'S TRUTH CAN BE CARVED into our soul. The TRUTH CAN BE CARVED into our soul. The TRUTH CAN BE CARVED into our soul. The the dad that may have SAID, "I WANT the dad that may have SAID, "I WANT the dad that may have SAID, "I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. YOU DON'T NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. YOU DON'T NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. YOU DON'T RECEIVE ANYTHING." RECEIVE ANYTHING." RECEIVE ANYTHING." Now all of a sudden God begins to to Now all of a sudden God begins to to Now all of a sudden God begins to to make the heart, the Bible talks about make the heart, the Bible talks about make the heart, the Bible talks about THIS IN EZEKIEL, SOFT again and allows THIS IN EZEKIEL, SOFT again and allows THIS IN EZEKIEL, SOFT again and allows it to be carved with words of truth. And it to be carved with words of truth. And it to be carved with words of truth. And they reminded me, Sunny Arzon's they reminded me, Sunny Arzon's they reminded me, Sunny Arzon's granddaughter reminded us of what my dad granddaughter reminded us of what my dad granddaughter reminded us of what my dad did when Sunonny Arganzone became a did when Sunonny Arganzone became a did when Sunonny Arganzone became a Christian. He is he was already on his Christian. He is he was already on his Christian. He is he was already on his tenth felony appearing before tenth tenth felony appearing before tenth tenth felony appearing before tenth crime appearing before the judge and crime appearing before the judge and crime appearing before the judge and they're about to throw the book at him they're about to throw the book at him they're about to throw the book at him and it's to say you you you're not only and it's to say you you you're not only and it's to say you you you're not only a criminal that that literally we're a criminal that that literally we're a criminal that that literally we're going to put you in. You're a habitual going to put you in. You're a habitual going to put you in. You're a habitual criminal but you're a drug addict. You criminal but you're a drug addict. You criminal but you're a drug addict. You you are an addicted and you're a you are an addicted and you're a you are an addicted and you're a habitual criminal. And then I remember habitual criminal. And then I remember habitual criminal. And then I remember them telling me the story. My father them telling me the story. My father them telling me the story. My father told ME THE STORY. SUNONNY Aronzone told told ME THE STORY. SUNONNY Aronzone told told ME THE STORY. SUNONNY Aronzone told me the story. HE SAID, "YOUR father me the story. HE SAID, "YOUR father me the story. HE SAID, "YOUR father carved new words on his heart and said, carved new words on his heart and said, carved new words on his heart and said, "Because you're born again, I'm going to "Because you're born again, I'm going to "Because you're born again, I'm going to stand before the judge for you." And my
stand before the judge for you." And my stand before the judge for you." And my father went before that judge and said, father went before that judge and said, father went before that judge and said, "Judge, I've never done this before, but "Judge, I've never done this before, but "Judge, I've never done this before, but here as a as an inspector in the New here as a as an inspector in the New here as a as an inspector in the New York City Police Department, I'm I want York City Police Department, I'm I want York City Police Department, I'm I want you to know Sunny is a born again you to know Sunny is a born again you to know Sunny is a born again Christian now. And I believe that God Christian now. And I believe that God Christian now. And I believe that God has changed his life. And I'm going to has changed his life. And I'm going to has changed his life. And I'm going to ask you to do this. I'm going to ask you ask you to do this. I'm going to ask you ask you to do this. I'm going to ask you to parole him into my custody. He's to parole him into my custody. He's to parole him into my custody. He's going to go into Teen Challenge program going to go into Teen Challenge program going to go into Teen Challenge program and you're going to see a miracle take and you're going to see a miracle take and you're going to see a miracle take place in that man's life. And it was as place in that man's life. And it was as place in that man's life. And it was as if a New York City policeman carved in if a New York City policeman carved in if a New York City policeman carved in new words into his heart and SAID, new words into his heart and SAID, new words into his heart and SAID, "YOU'RE NOT HABITUAL. YOU'RE not a one "YOU'RE NOT HABITUAL. YOU'RE not a one "YOU'RE NOT HABITUAL. YOU'RE not a one one a drug addict one time and or a one a drug addict one time and or a one a drug addict one time and or a habitual drug addict. You're a new habitual drug addict. You're a new habitual drug addict. You're a new creation in Jesus Christ." And he said, creation in Jesus Christ." And he said, creation in Jesus Christ." And he said, "Think about it." And then ALL OF A "Think about it." And then ALL OF A "Think about it." And then ALL OF A SUDDEN, GOD BEGINS TO WORK A miracle in SUDDEN, GOD BEGINS TO WORK A miracle in SUDDEN, GOD BEGINS TO WORK A miracle in Sunny Arzone's life. AND AS A RESULT, Sunny Arzone's life. AND AS A RESULT, Sunny Arzone's life. AND AS A RESULT, VICTORY OUTREACH starts in 33 countries VICTORY OUTREACH starts in 33 countries VICTORY OUTREACH starts in 33 countries around the world. 700 churches have been around the world. 700 churches have been around the world. 700 churches have been planted around the world. 300 PROGRAMS planted around the world. 300 PROGRAMS planted around the world. 300 PROGRAMS TO RESCUE PEOPLE FROM AN ADDICTION OF TO RESCUE PEOPLE FROM AN ADDICTION OF TO RESCUE PEOPLE FROM AN ADDICTION OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. AND GOD DID IT.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. AND GOD DID IT. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. AND GOD DID IT. BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT GOD DOES IS WHEN BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT GOD DOES IS WHEN BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT GOD DOES IS WHEN MAN CARVES THE WRONG WORDS, GOD WILL MAN CARVES THE WRONG WORDS, GOD WILL MAN CARVES THE WRONG WORDS, GOD WILL SOFTEN THE HEART AND CARVE IN THE RIGHT SOFTEN THE HEART AND CARVE IN THE RIGHT SOFTEN THE HEART AND CARVE IN THE RIGHT WORDS. HALLELUJAH. That's why the Bible says, "Where sin That's why the Bible says, "Where sin has increase, grace abounded all the has increase, grace abounded all the has increase, grace abounded all the more." Hallelujah. more." Hallelujah. more." Hallelujah. I have to admit when I read Joshua 21 I have to admit when I read Joshua 21 I have to admit when I read Joshua 21 and the grace of God that he just didn't and the grace of God that he just didn't and the grace of God that he just didn't give him a city, he gave him an give him a city, he gave him an give him a city, he gave him an abundance. The words of his father said, abundance. The words of his father said, abundance. The words of his father said, 'You get nothing. You get nothing. And 'You get nothing. You get nothing. And 'You get nothing. You get nothing. And the words of Joshua 21 says, you get 48 the words of Joshua 21 says, you get 48 the words of Joshua 21 says, you get 48 cities. I was reading about this cities. I was reading about this cities. I was reading about this distribution distribution distribution and I kept thinking, how does this and I kept thinking, how does this and I kept thinking, how does this happen? Listen to Joshua 21 verse one. happen? Listen to Joshua 21 verse one. happen? Listen to Joshua 21 verse one. Then the heads of the households of the Then the heads of the households of the Then the heads of the households of the Levites approached Eleazar and Joshua Levites approached Eleazar and Joshua Levites approached Eleazar and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the the son of Nun and the heads of the the son of Nun and the heads of the households of the tribes of the sons of households of the tribes of the sons of households of the tribes of the sons of Israel. And they spoke to them at Shiloh Israel. And they spoke to them at Shiloh Israel. And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan saying, and these in the land of Canaan saying, and these in the land of Canaan saying, and these are the words that kept popping out that are the words that kept popping out that are the words that kept popping out that Levi kept saying, the Lord commanded Levi kept saying, the Lord commanded Levi kept saying, the Lord commanded through Moses to give us cities to live through Moses to give us cities to live through Moses to give us cities to live in with their pasture lands to our in with their pasture lands to our in with their pasture lands to our cattle. So the sons of Israel gave the cattle. So the sons of Israel gave the cattle. So the sons of Israel gave the Levites from their inheritance these Levites from their inheritance these Levites from their inheritance these cities with their pasture according to cities with their pasture according to cities with their pasture according to the command of the Lord. And when you the command of the Lord. And when you the command of the Lord. And when you read that chapter, you'll see that read that chapter, you'll see that read that chapter, you'll see that phrase showing up, the command of the phrase showing up, the command of the phrase showing up, the command of the Lord. The command of the Lord, WHICH Lord. The command of the Lord, WHICH Lord. The command of the Lord, WHICH MEANS GOD'S WORD IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN MEANS GOD'S WORD IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN MEANS GOD'S WORD IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN MAN'S WORDS.
MAN'S WORDS. MAN'S WORDS. THAT WHOLE THING STARTS GOING UP AND THAT WHOLE THING STARTS GOING UP AND THAT WHOLE THING STARTS GOING UP AND SAYING, "ACCORDING TO WHAT MY FATHER SAYING, "ACCORDING TO WHAT MY FATHER SAYING, "ACCORDING TO WHAT MY FATHER TOLD ME, I GET NOTHING. BUT ACCORDING TO TOLD ME, I GET NOTHING. BUT ACCORDING TO TOLD ME, I GET NOTHING. BUT ACCORDING TO WHAT MY FATHER TOLD ME, he's got a WHAT MY FATHER TOLD ME, he's got a WHAT MY FATHER TOLD ME, he's got a blessing that he's going to give to my blessing that he's going to give to my blessing that he's going to give to my life here. ACCORDING TO MY FATHER, I'VE life here. ACCORDING TO MY FATHER, I'VE life here. ACCORDING TO MY FATHER, I'VE MESSED UP MY FUTURE. BUT ACCORDING TO MESSED UP MY FUTURE. BUT ACCORDING TO MESSED UP MY FUTURE. BUT ACCORDING TO THE FATHER, I'VE GOT I'M GOING TO THE FATHER, I'VE GOT I'M GOING TO THE FATHER, I'VE GOT I'M GOING TO EXPERIENCE HIS grace today and EXPERIENCE HIS grace today and EXPERIENCE HIS grace today and experience WHAT GOD CAN DO. ACCORDING TO experience WHAT GOD CAN DO. ACCORDING TO experience WHAT GOD CAN DO. ACCORDING TO MY FATHER, HE WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY FATHER, HE WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY FATHER, HE WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME. BUT ACCORDING TO THE FATHER, HE'S ME. BUT ACCORDING TO THE FATHER, HE'S ME. BUT ACCORDING TO THE FATHER, HE'S GOT A plan for my life. Hallelujah. This judged tribe was given grace and This judged tribe was given grace and God commanded it. But here is what the God commanded it. But here is what the God commanded it. But here is what the turnaround was. This is the part I want turnaround was. This is the part I want turnaround was. This is the part I want to tell you. The c the it was as if this to tell you. The c the it was as if this to tell you. The c the it was as if this curse that Jacob scratched into the curse that Jacob scratched into the curse that Jacob scratched into the heart and soul of Levi was reversed in heart and soul of Levi was reversed in heart and soul of Levi was reversed in Exodus 32. It started in Genesis 34. The Exodus 32. It started in Genesis 34. The Exodus 32. It started in Genesis 34. The grace comes in Joshua 21. But packed in grace comes in Joshua 21. But packed in grace comes in Joshua 21. But packed in there, and this is what I'll close with there, and this is what I'll close with there, and this is what I'll close with today, is Exodus 32. Some of you are today, is Exodus 32. Some of you are today, is Exodus 32. Some of you are looking at the clock going. 11:30, he's looking at the clock going. 11:30, he's looking at the clock going. 11:30, he's closing. We all know what it means.
closing. We all know what it means. closing. We all know what it means. Nothing. Levi. Yeah, I have one person saying, Levi. Yeah, I have one person saying, "Thank you, Lord." And the others are "Thank you, Lord." And the others are "Thank you, Lord." And the others are all Levi. all Levi. all Levi. Levi was a fighter. This is a man with Levi was a fighter. This is a man with Levi was a fighter. This is a man with uncontrolled rage. But Levi in Exodus 32 uncontrolled rage. But Levi in Exodus 32 uncontrolled rage. But Levi in Exodus 32 got the fight right. That that that that got the fight right. That that that that got the fight right. That that that that fury inside of him. It was when when not fury inside of him. It was when when not fury inside of him. It was when when not given over to God, the fury turns into given over to God, the fury turns into given over to God, the fury turns into revenge, road rage, bitterness. But when revenge, road rage, bitterness. But when revenge, road rage, bitterness. But when it's given over to God, it could become it's given over to God, it could become it's given over to God, it could become a righteous anger. It could become the a righteous anger. It could become the a righteous anger. It could become the turning over of the tables that Jesus turning over of the tables that Jesus turning over of the tables that Jesus began to do in the temple. And this fury began to do in the temple. And this fury began to do in the temple. And this fury would turn into a righteous anger. It's would turn into a righteous anger. It's would turn into a righteous anger. It's the story. Exodus 32 is the story of the story. Exodus 32 is the story of the story. Exodus 32 is the story of Aaron making a golden calf to be Aaron making a golden calf to be Aaron making a golden calf to be worshiped right after the crossing of worshiped right after the crossing of worshiped right after the crossing of the Red Sea. And here in this horrible the Red Sea. And here in this horrible the Red Sea. And here in this horrible darkness of watching the children of darkness of watching the children of darkness of watching the children of Israel fall into idolatry, the shining Israel fall into idolatry, the shining Israel fall into idolatry, the shining light comes out. It's Levi. But now the light comes out. It's Levi. But now the light comes out. It's Levi. But now the anger is used righteously. Instead of anger is used righteously. Instead of anger is used righteously. Instead of revenge filling Levi's heart, a revenge filling Levi's heart, a revenge filling Levi's heart, a righteous anger did. It was the anger of righteous anger did. It was the anger of righteous anger did. It was the anger of Jesus turning over tables in the Jesus turning over tables in the Jesus turning over tables in the Gospels. And Levi was used by God to not Gospels. And Levi was used by God to not Gospels. And Levi was used by God to not murder innocent people in a city, but to murder innocent people in a city, but to murder innocent people in a city, but to go after 3,000 idol worshippers in go after 3,000 idol worshippers in go after 3,000 idol worshippers in Israel. And Levi was about to experience Israel. And Levi was about to experience Israel. And Levi was about to experience something that CS Lewis talked about at something that CS Lewis talked about at something that CS Lewis talked about at age 53. This would be his age 53 moment.
age 53. This would be his age 53 moment. age 53. This would be his age 53 moment. This would be the moment in Exodus 32 This would be the moment in Exodus 32 This would be the moment in Exodus 32 that he would turn over the test and all that he would turn over the test and all that he would turn over the test and all the answers would be there and you get the answers would be there and you get the answers would be there and you get an A on a test that you didn't even an A on a test that you didn't even an A on a test that you didn't even deserve. The tribe that heard from their deserve. The tribe that heard from their deserve. The tribe that heard from their father that their future would be father that their future would be father that their future would be darkened because of their anger would darkened because of their anger would darkened because of their anger would now see a breakthrough. And God did now see a breakthrough. And God did now see a breakthrough. And God did something for Levi in Exodus 32. Let me something for Levi in Exodus 32. Let me something for Levi in Exodus 32. Let me show you this grace that happens here. show you this grace that happens here. show you this grace that happens here. Look at verse 25. Look at verse 25. Look at verse 25. Moses saw the people were simply running Moses saw the people were simply running Moses saw the people were simply running wild. Aaron had let them run wild, wild. Aaron had let them run wild, wild. Aaron had let them run wild, disgracing themselves before their disgracing themselves before their disgracing themselves before their enemies. He took up a position at the enemies. He took up a position at the enemies. He took up a position at the entrance of the camp and said, "Whoever entrance of the camp and said, "Whoever entrance of the camp and said, "Whoever is on the L on God's side, join me." And is on the L on God's side, join me." And is on the L on God's side, join me." And all the Levites all the Levites all the Levites stepped up. And all of a sudden, then stepped up. And all of a sudden, then stepped up. And all of a sudden, then Moses told the Levites, "Today you have Moses told the Levites, "Today you have Moses told the Levites, "Today you have ordained yourselves for the service of ordained yourselves for the service of ordained yourselves for the service of the Lord, for you obeyed him, even the Lord, for you obeyed him, even the Lord, for you obeyed him, even though it meant killing your own sons though it meant killing your own sons though it meant killing your own sons and brothers. Now he will give you a and brothers. Now he will give you a and brothers. Now he will give you a great blessing."
great blessing." great blessing." >> That what you were cursed with, now God >> That what you were cursed with, now God >> That what you were cursed with, now God is going to use you. You came to the is going to use you. You came to the is going to use you. You came to the Lord's side. You made a decision to Lord's side. You made a decision to Lord's side. You made a decision to cross over. And what was seemingly cross over. And what was seemingly cross over. And what was seemingly etched in your heart and soul that you'd etched in your heart and soul that you'd etched in your heart and soul that you'd be nothing, that you will not inherit be nothing, that you will not inherit be nothing, that you will not inherit any land, something is about to happen. any land, something is about to happen. any land, something is about to happen. The great blessing would be the The great blessing would be the The great blessing would be the priesthood. 48 cities in the new priesthood. 48 cities in the new priesthood. 48 cities in the new promised land and the word of God promised land and the word of God promised land and the word of God winning over the curse of a father. That winning over the curse of a father. That winning over the curse of a father. That grace would win. Sin's results are grace would win. Sin's results are grace would win. Sin's results are devastating, but the grace of God is devastating, but the grace of God is devastating, but the grace of God is greater. As I heard someone say, we can greater. As I heard someone say, we can greater. As I heard someone say, we can never sink so far that God's grace will never sink so far that God's grace will never sink so far that God's grace will not reach us. And at the same time, not reach us. And at the same time, not reach us. And at the same time, grace does not leave us there. It raises grace does not leave us there. It raises grace does not leave us there. It raises us up to new heights. And something is us up to new heights. And something is us up to new heights. And something is about to raise this man up to new about to raise this man up to new about to raise this man up to new heights. That Joshua 21:45 is true. Not heights. That Joshua 21:45 is true. Not heights. That Joshua 21:45 is true. Not one word failed from all the good words one word failed from all the good words one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of Israel. God spoke to the house of Israel. God spoke to the house of Israel. Everything came out right because it's Everything came out right because it's Everything came out right because it's God's word. Everything came out right.
God's word. Everything came out right. God's word. Everything came out right. I was reading in Ron Davis's book. It's I was reading in Ron Davis's book. It's I was reading in Ron Davis's book. It's called for a forgiving God in an called for a forgiving God in an called for a forgiving God in an unforgiving world. And he tells this unforgiving world. And he tells this unforgiving world. And he tells this story about a priest from the story about a priest from the story about a priest from the Philippines. Philippines. Philippines. This priest had carried a weight of a This priest had carried a weight of a This priest had carried a weight of a particular sin that's never mentioned particular sin that's never mentioned particular sin that's never mentioned that plagued his conscience for years that plagued his conscience for years that plagued his conscience for years that something got etched on his heart that something got etched on his heart that something got etched on his heart and he could not bring himself to and he could not bring himself to and he could not bring himself to effective ministry because this he effective ministry because this he effective ministry because this he hasn't experienced grace. could speak hasn't experienced grace. could speak hasn't experienced grace. could speak about grace. He can write about grace. He can write about grace. He can write about grace but never had that age 53 about grace but never had that age 53 about grace but never had that age 53 CS Lewis experienced never had the turn CS Lewis experienced never had the turn CS Lewis experienced never had the turn over the test and see the miracle of the over the test and see the miracle of the over the test and see the miracle of the creator of the test said that the this creator of the test said that the this creator of the test said that the this pastor carried the weight of one pastor carried the weight of one pastor carried the weight of one particular sin that plagued his particular sin that plagued his particular sin that plagued his conscience for years. said he he I conscience for years. said he he I conscience for years. said he he I repented multiple times, but I couldn't repented multiple times, but I couldn't repented multiple times, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was still shake the feeling that I was still shake the feeling that I was still unforgiven, that God was still angry, unforgiven, that God was still angry, unforgiven, that God was still angry, that God that my future was sealed, that that God that my future was sealed, that that God that my future was sealed, that there was no hope for my future. He said there was no hope for my future. He said there was no hope for my future. He said at one point in his ministry, he hit the at one point in his ministry, he hit the at one point in his ministry, he hit the lowest point and he he he met a lady in lowest point and he he he met a lady in lowest point and he he he met a lady in his church that was a great prayer his church that was a great prayer his church that was a great prayer warrior and she claimed to just have warrior and she claimed to just have warrior and she claimed to just have these encounters with Jesus and he was these encounters with Jesus and he was these encounters with Jesus and he was always skeptical about it because his always skeptical about it because his always skeptical about it because his own his own life was covered with guilt.
own his own life was covered with guilt. own his own life was covered with guilt. His own life he felt so distant from His own life he felt so distant from His own life he felt so distant from God. So anybody would talk about having God. So anybody would talk about having God. So anybody would talk about having these these encounters with the Holy these these encounters with the Holy these these encounters with the Holy Spirit, he he kind of threw off. And so Spirit, he he kind of threw off. And so Spirit, he he kind of threw off. And so the priest was so skeptical, so he the priest was so skeptical, so he the priest was so skeptical, so he skeptical. So he decided to test her by skeptical. So he decided to test her by skeptical. So he decided to test her by saying, I put it on the screen. Their saying, I put it on the screen. Their saying, I put it on the screen. Their conversation says, "The next time you conversation says, "The next time you conversation says, "The next time you speak with Christ, I want you to ask him speak with Christ, I want you to ask him speak with Christ, I want you to ask him what sin your priest committed while he what sin your priest committed while he what sin your priest committed while he was in seminary." The woman agreed. A was in seminary." The woman agreed. A was in seminary." The woman agreed. A few days later, the priest asked, "Well, few days later, the priest asked, "Well, few days later, the priest asked, "Well, did Jesus visit you in your dreams?" And did Jesus visit you in your dreams?" And did Jesus visit you in your dreams?" And she she said, "Yes, he did." And she she she said, "Yes, he did." And she she she said, "Yes, he did." And she replied, "And did you ask him what sin I replied, "And did you ask him what sin I replied, "And did you ask him what sin I committed in seminary?" And she said, committed in seminary?" And she said, committed in seminary?" And she said, "Yes, he did." Well, what did he say? He "Yes, he did." Well, what did he say? He "Yes, he did." Well, what did he say? He said, "I don't remember." That's grace. I don't remember. As far That's grace. I don't remember. As far as the east is from the west, he as the east is from the west, he as the east is from the west, he forgives us of our sins. Hallelujah.
forgives us of our sins. Hallelujah. forgives us of our sins. Hallelujah. That's what happens. That makes me WANT That's what happens. That makes me WANT That's what happens. That makes me WANT TO SHOUT AND SAY HALLELUJAH FOR THE TO SHOUT AND SAY HALLELUJAH FOR THE TO SHOUT AND SAY HALLELUJAH FOR THE grace of God. Oh, I got I got a as the grace of God. Oh, I got I got a as the grace of God. Oh, I got I got a as the as the band comes, I got a special email as the band comes, I got a special email as the band comes, I got a special email from someone in New York City who many from someone in New York City who many from someone in New York City who many times can't be in church. And so she times can't be in church. And so she times can't be in church. And so she listens online in the subways because listens online in the subways because listens online in the subways because her job is she works in the subways her job is she works in the subways her job is she works in the subways sweeping the the the the platforms in sweeping the the the the platforms in sweeping the the the the platforms in the New York City subways. So, she said the New York City subways. So, she said the New York City subways. So, she said last week she had to or two weeks ago last week she had to or two weeks ago last week she had to or two weeks ago she had to put the broom down while she she had to put the broom down while she she had to put the broom down while she was sweeping to start clapping her hands was sweeping to start clapping her hands was sweeping to start clapping her hands during the worship service. She said she during the worship service. She said she during the worship service. She said she went to the break room and the Holy went to the break room and the Holy went to the break room and the Holy Spirit was so present as she's watching Spirit was so present as she's watching Spirit was so present as she's watching over her phone that she just started over her phone that she just started over her phone that she just started praising right there. Sweeping and praising right there. Sweeping and praising right there. Sweeping and praising, sweeping and praising, praising, sweeping and praising, praising, sweeping and praising, sweeping and praising. Well, I'm going sweeping and praising. Well, I'm going sweeping and praising. Well, I'm going to tell you what, Pam, get ready to to tell you what, Pam, get ready to to tell you what, Pam, get ready to praise him again because of the amazing praise him again because of the amazing praise him again because of the amazing grace of God that's going to begin to grace of God that's going to begin to grace of God that's going to begin to come. Get ready to rejoice. come. Get ready to rejoice. come. Get ready to rejoice. Remember Captain John's story who was Remember Captain John's story who was Remember Captain John's story who was destroyed WHO HAS DESTROYED HIS OWN destroyed WHO HAS DESTROYED HIS OWN destroyed WHO HAS DESTROYED HIS OWN SHECKCHUMS in West Africa.
SHECKCHUMS in West Africa. SHECKCHUMS in West Africa. And he had a moment like Levi did. But And he had a moment like Levi did. But And he had a moment like Levi did. But God God God would use a storm would be his Exodus 32 would use a storm would be his Exodus 32 would use a storm would be his Exodus 32 to get him back to God. And not only did to get him back to God. And not only did to get him back to God. And not only did it get him back to God, it would get him it get him back to God, it would get him it get him back to God, it would get him to serve in ministry like Levi who'd to serve in ministry like Levi who'd to serve in ministry like Levi who'd become the priest. become the priest. become the priest. Captain John would go into the ministry. Captain John would go into the ministry. Captain John would go into the ministry. Not long before he died, he wrote these Not long before he died, he wrote these Not long before he died, he wrote these great words. Though I am not what I great words. Though I am not what I great words. Though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor what I hope to be, I can truly say I am what I hope to be, I can truly say I am what I hope to be, I can truly say I am not what I once was, but by the grace of not what I once was, but by the grace of not what I once was, but by the grace of God. I am what I am today. By the grace God. I am what I am today. By the grace God. I am what I am today. By the grace of God. of God. of God. And Captain John who destroyed lives And Captain John who destroyed lives And Captain John who destroyed lives lives his sheck moment lives his sheck moment lives his sheck moment wrote these words when he experienced wrote these words when he experienced wrote these words when he experienced grace. He called it something in 1772 grace. He called it something in 1772 grace. He called it something in 1772 that we still call grace today. Captain that we still call grace today. Captain that we still call grace today. Captain John Newton wrote these words in a song John Newton wrote these words in a song John Newton wrote these words in a song to describe his 48 cities. This is what to describe his 48 cities. This is what to describe his 48 cities. This is what he wrote.
he wrote. he wrote. Amazing grace. Amazing grace. Amazing grace. How sweet the sounds. This is an How sweet the sounds. This is an How sweet the sounds. This is an ex-slave traitor THAT SAVED A WRETCH ex-slave traitor THAT SAVED A WRETCH ex-slave traitor THAT SAVED A WRETCH like me. Let me just stop there on that like me. Let me just stop there on that like me. Let me just stop there on that wretch part. There are people trying to wretch part. There are people trying to wretch part. There are people trying to change that word in our himnels and change that word in our himnels and change that word in our himnels and they're trying to put in there that they're trying to put in there that they're trying to put in there that saves someone like me. DON'T RE IF saves someone like me. DON'T RE IF saves someone like me. DON'T RE IF SOMEONE CHANGED IT in your himnil, don't SOMEONE CHANGED IT in your himnil, don't SOMEONE CHANGED IT in your himnil, don't go to that church. I'm telling you right go to that church. I'm telling you right go to that church. I'm telling you right now, get out of that church. If they now, get out of that church. If they now, get out of that church. If they change wretch to someone, they got it change wretch to someone, they got it change wretch to someone, they got it all wrong because then they don't all wrong because then they don't all wrong because then they don't believe in a great savior that saved a believe in a great savior that saved a believe in a great savior that saved a great sinner like us. SO HE DIDN'T JUST great sinner like us. SO HE DIDN'T JUST great sinner like us. SO HE DIDN'T JUST SAVE SOMEONE. HE SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME. SAVE SOMEONE. HE SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME. SAVE SOMEONE. HE SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME. ANY OTHER WRETCHES IN THIS PLACE THAT ANY OTHER WRETCHES IN THIS PLACE THAT ANY OTHER WRETCHES IN THIS PLACE THAT HAVE been saved? SO IF THAT HIMNIL, OPEN HAVE been saved? SO IF THAT HIMNIL, OPEN HAVE been saved? SO IF THAT HIMNIL, OPEN UP, LOOK IN THE BACK AND FIND AMAZING UP, LOOK IN THE BACK AND FIND AMAZING UP, LOOK IN THE BACK AND FIND AMAZING GRACE. AND IF THEY'VE GOT ONE OF THOSE GRACE. AND IF THEY'VE GOT ONE OF THOSE GRACE. AND IF THEY'VE GOT ONE OF THOSE UPDATED HIMNELS THAT PULLED OUT WRETCH UPDATED HIMNELS THAT PULLED OUT WRETCH UPDATED HIMNELS THAT PULLED OUT WRETCH SO IT DOESN'T OFFEND ANYBODY, I'M SO IT DOESN'T OFFEND ANYBODY, I'M SO IT DOESN'T OFFEND ANYBODY, I'M OFFENDED AT THAT. GET OUT OF THAT OFFENDED AT THAT. GET OUT OF THAT OFFENDED AT THAT. GET OUT OF THAT CHURCH. AND WHEN THEY ASK YOU WHY YOU CHURCH. AND WHEN THEY ASK YOU WHY YOU CHURCH. AND WHEN THEY ASK YOU WHY YOU LEAVING, TELL THEM PASTOR TIM TOLD YOU. SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME. I ONCE WAS LOST, SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME. I ONCE WAS LOST, BUT NOW I'M FOUND. COME ON. Was blind.
WAS GRACE THAT TAUGHT MY HEART TO FEAR. WAS GRACE THAT TAUGHT MY HEART TO FEAR. AND GRACE MY FEARS RELIEVE. HOW PRECIOUS AND GRACE MY FEARS RELIEVE. HOW PRECIOUS AND GRACE MY FEARS RELIEVE. HOW PRECIOUS DID THAT GRACE APPEAR. THE HOUR I first DID THAT GRACE APPEAR. THE HOUR I first DID THAT GRACE APPEAR. THE HOUR I first believe. AND ALL THIS PART WHEN WE'VE believe. AND ALL THIS PART WHEN WE'VE believe. AND ALL THIS PART WHEN WE'VE BEEN THERE 10,000 YEARS, BRIGHT, SHINING BEEN THERE 10,000 YEARS, BRIGHT, SHINING BEEN THERE 10,000 YEARS, BRIGHT, SHINING AS THE SUN, WE'VE NO LESS DAYS TO SING AS THE SUN, WE'VE NO LESS DAYS TO SING AS THE SUN, WE'VE NO LESS DAYS TO SING GOD'S PRAISE THAN WHEN WE first begun. GOD'S PRAISE THAN WHEN WE first begun. GOD'S PRAISE THAN WHEN WE first begun. Hallelujah. >> JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THERE WAS NO HOPE >> JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THERE WAS NO HOPE for your future, here comes God's grace. for your future, here comes God's grace. for your future, here comes God's grace. >> HERE COMES AMAZING GRACE. HALLELUJAH. >> HERE COMES AMAZING GRACE. HALLELUJAH. >> HERE COMES AMAZING GRACE. HALLELUJAH. >> Stand with me today. >> Stand with me today. >> Stand with me today. >> Hallelujah. >> How sweet >> How sweet the sound. Come on, you sing it. that the sound. Come on, you sing it. that the sound. Come on, you sing it. that save my my >> Come on, lift those hands and say, "I >> Come on, lift those hands and say, "I >> Come on, lift those hands and say, "I once was lost." Tell them right now.
once was lost." Tell them right now. once was lost." Tell them right now. >> I >> I >> I was lost, was lost, was lost, but now but now but now I'm found. I'm found. I'm found. Was blind, Was blind, Was blind, but Can we kick it up? Come on. Come in but Can we kick it up? Come on. Come in but Can we kick it up? Come on. Come in with me. Come on. Come on, man. Come on. with me. Come on. Come on, man. Come on. with me. Come on. Come on, man. Come on. Towards grace. Towards grace. Come on. Towards grace. Towards grace. Come on. Towards grace. Towards grace. Come on. Towards grace >> How precious. Hallelujah. >> How precious. Hallelujah. How great How great How great is is is that? >> And my favorite part >> And my favorite part >> when we've been there. Come on.
>> when we've been there. Come on. >> when we've been there. Come on. Hallelujah. When to Sing to Sing God >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Just when you thought there was no hope Just when you thought there was no hope for your future, here comes grace. for your future, here comes grace. for your future, here comes grace. Just when you thought, I've messed up so Just when you thought, I've messed up so Just when you thought, I've messed up so badly, here comes grace.
badly, here comes grace. badly, here comes grace. Not just grace, but amazing grace. >> Have you had one of those seasons, one >> Have you had one of those seasons, one of those days, one of those moments of those days, one of those moments of those days, one of those moments where you feel like you forfeited your where you feel like you forfeited your where you feel like you forfeited your whole future whole future whole future where you felt like I've messed up where you felt like I've messed up where you felt like I've messed up everything. everything. everything. Just like Levi, you had your Shecha Just like Levi, you had your Shecha Just like Levi, you had your Shecha moment, a Captain John on that ship. You moment, a Captain John on that ship. You moment, a Captain John on that ship. You would think these men have messed up would think these men have messed up would think these men have messed up families. They're responsible for families. They're responsible for families. They're responsible for murders. the responsible. Think about murders. the responsible. Think about murders. the responsible. Think about this. Captain John putting people in this. Captain John putting people in this. Captain John putting people in chains. Levi, who would be a priest one chains. Levi, who would be a priest one chains. Levi, who would be a priest one day, killing people, a hundred people. day, killing people, a hundred people. day, killing people, a hundred people. And God goes, I'm going to make you a And God goes, I'm going to make you a And God goes, I'm going to make you a priest. priest. priest. >> Captain John, I'm going to make you a >> Captain John, I'm going to make you a >> Captain John, I'm going to make you a pastor one day. I'm going to give you a pastor one day. I'm going to give you a pastor one day. I'm going to give you a song that they're going to sing hundreds song that they're going to sing hundreds song that they're going to sing hundreds of years later of years later of years later to remind themselves of the amazing to remind themselves of the amazing to remind themselves of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. grace of Jesus Christ. grace of Jesus Christ. So I tell you today, So I tell you today, So I tell you today, don't let people mark your soul.
don't let people mark your soul. don't let people mark your soul. >> Let God's word mark your soul. Don't let >> Let God's word mark your soul. Don't let >> Let God's word mark your soul. Don't let people mark your soul. They would come people mark your soul. They would come people mark your soul. They would come in. I I challenge you fathers. You speak in. I I challenge you fathers. You speak in. I I challenge you fathers. You speak words of life to those kids. They're wet words of life to those kids. They're wet words of life to those kids. They're wet cement right now. Speak words of life to cement right now. Speak words of life to cement right now. Speak words of life to them to think of Jacob's words. I don't them to think of Jacob's words. I don't them to think of Jacob's words. I don't want anything to do with you. I'm going want anything to do with you. I'm going want anything to do with you. I'm going to spread you like confetti. you. So the to spread you like confetti. you. So the to spread you like confetti. you. So the father that said you'll have nothing, father that said you'll have nothing, father that said you'll have nothing, you will you'll be spread all over the you will you'll be spread all over the you will you'll be spread all over the place, God not only redeemed that and place, God not only redeemed that and place, God not only redeemed that and said I'm going to take the city it all said I'm going to take the city it all said I'm going to take the city it all happened in. And instead of that city happened in. And instead of that city happened in. And instead of that city controlling you, you're going to walk controlling you, you're going to walk controlling you, you're going to walk into that city knowing it's the grace of into that city knowing it's the grace of into that city knowing it's the grace of God that put you there. Can I just tell God that put you there. Can I just tell God that put you there. Can I just tell you, some of you are in a city right you, some of you are in a city right you, some of you are in a city right now. You're in this city right now. This now. You're in this city right now. This now. You're in this city right now. This city right now. And for some of you, it city right now. And for some of you, it city right now. And for some of you, it messed up your life. messed up your life. messed up your life. It messed up your life. Something got It messed up your life. Something got It messed up your life. Something got carved into your soul. But I'm here to carved into your soul. But I'm here to carved into your soul. But I'm here to tell you, there's amazing grace. There's tell you, there's amazing grace. There's tell you, there's amazing grace. There's amazing grace that begins to come. That amazing grace that begins to come. That amazing grace that begins to come. That God begins to do this. God begins to God begins to do this. God begins to God begins to do this. God begins to come. That season that you thought, "How come. That season that you thought, "How come. That season that you thought, "How could God even use me?
could God even use me? could God even use me? What I've done, What I've done, What I've done, how I've hurt people." how I've hurt people." how I've hurt people." And I can tell you, you could probably And I can tell you, you could probably And I can tell you, you could probably talk about grace, but maybe you haven't talk about grace, but maybe you haven't talk about grace, but maybe you haven't experienced the grace of God today. experienced the grace of God today. experienced the grace of God today. That's why there's something better than That's why there's something better than That's why there's something better than 48 cities to you. The son of God is 48 cities to you. The son of God is 48 cities to you. The son of God is waiting for you. waiting for you. waiting for you. Just before Jacob died, he curses his Just before Jacob died, he curses his Just before Jacob died, he curses his own son. His two sons, nothing to do own son. His two sons, nothing to do own son. His two sons, nothing to do with you. with you. with you. You'll get nothing. You'll get nothing. You'll get nothing. And just before John Newton died at 82, And just before John Newton died at 82, And just before John Newton died at 82, he wrote these words. He says, "My he wrote these words. He says, "My he wrote these words. He says, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember memory is nearly gone, but I remember memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things. I'm a great sinner and that two things. I'm a great sinner and that two things. I'm a great sinner and that Christ is a great savior. He says, Christ is a great savior. He says, Christ is a great savior. He says, "That's what I remember." Can I tell "That's what I remember." Can I tell "That's what I remember." Can I tell you, if you're going to remember you, if you're going to remember you, if you're going to remember anything, remember that. If you're going anything, remember that. If you're going anything, remember that. If you're going to if you could forget all the names you to if you could forget all the names you to if you could forget all the names you want, forget everything you want. It's want, forget everything you want. It's want, forget everything you want. It's okay. Just remember those two things. okay. Just remember those two things. okay. Just remember those two things. I'm a great sinner, but I have a great I'm a great sinner, but I have a great I'm a great sinner, but I have a great savior today.
Some of you have been stuck Some of you have been stuck because of what's been carved on your because of what's been carved on your because of what's been carved on your soul. soul. soul. You feel like your future is gone. You You feel like your future is gone. You You feel like your future is gone. You feel like, man, there's nothing because feel like, man, there's nothing because feel like, man, there's nothing because of this was said to me, my mom, my my of this was said to me, my mom, my my of this was said to me, my mom, my my teacher. teacher. teacher. I have friends that have gone to Bible I have friends that have gone to Bible I have friends that have gone to Bible school that that people have looked at school that that people have looked at school that that people have looked at them and saying, "You will never be them and saying, "You will never be them and saying, "You will never be anything. You will never be anything." anything. You will never be anything." anything. You will never be anything." I'm here to tell you I'm here to tell you I'm here to tell you that that person has never experienced that that person has never experienced that that person has never experienced the amazing grace of God. Can I just the amazing grace of God. Can I just the amazing grace of God. Can I just tell you for all those that are watching tell you for all those that are watching tell you for all those that are watching maybe sitting here today, whether you maybe sitting here today, whether you maybe sitting here today, whether you teach at our seminaries or you teach at teach at our seminaries or you teach at teach at our seminaries or you teach at our Bible school, listen to me today. our Bible school, listen to me today. our Bible school, listen to me today. Don't just teach on grace. Don't just teach on grace. Don't just teach on grace. Let those young people experience grace Let those young people experience grace Let those young people experience grace today. today. today. But if you're here today, But if you're here today, But if you're here today, a Christian or not a Christian, I'll a Christian or not a Christian, I'll a Christian or not a Christian, I'll talk to non-Christians at the end. But talk to non-Christians at the end. But talk to non-Christians at the end. But if you're here today and say, if you're here today and say, if you're here today and say, "I'm stuck. I need to experience grace. "I'm stuck. I need to experience grace. "I'm stuck. I need to experience grace. I know stuff, but I I need to know. I I know stuff, but I I need to know. I I know stuff, but I I need to know. I need to know that my future my future is need to know that my future my future is need to know that my future my future is in God's hands." Not the words that are in God's hands." Not the words that are in God's hands." Not the words that are put on the cement of my soul.
put on the cement of my soul. put on the cement of my soul. When you surrender your heart to God, When you surrender your heart to God, When you surrender your heart to God, the Bible promises he makes it soft the Bible promises he makes it soft the Bible promises he makes it soft again. He makes it soft again. He takes again. He makes it soft again. He takes again. He makes it soft again. He takes the hard heart and he makes it soft the hard heart and he makes it soft the hard heart and he makes it soft again. Why soft? So it can be again. Why soft? So it can be again. Why soft? So it can be reintroduced to the right words. reintroduced to the right words. reintroduced to the right words. Reintroduced to truth that maybe was Reintroduced to truth that maybe was Reintroduced to truth that maybe was never spoken over your life. never spoken over your life. never spoken over your life. Reintroduced to God's word. That's why Reintroduced to God's word. That's why Reintroduced to God's word. That's why Levi kept saying, "The Lord commanded. Levi kept saying, "The Lord commanded. Levi kept saying, "The Lord commanded. Give me my property. The Lord commanded. Give me my property. The Lord commanded. Give me my property. The Lord commanded. I got 48 cities coming to me. The Lord I got 48 cities coming to me. The Lord I got 48 cities coming to me. The Lord command." Those are always good things command." Those are always good things command." Those are always good things to say. The Lord said this. The Lord to say. The Lord said this. The Lord to say. The Lord said this. The Lord said this. The Lord said this. said this. The Lord said this. said this. The Lord said this. And today I want grace just to come. And And today I want grace just to come. And And today I want grace just to come. And some of you are here, balcony, main some of you are here, balcony, main some of you are here, balcony, main floor, online, we'll pray for you. So floor, online, we'll pray for you. So floor, online, we'll pray for you. So don't don't just leave. But if you're don't don't just leave. But if you're don't don't just leave. But if you're here today, here today, here today, just when you thought there was no hope, just when you thought there was no hope, just when you thought there was no hope, just when you thought there was no just when you thought there was no just when you thought there was no future, just when you thought you were future, just when you thought you were future, just when you thought you were stuck, here comes amazing grace. stuck, here comes amazing grace. stuck, here comes amazing grace. As we sing this, As we sing this, As we sing this, you may have had your Genesis 34 moment.
you may have had your Genesis 34 moment. you may have had your Genesis 34 moment. what what I did in that city, what what I did in that city, what what I did in that city, what I did in Sheckchum, what I did in Sheckchum, what I did in Sheckchum, what I did on that ship what I did on that ship what I did on that ship that Captain John talks about. And for that Captain John talks about. And for that Captain John talks about. And for some of you, it's what I did on that some of you, it's what I did on that some of you, it's what I did on that cruise ship. And God's going, "Bring cruise ship. And God's going, "Bring cruise ship. And God's going, "Bring that to me. Experience grace. Experience that to me. Experience grace. Experience that to me. Experience grace. Experience grace today." Grace. You can't fix this. grace today." Grace. You can't fix this. grace today." Grace. You can't fix this. Do you understand? You can't fix it Do you understand? You can't fix it Do you understand? You can't fix it yourself. Or let me say it to you this yourself. Or let me say it to you this yourself. Or let me say it to you this way. You can't buy sneakers to fix this way. You can't buy sneakers to fix this way. You can't buy sneakers to fix this issue that's going on. You can put those issue that's going on. You can put those issue that's going on. You can put those Nikes on and you're still going to face Nikes on and you're still going to face Nikes on and you're still going to face that stuff. Don't Don't buy those Nike that stuff. Don't Don't buy those Nike that stuff. Don't Don't buy those Nike sneakers. Experience grace. I may buy sneakers. Experience grace. I may buy sneakers. Experience grace. I may buy them just to just to show people they them just to just to show people they them just to just to show people they don't work, but just to say don't work, but just to say don't work, but just to say I'm going to show them. I'm going to go I'm going to show them. I'm going to go I'm going to show them. I'm going to go bubble bottoms bubble bottoms bubble bottoms or Jesus. This is going to be one of or Jesus. This is going to be one of or Jesus. This is going to be one of those two. It's going to going to do those two. It's going to going to do those two. It's going to going to do because they say if they if you walk on because they say if they if you walk on because they say if they if you walk on them, it affects your brain and you can them, it affects your brain and you can them, it affects your brain and you can get rid of the anxiety. I have anxiety get rid of the anxiety. I have anxiety get rid of the anxiety. I have anxiety just watching the commercial. And so if just watching the commercial. And so if just watching the commercial. And so if you're here today and just say, we're you're here today and just say, we're you're here today and just say, we're going to sing this. We're going to sing going to sing this. We're going to sing going to sing this. We're going to sing Amazing Grace, that first verse. If Amazing Grace, that first verse. If Amazing Grace, that first verse. If you're here today and say, "Pastor Tim, you're here today and say, "Pastor Tim, you're here today and say, "Pastor Tim, I felt like my future has been in I felt like my future has been in I felt like my future has been in cement, but today I need to experience cement, but today I need to experience cement, but today I need to experience grace. Balcony made me." Get down to grace. Balcony made me." Get down to grace. Balcony made me." Get down to this altar. I just want to pray for you this altar. I just want to pray for you this altar. I just want to pray for you today. Quickly get out of your seat and today. Quickly get out of your seat and today. Quickly get out of your seat and just say, "I want grace. I want my just say, "I want grace. I want my just say, "I want grace. I want my future in God's hands. Come on. As we future in God's hands. Come on. As we future in God's hands. Come on. As we sing this song, you begin. You begin sing this song, you begin. You begin sing this song, you begin. You begin just to come down.
just to come down. just to come down. >> Singraise. How sweet How sweet the sound the sound the sound that I I once I I once was lost, was lost, was lost, but now but now but now I'm found. I'm found. I'm found. Was blind, Was blind, Was blind, but now but now but now I see. was grace. was grace. Was grace Was grace Was grace that that that my heart my heart my heart to fear to fear to fear and grace and grace and grace my fears my fears my fears re.
I pray I pray just in just in just in that grace that grace that grace appear >> could you look at me just for a moment >> could you look at me just for a moment let me just talk to you for a second I let me just talk to you for a second I let me just talk to you for a second I don't know what sheckchum is for you I don't know what sheckchum is for you I don't know what sheckchum is for you I don't I don't know what that what that don't I don't know what that what that don't I don't know what that what that means for some of you some of you can means for some of you some of you can means for some of you some of you can tell a whole story that would just tell a whole story that would just tell a whole story that would just maybe shock people. maybe shock people. maybe shock people. When you come to God and you you you lay When you come to God and you you you lay When you come to God and you you you lay before him, sheckchum, you lay it and before him, sheckchum, you lay it and before him, sheckchum, you lay it and you just go, "God, this is it. Is it you just go, "God, this is it. Is it you just go, "God, this is it. Is it what you thought was going to disqualify what you thought was going to disqualify what you thought was going to disqualify you and you lay it before him?" you and you lay it before him?" you and you lay it before him?" What a word to come before Jesus and What a word to come before Jesus and What a word to come before Jesus and say, "Remember what I did in Sheckchum?" say, "Remember what I did in Sheckchum?" say, "Remember what I did in Sheckchum?" and to hear the words, "I don't remember and to hear the words, "I don't remember and to hear the words, "I don't remember because I just forgave your sin as far because I just forgave your sin as far because I just forgave your sin as far as the east is from the west." And some as the east is from the west." And some as the east is from the west." And some of you may feel like, "Do you understand of you may feel like, "Do you understand of you may feel like, "Do you understand what I did? Do you understand what I've what I did? Do you understand what I've what I did? Do you understand what I've put myself through?" I've watched it.
put myself through?" I've watched it. put myself through?" I've watched it. I've seen it with people. I've seen it. I've seen it with people. I've seen it. I've seen it with people. I've seen it. I've I've talked with people that that I've I've talked with people that that I've I've talked with people that that where God where God has has done where God where God has has done where God where God has has done miracles in their life and and and miracles in their life and and and miracles in their life and and and because they wouldn't trust even the because they wouldn't trust even the because they wouldn't trust even the gender that God made them, gender that God made them, gender that God made them, they would begin to find themselves they would begin to find themselves they would begin to find themselves trying to reverse that and going, "Can trying to reverse that and going, "Can trying to reverse that and going, "Can God even forgive me of?" Yes. God even forgive me of?" Yes. God even forgive me of?" Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, he can forgive. Do you know why? Yes, he can forgive. Do you know why? Yes, he can forgive. Do you know why? Because the Bible says this, that he Because the Bible says this, that he Because the Bible says this, that he doesn't pay us back for what our sins doesn't pay us back for what our sins doesn't pay us back for what our sins deserve. deserve. deserve. He doesn't. Can I just tell you if he He doesn't. Can I just tell you if he He doesn't. Can I just tell you if he gives me what we deserve, we're all in gives me what we deserve, we're all in gives me what we deserve, we're all in trouble today. trouble today. trouble today. >> But he is an amazing gracegiving God. >> But he is an amazing gracegiving God. >> But he is an amazing gracegiving God. And so just for a moment, would you just And so just for a moment, would you just And so just for a moment, would you just raise your hand and just say, "God, I raise your hand and just say, "God, I raise your hand and just say, "God, I thank you for forgiveness today." And thank you for forgiveness today." And thank you for forgiveness today." And say, "I thank you for grace today." Tell say, "I thank you for grace today." Tell say, "I thank you for grace today." Tell them right now and just say, "God, what them right now and just say, "God, what them right now and just say, "God, what has been carved into my soul, I'm asking has been carved into my soul, I'm asking has been carved into my soul, I'm asking God, carve your words. Carve the word of God, carve your words. Carve the word of God, carve your words. Carve the word of God into my soul and heart today. God, God into my soul and heart today. God, God into my soul and heart today. God, I'm praying as you begin to speak new I'm praying as you begin to speak new I'm praying as you begin to speak new words over their lives, new words over words over their lives, new words over words over their lives, new words over their souls that begins to say, "You're their souls that begins to say, "You're their souls that begins to say, "You're mine. I forgive you. I don't remember. I mine. I forgive you. I don't remember. I mine. I forgive you. I don't remember. I have I have I have forgiven your sins as have I have I have forgiven your sins as have I have I have forgiven your sins as far as the east is from the west." And far as the east is from the west." And far as the east is from the west." And God, today is a day to not just know the God, today is a day to not just know the God, today is a day to not just know the word grace, unmmerited favor. No, no, word grace, unmmerited favor. No, no, word grace, unmmerited favor. No, no, no, no, no. This is a day to experience no, no, no. This is a day to experience no, no, no. This is a day to experience grace. It's a day for God to come with grace. It's a day for God to come with grace. It's a day for God to come with his power and say, "You're my son. and his power and say, "You're my son. and his power and say, "You're my son. and you're my daughter. To say no matter
you're my daughter. To say no matter you're my daughter. To say no matter what Sheckchum was or what that what Sheckchum was or what that what Sheckchum was or what that slaveship was that Captain John or Levi, slaveship was that Captain John or Levi, slaveship was that Captain John or Levi, whatever those things were, we say in whatever those things were, we say in whatever those things were, we say in Jesus' name, you can turn murderers into Jesus' name, you can turn murderers into Jesus' name, you can turn murderers into ministers. You can turn adulterers into ministers. You can turn adulterers into ministers. You can turn adulterers into missionaries. You can you can change missionaries. You can you can change missionaries. You can you can change people's lives, oh God. That Father, we people's lives, oh God. That Father, we people's lives, oh God. That Father, we believe this morning FOR A CHANGE. NOT believe this morning FOR A CHANGE. NOT believe this morning FOR A CHANGE. NOT JUST HERE AT 51ST AND BROADWAY, BUT EVEN JUST HERE AT 51ST AND BROADWAY, BUT EVEN JUST HERE AT 51ST AND BROADWAY, BUT EVEN AROUND THE WORLD, THOSE WATCHING in Asia AROUND THE WORLD, THOSE WATCHING in Asia AROUND THE WORLD, THOSE WATCHING in Asia and Africa, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, and Africa, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, and Africa, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, THOSE WATCHING IN NORTH AMERICA, come THOSE WATCHING IN NORTH AMERICA, come THOSE WATCHING IN NORTH AMERICA, come and change OUR LIVES TODAY ALL OVER and change OUR LIVES TODAY ALL OVER and change OUR LIVES TODAY ALL OVER EUROPE. Oh God, no matter WHAT WE HAVE EUROPE. Oh God, no matter WHAT WE HAVE EUROPE. Oh God, no matter WHAT WE HAVE GIVEN OURSELVES TO, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. WE GIVEN OURSELVES TO, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. WE GIVEN OURSELVES TO, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. WE NEED GRACE. NEED GRACE. NEED GRACE. >> I DON'T JUST NEED GOD TO KNOW HOW TO >> I DON'T JUST NEED GOD TO KNOW HOW TO >> I DON'T JUST NEED GOD TO KNOW HOW TO WRITE THE ANSWER ON a test. I need to WRITE THE ANSWER ON a test. I need to WRITE THE ANSWER ON a test. I need to experience it today. So, Father, I'm experience it today. So, Father, I'm experience it today. So, Father, I'm praying SEND GRACE. SEND AMAZING grace praying SEND GRACE. SEND AMAZING grace praying SEND GRACE. SEND AMAZING grace here today. Amazing grace to this place here today. Amazing grace to this place here today. Amazing grace to this place in Jesus name. In Jesus name. In Jesus in Jesus name. In Jesus name. In Jesus in Jesus name. In Jesus name. In Jesus name.
name. name. Hallelujah. Just say, "I receive grace. Hallelujah. Just say, "I receive grace. Hallelujah. Just say, "I receive grace. I receive your grace today. I receive I receive your grace today. I receive I receive your grace today. I receive your grace today." Tell them, "My future your grace today." Tell them, "My future your grace today." Tell them, "My future is in your hands." You're in charge of is in your hands." You're in charge of is in your hands." You're in charge of my future. You're in charge of my future my future. You're in charge of my future my future. You're in charge of my future today. today. today. Now, folks, look at me for a second Now, folks, look at me for a second Now, folks, look at me for a second here. We're going to we're going to sing here. We're going to we're going to sing here. We're going to we're going to sing one more song before we go. But if one more song before we go. But if one more song before we go. But if you're here today, you're here today, you're here today, listen. There's people we know. We got listen. There's people we know. We got listen. There's people we know. We got weddings at Madison Square Garden, weddings at Madison Square Garden, weddings at Madison Square Garden, proposals on top of the Empire State proposals on top of the Empire State proposals on top of the Empire State Building. Building. Building. We've got fireworks and ships. We've got fireworks and ships. We've got fireworks and ships. Everyone's talking about America, Taylor Everyone's talking about America, Taylor Everyone's talking about America, Taylor Swift, and the Empire State Building. Swift, and the Empire State Building. Swift, and the Empire State Building. And none of that can change our soul. And none of that can change our soul. And none of that can change our soul. >> No. Listen. I'm so grateful for this >> No. Listen. I'm so grateful for this >> No. Listen. I'm so grateful for this country and I did I when Ricardo was country and I did I when Ricardo was country and I did I when Ricardo was saying that song, God bless America. I'm saying that song, God bless America. I'm saying that song, God bless America. I'm thankful. I've been to a number of thankful. I've been to a number of thankful. I've been to a number of countries that I'm so grateful. We have countries that I'm so grateful. We have countries that I'm so grateful. We have our flaws. We have our problems. But our flaws. We have our problems. But our flaws. We have our problems. But thank God. Thank God we can preach the thank God. Thank God we can preach the thank God. Thank God we can preach the gospel still here. But I'll talk to you gospel still here. But I'll talk to you gospel still here. But I'll talk to you about that in a second. That's for about that in a second. That's for about that in a second. That's for another time. I'll mention that later. another time. I'll mention that later. another time. I'll mention that later. But the second thing is this. But you've But the second thing is this. But you've But the second thing is this. But you've never experienced God. I don't want you never experienced God. I don't want you never experienced God. I don't want you to experience New York City. I want you to experience New York City. I want you to experience New York City. I want you to experience Jesus.
to experience Jesus. to experience Jesus. Some of you are here on a New York City Some of you are here on a New York City Some of you are here on a New York City trip. experience Jesus today. Maybe trip. experience Jesus today. Maybe trip. experience Jesus today. Maybe you're here and maybe maybe you came you're here and maybe maybe you came you're here and maybe maybe you came here and said, "I'm leaving my ship here and said, "I'm leaving my ship here and said, "I'm leaving my ship today." And we have some of our great today." And we have some of our great today." And we have some of our great men and women that are serving our our men and women that are serving our our men and women that are serving our our nation on those ships and in the Navy nation on those ships and in the Navy nation on those ships and in the Navy and from different countries around the and from different countries around the and from different countries around the world. And maybe you just said, "I'm world. And maybe you just said, "I'm world. And maybe you just said, "I'm slipping out into a religious service slipping out into a religious service slipping out into a religious service today." Maybe you're here today. I don't today." Maybe you're here today. I don't today." Maybe you're here today. I don't want you to experience New York City or want you to experience New York City or want you to experience New York City or 250th birthday. I want you to experience 250th birthday. I want you to experience 250th birthday. I want you to experience Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Experience his grace. And maybe you've Experience his grace. And maybe you've Experience his grace. And maybe you've never experienced it before. never experienced it before. never experienced it before. How does that happen? Jesus calls it, How does that happen? Jesus calls it, How does that happen? Jesus calls it, how do you get that new heart? Jesus how do you get that new heart? Jesus how do you get that new heart? Jesus calls it being born again. That's it. calls it being born again. That's it. calls it being born again. That's it. Just as you had a first birth Just as you had a first birth Just as you had a first birth physically, you need a second birth physically, you need a second birth physically, you need a second birth spiritually. spiritually. spiritually. It's when God comes in and changes us It's when God comes in and changes us It's when God comes in and changes us from the inside out. How does that from the inside out. How does that from the inside out. How does that happen, Pastor Tim? It's as simple as happen, Pastor Tim? It's as simple as happen, Pastor Tim? It's as simple as ABC. A admitting that we're sinners, ABC. A admitting that we're sinners, ABC. A admitting that we're sinners, that we can't fix ourselves. There's not that we can't fix ourselves. There's not that we can't fix ourselves. There's not a program, a priest, there's not a a program, a priest, there's not a a program, a priest, there's not a promise you can make and even a promise you can make and even a promise you can make and even a prescription you can take to fix it. prescription you can take to fix it. prescription you can take to fix it. We're we're not mistakers in need of We're we're not mistakers in need of We're we're not mistakers in need of we're not in need of correction. We're we're not in need of correction. We're we're not in need of correction. We're sinners in need of a savior. And then sinners in need of a savior. And then sinners in need of a savior. And then the b word is believe. Believe that God the b word is believe. Believe that God the b word is believe. Believe that God sent his son 2,000 years ago to fix me sent his son 2,000 years ago to fix me sent his son 2,000 years ago to fix me to to to to become my sin bearer.
to to to to become my sin bearer. to to to to become my sin bearer. If if you could fix yourself, then why If if you could fix yourself, then why If if you could fix yourself, then why would God have to send his son be the would God have to send his son be the would God have to send his son be the worst case of child abuse in human worst case of child abuse in human worst case of child abuse in human history? history? history? Think about it. I'm going to send Jesus, Think about it. I'm going to send Jesus, Think about it. I'm going to send Jesus, die on the cross, rise from the dead, die on the cross, rise from the dead, die on the cross, rise from the dead, but if you want to go to heaven, you got but if you want to go to heaven, you got but if you want to go to heaven, you got to you got to really do good. That's not to you got to really do good. That's not to you got to really do good. That's not grace. grace. grace. And finally, it's see confessing him as And finally, it's see confessing him as And finally, it's see confessing him as Lord. What does that mean? He's in Lord. What does that mean? He's in Lord. What does that mean? He's in charge of our lives now. And when he's charge of our lives now. And when he's charge of our lives now. And when he's in charge of our lives, our lives end in charge of our lives, our lives end in charge of our lives, our lives end like Joshua 21. Everything came out like Joshua 21. Everything came out like Joshua 21. Everything came out right. Can I just tell you that when right. Can I just tell you that when right. Can I just tell you that when God's in charge of your life, everything God's in charge of your life, everything God's in charge of your life, everything comes out right. Everything comes out comes out right. Everything comes out comes out right. Everything comes out right. right. right. And maybe you're not at this altar. And maybe you're not at this altar. And maybe you're not at this altar. Maybe you're up at the balcony, main Maybe you're up at the balcony, main Maybe you're up at the balcony, main floor, watching online. If you say, floor, watching online. If you say, floor, watching online. If you say, "Tim, Pastor Tim, I've never experienced "Tim, Pastor Tim, I've never experienced "Tim, Pastor Tim, I've never experienced grace before. I've never experienced grace before. I've never experienced grace before. I've never experienced Jesus." Grace is not an abstract thing. Jesus." Grace is not an abstract thing. Jesus." Grace is not an abstract thing. It's connected with Jesus, the person of It's connected with Jesus, the person of It's connected with Jesus, the person of Christ. If you're here today and just Christ. If you're here today and just Christ. If you're here today and just say, when you pray that born again say, when you pray that born again say, when you pray that born again prayer, would you just include me? I prayer, would you just include me? I prayer, would you just include me? I want to be part of that prayer. I'm just want to be part of that prayer. I'm just want to be part of that prayer. I'm just simply going to ask you to raise your simply going to ask you to raise your simply going to ask you to raise your hand. Say, include me in that prayer.
hand. Say, include me in that prayer. hand. Say, include me in that prayer. Hold your hand up high. Say, "I want Hold your hand up high. Say, "I want Hold your hand up high. Say, "I want that grace today." Keep them up. Keep that grace today." Keep them up. Keep that grace today." Keep them up. Keep them up. Keep them up. Yes. Yes. Yes. them up. Keep them up. Yes. Yes. Yes. them up. Keep them up. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Look at all these hands all Yes. Yes. Look at all these hands all Yes. Yes. Look at all these hands all over balcony. Wave them a little bit so over balcony. Wave them a little bit so over balcony. Wave them a little bit so I can see if that's it. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can see if that's it. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can see if that's it. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Oh, yes. Come on. I want everybody Yes. Oh, yes. Come on. I want everybody Yes. Oh, yes. Come on. I want everybody to pray this with me. Everybody say this to pray this with me. Everybody say this to pray this with me. Everybody say this with me. Dear Lord Jesus, with me. Dear Lord Jesus, with me. Dear Lord Jesus, >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> you're the son of God. >> you're the son of God. >> you're the son of God. >> the son of God. >> the son of God. >> the son of God. >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> I believe >> that on the cross >> that on the cross >> that on the cross >> you took my sin >> you took my sin >> you took my sin >> took my >> took my >> took my >> my shame >> my shame >> my shame >> my shame >> my shame >> my shame >> and my guilt. >> and my guilt. >> and my guilt. >> And my guilt. >> And my guilt. >> And my guilt. >> And you died for it. >> And you died for it. >> And you died for it. >> You faced hell for me. >> You faced hell for me. >> You faced hell for me. >> You >> You >> You >> so I wouldn't have to go. >> so I wouldn't have to go. >> so I wouldn't have to go. >> So I wouldn't have to go. >> So I wouldn't have to go. >> So I wouldn't have to go. >> You rose from the dead. >> You rose from the dead. >> You rose from the dead. to give me a place in heaven. to give me a place in heaven. to give me a place in heaven. >> A purpose on earth >> A purpose on earth >> A purpose on earth >> and a relationship with your father. >> and a relationship with your father. >> and a relationship with your father. >> Today, Lord Jesus, >> Today, Lord Jesus, >> Today, Lord Jesus, >> I turn from my sin >> I turn from my sin >> I turn from my sin >> from my s >> from my s >> from my s >> to be born again. >> to be born again. >> to be born again. >> And experience amazing grace. >> And experience amazing grace. >> And experience amazing grace. >> Now say this with me loud. God is my >> Now say this with me loud. God is my >> Now say this with me loud. God is my father. father. father. >> God is my father. >> God is my father. >> God is my father. >> Jesus is my savior. >> Jesus is my savior. >> Jesus is my savior. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> The Holy Spirit is my helper.
>> The Holy Spirit is my helper. >> The Holy Spirit is my helper. >> The Holy Spirit is my helper. >> The Holy Spirit is my helper. >> The Holy Spirit is my helper. >> And heaven is my home. >> And heaven is my home. >> And heaven is my home. in Jesus name and everybody said amen in Jesus name and everybody said amen in Jesus name and everybody said amen and amen and amen. and amen and amen. and amen and amen. >> I don't know some 40 50 hands went up >> I don't know some 40 50 hands went up >> I don't know some 40 50 hands went up today. Let me just say this. If you did today. Let me just say this. If you did today. Let me just say this. If you did it online you can just email decided or it online you can just email decided or it online you can just email decided or you can text decided 51,000 but would you can text decided 51,000 but would you can text decided 51,000 but would you just look to my your right and my you just look to my your right and my you just look to my your right and my left up here? Those two the two twins left up here? Those two the two twins left up here? Those two the two twins from West Africa from Burkina Faso right from West Africa from Burkina Faso right from West Africa from Burkina Faso right over there. the two twins from West over there. the two twins from West over there. the two twins from West Africa right over there. If you want Africa right over there. If you want Africa right over there. If you want just need a Bible or they they can you just need a Bible or they they can you just need a Bible or they they can you can just go meet with them five seven can just go meet with them five seven can just go meet with them five seven minutes they'll give you a Bible get you minutes they'll give you a Bible get you minutes they'll give you a Bible get you started on your next steps if you raised started on your next steps if you raised started on your next steps if you raised your hand right at exit 7. Exit 7.

Summary

The sermon, drawing from an obscure passage in Joshua, emphasizes God's overwhelming grace that surpasses human failures and curses. It highlights that even when we feel beyond hope or have made grievous mistakes, God's forgiveness and ability to restore are absolute. The practical takeaway is to never doubt the power of God's grace, as He can mend and redeem us no matter how broken we feel.

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