STRETCHING OUT YOUR HANDS (DYING A DEEPER DEATH) - David O'Neill

Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you Jesus. You may be seated. Thank you Jesus. You may be seated. Thank you Jesus. You may be seated. [music] [music] [music] Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Pastor Patrick and I do you hear me? Do Pastor Patrick and I do you hear me? Do Pastor Patrick and I do you hear me? Do you hear me? Okay. you hear me? Okay. you hear me? Okay. Pastor Patrick and I were both part of Pastor Patrick and I were both part of Pastor Patrick and I were both part of the young adults not so long ago. That's the young adults not so long ago. That's the young adults not so long ago. That's not supposed to be funny. I don't I not supposed to be funny. I don't I not supposed to be funny. I don't I don't understand why don't understand why don't understand why why people laugh at that. why people laugh at that. why people laugh at that. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Uh if we could all just stretch out our Uh if we could all just stretch out our Uh if we could all just stretch out our hands. hands. hands. Uh no, some hands are going up. That's Uh no, some hands are going up. That's Uh no, some hands are going up. That's the title of my message. Stretching out. the title of my message. Stretching out. the title of my message. Stretching out. Stretching out your hands. Stretching out your hands. Stretching out your hands. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] John 21 John 21 John 21 verses 18 and 19 Jesus speaks speaking verses 18 and 19 Jesus speaks speaking verses 18 and 19 Jesus speaks speaking to Peter says, "I tell you the truth. to Peter says, "I tell you the truth. to Peter says, "I tell you the truth. When you were young, you were able to do When you were young, you were able to do When you were young, you were able to do as you liked. You dressed yourself, went as you liked. You dressed yourself, went as you liked. You dressed yourself, went wherever you wanted to go. But when you wherever you wanted to go. But when you wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands are old, you will stretch out your hands are old, you will stretch out your hands and others will dress you and take you and others will dress you and take you and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go. And then the where you don't want to go. And then the where you don't want to go. And then the Apostle John interjects, Apostle John interjects, Apostle John interjects, Jesus said this to let him know by what Jesus said this to let him know by what Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God.

kind of death he would glorify God. kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, follow me. Let's Then Jesus told him, follow me. Let's Then Jesus told him, follow me. Let's pray. Father, we entrust these next few pray. Father, we entrust these next few pray. Father, we entrust these next few minutes into your hands and we just ask minutes into your hands and we just ask minutes into your hands and we just ask for the grace to hear your voice calling for the grace to hear your voice calling for the grace to hear your voice calling us, Jesus. And we ask for the grace to us, Jesus. And we ask for the grace to us, Jesus. And we ask for the grace to respond to your call. We ask for the respond to your call. We ask for the respond to your call. We ask for the grace to stretch forth our hands and go grace to stretch forth our hands and go grace to stretch forth our hands and go where you want us to go. No matter what where you want us to go. No matter what where you want us to go. No matter what our flesh is crying out, no matter what our flesh is crying out, no matter what our flesh is crying out, no matter what the enemy says, no matter what the world the enemy says, no matter what the world the enemy says, no matter what the world tells us, we want to go your way because tells us, we want to go your way because tells us, we want to go your way because your ways are higher than ours. Your your ways are higher than ours. Your your ways are higher than ours. Your thoughts are higher than ours. Your thoughts are higher than ours. Your thoughts are higher than ours. Your plans are better than anything we could plans are better than anything we could plans are better than anything we could devise on our own. So we yield to you, devise on our own. So we yield to you, devise on our own. So we yield to you, God. We lift up the hands in our hearts, God. We lift up the hands in our hearts, God. We lift up the hands in our hearts, God. We say, Jesus, have your way. Even God. We say, Jesus, have your way. Even God. We say, Jesus, have your way. Even tonight, dear God, don't let anyone of tonight, dear God, don't let anyone of tonight, dear God, don't let anyone of us, including myself, leave unchanged, us, including myself, leave unchanged, us, including myself, leave unchanged, unchallenged, unmoved by the power of unchallenged, unmoved by the power of unchallenged, unmoved by the power of your spirit and your grace. And we thank your spirit and your grace. And we thank your spirit and your grace. And we thank you. Thank you for your presence in the you. Thank you for your presence in the you. Thank you for your presence in the midst of your people. We ask for your midst of your people. We ask for your midst of your people. We ask for your blessing upon everyone online who will blessing upon everyone online who will blessing upon everyone online who will be streaming in tonight or throughout be streaming in tonight or throughout be streaming in tonight or throughout the weeks to come or months. God, we the weeks to come or months. God, we the weeks to come or months. God, we just pray that you would meet us at the just pray that you would meet us at the just pray that you would meet us at the point of our need and speak to your point of our need and speak to your point of our need and speak to your people. Your servants are listening. In people. Your servants are listening. In people. Your servants are listening. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. If I Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. If I Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. If I could give this message a t a second could give this message a t a second could give this message a t a second title, a subtitle as you were, it would title, a subtitle as you were, it would title, a subtitle as you were, it would be dying a deeper death. My friend and be dying a deeper death. My friend and be dying a deeper death. My friend and I, he's in Florida right now. He's my I, he's in Florida right now. He's my I, he's in Florida right now. He's my best buddy. We always had this saying best buddy. We always had this saying best buddy. We always had this saying whenever God called us to do something whenever God called us to do something whenever God called us to do something that was challenging where it was like that was challenging where it was like that was challenging where it was like it felt like we were throwing oursel off it felt like we were throwing oursel off it felt like we were throwing oursel off a cliff into the hands of a merciful

a cliff into the hands of a merciful a cliff into the hands of a merciful God, we would say keep keep me in God, we would say keep keep me in God, we would say keep keep me in prayer. I'm dying a deeper death. So I prayer. I'm dying a deeper death. So I prayer. I'm dying a deeper death. So I believe that in a sense God is going to believe that in a sense God is going to believe that in a sense God is going to speak to us and call us to stretch forth speak to us and call us to stretch forth speak to us and call us to stretch forth our hands like he said Peter was going our hands like he said Peter was going our hands like he said Peter was going to do when he gets old and die a deeper to do when he gets old and die a deeper to do when he gets old and die a deeper death. and that old self, that old thing death. and that old self, that old thing death. and that old self, that old thing that wants to cling to our new uh that wants to cling to our new uh that wants to cling to our new uh regenerated, redeemed life, that would regenerated, redeemed life, that would regenerated, redeemed life, that would fall to the wayside and we would go in fall to the wayside and we would go in fall to the wayside and we would go in the way that Jesus is calling. The the way that Jesus is calling. The the way that Jesus is calling. The preceding narrative, you know, the preceding narrative, you know, the preceding narrative, you know, the story, it's one of one of my favorite story, it's one of one of my favorite story, it's one of one of my favorite passages of scripture in John chapter 21 passages of scripture in John chapter 21 passages of scripture in John chapter 21 is the miraculous catch. Uh the is the miraculous catch. Uh the is the miraculous catch. Uh the disciples decided to go fishing because disciples decided to go fishing because disciples decided to go fishing because Peter said, "I'm going fishing." They Peter said, "I'm going fishing." They Peter said, "I'm going fishing." They had already seen the resurrected Jesus, had already seen the resurrected Jesus, had already seen the resurrected Jesus, which is amazing in in my understanding. which is amazing in in my understanding. which is amazing in in my understanding. If I had seen the resurrected Jesus, I If I had seen the resurrected Jesus, I If I had seen the resurrected Jesus, I would say, "Forget about fishing. I'm would say, "Forget about fishing. I'm would say, "Forget about fishing. I'm I'm everything that Jesus taught was I'm everything that Jesus taught was I'm everything that Jesus taught was true. Everything we didn't expect him to true. Everything we didn't expect him to true. Everything we didn't expect him to do, he's done. Everything uh he said he do, he's done. Everything uh he said he do, he's done. Everything uh he said he was going to do after being crucified, was going to do after being crucified, was going to do after being crucified, he's done. I don't understand it all, he's done. I don't understand it all, he's done. I don't understand it all, but I'm going his way." Peter rises up but I'm going his way." Peter rises up but I'm going his way." Peter rises up and says, "I'm going fishing." And and says, "I'm going fishing." And and says, "I'm going fishing." And everybody says, "I'm going with you."

everybody says, "I'm going with you." everybody says, "I'm going with you." So, they're all in the boat. They're out So, they're all in the boat. They're out So, they're all in the boat. They're out there on the Sea of Galilee and they're there on the Sea of Galilee and they're there on the Sea of Galilee and they're fishing all night long with their nets fishing all night long with their nets fishing all night long with their nets out there and they catch nothing. These out there and they catch nothing. These out there and they catch nothing. These are trained fishermen. These are these are trained fishermen. These are these are trained fishermen. These are these are experts on fishing. They may have are experts on fishing. They may have are experts on fishing. They may have not fished in about three years because not fished in about three years because not fished in about three years because they've been walking with Jesus. They they've been walking with Jesus. They they've been walking with Jesus. They say, "Man, we've probably lost our touch say, "Man, we've probably lost our touch say, "Man, we've probably lost our touch or what's going on here." But a whole or what's going on here." But a whole or what's going on here." But a whole night without catching anything, night without catching anything, night without catching anything, something weird is up. Right? But but something weird is up. Right? But but something weird is up. Right? But but I'm amazed at the power behind the I'm amazed at the power behind the I'm amazed at the power behind the simplest of the Lord's instructions, the simplest of the Lord's instructions, the simplest of the Lord's instructions, the Lord's suggestions. Hey guys, have you Lord's suggestions. Hey guys, have you Lord's suggestions. Hey guys, have you caught anything? [clears throat] No, not caught anything? [clears throat] No, not caught anything? [clears throat] No, not really. Cast the net on the other side really. Cast the net on the other side really. Cast the net on the other side of the boat. Cast the net on the right of the boat. Cast the net on the right of the boat. Cast the net on the right side of the boat. They do it. And the side of the boat. They do it. And the side of the boat. They do it. And the power behind just following the simplest power behind just following the simplest power behind just following the simplest suggestion of Jesus. They didn't What suggestion of Jesus. They didn't What suggestion of Jesus. They didn't What amazes me is that they didn't even know amazes me is that they didn't even know amazes me is that they didn't even know that that was Jesus on the shore. And that that was Jesus on the shore. And that that was Jesus on the shore. And yet they were responding to his voice yet they were responding to his voice yet they were responding to his voice and to his suggestion. And then the the and to his suggestion. And then the the and to his suggestion. And then the the provision that results as acting upon provision that results as acting upon provision that results as acting upon his word is amazing, is astounding. This his word is amazing, is astounding. This his word is amazing, is astounding. This moment would have gone viral if they had moment would have gone viral if they had moment would have gone viral if they had had their smartphones with them. If they had their smartphones with them. If they had their smartphones with them. If they had been able to take pictures of the had been able to take pictures of the had been able to take pictures of the before, the empty nets, the the hours before, the empty nets, the the hours before, the empty nets, the the hours that went by, uh 1:00 in the morning, that went by, uh 1:00 in the morning, that went by, uh 1:00 in the morning, 2:00 in the morning, nothing yet. And 2:00 in the morning, nothing yet. And 2:00 in the morning, nothing yet. And then all of a sudden, he says, "Cast the then all of a sudden, he says, "Cast the then all of a sudden, he says, "Cast the net on the right side of the tried every net on the right side of the tried every net on the right side of the tried every area. They know the sea. They know where area. They know the sea. They know where area. They know the sea. They know where the fish are. They know these things.

the fish are. They know these things. the fish are. They know these things. And they just says, "Okay, let's try it. And they just says, "Okay, let's try it. And they just says, "Okay, let's try it. It's this is weird, but let's do this." It's this is weird, but let's do this." It's this is weird, but let's do this." They cast the net on the other side and They cast the net on the other side and They cast the net on the other side and a multitude of fish fill fill the nets. a multitude of fish fill fill the nets. a multitude of fish fill fill the nets. This is amazing. This is awesome. They This is amazing. This is awesome. They This is amazing. This is awesome. They they're they're wanting to post it. If they're they're wanting to post it. If they're they're wanting to post it. If they had their phones, they would be they had their phones, they would be they had their phones, they would be taking pictures of this and sending it. taking pictures of this and sending it. taking pictures of this and sending it. Look at look at the before. Look at the Look at look at the before. Look at the Look at look at the before. Look at the after. This is amazing. This is after. This is amazing. This is after. This is amazing. This is miraculous. People would be watching and miraculous. People would be watching and miraculous. People would be watching and say, "No way. That's not true. That's say, "No way. That's not true. That's say, "No way. That's not true. That's AI. They did some trick. Something AI. They did some trick. Something AI. They did some trick. Something something's going on. That can't be something's going on. That can't be something's going on. That can't be real. That can't be real." The presence real. That can't be real." The presence real. That can't be real." The presence of the resurrected one on the shore when of the resurrected one on the shore when of the resurrected one on the shore when they don't even know that it's him yet they don't even know that it's him yet they don't even know that it's him yet is already providing for him them is already providing for him them is already providing for him them already speaking to them. And it's an already speaking to them. And it's an already speaking to them. And it's an amazing thing, the grace of God to to to amazing thing, the grace of God to to to amazing thing, the grace of God to to to be able to know that even when we don't be able to know that even when we don't be able to know that even when we don't see him, when we don't acknowledge him. see him, when we don't acknowledge him. see him, when we don't acknowledge him. You may have come in tonight and you You may have come in tonight and you You may have come in tonight and you don't know that God is here. And you don't know that God is here. And you don't know that God is here. And you hear someone come up here and say, "The hear someone come up here and say, "The hear someone come up here and say, "The presence of God is so real." And you're presence of God is so real." And you're presence of God is so real." And you're like, "I don't know what they're talking like, "I don't know what they're talking like, "I don't know what they're talking about." But God sees you. That's what's about." But God sees you. That's what's about." But God sees you. That's what's important. God sees you. Whether you important. God sees you. Whether you important. God sees you. Whether you feel anything or not, he's aware of your feel anything or not, he's aware of your feel anything or not, he's aware of your struggles. He's aware of your weariness.

struggles. He's aware of your weariness. struggles. He's aware of your weariness. He's aware of what you've been going He's aware of what you've been going He's aware of what you've been going through all night long, all the seasons through all night long, all the seasons through all night long, all the seasons of YOUR LIFE, THE HEARTACHE. He's aware of YOUR LIFE, THE HEARTACHE. He's aware of YOUR LIFE, THE HEARTACHE. He's aware of it. He's aware of the pain that of it. He's aware of the pain that of it. He's aware of the pain that you're going through and he's there as you're going through and he's there as you're going through and he's there as close as the mention of his name. And close as the mention of his name. And close as the mention of his name. And then he wants to reveal himself. John then he wants to reveal himself. John then he wants to reveal himself. John says it's the Lord. He recognizes that says it's the Lord. He recognizes that says it's the Lord. He recognizes that it's at dawn. So the light is coming up. it's at dawn. So the light is coming up. it's at dawn. So the light is coming up. The sun is coming of gleaming. And he The sun is coming of gleaming. And he The sun is coming of gleaming. And he recognizes the the silhouette of Jesus recognizes the the silhouette of Jesus recognizes the the silhouette of Jesus and says it's the Lord. This can't be and says it's the Lord. This can't be and says it's the Lord. This can't be anybody else. It can't be just a anybody else. It can't be just a anybody else. It can't be just a stranger. He wants to reveal himself to stranger. He wants to reveal himself to stranger. He wants to reveal himself to you. This is an amazing portion of you. This is an amazing portion of you. This is an amazing portion of scripture. and the practical this. So, scripture. and the practical this. So, scripture. and the practical this. So, you know the story. Peter just gets on, you know the story. Peter just gets on, you know the story. Peter just gets on, gets his garment on, girds himself, gets his garment on, girds himself, gets his garment on, girds himself, throws himself into the water, swims a throws himself into the water, swims a throws himself into the water, swims a 100 yards over there to where Jesus is. 100 yards over there to where Jesus is. 100 yards over there to where Jesus is. Everybody else is just pulling the the Everybody else is just pulling the the Everybody else is just pulling the the the catch and and bringing it to shore. the catch and and bringing it to shore. the catch and and bringing it to shore. And they find Jesus on the shore on the And they find Jesus on the shore on the And they find Jesus on the shore on the beach shore with a a charcoal fire going beach shore with a a charcoal fire going beach shore with a a charcoal fire going and some fish frying on on the on and some fish frying on on the on and some fish frying on on the on something there. I don't know how how something there. I don't know how how something there. I don't know how how they did it back in the day, but the they did it back in the day, but the they did it back in the day, but the practical care and concern of Jesus practical care and concern of Jesus practical care and concern of Jesus amazes me. The what he's displaying that amazes me. The what he's displaying that amazes me. The what he's displaying that he prepared for them a warm breakfast.

he prepared for them a warm breakfast. he prepared for them a warm breakfast. He he realizes they're cold, especially He he realizes they're cold, especially He he realizes they're cold, especially Peter who just dipped himself in the Peter who just dipped himself in the Peter who just dipped himself in the water. He He's preparing a meal for them water. He He's preparing a meal for them water. He He's preparing a meal for them and he serves them breakfast. This is and he serves them breakfast. This is and he serves them breakfast. This is the master of the universe, the one who the master of the universe, the one who the master of the universe, the one who called creation into order. He is the called creation into order. He is the called creation into order. He is the one who resurrected and conquered death one who resurrected and conquered death one who resurrected and conquered death and holds the keys of of death and and and holds the keys of of death and and and holds the keys of of death and and and and this is the the great almighty and and this is the the great almighty and and this is the the great almighty who was there at the beginning who spoke who was there at the beginning who spoke who was there at the beginning who spoke creation into existence and he's there creation into existence and he's there creation into existence and he's there concerned about their needs and concerned about their needs and concerned about their needs and ministering to their needs amazes me. ministering to their needs amazes me. ministering to their needs amazes me. And then on top of that the partnership And then on top of that the partnership And then on top of that the partnership that the Lord calls them into and says that the Lord calls them into and says that the Lord calls them into and says bring some of those fish that you've bring some of those fish that you've bring some of those fish that you've caught. Are you kidding me? Are you caught. Are you kidding me? Are you caught. Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? I I'm thinking the the catch kidding me? I I'm thinking the the catch kidding me? I I'm thinking the the catch that we just caught. This is a miracle. that we just caught. This is a miracle. that we just caught. This is a miracle. This is a mira. If the disciples were This is a mira. If the disciples were This is a mira. If the disciples were thinking, "Oh yeah, we got some fish thinking, "Oh yeah, we got some fish thinking, "Oh yeah, we got some fish here." God help us. God help us. Times here." God help us. God help us. Times here." God help us. God help us. Times Square Church, God help us. If we think Square Church, God help us. If we think Square Church, God help us. If we think that we're celebrating 40 years next that we're celebrating 40 years next that we're celebrating 40 years next year, that we've done something great year, that we've done something great year, that we've done something great and to to receive the uh some glory.

and to to receive the uh some glory. and to to receive the uh some glory. It's been Jesus's mercy. God has been It's been Jesus's mercy. God has been It's been Jesus's mercy. God has been the one who has sustained us. God has the one who has sustained us. God has the one who has sustained us. God has been the one who has provided for us. been the one who has provided for us. been the one who has provided for us. God is the one who has put men of God on God is the one who has put men of God on God is the one who has put men of God on this pulpit and women of God who have this pulpit and women of God who have this pulpit and women of God who have preached to us the living word of God. preached to us the living word of God. preached to us the living word of God. I'm telling you, it it it it behooves us I'm telling you, it it it it behooves us I'm telling you, it it it it behooves us to acknowledge who it is that's our to acknowledge who it is that's our to acknowledge who it is that's our source of strength. Who it is that has source of strength. Who it is that has source of strength. Who it is that has provided that great catch in that net. provided that great catch in that net. provided that great catch in that net. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> But he invites us in. He's so humble. He >> But he invites us in. He's so humble. He >> But he invites us in. He's so humble. He says, "Bring some of that fish that you says, "Bring some of that fish that you says, "Bring some of that fish that you guys caught that you guys caught. guys caught that you guys caught. guys caught that you guys caught. Bring your talents, music, choir. Bring Bring your talents, music, choir. Bring Bring your talents, music, choir. Bring your voices your voices your voices that you have and serve the Lord here. that you have and serve the Lord here. that you have and serve the Lord here. Teachers, come bring the grace that you Teachers, come bring the grace that you Teachers, come bring the grace that you have to teach little children and work have to teach little children and work have to teach little children and work in our Sunday school. Ushers, bring that in our Sunday school. Ushers, bring that in our Sunday school. Ushers, bring that patience that you've developed over the patience that you've developed over the patience that you've developed over the years to work uh with the congregation. years to work uh with the congregation. years to work uh with the congregation. Wow. Whatever we bring to the service of Wow. Whatever we bring to the service of Wow. Whatever we bring to the service of God, it's not because we've earned it or God, it's not because we've earned it or God, it's not because we've earned it or we've merited it or we've uh uh somehow we've merited it or we've uh uh somehow we've merited it or we've uh uh somehow worked enough to get it. Bring your worked enough to get it. Bring your worked enough to get it. Bring your degrees, bring that college degree to degrees, bring that college degree to degrees, bring that college degree to the Lord. Bring that talent, bring that the Lord. Bring that talent, bring that the Lord. Bring that talent, bring that ability, that occupation, that that ability, that occupation, that that ability, that occupation, that that vocation that you have, bring it to the vocation that you have, bring it to the vocation that you have, bring it to the Lord. And God is the one who has given Lord. And God is the one who has given Lord. And God is the one who has given it to you. And God will be glorified in it to you. And God will be glorified in it to you. And God will be glorified in it and through it if you give it to the it and through it if you give it to the it and through it if you give it to the Lord and master.

Lord and master. Lord and master. And then finally, his personalized, And then finally, his personalized, And then finally, his personalized, individualized restoration for Peter. individualized restoration for Peter. individualized restoration for Peter. That little session where he calls Peter That little session where he calls Peter That little session where he calls Peter apart and he begins to deal with this apart and he begins to deal with this apart and he begins to deal with this failure of Jesus. You you got to failure of Jesus. You you got to failure of Jesus. You you got to understand that Peter must have felt understand that Peter must have felt understand that Peter must have felt like a a a failure at that moment. like a a a failure at that moment. like a a a failure at that moment. Everything reminded him of that failure. Everything reminded him of that failure. Everything reminded him of that failure. This is this is he's even smelling like This is this is he's even smelling like This is this is he's even smelling like we heard from Pastor Tim on on in one we heard from Pastor Tim on on in one we heard from Pastor Tim on on in one message that the the smell of the message that the the smell of the message that the the smell of the charcoal could have reminded him when he charcoal could have reminded him when he charcoal could have reminded him when he denied uh Jesus three times at the denied uh Jesus three times at the denied uh Jesus three times at the campfire when he says, "I don't know campfire when he says, "I don't know campfire when he says, "I don't know him." And he he he denied him with a him." And he he he denied him with a him." And he he he denied him with a curse. curse. curse. Constantly tormented by the one who Constantly tormented by the one who Constantly tormented by the one who wanted to sift him like wheat. a wanted to sift him like wheat. a wanted to sift him like wheat. a reminder of his failures and his reminder of his failures and his reminder of his failures and his denials, denials, denials, but at the same time, he's witnessing but at the same time, he's witnessing but at the same time, he's witnessing the grace of God being extended to him. the grace of God being extended to him. the grace of God being extended to him. The hands of Jesus reaching out to him. The hands of Jesus reaching out to him. The hands of Jesus reaching out to him. Come over here, Peter. Let's let's deal Come over here, Peter. Let's let's deal Come over here, Peter. Let's let's deal with this issue here. Let's let's talk with this issue here. Let's let's talk with this issue here. Let's let's talk about this. Do you love me, Peter? Do about this. Do you love me, Peter? Do about this. Do you love me, Peter? Do you unconditionally love me, Peter?

you unconditionally love me, Peter? you unconditionally love me, Peter? Three times he asks him. Most Three times he asks him. Most Three times he asks him. Most commentators says to match the three commentators says to match the three commentators says to match the three times that he denied Jesus. But it's times that he denied Jesus. But it's times that he denied Jesus. But it's it's the divinely orchestrated meeting it's the divinely orchestrated meeting it's the divinely orchestrated meeting with Peter that amazes me. He's on the with Peter that amazes me. He's on the with Peter that amazes me. He's on the same beach where Jesus called him the same beach where Jesus called him the same beach where Jesus called him the first time. He's on the same shore where first time. He's on the same shore where first time. He's on the same shore where Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make Jesus said, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." And he threw you fishers of men." And he threw you fishers of men." And he threw himself at his feet after the the himself at his feet after the the himself at his feet after the the miraculous catch. He threw himself at miraculous catch. He threw himself at miraculous catch. He threw himself at his feet and says, "Depart from me for his feet and says, "Depart from me for his feet and says, "Depart from me for for I'm a wicked I'm a sinful man." And for I'm a wicked I'm a sinful man." And for I'm a wicked I'm a sinful man." And if there ever there's a time where where if there ever there's a time where where if there ever there's a time where where he felt sinful was now. where he felt he felt sinful was now. where he felt he felt sinful was now. where he felt like a failure was now when Jesus is like a failure was now when Jesus is like a failure was now when Jesus is saying do you love me Peter and he he saying do you love me Peter and he he saying do you love me Peter and he he wants to express his love he says you wants to express his love he says you wants to express his love he says you know I love you know I love you and it know I love you know I love you and it know I love you know I love you and it was after a miraculous catch that he was was after a miraculous catch that he was was after a miraculous catch that he was he was called into ministry and and he was called into ministry and and he was called into ministry and and Jesus said I will make you a fisher of Jesus said I will make you a fisher of Jesus said I will make you a fisher of men men men and then he says follow me same and then he says follow me same and then he says follow me same circumstances circumstances circumstances same grace that was extended to him same grace that was extended to him same grace that was extended to him before but now there's a strange before but now there's a strange before but now there's a strange dialogue not dialogue but a a strange dialogue not dialogue but a a strange dialogue not dialogue but a a strange intriguing statement that gives Peter a intriguing statement that gives Peter a intriguing statement that gives Peter a glimpse of his future.

glimpse of his future. glimpse of his future. And this is what we're going to talk And this is what we're going to talk And this is what we're going to talk about tonight about tonight about tonight because it's that issue of when you were because it's that issue of when you were because it's that issue of when you were young young young and when you are old and when you are old and when you are old that baffles me sometimes because I'm at that baffles me sometimes because I'm at that baffles me sometimes because I'm at that point in my life where my age is that point in my life where my age is that point in my life where my age is beginning to astound me [laughter] beginning to astound me [laughter] beginning to astound me [laughter] how it crept up on me so quickly. how it crept up on me so quickly. how it crept up on me so quickly. Pastor Patrick, it seems like the other Pastor Patrick, it seems like the other Pastor Patrick, it seems like the other day we were going out ski trips with the day we were going out ski trips with the day we were going out ski trips with the youth and uh youth and uh youth and uh and all of a sudden I'm like, and all of a sudden I'm like, and all of a sudden I'm like, I can't believe this. I can't believe this. I can't believe this. There are some ups and downs, you know, There are some ups and downs, you know, There are some ups and downs, you know, about aging. Ricardo still got it. about aging. Ricardo still got it. about aging. Ricardo still got it. He could say his statements like, uh, He could say his statements like, uh, He could say his statements like, uh, I don't want to cast shade on him. You I don't want to cast shade on him. You I don't want to cast shade on him. You know, if I try that, my daughters will know, if I try that, my daughters will know, if I try that, my daughters will say, "Do not say that ever again." say, "Do not say that ever again." say, "Do not say that ever again." They will remind me of my age over and They will remind me of my age over and They will remind me of my age over and over again. There are some ups and there over again. There are some ups and there over again. There are some ups and there are some downs. Uh, bald used to be cool are some downs. Uh, bald used to be cool are some downs. Uh, bald used to be cool when you were young, but somehow I all when you were young, but somehow I all when you were young, but somehow I all of a sudden I realized that bald is not of a sudden I realized that bald is not of a sudden I realized that bald is not cool anymore when you're old.

the the kids in school. I'm I'm a gym the the kids in school. I'm I'm a gym teacher in the Bronx. They want to touch teacher in the Bronx. They want to touch teacher in the Bronx. They want to touch my head always. It's so humiliating. It's so It's so humiliating. It's so embarrassing. Can I touch your head? Can embarrassing. Can I touch your head? Can embarrassing. Can I touch your head? Can I touch your head? And and I'm I'm a gym teacher, so I come And and I'm I'm a gym teacher, so I come in with my Nikes and my Under Arour in with my Nikes and my Under Arour in with my Nikes and my Under Arour pants and my my Under Armour shirt and pants and my my Under Armour shirt and pants and my my Under Armour shirt and my Adidas hat, you know. I think I'm my Adidas hat, you know. I think I'm my Adidas hat, you know. I think I'm cool, you know. And the kids will burst cool, you know. And the kids will burst cool, you know. And the kids will burst my bubble immediately. my bubble immediately. my bubble immediately. How old are you? This This is true. Just the other day, I This This is true. Just the other day, I [clears throat] found out that I could [clears throat] found out that I could [clears throat] found out that I could get a 50% discount with get a 50% discount with get a 50% discount with North Jersey Transit. If you don't know North Jersey Transit. If you don't know North Jersey Transit. If you don't know that and you're using North Jersey that and you're using North Jersey that and you're using North Jersey Transit, 50% off. Transit, 50% off. Transit, 50% off. It's amazing. like I could go back and It's amazing. like I could go back and It's amazing. like I could go back and forth to the city and pay just what I forth to the city and pay just what I forth to the city and pay just what I used to, just half of what I used to used to, just half of what I used to used to, just half of what I used to pay. It's amazing. But the the downside pay. It's amazing. But the the downside pay. It's amazing. But the the downside of is when I'm on the train and I have of is when I'm on the train and I have of is when I'm on the train and I have my app because I got the ticket on my my app because I got the ticket on my my app because I got the ticket on my app. I'm not that old. I could I could app. I'm not that old. I could I could app. I'm not that old. I could I could do some things with my app and the guy do some things with my app and the guy do some things with my app and the guy comes around to scan, you know, the comes around to scan, you know, the comes around to scan, you know, the ticket and I show it to him and it says, ticket and I show it to him and it says, ticket and I show it to him and it says, uh, ID may be required, right? He uh, ID may be required, right? He uh, ID may be required, right? He doesn't ask me for my ID.

And I'm I'm here happy about my And I'm I'm here happy about my discount, but something something's a discount, but something something's a discount, but something something's a downer about that. I'm saying he could downer about that. I'm saying he could downer about that. I'm saying he could have at least said, "Are you sure you're have at least said, "Are you sure you're have at least said, "Are you sure you're you're you know you're you know you're you know nothing?" My wife and I go out to eat nothing?" My wife and I go out to eat nothing?" My wife and I go out to eat and it says, "Can we have the senior and it says, "Can we have the senior and it says, "Can we have the senior discount?" No, no, no questions asked. discount?" No, no, no questions asked. discount?" No, no, no questions asked. They say, "Sure." They say, "Sure." They say, "Sure." I'm like, "What? I'm like, "What? I'm like, "What? What is going on?" So, I can imagine the conversation Peter So, I can imagine the conversation Peter and John had after Jesus spoke these and John had after Jesus spoke these and John had after Jesus spoke these words to him. Peter says, "Hey, John, words to him. Peter says, "Hey, John, words to him. Peter says, "Hey, John, did you hear that? did you hear that? did you hear that? Did I hear him right?" He said, "When I Did I hear him right?" He said, "When I Did I hear him right?" He said, "When I was young." Does that mean I'm not young was young." Does that mean I'm not young was young." Does that mean I'm not young anymore? anymore? anymore? I mean, I didn't even realize. I mean, I mean, I didn't even realize. I mean, I mean, I didn't even realize. I mean, scholars say that he must have been like scholars say that he must have been like scholars say that he must have been like in his uh late 20s to early 30s. And by in his uh late 20s to early 30s. And by in his uh late 20s to early 30s. And by the way, young people who are here the way, young people who are here the way, young people who are here tonight, don't think this message is not tonight, don't think this message is not tonight, don't think this message is not for you. Some of the versions say, "When for you. Some of the versions say, "When for you. Some of the versions say, "When you are when you were younger, you you are when you were younger, you you are when you were younger, you dressed yourself, okay? And you went dressed yourself, okay? And you went dressed yourself, okay? And you went wherever you wanted to go." So Timmy, wherever you wanted to go." So Timmy, wherever you wanted to go." So Timmy, this applies to everybody. All those this applies to everybody. All those this applies to everybody. All those young adults in the second row, it young adults in the second row, it young adults in the second row, it applies to you as well.

applies to you as well. applies to you as well. Does that mean I'm not young anymore? Does that mean I'm not young anymore? Does that mean I'm not young anymore? Peter asks John. This is just Peter asks John. This is just Peter asks John. This is just speculation. Pardon me. John says, speculation. Pardon me. John says, speculation. Pardon me. John says, 'Well, bright side, at least you're not 'Well, bright side, at least you're not 'Well, bright side, at least you're not old yet. Because he said, 'When you are old yet. Because he said, 'When you are old yet. Because he said, 'When you are old. And I saw you swim those hundred old. And I saw you swim those hundred old. And I saw you swim those hundred yards over here and that was amazing yards over here and that was amazing yards over here and that was amazing when you came to the shore. So you're when you came to the shore. So you're when you came to the shore. So you're going to live a long life, man. He says, going to live a long life, man. He says, going to live a long life, man. He says, "When you're old." Yeah. Yeah, that's "When you're old." Yeah. Yeah, that's "When you're old." Yeah. Yeah, that's comforting, Peter says. But it sure comforting, Peter says. But it sure comforting, Peter says. But it sure sounded like he was talking about sounded like he was talking about sounded like he was talking about crucifixion. crucifixion. crucifixion. I don't know how encouraging that is. I don't know how encouraging that is. I don't know how encouraging that is. And John says,"I can't argue with you on And John says,"I can't argue with you on And John says,"I can't argue with you on that, but you did tell him once that you that, but you did tell him once that you that, but you did tell him once that you were willing to die for him." were willing to die for him." were willing to die for him." And Peter says, "Yeah." And we all know And Peter says, "Yeah." And we all know And Peter says, "Yeah." And we all know how that went out. how that went out. how that went out. That didn't turn out too good. Maybe That didn't turn out too good. Maybe That didn't turn out too good. Maybe that's what he meant when he said, "I that's what he meant when he said, "I that's what he meant when he said, "I was dressing myself and going where I was dressing myself and going where I was dressing myself and going where I wanted to go." And John probably says, wanted to go." And John probably says, wanted to go." And John probably says, "Hey, bro. Bottom line is this, bro. "Hey, bro. Bottom line is this, bro. "Hey, bro. Bottom line is this, bro. You'll stretch out your hands." You'll stretch out your hands." You'll stretch out your hands." and he said, "Follow me." So, I believe and he said, "Follow me." So, I believe and he said, "Follow me." So, I believe he's the one that's going to lead you he's the one that's going to lead you he's the one that's going to lead you and your life will glorify his name.

and your life will glorify his name. and your life will glorify his name. Whether you're living, whether you die, Whether you're living, whether you die, Whether you're living, whether you die, you will glorify his name. You will you will glorify his name. You will you will glorify his name. You will bring glory to him. bring glory to him. bring glory to him. We don't have a biblical account of his We don't have a biblical account of his We don't have a biblical account of his death, but we do have some biblical death, but we do have some biblical death, but we do have some biblical insights as to Peter's life. Through the insights as to Peter's life. Through the insights as to Peter's life. Through the epistles that he wrote and through the epistles that he wrote and through the epistles that he wrote and through the book of Acts, we see certain highlights book of Acts, we see certain highlights book of Acts, we see certain highlights of Peter's life where I believe he had of Peter's life where I believe he had of Peter's life where I believe he had to stretch out his hands and he had to to stretch out his hands and he had to to stretch out his hands and he had to die to that old self. die to that old self. die to that old self. He had to say, "I have decided to follow He had to say, "I have decided to follow He had to say, "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. That old self is Jesus. No turning back. That old self is Jesus. No turning back. That old self is behind me and I'm moving towards the behind me and I'm moving towards the behind me and I'm moving towards the cross." Firstly, [clears throat] Firstly, [clears throat] when we stretch our hands out in when we stretch our hands out in when we stretch our hands out in surrender to God, he begins to reverse surrender to God, he begins to reverse surrender to God, he begins to reverse our understanding of what service means our understanding of what service means our understanding of what service means in the kingdom of God. Reverse our understanding of what it Reverse our understanding of what it means to be a servant in the kingdom of means to be a servant in the kingdom of means to be a servant in the kingdom of God. He reverses our idea of what God. He reverses our idea of what God. He reverses our idea of what greatness is, of what promise prominence greatness is, of what promise prominence greatness is, of what promise prominence is. and he brings a death to what we is. and he brings a death to what we is. and he brings a death to what we consider our road to prominence.

consider our road to prominence. consider our road to prominence. We have a situation in the church today We have a situation in the church today We have a situation in the church today where there's a lot of not I'm not where there's a lot of not I'm not where there's a lot of not I'm not talking about this congregation but in talking about this congregation but in talking about this congregation but in the church world where there's seems to the church world where there's seems to the church world where there's seems to be a competition for what seems to be be a competition for what seems to be be a competition for what seems to be considered greatness. considered greatness. considered greatness. How many people come to the church? How How many people come to the church? How How many people come to the church? How many attend the church? How much money many attend the church? How much money many attend the church? How much money enters? How much how much is given to enters? How much how much is given to enters? How much how much is given to missions? How much is done in this and missions? How much is done in this and missions? How much is done in this and and that? how much uh whatever they have and that? how much uh whatever they have and that? how much uh whatever they have in the church and comparing one with in the church and comparing one with in the church and comparing one with another. And there's something of of another. And there's something of of another. And there's something of of flesh that needs to die. And Jesus flesh that needs to die. And Jesus flesh that needs to die. And Jesus begins to show it to Peter in his very begins to show it to Peter in his very begins to show it to Peter in his very words when he says, "Do you love me, words when he says, "Do you love me, words when he says, "Do you love me, Peter? Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep. Peter? Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep. Peter? Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep. Feed my lambs." Feed my lambs." Feed my lambs." You see, when he said, "I will make you You see, when he said, "I will make you You see, when he said, "I will make you a fisher of men." That's That's not that a fisher of men." That's That's not that a fisher of men." That's That's not that bad cuz a fisherman is middle class bad cuz a fisherman is middle class bad cuz a fisherman is middle class workingass workingass workingass a job. a job. a job. But now he's talking about feeding But now he's talking about feeding But now he's talking about feeding sheep. Guys, now he's talking about sheep. Guys, now he's talking about sheep. Guys, now he's talking about getting our hands dirty and being getting our hands dirty and being getting our hands dirty and being unclean.

unclean. unclean. The shepherds in those days in first The shepherds in those days in first The shepherds in those days in first century church, they weren't even century church, they weren't even century church, they weren't even allowed in the temple because they had allowed in the temple because they had allowed in the temple because they had touched the unclean. touched the unclean. touched the unclean. So this is a very lowass job that God is So this is a very lowass job that God is So this is a very lowass job that God is describing Peter's life to become. So describing Peter's life to become. So describing Peter's life to become. So he's beginning to minister to him a he's beginning to minister to him a he's beginning to minister to him a shift of change. He's he's been doing it shift of change. He's he's been doing it shift of change. He's he's been doing it for three years. He's been teaching for three years. He's been teaching for three years. He's been teaching about this for the three years, but now about this for the three years, but now about this for the three years, but now he's inviting him to come in. He had he's inviting him to come in. He had he's inviting him to come in. He had said in Matthew 20:26, "Whoever wants to said in Matthew 20:26, "Whoever wants to said in Matthew 20:26, "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your be a leader among you must be your be a leader among you must be your servant." The son of man didn't come to servant." The son of man didn't come to servant." The son of man didn't come to be served, but he came to serve. In John be served, but he came to serve. In John be served, but he came to serve. In John 13:14, he said he washed the disciples 13:14, he said he washed the disciples 13:14, he said he washed the disciples feet and he says, "What I've done being feet and he says, "What I've done being feet and he says, "What I've done being the Lord and the master of of you guys, the Lord and the master of of you guys, the Lord and the master of of you guys, I want you guys now to do with each I want you guys now to do with each I want you guys now to do with each other. I want you guys to wash each other. I want you guys to wash each other. I want you guys to wash each other's feet." He's been talking about other's feet." He's been talking about other's feet." He's been talking about this death throughout his entire this death throughout his entire this death throughout his entire ministry about taking the lower seat. ministry about taking the lower seat. ministry about taking the lower seat. Don't not not desiring the the first and Don't not not desiring the the first and Don't not not desiring the the first and foremost, the prominent seat, the one foremost, the prominent seat, the one foremost, the prominent seat, the one who everybody says, "Wow, this is who everybody says, "Wow, this is who everybody says, "Wow, this is amazing." But to do things in secret and amazing." But to do things in secret and amazing." But to do things in secret and do things where your father sees in do things where your father sees in do things where your father sees in secret. He's he's been talking about secret. He's he's been talking about secret. He's he's been talking about this, not praying out loud in public this, not praying out loud in public this, not praying out loud in public where everybody can see you in where everybody can see you in where everybody can see you in repetitious words and going through all repetitious words and going through all repetitious words and going through all these motions so that people could say, these motions so that people could say, these motions so that people could say, "Wow, what a holy man of God." He's been "Wow, what a holy man of God." He's been "Wow, what a holy man of God." He's been talking about the secret closet, about talking about the secret closet, about talking about the secret closet, about getting alone with God who sees you in getting alone with God who sees you in getting alone with God who sees you in secret, not seeking the praises of men, secret, not seeking the praises of men, secret, not seeking the praises of men, but seeking the approval of a God who but seeking the approval of a God who but seeking the approval of a God who knows who you are, who we don't have to knows who you are, who we don't have to knows who you are, who we don't have to hide from. He's been speaking this over hide from. He's been speaking this over hide from. He's been speaking this over and over, but now he's inviting Peter to

and over, but now he's inviting Peter to and over, but now he's inviting Peter to a deeper death. Now, I believe Peter a deeper death. Now, I believe Peter a deeper death. Now, I believe Peter understood this grace and began to grow understood this grace and began to grow understood this grace and began to grow in this grace throughout his life in this grace throughout his life in this grace throughout his life because we read in his letters 1 Peter because we read in his letters 1 Peter because we read in his letters 1 Peter 4:10, he says, "God has given each of 4:10, he says, "God has given each of 4:10, he says, "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of you a gift from his great variety of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." He he understands that one another." He he understands that one another." He he understands that what God has given him is not to to what God has given him is not to to what God has given him is not to to exalt him, to lift him up, but to serve exalt him, to lift him up, but to serve exalt him, to lift him up, but to serve the needy. And again he writes in 1 the needy. And again he writes in 1 the needy. And again he writes in 1 Peter 5:2 he says care for the flock. He Peter 5:2 he says care for the flock. He Peter 5:2 he says care for the flock. He speaks to leaders. Listen to me pastors. speaks to leaders. Listen to me pastors. speaks to leaders. Listen to me pastors. Listen to me leaders. Listen to me Listen to me leaders. Listen to me Listen to me leaders. Listen to me people who are involved in the ministry. people who are involved in the ministry. people who are involved in the ministry. Care for the flock that God has Care for the flock that God has Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it entrusted to you. Watch over it entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly not grudgingly. Not for what willingly not grudgingly. Not for what willingly not grudgingly. Not for what you will get out of it but because you you will get out of it but because you you will get out of it but because you are eager to serve God. Do you love me? are eager to serve God. Do you love me? are eager to serve God. Do you love me? Peter feed my sheep. Do you love me? Peter feed my sheep. Do you love me? Peter feed my sheep. Do you love me? Peter feed my lambs. Do you love me? Peter feed my lambs. Do you love me? Peter feed my lambs. Do you love me? That's the birth. That's the source of That's the birth. That's the source of That's the birth. That's the source of our ministry. That's the source of what our ministry. That's the source of what our ministry. That's the source of what we do in church. Not so that others can we do in church. Not so that others can we do in church. Not so that others can say, "Wow, what a mighty God. What a say, "Wow, what a mighty God. What a say, "Wow, what a mighty God. What a mighty man of God. What a mighty woman mighty man of God. What a mighty woman mighty man of God. What a mighty woman of God. What what I'm I'm amazed at his of God. What what I'm I'm amazed at his of God. What what I'm I'm amazed at his spirituality." No. But so that because I spirituality." No. But so that because I spirituality." No. But so that because I love God. I want to see his flock. These love God. I want to see his flock. These love God. I want to see his flock. These are his sheep. I want to see them are his sheep. I want to see them are his sheep. I want to see them encouraged. I want to see them encouraged. I want to see them encouraged. I want to see them ministered to. I want to see them ministered to. I want to see them ministered to. I want to see them strengthened. I want to see them strengthened. I want to see them strengthened. I want to see them encouraged. I want to see them encouraged. I want to see them encouraged. I want to see them strengthened in the mighty presence of strengthened in the mighty presence of strengthened in the mighty presence of God.

God. God. This is the source of our ministry. This is the source of our ministry. This is the source of our ministry. Secondly, I believe he wants us to Secondly, I believe he wants us to Secondly, I believe he wants us to stretch forth our hands so that we could stretch forth our hands so that we could stretch forth our hands so that we could reach out to the unwelcome sinner. reach out to the unwelcome sinner. reach out to the unwelcome sinner. Listen to me. Time Square Church, Listen to me. Time Square Church, Listen to me. Time Square Church, there's a day coming where we won't even there's a day coming where we won't even there's a day coming where we won't even recognize what's coming in through those recognize what's coming in through those recognize what's coming in through those doors. We won't know if they're male or doors. We won't know if they're male or doors. We won't know if they're male or female. We won't know what they are, female. We won't know what they are, female. We won't know what they are, what what they've been through. And God what what they've been through. And God what what they've been through. And God wants to prepare a people who will wants to prepare a people who will wants to prepare a people who will embrace them like the father embraced embrace them like the father embraced embrace them like the father embraced the prodigal son. Who will weep upon the prodigal son. Who will weep upon the prodigal son. Who will weep upon their shoulder and say, "Welcome to the their shoulder and say, "Welcome to the their shoulder and say, "Welcome to the presence of God. He loves you and he presence of God. He loves you and he presence of God. He loves you and he accepts you and he will do the work he accepts you and he will do the work he accepts you and he will do the work he wants to do in your life." He goes up to the rooftop to pray He goes up to the rooftop to pray and all of a sudden this curtain comes and all of a sudden this curtain comes and all of a sudden this curtain comes down with full of unclean animals. You down with full of unclean animals. You down with full of unclean animals. You know the story in Acts chapter 10.

know the story in Acts chapter 10. know the story in Acts chapter 10. Unclean things, squirmy things that he Unclean things, squirmy things that he Unclean things, squirmy things that he would never touch. would never touch. would never touch. And God says, "Arise, Peter. Eat, kill, And God says, "Arise, Peter. Eat, kill, And God says, "Arise, Peter. Eat, kill, and eat." and eat." and eat." And [clears throat] And [clears throat] And [clears throat] this is not God. This cannot be God. I this is not God. This cannot be God. I this is not God. This cannot be God. I rebuke you, Satan. rebuke you, Satan. rebuke you, Satan. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Second time, kill and eat. Third time, Second time, kill and eat. Third time, Second time, kill and eat. Third time, kill and eat. Amazing. Three times kill and eat. Amazing. Three times kill and eat. Amazing. Three times again, Jesus revealing himself, his again, Jesus revealing himself, his again, Jesus revealing himself, his heart to Peter. And Peter is like, "No, heart to Peter. And Peter is like, "No, heart to Peter. And Peter is like, "No, Lord, I have never eaten anything." Just Lord, I have never eaten anything." Just Lord, I have never eaten anything." Just like he said, "No, I I cannot wash your like he said, "No, I I cannot wash your like he said, "No, I I cannot wash your I cannot let you wash my feet." I cannot let you wash my feet." I cannot let you wash my feet." Remember, he said, "No." Peter was the Remember, he said, "No." Peter was the Remember, he said, "No." Peter was the one who said, "No, no, no." Resisting one who said, "No, no, no." Resisting one who said, "No, no, no." Resisting resisting God's call to a deeper death. resisting God's call to a deeper death. resisting God's call to a deeper death. And Jesus says, "If I don't wash your And Jesus says, "If I don't wash your And Jesus says, "If I don't wash your feet, you have no part in me." And then feet, you have no part in me." And then feet, you have no part in me." And then Peter realizes and says, "Oh, wash wash Peter realizes and says, "Oh, wash wash Peter realizes and says, "Oh, wash wash me whole. Do whatever you have to do in me whole. Do whatever you have to do in me whole. Do whatever you have to do in my life." Right? So now he's saying, "No my life." Right? So now he's saying, "No my life." Right? So now he's saying, "No way. I have not I have never eaten way. I have not I have never eaten way. I have not I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." anything impure or unclean." anything impure or unclean." I don't know about you, but it sounds a I don't know about you, but it sounds a I don't know about you, but it sounds a little hotty to me. It sounds almost little hotty to me. It sounds almost little hotty to me. It sounds almost like the boasting of the rich young like the boasting of the rich young like the boasting of the rich young ruler. And and and and God says, "Don't ruler. And and and and God says, "Don't ruler. And and and and God says, "Don't call unclean what I have cleansed." the call unclean what I have cleansed." the call unclean what I have cleansed." the but before Peter is able to do this but before Peter is able to do this but before Peter is able to do this there has to be a stretching forth of there has to be a stretching forth of there has to be a stretching forth of the hands there has to be a yielding to the hands there has to be a yielding to the hands there has to be a yielding to God and saying God I don't want to go I God and saying God I don't want to go I God and saying God I don't want to go I don't want to go with these Gentiles don't want to go with these Gentiles don't want to go with these Gentiles to not just a not just a a gentile home to not just a not just a a gentile home to not just a not just a a gentile home but this is a Roman

but this is a Roman but this is a Roman officer army officer he's he's in charge officer army officer he's he's in charge officer army officer he's he's in charge of the Italian I don't know regiment and of the Italian I don't know regiment and of the Italian I don't know regiment and he he's he's a man of authority in in he he's he's a man of authority in in he he's he's a man of authority in in the oppressing army army, the oppressing the oppressing army army, the oppressing the oppressing army army, the oppressing people who have our people oppressed people who have our people oppressed people who have our people oppressed under their feet. The these are the under their feet. The these are the under their feet. The these are the enemy, not only Gentiles, but the enemy. enemy, not only Gentiles, but the enemy. enemy, not only Gentiles, but the enemy. I've never even given them the thought I've never even given them the thought I've never even given them the thought of day. And you're asking, they're the of day. And you're asking, they're the of day. And you're asking, they're the ones who crucified you, God. They're the ones who crucified you, God. They're the ones who crucified you, God. They're the ones who put a spear in your side. ones who put a spear in your side. ones who put a spear in your side. They're the ones who put nails in your They're the ones who put nails in your They're the ones who put nails in your hands. And you're asking me to go and hands. And you're asking me to go and hands. And you're asking me to go and MINISTER TO THEM. GOD, no way. I've MINISTER TO THEM. GOD, no way. I've MINISTER TO THEM. GOD, no way. I've never touched the unclean thing. I've never touched the unclean thing. I've never touched the unclean thing. I've never done this. And God is saying, never done this. And God is saying, never done this. And God is saying, stretch forth your hands, Peter. Stretch stretch forth your hands, Peter. Stretch stretch forth your hands, Peter. Stretch forth your hands. I want you to reach forth your hands. I want you to reach forth your hands. I want you to reach out to those who you consider unwelcome. out to those who you consider unwelcome. out to those who you consider unwelcome. I welcome them in the presence of God. I welcome them in the presence of God. I welcome them in the presence of God. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may have heard of Charles Spurgeon, You may have heard of Charles Spurgeon, You may have heard of Charles Spurgeon, the 19th century English Baptist the 19th century English Baptist the 19th century English Baptist preacher. He said, "None of us, none are preacher. He said, "None of us, none are preacher. He said, "None of us, none are more unjust, I'm sorry,"None are more more unjust, I'm sorry,"None are more more unjust, I'm sorry,"None are more unjust in their judgments of others than unjust in their judgments of others than unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of those who have a high opinion of those who have a high opinion of themselves. When we think of ourselves themselves. When we think of ourselves themselves. When we think of ourselves as high and lofty and holier than thou, as high and lofty and holier than thou, as high and lofty and holier than thou, then we have a judgmental spirit towards then we have a judgmental spirit towards then we have a judgmental spirit towards others. My brothers and sisters, others. My brothers and sisters, others. My brothers and sisters, if there's any trace of legalism in our if there's any trace of legalism in our if there's any trace of legalism in our hearts where we're looking down on our hearts where we're looking down on our hearts where we're looking down on our brothers and sisters, comparing brothers and sisters, comparing brothers and sisters, comparing ourselves and thinking ourselves more ourselves and thinking ourselves more ourselves and thinking ourselves more holier than the person sitting next to holier than the person sitting next to holier than the person sitting next to me or the person sitting behind me. God me or the person sitting behind me. God me or the person sitting behind me. God have mercy on us. Times Square Church, have mercy on us. Times Square Church, have mercy on us. Times Square Church, listen to me. It's time that we stretch listen to me. It's time that we stretch listen to me. It's time that we stretch forth our hands and we say, "God, I'm forth our hands and we say, "God, I'm forth our hands and we say, "God, I'm nothing like our our brothers shared.

nothing like our our brothers shared. nothing like our our brothers shared. Nothing but a sinner, a a a sinner in Nothing but a sinner, a a a sinner in Nothing but a sinner, a a a sinner in the sight of God, unless your grace is the sight of God, unless your grace is the sight of God, unless your grace is upon me. God, you rescued me. You upon me. God, you rescued me. You upon me. God, you rescued me. You plucked me out of the mighty clay. And plucked me out of the mighty clay. And plucked me out of the mighty clay. And I'm forever counting my blessings as was I'm forever counting my blessings as was I'm forever counting my blessings as was shared during communion. I'm counting shared during communion. I'm counting shared during communion. I'm counting the blessing of my redemption, my the blessing of my redemption, my the blessing of my redemption, my salvation, my forgiveness, my cleansing. salvation, my forgiveness, my cleansing. salvation, my forgiveness, my cleansing. God, it's been all of you. I have no God, it's been all of you. I have no God, it's been all of you. I have no right to compare myself with anybody right to compare myself with anybody right to compare myself with anybody else. I have no right to call myself else. I have no right to call myself else. I have no right to call myself more holy than anybody else. God, I more holy than anybody else. God, I more holy than anybody else. God, I don't want to call unclean that which don't want to call unclean that which don't want to call unclean that which you have cleansed. I don't want re to you have cleansed. I don't want re to you have cleansed. I don't want re to reject those who you're calling into reject those who you're calling into reject those who you're calling into your mercy and your grace. Have mercy on your mercy and your grace. Have mercy on your mercy and your grace. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Can you imagine us. Have mercy on us. Can you imagine us. Have mercy on us. Can you imagine what was going on through Peter's mind what was going on through Peter's mind what was going on through Peter's mind and heart? Those guys stayed with him and heart? Those guys stayed with him and heart? Those guys stayed with him that night. They left the next day, I that night. They left the next day, I that night. They left the next day, I think, on some 30 something mile think, on some 30 something mile think, on some 30 something mile journey. So, it took took them a while. journey. So, it took took them a while. journey. So, it took took them a while. Probably got there three days later. So Probably got there three days later. So Probably got there three days later. So he has all this time to die to himself he has all this time to die to himself he has all this time to die to himself to stretch [laughter] forth his hands, to stretch [laughter] forth his hands, to stretch [laughter] forth his hands, saying, "Man, am I going to receive some saying, "Man, am I going to receive some saying, "Man, am I going to receive some flack for this, man, when the when the flack for this, man, when the when the flack for this, man, when the when the Jewish believers find out that I'm going Jewish believers find out that I'm going Jewish believers find out that I'm going to a gentile home and I'm going to share to a gentile home and I'm going to share to a gentile home and I'm going to share the gospel with them? Oh my God, what the gospel with them? Oh my God, what the gospel with them? Oh my God, what are they going to say about me?" And God are they going to say about me?" And God are they going to say about me?" And God dealing with him and dealing with his dealing with him and dealing with his dealing with him and dealing with his heart. Stretch forth your hands, Peter.

heart. Stretch forth your hands, Peter. heart. Stretch forth your hands, Peter. I'm going to do something marvelous. And I'm going to do something marvelous. And I'm going to do something marvelous. And before he even makes it to the altar before he even makes it to the altar before he even makes it to the altar call, before he even says amen, before call, before he even says amen, before call, before he even says amen, before he even says uh uh the the ABCs of he even says uh uh the the ABCs of he even says uh uh the the ABCs of salvation, before he even goes through salvation, before he even goes through salvation, before he even goes through the the the thing about surrendering the the the thing about surrendering the the the thing about surrendering their life to God, the Holy Spirit comes their life to God, the Holy Spirit comes their life to God, the Holy Spirit comes down on the place, BAPTIZES THEM IN THE down on the place, BAPTIZES THEM IN THE down on the place, BAPTIZES THEM IN THE POWER of the Holy Spirit, and Peter is POWER of the Holy Spirit, and Peter is POWER of the Holy Spirit, and Peter is speechless. PETER IS LIKE, I DON'T speechless. PETER IS LIKE, I DON'T speechless. PETER IS LIKE, I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING on here. And God UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING on here. And God UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING on here. And God begins to open up his mind to the loving begins to open up his mind to the loving begins to open up his mind to the loving heart of the father, to the tender heart heart of the father, to the tender heart heart of the father, to the tender heart of the father that goes beyond our of the father that goes beyond our of the father that goes beyond our limitations, beyond our prejudices, limitations, beyond our prejudices, limitations, beyond our prejudices, beyond our pride, and goes to the weak beyond our pride, and goes to the weak beyond our pride, and goes to the weak and the lonely and the outcasts. and the lonely and the outcasts. and the lonely and the outcasts. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. The apostle Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. The apostle Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. The apostle Paul Paul Paul does something that brings Peter again does something that brings Peter again does something that brings Peter again into that stretching forth his hands. into that stretching forth his hands. into that stretching forth his hands. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] The Apostle Paul confronts Peter The Apostle Paul confronts Peter The Apostle Paul confronts Peter later on in Peter's ministry because later on in Peter's ministry because later on in Peter's ministry because Peter was like hanging out with the Peter was like hanging out with the Peter was like hanging out with the Gentile believers and and then when the Gentile believers and and then when the Gentile believers and and then when the Jewish brothers would come around he Jewish brothers would come around he Jewish brothers would come around he would kind of like separate himself, you would kind of like separate himself, you would kind of like separate himself, you know, he was eating at their table, know, he was eating at their table, know, he was eating at their table, making jokes with them and having really making jokes with them and having really making jokes with them and having really good fellowship with them. But then when good fellowship with them. But then when good fellowship with them. But then when the Jewish brothers would come around, the Jewish brothers would come around, the Jewish brothers would come around, he would like gotta go. Um, he would like gotta go. Um, he would like gotta go. Um, and Paul saw that and said, "That and Paul saw that and said, "That and Paul saw that and said, "That ain't right. That ain't right." But I'm ain't right. That ain't right." But I'm ain't right. That ain't right." But I'm telling you, Peter is a man who's telling you, Peter is a man who's telling you, Peter is a man who's learning to stretch his hands out to learning to stretch his hands out to learning to stretch his hands out to God. And when you and I learn to stretch

God. And when you and I learn to stretch God. And when you and I learn to stretch our hands out to God and let God take our hands out to God and let God take our hands out to God and let God take control, we learn how to receive control, we learn how to receive control, we learn how to receive correction even when it's given to us in correction even when it's given to us in correction even when it's given to us in a way that we would not have cared to a way that we would not have cared to a way that we would not have cared to accept it. Are you hearing what I'm accept it. Are you hearing what I'm accept it. Are you hearing what I'm saying? How many can identify with saying? How many can identify with saying? How many can identify with receiving correction even in the house receiving correction even in the house receiving correction even in the house of God? And God help us if we're coming of God? And God help us if we're coming of God? And God help us if we're coming in to be entertained. Like our brother in to be entertained. Like our brother in to be entertained. Like our brother was saying, this is not entertainment. was saying, this is not entertainment. was saying, this is not entertainment. We're not coming in here to just hear a We're not coming in here to just hear a We're not coming in here to just hear a cute sermon. We're not here to just hear cute sermon. We're not here to just hear cute sermon. We're not here to just hear some some uh uh interesting thoughts or some some uh uh interesting thoughts or some some uh uh interesting thoughts or gain some more theological gain some more theological gain some more theological understanding. Thank God for that. Thank understanding. Thank God for that. Thank understanding. Thank God for that. Thank God for that. But we're here that God God for that. But we're here that God God for that. But we're here that God would speak to us personally and would speak to us personally and would speak to us personally and individually, convict us of where we're individually, convict us of where we're individually, convict us of where we're heading off track and bring us back to heading off track and bring us back to heading off track and bring us back to where he wants us to be. I've been where he wants us to be. I've been where he wants us to be. I've been convicted through Pastor Tim's messages. convicted through Pastor Tim's messages. convicted through Pastor Tim's messages. Sometimes at the very end, he'll say Sometimes at the very end, he'll say Sometimes at the very end, he'll say something. He said the other day about something. He said the other day about something. He said the other day about the toaster in the man's arms that the the toaster in the man's arms that the the toaster in the man's arms that the kid came out, the kid came with a kid came out, the kid came with a kid came out, the kid came with a toaster in his hands, a broken toaster, toaster in his hands, a broken toaster, toaster in his hands, a broken toaster, and said, "We're going to have toast and said, "We're going to have toast and said, "We're going to have toast today." So, he had the faith to believe today." So, he had the faith to believe today." So, he had the faith to believe that that little group of people who that that little group of people who that that little group of people who were learning how to fix appliances was were learning how to fix appliances was were learning how to fix appliances was going to fix that toaster. He had faith going to fix that toaster. He had faith going to fix that toaster. He had faith to believe. And God began to speak to me to believe. And God began to speak to me to believe. And God began to speak to me right there in that seat and said, right there in that seat and said, right there in that seat and said, "David, you have an argument against God "David, you have an argument against God "David, you have an argument against God right now. You you you've you've been right now. You you you've you've been right now. You you you've you've been carrying the toaster around, but you carrying the toaster around, but you carrying the toaster around, but you don't you don't believe that that don't you don't believe that that don't you don't believe that that there's going to be toast out of this.

there's going to be toast out of this. there's going to be toast out of this. You've been arguing with me in this You've been arguing with me in this You've been arguing with me in this issue." And I repented right there. At issue." And I repented right there. At issue." And I repented right there. At the very end of the message, I was the very end of the message, I was the very end of the message, I was saying, "God, forgive me. I release it. saying, "God, forgive me. I release it. saying, "God, forgive me. I release it. I stretch forth my hands and I allow you I stretch forth my hands and I allow you I stretch forth my hands and I allow you to take that toaster and make it work to take that toaster and make it work to take that toaster and make it work again. God, I'm not going to argue about again. God, I'm not going to argue about again. God, I'm not going to argue about it. I'm not going to show it to people, it. I'm not going to show it to people, it. I'm not going to show it to people, look how damaged it is. Look at this. look how damaged it is. Look at this. look how damaged it is. Look at this. This ain't working. I'm not going to This ain't working. I'm not going to This ain't working. I'm not going to look for an opportunity to complain look for an opportunity to complain look for an opportunity to complain about that toaster. I'm going to say, about that toaster. I'm going to say, about that toaster. I'm going to say, God, we're having toast. We're having God, we're having toast. We're having God, we're having toast. We're having toast because you're a good God. You're toast because you're a good God. You're toast because you're a good God. You're a faithful God and you're able to repair a faithful God and you're able to repair a faithful God and you're able to repair what I am complaining about. Amen. what I am complaining about. Amen. what I am complaining about. Amen. So, the Apostle Paul confronts Peter and So, the Apostle Paul confronts Peter and So, the Apostle Paul confronts Peter and he does it in a way that seems a little he does it in a way that seems a little he does it in a way that seems a little embarrassing. I don't know if you've embarrassing. I don't know if you've embarrassing. I don't know if you've read this, but it's in Galatians 2:11. read this, but it's in Galatians 2:11. read this, but it's in Galatians 2:11. The Apostle Paul says, "I opposed Peter The Apostle Paul says, "I opposed Peter The Apostle Paul says, "I opposed Peter to his face." And then later on, he to his face." And then later on, he to his face." And then later on, he says, "And I did it in front of says, "And I did it in front of says, "And I did it in front of everybody." everybody." everybody." Wow. Wow. Wow. I I think I choose to believe that Paul I I think I choose to believe that Paul I I think I choose to believe that Paul grew in the grace grew in the grace of grew in the grace grew in the grace of grew in the grace grew in the grace of how to correct people. I and I'm saying how to correct people. I and I'm saying how to correct people. I and I'm saying this standing on good ground because he this standing on good ground because he this standing on good ground because he calls himself many portions of calls himself many portions of calls himself many portions of scripture. He says, "I'm the chief of scripture. He says, "I'm the chief of scripture. He says, "I'm the chief of all sinners. I'm I'm the least of the all sinners. I'm I'm the least of the all sinners. I'm I'm the least of the apostles." Right? God was doing a work apostles." Right? God was doing a work apostles." Right? God was doing a work in in Paul's life as well. Right? And in in in Paul's life as well. Right? And in in in Paul's life as well. Right? And in Galatians 6:9 says, "If another," this Galatians 6:9 says, "If another," this Galatians 6:9 says, "If another," this is Paul writing later on in his is Paul writing later on in his is Paul writing later on in his ministry, says, "If another is overcome ministry, says, "If another is overcome ministry, says, "If another is overcome and sin, you who are godly should gently and sin, you who are godly should gently and sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto and humbly help that person back onto and humbly help that person back onto the right path."

the right path." the right path." Did you hear what the Apostle Paul said? Did you hear what the Apostle Paul said? Did you hear what the Apostle Paul said? But it didn't doesn't seem like that's But it didn't doesn't seem like that's But it didn't doesn't seem like that's that's what he was doing at the moment. that's what he was doing at the moment. that's what he was doing at the moment. It seemed like he was in Old Testament It seemed like he was in Old Testament It seemed like he was in Old Testament mode. Okay? And I'm saying this because mode. Okay? And I'm saying this because mode. Okay? And I'm saying this because Proverbs 27:5 says, "An open rebuke is Proverbs 27:5 says, "An open rebuke is Proverbs 27:5 says, "An open rebuke is better than hidden love." And he was better than hidden love." And he was better than hidden love." And he was probably standing on that word. Says, probably standing on that word. Says, probably standing on that word. Says, "An open rebuke." That's what this Peter "An open rebuke." That's what this Peter "An open rebuke." That's what this Peter needs right now. An open rebuke. I'm needs right now. An open rebuke. I'm needs right now. An open rebuke. I'm going to embarrass him in front of going to embarrass him in front of going to embarrass him in front of everybody. Peter, it's not right what everybody. Peter, it's not right what everybody. Peter, it's not right what you're doing. you're doing. you're doing. But the amazing thing is that we don't But the amazing thing is that we don't But the amazing thing is that we don't hear of Peter responding. This is the hear of Peter responding. This is the hear of Peter responding. This is the Peter that took out his sword once and Peter that took out his sword once and Peter that took out his sword once and chopped somebody's ear off. And we don't chopped somebody's ear off. And we don't chopped somebody's ear off. And we don't see Peter responding. We don't see him see Peter responding. We don't see him see Peter responding. We don't see him retaliating. We don't see him presenting retaliating. We don't see him presenting retaliating. We don't see him presenting a rebuttal. We don't see him saying, a rebuttal. We don't see him saying, a rebuttal. We don't see him saying, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey." Whoa. Now, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey." Whoa. Now, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey." Whoa. Now, I'm not saying that he didn't struggle I'm not saying that he didn't struggle I'm not saying that he didn't struggle with that. I'm sure that in if I was put with that. I'm sure that in if I was put with that. I'm sure that in if I was put in that position, if I were Peter or if in that position, if I were Peter or if in that position, if I were Peter or if Peter were me, he would probably be Peter were me, he would probably be Peter were me, he would probably be thinking these things. Wait a minute. thinking these things. Wait a minute. thinking these things. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Who is this guy that's coming now over Who is this guy that's coming now over Who is this guy that's coming now over here to to do this? Embarrass me in here to to do this? Embarrass me in here to to do this? Embarrass me in front of everybody. What is going on front of everybody. What is going on front of everybody. What is going on here? He's been an apostle for a hot here? He's been an apostle for a hot here? He's been an apostle for a hot second, man. What's going on?

second, man. What's going on? second, man. What's going on? I I walked with Jesus, you know, three I I walked with Jesus, you know, three I I walked with Jesus, you know, three years, man. Waking up, going to sleep, years, man. Waking up, going to sleep, years, man. Waking up, going to sleep, following him. Everywhere we went, we following him. Everywhere we went, we following him. Everywhere we went, we ate together, spoke together. I dude, I ate together, spoke together. I dude, I ate together, spoke together. I dude, I walked on water. All right. Maybe maybe walked on water. All right. Maybe maybe walked on water. All right. Maybe maybe for three seconds, but I walked on for three seconds, but I walked on for three seconds, but I walked on water. Okay. Who is this guy coming? water. Okay. Who is this guy coming? water. Okay. Who is this guy coming? It's like, what? What? It's like, what? What? It's like, what? What? I can imagine dealing with those issues I can imagine dealing with those issues I can imagine dealing with those issues in his heart. Does he even know who he's in his heart. Does he even know who he's in his heart. Does he even know who he's talking to? I'm the rock, man. I'm the talking to? I'm the rock, man. I'm the talking to? I'm the rock, man. I'm the rock. I heard the audible VOICE OF THE FATHER I heard the audible VOICE OF THE FATHER SAYING, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON." You SAYING, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON." You SAYING, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON." You know, I saw him glorify. I saw him the know, I saw him glorify. I saw him the know, I saw him glorify. I saw him the glory of Jesus on the mount of glory of Jesus on the mount of glory of Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. I saw it. Man, transfiguration. I saw it. Man, transfiguration. I saw it. Man, >> who you talking to? I heard Moses and Elijah talking about I heard Moses and Elijah talking about the crucifixion, the crucifixion, the crucifixion, man. man. man. And you come correcting me. And you come correcting me. And you come correcting me. He called me into the inner circle when He called me into the inner circle when He called me into the inner circle when he was going to do a miracle. When he he was going to do a miracle. When he he was going to do a miracle. When he was going to raise the dead, he was was going to raise the dead, he was was going to raise the dead, he was like, "Peter, Peter, come. Come. Rest of like, "Peter, Peter, come. Come. Rest of like, "Peter, Peter, come. Come. Rest of the disciples, stay back. Come."

How well do you receive correction? How well do you receive correction? How well do we receive correction? How well do we receive correction? How well do we receive correction? even when it's coming through someone or even when it's coming through someone or even when it's coming through someone or in a way that we would not choose for it in a way that we would not choose for it in a way that we would not choose for it to come. to come. to come. Married men, Married men, Married men, when your wife speaks something of truth when your wife speaks something of truth when your wife speaks something of truth into your life, how well do you receive into your life, how well do you receive into your life, how well do you receive that correction? There have been times my wife tells me, There have been times my wife tells me, "You want God's will? You want you want "You want God's will? You want you want "You want God's will? You want you want to hear what God's will is? Read my to hear what God's will is? Read my to hear what God's will is? Read my lips. I am speaking to you right now. I've I've got to believe that I've I've got to believe that Balam's donkey, right? Balam's donkey, right? Balam's donkey, right? Because he he used the donkey to speak Because he he used the donkey to speak Because he he used the donkey to speak correction and reproof to Balum, right? correction and reproof to Balum, right? correction and reproof to Balum, right? But I don't think he changed the vocal But I don't think he changed the vocal But I don't think he changed the vocal cords. cords. cords. I believe the vocal cords were still I believe the vocal cords were still I believe the vocal cords were still donkey vocal cords.

donkey vocal cords. donkey vocal cords. So like if you used a parrot, it would So like if you used a parrot, it would So like if you used a parrot, it would sound like a parrot, right? Like sound like a parrot, right? Like sound like a parrot, right? Like speaking. But if you use a donkey, it speaking. But if you use a donkey, it speaking. But if you use a donkey, it would still sound like honky honky, you would still sound like honky honky, you would still sound like honky honky, you know, like something like And sometimes we receive correction or And sometimes we receive correction or re rebuke comes our way through a voice re rebuke comes our way through a voice re rebuke comes our way through a voice that we're not actually wanting to hear, that we're not actually wanting to hear, that we're not actually wanting to hear, but it could be God speaking to our but it could be God speaking to our but it could be God speaking to our life. And we've got to stretch forth our life. And we've got to stretch forth our life. And we've got to stretch forth our hands before pulling that sword out in hands before pulling that sword out in hands before pulling that sword out in retaliation. We got to pull our hands retaliation. We got to pull our hands retaliation. We got to pull our hands out and say, "God, if it's you speaking out and say, "God, if it's you speaking out and say, "God, if it's you speaking to me, I receive that correction in the to me, I receive that correction in the to me, I receive that correction in the name of the Lord." Amen. name of the Lord." Amen. name of the Lord." Amen. >> Amen. Warren Wearsby said, he put it this way, Warren Wearsby said, he put it this way, "The way we respond to criticism pretty "The way we respond to criticism pretty "The way we respond to criticism pretty much depends on the way we respond to much depends on the way we respond to much depends on the way we respond to praise. If praise humbles us, then praise. If praise humbles us, then praise. If praise humbles us, then criticism will build us up. But if criticism will build us up. But if criticism will build us up. But if praise inflates us, then criticism will praise inflates us, then criticism will praise inflates us, then criticism will crush us.

crush us. crush us. If we're lifted up with praise by man, If we're lifted up with praise by man, If we're lifted up with praise by man, man's praise, man's applause, then when man's praise, man's applause, then when man's praise, man's applause, then when criticism comes our way, it crushes our criticism comes our way, it crushes our criticism comes our way, it crushes our ego. Right? And this is why we ego. Right? And this is why we ego. Right? And this is why we understand that Peter stretched forth understand that Peter stretched forth understand that Peter stretched forth his hands. He didn't he didn't uh hold his hands. He didn't he didn't uh hold his hands. He didn't he didn't uh hold any remorse against the apostle Paul. In any remorse against the apostle Paul. In any remorse against the apostle Paul. In fact, later on he addresses him as my fact, later on he addresses him as my fact, later on he addresses him as my our beloved brother Paul and he speaks our beloved brother Paul and he speaks our beloved brother Paul and he speaks about the wisdom that God has given him. about the wisdom that God has given him. about the wisdom that God has given him. And when he had entered into Cornelius's And when he had entered into Cornelius's And when he had entered into Cornelius's home, the first thing Cornelius did was home, the first thing Cornelius did was home, the first thing Cornelius did was throw himself at his feet and began to throw himself at his feet and began to throw himself at his feet and began to worship worship Peter. worship worship Peter. worship worship Peter. I wonder how many of us receive worship I wonder how many of us receive worship I wonder how many of us receive worship and like it when we should be pointing and like it when we should be pointing and like it when we should be pointing to the only one who's worthy of the to the only one who's worthy of the to the only one who's worthy of the highest praise. Amen. highest praise. Amen. highest praise. Amen. Peter held out his hands. He held no Peter held out his hands. He held no Peter held out his hands. He held no bitterness against Paul. 1 Peter 2:1, he says, this is Peter 1 Peter 2:1, he says, this is Peter writing in his first epistle, get rid of writing in his first epistle, get rid of writing in his first epistle, get rid of all evil behavior. be done with all all evil behavior. be done with all all evil behavior. be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, deceit, hypocrisy, deceit, hypocrisy, which is what the Apostle Paul was which is what the Apostle Paul was which is what the Apostle Paul was highlighting in his life, jealousy.

highlighting in his life, jealousy. highlighting in his life, jealousy. I imagine the the enemy wanting to trip I imagine the the enemy wanting to trip I imagine the the enemy wanting to trip him up with, "Wait a minute. This guy him up with, "Wait a minute. This guy him up with, "Wait a minute. This guy just came in. He has everybody's talking just came in. He has everybody's talking just came in. He has everybody's talking about Paul, Paul, Paul, Paul." You know, about Paul, Paul, Paul, Paul." You know, about Paul, Paul, Paul, Paul." You know, uh what happened to the rock? You know, uh what happened to the rock? You know, uh what happened to the rock? You know, what happened to my status in the what happened to my status in the what happened to my status in the church? Everything's Paul, Paul, Paul. church? Everything's Paul, Paul, Paul. church? Everything's Paul, Paul, Paul. I'm a Paul. I'm a Paul. You know, the I'm a Paul. I'm a Paul. You know, the I'm a Paul. I'm a Paul. You know, the jealousy that wanted to creep into his jealousy that wanted to creep into his jealousy that wanted to creep into his heart, stretching forth his hands, God heart, stretching forth his hands, God heart, stretching forth his hands, God and all unkind speech. He didn't respond and all unkind speech. He didn't respond and all unkind speech. He didn't respond with unkind words. He didn't criticize with unkind words. He didn't criticize with unkind words. He didn't criticize him to anyone. There's no record of him him to anyone. There's no record of him him to anyone. There's no record of him uh uh speaking lowly of the Apostle uh uh speaking lowly of the Apostle uh uh speaking lowly of the Apostle Paul. Amen. And lastly, Paul. Amen. And lastly, Paul. Amen. And lastly, God is calling us to stretch out our God is calling us to stretch out our God is calling us to stretch out our hands because he wants to lead us to hands because he wants to lead us to hands because he wants to lead us to that place where we can rest in the most that place where we can rest in the most that place where we can rest in the most unlikely of situations. I'm going to say unlikely of situations. I'm going to say unlikely of situations. I'm going to say that again. We stretch forth our hands that again. We stretch forth our hands that again. We stretch forth our hands so that we can rest in the most unlikely so that we can rest in the most unlikely so that we can rest in the most unlikely of situations. Peter describes this of situations. Peter describes this of situations. Peter describes this dying to a deeper death. Dying a deeper dying to a deeper death. Dying a deeper dying to a deeper death. Dying a deeper death as fire that purifies us as gold.

death as fire that purifies us as gold. death as fire that purifies us as gold. He says, "Be ready to suffer. Don't be He says, "Be ready to suffer. Don't be He says, "Be ready to suffer. Don't be surprised by the fiery trials that that surprised by the fiery trials that that surprised by the fiery trials that that come your way." He tells us to entrust come your way." He tells us to entrust come your way." He tells us to entrust our life to God when we suffer for our life to God when we suffer for our life to God when we suffer for Christ's sake. When we suffer uh the Christ's sake. When we suffer uh the Christ's sake. When we suffer uh the things of this life, we're to entrust things of this life, we're to entrust things of this life, we're to entrust our life into God's hands. or to yield our life into God's hands. or to yield our life into God's hands. or to yield to him as a faithful creator. In other to him as a faithful creator. In other to him as a faithful creator. In other words, he's telling us, don't resist the words, he's telling us, don't resist the words, he's telling us, don't resist the process of the refining fire of God. process of the refining fire of God. process of the refining fire of God. Even if you use suffering and unlikely Even if you use suffering and unlikely Even if you use suffering and unlikely situations that we would want to rebuke situations that we would want to rebuke situations that we would want to rebuke instead of receive, he's saying follow instead of receive, he's saying follow instead of receive, he's saying follow Jesus. Follow his examples. He says in 1 Jesus. Follow his examples. He says in 1 Jesus. Follow his examples. He says in 1 Peter 2:23, he referring to Jesus did Peter 2:23, he referring to Jesus did Peter 2:23, he referring to Jesus did not retaliate when he was insulted nor not retaliate when he was insulted nor not retaliate when he was insulted nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He threaten revenge when he suffered. He threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God who left his case in the hands of God who left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly. He says in 1 Peter always judges fairly. He says in 1 Peter always judges fairly. He says in 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your cares upon him, 5:7, "Casting all your cares upon him, 5:7, "Casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you." He's saying, for he cares for you." He's saying, for he cares for you." He's saying, "Follow Jesus." This was Jesus's "Follow Jesus." This was Jesus's "Follow Jesus." This was Jesus's examples. Jesus was the one who cast his examples. Jesus was the one who cast his examples. Jesus was the one who cast his cares upon the father who rested in God.

cares upon the father who rested in God. cares upon the father who rested in God. He was the one that was in the boat He was the one that was in the boat He was the one that was in the boat sleeping when the storm was hitting. sleeping when the storm was hitting. sleeping when the storm was hitting. What a change. Peter is the same one who What a change. Peter is the same one who What a change. Peter is the same one who was telling Jesus on that boat, "Get up. was telling Jesus on that boat, "Get up. was telling Jesus on that boat, "Get up. Don't you care that we s that we're Don't you care that we s that we're Don't you care that we s that we're perishing? Don't you care?" He's perishing? Don't you care?" He's perishing? Don't you care?" He's telling, "Don't you care?" Now, he's telling, "Don't you care?" Now, he's telling, "Don't you care?" Now, he's casting his cares upon that Jesus who's casting his cares upon that Jesus who's casting his cares upon that Jesus who's resting in the boat. Are you hearing resting in the boat. Are you hearing resting in the boat. Are you hearing what I'm saying? what I'm saying? what I'm saying? >> Such a change in this life of Peter. >> Such a change in this life of Peter. >> Such a change in this life of Peter. We're just stretching forth his hands We're just stretching forth his hands We're just stretching forth his hands and saying, "God, you lead me even to and saying, "God, you lead me even to and saying, "God, you lead me even to places where I don't want to go." In places where I don't want to go." In places where I don't want to go." In Acts chapter 12, Peter is in the most Acts chapter 12, Peter is in the most Acts chapter 12, Peter is in the most unlikely place to be sleeping. He's in unlikely place to be sleeping. He's in unlikely place to be sleeping. He's in prison. He's fastened with two chains. prison. He's fastened with two chains. prison. He's fastened with two chains. He's between two soldiers. He's guarded He's between two soldiers. He's guarded He's between two soldiers. He's guarded by a total of 16 soldiers. Four groups by a total of 16 soldiers. Four groups by a total of 16 soldiers. Four groups of four in total. And he is found of four in total. And he is found of four in total. And he is found sleeping. Sleeping. Resting in the arms sleeping. Sleeping. Resting in the arms sleeping. Sleeping. Resting in the arms of the Almighty God. Knowing that his of the Almighty God. Knowing that his of the Almighty God. Knowing that his future is in God's hands, knowing that future is in God's hands, knowing that future is in God's hands, knowing that it's not King Herod who holds the keys it's not King Herod who holds the keys it's not King Herod who holds the keys of life and death. It's Jesus, King of life and death. It's Jesus, King of life and death. It's Jesus, King Jesus, whom he worships, whom he serves, Jesus, whom he worships, whom he serves, Jesus, whom he worships, whom he serves, whom he is surrendered to.

whom he is surrendered to. whom he is surrendered to. And sometimes we're rebuking the And sometimes we're rebuking the And sometimes we're rebuking the situation. We're resisting that process. situation. We're resisting that process. situation. We're resisting that process. We're resisting that fire. And God would We're resisting that fire. And God would We're resisting that fire. And God would have us in the most unlikely places. And have us in the most unlikely places. And have us in the most unlikely places. And others would be saying, "You're there others would be saying, "You're there others would be saying, "You're there because you don't have enough faith. Or because you don't have enough faith. Or because you don't have enough faith. Or if you had enough faith, you'd get if you had enough faith, you'd get if you had enough faith, you'd get yourself out of that. God would bring yourself out of that. God would bring yourself out of that. God would bring you out. And we feel condemned because you out. And we feel condemned because you out. And we feel condemned because we're in a place which is it feels like we're in a place which is it feels like we're in a place which is it feels like if God is punishing us, we could be in a if God is punishing us, we could be in a if God is punishing us, we could be in a prison. We could be homebound. We could prison. We could be homebound. We could prison. We could be homebound. We could be uh the sickness or whatever be uh the sickness or whatever be uh the sickness or whatever situation. I can't come to church." situation. I can't come to church." situation. I can't come to church." Listen to me. If you're homebound, the Listen to me. If you're homebound, the Listen to me. If you're homebound, the word of God is not bound. You are there word of God is not bound. You are there word of God is not bound. You are there to be a testimony to the glory of God. to be a testimony to the glory of God. to be a testimony to the glory of God. Wherever you are, the enemy can't hold Wherever you are, the enemy can't hold Wherever you are, the enemy can't hold you. The enemy can't can't limit what you. The enemy can't can't limit what you. The enemy can't can't limit what God can do through a surrendered life, God can do through a surrendered life, God can do through a surrendered life, through a life that has hands extended through a life that has hands extended through a life that has hands extended to God. God is able to do the to God. God is able to do the to God. God is able to do the miraculous. Even in the midst of the miraculous. Even in the midst of the miraculous. Even in the midst of the darkest dungeon, we're rebuking. We're darkest dungeon, we're rebuking. We're darkest dungeon, we're rebuking. We're we're we're casting down demons. Then we're we're casting down demons. Then we're we're casting down demons. Then we're saying uh uh it could be the very we're saying uh uh it could be the very we're saying uh uh it could be the very fire that God has sent to redeem us, to fire that God has sent to redeem us, to fire that God has sent to redeem us, to refine us, to make us more like Christ.

refine us, to make us more like Christ. refine us, to make us more like Christ. We may be in a hospital bed and that We may be in a hospital bed and that We may be in a hospital bed and that person next to us needs to hear of the person next to us needs to hear of the person next to us needs to hear of the goodness of God. That doctor, that goodness of God. That doctor, that goodness of God. That doctor, that nurse, that technician that comes to nurse, that technician that comes to nurse, that technician that comes to minister to us. We may be there to minister to us. We may be there to minister to us. We may be there to minister to them. God may have allowed minister to them. God may have allowed minister to them. God may have allowed this in our bodies so that we can be a this in our bodies so that we can be a this in our bodies so that we can be a testimony in the sick bed. And we're testimony in the sick bed. And we're testimony in the sick bed. And we're saying, "Oh, God, rebuke God rebuked saying, "Oh, God, rebuke God rebuked saying, "Oh, God, rebuke God rebuked this sickness. I rebuked this. I'm not this sickness. I rebuked this. I'm not this sickness. I rebuked this. I'm not going to the hospital. I'm not going to going to the hospital. I'm not going to going to the hospital. I'm not going to the doctor." What are we talking about? the doctor." What are we talking about? the doctor." What are we talking about? Don't resist where God is leading you. Don't resist where God is leading you. Don't resist where God is leading you. Don't say like Peter, no, no, no, no. I Don't say like Peter, no, no, no, no. I Don't say like Peter, no, no, no, no. I I won't go that way. Say, God, wherever I won't go that way. Say, God, wherever I won't go that way. Say, God, wherever you lead me. God, wherever you lead. I you lead me. God, wherever you lead. I you lead me. God, wherever you lead. I don't want that to be just a song that don't want that to be just a song that don't want that to be just a song that we sing in church. Wherever you lead, I we sing in church. Wherever you lead, I we sing in church. Wherever you lead, I will follow. I want that to be the very will follow. I want that to be the very will follow. I want that to be the very hallmark of my life. hallmark of my life. hallmark of my life. >> God, if it's through suffering, if it's >> God, if it's through suffering, if it's >> God, if it's through suffering, if it's through pain that you're going to lead through pain that you're going to lead through pain that you're going to lead me and somebody else is going to receive me and somebody else is going to receive me and somebody else is going to receive the glory of God through that, then let the glory of God through that, then let the glory of God through that, then let it rain. Let it rain. Let your glory it rain. Let it rain. Let your glory it rain. Let it rain. Let your glory come and do whatever you want in my come and do whatever you want in my come and do whatever you want in my life. Do you agree with me? life. Do you agree with me? life. Do you agree with me? >> You may be in a in a job situation where >> You may be in a in a job situation where >> You may be in a in a job situation where you're saying, "I want out. I I want out you're saying, "I want out. I I want out you're saying, "I want out. I I want out of this. God does God cannot want me in of this. God does God cannot want me in of this. God does God cannot want me in this situation.

this situation. this situation. He cannot possibly want. He wants me to He cannot possibly want. He wants me to He cannot possibly want. He wants me to be happy. He wants me to be blessed. I'm be happy. He wants me to be blessed. I'm be happy. He wants me to be blessed. I'm I'm out of this thing." Can you just for I'm out of this thing." Can you just for I'm out of this thing." Can you just for a second a second a second stretch forth your hands and let God be stretch forth your hands and let God be stretch forth your hands and let God be the one? It's not your boss who's gone the one? It's not your boss who's gone the one? It's not your boss who's gone crazy and has given you an impossible crazy and has given you an impossible crazy and has given you an impossible assignment. It's God who's above your assignment. It's God who's above your assignment. It's God who's above your boss. He's above that company. He's boss. He's above that company. He's boss. He's above that company. He's above that that industry. He's above it above that that industry. He's above it above that that industry. He's above it all. And he's in charge of your life. He all. And he's in charge of your life. He all. And he's in charge of your life. He orders the steps of the righteous. And orders the steps of the righteous. And orders the steps of the righteous. And he knows what he's doing. That's the he knows what he's doing. That's the he knows what he's doing. That's the good thing about that's the great thing. good thing about that's the great thing. good thing about that's the great thing. That's the good news. He knows what he's That's the good news. He knows what he's That's the good news. He knows what he's doing. And he wants us to be able to doing. And he wants us to be able to doing. And he wants us to be able to rest like Peter and say, "God, I don't rest like Peter and say, "God, I don't rest like Peter and say, "God, I don't understand it, but I'm entrusting my understand it, but I'm entrusting my understand it, but I'm entrusting my life into your hands." And this is the life into your hands." And this is the life into your hands." And this is the amazing thing about it that it says in amazing thing about it that it says in amazing thing about it that it says in Acts chap 12 verse one in the beginning Acts chap 12 verse one in the beginning Acts chap 12 verse one in the beginning of this chapter that about that time of this chapter that about that time of this chapter that about that time king Herod stretched out his hand to king Herod stretched out his hand to king Herod stretched out his hand to harass some of the church and he killed harass some of the church and he killed harass some of the church and he killed James the son of the the brother of John James the son of the the brother of John James the son of the the brother of John and and it pleased the Jews and so he and and it pleased the Jews and so he and and it pleased the Jews and so he planned to kill Peter so he arrested planned to kill Peter so he arrested planned to kill Peter so he arrested Peter. So the plans for Peter are not Peter. So the plans for Peter are not Peter. So the plans for Peter are not good. Okay? He wants to kill Peter good. Okay? He wants to kill Peter good. Okay? He wants to kill Peter because it it pleases the crowd and his because it it pleases the crowd and his because it it pleases the crowd and his hand is stretched forth against the hand is stretched forth against the hand is stretched forth against the church. Can I tell you today that it church. Can I tell you today that it church. Can I tell you today that it doesn't matter what hand is stretched doesn't matter what hand is stretched doesn't matter what hand is stretched against you, what plan the enemy has against you, what plan the enemy has against you, what plan the enemy has devised against you and me. If we devised against you and me. If we devised against you and me. If we stretch our hands to God, he's the one stretch our hands to God, he's the one stretch our hands to God, he's the one in charge. And he's the one that turns in charge. And he's the one that turns in charge. And he's the one that turns things around and brings glory out of

things around and brings glory out of things around and brings glory out of what was meant for death. It doesn't what was meant for death. It doesn't what was meant for death. It doesn't matter what plan or what weapon has been matter what plan or what weapon has been matter what plan or what weapon has been fashioned against you. Listen to me. fashioned against you. Listen to me. fashioned against you. Listen to me. [snorts] God is the master of the [snorts] God is the master of the [snorts] God is the master of the universe. He's the master of my life. universe. He's the master of my life. universe. He's the master of my life. He's the author and the finisher of my He's the author and the finisher of my He's the author and the finisher of my faith. I can face tomorrow. And whatever faith. I can face tomorrow. And whatever faith. I can face tomorrow. And whatever tomorrow holds because I know the author tomorrow holds because I know the author tomorrow holds because I know the author of my life. I know I can face the next of my life. I know I can face the next of my life. I know I can face the next chapter. Even if the chapter is uh chapter. Even if the chapter is uh chapter. Even if the chapter is uh gloomy and and and and dark, I can face gloomy and and and and dark, I can face gloomy and and and and dark, I can face it with rest in my heart because he's in it with rest in my heart because he's in it with rest in my heart because he's in control. The apostles were threatened not to The apostles were threatened not to preach the name of Jesus. And I'm going preach the name of Jesus. And I'm going preach the name of Jesus. And I'm going to finish with this, but they they say, "Who are we going to but they they say, "Who are we going to obey? You or or God? We're going to obey obey? You or or God? We're going to obey obey? You or or God? We're going to obey God." But there must have been some fear God." But there must have been some fear God." But there must have been some fear that entered into their heart saying, that entered into their heart saying, that entered into their heart saying, "Man, now we can't preach this name "Man, now we can't preach this name "Man, now we can't preach this name again. They're really after us. They're again. They're really after us. They're again. They're really after us. They're really going to watch us. They have really going to watch us. They have really going to watch us. They have spies all over the place looking for spies all over the place looking for spies all over the place looking for us." Yeah, music team, you can come.

us." Yeah, music team, you can come. us." Yeah, music team, you can come. But they prayed. They stretched out But they prayed. They stretched out But they prayed. They stretched out their hands to God. They stretched out their hands to God. They stretched out their hands to God. They stretched out their hands to God. and they begin to their hands to God. and they begin to their hands to God. and they begin to recount all the glories and the goodness recount all the glories and the goodness recount all the glories and the goodness of God, the history of his unfathomable of God, the history of his unfathomable of God, the history of his unfathomable love and his unfaltering love and his unfaltering love and his unfaltering uh faithfulness to the people of God. uh faithfulness to the people of God. uh faithfulness to the people of God. They begin from the beginning all They begin from the beginning all They begin from the beginning all through all that he's done. And then through all that he's done. And then through all that he's done. And then they say, "Oh, and now, oh Lord, hear they say, "Oh, and now, oh Lord, hear they say, "Oh, and now, oh Lord, hear their threatenings [music] and give us their threatenings [music] and give us their threatenings [music] and give us your servants great boldness in your servants great boldness in your servants great boldness in preaching your word." They say, "God, preaching your word." They say, "God, preaching your word." They say, "God, we're not going to stop, but we need we're not going to stop, but we need we're not going to stop, but we need boldness." We stretch forth our hands boldness." We stretch forth our hands boldness." We stretch forth our hands and we say, "God, continue to do a work and we say, "God, continue to do a work and we say, "God, continue to do a work in our lives and through our lives." And in our lives and through our lives." And in our lives and through our lives." And they say something powerful. They say, they say something powerful. They say, they say something powerful. They say, "Stretch out your hand, God, with "Stretch out your hand, God, with "Stretch out your hand, God, with healing power. May miraculous signs and healing power. May miraculous signs and healing power. May miraculous signs and wonders be done through your holy wonders be done through your holy wonders be done through your holy servant, Jesus." And the place began to servant, Jesus." And the place began to servant, Jesus." And the place began to shake and all were filled with the power shake and all were filled with the power shake and all were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. They called out to of the Holy Spirit. They called out to of the Holy Spirit. They called out to God and they said, "We stretch out our God and they said, "We stretch out our God and they said, "We stretch out our hands to you." and they say, "God, hands to you." and they say, "God, hands to you." and they say, "God, stretch out your hand to us and do what stretch out your hand to us and do what stretch out your hand to us and do what you alone can do." Can I tell you you alone can do." Can I tell you you alone can do." Can I tell you tonight, when we as a body of believers, tonight, when we as a body of believers, tonight, when we as a body of believers, as servants of the most high God, just as servants of the most high God, just as servants of the most high God, just choose to say, "Yes, Lord." Just choose choose to say, "Yes, Lord." Just choose choose to say, "Yes, Lord." Just choose to say, "God, lead me." God stretches to say, "God, lead me." God stretches to say, "God, lead me." God stretches out his hand to us. And he works signs out his hand to us. And he works signs out his hand to us. And he works signs and wonders and miracles. When we and wonders and miracles. When we and wonders and miracles. When we believe that he is the God that's believe that he is the God that's believe that he is the God that's leading us, and he does things that will leading us, and he does things that will leading us, and he does things that will lead us into an awe and a wonder of who lead us into an awe and a wonder of who lead us into an awe and a wonder of who God is. He is the God of the abundantly,

God is. He is the God of the abundantly, God is. He is the God of the abundantly, the God of the exceedingly, the God who the God of the exceedingly, the God who the God of the exceedingly, the God who does beyond what we could imagine or does beyond what we could imagine or does beyond what we could imagine or think if we could just entrust our lives think if we could just entrust our lives think if we could just entrust our lives into his hands. We don't have to work into his hands. We don't have to work into his hands. We don't have to work for it. We have to surrender for it. for it. We have to surrender for it. for it. We have to surrender for it. Peter understood that it wasn't his Peter understood that it wasn't his Peter understood that it wasn't his swimming to the shore. It wasn't his swimming to the shore. It wasn't his swimming to the shore. It wasn't his leaving the disciples behind. It wasn't leaving the disciples behind. It wasn't leaving the disciples behind. It wasn't him proving his merit to God that was him proving his merit to God that was him proving his merit to God that was going to earn him favor in the kingdom going to earn him favor in the kingdom going to earn him favor in the kingdom of God. It wasn't him showing and of God. It wasn't him showing and of God. It wasn't him showing and somehow proving himself worthy of of of somehow proving himself worthy of of of somehow proving himself worthy of of of recouping the the time he had missed recouping the the time he had missed recouping the the time he had missed because he failed God. It wasn't working because he failed God. It wasn't working because he failed God. It wasn't working his way back into the favor of God. his way back into the favor of God. his way back into the favor of God. Jesus already received him and says, Jesus already received him and says, Jesus already received him and says, "You love me, Peter. Just follow me. "You love me, Peter. Just follow me. "You love me, Peter. Just follow me. Follow me. Do what I do. Hear what I say Follow me. Do what I do. Hear what I say Follow me. Do what I do. Hear what I say to you and follow my lead. I will make to you and follow my lead. I will make to you and follow my lead. I will make you a fisher of men and I will make you you a fisher of men and I will make you you a fisher of men and I will make you a shepherd in the house of God." a shepherd in the house of God." a shepherd in the house of God." Hallelujah to the King of glory. if we Hallelujah to the King of glory. if we Hallelujah to the King of glory. if we could just hear his voice. If you're could just hear his voice. If you're could just hear his voice. If you're here tonight, if you stand with me here tonight, if you stand with me here tonight, if you stand with me tonight, if you're here tonight and you tonight, if you're here tonight and you tonight, if you're here tonight and you hear God calling you to deeper waters of hear God calling you to deeper waters of hear God calling you to deeper waters of trust in God, a deeper death, as it trust in God, a deeper death, as it trust in God, a deeper death, as it were, to your old self, a deeper were, to your old self, a deeper were, to your old self, a deeper surrender to the ways you thought things surrender to the ways you thought things surrender to the ways you thought things should be done, and a and just a life should be done, and a and just a life should be done, and a and just a life that says, "God, that says, "God, that says, "God, take over from my life. Take over from take over from my life. Take over from take over from my life. Take over from here. I don't I don't want to go here. I don't I don't want to go here. I don't I don't want to go backwards. I want to go forward in you.

backwards. I want to go forward in you. backwards. I want to go forward in you. I don't want to stay entrenched in my I don't want to stay entrenched in my I don't want to stay entrenched in my old ways of thinking. I have decided to old ways of thinking. I have decided to old ways of thinking. I have decided to follow you, Jesus. Like we sang today, follow you, Jesus. Like we sang today, follow you, Jesus. Like we sang today, I've decided to follow Jesus. No turning I've decided to follow Jesus. No turning I've decided to follow Jesus. No turning back to that old way of thinking. No back to that old way of thinking. No back to that old way of thinking. No turning back to my trying to earn favor turning back to my trying to earn favor turning back to my trying to earn favor in your kingdom, but my surrendering to in your kingdom, but my surrendering to in your kingdom, but my surrendering to your grace and to your love, to the your grace and to your love, to the your grace and to your love, to the unfathomable grace of God that's [music] unfathomable grace of God that's [music] unfathomable grace of God that's [music] able to take me into the most unlikely able to take me into the most unlikely able to take me into the most unlikely places and use me for the glory of God. places and use me for the glory of God. places and use me for the glory of God. If you're here tonight, [music] the If you're here tonight, [music] the If you're here tonight, [music] the altars are open. If you want out of your altars are open. If you want out of your altars are open. If you want out of your situation, you've been trying to resist situation, you've been trying to resist situation, you've been trying to resist what God has been putting you through what God has been putting you through what God has been putting you through and you've been fighting tooth and nail and you've been fighting tooth and nail and you've been fighting tooth and nail to get out. Get out of a job situation, to get out. Get out of a job situation, to get out. Get out of a job situation, get out of a marriage, get out of your get out of a marriage, get out of your get out of a marriage, get out of your home, your your neighborhood, get out. home, your your neighborhood, get out. home, your your neighborhood, get out. You want out because you you you're You want out because you you you're You want out because you you you're saying to yourself, "Surely this cannot saying to yourself, "Surely this cannot saying to yourself, "Surely this cannot be uh God's will for my life." Imagine be uh God's will for my life." Imagine be uh God's will for my life." Imagine if Shadrach, Misha, and Abednego had if Shadrach, Misha, and Abednego had if Shadrach, Misha, and Abednego had said, "Surely God doesn't want us to go said, "Surely God doesn't want us to go said, "Surely God doesn't want us to go through the furnace. Surely God doesn't through the furnace. Surely God doesn't through the furnace. Surely God doesn't want us to go through the fire. I I'm want us to go through the fire. I I'm want us to go through the fire. I I'm I'm going to compromise. I'm just going I'm going to compromise. I'm just going I'm going to compromise. I'm just going to say, "Hey, you know what? It's not my to say, "Hey, you know what? It's not my to say, "Hey, you know what? It's not my God's will for me to suffer. He wants me God's will for me to suffer. He wants me God's will for me to suffer. He wants me to be a testimony. What good am I to be a testimony. What good am I to be a testimony. What good am I burning burning in that that seven times burning burning in that that seven times burning burning in that that seven times hotter flame? I'm going my own way." If hotter flame? I'm going my own way." If hotter flame? I'm going my own way." If they had done that, people would not they had done that, people would not they had done that, people would not have seen the glory OF THE FOURTH MAN IN have seen the glory OF THE FOURTH MAN IN have seen the glory OF THE FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE. HALLELUJAH. THEY WOULD NOT THE FIRE. HALLELUJAH. THEY WOULD NOT THE FIRE. HALLELUJAH. THEY WOULD NOT HAVE SEEN the son of God right there HAVE SEEN the son of God right there HAVE SEEN the son of God right there taking the heat of the flame. God, give taking the heat of the flame. God, give taking the heat of the flame. God, give us grace to stretch out our hands and us grace to stretch out our hands and us grace to stretch out our hands and say, "God, let them see that this say, "God, let them see that this say, "God, let them see that this burning bush will not wither. That even

burning bush will not wither. That even burning bush will not wither. That even if I go through the fire, your presence if I go through the fire, your presence if I go through the fire, your presence will sustain me." Hallelujah. If that's will sustain me." Hallelujah. If that's will sustain me." Hallelujah. If that's you trying to get out, trying to resist you trying to get out, trying to resist you trying to get out, trying to resist the refiner's fire. Come, come. And just the refiner's fire. Come, come. And just the refiner's fire. Come, come. And just symbolically stretch your hands out to symbolically stretch your hands out to symbolically stretch your hands out to God. It doesn't have to be up or down or God. It doesn't have to be up or down or God. It doesn't have to be up or down or anything, but your heart just stretched anything, but your heart just stretched anything, but your heart just stretched out to him saying, "God, lead me. Give out to him saying, "God, lead me. Give out to him saying, "God, lead me. Give me the grace. If you need, if you've me the grace. If you need, if you've me the grace. If you need, if you've been hurt, if you've been hurt by been hurt, if you've been hurt by been hurt, if you've been hurt by somebody, maybe even in church, they somebody, maybe even in church, they somebody, maybe even in church, they corrected you. They reproved you. corrected you. They reproved you. corrected you. They reproved you. They've spoken to you in a way that that They've spoken to you in a way that that They've spoken to you in a way that that you just used your defense mechanisms you just used your defense mechanisms you just used your defense mechanisms and says, "Hey, they shouldn't have said and says, "Hey, they shouldn't have said and says, "Hey, they shouldn't have said it that way. That was wrong." And and it that way. That was wrong." And and it that way. That was wrong." And and and you've been harboring this in your and you've been harboring this in your and you've been harboring this in your heart. And it's kept you from receiving heart. And it's kept you from receiving heart. And it's kept you from receiving that correction because you've heard it that correction because you've heard it that correction because you've heard it as it were from the voice of a donkey as it were from the voice of a donkey as it were from the voice of a donkey and you said, "I don't receive that. I and you said, "I don't receive that. I and you said, "I don't receive that. I can't receive that. That's not God can't receive that. That's not God can't receive that. That's not God speaking to me. But tonight you say, speaking to me. But tonight you say, speaking to me. But tonight you say, "God, maybe you just want to humble me a "God, maybe you just want to humble me a "God, maybe you just want to humble me a little bit more. Maybe you just want me little bit more. Maybe you just want me little bit more. Maybe you just want me to go your way and to say, "Your ways to go your way and to say, "Your ways to go your way and to say, "Your ways are higher than my ways." I can tell are higher than my ways." I can tell are higher than my ways." I can tell you, listen to me. I was in a job you, listen to me. I was in a job you, listen to me. I was in a job situation where I wanted out. I wanted situation where I wanted out. I wanted situation where I wanted out. I wanted out with everything within me. People out with everything within me. People out with everything within me. People were giving me applications to go here, were giving me applications to go here, were giving me applications to go here, to work there, and I was saying, "I'm to work there, and I was saying, "I'm to work there, and I was saying, "I'm out of here. I'm out of here. I don't out of here. I'm out of here. I don't out of here. I'm out of here. I don't need this. This is crazy.

need this. This is crazy. need this. This is crazy. This was years ago, some assignment they This was years ago, some assignment they This was years ago, some assignment they gave me. gave me. gave me. But there was a still small voice But there was a still small voice But there was a still small voice saying, "Stretch your hands out. Trust saying, "Stretch your hands out. Trust saying, "Stretch your hands out. Trust me. Trust me." And I did. I decided to me. Trust me." And I did. I decided to me. Trust me." And I did. I decided to trust God, to die to my own will. It was trust God, to die to my own will. It was trust God, to die to my own will. It was a place I didn't want to go. An a place I didn't want to go. An a place I didn't want to go. An assignment I didn't want to take. I had assignment I didn't want to take. I had assignment I didn't want to take. I had two grades, two languages. It was a bilingual class, two languages. It was a bilingual class, fifth and sixth grade. And [music] I had fifth and sixth grade. And [music] I had fifth and sixth grade. And [music] I had to teach them every subject in two to teach them every subject in two to teach them every subject in two languages. It was like absurd. It was languages. It was like absurd. It was languages. It was like absurd. It was ridiculous. It became the best years of my career. It became the best years of my career. I'm going to tell you, [music] I'm going to tell you, [music] I'm going to tell you, [music] God did something in my heart towards God did something in my heart towards God did something in my heart towards these kids. Cuz what I was doing before these kids. Cuz what I was doing before these kids. Cuz what I was doing before was just science. I was in the science was just science. I was in the science was just science. I was in the science lab for three years putting on magic lab for three years putting on magic lab for three years putting on magic tricks for the kids, science tricks for tricks for the kids, science tricks for tricks for the kids, science tricks for the kids, and they're wowing them. Next the kids, and they're wowing them. Next the kids, and they're wowing them. Next group would go out and another group group would go out and another group group would go out and another group would come in. I would do the same would come in. I would do the same would come in. I would do the same thing. That group would leave. Another thing. That group would leave. Another thing. That group would leave. Another group would come in. I would do the same group would come in. I would do the same group would come in. I would do the same thing. Perfect life. Awesome life. Wow.

thing. Perfect life. Awesome life. Wow. thing. Perfect life. Awesome life. Wow. Science experiments. Really cool. Science experiments. Really cool. Science experiments. Really cool. Science was the baby of the district Science was the baby of the district Science was the baby of the district back then. And then all of a sudden they back then. And then all of a sudden they back then. And then all of a sudden they changed my assignment. And now I had to changed my assignment. And now I had to changed my assignment. And now I had to feed the flock. Now, I had to shepherd feed the flock. Now, I had to shepherd feed the flock. Now, I had to shepherd these kids and call their homes and these kids and call their homes and these kids and call their homes and speak to their parents and go to speak to their parents and go to speak to their parents and go to hospitals and visit them and go to a hospitals and visit them and go to a hospitals and visit them and go to a courtroom and defend these kids who are courtroom and defend these kids who are courtroom and defend these kids who are being uh uh dishonestly accused of being uh uh dishonestly accused of being uh uh dishonestly accused of something they didn't do. And [music] something they didn't do. And [music] something they didn't do. And [music] and and it was amazing. I yielded my and and it was amazing. I yielded my and and it was amazing. I yielded my life and said, "God, I'm not here by life and said, "God, I'm not here by life and said, "God, I'm not here by accident. You you allowed me to be accident. You you allowed me to be accident. You you allowed me to be glorify your name." And one day, the glorify your name." And one day, the glorify your name." And one day, the kids asked me, "Uh, can we have an an kids asked me, "Uh, can we have an an kids asked me, "Uh, can we have an an Easter party?" And I said, "H, I'll Easter party?" And I said, "H, I'll Easter party?" And I said, "H, I'll think about that." And then in prayer, God revealed to And then in prayer, God revealed to [music] me, "Hey, take out the history [music] me, "Hey, take out the history [music] me, "Hey, take out the history book that they have." It was a sixth book that they have." It was a sixth book that they have." It was a sixth grade history book back then. And it had grade history book back then. And it had grade history book back then. And it had one chapter on the birth of Judaism. And one chapter on the birth of Judaism. And one chapter on the birth of Judaism. And the second chapter was the next chapter the second chapter was the next chapter the second chapter was the next chapter was birth of Christianity.

was birth of Christianity. was birth of Christianity. So I said, "Okay guys, [music] we could So I said, "Okay guys, [music] we could So I said, "Okay guys, [music] we could have an Easter party if you allow me to have an Easter party if you allow me to have an Easter party if you allow me to explain to you where Easter came from." explain to you where Easter came from." explain to you where Easter came from." And they said, "Sure, let's do it. And they said, "Sure, let's do it. And they said, "Sure, let's do it. Anything for a party." Anything for a party." Anything for a party." And the gospel was preached to these And the gospel was preached to these And the gospel was preached to these kids. It would have never never been kids. It would have never never been kids. It would have never never been shared with these kids. [music] shared with these kids. [music] shared with these kids. [music] But I said, "Yes, Lord. I'm not going But I said, "Yes, Lord. I'm not going But I said, "Yes, Lord. I'm not going out. I'm going where you lead me. Even out. I'm going where you lead me. Even out. I'm going where you lead me. Even if it's a hard place, even if it means if it's a hard place, even if it means if it's a hard place, even if it means death to myself." I remember that. And death to myself." I remember that. And death to myself." I remember that. And I'm sorry I'm taking so long. But I I'm sorry I'm taking so long. But I I'm sorry I'm taking so long. But I remember a police officer came from this remember a police officer came from this remember a police officer came from this program that wants kids to get off of program that wants kids to get off of program that wants kids to get off of drugs and alcohol and all this. and drugs and alcohol and all this. and drugs and alcohol and all this. and [music] he came to speak to my class and [music] he came to speak to my class and [music] he came to speak to my class and as he's speaking he's asking the kids as he's speaking he's asking the kids as he's speaking he's asking the kids what would you do if there's nobody what would you do if there's nobody what would you do if there's nobody [music] around to listen to your [music] around to listen to your [music] around to listen to your problems to listen to your concerns and problems to listen to your concerns and problems to listen to your concerns and and and they said uh a teacher go to a and and they said uh a teacher go to a and and they said uh a teacher go to a teacher he said okay what if there's the teacher he said okay what if there's the teacher he said okay what if there's the teacher doesn't want to hear he doesn't teacher doesn't want to hear he doesn't teacher doesn't want to hear he doesn't have the time a day for you and and have the time a day for you and and have the time a day for you and and [music] they said uh uh the principal [music] they said uh uh the principal [music] they said uh uh the principal what if the principal is too busy and what if the principal is too busy and what if the principal is too busy and doesn't want to do and he kept on going doesn't want to do and he kept on going doesn't want to do and he kept on going down the line father aunt mother sister down the line father aunt mother sister down the line father aunt mother sister brother and [music] and he said yeah he brother and [music] and he said yeah he brother and [music] and he said yeah he kept on pressing it I was finding it kept on pressing it I was finding it kept on pressing it I was finding it strange this police officer that's strange this police officer that's strange this police officer that's speaking to the kids. And then one kid speaking to the kids. And then one kid speaking to the kids. And then one kid out of nowhere says God. He says, out of nowhere says God. He says, out of nowhere says God. He says, "That's what I was looking for." And he "That's what I was looking for." And he "That's what I was looking for." And he says, "If no one else hears your says, "If no one else hears your says, "If no one else hears your problems, God is there." And I'm like problems, God is there." And I'm like problems, God is there." And I'm like witnessing this in my classroom. I'm witnessing this in my classroom. I'm witnessing this in my classroom. I'm like, "What? [music] like, "What? [music] like, "What? [music] Amazing what God can do." Let me pray Amazing what God can do." Let me pray Amazing what God can do." Let me pray for you. Father, I pray that you would for you. Father, I pray that you would for you. Father, I pray that you would give us the grace to stretch forth our

give us the grace to stretch forth our give us the grace to stretch forth our hands. You know where we each and every hands. You know where we each and every hands. You know where we each and every one of us are. God, I pray for those who one of us are. God, I pray for those who one of us are. God, I pray for those who are unsaved, God, that you would pluck are unsaved, God, that you would pluck are unsaved, God, that you would pluck them out of darkness and bring them into them out of darkness and bring them into them out of darkness and bring them into marvelous light. And God, I thank you. I marvelous light. And God, I thank you. I marvelous light. And God, I thank you. I thank you, Jesus, because you are the thank you, Jesus, because you are the thank you, Jesus, because you are the God who's ordering our steps. [music] God who's ordering our steps. [music] God who's ordering our steps. [music] I pray that chains would be broken. I I pray that chains would be broken. I I pray that chains would be broken. I pray that you would set us free from the pray that you would set us free from the pray that you would set us free from the prisons that want to hold us and give us prisons that want to hold us and give us prisons that want to hold us and give us the grace to step out of the boat, to the grace to step out of the boat, to the grace to step out of the boat, to walk on the waters of impossibility, and walk on the waters of impossibility, and walk on the waters of impossibility, and to give you all the glory because you to give you all the glory because you to give you all the glory because you deserve it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. deserve it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. deserve it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Amen. Would you repeat after me? Just Amen. Would you repeat after me? Just Amen. Would you repeat after me? Just repeat after me. Jesus, repeat after me. Jesus, repeat after me. Jesus, >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I hear you calling me. >> I hear you calling me. >> I hear you calling me. >> I hear you calling. >> I hear you calling. >> I hear you calling. >> I want to follow you. >> I want to follow you. >> I want to follow you. >> I want to follow you. >> I want to follow you. >> I want to follow you. >> But I acknowledge >> But I acknowledge >> But I acknowledge >> But I acknowledge >> But I acknowledge >> But I acknowledge >> that it's not in my strength. >> that it's not in my strength. >> that it's not in my strength. >> It's not in my strength. >> It's not in my strength. >> It's not in my strength. >> I make no promises. >> I make no promises. >> I make no promises. >> I make no promises. >> I make no promises. >> I make no promises. >> I just stretch forth my hands. >> I just stretch forth my hands. >> I just stretch forth my hands. >> I just stretch forth my hands. >> I just stretch forth my hands. >> I just stretch forth my hands. >> And I say, [music] "Make me >> And I say, [music] "Make me >> And I say, [music] "Make me >> I make me >> I make me >> I make me >> what you want me to be." >> what you want me to be." >> what you want me to be." >> Take me >> Take me >> Take me >> Take me >> Take me >> Take me >> where you want me to go. >> where you want me to go. >> where you want me to go. >> where you want me to go. >> where you want me to go. >> where you want me to go. >> And bring glory >> And bring glory >> And bring glory >> bring glory >> bring glory >> bring glory >> to your name.

>> to your name. >> to your name. in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. God bless you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. God bless you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. God bless you all. God bless you all.