YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN - Nik Godshall

We know who he is, amen? We know who he is, amen? And there's great peace in that. You can And there's great peace in that. You can And there's great peace in that. You can be seated here in the house. Everyone be seated here in the house. Everyone be seated here in the house. Everyone online, thank you so much for joining us online, thank you so much for joining us online, thank you so much for joining us tonight. It's been a good evening so tonight. It's been a good evening so tonight. It's been a good evening so far. I hope you're feeling the same far. I hope you're feeling the same far. I hope you're feeling the same presence of the Holy Spirit that we're presence of the Holy Spirit that we're presence of the Holy Spirit that we're experiencing here. I want you to go with experiencing here. I want you to go with experiencing here. I want you to go with me in your Bibles to John chapter 14 me in your Bibles to John chapter 14 me in your Bibles to John chapter 14 tonight. The title of the message is you tonight. The title of the message is you tonight. The title of the message is you are not an orphan. You are not an are not an orphan. You are not an are not an orphan. You are not an orphan. John chapter 14. In just a few orphan. John chapter 14. In just a few orphan. John chapter 14. In just a few moments, we're going to read part of moments, we're going to read part of moments, we're going to read part of Jesus' final conversation with his Jesus' final conversation with his Jesus' final conversation with his disciples before going to the cross. disciples before going to the cross. disciples before going to the cross. You know, back in the early 2000s, there You know, back in the early 2000s, there You know, back in the early 2000s, there was a term that started circulating in was a term that started circulating in was a term that started circulating in some Christian circles. And it became a some Christian circles. And it became a some Christian circles. And it became a helpful label for a very real problem helpful label for a very real problem helpful label for a very real problem that people face. And it was this term that people face. And it was this term that people face. And it was this term orphan spirit. It was people picking out orphan spirit. It was people picking out orphan spirit. It was people picking out how when Christians even go through how when Christians even go through how when Christians even go through abandonment and rejection, it can create abandonment and rejection, it can create abandonment and rejection, it can create this mentality inside of them that makes this mentality inside of them that makes this mentality inside of them that makes them feel like they're always on the them feel like they're always on the them feel like they're always on the verge of loss, of betrayal, of mistrust.

verge of loss, of betrayal, of mistrust. verge of loss, of betrayal, of mistrust. And it makes it difficult for them to And it makes it difficult for them to And it makes it difficult for them to see God as a good father and to feel see God as a good father and to feel see God as a good father and to feel that they can connect with him. that they can connect with him. that they can connect with him. And it's a helpful label. It's something And it's a helpful label. It's something And it's a helpful label. It's something that we experience and we have to be that we experience and we have to be that we experience and we have to be aware of it because we're not meant to aware of it because we're not meant to aware of it because we're not meant to be alone. You and I were meant to be alone. You and I were meant to be alone. You and I were meant to belong. We were meant to feel connected. belong. We were meant to feel connected. belong. We were meant to feel connected. You know, when God was creating the You know, when God was creating the You know, when God was creating the universe, the only time he looked at universe, the only time he looked at universe, the only time he looked at anything and said, "It's not good." was anything and said, "It's not good." was anything and said, "It's not good." was when he saw that Adam was alone. We when he saw that Adam was alone. We when he saw that Adam was alone. We weren't made to be disconnected. weren't made to be disconnected. weren't made to be disconnected. When we're subjected to abandonment and When we're subjected to abandonment and When we're subjected to abandonment and rejection, we can develop destructive rejection, we can develop destructive rejection, we can develop destructive patterns and self-perceptions that God patterns and self-perceptions that God patterns and self-perceptions that God has to deliver and set us free from. On has to deliver and set us free from. On has to deliver and set us free from. On an extreme end of the spectrum, let's an extreme end of the spectrum, let's an extreme end of the spectrum, let's say, when you go through things like say, when you go through things like say, when you go through things like this, you can become the lone wolf, this, you can become the lone wolf, this, you can become the lone wolf, constantly telling yourself you don't constantly telling yourself you don't constantly telling yourself you don't need anybody. You're better off on your need anybody. You're better off on your need anybody. You're better off on your own. So many people have left you. own. So many people have left you. own. So many people have left you. There's no point in opening up because There's no point in opening up because There's no point in opening up because it's just another opportunity to be hurt it's just another opportunity to be hurt it's just another opportunity to be hurt and to be betrayed. But then on the and to be betrayed. But then on the and to be betrayed. But then on the other end of that same spectrum, you got other end of that same spectrum, you got other end of that same spectrum, you got the people who want to trust and they're the people who want to trust and they're the people who want to trust and they're so terrified of being alone and so terrified of being alone and so terrified of being alone and disconnected that they will throw disconnected that they will throw disconnected that they will throw themselves in to unhealthy attachment, themselves in to unhealthy attachment, themselves in to unhealthy attachment, deep attachment, even if the deep attachment, even if the deep attachment, even if the consequences are toxic and controlling.

consequences are toxic and controlling. consequences are toxic and controlling. And sometimes we're just lonely. And sometimes we're just lonely. And sometimes we're just lonely. Apart from past trauma, apart from past Apart from past trauma, apart from past Apart from past trauma, apart from past abuses and hurts, we just go through abuses and hurts, we just go through abuses and hurts, we just go through things and seasons in life that make us things and seasons in life that make us things and seasons in life that make us feel like we are all by ourselves. feel like we are all by ourselves. feel like we are all by ourselves. You have people that experience orphan You have people that experience orphan You have people that experience orphan mindsets because of things that have mindsets because of things that have mindsets because of things that have happened. And then you've got people who happened. And then you've got people who happened. And then you've got people who just face orphan moments. just face orphan moments. just face orphan moments. And both of them have powerful effects And both of them have powerful effects And both of them have powerful effects on us that God wants to do something on us that God wants to do something on us that God wants to do something about. You can feel orphaned because of about. You can feel orphaned because of about. You can feel orphaned because of circumstances that you're facing. Maybe circumstances that you're facing. Maybe circumstances that you're facing. Maybe you feel like a literal orphan because you feel like a literal orphan because you feel like a literal orphan because you have a strained relationship with you have a strained relationship with you have a strained relationship with your parents. They don't understand all your parents. They don't understand all your parents. They don't understand all this Jesus stuff. They don't understand this Jesus stuff. They don't understand this Jesus stuff. They don't understand why you're following God so closely, why why you're following God so closely, why why you're following God so closely, why you're different from the rest of the you're different from the rest of the you're different from the rest of the family. family. family. Maybe you have a child who's gone no Maybe you have a child who's gone no Maybe you have a child who's gone no contact because they've been brainwashed contact because they've been brainwashed contact because they've been brainwashed by a radical ideology that's becoming by a radical ideology that's becoming by a radical ideology that's becoming all too common in our nation right now. all too common in our nation right now. all too common in our nation right now. Maybe you've lost someone. Maybe you've lost someone. Maybe you've lost someone. Maybe grief has you feeling like you are Maybe grief has you feeling like you are Maybe grief has you feeling like you are by yourself. Maybe you literally are an by yourself. Maybe you literally are an by yourself. Maybe you literally are an orphan because of the loss of one or orphan because of the loss of one or orphan because of the loss of one or both parents.

both parents. both parents. Whatever the case, Whatever the case, Whatever the case, whether it's an orphan mindset or an whether it's an orphan mindset or an whether it's an orphan mindset or an orphan moment, orphan moment, orphan moment, there are no orphans when you belong to there are no orphans when you belong to there are no orphans when you belong to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. There are no orphans in the family of There are no orphans in the family of There are no orphans in the family of God. And the passage that we're about to God. And the passage that we're about to God. And the passage that we're about to read tells us so. read tells us so. read tells us so. Jesus is here preparing his disciples Jesus is here preparing his disciples Jesus is here preparing his disciples for his death and departure. He's shared for his death and departure. He's shared for his death and departure. He's shared the last supper with them. He's washed the last supper with them. He's washed the last supper with them. He's washed their feet. He has dismissed Judas their feet. He has dismissed Judas their feet. He has dismissed Judas Iscariot who he knows is going to go and Iscariot who he knows is going to go and Iscariot who he knows is going to go and betray him and he's told them plainly betray him and he's told them plainly betray him and he's told them plainly that he's leaving them and they can't that he's leaving them and they can't that he's leaving them and they can't follow him. follow him. follow him. And the way that this is shocking them, And the way that this is shocking them, And the way that this is shocking them, it's disrupting everything. Not only is it's disrupting everything. Not only is it's disrupting everything. Not only is it ruining their expectations of what it it ruining their expectations of what it it ruining their expectations of what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah, but meant for Jesus to be the Messiah, but meant for Jesus to be the Messiah, but it's also hurting them on a personal it's also hurting them on a personal it's also hurting them on a personal level. Forget their theology, they feel level. Forget their theology, they feel level. Forget their theology, they feel like they're being left behind by their like they're being left behind by their like they're being left behind by their master. You know, at this point in master. You know, at this point in master. You know, at this point in history, it was actually common to refer history, it was actually common to refer history, it was actually common to refer to disciples whose rabbi died as to disciples whose rabbi died as to disciples whose rabbi died as orphans.

orphans. orphans. The rabbi was a father figure and so The rabbi was a father figure and so The rabbi was a father figure and so when Jesus tells them what he's about to when Jesus tells them what he's about to when Jesus tells them what he's about to tell them, it was very, very real in tell them, it was very, very real in tell them, it was very, very real in their minds. their minds. their minds. And we're going to read the comfort that And we're going to read the comfort that And we're going to read the comfort that Jesus offers them. Jesus offers them. Jesus offers them. And it's comfort that's just as relevant And it's comfort that's just as relevant And it's comfort that's just as relevant for us as it was for them. for us as it was for them. for us as it was for them. So with that, let's read John 14 So with that, let's read John 14 So with that, let's read John 14 starting at verse 15. starting at verse 15. starting at verse 15. Jesus says, "If you love me, you will Jesus says, "If you love me, you will Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the keep my commandments. And I will ask the keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Father and he will give you another Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, even the helper to be with you forever, even the helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot Spirit of truth whom the world cannot Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor receive because it neither sees him nor receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells knows him. You know him, for he dwells knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not with you and will be in you. I will not with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to leave you as orphans. I will come to leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world you. Yet a little while and the world you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see will see me no more, but you will see will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. me. Because I live, you also will live. me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in In that day you will know that I am in In that day you will know that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. my Father and you in me and I in you. my Father and you in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps Whoever has my commandments and keeps Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me and he who them, he it is who loves me and he who them, he it is who loves me and he who loves me will be loved by my Father and loves me will be loved by my Father and loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and manifest myself to I will love him and manifest myself to I will love him and manifest myself to him."

him." him." So the wonderful promises that we just So the wonderful promises that we just So the wonderful promises that we just read are for a particular group of read are for a particular group of read are for a particular group of people that Jesus defines in verse 15. people that Jesus defines in verse 15. people that Jesus defines in verse 15. It's for those who love him. It's for those who love him. It's for those who love him. Now, loving Jesus Now, loving Jesus Now, loving Jesus is defined variously by people. There is defined variously by people. There is defined variously by people. There are folks out there who say they love are folks out there who say they love are folks out there who say they love Jesus because they respect his Jesus because they respect his Jesus because they respect his teachings. They admire his wisdom. They teachings. They admire his wisdom. They teachings. They admire his wisdom. They respect the fact that he taught a law of respect the fact that he taught a law of respect the fact that he taught a law of kindness and the golden rule. But Jesus kindness and the golden rule. But Jesus kindness and the golden rule. But Jesus makes it very clear that loving him is makes it very clear that loving him is makes it very clear that loving him is not a matter of respect or admiration. not a matter of respect or admiration. not a matter of respect or admiration. It's a matter of obedience. It's a matter of obedience. It's a matter of obedience. Loving Jesus involves the giving away of Loving Jesus involves the giving away of Loving Jesus involves the giving away of ourselves and of our own will and ourselves and of our own will and ourselves and of our own will and abandoning those things to what he says. abandoning those things to what he says. abandoning those things to what he says. Seeing Jesus as anything less than our Seeing Jesus as anything less than our Seeing Jesus as anything less than our Lord is not love. It's actually the Lord is not love. It's actually the Lord is not love. It's actually the lowering of his glory. It's the lowering of his glory. It's the lowering of his glory. It's the demeaning of who he truly and fully is. demeaning of who he truly and fully is. demeaning of who he truly and fully is. We don't obey Jesus because he said nice We don't obey Jesus because he said nice We don't obey Jesus because he said nice things. things. things. We don't obey Jesus because we admire We don't obey Jesus because we admire We don't obey Jesus because we admire him. We obey Jesus because he's worthy him. We obey Jesus because he's worthy him. We obey Jesus because he's worthy of being obeyed unconditionally.

of being obeyed unconditionally. of being obeyed unconditionally. But obeying Jesus is not living under But obeying Jesus is not living under But obeying Jesus is not living under tyranny. tyranny. tyranny. Living under Jesus is not burdensome. Living under Jesus is not burdensome. Living under Jesus is not burdensome. It's liberty and it's life and it's It's liberty and it's life and it's It's liberty and it's life and it's freedom. Why? Because our God is humble. freedom. Why? Because our God is humble. freedom. Why? Because our God is humble. The Jesus who says, "If you love me, you The Jesus who says, "If you love me, you The Jesus who says, "If you love me, you will obey me." is not a power-hungry will obey me." is not a power-hungry will obey me." is not a power-hungry egotist who wants your obedience so he egotist who wants your obedience so he egotist who wants your obedience so he can feel strong and secure. It's because can feel strong and secure. It's because can feel strong and secure. It's because every one of his commands is geared every one of his commands is geared every one of his commands is geared toward you finding abundant life. toward you finding abundant life. toward you finding abundant life. Every one of his commands is geared Every one of his commands is geared Every one of his commands is geared toward you being everything that God toward you being everything that God toward you being everything that God designed you to be. First John chapter 5 designed you to be. First John chapter 5 designed you to be. First John chapter 5 verse 3 says, "For this is the love of verse 3 says, "For this is the love of verse 3 says, "For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments and God that we keep his commandments and God that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not burdensome. his commandments are not burdensome. his commandments are not burdensome. They're not cruel. They're not They're not cruel. They're not They're not cruel. They're not troubling. All of God's commands, from troubling. All of God's commands, from troubling. All of God's commands, from the beginning to the end of scripture, the beginning to the end of scripture, the beginning to the end of scripture, come from a desire to see people come from a desire to see people come from a desire to see people flourish. That's what he wants for his flourish. That's what he wants for his flourish. That's what he wants for his creation. And when you look at the creation. And when you look at the creation. And when you look at the commands that Jesus gives in John's commands that Jesus gives in John's commands that Jesus gives in John's gospel, specifically, every one of them gospel, specifically, every one of them gospel, specifically, every one of them is wrapped up in an invitation to find is wrapped up in an invitation to find is wrapped up in an invitation to find life in Jesus.

life in Jesus. life in Jesus. Every one of them. When he's giving Every one of them. When he's giving Every one of them. When he's giving commands to cease from sin and to commands to cease from sin and to commands to cease from sin and to abandon an unrighteous lifestyle like he abandon an unrighteous lifestyle like he abandon an unrighteous lifestyle like he did with the woman at the well in John did with the woman at the well in John did with the woman at the well in John chapter 4. He doesn't say, "You filthy chapter 4. He doesn't say, "You filthy chapter 4. He doesn't say, "You filthy woman living a promiscuous lifestyle, woman living a promiscuous lifestyle, woman living a promiscuous lifestyle, you need to give up your sin." He says, you need to give up your sin." He says, you need to give up your sin." He says, "No, you're drinking from a well that's "No, you're drinking from a well that's "No, you're drinking from a well that's leaving you dry and thirsty, but if you leaving you dry and thirsty, but if you leaving you dry and thirsty, but if you drink from the right well, I've got drink from the right well, I've got drink from the right well, I've got living water that'll fill you up to living water that'll fill you up to living water that'll fill you up to eternal life. You don't need the sin eternal life. You don't need the sin eternal life. You don't need the sin that you've been drinking in anymore. If that you've been drinking in anymore. If that you've been drinking in anymore. If you will leave that in exchange for what you will leave that in exchange for what you will leave that in exchange for what I am offering, you will never die." I am offering, you will never die." I am offering, you will never die." When he speaks to the Jews in chapter 6 When he speaks to the Jews in chapter 6 When he speaks to the Jews in chapter 6 who are following after him not because who are following after him not because who are following after him not because they believe he's their king, but they believe he's their king, but they believe he's their king, but because he fed them and 5,000 people and because he fed them and 5,000 people and because he fed them and 5,000 people and multiplied bread and fish, they say, multiplied bread and fish, they say, multiplied bread and fish, they say, "Hey, this guy is pretty economically "Hey, this guy is pretty economically "Hey, this guy is pretty economically helpful." helpful." helpful." Let's keep following him and he can keep Let's keep following him and he can keep Let's keep following him and he can keep feeding us. Jesus says, "You're laboring feeding us. Jesus says, "You're laboring feeding us. Jesus says, "You're laboring for something that's going to pass away. for something that's going to pass away. for something that's going to pass away. The real food you need is my body that The real food you need is my body that The real food you need is my body that I'm going to sacrifice for your sin. I'm going to sacrifice for your sin. I'm going to sacrifice for your sin. That will make you never die. You'll That will make you never die. You'll That will make you never die. You'll never pass away. Every command that never pass away. Every command that never pass away. Every command that Jesus gives is wrapped up in an Jesus gives is wrapped up in an Jesus gives is wrapped up in an invitation to life and life abundantly.

invitation to life and life abundantly. invitation to life and life abundantly. Obeying him is not a burden, it's a Obeying him is not a burden, it's a Obeying him is not a burden, it's a blessing. blessing. blessing. And for those who love him, for those And for those who love him, for those And for those who love him, for those who obey him, he says, "You will never who obey him, he says, "You will never who obey him, he says, "You will never be without help and the help I'm going be without help and the help I'm going be without help and the help I'm going to give you is the Holy Spirit." That's to give you is the Holy Spirit." That's to give you is the Holy Spirit." That's what he says in verses 16 through 17. what he says in verses 16 through 17. what he says in verses 16 through 17. Now, the disciples knew the Spirit in a Now, the disciples knew the Spirit in a Now, the disciples knew the Spirit in a measure measure measure and they knew him because of Jesus. He and they knew him because of Jesus. He and they knew him because of Jesus. He says, "He you know him, verse 17, for he says, "He you know him, verse 17, for he says, "He you know him, verse 17, for he dwells with you." Well, how? Because of dwells with you." Well, how? Because of dwells with you." Well, how? Because of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They were following the Spirit-filled They were following the Spirit-filled They were following the Spirit-filled Messiah. Messiah. Messiah. And he's saying, "Not only do you know And he's saying, "Not only do you know And he's saying, "Not only do you know him because he's been with you, but soon him because he's been with you, but soon him because he's been with you, but soon he's going to be in you. The same spirit he's going to be in you. The same spirit he's going to be in you. The same spirit that has empowered me is also going to that has empowered me is also going to that has empowered me is also going to empower you so that you can carry on the empower you so that you can carry on the empower you so that you can carry on the work of my father just as I've been work of my father just as I've been work of my father just as I've been doing. doing. doing. And he said that the spirit's power And he said that the spirit's power And he said that the spirit's power would be given to them because he would would be given to them because he would would be given to them because he would ask the Father. ask the Father. ask the Father. That's at the beginning of verse 16. He That's at the beginning of verse 16. He That's at the beginning of verse 16. He says, "And I will ask the Father, and he says, "And I will ask the Father, and he says, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper."

will give you another helper." will give you another helper." This is important. This is important. This is important. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Because Jesus is not just telling the >> Because Jesus is not just telling the >> Because Jesus is not just telling the disciples, "You're my servants, and I'm disciples, "You're my servants, and I'm disciples, "You're my servants, and I'm going to give you tools so that you can going to give you tools so that you can going to give you tools so that you can get your job done and satisfy my will." get your job done and satisfy my will." get your job done and satisfy my will." He says, "No, I'm going to ask my He says, "No, I'm going to ask my He says, "No, I'm going to ask my Father, and he's going to give you the Father, and he's going to give you the Father, and he's going to give you the same power that he gave to me." Jesus is same power that he gave to me." Jesus is same power that he gave to me." Jesus is setting the stage for what he's going to setting the stage for what he's going to setting the stage for what he's going to tell them in verses 20 through 21. He's tell them in verses 20 through 21. He's tell them in verses 20 through 21. He's saying, "I'm not just empowering you as saying, "I'm not just empowering you as saying, "I'm not just empowering you as servants. I'm bringing you into my servants. I'm bringing you into my servants. I'm bringing you into my family. You are getting the same love family. You are getting the same love family. You are getting the same love and empowerment and enablement from the and empowerment and enablement from the and empowerment and enablement from the Father that I have been walking in for Father that I have been walking in for Father that I have been walking in for the past 3 years. You are going to be the past 3 years. You are going to be the past 3 years. You are going to be loved like that. You are going to belong loved like that. You are going to belong loved like that. You are going to belong to the Father like I do." to the Father like I do." to the Father like I do." The nature of their relationship with The nature of their relationship with The nature of their relationship with God is about to radically change, and God is about to radically change, and God is about to radically change, and they have no idea. they have no idea. they have no idea. They don't fully appreciate yet that the They don't fully appreciate yet that the They don't fully appreciate yet that the same Holy Spirit they've seen working same Holy Spirit they've seen working same Holy Spirit they've seen working through Jesus to destroy disease and through Jesus to destroy disease and through Jesus to destroy disease and defeat demons is about to fill them. The defeat demons is about to fill them. The defeat demons is about to fill them. The same Father that he prayed to and loved same Father that he prayed to and loved same Father that he prayed to and loved and felt so secure with is about to and felt so secure with is about to and felt so secure with is about to adopt and own them as sons themselves.

adopt and own them as sons themselves. adopt and own them as sons themselves. And he tells them in verse 18, "I will And he tells them in verse 18, "I will And he tells them in verse 18, "I will not leave you as orphans." not leave you as orphans." not leave you as orphans." Though his departure is going to be Though his departure is going to be Though his departure is going to be painful for the disciples, he tells them painful for the disciples, he tells them painful for the disciples, he tells them it's not abandonment. It's empowerment. it's not abandonment. It's empowerment. it's not abandonment. It's empowerment. And when you and I are facing orphan And when you and I are facing orphan And when you and I are facing orphan mindsets, mindsets, mindsets, we're facing orphan moments, we're facing orphan moments, we're facing orphan moments, It's not abandonment. It might be that It's not abandonment. It might be that It's not abandonment. It might be that humanly speaking, it might be rejection humanly speaking, it might be rejection humanly speaking, it might be rejection in terms of what's happening to you with in terms of what's happening to you with in terms of what's happening to you with people, but Jesus is going to turn that people, but Jesus is going to turn that people, but Jesus is going to turn that around and turn it into an opportunity around and turn it into an opportunity around and turn it into an opportunity for you to be filled with new strength, for you to be filled with new strength, for you to be filled with new strength, new power, and with new endurance. He new power, and with new endurance. He new power, and with new endurance. He says, "I will not leave you as orphans. says, "I will not leave you as orphans. says, "I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you. I will come to you." I will come to you. I will come to you." I will come to you. I will come to you." But in what way? But in what way? But in what way? What does he mean, "I will come to you"? What does he mean, "I will come to you"? What does he mean, "I will come to you"? Now for the disciples, that absolutely Now for the disciples, that absolutely Now for the disciples, that absolutely meant the resurrection. He says, "You're meant the resurrection. He says, "You're meant the resurrection. He says, "You're going to see me die, but that's not the going to see me die, but that's not the going to see me die, but that's not the end. After 3 days, I will come to you end. After 3 days, I will come to you end. After 3 days, I will come to you and you will see me alive and well, but and you will see me alive and well, but and you will see me alive and well, but that's not all he was referring to.

that's not all he was referring to. that's not all he was referring to. Because they were going to see him leave Because they were going to see him leave Because they were going to see him leave again. again. again. They were going to see him leave and go They were going to see him leave and go They were going to see him leave and go back to the Father, and this is where back to the Father, and this is where back to the Father, and this is where what Jesus meant wasn't just for them, what Jesus meant wasn't just for them, what Jesus meant wasn't just for them, it was for all of us. I'm going to come it was for all of us. I'm going to come it was for all of us. I'm going to come to you through my spirit. to you through my spirit. to you through my spirit. Not just when I come back from the dead Not just when I come back from the dead Not just when I come back from the dead after 3 days in the grave, but by my after 3 days in the grave, but by my after 3 days in the grave, but by my Holy Spirit, I'm going to be brought Holy Spirit, I'm going to be brought Holy Spirit, I'm going to be brought near to you in a way that's even deeper near to you in a way that's even deeper near to you in a way that's even deeper than what your eyes can see right now. than what your eyes can see right now. than what your eyes can see right now. They would see him die, but that would They would see him die, but that would They would see him die, but that would not be the end. He would come to them not be the end. He would come to them not be the end. He would come to them after 3 days, but more importantly, more after 3 days, but more importantly, more after 3 days, but more importantly, more universally for all of us, they would universally for all of us, they would universally for all of us, they would see him depart to be with the Father, see him depart to be with the Father, see him depart to be with the Father, but he would come to them through the but he would come to them through the but he would come to them through the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. And for us, that promise still stands. And for us, that promise still stands. And for us, that promise still stands. When Jesus says, "I will come to you. When Jesus says, "I will come to you. When Jesus says, "I will come to you. I will not leave you as an orphan. I I will not leave you as an orphan. I I will not leave you as an orphan. I will not leave you in that mindset. I will not leave you in that mindset. I will not leave you in that mindset. I will not leave you in that moment, in will not leave you in that moment, in will not leave you in that moment, in that moment where everything around you that moment where everything around you that moment where everything around you is screaming, you are better off alone.

is screaming, you are better off alone. is screaming, you are better off alone. When everything around you is telling When everything around you is telling When everything around you is telling you, "I don't have anybody. I can't you, "I don't have anybody. I can't you, "I don't have anybody. I can't connect. I am isolated. Isolation feels connect. I am isolated. Isolation feels connect. I am isolated. Isolation feels safer than trust." Jesus says, "In that safer than trust." Jesus says, "In that safer than trust." Jesus says, "In that place, I will not leave you. I will come place, I will not leave you. I will come place, I will not leave you. I will come to you and I will meet you there." to you and I will meet you there." to you and I will meet you there." The spirit of God brings Jesus near to The spirit of God brings Jesus near to The spirit of God brings Jesus near to us by pointing us back to him. us by pointing us back to him. us by pointing us back to him. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not the Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not the Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not the same person. They're both God. same person. They're both God. same person. They're both God. And the Holy Spirit comes to us to point And the Holy Spirit comes to us to point And the Holy Spirit comes to us to point us back to the Son of God to say, "Hey, us back to the Son of God to say, "Hey, us back to the Son of God to say, "Hey, that's your example. He's your hope. that's your example. He's your hope. that's your example. He's your hope. He's the one that you're looking to." He's the one that you're looking to." He's the one that you're looking to." And the spirit of God keeps Jesus near And the spirit of God keeps Jesus near And the spirit of God keeps Jesus near to us until the ultimate I will come to to us until the ultimate I will come to to us until the ultimate I will come to you moment, which is his return. you moment, which is his return. you moment, which is his return. While we're waiting for that second While we're waiting for that second While we're waiting for that second coming of Christ, coming of Christ, coming of Christ, the Holy Spirit makes Jesus near and the Holy Spirit makes Jesus near and the Holy Spirit makes Jesus near and close to us like we can't even imagine. close to us like we can't even imagine. close to us like we can't even imagine. Now, our emotions want to kick against Now, our emotions want to kick against Now, our emotions want to kick against that and the pain feels more real than that and the pain feels more real than that and the pain feels more real than these promises. But, look at what Jesus these promises. But, look at what Jesus these promises. But, look at what Jesus goes on to say in verse 19. He says, goes on to say in verse 19. He says, goes on to say in verse 19. He says, "Yet a little while, the world will see "Yet a little while, the world will see "Yet a little while, the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because me no more, but you will see me. Because me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day, I live, you also will live. In that day, I live, you also will live. In that day, you will know that I am in my Father and you will know that I am in my Father and you will know that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. Whoever has my you in me and I in you. Whoever has my you in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is commandments and keeps them, he it is commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will who loves me. And he who loves me will who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love be loved by my Father and I will love be loved by my Father and I will love him and will manifest myself to him."

him and will manifest myself to him." him and will manifest myself to him." The Holy Spirit is how Jesus keeps the The Holy Spirit is how Jesus keeps the The Holy Spirit is how Jesus keeps the promises in the verses that we just promises in the verses that we just promises in the verses that we just read. read. read. When he says in verse 19, "Because I When he says in verse 19, "Because I When he says in verse 19, "Because I live, you also shall live." live, you also shall live." live, you also shall live." The Holy Spirit is the one who brings The Holy Spirit is the one who brings The Holy Spirit is the one who brings that promise near. that promise near. that promise near. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:11 The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:11 The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:11 that it's by the spirit of God that we that it's by the spirit of God that we that it's by the spirit of God that we were cleansed from our former sins. No were cleansed from our former sins. No were cleansed from our former sins. No matter what life you lived before you matter what life you lived before you matter what life you lived before you came to Jesus, the moment that you got came to Jesus, the moment that you got came to Jesus, the moment that you got born again, he sent his Holy Spirit to born again, he sent his Holy Spirit to born again, he sent his Holy Spirit to live inside of you and you were so live inside of you and you were so live inside of you and you were so clean, you were so purified in that clean, you were so purified in that clean, you were so purified in that moment that you became his temple. moment that you became his temple. moment that you became his temple. You became his house. You became God's You became his house. You became God's You became his house. You became God's dwelling place. dwelling place. dwelling place. I remember I remember I remember being blessed with the opportunity to being blessed with the opportunity to being blessed with the opportunity to serve for half a year in in West Africa. serve for half a year in in West Africa. serve for half a year in in West Africa. And I got to lead a witch doctor to And I got to lead a witch doctor to And I got to lead a witch doctor to Christ. It was an incredible moment. I Christ. It was an incredible moment. I Christ. It was an incredible moment. I don't remember what I said to him. I don't remember what I said to him. I don't remember what I said to him. I don't remember the conversation, but he don't remember the conversation, but he don't remember the conversation, but he got radically saved and he looked at me. got radically saved and he looked at me. got radically saved and he looked at me. We were communicating through a We were communicating through a We were communicating through a translator. He said, "I've been I have translator. He said, "I've been I have translator. He said, "I've been I have disciples back in my village. I've been disciples back in my village. I've been disciples back in my village. I've been training them to take up my craft and to training them to take up my craft and to training them to take up my craft and to follow my my teachings and do the things follow my my teachings and do the things follow my my teachings and do the things that I do. I'm going home right now and that I do. I'm going home right now and that I do. I'm going home right now and I'm going to tell them from now on we're I'm going to tell them from now on we're I'm going to tell them from now on we're done with magic. We only follow Jesus.

done with magic. We only follow Jesus. done with magic. We only follow Jesus. He's our master now." And I was like, He's our master now." And I was like, He's our master now." And I was like, "This is great. Praise God. What a "This is great. Praise God. What a "This is great. Praise God. What a radical radical moment of conversion." radical radical moment of conversion." radical radical moment of conversion." And he comes back at the end of the day And he comes back at the end of the day And he comes back at the end of the day and he says, "I have a question." and he says, "I have a question." and he says, "I have a question." Now, you can take this with a grain of Now, you can take this with a grain of Now, you can take this with a grain of salt, think what you will, doesn't salt, think what you will, doesn't salt, think what you will, doesn't matter. This transformation is what matter. This transformation is what matter. This transformation is what really matters. He looked at me and he really matters. He looked at me and he really matters. He looked at me and he said, "I I don't know what to do. I've said, "I I don't know what to do. I've said, "I I don't know what to do. I've put spells in my body over the years." I put spells in my body over the years." I put spells in my body over the years." I said, "What do you mean?" He said, said, "What do you mean?" He said, said, "What do you mean?" He said, "Well, because I want to protect myself "Well, because I want to protect myself "Well, because I want to protect myself from enemies, I put spells in my body from enemies, I put spells in my body from enemies, I put spells in my body that if you try to cut me with a that if you try to cut me with a that if you try to cut me with a machete, the blade will break on my machete, the blade will break on my machete, the blade will break on my skin. If you try to shoot me with a gun, skin. If you try to shoot me with a gun, skin. If you try to shoot me with a gun, the bullet will bounce off of me." And the bullet will bounce off of me." And the bullet will bounce off of me." And I'm thinking, "All right, I didn't take I'm thinking, "All right, I didn't take I'm thinking, "All right, I didn't take a class on this at Summit. So, I need a class on this at Summit. So, I need a class on this at Summit. So, I need the Holy Spirit to give me something the Holy Spirit to give me something the Holy Spirit to give me something right now." And he said, "What do I do? right now." And he said, "What do I do? right now." And he said, "What do I do? I only serve Jesus now. How do I get I only serve Jesus now. How do I get I only serve Jesus now. How do I get these spells out of my body?" these spells out of my body?" these spells out of my body?" And immediately my mind starts spinning And immediately my mind starts spinning And immediately my mind starts spinning spinning and I'm thinking, "Maybe I spinning and I'm thinking, "Maybe I spinning and I'm thinking, "Maybe I should tell him to fast for 5 days. Do I should tell him to fast for 5 days. Do I should tell him to fast for 5 days. Do I we need to go into a couple hours of we need to go into a couple hours of we need to go into a couple hours of prayer and intercession?" And the Holy prayer and intercession?" And the Holy prayer and intercession?" And the Holy Spirit just pumped the brakes on that Spirit just pumped the brakes on that Spirit just pumped the brakes on that panic mode that I went into. He said, panic mode that I went into. He said, panic mode that I went into. He said, "You tell him "You tell him "You tell him the moment he prayed this morning, the moment he prayed this morning, the moment he prayed this morning, I came into him with my Holy Spirit. He I came into him with my Holy Spirit. He I came into him with my Holy Spirit. He became my temple. He can go in peace. He became my temple. He can go in peace. He became my temple. He can go in peace. He is clean."

is clean." is clean." And I relayed that to him and his whole And I relayed that to him and his whole And I relayed that to him and his whole countenance changed. The relief and the countenance changed. The relief and the countenance changed. The relief and the joy that came over him. joy that came over him. joy that came over him. Because I live, Jesus says, you also Because I live, Jesus says, you also Because I live, Jesus says, you also shall live. Not because you've done shall live. Not because you've done shall live. Not because you've done enough to make your past sins right, not enough to make your past sins right, not enough to make your past sins right, not because you fasted long enough, you because you fasted long enough, you because you fasted long enough, you prayed enough hours, you said all the prayed enough hours, you said all the prayed enough hours, you said all the right words in your prayer. No, because right words in your prayer. No, because right words in your prayer. No, because I live and you belong to me, you get I live and you belong to me, you get I live and you belong to me, you get everything I get and the spirit of God everything I get and the spirit of God everything I get and the spirit of God is the one who makes that available to is the one who makes that available to is the one who makes that available to you. The life of Jesus, the cleanness you. The life of Jesus, the cleanness you. The life of Jesus, the cleanness and purity of Jesus is lavished on you and purity of Jesus is lavished on you and purity of Jesus is lavished on you through the Holy Spirit. through the Holy Spirit. through the Holy Spirit. Life from spiritual death is also given Life from spiritual death is also given Life from spiritual death is also given to us to live in holiness. Galatians to us to live in holiness. Galatians to us to live in holiness. Galatians 5:16, Paul says, "Walk in the spirit and 5:16, Paul says, "Walk in the spirit and 5:16, Paul says, "Walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the you will not fulfill the lust of the you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh." We're still figuring out how to flesh." We're still figuring out how to flesh." We're still figuring out how to do that all the time, but at the end of do that all the time, but at the end of do that all the time, but at the end of the day, the reason why you have the the day, the reason why you have the the day, the reason why you have the power to resist temptation to sin is power to resist temptation to sin is power to resist temptation to sin is because of the Holy Spirit living within because of the Holy Spirit living within because of the Holy Spirit living within you. Because Jesus lives, you also will you. Because Jesus lives, you also will you. Because Jesus lives, you also will live. Because Jesus defeated sin, the live. Because Jesus defeated sin, the live. Because Jesus defeated sin, the spirit causes you to defeat sin and he spirit causes you to defeat sin and he spirit causes you to defeat sin and he covers you until you get it right.

covers you until you get it right. covers you until you get it right. He covers you while you're figuring out He covers you while you're figuring out He covers you while you're figuring out how to walk that out. how to walk that out. how to walk that out. Jesus says in verse 20, "I am in my Jesus says in verse 20, "I am in my Jesus says in verse 20, "I am in my father and you are in me." father and you are in me." father and you are in me." Think about that. Think about that. Think about that. The Holy Spirit unites us with God The Holy Spirit unites us with God The Holy Spirit unites us with God through Jesus. We are not God. We will through Jesus. We are not God. We will through Jesus. We are not God. We will never become God. There's crazy never become God. There's crazy never become God. There's crazy doctrines out there that tell you you're doctrines out there that tell you you're doctrines out there that tell you you're a little god with a lower case G. If you a little god with a lower case G. If you a little god with a lower case G. If you hear anybody say that, turn off YouTube, hear anybody say that, turn off YouTube, hear anybody say that, turn off YouTube, run for your life, whatever you've got run for your life, whatever you've got run for your life, whatever you've got to do. It's heresy and false teaching. to do. It's heresy and false teaching. to do. It's heresy and false teaching. But we are divinely loved by the one But we are divinely loved by the one But we are divinely loved by the one true God. true God. true God. And he so loves us that we are united to And he so loves us that we are united to And he so loves us that we are united to him in a father-child relationship him in a father-child relationship him in a father-child relationship because our elder brother, the true son, because our elder brother, the true son, because our elder brother, the true son, who pleased the father perfectly, has who pleased the father perfectly, has who pleased the father perfectly, has united us to him by the Holy Spirit. And united us to him by the Holy Spirit. And united us to him by the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit's greatest joy is to the Holy Spirit's greatest joy is to the Holy Spirit's greatest joy is to assure you of this reality. Paul says in assure you of this reality. Paul says in assure you of this reality. Paul says in Galatians chapter 4 verse 6 that God has Galatians chapter 4 verse 6 that God has Galatians chapter 4 verse 6 that God has sent the spirit of his son into your sent the spirit of his son into your sent the spirit of his son into your heart CRYING OUT, "ABBA, FATHER."

heart CRYING OUT, "ABBA, FATHER." heart CRYING OUT, "ABBA, FATHER." YOU know what the Holy Spirit really YOU know what the Holy Spirit really YOU know what the Holy Spirit really wants to speak to you about? Vanessa let wants to speak to you about? Vanessa let wants to speak to you about? Vanessa let us in prayer earlier for people who feel us in prayer earlier for people who feel us in prayer earlier for people who feel like they've never heard the voice of like they've never heard the voice of like they've never heard the voice of God. I'll tell you right now the Holy God. I'll tell you right now the Holy God. I'll tell you right now the Holy Spirit is already speaking to you and he Spirit is already speaking to you and he Spirit is already speaking to you and he desperately wants you to hear it. He desperately wants you to hear it. He desperately wants you to hear it. He wants you to hear HIM SAYING, "GOD IS wants you to hear HIM SAYING, "GOD IS wants you to hear HIM SAYING, "GOD IS YOUR FATHER AND HE WILL NEVER STOP YOUR FATHER AND HE WILL NEVER STOP YOUR FATHER AND HE WILL NEVER STOP loving you. YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN. loving you. YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN. loving you. YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN. YOU'RE NOT ALONE. YOU'RE NOT ABANDONED. YOU'RE NOT ALONE. YOU'RE NOT ABANDONED. YOU'RE NOT ALONE. YOU'RE NOT ABANDONED. YOU ARE HELD AND EMBRACED BY ARMS THAT YOU ARE HELD AND EMBRACED BY ARMS THAT YOU ARE HELD AND EMBRACED BY ARMS THAT WILL NEVER LOOSEN on you. YOU ARE HELD WILL NEVER LOOSEN on you. YOU ARE HELD WILL NEVER LOOSEN on you. YOU ARE HELD IN THE HAND OF A PERFECT FATHER and IN THE HAND OF A PERFECT FATHER and IN THE HAND OF A PERFECT FATHER and nothing CAN MAKE HIM LET YOU GO nothing CAN MAKE HIM LET YOU GO nothing CAN MAKE HIM LET YOU GO because he's good and he's perfect and because he's good and he's perfect and because he's good and he's perfect and he's wonderful and he's yours. He is he's wonderful and he's yours. He is he's wonderful and he's yours. He is your father. Nothing gives the spirit of your father. Nothing gives the spirit of your father. Nothing gives the spirit of God greater joy God greater joy God greater joy than when we begin to join him in that than when we begin to join him in that than when we begin to join him in that shout and we're saying, "Abba, Father. shout and we're saying, "Abba, Father. shout and we're saying, "Abba, Father. God, you are my father and I know that God, you are my father and I know that God, you are my father and I know that you love me." That's what gives him joy. you love me." That's what gives him joy. you love me." That's what gives him joy. Jesus says in verse 21, "Whoever has my Jesus says in verse 21, "Whoever has my Jesus says in verse 21, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is commandments and keeps them, he it is commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will who loves me. And he who loves me will who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my father and I will love be loved by my father and I will love be loved by my father and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

him and manifest myself to him." him and manifest myself to him." I will manifest myself to him. I will manifest myself to him. I will manifest myself to him. Jesus wants to make himself more real to Jesus wants to make himself more real to Jesus wants to make himself more real to our hearts than we can possibly imagine. our hearts than we can possibly imagine. our hearts than we can possibly imagine. It might not always be in grandiose ways It might not always be in grandiose ways It might not always be in grandiose ways that we might expect or imagine. that we might expect or imagine. that we might expect or imagine. It's deeper than our expectations. It's deeper than our expectations. It's deeper than our expectations. It's deeper than what we could design in It's deeper than what we could design in It's deeper than what we could design in our our imaginations on how he might our our imaginations on how he might our our imaginations on how he might meet us. A crazy dream, a vision. He can meet us. A crazy dream, a vision. He can meet us. A crazy dream, a vision. He can do all of that. do all of that. do all of that. But he wants to meet you in a way that's But he wants to meet you in a way that's But he wants to meet you in a way that's more meaningful than your mind can even more meaningful than your mind can even more meaningful than your mind can even conjure up. conjure up. conjure up. The Holy Spirit's commitment is to make The Holy Spirit's commitment is to make The Holy Spirit's commitment is to make Jesus more real than that orphan Jesus more real than that orphan Jesus more real than that orphan mindset. mindset. mindset. To make the love of the Father more To make the love of the Father more To make the love of the Father more powerful than the orphan moment that powerful than the orphan moment that powerful than the orphan moment that you're facing. you're facing. you're facing. And his presence and power are more real And his presence and power are more real And his presence and power are more real than your abandonment. You're meant to than your abandonment. You're meant to than your abandonment. You're meant to hear the voice of God as it was said hear the voice of God as it was said hear the voice of God as it was said earlier tonight. You're meant to hear earlier tonight. You're meant to hear earlier tonight. You're meant to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking truth over you. Telling you the truth truth over you. Telling you the truth truth over you. Telling you the truth about who God really is. Telling you the about who God really is. Telling you the about who God really is. Telling you the truth about who you're meant to be in truth about who you're meant to be in truth about who you're meant to be in God and what your calling and future God and what your calling and future God and what your calling and future are. And when you're in those orphan are. And when you're in those orphan are. And when you're in those orphan mindsets or you're facing an orphan mindsets or you're facing an orphan mindsets or you're facing an orphan moment, you're meant to hear him moment, you're meant to hear him moment, you're meant to hear him declaring the truth of scripture over declaring the truth of scripture over declaring the truth of scripture over you. You're meant to hear him speaking you. You're meant to hear him speaking you. You're meant to hear him speaking verses like Isaiah 43 to your heart verses like Isaiah 43 to your heart verses like Isaiah 43 to your heart saying, "Fear not for I've redeemed you.

saying, "Fear not for I've redeemed you. saying, "Fear not for I've redeemed you. I've called you BY NAME. YOU ARE MINE. I've called you BY NAME. YOU ARE MINE. I've called you BY NAME. YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through the waters, I will When you pass through the waters, I will When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And there through the be with you. And there through the be with you. And there through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. rivers, they will not overwhelm you. rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not When you walk through fire, you will not When you walk through fire, you will not be burned. The flame will not consume be burned. The flame will not consume be burned. The flame will not consume you." you." you." When you're in those places of pain and When you're in those places of pain and When you're in those places of pain and difficulty, you're meant to hear the difficulty, you're meant to hear the difficulty, you're meant to hear the spirit of God quoting Joshua 1:9 saying, spirit of God quoting Joshua 1:9 saying, spirit of God quoting Joshua 1:9 saying, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and courageous. Do not be frightened and courageous. Do not be frightened and don't be dismayed for the Lord your God don't be dismayed for the Lord your God don't be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." is with you wherever you go." is with you wherever you go." You're meant to hear him speaking Isaiah You're meant to hear him speaking Isaiah You're meant to hear him speaking Isaiah 41 over you, "Fear not for I am with 41 over you, "Fear not for I am with 41 over you, "Fear not for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your you. Do not be dismayed for I am your you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help God. I will strengthen you. I will help God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous you. I will uphold you with my righteous you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." right hand." right hand." When we're facing orphan moments, When we're facing orphan moments, When we're facing orphan moments, when we're dealing with an orphan when we're dealing with an orphan when we're dealing with an orphan mindset, mindset, mindset, the solution is always the same. the solution is always the same. the solution is always the same. Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest Jesus to Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest Jesus to Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest Jesus to you. you. you. Cry out to the Holy Spirit and say, "God Cry out to the Holy Spirit and say, "God Cry out to the Holy Spirit and say, "God Almighty, give me a vision of Jesus in Almighty, give me a vision of Jesus in Almighty, give me a vision of Jesus in my heart that is clearer than what I my heart that is clearer than what I my heart that is clearer than what I hear raging inside of me right now.

hear raging inside of me right now. hear raging inside of me right now. Give me an understanding and awareness Give me an understanding and awareness Give me an understanding and awareness of his beauty and of his power, of the of his beauty and of his power, of the of his beauty and of his power, of the Father's love for me that's richer and Father's love for me that's richer and Father's love for me that's richer and more wonderful than everything that I'm more wonderful than everything that I'm more wonderful than everything that I'm carrying. carrying. carrying. What we're requesting tonight What we're requesting tonight What we're requesting tonight is assurance from the Father is assurance from the Father is assurance from the Father that's more powerful than any that's more powerful than any that's more powerful than any abandonment that you've ever felt, abandonment that you've ever felt, abandonment that you've ever felt, stronger than any rejection that you've stronger than any rejection that you've stronger than any rejection that you've ever carried, ever carried, ever carried, and deeper than any grief that you've and deeper than any grief that you've and deeper than any grief that you've ever known. ever known. ever known. That's why it's so appropriate that That's why it's so appropriate that That's why it's so appropriate that tonight as we come to the communion tonight as we come to the communion tonight as we come to the communion table, table, table, a place of fellowship and belonging, a place of fellowship and belonging, a place of fellowship and belonging, we make just this request. Holy Spirit, we make just this request. Holy Spirit, we make just this request. Holy Spirit, manifest Jesus to us. manifest Jesus to us. manifest Jesus to us. Help us to see him more clearly than Help us to see him more clearly than Help us to see him more clearly than ever before. ever before. ever before. I want to invite everyone here in the I want to invite everyone here in the I want to invite everyone here in the house to stand. house to stand. house to stand. If you didn't get communion elements on If you didn't get communion elements on If you didn't get communion elements on the way in, they're in the back. Feel the way in, they're in the back. Feel the way in, they're in the back. Feel free to go back and get them for free to go back and get them for free to go back and get them for yourself at any time. Those of you that yourself at any time. Those of you that yourself at any time. Those of you that are online, please take a moment and get are online, please take a moment and get are online, please take a moment and get some bread and some juice so that you some bread and some juice so that you some bread and some juice so that you can partake of the Lord's Supper with can partake of the Lord's Supper with can partake of the Lord's Supper with us. us. us. And if you are listening tonight, And if you are listening tonight, And if you are listening tonight, whether here in the house or online, and whether here in the house or online, and whether here in the house or online, and you are a Christian, you are a Christian, you are a Christian, you are not an orphan.

you are not an orphan. you are not an orphan. You're not fatherless. You're not fatherless. You're not fatherless. You are unconditionally loved and You are unconditionally loved and You are unconditionally loved and accepted accepted accepted because you're wrapped in somebody because you're wrapped in somebody because you're wrapped in somebody else's perfection. else's perfection. else's perfection. Everything that makes you undeserving of Everything that makes you undeserving of Everything that makes you undeserving of being a child of God is covered and being a child of God is covered and being a child of God is covered and eclipsed by the blood of Jesus, and it's eclipsed by the blood of Jesus, and it's eclipsed by the blood of Jesus, and it's not seen anymore. not seen anymore. not seen anymore. You belong at this table. You belong at this table. You belong at this table. Even if you feel like you've had a Even if you feel like you've had a Even if you feel like you've had a miserable week full of failure, this is miserable week full of failure, this is miserable week full of failure, this is where you get better. where you get better. where you get better. You don't get better by drawing back and You don't get better by drawing back and You don't get better by drawing back and keeping away from God. You become keeping away from God. You become keeping away from God. You become stronger and drawn more into holiness by stronger and drawn more into holiness by stronger and drawn more into holiness by coming near to Jesus. coming near to Jesus. coming near to Jesus. And for anyone who's listening that And for anyone who's listening that And for anyone who's listening that maybe isn't saved, you're listening and maybe isn't saved, you're listening and maybe isn't saved, you're listening and you're thinking, "Man, I I know what it you're thinking, "Man, I I know what it you're thinking, "Man, I I know what it is to feel like an orphan. is to feel like an orphan. is to feel like an orphan. I know what it is to feel abandoned and I know what it is to feel abandoned and I know what it is to feel abandoned and rejected." rejected." rejected." Well, you've heard the solution. Well, you've heard the solution. Well, you've heard the solution. You're very aware of the problem, but You're very aware of the problem, but You're very aware of the problem, but now you've heard the solution. God loves now you've heard the solution. God loves now you've heard the solution. God loves you. you. you. He loves you more than you can possibly He loves you more than you can possibly He loves you more than you can possibly imagine. imagine. imagine. And if you're ready to make a decision And if you're ready to make a decision And if you're ready to make a decision for him tonight, you can start knowing for him tonight, you can start knowing for him tonight, you can start knowing what that love is, and it's going to what that love is, and it's going to what that love is, and it's going to radically change everything.

radically change everything. radically change everything. And we always say the same thing at all And we always say the same thing at all And we always say the same thing at all of our campuses with Times Square Church of our campuses with Times Square Church of our campuses with Times Square Church that coming to Jesus and getting saved that coming to Jesus and getting saved that coming to Jesus and getting saved is as easy as ABC. is as easy as ABC. is as easy as ABC. A, you admit that you're a sinner. A, you admit that you're a sinner. A, you admit that you're a sinner. You acknowledge that you've done wrong. You acknowledge that you've done wrong. You acknowledge that you've done wrong. You have failed to live up to God's You have failed to live up to God's You have failed to live up to God's standards. standards. standards. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> But then B is you believe that because >> But then B is you believe that because >> But then B is you believe that because he loves you, Jesus came and took the he loves you, Jesus came and took the he loves you, Jesus came and took the punishment that you deserve. So now punishment that you deserve. So now punishment that you deserve. So now instead of being separated from God, you instead of being separated from God, you instead of being separated from God, you get forgiven and adopted into his get forgiven and adopted into his get forgiven and adopted into his family. Instead of being separated from family. Instead of being separated from family. Instead of being separated from him, you get [music] filled with his him, you get [music] filled with his him, you get [music] filled with his power to live for him. power to live for him. power to live for him. And C is you confess that Jesus Christ And C is you confess that Jesus Christ And C is you confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord and your savior. You love is your Lord and your savior. You love is your Lord and your savior. You love him by obeying him. him by obeying him. him by obeying him. So I'm going to take a few moments to So I'm going to take a few moments to So I'm going to take a few moments to pray, and then we're going to sing a pray, and then we're going to sing a pray, and then we're going to sing a song and come back together to partake song and come back together to partake song and come back together to partake of communion. And if you're making a of communion. And if you're making a of communion. And if you're making a decision tonight to say I want to follow decision tonight to say I want to follow decision tonight to say I want to follow Jesus, I want you to text the word Jesus, I want you to text the word Jesus, I want you to text the word decided to 51,000. We'll put that up on decided to 51,000. We'll put that up on decided to 51,000. We'll put that up on the screen for you. Just send the text the screen for you. Just send the text the screen for you. Just send the text to the number 51,000. Just put in the to the number 51,000. Just put in the to the number 51,000. Just put in the word decided, and that's going to show word decided, and that's going to show word decided, and that's going to show us that you've made a decision, and us that you've made a decision, and us that you've made a decision, and you're going to be sent helpful you're going to be sent helpful you're going to be sent helpful resources and videos to get you started resources and videos to get you started resources and videos to get you started on your Christian journey.

on your Christian journey. on your Christian journey. Lord Jesus, I thank you Lord Jesus, I thank you Lord Jesus, I thank you that you've not left us as orphans. that you've not left us as orphans. that you've not left us as orphans. I thank you that you still come to us, I thank you that you still come to us, I thank you that you still come to us, God. God. God. You come to us by your Holy Spirit. When You come to us by your Holy Spirit. When You come to us by your Holy Spirit. When we're facing orphan moments and we have we're facing orphan moments and we have we're facing orphan moments and we have orphan mindsets, where we're feeling orphan mindsets, where we're feeling orphan mindsets, where we're feeling abandoned and feeling rejected, I thank abandoned and feeling rejected, I thank abandoned and feeling rejected, I thank you that you make war against those you that you make war against those you that you make war against those lies, and you fight to set us free. lies, and you fight to set us free. lies, and you fight to set us free. Lord, as we come to your table tonight, Lord, as we come to your table tonight, Lord, as we come to your table tonight, I pray that those who came here tonight, I pray that those who came here tonight, I pray that those who came here tonight, already sons and daughters, would be already sons and daughters, would be already sons and daughters, would be revived and refreshed in their spirits. revived and refreshed in their spirits. revived and refreshed in their spirits. Lord, that they would be even more Lord, that they would be even more Lord, that they would be even more convinced of the Father's love than ever convinced of the Father's love than ever convinced of the Father's love than ever before. before. before. And Lord, those that are coming to the And Lord, those that are coming to the And Lord, those that are coming to the table for the first time, table for the first time, table for the first time, Lord, those that are coming to salvation Lord, those that are coming to salvation Lord, those that are coming to salvation for the very first time tonight, Lord, for the very first time tonight, Lord, for the very first time tonight, Lord, would you speak to them? would you speak to them? would you speak to them? Would you give them a deep deep Would you give them a deep deep Would you give them a deep deep assurance, a deep knowing in their heart assurance, a deep knowing in their heart assurance, a deep knowing in their heart that they are saved. They are forgiven that they are saved. They are forgiven that they are saved. They are forgiven of all their wrongdoings [music] and of all their wrongdoings [music] and of all their wrongdoings [music] and they will be healed of every wrong thing they will be healed of every wrong thing they will be healed of every wrong thing ever done to them. ever done to them. ever done to them. God, thank you that you're bigger than God, thank you that you're bigger than God, thank you that you're bigger than our abandonment.

our abandonment. our abandonment. We love you and we thank you in Jesus' We love you and we thank you in Jesus' We love you and we thank you in Jesus' name. [music] Let's worship for a few name. [music] Let's worship for a few name. [music] Let's worship for a few moments and then we'll partake of moments and then we'll partake of moments and then we'll partake of communion together.